| Highlights of DAWN | September 1979 |
Life, Death, and the Hereafter
WE ARE living in the most wonderful and yet the most awful time in the world’s history. The tragedy of two world wars, and several lesser ones—with their accompanying horrors of physical pain, misery, and torture—writes a chapter in human history that makes the words “civilization” and “Christianity” seem well-nigh meaningless. As a result of the ensuing chaos, millions of people have been brought into closer relationship with the grim reaper, “Death,” causing them to give more serious thought concerning life, death, and the hereafter.
It was the Prophet Job, after having lost all that was precious to him in life (except his faith in God), who uttered a prayer which lays the foundation for the subject under consideration, as well as expressing a hope for life beyond the grave. He said: “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. Thou shalt call, and I will answer Thee: Thou wilt have a desire to the work of Thine hands.”—Job 14:13-15
The question of the hereafter is a most important one because it affects and concerns every member of the human race. Notwithstanding the convictions of the religious and scientific elements of society, many are skeptical as to a future life. Most of the conclusions have been reached and based on theories, speculations, philosophies, and the precepts of men, leading to much uncertainty and confusion.
Heathendom still holds to belief in the transmigration of the soul and reincarnation in its various forms, while Christendom in general maintains that believers (the good) go to heaven and all the rest of mankind must suffer eternal torment.
As we examine the Bible we find that the reward of a “heavenly home” or the threat of a “burning hell” was never held out to anyone during the first four thousand years of man’s experience on earth. God said to Israel through Moses, “I have set before you life and death …: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”—Deut. 30:19
Adam was not offered a place in heaven if obedient, nor was he threatened with eternal torment if disobedient.
Cain, the first murderer, was not consigned to the flames; but rather, the Lord said to him: “When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. And Cain said unto the Lord, My punishment is greater than I can bear.”—Gen. 4:12,13
The Bible teaches that obedience to God’s law means life, and disobedience, death. The question arises, Why do people die? It cannot be on account of anything each one does or says or thinks. No, the Scriptures give us the answer, and it is most logical and reasonable.
Adam, the progenitor of the human family, was created perfect and in the moral likeness of his Creator. He was given a perfect home, called Eden, and was endowed with perfect control over the lower creations. This heritage was his forever if he remained obedient to the divine law. However, he disobeyed and brought upon himself and his posterity the penalty of death. Hence, “In Adam all die.”—I Cor. 15:22
It is maintained by some that while the body was condemned to death (“dust to dust”), yet man possessed within his organism an immortal soul which could not die but must continue to live forever. This viewpoint is not taught in, or supported by, the Word of God.
Instead of the soul’s being a separate entity from the body, the Bible gives us the only true definition, which is found in Genesis 2:7. It reads: “And 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.”
The word “soul” translates the Hebrew word nephesh and the Greek word psuche, both meaning “a sentient, breathing being”—that is to say, a being capable of exercising the senses of seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and feeling. To be devoid of these senses means the death of the soul, or the absence of life. It was the soul that was condemned to death, for we read in Ezekiel 18:4: “Behold, all souls are Mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is Mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.”
Immortality
Nowhere in the Bible do we find any statement that declares that man possesses an immortal soul; but, to the contrary, the Scriptures state that “every soul, which will not hear that Prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.”—Acts 3:23
The immortal state belongs only to the divine nature, the nature of God, and was never given to man, no, not even to the angels.
Jesus, since his resurrection, is the “express image” of the Father’s person; and his disciples, who will share with him the glories of the divine nature, are the only other ones to inherit immortal life: for “we shall be like him,” and “shall see him as he is.” (I John 3:2) These will constitute “the church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven.”—Heb. 12:23
Death a Reality
As to the world of mankind, the Bible teaches that when a man dies he is dead; he goes into the tomb, or grave, known to the Hebrews as sheol, and to the Greeks as hades. Paul stated, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23) He also said, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”—Rom. 5:12
A most graphic description of man’s fall into sin and death is found in Ecclesiastes 3:19,20: “For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.”
The state of the dead is one of unconsciousness, for we read in Psalm 115:17: “The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.” Also Psalm 146:4: “His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.”
