A quick announcement of some upcoming, special lectures I’ve been asked to help deliver around the time the Pope comes to the UK. The overall subject is “The Bible and the Papacy” and there are to be two lectures:

1. IS THE POPE THE TRUE LEADER OF THE CHURCH?
Mr Mark Allfree

2. CHURCH TRADITION OR BIBLE TEACHING?
Mr Matt Davies

Dates & Locations

We have been asked to give these talks at three locations God Willing:

1. University of Nottingham – Fri Sept 17th 2010 – 7:30PM
Jubilee Campus, University of Nottingham, Exchange Building, Lecture Theatre 2, Wollaton Road, Nottingham, NG8 1BB

2. Cofton Hackett Village Hall – Sat Sept 18th 2010 – 2:00PM
Barnt Green Road, Cofton Hackett, Rednal, B45 8NB

3. Warwick University Coventry – Sat Sept 18th 2010 – 7:00PM
Scarman House Training & Conference Centre, Warwick University, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry, CV4 7AL

You can see more details and download a brochure for the Nottingham one here: www.bibleseminars.co.uk

These events are arranged by local Christadelphian groups and are all FREE OF CHARGE with nothing for sale. No profit is obtained for any of this work and all is done in the spirit of Christ’s words “freely ye have received, freely give.”

Why come along?

The Roman church claims to be the authentic and original church which the Apostle Peter established in the first century. It claims that only though the acceptance of the Papacy as a Divinely appointed leader and of its traditions and practices can we have salvation. These lectures examine what the Bible says about such claims of authority. It is a subject of vital importance to those seeking for Truth. Where do we place our trust? In the Roman Church or in the Bible?

I hope to see you there…

After the events we hope to place these talks on this website.

1. In baptism we obtain the forgiveness of our sins:

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” Acts 2:38

“Brother Saul… why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins” Acts 22:16
“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” 1 Peter 3:21

2. Baptism is one of the conditions of salvation as taught by Jesus:

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” Mark 16:16

3. All believers of the gospel in the Bible were baptized:

“Then they that gladly received his (Peters) word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:41

“Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized… And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” Acts 10:48

“…and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.” Acts 18:8

“…when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12

“And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart… And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” Acts 8:37-38

“And immediately… he (Paul) received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.” Acts 9:18

“…she (Lydia) was baptized, and her household…” Acts 16:15

“And the keeper of the prison… said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe… And he took them the same hour of the night… and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.” Acts 16:28-33

“When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 19:5

4. Jesus, our example, was baptized

“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan” Mark 1:9

5. Because God has chosen baptism as the way we can change from being a sinner and become accociated with Christ (become “in” Christ):

“many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ” Romans 6:3

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:27

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water… he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:5

6. Because without associating ourselves with Christ (being “out of” Christ”) there is no salvation for any sinner:

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death” Romans 6:23

“That at that time (before baptism) ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:12-13

“This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:” Ephesians 4:17-18

Conclusion – A major condition of baptism

So there are the reasons for baptism but there is one huge condition. Belief. In all of the references from Acts quoted above the people who were baptized first beleived. Baptism is not for infants. Baptism is for those who can grasp a particular Biblical subject, the message of the Bible. What did they believe? The Gospel message. Jesus outlined this when he said to his followers:

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15-16

But what exactly is the gospel message? Well it has two parts:

“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12

So before one can be baptised one must first understand and believe the things concerning the “Kingdom of God” and “the name of Jesus Christ”. I would encourage you then dear reader to obtain this knowledge from the word of God, the Bible. If you need help this website is packed full of information related to those subjects (for example see the following articles: The Gospel », The Kingdom of God ») and you can always contact me with questions here ».

If however you do know the Gospel then what are you waiting for? The days are flying and we know that one day the Lord Jesus Christ will return to judge those responsible to the message of Gods word. Alternatively there is the sober thought that we are all mortal and that death could be around the corner for any of us. If we know the Gospel we will be raised to give an account of what we have done with such knowledge. On that day it will be too late for changes. There will be no baptism option. The door will be closed. So take up the opportunity to serve God now, before it is too late.

