What Happens At Death?

"If a man dies, will he live again?” (Job 14:14)

The Brevity of Life:

·        James 4:13-17 your life is a vapor that appears for a little while

·        Job 16:22 For when a few years are past,  I shall go the way of no return.

·        Ps. 89:47,48 Remember what my span of life is; For what vanity Thou hast created all the sons of men!  What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his soul from the power of Sheol?          

·        Psalm 39:4-6 LORD, make me to know my end, And what is the extent of my days, Let me know how transient I am.  Behold, Thou hast made my days as handbreadths, And my lifetime as nothing in Thy sight, Surely every man at his best is a mere breath. Selah. Surely every man walks about as a phantom; surely they make an uproar for nothing; He amasses riches, and does not know who will gather them.

·        Ps. 90:10-12 As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away. Who understands the power of Thine anger, And Thy fury, according to the fear that is due Thee?  So teach us to number our days, That we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom.

·        Ps. 144:4 Man is like a mere breath; His days are like a passing shadow.

God Knows the Length of Our Days

      Psalm 139:16 Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Thy book they were all written, The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.

      Job 14:5 "Since his days are determined,  The number of his months is with Thee,  And his limits Thou hast set so that he cannot pass.

      Heb. 9:27 And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.

The Meaning of Death

      The word “death” means “separation.”  It is the end of life and the loss of all vital functions.  It takes place physically when the spirit (or soul) separates from the body (James 2:26; 1 Kings 17:21,22). Genesis describes the death of Rachel:  “And it came about as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin. So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)” (Gen. 35:18,19).  The Bible regards a live person differently than a dead body.  Notice the references to Dorcas in life and in death (Acts 9:36-42).  While dead, the references are not to “her” but to a “body.”  We cannot have physical life and death at the same time (Phil. 1:20-23). Death is the result of sin (Gen. 3:16ff.; Rom. 5:12).

Uses of the Word “Death”

1.      Physical Death  (Matt. 20:18; Luke 2:26)

2.      Evil Living  (Rom. 8:6; 1 Tim. 5:6)

3.      Spiritual Death in Sin (Col. 2:13) because one is separated from God (Isa. 59:1,2; Eph. 2:1, 11-12)

4.      Spiritual Death to Sin (Rom. 6:1-6)  we are no longer alive to sinful living

5.      Second Death, which is the lake of fire or hell (Rev. 2:11; 20:14; 21:8)

Assurance of Life after Death

There are some things about which we will never know in this life.

(Eccl. 3:11; Deut. 29:29)

Old Testament Passages Which Teach Life after Death

      Deut. 32:29   "Would that they were wise, that they understood this, That they would discern their future!

      Psalm 17:15 As for me, I shall behold Thy face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Thy likeness when I awake.

      Eccl. 12:7 then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.

      Isa. 26:19 Your dead will live; Their corpses will rise.  You who lie in the dust, awake and shout for joy, For your dew is as the dew of the dawn, And the earth will give birth to the departed spirits.

      Job 3:17-19 "There the wicked cease from raging, And there the weary are at rest. The prisoners are at ease together; they do not hear the voice of the taskmaster.  The small and the great are there, and the slave is free from his master.”

      Job 19:26,27 "Even after my skin is destroyed, Yet from my flesh I shall see God; Whom I myself shall behold, And whom my eyes shall see and not another.  My heart faints within me.

      2 Sam 12:23   "But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me."

      Dan. 12:2  "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt.

New Testament Passages Which Teach Life after Death

1.      Jesus’ Teaching in the Gospel of John

      John 4:36; 5:28,29; 6:40,44,54; 10:28; 11:25,26; 12:25; 14:19; 17:2,3

2.   Other passages

      Acts 13:48

      Rom. 2:6-10

       2 Tim. 1:10 our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel

When Jesus Comes Again:

1.     Jesus will find wickedness and unfaithfulness on earth (Lk. 17:26-30; 18:8).

2.     The dead will hear his voice and be raised—both the righteous and the unrighteous. (John 5:25-29; 1 Thess. 4:13-17).

3.     This will be the end of death (1 Cor. 15:26,55; Rev. 20:14).

4.     Living Christians will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye to have an immortal body (1 Cor. 15:51ff.)

5.     Then Christians will be caught up to be with the Lord in the air and ever be with Him there (1 Thess. 4:16-17).

6.     God will take vengeance in flaming fire upon those who do not know God and upon those who do not obey the gospel (2 Thess. 1:7-9).

