The theory of an immortal soul, suffering forever in an ever-burning hell, contradicts the biblical teaching that in the new heaven and the new earth there will be “no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying” (Revelation 21:4, NKJV). If the theory of an eternal burning hell were true, then the “second death” would not eradicate sin … Continue reading –>
The Bible says that God “dwells in unapproachable light” (1 Timothy 6:16, NRSV), and that “no one has ever seen God” (John 1:18, 1 John 4:12, NRSV). Does it mean that the saints in heaven will never see God the Father? Not at all. It is quite evident that not seeing God refers to the human beings after … Continue reading –>
Some people speak of heaven itself as being God’s sanctuary. But the book of Revelation refers to a specific sanctuary/temple within the New Jerusalem, where God’s throne and the sea of glass are located (Revelation 4:2-6, Revelation 7:9-15, Revelation 15:5-8). There the great multitude of saints from all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues will worship God forever (Revelation 7:9-17). … Continue reading –>
For some followers of Greek philosophy, the idea that something is physical means that it is bad. That’s why for them it is unconceivable to think of a real heaven with real people in the future. In this thinking, for it to be heaven and to be good, it must be a purely spiritual state, … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:3, Revelation 21:22; 1 John 3:2-3; 1 Peter 1:22; Isaiah 25:8; Revelation 22:3-5. Memory Text: “Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful’” (Revelation 21:5, NKJV). Scripture gives us this hope: “But according to … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “Without a Wedding Garment,” Pages 307-319, in Christ’s Object Lessons; “Desolation of the Earth,” Pages 653-661; “The Controversy Ended,” Pages 662-673, in The Great Controversy. “In the day of final judgment, every lost soul will understand the nature of his own rejection of truth. The cross will be presented, and its real bearing will … Continue reading –>
God is leading human history toward its end-time climax. At the end of the millennium all the wicked dead are raised from their graves to receive their final punitive sentences (Revelation 20:5, Revelation 20:11-15). Then, when the whole judging process is completed and nothing else can be added to it, the wicked will acknowledge God’s justice. “With … Continue reading –>
During the Middle Ages there was a strong tendency to portray God as a severe, punitive Judge. Today the tendency is to describe Him as a loving, permissive Father who never punishes His children. Yet, love without justice will turn into chaos and lawlessness, and justice without love will become oppression and subjugation. God’s judging … Continue reading –>
The Bible tells us that at the Second Coming 1. both the living saints and the resurrected saints will “meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17); 2. all the saints will be taken to heaven to abide in the heavenly “dwelling places” that He Himself has prepared for them (John 14:1-3, NRSV); and 3. only at the end of the millennium … Continue reading –>
The concept of judgment before the return of Christ, or what we call a “pre-Advent” judgment, is found in many places in Scripture. Read Daniel 7:9-14; Matthew 22:1-14; Revelation 11:1, Revelation 11:18-19; and Revelation 14:6-7. How do these passages shed light on the notion of a pre-advent investigative judgment in the heavenly courtroom? What is the significance of such a … Continue reading –>
