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What happens when you die? Posted on June 02 2011 Question: Thu, June 02, 2011 Question by Lisa Blake: I was reviewing the Bible passage we looked at in church on Sunday about Jesus teaching Nicodemus and I'm getting a bit confused on John 3:13 which says, "No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man." Yet, in Luke 23:42-44, Jesus tells one of the criminals crucified with him that he will be with him that day in Paradise. Am I just missing the context in John? The Bible talks about us in "sleep" when we die. Are we "sleeping," waiting for Jesus' Second Coming before we ascend to be with the Lord in Paradise? Answer: Dear Lisa, Let's see if we can bring some clarity to it. Let's first address what happens to people when they die. After this we'll look at the John passage. At the moment of death, when the spirit or soul leaves the human body, there is an immediate preliminary judgment on the soul (the body's in the ground). The soul of the unpenitent, unregenerate, unbeliever goes directly to hell and the soul of the penitent, regenerate, believer goes directly to heaven (Luke 16:19-31; Luke 13:1-5; Ecclesiastes 12:7; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23). So yes, the thief on the cross entered heaven along with Jesus that very day - although both of their lifeless bodies remained behind (Luke 23:43, 46). Presumably the other thief, because he continued to rail against Christ and showed no signs of repentance and faith, went to hell upon his death even though his body remained on the cross. As for the familiar use of the word "sleep" in place of the word "death," it's use is justified when we understand what is meant by the term. Since there will be a future resurrection for all - the just (regenerate) and the unjust (unregenerate), "sleep" is the term often used to describe the state of the body between its death and resurrection (John 11:11-14; 1 Corinthians 15:49-51). Scripture makes it clear that the burial or disposal (however it takes place - burning, consumed by animals, crushing, at sea, etc.) of the body is temporary. At the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, every human being who ever lived (and subsequently died) from Adam until the day of His return, will be resurrected from the dead - BODILY - and at that time their soul or spirit will re-join it. Then the great judgment. Then the body and the soul (re-united) of the unregenerate will be cast into hell forever; while the body and soul (re-united) of the regenerate will be taken to heaven forever (although changed - glorified) (Revelation 20:11-15; Matthew 10:28; John 5:22-29; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 49-52). So what is Jesus saying to Nicodemus? Knowing what we know above (and Jesus obviously knew these things), it must mean something different than whether or not one goes to heaven or hell when he dies. We already know what happens when we die. The Scripture is not ambiguous in this matter. So Jesus must be referring to something else, right? Right. He is. Let's look at the verse (John 3:13): "No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man." Remember what the three most important words in real estate are? Location, location, location. Well, the three most important words with respect to biblical interpretation are: Context, context, context. For the last 12 verses Jesus has been engaged in a deep discussion with a highly trained theologian about how is it possible for an individual to understand and enter the kingdom of God (or heaven). Nicodemus was already puzzled by what he was hearing out of the mouth of our Lord which led him to pose the "How can?" question (v.4). Jesus gives him the answer in verses 5-8, but Nicodemus didn't understand His answer nor did he like it - so he asked it again in verse 9: "How can?" Now Jesus gives him a mild rebuke (v.10), because as a Bible teacher he should have known his theology better than this. But instead of receiving Jesus' rebuke he rejected it. Now the mild rebuke escalates to a gentle scolding. And rightfully so. Nicodemus had witnessed his miracles and listened to his teaching for the entire week at the Feast (prior to this conversation). This is what lead him to seek him out at night in the first place. And instead of learning from the Master, he became guilty of resisting what Jesus was teaching him. Jesus rebukes him for his unbelief - "...we speak of what we know...but you do not receive our testimony." (v.11). Now verse (v.12). Jesus rebukes him further by saying, "If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?" It's as if Jesus said - look Nicodemus, "If I tell you things that are plain as the hand before your face and you don't believe me, what use is there in telling you of things you can't see, the things of God?" (The Message). Now the text you asked about (v.13): "No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man." In other words, He's saying to Nicodemus - look Nicodemus, you've never been to heaven; you don't know what you're talking about and yet your doubting Me. I have been to heaven. I came from there. I know what I'm talking about. Why won't you listen to me? John MacArthur comments on this verse are helpful. He says, "This verse contradicts other religious systems' claims to special revelation from God. Jesus insists that no one has ascended to heaven in such a way as to return and talk about heavenly things. Only He had His permanent abode in heaven prior to His incarnation and, therefore, only He has the true knowledge regarding heavenly wisdom." This encounter, as awkward and as uncomfortable as it was for Nicodemus, changed his life forever (not to mention his destiny). This Pharisee and religious leader became a disciple of Jesus in the end (John 19:38-41). I trust this has helped you understand this passage sister. Steve Chapman Tags: Death - Heaven - Hell - Judgment - Resurrection - Second Coming		Tags Election Resurrection Death Spiritual Growth Godhead Bible Divinity Second Coming Depravity of man Trinity Sinning saints Redemption Spiritual Appetite God of Israel God's blessing Hell The human will Commercialism Divine Judgment Most recent entries Struggling with the “Trinity” Is there one God or many; one Lord or many? When the redeemed sin and God still blesses If God exists why is there evil? Pre-Tribulation Rapture nonsense Should I be concerned if I don’t read the Bible? What happens when you die? Death of children Human ability vs. Divine election Most Popular Questions Human ability vs. Divine election (881 views) Death of children (790 views) Pre-Tribulation Rapture nonsense (610 views) What happens when you die? (557 views) When the redeemed sin and God still blesses (532 views)