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All right reserved. No portion of this document may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the author and/or publisher.
Introduction
In order to understand a doctrine it’s important to know its origin,. Therefore, how did the modern day soul sleep doctrine begin? What is the genesis of the soul sleep doctrine?
The soul sleep crowd would like us to believe that the soul sleep doctrine began with the scriptures. The most frequently quoted scriptures they use to prove their soul sleep doctrine are the following:
“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…But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.” Daniel 12:2 and 13
“For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15
“…whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him” 1 Thessalonians 5:10
“For the living know they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.” Ecclesiastes 9:5
"Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. For David didn't ascend into the heavens, but he says himself, 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit by my right hand." Acts 2:29 & 34
The Soul sleep doctrine teaches that when a person dies, the body and soul “sleeps” until a future resurrection. This state of "soul sleep” means the person is unaware, they have no consciousness, and they are dormant awaiting their reanimation. They believe the body and soul hear nothing, see nothing, think about nothing and experience nothing. Basically, they believe the soul is in a "spiritual coma" until a future judgment day comes. Some soul sleep believers take it a step further and believe the body and soul both die (cease to exist) and that God will create a new soul and body instead of awakening, resurrecting, and glorifying the old body and soul. This extreme belief in soul sleep is very similar to reincarnation in which a person dies and is recreated again in the form of a completely different person.
Are these beliefs biblical or a false doctrine?
All right reserved. No portion of this document may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the author and/or publisher.
Introduction
In order to understand a doctrine it’s important to know its origin,. Therefore, how did the modern day soul sleep doctrine begin? What is the genesis of the soul sleep doctrine?
The soul sleep crowd would like us to believe that the soul sleep doctrine began with the scriptures. The most frequently quoted scriptures they use to prove their soul sleep doctrine are the following:
“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…But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.” Daniel 12:2 and 13
“For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15
“…whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him” 1 Thessalonians 5:10
“For the living know they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.” Ecclesiastes 9:5
"Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. For David didn't ascend into the heavens, but he says himself, 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit by my right hand." Acts 2:29 & 34
The Soul sleep doctrine teaches that when a person dies, the body and soul “sleeps” until a future resurrection. This state of "soul sleep” means the person is unaware, they have no consciousness, and they are dormant awaiting their reanimation. They believe the body and soul hear nothing, see nothing, think about nothing and experience nothing. Basically, they believe the soul is in a "spiritual coma" until a future judgment day comes. Some soul sleep believers take it a step further and believe the body and soul both die (cease to exist) and that God will create a new soul and body instead of awakening, resurrecting, and glorifying the old body and soul. This extreme belief in soul sleep is very similar to reincarnation in which a person dies and is recreated again in the form of a completely different person.
Are these beliefs biblical or a false doctrine?
Understand The bible uses descriptions based on appearance
When we see the dead body of a person we once knew lying in a casket, the deceased person looks as if they're asleep. At modern day funerals you will hear remarks about how the person looks at rest, or how they look peaceful. You will also hear friends and family telling the deceased to rest until they meet again one day. Why do people say these things about the deceased? Because no matter what we claim to believe, there is something deep inside us that knows death is not the end nor is it a suspension of our existence. We know that after we die we continue to go on existing.
Therefore, the biblical terminology of “sleeping” is not a literal sleep or coma of the soul, but just a description people have used for centuries to describe how the dead body looks asleep. The bible proves that the immortal soul/spirit continues fully aware, fully alert, and fully awake while waiting for a resurrection of the body and becoming a unified immortal spirit, immortal soul and immortal body in a perfected state. A triune man - three becoming one [1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 4:12, Isaiah 26:9, Job 7:11 and 1 Samuel 1:15].
Yeshua (Jesus) himself makes it clear to us that the terminology of “sleep” does not mean the soul is asleep after death.
“…He (Yeshua/Jesus) saith unto them, our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Yeshua/Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Yeshua/Jesus unto them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead.’” John 11:11-14
Yeshua/Jesus made it clear that Lazarus was sick and then died. Was the spirit and soul of Lazarus sick? No. Did his spirit and soul die when his body died? No. Yeshua said Lazarus sleeps, but his disciples did not understand what he meant, so he spoke plainly with them and said: “Lazarus is dead.” Of course we know his body is dead, but did his spirit and soul lived on? Yes.
Read John 12:9 - "but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead."
Yeshua raised the body of Lazarus from the dead. The Greek word for raised in this passage is "egeiró" which means to awaken, raise up, rise from. The Greek word for dead is "nekros" which means a corpse, a dead body, or dead tissue, so it refers to the physical aspect of Lazarus (his body). Therefore, Yeshua awakened the "sleeping" [dead] corpse of Lazarus, because the spirit and soul of Lazarus was not asleep, but very much alive. Is there further evidence to prove that the soul and spirit of Lazarus lived on after his body died? Yes.
Look at John 11:20-27. In this passage of scripture Martha ran out to meet Yeshua to discuss her brother’s death. Yeshua told Martha that Lazarus will rise again. Martha understood this to mean her brother’s body will rise again at a resurrection far in the future, but Yeshua corrected her, by telling Martha that not only is he the resurrection of the body, but he is the life. Yeshua further explains that anyone who believes in him will not die (spiritually). How can that be true when we see a physical body that is clearly dead? Because the body will die (fall asleep) until a resurrection, but the spirit/soul live on awaiting the future resurrection when they will be united with their bodies now sleeping in the grave.
