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The death of a loved one often brings about an intense period of mourning and a poignant sense of loss. This chapter delves into the Bible’s teachings on death and the afterlife, offering insights into the hope it provides for those who have passed away. This hope differs significantly from the common belief in an ethereal existence in heaven, presenting instead a promise of resurrection to life on a restored Earth.

The Nature of Death According to the Bible

Understanding Death Biblically

In order to comprehend the Bible’s promise of hope for the dead, it is crucial to understand its portrayal of death. Ecclesiastes 9:5 states, “For the living are conscious that they will die, but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all.” This scripture underlines the Bible’s view of death as a state of non-existence, likened to a deep sleep.

The Resurrection Hope

Central to the Bible’s message is the hope of resurrection. This doctrine is not about an immortal soul living on but about a restoration to life. John 5:28, 29 speaks of a time when “all those in the memorial tombs will hear [Jesus’] voice and come out.”

The Promise of Resurrection

Jesus Christ’s Role in Resurrection

Jesus Christ’s teachings and actions while on Earth provide the foundation for the resurrection hope. His assertion in John 5:21, 28, 29 demonstrates his authority and willingness to bring the dead back to life.

The Resurrection of Lazarus: A Case Study

The account of Lazarus’ resurrection in John 11 is pivotal. The detailed narrative and emotional context given in this account, especially Jesus’ reaction (John 11:33, 35), underscore the reality and feasibility of resurrection. The Greek words used in the original text, such as ἐμβριμάομαι (em·bri·maʹo·mai, meaning “groaned”) and δακρύω (da·kryʹo, meaning “to weep”), highlight the depth of Jesus’ emotional response, affirming his empathy and commitment to the resurrection hope.

The Power and Willingness to Fulfill the Promise

God’s Ability to Resurrect

Acknowledging God’s omnipotence is key to accepting the resurrection promise. The Creator of life is undoubtedly capable of restoring it. The resurrection is thus not a mere wish but a feasible act within God’s power.

Divine Desire for Resurrection

The Bible illustrates that God is not only able, but also desirous, of resurrecting the dead. Job 14:14, 15 speaks of God’s yearning to bring back those who have died. This profound longing from Jehovah assures us of His commitment to the resurrection.

Implications of the Resurrection Hope

Resurrection to a Restored Earth

Contrary to popular belief in a heavenly afterlife, the Bible’s resurrection hope is firmly grounded on Earth. Scriptures like Psalm 37:29 and Matthew 5:5 indicate that the Earth will be transformed into a paradise, wherein resurrected individuals will live forever in perfect health and harmony.

The New Earth: The Earthly Hope

In the O[ld] T[estament] the kingdom of God is usually described in terms of a redeemed earth; this is especially clear in the book of Isaiah, where the final state of the universe is already called new heavens and a new earth (65:17; 66:22) The nature of this renewal was perceived only very dimly by OT authors, but they did express the belief that a humans ultimate destiny is an earthly one. [It is unwise to speak of the written Word of God as if it were of human origin, saying, ‘OT authors express the belief,’ when what was written is the meaning and message of what God wanted to convey by means of the human author.] This vision is clarified in the N[ew] T[estament]. Jesus speaks of the “renewal” of the world (Matt 19:28), Peter of the restoration of all things (Acts 3:21). Paul writes that the universe will be redeemed by God from its current state of bondage (Rom. 8:18-21). This is confirmed by Peter, who describes the new heavens and the new earth as the Christian’s hope (2 Pet. 3:13). Finally, the book of Revelation includes a glorious vision of the end of the present universe and the creation of a new universe, full of righteousness and the presence of God. The vision is confirmed by God in the awesome declaration: “I am making everything new!” (Rev. 21:1-8)

The new heavens and the new earth will be the renewed creation that will fulfill the purpose for which God created the universe. It will be characterized by the complete rule of God and by the full realization of the final goal of redemption: “Now the dwelling of God is with men” (Rev. 21:3).

Creating anew does not mean complete destruction followed by a re-creation, but instead a renewal of the present universe. The fact that the universe will be created anew shows that God’s goals for humans is not an ethereal and disembodied existence but a bodily existence on a perfected earth. The scene of the beatific vision is the new earth. The spiritual does not exclude the created order and will be fully realized only within a perfected creation. (Elwell 2001, 828-29)

What have we learned so far in this blog? God created the earth to be inhabited, to be filled with perfect humans, who are over the animals, and under the sovereignty of God. (Gen 1:28; 2:8, 15; Ps 104:5; 115:16; Eccl 1:4) Sin did not dissuade God from his plans (Isa. 45:18); hence, he has saved redeemable humankind by Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. It seems that the Bible offers two hopes to redeemed humans, (1) a heavenly hope, or (2) an earthly hope. It also seems that those with heavenly hope are limited in number and are going to heaven to rule with Christ as kings, priests, and judges either on the earth or over the earth from heaven. It seems that those with earthly hope will receive eternal life here on a paradise earth as originally intended.

The Hope for Those Who Have Died

This hope extends to all who have died – offering a chance for reuniting with loved ones and living in a world free from pain, suffering, and death, as Revelation 21:1-4 depicts.

Conclusion

The Bible’s teaching on the resurrection provides a tangible, comforting hope that transcends traditional views of the afterlife. It reassures us that death is not the end but a temporary state preceding a glorious future. This hope is rooted in the reliable promises of God and the proven power and empathy of Jesus Christ. For those mourning the loss of loved ones, this hope offers not only comfort but also a joyous expectation of reunion in a restored, paradisiacal Earth.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).