by William W. Orr, A.B., M.A., Th.B., D.D.. Pastor and Teacher.
We must not be too surprised to learn that Paul died twice. Others also have gone through death twice -- notiably Lazarus (John 11:4), the son of the widow of Nain (Luke &;15), and Jairus' little daughter (Mark 5:39-43).
After Paul had been taken prisoner in Jerusalem, he spetn two years in a prison in Casarea and finally was shipped to Rome. After a series of remakable adventures, he appear before Nero. During his first imprisonment in Rome he had many liberties. He was apparently released after about two years. Following this release, he visited his beloved churches once more and possibly went as far as Spain in his missionary travels. But with another wave of persecution againt the Christians, he was arrested again in Troas and taken to Rome.
In his second imprisonment Paul was detained in the Mamertine prison, a notorious dungeon. There he wrote to this dear son in the faith, Timothy, urging him to bring his cloak, his books and especially the parchments (II Tim. 4:13).
We have no record of Paul's second death. Tradition records that he was brought before Nero a second time, this time on the charge that he was a leader of the Christian sect. There he was condemned to death by beheading on the Ostian Way, as became a Roman citizen.
Since this was Paul's second experience with death, what was his philosophy? How did he view death? We are not left in doubt; for Paul describes his coming death as the pouring out of a drink offering, a libation presented in honor of winning a prize. Death to him was now a noteworthy occasion. Indeed, he had run the race with and had won. Now there was to be the divine acknowledgment of his victory (II Tim. 4:6-8).
Moreover, Paul had undergone this test before (Phil.1:20-23). The experience of dying to him was great gain. To depart meant to be with Christ, which was much better than anything earth ever offered. So the great apostle died. One moment he was on the Roman road; the next in the presence of the Lord in glory, where there was "fullness of joy."
We are interested in YOUR RESPONSE. Please use the COMMENT section at the end of EACH POST for your response and impressions. Was this post helpful to you? How?
THE FIRST 5 MINUTES AFTER DEATH-what really happens immediately after death?
Friday, December 31, 2010
POST 14 - The Death of Christ
by William W. Orr, A.B., M.A., Th.B., D.D.. Pastor and Teacher.
The death of Jesus Christ was different from all other deaths. This fact is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. While everyone else dies as a result of sin, there was no sin in Him and therefore no cause of death. But in the great redemptive plan of God, Christ became our Substitute, took our sin, and died for us. Consequently, while His death is different from ours, yet in a sense His death is ours as well. We died in Him (Gal. 2:20).
Our Lord was taken to Calvary and nailed to the cross about nine o'clock in the morning (Mark 15). There He hung for six hours, expiring at about three o'clock in the afternoon. During this time, seven sentences fell from his lips, telling us among other things, that He was in perfect control of His thoughts and His faculties and He knew what His future would be.
During this interval He prayed for His enemies; He commended His mother to the Apostle John's care; He dealt tenderly with the repentant thief; He knowingly fulfilled prophecy as He called for a drink; and at last, He committed His spirit into His Father's hands.
One can see easily that the death Christ was no ordinary one. He did not become progressively weaker as most victims of crucifizion did. The loss of blood did not gradually impair His spiritual strength nor affect His thinking. Rather, after He had fulfilled all that had been written of Him, He announced, "it is finished!" Then deliberately and conclusively, after He had cried with a loud voice, He bowed His head on His own breast and died. Truly it was a magnificent death. This was the death of the Son of God, and in a very real sense it was our death.
The reality of His death is indisputable. It was a real death accordining to all the evidence. The soldiers, trained in the art of recognizing death, testified that He was dead (John 19:33). To be doubly sure, one of them drew hs spear and pierced His heart. The Apostle John witnessed this act and wrote that with the spear thrust, there came forth blood and water -- a sure sign of death hastened by intense emotion.
Other, reliable men added to the testimony of Christ's death. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea received permission to remove the bruised body from the cross and to prepare it for burial. The centurion in charge of the whole vicious business also certified the death. The evidence confirms the fact that Christ actually died.
We should remember that the death of Christ had been foretold. Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 described the manner of His death. Also, Christ had repeatedley reminded His disciples of this forthcoming tragedy (Matt. 16:21; 17:22, 23; 20:17-19). Each time He referred to His death, He also mentioned the subsequent resurrection. On on occasion He likened His own death and burial and resurrection to the experience of Jonah during his three days in the belly of the great fish (Matt. 12:40).
We know exactly what happened to the body of Christ. He was taken down from the cross, wrapped in new linen cloths, with a hundred pounds of spices, according to the Jews' manner of burial. Joseph provided a tomb for the burial. A huge stone was rolled to the door to prevent molestation and the Roman seal affixed. Later a military guard was thrown around the tomb to forestall any attempt on the part of friends to remove the body (Matt. 27:62-66).
But, apart from His body, what happend to the Lord Himself? Evidently He immediately entered into the realm of hades or sheol, where the righteous dead resided before the advent of His resurrection (Luke 16:22). Psalm 16:10 makes this truth clear by the prophetic statement that the Holy One of Israel was not to be life in sheol. To be sure, Christ was to go there, but He was not to remain in that place.
A corresponding passage suggests that there was to be an evacuation of the inhabitant of the section occupied by the righteous. There were taken far above and into the home of God Himself (Eph. 4:8-10). In other words, when Christ returned to glory following His resrrection and His forty-day post-resurrection ministry, He took with Him all the righteous dead. So when Paul died, he was not taken to shel or hades, but directly to the third heaven or paradise, which since the Resurrection is in heaven (II Cor. 12:1-4).
Psalm 16:10 assures us that His body did not see corruption. The orderly processes of dissolution and disintegration which inevitably follow death were arrest in His body. Christ's body was destined for sudden transformation and changed after three days, into a glorified body.
We, too, are destined for glorious new bodies, fashioned like Christ's resurrected body. We shall have new and marvelous faculties and abilities. The capacity to appear and reappear, imperiousness to pain, and adaptability to the environment of heaven will be "fringe benefits" of our resurrection bodies.
We are interested in YOUR RESPONSE. Please use the COMMENT section at the end of EACH POST for your response and impressions. Was this post helpful to you? How?
The death of Jesus Christ was different from all other deaths. This fact is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. While everyone else dies as a result of sin, there was no sin in Him and therefore no cause of death. But in the great redemptive plan of God, Christ became our Substitute, took our sin, and died for us. Consequently, while His death is different from ours, yet in a sense His death is ours as well. We died in Him (Gal. 2:20).
Our Lord was taken to Calvary and nailed to the cross about nine o'clock in the morning (Mark 15). There He hung for six hours, expiring at about three o'clock in the afternoon. During this time, seven sentences fell from his lips, telling us among other things, that He was in perfect control of His thoughts and His faculties and He knew what His future would be.
