My 17 year old daughter died in her sleep last June.I am really struggling with my faith.Is there really a heaven?

My deepest condolences to you, Alicia. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that there is a Heaven!

Many people during NDE's saw and experienced both Heaven and Hell. "Imagine Heaven" by John Burke is a great book on NDE's and their experiences.

I've been involuntarily out of my body several times and am certain we’re going somewhere after physical life. Also, a handful of friends and relatives have shared their visions of Heaven and Hell – all of which are in agreement with God’s word! Faith is the true evidence that the Bible is God's word and the Biblical scriptures teach that:

Heaven, Hell and the Lake of Fire are very real and we need to make the Lord Jesus Christ our personal Saviour in order to enter Heaven. The Lord Jesus taught that we live only once (Matthew 25:46) and that Salvation is found only through Him who is the Way, the Truth, The Life, the Bread of Life and the Door to God (John 6:35; John 8:12; John 14:6; John 10:9-11). The way to Heaven is so simple but many reject it.

If a person physically dies without ever having made the Lord Jesus Christ their Saviour, God would not accept them into Heaven. They would go to Hell and then at the end of the Millennium, would be thrown into the Lake of Fire.

Shortly after physical death, humans pass into either Heaven or Hell. Before Christ’s sacrifice, access into Heaven was not possible for human souls. The souls of those who loved and served the true God were kept in the paradise part of a spiritual place within the earth called Sheol, and the other part of Sheol was a prison of torment where the souls of those who rejected God ended up (Luke 16:19-31). There was a spiritual gulf fixed between these two parts so no soul from one side could cross over to the next (Luke 16:26). Access into Heaven was made possible for humans by Christ’s sacrifice and right after He died on the cross He went into the paradise part of Sheol, told the good souls (who were there for thousands of years) what He did and took them up to Heaven (Matthew 12:40; Ephesians 4:8–10; 1 Peter 3:18–20). The paradise part of Sheol no longer exists but the prison part of Sheol still does. This part of torment is called Hades or Hell. Those who reject God by not receiving Christ (1 John 2:23) end up there and then go into the Lake of Fire after the Millennium (Revelation 20:15).

The Lord Jesus Christ describes hell as an actual place in the afterlife:

Luke 16:22-24
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’

The Lord Jesus Christ preached on the lake of fire and revealed this place of torment to John in visions (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10; Revelation 21:8; Revelation 20:15; Revelation 20:14 Revelation 19:20).

Heaven is much more amazing than any human here on earth can imagine. It is a place where human beings would feel perfect and everlasting love, joy, peace, comfort and happiness.

John 14:2
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

2 Corinthians 12:1-4
It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Everyone after death will be able to see Heaven and the rewards stored up for those who love God and choose the way to Him by accepting Jesus as their Saviour. The saved (those who belong to Christ) will enter Heaven but the unsaved will go on to eternal torment for rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ and will suffer never-ending remorse.

Reincarnation is a false teaching (Hebrews 9:27). The Lord Jesus said that the human being’s afterlife state whether torment or paradise, will be eternal (Matthew 25:46). In the original text, the Greek word for eternal, “aiōnion” is used. He didn’t say that we would be born again and again until we got it right and received liberation. He would not have made that huge sacrifice for us if we could have had unity to God another way, and if there was another way, He would have taught that. The Lord said he could have employed legions of angels to prevent His crucifixion (Matthew 26:53), but because of His great and perfect love for humanity, He chose to endure a very painful death so we could be redeemed and united to God.

About trying to contact the dead via prayers, occultic methods or any other means, the Bible strictly forbids it (Deuteronomy 18:9-12). Keep
in mind that demons can masquerade as one's family and friends. "Remaining asleep in the grave" is a false concept that resulted from wrong interpretation of scriptures.

The truth about Jesus Christ can be found only in the Holy Bible. Three days after the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins, He resurrected from the dead (Luke 24:1-8; Acts 10:40; 1 Corinthians 15:4) and 40 days later, He ascended into Heaven (Acts 1:3; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-11).

