Twisted Scripture 1 Timothy 6:16

The basic premise of the soul sleep theory, also known as conditional immortality, is derived from this verse among others (see Gn 2:17; 3:4,19,22; Ps 146:4; Ec 9:5; Ezk 18:20; Rm 6:23). Groups such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventists, The Way International, and a host of “sacred name” sects believe that when humans die, their bodies go into the grave and remain unconscious until resurrection day. The vast majority of Christians, however, believe that human consciousness survives death. Jesus exhorted, “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mt 10:28). The apostle Peter talked about laying aside his “tent,” that is, dying (2Pt 1:14), which seems to indicate that the personality survives death. Paul made a similar statement in 2 Corinthians 5:1. Paul also wrote of death as “a long[ing] to depart and be with Christ” (Php 1:23). The author of Hebrews wrote of “the spirits of righteous people made perfect” (Heb 12:23). And the martyred tribulation saints cry out, “Lord . . . how long until you judge . . . and avenge our blood?” (Rv 6:10), showing that they are alive when making this plea. Most importantly, Jesus spoke on the subject when he assured the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Lk 23:43). When referring to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Jesus concluded that, “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Mt 22:32).