My daughter is excited about this series!! She hung many cards all over the high school and even advertised it on her Facebook. My other daughter came home with a list of Bible contradictions from a boy who loves to argue religion with her. There was one about the New Testament misquoting the Old Testament. I don't remember where that one was, but I found some similar. 1) Here's my questions. I want a better answer for this kid than "the meaning is still the same". Gal. 3:6, Gen 15:6, Gal. 3:8, Gen 12:3, Gal. 3:10, Deut. 27:26, Gal. 3:11, Hab. 2:4, Gal. 3:12, Lev. 18:5, Deut. 21:23. 2) Along that same vein is Matt. 5:18 "...until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished. If this is true, why does the NT quote differently from the OT? Because of the Septuagint? Is it just due to language differences?
What about the contradictions in the biblical text?
Good question.
First, you are right, these men most likely were reading from a Greek version of the Hebrew Torah. This changes things a little bit. We also notice that the “quotes” are from Hebrew translated into Koine Greek (not modern Greek) translated into English, not to mention that these “quotes” were not meant to be literal “quotes” at all. What the author is doing is pulling from memory the point of the verse in the OT. In original manuscripts there are no quotations, no verse markers, no chapter headings, nor are there even lower case letters, periods, commas, or any punctuation. Some of the manuscripts we have do not even have spaces in between the words. There would be no way for the author to quote Gen 3:6, because the concept of “3:6” didn't even exist at the time. Much of what we consider to be quotes from the OT are thought for thought statements, and were never meant to be word for word.
The purpose of the verses in Galatians was to show a stark contrast between the work-based religion of the pharisee and to contrast that with the faith-based life of the patriarchs. The author never intended on pulling the exact phrase any more than we on a daily basis quote whatever translation we happen to prefer (I study the New King James, which is a striking contrast to the NIV). In this case we are both, hopefully, quoting the same point, while sometimes using different words.
Consider the gospels. We see that the gospels to do not line up together, nor do they follow the same order. Through literary study we find that writers and historians of the time did not pay much attention to this type of detail, which we value today. The point for the gospel writers was to relay the message to the particular group they were hoping to reach. So we find a genealogy in Matthew, which shows the Hebrew reader how Christ is from the lineage of David, while we see the term “Word” being used in the Gospel of John, which is a familiar term to Greek studies of nature and philosophy. God inspired the writers to use their gifts to relay a message. This message was never commanded to be word for word, as if God was whispering in their ears, the writers were simply “inspired.”
As far as Matthew 5:18 is concerned, all of those things spoken of in the law are a shadow of the future judgment and Sabbath rest we will find in heaven. We see symbolism in all kinds of actions throughout the OT. Some of it we understand, some of it we debate, some of it we scratch our heads. Consider the comment by Christ in reference to “letting the dead bury the dead.” This sounds rather harsh to tell a man who seems to be concerned about burying his dead father, but in reality the quote is a Hebrew idiom. The man was actually hoping to wait on following Jesus until his inheritance had come, Jesus was just telling him to not worry about the inheritance and to follow him now and let the inheritance come in time. The point is that with a little digging we can always find the answers to skeptics’ “contradictions” within scripture.
Submitted by: Josh Tilley
Monday, May 17, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Are some people that almost die sometimes given a "second chance"? Is there such a thing as a near death experience?
First lets find out what the bible says of mans present condition. Do we really know what constitutes death and life in Adam vs. death and life in Christ?
Let's check Eph. 2: 1-5
Eph. 2: 1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
Apart from God, all men are dead. So the present condition of man in Adam is death, but via the resurrection of Christ, the Gospel, the cornerstone of the faith quickens us. Through our shared death with Christ we are made alive, not a near death...a real death, just like Lazarus. My first question for Lazarus at his return dinner would have been, "Hey, bro, where were you for four days and what was it like?", but Lazarus never spoke of it. Strange, Lazarus had a real-death experience, yet was silent on the matter.
Eph. 2: 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,
Eph. 2: 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
Eph. 2: 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
Eph. 2: 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), {AMEN}
2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
While we were once a "night of the living dead", we now are a "dying living". Our outward man (body) is decaying. But our inward man is renewed by the Spirit. That is, we now put off the deeds of the flesh and live in Christ according to the Spirit.
Our God is a God of the second, third, and many more chances.
2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
“The Rich Man and Lazarus” Luke 16:27-31 27 “’Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”
Father Abraham explains to the rich man that he and his brothers had many chances to respond to the testimony of Moses, the prophets, and the entire scriptures; the revealed Word of God while they lived, yet they did not repent. So hard do men become, that even the resurrection will not move them to repentance.
God, through Moses gave Pharaoh many chances also, but instead he hardened his heart.
Heb. 2: 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
The question I ponder is why does God give me any chances. I surely don’t deserve any. Which makes the Cross, and the grace and mercy poured out for me there all the more amazing.
Is there such a thing as a "near death" experience?
Let’s consider two examples of possible near death experiences mentioned in the bible.
Jonah went overboard for three days…something’s fishy:
Jon. 2: 1 Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the fish's belly.
Jon 2: 2 And he said: "I cried out to the LORD because of my affliction, and He answered me.”Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, [And] You heard my voice.
Jon 2: 3 For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the floods surrounded me; All Your billows and Your waves passed over me.
Jon 2: 4 Then I said, 'I have been cast out of Your sight; yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.'
Jon 2: 5 The waters surrounded me, [even] to my soul; The deep closed around me; Weeds were wrapped around my head.
Jon 2: 6 I went down to the moorings of the mountains; the earth with its bars [closed] behind me forever; yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O LORD, my God.
Jon 2: 7 "When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the LORD; and my prayer went [up] to You, Into Your holy temple.
Jon 2: 8 "Those who regard worthless idols forsake their own Mercy.
Jon 2: 9 But I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation [is] of the LORD."
Jon 2: 10 So the LORD spoke to the fish and it vomited Jonah onto dry [land].
Some suggest Jonah died and was resurrected, since Jonah cried "out of the belly of Sheol". Yet the bible says he was praying which is hard to do while dead. He may have been resurrected, the bible is not clear, the main point of the analogy is the prefiguring of Christ's three days in the grave experience that was to come. Like Jonah, Christ would be three days in the grave and conquer death.
Paul was "rocked to sleep":
2 Cor. 11: 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep;
2 Cor. 12: 3 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago--whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows--such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows--
2 Cor. 12: 4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
These may be the only instances of what might be a called a "near-death" experience in the bible, but as Paul says, God knows. Paul's experience however is in stark contrast to modern near-death experiences where the person describes mystical lights, tunnels, and out of body floating sensations. Most of these instances seem more tied to the occult and new age. Among those who have these experiences, rarely do they speak of a renewed faith in Christ or a desire to spread the gospel. They more likely relate a “brotherhood of man, fatherhood of god” universalism or a new age mother earth/gia message. Less well publicized are the dark tunnels and glimpses of hell some people experience.
Heb. 9:27. "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment"
In this world, men die once. In the next they can die a second time, the second death, (or eternal separation from God…hell.)
In this present day of medical advances, it is often said that we have brought someone back from death, either through defibrillation, medicines, etc. I always correct people and say. “It just wasn’t their time”, or “we just helped correct a problem.” They may meet the definition of clinical death: No respirations, and no pulse. Or they may be biologically dead: no brainwave activity. But either way, if they were resuscitated, they weren’t dead.
Remember the wisdom of Miracle Max, the wizard in The Princess Bride: “He’s not dead-dead, he’s just mostly dead”.
There were also two who had no-death experiences: Enoch and Elijah.
One was walking with God one day and they both walked all the way home.
The other was taken up in a flaming chariot.
1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.
Personally, I look forward to that Blessed Hope, the Glorious Appearing.
Submitted by: Steve Pulley
Let's check Eph. 2: 1-5
Eph. 2: 1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
Apart from God, all men are dead. So the present condition of man in Adam is death, but via the resurrection of Christ, the Gospel, the cornerstone of the faith quickens us. Through our shared death with Christ we are made alive, not a near death...a real death, just like Lazarus. My first question for Lazarus at his return dinner would have been, "Hey, bro, where were you for four days and what was it like?", but Lazarus never spoke of it. Strange, Lazarus had a real-death experience, yet was silent on the matter.
Eph. 2: 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,
Eph. 2: 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
Eph. 2: 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
Eph. 2: 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), {AMEN}
2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
While we were once a "night of the living dead", we now are a "dying living". Our outward man (body) is decaying. But our inward man is renewed by the Spirit. That is, we now put off the deeds of the flesh and live in Christ according to the Spirit.
Our God is a God of the second, third, and many more chances.
2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
“The Rich Man and Lazarus” Luke 16:27-31 27 “’Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”
Father Abraham explains to the rich man that he and his brothers had many chances to respond to the testimony of Moses, the prophets, and the entire scriptures; the revealed Word of God while they lived, yet they did not repent. So hard do men become, that even the resurrection will not move them to repentance.
