Tuesday: The Immortality of the Soul
What do the following texts teach us about the “state of the dead”? What great protection can these texts give us against one of “the two great errors”? Eccles. 9:5-6; Eccles. 9:10; Ps. 115:17; Ps. 146:4; 1 Cor. 15:16-18; Dan. 12:2.
Image © Rolf Janssen Goodsalt.com
In recent decades much attention has been given to stories about people who have “died” — in that their hearts have stopped beating and they have stopped breathing — only to be revived and brought back to consciousness. In numerous cases, many of these people have told of incredible experiences of a conscious existence after they had supposedly “died”. Some talked about how they floated in the air and saw, from above, their own bodies below. Others reported floating out of their bodies and meeting a wonderful being filled with light and warmth and who espoused truths about kindness and love. Others recounted meeting and talking to dead relatives.
This phenomenon has become so common that it even has a scientific name, Near Death Experiences (NDEs). Though NDEs remain controversial, many Christians have used them as evidence for the immortality of the soul and the idea that, at death, the soul goes off to another realm of conscious existence.
But NDEs are, of course, another manifestation of one of “the two great errors”. As long as anyone believes that at death the soul goes on living in one form or another, that person is wide open to most occult or spiritualistic deceptions, deceptions that can easily promote the idea, either openly or by implication, that you don’t need Jesus. In fact, most of the people who had NDEs have said that the spiritual beings whom they met, or even their dead relatives, gave them comforting words about love, peace, and goodness but nothing about salvation in Christ, nothing about sin, and nothing about judgment to come — the most basic biblical views. One would think that, while supposedly getting a taste of the Christian afterlife, they should have gotten a taste of the most basic Christian teachings, as well. Yet, often what they’re told sounds much like New Age dogma, which could explain why many of these people come away less inclined toward Christianity than they were before having “died”.
| As Christians, why must we stick to the Word of God, even when our senses tell us something different? |
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The Immortality of the Soul
Deception began in the garden of Eden
God: You shall surely die
Satan: you shall not surely die
Are the dead really dead?
Saul asks, bring back Solomon to me.
Why?
Satan says, You are God. You cannot be destroyed.
Most of the religion at its core carry the immortality of the soul.
Matthew 10:28
And fear not them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear Him that is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[b] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
The God who says, I can destroy the body and soul is the same God who says, you are worth more than many sparrows.
Truth requires us to face the fact as they are.
Deception is refusing to believe the truth.
In Matthew 17:2 we read how Jesus was transfigured and Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus. If they appeared with Him after their death many years earlier, does that not prove that there is life after death? That God is able to destroy body and soul says nothing about whether He intends to destroy the soul. God has only one, single, infinite, eternally in the present tense thought in which He thinks His Name that He calls Himself, JESUS, everything He infinitely IS, and does, everything that happens in time and space all at once. He is eternally thinking "be created" and therefore he can never change His mind, His thought, and therefore he can never think, "be uncreated" It is impossible because it is a contradiction to the infinite perfection and infinitely perfect simplicity of God being an infinite spirit. How can anyone dispute the above? Thank you
Who were the two people that were seen with Jesus in the mount of transfiguration? Aren't these the only two prophets (besides Enoch) who were either taken to heaven without meeting death or being taken to heaven after their death. Do some research on these two bible characters, and you will see why these were the ones specifically mentioned and not Abraham or Isaac or Jacob who had equal or more repercussion in the Jewish culture.
The Bible disputes that - it says God will destroy - remove His life giving presence from - people who do not accept Him as God in many many places.
If you dispute that then you don't believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God.
Once we accept the bible as the inspired word of God, SHOULD we ALL pray for the graces needed to understand it the way God wants it understood? If we do not pray for those graces, if we try to understand the Bible by our own efforts and "brains" are we then implicitly implying that we can do some good without God's mercy and grace? Should we do that?
Can God contradict Himself? If two or more Bible portions appear to contradict each other, should we ask for the graces to understand them all in the way that God wants them all understood so God is not contradicting Himself?
Do you believe that God is infinitely good and powerful enough to create free will such that when anyone is given the truly infinite graces needed for God to be all in all (1Cor. 15:28) each free will freely chooses to conform their will to the infinite Divine will, just as all in heaven must do?
What are other possible understandings of the phrase "God will destroy"? How about "conquer"? What about Romans 9:18-19, "Consequently, he has mercy upon whom he wills,p and he hardens whom he wills.*
* You will say to me then, “Why (then) does he still find fault? For who can oppose his will?"
