What Happens After We Die?

Satan has deceived most of humanity into believing that the body and soul are separate. This belief reaches far past the pagan religion of Christianity, and is also taught in most Eastern religions as well as modern spiritualism. It’s origin is pagan, and can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt. To support this lie, other non-biblical doctrines have spread throughout all of Christendom. These include:

1. Soul and body are separate
2. “Hell” – a place where the wicked burn forever
3. The soul goes straight to heaven or a place called “hell” directly after death

We will need to turn to the Word of Aluahim for guidance concerning the truth about the soul. Along doing so, we will discover: what happens to the body after death and what happens to both the living and the dead when Mashiach returns. The best place to start is in the beginning when Aluahim created mankind.

Genesis 2:7: And YAHUAH formed man of the dust (Aphar) of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath (neshamah) of life; and man became a living soul (nephesh: living being)

This verse tells us that there are two aspects that make up a living being or living soul:

1. “dust of the ground” or dry earth
2. “Aluahim’s breath of life”

The Hebrew word soul in “living soul” that is used in Genesis 2:7 is Strong’s Concordance number 5315, nephesh (neh’-fesh): a soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion.

And the Greek word used for soul in the Brit Chadashah (New Testament) is Strong’s Concordance number 5590, psuche (psoo-khay’): the vital breath, breath of life, the human soul, the soul as the seat of affections and will, the self, a human person, an individual. 

The word soul in both the Tanakh (Old Testament) and the Brith Chadashah (New Testament) can be translated as, person. A soul is not a non-tangible spirit living without a body, but rather just a person.

The Hebrew word nephesh (which was used to describe a living soul in Genesis 2:7) is also used as creature in the same account of creation. We read,

Genesis 1:20: And Aluahim said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature (nephesh) that has life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.

The Holy Scriptures do not allude to the idea of a separate body and soul. But rather that the soul (or one can even say, the mind and or heart) is one with the body, and together make up a man (living-being). One cannot be without the other.

The Apostle writes,  

James 2:26: For as the body without the spirit is dead.

James uses the Greek word spirit in referring to the Hebrew equivalent of the word that was used by Moses in Genesis 2:7, “breath” or “breath of life”.

The Hebrew word used for breath in Genesis 2:7, is Strong’s Concordance number 5397, neshamah (nesh-aw-maw’): that breaths, inspiration, soul, spirit.

See, without Aluahim’s Breath or Spirit (not the same Spirit as the Hebrew word Ruach), a man is not a living being or creature, but rather just dust from the ground. We can easily read James 2:26 as, “For as the body (dust of the ground) without the spirit (Aluahim’s Breath) is dead”. YAHUAH tells us,

Genesis 3:19: …for dust you are and to dust you will return.

The word soul has been misused by most of Christendom to depict a non-tangible spirit that lives outside of a human body. This doctrine is not biblical, but rather had crept into the church as early as the first Century by means of Greek pagan philosophers turn Christian. Much of the early Christian church’s doctrines were established by theologians such as Origen, Athanasius of Alexandria, Gregory of Nyssa, Tertullian, Jerome, Augustine of Hippo, and along with countless others who, studied and practiced Neoplatonism, Hellenism, alchemy, and occultism. About this philosophy, Professor Timothy B. Shutt, who holds a PhD in medieval literature, says,

“The person who succeeded, at last, in formulating a vision, which made use – In pretty much equal measure – of Plato and Aristotle, and unified their vision into a coherent wider system, was […] Plotinus, who was from Egypt and moved to Rome, and lived in the second century CE. His legacy was called Neoplatonism, and it represented the final philosophy synthesis of antiquity. […] It was taken over […] by Christian theologians – St. Augustine prominent among them – and went on to become the default philosophy of the middle ages in Christian guise.”

