“BECAUSE HE LIVES, I CAN FACE TOMORROW”

 

Josiah was one of the greater kings of Judah who initiated reform and called the people back to God. Sadly, his reforms did not last for the people reverted back to evil after his death. While Josiah himself would not live to see Judah taken into captivity, his children, who did not follow the Lord as he did, would see the devastation. Jeremiah prophesied during the final days of Judah. One of Josiah’s sons, Jehoiakim, was so wicked that he cut up and burned the scroll on which God’s word was written (Jeremiah 36). Here is what was read from Jeremiah in a prophecy against him: “Therefore thus says the LORD concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah: They shall not lament for him, saying, ‘Ah, my brother!’ or ‘Ah, sister!’ They shall not lament for him, saying, ‘Ah, lord!’ or ‘Ah, his majesty!’ With the burial of a donkey he shall be buried, dragged and dumped beyond the gates of Jerusalem” (Jeremiah 22:18-19). 

This language meant that Jehoiakim would be buried without any mourning or second thought. That’s the tragic end of a wicked king. Yet that is basically the end of all people if there is no God. People may mourn for a time, but a few years down the road no one will know or care. Life is gone and no one will know the difference. Solomon declared that if there is no God, the fate of man is as the animals. He wrote, “For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 3:19). 

However, let’s contrast this with another death and burial. Jesus died by crucifixion, which was a particularly cruel and ugly death. To be crucified was to be cursed, a criminal, and a bane of society. A crucified man would be mocked and looked upon with horror, and Jesus was even dishonored by those who hung next to him. It was ugly, vicious, and humiliating. The cross was scandalous, being worse than the death of a beast. No wonder Jesus despised the shame (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus’ death was worse than the most wicked of the kings. If that were the end of the story, we would all be most pitiable. 

Jesus’ burial, however, was different. Jesus suffered the worst of deaths, but was then treated with respect and honor by those who buried Him. The women who followed Jesus cared for His body while Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy man, offered his tomb (Matthew 27:55-61). This fulfilled the prophecy: “And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death…” (Isaiah 53:9).  But even this was not the end, for the mourning was followed by great joy. As one writer notes, “In shame, ignominy, and powerlessness he died in suffering and agony and rose in power to become the risen temple of God, the living meeting place between God and his people” (D. A. Carson, Scandalous, 25).

While Jesus’ death was the worst shame imaginable and His burial treated with honor, what happened next is the reason any are, or can become Christians. His death alone does not suffice, nor does His burial provide the hope. “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14). There had to be more, and the preaching of the gospel entails the full message: “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures…” (1 Corinthians15:1-4). 

Jesus’ resurrection is the basis for our hope, knowing that the end of life on earth is not the end of life altogether. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

We have reason to live because He still lives. His death was indeed necessary for His blood to remit our sins, but His resurrection is the capstone of all that He came to accomplish, and through this we have our assurance for the eternal life He promised. As Paul explained, “and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Corinthians 5:15). Truly, because He lives, we can face tomorrow!

“WHEN THERE WAS BUT ONE…”

 Edward T. Hiscox, in his book, Standard Manual For Baptist Churches, says on page 22, under the heading of “Church Membership”:

“It is most likely that in the Apostolic age when there was but ‘one Lord, one faith, and one baptism’ AND NO DIFFERING DENOMINATIONS EXISTED, the baptism of a convert by that very act constituted him a member of the church, and at once endowed him with all the rights and privileges of full membership. In that sense, ‘baptism was the door into the church’.”

Just let that sink in...

Have you ever asked yourself, or considered WHY there is no longer JUST ONE CHURCH? HOW and WHY have, “differing denominations” come to exist?

The answer is found in the many “differing messages” being preached. The apostle Paul saw and condemned this in writing to the churches of Galatia (Galatians 1:1-2). He spoke of ‘ANOTHER GOSPEL’ that was being preached. “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9).

