QUESTION: Where do we go when we die?
Most of us have questions about what lies beyond our earthly existence. Do the souls of the righteous immediately enter into the presence of God, or must they await the Judgment Day before being ushered into heavenly bliss? Does the soul merely “sleep” until the last day, unaware of anything until the trumpet sounds?
Jesus gave an account of a rich man, who fared sumptuously daily, and a poor beggar named Lazarus, who laid at the gate of the rich man, begging for the crumbs which fell from the table (Luke 16:19-31). At the death of the rich man, who no doubt enjoyed a lavish funeral, his soul entered into torment (verse 23). The poor beggar Lazarus, who, incidentally, was not even said to have been buried, was ushered into the bosom of Abraham (verse 22). While Lazarus is comforted in the bosom of Abraham, the rich man lifts up his eyes in torment, and seeing Lazarus and Abraham across the gulf that separated Paradise from Torment, asks that Lazarus be allowed to dip his finger in water and touch it to his tongue that he might have some relief (verses 23-24). Some believe that this is merely a parable, and that the details of the parable are not to be taken literally. However, if indeed this is a parable, it is the only parable in which Jesus names any of those involved. Besides, the truths of this account, whether parable or not, cannot be dismissed. From this and other passages, it appears that man’s soul enters into the Hadean realm, either to Paradise or Torment, until such time as the Lord returns, and calls all to the Judgment. It will be then that the Lord hands down the verdict of eternal life in heaven for the righteous, and eternal condemnation in hell for the wicked and disobedient.
Do you have a question that you would like for us to consider together, or a comment regarding what has been written? If so, please email us at sixthavenue@bellsouth.net, or write to us at the Sixth Avenue Church of Christ, 1501 Sixth Avenue, Jasper, Alabama, 35501.
