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.

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.

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