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Life after Death 7-14-07
Soul Sleep, Truth or Deception?
Introduction
I. Saints Under the Old Covenant
II. Saints Under the New Covenant
III. Old Covenant Saints Existed After Their Death
IV. Verses Teaching a Literal Hell
V. The Lake of Fire
VI. A Christian is Composed of Three Parts
VII. Jesus’ Three Parts
VIII. Paul’s Three Parts
IX. Does God Allow the Torment of the Ungodly?
X. A Resurrected Body
XI. Word Studies
XII. Problem Verses?
Conclusion
Introduction
At death what happens to a Christian? Does he or she go to heaven or the grave?
There will not be eternal damnation in Hell, because those in Hell will be cast into the Lake of Fire, Revelation 20:13-15.
This study has in view the Watch Tower Society’s/ Jehovah’s Witness’ teaching on ‘soul sleep’ and ‘the annihilation of the wicked’. Other groups also believe in ‘soul sleep’ and ‘the annihilation of the wicked’.
“God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. 3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.” Nahum 1:2-3
“But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.” Nahum 1:8
“But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;” Romans 2:8-9
“In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;” 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9
“Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.” Matthew 18:8
“Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9:48
“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” Matthew 25:41
"Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." Jude 1:7
“Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.” Jude 1:13
“These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.” 2 Peter 2:17
“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:9-11
Annihilation is not taught here, the false prophet a human is thrown into the Lake of Fire to be tormented day and night forever and ever!
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Revelation 20:10
“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” Revelation 19:20
I. Saints under the Old Covenant
Saints under the Old Covenant went to Paradise which is also called Abraham’s Bosom. In Hell there is a place called Paradise and a place of great torment. They are separated by a great gulf. Lazarus was in Paradise/Abraham’s Bosom, and the rich man was in a place of torment. Jesus, under the Old Covenant, told the thief on the cross that they would be in Paradise together that day. The thief’s soul was not to stay in its body waiting for a resurrection as some teach. His soul would join Abraham’s, Samuel’s, Moses’ etc. soul in paradise. In paradise, Jesus preached to those in the place of torment. He was telling them about the salvation they missed.
“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” Luke 16:19-31
“Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)” Ephesians 4:8-10
“By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.” 1 Peter 3:19-20
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
“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; 52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.” Matthew 27:51-53
“Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.” Proverbs 7:27
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalm 9:17
David said:
“And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.” Genesis 37:35
II. Saints under the New Covenant
At death (sleep) a Christian’s body goes to the grave to await the calling forth of Jesus, 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Jesus was the first fruits of the resurrection. After being in paradise also known as Abraham’s bosom for three days He was reunited with His body as were many Old Covenant saints, Matthew 27:52-53. He wasn’t in His body in the tomb; He went on to paradise.
At death a believer’s soul goes straight to heaven to be with Jesus.
The spirit returns to Jesus.
The body only is in the grave.
The New Covenant says:
Believers under the New Covenant go straight to be with Jesus.
“Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:” 2 Corinthians 5:6
“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8
“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.” Philippians 1:23-24
God will bring with Him the souls of people whose body is in the grave. Those whose body is in the grave will have their body raised from the grave to be reunited with their soul.
“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 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. 16 For the Lord 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: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17
What happened to Jesus after the cross?
Jesus went to Paradise where He saw the repentant thief who had been on a cross. While in Paradise, Jesus preached to those in the place of torment. Jesus was not in torment. He was not beat-up by the devil as those who teach that Jesus died spiritually, Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Jerry Sevelle, Jesse Duplantis, Creflo Dollar, etc. The Bible warns of those who will teach a different Jesus.
“By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;” 1 Peter 3:19
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
“Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Acts 2:27
“He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.” Acts 2:31
“Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 36 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: 37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.” Acts 13:35-37
III. Old Covenant Saints Existed After Their Death
JW’s doctrine teaches all Old Covenant people are non-existent. The Scriptures clearly teach the existence of Old Covenant people! Saints and the wicked!