7.     The earth and its works will be burned up (2 Pet. 3:10-12; Matt. 24:35; Rev. 20:11.).

8.     The devil’s work will end, and his torment will begin (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10).

9.     Christ will be glorified in his saints (2 Thess. 1:10-12).

10. All people will be gathered before the great white throne and separated—the righteous from the unrighteous (Rev. 20:11-15; Matt. 25:31-46; John 5:22; 2 Tim. 4:1).  The “day of salvation” will have passed (2 Cor. 6:1,2).

11. Each person will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and be judged according to his works (Rom. 14:10; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:12-15).

12. Christ will deliver up the kingdom to God (1 Cor. 15:23-24).

13. The unrighteous will be cast into the lake that burns with fire and brimstone (Rev. 20:14,15; 21:8; 22:15).

14. The righteous, whose names are in the Lamb’s book of life, whose robes are washed, will enter the city and have a right to eat of the tree of life  (John 5:29; Rev. 22:14; cf. 1 Pet. 1:3-5; John 14:1-3).  We will enter the place he has prepared for us.

Christians should be:

·        looking for His coming and preparing ourselves (2 Pet. 3:12).

·        eagerly waiting His coming for His coming (1 Cor. 1:7; 1 Thess. 1:10; James 5:7).

·        continuing to endure until it happens (Matt. 25:1-13).

·        doing what is necessary to prepare for His coming (Matt. 24:44; 25:14-30).

·        love His appearing (2 Tim. 4:8); rejoice at His coming (1 Pet. 4:13).

·        those who refuse to obey will be afraid and mourn (Heb. 10:31; Rev. 1:7; 6:15-17).

The Second Coming of Christ

Acts 1:6-11

Godet said the history of the world in its essential character is summed up in three sayings: He is coming; He has come; and He is coming again. We live between two visits of the Lord. The first is history; the second is prophecy. (Heb. 9:27,28)

The Certainty of His Coining

·        John 14:1-3 “If it were not so, I would have told you”

·        Acts 1:6-11 He will come in the same manner as you see Him ascending

·        1 Cor 11:26 our supper proclaims His death “until He comes”

The Manner of His Coming

·        Personal “this Jesus” (Acts 1:6-11) “I will come again” (John 14:1-3)

·        Audible (1 Thess. 4:16)

·        Visible (Rev. 1:7; 1 John 3:2)

·        In the clouds (Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thess. 4:16-18)

·        Jesus will not set foot on the earth (2 Pet. 3:7)

·        In the glory of God and the angels and fire (Matt. 16:27; 25:31; 2 Thess. 1:5-9; Tit 2:11-14; Heb. 9:27,28)

The Time of His Coming

·        Malt 24:35-25:13 Jesus himself does not know the day nor hour

·        1 Thess. 5:1-5 “like a thief in the night” (no one knows when a thief comes)

·        2 Pet. 3:3-10 “like a thief in the night” (unexpected)

What He Will Do

·        Sound the Trumpet: 1 Thess. 4:16; 1 Cor. 15:52

·        Christ will appear in Glory with His angels: Acts 1:9-11; Rev. 1:7

·        Christ will bring back with Him those who have Died: 1 Thess 4:13-17

·        The Dead will be raised: John 5:28,29; 1 Car. 15:20-23; 1 These. 4:13-18

·        Resurrected Saints and changed, living Christians will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air: 1 Thess. 4:15-17; Malt. 24:40,41; 1 Cor. 15:52

·        Judgment:   1 Tim. 4:1; Matt. 25:3146; Rev. 20:11-15; Malt. 7:21-23.

·        The Earth and Its Works to Be Burned up 2 Pet. 3:10-15; Heb. 1:10,1 1; Malt. 24:34, 35.

·        Christ will Deliver His Kingdom to the Father: 1 Cor. 15:23-28

·        Christians will receive their inheritance: 1 Car. 15:50; 1 Pet. 1:3-5

·        Those whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be cast in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone: Rev. 20:11-15

The Judgment

By What Will We Be Judged

·        By the Word of God John 12:48;Rom.2:16; Rev. 20:12;James2:12

·        By our words Matt. 12:32-37; Jude 15

·        By our thoughts Matt. 5:22,28; Eccl. 12:14; Jer. 17:10; Rev. 2:23

·        By our actions Malt. 10:43; Rom. 2:5-11; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:llff.; Eccl. 12:13; Rev. 1l:18;22:12;Matt. 25:31-46;Matt. 16:27; Gal. 6:7,8