Without God, the spiritual part of the human being is dead (Ephesians 2:5, Colossians 2:13). The sin of our first parents (Adam and Eve) caused the separation between God and man. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Sin causes us to be separated from God which results in spiritual death. Christ, the 2nd Person of the Triune Godhead was made flesh (through the immaculate conception) and paid the price for our sins by dying on the cross so we could through faith in Christ as our Saviour be instantly redeemed and united to God and have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who teaches us, comforts us and grants us fruits to live in righteousness and gifts to help and edify the Church. There is no redemption or unity to God apart from receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as one’s Saviour and Lord.

REDEMPTION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

Because mankind is incapable of meeting God’s standard of perfection necessary to abide in God’s presence (Romans 3:19-20,23), God sent His Son Jesus Christ to pay the total debt for the believer’s sins and mercifully credits to his account Christ’s righteousness (Romans 3:21-28,5:1-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21). Jesus’ gracious act of atonement was complete and covers all sin (Colossians 2:13-14; 1 John 1:9). Salvation is not based on good deeds but according to the mercy of God (Titus 3:4-5). Believers are justified by faith; it is a gift by God’s grace (Romans 4:3-8; Ephesians 2:8-9). A true, living faith will result in a desire to live a holy, loving life of good works (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 5:6; James 2:14-26), but failure to be absolutely successful at righteous living does not negate the believer’s justified status.

If you sincerely say this prayer, your sins will be washed away, you will be redeemed to God, be saved from eternal torment and inherit the Kingdom of God:

"Dear Jesus,

I am a sinner.
I repent of my sins.
Please forgive me and save me by your shed blood;
come into my heart.
I want to receive you as my own personal Lord and Savior.

Amen"

https://victoryinjesuschrist.wordpress.com/

Jesus is the one true God. He died for us on the cross. He is the risen Saviour of the world. Receive Him as your Lord. He loves you. read the Bible. read 2 Corinthians 1: 3, 4

Praise to the God of All Comfort

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Truly sorry to hear that, I can't say I know how you feel but I am a mother and have a daughter and a son just the though of loss them would be unimaginable. But when something is on my mind as heavy as your I go to God in prayer and I uas His name Jehovah I open my heart to Him and tell him how I really feel. I know this grief have touched you very hard but when you read these scriptures that I have gave you your heart will be touch by what Jehovah promises about the rresurrection. But Jehovah ‘yearns’ to reunite children with their parents by means of the resurrection, and lovingly has made provision to do so.—John 5:28, 29; Job 14:14, 15; Mark 5:39-42. God does not “take” children from their parents, as some have been told. In a way, Jesus’ grief is encouraging to us. It teaches us that Jesus and his Father, Jehovah, hate death. But Jehovah God is able to fight and overcome that enemy! When Jehovah Witnesses come to your door ask them to share the resurrection hope with you.
JW.ORG WEBSITE

“Look! I Am Making All Things New”
Do you desire good health and a long life for yourself and your family? Do you long to live in a world where pain, suffering, and death will be things of the past? Such a world is not a figment of the imagination. On the contrary, a righteous new world will soon be a reality, for Jehovah God has purposed it. Note how the fulfillment of his purpose is described at Revelation 21:3-5.—Read.

“[God] will wipe out every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 21:4) What kind of tears will he wipe out? Neither tears of joy nor the tears that protect our eyes. God’s promise refers to tears caused by suffering and sorrow. God will not merely dry off such tears; he will wipe them out completely by removing the causes of unwanted tears—suffering and sorrow.

“Death will be no more.” (Revelation 21:4) What has caused more unwanted tears than the enemy death? Jehovah will release obedient humans from the grip of death. How? By eliminating the real cause of death: sin inherited from Adam. (Romans 5:12) Jehovah will lift obedient humans to perfection on the basis of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice.* Then the last enemy, death, will be “brought to nothing.” (1 Corinthians 15:26) Faithful humans will be able to live as God purposed for them to live—forever in perfect health.

“Neither will . . . pain be anymore.” (Revelation 21:4) What kind of pain will be no more? All the mental, emotional, and physical pain that has resulted from sin and imperfection and made life miserable for countless millions will be no more.

