DEATH AND BEYOND. Workbook 4. Note to Instructor: Be sure to remove Final Test from this workbook before giving it to the student

Transcription

1 1 DEATH AND BEYOND Workbook 4 Note to Instructor: Be sure to remove Final Test from this workbook before giving it to the student

2 2 Death And Beyond is based on Eschatology notes by the Rev. LeRoy Davis Copyright 2003 by Rev. LeRoy Davis

3 3 Death and Beyond Workbook 4 The Workbook is designed to help you come to a solid understanding of what happens at death, what happens between death and the Second Coming [Intermediate state] and what happens after the Second Coming [final state]. To successfully complete this workbook you will need to: 1. Complete all the questions in a Section. 2. Score all questions before taking the related Review. Underline the answers in the text for any questions you got wrong. 3. Take the Review. 4. Score the Review. Underline the answers in the text for any questions you got wrong. 5. Go on to the next section and repeat. 6. Memorize selected Scriptures. 7. Before taking the Pre-Test make sure all questions in the Sections and Reviews are correctly answered. 8. Take the Pre-Test. 9. Score the Pre-Test. Underline the answers in the text for any questions you got wrong. 10. Take the Final Test. Note 1: Not all questions on reviews or tests will be taken directly from previous questions. However, reviews and pre-tests will show how well you understand the material. If you do well on them you should have no difficulty with the Final Test. Note 2: All Final Tests except the first one will include some random questions from previous workbooks to test how well the student is remembering the material. Note 3: This workbook is copyrighted and may be copied and used only by active Joshua Club members. The conditions and restrictions are listed on the Joshua Club website:

4 4 Intermediate State Our study of immortality has showed that the Scriptures teach there is life after death, but what actually happens after death? Now we will begin to look at the state of those who have passed into eternity. One of the foundational truths accepted by all Christians is that there is to be a resurrection. This is usually believed to take place at the physical return of Jesus. The time that elapses between death and the resurrection is referred to as the Intermediate state. It is the time that we are between what we were on earth and what we will be in our Final State after Jesus returns to the earth. The fact that there is an Intermediate state is recognized by nearly all those who believe in the resurrection and final judgment. There are different beliefs regarding the Intermediate state. It is not that there is an Intermediate state which is debated but the nature of this state. What will it be like waiting after death for the resurrection? Roman Catholic doctrine sees the Intermediate state as a time of purification; therefore, they have the teaching of Purgatory. The Seventh Day Adventists view this period as a time of soul sleep - as does the cultic group Jehovahʼs Witnesses. Some groups believe there is a second chance to repent after death. We will look at each of these views in more detail later. 1. One of the foundational accepted by all Christians is that there is to be a resurrection. 2. The time that elapses between death that the resurrection is referred to as the state. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT EARLIEST YEARS In the earliest years of the church the thought of an Intermediate state was not very important. Many had the idea that Jesus would return soon, although Jesus had indicated in some of His parables that it would be a long time. The apostles also taught there would be a delay. Nevertheless, in the beginning of the church era, the time between death and resurrection was not thought a lot about. When it became obvious the return of Christ was being delayed, the Church Fathers turned their attention to this subject. Three main views emerged in their writings:

5 5 1. The first idea is called the Reduced View. In this view the Intermediate state was thought to be similar to the state of final retribution. It was a reduced version of the eternal state of the soul. It did not see much difference between the Intermediate state and the Final state. 2. The second idea is called the Purification View. The teaching developed that it was a time of gradual purification of the soul. This paved the way for the doctrine of purgatory to develop. 3. The third idea is called the Immediate View. This view believed that the soul, upon the death of the body, passed immediately into the presence of Christ. MIDDLE AGES It was during the Middle Ages the doctrine of purgatory was developed. In this view the souls of the wicked went immediately into hell. There was no intervening place or time. The righteous, who were free from every stain of sin, went immediately to heaven. The Martyrs were the favoured few who also went directly to heaven. All others were required to be purified by fire. The time would be whatever length their sin required. This means, of course, that people could actually pay the price for their sins committed after salvation. This devalues the Cross of Christ. In addition, what would happen to people who died only a few years before the Second Coming? Would they have had time to pay for their sins? The doctrine of the Jews and early Medieval church, was that after death there was a semi-conscious state, which is neither happy nor miserable. They were there awaiting the resurrection. This doctrine was opposed by the Latin Church in the Council of Florence in However, it continued to be the prevailing view in the Greek church. REFORMATION The Reformers rejected the idea of purgatory and the Intermediate place. Their emphasis on the Scripture as the rule of faith and doctrine let them see that this doctrine was not in Scripture. They held that all in Christ went immediately to heaven. All those outside of Christ went immediately to hell. Some Reformers held that the degree of blessing or punishment was less than that of the final bliss or punishment after the final judgment. Socinians and Anabaptists revived the doctrine of soul sleep. This doctrine was held by some in the early church. Calvin wrote a treatise to combat this view.