·        By our secrets Rom. 2:16; 1 Cor. 4:5; Mk. 4:22

·        By sins of omission  James 4:13-17

·         By the use of talents            Malt. 25:14-30; Lk. 19:12-27; John 15:5-8

All People Will Be Judged

·        The dead and the living 2 Tim. 4:1; 1 Pet. 4:5; Rev. 20:12

·        All will be gathered Malt. 25:31-33; Heb. 9:27; 12:23; Eccl. 3:17

·        Those who do not believe Mark 16:16; John 3:18; John 8:24

·        Those who do not believe the truth 2 Thess. 2:12

·        Angels will be judged 2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6; 1 Cor. 6:3

·        Fornicators and adulterers Heb. 13:4

·        Judgment will begin with the house of God 1 Pet. 4:17

·        Satan was judged by the death of Jesus John 12:31; 16:8-11

·        Against all ungodliness and unrighteousness Rom. 1:18; John 3:19,36

How God Will Judge Various People

·        Teachers will receive a stricter judgment James 3:1; Mk. 12:38-40

·        Those who know the will of God will receive greater punishment Lk. 12:42-48

·        Those who neglect advantages increase condemnation Mt. 11:20-24; Lk. 11:29-32

·        Those who turn from God will be punished worse than unbelievers 2 Pet. 2:20-22

·        God judges impartially Rom. 2:11; Acts 10:34; Col. 3:25

·        God judges righteously 1 Pet. 2:23; Rev. 16:17; 19:2; 2 Tim. 4:8; Ps. 98:9; Acts 17:3 1

·        God rewards the righteous 2 Tim. 4:8; Heb. 10:35-38

·        God will punish the wicked Malt. 13:40-42; 25:46; Heb. 10:26-31

·        How God will punish heathens Rom. 2:12-15

·        How God will judge the Jews Rom. 2:15

·        The religiously deceived and deceiving Matt. 7:21-27; Tit. 3:10,11; 1 Pet. 2:7,8; 2 Pet. 2:1-10

The Place of Christ in the Judgment

·        God gave judgment into the hands of Christ John 5:22; Acts 10:42; 17:31.

·   Jesus first came not to judge but to save John 3:17; 12:47

·        But his coming separates the good from the evil and thereby judges Mt. 10:34; Jn. 9:39

·        The work of Christ prior to Judgment Heb. 7:24; 1 Tim. 2:3-6; 1 John 2:1,2

The Day of Judgment is called

·        Day of God 2 Pet. 3:12

·        Day of the Lord 2 Pet. 3:10; 1 Thess. 5:2 Lord Jesus 1 Cor. 5:5; 1:8

·        Day of Christ Phil. 2:16

·        That Day 2Thess. 1:10

·        The last day Jn. 12:48

·        The great day Jude 6

·        Day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God Rom. 2:5

·        Great day of their wrath Rev. 6:17

·        Great day of Almighty God Rev. 16:14

·        Day of Judgment 1 John 4:17; Matt. 10:15; 11:22,24; 12:36; Mk. 6:11; 2 Pet. 2:9; 3:7

·        Day of visitation 1 Pet. 2:12

Who will be in the Judgment?

Acts 17:30,31

      Man's most urgent task is to prepare to meet God. Judgment day is the great day of all; it is the culmination and consummation of the Christian system and the eternal purpose of God. The thought of such a day is often vague and "far off"; we are too prone to live for today. Eccl. 8:11 says, "Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil." The certainty of just such a day is proven by the resurrection; that day truly is the "last day." John 6:44 says we will be raised on the "last day." John 12:48 says the words of Jesus will judge men at the "last day."

Who will be In the Judgment?

·        Rev. 20:11-15  every person great and small of all ages

·        Jude 14,15  the ungodly will be judged

·        Matt. 7:21-23 religious people who practice lawlessness

·        1 Cor. 4:5  secret sins will be brought to light

·        Luke 10:13-15 those who have lived beneath their opportunities; some have had many opportunities but never grasped them.

·        Matt. 13:41 those who are in the church (cf. 1 Pet. 4:17,18; Rom. 14:10-12)

·        Matt. 5:7; James 2:13 the merciful and the unmerciful

·        Matt. 25:31-46 those who have done good and those who have neglected to do good

·        2 Thess. 1:7-9 those who know not God and those who do not obey the gospel

Christ Will Be There As Our Savior and Our Judge

      1. We can rejoice in the fact that He knows and loves us

      2. What will matter is if we are in His kingdom, the church, if we have been washed by His blood, if we have been faithful, and if our name is written in the Lamb's book of Life

      3. God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:6-11)

      4. Gen. 18:25  "Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?"  Favoritism or emotional outcries will not sway God. 