A life without tears, death, and pain will soon be a reality. ‘But where?’ you may ask. ‘Is God’s promise perhaps about life in heaven?’ No. Consider why not. First, the promise is introduced with the words “the tent of God is with mankind,” and mankind lives on earth. (Revelation 21:3) Second, the promise describes a world where “death will be no more”—a world where death once existed but will cease to exist. Death has never existed in heaven, but it has had a long existence here on earth. Clearly, then, God’s promise of a better life will be fulfilled right here on earth.

God will dry up the rivers of tears that have flowed because of suffering and sorrow
Jehovah wants us to believe his promise of a righteous new world. Right after describing the blessings to come, he guarantees his promise, saying: “Look! I am making all things new.” Then he adds: “These words are faithful and true.” (Revelation 21:5) Why not learn more about how you and your loved ones can be among the happy worshippers who will see God’s promise become a glorious reality?

Yes there is a heaven. But only 144,000 (Rev.14:1-3) are chosen by Jehovah to rule with his Son Jesus. All other people have the hope of living in an earthly Paradise.That's more likely where your daughter will be resurrected.Matthew 5:5 - Psalms 37:10,11,29

Yeah...she's in a better place now..way better than this cold world..

I am sorry for your loss. I loss my daughter also. I get consolations from God's promise that are in the Bible. The resurrection hope is very powerful. Jesus made a promise:John 5:28 Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice. This resurrection will take place on earth. Revelation 21:3, 4
3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them.+ 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes,+ and death will be no more,+ neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.+ The former things have passed away.
Psalm 37:29 The righteous will possess the earth,+
And they will live forever on it.+
Matthew 5:5 “Happy are the mild-tempered,*+ since they will inherit the earth.+
God made earth for us to live on. Isaiah 45:18
18 For this is what Jehovah says,
The Creator of the heavens,+ the true God,
The One who formed the earth, its Maker who firmly established it,+
Who did not create it simply for nothing,* but formed it to be inhabited:+
“I am Jehovah, and there is no one. Psalm 115:16
16 As for the heavens, they belong to Jehovah,+
But the earth he has given to the sons of men. I hope these words are encouraging to you.

I'm so sorry for your loss. And yes, there is a heaven. Jesus confirmed that heaven is where God resides. He called God “my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 12:50) The Bible describes heaven as a hive of activity. It mentions hundreds of millions of faithful spirit creatures (angels) who live there. (Daniel 7:9, 10) However, the earth was not to be a proving ground where people would be tested to see if they were fit for heaven. Man was created to live forever on earth, and that purpose of God will yet be fulfilled. The Bible promises that “the righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it.” (Psalm 37:29) Clearly, humans were not originally meant to go to heaven. Happily, millions who have fallen asleep in death will hear Jesus' voice in the resurrection. (John 5:28,29) They will enjoy this beautiful earth and the benefits of Christ' divine rulership. (Matthew 6:9, 10; Proverbs 2:21; Acts 24:15) What a wonderful and happy hope!

I'm SO sorry.
Personally, I'm an atheist so I don't believe in God, heaven or hell.
But I do feel that people somehow remain with us after death. I can't explain this, but I'm quite sure that I've felt the presence of my mother, father, grandparents and other relatives who have all died. I've even had phrases suddenly come into my head which could only have come from them.
I think that a part of them somehow remains 'alive' - like an echo - and they stay around us to offer love and reassurance.
I'm sure your daughter is close by you, whenever you feel in need.
x

Yes. Go to your local Kingdom Hall to learn how you can see her again, right here on a paradise earth.
The dead are shown to be “conscious of nothing at all” and the death state to be one of complete inactivity. (Ec 9:5, 10; Ps 146:4) Those dying are described as going into “the dust of death” (Ps 22:15), becoming “impotent in death.” (Pr 2:18; Isa 26:14) In death there is no mention of God or any praising of him. (Ps 6:5; Isa 38:18, 19) In both the Hebrew and the Greek Scriptures, death is likened to sleep, a fitting comparison not only because of the unconscious condition of the dead but also because of the hope of an awakening through the resurrection. (Ps 13:3; Joh 11:11-14) The resurrected Jesus is spoken of as “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep in death.”—1Co 15:20, 21.


So far, this is the only truthful and answer. Heed it. <3

I'm a Pagan, but I do think that there is. I don't think it's all white and shiny and everyone lovely in nice dresses and big wings and singing, I think it's whatever the person who has died really enjoyed.

