Death

All humans, believers and unbelievers, are subject to death. The word "death" in the Scriptures, however, has more than one meaning. It is important to understand the believer's relationship to the various meanings of death.

Death as a result of sin

Genesis chapters 2 and 3 teach that death entered the world because of sin. Our first parents were created with the ability to live forever; when they disobeyed God's command, they came under the penalty of sin, which is death.

1. Adam and Eve became subject to physical death.
   
   
   1. God had set the tree of life in the Garden of Eden in order that by continually eating from it, humans would never die. Genesis 2:9
      
      
   2. But after Adam and Eve ate of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, God pronounced these words: "for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return". Genesis 3:19
      
      
   3. Though they did not physically die on the day that they ate, they did become subject to the law of death as a result of God's curse.
      
      
2. Adam and Eve also died a moral death.
   
   
   1. God warned Adam that in the day he ate of the forbidden fruit, he would surely die. Genesis 2:17
      
      
   2. This was a serious warning. Even though Adam and his wife did not die physically on that day, they did die morally, (their nature became sinful).
      
      
   3. Ever since Adam and Eve, every person has been bom with a sinful nature, i.e., an innate desire to go his or her own selfish way without concern for God or others. Romans 8:5-8; Genesis 3:6; Romans 3:10 - 18
      
      
3. Adam and Eve also died a spiritual death
   
   
   1. Their former intimate relationship to God was destroyed when they disobeyed God in the garden. Genesis 3:6
      
      
   2. No longer did they look forward to walking and talking with God in the garden; rather, they hid themselves from His presence. Genesis 3:8
      
      
   3. Elsewhere, the Scriptures teach that apart from Christ, all are alienated from God and from life in Him; they are spiritually dead. Ephesians 4:17-18
      
      
4. Finally, death as a result of sin involves eternal death.
   
   
   1. Eternal life would have been the consequence of the obedience of Adam and Eve; instead, the principle of eternal death has become operative. Genesis 3:22
      
      
   2. Eternal death is eternal condemnation and separation from God as a result of disobedience Genesis 3:4 This is "everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord" II Thessalonians 1:9; Romans 6:16
      
      
5. The only way to escape death in all its multifaceted aspects is through Jesus Christ.
   
   
   1. He "abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light". II Timothy 1:10
      
      
   2. By His death He has reconciled us with God, thus reversing the spiritual separation and alienation that had come as a result of sin. Genesis 3:24; II Corinthians 5:18
      
      
   3. By His resurrection, He overcame and broke the power of Satan, sin, and physical death. Genesis 3:15; Romans 6:10; Romans 5:18-19; I Corinthians 15:12-28; I John 3:8
      
      
   4. That believers will not remain forever in the grave was already a part of the testimony of God's Old Testament people. Job 19:25-26; Psalm 16:9-11.
      
      
   5. Also read the articles on Resurrection of the body and Should Christians Cremate?.
      
      

Physical death for believers

Even though believers in Christ have the assurance of resurrection life, they still go through the experience of physical death. But believers approach death differently than do unbelievers.

The following are some Scripturally revealed truths concerning the death of a believer.

1. Death for the Christian is not the end of life, but a new beginning.
   
   
   1. Rather than something to be feared , it is the point of transition to a fuller life. I Corinthians 15:55-57
      
      
   2. Death for believers is a release from the afflictions of this world and from an earthly body, in order to be clothed with heavenly life and glory . II Corinthians 4:17; II Corinthians 5:1-5
      
      
   3. Paul speaks of physical death as sleep, implying that death is rest from earthly labor and suffering. I Corinthians 15:6,18,20; I Thessalonians 4:13-15; Revelation 14:13
      
      
   4. It means going to be with our godly ancestors who have died before us and is a door into the presence of the living God. Genesis 25:8; Philippians 1:23
      
      
2. Scripture also speaks of the death of believers in comforting terms.
   
   
   1. The death of the godly is "precious in the sight of the lord". Psalm 116:15
      
      
   2. It is an entrance "into peace" (Isaiah 57:1-2) and "glory". Psalm 73:24
      
      
   3. It is a being carried away by the angels "into Abraham's bosom". Luke 16:22
      
      
   4. It is a going to "paradise" ; a going to our Father's house with "many mansions". Luke 23:43; John 14:2
      
      
   5. It is a blessed departure in order to "be with Christ". Philippians 1:23
      
      
   6. It is a continual presence "with the Lord". II Corinthians 5:8
      
      
   7. It is a falling "asleep in Christ". I Corinthians 15:18; John 11:11; I Thessalonians 4:13
      
      
   8. It is a "gain . . . which is far better". Philippians 1:21,23
      
      
   9. It is a time to receive the "crown of righteousness". II Timothy 4:8
      
      
3. Concerning the time between the believer's death and his or her bodily resurrection, Scripture teaches the following:
   
   
   1. At the time of death believers are brought into Christ's presence. II Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23
      
      
   2. Believers exist in full consciousness and experience joy at the kindness and love shown by God. Luke 16:19-31; Ephesians 2:7
      
      
   3. Heaven is like a home, i.e., a haven of rest and security and a place of community and fellowship with other believers. Revelation 6:11; John 14:2
      
      
   4. Activities in heaven will include:
      • worship and singing Psalm 87; Revelation 14:2-3; 15:3
        
        
      • assigned tasks Luke 19:17
        
        
      • eating and drinking Luke 14:15; 22:14-18; Revelation 22:2
        
        
   5. While awaiting the bodily resurrection, believers are not invisible disembodied spirits, but are clothed with a temporary heavenly form. Luke 9:30-32; II Corinthians 5:1-4
      
      
   6. In heaven believers maintain their personal identity. Matthew 8:11; Luke 9:30-32
      
      
   7. Believers who have passed on will continue to be concerned about God's purposes on earth. Revelation 6:9-11
      
      
4. Even though much hope and joy awaits the believer upon death, believers still grieve when a loved one dies. Upon Jacob's death, for example, Joseph mourned deeply for his father. His reaction to his father's death is a model for all believers who experience the death of a loved one. Genesis 50:1.