Did Paul Expect to be conscious in Heaven Right After Dying?
The apostle Paul dedicated his life to preaching the gospel of the Kingdom
of God (Acts 14:22; 19:8; 20:25; 28:23,31). In the process he was subjected
to persecution, beatings and several periods of imprisonment. When he wrote
his letter to the Philippians, he was enduring a period of house arrest
in Rome. Paul knew that the Roman government had authority to put prisoners
to death. He knew what the future might hold for him, whether it be execution
on the one hand or his release on the other.
In Philippians 1:23-24 he writes of the two possible outcomes: "For I
am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with
Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more
needful for you."
Many have assumed from Paul's words here that he believed that at the
moment of his death his consciousness would leave his body to join Christ
in heaven. But is this the case?
Before focusing on what this scripture says, let's notice what it does not say.
It does not say when or where Paul would be
with Christ if he departed. Neither is the terminology of departure intended
to be geographic-as in leaving the earth to go to heaven. There is
no reference to heaven in these verses. To conclude otherwise is to read
assumptions into Paul's words. Paul is simply referring to departing from
his present, physical life-leaving it behind through death.
