I stated in an earlier post that religion can at times come between people everywhere. Sometimes the reason this happens is because most folks like to listen to some religion because their family or friends have always gone to this or that church. Or perhaps what is taught seems to be correct in their understanding of the gospel. I’m very certain that everyone who can should study their bible as much as they are able.
Making time for the word of God when possible isn’t too much to ask. My reason for saying this is that I’m sure everyone could find something different from what was preached to them. I want to address an issue had with an ex bible study friend. We are still friends even if we disagree on scripture.
It’s ok because I also disagree with my in-laws on the Rapture theory. We are all the same. Born in sin and beast of the earth. God is fair and just so how is it except for those living through tribulation can you be with Christ without facing death first? ie., Being all the same, why do some feel they are so special they will fly away always leaving others to suffer? Wouldn’t that be bias?
The problem is the like of understanding. My bible study friend claims once we die we are dead as in the end. That it is by resurrection of our dead bodies that we return. He pointed out that when Christ and disciples resurrected the dead none of those resurrected spoke of anything they saw or experienced in their death. Along with other verses he made a strong case on behalf his religion. This was the matter of an earlier post which was taken down upon further understanding. What kind of understanding? The bible needs discernment of what, where, when and why by the reader. The subject matter is very important. I’ll start with a verse shown me by my friend.
Ecclesiastes 9:
3This is an evil among all things that are 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.
4For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
5For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
FQ: At 9: 3 The subject is mankind’s life under the sun. Son of man is descendents of Adam, who was told he would die for disobeying God. The day Adam took of good and evil he died. If a day with the lord is a thousand years Adam was over nine hundred years old but didn’t make it one whole day as he was told. His body was also condemned to return to the dust from which he came. This verse ends stating that what we are in life regarding evil and madness we take to our death. What we do make up our works for judgement.
FQ: At 9: 4 It states that it is better to be alive than dead. Joined to all living implies our spirit as well. The living have a chance to repent and come to God. But once we die what we have done in our life will be what our judgement is based on. In other words don’t let your chance to repent and turn to God pass you up while your alive.
FQ: At 9: It states we die are dead know nothing and are forgotten. Understanding that flesh and blood can not inherit the kingdom of heaven makes this clearer. You may recall that after his resurrection those with Christ didn’t recognize him. This is the difference between the physical and spiritual body. The physical body knows it is alive. When it dies it returns to dust. That is the end of the body. So what’s left. The spirit. But wait what about those who died during the time of Christ?
FQ: The subject now is who is Christ and what was he sent to do? Other than peaching the good news of the kingdom Jesus came to defeat death. He died so death would be no more. So add this up. Before Christ mankind was subjected to the total death given by Satan the Devil. But after his death for our sins Christ put an end to death. So at death our spirit now returns to one of two places in heaven. Yes heaven, because heaven is where God is. However this stay is a holding of sort awaiting a great throne judgement. The dead in Christ rise first because the living are still on the earth and the dead are with him and God in heaven awaiting judgement of our works.
9: 7Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.
Was there a time before Christ that the dead’s spirit stayed in the grave? We can be certain of one thing. At the time of his death Christ knew that there was more to the death than just being dead.
Luke 23: 39And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Haha that’s rediculous. No way
Yes, Way!