During this interval He prayed for His enemies; He commended His mother to the Apostle John's care; He dealt tenderly with the repentant thief; He knowingly fulfilled prophecy as He called for a drink; and at last, He committed His spirit into His Father's hands.
One can see easily that the death Christ was no ordinary one. He did not become progressively weaker as most victims of crucifizion did. The loss of blood did not gradually impair His spiritual strength nor affect His thinking. Rather, after He had fulfilled all that had been written of Him, He announced, "it is finished!" Then deliberately and conclusively, after He had cried with a loud voice, He bowed His head on His own breast and died. Truly it was a magnificent death. This was the death of the Son of God, and in a very real sense it was our death.
The reality of His death is indisputable. It was a real death accordining to all the evidence. The soldiers, trained in the art of recognizing death, testified that He was dead (John 19:33). To be doubly sure, one of them drew hs spear and pierced His heart. The Apostle John witnessed this act and wrote that with the spear thrust, there came forth blood and water -- a sure sign of death hastened by intense emotion.
Other, reliable men added to the testimony of Christ's death. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea received permission to remove the bruised body from the cross and to prepare it for burial. The centurion in charge of the whole vicious business also certified the death. The evidence confirms the fact that Christ actually died.
We should remember that the death of Christ had been foretold. Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 described the manner of His death. Also, Christ had repeatedley reminded His disciples of this forthcoming tragedy (Matt. 16:21; 17:22, 23; 20:17-19). Each time He referred to His death, He also mentioned the subsequent resurrection. On on occasion He likened His own death and burial and resurrection to the experience of Jonah during his three days in the belly of the great fish (Matt. 12:40).
We know exactly what happened to the body of Christ. He was taken down from the cross, wrapped in new linen cloths, with a hundred pounds of spices, according to the Jews' manner of burial. Joseph provided a tomb for the burial. A huge stone was rolled to the door to prevent molestation and the Roman seal affixed. Later a military guard was thrown around the tomb to forestall any attempt on the part of friends to remove the body (Matt. 27:62-66).
But, apart from His body, what happend to the Lord Himself? Evidently He immediately entered into the realm of hades or sheol, where the righteous dead resided before the advent of His resurrection (Luke 16:22). Psalm 16:10 makes this truth clear by the prophetic statement that the Holy One of Israel was not to be life in sheol. To be sure, Christ was to go there, but He was not to remain in that place.
A corresponding passage suggests that there was to be an evacuation of the inhabitant of the section occupied by the righteous. There were taken far above and into the home of God Himself (Eph. 4:8-10). In other words, when Christ returned to glory following His resrrection and His forty-day post-resurrection ministry, He took with Him all the righteous dead. So when Paul died, he was not taken to shel or hades, but directly to the third heaven or paradise, which since the Resurrection is in heaven (II Cor. 12:1-4).
Psalm 16:10 assures us that His body did not see corruption. The orderly processes of dissolution and disintegration which inevitably follow death were arrest in His body. Christ's body was destined for sudden transformation and changed after three days, into a glorified body.
We, too, are destined for glorious new bodies, fashioned like Christ's resurrected body. We shall have new and marvelous faculties and abilities. The capacity to appear and reappear, imperiousness to pain, and adaptability to the environment of heaven will be "fringe benefits" of our resurrection bodies.
We are interested in YOUR RESPONSE. Please use the COMMENT section at the end of EACH POST for your response and impressions. Was this post helpful to you? How?
Thursday, December 30, 2010
POST 15 - The Christian's Death
by William W. Orr, A.B., M.A., Th.B., D.D.. Pastor and Teacher.
Inevitably the time will come when, unless the Lord Jesus Christ comes back for us, every Christian must depart from this life.
What will happen then?
The Apostle Paul speaks of the immediacy of the transition from earth to glory, from death to life:
"For I am in a strait [narrow, place, difficult decision] betwixt two [decisions], having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better; nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you" (Phil.1:23,24).
Note the instantaneous result of a Christian's death. To die is to be with Christ immediately. Termination of existence in the earthly realm inaugurates existence in the heavenly realm. There is no period of transition. The same thought is expressed in Paul's second Corinthian letter:
"Therefore we are always confident, knowing that whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the LOrd ... We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the ody [away from home and out of the body] and to be present [at home] with the Lord" (II Cor. 5:6,8).
Basically, this is the great contrast: While the child of God is in his physical body, he is of necessity away from the presence of Christ, who sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven (Heb. 1:3). But departure of a person from the physical body is equal to instant arrival in the Lord's presence.
Also, there must be compensation for the loss of the physical body. Provision must be made not only to clothe the spirit, but to provide a new body commensurate with heavenly needs. Paul tells of this in II Corinthians 5:1-3"
"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle [tent, i.e., body] were dissolved [death] we have a building of God, an house not made with hands [as God made Adam's body], eternal in the heavens. For in this body [human body] we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven; if so be that being clothed, we shall not be found naked [spiritual beings only, without a body]."
Apparently, as the instant of death, the soul that leaves the human body is immediately clothed with a spiritual or celestial body. This would be like the bodies of angels, eternal bodies, not subject to decay of dissolution. This is not a Christian's permanent body, but a temporary one to use till the time when all God children shall be gathered home and given new bodies.
Lest any should wonder about tyhe reality of celestial bodies, the Apostle Paul list them specifically in I Corinthians 15:39,40:
"All flesh [therefore, bodies] is not the same flesh; but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial [heavenly, spiritual type] bodies, and bodies terrestrial, but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another."
There is no reason to question God's ability to make celestial bodies. As He has formed earthly boddies in numberless variety, so He has the power to created bodies suitable for a heavenly environment.
But what of the physical body now in the grave? The answer is that it, too, is redeemed, and in due time will be resurrected, raised, reconstructed, and glorified. The new pattern for the body of a C
hrsit is the Lord's resurrective body:
"For our conversation (citizenship] is in heaven, from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body [ the body of humiliation] that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body" (Phil. 3:20,21).
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (I John 3:2).
However, this complete transformation awaits the time of the Lord's return. Consequently, the physical body of a Christian will sleep in the grave till that thrilling event:
"For the Lord Himself, shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first" (I Thess.4:16).
"Behold, I shew you a mystery [sacred secret]: We shall not all sleep [ i.e., the sleep of the body], but we shall all be changed . . . for this corruptible [subject to death] must put on incorruption [not subject to death], and this mortal must put on immortality" (I Cor. 15:51,53).
Therefore, when a Christian dies, he apparently receive a temporary body, which will be his "home" till the time when all Christians will receive new glorified bodies.
For those Christians who are living at the time of Christ's return, transition will be in one step only. Their living bodies will be instantly changed, undergoing a metamorphosis. Thus, they will receive their glorified bodies simultaneously. From then on, all believers will be "forever with the Lord."
We are interested in YOUR RESPONSE. Please use the COMMENT section at the end of EACH POST for your response and impressions. Was this post helpful to you? How?
Inevitably the time will come when, unless the Lord Jesus Christ comes back for us, every Christian must depart from this life.
What will happen then?
The Apostle Paul speaks of the immediacy of the transition from earth to glory, from death to life:
"For I am in a strait [narrow, place, difficult decision] betwixt two [decisions], having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better; nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you" (Phil.1:23,24).
Note the instantaneous result of a Christian's death. To die is to be with Christ immediately. Termination of existence in the earthly realm inaugurates existence in the heavenly realm. There is no period of transition. The same thought is expressed in Paul's second Corinthian letter:
"Therefore we are always confident, knowing that whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the LOrd ... We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the ody [away from home and out of the body] and to be present [at home] with the Lord" (II Cor. 5:6,8).
Basically, this is the great contrast: While the child of God is in his physical body, he is of necessity away from the presence of Christ, who sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven (Heb. 1:3). But departure of a person from the physical body is equal to instant arrival in the Lord's presence.
Also, there must be compensation for the loss of the physical body. Provision must be made not only to clothe the spirit, but to provide a new body commensurate with heavenly needs. Paul tells of this in II Corinthians 5:1-3"
"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle [tent, i.e., body] were dissolved [death] we have a building of God, an house not made with hands [as God made Adam's body], eternal in the heavens. For in this body [human body] we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven; if so be that being clothed, we shall not be found naked [spiritual beings only, without a body]."
Apparently, as the instant of death, the soul that leaves the human body is immediately clothed with a spiritual or celestial body. This would be like the bodies of angels, eternal bodies, not subject to decay of dissolution. This is not a Christian's permanent body, but a temporary one to use till the time when all God children shall be gathered home and given new bodies.
Lest any should wonder about tyhe reality of celestial bodies, the Apostle Paul list them specifically in I Corinthians 15:39,40:
"All flesh [therefore, bodies] is not the same flesh; but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial [heavenly, spiritual type] bodies, and bodies terrestrial, but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another."
There is no reason to question God's ability to make celestial bodies. As He has formed earthly boddies in numberless variety, so He has the power to created bodies suitable for a heavenly environment.
But what of the physical body now in the grave? The answer is that it, too, is redeemed, and in due time will be resurrected, raised, reconstructed, and glorified. The new pattern for the body of a C
hrsit is the Lord's resurrective body:
"For our conversation (citizenship] is in heaven, from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body [ the body of humiliation] that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body" (Phil. 3:20,21).
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (I John 3:2).
However, this complete transformation awaits the time of the Lord's return. Consequently, the physical body of a Christian will sleep in the grave till that thrilling event:
"For the Lord Himself, shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first" (I Thess.4:16).
"Behold, I shew you a mystery [sacred secret]: We shall not all sleep [ i.e., the sleep of the body], but we shall all be changed . . . for this corruptible [subject to death] must put on incorruption [not subject to death], and this mortal must put on immortality" (I Cor. 15:51,53).
Therefore, when a Christian dies, he apparently receive a temporary body, which will be his "home" till the time when all Christians will receive new glorified bodies.
For those Christians who are living at the time of Christ's return, transition will be in one step only. Their living bodies will be instantly changed, undergoing a metamorphosis. Thus, they will receive their glorified bodies simultaneously. From then on, all believers will be "forever with the Lord."
We are interested in YOUR RESPONSE. Please use the COMMENT section at the end of EACH POST for your response and impressions. Was this post helpful to you? How?
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
POST 16 - An Example -- Stephen
Stephen who name means crown, was a gifted layman in the early Church at Jerusalem. He was chosen as a member of the first board of deacons (Acts 6:5). God gave him certain abilities which he exercised among the people, along with his rather remarkable gifts of preaching and teaching (Acts 6:8).
It is not unusual that such an outstanding testimony for Christ stirred up opposition. Stephan's enemies organized a plot to do away with him. He was brought before the high council, and false witnesses testified against him. Undaunted, he faced the opposition and delivered such a brilliant, moving address that his enemies were convicted and infuriated. They rose up in a rage, dragged him out of the city, and stoned him to death.
But Stephen's death was unique. While still in the council chamber with all the shouting, cursing, and raging pandemonium going on around him, he looked up to heaven and saw the indescribable glory of God. As his almost unbelieving eyes swept the heavenly scene, he beheld the Lord Jesus Christ standing at the right hand of the Father's throne. Could it be that Christ stood to welcome home the first Christian martyr into the land of glory? (Actsv7:55)
At that moment, the angry mob surged toward Stephen, caught him in their murderous embrace, and dragged him out of the city where they stoned him. What does a Christian do when his life is threatened? The account tells us that this man of God called on Christ and committed his spirit to Him. Then, unmindful of the death raining about him, he knelt down and, with a voice that could be heard above the loud noise, asked God that this sin might not be laid to their charge.
Then Stephen died. The account in Acts states that he "fell asleep." Whether his death was from the stoning or from God's merciful release, we do not know. No doubt the stones contined to fall on the spiritless body till the fury of the mob was spent. Likely, too, afterward the sorrowing disciples took up the body and tenderly laid it away.
But Stephen himself was whisked away to heaven. He was indeed a glorious and triumphant entrance. He had demonstrated what the Gospel of Christ could do in the lives of His followers. He had shown how the love of Christ could be reproduced in the hearts of Christians. He had proved that death -- even such a brutal death -- can be a victory for a Christian.
We are interested in YOUR RESPONSE. Please use the COMMENT section at the end of EACH POST for your response and impressions. Was this post helpful to you? How?
POST 17 - Another Example, the Thief
When Christ was crucified, there were three crosses. The Lord occupied the center one and two thieves were crucified with him, "one on the right hand, and the other on the left" (Mark 15:27, 28). This scene on Calvary provides a great lesson for all the world to see and understand.
Christ hung upon the cross six hours. At the beginning of this time, the thieves railed upon Him, in their agony cursing and blaming Him for their predicament, for not saving them and Himself (Matt. 27:44). But at some point in the course of this divine tragedy, one of the thieves experienced a most remarkable reversal of attitude toward the Son of God.
One thief continued to revile and abuse the Lord, demanding that He demonstrate His claim of Messiahship by releasing them all from the excruciating pain they were undergoing. Then the other turned and sharply rebuked his fellow-criminal. He admitted the justice of their sentences and the innocence of the Man on the center cross. He declared that they were receiving the due reward for their evil deeds but that Christ had done nothing amiss. (Luke 23:39-41).
What remarkable understanding! Surely no one by the blessed Holy Spirit could have revealed this vital spiritual truth to that poor guilty dying wretch. Then -- and this was drama indeed -- he turned to Christ and reverently addressed Him as "Lord." This was indisputable evidence that the work of regeneration already had begun in his heart. He asked the Lord to remember him when He came into His kingdom, when Christ should return to rule and to reign, which was the hope of Israel.
