WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DEATH?

Death is a universal phenomenon. From timeimmemorial

man has made many efforts to avoid death but has not succeeded in
it. So far medical and technological innovations conducted in the
world could not help man to overcome death.

The Bible has the perfect answer to the question of “Why

man dies” Romans 5:12 “Sin entered the world because one man
sinned. And death came because of sin. Everyone sinned, so death
came to all people (New International Reader’s Version (NIRV)”.

Thus, the reason for death is man’s sin. Death entered into
the world because of sin. Death would not have entered into the
world if the first man have not sinned.
Where the medical field and the world of science has failed
to conquer death Apostle Paul says “The last enemy that will be
destroyed is death. (1Corintinthians 15:26, NIRV). This happens at
the resurrection of the body.
There are two opinions about resurrection. Some say there
is no resurrection but only rebirth. Man is born into the world, he
lives and dies. In the next life he takes the form of a cat, dog or rat
according to the deeds of his present life. Others say that there is
nothing after death. However, I am saying that both of these concepts
are wrong.
I strongly stand and raise the Bible and say that as the last
enemy, death will perish. Man does not take rebirth as a cat, rat or
dog. But the dead will rise from the earth as resurrected bodies. It is
not Rebirth but Resurrection.
Here are some questions that I will be answering throughout
this book
 What are the evidences of resurrection?
Where do the dead exist until resurrection?
What is the nature of resurrection?
What is the order of resurrection?
What happens after resurrection?
What are the evidences of resurrection?
The question that arises when preaching about the
resurrection of the dead is, “Have you seen anyone being resurrected
before?” Just like anywhere else, we also have the urge to hide the
truth due to questions like these.
The first resurrection will happen according to God’s timing
within his supreme authority. Nobody has seen anyone resurrected
from the dead. But let me tell you the truth, the evidence that there is
resurrection of dead is proven by God inspired words of the Bible.
Although there are many evidences of resurrection, the main
point I would like to point out today to my beloved readers is that of
1 Corinthians 15:12, “We have preached that Christ has been raised
from the dead. So how can some of you say that no one rises from
the dead?”
The believers in the church of Corinth were saved, baptized
and had many gifts of the Holy Spirit. But they were unaware of the
doctrine of resurrection of the dead. So Paul is calling their attention
to the resurrection of the dead, by proving it through the supreme
example of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul authoritatively states that our faith is in
vain, if Christ was not risen from the dead. Jesus Christ came into
the world as the son of God. He took birth in Mary’s womb, lived
among us, died for us and was buried in the tomb and rose up from
the grave on the third day. He showed his resurrected body to his
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disciples and appeared to them on many different occasions. Our
preaching is in vain if we do not believe in these things.
The good news is that Jesus Christ died, buried and
resurrected. This is the greatest message of true faith. We can
definitely believe in the resurrection of the dead.
Now we read 1 Corinthians 15:20, “But Christ really has
been raised from the dead. He is the first of all those who will rise
from the dead” (NIRV). The great thing we can have from this verse
is that, Christ is the first fruit of those who resurrected from the
dead.
We can say first fruit is the shadow of resurrection. Passover
is the shadow of the crucifixion of Jesus and Pentecost (50 days) is
the shadow of the coming of the Holy Spirit into earth.
Let us think about the example of the first fruit in Kuttanad
which is in the State of Kerala in India. During the harvest of the
rice fields, the first step is to collect a few crops in a bunch and
present it to the church as the first fruit.
According to the custom among the Jews, first fruits were
collected and presented to the high priest of the temple. When it was
given to the high priest, he was to take it and wave it before the
Lord. Leviticus 23: 10-12 “Speak to the Israelites. Tell them, ‘When
you enter the land I am going to give you, bring an offering to the
LORD. Gather your crops. Bring the first bundle of grain to the priest.
He must lift up the grain and wave it in front of the LORD. Then the
LORD will accept it from you. The priest must wave it on the day
after the Sabbath. On the day he waves the grain for you, you must
sacrifice a burnt offering to me. It must be a lamb that does not have
any flaws. It must be a year old (NIRV).
What does this mean?
When we offer the first fruit, it signifies that a great harvest