Yeshua explains who he is in 2 parts:
(1) I am the resurrection - Resurrection in Greek being - "anastasis" [to stand up] this word refers to a physical body being raised up.
(2) I am the life - Life in Greek being - "zoe" [physical and spiritual life] This is a power that God gives to sustain life eternal.
Therefore, the body may die, but the spirit and soul continues to live with the "zoe" from Yeshua who is the zoe (life). Yeshua spoke plainly that the spiritual part of Lazarus is not dead when the body dies. Notice Yeshua did not say he is just the resurrection of the body, but that he is the resurrection and eternal life, which gives life to the soul and spirit. Several time we see the Gospels repeat the message that God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
"But concerning the resurrection of the dead, haven't you read that which was spoken to you by God, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?' God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." Matthew 22:31-32
"But about the dead, that they are raised; haven't you read in the book of Moses, about the Bush, how God spoke to him, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are therefore badly mistaken." Mark 12:26-27
"But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the bush, when he called the Lord 'The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' Now he is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for all are alive to him." Luke 20:37-38
"But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable multitudes of angels, to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect..." Hebrews 12:22-23
Note: Prior to the resurrection of Yeshua, Abraham was located in place near hell called "Abrahams Bosom" (Luke 16:19-31). After the resurrection of Yeshua, Abraham was identified among those who are known as the cloud of witnesses that look down and observe us run our race here on earth (Hebrews 12:1). Matthew 8:11 also makes it very clear where Abraham is located: "I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven"
If soul sleep was true, why did Yeshua have to make it a point to inform Mary that those who die as believers in him are not dead after they die physically? - "But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem...to the spirits of just men made" perfect
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the rising again, and the life; he who is believing in me, even if he may die, shall live.” John 11:25
We will look at additional scriptures later to clearly see that the bible does not teach soul sleep. However, what we can see by the preceding is that the term “sleep” describing death can confuse people as it did with the disciples and Martha. Yet, Yeshua made it clear that the term “sleep” really means physical death of the body and not a literal sleep of the body or the soul.
Therefore, the biblical terminology of “sleeping” is not a literal sleep or coma of the soul, but just a description people have used for centuries to describe how the dead body looks asleep. The bible proves that the immortal soul/spirit continues fully aware, fully alert, and fully awake while waiting for a resurrection of the body and becoming a unified immortal spirit, immortal soul and immortal body in a perfected state. A triune man - three becoming one [1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 4:12, Isaiah 26:9, Job 7:11 and 1 Samuel 1:15].
Yeshua (Jesus) himself makes it clear to us that the terminology of “sleep” does not mean the soul is asleep after death.
“…He (Yeshua/Jesus) saith unto them, our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Yeshua/Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Yeshua/Jesus unto them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead.’” John 11:11-14
Yeshua/Jesus made it clear that Lazarus was sick and then died. Was the spirit and soul of Lazarus sick? No. Did his spirit and soul die when his body died? No. Yeshua said Lazarus sleeps, but his disciples did not understand what he meant, so he spoke plainly with them and said: “Lazarus is dead.” Of course we know his body is dead, but did his spirit and soul lived on? Yes.
Read John 12:9 - "but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead."
Yeshua raised the body of Lazarus from the dead. The Greek word for raised in this passage is "egeiró" which means to awaken, raise up, rise from. The Greek word for dead is "nekros" which means a corpse, a dead body, or dead tissue, so it refers to the physical aspect of Lazarus (his body). Therefore, Yeshua awakened the "sleeping" [dead] corpse of Lazarus, because the spirit and soul of Lazarus was not asleep, but very much alive. Is there further evidence to prove that the soul and spirit of Lazarus lived on after his body died? Yes.
Look at John 11:20-27. In this passage of scripture Martha ran out to meet Yeshua to discuss her brother’s death. Yeshua told Martha that Lazarus will rise again. Martha understood this to mean her brother’s body will rise again at a resurrection far in the future, but Yeshua corrected her, by telling Martha that not only is he the resurrection of the body, but he is the life. Yeshua further explains that anyone who believes in him will not die (spiritually). How can that be true when we see a physical body that is clearly dead? Because the body will die (fall asleep) until a resurrection, but the spirit/soul live on awaiting the future resurrection when they will be united with their bodies now sleeping in the grave.
Yeshua explains who he is in 2 parts:
(1) I am the resurrection - Resurrection in Greek being - "anastasis" [to stand up] this word refers to a physical body being raised up.
(2) I am the life - Life in Greek being - "zoe" [physical and spiritual life] This is a power that God gives to sustain life eternal.
