What REALLY Happens When You Go to Heaven (Part 1)

The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 
Luke 16:22-23

If you died right now and stood before God, you will be exactly who you are right now, or who you were the moment before you died.  But some Christians are deceived about their deaths in one of two ways:

1. They think that they will be "transformed" into some kind of angelically sinless being.  That some how their spirits transcend their natural lives on earth, and all that they were on earth.  Because Jesus died for their sins, and because they have a new spirit or new nature, what they did on earth makes no difference when they die or meet Jesus in the sky.  But look at what the scriptures say:


For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.  2 Corinthians 5:10

So what we do on earth, "while in the body," right before we die, will be remembered and judged in heaven.  Some Christians are deceived and think this will not be the case.

2.  Others think that it really doesn't matter because as Christians, we're all "ok" in God's sight, no matter what we do.  We're saved after all, and "once saved, always saved," so even if we "fall short," so what.  We're saved.  We're in heaven.  That's all that matters.  Again, look at the scriptures:

Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.  Revelation 2:23b  (Remember who is speaking, and to whom He is speaking.  The Lord Jesus is speaking to the church, to Christians, in Thyatira.)

The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.  Revelation 3:5.  (Remember who is speaking these words, and to whom He is speaking!  The Lord Jesus is speaking to the church in Sardis--to Christians.  Whose names are written in the book of life?  And thus whose names can be blotted out of the book of life?) [click HERE for part 2.]