What happens to us immediately after we die?

At some point, most people have questions about what happens to us after we die. Where do we go? What are we doing? Will I see my loved ones? What will I look like? Will I remember what happened on earth? These are all relevant questions. This blog post is simply going to give a brief overview of what the Bible says.

Those who trust in Jesus go to a place called Paradise.

And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43)

Jesus, looking at the criminal on the cross, told him that because he trusted (even in the 11th hour) in Jesus alone for salvation, he would be saved and be with Jesus in this place called Paradise.

The only other texts that refer to Paradise are found in 2 Corinthians 12:3 and Revelation 2:7.

What is Paradise?

Well, the short answer is that it is the current resting place for the righteous dead and it is synonymous with the term Heaven.

***There are some scholars who think Paradise was the righteous compartment of Sheol/Hades. After the ascension, Jesus went into Sheol/Hades and took the righteous dead into Heaven, leaving the unrighteous dead in Sheol/Hades to be judged. The view of this author is that Paradise is synonymous with Heaven.

Who is there?

1) All of the righteous dead, from Abel to the person who just died today, living as conscious bodiless souls.  

So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. (2 Cor. 5:6-9)

Notice when the righteous dead are “away from the body” they are “home with the Lord”. The righteous dead exist in their current state “away from the bodies”. It is also important to see that whether we are at home (Paradise) or away (on earth), in both places we are consciously and actively able to please God. The doctrine of soul sleep is not taught in the Bible.

2) Jesus, wearing His resurrection body.

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Cor. 15:20)

Notice sleep refers to those who have died. Jesus is certainly not currently asleep. He is alive, forever clothed with His resurrection body. He is residing in Paradise, the only being clothed with an eternal resurrection body.

3) What about angels? Are they in Paradise?

Good question. The Bible isn’t very clear about this. If Paradise is a synonym for Heaven, then I would say angels are there. Angels are said to be in the throne room of Heaven, worshipping God and executing divine tasks for Him. Logically, if Paradise is Heaven, then angels reside there (Heb. 12:22-24; Rev. 5:11, 12:7)

What do we do in Paradise?

This is a question that I am often asked. Surprisingly, the Bible said relatively little about the activities in Paradise. Below is all the biblical data on what theologians call the “Intermediate State”.

They are conscious. (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:6-9)

They long for their resurrection bodies. (Rom. 8:23)

They long for justice. (Rev. 6:10)

They glorify God with their souls. (2 Cor. 5:9)

They worship. (Heb. 12:22-24)

They are with Jesus (Phil. 1:23)

Basically, that is it. I am not sure why God chose to reveal so little details of the Intermediate State. I did recently write a book, depicting a fictional account of The Intermediate State called The In-Between. This book attempts to engage some of the many questions connected to this mysterious place. The link is posted here. (click the link)

What about those who chose to reject the gospel?

Unfortunately, the unrighteous dead are presently located in Sheol/Hades, waiting for their final judgment and then transported to the Lake of Fire. (Luke 16:19-31)

Conclusion

As explained above, those who have died are either in Paradise/Heaven (the righteous dead) or Sheol/Hades (the unrighteous dead). Those in Paradise/Heaven are waiting for their resurrection bodies and after that will enjoy eternity on the New Earth for all eternity. Those in Sheol/Hades will be judged (possibly given a resurrection body) and transported to the Lake of Fire to spend an eternity separated from God.

Thankfully, for those reading this post, there is still time to turn to Jesus for salvation or share this good news with those who need to hear it. Don’t delay! We do not know the number of our days, only God does. Let’s redeem every moment we have! Press on, my friends.