The Eternity of Life and What Happens When We Die

Many people wonder, “What happens when we die?” In this text, we will explore this question through the lens of Ecumenical Spirituality, guided by the studies of author Paiva Netto, President-Preacher of the Religion of God, of the Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, and inspired by the eternal teachings of Jesus.

Humanity has long been deeply concerned with the continuity of life after death. Some prefer to avoid the topic, others do not believe in it, while many accept the concept yet remain uncertain about what awaits them in the afterlife. We respect all perspectives; however, gaining a deeper understanding of this subject can help us live more consciously here on Earth, unafraid of what comes after, whether it concerns our own death or that of a loved one.

In the Sagradas Diretrizes Espirituais da Religião de Deus, do Cristo e do Espírito Santo [Sacred Spiritual Guidelines of the Religion of God, of the Christ, and of the Holy Spirit], volume 1, page 362, Paiva Netto discusses the profound spiritual challenges that arise from a lack of understanding about what happens when we die:

“The great mistake of humanity is to live as if nothing exists after death. Spiritual Mentors reveal that one of the greatest dramas in the Homeland of Truth is the arrival of multitudes freed from the chains of the flesh but completely ignorant of what the Invisible World is. This reflects a terrible shortcoming in today’s religions. Laurinda V. de Mello, through the psychography of Francisco Cândido Xavier, wrote:

‘The death of the physical body, for those who have not consciously prepared for it, is always a significant blow to the Spirit.’” [Emphasis added.]

Good knowledge leads us to good deeds. If we are unaware of or disregard the reality of life after death, we may live incorrectly and be surprised upon reaching the Other Side, as life continues beyond this existence.

Spiritual World

In the article The Spiritual World Is Not an Abstraction, available on blog paivanetto.com/en, the author offers valuable insights into what happens when we die:

“The Spiritual World, I like to reiterate, is not something abstract or indefinite. It does exist and is filled with spiritual energy and work. We cannot see it yet due to frequency, an obstacle to be unveiled by scientific activity and overcome through the evolution of our physical senses, which will open up to new heavens and new worlds.”

[Emphasis added.]

From the statement above, we understand that one day our physical senses will be able to perceive and connect with the spiritual realities that surround us. However, to reach this level, it is essential to start now by shedding prejudices and, with courageous humility, studying this topic—beginning with the profound teachings brought to us by Jesus, who not only taught about but exemplified life after death by resurrecting on the third day after the crucifixion (John 20:1–10).

What happens when we die is that, in truth, we do not die; we simply transition to the Spiritual World, one of the many dwellings of our Heavenly Father (John 14:2). There, based on our merits, we will experience a life filled with continuous activity, study, learning, and growth—without stagnation or rest.

In the continuation of the aforementioned article, the author further supports this view with teachings from Jesus, the Heavenly Educator:

“My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working. . . . Do not let your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that 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 me that you also may be where I am.” (The Gospel according to John 5:17 and 14:1–3)

After sharing these valuable words of spiritual knowledge, Love, and peace of Soul, drawn from the heart of Jesus, the writer adds:

“The words of the Divine Educator clearly affirm the existence and active, militant work of the Spiritual World over the material world, through, for example, the Guardian Angels. Therefore, it is necessary for us all to be aware of this interaction and learn how to deal with this yet invisible reality.”

In this context, it is worth highlighting the role of our Guardian Angels and of our loved ones, who are alive in the Spiritual Homeland, as well as the dynamism of Jesus' own Spirit. After His resurrection, He spent forty days in close communion, working, and guiding His disciples, appearing to them on several occasions.

And even after His ascension to heaven (Acts of the Apostles of Jesus 1:1–14), the Divine Master continued to appear to the apostles, as in Saul's transformative encounter on the road (Acts of the Apostles of Jesus 9:1–9), Jesus’ appearance to Ananias (Acts of the Apostles of Jesus 9:10–16), and Paul’s vision of the Christ of God while praying in the Temple in Jerusalem (Acts of the Apostles of Jesus 22:17–21).

Dynamism and Action

In His Holy Gospel according to John 14:12, the Heavenly Educator states: “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”

With these words, the Christ of God underscores that the works He has performed are not exclusive to His greatness and spiritual stature; but that, through His Divine Power shared with us, we too are capable of performing them. Though we are still evolving toward Divine greatness, we are children of the Heavenly Father nonetheless.

Therefore, the ability to remain in dynamic action and work for Good in the Spiritual World is not exclusive to Jesus. Our Souls also possess this potential when we are on the Other Side. Have you ever thought about that?

In his book Os Mortos não morrem [The Dead Do Not Die], on page 106, under the subtitle “God Is God of the Living,” author Paiva Netto poses a compelling question about what happens when we die:

“Death is not the end of human existence. You do not believe it? You have every right. But what if it is true?! Reward yourself, my friend, with the benefit of the doubt, the foundation of scientific discourse, which, through relentless inquiry, continues to open new paths for humanity.”

This idea of “rewarding yourself with the benefit of the doubt” invites us to consider that, even without conclusive proof, we can allow ourselves to reflect on the possibility that death may not be the end. Just as science explores the unknown, we too might consider that life continues in some form.

Sacred Reading in Spirit and Truth in the Light of God’s Love

Another central tenet of the Religion of Universal Love is learning to interpret the Sacred Scriptures in Spirit and Truth, guided by the Light of Jesus’ New Commandment: “A New Commandment I give you: Love one another, as I have loved you. Only by this shall all of you be recognized as my disciples” (the Gospel according to John 13:34-35). When contemplating “what happens when we die,” this reflection must also be infused with this guiding principle.