The spiritual perception of the thief was most noteworthy. He did not ask to be relieved of pain or to be vindicated in any way or that his life be spared. But by faith looking beyond the pale of death, he begged only to be allowed to share in the coming triumph of Christ.
Christ's reply was most illuminating. He did not promise to grant the dying man's request as given but promised him a share in the coming glory in the words, "Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise" (Luke 23:42).
So it was. The thief had another hour of pain but now with the blessed hope dominating his thought, it was bearable. Then came death, opening up the comfort, the brilliance, the bless of paradise. He was in God's presence. Yes, and there, too, was the same Man who hung on that center cross -- now his Savior!
We are interested in YOUR RESPONSE. Please use the COMMENT section at the end of EACH POST for your response and impressions. Was this post helpful to you? How?
POST 18 - Death Opens Heaven's Doors
The first five minutes after death will make several facts exceedingly clear. First, the person who has departed this life will be completely conscious, alert and aware of everything that is happening to him. Next, he will know of the two distinct destinies he has chosen. The entire impact of his fate will at once be unmistakable clear.
For a Christian, the moment of death is the doorway into a new glorious life that will never end. Without exaggeration, we can be sure that heaven has joy inexpressible, bliss indescribable, and peace inexhaustible. Who can describe the magnificence of God's home? If earth is filled to capacity with the bounties of God's creative genius, surely heaven's beauty and splendor will be infinitely superior, surpassing all we can imagine.
The Scriptures rather guardedly refer to a few of the wonder of that place. It is described as a glistening jewel of a city, constructed of sparkling glold, its huge gates made of pearl. It is a beautiful as a bride adorned for her husband (Rev. 21:2).
Eventually there be a new earth from which all the scars of sin will be removed. Here will be the exhibition of the limitless ability of our God. New heavens will be there too. Where is the tongue that can describe them? The delightful adventures of God's children for eons to come will be to explored the almost countless galaxies of God's new handiwork and all the other wonders of His hand.
Our heavenly Father tenderly remembers our weakness and our limitations. So it is good news to learn that in heaven all pain, suffering, sorrow, and tears will be forever banished. Life there will be lives to the fullest. Separations and discouragements will be ended forever. Never again will heartaches blight our lives.
Fellowship will be the occupation of heaven. We will actually see God. In fact, the triune God -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit -- will dwell with us and we with Him. We will be privileged to wear His name in our foreheads. Walking by faith will graduate into walking by sight.
Saved loved ones will be there along with a great multitude of God's dear people whom we never knew on earth. And this bliss will never end -- no, never.
We are interested in YOUR RESPONSE. Please use the COMMENT section at the end of EACH POST for your response and impressions. Was this post helpful to you? How?
POST 19 - Death for the Unsaved
by William W. Orr, A.B., M.A., Th.B., D.D.. Pastor and Teacher.
Non-Christians have advanced several defensive philosophies concerning the reality of eternal punishment. One of these theories is that God is far too loving to sentence any of His creatures to such a frightful place as hell. Another idea is that in that place there is a certain camaraderie even though there may be some discomforts. But perhaps the most common theory is that somehow, sometime, the occupants of hell will be released. Related to this belief is the widely taught idea of purgatory: suffering first, then release.
None of these theories find any substantiation in Scripture. The teaching of the Bible regarding the death of the unsaved is solemn indeed. For those who reject Christ as Savior, the only destiny is a burning, eternal, solitary hell. for the moment of an unbeliever's death, he immediately goes to a place of conscious torment. This seems clearly outlined in our Lord's case history of the rich man and the beggar (Luke 16:19-31). Christ reveal three important facts about Hades. First, it was a place of torment. Then there was not the slightest hope of release. Worst of all, the sinner there possessed a full, accusing memory to stab them unmercifully throughout the ages to come.
The exact location of the place of the unsaved is unknown. Some have reasoned that it must be in the heart of the earth due to the almost universal designation of its being "down." Just how the unsaved dead are taken to Hades we do not know either. It is reasonable to suppose that the angels have a part in this sorrowful task. Clearly, though, the unsaved dead are fully conscious, greatly susceptible to torment, in possession of their memories, and apparently entirely alone.
The familiar ideas of soul-sleeping, a journey through the valley of the shadow, the crossing of any icy river, or the hope of a second chance are not found in the Scriptures. One could be certain that there would be absolutely no one in torment if after death even one small opportunity to accept God's terms of salvation was offered. But now -- not then -- is the day of salvation!
What about the physical body of an unsaved individual? We know that a believer's body is to be raised and made like Christ's glorious resurrection body (I John 3:2). This will not happen to the body of a sinner. His body is to be raised, but "to shame and everlasting contempt." (Dan. 12:2).
Evidently at the moment of death he is provided with a temporary, spiritual type body for his stay in Hades. This body is prepared for him and registers pain, sorrow, remorse, and regret (Luke 16:19-31). Our Lord speaks solemnly of this body:
"And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off; it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell (Gehenna), into the first that never shall be quenched. Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." (Mark 9:43,44).
The phrase"Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched" deals with an unquenchable fire ever burning an in-consumable body. Certainly it is a dreadful picture.
This time our Lord does not use the Greek term Hades, which refers to the place of temporary torment, but rather Gehenna, which is synonymous with the lake of first or the second death (Rev. 20:10-15).
Eventually the unsaved dead will appear at the Great White Throne (Rev.20:11,12). Then, at the very end of time, they will receive their sentence. This will not be a determinative judgment,l but it will show for all time that in perfect righteousness God has sentenced these poor wretches to hell. God's books will be opened, and they will reveal the times that salvation was offered and rejected by sinners.
Following this judgment scene, Hades and the grave, meaning the temporary place of torment and the people there, will be cast into the place of eternal punishment called hell (Gehenna), or the lake of fire and brimstone (Rev. 20:14). This experience is called "the second death," not death in the sense of annihilation or cessation of existence, but death in its horrible meaning of complete and eternal separation of a sinner from love, life, and God Himself.
The instant of death will hold the greatest shock possible for those who have refused the offers of the Gospel. They will see that the message they spurned is God's eternal truth, that the pathway they chose was the broad one which led to destruction, that for them the future is unspeakably horrible; and that hell is forever.
We are interested in YOUR RESPONSE. Please use the COMMENT section at the end of EACH POST for your response and impressions. Was this post helpful to you? How?
Non-Christians have advanced several defensive philosophies concerning the reality of eternal punishment. One of these theories is that God is far too loving to sentence any of His creatures to such a frightful place as hell. Another idea is that in that place there is a certain camaraderie even though there may be some discomforts. But perhaps the most common theory is that somehow, sometime, the occupants of hell will be released. Related to this belief is the widely taught idea of purgatory: suffering first, then release.
