Question: When a born again Christian dies, where does he go?

Answer: I know the Seventh Day Adventists say that Christians don’t really go to heaven immediately because they believe born again Christians’ spirits are sleeping until Jesus returns. However, this is not what Jesus or Paul taught. Paul said to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

The Adventists say, “It only seems like it will be right away because when someone is sleeping they are not aware of the passage of time. So their next conscience thought will be in heaven.” But do you see the subtle difference in wording here. They are saying what Paul said is just not quit correct. He would not be immediately with the Lord in his body; he would only be there when his spirit wakes up. This is why we as Christians need to defend the truth of God’s Word.

When a born again Christian dies, they go immediately to heaven. Paul says this in the book of Corinthians in the Bible. “ 6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8)

After the parenthetical thought of v. 7, Paul resumes where he left off in v. 6. He was not only confident (v. 6) that he was going to be with the Lord, he was pleased that he would be with the Lord after his death. This is one of the passages in the New Testament that indicates where believers will go immediately after their death; they will be with Jesus in heaven, “For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.” Phil. 1:23, 24).

Also, Jesus promise to the repentant criminal on the cross next to Him indicates that we go right to heaven when we die: “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43).

If you are not sure if you are going to heaven read this and do what it says, then you will know you are going to heaven for sure.

Going to heaven is as simple as A B C!

Admit that we have sinned.
“… for all have sinned and fall short of
the glory of God …” (Romans 3:23)

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and
you will be saved, you and your household.”
(Acts 16:31)

Confess with our mouth.
“… that if you confess with your mouth
the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart
that God has raised Him from the dead,
you will be saved. For with the heart
one believes unto righteousness, and
with the mouth confession is made unto
salvation.” (Romans 10: 9-10)

Pray this prayer: God, I admit I have sinned. I
believe Jesus your Son loves me and
died on the cross for my sins. I am sorry
for my sins, and turn from them right now.
I receive Jesus Christ as my Savior, Amen.

I hope this helps,

Gary T. Panell

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