WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CHRISTIAN STEPS OUT OF HIS BODY

The Word of God says, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”. This is a promise God gives to all Believers (those who have accepted Christ).
What happens to someone from the second they die and their spirit leaves the body and earth can no longer hold them?

First, we will discuss what happens to someone who has accepted Jesus as their Savior and will be going to Heaven. Then, we will discuss what happens to someone who rejected Christ and is headed for Hell!
Whatever has brought them to this moment, whether natural death at old age, a sickness or disease or an accident, it is always the same. As you draw your last breath and your spirit begins to leave your body, you will begin to feel weightless and float upward. If you look back, you will see your lifeless body. If there are other people in the room or area where your body is, you will also be able to see them and hear their comments. You cannot communicate with them, because you have left your physical body and are now a spirit being entering the spirit realm. Yes, you do still care about those you are leaving behind because you love them but you are now entering into the precious promise of God - to be with Him. Unfathomable love erases any anxiety or fear of death you may have experienced, even moments before.

If you were sick, injured or in pain before, you will now realize that all those symptoms have completely left and that you feel wonderful. Also, if you were elderly, you are now young again because age has no effect on your eternal spirit. The life of God now flows into your being. You will have no fear, because the peace of God will now become your constant companion. At this point, some people still do not realize they have even died; because they still have their senses and can touch themselves, it is hard for them to comprehend. They will still try to communicate with others that they pass by and wonder why they do not respond.
If not already present, the angels will appear to escort you on your journey to Heaven. They are magnificent beings still aglow from being in the heavenly realm. They always know your name and usually assure you that all will be well. No one is left to find their own way. If it is a child or baby, they are carried by the angels; they never experience fear or sadness, only tremendous love. There is no hanging around or a struggle to find a way to cross over. No one’s spirit can remain o n the earth for very long. There are various ways to be taken to Heaven, including chariots. If Jesus comes to escort individuals, they get to go in the Lord’s own chariot. It is rare, but sometimes loved ones are allowed to see you leave or to see the angelic beings who have come to escort you.

One of the normal ways you are taken to Heaven, if you are to remain there, is by a transport. These transports come in many different models, so they may not all look like the one I saw two years ago when I witnessed someone boarding one. Not only could I see the ship, but the two angels who were escorting the woman. She looked amazingly beautiful and young, even though I knew she had been very old when she passed away. This transport (as shown in the illustration) looked something like a cable car without the cables.

The lower part was made of a solid substance that looked like burnished pewter. Ornate panels, on either side of its doors, were gold as was the trim that ran down both ends of the ship and around the bottom. The light emanating from the sides as well as from beneath the ship was a brilliant white with blue highlights. This could be the bright light mentioned by some who have had near death experiences.

The upper part of the transport is like glass — you can actually see through it. Can you imagine how exhilarating it must be to streak through the universe and see everything on your way to Heaven?
You usually enter from the side of the craft by way of steps that appear from nowhere and have no visible means of support. How supernatural is that! I was told that sometimes people are also brought up through the bottom entrance (which I could not see).

Sometimes angels navigate these crafts, but usually people are chosen for this position before they die. They become Heaven’s pilots, not because of prior flight experience, but because of their heart for people. They have a natural ability to put people at ease and to share things about the new home they are going to.

Heaven’s pilots are the first contact individuals have with Heaven and therefore must be trusted by God to portray His care and love. It is a high honor to be chosen for this assignment.

It was truly amazing to be able to see a transport close up. The angels who escort these transports all wear white gowns with purple sashes at the waist, and purple on their cuffs and hems. They also wear narrow purple bands on their head. At least one of them carries a sword. Once boarded, the transport leaves and continues through the atmosphere at speeds we only dream of, until they arrive in the third heaven.

Once the transport stops, you will be escorted out and left in the care of other angels and / or people whose job it is to welcome you to Heaven. Many times Abraham will be there to greet you.

Sometimes the gates will be visible from your disembarking point, but sometimes they can be some distance away. Your family and friends who already dwell in Heaven will run to greet you. There is much joy and celebrating going on at your arrival. Usually, you pass through the gates and are taken immediately to your home which has been lovingly prepared for you. Everything you ever desired in architecture, style or decor has been considered to please you. Even the landscaping of your property is suited to your taste.

If you had any pets on earth that were special to you, they are also waiting for you (recreated by a loving Father). Time is then given to greet and rejoice with friends and family.

All this time you will be overwhelmed by the presence of God and the beauty of just being there and experiencing the sights, sounds and aromas. You feel like you have truly come home. Just when you think it can’t get any better, Jesus comes! You are now taken into the throne room where the redeemed and angels worship and rejoice together. Worship can be singing, dancing and bowing before the throne. Many times Jesus will dance with His people; everyone wants to touch him.

There are times of celebrating and times to lay prostrate before the King of Kings. On the way to the throne, You are greeted by all those whom you pass by. As you approach the throne the brilliance of the Father begins to overwhelm you.

The created beings, filled full of eyes, proclaim continuously about His holiness (Revelation 4). You can hardly bear to look Upon the glory of the Father as He declares His love for you. Fire and lightening proceed from His presence and awe falls over the throne room. Everyone turns to watch as you are welcomed home. Just when you think you will collapse from the weight of the glory, God reaches out and holds you to Himself. Never have you experienced such love and acceptance! All your preconceived ideas as to what God is like are washed away in the flood of love that goes right through you. It is unconditional love and you finally know the passion that was in His heart when He sent His Son to the cross for you! You are truly complete!

Once your time for communion with the Godhead is over, you are taken on an extensive tour of Heaven by your family and/or friends. You visit all the wonderful places your loving Father has prepared for you to enjoy. He truly delights to give you pleasure. (Kat Kerr)