When a person dies, a common response is “Rest in Peace (R.I.P.)” It’s from the Latin- Ernest Lee don’t know a lot of Latin, but here goes: In Latin, it’s requiescat in pace. The saying has been around for a long time, especially in the Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican (Church of England) denominations. It became popular in the 18th century to have it carved on tombstones. But when believers go to heaven, do they rest?
Ernest Lee has a friend who believes in SOUL SLEEP or Christian mortalism. He thinks the soul is ‘sleeping’ after death until the final resurrection. Snoring away but awaiting Christ to wake him up. There is no scriptural basis for it, but when Ernest’s friend dies, he thinks he will be resting in peace. This SOUL SLEEP idea has been around for centuries. John Calvin wrote a tract in 1534 titled, “Psychopannychia,” which contended the soul was conscious and active after death.
This same friend also believes those who die and go to hell are not eternally tormented, but destroyed. That is called annihilationism. Ernest Lee studied that garbage when he went to seminary in Scotland. Again, it ain’t in the Bible. So what happens when a person dies? Do they rest in peace? Do they become an angel? Here are four things we will do in heaven.
First, upon death, the believer enters into conscious communion with Christ. Jesus told the thief on the cross, “Today, you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43. Paul said to be absent from the body was to present with God- 2 Cor. 5:6.
Jonathan Edwards preached David Brainerd’s (the Missionary) funeral. The title of the message was “True Saints, When Absent From the Body, are Present with the Lord.” Edwards had a hard time getting the font large enough in PowerPoint to be read on the big screen by those in attendance.
Ernest Lee recommends you read the sermon. Here is a link to the transcript: https://www.apuritansmind.com/puritan-favorites/jonathan-edwards/sermons/true-saints-when-absent-from-the-body-are-present-with-the-lord/
Second, we will worship the Godhead. In Revelation 5, John wrote that we will gather around the throne and praise God. There is no church or temple in heaven. The whole place will be a place of worship. Might even be some dancing around the throne. That’s gonna be funny to watch the Baptists when that happens. They have no rhythm.
Third, we will fellowship with other believers. In Hebrews 12:22-23, the writer says we will interact with believers from throughout the ages. Ernest Lee will be reunited with his mama and daddy, his grandparents, friends, and loved ones, but he will also get to visit with Moses, Noah, David, Paul, Peter and his best friend, Christ.
Fourth, we will work and rest. Isaiah 57 and Revelation 14 says we will work and then rest. Not sure what type of work Ernest Lee will be doing in glory land, but he won’t be lounging around, plucking a miniature harp. We will rest, but it won’t be soul sleep.
What we won’t do in heaven is fly around like angels. We won’t be sitting on clouds and playing a harp. We won’t be watching over our loved ones like a guardian angel. Ernest Lee believes that angels exist and do minister to mankind, but they are not dear departed relatives. We won’t be trying to earn our wings in heaven like Clarence in A Wonderful Life. We are not going to be bored, hungry, or thirsty in heaven. We ain’t going to be sad. We won’t fall and get bruised or hurt. We won’t get sick. We won’t sin or die.
Heaven is a perfect place designed for holy people. Ernest Lee will be there because Jesus is holy, not him. Sin and all its consequences will be completely removed. We will enjoy all of the good things God intended and none of the bad things that resulted from sin.
Ernest Lee Contendin 