Where do we go when we Where do we go when we die?die?

Evidence from the Bible, Near-Evidence from the Bible, Near-Death Experiences and ScienceDeath Experiences and Science

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Everybody dies; no exceptionsEverybody dies; no exceptions

When you die, where you will go? When you die, where you will go?

We plan for most trips. Why not death? We plan for most trips. Why not death?

Is there life after death? Is there life after death?

Can we go to heaven? Can we go to heaven?

What do people think?What do people think?– Barna 2003 pollBarna 2003 poll11 results found that: results found that:

81% of Americans believe in an afterlife of some sort81% of Americans believe in an afterlife of some sort 9% acknowledge the possibility of an afterlife 9% acknowledge the possibility of an afterlife 10% do not believe in life after death10% do not believe in life after death

What evidence is there?What evidence is there?– From the BibleFrom the Bible– From near death experience (NDE) accounts From near death experience (NDE) accounts – From science  From science 

Is there evidence of life after death? Is there evidence of life after death?

Psalm 23:6Psalm 23:6

– Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD house of the LORD foreverforever..

John 3:16  John 3:16 

– For God so loved the world that He gave His For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have Him should not perish but have everlasting everlasting lifelife..

Evidence from the Bible  Evidence from the Bible 

Advances in emergency medical technology and CPR Advances in emergency medical technology and CPR techniques have dramatically increased the chances of techniques have dramatically increased the chances of surviving a life-threatening illness or injurysurviving a life-threatening illness or injury22

Eight to eleven million Americans have reported near-Eight to eleven million Americans have reported near-death experiencesdeath experiences33

There is an International Association for Near Death There is an International Association for Near Death Studies, who publishes the Studies, who publishes the Journal of Near Death Journal of Near Death StudiesStudies

Evidence of near death experiencesEvidence of near death experiences

Person leaves body behindPerson leaves body behind44

– Possesses a “new” bodyPossesses a “new” body

– Experiences heightened sense of awareness and euphoriaExperiences heightened sense of awareness and euphoria

– Views body left behind and details of the roomViews body left behind and details of the room

– Unable to communicate with the livingUnable to communicate with the living Transported to another worldTransported to another world

– Frequently transported through a tunnel with a light at the endFrequently transported through a tunnel with a light at the end

– Views a world exquisite beyond wordsViews a world exquisite beyond words

– Encounters a “being of light,” Encounters a “being of light,”

– Encounters relatives or friends who have died beforeEncounters relatives or friends who have died before

– Views a pictorial life reviewViews a pictorial life review

– Encounters a barrier, such as a wall and gate, separating a “meeting ground” Encounters a barrier, such as a wall and gate, separating a “meeting ground” from a “judgment ground”from a “judgment ground”

Person returns to bodyPerson returns to body

– Because “it is not yet their time” to cross the barrierBecause “it is not yet their time” to cross the barrier

Characteristics of NDEsCharacteristics of NDEs

Maria just arrived in Seattle, was unfamiliar with Maria just arrived in Seattle, was unfamiliar with the locality, had a heart attackthe locality, had a heart attack55

Floated from her body and saw a tennis shoe on Floated from her body and saw a tennis shoe on the Harborview Hospital roof ledge, around the the Harborview Hospital roof ledge, around the corner of the building that she had entered and corner of the building that she had entered and currently occupied.currently occupied. – Shoe was not visible from the ground or the room, and Shoe was not visible from the ground or the room, and

researchers had difficulty finding itresearchers had difficulty finding it Researchers confirmed Maria’s description of the Researchers confirmed Maria’s description of the

shoe: its color, size, material, a worn little toe, and shoe: its color, size, material, a worn little toe, and the position of the lace, which was located under the position of the lace, which was located under the heel the heel

NDE Examples-MariaNDE Examples-Maria

““Modern physics shows the existence of matter that is radically Modern physics shows the existence of matter that is radically different in its attributes from any matter that we are familiar different in its attributes from any matter that we are familiar with. Physics also demonstrates the possibility of realms with. Physics also demonstrates the possibility of realms beyond the universe and modes of being unconstrained by the beyond the universe and modes of being unconstrained by the limits of our physical laws. So there is nothing in physics to limits of our physical laws. So there is nothing in physics to contradict the idea that we can live beyond death in other realms contradict the idea that we can live beyond death in other realms with bodies that are unlike the bodies we now possess”with bodies that are unlike the bodies we now possess”

““Neuroscience reveals that the mind cannot be reduced to the Neuroscience reveals that the mind cannot be reduced to the brain …New features of the mind--specifically consciousness brain …New features of the mind--specifically consciousness and free will--define the human soul. These features seem to and free will--define the human soul. These features seem to operate outside the laws of nature and therefore are not subject operate outside the laws of nature and therefore are not subject to the laws governing the mortality of the body. The body dies, to the laws governing the mortality of the body. The body dies, but the soul lives on” but the soul lives on” 66

Evidence from ScienceEvidence from Science

Is there a heaven and a hell? Is there a heaven and a hell?