What did your daughter love to do? Because I that that's her heaven.

I'm so sorry for your loss, I know people who have lost their children and it was devastating for them. Big hug to you.

Yes GOD is in Heaven! Jesus also taught to us that we ALL have be tested to prove IF we will stay with GOD!
Jesus also taught that If one died as a child, their sole will have another life here on earth for that whole test time! So you daughter's sole may waiting in Heaven to come back or may already be born human again?
I am the mom of two kidnapped children It has been 19 years. Brainwashed all lies in them -somewhere. Will they ever get back to me? But I have also realized that GOD had this happen to me for several reasons including to have more information/experience for answers to questions here at YA.
To get to Heaven, Jesus also taught that we have to Not hate anyone when we die. Is all hate out go you? If not please try and do so. Even Studies on Life After Death have shown that even If a pastor died with hate for only one person they are to go to Hell. If you want to see this report and more watch "The Lazarus Phenomenon" on DVD also FREE over this Internet.
GOD is All LOVE!

People lose love ones everyday, both believers and unbelievers. Neither your chosen god nor your faith have anything to do with it.

If you want to keep your faith, enjoy it, but don't ever expect anything from god, because he does not deliver.

The concept of heaven was not mentioned when God created us. Genesis 1:26 We where meant to live on earth and never die. So why do we die? Our first parents passed on sin and death because of Gods will Romans 5:12
But the hope of seeing our lagin is a promise from God. John 5:28-29 ONe day you will run to your daughter and see her again. She will live on the earth and never get sick or die. Reeve 21:3-4 Under the kingdom of God man will live on the earth in peace forever. Psalms 37:8-11 May God bless you and watch over you and keep your safe. Best to you and your family and keep these thoughts your mind about the resurrection it is a promise from our creator.

my condolences to you and your family.

Hello SBR, it is surely a tragic happening when you experience this, we are very sorry to hear about your tragic loss. Please look at an article in our magazine, The Watchtower, No. 3, 2016. It may help you, we do hope so.
Kind greetings, Gunter and Maria

You betcha!!

Sorry to hear of your loss.

You are gonna meet her there one day.

Thing is you were lent an angel for a while and she is now looking down on this evil world and praying that her mom, would find peace and waiting to greet mom -- in heaven.

We know for a fact that little angel is not in hell--so and the good thing is, God understands what you are going through now.

As a person of faith, I humbly say to you, it is not heaven and faith you are equating with what the world will term as a "tragedy" but God sees this in a different way--and when you get to terms with what the word of God says--then you would have peace and closure, that she was here for a short time--lent to you.

Our faith in God is limitless, and regardless of what we go through in life, in such a loss as yours, we cannot lose sight in the fact, that God knows best, and even in such dire circumstances, God loves us and cares for us.

When we die and go to heaven, our loved ones do come to meet us, and it is a documented fact, that lots of people who were very sick and on the brink of death, but came back to health, always said, their mother or father and loved ones were there when they were sick unto death-----and those same relatives are who we are going to meet when we do die and go to heaven.

Jesus said in the gospel of:

John 11V25:"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that BELIEVETH in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."

V26:"And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"

Here we see where the eternal life is where heaven or hell comes in.

Jesus did speak of hell and it is Jesus who mentions both in scripture.

John 14V1ff:"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

V2:"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to PREPARE a place for you.

V3:"And if I go and PREPARE a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, THERE you may be also."

Here Jesus is speaking of that place where God lives and calls his Home/Throne.

We see in the book of:

Revelation 21v1:"And I saw a NEW HEAVEN and a new earth: for the first heave and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
V2:"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God OUT OF HEAVEN, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."

So we know that God is not a liar so heaven is real.

Hell is also real too.

A young girl as your daughter, was called back to God, and is in heaven.

The question is having the faith to believe, not if there is a heaven or hell, but having faith to trust God to know what is good for us, even though you are going through a rough patch now, this trial can strengthen your faith, to know that you would meet your innocent daughter one day, and it takes your faith to get that done--since heaven is real--God is real and your daughter has already transitioned from the earthly realm into the Godly realm, and seeing her demands that your faith be strengthened that our final resting place--depends on trusting God, to have our backs and to love us, even in the times when it is difficult and hurts to do so.

