No, this isn’t what Christians mean when they talk about life after death. For us, life after death means exactly that: We will continue to exist as individuals in a separate life beyond the grave.

In other words, for the Christian, death is like a doorway leading from one room to another. The difference is that the second “room” is far more glorious than the first! This “room” is what the Bible calls heaven, and it is the hope of every believer in Christ. Heaven is a place of perfect peace, where all the problems and cares of this life are over. It also is a place of perfect security, where we are safe from death and evil forever.

Most of all, heaven is the place where we will be with God. No, I can’t fully imagine what that will be like—but I know it is true! Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. … I am going there to prepare a place for you … that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2-3).

No, this life is not all; beyond the grave there is hope. And this hope can be yours, because God has done everything possible to open heaven’s door for us. He did this by sending His Son into the world to take away our sins. By a simple prayer of faith you can invite Christ into your life today. I pray you will, for it is the most important decision you will ever make.