– Professor Timothy B. Shutt

Platonism is the philosophy of Plato (428 – 348 BC) which holds belief in duality, multiple dimensions, and the existence of abstract objects. Much of Plato’s philosophies helped shape the early church. One example is: Plato argued that one’s physical body and soul are separate entities, and that the soul lives on after the body dies. This concept along with the trinity doctrine does not align with biblical teaching, but rather has ancient pagan origins that were adopted by the early church. John McClinton and James Strong (Author of Strong’s Concordance) writes,

“Towards the end of the 1^st Century, and during the 2^nd, many learned men came over both from Judaism and paganism to Christianity. These brought with them into the Christian schools of theology their Platonic ideas and phraseology.”

–  John McClintock and James Strong (Cyclopaedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature, 1891, Vol. 10, “Trinity”, p. 553)

And Hubert Jedin in Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church, writes,

“The Alexandria catechetical school, which revered Clement of Alexandria and Origen, the greatest theologian of the Greek Church, as its heads, applied the allegorical method to the explanation of Scripture. It’s thought was influenced by Plato: its strong point was [pagan] theological speculations. Athanasius and the three Cappadocians [the men whose Trinitarian views were adopted by the Catholic Church at the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople] had been included among its members.”

– (Hubert Jedin, Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: an Historical Outline, 1960, p. 28)

The foundational teachings of the organized Christian church such as, the trinity, and separation of body and spirit are founded upon ancient paganism.

These traditional doctrines were kept and taught in Protestant churches as well. Most of the core beliefs taught in Christianity today are not Scriptural, but are weaved with mysticism and occultism. This is why it is important to study the Scriptures for yourself, and to trust not in the Christian organizations which are all part of Babylon. Most professed Christians teach the same philosophies of Plato – that the human spirit can live on after the body dies. This is an ancient pagan belief that reaches as far back as ancient Egypt.

The wise Solomon writes, 

Ecclesiastes 12:7: Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto Aluahim who gave it.

The Holy Scriptures make it very clear that when we die our body which was formed from the earth returns back to the earth. And our soul or mind, which is Aluahim’s breath, returns back to Aluahim.

After death, Aluahim’s Spirit or Breath, returns back to Him and man’s body returns back to the earth in which it came. Aluahim’s Spirit or Breath (neshamah) in which makes us a living soul (nephesh) is not our own but belongs to our Creator. This means that our mind or soul is not transferred to another body after death nor do we become a supposed “ghost” or spiritual being unattached to a body. The Breath or Spirit of Aluahim is only given back to us by our Creator upon the resurrection of our living soul or person.   

He Sleeps

John 11:11-14: These things said he (speaking of Yahushua): and after that he said unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleeps; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Master, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Yahushua spoke of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Yahushua unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

Yahushua is very clear when He speaks about the death of Lazarus. Lazarus had been dead for a few days when Yahushua declared that he was only sleeping. This would imply that the neshamah (breath of life) has left him, but not forever. When we sleep, we wake up at some point. Yes, Yahushua refers to the dead as asleep because we all await a resurrection. This was not a new concept to the Hebrews, for even the Pharisees believed in a resurrection (refer to Acts 23:8). Yahushua came to teach what had already been written in the Tanakh (Old Testament Scriptures). The resurrection is a part of the plan for salvation in which had been set in place well before the foundation of the world (refer to Rev. 13:8). Well before the Mashiach, our brother Job was well aware of the resurrection. He states,

Job 19:26: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see YAHUAH.

And the Psalmist writes,

Psalm 71:20: You, which has shown me great and sore troubles, will quicken me again, and will bring me up again from the depth of the earth.

And the Prophet writes,

Isaiah 26:19: Your dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, you that dwell in dust: for your dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

As we have read, there is undoubtedly a resurrection of a person (which is the body and breath together). When Yahushua finally made it back to Bethany where Lazarus had died, he approached Lazarus’s two sisters and told them, “Your brother shall rise again”.

Martha replied, “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day” (John 11:23-24).

