Understanding Eternal Life
This chapter taken from the book When Faith Came by Franklin Whittenburg © 1998-2006
Many today are turning from the Gospel of Jesus Christ or embracing other religions because I think they do not understand it. If you truly understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ and still reject it because of unbelief or other reasons, then I understand, but I still want to share with you the “Good News”.
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region (Acts 13:46-49 KJV).
But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve (John 6:64-71 KJV).
One purpose of the Gospel the Bible says is, “to bring immortality to light”. I will mainly stay on the doctrine of immortality. Paul explained it in a letter to Timothy when talking about Jesus,
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 Timothy 1:10 KJV).
The “resurrection from the dead” doctrine is considered a foundational doctrine for the young Christian so it must be discussed and understood.
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment (Hebrews 6:1 KJV).
The first thing the Christian needs to understand is that death is the enemy of the Christian, not the friend.
The last ENEMY that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all (1 Corinthians 15:26-28 KJV).
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all (Ephesians 1:18-23 KJV).
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Matthew 28:16-19 KJV).
The victory over death is something that mankind has chased ever since death first came upon man through knowledge (Genesis 3:3 KJV). Adam was created in a physical body that was capable of living 930 years; because of sin that life span of the physical body was greatly reduced (Psalms 90:10). What I want to discuss in this chapter is why cannot that physical death be reversed through the awesome power of God? I think many people that have read the Bible also have pondered this question, but then just block it out because it sounds just too unbelievable. This is a study that I have wanted to do for some time. I have always believed that God has ultimate power over everything. I believe that with God all things are possible so that faith has freed me at least to explore the possibility of the impossible! Either God can overcome death or He cannot. If I have missed this in this study of immortality presented here, I have lost nothing, but if this is what the Bible is really referring to, then that would also be very good news to a lost and dying world and should be addressed and discussed.
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 Timothy 1:10 KJV).
I believe the victory over death is through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Baptism is symbolic of that victory over death and the resurrection to walk in a “new and living way”.
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead (Romans 12:1). And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death (Revelation 1:17,18 KJV).
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15:20,21 KJV).
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:51-57 KJV).
I am going to cover the “Baptism of Fire” in a later chapter, but I want to discuss here briefly the “doctrine of baptisms”. The “doctrine of baptisms” that is spoken of in the book of Hebrews is one of the most controversial subjects among Protestant religions. It’s symbolism in water baptism, power in the baptism of the Spirit, and sufferings in the baptism of fire has been argued from one end of religion to the other. Right here is as good a time as any to approach an argument that will most surely arise between two verses that seem to contradict each other. One verse has “baptisms” as plural, and the other has “baptism” as singular.
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment (Hebrews 6:1,2 KJV).
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all (Ephesians 4:4,5 KJV).
The whole process of dying in Christ is called “baptism” as we read previously in the epistle of Romans, chapter 6. The death to this world actually occurs in three stages. Jesus was baptized with water, then power (Holy Spirit), and then suffered to the cross. I want to make something very clear here. The only reason Jesus agreed to water baptism was to suffer in all points like the people he came to save. Jesus needed no repentance of sin!
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (Matthew 3:31-17 KJV).
The baptism of repentance. (baptism of water)
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:4,5).
The baptism of sufferings. (baptism of fire)
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (Philippians 3:10 KJV).
The baptism of power. (baptism of the Holy Ghost)
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence (Acts 1:5 KJV).
Since we have seen an overview of the baptism or the “death process”, we will now take a look at the quickening or “life process”. First we have to know what starts the quickening process also called the “resurrection from the dead”. It is accomplished in three stages also. It starts with a seed that has been sown in each believer’s heart by hearing the Word of God. Peter spoke of this in the Bible.
First stage is the seed planted by the Holy Spirit. Then the seed has to die to start growing.
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever (1 Peter 1:23 KJV).
But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: (1 Corinthians 15:35,36 KJV).
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20 KJV).
It is of extreme importance to realize that we are born again of an incorruptible seed. What happens when an incorruptible seed is sown in a corruptible body? It raises it from the dead!
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption (1 Corinthians 15:42-50 KJV).
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you (Romans 8:10,11 KJV).
As you can see, this is a very powerful seed! A seed that is so powerful that it can change a natural body that is corruptible into a spiritual body that is incorruptible!
