Life and Death: What Happens When We Die? (Part 2)
In our previous blog, we explored how God created mankind and gave Adam and Eve free will—the ability to choose. Tragically, they chose to disobey God’s command, bringing about a life-altering consequence. One moment, they had access to the Tree of Life, and the next, they found themselves cast out of Eden, destined to die.
God pronounced this sobering judgment: “In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”
—Genesis 3:19
Disobedience and wickedness bring an awful curse upon mankind. A prime example is found in the days of Noah:
“The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.”
—Genesis 6:5-6
God’s heart breaks when we sin. Yet, He has always given mankind the freedom to choose. One phrase echoes throughout Scripture—“Choose life”—but time and again, humanity has rejected God’s truth. Adam and Eve believed a lie instead of trusting God’s warning. This is still true today—many hear the truth but struggle to fully believe it. The prophet Ezekiel confirms the consequence of sin:
“Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sins, it shall die.”
—Ezekiel 18:4
Because of sin, death became inevitable. Since all have sinned (Romans 3:23), the outlook for mankind seemed hopeless. But what actually happens when we die? Let’s take a closer look.
What Happens When We Die?
The Bible offers clear insight into what happens after death. The patriarchs of old spoke of it often. Job asked the age-old question:
“But man dies and is laid away; indeed, he breathes his last—And where is he?”
—Job 14:10
Later, Job described his own approaching death:
“My spirit is broken, my days are extinguished, the grave is ready for me.”
—Job 17:1
King David also spoke about death:
“Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death.”
—Psalm 13:3
And in 1 Kings 2:10, we read:
“So David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David.”
A pattern emerges: Death is likened to sleep.
Death as “Sleep” in the Bible
Job provides further insight:
“So man lies down, and rises not; till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.”
—Job 14:12
Though some might scoff at the idea of death being like sleep, Jesus Himself used this same analogy.
Jesus and the Little Girl
Consider the story of a young girl who had just died. Mourners had gathered, grieving her loss. But when Jesus arrived, He made an unusual statement:
“Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.”
—Mark 5:39
The people laughed at Him, thinking He was mistaken. But Jesus took her by the handand spoke:
“Talitha koum!” (which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”)
Immediately, she stood up and walked.
This event is astonishing! Jesus demonstrated His power over death. When all seemed lost, He restored life with just His words.
This miracle foreshadowed the greatest promise of all—that Jesus will one day resurrect all who believe in Him.
Victory Over Death Through Christ
Yes, sin brought death to mankind, but Jesus brings victory over the grave.
God’s great love for us is shown in sending His Son to pay for our sins:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”
—John 3:16
With Jesus, we have the hope of eternal life.
The apostle Paul writes:
“The sting of death is sin… but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
—1 Corinthians 15:56-57
Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we no longer have to fear the grave. We can boldly proclaim:
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
—1 Corinthians 15:55
Looking Ahead
This blog has introduced the Biblical perspective on death, showing that:
Death is compared to sleep in Scripture.
Sin brought death, but Jesus brings life.
Christ has power over the grave, offering eternal life to all who believe.
In our next blog, we will explore how Jesus conquered death and what His resurrection means for us. Stay tuned as we continue this journey through God’s plan for life after death!