POST 1 - FIVE MINUTES AFTER DEATH

by William W. Orr, A.B., M.A., Th.B., D.D.. Pastor and Teacher.

     Our interest centers on what happens immediately after death.

     Actually, we do not plan, at the present time, to deal with the indescribable glories of heaven, or even the frightful horrors of hell.  These will be subjects for discussion at another time.

     Our desire is to answer the question that is in many hearts:  What occurs when our eyes close on earth's scenes and when our ears cease to hear the sounds of this world?  When our lungs have expelled their last breath of air, where are we?

     Everyone has heard of the "valley of the shadow of death."  But where is this famous valley?  Does death introduce us to it?  How long is that valley and must we traverse it alone?  Will it be a fearful journey?  Tennyson wrote feelingly of "crossing the bar."  Is death like this?

     Is there a dark, icy river to cross?  We sing hymns about "meeting beyond the river."  Pagan mythology spoke of souls being ferried by Charon over the river Styx.  Is this kind of crossing on the program for one who has just died?  Why is there a river and how does one cross it?

     Does death simply lead into frightful groping after an unknown something?  Is there no one to guide us?  Are there no directions to tell us where to go?

     Some have taught that a period of unconsciousness follows death; that there is a long, long, sleep in the grave.  If this were true, the dead would know nothing until the soul's awakening.  Would this interval last for endless years?

     Millions have been taught that immediately after death one enters first into purgatory, a place of burning torment.  Though this is supposed to be a temporary experience on the road to eternal destiny, yet it is marked with intense remedial suffering.  In this place the soul is supposed to be tortured until all sins are removed completely.  Is this idea true.?

     Earnestly we shall inquire of the Holy Scriptures in regard to this most vital matter.  Surely we shall not be disappointed in the answer given there.  The Word of  God ever tells us the truths necessary to know in this life and that which is to come.  So we can be certain that it will supply the necessary information about the first five minutes after death.

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