The Immortality of Man
Man is more than physical but is also a spiritual being. Even though our physical body dies and decays, our spirit continues to live on forever. Death of the physical body occurs when the body and spirit are separated. "For the body without the spirit is dead" (James 2:26). The word death means separation. When people die physically there is a separation of body and spirit. "Then the dust will return to the earth as it was. And the spirit will return to God who gave it" (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
We have two appointments we will definitely keep, whether we want to or not. "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). These two appointments cannot be canceled. Death is not the end, but it is the beginning of eternity. Eternity is awaiting each of us and we must prepare for it. "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall all be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality" (1 Corinthians 15:52-53). Also Jesus says, "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear his voice and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation" (John 5:28-29). We will be held accountable for how we have lived here on the earth.
Atheists and humanists deny the existence of God, the spirit, and immortality of man. This view is responsible for the degenerate behavior among many people today. They take no responsibility for what they do and do not really care. If one thinks he came from nothing, then what difference does it make? If people are convinced that this life is all there is to their existence, they have no fear of doing whatever they see fit. Because of our immortality, Jesus says, "Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both body and soul in hell" (Matthew 10:28). The vast majority of people will end up in Hell (Matthew 7:13-14).
In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus teaches there is life after death, there is reward and punishment, and one is able to remember after death. Even though the body is separated from the spirit, the spirit continues to live, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:10). "And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life" (Matthew 25:46). We must be prepared for eternity, because those who are not prepared will be eternally lost in Hell.