6.      Each one will receive according to his works (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:11-15).

Is Man Reincarnated?

Heb. 9:27

      1. Reincarnation is a doctrine found in both the East and the West: Among the Eastern religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikism.  They believe that our "karma" in this life determines whether we will have a good next life. Buddhists recycle 49 days after death. In Western philosophy, Pythagoras was the first to suggest reincarnation.  Plato in his Republic believed that the recycling took place in groups of fifty and that each one chose what form he was to take.

      2. Reincarnation is not a Biblical concept. The word means that one's soul "recycles" in various bodies of men or animals (transmigration of souls). The prefix "re" means "again"; and incarnation means "to take on flesh." Thus, reincarnation means to take on flesh again after death. "Reincarnation" suggests a number of unbiblical ideas. Jesus was an incarnated being (John 1:1,14) and took on flesh, but was never reincarnated.

What the Bible Teaches about Life and Death.

      1. Heb. 9:27 Men die once (and only once), and then comes judgment

      2. Eccl. 9:5,6 after death, men have no more part in matters "under the sun," i.e., on earth

      3. Luke 16:19-31 at death, angels take men either to torment or Abraham's bosom

      4. 2 Cor. 6:1,2 if we are reincarnated, there is no urgency to the gospel

      5. Luke 23:43 at death Jesus and the thief went to paradise (same as Abraham's bosom)

      6. Men retain their identities at death: Moses and Elijah (Matt. 17:3); Abraham, Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-21); souls under the altar (Rev. 6:9-11).

      7. 2 Cor. 5:10 we are given only one body per person

      8. Matt. 17:12,13 are to some a Biblical support for reincarnation.  But John the Baptist was to come to Israel "like" Elijah (Matt. 16:13,14; Mal. 4:4).

      9. Rev. 20:11-15 our final judgment will be at the last day and will pertain to our lives on earth.  The idea of a second chance is never contemplated in Scripture.

Purgatory -- Not A Biblical Concept

by Wayne Jackson as it appeared in Christian Courier

      In the August 27. 1980 issue of the National Catholic Register. Roman Catholic theologian Raymond Bosler was asked the following question: “Does the Catholic Church still teach there is a purgatory? Where are the Scripture proofs for it, especially punishment by fire?” In part, Mr. Bosler replied: “The notion of purgatory cannot be found explicitly in Scripture, but tradition, the living experience of the Church with the word of Cod, discovered that it must be presumed from other truths clearly contained in the Bible.”

      In other words, the doctrine has been invented! The concept of purgatory cannot be found explicitly — nor can it be found implicitly in the sacred Scripture. The fact of the matter is. it contradicts the word of God at several points. The word “purgatory” derives from the Latin term purus (purging or “pure”), and ago (“to do or to make”), hence, to make pure. A Biblical concordance will reveal that the term is not to be found in the Scriptures. But what is the concept supposed to be? A book distributed by the church of Rome declares: “Catholics believe that the generality of mankind are neither so obstinately wicked as to deserve everlasting punishment, nor so good as to be admitted into the society of Cod and His blessed spirits, and therefore that God is gracious to allow a middle state where they may be purified by certain degrees of punishment” (Truth About Catholics, p.12).

      Moreover, a kindred concept among Catholics is that one may, for various financial considerations, have masses said on behalf of loved ones in purgatory, and thus speed up their release from the penal fires. John Tetzel, the Roman mercenary of the early 16th century, was fond of proclaiming. “At the very instant that the money rattles at the bottom of the chest, the soul escapes from purgatory, and flies liberated to heaven” (D’Aubigne. Life And Times of Martin Luther,, p.93). St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome was completed with such revenues.

      The doctrine of purgatory is anti-biblical for the following reasons: (1) It contradicts the principle of personal preparation. “So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom.14:12; cf. II Cor.5:10). (2) It is contrary to the truth that neither wickedness nor righteousness is transferable from one person to another. “...The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him” (Ezek.18:20). (3)The notion of purgatory ignores the scriptural teaching that all preparation must be made before a person dies. In the Parable of the Virgins, the Lord made it abundantly clear that those foolish virgins who “slumbered and slept” (i.e., died] without an adequate supply of oil (i.e.. the necessary preparation] could neither borrow from others, nor were they prepared when the bridegroom came (Matt.25: 1-12]. (4) The Bible plainly teaches that after death, there is judgment; not a state for further purification (Heb.9:27). (5) Christ made it clear that the fate of the dead is irrevocable. In the narrative regarding the rich man and Lazarus, the Lord revealed that these men were separated from one another by a “great gulf” that had been “fixed” between them (Lk.l6:26). The perfect tense form of the verb “fixed” reflects the abiding nature of their respective fates. One could no more leave the state of punishment and enter the state of bliss than he could depart from the latter to the former. The gulf is impassible!