None of these theories find any substantiation in Scripture. The teaching of the Bible regarding the death of the unsaved is solemn indeed. For those who reject Christ as Savior, the only destiny is a burning, eternal, solitary hell. for the moment of an unbeliever's death, he immediately goes to a place of conscious torment. This seems clearly outlined in our Lord's case history of the rich man and the beggar (Luke 16:19-31). Christ reveal three important facts about Hades. First, it was a place of torment. Then there was not the slightest hope of release. Worst of all, the sinner there possessed a full, accusing memory to stab them unmercifully throughout the ages to come.
The exact location of the place of the unsaved is unknown. Some have reasoned that it must be in the heart of the earth due to the almost universal designation of its being "down." Just how the unsaved dead are taken to Hades we do not know either. It is reasonable to suppose that the angels have a part in this sorrowful task. Clearly, though, the unsaved dead are fully conscious, greatly susceptible to torment, in possession of their memories, and apparently entirely alone.
The familiar ideas of soul-sleeping, a journey through the valley of the shadow, the crossing of any icy river, or the hope of a second chance are not found in the Scriptures. One could be certain that there would be absolutely no one in torment if after death even one small opportunity to accept God's terms of salvation was offered. But now -- not then -- is the day of salvation!
What about the physical body of an unsaved individual? We know that a believer's body is to be raised and made like Christ's glorious resurrection body (I John 3:2). This will not happen to the body of a sinner. His body is to be raised, but "to shame and everlasting contempt." (Dan. 12:2).
Evidently at the moment of death he is provided with a temporary, spiritual type body for his stay in Hades. This body is prepared for him and registers pain, sorrow, remorse, and regret (Luke 16:19-31). Our Lord speaks solemnly of this body:
"And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off; it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell (Gehenna), into the first that never shall be quenched. Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." (Mark 9:43,44).
The phrase"Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched" deals with an unquenchable fire ever burning an in-consumable body. Certainly it is a dreadful picture.
This time our Lord does not use the Greek term Hades, which refers to the place of temporary torment, but rather Gehenna, which is synonymous with the lake of first or the second death (Rev. 20:10-15).
Eventually the unsaved dead will appear at the Great White Throne (Rev.20:11,12). Then, at the very end of time, they will receive their sentence. This will not be a determinative judgment,l but it will show for all time that in perfect righteousness God has sentenced these poor wretches to hell. God's books will be opened, and they will reveal the times that salvation was offered and rejected by sinners.
Following this judgment scene, Hades and the grave, meaning the temporary place of torment and the people there, will be cast into the place of eternal punishment called hell (Gehenna), or the lake of fire and brimstone (Rev. 20:14). This experience is called "the second death," not death in the sense of annihilation or cessation of existence, but death in its horrible meaning of complete and eternal separation of a sinner from love, life, and God Himself.
The instant of death will hold the greatest shock possible for those who have refused the offers of the Gospel. They will see that the message they spurned is God's eternal truth, that the pathway they chose was the broad one which led to destruction, that for them the future is unspeakably horrible; and that hell is forever.
We are interested in YOUR RESPONSE. Please use the COMMENT section at the end of EACH POST for your response and impressions. Was this post helpful to you? How?
POST 20 - Death's Grand Exception
by William W. Orr, A.B., M.A., Th.B., D.D.. Pastor and Teacher.
Life must be terminated by death. The Bible declares specifically that "it is appointed unto man once to die, after this the judgment" (Heb.9:27). Out of earth's multitudes only two have escaped death. But these is coming a great exception.
The time for proclaiming the Gospel message began with the death of Christ and the day of Pentecost. But it will close in a blaze of glory so far as many of God's children are concerned. The thrilling news is that many will escape the sorrows of death in a living translation to heaven.
Surely these are good tidings. At an hour known only to God, the Lord Jesus Christ will return and catch up all the true children of God unto Himself. This will be accomplished by the limitless power of God. Concurrent with this translation of the living saints will be the resurrection of the bodies of dead Christians. They will experience the reunion of their spirits with their bodies as they receive their new gloried bodies. Paul writes exultantly:
"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep [those who have died previously] . . . For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to me the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord (I Thess. 4:13-17).
"Behold, I shew you a mystery [one of God's secrets not yet revealed]; We shall not all sleep [die], but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible [forever free from death], and we shall be change [transformed]" I Cor. 15:51,52).
What does all this mean? Simply that God plans to raise the buried bodies of the saints now in heaven and suddenly to transfer all the living Christians with dying. This will be a glorious reunion. This the the time when all the saints of God will receive their heavenlyu bodies fashioned after the body of the Lord Jesus Christ after His resurrection (Phil.3:21).
The lives of these saints will be interrupted as they are lifted into heaven. At that same time their bodies will be transformed instantly into celestial bodies. By this might miracle death will be swallowed up in victory. For these fortunate ones the first five minutes after the miracle of the Rapture. Immediately they will be in the Lord's presence, in company with loved ones, nevermore to part.
We are interested in YOUR RESPONSE. Please use the COMMENT section at the end of EACH POST for your response and impressions. Was this post helpful to you? How?
Life must be terminated by death. The Bible declares specifically that "it is appointed unto man once to die, after this the judgment" (Heb.9:27). Out of earth's multitudes only two have escaped death. But these is coming a great exception.
The time for proclaiming the Gospel message began with the death of Christ and the day of Pentecost. But it will close in a blaze of glory so far as many of God's children are concerned. The thrilling news is that many will escape the sorrows of death in a living translation to heaven.
Surely these are good tidings. At an hour known only to God, the Lord Jesus Christ will return and catch up all the true children of God unto Himself. This will be accomplished by the limitless power of God. Concurrent with this translation of the living saints will be the resurrection of the bodies of dead Christians. They will experience the reunion of their spirits with their bodies as they receive their new gloried bodies. Paul writes exultantly:
"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep [those who have died previously] . . . For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to me the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord (I Thess. 4:13-17).
"Behold, I shew you a mystery [one of God's secrets not yet revealed]; We shall not all sleep [die], but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible [forever free from death], and we shall be change [transformed]" I Cor. 15:51,52).
What does all this mean? Simply that God plans to raise the buried bodies of the saints now in heaven and suddenly to transfer all the living Christians with dying. This will be a glorious reunion. This the the time when all the saints of God will receive their heavenlyu bodies fashioned after the body of the Lord Jesus Christ after His resurrection (Phil.3:21).
The lives of these saints will be interrupted as they are lifted into heaven. At that same time their bodies will be transformed instantly into celestial bodies. By this might miracle death will be swallowed up in victory. For these fortunate ones the first five minutes after the miracle of the Rapture. Immediately they will be in the Lord's presence, in company with loved ones, nevermore to part.
We are interested in YOUR RESPONSE. Please use the COMMENT section at the end of EACH POST for your response and impressions. Was this post helpful to you? How?
POST 21 - An Example of Transfer
by William W. Orr, A.B., M.A., Th.B., D.D.. Pastor and Teacher.
