Message by Josh Mutter – May 31, 2026
Eschatology explores what the Bible teaches about the “last things,” including the future, the end of the world, and God’s ultimate plan.
Big Idea: The Christian hope is knowing that in life or death, that we are safe with Jesus.
WHAT HAPPENS IMMEDIATELY AFTER WE DIE?
A. When Christians die, we are somehow “with Christ”
Philippians 1:20-24 (NIV) I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (NIV) Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
B. What happens after we die? Three perspectives
1. Immediate Presence: conscious fellowship with Jesus right away
2. Soul Sleep: unconscious rest until the final resurrection
3. Purgatory: a process of post-death purification and preparation
HEAVEN
A. For those who accept Jesus, the afterlife is a rich, tangible reality with God
John 14:2-3 NIV My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
The centre of the Christian hope is not primarily a place, it is the promise of eternity with Jesus
B. Will we see our loved ones again?
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NIV Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him
C. Where exactly is heaven? And is heaven actually the final destination?
Revelation 21:3-5 NIV And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
HELL
A. Why does hell exist? Hell reminds us that …
- Evil matters
- Justice matters
- Human choices matter
Matthew 5:22 NIV But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
Matthew 25:30 NIV And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
B. For those who reject Jesus, the afterlife is separation from God and His goodness
C. Three perspectives on hell:
1. Eternal Conscious Punishment: Those who reject God are permanently separated from His presence under judgment
2. Conditional Immorality (or Annihilationism): Those who reject God are ultimately destroyed after judgment and cease to exist
3. Christian Universalism: Christ’s victory is so powerful that God’s love will have the final word
Prayer
Jesus, I trust you with my life. I trust you with my death. I trust you with my questions. And I trust you with my future.
You can listen to the sermon on YouTube here.
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