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

01/09/2019 – Morning Service: What happens to Christians after death?

Bible Readings:

Luke 16:19 – 31

2 Corinthians 5:1 – 11

Sermon Outline:

2 Corinthians 5:1–4 (NKJV)

1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life.

I  Confidence

The simple idea is that the soul, when it leaves its earthly tabernacle, will not be lost in immensity, nor driven away houseless and homeless, but will find a house and home in heaven.

The soul of the believer does not cease to exist at death. It does not sink into a state of unconsciousness. It does not go into purgatory; but, being made perfect in holiness, it does immediately pass into glory. As soon as it is absent from the body, it is present with the Lord. This is all that is revealed, and this is enough.

Charles Hodge, An exposition of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians. (p. 112 – 113). New York: A. C. Armstrong & Son.

2 Corinthians 5:6 (NKJV)

6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.

II  Commitment

2 Corinthians 5:7–9 (NKJV)

7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.

III  Comfort

2 Corinthians 5:5 (NKJV)

5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.