What Happens When Christians Die?

September 18, 2005 - Rev. Kevin Kelly

1 Corinthians 15:51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed-- 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." 55 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"

Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff -- they comfort me.

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

Jesus Christ has changed the meaning of death, as Scripture amply shows. At death, the spirit of the believing Christian enters immediately into the presence of the Lord. Physical death is but a transition from life on earth with Christ to life in heaven with Christ. Death does not alter the continuity of relationship; it only enriches it.

John 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

1. What is your greatest fear in life? For many people dying would rank high on their list. It may on yours as well. What about death scares you? Or, if you do not fear death, what helps you to live without the presence of fear?

2. God gives us many promises related to the afterlife. Jesus constantly reassured his followers that God would care for them not only in this life, but in the life to come.
Jesus states "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3) What other promises in Scripture give us hope for life after death? Take a study Bible and find all the references to heaven in Revelation. What are the images of heaven given in this writing? What is your favorite image(s)? Why?

3. Read 1 Corinthians 15:51-55. Here, Paul reveals that we will one day have our spirit/soul reunited with our earthly body. The body will be raised imperishable and immortal. What hope do you draw from this passage? What did Paul mean by, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” What is meant by the sting of death? How has the life and work of Christ enabled us to one day claim “victory” over death?

4. Many people in our world today struggle with issues and questions related to life after death. What hope could you give a person who is seeking answers concerning the afterlife? What Scriptures would you draw upon?

5. Read 1 Corinthians 15:29-34. Resurrection from the dead has an impact on daily life. What applications does Paul make related to our having a view of the resurrection from the dead?

6. Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-50. We do not know exactly what a “spiritual body” will be, but we can understand concepts of variety and transformation from God’s creative work all around us. Why do you suppose humanity is hung up on discrediting the resurrection when these evidences are clearly understandable?

7. How does our view of the resurrection of the dead and eternal life affect our witness and attempts to share the gospel with others? How does having an eternal perspective affect evangelism? Is your vision for life eternal or material?