God, through Moses gave Pharaoh many chances also, but instead he hardened his heart.
Heb. 2: 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
The question I ponder is why does God give me any chances. I surely don’t deserve any. Which makes the Cross, and the grace and mercy poured out for me there all the more amazing.
Is there such a thing as a "near death" experience?
Let’s consider two examples of possible near death experiences mentioned in the bible.
Jonah went overboard for three days…something’s fishy:
Jon. 2: 1 Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the fish's belly.
Jon 2: 2 And he said: "I cried out to the LORD because of my affliction, and He answered me.”Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, [And] You heard my voice.
Jon 2: 3 For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the floods surrounded me; All Your billows and Your waves passed over me.
Jon 2: 4 Then I said, 'I have been cast out of Your sight; yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.'
Jon 2: 5 The waters surrounded me, [even] to my soul; The deep closed around me; Weeds were wrapped around my head.
Jon 2: 6 I went down to the moorings of the mountains; the earth with its bars [closed] behind me forever; yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O LORD, my God.
Jon 2: 7 "When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the LORD; and my prayer went [up] to You, Into Your holy temple.
Jon 2: 8 "Those who regard worthless idols forsake their own Mercy.
Jon 2: 9 But I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation [is] of the LORD."
Jon 2: 10 So the LORD spoke to the fish and it vomited Jonah onto dry [land].
Some suggest Jonah died and was resurrected, since Jonah cried "out of the belly of Sheol". Yet the bible says he was praying which is hard to do while dead. He may have been resurrected, the bible is not clear, the main point of the analogy is the prefiguring of Christ's three days in the grave experience that was to come. Like Jonah, Christ would be three days in the grave and conquer death.
Paul was "rocked to sleep":
2 Cor. 11: 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep;
2 Cor. 12: 3 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago--whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows--such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows--
2 Cor. 12: 4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
These may be the only instances of what might be a called a "near-death" experience in the bible, but as Paul says, God knows. Paul's experience however is in stark contrast to modern near-death experiences where the person describes mystical lights, tunnels, and out of body floating sensations. Most of these instances seem more tied to the occult and new age. Among those who have these experiences, rarely do they speak of a renewed faith in Christ or a desire to spread the gospel. They more likely relate a “brotherhood of man, fatherhood of god” universalism or a new age mother earth/gia message. Less well publicized are the dark tunnels and glimpses of hell some people experience.
Heb. 9:27. "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment"
In this world, men die once. In the next they can die a second time, the second death, (or eternal separation from God…hell.)
In this present day of medical advances, it is often said that we have brought someone back from death, either through defibrillation, medicines, etc. I always correct people and say. “It just wasn’t their time”, or “we just helped correct a problem.” They may meet the definition of clinical death: No respirations, and no pulse. Or they may be biologically dead: no brainwave activity. But either way, if they were resuscitated, they weren’t dead.
Remember the wisdom of Miracle Max, the wizard in The Princess Bride: “He’s not dead-dead, he’s just mostly dead”.
There were also two who had no-death experiences: Enoch and Elijah.
One was walking with God one day and they both walked all the way home.
The other was taken up in a flaming chariot.
1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.
Personally, I look forward to that Blessed Hope, the Glorious Appearing.
Submitted by: Steve Pulley
Where did God come from? How can you explain to someone that does not believe the Bible that God always is, always was, and always will be?
Short answer: “In the beginning God…” Gen. 1:1
But for the person that does not believe the Bible, perhaps a more rhetorical response is appropriate: What’s the alternative?
Slightly longer answer:
Personally this was the most difficult question that I needed to answer in my spiritual journey, and yet in retrospect it those first four words of Genesis was the best and most obvious answer. No one seems to question “in the beginning” . It seems logical that there was a beginning and physicists and many related scientific specialties aim at understanding these three words, yet the scientific journals remain shockingly silent on the fourth; “God”, and that silence leaves many unwittingly arguing that science has “disproved” God. It hasn’t, nor has it offered any alternative.
As one of the many engineers at Hillcrest (I think our church still has more engineers than adopted children, but its close), the basic laws of physics were something we learned and applied again and again from grade school through various levels of college training.
• Matter (and energy) cannot be created or destroyed, only changed in form…
• An object in motion will remain in motion…
• For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction…
• Everything tends toward disorganization (yes, its not just what happens in the house, it’s a physical law of nature, also known as the 3rd law of thermodynamics)
And the list continues. We all recognize parts of these laws and we routinely see their affects. These basic laws have not changed since there discovery or throughout recorded history before they were defined (largely by early scientists that believed in God and merely wanted to better understand His creation.) As our understanding of these physical laws has grown, nothing within them contradicts “in the beginning God”, but instead just furthers our understandings along those lines.
Very few people that dare to argue “where did God come from” have any more understanding of the origin of the universe than “the big bang theory”, although even this concept has been altered dramatically over our lifetime by additional scientific discovery. But even a big bang is not a “beginning” story since it pre-supposes stuff was there to go bang and something caused the bang. So, quite simply unless you are an astrophysicist, the question really comes down to one of two faith decisions;
• Stuff always was and from infinity past it just happened to always be moving according to today’s physical laws, in such a manner that it eventually went boom, and after that, despite the 3rd law of thermodynamics, things randomly become incredibly organized and here we all are (with messy houses and missing socks).
• God always was and set the universe on nothing (Gen. 1:1, Job 26:7)
Both are faith decisions, one is no more explainable than the other. Understandably, some 80% of those scientists that do understand the origins of the universe best acknowledge there must be some creator to explain what they see.
To take the science step just one step farther, just a generation ago now, Einstein and his counterparts discovered that matter and energy were themselves interchangeable –that is via nuclear reactions. Consider the incredible power of nuclear bombs that release the energy contained in minute quantities of matter, and multiply that by the amount of matter in the universe and your brain is immediately overwhelmed. Then face a hard fact—a law upon which science rests—matter (or its energy counterpart) cannot be created, hence all that is must have been “in the beginning”—but how can that much matter or energy simply “be”. Turns out that accepting “in the beginning” without “God” is just as big of a leap of faith because doing otherwise is to accept an “in the beginning” argument upon which either matter or energy already existed in extreme abundance.
And add to that another disappointing discovery; while matter and energy cannot be created (but by God), we now know the universe is slowly “leaking” energy. That is to say, the universe is not fully conserving energy like anticipated, but is actually loosing it slowly. So if that is true and has always been true, “in the beginning” must back up even farther—really infinitely backward to where matter or energy were not just mind blowingly large, but infinitely large.
Where does this lead—in infinity past was an infinite power, which, at least from some point in times past (the beginning), has been very orderly in following prescribed physical laws, such as the laws of nature we all recognize. Does that not sound like God.
There are a multitude of further resources on this topic for the scientist that really wants to study the issue, so we end the science side here. But let’s also look at this from a second angle before closing. If you were God and wanted your created people to worship you by faith, rather than as robots, what step is critical to this? Faith. So logically, you would supply enough information to your creation such that they could know of your existence, such as is contained in the Bible. If your creation contains a variety of personalities and interests, the evidences that you would reveal might also contain an assortment to catch the eyes of those differing personalities (yes, engineers also have personalities). But if faith is what you want, as God, what do you not do? You do not reveal so much that true worship could be by means other than a step of faith. Again, from an engineer’s perspective, nothing happens without a proof to back it up. If I could prove God, I would be prevented from having faith in God, I’d simply believe because I have to, just like I believe 2+2=4. For me, seeing the logic of this was a key step in accepting “in the beginning God”.
I believe it is impossible to convince someone of those opening four words of the Bible until they see other parts of the Bible come to life through the work of the Holy Spirit in their life and the lives of the Christians they meet. You cannot prove God always was, but you can show God still is.
Submitted by: Paul Morrison
But for the person that does not believe the Bible, perhaps a more rhetorical response is appropriate: What’s the alternative?
Slightly longer answer:
Personally this was the most difficult question that I needed to answer in my spiritual journey, and yet in retrospect it those first four words of Genesis was the best and most obvious answer. No one seems to question “in the beginning” . It seems logical that there was a beginning and physicists and many related scientific specialties aim at understanding these three words, yet the scientific journals remain shockingly silent on the fourth; “God”, and that silence leaves many unwittingly arguing that science has “disproved” God. It hasn’t, nor has it offered any alternative.
As one of the many engineers at Hillcrest (I think our church still has more engineers than adopted children, but its close), the basic laws of physics were something we learned and applied again and again from grade school through various levels of college training.
• Matter (and energy) cannot be created or destroyed, only changed in form…
• An object in motion will remain in motion…
• For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction…
• Everything tends toward disorganization (yes, its not just what happens in the house, it’s a physical law of nature, also known as the 3rd law of thermodynamics)
And the list continues. We all recognize parts of these laws and we routinely see their affects. These basic laws have not changed since there discovery or throughout recorded history before they were defined (largely by early scientists that believed in God and merely wanted to better understand His creation.) As our understanding of these physical laws has grown, nothing within them contradicts “in the beginning God”, but instead just furthers our understandings along those lines.