            Though there are some things about the regions beyond death that we may not be able to Understand at present, one thing is for sure: the doctrine of purgatory is not a part of it. May more people have the disposition of the querist cited above and demand scriptural proof for theological assertions. The final authority is the Bible; not clerical presumptions!

A Citizen of Heaven

Phil. 3:20,21

      It is a wondrous thing that you and I can become a citizen of heaven in this life. Jesus is now preparing a place just for us  (John 14:1-3). Jesus is now preparing us just for that place (2 Cor. 5:1-5). Matt. 25:34 says, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.'

      Heaven is a real place that has been assured to those who remain faithful in following the will of God--it is a place that every Christian should know something about! No one stumbles into heaven--people must intend to go there! Our inheritance in heaven is worth more than any thing we have here. For us heaven can never cost too much, whatever the cost (Rom. 8:18). Heaven was not cheap for Jesus; He died for us.

Heaven Is the Place God Has Prepared To Bless Mankind

      We will never be able to understand some things about heaven until we go there. Heaven would hardly be heaven if we could define it. 2 Pet. 3:12,13 says we are looking for a NEW (in kind and quality) heavens and earth; because the old ones we know are gone! When Jesus describes heaven to us, he uses things we know about to describe and suggest what this new home of ours will be like.

"If God hath made this world so fair

where sin and death abound,

how beautiful beyond compare

Will paradise be found."  (James S. Montgomery)

What Will NOT be in Heaven.

·        Rev. 21:2-4  no weeping, no death or separation, no sorrow

·        Rev. 21:21-27  no night, nothing unclean, no one commits sin

·        Rev. 22:1-3  no division, no curse

·        Rev. 7:16,17  no discomforts

What WILL BE in Heaven

      1. Joy   (Matt. 25:21)  "enter into the joy of your Master." C. S. Lewis said, "Joy is the serious business of Heaven." Heaven will not be a place of boredom, monotony, or indifference. 1 Pet. 4:13 says His coming will be a time of "exceeding joy."

      2. Service (Rev. 22:3)  "latreuo" is a service of worship as in the temple of the Old Testament. We are God's bond-servants (slaves); our task is to serve Him; it is inconceivable that we would do nothing in Heaven. In Matthew 25 those who used their talents were given greater roles of service in the kingdom. Service implies a kind of worship that glorifies God. If you do not enjoy worshipping down here, you probably will not enjoy heaven, for it is a place where worshipping God will be pure joy and overflowing!

      3. Rich With Treasures--Our Inheritance

·        1 Pet. 1:3,4  born to receive an inheritance undefiled

·        Eph. 2:6,7  in the ages to come to show us the incomparable riches of his grace

·        Matt. 6:20  "lay up for yourselves riches in heaven"

·        Luke 12:21 The rich fool learned, "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."

·        The riches of heaven will satisfy us spiritually unlike the treasures of this earth

      4. Fellowship. What makes heaven precious is who is there! All of God's people will be in heaven--everyone whose name is written in the Lamb's book of life. We will be surprised at who is there, for God's grace is wondrous.

We will be surprised at who is not there, for men have many secret sins. We will be "at home with the Lord"

(2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:21-23; 1 Thess 4:17). Luke 13:22-30 tells us that heaven is a place of great fellowship in the Kingdom of God.

Who will be there?

·        God  (to be removed from His presence is the worst thing in hell; to be in his presence is the best thing about heaven.)

·        Jesus Christ. We will see His face and can say "Thank You"

·        Holy Spirit  who has been our constant companion indwelling us

·        Heavenly host:   angels, cherubim, seraphim

·        Bible characters: Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Peter, Andrew, James, John, Stephen, Paul, Esther, Ruth, Mary, Mary Magdalene, Dorcas, and many others.

·        Christian loved ones, family, teachers, friends

·        Infants, small children

·        Kings and people from all nations  (Rev. 21:24).

