What Happens After Death?

What Happens After Death—and How It Ties to the Second Coming of Christ

Death is one of the great certainties of human existence. No matter our wealth, education, influence, or accomplishments, unless Jesus Christ returns first, every one of us will eventually face death. The Bible declares, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27, KJV). Yet death is not the end of our existence. Scripture presents death as a separation of the spirit from the body, followed by a conscious existence in the unseen realm, and ultimately by the resurrection, the judgment, and eternity when Jesus Christ comes again.

James gives one of the clearest biblical descriptions of physical death when he writes, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26, KJV). At death, therefore, the physical body ceases to live because the spirit has departed. Solomon similarly wrote, “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7, KJV). The body returns to the earth, but the spirit continues to exist. Death does not destroy the soul, nor does it bring man's existence to an end.

Jesus provides one of the clearest pictures of what happens after death in His account of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19–31. Lazarus died and “was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom” (Luke 16:22, KJV). The rich man also died and was buried, but Jesus continued, “And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments” (Luke 16:23, KJV). The word translated “hell” in this passage refers to Hades, the realm of departed spirits. Both men were dead physically, but both continued to exist consciously. Lazarus experienced comfort, while the rich man experienced torment.

This distinction is important because the Bible does not teach that the final judgment has already occurred when a person dies. The rich man was conscious of his condition, remembered his earthly life, recognized Abraham and Lazarus, and even remembered his five brothers who were still living (Luke 16:27–28). Abraham told him, “Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things” (Luke 16:25, KJV). Death had not destroyed his memory, personality, awareness, or concern. Furthermore, a great gulf separated the place of comfort from the place of torment so that one's condition could not be changed after death (Luke 16:26).

Jesus Himself entered the realm of the dead when He died upon the cross. Peter quoted the prophecy concerning Christ: “Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption” (Acts 2:27, KJV). Peter then explained that David “spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption” (Acts 2:31, KJV). Here again, “hell” is Hades. Christ's body was placed in Joseph's tomb, while His spirit entered the unseen realm. On the third day, His spirit and body were reunited in the resurrection.

Jesus' words to the thief on the cross also demonstrate conscious existence following death. He told the penitent thief, “Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43, KJV). Jesus did not say that the thief would cease to exist until the resurrection. He promised that the man would be with Him in paradise that very day.

This brings us to the connection between death and the second coming of Jesus Christ. Death is not the final event. Hades is not the final eternal state. There is coming a day when every grave will surrender its dead and every person who has ever lived will stand before God. Jesus declared, “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth” (John 5:28–29, KJV). Notice that Jesus spoke of one coming “hour” in which both the righteous and wicked will be raised. He continued, “they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29, KJV).

The resurrection will occur in connection with the second coming of Christ. Paul described that glorious event in First Thessalonians: “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, KJV). He then declares, “and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, KJV). Christians who are alive when Christ returns will not precede those who have died. Instead, the dead will be raised and the living will be changed so that all the faithful may forever be with the Lord. Paul concludes, “And so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17, KJV).

Paul gives additional information in First Corinthians 15. He writes, “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51, KJV). When will this change occur? “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump” (1 Corinthians 15:52, KJV). The resurrection will be instantaneous. The bodies of the dead will be raised incorruptible, and those who are alive will be changed. “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:53, KJV).

The second coming will not be a secret event. John wrote, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him” (Revelation 1:7, KJV). Paul described the Lord coming “from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:7–8, KJV). The same coming that brings comfort and victory to the faithful will bring judgment upon those who have rejected God.

When Christ returns, there will be no opportunity to prepare afterward. Peter warns that “the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night” (2 Peter 3:10, KJV). The heavens will pass away, the elements will melt, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Peter therefore asks a powerful practical question: “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11, KJV). The doctrine of the second coming is not merely intended to satisfy our curiosity about the future. It should change the way we live today.

The resurrection will be followed by judgment. Paul declared, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10, KJV). Every individual will answer for the life he or she has lived. Jesus described the final separation in Matthew 25:31–46. When the Son of man comes in His glory, all nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The final result is stated plainly: “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matthew 25:46, KJV).