Very few people that dare to argue “where did God come from” have any more understanding of the origin of the universe than “the big bang theory”, although even this concept has been altered dramatically over our lifetime by additional scientific discovery. But even a big bang is not a “beginning” story since it pre-supposes stuff was there to go bang and something caused the bang. So, quite simply unless you are an astrophysicist, the question really comes down to one of two faith decisions;
• Stuff always was and from infinity past it just happened to always be moving according to today’s physical laws, in such a manner that it eventually went boom, and after that, despite the 3rd law of thermodynamics, things randomly become incredibly organized and here we all are (with messy houses and missing socks).
• God always was and set the universe on nothing (Gen. 1:1, Job 26:7)
Both are faith decisions, one is no more explainable than the other. Understandably, some 80% of those scientists that do understand the origins of the universe best acknowledge there must be some creator to explain what they see.
To take the science step just one step farther, just a generation ago now, Einstein and his counterparts discovered that matter and energy were themselves interchangeable –that is via nuclear reactions. Consider the incredible power of nuclear bombs that release the energy contained in minute quantities of matter, and multiply that by the amount of matter in the universe and your brain is immediately overwhelmed. Then face a hard fact—a law upon which science rests—matter (or its energy counterpart) cannot be created, hence all that is must have been “in the beginning”—but how can that much matter or energy simply “be”. Turns out that accepting “in the beginning” without “God” is just as big of a leap of faith because doing otherwise is to accept an “in the beginning” argument upon which either matter or energy already existed in extreme abundance.
And add to that another disappointing discovery; while matter and energy cannot be created (but by God), we now know the universe is slowly “leaking” energy. That is to say, the universe is not fully conserving energy like anticipated, but is actually loosing it slowly. So if that is true and has always been true, “in the beginning” must back up even farther—really infinitely backward to where matter or energy were not just mind blowingly large, but infinitely large.
Where does this lead—in infinity past was an infinite power, which, at least from some point in times past (the beginning), has been very orderly in following prescribed physical laws, such as the laws of nature we all recognize. Does that not sound like God.
There are a multitude of further resources on this topic for the scientist that really wants to study the issue, so we end the science side here. But let’s also look at this from a second angle before closing. If you were God and wanted your created people to worship you by faith, rather than as robots, what step is critical to this? Faith. So logically, you would supply enough information to your creation such that they could know of your existence, such as is contained in the Bible. If your creation contains a variety of personalities and interests, the evidences that you would reveal might also contain an assortment to catch the eyes of those differing personalities (yes, engineers also have personalities). But if faith is what you want, as God, what do you not do? You do not reveal so much that true worship could be by means other than a step of faith. Again, from an engineer’s perspective, nothing happens without a proof to back it up. If I could prove God, I would be prevented from having faith in God, I’d simply believe because I have to, just like I believe 2+2=4. For me, seeing the logic of this was a key step in accepting “in the beginning God”.
I believe it is impossible to convince someone of those opening four words of the Bible until they see other parts of the Bible come to life through the work of the Holy Spirit in their life and the lives of the Christians they meet. You cannot prove God always was, but you can show God still is.
Submitted by: Paul Morrison
Can someone who has committed suicide go to heaven?
I know suicide is wrong, obviously, as it' a killing...but do you think God looks at that diferently when one takes their own life? Does it say anything in the Bible about that?
The Bible is very clear about how we get to heaven—through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ by acknowledging that He died for our sins and rose from the dead so that we can live forever with God the Father. Key verses include John 3:16, John 5:24, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 10:27-29, 1 John 5:11-13. The Bible also teaches that nothing (that means nothing, not even suicide) can separate us from God once we are a Christian (Romans 8:37-39) and that we can know that we are saved beyond any doubt (I John 5:13).
Simply stated: suicide is not what determines whether a person gains entrance into heaven. If an unsaved person commits suicide, he is simply expediting his eternity in hell for rejecting Christ (not for committing suicide). Jesus died for all of our sins. If a true Christian, in a time of spiritual attack and weakness, commits suicide, that would still be a sin covered by the blood of Christ.
However, suicide is not what God wants for anyone. Our God loves us very much (John 3:16). He created us in His image (Genesis 1:26-27) and for a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11, John 10:10b).
Jesus tells us that death and destruction are the work of Satan (John 10:10a) and that many of the feelings of despair that lead to suicidal thoughts are caused by sin. The Bible records seven instances of suicide:
1. Abimelech lacked personal identity (Judges 9:52-54).
2. Samson died for a cause he believed in and for revenge (Judges 16:25-30).
3. Saul was stressed out, unable to live up to certain expectations; felt rejected and a failure (1 Samuel 31:4).
4. Saul's armor-bearer on impulse wanted to die with his boss, King Saul (1 Samuel 31:5); note: 40% of teenage suicide is impulse.
5. Ahithophel was bitter because his advice was not followed (2 Samuel 17:23).
6. Rebellion; Zimri had a problem with authority (1 Kings 16:15-20).
7. Depressed, Judas felt trapped by materialism and guilt (Matthew 27:3-5).
The reasons these men took their own lives are many of the reasons people today feel as if there is no hope and that by taking their own lives they can escape.
However, we can find hope in God! Once we accept Christ as our Savior, we are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and the things of this world that cause so much pain have no hold on us if we give our pain over to God. Jesus Himself tells us to bring our burdens, however severe, to Him and He will give us rest because He cares for us (Matthew 11:28). He also tells us that nothing can snatch us out of the Father’s hands, not despair or guilt or lack of identity or suicide (John 10:27-29).
Submitted by: Gerry Singleton
The Bible is very clear about how we get to heaven—through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ by acknowledging that He died for our sins and rose from the dead so that we can live forever with God the Father. Key verses include John 3:16, John 5:24, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 10:27-29, 1 John 5:11-13. The Bible also teaches that nothing (that means nothing, not even suicide) can separate us from God once we are a Christian (Romans 8:37-39) and that we can know that we are saved beyond any doubt (I John 5:13).
Simply stated: suicide is not what determines whether a person gains entrance into heaven. If an unsaved person commits suicide, he is simply expediting his eternity in hell for rejecting Christ (not for committing suicide). Jesus died for all of our sins. If a true Christian, in a time of spiritual attack and weakness, commits suicide, that would still be a sin covered by the blood of Christ.
However, suicide is not what God wants for anyone. Our God loves us very much (John 3:16). He created us in His image (Genesis 1:26-27) and for a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11, John 10:10b).
Jesus tells us that death and destruction are the work of Satan (John 10:10a) and that many of the feelings of despair that lead to suicidal thoughts are caused by sin. The Bible records seven instances of suicide:
1. Abimelech lacked personal identity (Judges 9:52-54).
2. Samson died for a cause he believed in and for revenge (Judges 16:25-30).
3. Saul was stressed out, unable to live up to certain expectations; felt rejected and a failure (1 Samuel 31:4).
4. Saul's armor-bearer on impulse wanted to die with his boss, King Saul (1 Samuel 31:5); note: 40% of teenage suicide is impulse.
5. Ahithophel was bitter because his advice was not followed (2 Samuel 17:23).
6. Rebellion; Zimri had a problem with authority (1 Kings 16:15-20).
7. Depressed, Judas felt trapped by materialism and guilt (Matthew 27:3-5).
The reasons these men took their own lives are many of the reasons people today feel as if there is no hope and that by taking their own lives they can escape.
However, we can find hope in God! Once we accept Christ as our Savior, we are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and the things of this world that cause so much pain have no hold on us if we give our pain over to God. Jesus Himself tells us to bring our burdens, however severe, to Him and He will give us rest because He cares for us (Matthew 11:28). He also tells us that nothing can snatch us out of the Father’s hands, not despair or guilt or lack of identity or suicide (John 10:27-29).
Submitted by: Gerry Singleton
Will we really see our loved ones again? The ones who were saved? What about those who were not? Will we know who they are?
For the believer in Christ, the Bible tells us that we will see our loved ones again in heaven and that we will know who they are. Here are a few examples:
Jesus Himself received a glorified body after His resurrection and was recognized by His followers (John 20:19-20). God tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:42-49 that we too will have a glorified body someday.
The disciples recognized Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-5 despite the fact that these men lived centuries earlier.
In 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul alludes to the fact that we will know others and be known: “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (v. 12).
In the Old Testament, several verses describe the early leaders and prophets (Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Josiah) being “gathered to their fathers” and “resting with their fathers” (see Genesis 25:8-9, Deuteronomy 31:16, Judges 2:10, and 2 Kings 22:20). These verses imply knowledge of relatives in heaven.
An example in Scripture regarding the unsaved and recognition of others is found in Luke 16:19-31, the story of the rich man in hell and Lazarus and Abraham in heaven. When the rich man died without Christ, he went to hell and recognized Lazarus in heaven and begged Abraham to send Lazarus back to earth to warn his family about hell. In this example, the rich man recognized both Lazarus (whom he knew on earth) and Abraham (whom he didn’t know personally), while Abraham recognized the rich man and Lazarus. We can infer, then, that we will recognize those we knew personally while on earth and those we didn’t know.
