What Happens When We Die?

Last week in the news we listened to reports about the death of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and, of course, the biggest headline, the death of Michael Jackson at age 50. This week, the story that impacted me more than all three accounts of last week was the death of King of Pitchmen Billy Mays. His infectious enthusiasm and animated personality made Billy Mays someone who resonated with vibrant life. His death was completely unexpected.

With so much death in the news, maybe it has you thinking about your own mortality: What if I were to die tonight? Am I ready to face death? And what will heaven be like?

Most of us spend some time wondering about death and what happens to us after we die. One site visitor, while working with children was presented with the question, "What happens when you die?" He didn't quite know how to answer the child, so he submitted the question to me, with further inquiry: "If we are professed believers, do we ascend to heaven upon our physical death, or do we 'sleep' until our Savior’s return?" The Bible reveals several truths about the afterlife. This study will take a comprehensive look at what the Bible says about death, eternal life and heaven.

• Read: What Does the Bible Say About Death, Eternal Life and Heaven?