What truly happens when we die? Is there consciousness after death? Do souls ascend to heaven or descend into hell immediately? Or does the Bible teach something else entirely?
Throughout history and especially in modern media, many have shared stories of supposed journeys beyond the grave — some even claim they "spoke to Jesus" or wandered in the "in-between." But what does the Bible really say?
Death in the Bible: A State of Sleep
The Bible consistently compares death to sleep. This metaphor emphasizes unconsciousness and rest, not active experience. For instance:
- Ecclesiastes 9:5 – “For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing…”
- Psalm 146:4 – “His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.”
- Daniel 12:2 – “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake…”
These verses show that after death, people are not aware of the passage of time or events on earth. They are “sleeping,” awaiting resurrection.
Jesus on Death: Lazarus as an Example
In John 11:11-14, Jesus speaks of Lazarus’ death, saying, “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.” When the disciples didn’t understand, He said plainly: “Lazarus is dead.” This clear use of "sleep" as a metaphor for death is consistent with biblical teaching throughout.
What Happens Next? Resurrection, Not Immediate Afterlife
The Bible doesn’t teach that souls float to heaven or burn in hell immediately after death. Instead, it teaches that the dead are raised at Christ’s second coming:
- John 5:28-29 – “The hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth…”
- Job 14:12 – “So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.”
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16 – “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout…” 🛈
But What About Near-Death Experiences?
Many today are fascinated by stories of near-death experiences, out-of-body journeys, and visions of heaven or hell. These stories may be vivid and sincere, but they are **not** authoritative. Only Scripture is trustworthy for doctrine (2 Timothy 3:16)* All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Emotional stories cannot override the consistent testimony of the Bible that the dead sleep until resurrection.
Returning to the Foundation
Jesus Himself affirmed the authority of the Old Testament when He told a parable about the rich man and Lazarus. Even though this parable (Luke 16:19-31) uses familiar imagery of the time, Jesus concluded with this: “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”
In other words: The truth is found in the Scriptures, not in the sensational stories of men.
Conclusion: The Blessed Hope
The Bible teaches that death is a sleep — a peaceful rest from life’s struggles — until Jesus returns. That is the hope of every believer: not an instant reward or punishment, but resurrection to eternal life through Jesus Christ at His glorious second coming.
Let us trust in the Word of God more than the words of men, for Jesus Himself said: “Thy word is truth” (John 17:17).
Coming Up Next…
In the next post and posts, we will consider topics that lead us to new revelations! The Bible is not difficult to understand if you read it prayerfully and without prejudice. We will raise questions and it is up to you to consider them yourself and incorporate the answers into your life. This blog does not impose any "our" teachings and only tries to remain faithful to the Holy Scriptures and the principle of "Sola scriptura" (Scripture alone). May the Lord bless you as you strive for this principle, because it is the only infallible one!
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