The explanation of the catechism speaks of perhaps more than what we bargain for. It speaks of what happens after death and is always a burning question to the child of God also. We can take comfort and live and even die in comfort!

We deal with death which brings questions. It is real for ALL of us and a reality living in the shadow of death. There is however no condemnation for us in Christ Jesus and death is a portal into glory. But what happens after death? We turn to the Word of God but realize some things are kept a mystery to us. Like Paul, unspeakable things are not told us but scripture is very plain on some things:

1. When we die we are immediately in glory! (The malefactor on the cross)

2. To die is gain! While we grieve it is gain for those who die! They go to a greater existence!

3. We overcome this existence and all encumbrances are gone and we are delivered from this corruption.

While we sorrow here below the saints in glory rejoice! Death severs body and soul and that is what death is. Those who die SING and REJOICE in glory with those who have gone before. Paul speaks in II Cor. 5 that there is a house of God and a house not made with hands in the Heavens. We receive a house or tabernacle in which we can function in our person until the final resurrection. It is a dwelling we can occupy in our soul! The one who dies is given an existence for his soul in which he can function in glory and has a presence with our Lord Jesus Christ in glory!

The child of God must keep in focus the final end and the glory of God when He comes again. And we will be united in body and with Him forevermore. The promise is not to be in the "intermediate state" but to be with Christ in final glory with ALL things lifted into final glory! The souls cry "how long oh Lord!" They are not complaining, but yearning for final glory and perfection when we are raised from the dead. Both good and evil will be raised and both when they die meet their Maker and their judgment also will be united with their body to final damnation forevermore. Our body too will be raised. THIS body will be raised into glory! (And is why God creates us who we are from all eternity.) And we will be "like unto our Lord Jesus Christ!" We have corruption in our birth, but have glory in our RE-birth and we are raised in glory to God's glory in our distinctive created perfected body. Sown naturally but raised a spiritual one! We will be able to recognize each other in glory, but also recognize there is a vast difference between the two realities. We will be with our Lord Jesus Christ when we die and we have every comfort in both living and dying!