Question about death...?

Question

The Bible clearly teaches that when we die we are not aware of anything. Eccl.9:5 -"For the living are conscious that they will die but as for the dead they are conscious of nothing at all".
In the account of the death of Jesus' friend Lazarus,Jesus compared death to a sleep .(John11:11-14). I really don't know how to word my question, but as a Christian, I like to think that I will be able to actually see my family in Heaven again...What is an afterlife if you are 'asleep' and know of nothing? Also, I have heard some Catholics believe that when you die you know everyone as your brother and sister, but not as your 'mom', 'husband', etc. You don't remember them. That scares me, too! What do you guys think?

Answer 1

The afterlife is a very tricky concept, since no one has come back from it to tell us about it. Not to be blasphemous, it is all speculative from established religions to cults. What matters is what resonates as correct with you.

Another thing to think about is why is there such interest in angels, ghosts and the paranormal? Is it another way of searching for what goes on in the afterlife?

Answer 2

The Bible clearly says that when a person dies, they are dead, both soul and body. They can't think, they are not aware of anything, they are well .... dead. And if they are completely dead this means that they can't go to heaven or hell (hell does not even exist yet). All dead people are just dead in their graves, awaiting the resurrection. Here are a couple verses from the Bible that clearly states this: Ezekiel 18:3,4,20; Revelation 16:3; John 5:28,29; Ecclesiastes 12:7.

But the Bible does say that people will know and recognize each other in heaven. "Then shall I know even as also I am known." 1 Corinthians 13:12

I recommend reading the study guide below called "Are the Dead Really Dead?", it explains everything in much more detail.
http://www.amazingfacts.org/FreeStuff/BibleStudies/StudyGuides/tabid/105/ctl/ViewMedia/mid/453/IID/2-10/LNG/en/SC/R/3/Death/Default.aspx?7=Are-The-Dead-Really-Dead?

A book about the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.
http://www.amazingfacts.org/FreeStuff/OnlineLibrary/tabid/106/ctl/ViewMedia/mid/447/IID/29/LNG/en/7/The-Rich-Man-And-Lazarus/SC/R/3/Death/Default.aspx

What is heaven like?
http://www.amazingfacts.org/FreeStuff/BibleStudies/StudyGuides/tabid/105/ctl/ViewMedia/mid/453/IID/2-4/LNG/en/SC/R/3/Heaven/Default.aspx?7=A-Colossal-City-In-Space.

Answer 3

Thats why its Called " Death". Lazarus was Not floating around Nearby.Lazarus did not go to heaven either. It would have been unfair for Jesus to bring him back to this decaying World IF he was in heaven in ultimate Bliss as they say.No, He was Ice Cold. Asleep as Jesus said.

Answer 4

The dead are sleeping until the resurrection. At that time, you will see those you love who also love Jesus. It will seem like no time has elapsed because with sleep, time is irrelevant. You die, (sleep) and the next thing you know you have been raised from the dead along with all the other believers. I believe you will know everyone as you knew them in life. You will realize they are no longer your mom, husband, ect... but I think you will know what their role was in life.

Answer 5

Heaven is taught in the Bible, maybe the sleep is temporary, until the end times, if we sleep after death then what is the eternal life that we are promised?

Answer 6

Paul said "to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord."
2 Corin. 5<><

Answer 7

The way I was raised, everyone are considered brothers & sisters (In the mormon church, the bishop greets everyone that way) but you will have all your family & relatives as well after death.

Answer 8

You will be with Jesus, trust Him to take care of you after death. That should bring you comfort.

Answer 9

to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord

Answer 10

Actually it is true when you die you are conchies of nothing at all. All the other religious crap is nonsense.