Where did this seed come from and who planted it?
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 3:16 KJV).
But he (Jesus) answered and said: Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up (Matthew 15:13 KJV).
The seed that is being resurrected in us is none other than Jesus Christ himself! The seed is growing Christ in us. This “spiritual newbirth” doesn’t make us “Christ” it makes us “in Christ”. This is the reason we don’t have to chase Christ all over the earth as he warned us in the Gospel of Mark.
And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things (Mark 13:21 KJV).
That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring (Acts 17:27,28 KJV).
We are in Jesus and he is in us! You are either within Christ or without Christ.
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness (Romans 8:9,10 KJV).
If we are in Jesus, then He is resurrecting us from the dead and that would make us a part of Jesus’ body as John wrote about, because Jesus is the resurrection!
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?(John 11:25 KJV).
Paul said that the suffering that the Christian goes through is like a pregnancy.
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, (Galatians 4:19 KJV).
The Bible says some people think they have eternal life when they really do not.
Search the scriptures; for in them ye THINK ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life (John 5:39,40 KJV).
For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you (Acts 13:36-41 KJV).
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction (2 Peter 3:15,16 KJV).
Immortality doctrines are not new. Many religions have them. The Egyptians supposedly had one, but if they did then they lost it, because when Joseph died, the Egyptians embalmed him and put him in a coffin, which was their manner of burial then.
The Egyptian sorcerers could turn their staffs into snakes, but they could not resurrect a physical body (Exodus 7:11).
For the Egyptians buried all their firstborn, which the LORD had smitten among them: upon their gods also the LORD executed judgments (Numbers 33:4 KJV).
Today when they open Egyptian tombs, they still find dead Egyptians, which means their rituals did not have the power to accomplish a bodily resurrection. Joseph understood this and also looked forward to the bodily resurrection of Jesus as his victory over death and not the embalming rituals and tombs of Egypt.
And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence. So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt (Genesis 50:24-26 KJV).
There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out (Luke 13:28 KJV).
But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt. And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you (Exodus 13:18,19 KJV).
The carrying of the bones of Joseph by the children of Israel out of Egypt was symbolic of a bodily resurrection from this world. This is a theory I have that there were other teachers of immortality doctrines spoken of in the Bible that came and went.
Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God (Acts 5:34-39 KJV).
Did Jesus and the apostles really preach an immortality doctrine that was just too unbelievable that it was rejected by so many?
And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life (John 6:65-68 KJV).
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV).
Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine (Matthew 22:29-33 KJV).
Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? (Mark 12:45-47 KJV).
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Matthew 7:13,14 KJV).
Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? (John 21:20-23 KJV).
Jesus said that we are suppose to take up our cross and follow him, because “it is appointed unto men once to die and then the judgement”, but we are already crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20) and then judged.
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:2-4 KJV).
And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses (Acts 13:39 KJV).
The Christian is today judged by the very one that took their judgment! How is that for “good news” and complete redemption?!! You cannot improve on that type of eternal security; all you can do is rest in it! Hallelujah!!
For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life (John 5:21-24 KJV).
The reason that I wanted to briefly discuss “eternal judgement” is because it is one of the foundational doctrines that the Christian must understand on the path to “perfection”.
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment (Hebrews 6:1,2 KJV).
The Bible also says that the Gospel that Paul preached was so radically different from what the people were hearing being taught in the Jewish temples that they claimed that it turned their world upside down.
But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; (Acts 17:5,6 KJV).
That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself (insane); much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian (Acts 26:23-28 KJV).
Jesus said unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (John 11:23-26 KJV).
The Bible says that if we are “in Christ”, then we are in the resurrection, because Jesus said, “ I am the resurrection and the life”. Many verses in the New Testament speak of us being risen with Christ now, not in the future.
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-3 KJV).
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; (Colossians 2:10-13 KJV).
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 2:4-6 KJV).
As you can see, when the Holy Spirit enters into our mortal body, He brings the immortal life of Jesus to a body that was once dead in trespasses and sins and starts the resurrection process. A Christian’s eternal life starts at the point the Holy Spirit enters into him or her. That is why the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Life. All that is left after the renewing of the mind is the redemption of the mortal body which the Bible calls the “quickening” (Romans 8:11). The born again believer now has the ability to walk through this life “in a new and living way”!