Lest there be those ho say, "How can this be? It has never happened before," our answer is to remind them of a most wonderful incident recorded in the Old Testament.
A man named Enoch, the seventh in line from Adam, lived before the Flood. The Bible records that he was a prophet who proclaimed the coming of the Lord in power and great glory (Jude 14, 15). But the truly remarkable thing about him was the manner of his transfer to heaven without dying.
As we examine Genesis 5, we realize the naturalness of death. Men and women are born, produce children, and then die. This process is repeated indefinitely until we come to Enoch, whose son Methuselah was born when Enoch was 65 years of age (Gen.5:19-24). Perhaps at the birth of this child there was some special revelation from God, for it appears that an abrupt change occurred in Enoch's life. From that time on he "walked with God," and for the next three hundred years he enjoyed this remarkable fellowship with his God.
Walking with God was not commonplace in that day. The tragic circumstances that brought on the judgment of the Flood were building up because men were walking in their own sinful ways without regard for God. In contrast, Enoch pleased God. This was possible because Enoch knew that God lived and that He rewarded those who diligently sought Him (Heb.11:5,6).
What actually happened? One day Enoch was translated abruptly into heaven without dying. His body was instantly changed into a heavenly body; his mind was enlarged for divine truth; his ears were enable to hear celestial truth and his eyes to see the sights in glory. God brought about these changes without the use of sickness, death, or the grave. Enoch did not die.
By the limitless power of God, one moment Enoch was walking with God on this earth and the next moment he walking with God in heaven. This is the great demonstration of God's power over death and the foreshadowing of the soul-thrilling event of the Rapture of the church. It is as if God were saying, 'Do not doubt the coming translation of the said of the Church. Look at the miracle of Enoch and believe."
No one know the day or hour of Christ's return, not even the angels in heaven who gladly perform the will of God. The reason is that God expects us to be rady all the time. We are to live each minute as if our transfer into God's glory might occur the next moment. As a matter of fact, it may.
We are interested in YOUR RESPONSE. Please use the COMMENT section at the end of EACH POST for your response and impressions. Was this post helpful to you? How?
Lest there be those ho say, "How can this be? It has never happened before," our answer is to remind them of a most wonderful incident recorded in the Old Testament.
A man named Enoch, the seventh in line from Adam, lived before the Flood. The Bible records that he was a prophet who proclaimed the coming of the Lord in power and great glory (Jude 14, 15). But the truly remarkable thing about him was the manner of his transfer to heaven without dying.
As we examine Genesis 5, we realize the naturalness of death. Men and women are born, produce children, and then die. This process is repeated indefinitely until we come to Enoch, whose son Methuselah was born when Enoch was 65 years of age (Gen.5:19-24). Perhaps at the birth of this child there was some special revelation from God, for it appears that an abrupt change occurred in Enoch's life. From that time on he "walked with God," and for the next three hundred years he enjoyed this remarkable fellowship with his God.
Walking with God was not commonplace in that day. The tragic circumstances that brought on the judgment of the Flood were building up because men were walking in their own sinful ways without regard for God. In contrast, Enoch pleased God. This was possible because Enoch knew that God lived and that He rewarded those who diligently sought Him (Heb.11:5,6).
What actually happened? One day Enoch was translated abruptly into heaven without dying. His body was instantly changed into a heavenly body; his mind was enlarged for divine truth; his ears were enable to hear celestial truth and his eyes to see the sights in glory. God brought about these changes without the use of sickness, death, or the grave. Enoch did not die.
By the limitless power of God, one moment Enoch was walking with God on this earth and the next moment he walking with God in heaven. This is the great demonstration of God's power over death and the foreshadowing of the soul-thrilling event of the Rapture of the church. It is as if God were saying, 'Do not doubt the coming translation of the said of the Church. Look at the miracle of Enoch and believe."
No one know the day or hour of Christ's return, not even the angels in heaven who gladly perform the will of God. The reason is that God expects us to be rady all the time. We are to live each minute as if our transfer into God's glory might occur the next moment. As a matter of fact, it may.
We are interested in YOUR RESPONSE. Please use the COMMENT section at the end of EACH POST for your response and impressions. Was this post helpful to you? How?
Thursday, December 23, 2010
POST 22 - To Sum It All Up
by William W. Orr, A.B., M.A., Th.B., D.D.. Pastor and Teacher.
Our quest has been to determine exactly what happens in the first few minutes after death. It is no secret what happens on this side of death. Sickness, sudden physical failure, an accident, or simply senility overtake an individual. Usually there is a limitation of activities; the person takes to his bed; the heart stops, the breathing ceases, the ceases; the eyes no longer see. The moment of death has come and the curtain rings down on this earthly life. But at this instant where is the person? What is happening to him? What is his condition?
Due perhaps to careless interpretation of certain Biblical passages, to use of "poetic license" with the truth, or to recourse to rather inaccurate hymnology, false ideas, actually heresies, in regard to death have developed. Some have maintained that the soul sleeps till the final resurrection day. Others have written darkly of the valley of the shadow through which the soul must grope. A prevalent thought has been that there is an undefined river through which the soul is propelled to the other side. A certain island of happiness supposedly can be reached by "crossing the bar." The careful examination of the accounts of the death of children of God, however, reveal no such uncertain, fearful, lonely experience of death awaiting a Christian.
The essence of a Christiana's death is that of a graduation. Life has been a school. Lessons have been learned. Much attention has been paid to study. Examinations have been given, but all is now past. In the perfect will of God, a believer has attained the experience and knowledge of important truths. Now comes the day of his graduation. He will be promoted to life - the exceedingly abundant life. All preparations have been made. The full and complete arrangements to transfer the soul into celestial realms have all been completed. This is an important event. And the most blessed truth is that it is an important event to God as well.
True, death has an enemy. Death came in the beginning as a result of sin. But was wrought its penalty. After a person has died, death can do no more. God has made the other side of death to be glorious indeed. It is like the dark cloud with a silver lining, only this is a golden lining. sparkling with diamonds. At death there is the open door into immeasurable bless, which only the heart of God could plan and only the power of God could make possible.
Apparently the moment of death does not bring any sudden wrench or rending of the spirit as the soul leaves the body. Actually it seems as if a person does not even miss the body or is aware that it has been left behind. There appears to be perfect freedom of movement. Almost instantly the the Lord provides another body, a celestial body much as the agnels have. Such a spiritual body offers amazing possibilities of expression and locomotion. While this is not a permanent body for all eternity, it is entirely adequate for the interim.
Consequently, an individual who has died is instantly able to see everything with perfect ease and to hear all the heavenly sounds with unlimited ability. Only these new eyes and ears are naturally geared to universal usage. The mental capacity is suddenly enlarged to an infinite degree and the memory vivified. Only reasoning is on an infinite scale, and all things are viewed from the vantage point of heavenly wisdom. For instance, the one who is newly "alive" is conscious of what happens on earth, but sees everything in the light of the perfection wisdom of the Lord's plan.
