The Bible does not make a distinction between a physical, a spiritual and an eternal death. It has a synthetic view of death and regards it as separation from God. So says Professor Louis Berkhof in his book SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY.
Moral responsibility, as seen in the rise and fall of civilization history, makes this point.
When mankind disregards the divine intimations in him - something in him slowly begins to die. Luther and Calvin hit upon this squarely, "A person is not a sinner because he sins; he sins - because he is a sinner."
With the Fall of Adam - death was pronounced on all Man. Accountable to God, Adam deluded himself when he tried grasping moral autonomy.
As civilization progresses and religious awareness develops - Man becomes aware of a "presence". Mysteriously he 'sensed' a connection between death and evil - as recorded in Genesis 3 re the Fall of Man. The Old Testament does not 'sentimentalize death as 'natural'.
Biblical Theology teaches that death is evil(Deut. 30:15,19) and horrific(Psa. 55:4f).
Death was never part of God's original intention in the Bible's Creation Story. Death is the separation of body and soul; but never an annihilation. "Then shall the dust return to the earth ( Matt. 16:28) and "the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.(Eccles.12:7. God does not annihilate anything of His Creation. In theology, life and death are rightfully opposites of different modes of existences.
Hell and Heaven.
The Biblical progressive revelation of a God of Love... makes impossible the concept of endless
punishment in Hell. God is not vindictive. Love spiritual things. At
death, we see ourselves in Heaven. But sin continually ... we discover
it is Hell in that spiritual existence.
We have lost the taste - and admiration for the things that are spiritual and noble. That experience is Hell.
Likewise, the New Testament nowhere mentions eternal death. Civilized
men of good conscience fears not annihilation - but of 'the wrath to
come'(Rev. 6:17)
Punishment in Hell paves the way for new beginnings. Dr. Leslie
Weatherhead cites the Dives and Lazarus story(Luke 16::19-31) Endless
punishment serves no good purpose.
It is a study showing the shadows of life's realities. Selfishness makes Hell on Earth.
If
a man lives without compassion, he manifestly digs a chasm between
himself and his fellowmen - and consequently separates himself from
God. God is there when Pity dwells - for God is Love. Every step we
make here fashions our destiny. The destiny of the soul is not settled
at death - but here .. and right now.
Dives was in torment in Hell - but discover or uncover
the surprise..!? Dives ceased to be wholly selfish. Whilst undergoing
punishment Dives developed a concern for his brothers
here on Earth!...
The Sin of Blind Casualness.
Dives 'did not see'...the Lazarus at/by his gate! He would contribute
generously to charity - community - church; Dives would give a
public talk on the 'Great and Growing Divide' - but 'fail to see'
lonely - loveless Lazarus in some corner in the sanctuary - the
more so 'all because Lazarus is a beggar - 'a nobody'
Consequently... eventually God Himself walked out of
that church!? Ancient Nazareth -the hometown of Jesus for roughly 30
years - rejected Him!? How do we draw Circles!?
Uncannily... and frighteningly ..it was Jesus Himself who told this
Dives-Lazarus Story.There is Hell - and Heaven. And Jesus came to His
Glory - only after He tasted Death...."I go and prepare a place for
you... that where I am, there ye may be also"(John 14:2,3)
....on the Other Side!
A ship is starting out for the oceans. We catch her going out... soon she's gone!!
But where!? Only from our sight.... On some other distant shores other eyes are watching and waiting. Other voices are ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes......"
Such is death - and dying.
The Road down Jericho ... begins from where we are. The sky begins from where we stand...Eternity begins - with Today.
Pastor Khoo apologizes for this 'belated' blog; he has been down with flu for the past few weeks. God provides - and cares. A few readers feel that these blogs could be the more effective - if preached. This is welcome - if churches or groups extend their invitations. I can he reached at Tel. 6769 8890 or edwinkhoobt@gmail.com.
The Blog "Why did Jesus keep the Scars from His Crucifixion?" comes from the Holy Week Services at Wesley, Segamat.
Walking in the Footsteps/Footprints of the Master...God Bless you dear readers.
Pastor Edwin Khoo
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