People have different views about life after death; some religions equip the dead’s coffin with a survival kit for the journey they believe the cadaver will undertake. Many individuals are scared about death; some imagine death as a choking and uncomfortable afterlife experience, an unknown journey between the devil and the deep sea. Many who are bereaved become hopeless and are frightful for their loved one; and a few other different views about the topic.
The Bible perspective reflects the following regarding life after death
- At Lazarus’ grave, Mary told Jesus her brother would not have died if Jesus was present, and Jesus said to her, “I’m the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26).
- “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
- “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1John 5:11-12).
The truth about the scripture then remains, the
Individual determines their destination through accepting the offer of salvation in Christ Jesus.; this step gives assurance of life with the Savior at the resurrection of the dead.
Dying is always a grief to those left behind; however, the distress can accompany hope of being with the Savior, for those sleeping in the Lord after a lifetime of intimacy with God, or an encounter with the Lord before death.
Paul gave us more insight into events to expect after sleeping in the Lord, from the book of Thessalonians, “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this, we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord, Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words” (13-18).
“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, and anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:11-16).
The human died spiritually through inheritance of sin from birth. The new birth in Christ gives a new life to whoever receives Him, which is the quickening of the Spirit of God in man. Jesus’ death and resurrection gave insight into man’s life after death. Knowing Him qualifies one’s name written in the book of life.
Also, Jesus was preparing his disciples about His going away to prepare a place for them; he mentioned they know where he was going and the way there. Thomas, in curiosity, said they do not know where he is going, not to mention the way, then Jesus replied, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
Jesus’ message is about the love of God to man, so no one perishes. Furthermore, on the day of judgment, books will open, and those whose names are not in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire.
Life’s journey will end either through early death or on the last day of existence, as determined by God. It is possible to know where one is going or where loved ones will end.
It is better to choose life than the sting of death in the lake of fire, by accepting the Lord Jesus and living in in intimate relationship with Him, while alive.
Please use the link below to access Chapter 19-22 of the Book of Revelation, regarding some events of the final days.