...spirit

I often see a lot of confusion on this topic. Some believe that when we die, our physical bodies “sleep” until God raises us in our glorified immortal bodies. But what about our “spirit,” as seen in Ecclesiastes 12? Where does it go after death? Well, Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, says it goes back to God.

Some believe this spirit to be a separate entity that can think and act on its own. But the Word of God describes it very differently. This power, this “breath of life,” which was breathed into Adam at the creation, is not any more conscious than electricity.  Notice, “The dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; nevermore will they have a share in anything done under the sun” Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6.

Consider that in Luke, Jesus describes Jarius’ daughter as “sleeping” before He raises her from the dead. He also says this about Lazarus, who had been dead for four days. “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up” John 11:11. Jesus understood death to be like a peaceful, dreamless sleep without consciousness of time.

It’s also interesting to note that of the 12 or so resurrections mentioned in the Bible, not one of those raised is ever recorded commenting on being aware of anything after death.

The next thing a believer will be aware of after death is the resurrection. That’s why Paul says, “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52. Adam died about 6,000 years ago, but as far as he’s concerned, he’s going to come up with a new body instantly.

"Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."

Ecclesiastes 12:7

-doug batchelor