What happens to our souls when we die? Across the ages, many people have offered ideas on our destiny after death. But what does the Bible say?

The Old Testament says that when we die, our bodies will return to the earth but that our souls will return to God (Ecclesiastes 12:7). And here in the New Testament the apostle Paul describes death for believers as being "asleep" in Christ (see also 1 Corinthians 15:20; July 26). Some Christians have suggested that when we die, we are in a state of "soul sleep"—but that may not be the best way to describe it. There's also the promise from Jesus to the thief on the cross: "Today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43).

In addition, the apostle Paul provides a promise in 1 Thessalonians 4, describing one of the most striking scenes in the Bible about the Lord's return. With the shout of the archangel and the blast of a trumpet, the Lord Jesus will descend from heaven. All who belong to Jesus will be raised from the dead, and the living will be gathered to him.

And here Paul supplies an indelible, eternal promise: "We will be with the Lord forever." With this assurance we can be filled with hope and encourage one another.