Samuel the Prophet
“And Samuel saith unto Saul, `Why hast thou troubled me, to bring me up?' And Saul saith, `I have great distress, and the Philistines are fighting against me, God hath turned aside from me, and hath not answered me any more, either by the hand of the prophets, or by dreams; and I call for thee to let me know what I do.'” 1 Samuel 28:15 Young
“And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.” 1 Samuel 28:15 KJV
Moses and Elijah are seen alive. Their soul continues to exist.
“And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. 29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. 30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem." Luke 9:28-31
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are with Jesus, now!
“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
IV. Verses Teaching a Literal Hell
A. Jesus’ soul was not to be left in Hell.
Please remember Hell is divided into two parts – A place of torment and Paradise/Abraham’s Bosom.
“Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Acts 2:27
“He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.” Acts 2:31
“Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 36 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: 37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.” Acts 13:35-37
“By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;” 1 Peter 3:19
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
B. Can a human soul go to Hell? YES!
“For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.” Psalm 86:13
“The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.” Psalm 116:3
“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.” Revelation 20:13
“For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Psalm 16:10
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalm 9:17
“Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.” Proverbs 5:5
“Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.” Proverbs 7:27
“But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.” Proverbs 9:18
“The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.” Proverbs 15:24
Those in hell are conscious, so they are able to speak to new arrivals.
“Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. 10 All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?” Isaiah 14:9-10
More verses
“Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” Isaiah 14:15
“But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” Matthew 5:22
“And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;” 2 Peter 2:3-4
V. The Lake of Fire
Is the Lake of Fire a place of torment day and night for ever and ever? YES!
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Revelation 20:10
“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:13-15
“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” Matthew 25:41
Annihilation is not taught here, the false prophet a human is thrown into the Lake of Fire to be tormented day and night forever and ever!
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Revelation 20:10
“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”
Dr. Bruce Klein, President of Apostolic Theological Seminary
[email protected] 337-285-6045 www.atseminary.com
Life after Death 7-14-07
Soul Sleep, Truth or Deception?
Introduction
I. Saints Under the Old Covenant
II. Saints Under the New Covenant
III. Old Covenant Saints Existed After Their Death
IV. Verses Teaching a Literal Hell
V. The Lake of Fire
VI. A Christian is Composed of Three Parts
VII. Jesus’ Three Parts
VIII. Paul’s Three Parts
IX. Does God Allow the Torment of the Ungodly?
X. A Resurrected Body
XI. Word Studies
XII. Problem Verses?
Conclusion
Introduction
At death what happens to a Christian? Does he or she go to heaven or the grave?
There will not be eternal damnation in Hell, because those in Hell will be cast into the Lake of Fire, Revelation 20:13-15.
This study has in view the Watch Tower Society’s/ Jehovah’s Witness’ teaching on ‘soul sleep’ and ‘the annihilation of the wicked’. Other groups also believe in ‘soul sleep’ and ‘the annihilation of the wicked’.
“God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. 3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.” Nahum 1:2-3
“But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.” Nahum 1:8
“But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;” Romans 2:8-9
“In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;” 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9
“Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.” Matthew 18:8
“Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9:48
“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” Matthew 25:41
"Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." Jude 1:7
“Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.” Jude 1:13
“These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.” 2 Peter 2:17
“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:9-11
Annihilation is not taught here, the false prophet a human is thrown into the Lake of Fire to be tormented day and night forever and ever!
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Revelation 20:10
“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” Revelation 19:20
I. Saints under the Old Covenant
Saints under the Old Covenant went to Paradise which is also called Abraham’s Bosom. In Hell there is a place called Paradise and a place of great torment. They are separated by a great gulf. Lazarus was in Paradise/Abraham’s Bosom, and the rich man was in a place of torment. Jesus, under the Old Covenant, told the thief on the cross that they would be in Paradise together that day. The thief’s soul was not to stay in its body waiting for a resurrection as some teach. His soul would join Abraham’s, Samuel’s, Moses’ etc. soul in paradise. In paradise, Jesus preached to those in the place of torment. He was telling them about the salvation they missed.
