From The Bleachers

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so  easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12: 1-2 NKJV

It's always hard when we lose someone we love.  I have known this pain all too well recently.  However, when a loved one passes, do we really lose them?  For we know that all who are in Christ have a blessed inheritance awaiting them when our Lord calls us home.  As Jesus has told us, if this were not true He would have told us.  So, as we await that day when we ourselves finish the race that has been set before us, what of those who have gone before us?  Are they simply lost in limbo until all who are in Jesus again join them?  No, for as Hebrews 12:1 tells us, those who have gone before us are part of the "Great cloud of witnesses" that the apostle Paul tells of here.  Far from being detached and distant, our friends, family and loved ones who have gone before us now reside in the presence of the Lord while we await the end of our journey.  It is this very cloud of witnesses that we also will one day join and become a part of.  Such is the church of our Lord Jesus.  We encourage, uplift and petition for one another, even after our race is finished.

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and the church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.
Hebrews 12: 22-24 NKJV

There is that place, whereupon one enters once life has run its course.  The scriptures refer to this as heaven, Jesus has referenced it as paradise.  Whatever we choose to call it, this is the place where our REAL self, our spirit travels upon the finishing of our own race.  I got stuck on this point as well.  For if we were created in Gods own image, does our physical form resemble our heavenly Father?  Well, if  the scriptures refer at various times to the "Spirit" of God, I believe that this is the image of God that we were created in.  Therefore, we're now dealing with a totally new dimension when we think of our loved ones who have passed on.  Is there now a seperation between we who live in Christ and those who  are "Asleep" in Christ?  Yes, but I believe only in the physical realm we are used to.  It is in Hebrews 12:22 where Paul tries to tell us just where those in Jesus who have passed on before us now reside.  It is here, in the "City of the living God," where our great cloud of witnesses cheers on those of us who are yet living in Christ.  Our loved ones have passed on, to a city whose builder  and creator is their heavenly Father.  This is the house of many mansions that Jesus refered to.  He has gone before us to prepare the way.  He has taken the punishment meant for us.  And, it is HE who now sits at the right hand of the Father.  Our own race continues, but those of us who remain can rest assured that we continue to be encouraged and uplifted by those we mourn.

*Thank you Dennis*

~Scott~