Risen from the Dust

Risen From the Dust: Conclusion...

So then what is the conclusion that should be drawn from all of this, regarding these critical subjects of hell, heaven, and the Resurrection of the Dead? First, we should recognize that all people have a flesh body, and also a spiritual soul, that dwells within that flesh body. When a person dies they do not literally sleep, but their soul leaves their body and goes to either one of two places. If they are redeemed from their sins, they go on to dwell in a state of life, with the Lord in heaven (see ch.4 Souls in Heaven). If not, they dwell in a state of death in Sheol, which is also Hades. All of the dead, both in heaven and Hades, are awaiting something called the Resurrection of the Dead. This Resurrection of the Dead is an unique event, that involves the receiving of a spiritual body, which that soul will have for all eternity. The Resurrection of the Dead is also divided into two parts. There will be a resurrection of the saints that happens when Christ returns on the seventh trumpet, and also a resurrection of judgment, which happens later. First, will come the resurrection of the saints, when God’s elect (both in heaven and on Earth) are raised up spiritually to an eternal inheritance with the Lord. Then, before the rest of the dead are resurrected, will come a period of time known as the millennium. This millennium will be a purely spiritual time of teaching and enlightenment, when the faithful rule with Christ over the world (see ch.25 Outer Darkness), and the dead are given an opportunity to hear the truth (see ch.26 Millennium Nations). Finally, after the millennium will come Judgment Day, when the rest of the dead are resurrected into spiritual bodies for the purpose of a final judgment. The ones who are found worthy will enter into eternal life, but the wicked will be cast into the Lake of Fire with the devil and his angels. The ones cast into the Lake of Fire will not be eternally tormented, but will experience a second death, continuing on as lifeless corpses.

On the subject of the afterlife, there is a whole spectrum of opinions among churches and scholars. Really this shouldn’t be, because there is only one bible, which we are instructed to rightly divide. One must consider it as a whole, made up of working parts, to bring forth the true revelations from God on these important and often overlooked subjects. Christ has foretold us all things, and if we are willing to wipe the slate clean by rejecting vain traditions, and sit ourselves down at the feet of the Teacher, we can begin to grasp the truth that is so deliberately laid out for us.

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