WHY was ‘another gospel’ preached by some? The apostle Paul said it was because of the desire to please men, rather than please God. “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10). In Galatians 6:12, we also find that those who preach ‘another gospel’ are afraid to suffer persecution for preaching “THE” gospel. So, they pervert Jesus’ message.

This is WHY there are now ‘DIFFERING’ DENOMINATIONS. ‘Differing’ denominations will continue as long as ‘DIFFERING’ gospels are preached. They will continue in existence as long as ‘THE’ gospel is perverted. The “churches of Galatia” in Galatians 1:2...were not ‘differing’ denominations of the church that Jesus built (Matthew 16:18). They were all local congregations of THE SAME KIND. They were ‘of Christ’, because the SAME GOSPEL was preached in all of them. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 4:17, “For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, AS I TEACH EVERY WHERE IN EVERY CHURCH.” What Paul taught in the churches of Galatia, he taught to the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).

Paul told Timothy to make sure that “no other doctrine” was taught (1 Timothy 1:3). Teach “NO DOCTRINE” OTHER THAN WHAT? In 1 Timothy 6:3, Paul said it was other than what, “...does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness...”.

When the message was changed, ‘differing’ churches arose. If the same message that was preached by the Lord's apostles will be preached, ‘differing’ churches will begin to cease, for people will be encouraged to become “ONE”. This is exactly what the Lord wanted and prayed for in John 17:20-21. Let us all pray for, and labor to return the religious climate to what Mr. Hiscox acknowledged once existed: “THERE WAS BUT ONE CHURCH...”.

5/19/23

“OUR GOD, HE IS ALIVE”

“Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand, by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the foundation of salvation. Paul wrote, “… if Christ hath not been raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also that are fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable.” (1 Corinthians 15:17-19). Our hope is hope-less without a risen Christ. Truly, “Our God, He is alive!”

The resurrection was purposed in eternity. Peter affirmed thru inspiration of the Holy Spirit that it was impossible for Jesus to be held in death’s power (Acts 2:24). The ‘impossibility’ was due to the fact that God purposed it from eternity and God does not lie (Hebrews 6:17-18). Paul likewise preached that God, “…saved us, and called us with a holy calling…according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal…” (2 Timothy 1:9-10).

The many eye-witnesses who witnessed Jesus’ resurrection also testified that the resurrection was God’s own doing in accordance with the promise of eternal life from eternity (Titus 1:1-2; cf. Acts 3:15; 4:10; 5:20; 10:40). The ‘holy and sure blessings of David’ foreordained by God thru Christ exist because of the resurrection (Acts 13:34). Reconciliation and salvation were purposed from God thru Christ (Romans 5:10).  Jesus had to die in order for us to be reconciled to God. Yet, if God did not raise Him, there would be no victory over Satan. God had purposed for Satan’s head to be bruised (Genesis 3:15). In Christ’s resurrection Satan’s power over death was destroyed (Hebrews 2:14-15).

It is clear that Jesus’ resurrection was as necessary for our salvation as His death was. The apostle Paul: “…but he whom God raised up saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore, brethren, that through this man is proclaimed unto you remission of sins: and by him every one that believeth is justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:37-39). “For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.” (Romans 14:9). Christians remind one another of the spiritual blessings of Jesus’ death and resurrection in singing: “I serve a risen Savior”; “because He lives, I can face tomorrow”; “up from the grave He arose…and He lives forever, death He overcame…”. 

But what about Jesus’ burial? It also has significance. Remember Paul wrote, AND THAT HE WAS BURIED…” (1 Corinthians 15:4a). Paul explains later in this chapter: “that which thou thyself sowest is not quickened except it die: and that which thou sowest, thou sowest NOT THE BODY THAT SHALL BE...” (1 Corinthians 15:36-37a). From nature we learn that something doesn’t grow unless it dies; we don’t bury what is alive, only what is dead. Paul used this physical illustration to explain the resurrection: “It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44a). The body that will be raised, is not the body that was sown.

