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These questions are related, yet cover quite a bit of biblical
territory. Let me state at the beginning of this response that
the Bible does not answer all of our questions or concerns. The
Bible gives us what God wants us to know, presents to us the plan
of salvation and the reasons man needs to be saved, and gives us
great lessons on living a life that is pleasing to God, both by
example and instruction. In other words, the Bible is a book of Faith.
In the case of these questions, there are some principles regarding these issues
that are directly taught in the Bible, but for the most part we are left to draw
conclusions from what is revealed by the insights that the Word gives.
Events That Result From The Rapture
First, what do we mean by “The Rapture”?
The word rapture refers to an event which will mark the end of
the Church Age and which will be an occasion of great joy to
Christian believers. All believers, both those who have died
and those who are alive at the time, will be taken up to meet
Jesus Christ, who will have returned to "the air," earth's
atmosphere. Then, the Christians and the Lord Jesus will return
to heaven together. At the time of the Rapture, Christ will not
set foot on earth; and He will be visible only to believers. (See 1Thessalonians 4:17;
Acts 1:11)
The Rapture is to be distinguished from the Second Advent of
Christ. While the Rapture sets the stage for the Second Coming,
these are two separate events. Although the word “rapture” is
not found in the King James Version, it is an acceptable translation
for the phrase “caught up” in 1Thessalonians
4:17. The Greek word means “to be taken suddenly,
snatched away, or seized.” This word was translated into
Latin by the word “rapturo” from “rapere” from
which we get the words, rapture, raptor, and even rape.
As to the events on the earth which follow this
blessed event, the Bible only makes reference to things regarding
the signs by which Israel will recognize the beginning of the “Tribulation.” And,
yes, the Tribulation is filled with chaos. If you have studied
any end time books or tapes, they make great light of these biblical
events: wars, pestilence, famine, darkness, signs in the sky,
and of course the arrival on the scene of the Antichrist,
the False Prophet, and the Beast. The seven years
following the rapture will be a continual unfolding of numerous
Bible prophecies, signs, and wonders.
However, as to the everyday events and things that affect the lives
of people, there is no direct mention. The events that are “pre-told” are
not themselves the results of the Rapture; they are the result
of God’s final dealings with the nation of Israel, and the
nations of the world. What will happen in hospitals, banks, businesses,
planes, factories? We really are not told. We do not find information
on how the average person will survive the calamity of those days.
But, we do know it will be a time of great trouble—that
is what “tribulation” means. But, there are some hints:
1Thessalonians 5:1–11; 2Thessalonians 2:6–12; Revelation
6–11; 13–19. It is really impossible to imagine how
life will be upon the earth at that time.
Our Resurrection Bodies
As for the believers, that’s another story. While the above
passages describe the horror that will occur upon the earth, we
who are in heaven will have an entirely new existence. The Rapture
completes the “redemption of the body” because the
believer receives a resurrection body at that time, Philippians
3:20, 21; 1John 3:1, 2.
Consider the description of the Rapture and the change that will
take place in the believer in 1Corinthians 15:51–53 (with
my comments concerning the terminology used).
1Cor 15:51–53
Listen! I am telling you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but
we will all be changed, 52) 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 will
all be changed. 53) Because this corruptible
must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal must be
clothed with immortality.
Mystery:
A doctrine "hidden" from the Old Testament believers.
The Rapture is pertinent only to the Church Age and was never revealed
to believers living before the beginning of the Church Age (which
also, was a “mystery” to the OT believers).
we will not all sleep:
i.e., There will be some believers alive at the time of the Rapture.
( I will address the subject of “soul-sleep” later)
we shall all be changed:
Refers to the resurrection body.
in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye:
A reference to the time element—the word “moment” is
from the word “atomo” which means something that cannot
be further divided, and the phrase “twinkling…” refers
to something moving so fast that is imperceptible. The Rapture
is not a long, drawn out process of evacuation. We will be with
Christ instantaneously!
the dead will be raised incorruptible:
The resurrection body does not include the decay and corruption
of sin and death.
we will all be changed:
Another reference to the new physical body and new personal at-tributes
associated with the resurrection body. Here, also consider the
words used in Phil 3:21 – “…who will
change our vile body…” where Paul makes
reference to the transition which we will receive at the Lord’s “appearing”.