Therefore, the body may die, but the spirit and soul continues to live with the "zoe" from Yeshua who is the zoe (life). Yeshua spoke plainly that the spiritual part of Lazarus is not dead when the body dies. Notice Yeshua did not say he is just the resurrection of the body, but that he is the resurrection and eternal life, which gives life to the soul and spirit. Several time we see the Gospels repeat the message that God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
"But concerning the resurrection of the dead, haven't you read that which was spoken to you by God, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?' God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." Matthew 22:31-32
"But about the dead, that they are raised; haven't you read in the book of Moses, about the Bush, how God spoke to him, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are therefore badly mistaken." Mark 12:26-27
"But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the bush, when he called the Lord 'The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' Now he is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for all are alive to him." Luke 20:37-38
"But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable multitudes of angels, to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect..." Hebrews 12:22-23
Note: Prior to the resurrection of Yeshua, Abraham was located in place near hell called "Abrahams Bosom" (Luke 16:19-31). After the resurrection of Yeshua, Abraham was identified among those who are known as the cloud of witnesses that look down and observe us run our race here on earth (Hebrews 12:1). Matthew 8:11 also makes it very clear where Abraham is located: "I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven"
If soul sleep was true, why did Yeshua have to make it a point to inform Mary that those who die as believers in him are not dead after they die physically? - "But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem...to the spirits of just men made" perfect
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the rising again, and the life; he who is believing in me, even if he may die, shall live.” John 11:25
We will look at additional scriptures later to clearly see that the bible does not teach soul sleep. However, what we can see by the preceding is that the term “sleep” describing death can confuse people as it did with the disciples and Martha. Yet, Yeshua made it clear that the term “sleep” really means physical death of the body and not a literal sleep of the body or the soul.
So if we can prove the bible does not teach soul sleep then where did the modern belief in soul sleep originate?
Many believe the origin of soul sleep came about from the Sadducees, because they denied the afterlife, but if soul sleepers want to join with the beliefs of this Jewish sect then they picked some bad company to associate with. Yeshua often rebuked the Sadducees for their beliefs about the afterlife (Acts 23:8 and Matthew 22:29)
Others believe the soul sleep doctrine began in 305 AD from Arnobius of Sicca. However, Arnobius stated in Against the Heathen (Book 1), 38: “What the soul, whether it flew to us of its own accord, or whether it was generated and brought into existence with our bodies themselves; whether it sojourns with us, partaking of death, or whether it is gifted with an endless immortality; what condition awaits us when we shall have separated from our bodies relaxed in death; whether we shall retain our perceptions, or have no recollection of our former sensation or past memories..”
Arnobius was not teaching soul sleep, but only questioning what happens to the soul after death, “whether it sojourns with us, partaking of death… what awaits us when we shall have separated from our bodies relaxed in death.” However, the modern soul sleep doctrine goes beyond questioning. The modern soul sleep doctrine believes when the body dies the soul sleeps with the body and does not “separate from our bodies relaxed in death” as Arnobius questioned. Therefore, I don’t believe the modern soul sleep doctrine began with Arnobius.
I believe we can point to later sources as the foundation of the modern soul sleep doctrine. To be more exact, the modern soul sleep movement is the result of the Millerites, a movement that began with William Miller in 1833. William Miller was a Baptist lay preacher that believed, through his studies of the Book of Daniel, and his use of the Karaite Jewish calendar, that Yeshua (Jesus) would return between 1843-1844. However, this prediction did not come true. Therefore, according to scripture this classifies Miller as a false prophet.
“If you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which Yahweh has not spoken?’ when a prophet speaks in the name of Yahweh, if the thing doesn't follow, nor happen, that is the thing which Yahweh has not spoken: the prophet has spoken it presumptuously, you shall not be afraid of him.” Deuteronomy 18:21-22
Jumping on the Millerite bandwagon was former Methodist preacher George Storrs. Storrs resigned from the Methodist church in 1840 to join William Miller’s so called end time movement and became a leader in the movement. While William Miller pushed his belief that Yeshua (Jesus) was returning between 1843-44, it was George Storrs who pushed his belief in soul sleep among the Millerites, which he developed by his personal revelation of the scriptures. The Millerites quickly adopted Storrs soul sleep beliefs along with a denial of a literal hell.
The Millerite movement gathered a large following until 1844 came and gone like any other year, thus proving the Miller prediction of 1843-1844 being the period of the Second Coming a false prediction. When the Miller prediction did not occur, many of the Millerite leaders and followers were left generally bewildered and disillusioned. Some even returned back to their former churches. This event is known as the “Great Disappointment”.
In order to take advantage of these disappointed Millerites, many groups branched off to form their own movement based on similar Millerite beliefs, or added a new spin to the Miller prediction. Even long after the 1844 Great disappointment, several 20th century movements admit they were influenced by Millerite teachings. Many of these groups that came out from or were influenced by Millerite teachings are categorized as cults, such as: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Bahai Faith, sacred name groups, World Wide Church of God, Christadelphians, and fringe Adventist groups.
Clearly, the soul sleep doctrine is a 19th century invention from a movement which misinterpreted scripture, taught errors, and made wild predictions that never came true. This is why to this day, the doctrine of soul sleep is still predominate among modern cults or fringe groups. Why do the cults embrace this false teaching? The scriptures make it clear why:
“A good tree can't produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit.” Matthew 7:18
The errors of the Millerite movement cannot produce good fruit, which is why so many religious groups that follow the Millerite doctrines are plagued with bad fruit and false teachings. Among this bad fruit is the doctrines of soul sleep, denial of hell and annihilationism. Others go further and blend soul sleep with the error of universal reconciliation (everyone will be saved).
The bottom line is that the teachings of soul sleep are scriptural errors invented by false prophets. Many who are caught up in these false teachings from the Millerites will often adopt even more errors or plunge into complete heresy unless they are refuted by the truth.
