What Happens When We Die?

September 24, 2010

What Happens When We Die?

I have chosen to write this article because of the many misconceptions concerning death, as well as the destination of the dead today. It is my goal to correct these misconceptions, in order to help the reader better understand what the Bible says about death, and the destination thereof. Many today believe that when they die they will awaken in one of two places, Heaven or Hell. But, this idea isn’t found in scripture anywhere. This is a man made doctrine, as are most doctrines found in the world today.


In order to explain what takes place immediately upon death, we must consult the scriptures. The scriptures are the only true source for this answer. Many men/women today (false teachers) are teaching an immediate arrival at your destination (Heaven/Hell) upon death. The fact is, all men are appointed to die once, and then the judgment. However, not all men will die before Christ returns.


While I am unsure of the origin of this lie, I am sure my thoughts on this subject, which are based on much study, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, will enlighten and give a better understanding to the reader. At least, this is my goal. Most people have already come to the conclusion that what they have been taught in church, or by their parents at home, is true. I will do my best to correct this idea. I know many will be offended by this article, mainly due to their misconceptions, and if you are, then you are not my target audience. My goal is to awaken God’s chosen ones, his elect (Israel).


My first objective will be to correct the misconception of the definition of the Greek word “Hades” which was translated in English as, “Hell.”


You see, Hell (Hades) isn’t the place many believe it to be. It was only during the 1700’s that Hell was turned into a place of fiery torment, by many false teachers known as "hellfire" preachers (according to history). This was done simply to scare the masses into attending Church on Sunday (according to history, and in my opinion). While Christ used the phrase, “Hell fire” in several places, this was only used as an example of the second death spoken of in Revelation 20:14 ( Lake Of Fire) as death and Hell are cast into this Lake Of Fire (Rev. 20:14). Strong’s says, concerning this word used for death,


thanatos
Pronunciation
thä'-nä-tos (Key)
Part of Speech
masculine noun
Root Word (Etymology)
From θνῄσκω (G2348)
TDNT Reference
3:7,312
Vines
View Entry
Outline of Biblical Usage
1) the death of the body
a) that separation (whether natural or violent) of the soul and the body by which the life on earth is ended
b) with the implied idea of future misery in hell
1) the power of death
c) since the nether world, the abode of the dead, was conceived as being very dark, it is equivalent to the region of thickest darkness i.e. figuratively, a region enveloped in the darkness of ignorance and sin
2) metaph., the loss of that life which alone is worthy of the name,
a) the misery of the soul arising from sin, which begins on earth but lasts and increases after the death of the body in hell
3) the miserable state of the wicked dead in hell
4) in the widest sense, death comprising all the miseries arising from sin, as well physical death as the loss of a life consecrated to God and blessed in him on earth, to be followed by wretchedness in hell

As you can see, death will be swallowed up in victory (1Cor.15:54) just as the Word says,

Revelation 21:4

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away”

The number one definition of this word is,
1) the death of the body.
1) the power of death


This isn’t necessarily spiritual death, but physical. This death will be destroyed. Paul said,

1Corinthians. 15:55

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”

Paul, knew there would be a resurrection, as many do today, only not in the same sense Paul believed in his day. I will explain this further on in this article. We must first prove that, Hell, isn’t the place many think it to be today, otherwise this article is written in vain. All men will end up in, Hell (Hades, the Grave), including the author of this article, unless of course Christ returns before my demise.


Now we will explore what “Hell” will be thrown into the Lake of fire. But, before we do, I would like the reader to ask himself,

“Can Hell be thrown into Hell?”

Only if there are ‘two’ Hells would this be possible. So, you see, the idea that Hell is the fiery place in which the sinner ends up in is foolish. How could God throw people already in “HELL”, into “Hell?” This idea is ridiculous!

We will go to Strong’s for the definition of this word.


