Back to the Bible Podcast
Host: Larsen Plyler
Episode 112: Questions about the End
Date: June 22, 2025
Overview
In this episode, Larsen Plyler addresses pressing questions about the end times, drawing from a mix of scriptural references and practical considerations. The discussion focuses on what happens after death, cremation, the possibility of recognizing loved ones in heaven, and the emotional realities tied to salvation and loss. Throughout, Larsen underscores the importance of humility in the face of “secret things” God has not revealed, while encouraging listeners to remain loyal to the teachings that are clear in scripture.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Purpose and Attitude Toward Bible Study
- Emphasizes the only profitable way to study is with commitment to being shaped by scripture and loyal to Jesus (00:16).
- Stresses the joy found in correction, not for its own sake, but because it brings people closer to God—referencing parables in Luke 15 and Paul's message in 2 Corinthians 7 about godly sorrow leading to repentance.
“We find joy in the place that heaven finds joy. And that is when someone who is lost or who is astray is brought back to the Lord.”
—Larsen Plyler [02:10]
What Happens When We Die?
The Hadean Realm and Its Divisions
- References Apologetics Press’s chart “Where Do We Go When We Die?” to illustrate the general path of the saved and lost after death (05:32).
- Explains traditional terminology:
- Hades/Sheol as the general realm of the dead, not synonymous with hell.
- Divides Hades into Paradise (for the righteous) and Torment (for the wicked), noting the “great gulf fixed” between them (Luke 16, the rich man and Lazarus).
- Clarifies that even Jesus "went to Hades" (the realm of the dead) after death, not hell.
- The ultimate division occurs at the resurrection and final judgment, when souls move to heaven or hell eternally (10:27).
“Hades is not a place of judgment. It is simply the realm of the dead.”
—Larsen Plyler [08:21]
The Limits of Human Knowledge
Deuteronomy 29:29 – “The Secret Things”
- Cites Deuteronomy 29:29 to acknowledge mysteries God has not revealed to us:
- Some things remain “the secret things” belonging only to God, possibly because humans couldn’t grasp them.
- However, enough is revealed for us to know what God wants: “but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
- Encourages listeners to accept what is revealed and not demand answers where scripture is silent (12:40).
“There are things that we do not know that are secret because they belong to Yahweh. … But the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever.”
—Larsen Plyler [13:47]
Question 1: Is Cremation Permissible for Christians?
Burial vs. Cremation in Scripture
- Notes that the Bible neither forbids nor commands cremation; burial is simply the predominant biblical example (15:47).
- Ancient burial practices involved family tombs rather than modern cemeteries.
- Burning bodies was sometimes associated with judgment (Joshua 7:25) but not always.
- 1 Samuel 31:12: Shows King Saul’s body was burned out of respect after abuse by enemies, not as judgment.
- Genesis 3:19, Genesis 49, and Acts 13:36 all emphasize that all bodies return to dust, regardless of process.
- Asserts that respect for the body is valued, but God’s power at resurrection is not limited by the state of human remains.
“God, who had the ability to make us from dirt in the first place… it would be ludicrous to think that God could not or would not recompose all the parts in order to give us a resurrection body.”
—Larsen Plyler [21:30]
Question 2: Will We Know One Another in Heaven?
Scriptural Insights on Personal Identity Beyond Death
- Points to numerous biblical texts suggesting continued identity after death:
- Genesis 25:8: Abraham “gathered to his people” though not buried with them, implying reunion beyond the grave.
- 2 Samuel 12:23: David, after his child’s death, said, “I will go to him, but he will not return to me,” suggesting hope of rejoining the child.
- Matthew 17:3: Moses and Elijah’s recognizable appearance at the Transfiguration.
- Matthew 22: Jesus affirms the resurrection influences relationships, though there is no marriage in heaven.
- Concludes there is strong evidence for continuation of identity and recognition in the afterlife.
“He says, ‘I can’t bring him back again. I will go to him, but he will not return to me.’ Now, that’s a powerful statement there...”
—Larsen Plyler on David and his child, [24:43]
Question 3: What About Remembering Lost Loved Ones?
Will Heaven Be Heaven if Loved Ones Aren’t There?
- Acknowledges this is an emotionally charged issue.
- Affirms that heaven’s ultimate joy is being with God, but recognizes the pain people feel over the possible loss of loved ones.
- Suggests our understanding or emotional experience in heaven will align with God’s will and knowledge.
- Cites biblical promises: “no tears and no sorrow and no crying,” implying complete fulfillment (27:20).
- Encourages listeners not to make the hope of reunion with loved ones their chief motivation for heaven—being with the Lord is the highest good.
“The ultimate heaven is being with the Lord. But will heaven be heaven for me if my loved one doesn’t make it? … Will heaven be heaven for God even though people are lost? However he does it—maybe we’ll see like he does.”
—Larsen Plyler [27:02]
Memorable Quotes
-
“It seems to presume, though, that we love them more than God does. And that ain’t right.”
—Larsen Plyler [27:38] -
“If there are those who make it to heaven who love me... and I don’t make it... I don’t believe they’ll miss me. But I’ll tell you this, I will have missed everything.”
—Larsen Plyler [28:02]
Key Timestamps
- 00:16 - 03:20: Purpose and philosophy of the podcast/study
- 05:32 - 10:54: What happens when we die: Heaven, Hell, Hades, “Where Do We Go When We Die?”
- 12:40 - 14:10: Deuteronomy 29:29 and acknowledging mysteries
- 15:47 - 22:54: Cremation, burial practices, biblical examples
- 22:54 - 26:50: Will we know one another in heaven?
- 26:50 - 28:50: The emotional reality of not being with loved ones; “Will heaven be heaven?”
- 28:50 - End: Final exhortation and sign-off
Conclusion
Larsen Plyler’s episode offers a compassionate and scripturally anchored exploration of enduring questions about death, resurrection, and the afterlife. He encourages humility about what cannot be known, confidence about what is revealed, and a focus on seeking relationship with God above all else. Listeners are left with both comfort and a call to examine their own lives in light of eternity.