Understanding the biblical teaching about life after death, eternity, and our final destiny.
The Bible teaches that death is not the end of our existence but a transition to eternity. Unlike other worldviews that suggest annihilation or reincarnation, Christianity affirms the continuation of conscious existence after death. Our eternal destination depends on our relationship with Jesus Christ during our earthly life.
"And just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment."
— Hebrews 9:27
The Bible teaches that upon death, our souls immediately go to either heaven (paradise) or hell (Hades) to await the final judgment. For believers, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. For unbelievers, there is conscious separation from God.
"We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."
— 2 Corinthians 5:8
At Christ's return, all the dead will be raised - believers to eternal life and unbelievers to judgment. Our souls will be reunited with glorified, imperishable bodies. This resurrection is the hope of every Christian.
"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first."
— 1 Thessalonians 4:16
Everyone will stand before God to give an account of their lives. Those whose names are written in the Book of Life through faith in Jesus will enter eternal life. Those who rejected God's offer of salvation will face eternal separation from Him.
"Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it... And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened."
— Revelation 20:11-12
There are only two eternal destinations: heaven (eternal life with God) or hell (eternal separation from God). Heaven is described as a place of perfect joy, peace, and fellowship with God. Hell is described as a place of conscious torment and separation from all that is good.
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
— Matthew 25:46
For those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ, death is not something to fear but a passage into God's presence. The Bible describes heaven as a place where there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. We will receive new, glorified bodies and enjoy perfect fellowship with God forever.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
— Revelation 21:4
The most important decision you can make is where you will spend eternity. Discover how to have confidence about your eternal destiny.