I am going to die…you are going to die…many of our loved ones have already died….But what happened to them and what’s going to happen to us when we die?

Ok… Let me start with what happens to the non- Christians according to the”bible”. John 3:3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. These are not my ideas…but Jesus very own words. According to the bible you will go to hell. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 16:23-24 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’

These are the biblical facts and they are very hard to for some to comprehend when looking at these facts through mortal eyes but through the eyes of God’s children…the Holy Spirit helps us to understand the ways of our God. Christians try to share the fact that our bible says that people who do not seek heaven through Jesus Christ will go to hell and some people get very offended or upset…but our bible says what it says and that’s the truth of God’s word that we follow.

I pray that people will carefully know the facts about what they believe in because you only get one chance to make the right decision. Don’t listen to only what someone has told you…but do your own research and find truth for yourself. You came into the world alone and you will leave alone. After death you’ll be faced with the reality of the decision you made. Make sure now while you still have time. Time though is not promised to anyone.

For those who are Christians…I want to share what I know about what happens when we die. First…let’s start at our very beginning. Genesis 2:7 Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. We came from dirt and we’ll go back to being dirt. Genesis 3:19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

This is what’s going to happen to our physical bodies…they will cease all function and decay back to dust. These mortal bodies…if you are a Christian contains two very important spirits… Our own spirit/soul and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit who is in us will be there until the very last second of our living earthly existence and He will help and comfort us in those last days, hours, minutes and seconds before death. We will not be alone! We should not fear death. I have seen many Christians near death and they always seem to have such a sense of peace over them. They seem to comfort those around them too. That’s the Holy Spirit at work in them. After you die…immediately your body starts to decay… your spirit/soul leaves your body and what happens next according to the bible is…. 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” From these scriptures you see that we will be with Jesus right away. There are two scriptures that say that the angels will take you there… Luke 16:22 The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. This also happened when Lazarus died. These were special circumstances and there is nothing else saying this is the norm.

Many people have shared stories of events that happened when they were near death and their accounts are real to them. What we have to go by is what the bible says happens to us and just know this….if you’re a Christian the Holy Spirit will be with you right up to your point of death even if you’re unconscious.  You may be unconscious…but your spirit is very much alive and being ministered to by the Lord and maybe angels at this time.

My Dad had a near death experience many years ago and he said he heard the angels and music.  You know this is a very scary time for anybody who is getting ready to change from one state to another.  The thought of the Holy Spirit, angels, and Jesus being very close should be a comfort to you.  You will have so much comfort and assisitance  when you die.  You will be gently and carefully transformed into your new life.   The most comforting fact is that……you will see Jesus and He will fill your soul with so much love!!  Praise the Lord!!  You can’t even imagine how good this will be…perfect love!!!!  You will have a glorified body.  All your imperfections…gone!!!  You will see your loved ones.  You’ll see things never seen by humans before.  You’ll know the answers to all the questions you’ve ever had.  You won’t have any worries!!!  You will see God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m going to reveal to you the best part about dying…yes…you heard me right….there’s a good part about dying. Philippians 1:21-23 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far…. Paul said that departing this life is far better. Why? Because you will experience the most perfect love and peace that you have ever known. Why? Because you will be in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus says this to us…. John 14 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

I tell you all today…don’t worry about your loved ones who have gone home to be with the Lord…they are enveloped in the greatest love of all. Don’t worry about dying because Jesus has prepared everything for you. Death is not a problem for us who are washed by the blood of the lamb. When I think of all that God has prepared just for me….and you:

1 Corinthians 2:9 However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”—

We have a great future planned for us. We won’t suffer any more pain, crying or tears. No more heart ache or sorrow. Let’s hold on to this glorious hope in our hearts today and run this race with thanksgiving and praise for all God has blessed us with.

Message for today:  What happens when we die?…..The greatest thing we can ever imagine…eternal life in the presence of our Lord and Savior….Jesus Christ!! Halleluiah!