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The Daily Word of Righteousness
When a Christian Dies
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:27,28)
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Revelation 22:12)
There are two aspects to be considered when thinking about the destiny of the Christian after his death: one, what he will experience when he dies; and two, what he will experience in the Day of the revelation of Christ. These are two different states and circumstances except for the saints who are physically alive when the Lord returns. Those who are living in Christ and are physically alive when the Lord returns will "die" and be raised in one moment.
There is little said in the Old Testament concerning the destiny of the righteous individual after death, except that he is "gathered to his people."
Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people. (Genesis 25:8)
And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. (Genesis 35:29)
The destiny of the righteous (and of the wicked) in the Day of the Lord is discussed in several passages of the Hebrew Prophets.
It is true also of the New Testament that little is stated concerning what happens to the Christian after he dies, while a great deal is said about rewards and punishments in the Day of Christ.
As to the attitude of the Old Testament toward physical death:
The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence. (Psalms 115:17)
The above verse is typical of the manner in which death was regarded by writers of the Old Testament.
We can note from the raising of Samuel that the righteous dead were at rest:
And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up?.... (I Samuel 28:15)
Compare the state of the wicked, as described by the Lord Jesus:
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (Luke 16:23)
The attitude of the Prophets toward Sheol (Hell; the grave) was that of dread—even for the righteous: The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. (Psalms 18:4,5)
The Prophets "saw" the resurrection of the righteous and the wicked and sang with joy concerning the Kingdom of God that is to come to the earth at the appearing of Christ.
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. (Daniel 12:2)
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. (Isaiah 55:12)
To be continued.