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“THE IMMORTAL SOUL OF MAN"

Thesis: To instruct the hearers concerning what the word of God teaches concerning the nature of mankind, and to expose errors taught by some concerning this matter.

Text: 2 Cor 4:16-5:1

2Co 4:16 Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is (being) renewed day by day. 2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; 2Co 4:18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2Co 5:1 For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.

Introduction,
1. This passage speaks of one’s inward man, the spirit, sometimes referred to as the soul; the bible plainly teaches that man (mankind) possesses a spirit, soul and body, as seen in (1 Thess 5:23).

1Th 5:23 And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. The word “soul” is sometimes used to identify one’s spirit (Mt 10:28).

Mat 10:28 And be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

3. Or sometimes the word “soul” refers to that life force which animates one’s body (Gen 2:7).

Gen 2:7 And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

4. Or even sometimes the word “soul” refers to a person in general (1 Pet 3:20b-21).

1Pe 3:20b . . . when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 1Pe 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

5. Thus the context has to dictate the usage of the word, but when they (soul and spirit) are used together (as in Thess 5:23; Heb 4:12) a distinction between the two has to be recognized.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.

6. The spirit of a person is the part of man that continues to live beyond this physical life, thus the bible teaches that the spirit of a person is immortal, incorruptible (1 Pet 3:3-4).

1Pe 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on apparel; 1Pe 3:4 but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

7. The word “incorruptible” here is aphthartos (af'-thar-tos), of which Strong’s states . . .

“From G1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G5351; undecaying (in essence or continuance): - not (in-, un-) corruptible, immortal.” (“Incorruptible" 6 times, "immortal" 1 time; ASV)

8. Generally speaking the difference between the words “immortal” and “eternal” is that the entity which is “eternal” has no beginning, nor an end, it continues for ever, such as is God (Ps 90:2).

Psa 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

9. While on the other hand the word “immortal” does denote a beginning, the spirit of a person has a beginning, it is actually formed within a person by God when life begins, when that person is conceived (Zech 12:1).

Zec 12:1 The burden of the word of Jehovah concerning Israel. Thus saith Jehovah, who stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him:

10. And the spirit goes back into the hands of God when the body experiences physical death (Eccl 12:7; Luke 23:46; Acts 2:31; 7:59).

Ecc 12:7 and the dust returneth to the earth as it was, and the spirit returneth unto God who gave it.

11. But the bible does not teach that it ceases to exist as seen in the Lord’s accounting of the Judgment Day in (Mt 25:46)

Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.

12. Also as concerning those who partook in emperor worship in the 1st century (Rev 14:9-11).

Rev 14:9 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a great voice, If any man worshippeth the beast and his image, and receiveth a mark on his forehead, or upon his hand, Rev 14:10 he also shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: Rev 14:11 and the smoke of their torment goeth up for ever and ever; and they have no rest day and night, they that worship the beast and his image, and whoso receiveth the mark of his name.

13. For the bible teaches that death is merely a separation (Ja 2:26)

Jam 2:26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.

14. Physical death is a separation of body and spirit, and spiritual death is a separation between man and God (Isa 59:1-2).

Isa 59:1 Behold, Jehovah's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: Isa 59:2 but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, so that he will not hear.

15. Man is created in the image of the Godhead (Gen 1:26-27).

Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Gen 1:27 And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

16. “In our image, after our likeness” is an example of Hebrew parallelism, these statements mean the same thing, in what sense are we made in God’s image? Does man’s physical body look like God’s? The bible teaches that God is a Spirit (John 4:24; Mt 16:17; 1 Cor 15:50).

Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

17. And that He is not flesh and blood (Mt 16:17).

Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven.

18. For a spirit does not have flesh and blood, nor bones (Luke 24:39).

Luk 24:39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye behold me having.

19. God is referred to as the Father of our spirits (Heb 12:9).

Heb 12:9 Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

20. Therefore man is not made in the physical image of God seeing that He has no physical body (flesh, blood, bones, ect); even though certain manifestations have been brought about throughout time in order that His creatures may perceive Him with their limited faculties, these are known as “Theophanies.”

