Christian Living

After The Last Beat

by paul hoffmaster
04/10/22
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For generations, there has been a long and thoughtful process of studying and analyzing theories pertaining to the order of events that follow the last heartbeat.  Most of the doctrines that come out on this subject are the promotion of one’s own interpretation.   In other words, people search for Scriptures that will help them come to grips with what they can accept.  Questions abound with uncertainty about whether there is an immediate consciousness after death, or do they “lay in rest” until the general resurrection.  To try and understand life after death without already having a preconceived opinion, will take a herculean effort.  There is a plethora of teachings on this subject, but when all is said and done there will still be a slight uncertainty as to whether it will have Biblical integrity.

At the center of this issue is I Thessalonians.  Here Paul scribes a section that addresses all aspects of the subject.  To understand the context, one has to shelve one’s biases and let the Holy Spirit guide us through the Biblical terrain.  Some of the Believers at Thessalonica were wondering about those who had died, both from their generation as well as Old Testament personalities.    Paul told them that not only were they alive but that God would bring them with Him when He returned. (I Thessalonians 4:14)  Who were these “departed” individuals?  To shed some light on who they were, we are introduced to a place called “Abraham’s bosom. “ It would appear that the Jews, who believed in God and had died before Jesus’ ministry, went to the “abode of the departed.”  The Old Testament believers could not obtain “salvation” until the sacrifice for their sins was obtained through Jesus’ blood.  It was there that Jesus went and preached to the “spirits in prison.” (I Peter 3:18)

Paul then pointed out that when the Lord returns, there would be two things preceding His appearance: a shout by the voice of an archangel and the sound of the Trumpet.  As the Trumpet sounds the “Dead in Christ will rise first,” followed by those who are “alive and remain.”  The two groups of Believers and those who accompany the Lord will begin an everlasting life with Him. The Apostle ends this section by saying, “comfort one another with these words.” (I Thessalonians 4:13:18; I Corinthian 15: 50-53)

The question looms as to what happens to the Believer who “sleeps” after hearing and participating in Jesus’ ministry.  Is that Believer still in the “tomb” waiting for his resurrection?  Jesus said to the thief on the Cross, “today you shall be with me in Paradise.”  Is this a conflict?  Absolutely not!  Do you ever dream?  It is an out-of-body experience.  You eventually wake up and start your daily routine conscious of your surroundings.  I liken this to the Christian whose spirit leaves the body and enters into the abode of the departed, called “paradise.”  Later as Jesus returns, the “sleeping” body is changed into an incorruptible/spiritual body while at the same time receiving the spirit which has been in Paradise.  The saints join together for that great reunion in the sky.  The next destination is Heaven where we will eternally praise God who has made this all possible.

The above article is my understanding of what happens to the Believer after he falls “asleep.”  I am sure it will be open to a lot of scrutinies.  All I can tell you is that the first thing I will know after my heart stops beating is that I will be with the Lord, and that is all that matters!