The Doctrine of Hell

The term hell (gee<vva) may be found twelve times in the New Testament and is mentioned primarily by Jesus in Matt. 5:22,29,30; 10:28; 18:9; 23:15,33; Mark 9:43,45,47; Luke 12:5.  Only James (3:6) mentions it outside the gospels.  The term points to the “Valley of Hinnom,” which is south of Jerusalem.  It was once celebrated for the horrid worship of Moloch.  Idolaters sacrificed children there (2 Kings 23:10; 2 Chron. 28:3; 33:6; Jer. 7:31; 32:35).  In later Jewish writing it came to be depicted as the place of punishment for sinners.

It soon began to be polluted with filth: the dead bodies of both animals and humans were dumped there.  The valley was always burning in order to consume the dead bodies and filth in hope to avert any spreading disease.  The Jews used this word to describe the place of eternal torment.  Jesus warned, “And if your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes, to be cast into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched” (Luke 9:47,48).  Hell is indeed the lake that burns with fire and brimstone (Rev. 20:10,15).

The real existence of hell is irrefutably taught in Scripture as both a place of the wicked dead and a condition of retribution for the unredeemed (e.g., Ezek 3:18; Dan 12:2). Sheol, which is in one sense the undifferentiated place of all the dead (cf. Job 3:13-22), is in another sense the special doom of the wicked (Ps 49:14). It is necessary to follow the NIV footnotes in such references, for if KJV was inaccurate in translating Sheol as "hell" (e.g., Ps 9:17), NIV is equally inaccurate in formalizing it as "the grave."

The nature of hell is indicated by the repeated reference to eternal punishment (Matt 25:46), eternal fire (18:8, Jude 7), everlasting chains (Jude 6), the pit of the Abyss (Rev 9:2, 11), outer darkness (Matt 8:12), the wrath of God (Rom 2:5), second death (Rev 21:8), eternal destruction from the face of God (2 Thess 1:9), and eternal sin (Mark 3:29). 

        The eternal punishing is not annihilation.  The term kolasij refers to chastisement or torment in Matt. 25:46, not to the end of existence.  2 Pet. 2:9 uses the verb cognate kolazw to describe the punishing of the wicked angels.  Rev. 20:10 says, “And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

The duration is explicitly indicated in the NT. The word "eternal" (aionios) is derived from the verb aion, signifying an "age" or "duration." Scripture speaks of two aeons, or ages: the present age and the age to come (Matt 12:32; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30; Eph 1:21). The present age--this world-- is always contrasted with the age to come as temporal, while the future age will be endless. As the everlasting life of the believer is to be endless, just so the retributive aspect of hell refers to the future infinite age. In every reference in which aionios applies to the future punishment of the wicked, it indisputably denotes endless duration (Matt 18:8; 25:41, 46; Mark 3:29; 2 Thess 1:9; Heb 6:2; Jude 7).

The basic ideas associated with the concept of hell are: absence of righteousness (Mark 3:29), separation from God (John 3:36), and judgment (Matt 8:12; 25:31-46), and punishment (Matt. 25:46; Rev. 20:10).

A special note:  In 2 Pet. 2:4 only, we find the verb tartaro<w translated means to “cast into hell.”  Tartarus was the name in classical mythology for the subterranean abyss in which rebellious gods and other such beings as the Titans were punished.  The word was, however, taken over into Hellenistic Judaism and used in connection with fallen angels (Enoch 20:2).

ANGELS

The Nature of Angels

1. Angels are spirit beings (Heb. 1:14; 1 Kings 22:1921

      a. angels are sexless and do not marry (Matt. 22:30)

      b. angels are never represented as females

      c. they are created beings (Psalm 148:2,5; 1 Kings 8:27; Deut. 10:14; Ex. 20:11).  They are not equal with God. Note Job 38:47 where angels are pictured as shouting for joy when the foundation of the earth was laid.

      d. they have distinct personalities and possess names such as Michael and Gabriel.

·        OT:  Dan. 8:16; 9:21; 10:13, 21; 12:1

·        NT:  Luke 1:1120, 2638; Matt. 1,2; Acts 8:26; 10:3ff.; 27:23; Jude 9; Rev. 12:7ff.

2. Angels are "heavenly hosts"  (2 Kings 21:3; Jer. 33:22; Dan. 7:10; Zeph.1:5; Luke 2:13,15) 

·        called "sons of God" (Job 1:6; 2:1; Psalm 29:1; 89:6)

·        they are 'elohim or godlike beings (Ps. 8:6; 97:7; 138:1; cf. Heb. 2:7). 'elohim is translated aggelos in these passages.

