Not to start a religious debate or preach, or try to force my beliefs on anyone, because I don't like to do that, BUT....the only way I can explain it is, when you have Jesus and His spirit, you are here on this earth but always longing to be closer to Him and the Father in heaven....and if He is in your heart, you can experience His presence and feel close to heaven even while here on earth. It's the thing that keeps me going, being here on earth in all the hate and pain around me, but knowing I can be as close to Him as I choose to be, just by asking for His presence and peace to surround me. So you don't have to die to end the suffering. Sorry if I confused you; but that's my take on it, from my own experience.