When Frank Turek, one of today’s most respected Christian apologists, stood up during Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, he said something that gripped every heart in the room.
He declared with confidence:
“Charlie is in heaven.
Not because he was a great husband and father.
Not because he saved millions of kids out of darkness on college campuses.
Not because he changed minds and chased votes to save the country.
Not because he sacrificed himself for his Savior.
Charlie Kirk is in heaven because his Savior sacrificed Himself for Charlie Kirk.”
It’s a powerful statement, isn’t it?
It’s comforting. It’s inspiring.
And to millions of Christians, it sounds perfectly right.
But here’s the question that most people never stop to ask:
Is Charlie Kirk really in heaven right now?
If you’re like most believers, you might think, Of course he is!
Charlie boldly proclaimed Jesus Christ.
He spoke about God’s Word.
He lived a life of faith and service.
If anyone deserves to be in heaven, surely it’s Charlie… right?
But what if I told you something that might surprise you—maybe even shock you?
What if I told you that Charlie Kirk is not in heaven at this very moment… but is actually asleep in the grave, waiting for something far greater?
I know.
That might sound strange—maybe even unsettling.
But before you scroll away, hear me out.
Because this isn’t my opinion.
This is what the Bible itself teaches.
The Bible’s Clear—but Overlooked—Truth
Jesus said it plainly in John 3:13 (NKJV):
“No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.”
Did you catch that?
“No one.”
Not Abraham. Not Moses. Not David.
Not the apostles. Not even the prophets.
And yes, not Charlie Kirk.
From the time of Adam until today, the Bible shows that the dead are not living in heaven or burning in hell.
They are asleep in their graves—waiting.
Jesus Himself explained this in John 5:28–29 (NKJV):
“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”
Where are the dead?
“In the graves.”
Not floating in heaven.
Not suffering in hell.
But resting—until the day when Christ calls them back to life.
Both the righteous and the wicked will rise.
Both will be judged.
Both are waiting.
Think about this for a second.
If the faithful are already rejoicing in heaven, why would there need to be a resurrection?
Why would Jesus return to wake the dead if they’re already awake and blissful?
The resurrection wouldn’t make sense if heaven were the immediate reward.
A Far Greater Hope
This truth doesn’t cheapen the gospel.
It strengthens it.
Because it means death is not the end.
It means Charlie Kirk—like every faithful follower of Yahshua the Messiah—is not lost.
He’s simply asleep. Those who are in Christ are waiting for that glorious moment when the trumpet sounds, the skies open, and the dead will rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
That is the real hope.
Not that we escape to heaven at death… but that we will one day be resurrected, clothed with immortality, and live forever with our Savior on a renewed earth.
What About You?
I know this might challenge what you’ve always believed.
It might raise questions.
And that’s okay.
Truth often does.
But don’t just take my word for it.
Search the Scriptures.
Read what Jesus Himself said.
And if you want a deeper dive into what really happens after death, I’ve put together a free Bible study guide just for you:
[Beyond the Grave: Discover the Shocking Truth About Death, Heaven, and Hell]
It’s free. No strings attached.
Inside, you’ll find clear, eye-opening answers straight from the Bible—not man-made traditions.
Answers that will comfort you, challenge you, and give you a hope that death can never steal.
Charlie Kirk is not in heaven.
But he will rise again.
And so will every faithful servant of God in their own order.
That’s the promise.
That’s the hope.
That’s the breathtaking truth of the gospel.
Friend, don’t miss it.
Because what God has planned for those who love Him is far greater than anything we could ever imagine.