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The Catechism in Questions & Answers
- Introduction
- Contents
- 531. Is there a life after death?
- 532. What is death?
- 533. How else does the Bible understand “death”?
- 534. Who has power over death?
- 535. What is the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
- 536. Are there any references to life after death in Holy Scripture?
- 537. Where do human beings find themselves after physical death?
- 538. What do we mean when we talk about “the beyond”?
- 539. Is there a reincarnation of the dead?
- 540. Can we connect with the departed?
- 541. What is the condition of the souls in the beyond?
- 542. Who are the “dead in Christ”?
- 543. Can the condition of the souls in the beyond be changed?
- 544. How is it possible for souls in the beyond to change?
- 545. What statements does Holy Scripture make concerning help for the dead?
- 546. Can we help the departed attain salvation?
- 547. In what way do the departed receive salvation?
- 548. How and through whom is salvation imparted to the dead?
532. What is death?
There is a distinction between the physical death and the spiritual death of a human being. Physical death signifies the end of life on earth. When it occurs, soul and spirit leave the body. Spiritual death is the separation of a human being from God. It is the consequence of sin.
When the Bible speaks of the “second death” (cf. Revelation 20: 6; 21: 8), this refers to the separation from God that takes effect after the Last Judgement.
Last Judgement:
see Questions 579. et seq.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6: 23