What Happens When We Die?

For sure, when a Christian dies, each is safe in the arms of Jesus; however:

1 Corinthians 3: 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation [of Jesus Christ] survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

Which, to me at least, suggest a remedial redemption, not for justification, however, since that has been taken care of once and for all. Slavic redemption, however, must be appropriated. The question is: is that incremental or not? Certainly, in this life, for the most part, I would say: yes, it is—we grow spiritually, and in character. Now, we all must give an account of our behavior, should we expect instantaneous perfection at death or not. In other words, is it possible that the Catholics had it right all along, and that there is indeed some type of purgatorial process at death.

Yes, we shall be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. The question is, however, changed into what? The perfect image of Christ? Where is the loss suffered in such cases, if not, then when is the process completed? There is no loss suffered if for instance you are automatically made perfect without any ability for growth. None of us is saved by the works of the law; however, we are rewarded according to the works of love. Again, however, we must say that these works of charity are not redemptive in and of themselves, but only reflect the incremental process of redemption. This can only be understood if and when theologically the terms redemption and justification are considered in the context of sanctification.

C. S. Lewis talked about a “getting cleaned up” anteroom following death. None of us would even consider going into the very presence of Almighty God with some of the smut we have acquired down here. Not sin, but the smut of ego, ambition, half-heartedness, and so forth. Mortal sins and those unwashed by the redeeming power of Christ we know are disallowed from ever entering Heaven; yet, none of us has been shaped into the perfect image of Christ (Romans 8:29 et. al.) down here. At least I should say no one I know, or have met, including Mother Teresa. We all have the smudge of veniality clinging to us, and that Christ purposes to rectify, too.

When, and how? is the question. Again, the question remains, are the works burned up (1 Corinthians 3:15) a purgatorial process--that is a cleaning up, getting rid of the rubbish process, or not.

Being instantly changed, or to be forever with the Lord, does not answer those questions entirely, as far as I am concerned. When? Of course, at the moment of death. How? Most certainly through Christ’s redeeming grace. Yet, the question is, should we factor in a process? I would say: yes, if we are going to stick to the principle of free will. God doesn’t, in my opinion, cram anything down the throat of anyone, not even in Heaven. So, this is, and must be a willing participation on our part. A process of molding and understanding, education, if you please. Call this purgatory, or an anteroom, whatever; it seems to me a must. Is it instant? Most likely so, since with God not only are all things possible; and also with God there is no time, as we understand time, but rather the relational time of eternity.

Bottom line? The mystery of godliness. In all clarity, however, I must point out that any indulgence in this life or the life to come for one who lives in a mortal sin can ever expect to be redeemed. Death puts a seal on that. So, why should anyone ever want to take a chance on that? We are saved in, through, and by Him. There is no other way. That I must accept. How He does it is His concern, not mine. I simple give Him thanks for doing it. So, why should we tie ourselves all up in theological knots over the process, as long as we are faithfully doing our best? One thing is for sure, no one but He can do it for us. No saint, no indulgence, no act of the Law, even that of the law of love can without Christ save us. And, if that is the case--and it is--all else is peripheral and in most cases nonsense in that regard. 

Blessings,

JimR_/