There is significance in the burial of Jesus. He was buried out of necessity. The manner of Jesus’ burial helps us to understand the process of conversion. This is seen from Romans 6:2-6. In conversion, we must cease continuing in sin; i.e., we must die to it. Jesus died FOR our sins; we are to die TO our sins (1 Peter 2:24). This dying to our sins is in repentance. The old man of sin is crucified in repentance. Having died for sin, Jesus was buried. In our conversion, having died to sin, we are to be buried in the likeness of Jesus’ death. This is the purpose for immersion in water. The old man is then buried, not the new man (see 1 Corinthians15:36-37a above). 

Jesus taught, “Except a grain of wheat fall into the earth and die, it abideth by itself alone; but if it die, it beareth much fruit.” (John 12:24). Seed must ‘fall into the earth’; i.e., buried in order to bear fruit. This is why Jesus’ burial was necessary.

Our God, He is alive! Because He lives we have a new reason to live. Paul stated it this way: “He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” (2 Corinthians 5:15).

"Light Switching Betrayal!"

When Pilate was minded to release Jesus, the Jews said, “His blood be upon us” (Matthew 27.25). Yet, after Jesus had been crucified, and the apostles began teaching that he had been raised from the dead, the Jews were outraged, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us” (Acts 5.28).

Strange that they would accuse the apostles of intending to do the very thing that they had demanded earlier. Such behavior is in line with the wicked, for they contradict, lie, and falsely accuse, when their wicked intentions and deeds are exposed by the light (i.e., truth; John 3.19). Truly, their speech betrayed them! 

“IDOLATRY AND SALVATION”

"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because thou hast rejected the word of Jehovah, he hath also rejected thee from being king." (1 Samuel 15:23).

Idolatry is not something that the animal kingdom is capable of practicing. Idolatry is only capable of those made in God’s image, for it is worship. Yet idolatry must not be viewed only as worship to an inanimate being for the Bible clearly identifies it as more. We see this from one of the well-known stories about king Saul of Israel (1 Samuel 15). It is clear after reading this account that idolatry is an act of sin for it is disobedience to the will of God.

The circumstances leading up to king Saul’s idolatry are seen from two accounts: Exodus 17:8-16 and Deuteronomy 25:17-19. God had given clear commands regarding the punishment of the Amalekites. Yet when the time came to obey this command, idolatry was committed. From 1 Samuel 15:22-23 we read, “Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because thou hast rejected the word of Jehovah, he hath also rejected thee from being king.”

All idolatry is like Samuel stated; a manifestation of rebellion and stubbornness to the will of God’s authority (as well as those delegated  authorities) here on earth. For example, parents have authority delegated to them from God. A disobedient child is one who is stubborn. As such, it is idolatrous behavior. Stubbornness is disobedience. Moses, in describing a stubborn and rebellious son, called it evil and gave command for the evil to be removed from their midst (Deuteronomy 21:18, 20). The idolatry of the Israelites was described as “their stubborn way” (Judges 2:19). When at Kadesh-barnea, Israel rebelled twice (Deuteronomy 1:26, 43). In disobedience, they refused to go spy out Canaan initially, only to presume to do so afterwards. In both instances they rebelled against God’s command.

Idolatry begins in the heart. Asaph wrote that the first generation of the nation of Israel was “a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not prepare its heart, and whose spirit was not faithful to God” (Psalm 78:8). The harlot woman of Proverbs 7:11 is described as being ‘willful’. This term refers to her stubbornness and rebellion. “She is clamorous and willful; her feet abide not in her house…”. Idolatry is a way of life for people who are SELF-WILLED. Whatever decisions they make in regard to how they live their life is not affected or ruled by any authority higher than themselves. The will of God does not factor into their decision. If God’s will coincidently agrees with their own will, it is just that…coincidence. However, God’s will is not superior or in any way a governing factor.