6 6 MODERN TIMES Some Nineteenth century theologians, especially in England, Switzerland, and Germany considered the immediate state to be a state of further probation for the unsaved. For them it is a doctrine of second chance. Although different ideas developed over time, most of the above ideas are held by some groups today. Bible-believing Protestant Christians usually teach those in Christ who die go immediately into the presence of God. They also hold that upon death there is an immediate entrance into punishment for those outside of Christ. They deny there is a second chance after death. This life is where eternal destiny is set. After death it is too late to change. 3. What is the Reduced View? 4. What is the Purification View? 5. What is the Immediate View? 6. It was during the Middle Ages the doctrine of was developed. 7. The doctrine of the Jews and early Medieval church, was that after death there was a state, which is neither happy nor miserable. 8. The rejected the idea of purgatory and the Intermediate place. 9. What did the Reformers believe? 10. Bible-believing Christians usually teach those in Christ who die go immediately into the presence of God.

7 7 DEFINITION The Intermediate state is a realm or condition in which the soul exists between death and resurrection. It is seen as a time of freedom from sin and pain for the Christian. It is a time of advancement over this life, but it is not a perfect state. The perfect state is when body and soul are reunited at the return of Christ, although some believe that the soul is given a temporary body during the Intermediate state. 2 Cor. 5:8 We are confident, [I say], and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Phil. 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Lk.23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. The disembodied soul has no way to communicate with the physical world. Also, it is at the return of Christ and the resurrection that the rewards are given not at death. So there must be something better coming. The Intermediate state is not the final state. 2 Tim. 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Lk.14:12-14 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor [thy] rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. The blessing of the Intermediate state is greater than our present state, but it is only a foretaste of the Final state. It is an imperfect state still [but without sin] waiting for the final state. Only when Christ returns are we made perfect or complete. Mat. 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, what have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

8 8 The demons recognized that there was a time of judgment coming when Jesus returned. Until then they roam the earth. 2 Cor. 5:3,4 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 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. Rom. 8:23 And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body. 1 Thes. 4:16,17 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: 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 Cor. 15:55 O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory? Phil. 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Rev. 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? The saints are now in heaven waiting with joy in the presence of God. They have a conscious existence while waiting for the Second Coming and resurrection. 2 Cor. 12:2-4 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth; How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Rev. 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

9 9 Rev. 6:9,10 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? Heb. 12:22,23 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, Ecc. 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Lk. 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. The believers who have died are now in paradise waiting for the day of reward which will come at the resurrection. Write out and memorize 2 Tim. 4:8 Lk.14:12-14 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor [thy] rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

10 10 Dan. 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt. Mt.25:31-46 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: (36) Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed [thee]? or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took [thee] in? or naked, and clothed [thee]? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me. 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: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of the least of these, ye did [it] not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Jn.5:28,29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 11. The state is a realm or condition in which the soul exists between death and resurrection. 12. The state is when body and soul are reunited at the return of Christ, although some believe that the soul is given a temporary body during the Intermediate state. 13. The disembodied soul has no way to communicate with the world.

