What Does God's Word Say?
WHAT ARE SOME GOOD BIBLE VERSES TO READ IN THE TIME OF A LOSS OF A LOVED ONE –
FROM THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS?
FROM THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS?
Psalm 69:16: “Hear me O LORD, for thy lovingkindness is good; turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.” (KJV)
Psalm 147:3 “He healeth the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds.” (KJV)
John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (NIV)
Revelation 21:4: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.” (KJV)
2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “Blessed be God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” (KJV)
Isaiah 25:8: “He will swallow up death in victory and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces…” (KJV)
Isaiah 35:10 “And the ransomed (Jesus is the ransom for mankind) of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” (KJV)
I Corinthians 15:21-22: “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (KJV)
Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)
Psalm 91:4: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge…(NIV)
Psalm 73:26: “My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (KJV)
Hosea 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…” (KJV)
John 11:25-26: “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…(KJV)
Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (KJV)
My little daughter died at age Nine without BEING BAPTIzED.
What will become of her on Judgment Day?
What will become of her on Judgment Day?
This same question may be asked with slightly different words: “What will happen to my loved one who never accepted Jesus as her Savior?”
The answer to these questions is the same—Jesus “suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” (Hebrews 2:9) Since he paid the death penalty for everyone’s sin, ALL will be restored to life in the resurrection. Paul explains in 1Corinthians 15:20-26 that: 1) people who are dead are “sleeping” in death, awaiting the resurrection, 2) ALL died in Adam so ALL will be made alive, 3) each one will be resurrected or awakened in his own order, and 4) the last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Paul in his letter to Timothy writes about “the man Christ Jesus who gave himself as a ransom for ALL, the testimony borne at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2:6). If a person is concerned that their loved one did something terribly bad and might not be resurrected, fear not. Acts 24:15(NAS) says, “. . .there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” John 5:25, 28-29 (NAS) states, “. . . the hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; those who did the good deeds, to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.”
What will the resurrection of judgment be like? The Bible teaches that the Day of Judgment is the 1,000-year period of Christ’s reign. Isaiah 35 describes God’s Kingdom as a time when blind people will see again and the deaf will hear. Verse 10 tells that “the ransomed of the Lord (everyone) will return, and come with joyful shouting to Zion, with everlasting joy upon their heads. They will find gladness and joy and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” So, rest assured, you will see your dear daughter again because everyone will be resurrected. (See also Isaiah 26:19, Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45, Romans 5:12, Galatians 1:4, Revelation 20:5, 12-15).
Your daughter and all mankind will be instructed in righteous living. Isaiah 26:9, “...when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants… will learn righteousness.” Jeremiah 31:33-35 (NIV), “…I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts,. I will be their God, and they will be my people…I will forgive their wickedness…” At the end of the 1,000 years, God will test mankind’s loyalty. They will be given a chance to choose to remain righteous or to turn back to their sinful ways. The righteous will have everlasting life (Revelation 21:22-27). Those choosing to return to sin will be punished with Second Death—a death from which there will be no resurrection. (Revelation 21:8)
The answer to these questions is the same—Jesus “suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” (Hebrews 2:9) Since he paid the death penalty for everyone’s sin, ALL will be restored to life in the resurrection. Paul explains in 1Corinthians 15:20-26 that: 1) people who are dead are “sleeping” in death, awaiting the resurrection, 2) ALL died in Adam so ALL will be made alive, 3) each one will be resurrected or awakened in his own order, and 4) the last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Paul in his letter to Timothy writes about “the man Christ Jesus who gave himself as a ransom for ALL, the testimony borne at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2:6). If a person is concerned that their loved one did something terribly bad and might not be resurrected, fear not. Acts 24:15(NAS) says, “. . .there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” John 5:25, 28-29 (NAS) states, “. . . the hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; those who did the good deeds, to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.”
What will the resurrection of judgment be like? The Bible teaches that the Day of Judgment is the 1,000-year period of Christ’s reign. Isaiah 35 describes God’s Kingdom as a time when blind people will see again and the deaf will hear. Verse 10 tells that “the ransomed of the Lord (everyone) will return, and come with joyful shouting to Zion, with everlasting joy upon their heads. They will find gladness and joy and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” So, rest assured, you will see your dear daughter again because everyone will be resurrected. (See also Isaiah 26:19, Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45, Romans 5:12, Galatians 1:4, Revelation 20:5, 12-15).
Your daughter and all mankind will be instructed in righteous living. Isaiah 26:9, “...when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants… will learn righteousness.” Jeremiah 31:33-35 (NIV), “…I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts,. I will be their God, and they will be my people…I will forgive their wickedness…” At the end of the 1,000 years, God will test mankind’s loyalty. They will be given a chance to choose to remain righteous or to turn back to their sinful ways. The righteous will have everlasting life (Revelation 21:22-27). Those choosing to return to sin will be punished with Second Death—a death from which there will be no resurrection. (Revelation 21:8)
Do alcoholics go to heaven? My dad passed away last night and I am so worried about him being in the right place… He believed in God but he had addiction to alcohol.
