Where Are The Dead?

Introduction:

Man is a triune being – consisting of body, soul, and spirit. (1 Thess. 5:23) We are composed partly of matter & partly of non-material: soul & spirit. Spirit & Soul are often used interchangeably in Scripture. Js. 2:26 – death is a separation of the body & spirit. The physical life is a union of body & spirit. When the spirit takes flight from the body, the body then is called “dead.” Ecc 12:7 – when death occurs – body returns to dust & the spirit returns to God who gave it. We can look in God’s word & get some insight into the abode of the spirit after our physical death.

I.  Meaning of “Sheol” and “Hades.”

A.    Sheol appears 67 times in OT in NASU.

1.     Greek word “hades” occurs 10 times in NT in NASU

2.     Sheol & Hades mean the same thing

B.    Hebrew word “Sheol” as defined in Vines Dictionary of OT words:

1.     A place of conscious existence after death.

2.     A place where the wicked go after death.

3.     A temporary & not an eternal place – Psa. 16:10; 49:15

C.    Greek word Hades in NT means exactly the same as Sheol.

1.     Hades is a place of conscious existence.

2.     In NT – Hades is viewed as a temporary place.

D.    What about the OKJV?

1.     OKJV erroneously translate “Sheol” by the words “grave” and “hell” which Sheol does not mean.

II. Where did Jesus go at death?

A.    Lk. 23:43 – to paradise.

1.     Not to heaven – John 20:17 – where His Father was.

B.    Acts 2:27, 31 – while body of Jesus when in the grave, His spirit was in Hades.

C.    The righteous dead now at death go to paradise – Abraham’s bosom.

1.     There they await judgment on the day Jesus returns.

2.     Mt. 25:31-33; 1 Thess. 4:13-18

III. Those in hades remain conscious.

A.    Our spirit does not become unconscious at death. Rev. 6:9-10

B.    Lk. 16:19-31 – rich man & Lazarus.

1.     After his body was dead, we observe that he could still:

2.     See, hear, recognize, feel, speak, please, reason, desire, and remember.

3.     His spirit was alive & conscious after his body was dead & buried.

IV.           More on the rich man & Lazarus – Lk. 16:19-31

A.    Both men in Hades. Rich man in torment. Lazarus in paradise.

B.    There are 3 states of our spirit:

1.     The union with the body.

2.     Separated from the body, while the body is in the tomb.

3.     After the resurrection when the spirit is united with a glorified body – 1 Cor. 15:35-44.

V. The Progression from physical life to eternity.

Conclusion:

A.    Where do you stand before God?  Are you ready to die?

B.    At death, your eternal fate is sealed.  Make preparations now.