The booklet begins with a question that has troubled humanity across cultures and centuries: “What happens when a man dies?” It recognizes the deep fear and confusion that surrounds death, often shaped by tradition rather than Scripture. While many religious teachings portray death as the beginning of either eternal reward or eternal punishment, the booklet argues that such views are not biblically accurate. Instead, it encourages readers to turn directly to the Bible for God’s true and consistent answer to this age-old question.

The Biblical Meaning of Death

The Bible presents death not as a continuation of life in another realm but as the cessation of conscious existence. Ecclesiastes 9:5 is quoted: “The dead know not anything.” The booklet explains that the common belief in an immortal soul is a misunderstanding that entered Christianity through pagan philosophy, not Scripture. Genesis 2:7 is cited to show that man “became a living soul” when the breath of life entered a body of dust — man does not have a soul, but is a soul, which ceases to exist at death.

What is Hell? Sheol, Hades, Gehenna, and Tartarus

To clarify confusion around “hell,” the booklet examines the original language of the Bible. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word Sheol simply means “grave” or “pit.” In the New Testament, Hades serves the same function. Both words describe the condition of death, not a place of fiery torment. Gehenna refers to a valley outside Jerusalem used to burn refuse — a symbol of complete destruction, not ongoing torture. Tartarus, used only once in 2 Peter 2:4, applies to fallen angels and does not pertain to human souls. These insights show that the biblical "hell" is not a place of eternal suffering but the unconscious state of the dead.

Jesus and the Grave

The booklet emphasizes that Jesus himself went to Hades when he died, as noted in Acts 2:27: “Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell [Hades].” This proves that Hades is not a place of torment since Jesus was sinless and did not suffer punishment after death. Instead, he rested in the grave until his resurrection. This example is key in understanding that hell simply means the condition of death — not a fiery underworld, but the unconscious state that awaits resurrection.

Jesus Has the Keys of Hell and Death

Revelation 1:18 says Jesus holds “the keys of hell and of death.” The booklet interprets this as a promise that Jesus will unlock the grave and release all who are imprisoned by death. This reflects the hope of the resurrection — a major theme throughout the Bible — where all who sleep in death will be awakened to new life. The booklet stresses that this resurrection will occur in Christ’s Kingdom and will include both the just and the unjust (John 5:28–29), giving all humanity a full opportunity for salvation.

The End of Death and the Grave

One of the most comforting messages of the booklet is the promise that death and hell (Hades) will eventually be destroyed. Citing 1 Corinthians 15:26 and Revelation 20:14, it explains that death is the last enemy that will be abolished. This is part of God’s redemptive plan — not to condemn souls to eternal torment, but to eliminate death entirely and restore life to those who were lost to the grave. The “lake of fire,” often associated with hellfire, is explained as symbolic of total destruction, not conscious punishment.

Resurrection: The True Hope of Mankind

The real hope offered by the Bible is not a disembodied afterlife in heaven or hell, but a resurrection of the dead to a renewed life on earth. The booklet emphasizes that the dead will rise in Christ’s future Kingdom, where they will be taught righteousness and given the opportunity to attain eternal life. This process reflects God’s mercy, justice, and purpose for humanity. The resurrection is portrayed not as a privilege for a few, but as part of God's loving plan for all people.

Comfort for the Bereaved

In its final sections, the booklet offers comfort to those grieving the loss of loved ones. Instead of fearing eternal separation or punishment, believers are encouraged to rest in the promise of resurrection and reunion. The Bible’s teaching provides a consistent, hope-filled message: that death is a sleep from which Christ will awaken us, and that sorrow will be turned into joy when the Kingdom is fully established (Isaiah 25:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14).

Conclusion

When a Man Dies corrects misconceptions about the soul, hell, and the afterlife by returning to the original languages and teachings of the Bible. It rejects the idea of eternal torment, presenting death as a sleep-like state of unconsciousness that will end with resurrection through Jesus Christ. The booklet offers peace and assurance rooted in Scripture — affirming that death is not the end, but a temporary condition awaiting God’s plan of restoration and life everlasting.