People who are stubborn and rebellious KNOWINGLY sin. When Abraham sojourned in Egypt, Pharaoh thought to take Sarah as his own, but when he knew she was Abraham’s wife, he didn’t (Genesis 12:14-20). He yielded to the authority of God. Later, when Abimelech, although a Philistine king, almost committed adultery with Sarah, God confronted him and Abimelech stated, “In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this” (Genesis 20:5). Abimelech also yielded to the authority of God. Later Abimelech faced the same situation with Rebekah, wife of Isaac. Again, Abimelech recognized the superior authority of God and commanded his people to refrain from having relations with her (Genesis 26:10). However, such is not the case with an idolatrous person. Idolatrous people are ‘bound and determined’ to do as they have purposed in their heart without regard to God’s will.

Seeking to establish our own authority is no different in principle from seeking to establish our own righteousness. In Romans 10:1-3 Paul stated that those who sought to establish their own righteousness were guilty of sin. This is what  idolatry is. It is usurping God’s rightful power for yourself. It is to proclaim that you are able to chart your own course in life. Man’s salvation is entirely dependent upon God’s authority.

“JUST AFTER DEATH, WHAT THEN?”

Many people speculate concerning what happens after physical death. The reality is that all such speculations are void of evidence. This is not to deny that there have been testimonials of “after-death” experiences, however, aside from the individual who personally had the experience, no evidence exists apart from their testimonials. Even then, those testimonials varied as to what was experienced. The medical profession can only pronounce someone as clinically dead, then alive at a later time. 

Interestingly though, in spite of the variations in claims of what was seen or heard, there are repeated references of things mentioned in the Bible. That being so, let us consider what the Bible does reveal about the state of humanity following physical death.

There is only one case of someone who died, arose, then reappeared on earth for a prolonged period of time. There were many who witnessed this reappearance, only to witness an ascension in the clouds of the same individual. Of course this is referring to Jesus. The record of His last day upon earth states, "...he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they were looking stedfastly into heaven as he went, behold two men stood by them in white apparel; who also said 'Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into  heaven'."  (Acts 1:9b-11).

Our concern in this article is what the Bible reveals of Jesus between the time of His death and His resurrection from the grave. This will prove most helpful in understanding what happens to all humanity at physical death. The Bible declares that for three days, his body lay in a tomb, then was resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 20). Afterward, He appeared upon the earth for some forty days (Acts 1:3). During one of these appearances Jesus stated to Mary “I have not yet ascended to the Father” (John 20:17). After this, Jesus did ascend to heaven (Acts 1:9). 

It is important to understand that the resurrection and the ascension are not the same thing. It is equally important to understand which of these two events occur first. Jesus said to Mary that, He had not yet ascended. Wherever His spirit was, it had not went to where the Father was. So where did Jesus' spirit go after it left His body? Let us focus upon these three days that His body was in a tomb. Whatever the status was of Jesus' spirit, would this not also be true of all humanity? If not, why not? What is the status of their spirits? 

At physical death, do their spirits go where Jesus NOW is following His ascension (with the Father)? Or do their spirits go where Jesus’ spirit went prior to His resurrection? Again, the resurrection and the ascension are not the same thing. Jesus, in discussing the resurrection with the Sadducees, indicated that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, although physically dead, were alive (Mark 12:26-27). We are told that they are no longer in the flesh, yet they haven't been raised. Are we to believe that they are already in heaven prior to being raised? What of those whom Jesus raised during His earthly ministry (Matthew 11:5)? Did Jesus have them re-descend from heaven; re-live on earth; re-die physically; and re-ascend to heaven? Why do this with only a very few, rather than have it be the norm for humanity? Do you see the absurdity? What does the inspired record reveal?

In answer to this, let us read what was said of those saints who were resurrected at the same time Jesus was resurrected. Of them we read,“…and coming forth out of the tombs after his resurrection they entered into the holy city and appeared unto many.” (Matthew 27:53). They did not descend from heaven when they entered the holy city, but came forth "out of the tombs". What is meant by "the tombs"? The answer is found in the three words that are translated 'hell' in the Bible.

