We often hear that when someone dies, they go to a place of torment—hell. But I would like to know: will it be only the soul that is destroyed, or will the body also be involved? Answer The Bible is clear that the final judgment will involve both the body and the soul. John 5:28–29 (NIV):“Do not be amazed at condemned.” Revelation 20:12–13 (NIV):“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.” Those who died in Christ (the saints) will be given new, glorified bodies that will never perish or decay (see 1 Corinthians 15:42–54). But the wicked will stand before God in their natural, resurrected bodies—bodies that will then be judged and cast into the lake of fire, a place of eternal torment. This means that it is not only the soul that will suffer, but also the body. Jesus made this very clear when He said: Matthew 10:28 (NIV):“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Notice that—both the body and the soul will share in eternal judgment. What should we do with this knowledge? The most important question is: Have you believed in the Lord Jesus Christ?Salvation is available now. Turn to Him today and be saved, so that even if death comes, you will have the assurance of eternal life. Jesus asked: Mark 8:36 (NIV):“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Therefore, make the wise decision. Accept Christ as Lord and Savior today, and you will be safe for eternity. If you are ready to take this step, pray a prayer of repentance and invite Christ into your life. May the Lord bless you.