What Happens To A Person After They Die?
Death is one of life’s greatest mysteries and realities. At some point, every person wonders what happens when their final breath leaves the body and their heart stops beating. Will we simply cease to exist, or is there more?

For some, the thought of what comes next brings comfort. For others, it raises fear and uncertainty. People have been asking questions about heaven and hell for thousands of years, and many different answers have been offered — some hopeful, some terrifying. But the Bible clearly teaches that life continues after death and where we spend eternity depends on the choice we make now.

Some people believe that the only heaven or hell anyone will ever experience is here on earth. Others believe in reincarnation—the idea that after death, a person comes back in another form or life. Many more just try not to think about it, hoping that it will all somehow work out in the end.

But the truth about life after death is far too important to be left to guesswork. The Bible tells us that each of us has a body, soul, and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23). When your physical body dies, your spirit will live somewhere forever. That means the most important question you will ever answer is: Where will that be?

Heaven Is A Real Place
Heaven is not a state of mind or a vague place with angels floating around on clouds as some artists have depicted. The Bible describes it as a real place for real people. Those who go there walk through real gates, on real streets, and live in homes prepared especially for them by the Lord Himself. They receive a brand-new, perfect body and eternal rewards from God.

There is no sickness there. No pain. No funerals. No depression, fear, or injustice — none of the burdens we carry here. Just as Abraham was “gathered to his people” (Genesis 25:8), believers will take joy in reunions with loved ones who knew the Lord. Imagine hearing familiar laughter again, or holding the hand of someone you’ve missed for years.

But the greatest joy of heaven isn’t its beauty or the reunions — it is the presence of God Himself. Revelation 22:3 says, “There shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.” In heaven, we will live in perfect fellowship with Him, never again experiencing the curse that entered the world through Adam’s sin.

Hell Is Also Real
The Bible is equally clear that Hell is a real place, inhabited by real people. The Bible describes it as a bottomless pit filled with sorrow, torment, and the sound of wailing and gnashing of teeth. Those who go there suffer loneliness and regret, with no possibility of escape. By reading Jesus’ account of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31) we can see that anyone already in hell would not want any of their friends or relatives to join them there!

Matthew 25:41 tells us that hell’s everlasting fire was never meant for people but was “prepared for the devil and his angels.” Psalm 9:17 calls it the destination of “the wicked” and “the nations that forget God.” And John 3:18 explains that it’s not merely sin that sends people to hell. It says, “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

Common Misconceptions
Despite the fact that Jesus established clear and unchanging truths about heaven and hell, many ideas have crept into our culture that simply do not line up with what the Bible says.

One popular belief is that all people will eventually end up in heaven. But in Matthew 25:46, Jesus said, “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

The same Greek word is used for both “everlasting” and “eternal,” showing that both heaven and hell are unending realities.

Another misconception is that hell is temporary, or that people who reject Jesus will simply stop existing. But Scripture says judgment is final. If there had been another way to save us, Jesus would never have gone to the cross. 1 Peter 1:19 says our redemption comes only “by the precious blood of Christ,” and John 14:6 leaves no room for alternatives: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Truth is not shaped by feelings, majority opinion, or even sincere belief. God’s Word is the truth, and it doesn’t change.

A Decision That Matters Forever
Once you know what God’s Word says about eternity, the question becomes unavoidable: Where will you spend forever?

God has made salvation simple so that no one has to be confused. Eternal life isn’t something you work for — it’s a gift you receive. Ephesians 2:8–9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

That is wonderful news. No matter your past, your mistakes, or the guilt you carry, God’s mercy is greater. Through Jesus, your sins can be forgiven, your heart can be made new, and your eternity can be secure. 2 Corinthians 5:17 promises: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.”

Heaven isn’t for perfect people — it is for forgiven people. Think of the thief on the cross beside Jesus. He had no time to go back and make things right, no good deeds to his name. Yet because he placed his faith in Christ, Jesus told him: “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). That same promise is available to you.

How About You?
John 3:16 says it best: “Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” God’s heart is for you — 2 Peter 3:9 says He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” And Romans 10:9 makes it clear: “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.”

Both Heaven and hell are real. And your choice is the most important one you will ever make. There is no middle ground. All the things we chase in life — success, peace, popularity, even happiness — will fade. But your soul will not. Eternity is coming, and Jesus has already paid the price so you could spend eternity in heaven.

If you’ve already given your life to Him, you can look forward to a glorious, never-ending future. But if you’re not sure where you stand, please don’t put it off. The Bible says today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Right now, God is inviting you to come. He is not standing with His arms folded, waiting to condemn you — His arms are open, ready to forgive, receive and restore you. He knows your past and still offers you eternal life with Him.

You can talk to Him right now, right where you are. If you are ready, pray this from your heart:

Dear God, I believe that Jesus is Your Son, that He died on the cross and shed His blood to pay for my sins. I receive forgiveness for every sin I have ever committed. I believe that Jesus rose from the dead, victorious over death, sin and the devil, so right now I receive Him as Lord of my life. I give Him all of my heart and all of my life. I am not going to live to please myself any longer; I am going to live for Jesus every day. Thank You, God, that You have heard my prayer, that my past is gone, my sins are forgiven, and I am part of your eternal kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you prayed that sincerely, the Bible says you have passed from death into life (John 5:24). Your name is written in heaven. That is the best news you will ever hear — and it will matter forever! And, if you just prayed, Pastor Duane would like to pray for you by name for the next 30 days and give you his free book, Your New Life. This book addresses questions that new believers face, in a practical and straightforward way. You can request your free copy by CLICKING HERE

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(All scriptures are from the New King James Bible unless otherwise stated)