6The State of the Dead
Discussions about death often come up as people face loss, poor health, or tragic events. The simple fact is that because of sin, all will die (Heb. 9:27).
Revelation 1:17, 18
"And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, 'Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.'"
Though we all face death in this world, Christ Himself is a risen Savior! He has had victory over death and will one day grant His believers eternal life. That is good news.
Of course, we must be very sensitive in sharing this subject, especially when studying with someone who has experienced a loss and believes that a deceased loved one is still alive. The best approach is simply to study what the Bible says in a matter-of-fact manner. One of my dear friends, a pathologist (someone who is naturally well- acquainted with death), was actually converted through the profound truths of Scripture concerning death.
Texts about the state of man in death:
Gen. 2:7 -Man was formed from dust and breath (which together form a soul).
Eccl. 12:7-When a person dies, the spirit (same word as breath in Greek and Hebrew) goes back to God who gave it (see also James 2:26; Job 27:3).
Ezek. 18:20 -Souls can die.
Job 4:17 -Man is mortal, subject to death.
1 Tim. 6:15, 16 -Only God is immortal.
John 5:28, 29 -Righteous people are resurrected by 33 the voice of Christ.
Acts 2:29, 34-David, "a man of God's own heart," is still in his grave today.
Eccl. 9:5, 6, 10-The dead don't know or remember anything.
Ps. 115:17 -The dead do not praise the Lord.
Job 14:12, 21 -The dead do not communicate with the living.
Ps. 146:4 -Their thoughts have perished.
John 11:11-14 -Death is a sleep.
1 Thess. 4:16, 17 -The righteous are resurrected and rewarded (Rev. 22:12) at the Second Coming (1 Cor. 15:51-53).
Gen. 3:4 -The devil's first lie was that sinners would not die.
Rev. 18:23-The devil will likewise deceive people at the end of time.
2 Cor. 11:13, 14 -He will appear as an angel of light and deceive many.
Rev. 13:13, 14 -The devil will perform miracles.
Rev. 16:14-Demons will work false miracles.
Matt. 24:23, 24-There will be false christs.
Acts 17:11; Isa. 8:20-God's people (who study His Word) will not be deceived.
YOU ARE READING
Us With Jesus: Ministry
SpiritualThis book will build and firm your spiritual and religious beliefs. We are doing this for ministry and we want to inspire others too. We want to share on how God help us and guide us on daily spiritual growth. If you are reading this now, meaning Go...
