Lesson 383: "Life After Death"
“If a man dies, will he live again” (Job 14:14)? Like Job, many today ask this same question. Jesus has given us THE answer. “I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this” (John 11:25-26)? There is not only life after death but eternal life so glorious that “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9). “He was handed over to die because of our sins and He was raised from the dead to make us right with God” (Rom. 4:25), that we too might have the hope of resurrection (1 Cor. 15:12-13)
Christ was the first of a great harvest of those who will be raised to life again. Physical death came through one man, Adam, to whom we are all descendents. But all who have been adopted into God’s family through faith in Jesus Christ will be given new life (1 Cor. 15:20-22). Just as God raised up Jesus’ body so will our bodies be resurrected upon Jesus’ return (1 Cor. 6:14). A choice must be made by each person in this life to determine where he or she will spend eternity for although we all will be resurrected, not all will enter heaven. Daniel 12:2 makes it clear that all will who sleep in the dust (all who have ever lived on the face of this earth and have died) will awake; some to everlasting life (the ones saved) others to shame and everlasting contempt (unsaved). 2 Thessalonians 1:9 tells us that those who do not know God will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord. Jesus warns to be afraid of the ONE who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. 25:41)
Physical death is certain and heaven and hell are real! Anyone’s name that is not found in the Book of Life will be thrown into the lake of fire and will be tormented day and night for ever and ever (Rev. 20:10-15). In hell, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth indicating intense grief and anger (Matt. 13:42). It is a place where the worm never dies and the fire never goes out (Mark 9:48). This is not the life I want and I don’t know about you, but I choose the Lord (Joshua 24:15). I am going to see my Lord’s face and reign for ever and ever with him in that blessed City (Revelation chapters 21 and 22).