DEATH & HELL
INTERACTIVE BIBLE STUDY

What happens after death? Those facing their own death or the death of a loved one earnestly seek answers, hope and truth. Disturbing concepts of immortality and hell do great damage to emotional and spiritual lives. It is no time to accept a pleasing lie, but to discover the comforting reality in God's word.

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first" (1 Thes. 4:16).

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What happens after death?

What are some of the beliefs people have regarding life after death? Here are a few of the more popular ones.

A. People go immediately to their reward, which is heaven for righteous people and a place of burning for wicked people.

B. People are reborn as something or someone else.

C. The righteous and the wicked are both in the grave until Christ returns.

D. Death is the end of existence forever.

E. The disembodied soul of a dead person doesn't die, but moves on to another existence.

There are many varied opinions on this subject. This Bible Study looks in the Bible for the answers. Let's begin...




The "Place of the Dead" in the Old Testament

1
King James Version:
"The wicked shall be turned into hell and all the nations that forget God" (Psalm 9:17).
1
Let's start our study by looking at the meaning of the word "Hell." The Hebrew word translated into hell in this verse is "sheol," which means the place of the dead or the grave. The King James Version of the Bible translates sheol to grave (32 times), hell (31 times) or the pit (3 times).
2
New International Version:
"The wicked return to the grave, all the nations that forget God" (Psalm 9:17)
2
However, the New International Version consistently translates sheol to grave (58 times) or death/depths (8 times). This is important, because in more modern times the word hell came to mean something very different from the grave. Instead of being a place of the dead, it has come to be understood as a place of burning for the living! The original Hebrew does not support this concept. As we proceed with this study, we shall examine whether or not other verses in the Bible support it.
3
American Standard Version:
"The wicked shall be turned back unto sheol, even all the nations that forget God (Psalm 9:17)
3
Interestingly, other versions of the Bible just left the word sheol as it was written in the original Hebrew.




The "Place of the Dead" in the New Testament

1
King James Version:
"Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption" (Acts 2:27).
1
The equivelant of the Old Testament word "Sheol" in the New Testament is the Greek word "Haides." It also means the place or state of departed souls, or the grave. Both mean the place where the dead reside. The King James Version translates haides to hell (11 times).
2
New International Version:
"Because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay" (Acts 2:27).
2
However, the New International Version translates haides to death (1 time), realm of the dead (2 times) and hades (8 times). In times past, the word hell meant to hide, conceal or cover up, thus hell and grave could at times be used interchangeably. Studying these original words reveal that when we read the word "Hell" in our Bibles, it should usually be thought of in the same way you would think of the word "grave." The more modern concept of hell meaning a place of burning is only accurate when translated from the original word "Gehenna" in the New Testament. We will discuss that later.
3
American Standard Version:
"Because thou wilt not leave my soul unto Hades, Neither wilt thou give thy Holy One to see corruption" (Acts 2:27).
3
Like sheol in the Old Testament, some translations simply retain the Greek word Hades instead of translating it.




What is Death?

1
"In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return" (Genesis 3:19).
1
Death means a return to dust. Humans were created from the elements of the earth and return to that state after dying.
2
"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (Genesis 2:7).

"The soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezekiel 18:20).
2
When humans were created, they became living souls (Hebrew "nepesh" meaning a breathing creature, life, person). The Bible also calls animals "nepesh" (Gen. 1:21, 9:10). Any living being/creature is a soul. Note that the soul did not already exist and combine with the body, but rather the body plus the breath from God created a soul. If that breath, or spark of life, leaves, the soul dies.
SOUL = BODY + BREATH OF LIFE

A living creature is a soul.
When the creature dies, the soul dies.




What Returns to God at Death?

1
"Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it" (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
1
The word translated to "spirit" in this text is the Hebrew word "ruah". It is used in various ways in the Bible, one of which means wind, breath, exhalation, tempest or air.
2
"All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me" (Job 27:3-5).
2
Job refers to the spirit (ruah) being in his nostrils. Also, the people and animals that went into the ark had the breath (ruah) of life in them (Gen. 6:17).
3
"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (Genesis 2:7).
3
Look again at the text we just read on the previous screen. A soul is made up of dust from the ground and breath from God. It is simply the breath of life that returns to God upon death. The body returns to dust. Thus, the soul ceases to exist. It's like a light that is on in your house. Electricity plus the bulb produce the light. If the electricity (breath/spirit) is cut off, the light no longer exists. Likewise, if the bulb (body) breaks, the light goes out.




