Expert: Scott Talbot - 10/9/2009

Question
i was told that once a person dies, the spirit leaves the body and Rome around the earth until Jesus Christ returns those who are saved ascends to heaven with Jesus and those who are not goes to hell.Doesn't the word of God say to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. and did Jesus not descend first defeated Satan and then ascend? How soon after does the spirit descend or ascend after death. Is it not Satan and his fallen angels the demonic forces that are in the air or is it an individuals spirit who is not saved lingering around.I believe i know the answer, i just need to know how to explain it by God's word.

Answer
Hi Cami,

It's nice to hear from you.

There are two classes of individuals--those who are "born again," "in Christ," "children of God," "saved," "redeemed"--those who accept God's free gift of salvation, who have accepted Jesus' death sentence in payment for their sins (John 3:16, John 1:12, John 5:24, Romans 10:9-13). Then there is another class--those who reject Christ's gift of salvation and who remain condemned for their sins (Romans 3:23, 6:23, Revelation 20:11-15).

One's eternal destination is decided based on whether or not he has been saved. One who is saved will spend eternity with God, and those who are not saved will spend eternity in hell.

The Bible teaches that there is a temporary abode for both classes of individuals. Those who are saved go to heaven, and those who are lost go to Hades (see Luke 16). Eventually, the saved will spend eternity with God in a new, re-created earth (2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 21:1), and the lost will be transferred to Hell (Revelation 20:11-15). These events are still future and will take place after the rapture, the 7-year Tribulation spoken of in Revelation, and the 1000-year reign of Christ on earth (Revelation 20).

I hope this helps. Feel free to write back if I can be of further assistance.

Scott