Many believe the origin of soul sleep came about from the Sadducees, because they denied the afterlife, but if soul sleepers want to join with the beliefs of this Jewish sect then they picked some bad company to associate with. Yeshua often rebuked the Sadducees for their beliefs about the afterlife (Acts 23:8 and Matthew 22:29)
Others believe the soul sleep doctrine began in 305 AD from Arnobius of Sicca. However, Arnobius stated in Against the Heathen (Book 1), 38: “What the soul, whether it flew to us of its own accord, or whether it was generated and brought into existence with our bodies themselves; whether it sojourns with us, partaking of death, or whether it is gifted with an endless immortality; what condition awaits us when we shall have separated from our bodies relaxed in death; whether we shall retain our perceptions, or have no recollection of our former sensation or past memories..”
Arnobius was not teaching soul sleep, but only questioning what happens to the soul after death, “whether it sojourns with us, partaking of death… what awaits us when we shall have separated from our bodies relaxed in death.” However, the modern soul sleep doctrine goes beyond questioning. The modern soul sleep doctrine believes when the body dies the soul sleeps with the body and does not “separate from our bodies relaxed in death” as Arnobius questioned. Therefore, I don’t believe the modern soul sleep doctrine began with Arnobius.
I believe we can point to later sources as the foundation of the modern soul sleep doctrine. To be more exact, the modern soul sleep movement is the result of the Millerites, a movement that began with William Miller in 1833. William Miller was a Baptist lay preacher that believed, through his studies of the Book of Daniel, and his use of the Karaite Jewish calendar, that Yeshua (Jesus) would return between 1843-1844. However, this prediction did not come true. Therefore, according to scripture this classifies Miller as a false prophet.
“If you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which Yahweh has not spoken?’ when a prophet speaks in the name of Yahweh, if the thing doesn't follow, nor happen, that is the thing which Yahweh has not spoken: the prophet has spoken it presumptuously, you shall not be afraid of him.” Deuteronomy 18:21-22
Jumping on the Millerite bandwagon was former Methodist preacher George Storrs. Storrs resigned from the Methodist church in 1840 to join William Miller’s so called end time movement and became a leader in the movement. While William Miller pushed his belief that Yeshua (Jesus) was returning between 1843-44, it was George Storrs who pushed his belief in soul sleep among the Millerites, which he developed by his personal revelation of the scriptures. The Millerites quickly adopted Storrs soul sleep beliefs along with a denial of a literal hell.
The Millerite movement gathered a large following until 1844 came and gone like any other year, thus proving the Miller prediction of 1843-1844 being the period of the Second Coming a false prediction. When the Miller prediction did not occur, many of the Millerite leaders and followers were left generally bewildered and disillusioned. Some even returned back to their former churches. This event is known as the “Great Disappointment”.
In order to take advantage of these disappointed Millerites, many groups branched off to form their own movement based on similar Millerite beliefs, or added a new spin to the Miller prediction. Even long after the 1844 Great disappointment, several 20th century movements admit they were influenced by Millerite teachings. Many of these groups that came out from or were influenced by Millerite teachings are categorized as cults, such as: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Bahai Faith, sacred name groups, World Wide Church of God, Christadelphians, and fringe Adventist groups.
Clearly, the soul sleep doctrine is a 19th century invention from a movement which misinterpreted scripture, taught errors, and made wild predictions that never came true. This is why to this day, the doctrine of soul sleep is still predominate among modern cults or fringe groups. Why do the cults embrace this false teaching? The scriptures make it clear why:
“A good tree can't produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit.” Matthew 7:18
The errors of the Millerite movement cannot produce good fruit, which is why so many religious groups that follow the Millerite doctrines are plagued with bad fruit and false teachings. Among this bad fruit is the doctrines of soul sleep, denial of hell and annihilationism. Others go further and blend soul sleep with the error of universal reconciliation (everyone will be saved).
The bottom line is that the teachings of soul sleep are scriptural errors invented by false prophets. Many who are caught up in these false teachings from the Millerites will often adopt even more errors or plunge into complete heresy unless they are refuted by the truth.
Soul Sleep is not Biblical - The Spirit/Soul departed and they were gathered to their fathers:
God said to Abraham: “but you will go to your fathers in peace. You will be buried in a good old age.” Genesis 15:15
“Abraham gave up the spirit, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years, and was gathered to his people.” Genesis 25:8
“These are the years of the life of Ishmael: one hundred thirty-seven years. He gave up the spirit and died, and was gathered to his people.” Genesis 25:18
“Isaac gave up the spirit, and died, and was gathered to his people, old and full of days. Esau and Jacob, his sons, buried him.” Genesis 35:29
“When Jacob made an end of charging his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the spirit, and was gathered to his people.” Genesis 49:33
“and strip Aaron of his garments, and put them on Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered [to his people], and shall die there." Numbers 20:26
"Go up into this mountain of Abarim, to Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho; and see the land of Canaan, which I give to the children of Israel for a possession; and die on the mountain where you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died on Mount Hor, and was gathered to his people… So Moses the servant of Yahweh died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of Yahweh. He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab over against Beth Peor: but no man knows of his tomb to this day.” Deuteronomy 32:49-50; 34:5-6
“Also all that generation were gathered to their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, who didn't know Yahweh, nor yet the work which he had worked for Israel.” Judges 2:10
“He [David] said, "While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, 'Who knows whether Yahweh will not be gracious to me, that the child may live?' But now he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me." 2 Samuel 12:22-23
God said to Abraham: “but you will go to your fathers in peace. You will be buried in a good old age.” Genesis 15:15
“Abraham gave up the spirit, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years, and was gathered to his people.” Genesis 25:8
“These are the years of the life of Ishmael: one hundred thirty-seven years. He gave up the spirit and died, and was gathered to his people.” Genesis 25:18
“Isaac gave up the spirit, and died, and was gathered to his people, old and full of days. Esau and Jacob, his sons, buried him.” Genesis 35:29
“When Jacob made an end of charging his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the spirit, and was gathered to his people.” Genesis 49:33
“and strip Aaron of his garments, and put them on Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered [to his people], and shall die there." Numbers 20:26
"Go up into this mountain of Abarim, to Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho; and see the land of Canaan, which I give to the children of Israel for a possession; and die on the mountain where you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died on Mount Hor, and was gathered to his people… So Moses the servant of Yahweh died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of Yahweh. He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab over against Beth Peor: but no man knows of his tomb to this day.” Deuteronomy 32:49-50; 34:5-6
“Also all that generation were gathered to their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, who didn't know Yahweh, nor yet the work which he had worked for Israel.” Judges 2:10
“He [David] said, "While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, 'Who knows whether Yahweh will not be gracious to me, that the child may live?' But now he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me." 2 Samuel 12:22-23
What does it mean when the bible says “they were gathered to their fathers”, or “gathered to their people”?