11 The Intermediate state is not the state. 15. The saints are now in waiting with joy in the presence of God. The wicked are in a state of conscious suffering. It is made permanent by resurrection and judgment. Just as rewards are determined at the Final Judgment so also levels of punishment may also be determined there. The story of the rich man and Lazarus found in Luke 16 illustrates the Intermediate state. The rich man was more conscious of life than the normal person in this life. He knew of activities in three realms, hell, heaven, and earth. He had the same character in the other world as he had in this one. There was no break in memory, nor change in personality. He was not in hell because he was rich, but his hard-hearted, selfishness showed his spiritual condition. The rich man was in the place of torment, his condition forever fixed. He was conscious of his miserable plight. He sought relief of the pain. Then he desired to have his brothers warned lest they come there also. The Westminister Confession of Faith states: The souls of the righteous being then made perfect in holiness, are received into the highest heavens where they behold the face of God in light and glory...souls of the wicked are cast into hell where they remain in torments and utter darkness reserved to the judgment of the great day. Besides these two places for souls departed from their bodies, the Scripture acknowledgeth none. The Second Helvetic Confession states: In like manner we believed that the unbelievers are cast head long into hell from whence there is no return opened to the wicked by any offices of those who live. LIFE IN THREE STATES 1. The first stage of man is the time from birth [or conception] to death. 2. The second stage is from death to resurrection. 3. The third and final stage is the resurrected body. This is the final and eternal state. 16. The wicked are in a state of suffering. 17. The man knew of activities in three realms, hell, heaven, and earth. 18. The rich man was in the place of torment, his condition fixed.

12 The first stage of man is the time from birth [or conception] to. 20. The second stage is from to resurrection. 21. The third and final stage is the body. This is the final and eternal state. INTERMEDIATE STATE AND SCRIPTURAL TERMS SHEOL AND HADES There is a controversy over the exact meaning of the words, sheol and hades. The word sheol is a word meaning neither happiness nor misery. In that sense it is neutral. Sheol often means the grave or death. Gen. 37:35 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. Gen.42:38 And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. Sheol is translated as grave in the above verses. Sheol is related to a root word which means to be sunk, sinking, depth, sunken deep place. Hades is the unseen world conceived by the Greeks as a shadowy but not an unconscious state. The modern liberal teaching concerning sheol and hades is borrowed from the Gentile notion of the underworld. Some liberals teach that Sheol of the Old Testament and Hades of the New Testament is a place of forgetfulness. They believe it is a place lacking in substance and reality. It is not really life, but neither is it death. Existence in Sheol or Hades is though to be like a dream world. A person is not sure whether it is true or not. The liberal view holds that all the dead go there. There is no separation between good and evil. Some hold that this place is a permanent residence, others believe there is an eventual escape. Either way it is not viewed as a place of punishment or reward, but a neutral place. This is not the view of the Bible.

13 13 IDEA OF THE DIVISION OF SHEOL [HADES] Some people hold that Sheol is divided into two parts. The Greeks called them Tartarus and Elysium. According to the Jews, one section, called Gehenna, was for the Gentiles and the wicked. The other section, called Paradise, was for the Jews and righteous, that is those obedient to the law. Hodge said: Sheol represented the general receptacle or abode of departed spirits who were in a state of consciousness. Some were in a state of misery, others were in a state of happiness. In all these points the pagan ideas of Hades, corresponds to the Scriptural idea of Sheol. Most of the people holding the view that Sheol is divided into two parts believe that the Hades of the New Testament is the same as the Sheol of the Old Testament. The Jews were to be delivered at the coming of Messiah, while the Gentiles would remain forever in this abode of darkness. The teachers of this view try to represent it as the scriptural teaching, instead of as Hebrew traditional ideas. What they have really done is read preconceived Jewish ideas into the Scripture. We should always go to Scripture to see what it says instead of going to Scripture to try and prove our view of a topic correct. 22. Sheol often means the or death. 23. Hades is the unseen world conceived by the as a shadowy but not an unconscious state 24. Some people hold that Sheol is divided into parts. 25. was for the Gentiles and the wicked. 26., was for the Jews and righteous, that is those obedient to the law. 27. Most of the people holding the view that is divided into two parts believe that the Hades of the New Testament is the same as the Sheol of the Old Testament. OBJECTIONS TO THIS VIEW 1. There is no foundation in the Scripture of the Old Testament for the division of Sheol or that Paradise was a part of it. 2. The New Testament makes Paradise and Heaven the same.