3. Angels regarded as "holy ones" (Job 5:1; 15:15; Psa. 89:57; Dan. 8:2,13; Matt.25:31; Gal. 4:14; Jude 14). 

·        These holy ones assemble in a council (Psa. 89:57)

·        They may be regarded as of unquestioned integrity, goodwill and obedience (cf. 1 Sam. 29:9; 2 Sam. 14:17,20; 19:27).

4. They are subject to Christ (Heb. 1:4, 13) Not to be worshipped, they are fellow servants (Rev. 19:10).

5. They almost always take human form when in contact with men

·        At the tomb:   Matt. 28:26  "angels";  Luke 24:48  "men"

·        With Abraham and Lot (Gen. 18:2,33; 19:1,2)

·        With Joshua (Josh. 5:136:2)

·        With Gideon (Judges 6:1113)

·        With Manoah and his wife (Judges 13:36)

·        The "man" Gabriel speaks to Daniel (Dan. 9:21)

Angels were capable of making themselves both visible and invisible (Num. 22:31) and to appear under circumstances obviously miraculous in nature (Ex. 3:2).

6. Angels are capable of sin (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6; Rev. 12:7). See also Job 4:18; Ezek. 28:1219; 2 Cor. 11:14; Gal. 1:8,9.  Eternal fire was prepared for the devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41).

7. While angels are never pictured as having wings, cherubim and seraphim do have wings (Isa. 6:2; Ex. 25:20).  The living creatures around the throne of God have wings (Ezek. 1:6; Rev. 4:8).

      a. Cherubim function as thronebearers and custodians of the sacred places (see Gen. 3:24; Ex. 25:1822; 26:1, 31; Num. 7:89; 1 Sam. 4:4; 2 Sam. 6:2; Isa. 37:16; Ps. 80:1; 99:1).  Compare the four living creatures of Ezek. 1:5ff.; 10:20.

      b. Seraphim appear only in Isaiah 6.  Their reverence is graphically depicted and they praise God.  They are described as winged creatures.  The root word seems to signify "to burn," and is found in Numbers 21 as "fiery serpents."  Note the burning coal in Isaiah 6.  Seraphim have six wings.

      c. Angels do have the ability to cover vast distances immediately (Ex.12:29, 30).  Gabriel came from the presence of God into the presence of Daniel.  Angels are pictured as flying (Rev. 14:6).  Artists have assumed that they have wings.

8. Number of angels: innumerable company (Dan. 7:10); camps or army (Gen. 32:2,3); myriads (Heb. 12:22; Rev. 5:11).

The Function of Angels

1. God's Messengers (malak, aggelos)

      a. At the conception of John the Baptist (Luke 1:1120)

      b. Gabriel appeared to Mary (Luke 1:2638) to announce the news to her that she would conceive. After the conception of Christ, angels appeared to Joseph (Matt. 1:2024).

      c. At the birth of Jesus to the shepherds (Luke 2:815)

      d. Joseph warned to go to Egypt (Matt. 2:19,20)

      e. At the resurrection of Jesus and the tomb (Matt. 28:26)

      f. At the ascension (Acts 1:10,11) 

      g. At the birth of Samson (Judges 13:323)

      h. "you have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it." (Acts 7:53)

      i. "The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator" (Gal. 3:19)

      j. "For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment . . ." (Heb. 2:2)

2. Agents of Divine Judgment (destroying angels)

      a. Gen. 19:1,13  two angels sent to destroy Sodom

      b. Ex. 12:2123; Psalm 78:4951  band of destroying angels killed firstborn in Egypt

      c. 2 Sam. 24:117 the pestilence sent for David's sin killed 70,000 (cf. 1 Chron. 21:916).

      d. 2 Kings 19:35 the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrians (cf. 2 Chron. 32:21; Isa. 37:36)

      e. Acts 12:23 Herod struck by an angel because he did not give God the glory.

      f. Ex. 33:2 God sent an angel to drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites

      g. Present at the Judgment: Matt. 13:39,41 angels will weed out of the kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil, throw them into fiery furnace; Matt. 13:49 angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace

      h. Angel guarded way to the tree of life (Gen. 3:24)

      i. Angel binds Satan and throws him into the abyss for a thousand years (Rev. 20:13)         .          