At that time, death and Hades will have fulfilled their temporary purpose. John wrote, “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death” (Revelation 20:14, KJV). Hades is therefore not identical with the final lake of fire. Hades is associated with the intermediate state of the dead; the lake of fire represents final punishment after judgment. Revelation 20:13 says, “And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them.” The dead are delivered up for judgment, showing that the intermediate state gives way to the final eternal condition.

For the faithful Christian, the second coming is not intended to produce terror but hope. Paul wrote that Christians should be “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13, KJV). Jesus comforted His disciples by saying, “I go to prepare a place for you” and then promising, “I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2–3, KJV). The Christian's ultimate hope is not merely escaping death; it is resurrection, victory, and eternal fellowship with God.

The biblical sequence can therefore be understood clearly. A person lives upon the earth. Physical death occurs when the spirit leaves the body. The body returns to the earth while the spirit enters the unseen realm. The righteous are comforted while the unrighteous experience torment. Then, at the second coming of Jesus Christ, the dead will be raised. Those still living will be changed. All humanity will stand before the Lord in judgment, and each person's eternal destiny will be revealed. The righteous will enter eternal life, while the wicked will enter everlasting punishment.

This truth makes our present life tremendously important. We cannot change yesterday, and we have no promise of tomorrow. James asks, “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14, KJV). Amos warned Israel, “prepare to meet thy God” (Amos 4:12, KJV). That admonition remains worthy of consideration by every person today.

The gospel provides the means by which sinners may prepare. Jesus commanded, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16, KJV). Peter commanded believers on Pentecost, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38, KJV). Those who gladly received the word were baptized (Acts 2:41), and the Lord added the saved to the church (Acts 2:47). Christians must then remain faithful, remembering Christ's promise: “be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10, KJV).

Death is certain, but death does not have the final word. The grave is not the end. Jesus Christ conquered death when He arose from the tomb, and because He lives, resurrection awaits humanity. The great question is therefore not simply, “What happens when I die?” The greater question is, “Will I be ready when Jesus comes again?”

One day the trumpet will sound. One day the graves will open. One day every eye will see Him. One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10–11). On that day possessions, popularity, earthly accomplishments, and human praise will mean nothing. What will matter is whether we belong to Christ and have faithfully served Him.

Therefore, while we have life, we must prepare for death; and while we await death, we must also prepare for the return of Christ. Jesus closes the Bible with this promise: “Surely I come quickly.” The faithful response should always be the response of John: “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20, KJV).

Is Baptism Necessary?

Is Baptism Necessary for One to Be Saved?

Few questions are more important than the question, “What must I do to be saved?” Our eternal destiny depends upon our response to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Because salvation is too important to rest upon human opinion, denominational tradition, or personal feelings, we must allow the Bible to answer the question. Jesus said, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48, KJV). When we examine the New Testament, we find that faith, repentance, confession, and baptism are all connected with God’s plan for saving mankind.

Salvation certainly begins with hearing and believing the gospel. Paul wrote, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17, KJV). Jesus declared, “Except ye believe that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24, KJV). Yet the Bible never teaches that a faith which refuses obedience will save. James wrote, “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:24, KJV). Saving faith is an obedient faith. Hebrews 5:9 says that Christ “became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”

Jesus Himself connected baptism with salvation. Before ascending into heaven, He commanded His apostles, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15–16, KJV). Notice the order given by Christ: believe + be baptized = saved. Jesus did not say, “He that believeth and is saved may later be baptized.” He placed baptism before salvation in the sentence.

The same truth appears in the Great Commission recorded by Matthew. Jesus commanded, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19, KJV). Baptism, therefore, is not a church tradition invented centuries later. It was commanded by Jesus Christ Himself.

When the gospel was first preached in its fullness on Pentecost, sinners asked Peter and the other apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37, KJV). Peter did not tell them that they had already been saved simply because they believed his preaching. Instead, he answered, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38, KJV). Approximately three thousand obeyed that command: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized” (Acts 2:41, KJV). The chapter concludes by saying, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47, KJV).

