Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 2/15/2011

Question
Where are the dead? Are they sleeping? I have heard a reference to this in the old testament. Do they go to heaven immediately? Jesus told the theif on the cross "today thou shalt be with me in paradise"

Answer
Hi Susan,

Thanks for this great question.  The dead go immediately to their eternal destiny after death.

Hebrews 9:27 (AV)
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:


Jesus told us that after death immediately Lazarus went to Paradise (Abraham's Bosom# and the rich man went to hell.

Luke 16:22–23 #AV#
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.


Paul tells us that as a believer he expected to be with Jesus immediately after death, even though he would be absent from the body.

Philippians 1:21–23 #AV#
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

2 Corinthians 5:6–8 #AV#
6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 #For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.


I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don