“The Final Frontier”

When we think about the wonder of heaven, we are faced with the fact that heaven lies beyond what for some is a terrifying experience – called death. But unless our Savior comes and raptures us away first, death is inevitable. God has given us insight in His Word so we can know what death is like and what we can expect when we die. The bible pictures death as sleep (John 11:11b-14) but sleep like death, is a temporary experience that ends in a great awakening. The bible pictures death like taking down a tent – a temporary dwelling (2 Cor 5:1-2). The bible pictures death as a departure that begins a marvelous adventure (Phil 1:22-24). Finally, the bible pictures death as coming home (2 Cor 5:6-8). We may consider death as ominous, but God has given us some specific promises. Two are that there will be no separation from God for us when we die (Rom 8:38-39; John 10:28; Heb. 13:5b; John 17:1-3 & 20-24) and there will be no sting for us in death (1 Cor 15:51-55).