First, may we offer to you our heartfelt sympathy over your dad’s passing. Losing a loved one is of course one of the hardest experiences we face in life, one that almost all will experience. Rest assured that the God of creation is aware of all. What you are experiencing or asking about has not escaped His notice. Jesus said in Luke 12:6-7.
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
But how can you know if “dad is in the right place” especially given your concerns about alcohol addiction? Trust in God, your dad is absolutely in the right place. The question is what place is right, and what are the possibilities? We understand the Bible to teach that one possibility when a person dies is they are “changed.” They would be “changed” into a spirit body and be with the Lord in heaven.
Reading in 1Corinthians 15:51-52:
“Behold, I show 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.”
We live in the time when the “last trump” has sounded, so this promise applies now. It applies however to those that had fully dedicated their life to Christ and had been “footstep followers.” of Jesus. 1Peter 2:21, 2Peter 1:10, 11
The other possibility is to “fall asleep in death.” Many scriptures liken death to sleep, because the dead wait to be awakened from the death condition. This awakening is called “the resurrection” and it actually applies to all of mankind that have ever lived. This is why at so many funeral services you hear “may he rest in peace.” And even the original Latin meaning of the word “cemetery” is “a sleeping room.” (1Thessalonians 4:13-15, 2Peter 3:4, John 11:11-14, 21-24)
So you see the distinction of where your dad is, isn’t so much based upon alcohol addiction, rather it is based on if a person “followed in the steps” of Jesus to the best of their ability. If they did not then they would be asleep in death and waiting to be awakened from that sleep. We refer to it as the general resurrection of mankind. Jesus spoke of this in John 5:28-29. " an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs shall hear His voice, and shall come forth” (NAS)
You see eventually “all who are in the grave shall come forth.” Some come forth to “life” and some “to judgment.” And don’t worry… coming forth to “judgment” is a good thing, not a bad thing. God is a just judge and full of mercy. The “day of judgment” proclaims a time of being taught of the Lord, and once fully taught, choosing to follow God. It is that choice that the resurrected world will be judged upon. This time is described in the following passage.
Hebrews 8:11-12
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
But how can you know if “dad is in the right place” especially given your concerns about alcohol addiction? Trust in God, your dad is absolutely in the right place. The question is what place is right, and what are the possibilities? We understand the Bible to teach that one possibility when a person dies is they are “changed.” They would be “changed” into a spirit body and be with the Lord in heaven.
Reading in 1Corinthians 15:51-52:
“Behold, I show 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.”
We live in the time when the “last trump” has sounded, so this promise applies now. It applies however to those that had fully dedicated their life to Christ and had been “footstep followers.” of Jesus. 1Peter 2:21, 2Peter 1:10, 11
The other possibility is to “fall asleep in death.” Many scriptures liken death to sleep, because the dead wait to be awakened from the death condition. This awakening is called “the resurrection” and it actually applies to all of mankind that have ever lived. This is why at so many funeral services you hear “may he rest in peace.” And even the original Latin meaning of the word “cemetery” is “a sleeping room.” (1Thessalonians 4:13-15, 2Peter 3:4, John 11:11-14, 21-24)
So you see the distinction of where your dad is, isn’t so much based upon alcohol addiction, rather it is based on if a person “followed in the steps” of Jesus to the best of their ability. If they did not then they would be asleep in death and waiting to be awakened from that sleep. We refer to it as the general resurrection of mankind. Jesus spoke of this in John 5:28-29. " an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs shall hear His voice, and shall come forth” (NAS)
You see eventually “all who are in the grave shall come forth.” Some come forth to “life” and some “to judgment.” And don’t worry… coming forth to “judgment” is a good thing, not a bad thing. God is a just judge and full of mercy. The “day of judgment” proclaims a time of being taught of the Lord, and once fully taught, choosing to follow God. It is that choice that the resurrected world will be judged upon. This time is described in the following passage.
Hebrews 8:11-12
How could the repentant thief on the cross go to Paradise THAT DAY, with Jesus, when Jesus did not ascend to Heaven until forty days after His resurrection on the third day?
