A pivotal Scripture for dealing with questions about the afterlife comes to us by way of a story about a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. The account from the Gospel of Luke (chapter 16) is really a parable from Jesus. Ultimately, it conveys a scenario where the rich man who lived in luxury every day of his life systematically seemed to ignore Lazarus. The text says that even dogs came and licked at the beggar's wounds. Eventually both men died, and Scripture recounts that the rich man ended up in hell, while Lazarus went to heaven with Abraham.
This gives us a glimpse of what happens after we depart. Since the story is given to us by Jesus himself, we can take for certain that it isn't just hearsay. The first area we will focus on is Luke 16:22. It says this, "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried."
A simple sentence, but it would seem then, that the believer can have faith that he or she will be ushered up to heaven by angels when it is their time. I have heard countless stories of people in Hospice that were close to death. In failing health, with family members sometimes gathered around them, an interesting thing often occurs. At the moment of passing, people will see the dying person rise up in bed and reach their arms upward. They are not trying to embrace anyone in the physical room necessarily, but rather, it's as if they are reaching up to some unseen spiritual presence. Almost as though someone or something is greeting them shortly before they pass.
In 2 Corinthians in fact, chapter 5:6-8 says, "Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord." We may be confident also then, that we will be in God's presence immediately after death. There is no need to fear a prolonged type of 'soul sleep', or something of that nature. Once we are no longer part of the physical world, then we are in the presence of something far more valuable than we can possibly comprehend. No more waiting, no more wondering about what will come.
Likewise, if we go back to Luke and the story of Lazarus again, 16:19-31 talks about the fact that we will still be conscious and able to think after death. The rich man is recorded as being able to feel, think, and carry on a conversation with Abraham. In other words, we will still be 'us.' Not some wispy, spiritual white sheet floating around among the clouds, as is so popular in movies and culture today. We will retain our ability to think and communicate and be ourselves ... just the way God created us; but free from physical pain and suffering. It's hard to imagine from a worldly perspective, isn't it?
I would also be remiss if I didn't mention what the book of Revelation says about Heaven here also. Revelation 21:1-8 tells us that God has prepared a New Heaven and a New Earth for the believer. In my opinion, this means that not only is there a celestial Heaven that we can experience a moment after death, but also that at the end of all things, God will redeem this Earth and offer us a new, physical Heaven as well. Can you imagine this? This second dwelling place will be forever, incorruptible, and Scripture says that God Himself will be at the center of this new city.
This is all good news of course, the very thing that churches should be hope filled about. But we must also address the other part of this parable. Jesus describes the rich man as ending up in 'torment' or hell. This question is often raised to me by curious people: are you certain there is such thing as hell? Do you really believe that a good God would send anyone there?
My answer to the first part of this inquiry must be 'yes', I believe hell exists because Jesus mentions it. Descriptions of this place show up in both the Old and New Testaments, as well as a good many near death experiences that people who have cheated death will talk about. It often impacts them in such a way, that they decide to turn their entire life around once they are back among the living. But don't take it from anecdotal evidence or other people's stories, take it instead from the lips of Jesus in the Bible. Hell is a real place, and should be avoided at all costs.
Here is the best news: no one need ever worry about such a place if they are willing to let God into their lives. If we have Jesus, we have eternal salvation. Not just religion or head knowledge, but rather, a relationship with our creator. A way to unite with Him in such a manner that bridges the gap between sin and Holiness. As some of you know, I am often fond of quoting Romans 10:9 both from the pulpit, and in casual conversation. Simply put, it says this, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.'"
For my money, it doesn't get any better than this. If we believe in Him, declare His lordship and authority in our lives, and accept the truth of the resurrection, then we are saved and forgiven. Become baptized also ... don't wait. Rejoice in the fact that the believing Christian has the same heavenly assurance as the beggar laid at the rich man's palace gate.
God is good, and He is constantly extending His offer of grace to anyone who is willing to hear and accept it. Make sure you are listening; and then please respond. The outcome will be better for everyone involved.
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