21. God cannot, nor has ever been seen by human eyes, as stated in (John 1:18).

Joh 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

22. Job declared that in the next life, then would he be able to see God (Job 19:26).

Job 19:26 And after my skin, even this body, is destroyed, Then without my flesh shall I see God;

23. And this fact is affirmed in Rev 22:3-4 where we are given a picture of the redeemed eternally with God.

Rev 22:3 And there shall be no curse any more: and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him; Rev 22:4 and they shall see his face; and his name shall be on their foreheads.

24. Man has a spirit (Job 32:8), man has the ability to think, reason, understand, plan, and be creative (Isa 1:18); God has these same capabilities, in these areas man has been made in God’s image.

25. God is infinitely holy and pure, when man comes into being (when a person is conceived in his mother’s womb) he is holy and pure, spiritually, intellectually and morally, again in the image of God; through sin man loses this part of the Divine image; it is only as one obeys the gospel that he regains that part of the image that was lost, as seen in (Eph 4:23-24; Col 3:10).

Eph 4:23 and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, Eph 4:24 and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.

Col 3:10 and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him:

26. In today’s lesson we will look at some of the texts which some use to assert that one’s spirit (soul) is not immortal, we will expose the fallacies of these assertions, and then we will look at some of the texts that prove that the spirit continues past this life on unto eternity, therefore we will look at . . .

1) The False Assertion Concerning the Spirit of Man (Eccl 9:3-6; Ps 146:3-4; Ezek 18:20)

2) The Truth Concerning the Spirit of Man (1 Sam 25:1; 28:8-15; Isa 13:9-11; Deut 34:5; Mt 17:1-5; Luke 16:19-31; 20:37-38; Gen 5:24; Heb 11:5; 2 Ki 2:11; 1 Cor 15:50; Rev 6:9-11; 2 Cor 12:2-4)

I. THE FALSE ASSERTION CONCERNING THE SPIRIT OF MAN (Eccl 9:3-6; Ps 146:3-4; Ezek 18:20)

A. Turn to (Eccl 9:3-6)

Ecc 9:3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead. Ecc 9:4 For to him that is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion. Ecc 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Ecc 9:6 As well their love, as their hatred and their envy, is perished long ago; neither have they any more a portion for ever in anything that is done under the sun.

There is a certain religious organization that states that this passage teaches that the soul (spirit) of a person ceases to exist after death, they state “showing that death is a total state of unconsciousness, the bible says ‘for the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all.’”

1. But in this context the statement about the dead being “unaware of anything” (as well as all that it is speaking of) is limited by and applied to the phrase “under the sun,” this is far from saying that the dead are totally unconscious, the text simply affirms that the dead do not know what is going on back on earth (“under the sun”).

B. Look at (Ps 146:3-4)

Psa 146:3 Put not your trust in princes, Nor in the son of man (this is talking about man in general not Christ), in whom there is no help. Psa 146:4 His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; In that very day his thoughts perish.

Concerning this passage, this group states “when a person dies, the bible explains ‘his spirit goes out, he goes back to the ground; in that day his thoughts perish.’”

1. In this context it is speaking of the ever appearing problem of the nation of Israel, who oftentimes put their trust in men, instead of God. For men, are not like God, nor can they provide the help that God can, men experience physical death, their bodily functions cease, their bodies go back to the dust whence it came, and in that day all his “thoughts” (“eshtonoth” this word only occurs once in the bible; the ASV has the word “purposes” in the marginal reading, the NKJV translates it “plans”) perish, all his “purposes” his schemes, projects and helps upon this earth come to an end, they are nipped in the bud, thus he (man) is weak and not to be depended upon; while on the other hand God does not change (Mal 3:6), and He can be counted on even beyond this physical realm, therefore we need to trust in Him, not in the arm of flesh which will fail us.

a. Therefore this text does not teach that a man is totally unconscious after death, but rather it teaches that a man’s schemes, aspirations perish when he dies, he is no longer alive on earth to carry out those intentions, this harmonizes perfectly with all the other statements in the bible that teach that a man has a soul (spirit) that departs from the body at the moment of physical death (Ja 2:26).

