Future

The Bible teaches that death is not the end, and that each person continues to live for ever. The history of this present world will end when Jesus Christ returns in power and glory. This coming will be personal, sudden and decisive, and will be followed by the resurrection of the dead and the judgement of all who have ever lived. History is not meaningless, but the Lord who is in control is moving everything towards his appointed destination.

Everyone without exception will have to face God's judgement. Those who have not trusted in Jesus in this world will appear before a Judge who has the highest standards. He will investigate their lives with perfect knowledge and fairness, able to take all the evidence into account, and will assess their thoughts, words and deeds in the light of his own law. No day in the sinner's life will be able to bear his holy scrutiny, and he will declare his verdict and pass sentence. The unforgiven will be sent to hell, a place of eternal punishment, forever deprived of all that is good. Without Jesus Christ there is no hope, and so his Church must continue to proclaim his Gospel as long as the age of opportunity lasts.

Those who have trusted in Jesus in this life and who die before he returns go immediately to heaven where they enjoy sinless perfection in his presence. On his return all his people will be raised in bodies of power, and at the judgement they will know public vindication and reward. They will then forever enjoy the wonders of the new heavens and new earth, a renewed universe of glory and beauty. In this perfect environment, free of all that caused pain and sorrow in this age, the sinless people of God will enjoy the presence of Christ and the fellowship of his whole family. They will serve him in perfect freedom, knowing that bliss is theirs forever.

What happens to Christians at death?

Luke 23: 43; Philippians 1: 23; 2 Corinthians 5: 8; Hebrews 12: 22-23; Revelation 14: 13

How does the Bible describe their resurrection bodies?

I Corinthians 15: 42-44; Philippians 3: 21

What will the return of Jesus be like?

Mark 13: 24-27; Acts 1: 10-11; 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-5: 3

How should this doctrine make a difference in our lives?

Mark 13: 32-36; 2 Peter 3: 10-14; 1 John 3: 2-3

What happens to the unbeliever at death, and after Judgement?

Luke 16: 19-26; Matthew 25: 41-46; Revelation 20: 11-15

Discuss the challenge this teaching gives to non-Christians and to Christians now.

What are the glories of the future age?

Revelation 21: 1-5, 22-27; 22: 1-5