For believers, those who believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose again to save them from hell, their souls will leave their bodies, rejoice in heaven with Jesus, and will be reunited with their resurrected and perfect bodies on the Last Day. There will be no more pain, sin, or sadness. Joy will fill their hearts forever, everything will be awesome. Jesus will be there to welcome them home. All problems are gone; no more debts to pay; no more death; no more taxes; no more stress; no more sin; they will be awestruck with joy. Those who trusted in God and all his promises now will enjoy the fruits of heaven forever.
For unbelievers it will be quite different. Think about the times where one has looked back and wished one had done something differently. For instance, had one invested in gold 30 years ago, one would likely be much wealthier; or had one taken a different job, one might have been more successful. For each of these instances a person might say, “If only I’d done that back when I had the chance.” When unbelievers die, their souls will also be taken from their bodies, but will go to hell. There they will experience continuous torment and agony forever. They will be separated from God’s blessings forever. They will think, “If only I had believed in Jesus when I was on earth. If only I had grown in God’s Word instead of following the world’s desires. If only I had listened to God’s Word instead of my selfish wants. If only…” But it’s too late. This time there are no second chances; this is the unbeliever’s fate forever.
What joy for believers to know for certain that when they die they go to heaven to live forever with Jesus! They know that Jesus died for their sins and rose again so that his victory over death has opened the door to heaven for them when they die.
God’s Word on Death: NIV:
John 20: 31; But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Hebrews 3:19; So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.
-Also see; Luke 16: 20-31, Ecclesiastes 12:7, Ecclesiastes 3:1, Ecclesiastes 9: 5-6, 1Peter 1:13