A reader asks, “I have heard people say that when we die, we are only asleep until the resurrection and judgement, and that our spirit knows nothing. On the other hand, I have heard that when we die as believers, our spirit goes straight to be with the Lord, and that we know exactly what is happening on earth. Some people say that our love ones who died in Christ are even rooting for us to make it. I’ve been reading Job 14:10 and 14:12, and it seems he makes some reference to what goes on after death. Can you shed some light on this for me? Also, if as believers, we go straight to be with the Lord, when is the judgment for us and on the day of the resurrection, don’t our bodies suppose to rise? If so, where will our spirits be?”

Allrighty then…no softballs from this crowd!  All great questions; just hoping my answers will satisfy!

Let me begin by saying that (at least in my mind) it can be difficult to sort all of this out, because the Bible gives bits and pieces of information regarding what happens after death in numerous different places.  However, my understanding of Scripture is as follows (taking your questions in order):

1.  Keeping in mind that humans are tripartite beings; i.e., we are body, soul and spirit, the verses that speak of us being asleep are referring to our physical bodies (Isa 26:19; Dan 12:2;Matt. 9:23-25; John 11:11-13).  As far as our bodies are concerned, we are at rest after death, awaiting the Resurrection.

2.  When a believer dies, our spirit goes immediately into the Presence of the Lord (2Cor 5:6, 8; Luke 16:22)

3.  As far as us knowing what is happening on earth, the only Scripture that may shed light on that is the story Jesus told about the poor man named Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 – I say ‘may’, since I’m not sure if the rich man knew what was happening with his brothers, or if he merely requested for them because of prior memory.

4.  The only Scripture that might imply that our loved ones in heaven are ‘rooting’ for us would be Heb 12:1, although I really think this concept is more ‘preacher-talk’ than Biblical interpretation of that verse.

5.  Regarding Job 14:0, 12, I would simply say that I’d hesitate to build a doctrine around Job’s statements.  I don’t think he was trying to teach us about the afterlife; I think his statement was intended to convey the preciousness of life and the finality of death.

6.  Finally, one that I’m certain about: as born-again believers, the only ‘judgment’ we experience is the Judgment Seat of Christ, which is not about heaven or hell, but rather the administration of rewards.  There are at least 5 different ‘crowns’ that we could receive at that Judgement Seat, which is actually the Greek word, ‘bema’, which was used to describe the Olympic judging stand where the winners stand to receive their medals! (see Rom 14:10 and 2Cor 5:9-10)

7.  At the Resurrection, our spirits (which went to be with the Lord at death – Ecc 12:7) are reunited with our bodies – in fact, that’s how Resurrection happens: our dead bodies are brought back to life when the spirit returns.

Hope that cleared things up at least a little bit!  Now, what would YOU like to Ask the Pastor?