Jesus has removed the barrier to reconciliation with God, so we can enjoy fellowship with God and abundant life in his kingdom even now. And yet there’s much more to come! When a believer in Christ dies, we grieve their loss. But we know they are in the Lord’s presence in a greater way than we experience now. So while death brings sadness, it has become, through Christ, a bridge into God’s presence.

And there’s still more! When Jesus comes again, all believers—those who have died and those who are still alive—will be transformed physically and spiritually, with glorious, imperishable bodies (1 Corinthians 15:50-55).

God will bring his “New Jerusalem” to a renewed earth, where he will live with his people forever. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, because the Lord will make everything new.

What about Judgment Day? Yes, it’s coming (Revelation 20:11-15), but “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). So it’s crucially important that we surrender ourselves to Christ and accept his free gift of salvation.

Then we can serve him with our whole lives, urging everyone to turn to God in repentance and faith so that they too may have eternal life. In the Lord we can live in hope and anticipation and without fear.