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is coming. Hence, we can definitely say that since Christ is the first
fruit from the dead, a mass resurrection is coming.
Where do the dead exist until the resurrection?
There are differences of opinion in this matter as well. Some
believe that the souls of those who have committed crimes and is of
wicked nature, wander throughout as spirits and is laboring as evil
spirits in the world.
I can definitely say that souls are not wandering for 40 days,
nor 4 days, or even 4 hours a day in the universe. Study the words of
Ecclesiastics 12:7 “Remember your Creator before you return to
the dust you came from. Remember him before your spirit goes back
to God who gave it” (NIRV).
Job 14:10 “No man is like that. When he dies, he is buried in
a grave. He takes his last breath. Then he is gone (NIRV)”.
The dust of man returns to the soil of the earth and the soul
returns to the Master. Man is a composition of earthly particles
(mortal bodies) and soul (the spirit part).
There are many differences in each and every individual body.
Hence, man is different from person to person irrespective of blood
relation, caste, creed and relation. But the soul of mankind is always
connected to God in heaven.
Now we must read Psalms 42:1 “A deer longs for streams of
water. God, I long for you in the same way (NRIV).”
Ecclesiastes 12:7, “Remember your Creator before you return
to the dust you came from. Remember him before your spirit goes
back to God who gave it (NIRV).”
This does not mean that all souls will reach heaven. Certainly
all souls are under the control of God and in his protection. He knows
His souls and keeps them in His power.

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 Now from His care, the Lord sends them to two different
places. Psalms 86:13 “Great is your love for me. You have kept me
from going down into the place of the dead” (NIRV).
The greatest mercy, the Lord showed me that I was redeemed
from the lowest part of the hell. So there are two parts of hell. One is
the lowest part and the other is the upper part. This we read from
Luke 16: 19-31.
The soul of Lazarus was taken to the bosom of Abraham and
the soul of rich man was taken to Hades (torment place). Hence,
when a soul leaves the body it will be sent to one of these places.

We must now understand that the upper hells are now free.
The souls dying in Christ are directly going to paradise. Ephesians
4: 8-10, “That is why Scripture says, “When he went up to his place
on high, he took many prisoners. He gave gifts to his people.” What
does “he went up” mean? It can only mean that he also came down
to the lower, earthly places. The one who came down is the same
one who went up. He went up higher than all the heavens. He did it
in order to fill all creation” (NIRV).

Luke 23: 43 “Jesus answered him, “What I’m about to tell

you is true. Today you will be with me in paradise (NIRV)”.

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12: 2-3 “I know a believer in Christ

who was taken up to the third heaven 14 years ago. I don’t know if
his body was taken up or not. Only God knows. I don’t know if that
man was in his body or out of it. Only God knows. But I do know
that (NIRV)”.

So what is Paradise?

The third heaven is called paradise. Where

are the saved souls? Certainly, they are in the third paradise that is

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the third heaven. Praise the Lord! But there is no change in the lowest
hell.

The Bible says that all men whether they are stable on earth,
is but only a “breath”. We always hear at the ceremony of the burial
ground “If this is your end, why does the rich boast in his wealth?
Why does the wise boast in his wisdom? Why does the healthy boast
in his health.

So every person has to face death and no one is exempt from

it. We must be ready and prepare ourselves for paradise. John 5: 28-
29 “Do not be amazed at this. A time is coming when all who are in
their graves will hear his voice. They will all come out of their graves.
People who have done what is good will rise and live again. People
who have done what is evil will rise and be found guilty (NIRV)”.

Those who do good will be resurrected first and those who

do false will be resurrected for judgement separately. Therefore, the
first resurrection is for eternal life and the second resurrection is for
judgement and eternal punishment. There is no third resurrection.

Here arises the question, what is the meaning of doing

good works?

From the study of Romans and Psalms we can say that

goodness is doing pleasant things in God’s sight. John 6: 28-29 “Then
they asked him, “What does God want from us? What works does he
want us to do?” Jesus answered, “God’s work is to believe in the
one he has sent. (NRIV)”.

What is pleasant in God’s sight? It is to believe in the son of

God, Jesus Christ the Saviour of the world, and escape from
judgement. John 3:16 “God so loved the world that he gave his one
and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have
eternal life (NRIV)”.
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 Jesus Christ is the only Saviour who had come into the world,
died for our sins and gave us an escape from condemnation and
judgement. He is the only person to be worshiped. He is the only
true God who should be preached to the whole world. ALL THOSE
WHO BELIEVE IN HIM WILL BE SAVED. They will go to
heaven and the paradise will be opened for them. HALLELUJAH!

The Almighty God would want all people in the Universe to

be saved in Jesus name. Jesus Christ came into the world from
Heaven to die for us on the cross and has been resurrected. God
would never show partiality to anyone whether they be from any
particular caste or creed, rich or poor, black or white. He loves
everyone equally. Hence, you should accept Jesus Christ as your
personal Saviour and Lord and be baptized in His name. You will be
saved and your soul will go to Heaven after the resurrection, for
eternal life.

What is the order of Resurrection?

1 Corinthians 15:23 says, “But here is the order of events. Christ is
the first of
those who rise from the dead. When he comes back, those who belong
to him
will be raised (NIRV) “.

God does everything in an orderly fashion. Christ is the first

fruit of resurrection. Then the saved one in Christ will be resurrected.
This is the order of resurrection.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 “The Lord himself will come down

from heaven. We will hear a loud command. We will hear the voice
of the leader of the angels. We will hear a blast from God’s trumpet.
Many who believe in Christ will have died already. They will rise
first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up

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together with them. We will be taken up in the clouds. We will meet
the Lord in the air. And we will be with him forever” (NRIV).

This is the believer’s resurrection and transformation of

bodies. Now let me ask you a question. We say that God knows our
nature and that we are born in a Christian family. Do you think that
will save us? Certainly not. Just having the knowledge of God or
Christ will not save us. Romans 10: 9 – 10, Say with your mouth,
“Jesus is Lord.” Believe in your heart that God raised him from the
dead. Then you will be saved. With your heart you believe and are
made right with God. With your mouth you say what you believe.
And so you are saved” (NIRV).

We should say amen to this verse as we confess Jesus Christ

as our Lord and Saviour and believe that he died for our sins and
rose again.

In Genesis 15:6 we read “Abraham believed the LORD.”

At this point Abraham did not have the promised heir. When Abraham
was called out, God gave him many promises including future
generations. The word “believe” in Hebrew is “aman”. It is from
this Hebrew word that the English word Amen derives from, which
means “let it be the same”. In essence this word means let it happen
according to what God has said. So real faith is saying amen to God’s
words and promises.

When we declare God’s promises with faith, we will be taking full

victory over Satan. Revelations 12:11, “They had victory over him by
the blood the Lamb spilled for them. They had victory over him by
speaking the truth about Jesus to others. They were willing to risk
their lives, even if it led to death (NIRV)”.

So if we want victory over Satan we must believe and declare it

openly with our heart and mouth.

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When we study the temptation of Jesus by Satan in Mathew 4:1-11,
we can see that Jesus defeated Satan through God’s word right away.

God’s people can defeat Satan likewise. Satan will be totally defeated
when we declare our faith in Jesus and his word.

The tombs of the dead will be opened at the time of

resurrection and will be traveling from miles to meet our God in
heaven and to be with him forever. In the book of Corinthians, we
read as the last enemy, death will perish forever. Hence, believers
will have complete victory over Satan and death.

So what can we say about the 2nd resurrection or the

resurrection of those who are not saved. Revelations 20: 11-15, “I
saw a great white throne. And I saw God sitting on it. When the
earth and sky saw his face, they ran away. There was no place for
them. I saw the dead, great and small, standing in front of the throne.
Books were opened. Then another book was opened. It was the book
of life. The dead were judged by what they had done. The things
they had done were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead
that were in it. And Death and Hell gave up their dead. Each person
was judged by what they had done. Then Death and Hell were thrown
into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone
whose name was not written in the book of life was thrown into the
lake of fire” (NIRV).

This is the second death. One important thing we must notice

here is that when people are saved, their names are written in the
Book of Life, in heaven. Those names that are not found in the Book
of Life will have to undergo eternal punishment of damnation in
hell. John was exiled to Patmos because of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
He saw visions there. He states that those who do not accept Jesus
as their Saviourwill have to undergo a second death.

There will be no mercy during God’s judgement on the white

throne. The God who is merciful today will become full of anger

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tomorrow. All people who died in sea or on earth will be brought
and assembled before the final judgement. Here we do not see any
saved people, but only the unsaved. They have no way of escaping.
God has given a time for salvation, so use the time for self-
examination in regards to our salvation. Do not take it lightly.

All people will be gathered before the white throne. People

who commit adultery, suicide, robbery, cheating and numerous
malpractices will not escape judgement. The bodies of those who
died tragically in water or sea will be given up for judgement.

