What Happens to the Dead in Haiti?

With all of the death and destruction that we became aware of in Haiti, many individuals around the planet groaned in empathetic pain and began to think about the relative frailty of their own existence. Lives were extinguished quickly. Aspirations, property, and places were reduced to rubble and morbid installations of doom.

Makeshift memorials were erected quickly—even here in NYC's populous Haitian-American communities—sprouting up like tender buds in the spring. Glimmers of hope flickered with cursory activity, like the flames on the colorful candles placed curbside, wallside, in the rubble, and anywhere the believer thought best. The lives of the victims were celebrated and remembered in whatever crude or elaborate way possible.

The State of the Dead
This blanketing wave of destruction lead to confusion, fear, and uncertainty. What was one of the most uncertain issues? The state of the dead in Haiti.

What happens to the dead Haitians? Some were innocent of the occult practices that they were accused of, yet they were killed in the earthquakes. Some were involved in forms of wrongdoings, and were killed in the earthquakes. Some were Christians, some agnostics, some Muslims, some atheists, some involved in other [religions], and they were all killed in the earthquakes.

Some fear that the dead will rise again. Some insist that the dead "spirits" must be comforted. Some argue that the dead are in a transcendental world. While the questions are certain to come, there is no need for uncertainty. The Bible is both vocal and clear with answers on this matter.

In Ecclesiastes (a book in the Bible written by the second wisest man ever), the Bible says "…never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun…" What this powerful statement tells us is that the Haitian dead—as well as the tourists or anyone else who died in the tragedy there—are simply dead. They are doing nothing right now except decomposing. They do not roam the streets at night seeking solace. There is no need for libations to be poured out. No need to place offerings at their tomb.

The Bible also says "...For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten. Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished..."

Now that they are dead, what is the next step for the dead? The Bible says "…And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment…" Like all humans who have died, they will be judged [at the appointed time] to determine their fitness for eternal life in heaven. They are dead right now, awaiting judgment.

The Absolute Authority
We are fortunate enough to have the Bible as our absolute authority on all things relating to death. The Bible gives us documented proof that the dead are actually dead. This removes the fear and uncertainty that has enslaved billions of humans regarding loved ones, spells, and beliefs that the dead spirits will plot harm against the living.

Follow Up
What can we do right now, while we are alive? We can turn our lives around and allow Jesus Christ to be in control. This is a prime opportunity for us to secure our standing in Jesus so that our opportunity to make it to heaven becomes real. Jesus has allowed us time to do this before it is too late. Are you ready? Stop by our church. We can help you take the next steps.

God bless you, as you bless others.
Elder Scott Hampton