Answers

By   •   March 31, 2006   •   Topics:

Q:

When we die and pass on to the next life, do we actually keep on existing, somewhat like we do now, or is the next life only imaginary, kind of like the dreams we have when we're asleep?


A:

Let me assure you that the Bible teaches the life we live after we die will be real—just as real as this life, if not more so. We won’t be in a state of dreamlike consciousness, but we will fully exist in body, mind and soul.

The pattern for this is Jesus Himself. When Jesus died on the cross and was laid in a tomb, His physical body was completely and absolutely dead. But He came back to life by the power of God—and when He did, He had a different type of body, without the limitations it once had. His resurrected body wasn’t an illusion; it was a glorious and immortal body that was just as real as His earthly body had been.

And someday, if we know Christ, we too will be given new bodies—bodies like Christ’s resurrected body. The Bible says, “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable” (1 Corinthians 15:42). Our bodies in heaven will be real, and so will our whole existence. Only in this way will we be able to serve God.

But the real question is this: Are you ready for that day? Do you know—really know—that if you were to die tonight, you would go to be with Christ in heaven forever? You can know, by confessing your sins and your need of Christ, and trusting Him alone for your salvation. Salvation is real—and it can be yours by putting your faith and trust in Jesus Christ today.