Now that you have the Spirit of Christ dwelling in you and you are in the realm of the spirit, your mind can be renewed and transformed into a spiritual mind where you can understand spiritual truth that will make you free from the bondage of this natural world.
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding (1 John 5:20), that they might understand the scriptures, (Luke 24:44,45 KJV)
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace (Romans 8:6 KJV).
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teaceth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man recieveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:12-16 KJV).
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his (Romans 8:9 KJV).
Romans 8:9 says that true believers have the “Spirit of Christ”. Once received in our hearts, the Holy Spirit then gives us the ability to understand immortality as presented by the Gospel.
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 Timothy 1:10 KJV).
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage (Hebrews 2:14,15 KJV).
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace (Romans 8:6 KJV).
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life (1 John 5:20 KJV).
As we just read Romans 8:9 says that we have the “Spirit of Christ” and 1 Corinthians 2:16 says that true believers have the “mind of Christ”, then all that’s left is for the Holy Spirit to redeem is the mortal body to complete the resurrection process and achieve immortality!
. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you (Romans 8:11 KJV).
As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly (1 Corinthians 15:48,49 KJV).
The Holy Spirit is the power of the quickening process. The Word of God brings the truth to light, and then the Holy Spirit brings the Word to life in the believer.
Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake (1 Thessalonians 1:4,5 KJV).
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12,13 KJV).
Is such a thing possible? Could a total spirit, mind, and body resurrection be possible?
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and BODY be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:23,24 KJV).
With God all things are possible. Could the Gospel really be talking about a complete immortality in 2 Timothy 1:10 KJV? To a lost and dying world, that would be “Good News”! Paul explained the purpose for the Gospel in a letter to Timothy when talking about Jesus;
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 Timothy 1:10 KJV).
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage (Hebrews 2:14,15 KJV).
Your eternal life started when the Spirit of Life entered your body when you first truly accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. It was a gift of God (John 3:16). The “renewing of the mind” is but one part of your Christian walk in immortality.
Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (Colossians 3:9,10 KJV).
Many religions believe in a resurrection after physical death. In fact this is the most common way of entering into the spiritual world and this is the way most Christians enter into the Kingdom. Even though I am discussing the translation of the mortal body, the Christian should not fear physical death either.
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do (2 Thessalonians 5:9-11 KJV).
For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living (Romans 14:7-9 KJV).
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep (2 Thessalonians 4:13-15 KJV).
There are many saints that have died a physical death throughout the history of this world that are with Jesus now. This was proven at the cross when Jesus said to the thief that was crucified with him and experienced a physical death, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise”, and also when Stephen was stoned.
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked (Revelation 3:18). For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:1-8 KJV).
When a Christian talks about being in the presence of the Lord in this present world, they are referring to direct access to the Father through the Holy Spirit that indwells them, until their physical body is finally quickened to enter that spiritual world.
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (Romans 1:18,19 KJV).
Notice this verse says that the Christian has access to the Father through the Holy Spirit and not through the Pope, priests, pastors, apostles, prophets, cell / small groups, spiritual leaders, etc.
For the Christian, physical death is referred to in the Bible as “sleep”, because they may be awakened at any time. The unsaved dead are always called “dead” in the Bible.
These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep (John 11:11-13 KJV).
And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God (Luke 9:59,60 KJV).
There are also several instances where men of God overcame physical death in other people in the Bible. There is even one unique instance in the Bible where a dead prophet resurrected someone from the dead!
And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year. And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet (2 Kings 13:20,21 KJV).
I have a theory that this may be the reason that some occult religions practice human and animal sacrifices and some drink out of human skulls believing the they can absorb that persons “wisdom” or “life force” through some ritual. On the other hand, when someone gives their life to Christ, then their “life force” is taken by God already and it is non-transferable.
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-3 KJV).
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (Galatians 12:1 KJV).
Any “wisdom” that the Christian has comes from God. No one is ever going to “absorb” the knowledge (gnosis) of God through drinking out of a human skull, because common sense would tell you that the wisdom of God doesn’t come from man, it comes from God! They may “absorb” some weird disease though!
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven (John 3:27 KJV).
Some people also offer their soul for sale as a joke, but the Bible does say that souls can be traded and lost, unless they are “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). The Christian has been bought with a price and no longer for sale!