ᾅδης
Transliteration
hadēs
Pronunciation
hä'-dās (Key)
Part of Speech
proper locative noun
Root Word (Etymology)
From ἄλφα (G1) (as negative particle) and εἴδω (G1492)
TDNT Reference
1:146,22
Vines
View Entry
Outline of Biblical Usage
1) name Hades or Pluto, the god of the lower regions
2) Orcus, the nether world, the realm of the dead
3) later use of this word: the grave, death, hell


As you can see by this definition, the word Hell is in the Greek called Hades. This is Strong’s #86. Hades is the grave, not a place of fiery torment. In order for one to believe otherwise, he must also believe in the pagan deity known as Hades (the god of the underworld). There simply is no way a man could conclude that Hell is a place of torment based on this definition of an ancient Greek word, much less a place where a so-called god resides, as that is one of the three given definitions in Strong‘s.


The word used in the Old Testament is Sheol. It is translated as ‘grave’ in the KJV. In Job 14:13 it states,


“O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!”


The word for grave in this verse is Strong’s #7585. As you can see, we have two parallel words being used here in these verses. They both have the same meaning and yet are two different languages. One is Hebrew (Old Testament) and the other is Greek (New Testament), and yet are speaking of the same place. These both agree on what “Hell” is. I know Job understood that, Hell, as it is popularly called today, was nothing more than his grave (death) and that God wouldn‘t forget him after his death. It will be argued that Christ mentioned “Hell fire” when speaking. Yes, he did. But what Hell was he referring to? Was it a Hell a man would enter in upon death or was this a future event, to take place on judgment day? Lets go to Strong’s and define the words Christ used when referencing this place called “Hell”.


γέεννα
Transliteration
geenna
Pronunciation
ge'-en-nä (Key)
Part of Speech
feminine noun
Root Word (Etymology)
Of Hebrew origin גַּיְא (H1516) and הִנֹּם (H2011)
TDNT Reference
1:657,113
Vines
View Entry
Outline of Biblical Usage
1) Hell is the place of the future punishment call "Gehenna" or "Gehenna of fire". This was originally the valley of Hinnom, south of Jerusalem, where the filth and dead animals of the city were cast out and burned; a fit symbol of the wicked and their future destruction.”


The above definition say it’s a place of “future” punishment, not of one that happens upon death. Furthermore, it is an actual place that once existed, where dead animals, filth and bodies were thrown. This is the word “Hell” found in James 3:6, as well as a host of other scriptures found in the New Testament. It is Strong’s #1067.

Lets look at some other examples. Jesus said,

Matthew 5:22


“But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.”


This, “Hell” is the same hell of James 3:6. The word for Hell, Jesus, used was ‘geena’ AKA, Gehenna. This, as was stated before, was a place where the cities trash, as well as dead carcasses were burned. Christ was clearly referencing a future event which men would be in danger of. Not one that would occur immediately after death, but after the first resurrection. This is the reason for the two resurrections in Revelation chapter 20.


The man who participates in the first resurrection is said to be blessed and holy. These are the ones the second death has no power over. They will live forever, but not before the first resurrection takes place. After all, everyone dies. Unless of course they are part of those who the Bible says will remain to see Christ return.

Revelation 20:4-6

“4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”


These are the saints reigning with, Christ.


“5But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection.”


Take notice “the rest of the dead lived not” until after the thousand years were finished. These
“dead” are the lost sinners of the world. Those whom Christ hadn’t chosen for salvation (vessels of wrath fitted to destruction, 2Peter 2).

