DEATH
“It is appointed that man die, then go to face judgment” (Heb 9:27-28). Death is not the end, but separation of body from spirit. The body returns to dust; the spirit returns to God who gave it (EccI 12:7). This happens when breath leaves the body (I Kings 17:17). Life is the union of a soul (made in the image of God) with the fleshly body. At the resurrection, soul will unite with a glorified body and stand before God for judgment in the Last Great Day. No one can escape judgment (Mt 25; 31-46; Rev 20:11-14). We are warned: “Prepare to meet thy God!” God loved us so much that He gave His son, Jesus, to die on the cross so all who believe and obey His gospel would be saved (Jn 3:16; Mk 16:15-16). All who do not believe and obey the gospel will “suffer eternal punishment” (2Thes1:7-9).
There is no such thing as “purgatory” or a second chance (Lk 16:19-31). An empty grave proves there is no other way but by Jesus (Jn 14:6).
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