When a Christian dies, do they go straight to heaven?
It appears that most Christians believe so.
Biblical scripture makes it clear that once a person dies, he or she either goes to Heaven or Hell. Only those who have personally received Jesus Christ as personal Savior and become “born again” will go to Heaven. For those who have not will end up in a place of eternal torment called Hell.
But the Bible tells us that we don’t go directly there. All need to wait a while before going to their final destination for eternity.
Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the (saved) beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom.
Every person, when they die go to a holding place created by God. It’s called hell, but it isn’t the hell we normally think of. It is called hell or Hades in the Greek and Sheol in Hebrew. Only modern English translations call it hell. Hades or Sheol has two parts. Those destined for heaven go to the upper portion of Sheol. All those destined for hell are sent to the lower part of Sheol.
The upper part of Sheol is a peaceful and loving place. There is no fear, worry or pain. Everyone there knows that they are with God and that their eternal resting place will be in heaven. They are the ones who have repented and been washed by The Blood of Jesus! It is called Paradise and Abraham’s Bosom!
The lower part of Sheol is quite different, however. All those their know that their eternal destiny is in hell and it would be full of fear, anguish, torment, anxiety, and pain. The time for negotiations is over for them. They are there with the full knowledge of their eternity. They are committed there because of their nonrepentence.
Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
Luke 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
Luke 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
Luke 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
Luke 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
And eternity is a long, long time.
(Abraham’s Bosom) ref minutes 16-19)
No one goes to heaven except by and through Jesus Christ
John 14:6 (NKJV) 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
There are some that teach that Jesus descended into hell—the eternal hell, and wrestled with the devil for three days before ascending into heaven. That appears to be a false teaching. The scriptures seem to be clear.
The scriptures teach that all born-again Christians go to Abraham’s Bosom immediately upon death.
When Jesus died He descended into Sheol or Paradise, prepared it and make a peaceful resting place for all those to come.
Ephesians 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
When a saved, born-again Christian dies, the Word of God tells us that we will go directly to a resting place prepared for us by God, Jesus Christ called Paradise and Abraham’s Bosom! Hope to see and meet you there someday.
My friend, Are you confident where you are going to spend eternity when this all ends? There is an end for all of us someday. Some of us maybe today.
Are You Saved from damnation, the eternal fate of so many? Are you sure? Ask Him. Find out and be assured.
Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.
When we ask the Lord, in Jesus Christ’s name, He assures us with His peace and understanding. If for any reason you question your salvation, go to a quiet place, alone, and talk to Jesus. Repent of your sins and commit your life to Him. Then go to a bible believing church and get baptized.
He is faithful! He always listens and always responds!
The Salvation Prayer (click here) is in the Blog in the right column of this page. You can walk without fear.
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May God Bless You and keep you safe from the evil one!
Pastor Thomas Holm
The ministry of The Joseph Plan