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Where Are the Dead?

D A OLIVA / 2021-09-11

Introduction:

Job 14:14 “If a man dies, shall he live again.” This is a very important question! Go to

the Bible for the answer. God’s Word reveals that man is mortal and that all will die. (Hebrews 9:27) The word “death” primarily means a separation, not annihilation. Physical death occurs when our eternal soul departs from the physical body. (James 2:26, Ecclesiastes 12:6-7) The words soul and spirit are often used interchangeable in the Scripture. (Psalms 16:10, Acts 2:27) So where do the dead go?

Body:

I. Hades

• This is the place of the departed spirits, the unseen realm. It is referred to as Sheol in the Old Testament.

• Luke 16:19-26 Hades consists of two distinct areas; there is a “great gulf” between them. Our destiny is sealed at death.

• Hades is a place for the spirits of both the righteous and the wicked. The righteous go to “Abraham’s bosom”, Paradise, where they are in the care and keeping of the Lord. (Luke 23:43) The wicked go to “Torment”, “Tartarus.” (II Peter 2:4, 9)

• Our spirits are conscious and aware in Hades. We are either comforted or tormented.

• This is not a permanent place. (Revelation 20:13-14) Hades will hold the dead until Christ returns.

II. Heaven and Hell

Upon Jesus’ return, many things will happen.

• The dead, those in the grave, will be raised. (John 5:28-29)

• Those who are alive when He returns will have their bodies transformed. (I Corinthians 15:50-53)

• Christ will bring with Him the spirits of the righteous from Abraham’s bosom. (I Thessalonians 4:13-17)

• All will be judged. (Matthew 25:31-33, Revelation 20:11-15) A great separation now occurs.

• Heaven is the eternal abode of the righteous. (I Peter 1:3-4, Matthew 25:34)

• Hell, “gehenna” is the eternal abode of the wicked. (Matthew 25:41, Matthew 10:28)

• The physical universe will be destroyed. (II Peter 3:10)

Conclusion:

Read II Thessalonians 1:5-12

"which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.  

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."