The conversions recorded throughout Acts follow this same pattern. The Samaritans “were baptized, both men and women” after believing Philip’s preaching (Acts 8:12). The Ethiopian eunuch heard Philip preach Jesus and immediately asked, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36, KJV). They went down into the water, Philip baptized him, and the eunuch “went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:38–39, KJV). His rejoicing followed his obedience.

Consider also Saul of Tarsus. Saul encountered the risen Christ and spent three days praying and fasting (Acts 9:9–11). Nevertheless, Ananias later told him, “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16, KJV). If Saul had already received forgiveness merely by believing or praying, why was he subsequently told to be baptized and wash away his sins?

The conversion of the Philippian jailer provides another clear example. After asking, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30, KJV), he was told, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 16:31, KJV). Paul and Silas then “spake unto him the word of the Lord” (Acts 16:32, KJV). After hearing that message, the jailer and his household were baptized “the same hour of the night” (Acts 16:33, KJV). They did not postpone baptism until a convenient church service weeks or months later.

Paul explains why baptism is so important. He wrote, “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” (Romans 6:3, KJV). He continued, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death” (Romans 6:4, KJV). Baptism beautifully portrays the gospel itself: Christ died, was buried, and arose again; the sinner dies to sin, is buried in water, and rises to “walk in newness of life.”

Galatians 3:26–27 makes the relationship equally clear: “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Faith and baptism are not enemies. Biblical baptism is faith responding obediently to God's command. Colossians 2:12 even describes baptism as being “buried with him in baptism” and raised “through the faith of the operation of God.”

Peter makes perhaps the most unmistakable statement concerning the matter: “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us” (1 Peter 3:21, KJV). Peter immediately explains that the saving significance of baptism is not merely washing dirt from the physical body—“not the putting away of the filth of the flesh”—but is connected with a proper response toward God “by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Therefore, the power is not in the water. The saving power belongs to God through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Does this mean that we earn salvation through baptism? Absolutely not. Salvation is by God's grace. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8, KJV). No amount of human goodness can purchase forgiveness. The blood of Jesus saves us: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7, KJV). Baptism does not compete with grace or Christ's blood. Rather, baptism is the God-appointed response of faith in which the sinner submits to Christ.

Naaman's cleansing in 2 Kings 5 illustrates an important principle. The water of Jordan possessed no magical power to cure leprosy. Nevertheless, Naaman was not cleansed until he obeyed God's command and dipped seven times in Jordan (2 Kings 5:10–14). His obedience did not earn the miracle; it accepted God's gracious provision. Likewise, baptism does not earn salvation. It is obedient faith accepting the salvation God freely provides through Christ.

The New Testament therefore presents a consistent pattern. One must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Christ (John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6), repent of sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30), confess Christ (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9–10; Acts 8:37), and be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3–4; Galatians 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21). The Christian must then remain faithful to the Lord (Revelation 2:10).

We should never ask whether baptism is necessary because a particular church teaches it. The question must be: What did Jesus and His inspired apostles teach? Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15, KJV). He also asked, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46, KJV).

The biblical evidence is compelling. Jesus commanded baptism. The apostles preached baptism. Every conversion account in Acts that mentions baptism presents it as an immediate response to the gospel. Paul taught that we are baptized into Christ and into His death. Peter plainly declared, “baptism doth also now save us.” Baptism does not replace faith, repentance, grace, or the blood of Christ. It is the submissive act of faith commanded by the One who saves us.

If Jesus says, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16, KJV), we should have neither the desire nor the authority to change His words. The safest course is simply to trust Christ enough to obey Him. As those on Pentecost were commanded: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38, KJV).

The Wrong Way on the Right Way

A traffic accident that is particularly tragic is when someone travels on the interstate in the wrong direction. They are likely going to be involved in a head-on collision which will increase the chance of serious injury or even death, and also there will be innocent victims in the other vehicle.

Add to that the frustration of figuring out how the whole scenario occurred. Did they go down the on ramp and turn left? Were they unfamiliar with the traffic pattern and thought the exit ramp was actually the entrance ramp? We would say that was impossible, but out in the rural areas at night with little traffic, it’s easy to do.

