The Weekly Show - Episode 70: The Afterlife According to Scripture

Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study on 1 Samuel 28 

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning and https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/halloween-time

Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/

Introduction: Eternity Matters

The question of what happens after we die is one of the most profound and personal questions a person can ask. It's a question that transcends culture, age, and religion. Whether whispered at a hospital bedside or shouted in frustration at a funeral, the human heart longs for an answer: Is there more than this life? What comes next?

The Bible doesn’t leave us in the dark. Jesus Himself addresses this question directly—not with abstract philosophy or comforting generalities, but with truth that is both challenging and clarifying. In Luke 16:19–31, He tells a vivid story about two men—one rich, one poor—who die and awaken to two very different eternal realities. This account pulls back the curtain on life after death and shows us that eternity is not just real—it’s final.

This story isn’t just a parable; it carries the weight of warning and the urgency of truth. Jesus speaks of judgment, separation, and the permanence of our spiritual state after death. He shows that there is no purgatory, no reincarnation, no coming back to “try again.” Eternity is fixed—and our choices now echo forever.

And the rest of Scripture agrees:

• Every person will stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10).
• There is an appointed time to die, followed by judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
• Christ will return and separate the sheep from the goats—those who are His from those who are not (Matthew 25:31–32).
• For those who reject Him, the result is eternal separation (Luke 16, Revelation 21:8).
• But for those who trust in Him, there is eternal life, joy, and rest in the presence of God (Revelation 21:1–4).

This study aims to unpack the sobering realities of the afterlife—not to scare, but to awaken. It reminds us that this life is not all there is—and that our eternal destiny is not determined by accident, chance, or good intentions, but by how we respond to God’s truth and grace.

Yet this is not a message of despair. For those in Christ, the reality of eternity brings peace, hope, and purpose. Because of Jesus' resurrection, death has lost its sting, and the grave has lost its victory. The gospel doesn’t just prepare us for death—it transforms how we live now.

So, as we begin, ask yourself:

• Do I believe eternity is real?
• Am I living in light of what comes after?
• Am I trusting in the One who conquered death?

Eternity matters. And how you respond to God's Word today will shape your forever.

1. A Glimpse into Eternity – Luke 16:19–31

In this profound and sobering passage, Jesus lifts the veil between this life and the next, telling the story of two very different men: one rich and secure in earthly pleasures, the other poor, afflicted, and forgotten.

9 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side.[a] The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ 27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house— 28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into t