The word "Paradise" signifies, "a delightful garden, park, or pleasure ground." The garden of Eden was the original Paradise, where man dwelt before disobeying the Divine command. Because of disobedience he lost this Paradise. (Gen. 3:22-24) When the race of mankind comes again into harmony with the Creator by becoming obedient to the Lord, the "earth will become as the Garden of Eden," and mankind will be restored to that Edenic condition. (Acts 3:19-21; Eze. 36:35) "The desert shall bloom and blossom as the rose and springs shall break forth in the wilderness, and the solitary place shall be glad for them–the happy world of mankind. (Isaiah 35)
Such conditions will take place when our Lord "comes into his kingdom." The thief asked to be remembered "when Thou comest into Thy kingdom." Our Lord will come into His kingdom at His second coming. Our Lord did not go to Paradise that day, but went to the tomb, as the Scriptures declare, from which he was raised the third day.(1 Cor 15:4) The passage with the punctuation properly made, placing the comma after the word "today," clears the matter up. "Verily I say unto thee today (now), thou shalt be with Me in Paradise"–at My second coming, when the Kingdom of Heaven shall be established in the earth. Punctuation is a modern invention, dating from the year 1515 A.D. The comma was placed in the text by the translators under King James, and it is evident that they made the mistake of placing it before, instead of after, the word "today."
Such conditions will take place when our Lord "comes into his kingdom." The thief asked to be remembered "when Thou comest into Thy kingdom." Our Lord will come into His kingdom at His second coming. Our Lord did not go to Paradise that day, but went to the tomb, as the Scriptures declare, from which he was raised the third day.(1 Cor 15:4) The passage with the punctuation properly made, placing the comma after the word "today," clears the matter up. "Verily I say unto thee today (now), thou shalt be with Me in Paradise"–at My second coming, when the Kingdom of Heaven shall be established in the earth. Punctuation is a modern invention, dating from the year 1515 A.D. The comma was placed in the text by the translators under King James, and it is evident that they made the mistake of placing it before, instead of after, the word "today."
HELP ME WITH MY FEAR OF DEATH.
Death is an enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26), while life is a gift from God. It is natural to fear death. Now all mankind is dying due to Adam's sin (1 Corinthians 15:22) – not due to our individual sins. Romans 5:12 reads, "by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men."
However, during Christ's 1,000 reign, men will receive life again. Romans 8:21, "the creation (mankind) itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children." In the resurrection, all will have their sins forgiven and learn righteousness. Jeremiah 31:34 (NIV), "No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” At the end of the 1,000 years, people will be judged to see if they want to obey God. If they do, they will be worthy of the gift of life…forever. Only a person who chooses sin will die eternally (Ezekiel 18:4,20).
There is a group of people who are being judged now, however. These are the ones Paul calls "believers" in 1 Timothy 4:10. These have a special salvation, a heavenly calling. 1 Peter 4:17 tells us that judgment begins with the household of God. The context of verses 12-17 explains that believers who choose to live a wrong lifestyle will lose their opportunity for everlasting life. These are in danger of the second death from which there is no resurrection. If a believer finds himself to be practicing sin consistently, there is still hope. They should ask God for forgiveness through the merit of Jesus' blood. For we read in 1 John 2:1,2 "…if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation (satisfaction) for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."
However, during Christ's 1,000 reign, men will receive life again. Romans 8:21, "the creation (mankind) itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children." In the resurrection, all will have their sins forgiven and learn righteousness. Jeremiah 31:34 (NIV), "No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” At the end of the 1,000 years, people will be judged to see if they want to obey God. If they do, they will be worthy of the gift of life…forever. Only a person who chooses sin will die eternally (Ezekiel 18:4,20).
There is a group of people who are being judged now, however. These are the ones Paul calls "believers" in 1 Timothy 4:10. These have a special salvation, a heavenly calling. 1 Peter 4:17 tells us that judgment begins with the household of God. The context of verses 12-17 explains that believers who choose to live a wrong lifestyle will lose their opportunity for everlasting life. These are in danger of the second death from which there is no resurrection. If a believer finds himself to be practicing sin consistently, there is still hope. They should ask God for forgiveness through the merit of Jesus' blood. For we read in 1 John 2:1,2 "…if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation (satisfaction) for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."
Will small children who died between the ages of one to three have a resurrection? If yes, will they be resurrected as babies and will their parents recognize them?
Jesus promised a resurrection for all in John 5:28, 29. "…all in the graves will hear His voice and will come forth." Those who die as infants will come forth as infants recognizable to their parents. This resurrection to life on earth in Christ's peaceable kingdom is what Jesus taught us to pray for, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth…" Matthew 6:10.
Jesus loved the little children and they loved him. They saw his kindness and He noted their trust and openness to his teaching. Jesus wanted his followers to "…become as little children…," Matthew 18:3. So, it is reasonable to expect that in the earthly resurrection, children will be especially cared for by their loving parents.
Isaiah describes conditions of the new way people will walk where nothing will hurt them. "The wolf and the lamb shall feed together…They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain…" Isaiah 65:25. We imagine the resurrection process might happen this way: Those who are following Christ will want to be with their beloved children who are in the grave. They will pray for their resurrection and will prepare a loving environment for them so that they can teach them about Christ in his righteous kingdom. Parents and loved ones will nurture children to a mature understanding of who God is, who Jesus is, and how to follow Jesus in his beautiful new kingdom. This process will lead to the final condition of mankind on earth described in Isaiah 11:9, "…the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea."
