Scripture Reading: Job 14.
Memory Verse: “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth–those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” John 5:28-29
Article 4. STATE OF THE DEAD
We believe that death is a condition of “unconsciousness” (sleep) to all persons, both the just and the unjust, a condition which shall remain unchanged until the great resurrection at Christ’s second advent, at which time the righteous will receive eternal life, while at their appointed time it is said, the wicked will be punished with everlasting destruction. (Job 14:14; Ecclesiastes 9:5; Matthew 10:28; John 5:28-29; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)
Introduction:
The Bible warns us against learning the ways of the heathen and accepting their beliefs (Jeremiah 10:2). Plato, (427-347 B.C.) the Greek philosopher, was a very influential person in his and succeeding generations. “Platoism was the dominating philosophy of European civilization for many centuries. It is asserted by many scholars that Plato has exerted a greater influence upon the thinking of man in the western world than any other person in paganism” (Alva Huffer, Systematic Theology, The Restitution Herald: Oregon, Illinois, 1969, p. 149).
“Plato believed in the pre-existence as well as the immortality of the soul. He believed that matter is evil. He taught that the soul is contaminated by the body and earth. Purification, he asserted, can be attained only when man’s soul is released from the body and dwells apart from the earth” (Ibid. p. 150).
The concept of an immortal soul originated in paganism, yet it is held today by many churches. The Bible is very plain regarding the immortality of the soul and the state of man in death. It teaches that death is as a sleep in which man cannot think, feel, or remember.
The Bible has much to say regarding the reward of the saints, but it all centers around Jesus’ return and the resurrection. If the saints are presently enjoying the bliss of heaven, the resurrection would be only an anti-climax instead of the glorious homecoming of the saints. Going to heaven at death would be like arriving late at a celebration party after everybody had been celebrating for hours. The Bible teaches that we will rise together to meet Jesus, and all the saints of all ages will worship and rejoice together.
The Thessalonian saints were concerned regarding the fate of righteous loved ones who had died. Apostle Paul gave them comfort by explaining that they would rise to meet the Lord at His coming along with the living saints. If they were already in heaven, why didn’t he comfort them with that thought? They weren’t in heaven, so Paul pointed them to the glorious resurrection of all saints that will take place at His return.
Lesson Questions:
- What does the Bible teach regarding the immortality of the soul? Genesis 3:22; 1 Timothy 6:14-16; 1 Corinthians 15:50-57.
- How is death described in the Bible? 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14; Psalm 13:3; Daniel 12:2.
- What happens to our thoughts when we die? Psalm 146:3-4; Ecclesiastes 9:4-6, 10. A common belief is that the dead observe their loved ones from heaven or that they are praising God in heaven. Does this agree with the Bible? Psalm 6:4-5; Job 14:21; Psalm 115:17. David died about one thousand B.C. Where did Peter say he was in his time? Acts 2:29, 34.
- How long will the saints remain in the grave? Job 14:12-14; Revelation 20:4; 1 Corinthians 15:22-23.
- Who will cause the dead to rise? John 5:28-29; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57.
- What will He bring with Him? Matthew 16:27; Revelation 22:12. What kind of bodies will we have? Psalm 17:15; 1 John 3:1-2.