Main Thought
What happens to us after our lives end on earth? Is there an afterlife? The Bible is clear: there is an afterlife, and there are only two options. We can either spend eternity with God or without Him. To spend eternity with God, the ultimate source of goodness, is to spend eternity surrounded by God’s goodness. There is an immediate destination for Christians when our lives end on earth: we will be with Christ in Heaven, but without our bodies. Christ will return to redeem this world one day. The earth will be repaired. Believers will receive new, glorified bodies. As Christians, the source of our confidence is unique because it comes from Christ. He came from eternity to earth, conquered sin and death, and rose again to prove we can trust Him!
Main Passages
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
- 2 Timothy 4:6–8.22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
- Philippians 1:21–24.The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
- Isaiah 35:1-2
Discussion Questions
What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?
What influenced your thoughts and beliefs about the afterlife most growing up? What do you believe about the afterlife now?
How should your belief about the afterlife affect the way you live on earth now?
Apply
The only thing we can bring from earth into an eternity with God is people. Pray for someone you love who doesn’t know Christ. Consider reaching out to them to offer prayer, share Christ, or invite them to church.