“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” Luke 16:19-31
“Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)” Ephesians 4:8-10
“By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.” 1 Peter 3:19-20
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
“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; 52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.” Matthew 27:51-53
“Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.” Proverbs 7:27
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalm 9:17
David said:
“And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.” Genesis 37:35
II. Saints under the New Covenant
At death (sleep) a Christian’s body goes to the grave to await the calling forth of Jesus, 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Jesus was the first fruits of the resurrection. After being in paradise also known as Abraham’s bosom for three days He was reunited with His body as were many Old Covenant saints, Matthew 27:52-53. He wasn’t in His body in the tomb; He went on to paradise.
At death a believer’s soul goes straight to heaven to be with Jesus.
The spirit returns to Jesus.
The body only is in the grave.
The New Covenant says:
Believers under the New Covenant go straight to be with Jesus.
“Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:” 2 Corinthians 5:6
“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8
“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.” Philippians 1:23-24
God will bring with Him the souls of people whose body is in the grave. Those whose body is in the grave will have their body raised from the grave to be reunited with their soul.
“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 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. 16 For the Lord 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: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17
What happened to Jesus after the cross?
Jesus went to Paradise where He saw the repentant thief who had been on a cross. While in Paradise, Jesus preached to those in the place of torment. Jesus was not in torment. He was not beat-up by the devil as those who teach that Jesus died spiritually, Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Jerry Sevelle, Jesse Duplantis, Creflo Dollar, etc. The Bible warns of those who will teach a different Jesus.
“By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;” 1 Peter 3:19
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
“Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Acts 2:27
“He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.” Acts 2:31
“Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 36 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: 37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.” Acts 13:35-37
III. Old Covenant Saints Existed After Their Death
JW’s doctrine teaches all Old Covenant people are non-existent. The Scriptures clearly teach the existence of Old Covenant people! Saints and the wicked!
Samuel the Prophet
“And Samuel saith unto Saul, `Why hast thou troubled me, to bring me up?' And Saul saith, `I have great distress, and the Philistines are fighting against me, God hath turned aside from me, and hath not answered me any more, either by the hand of the prophets, or by dreams; and I call for thee to let me know what I do.'” 1 Samuel 28:15 Young
“And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.” 1 Samuel 28:15 KJV
Moses and Elijah are seen alive. Their soul continues to exist.
“And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. 29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. 30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem." Luke 9:28-31
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are with Jesus, now!
“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
IV. Verses Teaching a Literal Hell
A. Jesus’ soul was not to be left in Hell.
Please remember Hell is divided into two parts – A place of torment and Paradise/Abraham’s Bosom.
“Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Acts 2:27
“He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.” Acts 2:31
“Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 36 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: 37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.” Acts 13:35-37
“By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;” 1 Peter 3:19
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
B. Can a human soul go to Hell? YES!
“For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.” Psalm 86:13
“The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.” Psalm 116:3
“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.” Revelation 20:13
“For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Psalm 16:10
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalm 9:17
“Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.” Proverbs 5:5
“Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.” Proverbs 7:27
“But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.” Proverbs 9:18
“The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.” Proverbs 15:24
Those in hell are conscious, so they are able to speak to new arrivals.
“Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. 10 All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?” Isaiah 14:9-10
More verses
“Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” Isaiah 14:15
“But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” Matthew 5:22
“And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;” 2 Peter 2:3-4
V. The Lake of Fire
Is the Lake of Fire a place of torment day and night for ever and ever? YES!
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Revelation 20:10
“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:13-15
“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” Matthew 25:41
Annihilation is not taught here, the false prophet a human is thrown into the Lake of Fire to be tormented day and night forever and ever!
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Revelation 20:10
“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”
Dr. Bruce Klein, President of Apostolic Theological Seminary
[email protected] 337-285-6045 www.atseminary.com