One additional note: Jesus on the cross provided for his mother's care as he told the apostle John, "Behold your mother," John 19:27. The principles of Christ's kingdom on earth will be that all who are resurrected will be brought into a loving, safe, just environment. What a beautiful future prospect!
Jesus loved the little children and they loved him. They saw his kindness and He noted their trust and openness to his teaching. Jesus wanted his followers to "…become as little children…," Matthew 18:3. So, it is reasonable to expect that in the earthly resurrection, children will be especially cared for by their loving parents.
Isaiah describes conditions of the new way people will walk where nothing will hurt them. "The wolf and the lamb shall feed together…They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain…" Isaiah 65:25. We imagine the resurrection process might happen this way: Those who are following Christ will want to be with their beloved children who are in the grave. They will pray for their resurrection and will prepare a loving environment for them so that they can teach them about Christ in his righteous kingdom. Parents and loved ones will nurture children to a mature understanding of who God is, who Jesus is, and how to follow Jesus in his beautiful new kingdom. This process will lead to the final condition of mankind on earth described in Isaiah 11:9, "…the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea."
One additional note: Jesus on the cross provided for his mother's care as he told the apostle John, "Behold your mother," John 19:27. The principles of Christ's kingdom on earth will be that all who are resurrected will be brought into a loving, safe, just environment. What a beautiful future prospect!
How shall we understand the Savior's words —"Let the dead bury their dead?" (Mat. 8:21,22.)
When our first parent, father Adam, disobeyed the Divine commands the death sentence passed upon him, and in the legal sense and from the Creator's standpoint, he was dead although he lived for nine hundred and thirty years afterwards. The dying process began and was finished when Adam passed into the tomb. The entire race was involved with Adam in this death sentence, as the Scriptures declare—"As by one man sin entered into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men." As in Adam all die" (Rom. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:22). From this view of the matter we may understand the Lord's word, "Let the dead (the legally dead) bury their dead (the actually dead)." It is because all were condemned to death in Adam that all will be made alive in Christ (Rom. 5:18,19). Corroborating the words of the Lord Jesus the Apostle says, "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge that if one died for all then were all dead" (2 Cor. 5:14). Jesus, in the laying down of His life, was giving Himself "a ransom for all" (1 Tim 2:5, 6)—those under the sentence of death and those who have entered into the great prison house of death, the tomb.
God said to Adam, "In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." How can you harmonize this with the record that "all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died?"— Gen. 2:17; Gen. 5:5.
St. Peter gives us the key to this question in his declaration, "One day with the Lord is as a thousand years" (2 Pet. 3:8). Father Adam began to die as soon as he was cut off from the privileges of the garden of Eden; for while he was living therein he had the Divine permission to freely eat of the trees of the garden—with a single exception— and he was sustained by their life-giving fruit; but after his disobedience he was thrust out into the unprepared earth, and Cherubim with a flaming sword kept the pathway to Eden closed that he might not return to partake further of its sustaining fruit, but should die, in harmony with the sentence. "In the day that thou eateth thereof, thou shalt surely die" (Gen. 2:17). The dying there began, and continued gradually for nine hundred and thirty years, until life was extinct—Adam was dead. This all took place within a thousand-year day.
Are all people who commit suicide going to Hell?
No, people who are distressed enough to end their lives are not going to hell. They are no more responsible for their mental illness than someone who develops cancer or MS. Mental illness is a highly misunderstood disease and is somehow disassociated from other more "socially acceptable" diseases. All illnesses mental and physical are tragedies which have resulted from the fall of Adam. Some of us have inherited sins and weaknesses more than others.
The final outcome for all of us is the un-escapable. It is death. (Rom 6:23) If you know of someone who is thinking of suicide, please encourage them that there is hope. And if you have lost someone you love to this tragedy, please be comforted that God is compassionate and "is love" (1 John 4:8, 16) and has provided salvation for all. (Luke 3:6; Heb 5:9) We know that the Scriptures assure us that Jesus tasted death for EVERY man (person).(Heb 2:9) Jesus' death is to remove the sin of Adam— his original transgression and its penalty and all the transgressions of his posterity, the world, which have resulted from his mental, moral and physical impairment. (Rom 5:8, 12,18, 19; 1 Cor 15:22) This provision of God includes not only mental sickness, but moral sickness and physical sickness. All mankind will be redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. The redemption of the world implies its eventual release from the condemnation of death. The mentally sick, the morally sick, and the physically sick—all will have opportunity for a full return to human perfection.
We also have an excellent short booklet called, "And God Cried." (See the list of e-booklets under "Why Death & Suffering?") It is our belief that God is so much more loving and merciful than man makes Him out to be. This is not a belief based on "wishful thinking," but on sound Scripture study. Those who have committed suicide are no more responsible for their weakness than any other sin or sickness in any other person. These have all been covered by Jesus' death on the cross. Mental illness is a frailty, and you might even say more excusable than moral illness.