Possibly God gives special garments of grace and glory. Our dear Lord left His burial garments in the tomb of Joseph, but when seen by His dear ones, He was fully clothed. We know , too, that God is interested in garments for most magnificent rolbes of righteousness will be provided at the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Our first introduction to heavenly beings is to the angels. As physical eyes are closed in physical death, spiritual eyes open in new life, and there they are. They are sublime creatures who are to escort Christians through death's gates into the paradise of God. Nor is this a time-consuming journey. It takes only a celestial instant to be whisked from the place of death into the awesome presence of the God of all the ages. Although our new minds can scarcely comprehend it, our new years will gaze upon the throne of almighty God our heavenly Father.
What do angels look like? Evidently from the accounts in Scripture their bodies are fashioned like human bodies. Some at least, have wings. We must remember that the fashion of the human body will prevail as a pattern of heaven. Our Lord Jesus Christ , who is the very King of glory, is eternally existent in His boy that was seen following His resurrection. Possibly the bodies of angels are also fashion this way. And we know our will be.
We cringe at the thought of standing in the presence of a holy God and looking into His face. Our natural instinct -- as was that of holy men and wmen of days gone by -- would be to run and hide from His sinlessness and glory. But we must remember that God will put within us the conviction that as we reach heaven we have come home. Heaven is ours rightfully by His grace; those mansions were purchased by the blood of our Savior. And lest we stand in paradise awed and frightened beyond expression, we shall see the Savior who presents us to the Father.
What does Jesus Christ look like? Earthly artists have endeavored to portray Him, buth what artist's brush can convey the face of the Lord of glory, the compassionate Man of Sorrows, the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world? When we see Him, we shall say that He is lovelier than the children of men. He will be completely satisfying to our new heavenly eyes and our new heavenly hearts.
When we see God and look upon the infinite beauty of Christ, we will be conscious that other inhabitants of heaven are crowding about us. Wonder of wonders! In the newness of life and radiance of spirit will be our earthly loveds ones which we "loved long since and lost awhile." We shall be beside ourselves with joy. Not only will our own intimate Christian relatives and friends be present, but also we shall have the remarkable ability to remember vividly everything about them.
Others will be standing by to welcome us. We shall know them with introduction. There will be the Christian heroes and heroines of the centuries, giants of faith who lived and wrought God's will in their generations. They, too, are resplendent in their robes of righteousness. Do not be concerned about meeting them all at once. There will be eons of eternity in which to become acquainted with the children of God of all ages "of all nations, and kindreds, and people and tongues."
Instinctively we shall know there is a schedule of events to take place on earth and in Heaven. The vast divine plan and purpose of God seem to be inscribed on our hearts. We will know that the dear Lord is soon to return for the thrilling event we call the Rapture. We will be aware of the righteous judgment of the Tribulation, the peace of the Millennium, the Great White Throne Judgment, and the coming new heavens and new earth. During all these events, we will understand and honor the justice of our God.
This understanding will probably come in a matter of minutes. Actually, heaven does not reckon time by minutes. Everyone lives in a great eternal NOW. But if this is a sample, what will the endless ages of eternity be like? Praise to His matchless name, there will be no disappointment in heaven for the Lamb is the Light thereof!
We are interested in YOUR RESPONSE. Please use the COMMENT section at the end of EACH POST for your response and impressions. Was this post helpful to you? How?
Our quest has been to determine exactly what happens in the first few minutes after death. It is no secret what happens on this side of death. Sickness, sudden physical failure, an accident, or simply senility overtake an individual. Usually there is a limitation of activities; the person takes to his bed; the heart stops, the breathing ceases, the ceases; the eyes no longer see. The moment of death has come and the curtain rings down on this earthly life. But at this instant where is the person? What is happening to him? What is his condition?
Due perhaps to careless interpretation of certain Biblical passages, to use of "poetic license" with the truth, or to recourse to rather inaccurate hymnology, false ideas, actually heresies, in regard to death have developed. Some have maintained that the soul sleeps till the final resurrection day. Others have written darkly of the valley of the shadow through which the soul must grope. A prevalent thought has been that there is an undefined river through which the soul is propelled to the other side. A certain island of happiness supposedly can be reached by "crossing the bar." The careful examination of the accounts of the death of children of God, however, reveal no such uncertain, fearful, lonely experience of death awaiting a Christian.
The essence of a Christiana's death is that of a graduation. Life has been a school. Lessons have been learned. Much attention has been paid to study. Examinations have been given, but all is now past. In the perfect will of God, a believer has attained the experience and knowledge of important truths. Now comes the day of his graduation. He will be promoted to life - the exceedingly abundant life. All preparations have been made. The full and complete arrangements to transfer the soul into celestial realms have all been completed. This is an important event. And the most blessed truth is that it is an important event to God as well.
True, death has an enemy. Death came in the beginning as a result of sin. But was wrought its penalty. After a person has died, death can do no more. God has made the other side of death to be glorious indeed. It is like the dark cloud with a silver lining, only this is a golden lining. sparkling with diamonds. At death there is the open door into immeasurable bless, which only the heart of God could plan and only the power of God could make possible.
Apparently the moment of death does not bring any sudden wrench or rending of the spirit as the soul leaves the body. Actually it seems as if a person does not even miss the body or is aware that it has been left behind. There appears to be perfect freedom of movement. Almost instantly the the Lord provides another body, a celestial body much as the agnels have. Such a spiritual body offers amazing possibilities of expression and locomotion. While this is not a permanent body for all eternity, it is entirely adequate for the interim.
Consequently, an individual who has died is instantly able to see everything with perfect ease and to hear all the heavenly sounds with unlimited ability. Only these new eyes and ears are naturally geared to universal usage. The mental capacity is suddenly enlarged to an infinite degree and the memory vivified. Only reasoning is on an infinite scale, and all things are viewed from the vantage point of heavenly wisdom. For instance, the one who is newly "alive" is conscious of what happens on earth, but sees everything in the light of the perfection wisdom of the Lord's plan.
Possibly God gives special garments of grace and glory. Our dear Lord left His burial garments in the tomb of Joseph, but when seen by His dear ones, He was fully clothed. We know , too, that God is interested in garments for most magnificent rolbes of righteousness will be provided at the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Our first introduction to heavenly beings is to the angels. As physical eyes are closed in physical death, spiritual eyes open in new life, and there they are. They are sublime creatures who are to escort Christians through death's gates into the paradise of God. Nor is this a time-consuming journey. It takes only a celestial instant to be whisked from the place of death into the awesome presence of the God of all the ages. Although our new minds can scarcely comprehend it, our new years will gaze upon the throne of almighty God our heavenly Father.
