Yes, we believe the scriptures teach that all those who “die in the Lord” now have a heavenly reward immediately upon death.
In 1 Corinthians 15:12-34, Paul addresses the resurrection of the church and the world of humankind in general. “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ will all be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the first fruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him” (verses 22, 23).
Continuing in I Corinthian 15:51-53, the main theme of this section of scripture pertains to the resurrection of the heavenly class at Christ’s second advent. “For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality.” These scriptures are meant to be an encouragement to the brethren at Corinth as they are directed to stand firm in their faith and battle sin in order to reap the reward of the first resurrection (the heavenly one).
Paul concludes by saying in verse 58, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
God has a place for everyone in either His heavenly or earthly kingdoms. Jesus’ sacrifice includes all of humankind, regardless of when a person lived or whether he has accepted Jesus as his Savior now or not. “This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given at its proper time. (1 Timothy 2:3-6) “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
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