The word for “will change” indicates an outward change
only because our “inner man” is already recreated in
his image (Ephesians 4:24).
this corruptible must be clothed with incorruptibility:
The most important feature of the resurrection body is that there
will be no Sin Nature.
this mortal must be clothed with immortality:
The believer will not die but will receive an immortal body.
This “resurrection body” is not like our present body—subject
to the curse of the fall—but is like Jesus’ glorious
body. It will be as unlike our present form as the heavenly bodies
are unlike the terrestrial bodies (1Corinthians 15:40–41),
and as the plant is unlike the seed (1Corinthians 15:37–38).
Yes, in an outward manner, “glorified mankind” will
still resemble “fallen mankind,” but that is merely
superficial. I guess the best way to say it is we will be like
Adam would have been had he eaten of the tree of life—only
better! As to all the particulars of the form of our future existence,
one can only speculate—so I won’t.
What is the “Form” of Believers Who are in
Heaven, Now?
Here is a subject on which speculation has had no boundaries.
In reality, the Scriptures tell us very little on this. Yet, that
has not hindered numerous authors from expounding on their personal
visions, revelations, dreams, and opinions. When I consider these
various “insights”, I keep several passages in mind:
- 2 Peter 1:20–21:
First of all, you should know this: no prophecy of Scripture
comes from one's own interpretation, 21) because
no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, moved by the
Holy Spirit, men spoke from God.
This tells us that no person
has a “special” insight
in the truth. The Scriptures are the result of the anointing
of God upon chosen men who wrote ONLY what God gave them to write—nothing
added of their own ideas, thoughts, or imaginations. There are
no mistakes in the Word of God.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:19–22:
Don't stifle the Spirit. 20) Don't despise prophecies, 21) but
test all things. Hold on to what is good. 22) Stay
away from every form of evil.
These verses go together, and
the reveal an important truth to the Church. We need the manifestation
of “spontaneous” prophecy
in our churches. But, these “words” are not authoritative
in themselves. The “words” which come must be held
to the “judgment/proving/testing” of the written
Word—which was delivered as infallible. (see also: 1Corinthians
14:29–30; 36–40)
- 2Corinthians 12:2–4:
I know a man in Christ [this
is the Apostle Paul, himself] who was caught up into the third
heaven 14 years ago. Whether he was in the body or out of the
body, I don't know; God knows. 3) I
know that this man--whether in the body or out of the body I
do not know, God knows-- 4) [this one] was caught
up into paradise where he heard inexpressible words, which a
man is not allowed to speak.
There are a couple of things of related importance here:
a) “Paul” was
taken into the heavenly realm now called “Paradise”—the
third Heaven—the
abode of God. Yet, he was unable to tell whether he was in “spirit
form” or in “physical form”. This tells us
that whatever “form” the believers n Paradise are
in presently, it is so much similar to the earthly form, and
yet so different that Paul was aware of the difference, but not
able to define what the difference was. That’s even hard
to write. Paul knew where he was taken, knew he was different,
knew what he heard, but could not in any logical manner describe
the condition, nor the revelation.
b) And that is the second part.
He could not describe / was not allowed / was forbidden to reveal
what he heard / saw. These are amazing words for the man who
wrote the greater part of the doctrine of the New Testament.
The idea of “unlawful” may
mean he was forbidden, or it may mean there are no proper words
to convey it. Whichever it was—he could not do it! This
does not mean that anyone who has told of what they have “seen” in
Paradise is in violation of the Scriptures. But, it does mean
that whatever they saw/heard is not authoritative—the Word
of God / the Scriptures are the only true authority. And, the
ones who wrote the Word tell us very little about the present
condition of believers in Paradise.
Do Those Who Are In Heaven Remember Us?