Martha was well aware of the resurrection of the dead, but did not realize that Yahushua was going to raise Lazarus up that very day.

The story of Lazarus makes it absolutely clear of what happens to us when we die yet the Scriptures record it once again. When Yahushua came to the house of a certain ruler of the synagogue, he says to the man and all his family,

Mark 5:39: Why make you this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleeps.

The Scriptures tells us time and time again that when we die we go to sleep to await a resurrection, hence the saying, “rest in peace”. Some may say, “yes the body sleeps, but what about the soul?” The soul being separate from the body is a pagan belief, and we must abandon this type of thinking. We just read earlier that the body which is made up of the dust from the earth (Hebrew word aphar) along with Aluahim’s Breath (Hebrew word neshamah) makes up a living soul (nephesh). A living soul is also translated as a living being, person, or creature. To put it mathematically,

Dust (aphar) + Aluahim’s Breath (neshamah) = Living Being (nephesh)

When Yahushua resurrected Lazarus he said, “Lazarus, come forth” (John 11:43). He did not call him from heaven above, but from the grave. His body which was already decaying and turning back into dry earth or dust was renewed and Aluahim’s Breath or Spirit returned unto him.

Another story in the Bible that plainly tells us what happens to us when we die is found in the first book of Samuel chapter 28 when Saul sought out a Medium (please read the story for yourself).

The Scriptures make it obvious that Samuel was a righteous man of Aluahim and Saul was not, yet Samuel told Saul that he’d be with him the next day. How could the unrighteous Saul go to heaven if that’s supposedly where the righteous Samuel was (if your belief is that you go straight to heaven or hell after death)? This is because we all (the righteous and unrighteous) sleep in the grave to await a resurrection. Also, take note that the Medium brought Samuel up from the grave and not down from heaven. Samuel also said, “why have you disturbed me?” (refer to 1 Samuel 28:15) implying that Samuel was sleeping. Now, whether the Medium was actually able to bring Samuel up or if it was really a demon disguised as Samuel doesn’t take away from the lesson of the story. Either way, the underlaying lesson to be learned is that Saul went to sleep in the grave just as Samuel did, and both of them await a resurrection.

Some people may use this story of the Medium to prove that ghosts are real and that the soul is separate from the body. But we must remember that evil spirits (aka demons, devils, or bad angels) can transform themselves into many things. This includes deceiving us into believing that they are messengers of light sent from YAHUAH (refer to 1 John 4:1, 2 Cor. 11:14).

Now let’s look at a few Psalms that tells us the state of the dead:

Psalm 6:5: For in death there is no remembrance of You: in the grave who shall give You thanks?

Psalm 115:17: The dead praise not YAHUAH, neither any that go down into silence.

Psalm 146:4: His breath goes forth, he returns to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.

The Psalmist is telling us that once we are dead we do not remember Aluahim, because Aluahim’s Breath (our mind) returns back to Aluahim. The Psalms further say, that we are no longer worshiping and giving praises to Aluahim. This implies that we definitely do not go straight to heaven after death, otherwise we would be worshiping and giving praises to YAHUAH all day because that’s what we’d do in heaven. Technically, that’s what we should be doing right now as well. The prophet Isaiah writes something similar,

Isaiah 38:18-19: For the grave cannot praise You, death cannot celebrate You: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for Your truth. The living, the living, he shall praise You, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known Your truth.

In Jeremiah’s Lamentations, he writes,

Lamentations 3:6: He has set me in dark places, as they that be dead of old.

If we are in a dark place (the grave) when we die, then surely, we are not amidst the heavenly lights, or so-called fiery “hell”.

Now let’s see what wise king Solomon has to say about this topic:

Ecclesiastes 9:5-6: For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 3:19-20: For that which befalls the sons of men befalls beasts; even one thing befalls them: as the one dies, so dies the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man has no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.

Both man and animal live because of the Breath of Aluahim (neshamah). Both are created from the dust of the earth, and both go down into the dust of the earth. Aluahim’s Breath returns back unto Him and the body sleeps in the ground with no thoughts at all. The character of that man dies with him. The way in which we were created and the way in which we die are no different than that of the animal kingdom.

The Prophet reminds us that,

Ezekiel 18:20: The soul (nephesh) that sins (transgresses the Torah), it shall die…

The Apostle reminds us,

Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin (transgression of the Torah) is death…

Furthermore, “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:10). Aluahim told us from the very beginning,

Genesis 2:17: But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat of it you will surely die.

It is Satan’s oldest lie that teaches, “You shall not surely die” (Genesis 3:4). When we die, our soul or being (nephesh) sleeps in the grave. There is no such thing as an immortal sinner. It is a misinterpretation of Aluahim’s character to believe that He would allow someone to suffer an eternity in a fiery “hell” for a short lifetime of sins.

When speaking on the Feast of Shabuot (Pentecost), Peter said,

Acts 2:29-34: Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that Aluahim had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up Mashiach to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spoke of the resurrection of Mashiach, that His soul was not left in hell (the grave), neither His flesh did see corruption. This Yahushua has Aluahim raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of Aluahim exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost (Ruach HaQodash), He has shed forth this, which you now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he said himself, YAHUAH said unto my Aluahim, Sit You on My right hand.

Peter is telling us that the man David who did right in the eyes of Aluahim; kept His commandments, statutes, and ordinances, has not gone to heaven, but is still sleeping in his grave awaiting a resurrection.

I must mention that the Greek word used for hell in Acts 2:29-34 is Strong’s Concordance number 86, hades (hah’-dace): grave, hell.

The Greek word hades that is used to describe the place of the dead, is a pagan word. Hades, meaning “the unseen one”, is the name of the Greek deity of the dead and king of the underworld, with which his name became synonymous.  

The Hebrew word used for hell is Strong’s Concordance number 7585, sheol (sheh-ole’): grave, hell, pit.

These words (sheol in Hebrew and hades in Greek) are the words used by the ancient Hebrews to describe the place where the dead are resting and awaiting a resurrection, either unto everlasting life or eternal death. It is simply what we call, the grave.

The Dictionary defines grave as: a place of burial for a dead body, typically a hole dug in the ground and marked by a stone or mound.

The word hell is also a pagan word. It is neither Greek nor Hebrew, but rather derived from the Germanic language. Originally “Hel” meant “to cover”. The word was also used to designate the deity of the Norse underworld (Niflheim) and daughter of Loki. The word hell is an improper translation, and can and should be omitted from the definition of the word it is being used to describe. When the pagan word hell is read, it is automatically associated with Greek and Roman mythology and paganism. This has purposely led Bible readers into believing false doctrines concerning both the state of the dead and the character of the Aluahim of the Bible.

The pagan concept of hell, a fiery place of eternal affliction, in which one supposedly goes to directly after death is not biblical. It was incorporated into the pagan Roman Catholic church, and eventually throughout all of Christendom (a pagan religion). This theology of a wicked person going straight to hell after death came about at the same time that the false doctrine of a holy or righteous person going straight to heaven was introduced. Both teachings are not Biblical. There will be a time when all who have died throughout all generations since the beginning of time will be resurrected. For it is written,

Acts 24:15: And have hope toward Aluahim, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

Even when Yahushua HaMashiach, the son of Aluahim, died, he too slept in the grave to await a resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:4: He was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.

He did not ascend to heaven after he died. Yahushua was called by his Father from the grave. After his resurrection, then he appeared to Mary first. He did not ascend to heaven until after he was seen by his brethren (his disciples).

John 20:17: Yahushua said to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my Aluahim, and your Aluahim.

Yahushua is the ultimate example. His entire life was a demonstration on how we should strive to live, and what to expect after death. Concerning the resurrection, the prophet Ezekiel reiterates the blueprint which makes up a living-being. We read, 

Ezekiel 37:5-6: Thus says YAHUAH Aluahim unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter in to you, and you shall live: And I will lay sinews upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am YAHUAH.

We are once again reminded that we are formed from the dust of the earth, but are not a living soul without the Breath or Neshamah of YAHUAH. Speaking of the land of New Canaan (New Yarushalam) YAHUAH says to Ezekiel,

Ezekiel 37:14: And I shall put My Spirit (Ruach) in you, and you shall live…

Two Resurrections

Acts 24:15: And have hope toward Aluahim, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

John 5:29: Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

The Mashiach is not only telling us that we all await a resurrection, but that there are two separate resurrections.

• There is a resurrection of the good or just.
• There is a resurrection of the evil or unjust.

Yahushua does not specify the time period between these two resurrections. But when we search the Scriptures we find that it is the good or just who are resurrected first in the last day when Mashiach returns, and the evil or unjust who are resurrected a thousand years later after the Millennial Sabbath.

The definition of being just, is one who keeps the Law (Torah) of Aluahim, walks in His statutes, and keeps His judgments (refer to Ezekiel 8:5-9). Lazarus was counted as a just or righteous man and that is why his sister said, “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day” (John 11:24). Lazarus’s sister was referring to the resurrection of the just or good.

Now, notice how the apostle Paul describes Yahushua’s second coming.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17: But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Yahushua died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Yahushua will Aluahim bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of YAHUAH, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of Yahushua shall not prevent them which are asleep. For Yahushua himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of Aluahim: and the dead in Mashiach shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet Yahushua in the air: and so shall we ever be with YAHUAH.

When the Mashiach returns, the good or “dead in Mashiach” as Paul puts it will be of the first resurrection, and together with those who are still alive in Mashiach (which is the term used for the good or just) will be caught up into the clouds to meet Him. Take note, that Yahushua does not touch the earth when he returns. This way there will be no confusion when a false Mashiach appears here on earth before Yahushua.

Now let us take a look at how the apostle describes what happens to both the dead and alive in Mashiach when he returns.

1 Corinthians 15:51-55: Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting?

Before we continue, it is of the upmost importance that we come to understand that there is one hope, one covenant, and one promise.

Some people believe that only a chosen group are granted to reign with Yahushua for a thousand years before the second resurrection. This is far from the truth.

Let’s take a look at the promise YAHUAH made to all those who keep His covenant. He says,

Exodus 19:5-6: Now therefore, if you will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine: And you shall be unto Me a Kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak unto the children of Yasharal.

Yahushua, the son of Aluahim, promises us, “To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne” (Revelation 3:21). This promise extends to, “whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Says Yahushua,  

John 6:40: And this is the will of Him that sent me, that everyone which sees the son, and believes on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Notice that Yahushua says, “Everyone”! Every person throughout all-time who is seen as righteous and just in the eyes of Aluahim will be part of the first resurrection when Mashiach returns, which is to everlasting life, and they will all reign as kings and priests to Aluahim for a thousand-years. There is not one person who is righteous or just that will be resurrected after the thousand-year reign (Millennial Sabbath) for the second resurrection.

This teaching goes right along with Paul’s writings when he tells us that the dead in Mashiach shall rise first. Throughout all of time, anyone who has kept YAHUAH’S covenant will be washed clean, given a robe of righteousness, a crown of life, and will reign with Yahushua as kings and priests during the thousand-year reign. Yahushua HaMashiach is the redeemer of the whole world, and through his blood, he “has made us unto our Aluahim kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:10). The same promise made to His people after the great exodus, is the same promise He made to all the Patriarchs of old, along with all His people in the latter days. In John’s revelation, we read:

Revelation 20:4-6: And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Yahushua, and for the Word of Aluahim, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Mashiach a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of Aluahim and of Mashiach, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

The Bible tells us that the first resurrection happens when Yahushua returns. These are the just or the good. These are them who chase after righteousness; keep the Law of Aluahim and have overcome sin through the blood of the lamb. Every single person from the beginning of time to the end of days that belong to Aluahim will either be resurrected (if dead) or changed (if still alive) in order to reign with Mashiach in heaven for a thousand years.

After a thousand years of reigning with the king, the unjust (evil) are resurrected to judgment or “the resurrection of damnation” as our master Yahushua puts it. Now, let’s read what will happen to all the unjust (evil) who are alive when Mashiach returns. Our brother Paul tells us,

2 Thessalonians 2:8: And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom Yahushua shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.

Hebrews 12:29: For our Aluahim is a consuming fire.

It is clear, that the unjust will perish the moment our king returns. The prophet writes,

Malachi 3:2: But who may abide the day of His coming? And who shall stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap.

The only people who can survive the wrath of Aluahim are those who are hid in Mashiach. The just, who have been granted robes of righteousness. They are the sealed servants of Aluahim. These are the 144,000 which are the remnant of Aluahim’s people still alive after probation closes – when the first plague begins to fall upon the earth. The prophet reminds us,

Zephaniah 2:3: Seek you YAHUAH, all you meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be you shall be hid in the day of YAHUAH’S anger.  

Now, let’s see what happens to all the unjust (evil) who are dead, awaiting the resurrection. This includes those who died upon the second coming of Mashiach, and along with everyone else who died before that. Throughout all of time, those who continuously denied the Ruach HaQodash (Holy Spirit) – lived in continual sin, and along with those who persecuted Aluahim’s people – will be resurrected unto judgment after the thousand-year reign.

We have now come upon another place where many are stumbled. Many people think that this judgment of the second resurrection is like a court of law, where we might possibly have the opportunity to everlasting life. Like we are seated in the questioning chair and are given the right to defend our entire life’s deeds. This is not the case, for the verdict of our soul is made up at the time we take our very last breath of life on earth. The Mashiach says,

Revelation 22:12: And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

This verse tells us that no man is rewarded everlasting life in heaven nor everlasting death right after he dies, but rather at Yahushua’s second coming. If we are changed or resurrected when Mashiach returns then we will receive everlasting life. If we die at Mashiach’s return or are not resurrected, then we will be resurrected to eternal damnation a thousand years later.

The character we have when we go down into the grave with, is the same character we are resurrected with. We are either resurrected to sit next to our king in heaven or resurrected a thousand years later to everlasting death. There is no second chance for those who are resurrected after the thousand-year reign. We are given this one chance to overcome. This one life to chase after righteousness and to love YAHUAH with all our heart, soul, and mind.

Our brother Paul writes,

Hebrews 9:27: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.

Fortunately, our Creator is merciful. He tells us, “But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he has committed, and keep all My statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die” (Ezekiel 18:21). Those granted everlasting life are justified, because they have striven to do what is right in the eyes of YAHUAH. They have kept His Torah (Law); His ten commandments, appointed times, and ordinances. Their previous sins (lack of keeping the Law) are no longer remembered, because they “…have an advocate with the Father, Yahushua HaMashiach the righteous” (1 John 2:1). They have washed their robes in the blood of the lamb and are therefore seen as righteous.

See, there are only two types of people, two resurrections, and one promise. Those who are part of the first resurrection are awakened when Mashiach returns. And these are they that are granted everlasting life, and kingship with Mashiach for a thousand-years. The second resurrection, are awaken to everlasting death. And this occurs after the thousand-year reign (or Millennial Sabbath).

The Prophet Daniel puts it this way,

Daniel 12:2: 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.

This is how John describes the judgment of those who make up the second resurrection,

Revelation 20:12: And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before Aluahim ; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

The books, plural, are the records of all our deeds both good and evil, and the Book of Life contains the list of all those who belong to Mashiach. Remember, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). The people being judged according to their works have not been clothed with the righteousness of Mashiach (hid in Messiah). They have leaned on their own works, their own understanding, and have not accepted Mashiach as their king and high priest. They have not striven to keep the Law of Aluahim (Torah) nor the Testimony of Yahushua HaMashiach (Prophets).

If we are not covered in the blood of the lamb then we cannot be seen as just or righteous in the eyes of Aluahim. We need to strive to keep the Torah in order to accept the one-time sin offering made by the Mashiach. No Torah no sacrifice. No sacrifice no life! This is why the unjust are judged upon their works. Their works were of sin (which is the transgression of the Torah) over and over again. They did not have a sin offering to cover their unrighteousness and therefore they are unjustified and unworthy of life.

All fall short of the glory of Aluahim. Those who are found written in the Book of Life; pray diligently, repent often, and most importantly show faith in Aluahim by keeping His Torah (Law); His ten commandments, His ordinances, and His appointed times. “As it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). Showing faith in Yahushua means proving to YAHUAH that you love Him. He tells us, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). This requires action from us. This requires a daily practice of committing ourselves to YAHUAH and His Torah.

No matter what deeds we have done, we all fall short unless we have shown our faith (or love) in Aluahim. Therefore, the unjust (or unfaithful and unloving towards Aluahim) will not be covered with Mashiach’s righteousness, and therefore will be seen as evil and unworthy of the Kingdom of Aluahim. These are resurrected unto death or “damnation”. This is why it says, “the dead were judged”, because their verdict has already been made. Even though they are resurrected, they are dead. The apostle tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for He that comes to Aluahim must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Those who continuously deny the Ruach HaQodash (Holy Spirit), neglect to keep YAHUAH’S covenant Law (Torah) and reject His Testimonies (the prophets), will awake to judgment and everlasting death. We further read,

Revelation 20:15: And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Everlasting contempt or everlasting death means that there is no chance of another resurrection. This does not mean everlasting life in a place called “hell” or “purgatory”. This is simply, the second death (refer to Revelation 20:14). It is called the second death, because “man is appointed once to die, then the judgment”. Only those who accept Yahushua HaMashiach as their master and king will not die twice, and will live forever in a new body with a new heart. The apostle tells us,

John 17:3: Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true Aluahim, and Yahushua HaMashiach, whom You have sent.

So how do we get to know the One and only true Aluahim? By studying His Word, written down by the prophets in the Holy Scriptures; the Tanakh and Brit Chadashah. Yahushua, says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). Concerning the day of His second coming, He says, “Not everyone that says unto me, Master, Master, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, Master, Master have we not prophesied in Your name? and in your name have cast out devils? And in your name done many wonderful works?” See, it is the professed follower of Mashiach (wrongfully self-called a Christian) that Yahushua is talking to. Those who say they believe in Mashiach, but do not do his will. These are those who will be judged “according to their works”, as John puts it. So then, what is Aluahim’s will? Yahushua further says, “Then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23).

What is iniquity? It is sin. What is the definition of sin? “…sin is the transgression of the Law (Torah)” (1 John 3:4). To put it plainly, this is Aluahim’s will: to keep His Torah (Law); His ten commandments, appointed times, and ordinances, along with the Testimony of His Mashiach (the Prophets). Those who fail to keep YAHUAH’S covenant by willingly breaking one of His commandments and not repenting for it will be subject to death.

Deuteronomy 7:9: Know therefore that YAHUAH your Aluahim is Aluahim; He is the faithful Aluahim, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.

This tells us that the entire time man is on earth (a thousand generations), he is subject to keeping YAHUAH’S covenant; His ten commandments, appointed times, and ordinances. The Law (Torah) has not been done away with!

For a detailed study on YAHUAH’S Law (Torah), please read the article, Should Followers of the Messiah Keep the Whole Law?

