But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 4:13- 14)

Is there hope after death?

This question that has troubled many people over the years.

Some people believe that death is final. But, is this true when humans comprise of body, soul and spirit?

Humans exist in the spiritual realm before God created the body of the first man and breathe in his nostril His Spirit and then man became a living soul.

Then God created a habitation for the body in the physical realm on earth.

The spiritual realm is more powerful than the physical, and it exists for eternity.

The physical body will eventually dies, but your spirit will return to God and your soul continues to live in the spiritual realm.

What happens to the soul after death?

The soul needs a resting place.

According to the Bible, there are two places where the souls can find a resting place.

The first place is in Abraham’s bosom

Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-21.

The rich man lived a luxurious life on earth but Lazarus was a sick beggar who laid at the rich man’s gate hoping to get the crumbs from his table.

Unfortunately, Lazarus died of hunger and diseases. Eventually the rich man died also and they had a grand farewell at his burial service.

However, something strange happen to the souls of these two men when their bodies died.

Angels escorted the soul of Lazarus into Abraham’s bosom but the rich man went to hell or hades where he was in torment.

Apparently, the inhabitants of both places can see each other but they cannot cross over because of the great gulf between the two places.

The rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus to give him some water but of course this was not possible.

The rich man then begged Abraham to send Lazarus back to earth where he could warned his brothers.

Do you think that the rich man’s brothers would listen to Lazarus?

Would they listen to a beggar who return from the grave?

Abraham did not believe they would because they do not listen to Moses and the prophets who are God’s ordained servants.

The second place where the soul find a resting place is under the altar of God in heaven (Revelation 6:9-11).

There is a resting place under the altar of God for the souls who believe and trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ.

After death, angels will escort them before God because Jesus states, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6 NKJV)

However, there is a penalty for sin.

 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 NKJV)

There is definitely hope beyond the grave.

A hope of a resting place!

A hope of eternal life with Jesus Christ.

Everyone is worthy of salvation and eternal life (Acts 13:46-47).

I pray that if you have not made the right choice for eternal life you will do so today.