It cannot mean they were buried together, because all of those we previously mentioned above weren’t buried together. It also can’t refer to their burial, because their death (giving up the spirit), being gathered to their fathers and their actual burial are listed as different events.
Proof:
Genesis 25:8-9
1. “Abraham gave up the spirit, and died in a good old age”
2. “And was gathered to his people.”
3. “Isaac and Ishmael, his sons, buried him in the cave of Machpelah”
Genesis 35:29
1. “Isaac gave up the spirit, and died”
2. “And was gathered to his people, old and full of days”
3. “Esau and Jacob, his sons, buried him”
The scriptures state:
“For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit” (Acts 23:8), and Yeshua (Jesus) rebuked the Sadducees for their denial of these things: “On that day Sadducees (those who say that there is no resurrection) came to him.” In order to test him with a riddle, but Yeshua answered them back with the following statement: “But Jesus answered them, "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God…'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?' God is not the God of the dead, but of the living’." (Matthew 22:23-33)
Like the soul sleepers today, the Sadducees lacked understanding of the scriptures. The Sadducees believed when a person dies then they cease to exist. They denied man had a spirit that lived on after death; they denied a resurrection of the body and did not believe in angels. However, Yeshua corrected their false beliefs by pointing to the scriptures which state God is not the God of the dead, but of the living (present tense), which means the dead are alive not asleep.
Yeshua taught that the righteous dead were gathered to a place called Abraham’s Bosom, which is also known as “paradise” (Luke 16:19-31). This is most likely what is meant when the scriptures state “and they were gathered to their fathers.” Yeshua never stated this account in Luke chapter 16 was a parable, so we cannot dismiss it as a fable or untruthful. We can also see by his teaching that there is a literal hell and there are additional scriptures that confirm the teaching of Yeshua found in Luke 16:19-3, that proves there is a gathering place for the righteous. Therefore, we have a place for the unrighteous spirits/souls of the dead and a place for the righteous.
“The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.” Proverbs 21:16 KJV
How can the so called sleeping souls join with the congregation of the dead? They can only do so if they are fully awake and alive. Some versions call this place the assembly of the dead, or the company of the dead.
“But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.” Proverbs 9:18
Here again, we see that there is a gathering of the dead. The Jewish Publication Societies 1917 translation of the Tanakh (Old Testament), translates Proverbs 9:18 as follows: “But he knoweth not that the shades are there; That her guests are in the depths of the nether-world.”
The "shades" are sprits (ghosts) of the dead that go to the “Nether-world”? Does that sound like soul sleep? I think not.
Here is one more scripture for additional confirmation:
“The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of hell…” Ezekiel 32:21
How can the mighty speak in the midst of hell to welcome the new arrivals if their soul is asleep? These scriptures prove the dead do not sleep, which exactly lines up with the teachings of Yeshua.
It cannot mean they were buried together, because all of those we previously mentioned above weren’t buried together. It also can’t refer to their burial, because their death (giving up the spirit), being gathered to their fathers and their actual burial are listed as different events.
Proof:
Genesis 25:8-9
1. “Abraham gave up the spirit, and died in a good old age”
2. “And was gathered to his people.”
3. “Isaac and Ishmael, his sons, buried him in the cave of Machpelah”
Genesis 35:29
1. “Isaac gave up the spirit, and died”
2. “And was gathered to his people, old and full of days”
3. “Esau and Jacob, his sons, buried him”
The scriptures state:
“For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit” (Acts 23:8), and Yeshua (Jesus) rebuked the Sadducees for their denial of these things: “On that day Sadducees (those who say that there is no resurrection) came to him.” In order to test him with a riddle, but Yeshua answered them back with the following statement: “But Jesus answered them, "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God…'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?' God is not the God of the dead, but of the living’." (Matthew 22:23-33)
Like the soul sleepers today, the Sadducees lacked understanding of the scriptures. The Sadducees believed when a person dies then they cease to exist. They denied man had a spirit that lived on after death; they denied a resurrection of the body and did not believe in angels. However, Yeshua corrected their false beliefs by pointing to the scriptures which state God is not the God of the dead, but of the living (present tense), which means the dead are alive not asleep.
