Phil 1:21-23

Grief is real, Gain is real

• Grief - the normal response to significant loss (such as death) that may include disbelieving shock, blaming anger, fictional hope, and deep sadness
• Gain - for followers of Jesus, death is a doorway into fullness of God's presence, Kingdom, and joy

What happens when we die?

1. Our body quits working
   • Result of the Fall (Gen 3, Gen 5)
   • Recovered in the resurrection (Phil 3:21)
2. Our spirit joins Jesus immediately (2 Cor 5:1-8)
   • No soul sleep
   • No purgatory
3. Faith becomes sight (2 Cor 5:7)
   • Q: can we see what's going on?
     • A: apparently in some capacity (Rev 6)
   • Q: what are we doing?
     • A: we are worshipping and waiting
   • Q: will we see and know others?
     • A: apparently so, even if it takes a moment to recognize them (Luke 16, Heb 12, John 20)
   • Q: is this Heaven?
     • A: yes, but not in its fullness as when New Heaven and New Earth are united
4. We will give an account (2 Cor 5:10)
   • We will see that it was all worth it (no matter what "it" was)
5. Ultimate resurrection (1 Cor 15:42-44)
   • Perishable vs. imperishable
   • Dishonor vs. glory
   • Weakness vs. power
   • Natural vs. spiritual