Submitted by: Gerry Singleton
Jesus Himself received a glorified body after His resurrection and was recognized by His followers (John 20:19-20). God tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:42-49 that we too will have a glorified body someday.
The disciples recognized Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-5 despite the fact that these men lived centuries earlier.
In 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul alludes to the fact that we will know others and be known: “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (v. 12).
In the Old Testament, several verses describe the early leaders and prophets (Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Josiah) being “gathered to their fathers” and “resting with their fathers” (see Genesis 25:8-9, Deuteronomy 31:16, Judges 2:10, and 2 Kings 22:20). These verses imply knowledge of relatives in heaven.
An example in Scripture regarding the unsaved and recognition of others is found in Luke 16:19-31, the story of the rich man in hell and Lazarus and Abraham in heaven. When the rich man died without Christ, he went to hell and recognized Lazarus in heaven and begged Abraham to send Lazarus back to earth to warn his family about hell. In this example, the rich man recognized both Lazarus (whom he knew on earth) and Abraham (whom he didn’t know personally), while Abraham recognized the rich man and Lazarus. We can infer, then, that we will recognize those we knew personally while on earth and those we didn’t know.
Submitted by: Gerry Singleton
Can a homosexual who believes that Jesus died for our sins, still go to heaven?
First the question of homosexuality. The currently popular views of the homosexual condition claim that it is, either by nature or by nurture, the natural condition of some people. There is no Biblical basis for that claim; in fact, the word homosexual does not appear as a noun in modern English translations of the Bible:
• Leviticus 18:22 You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.
• Leviticus 20:13 If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination...
• Romans 1:26-27 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
• 1Cor 6:9-10 Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
• 1Tim 1:10 ...the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine...
From a Biblical perspective, we can reasonably and confidently assert that there is no homosexual condition, only those who engage, by choice, in homosexuality. The quoted texts make it clear that God considers it sin.
Many Christians, and many churches, tend to err by singling out homosexuality for particular condemnation. Some of the passages quoted above include homosexuality in a list of numerous serious sins, but remember that to a righteous, holy, perfect God, any and all sins exclude us from entry into heaven. It is only through the righteous sacrifice of Jesus Christ that any of us can attain forgiveness for our sins, small or great as we might like to classify them.
1Cor 6:9-10 is quoted above. Verse 11 goes on to say to the Corinthians, “And such were some of you.” Some in the Corinthian church had been sexually immoral. Some had been idolaters. Some had been adulterers. Some had been thieves, or greedy, drunkards, swindlers, and yes, even those who practiced homosexuality. But Paul says, “And such were some of you.” They no longer were such despicable sinners! Paul continues, “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” None of those sins, none of those patterns of living, was irreversible or unforgivable. We all need to look back on what we once were, in humility and with gratitude to appreciate the mercy of God in our own lives.
Yet it is important to note the process that Paul presents here. “You were washed...” The regenerative work of the Holy Spirit had purified then, removed the defilement of these pollutions. “You were sanctified...” This describes the progressive and advancing process of purifying which succeeds regeneration in the Christian. It doesn't mean that they were perfect - the whole of the epistle shows that this was far from being the case with the Corinthians. But the work was advancing, and they were in the process of sanctification. We all stumble in some way(s), but those who are truly regenerate will be grieved by their own sin, and will get up, go on with Christ, and achieve victory over their sin. “You were justified...” Your sins are pardoned, and you are accepted as righteous, and you will be treated as such based on the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ and his acceptable sacrifice.
So the answer to the paraphrased question, “Can one who has engaged in homosexuality, who believes that Jesus died for our sins, go to heaven?” is YES.
The answer is yes for the one who demonstrates that the process of regeneration, sanctification, and justification is happening in his life. Believing that Jesus died for our sins recognizes a truth, but that truth must be transforming our lives.
Prov 30:12 There are those who are clean in their own eyes but are not washed of their filth.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 ESV 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Submitted by: Larry Alm
• Leviticus 18:22 You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.
• Leviticus 20:13 If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination...
• Romans 1:26-27 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
• 1Cor 6:9-10 Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
• 1Tim 1:10 ...the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine...
From a Biblical perspective, we can reasonably and confidently assert that there is no homosexual condition, only those who engage, by choice, in homosexuality. The quoted texts make it clear that God considers it sin.
Many Christians, and many churches, tend to err by singling out homosexuality for particular condemnation. Some of the passages quoted above include homosexuality in a list of numerous serious sins, but remember that to a righteous, holy, perfect God, any and all sins exclude us from entry into heaven. It is only through the righteous sacrifice of Jesus Christ that any of us can attain forgiveness for our sins, small or great as we might like to classify them.
1Cor 6:9-10 is quoted above. Verse 11 goes on to say to the Corinthians, “And such were some of you.” Some in the Corinthian church had been sexually immoral. Some had been idolaters. Some had been adulterers. Some had been thieves, or greedy, drunkards, swindlers, and yes, even those who practiced homosexuality. But Paul says, “And such were some of you.” They no longer were such despicable sinners! Paul continues, “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” None of those sins, none of those patterns of living, was irreversible or unforgivable. We all need to look back on what we once were, in humility and with gratitude to appreciate the mercy of God in our own lives.
Yet it is important to note the process that Paul presents here. “You were washed...” The regenerative work of the Holy Spirit had purified then, removed the defilement of these pollutions. “You were sanctified...” This describes the progressive and advancing process of purifying which succeeds regeneration in the Christian. It doesn't mean that they were perfect - the whole of the epistle shows that this was far from being the case with the Corinthians. But the work was advancing, and they were in the process of sanctification. We all stumble in some way(s), but those who are truly regenerate will be grieved by their own sin, and will get up, go on with Christ, and achieve victory over their sin. “You were justified...” Your sins are pardoned, and you are accepted as righteous, and you will be treated as such based on the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ and his acceptable sacrifice.
So the answer to the paraphrased question, “Can one who has engaged in homosexuality, who believes that Jesus died for our sins, go to heaven?” is YES.
The answer is yes for the one who demonstrates that the process of regeneration, sanctification, and justification is happening in his life. Believing that Jesus died for our sins recognizes a truth, but that truth must be transforming our lives.
Prov 30:12 There are those who are clean in their own eyes but are not washed of their filth.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 ESV 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Submitted by: Larry Alm
How does evolution (dinosaurs, etc.) fit in with creation?
The short answer is, it doesn’t; the theory of evolution in regards to the origins of the universe and life is completely incompatible with God’s revelation of creation. What makes the matter confusing is that some aspects of evolutionary theory are based on scientific fact that does not go against creation. The theory of evolution regarding biology can be broken down into two parts; micro-evolution and macro-evolution.
Micro-evolution is also known as natural selection, and it does happen. As the animals that God saved on the ark spread out following the flood, certain population groups became isolated. The area of the world that these groups lived in favored certain physical traits, such as certain colors for camouflage, certain beak shapes that made it easier to gather or open food, etc. Over several generations the individuals in the population who had traits that were favored by their environment survived long enough to reproduce, while others did not. In an isolated population this can result in unfavorable traits being eliminated from the gene pool over the course of just a few generations. The most vivid example of this is in breeds of dogs. A Great Dane and a Chihuahua are both dogs, but humans selectively breed them to favor certain traits. The same thing can happen in nature to an isolated population. Micro-evolution (or Natural Selection) and God’s revelation of creation in the Bible are completely compatible. There is no need to try to reinterpret scripture to make it fit with this aspect of evolution.
Macro-evolution is where you get into the idea that all life forms descended from other, less primitive life forms. According to the theory, if natural selection goes on for a long enough period of time (millions of years) you will eventually get something that is so different from its ancestors that we would classify it as a new kind of creature altogether. What happened to the dinosaurs? According to modern evolutionary theory, they evolved into birds. The problem with macro-evolution is this; for life to evolve from a single cell organism through a long chain of more complex creatures until you eventually end up with humans you need to have the constant addition of genetic material. The more complex an organism is the more genetic material is required. And it isn’t even a proportional relationship; an increase in complexity in the organism requires an exponential increase in DNA. As we’ve seen from our look at natural selection, the opposite is happening. Micro-evolution relies on the loss of genetic information; that’s what makes up variety in a population. Macro-evolution requires the addition of genetic information.
Micro-evolution is an observable phenomenon that we know occurs and in fact is expected from a creationist viewpoint. Macro-evolution is purely a theory, and not a very good one. No one has never observed the increase of genetic information in a population group, and no one can even propose a plausible way in which it might happen. Keep in mind how the theory of evolution got its start. Men who decided they did not want to believe in God saw His handiwork in creation and had to find a way to resolve this cognitive dissonance. They refused to admit the existence of God, so they rationalized a way in which life could come about by natural means. Evolutionists today still begin at that same spot, the denial of God’s existence. They disregard a vast amount of scientific data that fits the creation model much better than evolution as being an anomaly or contaminated. To admit evolution is wrong would mean admitting that God is real, and they just won’t allow themselves to do that.
