The Bible tells us what a soul is 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.”
Body + Breath of Life = Living Soul
If the body dies, the soul no longer exists. The soul is dead.
What happens at death?
Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 (NKJV), 19 “For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity. 20 All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust.”
The soul stops existing. Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 (NKJV), 5 “For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing…10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”
Our hope for a future life is through the resurrection.
Jesus promised he was going to resurrect the dead human souls at His second advent. John 5:28-29, 28 “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth…”
The word “graves” is the Greek word mnemeion, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance word #3419. It is defined as “remembrance.” God remembers every single person on earth. He remembers their bodies, their characters, their feelings, their minds. In the resurrection, Christ will restore life from God’s remembrance of that soul.
We all look forward to Christ’s kingdom on earth when all human souls will be restored to life and the willing will learn righteousness. Those opposed to righteousness will die the second time and will never exist anywhere again.
We rejoice to realize that soon, “the ransomed (Jesus ransomed all human souls) of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 35:10 (NKJV)
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
Episode #1228: “Where Do the Human Soul and Spirit Go When We Die? (Part II)”
Defining what the human spirit is and is not, and its destiny at death
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
Download the free PDF: “When a Man Dies”
Animated Videos for children, parents and Bible class teachers:
CQ Kids Videos