14 14 2 Cor. 12:2-4 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth; How that he was caught up into paradise and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Paul states that this man [whom many believe to be Paul himself] was taken to heaven and then he says he was taken to Paradise. It is obviously that Paul was using two different words to describe the same place. 3. The idea of compartments in sheol is an import from heathen teachings. It is taking heathen ideas and trying to fit them into Scripture - the same as some Christians try to do with evolution - instead of looking at Scripture first to see what it teaches. 4. The thought that there is a place where all the dead are kept for resurrection is possible but not substantiated with Scripture. Jesus told Mary that He had not yet ascended to His Father, indicating that He was going to the Father quickly, not waiting to the end of time. Jn. 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. The Body of Jesus was laid in the grave for three days; therefore, when He told the thief that He would be with Him in Paradise and committed His Spirit into the hands of the Father, He was expecting to be in Heaven not Sheol before the resurrection. Lk. 23:43-46 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, Father, into they hands I commend My Spirit: and having said thus, He gave up the ghost. The rich man and Lazarus story shows the angels carrying Lazarus to the bosom of Abraham, suggesting that it was in heaven - the abode of angels. 5. The Scriptures used to support this view has other meanings. (See the Scriptures under the meaning of Sheol).

15 15 6. The righteous and wicked are spoken of as descending into Sheol. This refers to the grave, not to a compartment place. They all descend into death but that does not mean they end up in the same place after passing through deathʼs door. 7. The righteous are spoken of as in a place of blessedness. This does not sound like a compartment in Sheol. It is impossible to be a place of blessedness if it is a neutral place without pain or joy. 8. The Scripture speaks of the descent into Sheol as a warning. This would not be correct if the righteous also went there. 9. The dividing of Sheol into two parts does not solve the any problems and the Old Testament does not have any trace of this division. 10. The New Testament identifies paradise as heaven. 2 Cor. 12:2-4 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 11. Sheol is sometimes contrasted with heaven so they cannot be located in the same place. Job 11:8 [It is] as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? Psa. 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou [art] there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou [art there]. Amos 9:2 Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down: 28. There is no foundation in the Scripture of the Old Testament for the of Sheol or that Paradise was a part of it. 29. The New Testament makes Paradise and the same. 30. The idea of compartments in sheol is a import from teachings.

16 The thought that there is a place where all the are kept for resurrection is possible but not substantiated with Scripture. 32. The of Sheol into two parts does not solve the any problems and the Old Testament does not have any trace of this division. 33. Sheol is sometimes with heaven so they cannot be located in the same place. Review 1 1. One of the foundational truths accepted by all is that there is to be a resurrection. 2. The time that elapses between that the resurrection is referred to as the Intermediate state. 3. What is the Reduced View? 4. What is the Purification View? 5. What is the Immediate View? 6. It was during the the doctrine of purgatory was developed. 7. The doctrine of the Jews and early church, was that after death there was a semi-conscious state, which is neither happy nor miserable. 8. The Reformers rejected the idea of and the intermediate place. 9. What did the Reformers believe? 10. Bible-believing Protestant Christians usually teach those in Christ who die go into the presence of God. 11. The Intermediate state is a realm or condition in which the soul between death and resurrection.

17 The soul has no way to communicate with the physical world. 13. The are in a state of conscious suffering. 14. The rich man knew of in three realms, hell, heaven, and earth. 15. The first stage of man is the time from [or conception] to death. 16. The second stage is from death to. 17. The third and final stage is the resurrected. 18. Write out from memory 2 Tim. 4:8 19. Sheol often means the grave or. 20. Some people hold that is divided into two parts. 21. Gehenna was for the and the wicked. 22. Paradise, was for the and righteous, that is those obedient to the law. 23. There is no in the Scripture of the Old Testament for the division of Sheol or that Paradise was a part of it. 24. The New Testament makes Paradise and Heaven the. 25. Sheol is sometimes contrasted with so they cannot be located in the same place. Score: [4 points each]

