Heaven (Part 2)Sample

Heaven Or Resurrection?

I was chatting with a friend this week about a big question: Should we pray for the dead to come back to life? Following on from David’s story with Jamie yesterday, and thinking about Heaven, I hope these reflections encourage and challenge you.

The Bible leaves no doubt: the dead can be raised. God has the power, and we see it throughout Scripture. Elijah prayed for a widow’s son, and he was restored (see 1 Kings 17:17-24). Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter with the simple words, 'My child, get up' (Luke 8:54 NIV), and Lazarus walked out of his tomb after four days (see John 11:38-44). Even the early Church saw God’s resurrection power, as Peter raised Tabitha (see Acts 9:36-41) and Paul prayed over Eutychus, bringing him back to life (see Acts 20:7-12).

But it’s not just stories from the Bible; this still happens today. I’ll never forget the story of Pastor Daniel Ekechukwu, who died in a car accident and was embalmed. Yes, embalmed.

In Africa, that involves injecting chemicals into the body to halt decay. If there had been any life left, I was told those chemicals would have killed him. Yet his wife had unshakable faith. She brought his body to a church where Reinhard Bonnke was leading a meeting.

As the congregation worshipped upstairs, Daniel’s body was in the basement. And then, miraculously, as Bonnke ministered to people upstairs, he came back to life downstairs!

God responded to the faith of his wife, who had brought him to where Bonnke was and who believed that even death wasn’t beyond God.

Stories like this remind me that God’s power is limitless, but also that resurrection always serves His purpose.

And, of course, we can’t talk about resurrection without turning to the most important one of all: the resurrection of Jesus. His resurrection changed everything. After being crucified and buried, He rose on the third day, breaking the power of death forever.

Paul puts it beautifully: 'But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep' (1 Corinthians 15:20 NIV). Because He lives, we have the assurance of eternal life.

This brings us to the hope of Heaven. The resurrection isn’t just about life after death; it’s about a transformed life. One day, our mortal bodies will be made new, raised in glory and power (see 1 Corinthians 15:42-44).

Death is not the end; it’s a doorway to eternity where pain and suffering no longer exist, and life is everlasting for those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour (see Revelation 21:5).

So, should we pray for the dead to be raised? It depends. Sometimes, like with Daniel, God’s purpose and our faith align for a miraculous restoration. Other times, He calls His people home, and we trust His perfect plan. Either way, we rest in the assurance that death doesn’t have the final word.

Jesus said, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die' (John 11:25 NIV). His resurrection proves that death has been defeated, and for those who believe, life – eternal life – awaits. Let that truth strengthen your faith, inspire your prayers, and fill your life with hope.

Reflect

• What does Jesus' resurrection mean to you?

Pray

Jesus, thank You for defeating death and giving us eternal hope. May I never lose my sense of praise and wonder at Your resurrection. Strengthen my faith and help me trust completely in Your power and Your plan, whether that looks like miracles now or the promise of Heaven to come. Amen.