WHAT HAPPENS TO US WHEN WE DIE?
WHAT HAPPENS TO US WHEN WE DIE?
The question of what happens to us when we die, is a universal question. It is something common to everyone. Christians, one might think, would all believe the same about it. But even in the realm of people who claim to “follow Christ,” there are many varying beliefs.
Some believe that when people die, they “sleep in the grave” until a resurrection day or the day of the great white throne of Judgment when everyone who ever lived will appear before God for entry into heaven or being sent to hell. Others believe that when they die, their fate is simply based upon their behavior, they are let into heaven or sent to hell. Most, at least believe that as Christians, the only way anyone can get to heaven is through their belief in the Son of God and His saving grace. Some think that hell is not real, and people just disappear like a poof of smoke at death. Others even believe that God would never send anyone to hell.
There may be more beliefs about this subject, than one person could even imagine. A writer could take two different directions on this matter. One could take some of the erroneous thoughts and show how they do not fit with Scripture, or, show the truth with coordinating Bible verses, and how it dispels wrong beliefs. The latter seems the wiser choice.
When anyone dies, their chance for “life choices” are over. Unless, God allows an extension which is certainly possible, otherwise, whatever we chose in life pertaining to the Lord and His conditions about eternity, are over. Those who reject the pardon of the Lord, offered through Jesus Christ, will not be allowed into heaven as a citizen there.
I personally believe that those who reject the pardon offered through Jesus Christ, die and go to hell. Consider how Jesus explained the fate of a sickly beggar named Lazarus, and an unnamed rich man, whose gate Lazarus had laid in front of.
This was before Jesus died on the cross and even then, some went to a good place and the others to Hades. Hell is real and its name is Hades. This is the first place of torment for the lost.
After Jesus rules and reigns on a revived earth for one thousand years, the devil will be let loose for a time of testing, for those of that era. Eventually, it will end in a final war between good and evil. And ultimately, the earth and its heavens (universe) will be burned up.
Hades (the current hell) will end up in the lake of fire. I think of it as going from a temporary jail and then to a final day of court, whereupon, all who were in the prison system, will be cast along with it, into the final place of prison and punishment.
Why do people have to go to this lake of fire and not just disappear? As humans, we come from an eternal God and we are eternal. No one can ever cease from existence. A holy God will not allow evil to spoil His holy and beautiful home, which is also for His angels and family. As for Hades and the lake of fire, there will be no one there, but those of their own doing. It is not God’s will that anyone should perish, but for those who refuse Him, they have to pay for their own sins. Jesus paid the price with the greatest love and sacrifice ever, but if anyone refuses the pardon, it is their own choice.
As for the believer, though the body dies, the spirit will not.
As shown previously, before Jesus came and paid the price of sin for us, people who were right with God went to a place called Abraham’s bosom. The wicked rich man who had died, could see the living beggar Lazarus, there from where he was also alive, in a sense, in Hades. His body died, but the soul is eternal.
The former rich man, begged for Lazarus be sent to bring him even a drop of water. Abraham basically reminded him that he was there because of his wrong choices, and further explained to him, that there was a fixed chasm between them and no one could pass from one place to the other.
“Abraham's bosom” was the same place Jesus called “paradise” when He told the thief on the cross who believed on Him, that He would be with Jesus there that day.
We know that much went on after Jesus gave up His spirit on the cross that day and until He arose three days later, that we are not privy to. We know that He took the keys of hell and death back. We know He bore our sins there. We know He overcame all obstacles.
I believe Jesus liberated Abraham’s bosom and His people there. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, those there could now enter the heaven above. The blood of animal sacrifices was a temporary solution for sin, until Jesus came with the real and permanent one. Paradise went from a place of comfort, in a realm within the earth, to its now rightful place in heaven. And when believers leave their “earthly tents” behind at what we call “death,” their spirits go to be with the Lord, who is in heaven.
One day there will be a rapture and the Bible speaks of those who have “fallen asleep,” coming with the Lord.
Those who are in heaven, do not have their glorified bodies yet, as Jesus Christ does. But when He comes for His people at the rapture, they will come with Him and their old remains will be changed in the twinkling of an eye, into their new glorified bodies. Those alive will also be changed on their way up.
If you read the verses in the New Testament, you will see that “the lost” basically are called “the dead,” and “the found,” are called “asleep, or dead in Christ.”
