When a reader recently asked about how it’s possible for dead people to suffer, I reached out to a friend, Pastor Kenny Francis, and asked him how he would answer this question. His answer was so succinct and clear, I wanted to share it so you all would also have this great resource! We’ve made our website searchable to answer Biblical questions for folks and this is another great question and answer. It’s so important to be able to answer the hard questions in order to effectively carry out the GREAT Commission of Christ in a way that brings maximum glory to Him! Kenny’s response is as follows:
I understand that you’re asking how dead people can endure suffering.
Because the Bible presents spiritual life and death as our relationship to God or our lack of relationship to God, it is possible for a spiritually dead person to have experiences that are outside a relationship to God.
There are two kinds of death, “physical death” and “spiritual death.”
Spiritual Death is separation from God. In Genesis 2:17, God told Adam that he would die the very day that Adam ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam ate, and Adam was separated from God that very day by being removed from the Garden of Eden. Although he had spiritually died, Adam still had experiences; but he had been disconnected from God. In John 17:3, Jesus said that eternal life is to know God; therefore, we conclude that spiritual life is being spiritually connected to God.
Physical Death is separation from the physical realm. In Genesis 35:17 we are told that Rachel’s soul departed [from her body, the physical realm] for she died. Jesus told about a man who died physically, but the man had tormenting spiritual experiences, being separated from God, in hell.
Romans 6:23 expresses the contrast between the result of sin and the gift of God. Sin causes spiritual death, separation from God, It causes physical death, separation from the world. It causes eternal spiritual death, eternal separation from God. On the other hand, because Jesus Christ paid the price for our sin when He suffered for us on the cross, God can freely give eternal life, an eternal relationship with God to those who will receive His gift of Jesus.
My friend, isn’t that excellent? As born again Christians, we are alive in Christ—eternally!
“Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
John 17:1-3
“And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.”
1 John 2:25
When we are born again, death has no dominion over us. Physical death is simply the doorway to the eternal life Christ has promised us. Eternal death is no longer our destiny. What an amazing hope we have in Christ!
I want everyone to know that they don’t have to fear death, don’t you???
Although I’ve also written a response to this question—which will be published in a couple days—I am very grateful for the contributions of other authors who are willing to take the time to share their own unique presentation of the truth of God’s Word.
We would love to hear your thoughts about this devotional. Did God speak to you or challenge your daily walk with him? Or is there a topic that you would like Kimberly to cover or expound on? Please share with us in the comments below.
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3 Responses
Thank you for the devotional.
Praise God!