BGEA: Where does our soul go when we die if we are believers?

Where does our soul go when we die if we are believers? Does it go into some kind of sleep until the last judgment, or does it go immediately to heaven? — Mrs. V.K.

My own study of the Bible has convinced me that our souls or spirits go immediately into the presence of God when we die. The Apostle Paul wrote that those of us who are Christians "would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Although the Bible doesn't answer all our questions about life after death, it clearly tells us that we can look forward to heaven's joys when we die, if we know Christ. Shortly before His death and resurrection, Jesus told His disciples, "I am going there to prepare a place for you ... that you also may be where I am" (John 14:2-3). The Bible also says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

The most important truth I can tell you about heaven, however, is that we will be with God, and nothing evil or harmful will ever touch us again. In heaven, God "will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Revelation 21:4). Why would anyone not want to go there?

All this is possible because Jesus Christ took upon Himself the death and judgment we deserve when He died on the cross for us. And by rising from the dead, He showed that He has conquered death and Hell and Satan forever. Is your faith and trust in Him for your salvation? If not, commit your life to Him today.

49 Comments

Charles says 5.18.2013, 10:05 p.m.

Dear Maria,As a brother in Christ, I will pray for the Holy Spirit to lead you in your studies. Biblical Studies take a great deal of work. Believe me, it is worth it. I hope this will be posted. Charles, BA, MDiv

maria says 5.17.2013, 11:08 p.m.

Im so confused about all this. Im just going to have to read the bible more. Im a true believer of Jesus ill be with him someday. I'll wait

Charles says 5.15.2013, 09:36 a.m.

My belief in relation to the immortal spirit is not my own interpretation; on the contrary, it is solely based on the Word of God. I have used scripture to back it. In any case, my Jesus bless us all.

Nigel says 5.11.2013, 02:24 a.m.

When we know a bible truth to be true and even when it contradicts our personal beliefs, if we do not accept it, not only is it not biblical, it will be destructive. Base everything on the bible, scripture is not open for personal interpretation.

Nigel says 5.11.2013, 02:21 a.m.

why do you think the bible says 'the dead no not anything' when lazarus was resurrected he did not mention anything about being in Heaven. God is fair and would not send you to heaven or hell immediately then later on pull you out for judgment.

Nigel says 5.11.2013, 02:17 a.m.

The bible is clear that we remain asleep (dead) in the grave until the Resurrection. How does it make sense that we would receive our rewards before the second coming? Doug Bachelor is CORRECT! go by what scripture says instead of personal beliefs

Daniel says 4.29.2013, 07:57 a.m.

Its what we know in our hearts that's speaks the Truth, we cant find comfort by all mans words. Trust in what your heart tells you. Be kind, rewind.......Daniel

Charles says 4.17.2013, 4:04 p.m.

George Beverly Shea is know singing with the Angels. He will be sorely missed by those of us who are still on earth. God hold his soul in His hand and show love unconditional love.

Charles says 4.12.2013, 07:26 a.m.

We need to realize that Christians may differ in what they believe; however, we have the same Savior, Jesus Christ. Time and eternity are not the same.

Charles says 4.12.2013, 07:18 a.m.

I believe that the soul/spirit do not separate; on the contrary, they remain together in heaven with God. Abraham's Bosom is an Old Testament concept. The Apostles' Creed says that He descended into Hell. In any case, we believe we go to heaven.

Edgar. says 4.10.2013, 01:18 a.m.

Body dies... Spirit returns to God. And soul is with father abraham or place of tournment untill Christ returns for his holy church...To previous comment... bible is either straight forward or you need to revelation from the Holy Ghost... I

Charles says 4.2.2013, 09:48 a.m.

I know I said I would not make any more comments; however, Anne was disturbed by Rev. Bathelor's sermon. Rev. Graham is correct. May Jesus bless him and his great ministry. There is no soul-sleep. As C.S. Lewis said, death is the doorway to heaven

Anne says 4.1.2013, 12:47 a.m.

Rev. Batchelor’s sermon was disturbing. This morning the Lord put verses in my heart that brought joy and peace. One of them, Eccl. 12:7. We must always ask for a spirit of discernment and search the Scriptures. John 8:32 Bless you Rev. Graham

Charles says 3.27.2013, 07:58 a.m.

As mentioned before, the Bible teaches in many places that the soul/spirit does not sleep, on the contrary, only the body sleeps until the Second Advent. I plan to make no further comments. May God bless each and everyone of you.

Charles says 3.25.2013, 10:19 a.m.

The Bible states that Christians go to Heaven at death and at the Second Advent. 1 Corinthans 15 and II Corinthans 5:6-8. We come back with Jesus to receive our new bodies(I Thesolonians 4)May the Lord Jesus help you see the truth and rejoice in it

Charles says 3.25.2013, 09:46 a.m.