A basic tenet of our faith, is that those “alive in Christ” have no separation with God in spirit. Our residence in earthly bodies here on earth, are all that is in the way. For those “not in Christ,” they are “separated from God.” Sin is death (separation from God) and all are born into it, as humans with a fallen nature. Naturally, babies and children, who die before the age of accountability, go to heaven, but whatever age that is, is up to God. Those who live in the darkness of sin, will continue as such when they die, but permanently and with torment. The “death sentence” at Judgment Day, is called the “second death” because the first death happens when they die, but when they go to the “lake of fire,” it is the final sentence and considered to be “the second death.” Christians have a first death too, but it is only of the body, not the spirit.
Other material relating to this message.
We have an entire article about Judgment Day and in it, which also explains how the judgment of Christians is entirely different than the lost. A Christian’s sins are covered by the blood pardon of the Lord and only their good works will be judged on their merit, according to the Lord.
Scripture for personal reading and thought.
Luke 16:19-31 "There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.' Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.'"
Mark 5:35-42 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not be afraid; only believe." And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. When He came in, He said to them, "Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping." And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, "Talitha, cumi," which is translated, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.
The same incident is recorded in Luke.
Luke 8:48-56 And He said to her, "Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace." While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, "Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher." But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well." When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, "Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping." And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, "Little girl, arise." Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.
Consider the case of Lazarus, brother of Martha and Mary.
John 11:11-15 These things He said, and after that He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up." Then His disciples said, "Lord, if he sleeps he will get well." However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him."
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the “dead in Christ” will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Corinthians 15:50-53 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
2 Timothy 4:1-2 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage —with great patience and careful instruction.
1 Peter 4:5-6 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
1 Corinthians 15:12-22 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have “fallen asleep in Christ” have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
Revelation 14:12-13 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who “die in the Lord” from now on.' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them."
Revelation 20:11-15 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
Some believe that when people die, they “sleep in the grave” until a resurrection day or the day of the great white throne of Judgment when everyone who ever lived will appear before God for entry into heaven or being sent to hell. Others believe that when they die, their fate is simply based upon their behavior, they are let into heaven or sent to hell. Most, at least believe that as Christians, the only way anyone can get to heaven is through their belief in the Son of God and His saving grace. Some think that hell is not real, and people just disappear like a poof of smoke at death. Others even believe that God would never send anyone to hell.
There may be more beliefs about this subject, than one person could even imagine. A writer could take two different directions on this matter. One could take some of the erroneous thoughts and show how they do not fit with Scripture, or, show the truth with coordinating Bible verses, and how it dispels wrong beliefs. The latter seems the wiser choice.
When anyone dies, their chance for “life choices” are over. Unless, God allows an extension which is certainly possible, otherwise, whatever we chose in life pertaining to the Lord and His conditions about eternity, are over. Those who reject the pardon of the Lord, offered through Jesus Christ, will not be allowed into heaven as a citizen there.
- John 3:18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
I personally believe that those who reject the pardon offered through Jesus Christ, die and go to hell. Consider how Jesus explained the fate of a sickly beggar named Lazarus, and an unnamed rich man, whose gate Lazarus had laid in front of.
- Luke 16:22-24 “So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.'”
This was before Jesus died on the cross and even then, some went to a good place and the others to Hades. Hell is real and its name is Hades. This is the first place of torment for the lost.
After Jesus rules and reigns on a revived earth for one thousand years, the devil will be let loose for a time of testing, for those of that era. Eventually, it will end in a final war between good and evil. And ultimately, the earth and its heavens (universe) will be burned up.
- Revelation 20:11-15 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
Hades (the current hell) will end up in the lake of fire. I think of it as going from a temporary jail and then to a final day of court, whereupon, all who were in the prison system, will be cast along with it, into the final place of prison and punishment.
Why do people have to go to this lake of fire and not just disappear? As humans, we come from an eternal God and we are eternal. No one can ever cease from existence. A holy God will not allow evil to spoil His holy and beautiful home, which is also for His angels and family. As for Hades and the lake of fire, there will be no one there, but those of their own doing. It is not God’s will that anyone should perish, but for those who refuse Him, they have to pay for their own sins. Jesus paid the price with the greatest love and sacrifice ever, but if anyone refuses the pardon, it is their own choice.
As for the believer, though the body dies, the spirit will not.
- John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
- 2 Corinthians 5:5-8 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
As shown previously, before Jesus came and paid the price of sin for us, people who were right with God went to a place called Abraham’s bosom. The wicked rich man who had died, could see the living beggar Lazarus, there from where he was also alive, in a sense, in Hades. His body died, but the soul is eternal.
- Luke 16:22-24 “So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.”
The former rich man, begged for Lazarus be sent to bring him even a drop of water. Abraham basically reminded him that he was there because of his wrong choices, and further explained to him, that there was a fixed chasm between them and no one could pass from one place to the other.
“Abraham's bosom” was the same place Jesus called “paradise” when He told the thief on the cross who believed on Him, that He would be with Jesus there that day.