The final outcome for all of us is the un-escapable. It is death. (Rom 6:23) If you know of someone who is thinking of suicide, please encourage them that there is hope. And if you have lost someone you love to this tragedy, please be comforted that God is compassionate and "is love" (1 John 4:8, 16) and has provided salvation for all. (Luke 3:6; Heb 5:9) We know that the Scriptures assure us that Jesus tasted death for EVERY man (person).(Heb 2:9) Jesus' death is to remove the sin of Adam— his original transgression and its penalty and all the transgressions of his posterity, the world, which have resulted from his mental, moral and physical impairment. (Rom 5:8, 12,18, 19; 1 Cor 15:22) This provision of God includes not only mental sickness, but moral sickness and physical sickness. All mankind will be redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. The redemption of the world implies its eventual release from the condemnation of death. The mentally sick, the morally sick, and the physically sick—all will have opportunity for a full return to human perfection.
We also have an excellent short booklet called, "And God Cried." (See the list of e-booklets under "Why Death & Suffering?") It is our belief that God is so much more loving and merciful than man makes Him out to be. This is not a belief based on "wishful thinking," but on sound Scripture study. Those who have committed suicide are no more responsible for their weakness than any other sin or sickness in any other person. These have all been covered by Jesus' death on the cross. Mental illness is a frailty, and you might even say more excusable than moral illness.
After Jesus' death, was his soul in hell for three days?
King David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, prophesied about Jesus' death, "For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption." (Psalm 16:10) Yes, Jesus went to hell (sheol) for parts of three days. So what is this word hell? What is "sheol" in the old testament (Hebrew) and "hades" in the new testament (Greek)?
The meaning of the Hebrew word "sheol" ("hades" is its Greek equivalent) can scarcely be expressed by any one English word: it signifies hidden or extinguished, or obscure—the condition or state of death: it is not a place but a condition, and perhaps the word "oblivion" would more nearly than any other word in English, correspond with the word "sheol."
We will find it clearly stated in the Scriptures that sheol, hades and oblivion, receives all mankind, good and bad alike; that it has no light, no knowledge, no wisdom, no device(Ecc 9:10); that no tongue there praises the Lord (Isa 38:18; Psa 6:5), neither blasphemes his name (Psa 31:17); that it is a condition of absolute silence (Psa 115:17), and in every way an undesirable condition, except that it has attached to it a hope of a resurrection.
These plain statements were repeated by the apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:29-36) and should clarify this subject to all genuine truth seekers. They set before us the following facts: (1) The soul (being) of our Lord Jesus went to oblivion, to sheol, at death. (2) He was dead parts of three days. (3) He arose, was quickened, brought out of oblivion to the divine nature on the third day by the power of the holy Spirit of God,(Acts 10:40; 1 Tim 6:15, 16) and became "the first fruits of them that slept." (1 Cor 15:20) Our Lord's being or soul was non-existent during the period of death: "He poured out his soul unto death; he made his soul an offering for sin." (Isa 53:10-12) But his soul [being] was revived in resurrection, being granted a new spiritual body. (1 Pet 3:18; Rom 8:11; 1 Pet 1:21)
This is a most important truth to understand, because God is immortal. He cannot die. It shows that Jesus was not God, but that He is God's son, made flesh—a man who gave himself a ransom for all. John 1:14, 1 Tim. 2:5, 6
The apostle John seemed to be keenly aware that there would be those who would soon begin to deny this simple truth, so he wrote, "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist." 1 John 4:2-3, 2 John 1:7
Jesus also similarly testified of himself: "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." "And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; ' These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.' " Rev. 1:18; 2:8
The meaning of the Hebrew word "sheol" ("hades" is its Greek equivalent) can scarcely be expressed by any one English word: it signifies hidden or extinguished, or obscure—the condition or state of death: it is not a place but a condition, and perhaps the word "oblivion" would more nearly than any other word in English, correspond with the word "sheol."
We will find it clearly stated in the Scriptures that sheol, hades and oblivion, receives all mankind, good and bad alike; that it has no light, no knowledge, no wisdom, no device(Ecc 9:10); that no tongue there praises the Lord (Isa 38:18; Psa 6:5), neither blasphemes his name (Psa 31:17); that it is a condition of absolute silence (Psa 115:17), and in every way an undesirable condition, except that it has attached to it a hope of a resurrection.