What do angels look like? Evidently from the accounts in Scripture their bodies are fashioned like human bodies. Some at least, have wings. We must remember that the fashion of the human body will prevail as a pattern of heaven. Our Lord Jesus Christ , who is the very King of glory, is eternally existent in His boy that was seen following His resurrection. Possibly the bodies of angels are also fashion this way. And we know our will be.
We cringe at the thought of standing in the presence of a holy God and looking into His face. Our natural instinct -- as was that of holy men and wmen of days gone by -- would be to run and hide from His sinlessness and glory. But we must remember that God will put within us the conviction that as we reach heaven we have come home. Heaven is ours rightfully by His grace; those mansions were purchased by the blood of our Savior. And lest we stand in paradise awed and frightened beyond expression, we shall see the Savior who presents us to the Father.
What does Jesus Christ look like? Earthly artists have endeavored to portray Him, buth what artist's brush can convey the face of the Lord of glory, the compassionate Man of Sorrows, the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world? When we see Him, we shall say that He is lovelier than the children of men. He will be completely satisfying to our new heavenly eyes and our new heavenly hearts.
When we see God and look upon the infinite beauty of Christ, we will be conscious that other inhabitants of heaven are crowding about us. Wonder of wonders! In the newness of life and radiance of spirit will be our earthly loveds ones which we "loved long since and lost awhile." We shall be beside ourselves with joy. Not only will our own intimate Christian relatives and friends be present, but also we shall have the remarkable ability to remember vividly everything about them.
Others will be standing by to welcome us. We shall know them with introduction. There will be the Christian heroes and heroines of the centuries, giants of faith who lived and wrought God's will in their generations. They, too, are resplendent in their robes of righteousness. Do not be concerned about meeting them all at once. There will be eons of eternity in which to become acquainted with the children of God of all ages "of all nations, and kindreds, and people and tongues."
Instinctively we shall know there is a schedule of events to take place on earth and in Heaven. The vast divine plan and purpose of God seem to be inscribed on our hearts. We will know that the dear Lord is soon to return for the thrilling event we call the Rapture. We will be aware of the righteous judgment of the Tribulation, the peace of the Millennium, the Great White Throne Judgment, and the coming new heavens and new earth. During all these events, we will understand and honor the justice of our God.
This understanding will probably come in a matter of minutes. Actually, heaven does not reckon time by minutes. Everyone lives in a great eternal NOW. But if this is a sample, what will the endless ages of eternity be like? Praise to His matchless name, there will be no disappointment in heaven for the Lamb is the Light thereof!
We are interested in YOUR RESPONSE. Please use the COMMENT section at the end of EACH POST for your response and impressions. Was this post helpful to you? How?
POST 23 - How To Be Saved.
by William W. Orr, A.B., M.A., Th.B., D.D.. Pastor and Teacher.
Here is the difference: When a person is genuinely saved, then death is merely the door to a new life of indescribable rapture which, unbelievable as it may seem, will never end. But to the unsaved the moment of death is the pathway to horrors of eternal hell.
How can an individual be saved? Actually, the experience of salvation is so simple, one is amazed at its straightforward uncomplicated sincerity. The truth is that salvation is the masterpiece of God's own planning, offered to needy human beings on the most elementary terms.
We begin with mankind's desperate need. All men are sinners and are therefore under the condemnation of a just God. The soul that sins will die (Ezek.18:4), for the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). Every candidate for salvation must admit that he is a sinner.
But there is good news, the most glorious news in the world. Since man is under the sentence of death and since man can do nothing to save himself, being already dead in trespasses and sins (Eph.2:1), God Himself made possible man's salvation.
Coming from God's own heart of love, the Lord Jesus Christ, God's beloved Son, entered into the world, lived a sinless life, and died a substitutionary death for and in behalf of sinners. He Himself took the place of every sinner and paid the price of his sin by His own death on the cross of Calvary. So complete was the sacrificial death of Christ that God has fully accepted the transaction and now offers salvation to any sinner who believes and trusts in the death, burial and resurection of Christ (John 3:16).
In fact, there is nothing for the sinner to do personally except to believe. This belief must be deep, sincere, and complete. It is not a mere intellectual assent to the historical fact of Christ's death, but an entire commitment to Christ for both time and eternity. There must be utter reliance upon Him for salvation, which is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8).
To anyone who so believes, God brings to pass a mighty transformation. The person is saved! His sins are all forgiven. He becomes part of the family of God. The peerless gift of eternal life is now his. He is a new creature in Christ with new aims, ambitions, power, wisdom, friends, and ideals (II Cor.5:17).
Not the least of the new blessings inherent in salvation is the victory over death. No longer must a Christian look forward with dread to the moment of death. Christ has taken our death; it is robbed of its terror. Death is swallowed up in victory (I Cor. 15:54-58).
We are interested in YOUR RESPONSE. Please use the COMMENT section at the end of EACH POST for your response and impressions. Was this post helpful to you? How?
Here is the difference: When a person is genuinely saved, then death is merely the door to a new life of indescribable rapture which, unbelievable as it may seem, will never end. But to the unsaved the moment of death is the pathway to horrors of eternal hell.
How can an individual be saved? Actually, the experience of salvation is so simple, one is amazed at its straightforward uncomplicated sincerity. The truth is that salvation is the masterpiece of God's own planning, offered to needy human beings on the most elementary terms.
We begin with mankind's desperate need. All men are sinners and are therefore under the condemnation of a just God. The soul that sins will die (Ezek.18:4), for the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). Every candidate for salvation must admit that he is a sinner.
But there is good news, the most glorious news in the world. Since man is under the sentence of death and since man can do nothing to save himself, being already dead in trespasses and sins (Eph.2:1), God Himself made possible man's salvation.
Coming from God's own heart of love, the Lord Jesus Christ, God's beloved Son, entered into the world, lived a sinless life, and died a substitutionary death for and in behalf of sinners. He Himself took the place of every sinner and paid the price of his sin by His own death on the cross of Calvary. So complete was the sacrificial death of Christ that God has fully accepted the transaction and now offers salvation to any sinner who believes and trusts in the death, burial and resurection of Christ (John 3:16).
In fact, there is nothing for the sinner to do personally except to believe. This belief must be deep, sincere, and complete. It is not a mere intellectual assent to the historical fact of Christ's death, but an entire commitment to Christ for both time and eternity. There must be utter reliance upon Him for salvation, which is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8).
To anyone who so believes, God brings to pass a mighty transformation. The person is saved! His sins are all forgiven. He becomes part of the family of God. The peerless gift of eternal life is now his. He is a new creature in Christ with new aims, ambitions, power, wisdom, friends, and ideals (II Cor.5:17).
Not the least of the new blessings inherent in salvation is the victory over death. No longer must a Christian look forward with dread to the moment of death. Christ has taken our death; it is robbed of its terror. Death is swallowed up in victory (I Cor. 15:54-58).
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