When a loved one dies, it is a natural reaction to want to believe that the person is not really dead but that he/she has just transitioned to another type or phase of life. Many religions worldwide (including many Christian denominations) teach this belief in the immortal soul. Some Christians say the souls of all who die go immediately to heaven if they have led good lives or hell if they have led evil lives. Some say that there is a temporary place where souls go to be punished for their sins in this life, before they go on to heaven.
Non-Christian religions have many different beliefs about life after death. The result of these beliefs is that people worry that their loved ones’ souls, still conscious and aware, will be in a bad place after death. They pray that God will show them mercy.
How did this belief in an immortal soul develop? It may have started with ancient civilizations in Greece, Rome and Egypt. Plato, the Greek philosopher, taught that the soul was separate from the body and continued to exist after death. He believed the soul could not be destroyed by physical death but was reincarnated into another body. The Egyptians believed the life-force could detach itself from the body and continue to exist.
As Christians, we look to God’s word to gain an understanding of what a soul is. Genesis is straightforward with the answer, as we read in Genesis 2:7 (KJV): And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5315, the word translated soul here is the Hebrew word “nephesh,” meaning “a breathing creature.” This same word is used throughout the Old Testament to describe any living being, animal or human. For example, Genesis 1:21 (KJV) says: And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth… The “living creature” is translated from “nephesh” here, as it is in Genesis 9:15 when God established the Rainbow Covenant after the Flood (NAS): …and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh…
“Creature” in this verse is translated from “nephesh,” a sentient being. There are many, many other examples and other words, in both the New and Old Testaments, that convey the same idea. From these we learn that man does not HAVE a soul—a separate, immortal spirit independent from the body, but IS a soul—a combination of a body and the breath (spirit) that gives it life.
What does God say happens to the soul at death? Genesis 3:19 (NAS) By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, because from it you were taken; For you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NAS) explains further: Whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or wisdom in Sheol to where you are going.
“Sheol” here refers to the Hebrew term for “grave.” Psalm 146:4: His spirit (breath) departs, he returns to the earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 (NAS) has an additional explanation: For the fate of the sons of men and the fate of beasts is the same. As one dies so dies the other; indeed, they all have the same breath and there is no advantage for man over beast, for all is vanity.
For thousands of years there was little hope this situation would change. The Bible held a few clues as to a coming Savior (Genesis 3:15), and there were prophecies of a Messiah. But when Jesus arrived it became clear; he was the lynchpin in God’s marvelous plan to redeem and restore all of mankind to the condition of perfect human life Adam had enjoyed before his fall into disobedience and sin. He was the Redeemer who could restore life to all who had died and who slept in their graves.
Luke 2:10 (NAS) explains: And the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all the people… All people will have an opportunity, in God’s kingdom, to be raised from the dead, become educated as to God’s plan for all, and to learn to live in righteousness and love. This is the culmination of what people have prayed for since Jesus taught us how to pray in Matthew 6:10 (NAS): …Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Jesus’ faithful followers, if they have lived lives dedicated to him and his principles, are now changed instantly to spirit beings (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). The rest of mankind is still asleep in death until the kingdom is set up and Jesus raises them from the dead. Acts 3:20-21 (NAS) says: …and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time.
In 1 Corinthians 15:24 (NAS), we learn: …But if there is no resurrection from the dead, not even Christ has been raised…and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless…But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man (Adam) came death by a man (Jesus) also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at his coming, then comes the end, when he delivers up the kingdom to God and Father…
We can see that there is a specific order to how the kingdom will progress. Christ was the first raised; then his faithful followers, then the world of mankind.
So, to the question, “What good does it do to pray for someone who has already died,” the answer is, it is to no avail. It will not help the person who has passed on. That person is asleep in death until the time of their resurrection. But what a glorious time that will be, when families will be reunited, people will be restored to health and learn about righteousness, Satan will not be allowed to influence the world, and no harm to anything or anyone will be allowed!
However, a prayer of thankfulness to God for all that person meant to you is absolutely appropriate. Praying for strength and peace for the family and friends is also appropriate.
Isaiah 11:9 (NAS): They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1227: “Where Do the Human Soul and Spirit Go When We Die? (Part I)”
Defining what the human soul is and is not, and its destiny at death
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
Blog Post: What is the difference between the soul and the spirit?
For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated video: “What is the soul?”