These plain statements were repeated by the apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:29-36) and should clarify this subject to all genuine truth seekers. They set before us the following facts: (1) The soul (being) of our Lord Jesus went to oblivion, to sheol, at death. (2) He was dead parts of three days. (3) He arose, was quickened, brought out of oblivion to the divine nature on the third day by the power of the holy Spirit of God,(Acts 10:40; 1 Tim 6:15, 16) and became "the first fruits of them that slept." (1 Cor 15:20) Our Lord's being or soul was non-existent during the period of death: "He poured out his soul unto death; he made his soul an offering for sin." (Isa 53:10-12) But his soul [being] was revived in resurrection, being granted a new spiritual body. (1 Pet 3:18; Rom 8:11; 1 Pet 1:21)
This is a most important truth to understand, because God is immortal. He cannot die. It shows that Jesus was not God, but that He is God's son, made flesh—a man who gave himself a ransom for all. John 1:14, 1 Tim. 2:5, 6
The apostle John seemed to be keenly aware that there would be those who would soon begin to deny this simple truth, so he wrote, "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist." 1 John 4:2-3, 2 John 1:7
Jesus also similarly testified of himself: "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." "And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; ' These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.' " Rev. 1:18; 2:8
When people are hurting or their close loved one passes and they ask you to pray for them what is a good prayer for their healing and Comfort?
When we pray, we do not use a formula for any particular needs, but rather we pour out our hearts to God. We tell Him what our hearts' desires are.
In this situation, we might pray that the grieving ones may know and feel the comfort of God's love. "And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love..." 1 John 4:16
How might they receive God's love? You could turn to God and pray your loved ones may believe God's promises. "All that are in the graves shall hear his voice and shall come forth; they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of judgment." (John 5:28,29) "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
Additionally, you could write down these beautiful scriptures in a note. Then they might be comforted themselves.
Finally, ask God to show you ways that you might personally minister to their needs through their loss. Many times, God uses people to pour out His comfort. Remember the Apostle Paul wrote, "He himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you." Hebrews 13:5 (CBS) Pray and tell your friends about God's promises.
In this situation, we might pray that the grieving ones may know and feel the comfort of God's love. "And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love..." 1 John 4:16
How might they receive God's love? You could turn to God and pray your loved ones may believe God's promises. "All that are in the graves shall hear his voice and shall come forth; they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of judgment." (John 5:28,29) "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
Additionally, you could write down these beautiful scriptures in a note. Then they might be comforted themselves.
Finally, ask God to show you ways that you might personally minister to their needs through their loss. Many times, God uses people to pour out His comfort. Remember the Apostle Paul wrote, "He himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you." Hebrews 13:5 (CBS) Pray and tell your friends about God's promises.
in the resurrection can god forgive really evil people?
Jesus died for everyone. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son..." John 3:16 Evil people and every human being were promised a recovery from death when Jesus died on the cross. "As in Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be made alive (in the 1,000-year Resurrection Day)." 1 Corinthians 15:22
God's love for the world in John 3:16 is the Greek word "agapao." It means God will only do what is good for each person. God's agapaoo love is not just a tender feeling. It is the will to do good.
In the resurrection not everyone will learn to love God and righteousness. Those incorrigible will die the second death and never exist anywhere again. Ezekiel 18:20 "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself."
If a person doesn't learn to love God then that person would be out of place and miserable in God's eternal, righteous kingdom. Ending that person's life will be a demonstration of merciful love.
God's love for the world in John 3:16 is the Greek word "agapao." It means God will only do what is good for each person. God's agapaoo love is not just a tender feeling. It is the will to do good.
In the resurrection not everyone will learn to love God and righteousness. Those incorrigible will die the second death and never exist anywhere again. Ezekiel 18:20 "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself."
If a person doesn't learn to love God then that person would be out of place and miserable in God's eternal, righteous kingdom. Ending that person's life will be a demonstration of merciful love.
Where Does the Soul go After Death? Do Animals Have Souls?
The most common belief of all religions is that people possess souls, and at death their consciousness in the form of that soul departs from the body to abide in either a heavenly paradise or a place of eternal punishment. But this erroneous concept was adopted from pagan philosophy.
The soul is not a separate entity — it does not go anywhere when we die. When we were created we did not receive a soul, but we became a living soul — a living being — and when we die, the life we had ceases. In the Old Testament the word spirit is from the Hebrew word ruach or breath — the spark of life supported by breathing. When the breath stops, the spirit of life ends. “The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.” — Genesis 2:7 The idea of an immortal soul has always been contrary to the Israelite faith and is nowhere found in the Old Testament. In confirmation of this fact, The Jewish Encyclopedia (1941, Vol. 6, pp. 564, 566) states: “The belief that the soul continues in existence after the dissolution of the body is... nowhere expressly taught in Holy Scripture... belief in the immortality of the soul came to the Jews from contact with Greek thought and chiefly through the philosophy of Plato, its principal exponent...”
