Question from a reader:

If when we die we are judged and go immediately to the intermediate Heaven as Randy states, how can Revelation 20:5 be true? This verse is talking about the transition period between the intermediate and the Eternal Heaven. Verse 5 is pre-eternal Heaven.

Answer from Randy Alcorn:

There are several scriptures that point to the fact that when a believer dies he is immediately in the presence of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8 says “to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.” In Philippians 1:23, Paul talks about his “desire to depart and be with Christ.” Jesus told the thief on the cross, “today you will be with me in Paradise.”

“The rest of the dead” (Revelation 20:5) refers to unbelievers who will not be judged until the Great White Throne (the first resurrection—the resurrection of condemnation for unbelievers).

For more information on the subject of Heaven, see Randy Alcorn’s book Heaven.