What Happens Next?

This article is to help us test understanding and beliefs. Please share your views in the comments box below or write to me at enquiries@holyvisions.co.uk 

Let's start a discussion.

When someone dies we say they are in Heaven. This suggests that for them, a judgement has already happened and they are now either in Heaven or hell. Let's not discuss the belief in Purgatory for now.

Jesus implies this in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Luke 16:19-31

Both individuals died and Lazarus was sent to Abraham's side (meaning Heaven), and the rich man to Hades (hell).

Also, when on the Cross, Jesus said to the repentant thief that "today" he will be in Paradise.

So, this being the case, what is, and when is the final judgement? When Jesus will come and divide the goats from the sheep?

Does our judgement happen the moment we die and we go to our eventual destination? Or do we wait for judgement day?

Also, the Bible teaches that when we are "resurrected" we will have new bodies. That is, we will not be just souls but have a body. Just like Jesus did when He was resurrected. 

When Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, (Matthew 17:1-9), the disciples saw Moses and Elijah  with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration.They recognised them as bodies not as souls, or ghosts. So what happened I wonder? Where they already resurrected in their new bodies before the "Rapture"?

How about all the people in the past like Saint Peter, Mary, Joseph, Thomas etc ... Where are they now? In Heaven as bodies or as souls? Or are they also waiting for judgement day?

Your views and comments, especially with Bible references, would be appreciated. Especially if you know any pastors etc who could add their views too. 

NOTE: CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING.

The moment you die your Particular Judgement takes place.  
It is then decided by God if you will go straight to Heaven or spend time in Purgatory or you will go straight to Hell.
No one can say that when someone dies they are in Heaven.  
Only God knows that.  
You may think that that good person is in Heaven, but you may be wrong.
 
The Final Judgement takes place at the end of the world when God will divide the sheep from the goats.
Our Particular Judgement takes place the moment we die but there is the General Judgement for all at the end of time.
When resurrected we will have new bodies.
 
Peter and the rest of the Apostles are souls in Heaven. 
They have to wait until the end of the world before they have their resurrected bodies.  
Catholics believe that Mary has her resurrected body because she was assumed body and soul into Heaven.

Victor S E Moubarak - enquiries@holyvisions.co.uk

Website - www.holyvisions.co.uk