Where In The Bible Will I Find:

Soul-Sleeping?

The correct answer to the question is nowhere. Some suppose to find this doctrine in the wisdom of Solomon. In Ecclesiastes 9:5, Solomon says, "For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten." From this verse some have incorrectly drawn the conclusion that the soul does not have consciousness following death while awaiting the resurrection of the body and the great Judgment Day.

The context of the passage reveals quite a different meaning than have been imported to these words. Solomon was attempting to stress the importance of what one does while in this life. After one dies there is nothing that can be done to change his life. Such is the reason why he says there is more hope for a living dog that a dead lion. He goes on to say, "...neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun" (Eccl. 9:6 KJV).

Their time "under the sun" is past and gone. On the basis he urges them to live joyfully with their wives, and be diligent and industrious in everything they do (vs. 9-10). As one looks at this statement in context, it reveals that it is an antithesis to the first part of the verse, "for the living know that they shall die..." The second phrase, "...but the dead know not any thing..." was meant to stress what the dead are able to do (or know) "under the sun." In short, the context limits this phrase to only have reference to things going on "under the sun" or in this life.

All of God's word agrees together and if there was no consciousness following death we would expect total silence regarding those who have passed on. However, such is not the case. In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus gives graphic description of the consciousness of Lazarus and the rich man following death while in the Hadean realm.

Likewise, Matthew records the event of the transfiguration of Christ (Matt. 17:1-8). He specifically notes the appearance of both Moses and Elijah. While there is certainly much about the Hadean realm that has not been revealed, we do know that it exists and that it is where the spirit of man awaits the resurrection of the body. During this period of time the righteous will take great comfort in paradise (Luke 23:43), while the wicked will be tormented (Luke 16:24-25).

The great lesson of Ecclesiastes is to make proper preparation now, because as the rich man found out too late, this life is the only time we have to determine where we want to spend eternity.