C. Turn to (Ezek 18:4)

Eze 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

Concerning this passage those that teach this false doctrine state “the bible says: ‘the soul that sinneth, it itself will die (Ezek 18:4), nowhere does the bible teach that man has an immortal soul that survives the death of the body.’” (Remember 1 Pet 3:4; “the incorruptible [immortal] apparel of a meek and quiet spirit”).

1. But the word “death” does not mean “a ceasing of existence,” even in the case of the physical body, it doesn’t cease to exist, it is simply void of its spirit and bodily functions, thus it begins to corrupt, decompose, to turn into something else (the dust of the ground), but is surely does not cease to exist.

a. The word “death” means a “separation” either between body and spirit (physical death; Ja 2:26), or between man and God (spiritual death; Isa 59:2).

b. And in this context the word “soul” simply refers to the entire person (spirit, soul and body) as it does in 1 Pet 3:20 “eight souls were saved by water,” look at verse 20 (Ezek 18:20).

Eze 18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die: the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

2. What this passage is talking about is that those that were in Babylonian captivity, deserved it, they sinned, therefore they were being punished, they were not being punished for their ancestors sins, nor were they responsible for them, and that includes Adam’s and Eve’s. Thus they were separated from God and reaping what “they” sowed, not what “another” sowed, look at verses 21-23 (Ezek 18:21-23).

Eze 18:21 But if the wicked turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Eze 18:22 None of his transgressions that he hath committed shall be remembered against him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. Eze 18:23 Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked? saith the Lord Jehovah; and not rather that he should return from his way, and live?

3. If they would be truly repentant, and obeyed the commands of God, they would no longer be separated from God, (spiritually dead; Isa 59:2), but rather they would be alive, joined to God, Who would comfort them in their times of hardship through hope in this life looking unto the next.

a. If this is talking about one’s literal soul ceasing to exist, how would that soul (in this context) return from his wicked way and live (seeing that they assert this is talking about physical death of the body and ending of one’s spirit), is this also talking about a literal resurrection? No! But it would have to be if these assertions were true, but they are not.

b. But this is talking about a spiritual resurrection by the children of God returning back to God and being made alive by walking in His commands, this same is possible for us today, when we hear and obey the gospel of Christ (John 5:24-25).

Joh 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth him that sent me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into judgment, but hath passed out of death into life. Joh 5:25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour cometh, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live.

c. Therefore let us hear, and obey God’s commands from the heart, which results in spiritual life (John 6:63), and not have our faith overthrown by these door to door heretics, who are similar to the Sadducees who also denied the immortal spirit of a person (Acts 23:8), of whom Jesus said (Mt 22:29)

Mat 22:29 . . . Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

II. THE TRUTH CONCERNING THE SPIRIT OF MAN (1 Sam 28:3-15; Isa 13:9-11; Deut 34:4-6; Mt 17:1-5; Luke 16:19-31; 20:37-38; Gen 5:24; Heb 11:5; 2 Ki 2:11; 1 Cor 15:50; Rev 6:9-11; 2 Cor 12:2-4).

In this section we will look at some passages that without a doubt, teach that the spirit (soul) of a person (either righteous or wicked) lives beyond the state of physical death (that separation of body and spirit; Ja 2:26).

