Ever wondered about the fate of a believer after passing away? Amidst various opinions and theories, II Corinthians 5:1–8 in the Bible delivers a clear and definitive answer.

‘For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.’

II Corinthians 5:1-8

In this passage, Paul explains that we have a permanent, heavenly home waiting for us that is not made with human hands. Our current physical body is just a temporary tent, and when we die, we will be instantly transferred into God’s presence in soul and spirit. Although the exact state of our being at that moment is not revealed in Scripture, we know that we will eventually receive a new, eternal body. This new body will be fashioned like Jesus’ glorious body (Philippians 3:20–21) and will be changed in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet (I Corinthians 15:51–53).

Paul encourages us in Philippians 3:20–21 and I Thessalonians 4:13–18, reminding us that our ultimate destination is heaven and that we will be reunited with our loved ones who have passed away in Christ. He also assures us in I Corinthians 15:51–53 that we will not all sleep, but that we will all be changed.

‘For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.’

Philippians 3:20-21

‘Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. ‘

I Corinthians 15:51-53

The Take Away

As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that our physical death is not the end but rather a transition into the eternal presence of God. So let us walk this life in faith, trusting in His word, and looking forward to the day when we will be changed and live with Him forever.

Devotional: “Do Not Fear Death”

Dear friend, as believers, we have the assurance of eternal life with God. Death may seem frightening, but it is only a temporary separation from our physical bodies. Let us not fear death, but rather embrace it as a transition into the presence of our Lord. Take comfort in knowing that one day you will be reunited with your loved ones and will live in eternal glory with God. Keep your focus on Jesus and the hope that is waiting for you. Trust in His love and faithfulness, and know that He will never leave or forsake you.

How to get to heaven? Believe the gospel.