What Happens When Christians Die?

September 18, 2005 - Rev. Rurel Ausley

2 Cor. 5:1, 8; Heb. 9:27, 12:23, 4:9-11; 1 Cor. 3:11-15, 15:39-40, 42b-43; Luke 16:23, 19:11-27; Rev. 20:11-15, 19:1-5; Phil. 3:20-21

1. What central fact about all of our lives does Hebrews 9:27 affirm? What are some of the world's most pressing problems today? Did you mention the problem of Hebrews 9:27? What is going to happen to every single person one day? Did you know that? Do you ever think about that? What kind of problem is this going to be for most of the world? What should we do about the fact that billions of people will not be able to stand in the presence of God? What happens one minute after we breathe our final breath? (2 Cor. 5:1, 8)

2. If you would like to do further study on the reality of a final judgment, look up the word "judgment" in Nave's Topical Bible or the phrase "the day of the Lord" in a concordance. This ought to give you plenty of Scriptures to study this theme. Why do you think that we do not hear much about a "final judgment"? Why do people want to avoid the topic of a final accountability to a "higher power"? What might be the connection in the acceptance and teaching of evolution to the lack of a belief in a final judgment?

3. Discuss Daniel Webster's quote... "I have thought about many things, but the most awesome, the most terrifying, the most shattering thought I have ever had is my personal accountability to God one day." Read Revelation 20:11-15. What book was opened? What happened to the people whose names were not in the Book of Life? What did Jesus say in John 5:28-29?

4. What is the final judgment going to be like...? Who all is going to be there? (John 5:28; Rev. 1:18) Can you imagine what it will be like when God takes hold of history and empties it before His throne? Every king, president, rich, poor, congressman, movie actor, judge, bishop, pastor, etc., etc? What would happen if the Church really opened her mind and heart to the fact that every person will stand accountable to God?

5. Who is going to be our Judge there? (John 5:22) What will He look like? (Rev. 1:12-18) Will there be any Court of Appeals? Any biased judges? Any special favors? Any bought juries or lawyers?

6. What will we account for? (Luke 16:25; Mal. 3:16; Rev. 20:12) What will be hidden from God? What will be forgotten before God? (Matt. 12:36) What mercy shall be available then? (Rev. 6:12-17; Rev. 9:6; Matt. 25:32, 46) What should I do? (John 1:12; Rom. 8:1; 2 Cor. 5:18, 19

7. How is the "rewarding" going to be evaluated? (1 Cor. 3:10-15) What will it be like? What specifically will be tested by fire in vs. 13? How do we give ourselves to quality, rather than quantity of life? What things ensure quality? What things ensure quantity? Which one do you emphasize most? Do all Christians die happy? How might misused time and talents affect our joy?

8. According to 1 Cor. 3:14, 15, will all rewards be the same? What do those verses say about our various works? Compare the dying thief on the cross, who wasted his life, to John Wesley who used all of his money to build orphanages and churches, buy hymn books, and lead people to Jesus. How could they possibly receive the same reward?

9. When we are found faithful what are some rewards that the Scriptures talk about? (2 Tim. 4:8; Ps. 149:4; Rev. 6:9-11)

10. What will we do in heaven? (Rev. 19:1-5; Heb. 4:9-11; Luke 19:11-27)