There is life after death, just not life in death.
Ecclesiastes 9:5-10 shows us that there is no consciousness in death. When Jesus was on earth, he stated that his friend Lazarus had gone to sleep. Jesus’ disciples did not understand so Jesus made it plain that their friend Lazarus had died. – John 11:11-15. Lazarus was a friend of Jesus yet he did not “go to heaven” but was simply asleep in death, as Jesus said.
Jesus brought Lazarus back to life as an example of things to come. – John 11:4, 17-44! Notice how Martha told Jesus that she believed that he would rise on the “last day,” at John 11:24. Jesus even taught that the good would be resurrected (would rise) at the same time as the wicked, in John 5:28-29. Compare that with the prophesy in Daniel 12:1-2 where there is a resurrection of the righteous AND wicked when God’s kingdom begins ruling ON the earth as shown in Revelation 21:1-4. Yes, death is emptied. So there is the glory of God! The wicked are given the chance to change. God does not want to destroy them. He wants them to turn around – Ezekiel 33:11
Ecclesiastes 9:5-10 (NIV);
“5 For the living know that they will die,
but the dead know nothing;
they have no further reward,
and even their name is forgotten.
6 Their love, their hate
and their jealousy have long since vanished;
never again will they have a part
in anything that happens under the sun.
7 Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. 8 Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. 9 Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. 10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”
John 11:11-15 (CEB);
11 He continued, “Our friend Lazarus is sleeping, but I am going in order to wake him up.”
12 The disciples said, “Lord, if he’s sleeping, he will get well.” 13 They thought Jesus meant that Lazarus was in a deep sleep, but Jesus had spoken about Lazarus’ death.
14 Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died. 15 For your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there so that you can believe. Let’s go to him.”
Daniel 12:1-2 (RSV);
“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time; but at that time your people shall be delivered, every one whose name shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.