Eph. 1:11, " God accomplishes all things according to the intention of His will". If God is infinite love, Does God will to love all He has created? What is God's love other than He eternally wills good for everyone, wills them to be good, wills them to be holy, and does everything He can to help them choose to be holy by His infinite grace and their free will choice? We are blessed to have been given the grace to believe, and to will to conform our wills to God's Divine Will, with less than infinite graces.
Some, have traveled a very rocky road of serious sin, true repentance, failing again, repentance... When someone falls into deliberate, serious sin, is God's life in them withdrawn, and when they truly repent the way God wants them to repent, is God's life given back to them, again and again for some? Do you agree, God does not want any to perish, but come to true and final repentance?
Do you agree that "all things were created through Him and for Him" (Col 1:16)? Is it human thinking that God will destroy something He loves ? Is that thinking the kind of thinking the devil wants, that God will destroy someone God eternally loves?
Let's look at what the Bible says about Moses and Elijah. First, Elijah did not die, but was translated to heaven in a chariot of fire 2 Kings 2:11. Moses did die, but he was resurrected after a dispute between Michael and satan Jude 1:9.
Both Moses and Elijah encouraged Jesus just before he was to go through the great trial of false accusations, mock trials, and His death on the cross for all the sins of mankind. They represent those who will either die and be resurrected at the 2nd coming of Christ, or will be translated when he comes without seeing death.
Remember when Lazarus died, (see John 10) Jesus tells his disciples first that Lazarus is sleeping. Then he states clearly that Lazarus is dead, when the disciples think it means he will now get better. Martha and Jesus had a conversation too, about the resurrection. She expresses belief that Lazarus will be resurrected "At the last day". The miracle of resurrection occurs, but it is not in a glorifed body. Eventually Lazarus did die again, and "sleeps" waiting for the Last Day.
In Acts 2:29-36, Peter mentions that David is dead and buried and his seplucher is with us to this day, yet prophecies were made concerning what Christ would do as David's descendant in the future (Ps 16: 9,10)(2 Sam 7:29) about Christ's death and resurrection. Peter doesn't say that David is in heaven now. His emphasis is on Christ fulfilling the prophecies.
When you read 1 Thes 4: 13-18, Paul encourages the Christians to believe in the hope of the soon return of Christ, when those who sleep in Jesus will rise first, and those who are remain alive will also rise to meet the Lord in the air at his literal, physical, loud return (shout, Voice of archangel, Trumpet of God) at the second coming. This is why we are admonished to not sorrow as those who have no hope. We do hope in Jesus, who will soon return and end all death, sorrow, pain and crying.
Here is an exerpt from 1 Cor 15
12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
Be blessed today!
I have a very dear catholic friend who was working overseas. One time she sent me some money to give to the Catholic church as an offering for the soul of her dead husband because while in overseas, she can feel that the spirit of her husband is struggling. I said to her, your husband never again will have a part in anything that happens under the sun (Ecc 9:6) because dead knows nothing (Ecc9:5). I gave her money not to the Catholic church but to our church and prayed for her everyday and even asked the church to pray for her. The next time I met her she hugged me and very happy to say "I am now an Adventist". It's hard to believe knowing that even we were very good friends, she burnt the Desire of Ages and other books that I gave her which I was not happy, but still I could not hate her, knowing that Satan was just using her. But God is still in control.
This is a great testimony
Perhaps we ought to change our emphasis on the State of the Dead doctrine. In my experience, most of my unchurched friends believe that when we die, that is it. We simply cease to exist. And as a consequence of that belief, we can do whatever we like now and enjoy it because there is no consequence; nothing to look forward to.
The belief that there is no afterlife of any description, is a major factor driving a selfish self-gratification, hedonistic life now. The Gospel message that there is everlasting life to look forward to appears to these people as though it is something that denies them pleasure and gratification now. The notion that "now" is all we will ever have, so "live it up", is one of the biggest deceptions of the present time.
How do we battle this deception?
Maurice you are a great writer, I am not sure why you asked this question,based on my understanding from reading your post
One group does not know the gospel. Therefore they don't see the value in living that life. Pray for the Spirit's leading. As Martin has posted today this group must be reached through listening, speaking, helping in meeting their personnel need. The eyes must be opened to the truth.
