Answer: Dear Tak,

This verse simply refers to the good works that Christians did in their earthly lives as a result of saving faith. The Bible makes clear (Ephesians 2:8-10, etc.) that we are saved by grace, and that authentic faith, the new life in Christ which is given to us without meritorious works on our part, is expressed in the life of Christians in good works. Those good works are in fact the works of Jesus, who lives his life in those who are saved.

Verse 24 of this chapter makes it clear that believers have eternal life now. The reference to all who are in their graves is a reference to the bodies of those who occupy graves – all humans who have ever lived, with the exception of our Lord, his tomb is empty. Everyone else occupies a grave or a tomb.

That being said, the Bible also speaks of the soul/spirit which is not confined to the grave, but goes back to God – is with him – is present with the Lord, etc. Some believe that the soul/spirit is sleeping, while present with the Lord, while others believe that soul/spirit is conscious. Scripture can be interpreted both ways. Most Christians use the term "heaven" to speak of the "the place" where believers who have died in Christ are – with God. It is not a term that defines a geographical reality, in the time/space sense we humans think of it. Others speak of that "place" as being the kingdom of God or the kingdom of heaven, while others simply speak of eternity.

We know that the kingdom of heaven is already here, for believers while it is not yet – we know that we are given eternal life (John 5:24 and many other passages) but we also know that we are not now immortal, with glorified bodies, something that will occur at the second coming of Jesus Christ.

I hope this helps with your question.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht