What Happens After Death?

The question of what happens after death has puzzled many, but the Bible provides insight. The Old Testament introduces a place called Sheol, where all the dead—righteous and unrighteous—reside. Sheol, translated as "the pit" or "the grave," is mentioned in passages like Job 17:16 (Job 17:16 ESV) and Isaiah 38:10 (Isaiah 38:10 ESV). In Psalm 16:10 (Psalm 16:10 ESV), David speaks of Sheol as a temporary dwelling for the dead. The Greek translation of Sheol is "Hades," a term also used in the New Testament.

Jesus provides more clarity about the afterlife in Luke 16:19-31 (Luke 16:19-31 ESV). He tells the story of a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. Lazarus, after death, is carried by angels to Abraham's side, a place of comfort. The rich man, however, suffers in torment in Hades. This story reveals that the righteous and unrighteous are separated after death. A great chasm between these two places makes crossing impossible, and one’s eternal destiny is fixed at death.

Jesus also teaches that the righteous dwell in "paradise," as seen in His promise to the repentant thief on the cross in Luke 23:43 (Luke 23:43 ESV). Paradise, described as the garden of God, is a place of peace and restoration.

After His crucifixion, Jesus Himself went to Hades, as foretold in Psalm 16:10 and confirmed by Peter in Acts 2:27 (Acts 2:27 ESV). However, Jesus entered the part of Hades reserved for the righteous—paradise. His resurrection demonstrated victory over death and Hades, offering hope to Christians that they too will overcome death (Acts 2:24, Acts 2:24 ESV).

In summary, the Bible teaches that after death, the righteous and unrighteous are separated. The righteous dwell in paradise, awaiting resurrection, while the unrighteous face torment. Jesus’ victory over death ensures that Christians will also triumph over Hades.