A. Turn to (1 Sam 28:3-19)

1Sa 28:3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land. 1Sa 28:4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and encamped in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they encamped in Gilboa. 1Sa 28:5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. 1Sa 28:6 And when Saul inquired of Jehovah, Jehovah answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. 1Sa 28:7 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at En-dor. 1Sa 28:8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and went, he and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, Divine unto me, I pray thee, by the familiar spirit, and bring me up whomsoever I shall name unto thee. 1Sa 28:9 And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die? 1Sa 28:10 And Saul sware to her by Jehovah, saying, As Jehovah liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing. 1Sa 28:11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel. 1Sa 28:12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice (I believe this cry was a cry of surprise, she was a charlatan and did not expect Samuel to truly appear); and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul. 1Sa 28:13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what seest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I see a god coming up out of the earth. 1Sa 28:14 And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a robe. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground, and did obeisance. 1Sa 28:15 And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. 1Sa 28:16 And Samuel said, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing Jehovah is departed from thee, and is become thine adversary? 1Sa 28:17 And Jehovah hath done unto thee, as he spake by me: and Jehovah hath rent the kingdom out of thy hand, and given it to thy neighbor, even to David. 1Sa 28:18 Because thou obeyedst not the voice of Jehovah, and didst not execute his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath Jehovah done this thing unto thee this day. 1Sa 28:19 Moreover Jehovah will deliver Israel also with thee into the hand of the Philistines; and to-morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: Jehovah will deliver the host of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.

There is a lot that we can comment on concerning this passage, but we will put that aside for know, the main thing that I want you to make note of is that Samuel was physically dead, his death is recorded in 1 Sam 25:1.

1Sa 25:1 And Samuel died; and all Israel gathered themselves together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran.

1. Yet here we see Samuel and Saul engaged in a discussion at En-dor, clearly Samuel is still in existence, even though his body is buried at Ramah and is currently decomposing.

a. And note the language Samuel uses, “disquieted me,” (v 15) Luke 16:25 teaches us that in Hades (Sheol) the redeemed are comforted, thus this interruption is a disquieting action to Samuel, also those considered wicked in the sight of God are also there in torments (Luke 16:23), of which we might consider Saul seeing that Jehovah is departed from him (v 16).

b. “To bring me up” here also is in harmony with the bible teaching concerning the Hadean realm, which is often described as being beneath the earth, while Heaven is pictured as being above the earth, this again is in perfect harmony with which the bible teaches concerning those that have experienced physical death, as in the case of Christ Who went to Hades (Acts 2:27, 31; Luke 23:43), and then ascended into Heaven (Acts 1:9-11; Eph 4:8-10).

Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, And gave gifts unto men. Eph 4:9 (Now this, He ascended, what is it but that he also descended into the lower parts of the earth? Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)

B. Look at (Deut 34:4-6)

Deu 34:4 And Jehovah said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither. Deu 34:5 So Moses the servant of Jehovah died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of Jehovah. Deu 34:6 And he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab over against Beth-peor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.

Here we have the account of the death of Moses, clearly the bible states that he died, he was not allowed to go into the promised land because he did not believe, thus obey nor glorify God at the waters of Meribah (Num 20:12), yet what some want to teach us is that a person that experiences physical death does not have an immortal soul that continues to function as a living entity, turn your bibles to Mt 17:1-5.

Mat 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart: Mat 17:2 and he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light. Mat 17:3 And behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with him. Mat 17:4 And Peter answered, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, I will make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. Mat 17:5 While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

1. Clearly Moses was still in existence during the earthly ministry of Christ, even though his body has long ago returned to the dust whence it came, here we see Moses and Elijah (who was one who did not taste death, but was translated directly into Heaven; 2 Ki 2:11, as was Enoch; Gen 5:24) talking with Jesus (Mt 17:3), they were able to logically reason and converse, surely this is not a deception by God, neither was the account of Samuel, God cannot and does not lie (Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18), God’s word is Truth (John 17:17), not a lie, again the immortal soul deniers are having to twist a lot of scripture to explain away all this, and that to their own destruction (2 Pet 3:16).

