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When we die, where do we go? Before the resurrection and final judgment, Scripture teaches that believers enter what’s often called the intermediate state—a temporary place of rest and fellowship with God while awaiting the resurrection of the body. The Bible gives us two main pictures of this place: “Paradise” and “Abraham’s Bosom.”
Lets start with understanding each of these so we can see exactly where we go when we did on earth.
1. Abraham’s Bosom — The Place of Comfort Before Christ’s Resurrection
Before Jesus’ death and resurrection, the righteous dead were said to be in Abraham’s Bosom. The term comes from Luke 16:19–31, where Jesus tells the story of the rich man and Lazarus.
“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments…” — Luke 16:22–23 (KJV)
In this passage, Lazarus—the poor beggar—is comforted in Abraham’s Bosom, while the rich man suffers in torment. There’s a “great gulf fixed” between them, meaning no one can pass from one side to the other.
This reveals a few key truths:
The righteous and unrighteous are separated after death.
The righteous are conscious and comforted.
Abraham’s Bosom was a real, distinct place—not heaven itself, but a place of rest awaiting the redemption Christ would bring.
Before the cross, believers were still under the effect of sin’s curse, even though they had faith. The final atonement had not yet been completed, so they could not yet enter directly into God’s full presence in heaven.
2. Paradise — The Place Believers Go After Christ’s Victory
When Jesus was crucified, one of the thieves on the cross cried out for mercy:
“Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”
And Jesus said unto him, ‘Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.’ — Luke 23:42–43
That very day, the thief was with Christ in Paradise. This word points to the blessed state of believers who die after Christ’s resurrection. It’s no longer a waiting area like Abraham’s Bosom—it’s the direct presence of God.
In 2 Corinthians 12:2–4, Paul describes a man (most believe he’s speaking of himself) who was “caught up to the third heaven… caught up into paradise.” Paul’s description links Paradise directly with heaven, the dwelling place of God.
So after Jesus’ resurrection, the righteous dead are no longer in Abraham’s Bosom but in Paradise—the heavenly realm with Christ Himself.
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:8
This verse confirms that believers who die now immediately enter into the presence of Christ, not into an intermediate holding place.
3. Did Jesus Empty Abraham’s Bosom?
Ephesians 4:8–10 gives us an important clue:
“When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men… He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens.”
Many scholars believe this means that when Jesus descended to the lower parts of the earth (the realm of the dead), He proclaimed victory and brought the souls of the righteous—those in Abraham’s Bosom—into heaven with Him.
This aligns with the idea that Abraham’s Bosom was a temporary state for the faithful before Christ’s redemptive work was finished. After His resurrection, that separation was removed.
Now, Paradise is not a place beside heaven—it is heaven.
4. What About Unbelievers?
The story in Luke 16 also reminds us that unbelievers remain in a place of torment, awaiting final judgment at the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11–15). Their condition is one of conscious suffering, just as the rich man experienced.
There is no second chance after death—no crossing over, no purgatory. The decisions made in this life determine eternal destiny.
“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” — Hebrews 9:27
5. What This Means for Believers Today
It is important to remember and be thankful that now when we did in Chirst we go directly to heaven with God. We do not go to abrahams bossom any longer.
In the intermediate state we stay with God in Heaven until Christ’s second coming when we meet him in the air with those who are raptured.
For followers of Christ, death is not the end—it’s a doorway into His presence. We don’t enter a shadowy waiting room but a place of comfort, joy, and worship.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord… that they may rest from their labors.” — Revelation 14:13
Our loved ones who died in faith are not asleep in uncertainty—they are alive with Christ in Paradise, awaiting the day when their bodies will be raised in glory.
This is why Paul could say with confidence:
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” — Philippians 1:21
6. Summary: Paradise vs. Abraham’s Bosom
Final Thought
Death for the believer is not a loss—it’s a promotion. Abraham’s Bosom was a temporary promise; Paradise is the eternal reality. When Jesus opened the way through His death and resurrection, He brought His people home.
So, when your time comes, you won’t drift into the unknown. You’ll be carried, just like Lazarus was, by the angels into the presence of the One who said,
“Today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise.”
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