What Does The Bible Say About Life After Death?
For Christians and religious people in general, faith in life after death is a profound part of their religious beliefs, and the Bible is an often consulted source for assurance. But what does the Bible actually say about life after death? There are multiple distinct verses in the Bible that address this important question. Here, we delve into some of the earliest its passages that relate to life after death.
The first scripture that comes to mind for many when the topic of life after death is brought up is John 11:25: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” This passage captures a primary truth of the scriptures: that life after death still awaits those who believe in Jesus as Lord, a belief so great that it superseded even Death itself.
The Bible is quite clear in its teachings on a life after death, and perhaps these examples will help us understand. In Luke 16:22-25, a story is told of a rich man and the poor man, Lazarus. When the rich man died and found himself in Hades, he begged that Lazarus be allowed to go back to warn the rich man’s brothers of the afterlife so that they may not end up suffering the same fate. Clearly, this passage demonstrates the teachings of Moses and the prophets, which is that death does not end existence, but rather transports one to a new world—eternal life in the kingdom of God.
The Bible also speaks of a time at the end of life; specifically, a time when all who have been faithful to God will be joined in heaven. Again, we turn to John 11:25: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” This passage reminds us that faithfulness to God, even in death, can be rewarded. The Bible reveals to us a rich and deep understanding of what awaits us after death.
Beyond these examples, the Bible also speaks of a life beyond death. In particular, the New Testament speaks of a new life in heaven with God and the angels, a new and glorious existence with Jesus. In Matthew 22:30-32, we read, “For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” These verses show the reality that through faith, our connection with God is not broken, even when we die.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
The Bible speaks repeatedly of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and its implications for life after death. The resurrection of Jesus, though, was different from those experienced by other characters in the Bible. Jesus was described as having “trampled the grave”, or descended into hell and remained there for three days before rising to be with His Father in heaven. This highlights the significance of Jesus’ resurrection and the significance it has for life after death. Were it not for Jesus’ victory over death, there would be no hope for our own journey beyond the grave.
The resurrection of Jesus, according to the Bible, is the assurance that those who believe in Him, too, can experience a glorious new life after death. It is a promise of a life to come, a life in which the dead will be brought back to life; a life that those who follow Christ can enter into without fail. In Ephesians 2:6 it is written: “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” This passage is a reminder that through faith, every Christian can look forward to a life in heaven with God after death.
The Final Judgment In The Bible
In the Bible much is written of life after death and the final judgment that determines our behavior in life. The book of Revelation speaks of a time when the world would be destroyed, but redeemed and redeemed in a new form. This points to the judgment of all men — the wicked will be judged, and the righteous will be welcomed into the presence of God.
The Bible also speaks of the judgment of the nations. In Isaiah 2:4 we read “he shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” This speaks of a time when war will be no more and the nations of the world will be judged in accordance with their actions on earth. Those who have done good will be rewarded and those who have done evil will suffer judgment.
The Bible also speaks of the judgment of the individual. In the gospel of John, Jesus states: “For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son”. This is a reminder that when we die we will all be judged by God according to our actions and works. Those who have lived a life of righteousness will be rewarded and those who have lived a life of wickedness will be punished accordingly.
The Reward Of The Believer And The Punishment Of The Unbeliever
Most important of all, the Bible speaks of the reward of the believer and the punishment of the unbeliever. In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus states: “He who believes in me has everlasting life” and “he who does not believe in me will be condemned.” This speaks to the importance of our belief in Jesus and how it affects our life after death. Those who believe in Jesus will receive the reward of everlasting life and those who do not will be condemned to suffer the punishment of
