When the body dies, human consciousness still lives.

That was the conclusion drawn by Sir Roger Penrose, a highly respected English mathematical physicist, mathematician and philosopher of science, the Express reported.

Penrose said his theory is based on scientific evidence. He said he and his team have found evidence that protein-based mircotubules — a structural component of human cells — carry quantum information stored at a sub-atomic level," referring to human consciousness.

"If a person temporarily dies, this quantum information is released from the microtubules and into the universe. However, if they are resuscitated the quantum information is channelled back into the microtubules and that is what sparks a near death experience," Penrose explained.

The British scientist's theory jibes with the finding made by the renowned Max Planck Institute for Physics in Munich, which states that "the physical universe we live in is only our perception and once our physical bodies die, there is an infinite beyond."

Dr. Hans-Peter Durr, former head of the institute, explained further: "What we consider the here and now, this world, it is actually just the material level that is comprehensible. The beyond is an infinite reality that is much bigger."

However, these latest scientific findings are not really new since the Bible already spoke about man's immortal soul, according to Pastor Dan Delzell in an op-ed piece he wrote for The Christian Post.

The pastor of Wellspring "Lutheran" Church in Papillion, Nebraska cited at least three verses that refer to this:

● "Jesus said, '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." (Matthew 10:28)

● "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." (John 3:36)

● "Jesus also said, 'I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.'" (John 6:47)

Delzell said other scientists—many of them Christian—have also concluded that consciousness goes beyond the grave.

However, he warned that not all near-death experiences provide accurate description of what happens after death.

People will eventually experience much more than just a near-death experience. "We will literally cross over to the other side," Delzell said.

Realising this, he asked readers, "Are you prepared to meet your Creator and your Judge?"

"You would be wise to repent of your sins and trust Jesus to wash them away. That is, unless you are the only person on the planet who won't experience consciousness beyond the grave," Delzell said.