Yeshua taught that the righteous dead were gathered to a place called Abraham’s Bosom, which is also known as “paradise” (Luke 16:19-31). This is most likely what is meant when the scriptures state “and they were gathered to their fathers.” Yeshua never stated this account in Luke chapter 16 was a parable, so we cannot dismiss it as a fable or untruthful. We can also see by his teaching that there is a literal hell and there are additional scriptures that confirm the teaching of Yeshua found in Luke 16:19-3, that proves there is a gathering place for the righteous. Therefore, we have a place for the unrighteous spirits/souls of the dead and a place for the righteous.
“The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.” Proverbs 21:16 KJV
How can the so called sleeping souls join with the congregation of the dead? They can only do so if they are fully awake and alive. Some versions call this place the assembly of the dead, or the company of the dead.
“But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.” Proverbs 9:18
Here again, we see that there is a gathering of the dead. The Jewish Publication Societies 1917 translation of the Tanakh (Old Testament), translates Proverbs 9:18 as follows: “But he knoweth not that the shades are there; That her guests are in the depths of the nether-world.”
The "shades" are sprits (ghosts) of the dead that go to the “Nether-world”? Does that sound like soul sleep? I think not.
Here is one more scripture for additional confirmation:
“The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of hell…” Ezekiel 32:21
How can the mighty speak in the midst of hell to welcome the new arrivals if their soul is asleep? These scriptures prove the dead do not sleep, which exactly lines up with the teachings of Yeshua.
The spirit and soul of a person departs the body, but does not fall asleep
We already viewed scripture which showed the Old Testament saints “gave up the spirit” and died, which indicates the spirit/soul of the person left the body. These scriptures alone refute the soul sleep doctrine, which believes the soul stays with the body and goes to sleep. Here are additional scriptures which show the soul and spirit of a person leaves the body at death and does not stay with the body asleep.
"It happened, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Benoni, but his father named him Benjamin.” Genesis 35:18
“He stretched himself on the child three times, and cried to Yahweh, and said, ‘Yahweh my God, please let this child's soul come into him again’. Yahweh listened to the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived." 1 Kings 17:21-22 - Wait!! How can a child's soul come back into the body again if the soul is asleep with the body? Where did the soul go? This shoots holes in the soul sleep doctrine.
“Her spirit returned, and she rose up immediately. He commanded that something be given to her to eat.” Luke 8:55 - here again we see the spirit returning back to the body, which refutes the soul sleep doctrine.
“We are courageous, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 - Paul said a separation from the body means a believer will be present with Yeshua.
Yeshua also died in the flesh, but his spirit and soul lived on after death. His soul did not sleep in the grave.
“…being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which he also went and preached to the spirits in prison…” (1 Peter 3:18-19)
“having foreseen, he did speak concerning the rising again of the Christ, that his soul was not left to hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.” Acts 2:31
Something happens to the soul and spirit after the death of the body and after it departs from the body. In the previous section it said the soul and spirit went to the "nether-world" and the Apostle Paul said the believers go Yeshua. This overturns the false soul sleep explanation of sleep after death.
We already viewed scripture which showed the Old Testament saints “gave up the spirit” and died, which indicates the spirit/soul of the person left the body. These scriptures alone refute the soul sleep doctrine, which believes the soul stays with the body and goes to sleep. Here are additional scriptures which show the soul and spirit of a person leaves the body at death and does not stay with the body asleep.
"It happened, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Benoni, but his father named him Benjamin.” Genesis 35:18
“He stretched himself on the child three times, and cried to Yahweh, and said, ‘Yahweh my God, please let this child's soul come into him again’. Yahweh listened to the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived." 1 Kings 17:21-22 - Wait!! How can a child's soul come back into the body again if the soul is asleep with the body? Where did the soul go? This shoots holes in the soul sleep doctrine.
“Her spirit returned, and she rose up immediately. He commanded that something be given to her to eat.” Luke 8:55 - here again we see the spirit returning back to the body, which refutes the soul sleep doctrine.
“We are courageous, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 - Paul said a separation from the body means a believer will be present with Yeshua.
Yeshua also died in the flesh, but his spirit and soul lived on after death. His soul did not sleep in the grave.
“…being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which he also went and preached to the spirits in prison…” (1 Peter 3:18-19)
“having foreseen, he did speak concerning the rising again of the Christ, that his soul was not left to hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.” Acts 2:31
Something happens to the soul and spirit after the death of the body and after it departs from the body. In the previous section it said the soul and spirit went to the "nether-world" and the Apostle Paul said the believers go Yeshua. This overturns the false soul sleep explanation of sleep after death.
The Soul Sleep doctrine is wrong about the human spirit.
Soul sleepers claim that the spirit that departs from the body is just God’s breath but is not part of the person. They claim the human spirit is some unknown entity that God breathed into mankind to produce life. However, this belief is not scriptural. The human spirit is just as much a part of a person as are the soul and body of the person. The spirit of men and women belong to them and make up who they are.
If the human spirit was not part of the person, but just a breath from God that animates the body as the soul sleeper’s claim, then why did the Apostle Paul say the following?
“Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
God cannot be defiled, therefore the spirit mentioned her has to be the spirit of a person.
Paul also provides additional insight that proves the spirit of man and God’s Spirit are different:
“For who among men knows the things of a man, except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God, except God's Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 2:11
Here are even more scriptures that prove that a human spirit is part of the person and belongs to the person.
