What happens when we die?
Maybe someone you love just died. Maybe you’ve had a scare, or you lie awake wondering. It’s the question every person faces eventually, and it deserves a clear answer.
When we die, our bodies rest but our souls go on. Those who belong to Jesus go to be with the Lord immediately, “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Every person will one day stand before God (Hebrews 9:27). Those who have rejected Him will be separated from Him forever; those who trust in Jesus will receive resurrected bodies and live with Him forever in a new heaven and new earth, where there is no more death or pain (Revelation 21:1–4).
Ready, or close? We’ll walk with you. Take the first step →
Stephen saw heaven open
Stephen was the first follower of Jesus to be killed for his faith. As the crowd picked up stones, he looked up and said, “Look, I see the heavens open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” His last words were a prayer: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” and then he forgave the men killing him (Acts 7:55–60). He died without fear, because he knew exactly where he was going.
For those who trust in Jesus
Death is not the end. Paul said to depart and be with Christ is far better (Philippians 1:23). One day, when Jesus returns, the dead in Christ will rise with new, imperishable bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42–44).
For those who reject Him
The Bible is honest: there is judgment, and those who refuse God’s offer of life will be separated from Him. God takes no pleasure in that; He wants everyone to come to Him (2 Peter 3:9). That is why He made a way.
How to know where you’ll go
You don’t have to wonder. “Whoever has the Son has life” (1 John 5:12). Eternal life is a gift you receive by trusting Jesus, today.
What the Bible says
- 01
At home with the Lord.
“We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 5:8 - 02
The resurrection and the life.
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?””
John 11:25–26 - 03
Far better.
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.”
Philippians 1:21–23 - 04
After death, judgment.
“Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment,”
Hebrews 9:27 - 05
No more death.
“‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.””
Revelation 21:4 - 06
So you may know.
“And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
1 John 5:11–13
Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.
Read John 11:25–26 and answer the question Jesus asked Martha right after it: “Do you believe this?”
Common questions
Do we become angels when we die?
No. Angels are a separate creation. People remain people, and believers will be given resurrected bodies.
Is hell real?
Yes. Jesus spoke about it more than anyone in Scripture, as a warning, not a threat. He came so that no one has to go there.
Can I be sure I’ll go to heaven?
Yes. Not by being good enough, but by trusting Jesus, who paid for your sin. “Everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Take your first step with us.
If you prayed today, or you’re close, Become will walk with you: your first days with Jesus, step by step, with people praying for you.