If you are facing a decision regarding life support, it may be helpful to know what the Bible teaches about death. Why do we die? What happens in the moment a believer dies physically?

According to God's word, death is inevitable. In fact, you and I are one day closer to death and eternity than we have ever been before. God's word warns us: "It is appointed unto all men once to die, and then the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). Death comes for us all. Neither wisdom nor wealth can prevent it: "All can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others" (Psalm 49:10). We all face the same end, unless Jesus returns first: "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14).

On a tombstone in Sevenoaks, Kent, England is found these words:

"Grim death took me without any warning
I was well at night, and dead in the morning."

It can happen that way for any of us.

Why does death exist? If God were all-loving, he'd want to destroy death, we assume. If he were all powerful, he could. But he doesn't. Why?

Here's the simple answer: because of sin. The thief on the cross said, "We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve" (Lk. 23:41). The Bible agrees: "Sin entered the world through man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all have sinned" (Ro. 5:12). This wasn't God's intention. He created a perfect world for his children. But when sin entered, death stayed. Death exists, not because God doesn't love us or isn't powerful, but because of sin.

Sometimes we die because of our own sin, as did the thief at Jesus' side. Sometimes we die because of the sins of others, as when a drunk driver kills a child. Sometimes we die because of the sin of humanity, for this is the lot of life on this fallen planet. But we all die.

God doesn't stop death, so that we'll not live forever in our fallen world and bodies. In Genesis 3 God knew that if Adam and Eve ate from the tree of life after their sin, they would live forever in their fallen, sinful condition. So in his merciful grace, he barred the way. Now by death, we are set for eternity with him.

God's word is clear: "Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable" (1 Cor. 15.50). Physical death frees us to live forever in glorified bodies with God in his heaven. Then one day, death will be destroyed forever: "Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of five" (Rev. 20:14). His word promises: "There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Rev. 21:4).

What happens in the moment when a person dies? First, we are with Christ, if Jesus is our Lord. Jesus told the thief at his side, "Today you will be with me in paradise" (Lk. 23:43). "Paradise" was a Persian word for the walled garden of the king. Not only would the thief receive eternal life, he would spend it with the King himself. Jesus taught us that the moment we die, the angels carry us to God's side (Lk. 16:22). When we close our eyes here we open them there. We will never die (Jn. 11:26; Philippians 1:23). We are forever and always with Jesus.

Second, we're home. Paul said, "We would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:8). Imagine a small boy who falls asleep in the back seat of the car. When the family gets home, his father picks him up and carries him into the house. When he wakes up, he's home. That's exactly what happens for God's children.

Third, death is glory. It is paradise, as Jesus said. Paul said "to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21), for "blessed are the dead who die in the Lord" (Rev. 14:13). We will gain imperishable, glorified, spiritual bodies (1 Cor 15:42-44), and be like Jesus (1 Cor. 15:49). We will know God and each other as we are known (1 Cor. 13.12). And we will eat of the tree of life and live forever (Rev. 22).

However, remember a fourth fact: death is eternal punishment for nonbelievers. So be ready now. The Lord said to King Hezekiah, "Put your house in order, because you are going to die" (2 Kings 20:1). If you are prepared, there is nothing to fear in death, for it is but the next step to life.

The famous evangelist Dwight Moody, on his deathbed, said, "If this is death, it is sweet. There is no valley here. Dwight! Irene! I see the children's faces. God is calling me. I must go. Earth recedes. Heaven opens before me."

If Jesus is your Lord, when you die you won't. Instead, you'll see God. And you'll be safely home.