After Life

The NT points to judgment beyond death and to the believers’ hope in resurrection, to a more complete enjoyment of God’s presence and his blessings and to the promise of a new heaven and earth.

The after-life and God’s judgment

1. Judgment beyond death is certain.

Heb 9:27 - And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, 2 Co 5:10; Rev 20:12–13

2. There will be salvation for believers.

Heb 9:28 - so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. Mt 25:19–23; Rev 11:18  

3. There will be separation from God for unbelievers 

Re 20:15 - And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.  Re 21:27; Mt 8:12; Mt 13:42; Mt 22:13; Mt 24:51; Mt 25:30; Lk 12:46; Rev 22:15.  

4. The believers who died are already with Jesus Christ 

Believers, with Jesus Christ in spirit, await their final resurrection which will take place when he returns. 

Lk 23:43 -  And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” 1 Th 4:14–17; Jn 12:26; Jn 14:3; 2 Co 5:8; Php 1:23; Heb 12:23; Re 6:9–11.

The after-life and believers’ hope of resurrection 

1. The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ 

Lk 24:39–43 - Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” 40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. 41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 And He took it and ate in their presence. Jn 20:20; Jn 20:26–27; Ac 1:3; 1 Jn 1:1  

2. Believers share in Christ’s resurrection 

Ro 8:11 - But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. 1 Co 6:14; 1 Co 15:20–23; 2 Co 4:14.

3. The resurrection body of believers 

Php 3:20–21 - For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. 1 Co 15:23; 1 Co 15:42–55; 2 Co 5:1–4

The future attainment of the believers’ enjoyment of God 

1. Future glory 

Ro 8:18–19 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 2 Co 4:17–18; 1 Jn 3:2.

2. A new heaven and earth 

2 Pe 3:13 - Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Re 21:1. 

3. God’s presence with his people 

The final consummation will bring God’s promises to and purposes for his people to fulfillment:

Re 21:2–7 -  Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” 6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. Re 22:14; Ex 25:8; Re 22:1–5 

D. The Holy Spirit as a guarantee 

2 Co 1:22- who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. Eph 1:13–14