In Christianity, there’s uncertainty about what happens after we die. Some think everyone sleeps until the final judgment, while others believe in instant judgment upon death. There’s also the idea of a temporary heaven or hell before the final resurrection and judgment. So, what does the Bible actually say?
Destiny of Believers
For Christians, the Bible says their souls go to heaven after death because they’re forgiven through Jesus (John 3:16, 18, 36). They’re “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6–8; Philippians 1:23). Yet, passages like 1 Corinthians 15:50–54 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17 talk about a resurrection and receiving glorified bodies. This suggests that while their souls are with Christ at death, their bodies remain in the grave. The resurrection reunites the glorified body with the soul, and this state is eternal (Revelation 21—22).
Fate of Unbelievers
For those rejecting Jesus, death means eternal punishment. Like believers, they seem to go to a temporary place awaiting final judgment. Luke 16:22–23 depicts a tormented rich man after death, while Revelation 20:11–15 describes the resurrection of unbelievers for judgment. They aren’t instantly in hell but face temporary judgment and anguish. The rich man in Luke cries, “I am in agony in this fire” (Luke 16:24).
The Resurrection and Final Destinies
After death, people are either in comfort or torment until the resurrection. The first resurrection is for believers who will enter God’s kingdom (Revelation 20:6; 21:1). The second resurrection, after Christ’s kingdom, involves judgment for the wicked (Revelation 20:13). Those not in the book of life face the “second death” in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14–15). These destinations are final, based on whether one trusts Jesus for salvation (Matthew 25:46; John 3:36).