Yeah, I definitely agree there is a difference in what happens after we die now than what happened before Jesus died on the cross. One thing you brought up that I hadn't really thought about is; are you saying soul sleep exists for the unsaved but those that are saved are conscious? To be clear on some of my thoughts is that when believers die they are conscious and do not have a "body". We get our glorified "physical" body at the final resurrection. But before the resurrection we are present with the Lord and conscious. That said, I hadn't really thought deeply about the inverse experience of unbelievers. Aside from the parable of "The Rich Man and Lazarus" Luke 16:19-31 I don't think this is an exact description, rather making a deeper point. But I think it makes me think of the damned still being conscious as well. *What do you think of that parable? Not to bring up another point, but I think it bleeds into what the final judgement will "feel" like when Jesus judges our works and says "well done" or "depart from me". Based on what we are talking about where you are either in a place of comfort or not. It's like you will at least know your final outcome before you are actually judged? See this other discussion. [Judgement for the Saved vs Unsaved](https://www.belieftrack.com/discussion/thread/cmc2ojc2h0001l5046txu5m34)

AfterlifeTier 4UnsureStarted by Connor Swanson - May 10, 2026 - 3 comments

Dunno what soul sleep is

Discussing:

“Soul sleep occurs between death and resurrection.”

Thread starter's perspective:

Just no clue

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3 comments

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Scripture 100% supports the idea of soul sleep.... with one stipulation: this was before the crucifixion. As we've seen with the criminal on the cross next to Jesus, he was to be in paradise (not Sheol, the place of the dead) this very day. The letter to the Ephesians seems to support this: "Therefore it says, 'When He ascended on high, He led captive the captives, And He gave gifts to people.'" (Ephesians 4:8) What this seems to argue three things have already happened: 1) He has ascended on high ✔️ 2) The captives were led captive (theologians often argue this to be the Harrowing of Hell) 3) He gave gifts to people (this is seen in scripture with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, whom gives the to the believers) ✔️ And we know that the believing dead go to be with the Lord upon their deaths (2 Corinthians 5:8), whereas the unbelieving death will all be raised on judgment day (Revelation 20:5), meaning the latter group is still in "soul sleep". If any of you disagree, I'd love to hear your take (with supporting scripture, of course). Shalom!

May 11, 2026