More on baptism here »

Painting by Bouguereau (1825–1905) called 'Song of the Angels' but how accurate is it?

Do angels have wings? If we can generalize then we might say that most modern Christians would say “yes” to this question. If we were to ask what evidence there was for such an answer then we might struggle to receive a response. Some might turn to the renaissance painters, some to church history or story books. However these are not sources of Divine revelation. The real question is “What does the Bible say about this subject. We hope to open up its pages and examine it’s teaching in the forgoing article.

Who are the angels?

So – lets have a brief introduction to who the angels are before we consider if they have wings. The Bible teaches that angels are “ministering spirits” (Hebrews 1:14) which are sent forth by God to help those called to a knowledge of Gods truth and to bring about Gods purpose with the earth. They currently work under the direction of the Lord Jesus Christ, who, since his resurrection and ascension to glory has been given by God, authority over them (1 Peter 3:22).

If the question were asked – where exactly did these “ministering spirits” come from, we would have to answer honestly; that the Bible is mainly silent on this account. It must therefore not be necessary for our salvation to know the answer to this question at this present time (2 Timothy 3:15).

In the Bible angels are often used by God as his representatives and as such are often given the name of God. For example we read in Exodus:

“Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.” Exodus 23:20-21

They are then important “messengers” from God which is what the hebrew for “angel” (which is “mal’ak”) literally translates as meaning.

The Bible teaches that these angels are always obedient to God and do His will.

“Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.” Psalm 103:20-21

Man created in the form of angels

An interesting thing to consider is that if angels have wings then so should you and I. Consider this verse in Genesis:

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him” Genesis 1:27

The word “God” in the hebrew is “Elohim” and means “mighty ones”. Elsewhere in the Bible the word has been translated “angels” (see for example Psalm 8:5 and then the apostles Paul’s endorsement of that translation in Hebrews 2:7). So this tells us that man was created in the same shape as the angels. Men do not have wings. Therefore angels do not have wings.

Angels mistaken for men

We can see that angels were in the form of men because often they are described and mistaken for “men”. Consider these verses:

“And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son… And Manoah arose, and went after his wife, and came to the man, and said unto him, Art thou the man that spakest unto the woman?” Judges 13:3+11

“And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant’s house… But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them…” Genesis 19:1-5

If these angels then had huge wings how were they mistaken for mere men? They couldn’t of had wings!

Do angels need wings?

The Greek god Eros. See his wings? Were they fused into the 'Christian' idea of angels when paganism and Christianity were mixed?

The idea of wings probably entered “Christianity” through the ideas of Paganism. Many of the pagan “Gods” had wing. These inventions of man would have been given wings because in ancient times this was the only known way of flying and traveling swiftly. Of course immortal powerful beings do not need wings to get around! The power of God the Almighty creator is not contained by rules of nature which He has created! We see then in the Bible many instances of people that God teleports using his spirit or “power”. This should not surprise us – as we have said God created everything we see around us. Science is a study of this creation and for the most part it has set rules which men can define and examine. However these rules do not constrain God if He needs to break them.

Painting by Carl Heinrich Bloch (1865-1879) - but why does this angel need it's wings?!

Jesus, after his resurrection ascended up into heaven in front of his disciples. This is what we read:

“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.” Acts 1:9

Did Jesus have wings? Nobody would suggest that! So if he could fly by the power of God without wings why would angels need wings?

Consider the example of Philip, an early beleiver. We have a record in Acts 8 that he was preaching to an Ethiopian Eunuch. After he had given the gospel to this man and baptized him we read:

“And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.” Acts 8:39-40

Azotus was around 25 miles away so Philip was in effect ‘teleported’ there. No need for wings! How much more useless would wings be to an immortal being like an angel!

These experience of being teleported by Gods power was also shared by Elijah. We have this said to him by Obediah:

“And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not…” 1 Kings 18:12

The Cherubim / Seraphim

The Greek god 'Cupid' - pagan god of love

The only thing closely resembling the idea that angels have wings in the Bible are “Cherubim”. A fusion of Pagan ideas into Christianity saw the adaptation of the Greek God “Cupid” into the so called Christian “Cherub”. The cute “god of love”  is depicted a little child with wings, who flies around firing little arrows into peoples hearts so that they fall in love. Such a god is clearly the makings of mans imagination.

