1. DEATH
Hebrews 9:27
And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…

2. Introduction We do not like to think about or talk about death.
It is a subject we would rather ignore.
We do need to understand it so that we are not so afraid of it.
We need to prepare for it because we will all die.

3. Definition of Death Hebrew word “maveth” Greek word “thanatos”
Physical death - the separation of the soul from the body, the latter ceasing to function and turning to dust.
Spiritual death – the separation of man from God.

4. Physical Death Death referred to as:
Sleep of death – Ps. 13:3
Asleep – John 11:11-14
When David was near death, he referred to it as:
Gates of death – Ps. 9:13
Sorrows of death – Ps. 18:4
Dust of death – Ps. 22:15
Death was brought into the world by the sin of Adam and Eve (physical & spiritual). – Gen. 3:19
“For you are dust and to dust you shall return.”

5. Physical Death (continued)
When we die, our body returns to earth & spirit returns to God. – Eccl.12:7
God formed man from dust. – Gen. 2:9
God formed the spirit of man. – Zech. 12:1
The first death was Abel who was murdered by Cain.
There is no repentance after death – your fate is sealed.
God has no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies, therefore, repent and live. – Ezek. 18:32

6. Physical Death (continued)
The devil has the power of death and we fear death – Heb. 2:14-15; a terrible fear - Ps. 55:4-5.
God allows Satan to use that power. – Job
No man has authority of the day of death. – Eccl. 8:8
God is able to save from death. – Ps. 33:18-19
Hezekiah prayed to be saved from death. – 2 Kings 20:1-6
David’s prayer – Ps. 116:3-4
The last enemy to be destroyed – 1 Cor. 15:26

7. After Death, What? We fly away. – Ps. 90:10 Go to Hades/Sheol
The world of departed spirits.
Resting or waiting place for judgment. - Matt. 12:41, 2 Pet. 2:9
Jesus went to Hades when he died while his body rested in the tomb. – Acts 2:31
Hades is divided into two places: Paradise & Tartarus.

8. After Death, What? (continued)
Paradise
A place for the righteous who die in the Lord.
Righteous carried by angels to Paradise. – Luke 16:22
Referred to as Abraham’s bosom.
The righteous dead are comforted and resting.
Jesus told the thief on the cross, “Today, you shall be with me in Paradise.” – Lk. 23:43
Tartarus – 2 Pet. 2:4, 9
A place for the wicked who die.
The wicked dead are tormented. – Luke 16:23-24

9. After Death, What? (continued)
Are the dead conscious?
The rich man saw & cried. – Luke 16
Samuel spoke to Saul,  “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” – 1 Sam. 28:15
They do not know what the living is doing. – Eccl. 9:5-6.
They have nothing to do with anything in this world.
They are not watching down on us.
They are conscious but cannot do what the living do.

10. After Death, What? (continued)
The Lord’s return & the resurrection
Jesus will come with great power & glory. - Matt. 24:30-31
The dead shall rise first. – 1 Thess. 4:16-17
Those who are alive will be changed & caught up in the air with them.
Judgment
All will be judged – 2 Cor. 5:10
Righteous judgment – Rom. 2:5-8
Dead will be judged – Rev. 20:12-13
Final destination – Matt. 25:31-34, 41, 46
This world & all physical existence will be destroyed Pet. 3:7, 10-12

11. Views of Death World views Religious views
Atheist & agnostic – end of existence.
Humanist – end of pleasure or pain.
Materialist – “He who dies with the most toys wins”.
Others believe life after death will be a modified worldly existence.
For worldly people, death is a bad thing because this world is all they have.
We may grieve but we take comfort in something much better.
Religious views
Reincarnation
Purgatory – “great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.”
All who die go directly to heaven.

12. Views of Death (continued)
God’s view
“Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of His saints.” – Ps. 116:15
No pleasure in death of wicked – Ezek: 33.11
Solomon’s wisdom – Eccl. 7:1-4
Death, sorrow, and mourning are good.
Christian view
Be faithful instead of fearful. – Rev. 2:10
Paul said, “To die is gain.” – Phil. 1:21-24
For the righteous, death is the beginning of eternal life!
We may grief but we need to celebrate their righteous life.
We will see them again in Heaven.

13. Spiritual Death Sin brings forth death. – Jas. 1:14-15
We all deserve death because we all have sinned. – Rom. 3:23
Separation from God in eternity.
The second death – Rev. 20:14-15
Hell – the unquenchable fire, where their worm does not die. – Mark 9: There is no annihilation.
Lake of fire that burns with brimstone – Rev. 20:10.
Eternal punishment - Tormented day and night forever and ever.

14. Spiritual Death (continued)
There is an escape from spiritual death.
It must be chosen before this life ends.
Jesus abolished death. – 2 Tim. 1:10
He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death. – Rev. 2:11
We can be made alive through Christ. – 1 Cor. 15:20-26
Victory through Jesus – 1 Cor. 15:50-57

15. Conclusion After physical death is:
Hades (Paradise or Tartarus)
Christ’s second coming
The resurrection
The judgment
Heaven or Hell
We can pray to God to be saved from physical death.
Spiritual death can be avoided. Choose today.
Jesus died to give us victory over death.
If you died today, where will you spend eternity?