Most professing Christians believe that they will go to heaven immediately when they die, though most aren't too sure what they will do there or what heaven is like. Some have a vague image of floating on clouds, playing harps, sprouting "angels' wings" or gazing into the face of God for eternity. Some of these ideas seem to be more a part of the culture than the specific teachings of various churches.

But what does the Bible say about what happens to Christians after they die?

What: Christians will be resurrected—brought back to life—in powerful spiritual bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42-44), like Christ's (1 John 3:2), to serve God as kings and priests (Revelation 5:10, first part). As God works (John 5:17), His children will also have productive work to do .

When: Paul said the resurrection would occur "at the last trumpet" (1 Corinthians 15:52), at Christ's return (1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:22-23). Between their deaths and the resurrection, God's faithful people "sleep" in their graves (Daniel 12:2), not yet having received the promise (Hebrews 11:39-40).

Where: "In that day His [Christ's] feet will stand on the Mount of Olives" (Zechariah 14:4), and so the saints who rose to meet Him in the air will also come back to earth (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Where will they serve as kings and priests? "And we shall reign on the earth" (Revelation 5:10, last part). This helps explain why the meek "shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5), and why Christ said, "No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven" (John 3:13).

Eventually, God's throne—the New Jerusalem—will come to earth (Revelation 21:2-4).

For More Information and for explanations of some often misunderstood scriptures, see our free booklets, What Happens After Death? and Heaven and Hell: What Does the Bible Really Teach? (www.ucg.org/booklets).