- Luke 23:43 And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."
We know that much went on after Jesus gave up His spirit on the cross that day and until He arose three days later, that we are not privy to. We know that He took the keys of hell and death back. We know He bore our sins there. We know He overcame all obstacles.
I believe Jesus liberated Abraham’s bosom and His people there. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, those there could now enter the heaven above. The blood of animal sacrifices was a temporary solution for sin, until Jesus came with the real and permanent one. Paradise went from a place of comfort, in a realm within the earth, to its now rightful place in heaven. And when believers leave their “earthly tents” behind at what we call “death,” their spirits go to be with the Lord, who is in heaven.
One day there will be a rapture and the Bible speaks of those who have “fallen asleep,” coming with the Lord.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the “dead in Christ” will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Those who are in heaven, do not have their glorified bodies yet, as Jesus Christ does. But when He comes for His people at the rapture, they will come with Him and their old remains will be changed in the twinkling of an eye, into their new glorified bodies. Those alive will also be changed on their way up.
If you read the verses in the New Testament, you will see that “the lost” basically are called “the dead,” and “the found,” are called “asleep, or dead in Christ.”
- Matthew 22:32 “’I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.’"
A basic tenet of our faith, is that those “alive in Christ” have no separation with God in spirit. Our residence in earthly bodies here on earth, are all that is in the way. For those “not in Christ,” they are “separated from God.” Sin is death (separation from God) and all are born into it, as humans with a fallen nature. Naturally, babies and children, who die before the age of accountability, go to heaven, but whatever age that is, is up to God. Those who live in the darkness of sin, will continue as such when they die, but permanently and with torment. The “death sentence” at Judgment Day, is called the “second death” because the first death happens when they die, but when they go to the “lake of fire,” it is the final sentence and considered to be “the second death.” Christians have a first death too, but it is only of the body, not the spirit.
Other material relating to this message.
We have an entire article about Judgment Day and in it, which also explains how the judgment of Christians is entirely different than the lost. A Christian’s sins are covered by the blood pardon of the Lord and only their good works will be judged on their merit, according to the Lord.
Scripture for personal reading and thought.
Luke 16:19-31 "There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.' Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.'"
Mark 5:35-42 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not be afraid; only believe." And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. When He came in, He said to them, "Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping." And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, "Talitha, cumi," which is translated, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.
The same incident is recorded in Luke.
Luke 8:48-56 And He said to her, "Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace." While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, "Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher." But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well." When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, "Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping." And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, "Little girl, arise." Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.
Consider the case of Lazarus, brother of Martha and Mary.
John 11:11-15 These things He said, and after that He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up." Then His disciples said, "Lord, if he sleeps he will get well." However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him."
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the “dead in Christ” will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Corinthians 15:50-53 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
2 Timothy 4:1-2 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage —with great patience and careful instruction.
1 Peter 4:5-6 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
1 Corinthians 15:12-22 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have “fallen asleep in Christ” have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
Revelation 14:12-13 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who “die in the Lord” from now on.' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them."
Revelation 20:11-15 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
There is never a better time to get right with God than right now. If it is your heart's desire, please see the message:
SALVATION
Or if you once were born again and right with God but strayed, see the message:
RETURN TO THE LORD
SALVATION
Or if you once were born again and right with God but strayed, see the message:
RETURN TO THE LORD
Copyright © 2020 E. Cockrell May be used for personal study or instruction but shall not be copied and/or distributed in whole or part without permission or for financial profit.
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Copyright © 2020 E. Cockrell May be used for personal study or instruction but shall not be copied and/or distributed in whole or part without permission or for financial profit.
OTHER ARTICLES ABOUT HEAVEN AND HELL
ARE ALL SINS & THEIR PUNISHMENT EQUAL?
The wages of sin is death. But all sins are equal? Eternal consideration on the matter of sin.
HEAVEN - BIBLE VERSES
Bible verses about what heaven is like, the throne of God, the redeemed and so much more.
HEAVENLY REWARDS
Are all Christians & their good deeds rewarded the same?
HELL - BIBLE VERSES
Excerpts from Scripture about hell.
HELL IS REAL AND LITERALLY BURNS AS SHOWN IN THE BIBLE
Hell is a real place of punishment that literally burns as shown in the Bible. There are many people today who believe otherwise. See what the Bible really says.
JUDGMENT DAY
Will there really be a “Judgment Day” where everyone will stand before God and give an account of their lives?
LAZARUS AND THE UNNAMED RICH MAN
This message takes a deeper look into this teaching of the Lord, that many find to be controversial.
PEARL GATES
Considering why God might have chosen "pearls" for the gates of New Jerusalem.
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