Back in theology school, the topic of what followed after death was often raised severally, igniting many debates. As a class, we saw it better to consult with the local churches’ priests and other clergy members for clarification. The research lasted an entire week until all class members acquired answers to all the questions. Coincidentally, last week, my online Christian forum discussed whether most people go to Heaven. Since I had information from the research I had done in theology school, I guided the forum on the discussion. So, do most people go to Heaven?
The Bible gives guidance on the possible outcomes in Mathew 7:13-14. In verse fourteen, the Bible says that few will enter the gate that leads to life. On the other hand, in Revelation 7:9, the Scripture states that many people will go to Heaven. The verse mentions that an uncountable multitude will be in Heaven; people from every nation, tribe, people, and tongue.
Please join me in the article below as we look at the topic of the final destination. We will delve into determinants for one to go to Heaven and hell and when this happens. There are plenty of discussions on this topic which I have highlighted as well. Read on to find out more.
Do our souls go to Heaven or hell immediately after death?
According to the Scripture, believers go to Heaven when they die. In Luke 23:39-43, Jesus was at the cross and spoke to one of the criminals, saying that he would be with him in paradise that day. In this regard, Jesus promised the repentant thief they would go to Heaven that same day. –
Besides teachings from the Scripture, there are various denominations across the globe that have different teachings regarding what happens to souls after death. For instance, the Catholic denomination implies that souls go to purgatory after death.
It is a concept that many denominations greatly debate about. As for the Seventh Day Adventists and Jehovah’s Witness denominations, they believe that when one dies, they remain in an unconscious state called soul sleep.
When does your soul go to Heaven after your death?
The various denominations have different teachings about when a soul goes to Heaven after death. As mentioned, Catholics believe in hell, Heaven, and purgatory, where those deemed for salvation go to receive purification. Further on, they imply that those in purgatory will go to Heaven since it is a temporary place. Also, they believe that those free from sin go directly to Heaven.
On the other hand, Seventh-Day Adventists believe in soul sleep. They hold the belief that Jesus will return at the end of time. All those who have died while believing in Christ will resurrect and go to Heaven.
What determines if you go to Heaven or hell?
According to teachings from the Scripture, those who believe in God and live according to the Word will go to Heaven. In John 3:3, Jesus says that only those born anew can see the kingdom of God.
In Mathew 7:21, Jesus mentioned through his teachings that only those who follow the will of God will go to Heaven. He says that not all who call on his name will enter the Kingdom of God. In this regard, those who fail to follow the will of God may go to hell.
What happens to people who neither make it to Heaven or hell?
The Scripture does not describe what happens to people who neither make it to Heaven nor hell. However, different denominations give various explanations. For instance, the Catholic teachings go back to the explanation of purgatory, where souls receive purification.
The Orthodox Church teaches that souls experience a foretaste of hell or Heaven after death. They believe the departed souls’ family, friends, and church may pray for a soul in hell to go to Heaven. These are just some of the teachings in a few denominations. Since there are different contradicting teachings, one may rely on the denomination’s teachings.
Will more people go to Heaven or hell?
It is not clear whether more people will go to Heaven or hell. In Mathew 7:13-14 Jesus says that getting into the gates of Heaven is hard, and, as a result, a few will enter.
On the other hand, in Revelation, John’s vision of Heaven reveals that there will be many people in all manner of tribes in Heaven. It may be unclear whether more people will go to Heaven or hell since the two verses contradict.
Who does the Bible say will not go to Heaven?
According to the teachings of the Bible, those who do not abide by God’s will not go to Heaven. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, the Scripture states the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God. The same verse further describes the unrighteous as idolaters, thieves, immoral, sexual perverts, and drunkards.
Revelation 21:8 describes the people who will go to hell the cowardly, murderers, faithless, sorcerers, liars, fornicators, and polluted. In this regard, those who will go to hell go against the teachings of the Scripture.
What must a person do to go to Heaven when they die?
Verses in the Bible, such as 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and Revelation 21:8, describe those who will not go to Heaven. They are those who sin and go against God’s will. However, according to teachings from the Scripture, Jesus died on the cross and wiped away our sins.
In this way, He made a way for us to be free from sin and have a pathway to Heaven. Hence, one should live in God’s will, and as John 6:47 says, one should believe in God, which ensures eternal life.
Does believing in God guarantee my eternal destination?
According to the Scripture, those who believe in God will receive eternal life. For instance, in John 3:16, the Scripture says that those who believe in God will have eternal life.
It is safe to say that believing in God will grant you an eternal destination in Heaven. You can see the same Scripture in John 6:47 as it talks about the promise of eternal life for those who believe in God.
Can people leave hell and come to Heaven if they are good?
The Bible does not have scriptures supporting this. However, according to teachings from some denominations, one’s soul can leave hell and come to Heaven if they are good. The Orthodox Church is of the idea that hell is not a permanent place. Also, family, friends, and the church may pray for those in hell to go to Heaven. In Catholic teachings, purgatory exists where those with sin will receive purification and go to Heaven.
Can people in Heaven go to hell?
The Scripture does not highlight whether those in Heaven can go to hell. From the Bible, we learn that God will grant those who believe in His will eternal life in His Kingdom. In this regard, I believe it will be unlikely that those who go to Heaven go to hell.
The vice versa is possible, as the Orthodox Church proposes. In its teachings, those who will be in hell may go to Heaven if they have committed small sin, and the church and friends prayed for forgiveness of their sins.
Can you go to Heaven or hell and come back?
Numerous stories of people imply that they have gone to hell and Heaven and come back. However, these stories remain non-factual. In Hebrews 9:27, the Scripture states that men have been appointed death once, and what follows is judgment.
Based on this verse, it refutes the claims of going to Heaven and hell and coming back. From teachings of the Scripture, it talks about Jesus’ second coming. It does not mention man coming back to life; it’s only until judgment.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
