The great future hope we have for the next life is life. Not an ethereal, floaty, disembodied intangible existence. New bodies, experiencing a new life forever, never again to be corrupted through sin or under the curse.

25 I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27 NIV

Life After Death

One of the greatest honors I have in serving as a pastor is spending time with those who are close to death. For those who have faith in Christ, it is nothing short of miraculous how peace and hope prevail with each finite breath taken. Sometimes I’ll ask those under my spiritual care, “Where do you want to go in your new body?” Or “where will you take me in the new heavens and new earth?” I’ve heard some incredible responses to those questions. One dear brother said, “I want to go wherever Jesus is”. Others have mentioned visiting childhood hometowns from decades past. Still others speak of people they would like to visit in eternity, such as family, friends, and people mentioned in the Scriptures. 

For some whom I’ve visited, they have had a more incorporeal hope. An idea of existing as a disembodied ghost-like figure in the life after. In these cases, there can be great encouragement and cause for joy as they consider the promise of the bodily resurrection. The great future hope we have for the next life is life.

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