C. Turn to (2 Cor 12:2-4)

2Co 12:2 I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not; or whether out of the body, I know not; God knoweth), such a one caught up even to the third heaven. 2Co 12:3 And I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not; God knoweth), 2Co 12:4 how that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Most bible scholars conclude that Paul here is describing himself, many believe that this took place when he was stoned at Lystra during his 1st missionary journey in Acts 14:9, and that he actually died at this time, but he wasn’t sure if he died or not, in other words “if he was in his body or not”

1. What! Experiencing things without a physical body, how could that be? Yet he was coherent, he “heard unspeakable words” that implies that other entities were there speaking. How could Paul believe such a heinous doctrine, hearing, speaking, and comprehending? Not only did he believe it, he partook in it, it is the truth, and it is the truth that will make you free (John 8:32), not the teachings of men (Col 2:8).

Col 2:8 Take heed lest there shall be any one that maketh spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ:

2. A careful study will also reveal that comforts, Abraham’s bosom, Hades, Paradise, the Abyss, Tartaroo, and Sheol are all words in the bible that speak of the Hadean realm (Luke 16:22-23; 23:43; Acts 2:31; 2 Cor 12:4; 2 Pet 2:4; Rev 9:1-2; ect), but that’s another lesson.

D. Now turn to (Luke 16:19-31)

Luk 16:19 Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day: Luk 16:20 and a certain beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, full of sores, Luk 16:21 and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table; yea, even the dogs came and licked his sores. Luk 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels into Abraham's bosom: and the rich man also died, and was buried. Luk 16:23 And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Luk 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame. Luk 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things: but now here he is comforted, and thou art in anguish. Luk 16:26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that they that would pass from hence to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from thence to us. Luk 16:27 And he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house; Luk 16:28 for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Luk 16:29 But Abraham saith, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. Luk 16:30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one go to them from the dead, they will repent. Luk 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one rise from the dead.

Here we see the account of Lazarus and the rich man, some believe this to be a parable, but I don’t believe that is the case, it doesn’t state it’s a parable, it is put in the context of obedience to God’s commands, specifically that of adulterous marriages (Luke 16:18).

Luk 16:18 Every one that putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth one that is put away from a husband committeth adultery.

1. The rich of that day and of this were more likely to be involved in multiple unscriptural marriages, and thus be adulterers, and thus be going to torments awaiting the Day of Judgment; and the religious teachers of that day were divided concerning this matter, but this was not a matter of opinion, thus the warning at the end of the account (Luke 16:29).

Luk 16:29 But Abraham saith, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

a. And these commands are applicable to us today also (Mt 28:20; 5:32), thus so are the warnings, if one come back from the dead and states “your unscriptural marriage will end up in your eternal demise!” most partaking in such wont believe it, only those that will believe God’s word would, and they have the word, let them hear it!

2. But note all the exchange that takes place in this section of scripture (Luke 16:19-31), there is . . .

a. Perception

b. Satisfaction

c. Sensation

d. Communication

e. Recognition

f. Comprehension

g. Recollection

h. Emotion

3. These are not the actions of individuals not in existence, these are living, reasoning entities, and this is the place that all will go until The Last Day (except for the martyrs of Christ; Rev 20:4-6; Phili 1:23; 3:1-11), the only question is on what side of that uncrossable gulf will you be? God has given the entire world the hope of salvation through Christ (Tit 2:11-14).

Tit 2:11 For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, Tit 2:12 instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world; Tit 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Tit 2:14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.

E. Now to bring this all together turn to (Luke 23:39-43)

Luk 23:39 And one of the malefactors that were hanged railed on him, saying, Art not thou the Christ? save thyself and us. Luk 23:40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, Dost thou not even fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? Luk 23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. Luk 23:42 And he said, Jesus, remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom. Luk 23:43 And he said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise.

Here we have our loving Saviour, hanging from the cross of Calvary, this is where the denominational world goes to look for salvation apart from baptism, which the bible clearly teaches that it is essential (Mk 16:16; John 3:5; Acts 2:38; 1 Pet 3:21), but that is not why we are here. Jesus had the authority to forgive sins on earth (Mk 2:7, 10), and that is probably what happened here, and perhaps this man was baptized with the baptism of John, but fell away, and then before his death repented, as one can clearly see the fruits of repentance in his words, but it doesn’t really matter, none of us will be side by side with our Saviour hanging from a cross, thus this has no direct application to us today, even though the lesson here is it’s never to late to turn to the Lord, but again, that is not our topic.

