What happens when we die, what is the final destiny of the wicked, and when will believers be gathered to Christ?

In this teaching, we examine death, judgment, and eschatology as parts of one connected biblical story, including the intermediate state, resurrection, final punishment, Christ’s return, and the gathering of the elect.

We begin by asking whether the dead remain conscious or experience what is commonly called soul sleep. The biblical descriptions of Sheol, Samuel’s appearance to Saul, the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus’ promise to the thief on the cross, Paul’s desire to depart and be with Christ, and the martyrs in Revelation all contribute to the discussion.

The central argument is that the dead remain conscious while awaiting resurrection. However, the intermediate state is not humanity’s final destination. The Christ ...