With a deep, ecumenical, and fraternal approach, we can draw from the Holy Bible the moral essence of its teachings. This perspective applies to the following verses, in the words of the Heavenly Educator:

“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.” (The Gospel of Jesus according to John 5:28-29)

Here, more than a literal representation of a grave, these tombs symbolize those who are trapped or “buried” in strictly materialistic views. When they hear the voice of spiritual awakening from the Christ of God, they have the chance to “rise” in heart and mind through new teachings rooted in spiritual and eternal principles, transforming this knowledge into positive actions for themselves and others. This awakening can occur while the Soul is on Earth or even in Heaven.

Only through our best deeds for our brothers and sisters in humanity can we reside in the elevated dwellings of the Heavenly Father’s house. As Jesus teaches in His Holy Gospel according to John 14:2, each “room” represents a sphere, a spiritual realm surrounding planet Earth.

When we return to the spiritual world, we will inhabit one of these realms, where we will continue our evolutionary journey through continuous learning and the experience of Divine Laws. There we find homes, families, schools, hospitals, and structures similar to those on Earth but in a superior state, as Spirits in these higher regions work with Divine Love and Ecumenical Solidarity.

Author Paiva Netto explores this in the book The Dead Do Not Die, page 148, under the subtitle “Er’s Observations on Death”:

“A true reunion occurs with reincarnated beings when they return to the World of Truth at the right time. Upon arrival, they are directed to regions aligned with their spiritual attunement and undergo a period of adjustment. Everything operates through attraction. They relearn the customs of our Homeland of origin, review their experiences and actions from their time in the physical body, and share news about what is happening on Earth or receive updates on loved ones in the Spiritual Realm.”

This understanding of what happens when we die offers profound comfort, as it fosters a new consciousness about life on Earth. It helps us realize our intrinsic responsibilities of love, respect, and care for one another and for our earthly home. In this way, we build a destiny rooted not in fleeting concepts but in eternal values.

When these divine values are put into action, they enable us to arrive in the Spiritual World with our earthly mission fulfilled, opening paths of light for continued evolution—both in Heaven and in other material existences. As Apostle Paul states in his Epistle to the Ephesians 4:13, “until we all reach unity in the Faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

This great endeavor does not happen in a single lifetime. It requires countless experiences, both in and out of the flesh, for us to one day attain the greatness of Jesus. We are on that path!

Finally, understanding the eternity of life equips humanity to build a more just and equal society for all inhabitants of the planet, grounded in a spiritual awareness that matures daily within each heart.

In É Urgente Reeducar [It Is Urgent to Reeducate!], page 26, under the subtitle “Planetary Citizenship,” author Paiva Netto comments on the difficulty of living in a better world without knowing that we are both material and, above all, spiritual beings:

“Indeed, without the awareness that we exist on two planes—not just the physical one—it is difficult to achieve a truly Altruistic, Ecumenical, and Solidary Society, since we will continue to overlook the fact that the knowledge of Higher Spirituality elevates the character of individuals, thus guiding them toward building Planetary Citizenship.”

Thus, understanding that we are eternal beings is the solution for overcoming personal challenges—including the pain of loved ones returning to the Spiritual World—and addressing humanity’s many dilemmas. Acts of love and charity from our hearts draw the presence of spiritual friends who actively help us build a better world, starting from within.

To recap: What happens when we die:

— Life continues in another dimension; death is not the end of existence.

— The Spiritual World is a place of activity and work; we do not remain inactive.

— The Spirit is guided to one of the Father’s dwellings according to the merit earned through actions on Earth.

— This knowledge emphasizes our responsibility for our deeds during earthly life, as they also have consequences in the spiritual life.

Next, here are some clarifications for questions sent by internet users on the topic:

1. What is the Spiritual World?

In the Religion of God, of the Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, the Spiritual World is seen as the realm where Spirits, Guardian Angels, Blessed Souls, and our loved ones—who continue to live beyond the phenomenon of death—reside. It is our Homeland of origin, where we will return to after our time in the material world. This perspective gives deep meaning to our journey on Earth, an opportunity granted by God for spiritual growth and evolution as we face challenges that test our perseverance and Accomplishing Faith.

For this reason, terms like “Homeland of Truth” or “World of Truth” are used by the Divine Religion to describe the Spiritual World, emphasizing Jesus’ great truth about the continuation of life after death. The elevated realms of this spiritual homeland are our true homes, while the material world is our temporary realm. As Brother Paiva Netto states: “It is essential to understand that true citizenship has its origin in Heaven, from where we really came, for there is Life before life.”

2. Is it possible to reunite in the Spiritual World with loved ones who have passed away?

Yes, it is possible, provided there is merit and that such reunion benefits both souls. However, it is important to focus on doing good on Earth without ever considering shortening life to reunite with a loved one more quickly. President-Preacher of the Divine Religion, José de Paiva Netto, teaches: “Love establishes sympathy. And this is the appeal that does not perish, the eternal grace of the Spirit. Not even death separates those who love each other, except in cases of suicide.”

Knowing that these bonds of love continue beyond the death of the physical body brings great comfort to our hearts. We can pray for the Eternal Spirit of our loved ones, sending them our best wishes and energies, resting assured that they will receive this affection, wherever they may be. When the time is right, our souls will be reunited.

We hope the reflections shared here bring wisdom, strength, comfort, and peace to your heart!