“6Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”


This verse says they will be Priest of God, just as Peter said,

1Peter 2:5


“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”


And again in 1Peter 2:9


“But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”


These are those who will participate in the “first resurrection”, God's people. This first resurrection was mentioned, as well as the second, by Christ, in the book of John. Christ said,


John 5:28-29


“28Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”


Those who participate in the first resurrection, (resurrection of life) and those who are resurrected to “damnation”, in the second.The lake of fire is the second death, just as the scriptures say,


Revelation 20:14


“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”

This is the death that has power over all ungodly sinners to destroy them. God will destroy them by throwing them into this fire (lake of fire), by way of his angels, just as Christ said,


Matthew 10:28


“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”


Matthew 13:41-42


“41The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”


The “Hell” mentioned in the above scripture (Matt. 10:28) is the same word “gehenna” (Strong’s #1607). This is clearly a depiction of the final judgment, which will take place after the resurrection, not immediately following death. Christ used “gehenna” as an ‘example’ of this judgment, just as Peter used the word, “tartarus” in,


2Peter 2:4


“For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;”


The word “Hell” in the above text is in the original Greek, “tartarus.”


ταρταρόω
Transliteration
tartaroō
Pronunciation
tär-tä-ro'-ō (Key)
Part of Speech
verb
Root Word (Etymology)
From Tartaros (the deepest abyss of Hell)
TDNT Reference
n/a
Outline of Biblical Usage
1) the name of the subterranean region, doleful and dark, regarded by the ancient Greeks as the abode of the wicked dead, where they suffer punishment for their evil deeds; it answers to Gehenna of the Jews
2) to thrust down to Tartarus, to hold captive in Tartarus


Notice the above definition says this place was believed by ancient Greeks to be a place of punishment. That in itself makes this (so-called) place of punishment a Greek myth, not a Christian doctrine. This word was used simply to make a point, and because it was language the hearers were familiar with, and would understand.


Christ clearly spoke of this lake of fire in Matthew 13:40,


“As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world”


Are you a wheat or a tare? The tares will be burned, not upon death, but rather, “so shall it be in the end of this world” Christ own words!

The Word says all men will die once, excluding those still here when Christ returns (believers).


Hebrews 9:27

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”

After this thousand year period then (Rev. 20:4-6), the rest of the dead are resurrected and cast into the lake of fire, but not before standing before the almighty God.

Revelation 20:11-14


“11And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."


This will be a very sad day for these folks.


You might ask yourself next,

“Why do men believe today that Hell is a fiery place of torment?”

This happened just as the scriptures predicted, and the idea of this place was clearly around in Greek mythology long before Christ or Christianity, as at least one of the above definitions claim concerning the word, “tartarus.” The scriptures warn,


2Tim. 3:13


“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”

1John 4:1


“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world”

Matt. 7:15


“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

2Peter 2:1


“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction”


Evil men have conspired to convince people that this false “Hell” is a place of torment that is immediately experienced upon death in order to get them in their respective churches on Sunday. This is a lie. These men are all wolves in sheep clothing. They are lying spirits and false prophets. It is a damnable lie to disagree with scripture. Disagreeing with scripture is the same as unbelief. It is the opposite of faith. It is definitely not abiding in the doctrine of Christ, which is imperative, according to the scriptures.


2John 1:9


“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.”


1Timothy 6:3

“If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;”


Romans 16:17

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”


Apparently doctrine is very important. Let us pray we abide in the doctrine of Christ. But, in order to do so we must first understand what His doctrine is.

Obviously the Apostles and Jesus were very concerned about this, thus their warnings of such men. Then what exactly does the scripture say about death? What did Jesus have to say about such a place? And, last, but not least, what does the scripture say? We have already covered this somewhat, but lets cover it as thoroughly as possible, so as to do away with any doubts. First we will look at what Christ said concerning his return. Christ said in John 14,


John 14:1-3


“1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also”


Christ clearly states that he was going to “prepare a place” so that “WHEN HE RETURNED“, he would receive his followers and they would, “THEN” and only then "BE WHERE HE WAS".
Never in scripture do we read where when one dies he is automatically translated into Heaven or Hell (Lake Of Fire). There isn’t one line in scripture to confirm this idea. But many will argue that Paul said,


2Cor. 5:8


“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord”


But the true student of scripture already knows that David said,

Psalm 139:8


“If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.”


