Q37. What blessings do believers receive from Christ when they die?
When believers die, their souls are made perfectly holy and immediately go to be with God in glory. Their bodies, still belonging to Christ, rest in the grave until the resurrection.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Hebrews 12:23
“To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,”
2 Corinthians 5:1, 6, 8
“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. … Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: … We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”
Philippians 1:23
“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:”
Luke 23:43
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
1 Thessalonians 4:14
“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”
Isaiah 57:2
“He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.”
Job 19:26–27
“And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What happens to believers when they die?
- 2
Why is it comforting to know that a believer's body still belongs to Christ even after death?
- 3
If a Christian you know has died, what does this answer tell you about where they are right now?
Illustration
When a family goes on a trip, sometimes some members arrive first while others come later. But everyone ends up together. When a believer dies, their soul goes to be with God right away. Their body waits, like luggage that will catch up, until the resurrection.
Application
Because Jesus has defeated death, you do not need to be afraid of it. Ask God to help you trust that he holds every believer safe, both those who are living and those who have died.