The names in the Book of Life is important here. Whether

you are a famous person like an MLA (Member of Legislative
Assembly) or MP (Member of Parliament) is not of significance to
God. Having our names being mentioned, in prominent places such
as a Panchayat or township, or even in the newspaper, will make no
difference if it is not found in the Book of Life. Some may think
having the power of wealth or health will be taken into consideration
at the time of judgement at the white throne, but these will not help
you. Philippians 2:10-11, “When the name of Jesus is spoken, every
knee will bow down to worship him. Everyone in heaven and on
earth and under the earth will kneel down to worship him. Everyone’s
mouth will say that Jesus Christ is Lord. And God the Father will
receive the glory.

So all people have to accept and confess that “Jesus is Lord”.

Today, we can see people ridiculing God’s people and gospel
meetings. They have no time to attend gospel meetings or worship
services and praise the Almighty Lord with their lips. But one day,
when they stand before the mercy seat of God, they will have to
declare that “Jesus is Lord”.

Then why don’t you accept this invitation of salvation today.

God prepared the burning fire of hell for the wicked and unsaved as

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the eternal punishment place. This is for the second resurrected souls.
There will be no more death after that. Death will depart as the last
enemy. I humbly ask you, “Would you prefer eternal damnation in
the fiery place in the second resurrection or would you want eternal
salvation in Heaven in the first resurrection. Which category do you
belong?

We have to make a decision. Our eternal life and damnation

depend upon our decisions made on earth. If we want a body of
glorification and eternal life we have to take a decision now. Or
would you decide eternal damnation and hell of fiery. The choice
and decision is yours. May God help you to make a wise decision.

It will be wise to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour

and escape the hardship and damnation in hell.

First of all we must understand the word. Romans 3:23,

“Everyone has sinned. No one measures up to God’s glory (NIRV)”.

All children born from Adam are sinners. Sin is in them.

Romans 6:23 says, “When you sin, the pay you get is death. But
God gives you the gift of eternal life. That’s because of what Christ
Jesus our Lord has done (NIRV)”.

Adam’s disobedience to God caused death in all men. Death

is the punishment for the same. But Jesus took our punishment of
Death, to the cross of Calvary and gave us eternal salvation. We
have redemption in the blood of Jesus.

We must believe and accept this atonement of sacrifice of

Jesus Christ with our heart and confess it before man for our salvation.
Romans 10: 9-10 says, “Say with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord.”
Believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead. Then you
will be saved. With your heart you believe and are made right with
God. With your mouth you say what you believe. And so you are
saved (NIRV)”.

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THE CONFESSION OF FAITH

The Holy Bible says that we must confess what we believe.

Confessing the Word of God means we are saying what God says.
This should not be a burden for anyone. By this we are saying ‘Amen’
(Let it be son) to the promises of God. Gospel of Mathew 10:32-33
states that, “therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will
also deny before My Father who is in heaven”.

WHERE DOES SOUL OF MAN GO AFTER DEATH?

This is the great question of mankind. The soul of men will be either
in paradise or in the torment place.

Special points to be highlighted for the people dying in

Christ
1. There is no need for any kind of worry like having no hope
in life. 1Thessalonian 4:13 says, “Brothers and sisters, we
want you to know what happens to those who die. We don’t
want you to mourn, as other people do. They mourn because
they don’t have any hope (NIRV)”. Romans 8:11 says, “The
Spirit of the God who raised Jesus from the dead is living in
you. So the God who raised Christ from the dead will also
give life to your bodies. He will do this because of his Spirit
who lives in you. (NIRV)”

2. The just has hope in His death. Proverbs 14:32 says, “When
trouble comes, sinners are brought down (NIRV)”. By the
redemption of Jesus Christ, in His grace we have justification.
So there is a great hope in our death because we are going to
have a new life.

3. Revelations 14:13 says, “Then I heard a voice from heaven.

“Write this,” it said. “Blessed are the dead who die as
believers in the Lord from now on (NIRV).” In Jesus Christ,

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 our life is insured for eternal life with full glory. This is a
great blessing for our life after death.

4. Psalms 116:15 says, “The LORD pays special attention when

his faithful people die (NIRV)”. Philippians 1:23 “I can’t
decide between the two. I long to leave this world and be
with Christ. That is better by far (NIRV)”. Death is a vehicle
carrying the souls of Jesus with him. Born again souls are
precious for him.

5. He is entering into eternal peace Isaiah 57:2 says, “Those

who lead honest lives will enjoy peace and rest when they
die (NIRV)”.

