Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 9000 Last things » 9100 Aspects of the last things » 9110 after-life Although the OT generally portrays this as a vague and shadowy existence, often associated with judgment, there are hints of the idea of resurrection to a fuller life which are developed in the NT. The NT points to judgment beyond death and to the believers' hope in resurrection, to a more complete enjoyment of God's presence and his blessings and to the promise of a new heaven and earth. The after-life in the OT The grave as a place of silence Psalm 115:17 See also Psalm 6:5; Psalm 30:9; Psalm 88:10-11; Isaiah 38:18 The grave as a place of darkness Job 10:21-22 See also 1 Samuel 2:9; Psalm 88:12 The grave as a place of no return Job 7:8-10 See also Job 16:22; Psalm 146:4; Proverbs 2:18-19; Ecclesiastes 12:7 The grave as a place of judgment Psalm 88:5 See also Psalm 31:17; Proverbs 9:18; Isaiah 14:9-11; Isaiah 26:14; Ezekiel 31:14; Ezekiel 32:17-32 The grave offers peace to the righteous Job 3:13; Ecclesiastes 4:2; Isaiah 57:1-2 The hope of resurrection Daniel 12:2 See also Job 19:26; Psalm 16:10-11; Psalm 49:15; Psalm 73:24; Isaiah 25:7-8; Isaiah 26:19 The after-life and God's judgment Judgment beyond death is certain Hebrews 9:27 See also 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:12-13 There will be salvation for believers Matthew 25:19-23; Hebrews 9:28; Revelation 11:18 There will be separation from God for unbelievers Revelation 20:15; Revelation 21:27 See also Matthew 8:12; Matthew 13:42; Matthew 22:13; Matthew 24:51; Matthew 25:30; Luke 12:46; Revelation 22:15 The believing dead are already with Jesus Christ Luke 23:43; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 Believers, with Jesus Christ in spirit, await their final resurrection which will take place when he returns. See also John 12:26; John 14:3; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; Hebrews 12:23; Revelation 6:9-11 The after-life and believers' hope of resurrection The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ Luke 24:39-43 See also John 20:20,26-27; Acts 1:3; 1 John 1:1 Believers share in Christ's resurrection Romans 8:11 See also 1 Corinthians 6:14; Corinthians 15:20-23; 2 Corinthians 4:14 The resurrection body of believers Philippians 3:20-21 See also 1 Corinthians 15:23,42-55; 2 Corinthians 5:1-4 The future consummation of the believers' enjoyment of God Future glory Romans 8:18-19 See also 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; 1 John 3:2 A new heaven and earth God's presence with his people Revelation 21:2-7 The final consummation will bring God's promises to and purposes for his people to fulfilment ; Revelation 22:14 See also Exodus 25:8; Revelation 22:1-5 The Holy Spirit as a guarantee 2 Corinthians 1:22; Corinthians 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14 See also
2565 Christ, second coming |
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