As most of mainstream Christianity celebrates “All Saints’ Day” and “All Souls’ Day” late this year 2025, I thought it would be timely to review what the apostle Paul wrote to the brethren or saints in Philippi: “For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better [for Paul, this meant his sure reward of everlasting life]. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh [to be still physically alive] is needful for you [so he could see more ‘fruit from my labor,’ Verse 22].”
From this Scripture passage, mainstream Christians have believed and taught that, at death, our supposed “immortal soul” departs from our body, and goes to “be with Christ” [or the Lord], who is now in heaven. Thus, the common belief is that such dead Christians somehow can look down from their heavenly place and have some contact with their living loved ones here on earth.
What does the “whole counsel of God” [as Paul declared, in Acts 20:27] tell us about this matter?
Having been well-trained in the Old Testament teachings, Paul fully understood that it was his “spirit,” of which he wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:11, that – at death — would return to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:6-7)). And, as one assured of his salvation in Christ, Paul believed that his spirit would join the “general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven” – the assembly of “the spirits of just men made perfect” (|Hebrews 12:23). [See: “What Happens to Man After Death?” This explains that we human beings do not have an “immortal soul.” See also: “The Book of Life.” This explains that, at death, the spirits of those who are unjust or not yet saved or made perfect in Christ join a different “assembly” –also somewhere in heaven – to await their judgment at the end of the ages.]
Paul desired to “depart” from his fleshly body [to die] at that point in his ministry. But, because the brethren in the church in Corinth had a number of spiritual issues, which he addressed in both his letters to them, he felt it was more needful for him to remain alive so that he could continue to help them become fruitful in the Spirit of God. Paul would have taught them about the “fruit” of that Spirit, as he did with the brethren in Galatia (Galatians 5:22-26).
On “All Souls’ Day” Roman Catholics especially light candles at the graveside of their loved ones who they believe are in “purgatory” and offer prayers that these departed ones would eventually move from there to heaven. [See: “This Is Not the Only Day of Salvation.”]
How reassuring that indeed God is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9), and be saved!
Pedro R. Meléndez, Jr.
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