Part 1: Objections to "Death as sleeping". A look at what some of the arguments against the state of the dead.

[NOTE:* While not in the Bible, those opposed to the Bible reference of "death" as "sleeping/resting" have chosen to refer to this as "soul sleep." Why not use the Biblical term of "sleeping", I don't know...other than to just make it sound weird. ]*

The Objective

While writing my series on "What the Bible says about the dead" a reader by the handle @barncat brought up some common objections to the idea that the dead know nothing, have any thoughts, memories, emotions, they can't communicate with the living and that you don't go to heaven/hell instantly upon death. I'd like to take this opportunity to respond to each of the pieces of scripture they use to support their objection to the clear biblical teachings of the state of the dead and let's see if these arguments are valid.

It's important to note, the inspired word of God is truth and as such, it cannot be out of harmony with itself. As we read and study this, the only rule I want to present is "the rule of not adding to his word." In other words, if the Bible didn't say that, then I will not invent explanations and inject my own reasoning. I will not rely on tradition or even "follow the crowd" in how others view these points. Following the larger crowd can be dangerous as we learn in, Matthew 7:14.

1. Moses and Elijah were with Jesus at the mt of transfiguration

The argument is, if Moses and Elijah died and are resting, how can they be talking with Jesus? Clearly, Moses and Elijah are talking with Jesus, therefore they can communicate with the living. They are talking, meaning they have thoughts and emotions. And they appear to know each other, meaning they have memories. So, is this evidence against the dead knowing nothing? Let's take a look.

Now, before we go too far, I want to add an interesting detail. Elijah never died. He was taken up in a fiery chariot.

Let's read the following text and let's see if there's anything special about this.

• The Lord himself buried Moses. This is special because it's the only time in the Bible that God does anything like this.
• They emphasize just how special Moses is, in that, there has never been another prophet like him who knew the Lord "face to face."
• And the burial place was secret.

These were hints that something special was about to take place.

This event that was going to take place was the special resurrection of Moses by the archangel. We also see that on the final day, it's the "voice of an archangel" that resurrects the rest of the dead who have been sleeping.

Therefore, it's not a strange thing to see Moses and Elijah, who represents the "Law and the Prophets" present to encourage Jesus Christ. Once you have been resurrected, you now have a new body, incorruptible and with Gods breath (spirit) once again running through your physical body.

What we've learned through studying the death and resurrection of Moses is that Moses was a special case. He died, had a short rest and was then resurrected by the archangel. Therefore this case cannot be used as proof that when you die you go immediately to heaven or hell.

Need more proof?

We know that God loved David because it's recorded that David was a man after Gods own heart, but even David is still resting in the grave waiting for the last day for the shout of the archangel. Even Martha knew this.

This was common knowledge for the Jews, they all knew this.

• He's talking about a time in the future.
• Talking about everyone who has died.
• The dead will hear his voice (The voice of the archangel).
• That future event will determine if you're going into everlasting life or damnation.

Let’s summarize what we’ve learned

• The Lord himself buried Moses.
• Moses was resurrected by the archangel.
• David is still in the grave awaiting the voice of the archangel.
• Martha understood this is how it works.
• John teaches that a future event will take place where all who are dead will rise again at the last day.

You can't use "Moses and Elijah" as evidence and stay in harmony with all the other verses that speak of the dead not having any thoughts, memories, etc. This can only happen when you are resurrected.

Preview of the upcoming objections I plan on covering:

• The thief on the cross.
• The rich man and Lazarus.
• Revelation 6:9-11 "...souls of those slain calling out in a loud voice..."
• The martyrdom of Stephen

If you have any others you'd like me to include please add in the comments below.