The Dead Are Asleep
Many are concerned about the dead…just what state are they in? Let’s look at Revelation 14:13: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow after them. This does not indicate that they are in a state of unconsciousness. Indeed, look at the story of Lazarus and the rich man, wherein we can see quite clearly that both Lazarus and the rich man were fully conscious (Luke 16:19-31) (see also Revelation 6:6-9).
The doctrine espoused by some, that the soul dies or sleeps after death, is a sad thing, indeed. This would mean that the souls of all men have perished. If that be true, the logical consequence of that idea is that, at Judgment, they would not be resurrected, but rather have to be recreated! That is utter nonsense!
Paul said he had a great desire to depart this life “and be with Christ,” which, he said, “would be much better (Philippians 1:23).” Does it not strike you as silly that one of God’s apostles, who claimed to have labored more that the rest (II Corinthians 11:23) would rather die and pass into a state of nothingness than to continue to work for the Lord on the earth?
We read in Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of Jehovah is the death of His saints.” Is it reasonable to think that God would rejoice in one of His own passing into oblivion, never to be seen or heard from again? That, too, is nonsense. This is the doctrine of materialism, which teaches that the body is all there is, and that the soul dies with it. Such is not in keeping with the Scriptures, my friend. When the body dies, the soul lives on…either to reap eternal reward or to reap eternal damnation. Which awaits you?
No related posts for this topic.
Posted on August 20th, 2009 by doc
Filed under: Authority of Scripture, Word study