1. Note the words of Christ “today shalt thou be with me in Paradise” if the fact of the soul (spirit) does not exist past physical death, what is Christ doing here, lying to a man when they are both on the brink of physical death?

a. Plainly the scriptures teach Christ never sinned (Heb 4:15; 1 Pet 2:22), thus He never lied.

b. Therefore this man is being told by Christ that he would be in Paradise (as Paul went to at his supposed death; 2 Cor 12:4) that very day.

c. Yet Peter in his sermon at Pentecost teaches us that Christ went to Hades (turn to Acts 2:31)

Act 2:31 he foreseeing this spake of the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he left unto Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.

d. Note carefully that it states “neither was he left unto Hades” (this speaks of His spirit, or his soul), “nor did his flesh see corruption” this speaks of His body, it did not start to decay in those 3 days through the power of God.

e. Many people believe Christ went to hell and suffered, but that is not what the bible teaches, and this is for the most part based on a mistranslation in the KJV of the word “hades” translating it as “Hell” instead of “Hades” as in this passage

f. The word “gehennah” which occurs 12 times in the NT is properly translated “hell” in most revisions of the KJV, and correctly so (that word is not in this verse; Acts 2:31).

g. Christ was that perfect sin offering (Heb 10:10; 2 Cor 5:21), the sinless Son of God Who became flesh so He could be put to death for sin laden man (Heb 2:14; because one can’t kill God; for He is Spirit; John 4:24),

h. Who went to Paradise upon His death, He was then resurrected at which time His spirit re-entered His body and ultimately (after 40 days; Acts 1:3) He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9), as we will also if we do the Father’s will, as did He (Mt 7:21), He was our forerunner (Heb 6:21), the firstfruits (1 Cor 15:20) which indicates followers.

i. But the point I am making is neither Christ nor this man ceased to exist after their physical deaths, and neither will we.

j. The only real question is what side of Hades will you enter into at death, awaiting that Great Day, will it be in comforts in Paradise, or in torments in the Abyss.

k. God brought forth His son in the fulness of time, born of a woman only, a virgin (Gal 4:4; Mt 1:23), God with us, Emmanuel, and He established His church, the kingdom through inspired men in the 1st century.

l. They preached the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Christ, and the hope of eternal life through Him, that hope is the same today (1 Pet 1:3-4).

1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1Pe 1:4 unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

m. That inheritance is incorruptible, as the spirit is incorruptible (1 Pet 3:4).

n. And the plan to receive that inheritance is the same today.

o. There is one gospel (Gal 1:6-9), one faith (Eph 4:5), and it was completely delivered in the 1st century (Jude 3), you can read of it in the bible, it has been the same for almost 2000 years, and it will never change as long as this earth stands (Gen 8:22; Mt 24:35; 2 Pet 3:10).

One must . . .

1) Hear the Word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17);

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

2) Believe that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 8:37; John 8:24), and that God rewards those that earnestly seek after Him (Heb 11:6). Jesus said . . .

Joh 8:24 . . . for except ye believe that I am, ye shall die in your sins.

3) Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5) Jesus stated . . .

Luk 13:3 . . . except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.

4) Confess Christ before men (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9) as did the eunuch, he proclaimed. . .

Act 8:37 . . . that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

5) Be baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3) where His blood was shed (John 19:34) unto (for) the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16); at which point God adds you to the church (Acts 2:47) translates you into the kingdom (Col 1:13) adds you to that one body (1 Cor 12:13) which Christ promised to save (Eph 5:23).

6) And live a holy life (1 Pet 1:15), not perfect. But faithful (Mt 10:22), determined to follow God’s divine instructions, thereby demonstrating our hope in the truth of the bible’s teach concerning our immortal souls (spirits), setting our sights on heavenly things, while serving our God with His earthly blessings.


"That in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written"

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