Words of The Day

House of Christ Ministries Inc

Our Future after Death

( 2 Corinthians 5:1-15)

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 5Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

6Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

11Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. 12For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. 13For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. 14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

 Beloved I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ: As we read the scripture and think about the topic Our Future after Death. Some of us might ask if there is a future after death?. Others will not want to talk about it. This is something that we all have to face one day, so it is important for us  believers to understand how we will spend eternity and be able to witness to the unbelievers about the consequences of sin.

 The pictures illustrate the temporary nature of life on earth and the eternal nature of heaven. While we may experience suffering in our earthly bodies, we can look forward to our permanent dwelling in heaven. Paul compared our bodily existence to living in a temporary dwelling, and the resurrection body to a palace or other grand building. ( Hebrew 11:10) Paul in his letter to the Hebrews also compared heaven to the city that has foundation, whose architect and builder is God. It reads For he looked for a city which hath foundation whose builder and maker is God.

 Although Paul uses the imagery of being at home away from home, he makes it clear that such language only approximates the real goal-pleasing God. Whether at home in the body or at home with the Lord, the important thing is that we glorify God.  The way in which the righteous dead may be pleasing to God, is by receiving a positive verdict before the tribunal of Jesus Christ. ( Romans 14:10) But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother ?for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Some of us wonder  how believers can be judge at all, since they are justified by faith and not by works. But the scripture simply underscore the responsibility of believers to live according to what they believe. Though salvation is a matter of faith, other eternal rewards depend on faithfulness.( 1 Corinthians 3:8) Now he that planteth and he that he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.( 1 Corinthians 3:13-15) Every  man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire: and the fire shall try every man‘s work of what sort it is. If any man‘s work abide which he hath built thereupon , he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned , he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved: yet so as thy fire.

 Believers are judged righteous in Christ, but they will be rewarded according to the things they did while in the body, whether good or bad. God expects our actions after salvation to reflect the glory of God within us. It does not matter what we do, we don’t need to know the details of this judgment, we need only to know that the judge is righteous and just ( 11Timothy 4:8) Henceforth there, is laid up for me a crown of righteousness , which the Lord , the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only , but unto all them also that love His appearing.

Only God can fairly balance all the variables; individual gifts, cultural conditions, the uncertainties of life and the opportunities we are given.

God Bless you..