The Hebrew word translated “soul” is nephesh, which simply means a breathing creature. Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary defines nephesh as “the essence of life, the act of breathing, taking breath... The Hebrew system of thought does not include the combination... of the ‘body’ and ‘soul’ [as separate entities].” In fact, the Hebrew phrase “nephesh caiyah”, meaning living soul, applies not only to man but to all of God’s living creatures. “To every beast of the earth and to every fowl of the air and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth wherein there is life...”—“they have all one breath” (Genesis 1:30; Ecclesiastes 3:19) and all are considered by God as souls — living creatures. King David said of death: “His breath [Hebrew—ruach] goeth forth, he returneth to his earth, in that very day his thoughts perish.” (Psalm 146:4) If immortal, the thoughts of a man would not perish, but would go on to another state of being. Solomon said: “There is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest.” The dead are not conscious, for both the body and the mind of a man cease to exist at death. “For the living know that they will die; but the dead know not anything...” Ecclesiastes 9:10, 5
Although the Scriptures do not support the thought that the soul is immortal, they do abound with hope of a resurrection from death in due time. “God will redeem my soul [that sentient being which had been alive] from the grave [sheol—the condition of death].” Psalm 49:15 When Jesus “poured out his soul unto death,” he made “his soul [life, being] an offering for sin.” (Isaiah 53:12, 10) This was necessary, because it was Adam’s life (soul) that was sentenced to death, and the promise to mankind is a redemption of the soul from the power of death. (Psalm 49:15) As Paul expressed: “As by a man comes death, by a man also comes the resurrection of the dead; for as all in Adam die, even so shall all in Christ be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:21-23) The Scriptures do not teach that Jesus’ sacrifice will apply to animals, but animals will benefit from the blessings promised in Christ’s Kingdom. (Isaiah 11:6-9)
The soul is not a separate entity — it does not go anywhere when we die. When we were created we did not receive a soul, but we became a living soul — a living being — and when we die, the life we had ceases. In the Old Testament the word spirit is from the Hebrew word ruach or breath — the spark of life supported by breathing. When the breath stops, the spirit of life ends. “The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.” — Genesis 2:7 The idea of an immortal soul has always been contrary to the Israelite faith and is nowhere found in the Old Testament. In confirmation of this fact, The Jewish Encyclopedia (1941, Vol. 6, pp. 564, 566) states: “The belief that the soul continues in existence after the dissolution of the body is... nowhere expressly taught in Holy Scripture... belief in the immortality of the soul came to the Jews from contact with Greek thought and chiefly through the philosophy of Plato, its principal exponent...”
The Hebrew word translated “soul” is nephesh, which simply means a breathing creature. Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary defines nephesh as “the essence of life, the act of breathing, taking breath... The Hebrew system of thought does not include the combination... of the ‘body’ and ‘soul’ [as separate entities].” In fact, the Hebrew phrase “nephesh caiyah”, meaning living soul, applies not only to man but to all of God’s living creatures. “To every beast of the earth and to every fowl of the air and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth wherein there is life...”—“they have all one breath” (Genesis 1:30; Ecclesiastes 3:19) and all are considered by God as souls — living creatures. King David said of death: “His breath [Hebrew—ruach] goeth forth, he returneth to his earth, in that very day his thoughts perish.” (Psalm 146:4) If immortal, the thoughts of a man would not perish, but would go on to another state of being. Solomon said: “There is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest.” The dead are not conscious, for both the body and the mind of a man cease to exist at death. “For the living know that they will die; but the dead know not anything...” Ecclesiastes 9:10, 5
Although the Scriptures do not support the thought that the soul is immortal, they do abound with hope of a resurrection from death in due time. “God will redeem my soul [that sentient being which had been alive] from the grave [sheol—the condition of death].” Psalm 49:15 When Jesus “poured out his soul unto death,” he made “his soul [life, being] an offering for sin.” (Isaiah 53:12, 10) This was necessary, because it was Adam’s life (soul) that was sentenced to death, and the promise to mankind is a redemption of the soul from the power of death. (Psalm 49:15) As Paul expressed: “As by a man comes death, by a man also comes the resurrection of the dead; for as all in Adam die, even so shall all in Christ be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:21-23) The Scriptures do not teach that Jesus’ sacrifice will apply to animals, but animals will benefit from the blessings promised in Christ’s Kingdom. (Isaiah 11:6-9)
Does God Forgive Suicide?
Mental illness is a highly misunderstood disease and is somehow disassociated from other more socially accepted and common diseases such as stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Mental illness is caused most often by a chemical imbalance which can lead to despair and suicidal thoughts.
God’s love would never condemn anyone for suffering from an illness. He understands the weakness of our human mind and body and has provided a solution — the eventual redemption of all mankind from the curse of sin and death. Psalm 103:13, 14; Revelation 21:4; 22:1-3 To be clear, what we are not saying, however, is that it is an acceptable solution for someone to take his or her life. That would be a permanent solution to a temporary problem that can be managed with medical, therapeutic and spiritual support.
The ramifications of such an act are quite painful to those loved ones who remain. Therefore, it is far better for everyone that every avenue of assistance be sought to help the one in despair to regain hope and receive help.