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26 KJV).
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:19,20 KJV).
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:18,19 KJV).
Why don’t believers in the church today go around raising people from the dead like Jesus commanded the disciples (Matthew 10:8)? Does the church today still preach an immortality doctrine that the Gospel is suppose to “bring to light” as spoken of in 2 Timothy 1:10 or have they given up on it? Paul preached it.
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 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 Timothy 1:9,10 KJV).
And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand (Acts 4:1-4 KJV).
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:51-56 KJV).
I have never heard a pastor preach the resurrection from the dead of the believer in small detail. All I have ever heard preached is that as a result of the gospel the Christian dies and goes to Heaven. The Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament was the stewards of the revealed “will of God”, which was the law. The Christians are the stewards of the “mysteries of God”, which is the path to immortality.
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:1 KJV).
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:6-8 KJV).
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive (Acts 9:40,41 KJV).
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned (Romans 5:12 KJV).
Then when lust hath conceived, it brigeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death (James 1:15 KJV).
This is just like cancer when it is finished, brings forth death, and AIDS when it is finished, brings forth death. But what if you could find a cure for sin and that can stop its process of destruction and put it into “remission” before it finished it’s full course (death)? Could there really be something powerful enough to put sin into remission?
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:26 KJV).
Point to Ponder: The Bible teaches that we are to FIRST seek the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) and then Paul says, “flesh and blood shall not inherit the Kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 15:50). Why would Jesus tell the disciples to seek a Kingdom FIRST that Paul would later state that “flesh and blood” couldn’t inherit? Could the crucifixion on the cross and resurrection of Jesus spoken of in the New Testament really contain enough redemptive power to restore and make alive the mortal body? The Bible says that the “grave” was defeated by Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:55). The grave held the physical body!
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:55-57 KJV).
Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: (2 Timothy 2:8 KJV).
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV).
Let’s look at the Bible and see.
Excluding the special translations of Enoch and Elijah lets look at the rest of the Old Testament believers that looked forward to a bodily resurrection, but had to die a physical death because they were still “in Adam”. Jesus had not shed his blood for their sin, so they had to still pay the death penalty. All animal sacrifices could do was temporarily cover sin, but not take it away so they couldn’t enter the kingdom of God. It is appointed unto men once to die, and they could not be “crucified with Christ” like the Christian can today. They could not be “born again” in the Spirit, like every New Testament believer has the ability to. They looked forward to the cross of Calvary as their victory over the grave. At the resurrection of Jesus, they were rewarded for there faith with a bodily resurrection!
Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many BODIES of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many (Matthew 27:52,53 KJV).
This makes me ask a question. Why didn’t these saints receive new bodies instead of resurrecting the physical body? I have a theory that this is why the early church resisted cremation and always demanded a “Christian” burial. Why is there even a doctrine in the Bible called “redemption of the body” (Romans 8:23 KJV) if the body will not be redeemed? Why were not their souls placed into brand new bodies and the physical bodies left in the grave? Ashes to ashes, dust to dust? What if someone took water and poured it on the dust and made clay? Then could a skilled potter take that clay and make a new vessel? What would have happened to Adam’s physical body if he did get to eat of the tree of life? Because of this verse (Matthew 27:53 KJV), there is another question that just begs to be asked!!! So I will ask it…….
Could the resurrection of Jesus, that the Bible says has the awesome power to reach all the way back to the beginning of mankind, overcome physical death and resurrect the physical bodies, complete with flesh and bone (for the Bible says in Matthew 27:53 KJV that “the graves were opened”), of the Old Testament believers who died a physical death ALSO reach 2000yrs into the future with that same resurrection power of that day and translate a mortal body of a New Testament believer today and keep their bodies from seeing corruption? Could the Christian today be a partaker of the same resurrection and power of that same event almost 2000 years ago?
And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some (2 Timothy 2:17,18 KJV).
Did Jesus plainly teach eternal life in a physical, but glorified body?
These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all FLESH, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him (John 17:1,2 KJV).
For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:4,5 KJV).
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you (Romans 8:11 KJV).
In the Old Testament, the Bible says that the source of life was in the blood, but in the New Testament believer, their source of life comes from the Spirit of Life (Holy Spirit). The same Holy Spirit that resurrected the physical body of Jesus (remember the tomb was empty) dwells in every true believer. Could this be the interpretation then of the events that took place on the Mount of Transfiguration, when Jesus was seen by the disciples, standing and talking with Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:1-9 KJV)?
