Table of Contents
Death – A State of Sleep
Millions believe that when a person dies, the soul possesses a natural immortality. But not even one time in the Bible is the soul referred to as being immortal or undying. According to God’s Word, man is mortal (Job 4:17). Only God is immortal (1 Timothy 6:15, 16). The Scriptures teach us that when a person (Christian or non-Christian) leaves this life, he sleeps (John 11:11; Daniel 12:2; Psalm 13:3) in the grave until the end of the world and the Day of resurrection. For more on the state of the dead, check Where do I go after death?
Judgement at the Second Coming
At the second coming of Christ, the Savior will come to judge the world (Matthew 25:31-33). He will raise the dead and reward “every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12). Those who have accepted Christ’s sacrificial death to redeem them from the penalty of sin will be taken to heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; 1 Corinthians 15:51–53). But those who have rejected His sacrificial death will die for their sins the second death (John 8:24; 12:48). These will not gain eternal life (1 Corinthians 6:9).
Jesus promised all those that come to Him for redemption, “I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37). And He assured that “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). He confirmed that the transformation of character and the new birth experience will be granted through the work of the Holy Spirit. For He said, “I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts” (Hebrews 8:10).
God’s Salvation
Today Jesus is knocking at the door of our hearts (Revelation 3:20). And He asks to come in so that He can change our lives. If we give our hearts to Him, He will erase all our sins (Romans 3:25) and give us the strength to live righteous lives (Philippians 2:13). He will grant us His own godly character so we can stand blameless in the Day of Judgement before the holy Father (Colossians 1:22).
Thus, our part is to yield our lives to Him and allow Him to live within us through the study of Scriptures and prayer. And He will do the great miracle of transformation within us (2 Corinthians 5:17,18). Then, our lives will be changed and we can be ready for His second coming. For this wonderful plan of salvation, we gladly pray, “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
For a Bible study of the State of the Dead, check:
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