The term ‘hell’—David stated in Psalm 16:10, “…thou wilt not leave my soul in hell...”.  The word translated ‘hell’ here in the Hebrew is ‘sheol’.  This is referring to the abode of the dead.  It is elsewhere translated as the grave (31x) and the pit (3x). When Jacob thought his son Joseph was dead, he stated in Genesis 37:25, “…I will go down into the grave unto my son...”  Jacob was referring to the abode of the dead. The death of Korah and his company was described as going down, “alive into the pit” (Numbers 16:33).  The terms ‘PIT’, ‘GRAVE’, and ‘HELL’ (sheol) all refer to the abode of the dead. The ‘abode of the dead’ is also seen from 1 Samuel 28. King Saul had a medium bring up Samuel (who had earlier died—v. 1) ‘from the earth’ (vv. 13, 15). In v. 19, Samuel told Saul that his death was to occur the following day, stating, “tomorrow you and your sons will be with me”. Samuel had come from the abode of the dead. Samuel was alive, but not physically. This passage in Psalm 16:10 is quoted in the N. T., by the apostle Peter. He said that this passage in Psalm 16:10 was referring to Jesus. Jesus’ soul was not LEFT in hell (Acts 2:27, 31). But following physical death, Jesus’ soul went there for three days. The souls of Samuel, King Saul and his sons, the rich man, Lazarus, Abraham, one of the thieves, those whom Jesus raised during His earthly ministry, and many saints also went here. This word ‘hades’ in Acts 2:31 is the equivalent of the O. T. Hebrew word ‘sheol’.

In Luke 16:23 we find more information about this 'abode of the dead' called ‘sheol’ (O.T.) or ‘hades’ (N. T.). After the rich man died, it says, “And in hell (hades) he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom”. Both the rich man and Lazarus were in this ‘abode of the dead’.  A righteous person and an evil person. However, it is clear that they were separated from one another in this realm by a “great gulf”. Lazarus was said to be in “Abraham’s bosom” while the rich man was in “torments”. Remember the Lord stated to one thief, “…today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”  Were Jesus and this thief with the rich man (in torments), or with Lazarus, Abraham, and many saints? This term ‘paradise’ corresponds to 'Abraham’s bosom' where Lazarus was said to be comforted. All of them were in ‘hades’; i.e., the abode of the dead. Only Jesus did not remain there, for He was resurrected on the third day. 

Jesus has SINCE ascended to Heaven where He is now reigning (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:20-25). Has anyone else ascended to this realm? All will undergo a resurrection at Judgment (John 5:28-29), but that day has not yet come, for Jesus has not yet returned "in the clouds".  In His resurrection, He became the firstborn of many brethren (Romans 8:29). This is the hope for all who will conform their life to Jesus’ teachings. They will be with Him forever after the Judgment, but not prior. Currently their spirits are where Jesus’ spirit went at death.

Why does this matter?  Because to teach that one goes directly to heaven at physical death distorts what the Bible reveals about the Day of Judgment.  Consider…would it not stand to reason that if a saved person goes immediately to heaven at physical death; then a lost person would go immediately to hell at physical death?  If that is the case, what need is there for a Judgment?

The Judgment—Solomon declared that God would "bring every deed into judgement, with every secret thing, whether good or evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:14). The apostle Paul spoke of a day, "when according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of man through Christ Jesus" (Romans 2:16). Jesus declared, "on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak" (Matthew 12:36). It was this day that Jesus spoke of as "an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment" (John 5:28-29). Both good and evil people are "in the tombs" prior to the Judgment Day. They will be resurrected on the same day. This supports what Luke 16 teaches. It is this time of which the apostle Paul described as follows: "For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18). "Being with the Lord...always" does not occur until AFTER the resurrection on Judgment Day according to the scriptures!

GEHENNA—Jesus spoke of a 'hell of fire' that is different from 'hades'. In Matthew 5:22, 29 this hell is 'gehenna'. It is the eternal abode for the wicked after the sentencing of condemnation on Judgment Day. Notice:

~ "every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire." (Matthew 5:22)

~ "And if thy right eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell." (Matthew 5:29)

The events on the Judgment day were graphically depicted by the words of Jesus as follows: "But when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all the nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats; and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left" (Matthew 25:31-33). To those on 'the left', these words will be spoken, "Depart from me, ye cursed into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels...and these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life." (Matthew 25:41, 46).

