Answers

By   •   June 19, 2006

Q:

Where does our soul go when we die if we are believers? Does it go into some kind of sleep until the last judgment, or does it go immediately to heaven?


A:

My own study of the Bible has convinced me that our souls or spirits go immediately into the presence of God when we die. The Apostle Paul wrote that those of us who are Christians “would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Although the Bible doesn’t answer all our questions about life after death, it clearly tells us that we can look forward to heaven’s joys when we die, if we know Christ. Shortly before His death and resurrection, Jesus told His disciples, “I am going there to prepare a place for you … that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2-3). The Bible also says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

The most important truth I can tell you about heaven, however, is that we will be with God, and nothing evil or harmful will ever touch us again. In heaven, God “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). Why would anyone not want to go there?

All this is possible because Jesus Christ took upon Himself the death and judgment we deserve when He died on the cross for us. And by rising from the dead, He showed that He has conquered death and Hell and Satan forever. Is your faith and trust in Him for your salvation? If not, commit your life to Him today.