Death and the State of the Dead

We believe death is the consequence of sin, and we believe the dead are in a state of nothingness, often referred to as sleep, and await either the resurrection of life at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ or of condemnation and destruction at His Final Advent. We do not believe, as some do, in the doctrine of immediate judgment (that is, being instantly present in heaven or “hell” after death) as the Bible is clear that all the dead, righteous and wicked, await resurrection and judgment at the coming of Christ.

Romans 6:23 — Ecclesiastes 9:5 — John 11:11-14 — Daniel 12:2 — John 5:28-29 ¹⁾

Friends, there is a profound truth regarding the state of the dead, one which we must consider. We place it here, with our beliefs about God and His plan, as it is essential to a proper understanding. This truth is found in the pages of Scripture and reveals to us that the dead are in a state of nothingness, referred to as unconsciousness or sleep, awaiting the resurrection of life or condemnation at either the Second or Final advent of Jesus Christ. This concept, often referred to as “soul sleep,” is both comforting and enlightening as we contemplate the fate of our loved ones who have passed on.

A remarkable aspect of this soul sleep is that, for the dead, the time between their death and resurrection will seem like an instant—akin to the experience of falling asleep and waking up with no perception of the time that has passed. This is because they are in a state of complete unconsciousness, unaware of the events transpiring in the world of the living. They know nothing. It is as if they close their eyes in death, whether for an instant or for thousands of years, only to open them again at the sound of Jesus' voice, calling them forth to their eternal destiny. Their translation from death to life is the same — instant.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, the wise King Solomon writes, “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten” (Ecclesiastes 9:5). This verse establishes the idea that the dead are in a state of nothingness, no longer participating in the affairs of the living. They rest in a peaceful slumber, awaiting the resurrection, with no awareness of the time that has passed since their departure from this world.

The Gospel of John provides further insight into this divine truth through the account of the death of Jesus' dear friend, Lazarus. When Jesus receives news of Lazarus' illness, He tells His disciples, “This sickness will not lead to death, but to God's glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). After waiting two more days, Jesus finally tells His disciples, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to awaken him” (John 11:11). The disciples, not understanding the metaphor, think that Jesus means Lazarus is merely resting. Jesus then clarifies, “Lazarus is dead, and I am glad for your sake that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him” (John 11:14-15).

Upon arriving at Bethany, where Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha, are mourning, Jesus engages in a poignant conversation with Martha. He assures her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even if he dies, and the one who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26). Martha's faith-filled response sets the stage for the miraculous event that follows.

Jesus then proceeds to Lazarus' tomb and orders the stone to be removed. Despite the fact that Lazarus has been dead for four days, Jesus prays to the Father and calls out, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43). At that moment, Lazarus emerges from the tomb, alive, as if he had merely been asleep. The subsequent events reveal the profound reality of soul sleep: Lazarus, who had been dead for four days, experiences no perception of the time that had passed, transitioning from death to life in the blink of an eye.

The prophet Daniel, too, speaks of this state of unconsciousness for the dead. In a prophecy concerning the end times, he writes, “Many of those who sleep in the dusty ground will awake — some to everlasting life, and others to shame and everlasting abhorrence” (Daniel 12:2). This passage not only confirms the idea of soul sleep but also introduces the concept of the resurrection at the end of time.

Finally, Jesus again speaks of this resurrection in the Gospel of John, saying, “Do not be amazed at this, because a time is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out — the ones who have done what is good to the resurrection resulting in life, and the ones who have done what is evil to the resurrection resulting in condemnation” (John 5:28-29). Here, Jesus clearly states that the dead, who are sleeping in their graves, will be awakened and face either eternal life or eternal condemnation.

The concept of soul sleep is both scripturally sound and spiritually comforting. It assures us that our departed loved ones rest in peace, awaiting the day when they will be called forth by the voice of Jesus Himself. For them, the time between death and resurrection will be imperceptible — a fleeting moment in which they pass from the darkness of the grave into the light of eternal life. Let us keep this profound truth in our hearts as we eagerly anticipate the glorious return of our Lord and Savior when He will bring life and immortality to light for all who have put their trust in Him.

In conclusion, my friends, the concept of soul sleep is an essential aspect of our understanding of life, death, and the hope of resurrection. It brings comfort and solace to those grieving the loss of loved ones, knowing that they rest peacefully in the hands of our Savior. Furthermore, it provides us with a renewed sense of urgency to share the gospel message with those who have yet to hear it. Let us remain steadfast in our faith, confident in the knowledge that Jesus Christ, the Resurrection and the Life, will one day call us all forth from our slumber to experience eternal life in His glorious presence.

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