The Holy Scripture tells us that we are made up of a soul/spirit and a body. As you say, the body sleeps at death; however, the soul/spirit goes to heaven at death (II Corinthians 5:6-8 and 1 Samuel 28). There is no soul sleep/spirit sleep.

Doris says 3.22.2013, 10:26 p.m.

As Christians when we die if we immediately go to Heaven, why does it say at the resurrection the dead in Christ will rise first and those that are alive will be caught up in the air,also it says there is judgement day, who are the dead in Christ.

Charles says 3.7.2013, 4:43 p.m.

As I see it, we are trichotomous in our being. Neither the soul nor the spirit sleep; The soul/spirit leaves the body and goes to heaven until the Second Coming 1 Thessalonians 5:22-24.C.Miller, BA in German, MA in ReligionMay Jesus bless you all.

brian says 3.7.2013, 4:29 p.m.

Merv good going..

Jay says 3.1.2013, 3:34 p.m.

And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit...when he had said this, he fell asleep. Stephen's spirit went with God, his soul went to sleep, his body decomposed.

ALFRED says 2.7.2013, 3:35 p.m.

If any group of believers thinks the souls of the dead are sleeping in the same grave where the corp is laid,then Police should start arresting all at burial for burring the living not the dead

Joan says 2.3.2013, 1:22 p.m.

We no longer have to pass from this life to the next without Jesus our resurrector being by our side. I know a friend who before they was fixing to leave this world, raised their arms up to Jesus and with a smile spoke his name Jesus and then died.

Joan says 2.3.2013, 1:14 p.m.

The resurrection if Jesus said that was who he was. So that lets me know when I go to leave this world he'll be right there with me, that is my assurance. Besides that in ps and Isa was before Jesus came and died on cross and took keys from satan, we

Joan says 2.3.2013, 1:07 p.m.

I believe that we go to heaven as soon as we leave this world. The Lord said he would never leave us, never forsake us, he would go to the ends of the earth with us. The Lord also said that he was the resurrection, so why would we have to wait for

Charles says 12.18.2012, 07:25 a.m.

Today is December 18,2012. This is a special day for me; for on this day in 2006 my mother, Betty Miller, went home to heaven. On that day which seems so long ago, she saw the face of her savior Jesus Christ. She was reunited with my father too.

joe says 9.24.2012, 07:31 a.m.

I am a Born Again Christian and I used to believe that when a righteous dies he will go immediately to heaven or hell when unsaved. But as I study the Bible and the whole context concerning that matter, I found out that there is a resurrection of the dead and all the dead are sleeping right now until Jesus returns again, this is what all the apostles believed. I dont know why so many people continue to ignore this truth. Am I deceived? Hmm, I just humbled myself and I chose to believe what the Bibles says not on man's teaching . May God opens our mind to see the truth.

shomane daniels says 9.22.2012, 5:43 p.m.

its good to hear about the soul of the human body because the bilble dosent tell us everything staight forward we have to analyse and interpet for our selves and wat it is saying that when we die our souls have to be judge before we go to heaven

Charles says 8.9.2012, 10:28 p.m.

The Bible does not teach soul-sleep.

debbie says 8.8.2012, 4:39 p.m.

I heard this Pastor Doug guy this a.m. I do not know of him, however I know what the Bible says about men like him. Remember Satan turned scripture just enough to make it a lie. Sound familiar when listening to this Pastor Doug However. Its does to me

debbie says 8.8.2012, 4:36 p.m.

Gods word clearly states that we will indeed be with our Father after we take our very last earthly breath. It however is sad to think that people believe in the made up rapture. No where does Jesus say he is going to sneak in and snatch up believers

Charles says 8.7.2012, 1:36 p.m.

God's Holy Spirit is a person of the Trinity and not breathe or wind. It is the same with our spirits. Christians will be in heaven when they die;not just at the resurrection of the body.

Katrina says 8.3.2012, 4:46 p.m.

I am afraid to die. Does it hurt? -Reply from BGEA: Katrina, the page can be a help to you: http://peacewithgod.jesus.net/what-happens-when-i-die/. Also, you can click the Spiritual Help section of our website.

Charles says 6.25.2012, 1:23 p.m.

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Matthew 10:28a

Charles says 6.13.2012, 12:44 a.m.

It took the form of a dove when Jesus was baptized. The spirit in Hebrew is called the ruach of God. 6/12/2012 11:17 am This is a correction to the last statement above.

Charles says 6.12.2012, 11:17 a.m.

Was the Holy Spirit of God only breath? I don't think so. I took the form of a dove when Jesus was baptized. It is called the reach of God!

