Christians: Do you think that believers go to heaven shortly after they die, or at some later point in time? Am I the only one that thinks maybe the dead believers will go to heaven all at once? And that they are all just in some state of unconsciousness presently?
Appreciate everyone's opinions. If you care to, please back up your answer with scripture.
2007-04-11 16:18:29 · 13 answers · asked by blooming chamomile 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Good point, Kaehya :) I promise I'm not trying to start an argument, just trying to study and understand God's word.
2007-04-11 16:44:43 · update #1
I know this is important to some but I wonder sometimes why. If we are "asleep" until Jesus returns then we won't know time has passed and it will seem as if it's instantaneous. The end result is still the same. Seems like one of those points people argue over while forgetting the more important things God wants us to think about.
edit: I didn't think you were trying to start an arguement. Just stating why I don't think it's important. ;-)
2007-04-11 16:38:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think that we go to heaven IMEDIATELY at death because Jesus said to the men on the crosses next to him "today you will be with me in heaven." Also, i forget the reference but in the bible it says that to die is gain, how would dying be gain if we were sleeping, unconsious, or separated from God? i'm actually learning about this in school RIGHT now. my understanding is that everyone is in heaven, but God will create a new heaven when Jesus returns. 1 Thes 4:13-16 gives a good picture of that, I think.
Also, in 2 Corinthians 12 Paul talks about how he was taken up to heaven, so i think that's also a good indication that it's immediate.
Yeah...still learning, but i hope that helps! if you don't find the answers you need, email me in a week and i'll be finished learninga bout this lol.
2007-04-11 23:30:28 · answer #2 · answered by Michelle 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Luke 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 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. 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;
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
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2007-04-11 23:32:42 · answer #3 · answered by deacon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no waiting room after you die. And after death, time ceases to exist as well. It is always dangerous and futile as well to try to describe the after life in terms of the present life. There are no comparisons.
Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, what God has ready for those who love him.
Also read St. Paul, "And how do the dead come and with what bodies...."
Too tired to get out the concordance right now.
2007-04-11 23:24:20 · answer #4 · answered by Linda R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always thought that we were in the grave until the return of Christ but the thief who died on the cross next to Jesus went straight to paradise that day so I'm not sure. If we do stay in the grave until his return I think it will feel like a blink of the eyes...time douse not exist for the dead.
2007-04-11 23:23:55 · answer #5 · answered by † H20andspirit 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No one will go to heaven until Jesus comes on judgment day then He will judge the living and the dead.
2007-04-12 00:11:28 · answer #6 · answered by josie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah people go to Heaven at least 24 hours after they die.
During the Crucifixion, the criminal that defended Jesus asked him to remember him when He returns to His kingly glory. Jesus replied that, on that same day, he would be with Him in Paradaise.
I hope this helps.
2007-04-11 23:26:13 · answer #7 · answered by RedStarYellowSun 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. When a believer dies, their spirit goes into the presence of Jesus Christ. The bible tells us that, when Jesus returns, the dead in Christ will rise first. That is when we get our new, glorified bodies.
2007-04-11 23:22:13 · answer #8 · answered by Esther 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I believe and the Bible teaches that the righteous dead are "ASLEEP"
You are right we will all go at the same time when Jesus returns and we are raised to the new life.
2007-04-11 23:24:58 · answer #9 · answered by Rev R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our body goes back to the ground as dust, and our soul goes back to god - or so the bible says. There's only one appointed day for judgement when one either goes to heaven or not.
2007-04-11 23:30:10 · answer #10 · answered by element_115x 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