This chapter explores the question of what happens to individuals when they die.

• Debate About Afterlife: The chapter starts by acknowledging the longstanding debate about what happens when people die, both within and outside of religious contexts.
• The Concept of the Soul: It discusses the concept of the soul as something that potentially lives apart from the physical body after death, assuming it to be immortal.
• Popular Beliefs About Heaven: Many Christians believe that when a person dies, their soul goes to heaven, and even some non-Christians share this belief.
• Biblical Passages Examined: The chapter examines various biblical passages to shed light on what happens when people die, including passages from the books of John, Daniel, and the Psalms.
• Letters from Paul: The chapter discusses passages from the letters of Paul, who is often cited as a source for the idea of an immediate afterlife in heaven.
• Consciousness After Death: The chapter presents several passages from the Bible that suggest there is no consciousness or awareness after death. It highlights verses where people who have died are described as being in a state of sleep or rest.
• Immortality of the Soul: The chapter questions the idea of the immortality of the soul and examines the argument that no part of a person remains conscious after death.

This chapter critically examines common arguments used to support the belief in an immortal soul or immediate heavenly existence after death. The seven main arguments examined are:

• Argument 1: Rachel, the wife of Jacob
  The chapter discusses the story of Rachel's death in Genesis 35:18, where her “soul was departing” as she died. The argument presented revolves around the interpretation of the term “soul” (nephesh in Hebrew).
• Argument 2: The thief on the cross
  The chapter examines Luke 23:43, where Jesus tells the thief on the cross, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” The argument here centers on the interpretation of “paradise” and suggests that it may not necessarily mean heaven as commonly believed.
• Argument 3: Paul's Letter to the Philippians
  In Philippians 1:21-23, Paul expresses his desire to depart and be with Christ, which some interpret as evidence that he believed in an immediate heavenly afterlife. The chapter examines this passage to determine if it does conclusively support the idea of immediate consciousness after death.
• Argument 4: Paul's Letter to the Corinthians
  The chapter discusses 2 Corinthians 5:1-9, where Paul speaks about the earthly tent and the heavenly dwelling. While some may interpret this passage as evidence of immediate heavenly existence after death, the chapter presents an alternative consideration.
• Argument 5: Lazarus and the Rich Man
  In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells the story of Lazarus, a poor beggar, and a rich man. Some argue that this account is a factual story rather than a parable, suggesting that it demonstrates the consciousness of the dead. However, several factors suggest that it is a parable.
• Argument 6: God of the Living
  In Mark 12:26-27, Jesus responds to the Sadducees' question about the resurrection by referring to God as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, implying that the souls of these patriarchs are still alive. But are they?
• Argument 7: Body and Soul Reunited (Ezekiel's Vision)
  The account in Ezekiel 37, known as the Valley of Dry Bones, describes a vision where dry bones come together and receive flesh and breath, coming back to life. The chapter examines what the vision illustrates.

This section contain eight chapters that uncover the Biblica teachings of everyday topics that are often misinterpreted.

• Fasting
• Baptism
• Why Jesus got baptized
• Do unto others
• Bearing fruit
• Is God alone good?
• The Parable of the Good Samaritan
• Traveling through Samaria