Solomon, the wise man, said: “For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything.” And “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.”—Eccles. 9:5,10
The Resurrection Hope
Since the tomb holds so many dead, is there a hope of life beyond the grave? Surely there is, and it is well supported by God’s Word. One of the most prominent and important doctrines of the Bible is the resurrection of the dead. How could there be a resurrection of the dead if no one were dead? The only hope for a future life depends upon the resurrection, made possible because Christ Jesus came to “taste death for every man,” and he gave his life as a ransom for all mankind. (Acts 24:15; Heb. 2:9) Paul wrote, “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.” (I Tim. 2:5,6) Paul also stated, “To this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.”—Rom. 14:9
Jesus was an ardent believer in the resurrection, for he said: “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which 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 damnation.” (John 5:28,29) Later translations of the original Greek show that this text should read, “unto the resurrection by judgment.”
The importance of the resurrection was pointed out by the Apostle Paul when he said: “If the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”—I Cor. 15:16-22
Two Resurrections
It is apparent from these scriptures that there are two resurrections, one applicable to the church of the Gospel Age, and the other to the world in general, who come forth to a “resurrection by judgment.”
During the period between our Lord’s first advent and his second presence, God has been taking out of this world “a people for his name.” (Acts 15:14) Jesus referred to them as his disciples, those who are willing to take up their cross and follow him. (Matt. 16:24) He knew that only a few would meet the requirements of discipleship, for he said, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matt. 7:14) Again he said, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”—Luke 12:32
The Apostle John, on the Isle of Patmos, was given a preview of the church in glory when he wrote: “And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.”—Rev. 14:1
John also heard a voice from heaven, saying: “Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.”—Rev. 14:13
The church (the bride of Christ) is also mentioned by the Apostle John in Revelation 20:6: “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”
For the members of the true church to participate in this high honor it is necessary that they pass through the veil of death. Paul tells us: “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither corruption inherit incorruption. 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. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.—I Cor. 15:50-53
The glorious reward held out to the faithful Christians is far beyond description and comprehension. Paul wrote, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (I Cor. 2:9) The beloved Apostle John told us: “Now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (I John 3:2) What a glorious prospect for all those who have made a covenant with the Lord to sacrifice all earthly hopes and ambitions and to follow in the Master’s footsteps!—Ps. 50:5
To those who have seen somewhat of the high exaltation of “the church of the firstborn” the question naturally arises as to what God’s plan holds forth for the countless millions of earth who have died during the past six thousand years of man’s existence on earth. The vast majority—having died in ignorance, never having heard of the only name given under heaven whereby we must be saved—must and will have the opportunity to obtain life on the terms and conditions outlined in God’s Word. (Acts 4:12) Jesus said that he came into this world that the people “might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”—John 10:10
Jesus taught his disciples to pray: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matt. 6:10) It is the establishment of his kingdom that will bring peace, joy, and life to the obedient of the world of mankind. The psalmist David wrote, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Ps. 30:5) The “night” refers to man’s experience with sin, sickness, pain, sorrow, and death during the past six thousand years; but thank God for the assurance that joy cometh in the morning—the great millennial morning. This will unquestionably have its fulfillment when the Lord sets up his kingdom and all the world will have the privilege and opportunity of knowing the Lord, whom to know will mean everlasting life.—John 17:3
It is during this time, the Millennium, that there shall be a general awakening of the dead. “Every man in his own order,” (I Cor. 15:23) in fulfillment of Jesus’ promise, “All that are in the graves” shall hear the voice of the Son of man, “and shall come forth.” (John 5:28,29) He now has the right and the power to bring about the greatest miracle of all time—the resurrection of the dead—and he will exercise that right and power in due time.
Illustrations of Christ’s Glory
When Jesus was upon the earth he awakened several from death, manifesting his power to raise the dead. One of the more important examples was the raising of Lazarus. He was one of the Lord’s disciples, and Jesus loved him, as he also loved the two sisters of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. The Master visited their home many times, and when Lazarus became ill they naturally sent for Jesus. Lazarus having died, Jesus returned to Bethany, there to be met by Martha.
