- SOUL SLEEP - In the New Testament we see Paul say in 2 Corinthians 5:8, "we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord." Paul is clearly telling us that when he dies, he will go and be with the Lord.

What is soul sleep?

 by Matt Slick  
Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry.

Soul sleep is the teaching that when a person dies, his soul "sleeps" until the time of the future resurrection. 

In this condition, the person is not aware or conscious. 

The Jehovah's Witnesses and the Seventh-day Adventists hold to this doctrine. 

But the Jehovah's Witnesses teach annihilation.  This means that after death a person ceases to exist.  At the future resurrection they maintain that the soul is made again.  Basically, it is a re-creation of the individual. 

The Seventh-day Adventists teach at the soul is simply inert and resides in the memory of God.

The primary verses used to support soul sleep are found in Ecclesiastes:

·         “For the living know they will die; but the dead do not know anything, nor have they any longer a reward, for their memory is forgotten." (Ecclesiastes 9:5) 

·         "then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it." (Ecclesiastes 12:7) 

Ecclesiastes must be understood in the context of its own commentary, which says at the opening of the book,

"The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” 3 What advantage does man have in all his work which he does under the sun?" (Ecclesiastes 1:1-3). 

The writer is telling us how things are from the human perspective, from "under the sun." 

The Preacher is not telling us doctrinal statements about whether or not the soul continues after death. 

Besides, it is a mistake to use the Old Testament to interpret the New Testament.  It is the New Testament that sheds light on the Old Testament.

In the New Testament we see Paul say in 2 Corinthians 5:8, "we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord." 

Paul is clearly telling us that when he dies, he will go and be with the Lord. 

Furthermore, at the Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-8) we see Moses and Elijah who were alive.  There was no soul sleep with them.

Therefore, the doctrine of soul sleep is incorrect.  The soul continues on after death.  The wicked face the judgment of God, and the Christians will dwell in His presence.

Both Jehovah's Witnesses and the Seventh-day Adventists groups are in error about soul sleep.

RELATED POSTS:

Awake beyond the Grave: What the Bible Says about Soul Sleep

http://puricarefiles.blogspot.com/2016/10/soul-sleep-when-believer-dies-body-goes.html

Life after Death Experiences

http://puricarefiles.blogspot.com/2016/10/what-happens-when-we-die-what-have-we.html

Present with the Lord

http://puricarefiles.blogspot.com/2016/10/heaven-intermediate-state-our-loved.html




"Where Could I Go But to the Lord"

Arranger: Valeria A. Foster; Composer: James B. Coats

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aeECPiZpWY      GaitherVEVO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAixTJ6FnUk      Connie Smith   manbehindthescreen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm99hZdqWOY   Fred Swan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLS0LJD9WsE    Gaither Vocal Band  Karaoke

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTDkXaPdZZs      Elvis Presley  Simone Presley Brasil

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_s23-_uK4w      Elvis Presley nocovercharge

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VphAW4kDTo   Tebo's Music 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZQnwCDAuU0   Hee Haw GospelQuartet DJ Wagner 

lyrics

Living below, in this old sinful world
Hardly a comfort can afford
Striving alone, to face temptation's sore
Where could I go but to the Lord?

Where could I go, oh where could I go?
Seeking a refuge for my soul
Needing a friend, to help me in the end
Where could I go, but to the Lord?

Neighbors are kind, I love them everyone
We get along in sweet accord
But when my soul, needs manna from above
Where could I go but to the Lord?

Where could I go, oh where could I go?
Seeking a refuge for my soul
Needing a friend, to help me in the end
Where could I go, but to the Lord?

Life here is grand, with friends I love so dear
Comfort I get from God's own word
Yet when I face this chilling hand of death
Where could I go but to the Lord?

Where could I go, oh where could I go?
Seeking a refuge for my soul
Needing a friend, to help me in the end
Where could I go, but to the Lord?

Matt Slick is the President and Founder of the Christian Apologetics and ResearchMinistry.

https://carm.org/soul-sleep