TOPIC 41 OF 47
Death and the Afterlife
In Christ, death cannot separate his people from his presence.
THE MAIN TRUTH
Adam’s sin brought death into the world, so that all people die under God’s judgment.
The teaching
From the book · pages 125–127
Adam’s sin brought death into the world, so that all people die under God’s judgment. When we die, our mortal body returns to dust in the grave, but our soul (or spirit), endowed with immortality by God, is separated from the body.
The unrighteous spirit is separated from God’s heavenly presence in “hell” (Hebrew: Sheol; Greek: Hades). Sheol can refer to the grave or to a dark, gloomy realm for the souls of the dead, and Hades to a place of fire and torment. The Old Testament describes the souls of God’s people as being gathered to their fathers in peace, rescued from Sheol, and taken to glory.
Christ Jesus conquered death and hell by his atoning death and bodily resurrection. When baptized believers in Christ die, their bodies decay in the grave, and their spirits depart from the body to be with Christ in the paradise of God’s heavenly presence. United to Christ, the spirit experiences the peace and joy of heaven. Yet the fullness of heaven will not be experienced until the body is raised from the dead on the Last Day to share in the glory of God’s presence within a new creation.
Scripture foundations
All Scripture excerpts from this topic are presented below in the book’s order. Ellipses and bracketed explanations follow the manuscript. Select a reference to read the surrounding passage in the EHV.
Reading these passages together
The passages distinguish the believer’s being with Christ after death from the final resurrection of the body. Christian hope embraces both Christ’s present care and his promised restoration.
15 Scripture excerpt groups
SCRIPTURE 01
Romans 5:12,14,16 ↗
“So then, just as sin entered the world through one man and death through sin, so also death spread to all people because all sinned . . . the transgression of Adam . . . for the judgment that followed the one trespass resulted in a verdict of condemnation. . .”
Book page 126
SCRIPTURE 03
Ecclesiastes 12:7 ↗
“. . . and the dust goes back into the ground—just as it was before, and the spirit goes back to God who gave it.”
Book page 126
SCRIPTURE 04
Psalm 9:17 ↗
“The wicked return to the grave [Sheol], all the nations who forget God.”
Book page 126
SCRIPTURE 05
Isaiah 14:9,15 ↗
[Regarding the evil king of Babylon] “The grave [Sheol] below is ready to meet you when you come. It stirs up the departed spirits to meet you . . . But you will be brought down to the grave [Sheol], to the bottom of the pit.”
Book page 126
SCRIPTURE 06
Luke 16:22-24 ↗
“The rich man also died and was buried. In hell [Hades], where he was in torment . . . he called out . . . ‘I am in misery in this flame.’”
Book page 126
SCRIPTURE 07
Genesis 15:15 ↗
[The LORD to Abraham:] “. . . you will go to your fathers in peace. You will be buried at a good old age.”
Book page 126
SCRIPTURE 08
Psalm 49:15; 73:24 ↗
“But surely God will redeem my life from the power of the grave [Sheol]. Yes, he will take me to himself.” “With your guidance you lead me, and afterward, you will take me to glory.”
Book page 127
SCRIPTURE 09
Revelation 1:17-18 ↗
[The risen Christ:] “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last—the Living One. I was dead and, see, I am alive forever and ever! I also hold the keys of death and hell [Hades].”
Book page 127
SCRIPTURE 10
1 Corinthians 15:54,57 ↗
“Death is swallowed up in victory . . . thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!”
Book page 127
SCRIPTURE 12
Philippians 1:21,23 ↗
“Yes, for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain . . . I have the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far.”
Book page 127
SCRIPTURE 13
2 Corinthians 5:8 ↗
“But we are confident and would much prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
Book page 127
SCRIPTURE 14
Revelation 14:13 ↗
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on . . . because they will rest from their labors, for their works follow them.”
Book page 127
SCRIPTURE 15
Colossians 1:5; Romans 8:23 ↗
“. . . the hope that is stored up for you in heaven.” “. . . we eagerly await . . . the redemption of our body.”
Book page 127
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture passages are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV), copyright 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission, as noted in the manuscript.
PERSONAL REFLECTION OR GROUP DISCUSSION
Reflect and pray
What makes death an enemy rather than simply a natural friend?
What comfort does Christ promise to believers who die?
Why is the resurrection of the body essential to the fullness of Christian hope?
A prayer
Risen Savior, comfort those who grieve and those approaching death. Keep us in your care and sustain our hope in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.