Paul ponders this subject in 1 Corinthians 15. He’s talking to those who claim there is no afterlife and explains the answer is contingent on Jesus and His resurrection.
Verses 16-20 say: “For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.”
This sounds like a bleak conclusion. But let’s read on. “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
To that I can only say hallelujah and agree with the Psalmist. “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.” Psalm 73:24.