“He has also set eternity in the hearts of men” (Prov 8v23). Mankind was created to live for eternity. Although death came into the world through the fall, we still believe that mans spirit and soul will live for eternity. We also believe that although our bodies may die there will one day be a bodily resurrection for all who have died.
This teaching is found in the Old Testament where Daniel says “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt” (12v2); in the gospels where Jesus said “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out— those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.” (John 5v28-29); and in the epistles where Paul said “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord for ever.” (1 Thess 4v13-17)
These scriptures and others, teach us that when Christ returns all those who have died throughout history, will be physically resurrected and will be joined with those who are alive at His coming.
The Bible says “man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Heb 9v27). After we have been resurrected we will all, have to stand before Gods throne and be judged. The Bible says that “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Rev 20v11). The scriptures about hell teach us that it is an actual place where people will physically go, that it is a place of torment and it is eternal with no chance of redemption. The Bible also shows us that God only created hell for the devil and his angels, but people effectively choose to go there because of their rejection of Jesus. It is the only way a righteous God can punish sin and mans unbelief in His Son.
Heaven on the other hand is a wonderful place where we will see Jesus face to face! We will live with Him for eternity. Their will beno more curse and the effects of the curse will be broken. We will have a resurrected body and will reign with Jesus for ever. This is the Christians glorious hope (Rev 22). Only those that have given their lives to Jesus will be able to enter heaven “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14v6)