Second, group, I used to be in this camp thinking what will I do in heaven flying around saying Holy all the time. As I grew in relationship with the Lord, now I know it's much More than that. I find pleasure in talking about him. A friend of mine called, we spoke two hours on the goodness of the Lord. Thirty years ago I would have laughed at such people. Experience him in your life. Then only we can see the entanglement this physical pleasure brings into our life. Every physical pleasure comes at a cost. Intimacy and pleasure, God provides will be without shame and guilt. Don't ask me what do I mean by that. All I know is
1 Corinthian 2:9
9 But as it is written:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Come and fall in love with him.
I can see your point Maurice, and yes, there is going to be a resurrection of those who sleep in the dust, both righteous and wicked, but until that day, the dead know nothing. Every soul will answer to God for their works, and workers of iniquity(as defined by the Word of God) will receive the wages of sin as this Word has described it. This is truth, and the Holy Spirit will provide the conviction if nothing is added to it or subtracted from it.
How does one battle any deception? As always, and as demonstrated by Jesus; with the Word of God. This is the only weapon(the sword) included in the whole armor of God(Eph 6:11-17), and thus our only means of battling all that is contrary to it's truth. Nothing more can be done beyond this with exception of living by faith ourselves. Living by faith will enable us to be kind, courteous and sympathetic, which will underscore the truth we share and lend a power that would otherwise be lacking. The meekness and lowliness of Christ gave great power and authority to His words, power which the learned men of His day were lacking, and it was obvious to all observers. If we do our part, the Holy Spirit can fulfill His part, and always does, no matter what we might perceive from others, and the day of reckoning will prove this.
It is my belief that the greater their effort to belittle the truth and the one who faithfully bears it, the deeper their conviction of it has been. None will escape the conviction because God so loves the world, and Jesus' death for sinners proves this.
Hi Maurice. Most people I talk to who don't believe in the God of heaven readily admit that life on this planet is the pits. Yes, there are moments of pleasure and happiness, but it's depressing to think that this world is "as good as things get."
When those who believe there is nothing after life on earth "live it up," they soon learn that what earth offers them is completely unsatisfying and very temporary. How sad that many people believe earth can satisfy their deepest needs.
One of the biggest deceptions I see is the belief that one can be moral without religion, when in fact all secular morality is ultimately selfish and self-centered.
Spark a need for Christ, need for God. Depict God as a God of love, mostly by our Christlike loving example. Taking our Now friends for an entomology or ornithology field trip in wild life areas, whether you live in Australia, North America or wherever. God’s creation goes a long way to teaching of God’s love. Talk up God every chance we get, by praise, gratification, honor, credit for Him who looks after our health, welfare, and well being. How do we keep off the Now attitude ourselves? That answer has many lists of advice that many of us have regurgitated in the past. Just stopping to smell the roses to learn or recapitulate God’s Love for some of us. Most of us need a refresh memory simular to the architecture of the CPU’s in our laptops and desktops we have so often become dependent on. Again a tight connection with Christ moment by moment is vital in getting us out of the now mentality. Keeping heaven on our mind is not such a bad idea if we are not so heavenly that we Last but not least stand firm for the Lord. Philippians 4:1.
Finishing the sentence. Ok to have heaven on our mind, end time avareness, puts the Lord in front of us. Psalms 16:7-8. Be careful we are not so heavenly, we become of no earthly value. That would only happen if become out of step with His will.
Hope every one had memorable Memorial Day.
I think the person who said that and the one that believe a person who is heavenly minded is no earthly good is very confused. Or the people he encountered were confused.
The whole purpose of a Christian is to be re-created into the image of God, to have the character of God and God's character is to love everyone, to help them and protect them.
It is true that if we have a character like God we will not be focused on making money or getting power if that is what the originator of that saying meant.
What is death?
1) sleep in the grave; Dan 12:1,2
2) come out of grave; John 5:28,29
3) David still in grave; Acts 2:34
4) reward at resurrection; Luke 14:14, Matt 16:27
5) Lazarus was sleeping; John 11:11-14
6) raised at resurrection; 1 Thess 4:13-18
7) crown on that day; 2 Tim 4:6-8
Maybe we should also emphasize that after death there is the judgement. Both teachings are important seeing that there are many persons who believe in both ideas
Amen, and that IN JESUS those who die now will be raised in THE FIRST RESURRECTION to then be with JESUS for eternity and therefore to come to him now so that they can have the assurance of that and not end up in the SECOND RESURRECTION that ends up with a SECOND DEATH destiny of ETERNAL DEATH forever.
We are to stick to a "it is written " because it is our only safeguard.
Esther Moran
I think we do have to talk more about this death state. Why shall we fear death, when death was conquered by Jesus at the cross? Why would we fear a state of knowing and doing nothing when we could awake and be with Jesus forever? We fear our failures! We fear not coming back to life. We fear we will not be judged right.
