What Happens After Death Part 1
Continued from page 2
The one they were to fear was God. Why? Because he alone could destroy both the body and soul in hellfire. Yes, you're advised by Jesus to fear hellfire and come to Christ for salvation. That's why Jesus says to you, 'What shall profit a man if he gains the whole world and lose his own soul.'
Some have argued about the word for soul and translated it as 'life'. The Greek word for soul here is psyche. It is the same word that Jesus uses to distinguish it from the body. So it must mean the soul.
Therefore it means that if you are not saved your body can die, but your soul lives on to be judged and lost for eternity if you have not accepted salvation. No wonder Jesus wants you to fear. Fear God who can destroy your soul in hellfire, he said.
But for the believer, when his body dies, his soul goes to be with Christ, which brings wonderful happiness, as St Paul says, 'I have a desire to depart, and to be with Christ which is far, far better.'
Paul repeats that word 'far'. It's a pity the translator didn't do so. Paul was emphasising the wonder of being with Jesus his beloved Saviour.
First published in Miracles & Angels, Dr E K Victor
Pearce. ![]()

Dr Victor Pearce became an honours graduate of London University in anthropology, through University College, and specialised at Oxford in prehistoric archaeology. He travelled to archaeological digs and conducted research around the Mediterranean including Turkey and the Levant and also in the USA. He read theology at the London College of Divinity; is a Prebendary of Lichfield Cathedral; was Rector of one of the largest Anglican parishes in England; has had 25 curates, built two churches and several halls (one by voluntary labour). He was a member of the Diocesan Synod; was chairman of an ad hoc committee of the Education Council for a new religious syllabus and a visiting lecturer in two Bible colleges.