What Is the State of the Mind During Death?

1
"For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?" (Psalms 6:5).

"For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth" (Isaiah 38:18-19).

"For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun... for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest " (Ecclesiastes 9:5,6,10).
1
In DEATH there is NO:
  • Remembrance
  • Thanks
  • Work
  • Device
  • Knowledge
  • Wisdom
  • Praise
  • Celebration
  • Hope
  • Reward
  • Hatred
  • Envy
  • Love
The mind is part of our physical body, which returns to dust. There is no consciousness or thoughts occuring during death.




Do the Righteous Go To Heaven When They Die?

1
"Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day... For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool" (Acts 2:29-35).
1
Hundreds of years after David died, he is described as being dead and buried, and still not in heaven.
2
"For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption" (Acts 13:36).
2
David saw corruption (from the Greek word "diaphtheiro", which means to rot thoroughly, ruin, decay). This is the "return to dust" that God said would happen to those who disobey Him and die. Remember, it is the soul, the whole living person, that sins and dies...there is no portion of a person that doesn't die.
3
"And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:40).
3
Faithful David (Heb. 11:32-40), did not immediately go to heaven after death. Neither do those who believe on the Son of God.




Do the Righteous Go To Heaven When They Die?

1
"These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead...Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. " (John 11:11-17.
1
Here is another example where a righteous person did not go to heaven after dying. In fact, Lazarus was still in the grave after 4 days.
2
"Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death" (Psalms 13:3). (see also 2 Sam. 7:12, Matt. 27:52, Acts 7:60)
2
Jesus describes Lazarus' death as sleeping. Other passages also describe death as a sleep or a rest. It is an unconscious state and you are not aware of the passing of time. When you "wake up" it is just like a moment has passed since you "fell asleep."
3
"As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness" (Psalms 17:15).
3
Encouragingly, those who sleep will also awake! Let's continue, and study when this event happens.




When are the righteous resurrected?

1
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. " (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
1
The righteous dead are raised when Christ returns. Until then, they are dead and in their graves.
2
"Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations" (Isaiah 14:9).

"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works" (Matthew 16:27).
2
They are released from the grave to meet Christ at His coming. Hell (the grave) gives up the dead then. It is at that time that the righteous receive their reward.




When do the righteous go to paradise?

1
"And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:42-43).
1
Jesus spoke to the thief on the cross about being together in Paradise. This text, on the surface, appears to contradict the many other texts that refer to a future resurrection and reward.

However, this text could also have been translated to read "...I say unto thee today, thou shalt be with me in paradise". The ancient Greek was written in all capital letters, without spaces, and without punctuation or other marks. The comma was added by translators and could have been placed in either location.
2
"Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God" (John 20:17).
2
After Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, He told Mary that He hadn't yet ascended to His Father. Thus, He couldn't have meant that He would be with the thief in heaven on the same day that they died.




Are Humans Immortal?

1
"For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory" (1 Corinthians 15:53-54).

"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand" (John 10:28).
1
The Greek word translated to immortality is "athanasia," which means deathlessness. These verses state that immortality or eternal life is not a natural or initial state of humans. Rather, immortality is a gift from God to those who believe, and is awarded later.
2
"Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen" (1 Timothy 6:15-16).
2
Only God is naturally immortal and has the power to share that immortality. The very name Jehovah means self-existent or eternal.




How did the concept of human immortality start?

1
"And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:16-17).

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
1
God told Adam and Eve that if they disobeyed Him they would die. Sin results in death.
2
"And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die" (Genesis 3:4).
2
Satan, disguised as the serpent, told Eve that if she disobeyed God she would not die. Either God or Satan was lying.




What Is the Lake of Fire?

1
"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death" (Revelation 21:8).
1
We previously mentioned that there are places in the Bible that refer to the wicked burning. The Bible refers to this as the "second death". A second death likely wouldn't mean living forever in torment and fire. Rather, dying a second time would mean just that; death and a return to dust. However, this second time, it is accomplished by fire and results in eternal death. The burning of the wicked does not last forever, but the results do. Evil is eliminated forever.
2
"And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:13-15).
2
Notice that death and hell (hades/grave) are also cast into the lake of fire. This means that they are eliminated forever also.
3
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (Revelation 21:4).
3
There will be no more death and destruction, just as God promises. Heaven will be a place of happiness where all sin, death and pain are behind us.