What does the Bible teach about Cherubim then? We read of Cherubim in a number of places and they are described as having wings. However they are also described as having four faces; a man, a lion, an ox and an eagle (Ezekiel 1). They are also described as having wheels as well as wings. They also have feet which are like the colour of “burnished brass” and their general appearance is like “burning coals of fire” (Ezekiel 1:7&13).

In most places these beings are often used in a symbolic way. For example in the visions of Ezekiel which we have refereed to, or in the Most Holy place in the Tabernacle – in which all the features were symbolic, pointing to the work of Christ in some way (Galatians 3:24). Their ‘features’ are all symbols whose meaning can be deciphered by looking up the characteristics in other parts of the Bible. They represent Gods character which is manifested.

We read of the Seraphim in Isaiah 6. This is clearly a vision and has a deeper, symbolic meaning than at first glance. In Isaiah 6 we read for example that the Seraphim take coals from the alter of the temple and place them in Isaiah’s mouth – this is obviously a vision and not literal because Isaiah speaks soon afterwards (v8). Just as the coals are not literal, the Seraphim are not either.

Can we take these symbolic creatures and apply their symbolic characteristics as literal elements of an angel? It seems like quite a jump to assume that because a symbolic Cherubim has symbolic wings that they should be made literal on a literal angel!

What is the future role of the angels?

The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is soon to return to the earth. There is to be a resurrection and judgment and those accepted will be granted eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:23+50-51). These new immortals will assist Christ in establishing Gods Kingdom on the earth (Luke 1:32-33, Matthew 6:10, Acts 1:6, Psalm 149:9)- with Jerusalem as it’s capital (Micah 4:8). The wicked will be destroyed and Christ will rule in peace and righteousness. The newly appointed immortals, previously lowly in the eyes of men (1 Corinthians 1:27 & 3:18-20), will be mercifully given an undeserved  place of high authority to rule with Christ in that day – as Kings and Priests (Revelation 5:20). They will rule over those who have accepted Christ as the King and will help teach them the ways of God. The Bible indicates that this state will continue for 1000 years (Revelation 20:6) and then there will be another resurrection and judgment – where finally the wicked will be eradicated and all the righteous given immortality. Death will be eradicated from the earth  and we are told “God will be all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:26-28).

But where are the angels in this future age to come you may ask? All we know is that they do not seem to have an active role. We read this for example in Hebrews:

“For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.” Hebrews 2:5

It seems therefore that the role of the angels will be superseded by the immortal faithful at the time of Christ return and at the birth of the age to come. We read that like the angels, those prepared to follow Christ now are a people being prepared “for Gods name” (Acts 15:14). A glorious destiny is set before them. Consider the words of the Lord Jesus Christ:

“The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.” Luke 20:36

Conclusion

So what a journey we have been on in this consideration. By asking a simple question about angels we have seen from the word of God that this subject opens up many important topics which deal with the message of the Bible itself. The great hope of a future Kingdom. The merciful offer of God of eternal life and a place in that future Kingdom on this earth. An offer to be made “equal unto the angels”.  The question is – what do we do about this offer?

“Christadelphian” is a name given to a community of believers who take the Bible as their sole source of authority. They preach the same distinct and unique gospel which was once preached by the first century followers of Jesus Christ. What are their beliefs and why are they relevant? An overview of the Christadelphians and what they believe is presented in this Podcast, a recording of a lecture given in Nottingham by Mr Tecwyn Morgan in April 2010.

Podcast

Download as mp3 version here » (Right click and save to desktop)

The Bible is a unique book which holds within it many surprising teachings. Much of modern Christianity have obscured, twisted and changed the real message of the Bible claiming to have a higher authority than it’s pages. In this Podcast the evidence for the authority of the Bible is examined.

