People are often curious about what happens after death, and numerous questions surround this topic. Do we become angels after we die?  Is purgatory real? Is it okay to be cremated? Will there be such a thing as gender in heaven? What are the rewards in heaven? And many more. This week, we will examine what the Bible says – and doesn’t say – about this topic.

 

Put It into Practice: Heaven isn’t just a distant doctrine—it’s a relational promise and personal destination. Spend intentional time reflecting on what you know and don’t know, then write a prayer or letter to God expressing your anticipation, questions, or gratitude about heaven. 

 

Day 1:    “What happens after death?” Read Luke 16:19-31; 2 Corinthians 5:1-5

Reflect: What do these passages reveal about what happens immediately after death? What hope do they give to believers? What does the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man teach us? 

Apply:    What do you imagine your new body to be like? Will it be like Jesus’ new body? What other teachings have you heard about life after death, before Jesus returns? 

Pray:      Heavenly Father, thank You for my new life in Christ as I wait with expectant hope to one day rise immortal and be clothed in a dwelling from heaven that You have prepared for me.

 

Day 2:   “Do we become angels?” Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-54; Psalm 8:4-5; Matthew 22:29-30 

Reflect: What does Scripture say about the difference between humans and angels? When Jesus said we will be like angels, what did He mean? What truths do we learn from these passages?

Apply:   Why do we not become angels, and why is that important? Have you heard or said that we will? How would you describe angels? What do you think will be different about our spiritual bodies?  

Pray:      Father God, thank You that because Christ is risen from the dead, my earthly, corrupted, mortal body will be raised – a heavenly and incorruptible body that will not fade away. Help me to remain steadfast and immovable – always abounding in the work of the Lord.

 

Day 3:    “Is cremation okay?” Read Genesis 3:19; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10;   

Reflect: Do you think the Bible commands or prohibits specific burial practices? If not, why might some Christians still feel uncomfortable with cremation? What evidence do they use against it? 

Apply:  How does belief in God’s power to resurrect impact your view of cremation versus burial? Have you personally considered how you would want your body to be handled after death?

Pray:    Lord, I thank you that our earthly dwelling is not my final home, but that You have prepared an eternal dwelling for me in heaven. I long for the day when I will be clothed with my heavenly body and be with You face to face for eternity!

 

Day 4:    “Who will be in heaven?” Read John 14:1–6; Revelation 7:9–17; Romans 10:9–13

Reflect: How do these passages define who will be in heaven? How often do you think about this? How assured are you of being there? What about considering who will not be in heaven? 

Apply:   How have you answered these questions? What rebuttals have you gotten? Some signs say, “Hell is real.” What do you believe about hell? (See Mark 9:43-48) Why is it an unpleasant topic?   

Pray:     Holy God, I trust in Your promise that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. I ask for forgiveness for my sins and for the gift of salvation. Thank You for Your grace and mercy.

 

Day 5: “Will there be rewards?” Read Luke 6:23-35; Luke 12:35-48; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

Reflect: What kinds of attitudes and actions does Jesus say will be rewarded in heaven? What does Luke 6:35 reveal? What does 1 Corinthians 3:15 teach us about salvation versus reward?

Apply: What do you imagine the rewards in heaven will be? Do you think it’s okay to be motivated by heavenly rewards? Why or why not? Will you hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”?

Pray:    Jesus, thank you for the blessings You offer, both now and in the future. Help me to remember that true joy comes from living for Your kingdom and not from worldly comforts. When I face hardship, help me to rejoice in the knowledge that my reward in heaven is great.