What happens after death?

The question of what happens after death has been an object of many discussions, and the subject of many books and writings.  Every human has the burning desire to know what will happen to them when they die?  Will they simply cease to exist?  Or is there some kind of “after life,” where they will wonder about for eternity?  I’d like to answer this question of what happens after we die from a biblical perspective.

Hebrews 9:27 states, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”  This verse tells us that we are all “appointed” to die; thus no one will be able to escape death.  This verse also rules out the reincarnation as a possibility, because it says that men only die once.  People have only one chance at life; they don’t get multiple opportunities to “try again.”  This verse also points out a “judgment” after death.

There are actually two different judgments after death.  The judgment of the lost, and the judgment of the saved.  Those who die without trusting Jesus Christ as their Savior will go the judgment of the lost, and will be sentenced to serve eternity in the lake of fire.

The good news is, however, that if one does except Christ’s death on the cross as the payment for their sins, then they will go to the second judgment where they will be admitted into heaven to live forever with God.  These believers will also be awarded according to their deeds done on earth after they trusted Christ.

I believe this matter of life after death is a very important one, because eternity is a long time to spend in hell, wishing you had made sure that your fate was secure in Christ.  Jesus Christ paved the way to heaven with his death on the cross; all you must do is believe on him as the only way to heaven, and you can be sure of your eternal destiny.