Old Testament Israelite Teaching On the Afterlife

Old Testament Teaching Man’s “spirit” is the breath of God, of His divine essence. The “soul” is the whole person, and does not exist outside of the body. The dead are not conscious, and have no relationship with God. The penalty for sin is “death.” Sheol / Hades is the grave. The wicked will cease to exist. “Resurrection” to immortality is man’s only hope.

The Original Lie “ Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’” (Gen 3:4-5)

Egyptian Beliefs About the Afterlife

Egyptian Beliefs about the Afterlife The consciousness continues after death as the “Akh.” Pharoahs’ “Akh” ascended to the sky and became living stars. Worthy Egyptians were judged and their “Akh” entered the Paradise underworld of Osiris. The dead could sometimes interact in the world of the living.

Greek Beliefs About the Afterlife

Greek Mythology Belief that the ghost lives on originated from ancestor worship. A good person’s ghost may live on in one of the palaces of the gods. “Hades” was the god of death and the underworld. “Hadou” (of Hades) was the underworld, the domain of the god Hades.

Plato The “soul” is immortal and eternal. The body and material world are “prisons” of the soul. After death, the soul may enter a new body (reincarnation). The goal is to escape the physical creation, and ascend to the heavens. Progressive heavenly spheres of instruction.

Israel vs. The Pagans

Israel vs. the Pagans Who had more advanced revelation? What was the source of knowledge? Which does the New Testament support?

Branches of Judaism in Jesus’ Day Sadducees: The soul is mortal. No resurrection, no spirits, no angels. Pharisees: The soul is mortal. Hope of the resurrection to Eternal Life in Messiah’s Kingdom. Essenes: The soul is immortal and remains conscious after death.