The intermediate state refers to the condition of humans between death and the final resurrection. This period is also sometimes called the intermediate period or the intermediate realm. According to the Bible, after death, humans enter an intermediate state where they await the final resurrection and judgment. The nature and experience of this intermediate state is not completely clear from Scripture, and Christians have held various perspectives on it through the centuries.
Here are some key things the Bible reveals about the intermediate state:
Conscious existence after death
The Bible indicates conscious existence continues after death and before the final resurrection. When Jesus told the repentant thief on the cross “today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43), he implied ongoing conscious experience after physical death. Additionally, the story of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31) portrays the dead as conscious and interacting after death. The martyrs in Revelation also cry out to God from beyond the grave (Revelation 6:9-11). These passages point to an interim state between death and resurrection where human souls/spirits maintain conscious existence.
A state of rest and comfort for the righteous
The intermediate state seems to be a state of comfort and restful waiting for the righteous. As mentioned, Jesus told the repentant thief he would be with him in “paradise” after death (Luke 23:43). Paradises denotes a place of blessing and comfort. The martyrs in Revelation find rest while they await the final resurrection (Revelation 6:11, 14:13). Paul said “to be absent from the body” is to be “at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Though disembodied, these passages suggest the righteous dead transition into the Lord’s comforting presence.
Punishment for the unrighteous
The intermediate state also seems to involve punishment for the unrighteous. The rich man in Luke 16 cries out in agony from Hades, indicating suffering in the intermediate state. Other passages portray the unrighteous dead as “bound” and undergoing punishment while awaiting final judgment (2 Peter 2:4,9, Jude 1:6-7). Jesus warns of the danger of the “hell of fire” and being thrown into “hell” in the intermediate period before final judgment (Matthew 5:22,29-30, 10:28, 18:8-9). These passages point to an intermediate state that involves retributive punishment for the unrighteous dead before final judgment.
A state of limited blessing
While the intermediate state involves comfort for the righteous and punishment for the wicked, it seems to be a preliminary state of limited blessing. The martyrs in Revelation long for the day when God will ultimately vindicate them on earth (Revelation 6:10-11). Paul says “we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8), implying a limitation to being unembodied. Old Testament saints awaited Christ’s triumph before they could be made perfect (Hebrews 11:39-40). The intermediate state, though different for the righteous and wicked, is not the ultimate state of final resurrection and judgment.
Unclear on the nature of the intermediate state
The Bible says a fair amount about the intermediate state while leaving much unknown about its precise nature. Some key questions Scripture leaves unanswered include:
- What form does the human soul/spirit take? Is there an intermediate body?
- What is the location and geography of the intermediate state?
- What kind of activities occupy humans during this period?
- How does the intermediate state relate to time?
The nature of human existence during the intermediate period – the where, when, what, and how – is not clearly defined in the Bible. Scripture reveals existence continues in a preliminary blessed or punishing state while awaiting resurrection.
Major perspectives on the intermediate state
Given the limited biblical revelation, Christians have historically held several main perspectives on the intermediate state:
Purgatory – A state of purification
Roman Catholic theology developed the concept of purgatory as a place where sins are purged away through suffering before entering heaven. While purgatory attempts to explain the intermediate state, the theology behind it relies predominantly on extra-biblical traditions rather than direct biblical support.
Soul sleep – An unconscious middle period
Some groups like Seventh-day Adventists advocate soul sleep, arguing that after death humans enter an unconscious state of sleep or non-existence until the resurrection. However, as mentioned, Jesus’ promise to the thief of being together in paradise “today” (Luke 23:43) strongly counters this view.
Heaven or hell – The first stage of final destiny
Some traditions argue the intermediate state simply constitutes the beginning phases of the eternal heaven or hell that await human souls. But biblical passages like those above distinguish the intermediate state from the final, permanent destination of humans after resurrection.
Disembodied spirits awaiting resurrection
Many evangelical Protestants understand the intermediate state as a transitory period where human spirits without bodies consciously await final resurrection and judgment, as described above. This perspective best accounts for the various biblical passages related to the intermediate state.
Christ’s descent and victory over the intermediate state
A crucial biblical event related to the intermediate state is Christ’s descent between his death and resurrection. 1 Peter 3:18-20 and 4:6 speak of Jesus preaching to “imprisoned spirits” between his death and resurrection. Exactly what Christ did and accomplished during this descent is not specified. But it seems reasonable to conclude that he descended into the realm of the dead and proclaimed victory over death and God’s salvation in some measure.
By entering the intermediate state in death, yet being raised to eternal life, Christ defeated death and demonstrated power over the realm of the dead. Jesus said he holds “the keys of Death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18). His resurrection secured victory over death and the underworld for him and for all who are found in him (1 Corinthians 15:54-57, Hebrews 2:14-15).
The intermediate state in practical perspective
Reflecting on the intermediate state can encourage several positive perspectives for believers:
- Grieve with hope – Knowing our loved ones go to be with Christ gives hope.
- Assurance of justice – God punishes the wicked, even before final judgment.
- Longing for resurrection – We can eagerly await the full bodily redemption to come.
- Focus on eternity – The intermediate state reminds us this life is not all there is.
- Build hope in Christ – Christ defeated death and the realm of the dead for us.
The intermediate state is a relatively defined period in redemptive history, spanning from death until the final resurrection. The Bible reveals enough to show it involves different destinations and experiences for the righteous and the wicked. Most importantly, Scripture ties the intermediate state to the victory and supremacy of Christ. He alone holds the keys, and in him the dead find hope. Reflecting on the intermediate state should focus believers’ hope more firmly on their resurrected Savior who has defeated death forever.