Job did say "Though he slay me, yet I will trust him." those powerful words restored Job's faith, in the loss of his whole family and crops and riches and health.

Because God gave life and he takes it away, but cessation of life here on earth, is the beginning of eternal life in the eternal home of believers and faithful people of God.

Hope this helps.

The Christian's hope is based on their experience with God, and in trusting The Bible. It tells us that Heaven exists, and it tells us that our spirits continue to live on after our physical deaths. Jesus said that he prepared a place for those who love him, and The Bible teaches that to be absent from our bodies is to be present with the Lord.

Countless millions have placed their hope and trust in these things throughout the centuries. I have placed my trust in them as well. So should you.

I am terribly sorry for your loss. There is no easy answer. I do believe there is a Heaven. I also believe that just because I'm saved doesn't mean I'm impervious to life's tragedies. I don't believe God causes things like the death of your daughter, however. I do think He wants to help you through the tragedy. I'm no counselor, but I'm available if you need to talk further.

you never said what your faith is? but to answer. yes there is heaven but ONLY to those who know christ as LORD.

Our Father who art in HEAVEN..

Words of Jesus,from the Lords' Prayer.

(Jesus never lied.)

I am sorry for your loss. And i am sorry to tell you that heaven and god most likely are not real. What is 100% real however are your memories of her. The happy moments that you spent together, cherish those moments as they are more valuable then any false hope a religion may offer. And know that through those memories your daughter yet remains with you and with all those who share those memories.

I'm sorry for your loss, and if that's what you need to believe to cope and feel better, you're perfectly entitled to do so. I'm going to be honest though and tell you it's not likely.

Update: I don't fancy lying to people to make them feel better. If anything, it does them more of a disservice than a service

yeah there's a heaven... but only 144,000 (rev...14:1-3) are chosen by jehovah to rule with his son jesus... all other people have the hope of living in an earthly paradise...that's more likely where your daughter shall be resurrected...matthew 5:5 - psalms 37:10,11,29

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. My prayers are with you and your family both now and forever. Yes there is really a heaven. What I would suggest for you to do is to affirm your faith in the creator by praying to God, and ask for his help and support in your time of need, and looking for support from like-minded individuals.

My condolences. I believe in God. God exists but heaven and hell are not for human beings. They are only for spirits. A human being is not a single spirit. No one lives in any form after death. Spirits make a person to die when they decide/determine. There is always some game going on between them. This game sometimes ends in that way.

God never bothers who believe Him. God cannot watch each and every human being at the same time. That's why He had created the spirits to watch, guide and determine the destiny of the human beings from their daily activities, talks and thoughts too. Your past determines your present and your present determines your future. God has given freewill to all creatures including human beings. According to this, all human beings have all right to live a life as they wish. But if it happens to be bad and hurts someone, they have to face the consequences. These consequences are created by spirits. It's a natural system. After death no one lives in any form. Heaven and hell are only for spirits. Spirits are separate elements. A human being is not a single spirit. A human being during his/her life time is living with many spirits which have joined one by one since birth. They are knowledge, skills, feelings, emotions, interests and everything. Even thoughts are not your own. When you want to take a decision on a subject, one after another the spirits think and you just listen, choose or reject the ideas which they transmit to your mind through your brain in the form of thoughts. A human being is just a robot made of flesh, bones, tissues etc., and a toy of the spirits for their games.

well im an atheist so personally no but a believer in god would tell you god has a plan for us all and that was what was meant to happen that was god testing your faith

MY FAITH IS SUCH that very soon JESUS will raise her back up more beautiful than ever,JESUS GAVE us HIS word and HIS words will not return unto HIM VOID.

If there is, you will see her again.

if she died, and she was born again, she is in heaven. dont sweat it. i believe most of us are saved if we have faith in jesus to begin with.even if we didnt accept jesus in this life there is still a 2nd chance, and for those that are pure and innocent, if at all possible there is another greater chance to be saved and even then if anyone dies without ever hearing the gosple, they still get another 2nd chance and can obtain heightts in heaven for if they would have accepted Christ, they are judged by teh merit of his grace to be as if they did accept him.