THE BIBLE TELLS US WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CHRISTIAN DIES
1- SWALLOWED UP BY LIFE
Because of Jesus Christ who died and was raised to life again, when a Christian dies, we can grieve with the hope of life eternal. We can grieve knowing our loved ones have been "swallowed up by life" in heaven. When a Christian dies he is greeted by God. Just before the stoning death of Stephen in Acts 7, he gazed into heaven and saw Jesus Christ with God the Father, waiting for him: "Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God's right hand!"
2- JOY IN GOD'S PRESENCE
If you are a believer, your last day here will be your birthday in eternity. Jesus told us there is rejoicing in heaven when one soul is saved: "In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents" (Luke 15:10). The God who takes great delight in us, rejoicing over us with singing, will certainly cheer us across the finish line as we complete our race here on earth. His angels, too, and perhaps even other believers we've known will be there to join in the celebration. On earth friends and family will be grieving the loss of our presence, while in heaven there will be a great joy!
If you are a believer, your last day here will be your birthday in eternity. Jesus told us there is rejoicing in heaven when one soul is saved: "In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents" (Luke 15:10). The God who takes great delight in us, rejoicing over us with singing, will certainly cheer us across the finish line as we complete our race here on earth. His angels, too, and perhaps even other believers we've known will be there to join in the celebration. On earth friends and family will be grieving the loss of our presence, while in heaven there will be a great joy!
3- THE ETERNAL LOVE OF GOD
The Scriptures do not give us a picture of a God who is indifferent and aloof. No, in the story of the Prodigal Son, we see a compassionate father running to embrace his child, overjoyed that the young man has returned home (Luke 15:11-32). Christian death is our going home to God; our bond of love will never be broken for all eternity.
4- NO MORE DEATH, SORROW, CRYING OR PAIN
Perhaps one of the most exciting promises for believers to look forward to in heaven is described in Revelation 21:3-4: I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."
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