Fay Weldon went through what she thought was a near-death experience when an allergic reaction stopped her heart. When telling her story, she said that a “terrible creature” tried to pull her through pearly gates—while doctors tried to pull her back to life. Later, she said, “If that was dying, I don’t want to do it again. It’s just more of the same. More struggle.”

Dying can seem really scary to many of us. But death doesn’t need to be a frightening ‘unknown’ to Christians—we know, from the Bible, that it will bring us to heaven. In Revelation, John gives a wonderful description of what life with God will be like after we die (21:1-4). He sees the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven. The earthly city of Jerusalem was a symbol for God’s people of God’s presence (PS. 76:2). The New Jerusalem, on the other hand, will not be made by human hands. It will be a place where God actually lives with His people forever. And it will be a place of “no more”—no more pain, sadness or sickness.

We don’t know loads about life after death. But we do know that for Christians, whatever our struggles are now, they will end at heaven’s gates. Life with God will be better by far.

By: Mike Wittmer

To Pray About . . .

Father, no matter what happens, I believe that I have a place in heaven to look forward to, and to enjoy You forever.