“The spirit of man is Yahweh's lamp, searching all his innermost parts.” Proverbs 20:27
“An oracle. The word of Yahweh concerning Israel. Yahweh, who stretches out the heavens, and lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him says.” Zechariah 12:1
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" Acts 7:59
Soul sleepers claim that the spirit that departs from the body is just God’s breath but is not part of the person. They claim the human spirit is some unknown entity that God breathed into mankind to produce life. However, this belief is not scriptural. The human spirit is just as much a part of a person as are the soul and body of the person. The spirit of men and women belong to them and make up who they are.
If the human spirit was not part of the person, but just a breath from God that animates the body as the soul sleeper’s claim, then why did the Apostle Paul say the following?
“Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
God cannot be defiled, therefore the spirit mentioned her has to be the spirit of a person.
Paul also provides additional insight that proves the spirit of man and God’s Spirit are different:
“For who among men knows the things of a man, except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God, except God's Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 2:11
Here are even more scriptures that prove that a human spirit is part of the person and belongs to the person.
“The spirit of man is Yahweh's lamp, searching all his innermost parts.” Proverbs 20:27
“An oracle. The word of Yahweh concerning Israel. Yahweh, who stretches out the heavens, and lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him says.” Zechariah 12:1
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" Acts 7:59
Humans have a soul and a spirit
“For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit…” Hebrews 4:12
The book of Hebrews teaches that the human soul and spirit are two different things and so does the Prophet Isaiah.
“With my soul have I desired you in the night. Yes, with my spirit within me will I seek you earnestly; for when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.” Isaiah 26:9
“May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23
As we can see a complete person is made up of their spirit, their soul and their body. Therefore, when we see scriptures that show a person’s spirit and soul departing from their body and went to another place, then we cannot honestly validate soul sleep as a legitimate scriptural teaching.
When the scriptures speak of a dead person who is asleep, this is only referring to the body, which appears to be asleep. The spirit and soul of the person never sleeps, but remains alive and aware long after death.
“But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable multitudes of angels, to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect…” Hebrews 12:23 --NOTE: "the spirits of just men made perfect" CLEARLY THESE SPIRITS ARE NOT SLEEPING.
“Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” Hebrews 12:1 - A cloud of witnesses that surround us and view our journey of faith from heavens.
Conclusion
How could we be surrounded by the witness of past saints and the spirits of just men made perfect (Hebrews 12:23) if they are all asleep in their graves? How could Moses who has died, appear before Yeshua (Matthew 17:3) if Moses was asleep in his grave? If Yeshua brings back the dead with him then that must mean they are with him now (1 Thessalonians 4:14). What are these dead with Yeshua doing? Coming for their resurrected bodies that are in the grave.
We have seen the ancient saints giving up the spirit and being gathered to their fathers. We also see that the scriptures teach a gathering of souls in a nether-world according to the Jewish translation of the scriptures.
Over and over again we see scriptural teachings that confirm the soul and spirit depart from the body and live on immediately after death.
We can go into much more detail about this subject, but we believe the facts as stated above make it clear that soul sleep is not supported by scripture and should be rejected and never considered a legitimate biblical teaching. Soul sleep is a teaching that began with a movement that made false predictions about the second coming, which the scriptures classify as a false prophet. This movement also gave birth to many cults that continue to embrace the soul sleep doctrine.
“For he is not the God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.” Luke 20:38
“For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit…” Hebrews 4:12
The book of Hebrews teaches that the human soul and spirit are two different things and so does the Prophet Isaiah.
“With my soul have I desired you in the night. Yes, with my spirit within me will I seek you earnestly; for when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.” Isaiah 26:9
“May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23
As we can see a complete person is made up of their spirit, their soul and their body. Therefore, when we see scriptures that show a person’s spirit and soul departing from their body and went to another place, then we cannot honestly validate soul sleep as a legitimate scriptural teaching.
When the scriptures speak of a dead person who is asleep, this is only referring to the body, which appears to be asleep. The spirit and soul of the person never sleeps, but remains alive and aware long after death.
“But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable multitudes of angels, to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect…” Hebrews 12:23 --NOTE: "the spirits of just men made perfect" CLEARLY THESE SPIRITS ARE NOT SLEEPING.
“Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” Hebrews 12:1 - A cloud of witnesses that surround us and view our journey of faith from heavens.
Conclusion
How could we be surrounded by the witness of past saints and the spirits of just men made perfect (Hebrews 12:23) if they are all asleep in their graves? How could Moses who has died, appear before Yeshua (Matthew 17:3) if Moses was asleep in his grave? If Yeshua brings back the dead with him then that must mean they are with him now (1 Thessalonians 4:14). What are these dead with Yeshua doing? Coming for their resurrected bodies that are in the grave.
We have seen the ancient saints giving up the spirit and being gathered to their fathers. We also see that the scriptures teach a gathering of souls in a nether-world according to the Jewish translation of the scriptures.
Over and over again we see scriptural teachings that confirm the soul and spirit depart from the body and live on immediately after death.
We can go into much more detail about this subject, but we believe the facts as stated above make it clear that soul sleep is not supported by scripture and should be rejected and never considered a legitimate biblical teaching. Soul sleep is a teaching that began with a movement that made false predictions about the second coming, which the scriptures classify as a false prophet. This movement also gave birth to many cults that continue to embrace the soul sleep doctrine.
