What happens when we die? It’s one of the most important — and universal — questions we can ask. In Episode 143 of The Radiant Mission Podcast, we dig deep into Scripture to explore what the Bible says about death, the afterlife, heaven, hell, and the spiritual realm.
While many assume we go straight to heaven or hell the moment we die, the Bible presents a much richer and more layered picture. In this article, we’ll walk through biblical insight on life after death, the concept of soul sleep, the final judgment, and what happens in the unseen spiritual world around us.
What Happens When We Die? The Bible’s First Clue: “Sleep”
The Bible frequently describes death as “sleep.” This doesn’t mean the soul ceases to exist but suggests a state of rest or pause until a future event.
📖 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 — “We do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death… God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.”
This aligns with Revelation 20:12–13, which describes the dead being raised for judgment — a future event, not something that happens immediately after death. These clues point toward a concept often referred to as “soul sleep.”
Are We Awake or Asleep After Death?
There are verses that suggest we’re with Christ after death — such as Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross (Luke 23:43) or Paul’s desire to “depart and be with Christ” (Philippians 1:23).
At the same time, the Bible clearly teaches a final resurrection of the dead, when bodies are raised and judged (John 5:28–29, Daniel 12:2). This has led many theologians to believe that while our spirit may be at peace, we await the bodily resurrection at Christ’s return.
What Are Sheol, Hades, Gehenna, and Heaven?
The Bible uses several different words to describe life after death and the unseen realm:
- Sheol (Old Testament): the general realm of the dead
- Hades (New Testament): similar to Sheol, often seen as a waiting place
- Gehenna: a place of future judgment, what we now think of as “hell”
- Heaven: the dwelling place of God — but not yet the final destination for humanity
Jesus describes the separation of the righteous and the wicked in Luke 16:19–31, showing a conscious awareness of each group before final judgment.
What About the Resurrection and Judgment?
The Bible is clear that a day is coming when the dead will rise:
📖 1 Corinthians 15:52 — “The dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”
📖 Revelation 20:11–15 — The great white throne judgment is when every person is judged according to what they’ve done.
This is when the final heaven and hell become reality — not just a temporary experience, but an eternal destination.
Heaven: A New Earth with God Dwelling Among Us
Heaven isn’t just floating on clouds. The final heaven described in Revelation is a new heaven and new earth — a redeemed, restored creation where God lives with His people.
📖 Revelation 21:3–4 — “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…”
This is the eternal home for those in Christ — with resurrected bodies, meaningful purpose, and unending joy.
Hell: A Place of Final Separation
Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in the Bible — not to scare us, but to warn us. Hell is described as a place of conscious separation, “outer darkness,” and “weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
📖 Matthew 25:46 — “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Hell is not God’s desire for anyone.
📖 2 Peter 3:9 — He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but all to come to repentance.
The Spiritual Realm Is Real — and Active
Scripture tells us that we’re surrounded by a spiritual world we cannot see.
📖 Ephesians 6:12 — “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood…”
There are angels, demons, and spiritual warfare unfolding behind the scenes of our everyday lives. Understanding the reality of the spiritual realm prepares us to stand firm in faith.
Final Thoughts
So… what happens when we die?
The Bible teaches that those in Christ are safe, whether “asleep” or “present with the Lord.” A final resurrection is coming — a day of judgment, justice, and full restoration.
This truth isn’t meant to cause fear — it’s meant to give us hope, urgency, and peace.
📖 2 Corinthians 5:1 — “We have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”
Watch or Listen
The Radiant Mission Podcast | Episode 125
Host: Rebecca Twomey @theradiantmission
Thank you for listening to The Radiant Mission podcast! We are on a mission to encourage and inspire you on your walk with Christ and as you journey through life.
In episode 143, we discuss what happens when we die and explore heaven, hell, and the spiritual realm through Scripture.
Bible Verses Mentioned
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14
- Revelation 20:12–13
- Luke 23:43
- Philippians 1:23
- John 5:28–29
- Daniel 12:2
- Luke 16:19–31
- 1 Corinthians 15:52
- Revelation 20:11–15
- Revelation 21:3–4
- Matthew 25:46
- 2 Peter 3:9
- Ephesians 6:12
- 2 Corinthians 5:1
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