Death and the Intermediate State
Death Is Not the End
Because Jesus conquered the grave, believers can face death with hope, confidence, and the promise of resurrection.
Death and the Intermediate State
Foundations of Faith: Core Beliefs
Death is a reality every person will face, yet Christians approach death with hope because of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that physical death is not the end of our existence. While our bodies die, our souls continue, and God’s plan ultimately includes resurrection and eternal life.
This page explores what Scripture teaches about death, what happens after death, the intermediate state between death and resurrection, and the hope believers have through Christ.
What Is Death?
The Bible describes death as the separation of the soul from the body.
“And the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.” (Ecclesiastes 12:7, NASB)
Physical death entered the world because of sin.
“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin…” (Romans 5:12, NASB)
Death was never part of God’s original creation, but through Christ its power has been defeated.
What Happens When We Die?
The Bible teaches that after death people remain conscious and await the future resurrection.
For Believers
Today, believers who die go immediately into the presence of Christ.
“To be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8, NASB)
“To depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better.” (Philippians 1:23, NASB)
Christians do not cease to exist, nor do they wait unconsciously until the resurrection. They are with the Lord while awaiting the resurrection of their bodies.
For Unbelievers
Those who reject God also continue in conscious existence after death and await final judgment.
Jesus described this reality in the account of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31).
Hades, Paradise, and Abraham’s Bosom
The Bible uses several terms that can be confusing.
Hades
Hades is the New Testament term for the realm of the dead.
Before Christ’s resurrection, believers and unbelievers were both described as entering Hades, but in separate conditions.
Abraham’s Bosom (Paradise)
Jesus described a place of comfort called Abraham’s Bosom in Luke 16.
It was a place of peace and blessing where faithful believers awaited God’s final redemption.
When Jesus spoke to the thief on the cross, He said:
“Today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43, NASB)
Many Christians understand Paradise and Abraham’s Bosom to refer to the blessed place where believers awaited Christ’s victory over death.
After Christ’s Resurrection
Many Christians believe that after Jesus’ death and resurrection, believers no longer wait in Paradise within Hades but go directly into the presence of the Lord.
Because Christ conquered death, believers can now be “at home with the Lord” immediately after death.
The Intermediate State
The “intermediate state” refers to the period between physical death and the future resurrection.
During this time:
- Believers are with Christ.
- Unbelievers await judgment.
- Both await the resurrection of the body.
- God’s final plan has not yet been fully completed.
The intermediate state is temporary. The Bible points beyond it to resurrection and the renewal of all things.
The Resurrection of the Body
Christian hope is not simply life after death.
Christian hope is resurrection.
Jesus promised:
“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.” (John 11:25, NASB)
At Christ’s return:
- The dead will be raised.
- Believers will receive glorified bodies.
- Death itself will be defeated forever.
Grief and Christian Hope
Christians grieve when loved ones die, but not without hope.
“So that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13, NASB)
Because Jesus died and rose again, believers can trust that death is not the final word.
The promise of resurrection provides comfort during seasons of loss and grief.
Key Truths
- Death entered the world because of sin.
- Physical death is the separation of body and soul.
- Believers who die are with Christ.
- Unbelievers await final judgment.
- The intermediate state is temporary.
- Jesus conquered death through His resurrection.
- Christians look forward to the resurrection of the body.
- Eternal life is found through faith in Jesus Christ.
Related Pages
Foundations of Faith: Core Beliefs
Salvation
Jesus Christ
Heaven, Resurrection, and Eternal Life
Angels, Demons, and Spiritual Warfare
Closing Invitation
Death raises some of life’s deepest questions. The Bible does not leave us without answers or hope. Through Jesus Christ, believers can face death with confidence, knowing that He has conquered the grave and promised eternal life to all who trust in Him.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith.
Visit PGUM.org to continue exploring God’s Word and the hope found in Jesus Christ.
