A dear friend recently asked me this question: What happens to us after we die? I've always thought I knew the answer to this question but as I started to think about it, I realized that the Bible is not perfectly clear on this issue. While Scripture gives clues about our life after death, God has not chosen to reveal all of the details to us. However, the apostle Paul wrote to the congregation at Philippi about how we should approach this question, so let's listen to it:

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am going to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. (Phil. 1:21-24)

I recently read this comment by the late pastor, teacher and theologian R. C. Sproul: "The contrast that is given in the New Testament is not that this life is bad and the next life is good. On the contrary, the apostle Paul says that this life is good, but to die and to be with Christ is better." Paul was a guy who constantly faced death. He was chained, shipwrecked, beaten and left for dead. He knew that his days were numbered. He didn't know what awaited him on the other side of the grave, but in this passage we read that he knew that what God had planned for him was better than what he was experiencing here in this life. He trusted God for his future. To live was a joyful experience for Paul. But despite the many hardships, he was looking forward to an eternal future with God. All of us must die sooner or later—unless the Lord returns first. For most of us, the question is not whether we will die, but if will we die in grace. How about you today? Will you die in the forgiveness and grace God has made available to you in Christ Jesus, or will you die in your sins? If you have never trusted Jesus for your life—and for your death—let me encourage you to do it right now. Jesus said that He came to save sinners. If you’re a sinner today...this is very Good News!