What does the Bible say about what happens when we die?

When a believer leaves this world, they enter into the presence of God immediately. This is supported by the words of Christ to the believing thief on the cross: 'Today you will be with me in paradise' (Luke 23:43). There is no intermediate state such as purgatory; rather, believers are welcomed into heaven where they experience joy in the presence of Christ. This is affirmed in Revelation 4, where John sees a door opened in heaven, symbolizing access to God's presence for those washed in the blood of Christ.