Theological Outlines • by • Francis J. Hall

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September 20, 2005

Ch. XXX. Q. 158. What is Death?

DEATH is a separation of soul and body1, resulting in (a.) a change in the state of the soul: (b.) a dissolution of the body: (c.) a final close of this world's experiences, and an entrance upon a new and transitional state.2

2. Death is the penalty of sin, and if man had not sinned he would not have died.3 This does not mean that man was naturally immortal before sin, but that the grace and sustenance with which he was then blessed supernaturally would have enabled him to live forever. Sin caused a withdrawal of these blessings4—not arbitrarily but inevitably. The death which resulted is a process which begins with man's birth. The fall has placed all in a dying state.5 This death has come upon all men6; although miraculous exceptions may occur for special ends7, and those who remain alive at Christ's second coming will be changed without bodily death.8

3. By reason of death the soul sleeps, resting from such activities as require the use of the body9, but not from such as are purely spiritual. It remains conscious, retains the memory and fruits of carnal experience10, and is capable, if penitent, of being purified and making progress both in the knowledge of spiritual things and in holiness.11 In short, to use the language of Spencerian biology, the soul ceases to correspond with its previous physical environment, but may correspond more completely with the environment of spiritual things.

4. The dissolution of the body, or separation of its material particles, is the inevitable result of the withdrawal of the soul; for the soul furnishes the vital principle by means of which the material particles are drawn together and retained in organic, living and active unity.12 We may not say, however, that the body is annihilated, for we are taught that this corruptible must put on incorruption.13 It rather ceases to correspond with its former environment and enters upon abnormal conditions which S. Paul illustrates by the figure of a seed dissolving in the earth but preserving a continuous existence until it puts on a risen life and glorious apparel.14

5. Death terminates the status viæ or time of probation, and begins the Intermediate State. From this there is no return15 since it merges into the status termini or everlasting state of life or death. We can take nothing with us when we die, except ourselves, our deeds and our experiences.16

6. Were it not for Christ's death there would be no Intermediate State, properly speaking but death would begin a status termini of everlasting death for all. Christ has shortened the state of death for those who respond to His grace, and has changed it into a remedial state, in which, as the Physician of souls, He cleanses and heals the sundered parts of our wounded nature and raises us to endless health and glory.17

Posted by Trevor at September 20, 2005 02:40 PM

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