05/31/2026
Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord
âSo we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him.â
â2 Corinthians 5:6â9
What happens to us as believers when we die? We go straight into the presence of God. The apostle Paul wrote that when we are âaway from these earthly bodies . . . then we will be at home with the Lordâ (2 Corinthians 5:8 NLT). Thereâs no waiting period or shipping delays. The moment our time on earth ends, our time in Godâs presence begins.
Thatâs why Paul wrote, âFor to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really donât know which is better. Iâm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to liveâ (Philippians 1:21â24 NLT). He wanted to continue his work on earth, but the thought of Heaven was irresistible.
When Stephen was being martyred for his faith, he was given a glimpse of glory, which he then described to the people who were putting him to death. âBut Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at Godâs right hand. And he told them, âLook, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at Godâs right hand!ââ (Acts 7:55â56 NLT).
According to Acts 6:15, âEveryone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angelâsâ (NLT). Because Stephen was seeing the other side, his face radiated Godâs glory.
When the great evangelist D. L. Moody was on his deathbed, his last words were, âIs this dying? Why, this is bliss. There is no valley. I have been within the gates. Earth is receding; Heaven is opening; God is calling; I must go.â After saying this, Moody soon breathed his last breath and passed into eternity.
It comforts me to think that when my son Christopher left this world, he was carried by angels into Godâs presence. I believe that with all my heart. And I believe thatâs true of all Christians when their lives on earth come to an end.
When we leave this world, weâll be carried by angels into the presence of the Lord, where weâll stay forever, filled with utter peace, fulfillment, joy, and awe. If we, too, could see how glorious Heaven is, Iâm sure that it would change everything about how we view death.
Enjoy this life while you can but never lose sight of what lies beyond it.
Reflection question: What are you most excited about when it comes to Heaven?
Greg Laurie