[Cvengr]

Any person not separated from God is alive, hence not dead. However, we might want to recall the fate of Saul when he sought guidance from Samuel whose soul had separated from the body in the first death.

Why would this change after Christ's resurrection?

[RobbyS]

Well, for one thing,when Christ was transfigured, he is recorded as talking to Moses and Elijah. Traditionally it is said that Jesus descended into hell, that is, the place where the dead had been waiting and opened heaven to them.