Week #1: Everyone Dies
Blog Series Intention Recap
What happens after you die? Is it nothingness? Is it a conversation with St. Peter? Are there really pearly gates?
So You’re Dead, Now What?
The afterlife is cloaked in mystery. What happens moments after we die? What is Heaven really like? What about Hell? And does what we do in this world matter in the next? Join us as we spend four weeks uncovering the life-altering answers to these questions.
This post is part of the series “So You Are Dead, Now What?” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #1:
What you believe about death and eternity will determine how you live.
Why it matters:
Death is certain.
The soul and body separate.
You will face judgment.
Your beliefs about eternity shape your life today.
Go Deeper
One of my core memories comes from my kindergarten year. In January 1981, my first experience with death came flooding into our family. My “Granny” died. I have vague recollections of life before her death. She always struck me as a short woman. I knew she loved me but she was stern. I learned the word, “switch” from her. But her death rocked my world in a way no one could imagine. I received a few key truths from this moment.
Truth #1 - Anyone can die
Everyone dies. This one hundred percent sucks! The Bible teaches us that death is a part of life. Granny was here one day and gone the next.
Death Is Certain
Hebrews 9:27-28 says, "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."
Death is unavoidable. Everyone will face it someday. This verse tells us that after death, we will be judged. Jesus died for our sins so that we can be saved and live with Him forever. We must be ready for this moment.
Truth #2 - The Soul and the Body Separate
The effects of this truth aren’t as obvious as you think. This truth is what causes us to grieve. No longer was Granny’s physical presence part of our lives. During this time, I watched my mom grieve her mom. She had lost her father at a young age and then to lose the other parent meant she no longer had access to the wisdom and love they shared with her.
The Soul and the Body Separate
Jesus said in Matthew 10:28, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."
When we die, our soul leaves our body. Our body stays on earth, but our soul goes to be with God. Jesus promises in John 11:25-26, "...He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die."
Believers in Jesus will live forever with Him. Death is not the end for us. It's the beginning of eternal life with God.
Months before this event, I had chosen to follow Jesus. I knew my Granny believed and followed Jesus. I knew I would see her again according to what I had been taught in the Bible.
Truth #3 - You Will Face Judgment
Hebrews 9:27 tells us that after death comes judgment. Revelation 20:11-12, 15 describes this judgment: "Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it… And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. If anyone's name was not found written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."
There are two main judgments:
Great White Throne Judgment:
This is for those who did not believe in Jesus. If their names are not in the book of life, they will be thrown into the lake of fire.Judgment Seat of Christ:
Romans 14:10b and 2 Corinthians 5:10 explain that believers will stand before God's judgment seat. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."
Believers will be judged for their actions. Our works will be tested. 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 says, "A person's work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames."
Rewards for Believers
There are different rewards for believers. The Bible talks about crowns that we can receive:
Incorruptible Crown: For those who are disciplined in their walk with God (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).
Crown of Righteousness: For those who long for Jesus' return (2 Timothy 4:8).
Crown of Rejoicing: For those who lead others to Christ (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20).
Crown of Glory: For those who faithfully serve God (1 Peter 5:4).
Crown of Life: For those who persevere under trials (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10).
How does this help me understand, “So You Are Dead, Now What?”
Reread 1 Corinthians 3:13-15. If you died today and stood at the judgment seat of Christ, when your works and motives are revealed, would you feel good about your life? Why or why not?
We still have time to change. God shows us how to live. We should ask ourselves, "What is God showing me to do differently?" Living with eternity in mind helps us make better choices. It helps us focus on what matters. We should love God and love others. We should share the good news about Jesus with others.
Our house growing up was small. The kitchen sink looked out into the backyard. I remember walking into the as a little boy with my mom standing there. She was crying and I remember thinking how sad that made me feel. Knowing what comes after we die doesn’t always take away the grief of death but it does take away the sting.
When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
I Corinthians 15:54-55
Knowing what happens after we die helps us live better today. Death is certain, but so is eternal life for those who believe in Jesus. Our soul and body will separate, and we will face judgment. Believers will be rewarded for their faithfulness. Let's live each day with eternity in mind, making choices that honor God and reflect our faith in Him.
