Where Are the Dead?
The Action At Death There is a separation of the body and the spirit (James 2:26) Each has a different destination (Eccl. 12:7) cf. Jesus His spirit was entrusted to God (Lk. 23:46) His body was entombed (Lk. 23:53)
The Rich Man & Lazarus Both are in apparent proximity in Hades (23) They are conscious, have identities The rich man in torment (23, cf. 2 Pet. 2:4, 9) Lazarus was in comfort (22) They were rigidly fixed in separation. [“gulf” or chasm” is metaphorical. The exact nature is unknown. It also prevents movement to any other place, cf. Jude 6] Yes, their destiny is sealed at death and, yet, they still await the judgment The dead are aware of earthly events (27-28)
Other Considerations Jesus promised the thief would be with Him in Paradise Jesus in Hades (Acts 2:27, 31; corresponding to grave {SHEOL}, Psa. 16:10) Paradise is equivalent to Abraham’s bosom Vincent on Paradise, “the department of Hades where the blessed souls await the resurrection; and therefore, equivalent to Abraham’s bosom” The spirit does not decline as the body does (2 Cor. 4:16-17) Those who sleep in Jesus (Christians) will return with Him when He comes again (1 Thess. 4:13-18)
Where Are the Dead?
HADES BODY DIES GREAT GULF SHEOL PARADISE Lazarus Thief on the Cross Jesus SPIRIT BODY DIES Heb. 9:27 Eccl. 12:7 James 2:26 GREAT GULF SPIRIT TARTARUS The Rich Man SHEOL
Where Am I? Hell Heaven