So what about the ideas that try to blend the creation narrative in scripture with evolution? Things like the gap theory or the day-age theory. These theories try to make the bible fit the evolutionary model by imposing millions of years into the creation narrative.
The gap theory says that Genesis 1:1 talks about the original creation, which they say God destroyed because of the fall of Satan and Genesis 1:2 is a second recreation of the Earth. They argue that millions of years existed between verses 1 and 2 and that is what we find in the fossil record.
The day-age theory says that the days in the creation narrative were not literal 24 hour days, but were more like eons, periods of millions of years. They argue that God created the Earth and life in a very primitive form and then let evolution take over until He stepped into human history in His dealings with Adam (who had evolved from simpler life forms.)
One huge problem with both of these theories is that the bible makes it very clear that death (of all things) is the result of Adam’s sin. We don’t find this just in Genesis but throughout scripture. If millions of years existed before Adam, and the fossil record comes from this period, then millions of living creatures died long before Adam sinned. That means the bible is wrong regarding the relationship between sin and death.
If the creation narrative can’t be accepted as literal and true, then all of scripture is unreliable. What then is our faith based upon? Evolution and Creation are completely incompatible.
If you would like more information regarding this topic you can check out these websites. Some of the information on them is technical, but much is easy to understand.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/
http://www.icr.org/
Submitted by: Jim Jackson
Micro-evolution is also known as natural selection, and it does happen. As the animals that God saved on the ark spread out following the flood, certain population groups became isolated. The area of the world that these groups lived in favored certain physical traits, such as certain colors for camouflage, certain beak shapes that made it easier to gather or open food, etc. Over several generations the individuals in the population who had traits that were favored by their environment survived long enough to reproduce, while others did not. In an isolated population this can result in unfavorable traits being eliminated from the gene pool over the course of just a few generations. The most vivid example of this is in breeds of dogs. A Great Dane and a Chihuahua are both dogs, but humans selectively breed them to favor certain traits. The same thing can happen in nature to an isolated population. Micro-evolution (or Natural Selection) and God’s revelation of creation in the Bible are completely compatible. There is no need to try to reinterpret scripture to make it fit with this aspect of evolution.
Macro-evolution is where you get into the idea that all life forms descended from other, less primitive life forms. According to the theory, if natural selection goes on for a long enough period of time (millions of years) you will eventually get something that is so different from its ancestors that we would classify it as a new kind of creature altogether. What happened to the dinosaurs? According to modern evolutionary theory, they evolved into birds. The problem with macro-evolution is this; for life to evolve from a single cell organism through a long chain of more complex creatures until you eventually end up with humans you need to have the constant addition of genetic material. The more complex an organism is the more genetic material is required. And it isn’t even a proportional relationship; an increase in complexity in the organism requires an exponential increase in DNA. As we’ve seen from our look at natural selection, the opposite is happening. Micro-evolution relies on the loss of genetic information; that’s what makes up variety in a population. Macro-evolution requires the addition of genetic information.
Micro-evolution is an observable phenomenon that we know occurs and in fact is expected from a creationist viewpoint. Macro-evolution is purely a theory, and not a very good one. No one has never observed the increase of genetic information in a population group, and no one can even propose a plausible way in which it might happen. Keep in mind how the theory of evolution got its start. Men who decided they did not want to believe in God saw His handiwork in creation and had to find a way to resolve this cognitive dissonance. They refused to admit the existence of God, so they rationalized a way in which life could come about by natural means. Evolutionists today still begin at that same spot, the denial of God’s existence. They disregard a vast amount of scientific data that fits the creation model much better than evolution as being an anomaly or contaminated. To admit evolution is wrong would mean admitting that God is real, and they just won’t allow themselves to do that.
So what about the ideas that try to blend the creation narrative in scripture with evolution? Things like the gap theory or the day-age theory. These theories try to make the bible fit the evolutionary model by imposing millions of years into the creation narrative.
The gap theory says that Genesis 1:1 talks about the original creation, which they say God destroyed because of the fall of Satan and Genesis 1:2 is a second recreation of the Earth. They argue that millions of years existed between verses 1 and 2 and that is what we find in the fossil record.
The day-age theory says that the days in the creation narrative were not literal 24 hour days, but were more like eons, periods of millions of years. They argue that God created the Earth and life in a very primitive form and then let evolution take over until He stepped into human history in His dealings with Adam (who had evolved from simpler life forms.)
One huge problem with both of these theories is that the bible makes it very clear that death (of all things) is the result of Adam’s sin. We don’t find this just in Genesis but throughout scripture. If millions of years existed before Adam, and the fossil record comes from this period, then millions of living creatures died long before Adam sinned. That means the bible is wrong regarding the relationship between sin and death.
If the creation narrative can’t be accepted as literal and true, then all of scripture is unreliable. What then is our faith based upon? Evolution and Creation are completely incompatible.
If you would like more information regarding this topic you can check out these websites. Some of the information on them is technical, but much is easy to understand.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/
http://www.icr.org/
Submitted by: Jim Jackson
I want to know if Scripture tells you that those who have died are aware of our lives here on earth.
A. This is a very important question to ponder, especially for those of us who have experienced the death of a loved one. And although in many cases we may not know if they are in heaven or not, the answer may be important as we continue to miss that person and wonder if there could still be a connection between them and the life we live here on earth.
In his book Heaven (Tyndale House, 2004), which provides well-researched and Biblical answers about heaven, Alcorn actually addresses this specific question. He provides a helpful list of Scripture verses which provide significant support to the belief that those who have died are indeed aware of our current existence here on earth. Although his list includes a few others than what is mentioned here, for the sake of space, these are a few (pp. 69-71).
1. Because the martyrs in heaven, who have been killed for their faith, know that their persecutors (Revelation 6:9-11) have not been punished by God, it seems obvious that those in heaven can see what’s happening here on earth. (p.69)
2. Also, Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus at his transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36). They talked with Jesus about his upcoming departure and fulfillment of God’s plan in Jerusalem. As Alcorn states, “they seemed fully aware of the drama they’d stepped into, of what was currently transpiring on Earth, and of God’s redemptive plan about to be accomplished.” (p.69)
3. “Angels saw Christ on Earth (1 Timothy 3:16). There are clear indications that the angels knew what is happening on Earth (1 Corinthians 4:19, 1 Timothy 5:21). If angels, why not the saints? It seems that the people of God would have as much of a vested interest in the spiritual events happening on Earth as angels do.” (p.70)
4. As discussed below, “Abraham and Lazarus saw the rich man in Hell (Luke 16:23-26). If possible, at least in some cases, to see Hell from Heaven, why would people be unable to see Earth from Heaven?” (p.70)
5. “Christ said, ‘There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7). Similarly, “there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10) Notice that it does not speak of rejoicing by the angels but in the presence of angels. Who is doing this rejoicing in Heaven? I believe it logically includes not only God but also the saints in heaven… If they rejoice over conversions happening on earth, then obviously they must be aware of what is happening on Earth.” (p.71)
Another source of an answer to this question is found in the story Jesus told in Luke 16:19-31. This tells of the rich man and Lazarus. Although this passage might be described by some people as a parable, the NIV Study Bible suggests that it may not be (study notes, p. 1572). Also in his book Heaven, author Randy Alcorn describes several aspects which lead us to believe that this story contains more truth than simply showing us the results of our poor choices and eternal consequences (see p. 62). For example, it is not like other parables Jesus taught because it is the only one in which he gave specific names to the people in the story. It is also different from others in that it is so descriptive regarding heaven and hell compared to Jesus’ other parables.
For these reasons it seems logical that Jesus gave us concrete detail about the afterlife so that we could also learn about heaven and hell. In the story, the rich man who is suffering in hell asks God the Father to warn his brothers. Clearly he continues to be aware of the potential fate of his brothers and hopes to try and prevent it. Alcorn says, “The rich man certainly remembers, and possibly sees, his lost brothers. He expresses concern and asks that Lazarus be sent to warn them. This indicates consciousness after death and clear memory of earth and people on earth.” (Heaven, p. 63) This example shows at least the likelihood of those in hell being able to see what is happening here on earth.
Therefore, by a thoughtful review of these many verses, we can be reasonably sure that those who have died are aware of our lives here on earth.
Submitted by: Mark Matthias
In his book Heaven (Tyndale House, 2004), which provides well-researched and Biblical answers about heaven, Alcorn actually addresses this specific question. He provides a helpful list of Scripture verses which provide significant support to the belief that those who have died are indeed aware of our current existence here on earth. Although his list includes a few others than what is mentioned here, for the sake of space, these are a few (pp. 69-71).
1. Because the martyrs in heaven, who have been killed for their faith, know that their persecutors (Revelation 6:9-11) have not been punished by God, it seems obvious that those in heaven can see what’s happening here on earth. (p.69)
2. Also, Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus at his transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36). They talked with Jesus about his upcoming departure and fulfillment of God’s plan in Jerusalem. As Alcorn states, “they seemed fully aware of the drama they’d stepped into, of what was currently transpiring on Earth, and of God’s redemptive plan about to be accomplished.” (p.69)
3. “Angels saw Christ on Earth (1 Timothy 3:16). There are clear indications that the angels knew what is happening on Earth (1 Corinthians 4:19, 1 Timothy 5:21). If angels, why not the saints? It seems that the people of God would have as much of a vested interest in the spiritual events happening on Earth as angels do.” (p.70)
4. As discussed below, “Abraham and Lazarus saw the rich man in Hell (Luke 16:23-26). If possible, at least in some cases, to see Hell from Heaven, why would people be unable to see Earth from Heaven?” (p.70)
5. “Christ said, ‘There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7). Similarly, “there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10) Notice that it does not speak of rejoicing by the angels but in the presence of angels. Who is doing this rejoicing in Heaven? I believe it logically includes not only God but also the saints in heaven… If they rejoice over conversions happening on earth, then obviously they must be aware of what is happening on Earth.” (p.71)
Another source of an answer to this question is found in the story Jesus told in Luke 16:19-31. This tells of the rich man and Lazarus. Although this passage might be described by some people as a parable, the NIV Study Bible suggests that it may not be (study notes, p. 1572). Also in his book Heaven, author Randy Alcorn describes several aspects which lead us to believe that this story contains more truth than simply showing us the results of our poor choices and eternal consequences (see p. 62). For example, it is not like other parables Jesus taught because it is the only one in which he gave specific names to the people in the story. It is also different from others in that it is so descriptive regarding heaven and hell compared to Jesus’ other parables.
For these reasons it seems logical that Jesus gave us concrete detail about the afterlife so that we could also learn about heaven and hell. In the story, the rich man who is suffering in hell asks God the Father to warn his brothers. Clearly he continues to be aware of the potential fate of his brothers and hopes to try and prevent it. Alcorn says, “The rich man certainly remembers, and possibly sees, his lost brothers. He expresses concern and asks that Lazarus be sent to warn them. This indicates consciousness after death and clear memory of earth and people on earth.” (Heaven, p. 63) This example shows at least the likelihood of those in hell being able to see what is happening here on earth.
Therefore, by a thoughtful review of these many verses, we can be reasonably sure that those who have died are aware of our lives here on earth.
Submitted by: Mark Matthias
Is there such a thing as reincarnation?
First, what is reincarnation?
Reincarnation doctrine teaches that when a person dies their soul moves from one body to another body, on an almost endless cycle of lives. Reincarnation also involves the concept of karma, wherein we are taught that upon taking a new life your are blessed or cursed for the actions of your previous existence.
There are two reasons why biblical Christians should not believe in reincarnation.
1. The bible completely rejects the idea of reincarnation.
Contrary to popular belief, reincarnation was never held by any of the members of the original Christian church, only fringe groups and what we call cults today ever held the view and they rightfully were labeled “heretical.” The only groups that hold to such a view today are new agers, Buddhists, and most sub-groups of Hinduism. Christianity shares nothing in common with any of these groups. Buddhism is inherently atheistic (don't believe in any god), while new agers and most Hindus are either deists or polytheistic (believe in multiple gods). This god is a power source, not a loving personal creator.
Hebrews 9:27 teaches, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”
We see here that man is to die only once, not to suffer the cycle of repeating our lives over and over again. Christians also reject it, because it gives non-believers a false hope of a hypothetical second chance. Reincarnation holds that we have as many times as possible to “get it right.” When faced with the reality that after death comes “the judgment” we can see that this lie was espoused by the enemy as a false hope, which enables many of us to put the responsibility of “doing the right thing” and following God on our next life. The fact of the matter is that we get one shot at this thing we call “life” and we need to “repent for the kingdom of God is at hand!”
2. Logic and Reason reject reincarnation.
Reincarnation holds that every soul is the recycled life of the past dead, but this begs the question...where do these reincarnated souls come from? According to reincarnation we are simply seeing the death and rebirth of a set number of individuals, how does one explain the population explosion and the creation of “new” souls? Also, considering that reincarnation requires karma, who guides its blessings and curses? According to most proponents of reincarnation, there isn't even a God, how is it that our souls are placed in a particular body and know to suffer in the next life?
Consider the practical implications of such a view. Can anyone name a Buddhist health organization similar to the Red Cross or the Red Crescent (Muslim)? No. Why not? The reason is that according to reincarnation doctrine and the laws of Karma we should allow the sick child who is lying in the gutter to suffer their fate. The homeless mother with three children also must have done something horrible in her past life to deserve her current fate and punishment. Christianity rejects this view. We understand that we are to help the poor and the sick. Christ told us that if we give a glass of water to the least of his children we are basically giving water to him. We see that there is no notion whatsoever of a current worldly punishment for a past mundane existence.
We as Christians understand that we are here to serve God, serve others, and bring people to a saving faith in Christ. It is an urgent call because this is the only chance we have...that is why our great commission is so important. We need to preach Christ crucified, because every soul that accepts God's gift of salvation is a soul saved from hell and hell is a real place. There is no next life, no second chance, we need to reach out and help our friends and family while we can.
Submitted by: Josh Tilley
Reincarnation doctrine teaches that when a person dies their soul moves from one body to another body, on an almost endless cycle of lives. Reincarnation also involves the concept of karma, wherein we are taught that upon taking a new life your are blessed or cursed for the actions of your previous existence.
There are two reasons why biblical Christians should not believe in reincarnation.
1. The bible completely rejects the idea of reincarnation.
Contrary to popular belief, reincarnation was never held by any of the members of the original Christian church, only fringe groups and what we call cults today ever held the view and they rightfully were labeled “heretical.” The only groups that hold to such a view today are new agers, Buddhists, and most sub-groups of Hinduism. Christianity shares nothing in common with any of these groups. Buddhism is inherently atheistic (don't believe in any god), while new agers and most Hindus are either deists or polytheistic (believe in multiple gods). This god is a power source, not a loving personal creator.
Hebrews 9:27 teaches, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”
We see here that man is to die only once, not to suffer the cycle of repeating our lives over and over again. Christians also reject it, because it gives non-believers a false hope of a hypothetical second chance. Reincarnation holds that we have as many times as possible to “get it right.” When faced with the reality that after death comes “the judgment” we can see that this lie was espoused by the enemy as a false hope, which enables many of us to put the responsibility of “doing the right thing” and following God on our next life. The fact of the matter is that we get one shot at this thing we call “life” and we need to “repent for the kingdom of God is at hand!”
2. Logic and Reason reject reincarnation.
Reincarnation holds that every soul is the recycled life of the past dead, but this begs the question...where do these reincarnated souls come from? According to reincarnation we are simply seeing the death and rebirth of a set number of individuals, how does one explain the population explosion and the creation of “new” souls? Also, considering that reincarnation requires karma, who guides its blessings and curses? According to most proponents of reincarnation, there isn't even a God, how is it that our souls are placed in a particular body and know to suffer in the next life?
Consider the practical implications of such a view. Can anyone name a Buddhist health organization similar to the Red Cross or the Red Crescent (Muslim)? No. Why not? The reason is that according to reincarnation doctrine and the laws of Karma we should allow the sick child who is lying in the gutter to suffer their fate. The homeless mother with three children also must have done something horrible in her past life to deserve her current fate and punishment. Christianity rejects this view. We understand that we are to help the poor and the sick. Christ told us that if we give a glass of water to the least of his children we are basically giving water to him. We see that there is no notion whatsoever of a current worldly punishment for a past mundane existence.
We as Christians understand that we are here to serve God, serve others, and bring people to a saving faith in Christ. It is an urgent call because this is the only chance we have...that is why our great commission is so important. We need to preach Christ crucified, because every soul that accepts God's gift of salvation is a soul saved from hell and hell is a real place. There is no next life, no second chance, we need to reach out and help our friends and family while we can.
Submitted by: Josh Tilley
If we go to heaven, do we all go to the same heaven or are there different levels?
There is only one heaven, where all those whom Christ has redeemed will live for eternity after this life. The bible gives no indication that there are multiple heavens or that heaven has levels. Some religions claim that there are more than one heaven, pointing out the plural use of the word heaven and Paul’s reference to the “third heaven” in 2 Cor. 12:2. When you take all scripture in context, we find that the birds fly in the first heaven (that would be Earth’s atmosphere), the stars are hung in the second heaven (that would be space), and the throne of God exists in the third heaven, (the heaven where we will spend eternity).
The bible does, however, indicate that there will be different levels of service in heaven. It will be similar to how there are differences in the angels and the roles that they play; there are archangels, cherubim and seraphim, principalities, powers and rulers within the angelic hierarchy. The role that we will be given is dependent on two things. One is the sovereignty of God. This is indicated in Matthew 20:20-23, where the mother of the sons of Zebedee asked Jesus to allow her sons to sit on His right and left hand in heaven. His response was that these positions were “not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” Just as our spiritual gifts are determined by the sovereignty of God, so will our role in heaven be at least partially determined by God.
The other factor that goes into determining our heavenly role has to do with what we do in this life. The bible indicates that those who are faithful unto death, or martyred, will have a special reward in heaven. John also indicates in 2 John 1:8 that we can lose some of our reward. “Watch yourselves, so that you man not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.” It is possible that you could be faithful, and the Lord be ready and prepared to give you a full reward, but by some sin in your life towards the end of your life, you could begin to forfeit those rewards and those things would be taken back off the list, added to the "wood, hay, and stubble" kind of thing, and your reward would be less.
Now, it’s not like we will be walking around in heaven flaunting our rewards. There will not be any sense of loss or disappointment, no regret or jealousy because we feel that we are missing anything. We will all perform the role God has given us and enjoy perfect contentment and joy from doing it. We can’t all sit right next to the bridegroom, but we will all enjoy the festivities at the wedding feast!
Submitted by: Jim Jackson
The bible does, however, indicate that there will be different levels of service in heaven. It will be similar to how there are differences in the angels and the roles that they play; there are archangels, cherubim and seraphim, principalities, powers and rulers within the angelic hierarchy. The role that we will be given is dependent on two things. One is the sovereignty of God. This is indicated in Matthew 20:20-23, where the mother of the sons of Zebedee asked Jesus to allow her sons to sit on His right and left hand in heaven. His response was that these positions were “not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” Just as our spiritual gifts are determined by the sovereignty of God, so will our role in heaven be at least partially determined by God.
The other factor that goes into determining our heavenly role has to do with what we do in this life. The bible indicates that those who are faithful unto death, or martyred, will have a special reward in heaven. John also indicates in 2 John 1:8 that we can lose some of our reward. “Watch yourselves, so that you man not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.” It is possible that you could be faithful, and the Lord be ready and prepared to give you a full reward, but by some sin in your life towards the end of your life, you could begin to forfeit those rewards and those things would be taken back off the list, added to the "wood, hay, and stubble" kind of thing, and your reward would be less.
Now, it’s not like we will be walking around in heaven flaunting our rewards. There will not be any sense of loss or disappointment, no regret or jealousy because we feel that we are missing anything. We will all perform the role God has given us and enjoy perfect contentment and joy from doing it. We can’t all sit right next to the bridegroom, but we will all enjoy the festivities at the wedding feast!
Submitted by: Jim Jackson
Do demons cause depression in certain people?
Yes. Demons CAN contribute to depression in certain people, but not all depression is caused by demons.
Wayne Grudem comments:
“Not all depression is demonic in origin. Some may be caused by chemical factors that will respond to medical treatment. Other depression may be due to a variety of behavioral patterns or interpersonal relationships that are not being conducted according to biblical standards. But we should not rule out demonic influence as a possible factor.” (Grudem, Wayne, Systematic Theology, p.423, 1994)
Because this question asks specifically about demonic influence in depression, I will not address the cases where the depression has true medical basis. I will focus on the influence of demons and the influence of our own evil desires.
Depression is a state of being, an attitude, an emotion or a mood. “Depression is a persistent mood that is characterized by intense feelings of inadequacy, sadness, hopelessness, pessimism, irritability, apprehension, and a decreased interest in or ability to enjoy normal activity. This mood must last at least two weeks to be diagnosed as clinical depression.” (Asher, Marshall and Mary, The Christian’s Guide to Psychological Terms, p. 56, 2004.)
Demons are sneaky and stealthy, not wanting to be obvious and easily exposed and confronted. So it is often difficult to know or understand the exact means by which the influence occurs. Demons cannot read our minds or know our thoughts. However, they are real and they are present around us. Demons can see the things that we do and hear things that we say. Therefore, our activities and our words can be used by demons to influence us. Demons influence non-Christians and Christians alike through:
1. temptation (Luke 4:2),
2. physical pain or illness (Job 2:7, 2 Cor 12:7, Luke 4:39, Luke 13:16),
3. spiritual attack (Eph 6:12), and
4. deceit (cf. Acts 13:10).
5. Satan (and therefore perhaps other demons as well) works through other people (Job 1:13-15, 17) and weather (Job 1:16, 18-19).
However, the influence, power and activity of Satan and demons are limited by God (Job 1:12, 2:6).
Through the power of the Holy Spirit we can resist temptation (James 4:7), put off evil behavior (Eph 4:22; Col 3:9), put on godly behavior and thinking (Gal 3:27; Eph 4:22; Col 3:10-14), and guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:7). In order to fight off demonic influence that causes depression or any other sinful thinking or activity, we must put on the armor of God:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
On the other hand, sin also comes simply from our own evil desires, not specifically from the influence of demons. James 1:13-16:
“Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.”
One who is depressed can be tempted to allow their minds to go into despair. There could be several reasons why people would be tempted to do this: the attention gained from others, the escape from the responsibility of facing and solving one’s problems, or as an excuse for not doing what needs to be done.
How a person thinks affects the way they feel. We cannot allow the way we feel prevent us from doing the things that please God. Our feelings will improve when we obey God’s Word by thinking and doing things God’s way.
The sin in depression is dwelling on:
Guilt, not forgiveness. (1 Peter 2:24; Colossians 2:13-15)
Despair, not hope. (Ephesians 3:14-21)
Pain, not comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
False gods, not the One True God. (Exodus 20:2-4)
Sadness, not joy. (Nehemiah 8:10; James 1:2-4)
Self, not others. (Philippians 2:3)
Self-pity, not self-worth. (Romans 8:35-39)
Fear, not love. (1 John 4:18; 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a)
Anxiety, not trust. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Sinful anger, not righteous anger. (Ephesians 4:26)
Defeat, not victory. (Romans 8:35-39)
Depravity, not self-control (1 Peter 5:8)
Dwelling and focusing on these depressing emotions to the point that the conscience is seared, the Holy Spirit is grieved and God is displeased, is sin. This focus pulls the mind away from the abundant life that Jesus came to give (John 10:10).
A biblical solution to depression is found in 2 Corinthians 4:7-18. One would benefit from reading further context in 2 Corinthians both before and after this passage.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, "I believed, and so I spoke," we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. 17 For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Submitted by Fred Schmitt.
Wayne Grudem comments:
“Not all depression is demonic in origin. Some may be caused by chemical factors that will respond to medical treatment. Other depression may be due to a variety of behavioral patterns or interpersonal relationships that are not being conducted according to biblical standards. But we should not rule out demonic influence as a possible factor.” (Grudem, Wayne, Systematic Theology, p.423, 1994)
Because this question asks specifically about demonic influence in depression, I will not address the cases where the depression has true medical basis. I will focus on the influence of demons and the influence of our own evil desires.
Depression is a state of being, an attitude, an emotion or a mood. “Depression is a persistent mood that is characterized by intense feelings of inadequacy, sadness, hopelessness, pessimism, irritability, apprehension, and a decreased interest in or ability to enjoy normal activity. This mood must last at least two weeks to be diagnosed as clinical depression.” (Asher, Marshall and Mary, The Christian’s Guide to Psychological Terms, p. 56, 2004.)
Demons are sneaky and stealthy, not wanting to be obvious and easily exposed and confronted. So it is often difficult to know or understand the exact means by which the influence occurs. Demons cannot read our minds or know our thoughts. However, they are real and they are present around us. Demons can see the things that we do and hear things that we say. Therefore, our activities and our words can be used by demons to influence us. Demons influence non-Christians and Christians alike through:
1. temptation (Luke 4:2),
2. physical pain or illness (Job 2:7, 2 Cor 12:7, Luke 4:39, Luke 13:16),
3. spiritual attack (Eph 6:12), and
4. deceit (cf. Acts 13:10).
5. Satan (and therefore perhaps other demons as well) works through other people (Job 1:13-15, 17) and weather (Job 1:16, 18-19).
However, the influence, power and activity of Satan and demons are limited by God (Job 1:12, 2:6).
Through the power of the Holy Spirit we can resist temptation (James 4:7), put off evil behavior (Eph 4:22; Col 3:9), put on godly behavior and thinking (Gal 3:27; Eph 4:22; Col 3:10-14), and guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:7). In order to fight off demonic influence that causes depression or any other sinful thinking or activity, we must put on the armor of God:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
On the other hand, sin also comes simply from our own evil desires, not specifically from the influence of demons. James 1:13-16:
“Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.”
One who is depressed can be tempted to allow their minds to go into despair. There could be several reasons why people would be tempted to do this: the attention gained from others, the escape from the responsibility of facing and solving one’s problems, or as an excuse for not doing what needs to be done.
How a person thinks affects the way they feel. We cannot allow the way we feel prevent us from doing the things that please God. Our feelings will improve when we obey God’s Word by thinking and doing things God’s way.