Podcast

Download as mp3 version here » (Right click and save to desktop)

The doctrine of the immortal soul

Wikipedia describes the idea of the immortal soul as follows:

“The soul, in some religions, spiritual traditions, and philosophies, is the incorporeal or eternal part of a living being, commonly held to be separate from the body. Many philosophical and religious systems teach that humans have souls; some attribute souls to all living things… The soul is often believed to exit the body and live on after a person’s death, and some religions posit that God creates souls.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This teaching is far removed from the Bible’s teaching about the nature of man. The man of the Bible is not immortal in any sense! We are told that when men dies he is unconscious and ceases to exist – this is exactly what nature and provable science attests to.

The Bible is silent!

Nowhere in the Bible do we read of the terms “immortal soul”, “ever living soul”, immortality of the soul” etc. Why? The theologians and big thinkers might suggest that the reason our Bibles are silent on this doctrine many hold so much b y is because it’s self evident that we all do have immortal souls. This is totally unsatisfactory! Surely the silence of the Bible would indicate the exact opposite. Also taking this argument to it’s logical conclusion it would mean we could say anything not mentioned in the Bible is “self evident” and believe what ever we fancy!

A more rational and logical conclusion to make would be that the Bible does not teach the immortality of the soul.

But the Bible does talk a about “soul’s”?

It is true that the Bible does talk about souls. Many take the definition of a soul for granted though. The word “soul” simply means a breathing creature – without any reference to it’s constitution or length of existence. It occurs around 700 times in the Old Testament and about 180 times in the New Testament. The word in the hebrew is “nephesh” but the translators have not been consistent in it’s translation. Consider these examples from the early chapters of Genesis:

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

“And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:20-21

The word “nephesh” is translated “soul” in Genesis 2:7 but “creature” in Genesis 1:20-21. If we claim that man has an immortal soul based on the fact the Bible says that man has a soul then we would also have to go down the absurd line of thought which would suggest that all animals like cows, birds, whales etc. also have immortal souls. This is not what the Bible is telling us. It is telling us that we, like the beasts, are “living creatures” capable of dying. We are not immortal in nature as this study will continue to show.

A “soul” is clearly not something absent from the body. Consider the following. According to the Bible a soul is capable of:

• Hunger – Proverbs 19:15
• Satisfied with food – Lamentations 1:11-19
• Touching material objects – Leviticus 5:2
• Of going into the grave (!) – Job 33:22+28
• Of coming out of it – Psalm 30:3

Among the words renderings it is impossible to come to the conclusion that this is talking about an immortal part of the body which floats off to heaven or hell upon the death of the body. It is rendered “soul” 530 times, “life” or “living” 190 times, “person” 34 times, “beasts and creeping things” 28 times. Its also rendered “a man”, “a person”, “self”, “they”, “we”, “him”, “anyone”, “breath”, “heart”, “mind”, “appetite”, “the body” etc. In no instance does this word support the modern Christian idea that this is something immortal – always the reverse in fact.

The Psalmist declares:

“…all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul.” Psalm 22:29

“What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave” Psalm 89:48

“He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence;” Psalm 78:50

Ezekiel sums up the Bibles teaching by saying:

“The soul that sinneth, it shall die…” Ezekiel 18:20

Is the soul immortal? The Bible says no.

Other articles that may interest you:

• Death – what is it?
• The Resurrection
• Eternal life – What the Bible really says

In modern Christianity babies are “christened” (or what is called “baptized”) weeks after being born. It might come as some surprise to know that this practice of baptizing infants is not found in the Bible. This was not the practice of the early Christians.

The Bible states that a belief is necessary before baptism takes place. Consider this example from the Lord Jesus Christ:

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned”. Mark 16:15-16

So before a valid baptism then firstly a belief in the gospel must be held. A baby cannot believe something they cannot understand. In the Bible we have grown men studying their Bibles and being preached to before they understand and believe it – so for a baby it would be impossible.
Here’s another example:

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins… Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls”. Acts 2:38-41

Notice that these people first received the word which Peter taught (which was the gospel) and then were baptized.

