"What happens when we die?" It would surprise me if there is a parent on the face of the earth who has not heard these words. Children are often concerned about what happens to the dead, and where it is that they have gone, if anywhere. I would maintain that we as adults need to be concerned about the answer to the question, "What happens when we die?"
Many people, "Bible-believers" and others, have taught untruths concerning life after death. Some teach that death is the end. To these, death is just slipping quietly into an eternal night of non-existence and oblivion. Others teach that all find a place of quiet rest in death. To them death equals eternal peace. However, what we concern ourselves with here is what the Bible says about death and life after death.
The Bible clearly teaches that death is not the end of all things for man. In Hebrews 9:27 we read, "It is appointed for man to die once, and then the judgment." If man were to slip into non-existence, there would be no discussion of a judgment. If there was nothing after death, no judgment, no accounting for the things one has done, then there is no incentive or motivation to do right. You will not be judged! But as we see from Scripture, there is a judgment to follow death.
When we attend funeral services, we always like to hear that our deceased friend or relative is in a place of peace. Truly, that is our desire, but it must be recognized that not all souls go to a place of rest. As we look in Luke 16:19-31, (please take the time to read the passage) Jesus explains to us two men. One was a poor beggar by the name of Lazarus, the other a rich man who was "clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day." These two individuals lived in the same area. They very likely saw one another quite often. As we look at the things spoken of by Jesus about their death however, we learn that they went their separate ways. The beggar died and "was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom," a quiet place of peaceful rest. The rich man also died, but we are told that he was in "torments in Hades". Why the difference? It would seem that Lazarus had been faithful when it came to serving God and his fellow man. The rich man however, trusted in himself, and the power of his riches, and thus served neither his fellow man nor God above. Thus, we see two destinies for these two individuals. | We plan for our funerals, buying beautiful coffins, and making wonderful arrangements, but what about your soul? |
What relevance s there in this story for you and I? First, we can learn a lesson in service. We ought to serve our fellow man. Yet there is more than that. We see fro the story a truth about life after death. We do not go to a place of unconsciousness. We enter into a place called Hades, a Greek tern meaning the abode of the dead. Hades might very well be called a waiting place for the dead util the day of the Lord, when all shall be judged, and find eternal rest in heaven, or eternal damnation in hell with the devil and his angels. There are two areas in this place Hades. The first, called Paradise for those who committed themselves to faithful service to God. The second, a place by the name of Tartarus, or torments. Our actions and life here on earth determine where it is that we shall find ourselves after we die.
Life after death? Certainly. Eternal peace? Yes, for those who serve God. If you were to die, what would your final resting place be? We often hear this in regards to a grave site. I ask, where would the final resting place of your soul be? We plan for our funerals, buying beautiful coffins, and making wonderful arrangements, but what about your soul? Won't you be sure to plan for your soul as well, for your soul shall continue throughout eternity!
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What was the volume of the molten sea in Solomon's temple? 1 Kings 7:26 says 2000 baths, but 2 Chronicles 4:5 says 3000 baths. Is there a contradiction?