On the journey to Bethany Jesus told the disciples that his friend Lazarus was asleep and he was returning to awaken him. Perceiving that they did not comprehend what he meant, Jesus said plainly that Lazarus was dead and that he was about to awaken him from the sleep of death. Martha said, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” Jesus replied, “Thy brother shall rise again.” Martha said, “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Then Jesus said: “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.”—John 11:21,23-26
Having been told that Lazarus had been buried in the tomb for four days, Jesus proceeded to the place of burial. Ordering the removal of the stone from the tomb, and after a brief prayer, “he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.” And the Bible declares: “And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”—vss. 38-44
When Jesus was with his disciples, he opened a few blind eyes, unstopped a few deaf ears, healed some of the sick, and now showed his power in raising the dead. These were samples of the great work he will do for the whole world when his kingdom is in power and his reign begins.—John 2:11
The Prophet Job pictured the human family in the death state as prisoners when he declared: “There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest. There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor. The small and great are there; and the servant is free from his master.”—Job 3:17-19
None can escape from the prison house of death by his own power. The Prophet Isaiah, writing prophetically of our Lord Jesus, said, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”—Isa. 61:1
In the unlocking of the great prison house of death and the return of our loved ones from the tomb, the Lord will call the millions of children, many of whom died in infancy; for the Bible declares, “They shall come again from the land of the enemy.” The Prophet Jeremiah, writing of that time, told us: “Thus saith the Lord; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. Thus saith the Lord; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.”—Jer. 31:15,16
According to the plan of God, we are now living in the “days of the Son of man,” or his second presence, when, according to the divine decree, he is to become earth’s rightful King. (Luke 17:26; Matt. 24:38,21,22) “He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.” (Ps. 72:8) Associated with Jesus will be his body members, the church, who will be kings and “priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him for a thousand years.”—Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:6
This is the period mentioned by the Apostle Peter in Acts 3:19-21: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.”
Restitution means “restoration.” Father Adam, through disobedience, lost life for himself and his children. Jesus said he came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10; Matt. 18:11) This he did by giving his life a ransom for all mankind. Jesus Christ by the grace of God tasted death for every man. (Heb. 2:9) He is man’s Redeemer and Savior.
Two thousand years after Calvary’s cross, Jesus returns, unseen to the world, to establish his righteous kingdom on this earth and to offer to every member of Adam’s race an opportunity to enjoy perfect life upon the earth. This will be accomplished by the institution of the “times of restitution” spoken of by “all [God’s] holy prophets since the world began.” Then will be opened the “highway” mentioned by the Prophet Isaiah, when all the families of the earth are to be blessed with the opportunity to regain the life that was lost in Adam. During this thousand-year period, Satan the Devil will be bound, that he may not deceive the people; and everything that would hurt or destroy will be taken out of the way. The way shall be made so plain that even the unlearned shall not err therein. (Rev. 20:2,3; Isa. 35:8) Then the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth as the waters cover the deep.—Isa. 11:9; Hab. 2:14
World’s Judgment Day
The reign of Christ is also mentioned in the Bible as the world’s judgment day. This is the period when mankind will be on trial for life, and life can be obtained only through obedience to the laws of the kingdom.
Paul declared that “He [God] hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” (Acts 17:31) The period of time here referred to is not a twenty-four hour day but rather a thousand-year day. The Apostle Peter said, “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (II Pet. 3:8) We are told that “when thy [the Lord’s] judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.”—Isa. 26:9
At the end of the judgment day of a thousand years, the restored human race will be turned over to the Heavenly Father as mentioned by Paul in I Corinthians 15:24-26, where we read: “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”
Then all mankind, restored to human perfection, will stand before the court of divine justice without the intercession of a mediator, to be adjudged as to their eternal destiny. The loosing of Satan for a short season seems to be the only test placed before man at that time, and all who obey God will be awarded the right to live forever upon the earth, a veritable paradise restored worldwide, as was prepared for Adam before his fall. Those who disobey will go into the second death, from which there will be no recovery. (Rev. 20:2,3,14,15) “Every soul, which will not hear [obey] that Prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.”—Acts 3:23
Then the prayer our Lord gave his disciples will have been fulfilled: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”—Luke 11:1,2; Matt. 6:10
A preview of that glorious reality of the kingdom of God is outlined by John the Revelator, when he wrote: “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 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. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”—Rev. 21:3,5
“And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.”—Rev. 15:3,4