What does the Bible say about the dead?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that the dead are not beyond God’s rule: all people die, face judgment, and await the final resurrection, while salvation and hope are found only in Jesus Christ. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 and Psalm 115:17 describe death as the end of earthly activity and praise, warning the living to seek God now. Hebrews 9:27 declares that death is followed by judgment, and Luke 16:19-31 portrays a fixed distinction between the righteous and the wicked after death. Scripture forbids seeking the dead through mediums or spirits (Leviticus 19:31; 1 John 4:1). For believers, however, 1 Thessalonians 4:12-16 promises that those who die in Christ will rise when he returns.