Now before moving forward I must mention a pagan belief that has circulated across Christendom. This pagan belief is said that if someone is burned to ashes, then the Almighty Aluahim will not be able to resurrect them. This is not true, for we are made up of both dust and ashes. Moses writes,

Genesis 18:27: And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto YAHUAH, which am but dust and ashes.

This pagan belief bounds limitations to Aluahim’s power, which is limitless. Yahushua reminds us, “…with Aluahim all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). No matter how we die or whatever comes of our physical body, YAHUAH Aluahim of heaven and earth can and will resurrect us to either eternal life or eternal death. 

You Will be with Me in Paradise

Let us take a look at the most commonly used verse that Christian leaders use today to teach the false doctrine of going straight to heaven after death. Luke writes,

Luke 23:43: And Yahushua said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Now let’s take a look at this verse with different punctuation.

Luke 23:43: And Yahushua said unto him, Verily I say unto thee today, shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Notice how I moved the comma from before thee to after today, and changed the uppercase “T” in the word today to a lower case “t”. When a letter is capitalized or when a comma is strategically placed, it can change the entire meaning of a sentence. And in this case, it leads the reader into believing a false doctrine. For example, there’s a cannibalistic difference between “Let’s eat mom” and “Let’s eat, mom.” Take note, that the oldest copies of both the Brit Chadashah (Greek New Testament) and the Tanakh (Hebrew Old Testament) are written with no punctuations. The use of commas and capitalizations in the Bible did not appear until the middle ages. To make assumptions in the Bible based upon modern punctuation can be very dangerous, especially if that doctrine does not align with what the rest of the Bible teaches. Also, we should read all parenthesis in the Bible with discernment, as many of them are added commentaries.

Yahushua was not telling the man hanging next to him that he would go to paradise that day with him. This does not align with the story of Yahushua’s death and resurrection nor any other Scripture. Yahushua did not ascend to heaven for another three days. He spend three days and three nights in the grave and then he was resurrected and seen by Mary first. It wasn’t until later that day after seeing Mary (three days after his death) that he ascended up to heaven. Also, the Bible teaches us that both the good and evil (just and unjust) await a resurrection.

To paraphrase Luke 23:43: On the day of Yahushua’s crucifixion, he turned to the man that was hung next to him to tell him that he read his heart. He seen his true repentance and belief in him as the son of the living Aluahim. Therefore, Yahushua promised that he would be resurrected with the rest of the good (just) when he returns the second time.  

In regards to this study, we have learned:

• The body and mind are not separate. Therefore, when we die we do not become so-called “ghosts” or “spirit beings”. We sleep in the grave to await a resurrection of our body and mind.
• There is no such thing as an immortal sinner. Therefore, no person lives in a place called “hell” forever.
• The Greek word hades which is wrongfully translated as hell simply means, the grave. It should be translated as grave.
• Mashiach’s reward is with him when he returns.
• We do not go to heaven nor a fictional place called “hell” directly after death.
• We all await a resurrection.
• There are two separate resurrections that occur a thousand years apart.
• The first resurrection happens when Mashiach returns and this is for the just (good or righteous).
• The second resurrection happens after the thousand-year reign (Millennial Sabbatth) and this is for the unjust (evil or unrighteous).
• There is one promise and one covenant. Every just (good) person will reign with Mashiach a thousand years in heaven.
• We only get one chance! This life is our only opportunity to gain eternal life by doing YAHUAH’S will.
• There is no such thing as purgatory.
• Judgment day is not a courtroom. Judgement is happening now. Therefore, judgment day is the day that you pay for your crimes against YAHUAH’S Law.  

Nothing in this earth lasts forever. So it would be wise to live not for this dying world but for the Kingdom of Aluahim. The Mashiach reminds us,

Matthew 6:19-21: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust does corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

And our brother Paul eloquently repeats the Prophets of old by writing,

Romans 8:13: For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.