Where do those who die go to right now?

We know that scripture says we will all be physically raised with Christ one day to share in his new creation. But people often want to know where their loved ones go in the meantime. I would say the first question to ask is: was the person who has died a believing and baptized member of the body of Christ? If so, then the answer is comparatively easy. If not, then the answer might be harder. We always say that a person’s faith is ultimately known to God alone and, because of all sorts of circumstances, there are many people who actually do have a basic faith but it isn’t overtly expressed.

For those who are in Christ, Paul says in Philippians 1:23: “My desire is to depart and be with the Messiah, which is far better.” Being with the Messiah doesn’t tell you where, it just focuses on who; that Jesus is looking after his people. 

In John 14:2–3 Jesus says: “I’m going to prepare a place for you and then I’ll come again and take you to myself.” But the word for ‘mansion’ or ‘room’ or ‘dwelling’ is a word that you would use in Greek not for a place you’d go and live forever, but for somewhere you would stay and rest before continuing your journey. The Greek word is monē, which means: a wayside inn. It’s a blissful place. 

In Luke 23 Jesus says to the brigand crucified next to him: “today you will be with me in paradise.” Paradise is the blissful, lovely place where you’re waiting before proceeding to the final destination.

Many different cultures have obsessed about trying to get in touch with the dead and we are simply told repeatedly in scripture: They’re OK. Don’t worry about them, don’t try to contact them, trust God. It’s almost as though there’s a divine conspiracy of silence. 

I recently presided over my mother’s funeral. She was a day short of 95 and was ready to go. So, we celebrated the fact that one day God will make his new world and raise all his people from the dead, including Mum, and that we are happy to leave her at the moment safe with Jesus.

Reflect: Are you comforted by knowing that God’s people who have passed away are safe with him?

For additional resources that will help equip you to live out and share your faith, visit premierinsight.org.