October 3-7 | Starting at $500Promise Harbor Doctrine Library
A Scripture-First Study
or
Promise Harbor Doctrine Library
KJV • Word Studies • Historical Context • Cross References
Introduction
Few questions have stirred the hearts of believers more than these:
What happens the moment we die?
Do Christians immediately enter the presence of the Lord, or do they sleep until the resurrection?
What did Jesus mean when He promised the thief, "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise"?
What is Abraham's Bosom, and is it the same as Heaven?
Why does Scripture describe death as "sleep" if believers are alive with Christ?
When will the dead in Christ rise?
What is the difference between Hell, Hades, and the Lake of Fire?
What events surround Christ's return, the resurrection, the rapture, the judgments, and the creation of the New Heaven and New Earth?
For nearly two thousand years, faithful Christians have wrestled with these questions. While believers have sometimes reached different conclusions concerning the order of end-time events, the Bible speaks with remarkable clarity regarding many foundational truths. This study seeks to carefully distinguish between what Scripture plainly teaches, what may reasonably be inferred, and those areas where sincere students of God's Word have respectfully differed.
Throughout this study, our goal is not to defend a denomination, promote a particular theological system, or persuade readers toward a predetermined conclusion. Instead, we desire to let the Scriptures speak for themselves. Every chapter begins with the biblical text, examined within its immediate context, compared with related passages throughout Scripture, and illuminated through careful study of the original Hebrew and Greek where appropriate.
Whenever possible, we will allow the Bible to interpret the Bible.
In addition to Scripture itself, this study includes historical background, word studies, cross references, diagrams, timelines, and summaries of major Christian interpretations throughout church history. These are provided not to replace personal Bible study, but to assist it, encouraging every reader to search the Scriptures with humility, diligence, and prayer.
Like the noble Bereans of Acts 17:11, we encourage every conclusion presented here to be tested against God's Word.
At the conclusion of each chapter, you will find three important summaries:
Clearly Taught by Scripture — truths plainly revealed in God's Word.
Strong Biblical Inferences — conclusions that arise naturally from the biblical evidence but are not stated explicitly.
Where Faithful Christians Disagree — doctrines that have been interpreted differently by sincere believers while maintaining reverence for the authority of Scripture.
Death is not the end of God's story for His people. The resurrection of Jesus Christ transformed the believer's understanding of death from a final defeat into a temporary separation, filled with hope because of His victory over the grave.
As Jesus Himself declared:
"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:"
— John 11:25 (KJV)
May this study deepen your confidence in God's promises, strengthen your hope in Christ, and encourage you to look forward to the glorious day when faith becomes sight.
Study Information
Primary Translation: King James Version (KJV)
Includes: Greek & Hebrew Word Studies
Cross References: Throughout Scripture
Historical Perspectives: Early Church through Modern Scholarship
Reading Time: Approximately 3–5 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Purpose: To examine what Scripture teaches about death, resurrection, judgment, and eternity by allowing the Bible to interpret itself.
Navigate directly to any chapter below, or read from beginning to end for the most complete understanding of Scripture's teaching on death, resurrection, and eternity.
Hello, World!
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
What Happens the Moment We Die?
Chapter 2
Do Christians Sleep Until the Resurrection?
Chapter 3
To Be Absent From the Body
Chapter 4
Paradise
Chapter 5
Abraham's Bosom
Chapter 6
Heaven Before the Resurrection
Chapter 7
The Resurrection Body
Chapter 8
The Dead in Christ Shall Rise
Chapter 9
The Judgment Seat of Christ
Chapter 10
The Great White Throne
Chapter 11
Hades, Hell, and Gehenna
Chapter 12
The Lake of Fire
Chapter 13
The Rapture
Chapter 14
The Tribulation
Chapter 15
The Second Coming
Chapter 16
The Millennium
Chapter 17
The New Heaven and New Earth
Chapter 18
Frequently Asked Questions
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Chapter 1
What happens the moment a believer dies?
This chapter examines the biblical evidence for what occurs immediately after death, comparing common beliefs with the testimony of Scripture.
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Does the Soul Sleep?
This chapter explores whether believers remain conscious after death or wait in an unconscious state until the resurrection.
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To Be Absent from the Body
This chapter examines Paul's statement that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, exploring what happens to believers immediately after death.
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Paradise
What is Paradise, and where is it? This chapter studies Jesus' promise to the thief on the cross and what Scripture reveals about the believer's immediate dwelling place after death.
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The Resurrection of the Dead
Death is not the end. This chapter explores God's promise that every believer will one day be raised in victory, just as Christ was raised from the dead.
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The Glorified Body
What will our resurrection bodies be like? This chapter examines the transformation God has promised and the eternal hope of a body free from sin, sickness, and death.
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The Judgments of God
Every person will one day stand before God. This chapter introduces the biblical judgments and explains how God's perfect justice and mercy are revealed in each one.
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The Judgment Seat of Christ
Believers will one day stand before Christ—not for condemnation, but for reward. This chapter examines the purpose of the Judgment Seat of Christ and the eternal value of faithful service.
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The Great White Throne Judgment
The Bible describes a final judgment where every unbeliever will stand before God. This chapter examines the Great White Throne and the seriousness of eternal accountability.
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Heaven
What does the Bible actually say about Heaven? This chapter explores the eternal home Christ has prepared for His people and the joy of living forever in God's presence.