Are these two scriptures contradicting each other? Absolutely not! King David knew that God was omnipresent and was in all places at all times. Did Paul not realize this, or was he simply speaking of something else? When Paul speaks of being absent of the body he is obviously speaking of death, but what did Paul understand that we don’t? Paul knew,


1Cor. 15:52


“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed”


If the dead in Christ are already in Heaven, what then is to be raised and changed? Has the last trump already been sounded, as the scripture say must happen? No! Paul wasn’t only speaking of the speed in which a man will be changed. He was also referring to the unconsciousness of man after death. Allow me to ask you, when you go to sleep, are you aware, without a clock, of how long you have been sleeping? Of course not! Neither are the dead. When Christ returns, none of the dead will be aware of how long they have been dead. When they are resurrected it will be as if they just died; like they had just laid down for a nap, only to be suddenly awakened.


I can only imagine the look on the lost man’s face who was expecting to awake in heaven; only to be standing before God almighty in order to be judged, and cast into the lake of fire by angels. What horror that will be. Can you imagine deceived men waking to only find out,


Matt. 7:23


“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”


I can’t even imagine the terror these men/women will feel. This is unfathomable for the human mind. What horror it will be for those deceived individuals. Many in the scriptures believed in a resurrection, but not all. I have heard it said that the Sadducees were sad, because they believed not in one (Mark 12:18). The Pharisees did, but the Sadducees didn’t. Jesus had many confrontations with both hypocritical groups. When Jesus spoke with Martha, the sister of Lazarus, concerning the resurrection, it was said,

John 11:21-24


“21Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22But
I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 23Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”


Martha believed in a resurrection, but only in the “LAST DAY.” Notice Christ didn’t correct her, as he corrected many in other scriptures concerning other teachings; he knew the last day hadn’t occurred yet, and wouldn’t for some time. Next, Christ declares,


John 11:25-26


“25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”


Christ speaks of both the dead and the living. He states that those who are dead will live again and those who have never tasted death will never die. The resurrection of Lazarus was one of many miracles performed in order to give signs of who he was, as well as what was to come. Contrary to popular opinion, no one is performing such miracles today, but that is another subject. This is parallel to what Paul says, when he proclaims,


1Thess. 4:15


“For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep”


Paul speaks of the same thing Christ said to Martha. Those who are “asleep” are those who have passed on (John 11:11-13). Not all believers will experience death; Some will still be here when Christ returns, but they will not preceed those who have died in Christ, just as Paul said. Those who are resting in their graves will arise and then those remaining will rise to meet Christ with them in the air, just as the scriptures say,



1Thessalonians 4:15-17


“15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”


The trump mentioned in verse sixteen is the last trump Paul spoke of in 1Cor. 15:52. It could be no other.


Where in the Old Testament can we find this doctrine? It was said to Daniel,


Daniel 12:13


“13But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.”


Daniel was told to, “go rest.” It was said that at the end of days he would stand in “his lot.” This word lot simply means "inheritance", as it is defined by Strong's. Strong's #H1486


gowral
Pronunciation

gō·räl' (Key)


Part of Speech
masculine noun

Root Word (Etymology)

From an unused root meaning to be rough (as stone)

TWOT Reference
381a

Outline of Biblical Usage 1) lot

a) lot - pebbles used for systematically making decisions

2) portion

a) lot, portion (thing assigned by casting lots)

b) recompense, retribution


It means Daniel will be recompensed (rewarded) for his works in the "last day", not upon his demise/death. Men will one day be rewarded for their works, as the scripture says,

Luke 14:14


"And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just."

Christ says they will be recompensed at the resurrection, not upon death. Some men will be recompensed for their evil.


Daniel 12:2


"And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt."

Notice this verse says, "of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake." it doesn't speak of them that are in a fiery place of torment, "already."