What Is Hell?

1
"But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him" (Luke 12:5).
1
In Revelation 20, which we studied on the previous screen, the wicked are cast into the lake of fire. In the texts shown here, the wicked are cast into hell or hell fire. These are referring to the same event.

The Greek word translated to hell in these texts is "Gehenna" (12 places in the NT). It refers to an actual place on earth, the ravine of Hinnom, a valley of Jerusalem, where refuse and corpses of criminals and animals were burned. The area was associated with idol worship and child sacrifices (2 Kings 23:10, 2 Chronicles 28:3, 33:6, Jer. 32:35), later becoming known as a place of swift judgment for lawbreakers (Jer. 7:31-33, 19:2-6, Matt. 5:29-30, 18:8-9).
2
"And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire" (Matthew 18:9).
2
Gehenna does not refer to the grave, it is figurative of the end of time when the wicked are destroyed by fire. The word "hell", if understood as "a place of burning" should apply to Gehenna. However, "hell" should not be applied to the other Hebrew and Greek words "Haides" or "Sheol," which are referring to the grave where people are sleeping until the resurrection and Gehenna occur.




Do the Wicked Go To Hell When They Die?

1
"But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished... And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them" (Revelation 20:5).
1
The wicked are not raised to life until 1000 years after Christ's second coming. It is then that they are destroyed by fire.
2
"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation" (John 5:28-29).

"And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust" (Acts 24:15).
2
The apostles talk of two resurrections that would occur sometime future to their day; one for the righteous and one for the wicked. The wicked stay in the grave when they die, just like the righteous, until they are resurrected much later.




How long does the Lake of Fire burn?

1
"Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more" (Ezekiel 28:18-19).
1
In Revelation, Satan is also cast into the Lake of Fire. This passage in Ezekiel refers to the same event, revealing that he becomes ashes. This indicates that he will at some point burn up. It also says that he shall never be any more!
2
"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts" (Malachi 4:1-3).
2
Other texts also teach that the burning of the wicked has an end. Notice here that they are burned up, leaving nothing except ashes. The burning comes to an end after there is nothing left to burn. Until then, nothing can put it out.




How long does the Lake of Fire burn?

1
"Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire" (Matthew 3:12).
1
We've seen in other texts how the flames burn the material completely, leaving only ashes. Here also, the chaff is burned up. The word "unquenchable" simply means that nothing can quench the fire until it completes its work. In the same way, if a field of ripe wheat catches fire, someone standing by might say it cannot be quenched. However, once the field is done burning up, the fire goes out.
2
"And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh" (Isaiah 66:24).

"And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9:43-44).
2
The worm, maggot or grub works just like an unquenchable fire. It continues feeding until the carcass is gone. This figure of speech drives home the point that destruction is complete and inevitable for those who persist in transgressing God's law.




How long is for ever?

1
"Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever" (1 Chronicles 28:4). "And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead" (1 Chronicles 29:27-28).
1
David was chosen to be king for ever, however, he reigned for 40 years and then died. What was meant by "for ever?" David should be king as long as he should live.
2
"And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free... he shall serve him for ever" (Exodus 21:5-6).
2
The servant who chose to stay with his family would serve his master for ever. What if the master or servant died? How could a dead servant serve his master? The servant should serve for the rest of his life.

The term "for ever" means to continue without a break for a period of time. It means to endure as long as a thing, person or state exists. Many scholars have translated the original words to the more precise meaning of "age-lasting." Another way to understand the term is as "always." For example, you might promise your friend who is going out of town that you will always feed her dog. This means you will feed it without missing a day until she returns.

Additional Examples:
  • A. Aaron was to serve as priest "for ever" (1 Chron. 23:13, Numbers 20:28-29, 33:38-39).
  • B. Jonah was in the belly of the whale "for ever" (Jonah 1:17, 2:1-6, Matt. 12:40).




How long is for ever?

1
"And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever" (Revelation 20:10).
1
As we've seen, the Bible uses "for ever" to mean to endure as long as a thing, person or state exists. Thus, the Lake of Fire at the end of time burns until everything in it is burned up.
2
"Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41).
2
In the same way, the "everlasting fire" is a fire that will constantly burn until it consumes everything upon which it feeds.
3
"Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire" (Jude 1:7).