But our faith must be founded in Jesus alone. We must focus on His love and relationship. If we develop a close relationship with Him while we can, why would He deny us His company in eternity? Truly, if God is for us, who is going to be against us? Not even death!
In this world where every deception exists, the Word of God is a bright light to follow if we would find safety. As the Lamp for our feet and Light for our path, every step can be sure and we can successfully negotiate every obstacle that has others falling from the Path to everlasting life.
We cannot neglect this Word as that will bring sure destruction upon all who do. Satan is too powerful for man if man walks in darkness. But if we acknowledge God in all our ways, HE will direct our path.
The final paragraph of today's study is really an eye-opener! The NDE's is so Prevalent today that we must beware lest we too are caught off guard. I see Satan as one coward here. Take in mind the story of the witch of Endor remember that encounter? The Devil didn't like that encounter because whatever was conjured up told Saul about his bad deen and the open rebuke God had for Israel and her king. Therefore Satan will never let that experience of people having NDE's seeing a need for them to follow Christ. It's rather frightening tho of how many SDA who believe these lies that Satan regurgitates. Just last week I was talking to a brother in church (an Elderly gentleman) who tells me on a nightly basis he has to fight off the demon that is trying to kill him in his sleep.
We must stick to the word of The most high, because the truth is unchangeable, the creator's truth.
And it comes down to obeying God.
How can You explain Revelation 20:4 where Jonh saw the souls of them that were beheaded?
John is seeing them after the resurrection. They "had been" killed for their faith, but now, as Jesus promised, will "never die".
What about the parables on Lukes 16? Isnt that the parable in which Jesus Himself gave? It sayas that the souls after death were directly goes either to heaven or hell ?
Good question Trisnawati, Here is a commentary on the parable from https://williamdearnhardt.com/difficult-texts/
Does Luke 16:19-31 Teach us That we go straight to Heaven When we die?
Without a proper understanding of what the entire Bible says about death, it would be possible to get the idea from the above verse that when we die we go straight to heaven or straight to hell. When we study the Bible the way it suppose to be studied, “line upon line and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little” Isaiah 28:10, we understand that when we die we rest in our graves asleep, not knowing anything until Jesus returns and wakes us up. If we take the story of the rich man and Lazarus literally then we have a contradiction as to what happens when you die, as the rich man in the story dies and goes straight to hell. Here are some things to remember while reading this story to keep us from being confused.
Jesus tells this parable in the midst of other parables in Luke 15 and 16. Jesus is only using this story to make a point and was not meant to be taken literally. Jesus was telling this story to Jewish leaders and so He told it in a way to get their attention. For example, they were big believers in Abraham, so in the story Lazarus goes to Abraham’s bosom. Obviously, not only do we not go straight to heaven or hell when we die, we also do not go to Abraham but to Jesus. This is an obvious sign this story is not meant to be taken literally. The Rich man asks for water to be sprinkled on his tongue. Again if this was literal, what good would a few drops of water do? At the end of the story Jesus makes the point that if they did not believe already they would not believe though someone rose from the dead. Here Jesus makes the whole point of the story. Jesus picked the name Lazarus in His make believe story, to remind them that one named Lazarus did indeed rise from the dead and they still did not believe. And of course the real Lazarus who rose from the dead had no tales to tell from the grave as he had been dead and asleep the whole time.
It seems to me that if we try to interpret the parable as every detail teaching truth, then people do NOT go directly to heaven or hell. The saved go to Abraham's bosom, perhaps to later graduate into heaven. That appears to be a teaching that parallels purgatory. (I am not making this teaching up. It is understood by a significant number of Christians.)
This kind of interpretation results from a misunderstanding of parables, which are stories intended to teach a specific lesson. The stories may or may not be totally made up.
Matthew points out that Jesus taught mainly through the popular medium of parables when he wrote that "he did not say anything to them without using parables." Matt. 13: 34 Just previous to the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke, we find "the Parable of the Shrewd Manager" (NIV subtitle) which is not specifically introduced as "a parable" any more than the "Parable of the Great Banquet" (Lu. 14: 15 - 23). Thus, not being introduced as "a parable" is no conclusive evidence that a story is not a parable.
In this particular instance, Jesus used an old story originating in Egypt and well-known by his listeners. It was a case of using fiction to illustrate truth.
Now I ask you, What is the main point of the story that Jesus intended you to understand? Once you have that figured out, you can ignore everything else, because the other details are not important and are certainly not intended to teach a new doctrine. (Recall that Jesus referred to death as a sleep. See Matt 9:24, John 11:11-14)