What happens to the dead from day of death until Judgment Day?

Answer 1

Scripture isn't explicitly detailed in its description of the state between death and Judgment Day, but it does afford some insight; as much as is beneficial to know without exceeding our ability to comprehend.

One of the clearest glimpses of the "afterlife" is found in Luke 16. Jesus relates the story of a pampered, self-centered rich man and a greviously ill beggar named Lazarus, whose needs the rich man totally overlooked. After they both died, the rich man found himself "in hell...being in torments" (Luke 16:23), while Lazarus was being "comforted" (v.25) in "Abraham's bosom" (v.23). Many think of this story as only a parable whose meaning is merely metaphorical, but it is too literal - too unlike a parable - to be considered one (for instance, nothing in the story is presented as representing something else, which is the hallmark of a parable).

The primary points of the passage are these:

1. Earthly health and wealth have no bearing on the condition of the soul (v.25).

2. One's fate is sealed at death, after which there are no "second chances" (v.26).

3. One begins reaping the "rewards" of life as soon as they die. The wicked dead are tormented and the righteous are comforted - even prior to the final judgment (v.23).

4. God's word gives fair and ample warning of the punishment awaiting sinners (v.29).

5. There is no evidence of "limbo" or "purgatory" - concepts which are unknown in scripture. There is only a place of torment ("hell") and a place of comfort ("Abraham's bosom," which Jesus called "Paradise" in Luke 23:43).

Very little more is said on the subject, that hope and faith might abound.

Romans 8:24, 25 - For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. [NKJV]