Bible Question: What happens when a born again Christian dies? Do you go to heaven as soon as you die or do you sleep until the second coming? |
Bible Answer: Hi Jeep1 and I would like to welcome you to the forum. I believe the answer to your question lies within the text of the original language in the Koine Greek of the New Testament. This is where Paul explains exactly what you are asking. 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NKJV) 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. What Paul is expressing is that when our soul separates from our present body it will be escorted instantly to our new home with Christ. The words, to be present in the Koine Greek is the pronoun “PROS” and it is used in the accusative case which means actually, FACE TO FACE with the Lord. i.e. The first thing we will see is Jesus right there in front of us! Psalm 116:15 (NKJV) 15 Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints. It’s like a big WELCOME home son. The sleep aspect “for the believer in Christ” is a reference to their body which they will receive a new one being glorious and like the one Jesus has, at His return. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (NKJV) 16 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. The dead “IN” Christ is a reference to the believer’s old body which will be raised incorruptible, it died in corruption but will be raised in incorruption. The soul which was residing with Christ will be reunited with a perfect body. We have no idea exactly how we shall be but this we are promised. 1 John 3:2 (NKJV) 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. This action takes place on the earth, where the problem all started. Have a great day, CDBJ |