What happens to a believer who dies?

As a believer, when you die your body will return to dust, but your Soul and Spirit, the eternal part of you, will immediately be in the presence of God (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). At judgment day all people will stand before Christ for Judgment. We will all receive a resurrected body at that time that will be joined again with our Soul and Spirit, thus we will stand before God Spirit, Soul and Body.

We as believers do not need to fear this judgment as our sins have already been judged at the cross of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). We can look forward to this time, as we will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ to receive rewards for our good works.

What are Good Works?

“If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward ”(1 Corinthians 3:12-14 NIV).

Good works are the things we have done here on earth out of obedience and in a relationship with Jesus. These good works will be rewarded at the final judgment. When all our works are tested by fire at the end, only the good works will survive and be rewarded. Every work that is burnt up by fire is called ‘dead works’. Dead works are those works not done out of obedience, but by our flesh and own efforts. Unfortunately, these works cannot be rewarded.

What about non-believers?

Non-Believers will also face judgment, but their judgment is different to the believer’s judgment. It will be called the ‘Great White Throne Judgment’ (Revelations 20:11-15). Unfortunately, people who don't know Christ will be condemned to death and hades. Death is eternal separation from God. Therefore, it is so important that we make every effort to tell people about the wonderful gift of eternal life in Christ.