Households

There are examples in the Bible where we read of peoples “households” being baptized. Some argue that because there are “households” which are baptized that this must have meant infants also were baptized. However if the passages that are brought forward to support this claim are closely examined it will be seen that they exclude infants. For example here is a classic passage which is sometimes referred to:

” And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.” Acts 16:25-34

So to be saved the jailer and his house had to be baptized. However they also had to “believe” the words that Paul spoke unto them – namely the gospel message. This excludes infant being meant in the term “household” as infants couldn’t understand, let alone believe, the words which Paul would have spoken. We have to really read into the text if we want to believe that infants were also baptized. It is not there so why is it practiced?

Sprinkling

Another unscriptural practice is that the infants have water sprinkled over them. Why is this unscriptural? Because the Bible clearly states that baptism is the sign of somebody going down into a symbolic grave and then rising up out of that grave as Christ rose form the dead (read Romans 6). This requires the whole body to go under the water not to have the water sprinkled over them. See these examples:

“And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” Acts 8:38

“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water…” Matthew 3:16

“Buried with him (Christ) in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” Collisions 2:12

Notice in the first two examples vast quantities of water are required. Why is this if a simple sprinkling would be acceptable?!

The word translated “baptize” comes from a greek word “bapto”. This means “TO DYE - To dip into any coloring liquid for the sake of the effect”. For a cloth to be completely dyed it has to fully immersed in water. The dye is not sprinkled on it! So by understanding the Greek word a little better can see the idea behind baptism and can understand that infant sprinkling is not scriptural.

Conclusion

So we can see then that infant baptism is neither valid in the eyes of God or scriptural. The idea that a person wishing to identify themselves with the work of Jesus Christ and Gods mercy in raising him from the dead has been corrupted.

To find out more about what the Bible teaches about baptism see click here »

One reason this is a problem is because of the Roman Catholic celibate priesthood.

It is a shame that the Bible is not consulted! This prophecy about a great apostasy that would come out of the true faith is an interesting and apt description of what we see happening within the Catholic church:

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” 1 Tim 4:1-3

Forbidding to marry then is not a scriptural idea! Why then has it become part of church tradition? It is because the Catholic church is not based upon the Bible.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

The Bible is quite clear. We all sin and therefore we all die. Death, the Bible teaches, is a punishment. It is literal. It is very real. The dead are unconscious (see Ecclesiastes 9:5). A very bleak and to the point picture is painted. Mankind is doomed. He cannot save himself and he cannot save his fellows.

If that is where the story of the Bible’s teaching finished then, like many in todays world, it would indeed be a good idea to live life according to our own human pleasures and lusts. To fulfill every desire that enters into our heart. As the apostle Paul puts it: “…if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.” 1 Corinthians 15:32. BUT that is not where the story ends. The Bible talks about an amazing hope which has been lost by many – even those who claim to believe in it’s pages. That lost hope is the subject of this brief article.

Gods promise of eternal life

“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” Titus 1:2

Its interesting to consider that God has promised eternal life to those who serve him with all their hearts. These men and women will fail to adhere to all that is asked of them and so this giving of eternal life is, in fact a gift. This is the true message of the Bible – that eternal life is something to be hoped for – but not yet received. It is not something inherant within us (immortal soul), it is not a right – it is God’s gift to give to whom He will.

Resurrection still future

“When will this gift be given?” we might ask. Will it be immediately upon our deaths? Will we have a soul which floats up to purl like gates to be met by Peter? The Bible is clear:

“…many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Daniel 12:2

“For the Lord (Jesus Christ) himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” 1 Thess 4:16

So when Jesus returns to the earth a resurrection of the dead will take place – it is then that this gift will be bestowed upon the faithful. This is clearly future for the Bible teaches that Jesus’ return will be plain to see:

“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” Revelation 1:7

Will all mankind rise from the dead?

The previous verse from Daniel shows that not all mankind will rise from the dead. “Many” says Daniel (12:2) – NOT all. Who will not rise then?

“Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.” Psalm 49:20

“The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.” Proverbs 21:16

Those who die in ignorance of God’s promises will not rise from the dead – they will remain unconscious.

Who will rise from the dead?

