Originally Posted by AC870
As far as whether we go immediately to heaven or hell or “sleep” comes from a couple verses:
Thessalonians 4:13:
13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him
those who sleep in Jesus.
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words
1 Corinthians 15:51:
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”


My wife is very convinced that we as Christians “sleep” until judgment day once we die. I’m not sure. I go back and forth. I don’t concern myself too much about that point of theology. Whether I “sleep” or go directly to heaven doesn’t matter to me so long as I get there eventually.

As Karl Childers said, it took me three years to read the Bible. I reckon I understand a great deal of it. Ummm hmmmm.



This is talking about our physical bodies. Our bodies will be glorified and made perfect. My thought is your spirit goes directly to heaven. However, as far as going straight to hell, I do know that the fiery pit is not opened yet. Jesus has the key and will open it at the end.

But, I am with you. I don’t fully understand and don’t dwell on the details but that I understand what it takees to be accepted by God