JH asks about near-death experiences (NDE) and life after death. Are NDE “real or just dreams?” Also, “when we die, do we go directly to heaven and see our loved ones? Or are we held in a different realm until judgment day? If we are held, are we asleep or awake and alive there?
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JH, thank you for your intriguing questions! Here are a few general responses along with some recommended resources for follow up.
The interest in NDE (near death experiences) has grown considerably in recent years, partly due to medical advances that allow individuals to “linger longer” between life and death. Many apparently legitimate reports seem to undergird the idea that some type of existence lasts beyond this physical life, which is clearly what the Bible affirms and what the resurrection of Jesus points to. Each instance must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, but the first-hand reports of at least some who’ve had an NDE seem to confirm a life after death. Some amazing stories are presented in Lee Strobel’s book, The Case for Heaven.
If you’re interested, I’d recommend an online event hosted by another Christian ministry, Reasons to Believe, on the subject of NDE. This will undoubtedly be an enlightening discussion by very reputable people–a biochemist and a retired cardiologist. Information is just below:
Date: Dec. 2, 2025
Time: 12:00–1:30 PM (PT)
Location: Reasons to Believe YouTube Channel
Second, Scripture offers some guidance regarding what happens right after death, even though it may not answer all of our likely questions. But here are several points that might help.
- In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus describes the lives and post-mortem experiences of a rich man and Lazarus. While some take this to be a parable and not about real people, many—like me—take this as offering a general descriptions of the reality of after-death experience. Several facts, like the mention of specific names, are not typical of mere parables. Anyway, the account strongly suggests that death will take people to one of two places: a place of torment and a place of paradise. The implication is that the individuals are definitely conscious in some sense.
- In Luke 23:39-43, Jesus tells one of the thieves being crucified with him, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” The short statement confirms that his destination will be immediate after death, and it also agrees with the earlier passage in Luke 16.
- In 2 Corinthians 5:8 Paul says that he would prefer to be “away from the body and at home with the Lord.” Given the context of the earlier verses, it’s clear that Paul is talking about his own mortal body and that death would take him from that body—that “tent”—and transfer him to the presence of God.
- It’s also important to know, or remember, that the “resurrection” that Paul discusses in 1 Corinthians 15 (and mentions numerous times elsewhere), is a resurrection of the body; it’s not a resurrection of the soul or spirit. See Romans 8:23.
- There will be a “final judgment” after the return of Jesus and after the resurrection of the dead. However, the purpose of this judgment is not to disclose who’s saved and who’s not–like we’ll be waiting around with our fingers crossed. It will be the time for God to render the final and forever judgment to Satan and his angels and for God to judge all of humanity “according to their works.” For more on this, see our article, “If God is loving, how could He condemn people to an eternity of suffering in hell?“
All of these passages convincingly dispute the claim that after our death, but before the final judgment, we will just “sleep” in total unconscious existence. To the contrary, they offer much encouragement to the Christian believer, whose immediate after-death joy is “guaranteed” by the Spirit whom God has given (2 Cor. 5:4-5; 2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13-14).
While contemporary NDEs may help support the belief in life after death, we should not forget that the best evidence is the bodily resurrection of Jesus. That is the basis for the Christian faith and the foundation for our hope of eternity. (You can search for “resurrection” and locate articles on our website.)
I hope these considerations are helpful. May you be drawn closer to the God who is preparing something much better for us (John 14:2-3; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Rev. 21:1-2).
~ Dr. Rich Knopp