Charles says 6.12.2012, 11:12 a.m.

As the Apostle Paul said, he was caught up to the third heaven in II Corinthians 12:1-12. He was absent with the body and present with the Lord in 2 Corinthians 5:6-8. There is no soul sleep;only body sleep. Samuel's spirit did not sleep (1 Samuel)

Doug says 5.30.2012, 02:30 a.m.

Our bodies are souls What returns to God is the spirit he put in us which is breath.If our souls are immortal then the resurrection of Christ was in vain

Charles says 3.11.2012, 5:18 p.m.

Dr. Graham: you will certainly be missed when you go to heaven. When you do and after you speak to the True God, speak to my parents, Charles and Betty Miller. Tell them I will always love and miss them. They led me to Christ.

Christine says 12.16.2011, 09:29 a.m.

I, as a Christian woman, believe there is too much worry about what is happening before Rapture, Armageddon, or judgment day (whichever word you use) - rest in knowing, in the end - we will be with our Lord. That is the only thing that matters.

Charles says 11.22.2011, 00:46 a.m.

Ecclesiastes 12:7The dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God (in heaven) who gave it. James 2:26As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.2 Corinthians 5:8 To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

Love says 8.22.2011, 9:16 p.m.

I believe the Spirit goes on to be with GOD but this is great. I am glad people know the truth.

Charles says 7.29.2011, 8:44 p.m.

"Sleep" in reference to the dead refers to their bodies and not their souls. Our immortal souls/spirits continue to live with Christ until resurrection when spirit and body are reunited. Hebrews 12;22-23; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8."

Judy says 6.14.2011, 11:41 a.m.

It makes sense that if there is going to be a resurrection day then we will be in our graves until then. I read that the angels in heaven were never alive. They have been there from the beginning. The ghost that some say they see are evil. It would be nice if we go straight to heaven when we die. That's what I always believed until I started doing some research about what happens to us when we die.

E says 4.19.2011, 10:14 p.m.

The Bible does talk about sleep. i.e. when Jesus resurrected Lazarus (Luke 16:20, John 11:1-2, 12:1), Jesus said he was resting (sleep) and those who are asleep (Psalm 13:3, Matthew 27:52, Acts 7:60, 13:16, 1 Corinthians 15:16, 1 Thessalonians 4:14).

Kelly says 1.24.2011, 11:16 p.m.

“Soul sleep” is a belief that after a person dies, his/her soul “sleeps” until the resurrection and final judgment. The concept of “soul sleep” is NOT biblical. When the Bible describes a person “sleeping” in relation to death (Luke 8:52; 1 Corinthians 15:6), it does not mean literal sleep. Sleeping is just a way to describe death because a dead body appears to be asleep. The moment we die, we face the judgment of God (Hebrews 9:27). For believers, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23). For unbelievers, death means everlasting punishment in hell (Luke 16:22-23).

Merv says 12.20.2010, 3:26 p.m.

A determined study of the word "soul" will reveal it does not mean a "eternal spirit existence" after death. I grew up in a traditional Methodist Chruch home and from my own study and searching I have found many teachings that are not Biblical but almost all Christians believe them. One of them is the teaching about "immortal souls". This is completely false. We do indeed remain in the grave until the resurrection occurs. This teaching of "immortal souls" also contributes to other teachings such as "eternal hellfire" and "evil angels"! Anyways, search this for yourself with an open mind and you will discover the truth for yourself. In love, Merv

Lorne says 11.2.2010, 1:45 p.m.

Jan, I am not sure of what REV. DOUG BATCHELOR believes but I am not too concerned. I am only concerned with what the Word of God teaches. I believe that Mr. Graham has accurately interrupted the Bible when it comes to this question. God has promised us eternal life with Him and that is good enough for me.

Alene says 9.24.2010, 10:50 a.m.

It's good to hear this. I have always believed that one enters immediately into the presence of the Lord upon death. Now I find out my pastor doesn't believe the same way . There has been a big upheavel in our congregation. I wish he would read your explanation of this. My daughter found this on internet. Thanks.

JAN says 8.29.2010, 1:57 p.m.

MY HUSBAND AND I ARE CHRISTIANS AND HEARD A DISTURBING SERMON TODAY FROM "AMAZING FACTS" THAT WE SLEEP UNTIL JUDGEMENT AND DO NOT GO TO HEAVEN IMMEDIATELY. HE USED SCRIPTURE, IE. KING DAVID, " ASLEEP", LAZARUS " ASLEEP", THIS UPSET US GREATLY. DO YOU KNOW OF THIS MAN "REV. DOUG BATCHELOR" AND HIS BELIEFS?