As to the awareness of those in Paradise, there is really no scripture
that clearly gives us an answer. There may be a hint or two from
the book of Hebrews, but that is a matter of interpretation. Look
first at Hebrews 12:1.
Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses
surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that
so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies
before us…
This “cloud of witnesses” is a reference to all the “heroes
of the faith” listed in Chapter 11. Many commentators believe
Paul (the accepted author) is making more than an illusion to the
testimony of their faith, but that he is actually saying they stand
as “spectators” in OUR present life of faith. Just
as we can see the evidence of their faith in the testimony of what
they left behind, they can see the testimony of our faith in the
manner in which we stand against the forces of the world, the flesh,
and the devil. It doesn’t say they see everything we do any
more than everything they have done is shown to us. But, they do “see” how
we respond when we are tested: in faith—in endurance—in
bold witness, or in doubt—in fear—in cowardliness.
This has been Paul’s message since Hebrews 10:19, “how
will we live since we have been redeemed?” Adding to this
imagery of witnesses beholding our “faith” is Hebrews
10:32–33.
But be ever mindful of the days gone by in which, after you
were first spiritually enlightened, you endured a great and painful
struggle, 33) Sometimes being yourselves
a gazingstock, publicly exposed to insults
and abuse and distress, and sometimes claiming fellowship and making
common cause with others who were so treated. (Amplified Trans.)
The word translated “gazingstock” in verse 33 comes
from the same root as our word “theater.” It can be
used in the sense of someone who has been made a public spectacle,
or the object of public contempt. However, Paul uses this same
word in 1Corinthians 4:9 “For
we have become a spectacle to the world [a show in the world's
amphitheater] with both men and angels [as spectators]. Therefore, the implication is that
our “activity” in the arena / theater is not only viewed
by the inhabitants of this world, but also by those of the heavenly
realm.
So, do they see us and remember us? I believe, Yes! They see
our battles of faith—both our triumphs and our defeats. They
see the endurance we express as we stand against the pressures
of life. And, they see the effects which our faith has upon the
world in which we live.
The other side of the question is, “What about those who
have died but are not in Paradise?” There is only one passage
that gives us a glimpse of the fate of those in Hades (Hades is
the “temporary abode” of the dead who have died without
belief in the Messiah / Redeemer. Just as Abraham’s Bosom
/Paradise is the temporary abode of those who died believing in
/ waiting for the Messiah / Redeemer. Hell / Gehenna / The Lake
of Fire is the eternal place of the “damned,” just
as the New Heaven is the eternal abode of the “saved”). Luke
16: 19–31 tells the account of 2 men and the “afterworld” in
which each one abides. Although there are many significant points
to this story, I will only comment on the things that directly
pertain to your question.
- Notice the difference in the state of their abode. Lazarus
is in a place of comfort, peace, tranquility, affectionate care.
The rich man is in a place of great torment, suffering, fear,
lack, and longing—with no escape or relief.
- Lazarus seems totally “unconcerned / unaffected” by
the issues of the rich man. It isn’t even clear that Lazarus
has any knowledge of the issues that are taking place, across
the “gulf that is fixed between” them. There is mention
that those in the place of comfort may not pass from there to
Hades, but we are not given any sense that Lazarus was at all
concerned for the rich man.
- For the rich man, however, the knowledge of the comfort and
attention that Lazarus is receiving only adds to the suffering
he is encountering. He longs for something from there—even
just a drop of water—anything to ease his misery.
- The rich man sees Lazarus and Abraham. He is able to converse
with Abraham, but to no avail—he will receive nothing from
him—not even pity.
For more on this subject see the Real Questions Answered archives,
and the Question: Will people who go to hell remember
their loved ones and long for them?
The end point here is that we have “this life” in which
to prepare for our eternal status. In the words of Paul, “…behold,
now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”(2Corinthians
6:2) We know the glory which God has prepared for us—and,
we long to be released from this life. So, let us live in such
a manner as to honor the one who saved us, and to witness to the
world around of the hope that can be theirs through believing in
Jesus Christ as Savior.