Clearly it is those who have understand the promises of God – who have either accepted it or rejected it.

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 1 Peter 4:17-18

There are in fact three classes mentioned here as being raised for judgment; “the righteous”, “the ungodly” and “the sinner”. We can duduce by the verses already looked at that these three classes describe the following people:

• The righteous – those who accepted the gospel message, were baptized and did all they could to live right before God – this display of faith in God enabling them to be accounted righteous and thus be given the gift of eternal life – being “saved” from death.
• The ungodly – those who initially accepted the gospel message and were baptised but sadly fell away.
• The sinner - those who heard the gospel message and rejected it. They were responsible to it’s call but didn’t get baptized or accept it.

It is clear that not all those that rise from the dead will be given this gift. Daniel has already told us that some will rise and be given “everlasting life” but others “shame and everlasting contempt.” This can also been seen by looking at these passages:

“And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” Acts 24:15

“He that rejecteth me (Jesus), and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” John 12:48

Belief and Baptism essential

Knowledge and acceptance of the gospel is therefore essential if we are to share in the hope of eternal life. Knowledge in what exactly? The Bible teaches that it is not every jot and title that has to be believed – neither is it a loose belief that Jesus simply exsisted and can save. The Bible tells us an understanding of what is termed “the gospel” (or the good news) is required.

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

“But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:” 2 Tim 1:10

But what is the gospel? This subject is the object of this website – see the Bible Teaching section of this website to see what the Bible tells us about the gospel. In simple terms it is a knowledge of the the promises God has made to the Jewish fathers and how they tie into the work of the Lord Jesus Christ who died as a representative of mankind (2 Peter 1:4 and Gal 3:8). Those who are baptized into his name recognize this work and associate themselves with him.

The gospel message consists of two parts – “the things concerning the Kingdom of God” and “the things concerning the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 8:12) – this has to be believed and the proof of that belief is in the baptism of the individual. The person must then continue to live a Godly life and obey Gods commands:

“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14

“And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1 John 2:17

So the gift of eternal life is conditional and will be hard to obtain but in Gods mercy there is hope. He has offered a great way of escape from what we rightfully deserve – eternal unconsciousness on account of sin.

The decision is yours

“And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.” Acts 17:32

So dear reader, will you mock or will you listen and study God’s word on this matter? This is a serious issue and should not be a matter we take lightly because:

“…but now (God) commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” Acts 17:30-31

Click here for more information on The Ressurection »

Other articles that may interest you:
Death – what is it?

The Resurrection
The Bible teaches that human nature is mortal

In Acts 26 we read of Paul being brought before the Roman king Agrippa. He had been accused of causing trouble with the Jewish population of the province for preaching things about Jesus Christ.

King Agrippa, the Roman leader permitted Paul to speak in his defense. The words which Paul speaks are of extreme interest to anybody who claims to believe in the Bible. He says:

“I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers” Acts 26:6

What an interesting thing to say. Paul, a converted Christian claims that his beliefs are based upon promises that almighty God made to the Jewish forefathers.

The gospel preached to Abraham

In Galatians Paul writes this:

“And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen (non-Jews) through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed… Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.” Galatians 3:8+16

So according to the Apostle Paul, who was chosen by Jesus Christ himself to spread the Gospel, the promises that God made to Abraham way back in the Old Testament, are in fact an integral part of the Gospel itself.

The message of the Bible is that an understanding of these promises is essential for salvation. Consider for example this message:

“And he (Jesus) said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15-16

So two things are essential if we are to hold the Biblical hope of Salvation – belief in the gospel (the promises made to the fathers of Israel) and baptism.

A question for you

Do you have such a knowledge dear reader? If not then you need to seek it if you want to have a hope of salvation.

The Bible is clear – it is not enough to simply believe that Jesus existed and can save in a general sence. There are other factors and detail to consider and believe. Essential doctrines which modern Christianity has lost down through time are needed to be understood so that the true “hope of Israel” (Acts 28:20) can be understood, believed and acted upon.

If you are seeking such knowledge have a look at the following:

The promises to Abraham »

Comments welcome…