18 18 SHEOL IS USED IN DIFFERENT WAYS The King James Version translates Sheol as: Hell 31 times Grave 31 times The Pit 3 times Sheol has the basic meaning of place of the dead. It can mean death. It is also translated grave with the idea of sorrow as it describes the condition at the end of life. And it can be euphemism for hell itself. Sheol is mentioned 65 times in the Old Testament. The meaning - grave - is used 20 times. Sheol is used in parallel with corruption and the worm as if going down into the pit. Job 17:13-14 If I wait, the grave is mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness. I have said to corruption, Thou are my father: to the worm, Thou art my mother, and my sister. Sheol gives the picture of the soul being consumed. Psa. 88:3 For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave. Psa. 49:14 Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling. Gen. 42:38 And he said, My son shall not go down with you: for his brother is dead, and he is left alone; if mischief befall him by the way in which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. 1 Sam. 2:6 The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. 1 Kgs. 2:16 Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace. The grave concept explains the passages where it states the righteous go into sheol. The righteous and unrighteous both die and enter the grave. In this meaning, it

19 19 makes no statement beyond the grave. It does not mean the righteous enter a subdivision of hell. Both Liberals and Dispensationalists deny this meaning. 1. Sheol has the basic meaning of. 2. Sheol is mentioned times in the Old Testament. 3. Sheol can be translated as Hell,, or pit. 4. Sheol is used in parallel with corruption and the worm as if going down into the. 5. The righteous and unrighteous both die and enter the. Sheol meaning hell is used 24 times. Psa. 55:15 Let death seize upon them, and let them do down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them. Num. 16:30 But if the Lord make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that belongs unto them, and they go down quick into the pit: then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the Lord. The term go down...into implies descent into a place not just the grave. They went into the pit or Hell. Pr. 15:11, 24 Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?...the way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. Hell is spoken of a a place a righteous man escapes from. It is not that he was in hell to start with, but that he escapes going there. Psa. 86:13 For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delievered my soul from the lowest hell. Sheol has the abstract meaning of death 21 times. Psa. 89:48 What man is he that liveth, and shall net see death? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah Sheol is presented in parallel to death.

20 20 judgment. Prov. 16:10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth trangresseth not in Acts 2:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thy Holy One to see corruption. All people - good and bad - experience Sheol. The Hebrews developed a corrupted view of Sheol from pagan cultures. They had come to view Sheol as a place where all souls were gathered together so they could bring someone up from the dead. 1 Sam. 28:11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel. 6. Hell is spoken of as a place a man escapes from. 7. All people - good and bad - experience. SHEOL SPOKEN OF AS THREE THINGS 1. DEATH Death, that is the state of being dead, or the grave - not a special locality - is one way the word is translated. Gen. 37:35 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. Gen. 42:38 And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. Gen. 44:29 And if ye take this also from me, and mischief befall him, ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. Jacob was talking about dying not about going to Hell.

21 21 1 Sam. 2:6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The Lord controls all life. He can bring whomever He want to the grave but that does not necessarily mean Hell. He controls the lives of believers as well and we know they go heaven. So we see that sheol does not always mean hell. 1 Kgs.2:6-9 Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace. But show kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother. And, behold, [thou hast] with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword. Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou [art] a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood. Job 14:13,14 O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! If a man die, shall he live [again]? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Job 17:13,14 If I wait, the grave [is] mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness. I have said to corruption, Thou [art] my father: to the worm, [Thou art] my mother, and my sister. Job 21:13 They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave. Job is referring to death itself, not hell. thanks? Psa. 6:5 For in death [there is] no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee

22 22 Psa. 49:14-17 Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling. But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him. Psa.88:3 For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave. Psa.89:48 What man [is he that] liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah. Ecc.9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Isa.5:14 Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. Hos.13:14 I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes. As the above verses show, sheol does not always refer to hell. Many times it is talking about death which all experience. 2. JUDGMENT Sheol is also spoken of as judgment in the sense of being a place. Deut. 32:22 For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. Psa. 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. Prov. 5:5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.

