Biblical explanation
Paul describes the Christian hope in . When Christ returns, “the dead in Christ shall rise first,” and living believers will then be caught up together with them to meet the Lord. If deceased Christians were already living consciously in heaven, the resurrection would not have the same meaning. Jesus told His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them and that He would come again and receive them to Himself (). He did not tell them that they would immediately come to Him at death. He pointed them to His return. Jesus also told Mary after His resurrection, “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father” (). The Bible's ultimate hope is therefore resurrection and restoration, not disembodied existence. At Christ's return, the righteous dead are raised, the living righteous are transformed, and together they meet Christ (; ). Scripture does contain passages that Christians have interpreted differently concerning the intermediate state, particularly and . These passages should be read alongside the many explicit passages describing death as sleep and resurrection as the future hope.
In brief
Paul describes the Christian hope in .
Bible references
Go deeper into this topic What Really Happens After Death? Start the studyThis answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.