Christ was the frist fruits of the resurrection, as he was not left in the grave.

1Corinthians 15:22-23


"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming."

But notice the above verse says, "Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming."

They will not be resurrected until "his coming." Has he "came" yet? No, and unless one claims he has then the righteous could not have been resurrected yet. They are dead, and at rest from their works in their grave. It is further said concerning Christ and the grave,


Psalm 16:10


"For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption."

Christ wasn’t left in the grave (Hell, Hades), nor did he see any corruption. He was perfect in every way, and as such became the Lamb of God. Contrary to popular teaching, Christ never entered a fiery place of torment to pay for man’s sins. He didn’t need to. His perfection, as an unblemished (perfect) lamb was enough. Christ never suffered “Hell fire” as many today believe. Christ was the atonement (payment) for the sins of his Church (believers) and as such needn’t suffer anything other than death, as the ultimate sacrifice for their sins. One day many will arise to only be told,

Matt. 7:23


“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”


In the book of Acts we read,


Acts 2:34


"For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,"


These are the words of the apostle Peter. If he didn't believe David was already in heaven, why do so many today? Obviously David still awaits the first ressurection. Furthermore, Job says,


Job 19:25-27


"25For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
26And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
27Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me."


Job realised that he would die; and yet, he would be raised at a future date; some time after his body was destroyed by the worms in his grave. Let us not forget, Christ said,


John 3:13


"And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven."


Now some will argue that this was true up until his death. But, according to Peter (Acts 2:34) not even david had ascended into heaven, yet. Those word of Peter were uttered after Christ ascension. Some will stil yet argue that the context is of David's prophecyconcerning Christ; and yet Peter still proclaimed David was not in heaven at that particulart time. Peter hadalready stated earlier,


Acts 2:29


"29Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day."



If David was still currently dead, and in his tomb after Christ ressurection, and subsequent ascension into heaven, at that time, how can he today be present with God in heaven. What event has taken place since then that caused this resurrection to take place? Has Christ already returned for his church? This testimony of Peter is the greatest evidence found in scripture that after Christ ascension into heaven David, along with the rest of the saints still resided in their respective graves.


Now it will be argued that soem saints were resurrected out of their graves upon Christ death (Matt. 27:52-53). My reply is this:

• Where does this scripture claim any of those saints entered heaven atany time after this resurrection?
• This passage only states "some" saints were risen; "many bodies", not all.
• They are said to have "appeared unto many."

The scriptures say in Hebrews 11:39

"39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."

While this passage states those men of faith in the old world did not receive the promise of eternal life, being made perfect in Christ, men today will argue that this promise is received upon death. Nonsense! The promises of God are not given at different intervals. The scriptures plainly state,

1 Corinthians 15:51-54

"51Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."

If those saints who have already passed on are currently in heaven, why or how has death any power over them? I mean, aren't they currently alive and well in heaven? Furthermore, Paul states that this is only "brought to pass" after "corruptible have put on incorruption, and mortal shall have put on immortality." At what point did any saint acheive this without first the ressurection occuring? By resurrection I mean the one the scripture emphatically states occurs at Christ return. Has he already returned? No! That being said, all the dead are just that, dead.

And

1 Thessalonians 4:14-17

"14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

In both these scriptures, Paul, emphatically states the promise is received by all at the exact same time. Why would Christ come back to earth to ressurect bodies of those who have supposedly been with him in heaven for some two thousand years. The idea is simply ridiculous, and scripturally unfounded. Some will yet still wish to argue. Their next argument will be "what about Elijah?" My reply is, yet again, simply put:

• Elijah was an prophet of God who was taken into heaven on a chariot of fire in a whirlwind
• What heaven did he enter? The scriptures do not say. There are three heavens mentioned in scripture.
• Elijah's very name hold serious implications which make me believe he was Christ himself.