The great shame for a driver in that situation is he thinks he is going the right way when suddenly he faces death.

Did you know that Jesus calls Himself the Way and that the kingdom He established, the church, is also referred to as the Way (John 14:6; Acts 9:2; 19:9,23; 22:4; 24:14,22)? Yes, we all want to “come to the Father” through the only Way, Jesus, and spend eternity in their presence.

However, Jesus warns us, “narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:14 NKJV). Peter acknowledges the reality of some who found it too difficult, “They have forsaken the right way and gone astray” (2 P. 2:15a).

As a matter of fact, much of the content of the letters of the New Testament is directed at keeping those who are already Christians on the right road to Heaven. There is only one way!

Don’t you love it when your GPS says, “Make a “U” turn”? You have wandered off the most direct route and it will say that over and over again till you get back on course. That sounds a whole lot like the prophets of the Old Testament, trying to redirect wayward Israel. “Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go. Oh, that you had heeded My commandments!’” (Isaiah 48:17-18a).

Christians know they’re on the right way when they follow the inspired directions of the New Testament. I love 1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” I would think that I could preach that one verse every week and all Christians would stay on that right road. Unfortunately, the surrounding verses remind us of the reality that many so-called Christians “walk in darkness.”

The moral of this story: Read and obey Christ’s roadmap!

Jeff Greene

Snow Angel Security

When I was a young boy, my friend and I were making angels in the newly fallen snow. Of course, our competitive natures arose and we decided to have a war and the one with the most angels on his side would obviously win. It wasn’t long before all the waving of the arms resulted in some worn out angel producers.

Have you seen any angels lately? It won’t be long before the store shelves will be packed with hosts of them. We like the decorative angels all around because it reminds us of the security of what God says about real angels in the Bible.

Two key verses come to our minds: Hebrews 1:14 (NKJV) says, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” and Matthew 18:10, “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” When we are troubled by the circumstances of life, the thought of angels gives us some reassurance.

One thing that perplexes us about angels is their mystery. “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (Heb. 13:2). How do we know that an angel is actually watching over us?

The book of Acts tells of the events of the Church in its first days and years. There are numerous occasions of angels assisting preachers of the Gospel, however, in Acts 12 an angel saves Peter, but earlier in the chapter James is killed with a sword. Where was the help from angels for James?

This leads us to the broader help God promises. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). What is the “good” that Paul is talking about? Is it more money, physical strength and good looks? While God is concerned about our physical well-being, He is far more concerned about our spiritual health (1 Timothy 4:8). So, when God promised, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13), we see the assistance He really has in mind.

Sometimes we are tempted to relax a little bit with any kind of help, even God’s. Remember the verse before 10:13, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” Does your security plan include “taking heed”? Are you combining your alertness with complete trust in God’s faithfulness? He hopes so!

Jeff Greene

We Are the Answer to the Question

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’” (Matthew 27:46 NKJV). Jesus has already been hanging on the cross for hours when this howl of desperation is heard. I don’t think it’s too hard for us to feel the depth of His misery, but what exactly is the answer to His question?

WE ARE! The agony of the cross was planned “from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). God gave us the right, the freedom, and the liberty to make choices for ourselves. With that, He knew that sooner or later we would make the wrong choices. Enter: a solution, or rather, The Solution (John 14:6)!

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’)” (Galatians 3:13).

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him” (1 John 4:9).

Christ has “borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:4-6).

Did you get all that? God made the Gospel plan and Jesus carried it out to its conclusion on the blood-stained cross FOR US! It’s a load of guilt for us to bear, that God made Jesus “who knew no sin, to be sin for us,” but only if we don’t respond as God hopes. He tells us, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27).

Yes, God forsook Jesus on the cross, because He was bearing OUR SIN. But, dear reader, now that you see all the love God has shown you through His Son, He has a question for you: Are you now living a life that is worthy of Jesus’ wounds, sorrows and death? What’s YOUR answer?

Jeff Greene. (First published in the Stokes News, the local newspaper.)