Q&A on John 14:2-3 "I go to prepare a place for you" — Mike's understanding of the intermediate state and the new heaven and new earth

Mike's view: OT saints in the intermediate state were gathered in Abraham's Bosom (a waiting place referenced by Jesus). After Christ's death and resurrection, that waiting place became the immediate presence of God. Jesus "preparing a place" now means believers at death go directly into God's presence. The ultimate eternal state is the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21), where the New Jerusalem descends from God, God dwells with humanity, and he is the light. The "with him" is ultimately relational and grounded in the new creation.