According to Scripture, what happens to the souls of the righteous after death?

The understanding that the souls of the righteous are received into the highest heavens after death is rooted in various scriptural passages that affirm a positive afterlife for believers. This perspective reflects the Christian theological belief in the immediate presence of God for those who have been redeemed through faith.

Key texts such as 2 Corinthians 5:8 express the idea of being "absent from the body and present with the Lord," emphasizing that upon death, righteous souls are welcomed into the divine presence. Moreover, the notion of being received into the highest heavens supports the concept of a direct transition from earthly life to an eternal existence with God, affirming the transformative power of salvation and the assurance of eternal life.

This perspective not only underscores the significance of faith in establishing one’s afterlife destination but also offers comfort to believers, indicating that death is not the end but the beginning of a fuller, heavenly existence.