Elijah's name is comprised of two words. The first being,

'el		Pronunciation āl (Key)
Part of Speech masculine noun		Root Word (Etymology) Shortened from אַיִל (H352)
TWOT Reference 93a

Outline of Biblical Usage

1) god, god-like one, mighty one

a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes

b) angels

c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations)

d) God, the one true God, Jehovah

2) mighty things in nature

3) strength, power

The last part consisting of,

Yahh		Pronunciation yä (Key)
Part of Speech proper noun with reference to deity		Root Word (Etymology) Contraction for יְהֹוָה (H3068), and meaning the same
TWOT Reference 484b

Outline of Biblical Usage

1) Jah (Jehovah in the shortened form)

a) the proper name of the one true God

b) used in many compounds

1) names beginning with the letters 'Je'

2) names ending with 'iah' or 'jah'

These two words make up the one word,

'Eliyah		Pronunciation ā·lē·yä' (Key)
Part of Speech proper masculine noun		Root Word (Etymology) From אֵל (H410) and יָהּ (H3050)
TWOT Reference n/a

Outline of Biblical Usage

Elijah or Eliah = "my God is Jehovah" or "Yah(u) is God"

1) the great prophet of the reign of Ahab

2) Benjamite son of Jeroham

3) a son of Elam with foreign wife during exile

4) a son of Harim, and priest, with foreign wife during exile

That being said, no where in scripture does anyone have such a name other than God himself or his son. Jesus' name means,

Iēsous		Pronunciation ē-ā-sü's (Key)
Part of Speech proper masculine noun		Root Word (Etymology) Of Hebrew origin יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (H3091)
TDNT Reference 3:284,360	Vines View Entry

Outline of Biblical Usage

Jesus = "Jehovah is salvation"

1) Jesus, the Son of God, the Saviour of mankind, God incarnate

2) Jesus Barabbas was the captive robber whom the Jews begged Pilate to release instead of Christ

3) Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses' successor (Ac. 7:45, Heb. 4:8)

4) Jesus, son of Eliezer, one of the ancestors of Christ (Lu. 3:29)

5) Jesus, surnamed Justus, a Jewish Christian, an associate with Paul in the preaching of the gospel (Col. 4:11)

These two names are parallel to one another. Remember, Jesus said,


John 3:13

"And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven."



John the baptist, when asked if he was the prophet Elijah denied it.


John 1:21

"And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No."


The scripture prophecied that a prophet would come who would have the "spirit" of Elijah.

Malachi 4:5

"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:"


Luke 1:17


"And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."



Christ told his disciples,




Matthew 17:10-13


"10And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? 11And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. 12But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. 13Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist."



While John the Baptist came in "the spirit of Elijah," his testimony was true that he himself was not Elijah. Elijah could then be none other than Jesus Christ, as Christ own testimony claims no man had gone up to heaven except for the one "who came down form there" (John 3:13). Throughout scripture we read of strange men who appear and speak with other men. In the book of Joshua we read,


Joshua 5:13-15


"13And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? 14And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? 15And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so."


This man Joshua encountered was Jesus himself. He could be no other, as he accepted Joshua's worship. He could not have been God the Father since the scriptures claim,


John 6:46


"Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father."


Without further digressing I feel I have brought forth an ample amount of evidence from scripture that proves my doctrine concerning this topic. I feel as though I have thoroughly proven, in agreement with scripture, that no man has yet to be taken into any place called heaven. The ressurection is yet to come, and as such, no man has yet entered heaven or hell fire, which comes at the second ressurection (Revelation 20:14). I hope this article helps to better inform those who are confused about this issue. Still yet some will want to talk about Enoch, who the scripture say,


Genesis 5:24


"And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him."


Once again, the scriptures only say he was taken, never stating as to where. But, based on the evidence given earlier in this article we can infer that he wasn't taken to the place we call heaven, where God dwells. That is, unless.......nevermind. May God show you his truth, according to his good will.


                                                                                                                                     Joshua Kelley