23 23 Prov. 7:27 Her house [is] the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death. Prov. 9:18 But he knoweth not that the dead [are] there; [and that] her guests [are] in the depths of hell. Prov. 15:24 The way of life [is] above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. Prov. 23:14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. The above verses all show shoel as a place; therefore, it does not always mean death or the grave. Sheol speaks of God's burning judgment (Deut.32:22) and is used together with destruction. Job 26:6 Hell [is] naked before him, and destruction hath no covering. Prov. 15:11 Hell and destruction [are] before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? Prov. 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. The same Hebrew word as used in Rev. 9:11 for the angel of the pit. Rev. 9:11 And they had a king over them, [which is] the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue [is] Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath [his] name Apollyon. The righteous are not in the situation mentioned in: Prov. 5:5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell. Prov.15:11 Hell and destruction [are] before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? Prov. 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

24 24 3. JOY Sheol is also spoken of as a time of joy for the righteous. Num. 23:10 Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth [part] of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his! Psa. 16:9-11 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence [is] fulness of joy; at thy right hand [there are] pleasures for evermore. Psa. 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. me. Selah. Psa. 49:15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive Write out and memorize Ps. 73:24-26 _ Prov. 14:32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. Ecc.12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Heb.11:13-16 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. These all died in faith, not having received the

25 25 promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that [country] from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 8., that is the state of being dead, or the grave - not a special locality - is one way sheol is translated. 9. Sheol is also spoken of as in the sense of being a place. 10. Sheol speaks of God's burning judgment and is used together with. 11. Sheol is also spoken of as a time of joy for the. HADES AND GEHENNA The Greek word Hades is translated as hell or grave. It can mean a place or it can mean death itself. Acts 2:27-31 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men [and] brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. In the above verses hades is translated as hell in the KJV. Other versions translate it as grave or death. The idea is not that Christ went into the location of hell but that He entered the realm of the dead. He died but was not left in death. 1 Cor. 15:55 O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory? Death and grave [hades] are used as synonyms.

26 26 Rev.6:8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. Rev.20:13 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. In the above verses Hades is seen as different from death and refers to a place. The word Gehenna is always translated as hell and refers to a place of judgment. The word comes from the Hebrew word ge-hinnom which means the valley of Hinnom. The valley of Hinnom was a place where garbage was dumped and sometimes where the bodies of executed criminals were disposed of. Mat. 5:22 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. Mat.11:23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. hell? Mat.23:33 [Ye] serpents, [ye] generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of Lk.16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. SUMMARY The Old Testament word Sheol usually means grave but sometimes it means the place of punishment. The New Testament word Hades usually means a place of punishment but sometimes the grave. The New Testament word Gehenna always refers to a place of judgment or punishment. 12. The Greek word Hades is translated as or grave.

27 The word is always translated as hell and refers to a place of judgment 14. The Old Testament word Sheol usually means but sometimes it means the place of punishment. 15. The New Testament word Hades usually means a place of but sometimes the grave. VIEWS ON THE INTERMEDIATE STATE ROMAN CATHOLICS Roman Catholic theology believes that the wicked descend into hell fire, that is, Hades. Mk. 9:47-48 And if thine eye offend thee, puck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. Mt. 11:23 And thou, Capernaum, which are exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works which have been done in thee, and been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. They believe that the Old Testament righteous went to Limbus Patrum, in other words, the fringe of hell. They were released and taken to heaven when Christ descended into hell. This comes from the medieval doctrine that heaven was not open until Christ made His propitiation [satisfied the justice of God]. According to them, the New Testament righteous and martyrs go directly to heaven if their lives are free from the stain of sin. Purgatory is for those who must be purged from venial sins. [Venial sins are sins that can easily be forgiven. They are the opposite to mortal sins.] The Roman Catholics resort to Papal tradition and the questionable exegeses of descent passages. We will look at Purgatory is greater detail in a later workbook. Acts 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day.

28 28 Eph. 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 1 Pet. 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 1 Pet. 4:6 For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. The above verses are used to support the purgatory view but they really have nothing to do with purgatory. We will look at the 1 Peter verses in detail later. 16. Roman Catholic theology believes that the descend into hell fire, that is, Hades. 17. They believe that the Old Testament righteous went to Limbus Patrum, in other words, the of hell. 18. According to Roman Catholics, the New Testament righteous and martyrs go directly to if their lives are free from the stain of sin. 19. Purgatory is for those who must be purged from sins. TRADITIONAL PROTESTANT VIEW The traditional Protestant view is that Hell is a real place. Lk. 16:23 And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom... Nu. 16:30 But if the Lord make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that belong unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; the ye shall understand that these men have provoked the Lord. Amos 9:2 Though they dig into Hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down: This view believes that both the Old Testament believers and the New Testament believers, at death, go directly into the presence of God and glory.

29 29 Ecc. 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Psa. 73:24 Thou shalt guide me with they counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. 2 Cor. 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Phil. 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: This position maintains the validity of the Old Testament statements on Sheol. It presents a unity of Biblical revelation on life after death in both testaments. This interpretation requires different uses of the term Sheol. The different meanings flow naturally from the context and are not forced. It is like the word day which can mean a 24 hour day, the daylight portion of a day, a period of time [in my fatherʼs day], or a specific time [Day of Judgment]. The meaning is determined naturally from the context. It is the same idea with Sheol. 20. The traditional Protestant view is that Hell is a place. 21. The traditional view believes that both the Old Testament believers and the New Testament believers, at death, went directly into the presence of God and glory. 22. This interpretation requires different uses of the term. LIBERAL The liberals have no common belief in regard to Sheol and Hades. They consider the Biblical teaching to be simply the Hebrews borrowing from the pagan concepts of Sheol. Generally, they see it as a hollow underground space for good and bad. Prov. 7:27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death. living. Job 30:23 For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all The liberal view is that is is a dreary place with no rewards.

30 30 Ecc. 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with they might: for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, wither thou goest. They believe that the New Testament writers adopted the idea of rewards and punishments after death from developments in the inter-testamental period [400 Silent Years]. The liberalʼs view is that, at best, all we have is human guesses as to life after death. They think the Old Testament writers conformed their views to the contemporary thoughts of the pagans around them. They ignore that Sheol is spoken as a place of punishment. It is seen only as a warning to the wicked and that righteous hope to be delivered from it in death. 23. The have no common belief in regard to Sheol and Hades. 24. The liberalʼs view is that, at best, all we have is human as to life after death. DISPENSATIONAL The Dispensational views follow those of the liberals. They hold that all go to Sheol, the place of the spirits. Schofield in his notes includes New Testament saints in Sheol as well [SRB, 1098]. Dispensationalism also follows the Roman Catholic view of compartments in Sheol. Hell is the compartment for the lost and Paradise is the compartment for the saved. [Systematic Theology, Dallas 1947, VII 247] They believe that since the resurrection of Christ, Paradise has been transferred to the third heaven. 2 Cor. 12:1-4 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, [whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth:] such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, [whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth:] How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Compare this with: Eph. 4:8-10 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. [Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first

31 31 into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.] 1 Pet. 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison: [Schofield does not use 1 Peter 3:19 to support his position] This view accommodates the liberal attack and leaves the Old Testament substandard, in other words, the Old Testament teaching is inferior to the New testament teaching. This view contrasts Sheol/Hades with the abode of the Old Testament saints, i.e. they in the same general location but in different compartments. Lk. 16: 23 And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. The abstract language can refer to Godʼs enemies not necessarily dead souls. Eph. 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men. The Dispensationalist sees Paradise as being the same as Abrahamʼs bosom - which they now locate in heaven. 2 Cor. 12:3 And I knew such a man, [whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth:] They claim that before 2 Cor 12, Paradise was a part of hades and then is arbitrary moved. Twenty-eight of the 65 Old Testament references include the saved but never imply location except for the grave. Contrary to the Dispensationalists, the Old Testament hope was that after death they would be received into glory. Psa. 73:24 Thou shalt guide me with they counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. 25. Dispensationalists hold that all go to, the place of the spirits. 26. Dispensationalism also follows the Roman Catholic view of in Sheol. 27. The Dispensationalist sees as being the same as Abrahamʼs bosom - which they now locate in heaven.