This 'hell' (gehenna) is eternal punishment. It is as everlasting as is the eternal life for the righteous. But neither of these are entered PRIOR to the Judgment day!

Disobedient Angels—There is one passage in which the word 'hell' is found that is neither 'hades' nor 'gehanna'. "For if God spared not angels when they sinned, but cast them down to hell, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment" (2 Peter 2:4). The word here for hell is 'tartarus'. Again we read of disobedient angels these words: "And angels that kept not their own principality, but left their proper habitation, he hath kept in everlasting bonds under darkness unto the judgment of the great day." (Jude 1:6). Notice that both passages speak of being 'reserved' or 'kept' until the "Judgment of the great day".

There were those in the first century who overthrew the faith of some by teaching that the resurrection had already occurred (cf. 2 Timothy 2:18). Paul stated that these who taught this, had "erred concerning the truth". There are many who still preach error concerning the resurrection. Don't be deceived. 

Those who have undergone physical death are awaiting the return of Jesus and will be judged at the same time as those who are alive at his coming (please re-read 2 Thessalonians 4:14-18). Let us place our faith and hope upon the word of God concerning what happens between physical death and the resurrection. Let us likewise prepare NOW for this great day in which we will face: "For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10). 

 

 

The ‘NEW COVENANT’— Written on the Heart

 

The prophet Jeremiah, speaking of a new covenant that Jehovah would make with the faithful remnants  from the houses of Israel  and Judah (His people) wrote these words by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:31-33).

The Hebrew writer quoted Jeremiah’s words (Hebrews 8:10-11; 10:16), as he addressed Christians (‘holy brethren’ – Hebrews 2:11; 3:1). What is the significance of God’s law being written upon the hearts of His people? Certainly, a proper understanding of the heart is the starting point. Jeremiah was not referring to the chest pump when he mentioned their ‘inward parts’. The meaning of inward parts is clarified by the Hebrew writer as being the mind. Notice both passages:

·         Hebrews 10:16 – “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds…”

·         Hebrews 8:10-11 – “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and on their heart also will I write them: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: and they shall not teach everyone his fellow citizen, and everyone his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord’, for all will know Me…”

The connection of the ‘mind’ with ‘knowing’ is evident. Jesus also made reference to this in John 6:45 when He said, “It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every one that hath heard from the Father, and hath learned, cometh unto me.” It is clear that an understanding of God’s laws is meant by the phrase, “written on the mind”.

Notice how that the concept of understanding resides in other texts:

·         1 Corinthians 14:25 – the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so, he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.

·         Ephesians 1:18 – I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

·         Philippians 2:13 – for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

·         Colossians 4:12 – Epaphras…always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

The “inward parts” and the “mind” correspond to the “heart”. So, the focus of the new covenant is that it be grasped with the mind and exhibited in the life lived.

The life we live, after our initial conversion, is proof as to whether the new covenant has reached our inner most depths (i.e., our heart). The life we live either approves or disproves whether we have understood God’s will as it relates to our own conversion. Our life proves (to others) whether Satan or Christ is our master. It is evidence as to whom we have submitted our will to. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 6:16,“Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves as servants unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (NOTE: this passage further proves that the heart is referring to the ‘will’).

Psalm 5:9; 49:11; and 64:6 all mention the ‘inward part’. This is referring to the place where intentions and purposes to be carried out are conceived. Hence, “as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7a). God’s purpose for the new covenant was that it reach beyond man’s external being, to his innermost being; the seat of his thought and desire. This may be summarized as follows: God purposed this new covenant to be understood in man’s mind. The purpose, the nature, and the terms of this covenant must be understood. This is how it differs from the first covenant. Notice how purpose of heart is demonstrated in the life of the individual from what Jesus said,“If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from myself.” (John 7:17).