We find that Job’s ancient response is totally in harmony with the teaching of the Bible on the subject of what happens when a man dies. Notice in Job’s reply he says that after death he will wait till his change comes, and at the call of his God he will answer. So Job is saying that at death he’s not in heaven, but is awaiting the resurrection in the grave; Job calls this a sleep, Job 14:12, 13; and when God returns He will call the sleeping saints who will arise. 

        The Bible teaches that when a person dies he goes back to the ground from whence he was taken. And sometime after when Jesus returns to the earth there will be a resurrection of the sleeping saints to eternal life. This is called the first resurrection. Notice these texts: 

Ecc. 9:5, 6: For the living know that they will die;

But the dead know nothing,
And they have no more reward,
For the memory of them is forgotten.
Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished;
Nevermore will they have a share
In anything done under the sun.

John 11:11-14. In these verses Jesus speaks of Lazarus’ death as a sleep.

1 Cor. 15:51-54. Paul speaks of death as a sleep; and that there will be a resurrection from death for the righteous dead while the righteous living will be translated together with the righteous dead to meet Jesus in the clouds as they return to heaven for a thousand years.

John 14:1-3 Jesus tells His people that He will return to heaven  to prepare a place for them.

Revelation 20: 4, 5 tells us that we live in heaven with Christ for a thousand years.

Revelation 20:7-10 and Rev. 21: 1-6 tells us that after the thousand years sin and sinners will be destroyed and a new heavens and a new earth installed, and humanity and God will live forever with no more death, sickness, nor sin. No where does the Bible tell us that when we die we go straight to heaven. Proper study of death, spirit, and soul will teach us clearly that at death nothing lives on. Everything is forgotten, including the dead ones. Notice:

Ps. 146:3, 4. Here we read that the dead return to the dust of the earth while the breath of life ‘returns’ to God, meaning that God takes cognizance of the person’s death. Finally, Jesus tells us these memorable words:

John 5:28, 29. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. 

        Therefore we conclude that when a man dies he sleeps in the grave until judgment day when Jesus will return with His rewards for those that love Him and await His coming. What about you, dear reader, are you ready for this greatest event? Just give your life even now to Jesus and follow on to know Him and He will never disappoint you; you will receive eternal life then, and until then He will perfect you from all iniquity. Just walk with Him daily and He will bring it to pass in your life. God bless.

  Pastor Ron is a retired Adventist pastor. Reach him at ron.hende@gmail.com. with your comments.