THE STATE OF THE SAVED AFTER DEATH (view two cont'd)

   Philippians 1:21-23

  Introduction:

       A.  Review

  1.  View two continued

       B.  If it's true that since the resurrection of Christ saved people who die go                 directly to Heaven, and

            I think it is, then several passages are more easily understood.

            1.  II Corinthians 12:2-4

                 a.  The man in Christ was caught up to the third heaven which is                                  God's dwelling place (V3)

                      and to Paradise. (V4)      Third heaven = Paradise

                 b.  Paradise is now in HEAVEN.

            2.  Revelation 2:7

                 a.  The tree of life is in the Paradise of God, and according to                                         Revelation 22:2, the tree of life

                      is in Heaven.

                 b.  Paradise is in HEAVEN.

            3.  Revelation 6:9-10

                 a.  John saw the souls of martyred christians under the altar and the                           altar was in front of God's

                      throne. (Revelation 8:1-3)

                 b.  These christians were in HEAVEN.

            4.  Philippians 1:21-23

                 a.  Did Paul desire to go to Hades when he died?

                 b.  Paul desired to go to be with Christ who is in                                                                  HEAVEN. 1 Peter 3:22

            5.  Acts 7:54-56,59

                 a.  Stephen called on Jesus , "Receive my spirit."  Jesus is in                                          HEAVEN.

            6.  11 Corinthians 5:6-8

                 a.  When we are absent from the body, we are present with the Lord.

            7.  1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

                 a.  Whether we die before the second coming or are still alive, we will                           live together with Christ.

            8.  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

                 a.  God will bring with Him those who died in Christ. V14  Where will                            God descend from?

                      Where have those souls been? HEAVEN.

  Conclusion:

      A.  The spirit/soul of a saved person goes to Heaven when he dies awaiting                the final judgment and

            his eternal reward.  1Timothy 4:6-8   Am I prepared to die?