6. Death is a gain Philippians 1:21 says, “For me, life finds all
its meaning in Christ. Death also has its benefits (NIRV)”.
So now also those in Christ shall be magnified in the body
whether it be by life or by death. It is a time of full rest from
the toils of life.

7. He is entering into sleep. John 11:25 says, “Jesus said to

her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes
in me will live, even if they die (NIRV)”. For God’s children
death is not an end but a deep sleep. In John 11:11 Jesus says
about Lazarus“After he said this, Jesus went on speaking to
them. “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep,” he said. “But
I am going there to wake him up (NIRV).” But the Jews said
he is dead and buried Paul says death is a slumber (sleep).
This sleep is only for rest and consolation.

8. Daniel 12:13 says, “Daniel, go on your way until the end.

Your body will rest in the grave. Then at the end of the days
you will rise from the dead. And you will receive what God
has appointed for you (NIRV).” God gives us a period of
rest from our difficult times.

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9. Earthly tabernacle removal. 2 Corinthians 5:1 says, “We know
that the earthly tent we live in will be destroyed. But we have
a building made by God. It is a house in heaven that lasts
forever. Human hands did not build it (NIRV).” God dissolves
our earthly body (tabernacle) and change it to a heavenly
body of glory.

10. Getting the hope of resurrection. John 5:25 says, “What I’m
about to tell you is true. A time is coming for me to give life.
In fact, it has already begun. The dead will hear the voice of
the Son of God. Those who hear it will live (NIRV)”. The
resurrection is the foundation of the Christian faith. Since
Christ has resurrected our bodies will also be resurrected
and will have a body of glorification.

11. 1 Corinthians 15:53-54 Mortal to immortal “Our natural

bodies don’t last forever. They must be dressed with what
does last forever. What dies must be dressed with what does
not die. In fact, that is going to happen. What does not last
will be dressed with what lasts forever. What dies will be
dressed with what does not die. Then what is written will
come true. It says, “Death has been swallowed up. It has
lost the battle (NIRV).” There is transformation of the body.
It can never be defeated by Satan or death anymore.

12. Death is gone forever. Revelation 20:6, 21:4-5 says, “Blessed

and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The
second death has no power over them. They will be priests
of God and of Christ. They will rule with him for 1,000 years.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be
no more death.’ And there will be no more sadness. There
will be no more crying or pain. Things are no longer the
way they used to be. He who was sitting on the throne said,
“I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this

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 down. You can trust these words. They are true (NIRV).”
God is making everything new.

States of the people dying in sin

It is a misfortune, if a man dies in sin, by leading a sinful life.
Sin is associated with man until his death. Soil cannot separate
it. Everlasting life will be given to man by God according toa
man’s decision of his earthly life.

Reasons

1. The wicked are the sheeps of hell. It is their place of

habitation.

2. Luke 16:27-31 Until the resurrection time the wicked

are living in torment places. After judgement they are
put into the burning hell forever. Revelations 20:24

3. Daniel 12:2 The wicked are to be shamed and will have

everlasting contempt.

4. Job 18:13-21, Psalms 34:16. Their memory is forever

removed from the earth.

5. When the wicked perish, his hope is lost.

6. No rituals of any kind that will give redemption for his

soul after death..

7. God is not pleased in the death of the wicked John 6:21

Because of the above stated facts, it is our duty to tell the gospel to
everyone. We must preach the gospel of salvation to our dear ones,
brothers, sisters, relatives, friends and all the ones we meet in our
daily life. John 3:16. God wants salvation to every person so that no
one should perish. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 says, “God is fair. He
will pay back trouble to those who give you trouble. He will help
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you who are troubled. And he will also help us. All these things will
happen when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come in
blazing fire. He will come with his powerful angels. He will punish
those who don’t know God. He will punish those who don’t obey the
good news about our Lord Jesus. They will be destroyed forever.
They will be shut out of heaven. They will never see the glory of the
Lord’s strength. All these things will happen when he comes. On
that day his glory will be seen in his holy people. Everyone who has
believed will be amazed when they see him. This includes you,
because you believed the witness we gave you (NIRV)”.

“Yes,” says the Holy Spirit. “They will rest from their labor. What
they have done will not be forgotten.” But godly people seek safety
in God even as they die.

For more details please contact :

Pr. Johnson George

15824 Van Ave,
Fraser, MI- 48026
Email: johnsonbinu@yahoo.com
Phone: 586 940 1333

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