What does the Bible teach about our earthly relationships extending beyond the grave?
“LOVED ONES GONE ON TO GLORY”
Genesis 25:8-9 – “Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, and full of years, and was gathered to his people. Then his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, facing Mamre.”
From this passage, we learn:
Death is the cessation of breath/breathing.
Death precedes a “gathering” to people. In other words, death is distinguish from the “gathering.”
Death precedes a “gathering” to his people. That suggests there is some relationship that persists even after death. The phrase “gathered to his people” suggests a reunion with the forefathers.
Death precedes and is distinguished from burial. So, it does not refer to being buried in a family cemetery. In fact, some patriarchs are not buried with their families.
Death is not non-existence. It is not the cessation of life or existence. It is not extinction.
What this means is:
After death, people are still conscious.
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After death, people still retain at least some degree of their memory. In the story of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16, both Lazarus and the rich man kept their identities beyond death (as did Abraham). Plus, the rich man knew and remembered that his brothers were just as evil and self-centered as he was. Death had not destroyed his consciousness nor his memory nor his identity.
“HERE THEIR SEATS ARE EMPTY, THE CIRCLE – BROKEN”
Consider Matthew 22:23-33. Specifically, verse 30.
Jesus clearly teaches here:
There is no marriage in heaven. Marriage is designed for this earth, for several reasons – procreation, companionship, friendship. None of these will really exist in heaven. The challenges, trials, temptations in life for which we need companions and friends will no longer exist in heaven.
Abraham (who died in Genesis 25), Isaac (who died in Genesis 35), and Jacob (who died in Genesis 49) were still living and still retaining their identities when God spoke to Moses (Exodus 3).
The only relationship that will last beyond the grave is our relationship in Christ. It is the only relationship designed to extend from here and now into eternity. It is the only relationship that death does not sever.
So, if the circle of friendship is to remain unbroken, then that friendship needs to be joined together in Jesus Christ.
–Paul Holland
