We shall be able to answer this question when we first define death. What is death?
Does death mean a state of total unconsciousness or a total cessation of existence? That is, when a person is dead, does he lose every consciousness and ceases completely to exist?
The word translated death in the scriptures has as its root the idea of "separation". Death does not mean a state of unconsciousness or that one will cease to exist, rather, it means that one is separated.
Separated from what?
There are three types of death:
- Physical death
- Spiritual death
- Eternal death
Physical Death: takes place when a man is declared "dead" in the world. What has happened is that his spirit and soul are separated from his body. Once the spirit and soul depart, the body becomes lifeless. Soon, it begins to decompose. However, the person is very much alert and alive in the spirit realm, but he can no longer function in the physical realm. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2:26
Spiritual Death: Every one born of the seed of Adam was born spiritually dead. How? We inherited the sin nature of Adam and whatever is sinful cannot enter the Presence of God, the source of life. So, we were born, separated from God, the source of life. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead. Matthew 8:22 How can the dead bury the dead? Simple. Let the spiritually dead, bury the physically dead.
Spiritual death is cancelled when man confesses and forsakes sin and receives forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Then, the person is reconciled back to God.
Jesus is the only exception because he was not born of the seed of Adam, but of the seed of the Holy Spirit. That is why He could be the Saviour of man. Every other human being was born of the seed of Adam.
Eternal Death: Anyone that experiences physical death while still in the state of spiritual death, will be eternally separated from God. Such a person will spend eternity in hell fire with the devil and his demons.
This points out clearly that our time on earth is a period of probation to determine whether we shall proceed after death to heaven or hell. Once a man dies, his body goes to the grave, or it is burnt to ashes or it is eaten by an animal, as the case may be. His spirit and soul will immediately report in either heaven or hell, depending on his relationship with Jesus Christ in his lifetime.
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: Hebrews 9:27
Finnis Dake explains it further , "After death the judgment, there is not a second chance to live on earth and be saved. Death ends all probation for the one who dies. If he is righteous at death, his soul and spirit go to heaven awaiting the resurrection of the body (2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:21-24; Hebrews 12:23; Rev. 6:9-11). If he is wicked at death his soul and spirit go to hell to await the resurrection of his body (Luke 16:19-31; Isaiah 14:9; Rev. 20:11-15). There is no such thing as purgatory or a second chance to be on probation in the Millennium or any other time. Neither is there a reincarnation or transmigration from body to body."
You are on probation in this world. Your probation shall end the day your spirit and soul are separated from your body.
Where, then, will you spend eternity?
Confess you sin today and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
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