"And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly" (2 Peter 2:6).
3
Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed long ago. They are no longer physically burning today. Yet, it is set forth as an example of what will happen with fire at the end of time.




Will the wicked receive another chance after death?

1
"There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame..." (Luke 16:19-24).
1
Jesus often spoke in parables. The story of the rich man and Lazarus is also a parable, even beginning with the exact words that He used in the previous parable (Luke 16:1). As a parable, the story should not be taken literally, but rather figuratively. Note that if it is taken literally, there are numerous problems presented that can't be explained, such as people in heaven and the grave being able to see and speak to each other, and the righteous being in Abraham's bosom. Also, if it were to be taken literally, it would conflict with a multitude of Biblical evidence. However, as a parable, it teaches valuable lessons regarding the time we have on earth to make a decision for eternity.
2
"But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead" (Luke 16:25-31).
2
Here are some of the important lessons this parable teaches...
  • Claiming to believe in God without having compassion on the suffering, is not acceptable to God.
  • A person brings nothing into the world and can take nothing with him/her. Riches do not profit a man if he loses his own life.
  • There is no possibility of securing salvation after death. This life is the time to choose and prepare for eternity.
  • God has given us instructions through His prophets. If a person is given the light of God's word and then rejects its instruction, nothing else will persuade him/her. Don't wait for miracles and signs before accepting God, but choose now to follow Him as the word of God convicts you through the influence of His Spirit.
3
"He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. " (Revelation 22:11-12).
3
Once Jesus returns the second time, each person's eternal destiny is established. There is no additional probation.
4
"We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation)" (2 Corinthians 6:1-2).
4
Do not delay. Now is the time to choose life by choosing Jesus Christ. As this text points out, the key is to succour Christ (the Greek word for succour means to ask for help, aid or relief). He will not only save you from Gehenna (Lake of Fire), but through His power, you will live a life here and now that reflects your faith with good deeds, compassion and joy.




What is the reward of the wicked?

1
"For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been" (Obadiah 1:16).
1
The wicked become as though they had never been. They are eternally dead and gone.
2
"In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power" (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
2
The wicked are punished with fire, and the result of the fire is everlasting destruction. The fire itself, or the punishment, does not last forever, the results do.
This punishment of eternal death may seem too harsh. It is indeed so awful and tragic. But, it is actually a merciful judgment by a loving God. How could heaven be a place of no tears if a loved one was burning in agony for eternity? Why would a merciful God punish sinners for eternity for deeds done during a short life? These questions are answered by the Biblical teaching that the lives of the wicked are mercifully brought to an end forever. There will be no more suffering or death.




How can I live eternally?

1
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1-2).
1
Jesus didn't want us to worry or fear death, but to know that if we are in Him, He will resurrect us and we won't have to experience the second death but will be with Him for eternity. Through Christ, there is provision for life after death.
2
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).
2
To accept Christ's offer of eternal life, choose to believe and obey His words in Scripture. He will empower you to "walk after the Spirit", which means you will begin to desire to do what is right, instead of "walking after the flesh", which means you want to do what your selfish nature desires. Being "in Christ" means you have given Him all of you, thus He is able to mold, recreate, resurrect and deliver you.




Summary

Let's now summarize what we've just studied...

Your loved ones who have passed away are resting peacefully in the grave, unaware of the passing of time. They are not suffering nor watching you suffer.

When you die in Christ, the next thing you will see is Christ returning to earth in clouds of glory. When Christ returns He will be with all His angels, there will be loud noises, and every eye will see Him. Those who chose Him during life and are resting in the grave will hear His voice and be resurrected to live with Him for eternity. "But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me" (Psalms 49:15".
A thousand years after the first resurrection, those who did not choose Christ during life will be raised to life for a final judgment, after which they will die the second death when the earth burns up and they will no longer be in existence. If you have a loved one who did not die in Christ, it is comforting to know that they will not be tormented for eternity. God is kind and merciful, first allowing them to choose their destiny and then, after much longsuffering and pleading, giving them up to the second and final death. They will not continue endlessly in pain or unhappiness; rather they will be as though they never were.
You will be happy again, looking to the future, not remembering the past. All will be peaceful and joyful everywhere, eternally. "For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind" (Isaiah 65:17). "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (Revelation 21:4).
Understanding what happens after death and knowing the truth about hell is a source of great comfort. "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).




End of Study

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