Point to Ponder: Notice that Moses was standing in “paradise” in a body before the other saints came out of the graves after Jesus’ resurrection. And the Bible says that death only reigned until Moses!
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come (Romans 5:14 KJV).
Could Moses have also experienced an earlier bodily resurrection in a redeemed and glorified body or was he in a totally new body? The Bible says that Michael the archangel disputed with Satan for the body of Moses (Jude 9). Why would Michael do this if Moses body were to return to dust and he get a new body? The Bible also says that no man knows where Moses’ sepulcher is (Deuteronomy 33:5,6 KJV).
Could Moses be a representation of all the believers that entered into the kingdom by death, like the thief on the cross, and Elijah is a representation of those believers that enter into the kingdom through translation of the mortal body like Paul spoke of (1 Corinthians 15:51-57 KJV)?
Paul taught of a natural body and a spiritual body in (1 Corinthians 15:44). What is the difference? The Bible tells us that God is a Spirit, but mankind is flesh. Jesus was both.
And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet (Luke 24:36-40 KJV).
In Jesus dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9). Jesus came in the same flesh body we are in. Jesus was called the Son of God and Son of man. Spiritual death was abolished when we received the Spirit of Life (Holy Spirit) when we are first saved. Water baptism is symbolic of that victory, but not the power of that victory, as some believe.
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:17,18 KJV).
Physical death is abolished when we receive the quickening of the Holy Spirit after He finishes His redemptive work in us (Romans 8:11)!
Point to Ponder: What is the spiritual world like, that is suppose to be the new home of the Christian. It is called by many “the world of the dead”? Please read the chapter “The Spiritual World”. There are other ways to enter the spiritual world besides physical death that is spoken of in the Bible that I will list in that chapter. The Christian can and is exhorted by Paul to study the spiritual world because that is the new home of the Christian and we are strangers and pilgrims on the earth since the spiritual newbirth. These scriptures also stand in contradiction to the pastor’s that say “you can be too heavenly minded to be any earthly good”.
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-3 KJV).
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: (Philippians 3:18-20 KJV).
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1,2 KJV).
You can see the same parallel when Peter took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the storms around him and started to sink in the water. That is why the Christian looks on things above and not on the things on the earth, because Jesus is now up above! The earth is where the storms are! Whether you walk on water or sink in it depends on which way you are looking.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33 KJV).
The purpose of the Gospel is to get the rest of the world to focus on the one above (Jesus). If you are walking and looking at the light from above your path is lighted in front of you. Darkness is behind you in your shadow, because darkness cannot exist between you and the light. If you were to turn around and focus on the things on the earth, then you would be stumbling in darkness as you are now walking in your shadow with the rest of the world who have their backs turned to the light (Jesus) also. The Bible speaks of the “Light of life” and the “shadow of death”. Which way are you walking?
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8:12 KJV).
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel (Luke 1:76-80 KJV).
The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 4:16,17 KJV).
Let me explain it this way. Picture yourself out in the middle of a big field at night in deep darkness. You cannot see your hand in front of your face. Off in the distance, someone turns the light on at a house. How hard is it to walk to that light? That is why many churches refer to themselves as “lighthouses”. When you are facing the light from above then it is reflecting off of you toward all those that are walking toward you with their back to that light.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (1 Peter 2:9 KJV).
With your face shining in the light, they see you as a light bearer coming at them in the darkness that they are facing. People stumbling along in spiritual darkness will come up to you and want to know what you are looking at that is making you shine in a dark world. Now is your chance to point them to that same light, where they can walk with you. And they can now point someone else that is stumbling in darkness to that same light!
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16 KJV).
That is why the Christian focuses on the things above. They are not trying to neglect the work of the ministry on the earth. There is a reason why many churches don’t want you looking up. How can you build a pyramid on earth if you are focusing on a church in heaven?
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (2 Corinthians 4:3-7 KJV).
In the Christian, God has turned on a spiritual light in our hearts. While the world stumbles in “outer darkness” the Christian walks in “inner light” and we can bear witness of that light (Jesus) to others who are searching.
Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him (John 11:9,10 KJV).
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