Certain groups, such as Seventh-day Adventists and their offshoots like the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG), teach that souls enter a state of unconscious “sleep” after death until the final resurrection. This belief, known as soul sleep, claims that the dead are unaware, inactive, and unable to experience either comfort or torment until the Second Coming of Christ.

However, this teaching contradicts Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the consistent teachings of the Church Fathers. The Catholic Church affirms that the soul, being spiritual and immortal, remains alive, conscious, and aware after death. The righteous experience union with God, those needing purification undergo purgation, and the damned suffer separation from God.

Below is a detailed defense of this teaching, grounded in Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and reason.

1. Scriptural Evidence for Conscious Souls After Death

A. The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)

Jesus’ parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus demonstrates that souls are conscious and aware after death.

• Lazarus is carried to “Abraham’s bosom,” a place of comfort and peace.
• The rich man, in torment in Hades, lifts his eyes and speaks to Abraham, expressing regret and asking for relief and for his family to be warned.

“And in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me…’” (Luke 16:23-24)

The rich man and Abraham are both awake, speaking, and aware of their situations. If souls were asleep, this parable would make no sense.

B. Jesus’ Promise to the Good Thief (Luke 23:42-43)

At the Crucifixion, the good thief asks Jesus to remember him when He comes into His kingdom. Jesus replies:

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

• Jesus clearly states “today,” indicating immediacy. The thief’s soul would be with Christ that very day, not in an unconscious state.
• If the soul were asleep, Christ’s promise would have no meaning.

C. The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-3)

At the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appear alongside Jesus and speak with Him: