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
Thursday, May 13, 2010
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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