THE STATE OF THE DEAD
A Bible Study Lesson Plan (KJV)
Theme
Understanding what the Bible teaches about death, the condition of the dead, and the believer's hope in the resurrection.
Key Verse
Ecclesiastes 9:5 (KJV)
"For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing..."
Lesson Objective
By the end of this study, you will:
• Understand the Bible's definition of death.
• Learn what happens when a person dies.
• Examine whether the dead are conscious or unconscious.
• Discover the biblical doctrine of the resurrection.
• Find assurance in Christ's promise of eternal life.
OPENING
Opening Prayer
Ask God to give wisdom, understanding, and a love for His truth as His Word is studied. We must always open with a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide us as we seek His knowledge.
Introduction
One of life's greatest questions is, "What happens when we die?" Many beliefs exist regarding death and the afterlife, but our goal is to discover what the Scriptures teach. The Bible provides a clear and consistent picture of death and points believers toward the hope of the resurrection.
Discussion Starter
What are some common beliefs people have about what happens after death?
LESSON 1: WHAT IS DEATH?
Scripture Reading
Genesis 2:7
"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
Genesis 3:19
"For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."
Teaching Points
The Bible teaches that man was created from two components:
The dust of the earth.
The breath of life from God.
When these were combined, man became a living soul.
Creation Formula:
Dust + Breath of Life = Living Soul
At death, the process is reversed:
Dust + No Breath = Death
The Bible does not describe man as receiving a separate immortal soul. Rather, man became a living soul.
Discussion Question
According to Genesis 2:7, what made Adam a living soul?
Key Truth
Death is the reversal of creation.
LESSON 2: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PERSON DIES?
Scripture Reading
Ecclesiastes 12:7
"Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."
Psalm 146:4
"His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish."
Teaching Points
When a person dies:
The body returns to the dust of the earth.
The spirit, or breath of life, returns to God.
Human thoughts cease.
Death is the opposite of God's act of creation.
The word "spirit" in this passage refers to the life-giving breath that comes from God, not a conscious individual continuing to live apart from the body.
Discussion Question
According to Psalm 146:4, what happens to a person's thoughts when they die?
Key Truth
Death is a state in which all conscious activity ceases.
LESSON 3: ARE THE DEAD CONSCIOUS?
Scripture Reading
Ecclesiastes 9:5
"For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing..."
Ecclesiastes 9:6
"Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished..."
Ecclesiastes 9:10
"For there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."
Psalm 115:17
"The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence."
Teaching Points
According to these passages:
• The dead do not know anything.
• The dead no longer participate in earthly affairs.
• The emotions and ambitions of the dead have ceased.
• The dead do not praise God.
• The grave contains no knowledge, wisdom, or activity.
The consistent testimony of Scripture is that death is an unconscious state.
Discussion Question
How do these verses compare with common teachings about the dead watching over the living?
Key Truth
The dead rest in unconscious sleep until the resurrection.
LESSON 4: WHY DOES THE BIBLE CALL DEATH "SLEEP"?
Scripture Reading
John 11:11-14
"Our friend Lazarus sleepeth..."
Daniel 12:2
"And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake..."
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep..."
Teaching Points
Throughout Scripture, God describes death as sleep.
Sleep is an appropriate symbol because:
Sleep is temporary.
A sleeping person is unaware of time passing.
Sleeping people awaken.
The dead will awaken at the resurrection.
When Lazarus died, Jesus described his condition as sleep. Jesus then went on to raise him from the dead, demonstrating His power over death.
Discussion Question
Why do you think Jesus used sleep as an illustration of death?
We know that upon His return, all of His redeemed will be “awakened” and will receive glorified bodies as Christ Himself did upon His own resurrection.
Key Truth
Death is temporary for those who trust in Christ.
LESSON 5: THE HOPE OF THE RESURRECTION
Scripture Reading
John 5:28-29
"All that are in the graves shall hear his voice."
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout... and the dead in Christ shall rise first."
1 Corinthians 15:51-54
"For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality."
Teaching Points
The Christian's ultimate hope is not found in death.
The Bible points believers to:
• The return of Jesus Christ.
• The resurrection of the dead.
• The gift of immortality.
• Eternal life in God's kingdom.
Notice that immortality is received when Christ returns and the dead are raised.
Discussion Question
When does Paul say believers receive immortality?
Upon the return of Christ.
Key Truth
The resurrection is the great hope of every believer.
LESSON 6: JESUS AND THE RESURRECTION
Scripture Reading
John 11:23-25
"Thy brother shall rise again."
John 11:39-44
The account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.
Teaching Points
When Lazarus died:
• Jesus did not tell Martha that Lazarus was already enjoying his reward.
• Jesus directed Martha's attention to the resurrection.
• Jesus revealed Himself as "the resurrection, and the life."
• Jesus demonstrated His divine power by raising Lazarus from the grave.
The focus of Christ's teaching was the certainty of resurrection life.
Discussion Question
Why was Jesus' statement, "I am the resurrection, and the life," so important?
Because all who believe in Him shall receive everlasting life when He returns.
Key Truth
Jesus is the source of life both now and forever.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Consider These Questions
How should the Bible's teaching on death affect the way we view loss and grief?
What comfort does the resurrection provide to those who have lost loved ones?
How does the promise of Christ's return strengthen your faith today?
What does this study teach us about the power of Jesus over death?
SUMMARY OF BIBLE TRUTHS
✓ God created man from dust and the breath of life.
✓ Death is the reversal of creation.
✓ The dead do not possess conscious thoughts.
✓ The dead know nothing and participate in no earthly activities.
✓ Scripture repeatedly compares death to sleep.
✓ God's people will be awakened at the resurrection.
✓ Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life.
✓ Eternal life is secured through faith in Christ.
✓ The blessed hope of believers is the return of Jesus and the resurrection of the dead.
For more information on this subject, visit www.deathtruth.com