Evidence from the BibleEvidence from the Bible

Evidence of near death experience Evidence of near death experience (NDE) accounts-Hell(NDE) accounts-Hell

Evidence of near death experience Evidence of near death experience (NDE) accounts-Heaven(NDE) accounts-Heaven

Jesus said the following:Jesus said the following: HeavenHeaven

– John 14: 2-3 “In my John 14: 2-3 “In my Father's houseFather's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” me that you also may be where I am.”

– John 6: 38 “For I have come down from John 6: 38 “For I have come down from heavenheaven, not to do my will but to , not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” do the will of him who sent me.”

HellHell– Matthew 5:29 “If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and Matthew 5:29 “If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and

throw it away. It is better that you lose one part of your body than for throw it away. It is better that you lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into your whole body to be thrown into hellhell.” .”

– Matthew 25:46 “Then they will go away to Matthew 25:46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishmenteternal punishment, but the , but the righteous to eternal life.“”righteous to eternal life.“”

Evidence from the Bible   Evidence from the Bible  

Near Death Experience Evidence-Heaven Near Death Experience Evidence-Heaven

Don Piper Dies in AccidentDon Piper Dies in Accident

Don Piper Stands in HeavenDon Piper Stands in Heaven

“Joy pulsated through me as I looked around, and at that moment I became aware of a large crowd of people. They stood in front of a brilliant ornate gate”7

Don Describes Heaven’s ColorsDon Describes Heaven’s Colors

“I was home; I was where I belonged. I wanted to be there more than I had ever wanted to be anywhere on earth. Time had slipped away, and I was simply present in heaven. All worries, anxieties, and concerns vanished. I had no needs, and I felt perfect.”10

“I had never felt such powerful embraces or feasted my eyes on such beauty. Heaven’s light and texture defy earthly eyes or explanation. Warm, radiant light engulfed me. As I looked around, I could hardly grasp the vivid, dazzling colors. Every hue and tone surpassed anything I had ever seen.”8

“I expected to see some darkness behind the gate but as far ahead as I could see, there was absolutely nothing but intense, radiant light”9

Don Piper TodayDon Piper Today

Don Piper Ministries

http://www.donpiperministries.com/

Near Death Near Death ExperienceExperience Evidence-Hell Evidence-Hell

Dr. Donald Whitaker, M.D. dying of acute Dr. Donald Whitaker, M.D. dying of acute hemorrhagic necrotic pancreatitishemorrhagic necrotic pancreatitis

Dr. Whitaker Experiences HellDr. Whitaker Experiences Hell

“It was so, so dark…The darkness penetrated into your very being…I felt untold terror, untold terror…”11

Others Tell about Hell in VideoOthers Tell about Hell in Video

http://http://video.google.com/videoplay?docidvideo.google.com/videoplay?docid=4136610474021109864#=4136610474021109864#

Dr. Maurice Rawlings Video

Is there only one way to heaven? Is there only one way to heaven?

What do people say?What do people say?– ““All the religions of the world (Buddhism, All the religions of the world (Buddhism,

Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity) are paths to Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity) are paths to the same destination, heaven. Everyone will be the same destination, heaven. Everyone will be saved.”saved.”

– ““You go to heaven if you live a good life. Hell is You go to heaven if you live a good life. Hell is reserved for a few really bad people, maybe reserved for a few really bad people, maybe those who intentionally murder.” those who intentionally murder.”

Hinduism12

Multiple gods

Self-deification

Reincarnation

Purification rites to obtain God’s favor

Islam 15

Mohammed

Source of his “call”

Jesus not God’s son

Worship to obtain God’s favor

Buddhism13 14

Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha

Atheist/Agnostic

Reincarnation

Complex rules

Christianity

Jesus Christ

Prophecy

Miracles

Resurrection

What God, not we, did

Do All Religions Lead to the Same Path?Do All Religions Lead to the Same Path?

Some NDEs report that everybody goes to heavenSome NDEs report that everybody goes to heaven Accounts of hell are forgotten or suppressedAccounts of hell are forgotten or suppressed

– Dr Rawlings and Charlie McKaigDr Rawlings and Charlie McKaig1616

Satan is the Great DeceiverSatan is the Great Deceiver1717

– ““And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Cor. 11:14)angel of light.” (2 Cor. 11:14)

NDEs are resuscitations, not resurrectionsNDEs are resuscitations, not resurrections Has anybody come back from Has anybody come back from

biological/irreversible death?biological/irreversible death?– Yes, Jesus ChristYes, Jesus Christ

Does Everybody go to Heaven?Does Everybody go to Heaven?

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) (Matthew 7:13-14)

““Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.' But he will answer, 'I don’t and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.' But he will answer, 'I don’t know you or where you come from.‘ Then you will say, 'We ate and know you or where you come from.‘ Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' But he will reply, 'I don’t drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' But he will reply, 'I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!' know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!' There will be weeping there and gnashing of teeth, when you see There will be weeping there and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves thrown out.” (Luke 13:24-28)but you yourselves thrown out.” (Luke 13:24-28)

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) except through me.” (John 14:6)

  True Claims by Christ True Claims by Christ

Are you afraid or uncertain about Are you afraid or uncertain about where you go after you die? where you go after you die?