3. Unseen protectors of those who fear God

      a. Psalm 34:7  "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." Isa. 63:9  "In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them." 

      b. Gen. 48:16 Jacob's blessing of Joseph's sons:  "the Angel who has delivered me from all harm; may he bless these boys."

      c. 2 Kings 6:1517 chariots of fire surrounding Elisha at Dothan

      d. Matt. 26:53 Jesus could call more than twelve legions of angels (cf. Ps. 91:11)

      e. Rev. 12:7 Michael and his angels fought against the dragon (devil) and his angels

      f. Dan. 6:22  "My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions."  (cf. 3:25,28) angel rescued three Hebrew children from the fiery furnace.

      g. Matt. 18:10 Little ones' "angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven."

      h. archangel Michael disputed with devil over body of Moses (Jude 8,9)

      i. Angels assist nations (Isa. 37:36,37; 63:9; 2 Kings 18:1319:37; Dan. 10:21; 12:1).

4. Ministering spirits:

      a. Heb. 1:14  "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"  (Cf. Ps. 103:21 where the heavenly hosts are regarded as servants or ministers.)

      b. Serving Jesus:  Matt. 4:11; Mark 1:13 at Jesus' temptation; Luke 22:43 at Gethsemane

      c. Serving Peter: Acts 5:19  opened the doors of the jail; Acts 12:7 woke Peter up in prison and removed his chains

      d. Serving Paul: Acts 27:23 encouraging Paul during the storm

      e. Serving Lot and his daughters  (Gen. 19:1522)

      f. Angel secured Isaac a wife (Gen. 24:7)

      g. Angels met Jacob on his way to Esau (Gen. 32:1,2)

      h. Angel fed Elijah (1 Kings 19:37).

      i. Angel directed Philip to Eunuch (Acts 8:26)

      j. Angels rejoice when sinner repents (Luke 15:7,10; cf. Heb. 12:22)

      k. Confession and denial of Jesus will be done before the angels of God (Luke12:8, 9)

5. Angels take away our souls to God at death (Luke 16:2223)

6. Duties before God

      a. They praise God (Pss. 91:11; 103:20; 148:1,2).

      b. Members of the heavenly court (1 Kings 22:1920; cf. Job 1:6f; 2:1f; Ps. 89:68).

Conclusion:

      In his book, These Things Speak, Hugo McCord has written concerning angelic help:  "From what we know by sight and feelings and experience, we cannot affirm that angels are real.  But from what we know by faith, the faith that comes by God's word, we are positive that 'for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation' angels are 'ministering spirits sent forth to do service' (Heb. 1:14).  Christians rejoice because the angel of the unchanging Jehovah 'encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them' (Mal. 3:6; Psalm 34:7).  Specifically what the angels do is an untaught matter, but the reality of their help for Christians is a positive and encouraging doctrine of revealed religion." (p. 107)

Premillennialism

The views of Premillennialism include:

1.     The kingdom is not now in the world, and will not be until Christ returns.

2.     The purpose of the gospel age is not to convert the world to Christianity, but to preach the gospel as a witness to the nations.

3.     Immediately prior to Christ’s return there will be a period of general apostasy.

4.     We are now living in the latter stages of the church age.  Christ will probably come in our lifetime.

5.     At Christ’s coming the righteous dead of all ages will be raised in the “first resurrection.”

6.     The resurrected dead together with the transfigured living saints are caught up to meet the Lord in the air.

7.     The judgment of all the righteous then takes place.

8.     Before and during the tribulation period the Jews are to be restored to the land of Palestine.

9.     At the mere sight of their Messiah, the Jews will turn to Him in a national conversion.

10. Christ, at His coming, will destroy the anti-Christ and all His forces in the battle of Armageddon.

11. After this battle Christ will establish a worldwide Kingdom with Jerusalem as its capital, in which He and the resurrected and transfigured saints will rule for a thousand years in peace.

12. During this Jerusalem reign the temple, feasts, fasts, priesthood, and sacrificial system are to be reinstituted, though performed in a Christian spirit and by Christian worshippers.

13. During this golden age nature’s curse will be removed.  The desert will bloom as a rose; wild beasts are tamed and will lie down with lambs.

14. During this time great numbers of the Gentiles will turn to God and be in His kingdom.

15. During the Millennium Satan will be bound and cast into the abyss.

16. At the close of the Millennium Satan will be loosed for a short time.

17. The Millennium is to be followed by a short but violent outbreak of wickedness, headed by Satan, which all but overwhelms the Saints and Jerusalem.

18. Forces of wickedness are to be destroyed by fire, which is cast down from heaven.

19. The wicked dead of all ages are then to be raised in the “second resurrection,” judged, and with the Devil and the wicked angels cast into hell.

20. Heaven and hell are then introduced in their fullness as the future homes eternally.