To comfort those who have lost loved ones to suicide, it is important to remember that Jesus tasted death for EVERY person. Jesus’ death covers the sin of Adam — not only his original transgression and its penalty, but all the transgressions of his children who have inherited mental, moral and physical afflictions. All who die, including those who have taken their life, wait in their graves in an unconscious, non-living condition until they are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ in his Kingdom. This redemption of the world will be the eventual release from the condemnation of death — even the death caused by suicide. The mentally sick, the morally sick, and the physically sick — all will come forth from their graves, and then, all who avail themselves, will have an opportunity for a full return to life everlasting by learning obedience and righteousness. Isaiah 35:8-10; Revelation 22:17 Yes, Jesus Christ “by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” (Hebrews 2:9)“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” (1 Timothy 2:3-6)
God’s love would never condemn anyone for suffering from an illness. He understands the weakness of our human mind and body and has provided a solution — the eventual redemption of all mankind from the curse of sin and death. Psalm 103:13, 14; Revelation 21:4; 22:1-3 To be clear, what we are not saying, however, is that it is an acceptable solution for someone to take his or her life. That would be a permanent solution to a temporary problem that can be managed with medical, therapeutic and spiritual support.
The ramifications of such an act are quite painful to those loved ones who remain. Therefore, it is far better for everyone that every avenue of assistance be sought to help the one in despair to regain hope and receive help.
To comfort those who have lost loved ones to suicide, it is important to remember that Jesus tasted death for EVERY person. Jesus’ death covers the sin of Adam — not only his original transgression and its penalty, but all the transgressions of his children who have inherited mental, moral and physical afflictions. All who die, including those who have taken their life, wait in their graves in an unconscious, non-living condition until they are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ in his Kingdom. This redemption of the world will be the eventual release from the condemnation of death — even the death caused by suicide. The mentally sick, the morally sick, and the physically sick — all will come forth from their graves, and then, all who avail themselves, will have an opportunity for a full return to life everlasting by learning obedience and righteousness. Isaiah 35:8-10; Revelation 22:17 Yes, Jesus Christ “by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” (Hebrews 2:9)“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” (1 Timothy 2:3-6)
How do I believe god after my two babies passed away? I've been struggling so much.
Losing two babies is heart-breaking. Babies and children are exceedingly precious. More precious than diamonds. Grieving their death is painful. But you are not alone in grief. The psalmist Asaph wrote, 2 “In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing; My soul refused to be comforted. 3 I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah 4 You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. … 9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? Selah 10 And I said, ‘This is my anguish; But I will remember the years of the right hand (a place of favor) of the Most High.’ ” Psalm 77:2-4, 9-10 (NKJV).
Death is a terrible enemy. How can you believe in God again? As the psalmist wrote: remember the times in your life when God blessed you. Remember the Bible stories and verses which attest to God’s love. (1 John 4:16.) Be assured that God never created people to die. Death came upon mankind as a result of Adam’s sin. (“As in Adam all die…” 1 Corinthians 15:22) We are all born dying. However, God has solemnly promised to resurrect your babies.
Jesus said, “Marvel not at this for the hour is coming in which all that are in their graves shall hear His voice and come forth.” John 5:28. Believe Jesus’s words. When Jesus reigns on Earth, He will resurrect all mankind and our families will be reunited. It will be wonderful.
Christ will teach all mankind love, justice, and knowledge so that peace will be universal. Then “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’" Revelation 21:4-5. Believe the scriptures.
Grieving is a process. Be gentle with yourself. Cry when you need to. Many communities have free grief support groups. People who are mourning attend the meetings and share their sorrows. It can be comforting to talk to other grieving parents. Yet, if you are having difficulty with your daily activities, it may be wise to talk to a counselor. He or she is a professional and can kindly guide you through your sorrows.
Death is a terrible enemy. How can you believe in God again? As the psalmist wrote: remember the times in your life when God blessed you. Remember the Bible stories and verses which attest to God’s love. (1 John 4:16.) Be assured that God never created people to die. Death came upon mankind as a result of Adam’s sin. (“As in Adam all die…” 1 Corinthians 15:22) We are all born dying. However, God has solemnly promised to resurrect your babies.
Jesus said, “Marvel not at this for the hour is coming in which all that are in their graves shall hear His voice and come forth.” John 5:28. Believe Jesus’s words. When Jesus reigns on Earth, He will resurrect all mankind and our families will be reunited. It will be wonderful.
Christ will teach all mankind love, justice, and knowledge so that peace will be universal. Then “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’" Revelation 21:4-5. Believe the scriptures.
Grieving is a process. Be gentle with yourself. Cry when you need to. Many communities have free grief support groups. People who are mourning attend the meetings and share their sorrows. It can be comforting to talk to other grieving parents. Yet, if you are having difficulty with your daily activities, it may be wise to talk to a counselor. He or she is a professional and can kindly guide you through your sorrows.