What Happens to the Souls of Christians When They Die? — Luke 23:42-43

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What is a soul and what happens to the soul of a Christian upon physical death?

Upon death believers are immediately placed in the presence of their Savior.

In the Geneva Study Bible, theologians helpfully point out that

Each human being in this world consists of a material body animated by an immaterial personal self. Scripture calls this self a “soul” or “spirit.”[1]

Our souls will live forever, and believers’ souls will experience blessedness at their death. In Luke 23:42-43, we read:

And [the thief on the cross] said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

For Christians, the parting of the body and soul at death will immediately place them in the presence of Jesus Christ. The thief on the cross, Christian martyrs burned at the stake, and Christians succumbing to illness, old age, or sudden tragedy will instantly upon death have the comfort of being with their Savior. This comfort is so real and certain that the apostle Paul could write,

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” (Phil. 1:21-23; see also 2 Cor. 5:8)

The believer’s body and soul will be reunited when Christ returns at the consummation.

The believer’s separation from the body is only temporary. The Heidelberg Catechism, first published in 1563, is a highly regarded summary of the Christian faith and has the following to say about the resurrection of the body:

Q. What comfort does the resurrection of the body offer you?

A. Not only shall my soul after this life immediately be taken up to Christ, my Head, but also this my flesh, raised by the power of Christ, shall be reunited with my soul and made like Christ’s glorious body. (Heidelberg Catechism, Q & A 57)

This world is uncertain, and the mode of leaving it is also hidden from us. We can rejoice, though, that our Savior Jesus Christ has in his resurrection defeated death and hell and thereby secured a place for us in heaven with him forever. He will welcome us into his loving arms the moment our eyes close in earthly death. Whether we live or die, he cares for us and will bring us through to himself.

Rejoice, therefore, that you have a steadfast loving Shepherd, Savior, and Lord who holds your life, body and soul, in his loving hands and waits to welcome you to himself.

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Recommended:

The Christian's True Identity: What It Means to Be in Christ by Jonathan Landry Cruse

Note:

[1] Geneva Study Bible, “Body and Soul, Male and Female,” theological note on Genesis 2:7.

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