Sanctification and redemption, delivering us from Satan and restoring us to the image of God, operate independently of whether we are alive on the earth or living in the spirit realm, as nearly as I can tell.

The second topic, which is related to the first, is that our conception of what happens to us in the afterlife must be revised. Many of us shall not go to Paradise and live forever in a mansion. If I am correct, we shall proceed in the operation of sanctification and redemption from precisely where we left off while living on the earth..

If we have not been faithful in pursuing the program of sanctification and redemption while on the earth,. we no doubt will be brought into a place of punishment.

Also, it is likely that some who have been diligent in the work of the Kingdom will continue ministering in the spirit realm, helping others of lesser maturity just as they do today.

Then too we have to consider preparation for the Battle of Armageddon. According to the Bible we shall be riding on white war stallions, following the Commander in Chief, the Lord Jesus Christ. We will have to be prepared for this cavalry charge.

I do not believe we will be lounging in a mansion for a period of time, and then suddenly summoned to mount the white stallions and come crashing down upon the forces of Satan in the earth, having had no training or preparation. This is ridiculous.

In fact, the fervent disciples of today on the earth (and no doubt in the heavens also) are learning the strict, stern discipline required of those who will be privileged to return with Christ to the earth.

They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers. (Revelation 17:14)

So what I am presenting is biblical and practical isn't it. Our life of following Christ will continue without interruption when we die. As Jesus said, if we live and believe in Him we will never die, in the sense of ceasing from our normal life of growing spiritually, being ministered to, and ministering.

Where are God's elect positioned today? Over a wide area, I believe. Notice that when the trumpet of the Lord is blown, announcing His return to earth, the elect are gathered from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. (Mark 13:26,27)

Thus those on the earth will brought together with those in the heavens. All shall be raised from the dead and be caught up in the clouds into the air to greet the Son of God as He descends from Heaven to install His Kingdom on the earth. (from The Afterlife).