Near death experiences reported over the last few decades have created a fascination with the afterlife. Movies like "Ghost" and "The Flatliners" have spurred the discussion and debate about the destiny of those who die and what they experience once they cross over the threshold from life to death to life again.
Many of the near-death experiences reported include a "bright light" and "floating feeling." Not surprisingly, far fewer reports depict events many would associate with hell and separation from God. Two alternative versions of life after death include reincarnation and "soul sleep," which says that the spirit (or soul) sleeps until the final judgment occurs. This teaching is held by Jehovah's Witnesses and Seventh Day Adventists.
What does the Bible teach? The Bible says that there are two destinies only: heaven or hell. The Bible says that there will be an immediate separation of body and spirit (Eccl. 12:7). The Bible says that we will immediately go to heaven or hell when we die (to be away from the body is to be present with the Lord - 2 Cor. 5:8). The Bible says that we will be conscious in that intermediate state prior to the resurrection bodies (Luke 16:19-31). The Bible says that at the last day, our bodies will be resurrected and be reunited to our spirits (1 Cor. 15:51-58). Finally, the Bible says that the only way to heaven is through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the only Savior from sin (John 14:6).
This Sunday, we will delve even more deeply into the topic of death and the afterlife!
See you then!
Pastor Randy
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