What Do People Mean by, “Soul Sleep?”
This term is a reference to a state in which the dead are held
in a type of suspended animation. They are not conscious of any
of their surroundings, of their status, of their past. This is
the belief of a large number of Biblical interpreters—especially
of those who do not believe in the “literal” interpretation
of the Scriptures, nor in the inerrancy / infallibility of the
Word of God. They take many passages we accept as truth to be suggestive,
symbolic, mystical, or simply the view of the writer or some legend
he has heard. That is why they can look at the same verses we teach
and arrive at different conclusions—even to the dismissing
of portions of the Bible. They of course believe they are very
careful scholars of the Word and don’t see that they have
elevated their own reasoning / intellect as to be superior to the
revelation of the Word.
The New Testament usage of the term “sleep” in reference
to the dead is a metaphor for the condition because it is temporary. “Death” in
the Bible does not signal cessation/termination. Instead, it speaks
of “separation”—from God; this world order; even
physical life. But it is not terminal. All the “dead” continue
to exist beyond the grave. As I enlarged upon above, they will
continue in either a place of unbelievable bliss and peace (Paradise),
or in a place of unimaginable torment and sorrow (Hades).
These places are themselves only temporary, for the ultimate destination
of the soul/spirit is eternal Heaven, or eternal Hell.
There are those who do not believe that the unrighteous dead will
suffer for eternity, but the problem with their view is that the
same phrasing of “eternal” is used when referring
to our eternal life, or the eternal heaven. Either both heaven
and hell are “eternal” or neither one is—you
can’t interpret it both ways.
As mentioned above, the only complete passage that gives us a “view” beyond
the grave is Luke 16:19–31. It is clear that both were presented
as being conscious of their surroundings. Even if this is not a “literal” account
(which most evangelical commentators believe it is), it
presents a teaching that is to be accepted. Jesus taught with many
parables, but the spiritual lesson that was in them was always
true. If there is no “consciousness” beyond the grave,
what could possibly be the point of this story? This also is in
agreement with other “prophetic” passages which make
reference to the condition of the dead.
Psalm 88 is a reference the Messiah in His death
and suffering for the sins of mankind. He is fully conscious of
the torment He is experiencing as he has taken the place of the “wicked” in His death. He knows
sorrow, torment, loss, and seeming abandonment. This is of course the assigned
place of the unrighteous (“…he who knew no sin was made to be
sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” -2Corinthians 5:21).
For the Messiah, it was temporary—His Father would raise Him from the
dead. But, that did not lighten the burden He experienced.
Jonah 2 also makes reference to this subject.
From the belly of the “great fish”, he spoke of descending to Sheol—the
grave. He felt the horror, the loss, the torment. He remembered
the purpose of God for his life, the temple where he was to worship,
and the Lord he worshipped there. Jesus made reference to this
very experience in likening it to his descent into death.
Both of these passages reveal one key element—consciousness
beyond the grave. So when Paul speaks of the condition of the believers
who “died in faith / died in the Lord” he uses the
term “sleep” to emphasize the temporality of their
condition.
“We shall not all sleep…” (1Corinthians 15:51)
“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which
are fallen asleep…” and “…even
so them also which sleep in Jesus will
God bring with him.” (1Thessalonians 4:13,14)
Likewise, Scripture also affirms the immediate entrance of the
believing dead into the presence of the Lord: 2Corinthians
5:8; Philippians 1:23; Luke 23:43; and Hebrews
12:22–24. Also, Revelation 6:6–9 and 7:9–10 clearly show the souls/spirits
of believers who have died praying and worshiping, for they cry
out with a loud voice, “O Lord, holy and true, dost thou
not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” This
is certainly occurring before the final Judgment, while others
remain alive upon the earth.
These passages definitely make it clear that believers experience
conscious awareness and fellowship with God and the Lord Jesus
in Heaven immediately after death.
Geof W. Jackson, read
bio
Director of the Grace School of Ministry/Director
of Pastoral Care
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