The sin in depression is dwelling on:
Guilt, not forgiveness. (1 Peter 2:24; Colossians 2:13-15)
Despair, not hope. (Ephesians 3:14-21)
Pain, not comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
False gods, not the One True God. (Exodus 20:2-4)
Sadness, not joy. (Nehemiah 8:10; James 1:2-4)
Self, not others. (Philippians 2:3)
Self-pity, not self-worth. (Romans 8:35-39)
Fear, not love. (1 John 4:18; 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a)
Anxiety, not trust. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Sinful anger, not righteous anger. (Ephesians 4:26)
Defeat, not victory. (Romans 8:35-39)
Depravity, not self-control (1 Peter 5:8)
Dwelling and focusing on these depressing emotions to the point that the conscience is seared, the Holy Spirit is grieved and God is displeased, is sin. This focus pulls the mind away from the abundant life that Jesus came to give (John 10:10).
A biblical solution to depression is found in 2 Corinthians 4:7-18. One would benefit from reading further context in 2 Corinthians both before and after this passage.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, "I believed, and so I spoke," we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. 17 For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Submitted by Fred Schmitt.
If someone goes to hell, can they ever get to heaven?
Two verses of scripture answer this question plainly:
-Hebrews 9:27 “It is appointed unto man once to die, and then, the judgment.” We’re only given this life to decide if we’re going to follow God’s ways, or our own desires. After our earthly death, there is no opportunity provided. God will judge us for the way we used the life he gave us here on earth.
-Luke 16:26 “…between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.” Jesus is telling the parable of the rich man, in hell, and Lazarus, in heaven. He says clearly that a ‘great chasm’- literally, an insurmountable distance-has been fixed between heaven and hell, so that no one can go from one to the other.
Submitted by: Pete Ohlinger
-Hebrews 9:27 “It is appointed unto man once to die, and then, the judgment.” We’re only given this life to decide if we’re going to follow God’s ways, or our own desires. After our earthly death, there is no opportunity provided. God will judge us for the way we used the life he gave us here on earth.
-Luke 16:26 “…between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.” Jesus is telling the parable of the rich man, in hell, and Lazarus, in heaven. He says clearly that a ‘great chasm’- literally, an insurmountable distance-has been fixed between heaven and hell, so that no one can go from one to the other.
Submitted by: Pete Ohlinger
How late is too late?
How late in this life can a person commit their life to Christ and then be able to go to heaven? When they are unconscious or in a coma or just before their spirit leaves their body?
The short answer is, as we see in Luke 23:39-43, that a person can receive salvation at any time before their earthly death, up to and including the day they die. But nowhere in the Bible do we see a person in an unconscious state receive salvation, because the decision to turn from one’s sins, and trust that Jesus’ death as payment for one’s sins, can only come from a conscious mind. Why? Because the decision to believe In Jesus for salvation, turning from our sinful ways, and asking God to forgive us, is by definition, a decision of the will. A person in a coma or an unconscious state obviously would have no capacity to assert their will.
We must remember that in all things, God sees the motives of our hearts. When one asks a question such as the above, the likely motive may be so that the person asking can live their way, instead of God’s way, for as long as possible, but then commit to Him just in time, to avoid the punishment of hell. Since God sees our inner being (see Hebrews 4:13), and knows the motives of our hearts, there is no fooling God. If our motive is to live for ourselves, and our life’s choices bear that out, God will likely give us what we really want, which is to be apart from Him. Remember- God is a Gentleman. He will not club us over the head, and drag us back to His cave, and say, “You- love me!” If what we really want is to live our own way, we are proving ourselves to be a liar, not following Him, not caring for His ways. The place reserved for those who want to live their own way, instead of God’s, is hell, not heaven.
Submitted by: Pete Ohlinger
The short answer is, as we see in Luke 23:39-43, that a person can receive salvation at any time before their earthly death, up to and including the day they die. But nowhere in the Bible do we see a person in an unconscious state receive salvation, because the decision to turn from one’s sins, and trust that Jesus’ death as payment for one’s sins, can only come from a conscious mind. Why? Because the decision to believe In Jesus for salvation, turning from our sinful ways, and asking God to forgive us, is by definition, a decision of the will. A person in a coma or an unconscious state obviously would have no capacity to assert their will.
We must remember that in all things, God sees the motives of our hearts. When one asks a question such as the above, the likely motive may be so that the person asking can live their way, instead of God’s way, for as long as possible, but then commit to Him just in time, to avoid the punishment of hell. Since God sees our inner being (see Hebrews 4:13), and knows the motives of our hearts, there is no fooling God. If our motive is to live for ourselves, and our life’s choices bear that out, God will likely give us what we really want, which is to be apart from Him. Remember- God is a Gentleman. He will not club us over the head, and drag us back to His cave, and say, “You- love me!” If what we really want is to live our own way, we are proving ourselves to be a liar, not following Him, not caring for His ways. The place reserved for those who want to live their own way, instead of God’s, is hell, not heaven.
Submitted by: Pete Ohlinger
If Mormons believe that Jesus died for their sins, are they saved?
This is a great question. Mormons do believe that Jesus died for their sins and that he rose from the dead, but why do so many believers hold that Mormons are not saved?
We need to visit some of the hidden doctrine within the Mormon faith.
1. Mormons believe that Jehovah God is one god among many gods.
2. Mormons believe that Jesus is the brother of Satan.
3. Mormons believe that Jesus was not born of a virgin birth, but through Mary's extra-marital sex with Jehovah God.
4. Mormons believe that good Mormon men die and go on to become gods of their own planets, establishing their own plan for salvation.
5. Mormons believe that good Mormon women are simply there to help the good Mormon men to populate their new planets.
6. Mormons believe that on judgment day you will come before not just God and Jesus, but also before the prophet Joseph Smith.
You get the picture.
We come to see that though the Mormons confess to believe that “Jesus died for their sins,” they also do not believe in the same Jesus we do. Compare this view to those of Waco, Texas who thought that David Koresh was the resurrected Jesus Christ. They could easily have agreed with the idea that “Jesus died for their sins.” Consider those who murdered their children and committed suicide in Jonestown with cult leader Jim Jones. They too, could claim that they believed that “Jesus died for their sins.”
We see that these cults do not believe in the biblical Jesus. They reject the God of the bible and in doing so, God will reject them. Christ said that “if you deny me, I will deny you.” This is why our biblical doctrine is so important and why we were commanded to “test all things; hold fast to what is good” (I Thess 5:21). We will be held accountable for what we devote ourselves to. In scripture we are told that many people who do a lot of “good work” in his name will die, come before Jesus, and he will say, “I never knew you; depart from Me” (Matt 7:23). He says this because they never really knew him.
No matter how many homes a Mormon visits or how much work he does, he worships a different God than we do. Mormons teach that God was a man, which we are told is a lie. We are warned to not “change the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man” (Romans 1:23). We must remember that even the devil believes in God and he will not be saved. We must ask ourselves what makes us different? When we die we will not have our pastor, priest, or parents to blame for following a lie...only ourselves.
Submitted by: Josh Tilley
We need to visit some of the hidden doctrine within the Mormon faith.
1. Mormons believe that Jehovah God is one god among many gods.
2. Mormons believe that Jesus is the brother of Satan.
3. Mormons believe that Jesus was not born of a virgin birth, but through Mary's extra-marital sex with Jehovah God.
4. Mormons believe that good Mormon men die and go on to become gods of their own planets, establishing their own plan for salvation.
5. Mormons believe that good Mormon women are simply there to help the good Mormon men to populate their new planets.
6. Mormons believe that on judgment day you will come before not just God and Jesus, but also before the prophet Joseph Smith.
You get the picture.
We come to see that though the Mormons confess to believe that “Jesus died for their sins,” they also do not believe in the same Jesus we do. Compare this view to those of Waco, Texas who thought that David Koresh was the resurrected Jesus Christ. They could easily have agreed with the idea that “Jesus died for their sins.” Consider those who murdered their children and committed suicide in Jonestown with cult leader Jim Jones. They too, could claim that they believed that “Jesus died for their sins.”
We see that these cults do not believe in the biblical Jesus. They reject the God of the bible and in doing so, God will reject them. Christ said that “if you deny me, I will deny you.” This is why our biblical doctrine is so important and why we were commanded to “test all things; hold fast to what is good” (I Thess 5:21). We will be held accountable for what we devote ourselves to. In scripture we are told that many people who do a lot of “good work” in his name will die, come before Jesus, and he will say, “I never knew you; depart from Me” (Matt 7:23). He says this because they never really knew him.
No matter how many homes a Mormon visits or how much work he does, he worships a different God than we do. Mormons teach that God was a man, which we are told is a lie. We are warned to not “change the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man” (Romans 1:23). We must remember that even the devil believes in God and he will not be saved. We must ask ourselves what makes us different? When we die we will not have our pastor, priest, or parents to blame for following a lie...only ourselves.
Submitted by: Josh Tilley
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