What Does the Bible Say About Death?

The Bible tells us about two types of death: physical and spiritual. Even though Jesus came to this earth to die on the cross and conquer spiritual death, no one is immune to physical death; and the Bible has much to say about both types. We all begin to die from the minute we are born, and the Bible says that we as believers should not fear physical death and do our best to make the most of our lives to count for the Lord. What else does the Bible have to say about death? Let's look at a few Bible truths regarding the subject of death.

Physical and spiritual death is the result of sin. The Bible says in Romans 6:23 (NIV) that the “wages” of sin is death and God's gift to us is eternal life because Jesus already paid the price for our sins. The Bible also says in Romans 5:12 (NIV) that it was by only one man (Adam) that death entered into the world and the sentence of death was passed on to everyone because we all have sinned. We all have the curse of sin in our lives because all of us are descendants of Adam. Genesis 3:8 (NIV) tells us how Adam and Eve hid from God when they realized they had disobeyed His instruction. From that point on, every human born has the curse of both physical and spiritual death.

We all have one appointment with physical death, but our fate with spiritual death depends on what we do with Jesus. The Bible is very specific when it says in Hebrews 9:27 (NIV) that man has a destiny to die once, and after that to face God's judgment. Judgment can mean one of two outcomes for every person. Either the person accepted Jesus Christ as his or her savior and will be “judged” as righteous, or rejected Jesus Christ and will be eternally separated from God in eternity.

For the believer, physical death means the spirit is only absent from the body. Physical death is considered to be only a change of disposition for the believer. In many instances, physical death is preferred by believers because it means we are absent from the body with all of its problems and are present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8 NIV). The Apostle Paul tells us in the Bible passage of Philippians 1:23 (NIV) that he considers it far better to be absent from this world and be present with the Lord.

Death is analogous to sleep for the believer. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:51 (NIV) that while the believer is absent from the body, it is compared to sleeping and that someday we will be resurrected to new incorruptible bodies. 1 Thessalonians 5:10 (NIV) also tells us again that Jesus suffered death for us so that no matter if we are awake or asleep, we can live with Him.

Death will finally be done away with in the end. The Bible tells us in Revelation 21:4 (NIV) that there will finally be no more death when Jesus establishes His kingdom on the earth once again. He will also abolish all sorrow and suffering. This is the hope that every Christian rests in.