“For he is not the God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.” Luke 20:38
What About An Explanation For The Scriptures In The First Section??? Okay, Let's Explain Them For You.
“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…But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.”
Explanation: Daniel 12:2 and 13 - This is talking about the resurrection of the dead. The bodies are dead (asleep) in the graves, and one day the righteous will return back to their bodies (1 Thessalonians 4:14) and be resurrected to everlasting life (first resurrection) while the wicked will be resurrected in the second resurrection to damnation (Revelations chapter 20).
“For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15
“…whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him” 1 Thessalonians 5:10
Explanation: The dead bodies (corpse) of the dead are asleep so to speak in the graves, but their spirits/souls come back with Yeshua to claim their incorruptible bodies. (1 Thessalonians 4:14)
“For the living know they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.” Ecclesiastes 9:5
Explanation: After death most of the dead are forgotten by those on the earth "Memory of them is forgotten." The dead have no more opportunity to change their course, or to build up eternal rewards "neither have they any more rewards." The dead in hell no nothing about the affairs of the earth. The righteous dead may not know everything about the affairs of the earth, but only what they are shown by Yahweh. This passage does not mean the dead are sleeping.
"Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. For David didn't ascend into the heavens, but he says himself, 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit by my right hand." Acts 2:29 & 34
Explanation: This passage is to show that the Messianic prophecy of Psalms 110, was referring to Yeshua and not to David. Yeshua was raised from the dead, resurrected, ascended and is seated at the right had of the Father. David was not resurrected, nor did he ascend with a resurrected body into heaven, nor is he seated at the right hand of the father. We can see the graves of mortal men and they are filled with their bones, but their spirit and souls that departed their bodies are either in heaven or hell. There is no purgatory, nor is there sleep until a final punishment or a final reward. Look at Revelations 20:13 that shows you where the wicked dead will come from:
The Sea and Death (Nekros - dead corpses) - Both sea and the grave give up the bodies of the wicked in them
Hell Gives up the dead - These are the souls and spirits of the wicked dead.
The corpse and the spirit/soul are united together as one and now facing judgment for their ultimate damnation in the Lake of fire.
Death is real, hell is real, heaven is real and eternal punishment is real. -- Look at Revelation 20:10 "The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever." Even after a 1,000 years we can see the false prophet and the beast are still suffering torment in the Lake of Fire. This is one more thing the soul-sleepers get wrong when they teach those in the Lake of Fire will be completely burned up and never exist. If it's true what they say, then why would it take a 1,000 years for the beast and false prophet (humans) to be burned to nothing?
The simple answer is that the soul sleep doctrines has it wrong in all areas. Their doctrine began from false teachings and false teachers and this false teaching continues to be perpetuated by many groups who lack understanding about the scriptures. Our warning to you is to stay away from this teaching or anyone who teaches it.
Explanation: Daniel 12:2 and 13 - This is talking about the resurrection of the dead. The bodies are dead (asleep) in the graves, and one day the righteous will return back to their bodies (1 Thessalonians 4:14) and be resurrected to everlasting life (first resurrection) while the wicked will be resurrected in the second resurrection to damnation (Revelations chapter 20).
“For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15
“…whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him” 1 Thessalonians 5:10
Explanation: The dead bodies (corpse) of the dead are asleep so to speak in the graves, but their spirits/souls come back with Yeshua to claim their incorruptible bodies. (1 Thessalonians 4:14)
“For the living know they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.” Ecclesiastes 9:5
Explanation: After death most of the dead are forgotten by those on the earth "Memory of them is forgotten." The dead have no more opportunity to change their course, or to build up eternal rewards "neither have they any more rewards." The dead in hell no nothing about the affairs of the earth. The righteous dead may not know everything about the affairs of the earth, but only what they are shown by Yahweh. This passage does not mean the dead are sleeping.
"Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. For David didn't ascend into the heavens, but he says himself, 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit by my right hand." Acts 2:29 & 34
Explanation: This passage is to show that the Messianic prophecy of Psalms 110, was referring to Yeshua and not to David. Yeshua was raised from the dead, resurrected, ascended and is seated at the right had of the Father. David was not resurrected, nor did he ascend with a resurrected body into heaven, nor is he seated at the right hand of the father. We can see the graves of mortal men and they are filled with their bones, but their spirit and souls that departed their bodies are either in heaven or hell. There is no purgatory, nor is there sleep until a final punishment or a final reward. Look at Revelations 20:13 that shows you where the wicked dead will come from:
The Sea and Death (Nekros - dead corpses) - Both sea and the grave give up the bodies of the wicked in them
Hell Gives up the dead - These are the souls and spirits of the wicked dead.
The corpse and the spirit/soul are united together as one and now facing judgment for their ultimate damnation in the Lake of fire.
Death is real, hell is real, heaven is real and eternal punishment is real. -- Look at Revelation 20:10 "The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever." Even after a 1,000 years we can see the false prophet and the beast are still suffering torment in the Lake of Fire. This is one more thing the soul-sleepers get wrong when they teach those in the Lake of Fire will be completely burned up and never exist. If it's true what they say, then why would it take a 1,000 years for the beast and false prophet (humans) to be burned to nothing?
The simple answer is that the soul sleep doctrines has it wrong in all areas. Their doctrine began from false teachings and false teachers and this false teaching continues to be perpetuated by many groups who lack understanding about the scriptures. Our warning to you is to stay away from this teaching or anyone who teaches it.