Description
Print Length
74
Language
English
The booklet opens by confronting one of the greatest and most troubling questions that humans have asked throughout history: What happens when we die? Despite the assurances of various religious traditions, the reality of death continues to evoke fear, confusion, and speculation. The booklet suggests that many of the ideas commonly believed today—such as going immediately to heaven or hell—are not based on the Bible, but on pagan philosophy and tradition. It emphasizes the importance of turning to Scripture, rather than tradition, to find the real answer about the condition of the dead.
The central teaching of the booklet is that death is a condition of unconsciousness, not a transition to another realm. Drawing on verses such as Ecclesiastes 9:5 (“The dead know not anything”) and Psalm 146:4, it explains that when a person dies, their thoughts cease, and they have no awareness or activity. The concept of the soul as an immortal, conscious entity is challenged; instead, man is shown to become a living soul when God breathes life into him (Genesis 2:7), not that he possesses one. Thus, when life ends, the soul ceases to exist until it is revived by resurrection.
The booklet tackles traditional teachings on hell, showing how mistranslations and doctrinal distortions have led to the fear-based idea of eternal torment. It clarifies that the Hebrew word Sheol and the Greek word Hades both refer to the grave—the condition of death—not a place of fiery punishment. It notes that even righteous figures like Jacob, Job, and David were said to go to Sheol. The New Testament references to Gehenna are also discussed, with the explanation that this was a literal garbage dump outside Jerusalem used as a metaphor for destruction, not torment.
One of the most compelling evidences the booklet presents is that Jesus himself went to “hell”, or more accurately Hades, upon his death. Quoting Acts 2:27 and Psalm 16:10, the booklet highlights that Jesus’ soul was not left in the grave, and he did not suffer in torment. Rather, he rested in death until his resurrection. This serves as a model for what happens to all people when they die—they await a future awakening through the power of God.
Revelation 1:18 declares that Christ has the keys of hell and death. The booklet interprets this as symbolic of his authority to unlock the grave and restore the dead to life. This points to the great hope of the resurrection, when all those who sleep in death will be called forth by Christ. John 5:28–29 is cited to show that all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come forth—some to life and some to a period of judgment and learning.
Rather than promoting fear, the booklet centers its message on the biblical hope of resurrection. It explains that God’s plan includes the restoration of the dead in Christ’s Kingdom, where they will be taught righteousness and have the opportunity to receive eternal life. The idea of immediate reward or punishment at death is shown to be inconsistent with the biblical plan, which requires a future resurrection. This hope is not just for the righteous few, but for all of mankind who have ever lived and died.
To clarify further, the booklet delves into the Hebrew and Greek words for “soul” (nephesh and psuche) and “spirit” (ruach and pneuma). It explains that the soul simply means a living being or creature—not something that survives death. The spirit, on the other hand, is the life force or breath that comes from God and returns to Him at death. Without the spirit, the body is lifeless, and the soul ceases to exist. Thus, death is not the beginning of eternal torment or bliss—it is the cessation of life.
The booklet explains the biblical origin of death, citing Adam’s sin in Eden (Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12). Because of Adam’s disobedience, death passed upon all humans—not as a punishment for individual guilt, but as an inherited condition. However, just as death came by one man, life also comes through one man—Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:22). This is the heart of the Gospel: Christ’s death paid the ransom for Adam, and his resurrection guarantees the eventual resurrection of all.
In contrast to terrifying doctrines of eternal torment or vague spiritual afterlife, the booklet offers comfort through biblical truth. It encourages readers not to grieve as those without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13), because the dead are not suffering—they are sleeping. And they will awaken in due time, through the power of Christ’s return and the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth. This knowledge replaces fear with peace, and despair with expectation.
Where Are the Dead? offers a clear and Scripture-based explanation of what happens after death. It dismantles traditional myths about the soul, hell, and the afterlife and replaces them with the consistent biblical teaching that the dead are unconscious in the grave, awaiting resurrection. Christ’s death and resurrection guarantee that this sleep is temporary, and that in the coming Kingdom, all will be raised, taught righteousness, and given the opportunity for everlasting life. The booklet invites readers to find both truth and comfort in God’s revealed plan for life, death, and ultimate restoration.