We all will die. Do you have a plan? We all will die. Do you have a plan?

Jesus Christ is the way to heavenJesus Christ is the way to heaven

Life after deathLife after death Existence of Heaven and HellExistence of Heaven and Hell One way to enter HeavenOne way to enter Heaven

What is the Evidence? What is the Evidence?

The Way to Heaven The Way to Heaven

The Bible says ...The Bible says ...– Jesus answered, “I am Jesus answered, “I am the waythe way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the and the truth and the life. No one comes to the

Father except through me. —John 14:6 (NIV) Father except through me. —John 14:6 (NIV)

HHow you can receive Christ. Pray the following…ow you can receive Christ. Pray the following…– ADMITADMIT your need (I am a sinner). your need (I am a sinner).

““For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” — Romans 3:23 (NIV)For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” — Romans 3:23 (NIV)

– REPENTREPENT (I will turn from my sins). (I will turn from my sins). ““For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” — Matthew 9:13b (NIV)For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” — Matthew 9:13b (NIV)

– BELIEVEBELIEVE that Jesus Christ died for you on the Cross and rose from the grave. that Jesus Christ died for you on the Cross and rose from the grave. "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that

God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." —Romans 10:9 (NIV)God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." —Romans 10:9 (NIV)

– RECEIVERECEIVE Christ by faith as Lord and Savior (I invite Jesus Christ to come into Christ by faith as Lord and Savior (I invite Jesus Christ to come into my heart and control my life through the Holy Spirit)my heart and control my life through the Holy Spirit)

““For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” —Ephesians 2:8-9 it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” —Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)(NIV)

Footnotes Footnotes

Slide End End NoteNote

ReferenceReference

Is there evidence of life after Is there evidence of life after death? death?

11 The Barna Group, Americans Describe Their Views About The Barna Group, Americans Describe Their Views About Life After Death. 2003, The Barna Group, Ltd.Life After Death. 2003, The Barna Group, Ltd.

Evidence of near death Evidence of near death experiencesexperiences

22 Garlow, J.L. and K. Wall, Heaven and the Afterlife. 2009, Garlow, J.L. and K. Wall, Heaven and the Afterlife. 2009, Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers. p. 20.Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers. p. 20.

33 Rawlings, M.S., To Hell and Back. 1993, Nashville: Thomas Rawlings, M.S., To Hell and Back. 1993, Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. p. 13.Nelson Publishers. p. 13.

Characteristics of NDEsCharacteristics of NDEs 44 Ibid., Ibid., p.43-44..

NDE Examples-MariaNDE Examples-Maria 55 Habermas, G.R. and J.P. Moreland, Beyond Death: Habermas, G.R. and J.P. Moreland, Beyond Death: Exploring the Evidence for Immortality. 1998, Wheaton: Exploring the Evidence for Immortality. 1998, Wheaton: Crossway Books. p. 212-214Crossway Books. p. 212-214

Evidence from ScienceEvidence from Science 66 D'Souza, D., Life After Death, The Evidence. 2009, D'Souza, D., Life After Death, The Evidence. 2009, Washington, D.C.: Regnery Publishing, Inc. p. 220Washington, D.C.: Regnery Publishing, Inc. p. 220

Don Piper Stands in HeavenDon Piper Stands in Heaven 77 Piper, D. and C. Murphey, 90 Minutes in Heaven, A True Piper, D. and C. Murphey, 90 Minutes in Heaven, A True Story of Death and Life. 2004, Grand Rapids: Revell. p 21-Story of Death and Life. 2004, Grand Rapids: Revell. p 21-2222

Don Describes HeavenDon Describes Heaven’’s Colorss Colors 88 Ibid., p. 25p. 25

99 Ibid., p. 28p. 28

1010 Ibid., p. 30p. 30

Footnotes Footnotes

Slide End End NoteNote

ReferenceReference

Dr. Whitaker Experiences HellDr. Whitaker Experiences Hell 1111 Whitaker, D., To Hell and Back, host Maurice Rawlings. 1989,TBN Films. Accessed 1/8/2011 http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4136610474021109864#

Do All Religions Lead to the Do All Religions Lead to the Same Path?Same Path?

1212 Zacharias, R., Jesus Among Other Gods, The Absolute Claims of the Christian Message. 2000, Nashville: Thomas Nelson. p. 7

1313 Mittelberg, M., The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Mittelberg, M., The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask (with answers). 2010, Carol Stream: Tyndale House Ask (with answers). 2010, Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.Publishers, Inc.

1414 Zacharias, Jesus Among Other Gods, p. 90

1515 Caner, E. M and Caner, E. F., Unveiling Islam. 2002, Grand Caner, E. M and Caner, E. F., Unveiling Islam. 2002, Grand Rapid: Kregel Publications. p. 42Rapid: Kregel Publications. p. 42

Does Everybody Go to HeavenDoes Everybody Go to Heaven 1616 Rawlings, To Hell and Back, p. 13.

1717 Habermas and Moreland, Beyond Death: Exploring the Habermas and Moreland, Beyond Death: Exploring the Evidence for Immortality, p. 182Evidence for Immortality, p. 182