CHAPTER 10(( Eternity&& - First Churchfirst4christ.com/.../BELIEVE-CHAPTER-10-deeper-std.pdf · BELIEVE&Chapter&10:&Eternity& Page&3& First&Churchof&Christ,&Altoona,&PA&! Elijah’s

BELIEVE Chapter 10: Eternity Page 1 First Church of Christ, Altoona, PA

CHAPTER 10 Eternity

KEY IDEA

I believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus will return to judge all people and to establish his eternal kingdom.

KEY VERSE

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for

you? — John 14:1-‐2 Begin by reciting the Key Verse and the Key Idea together as a group. LESSON INTRODUCTION: Most Christians have spent some time wondering about what happens to us after we die. When we look at the account of Lazarus (brother of Mary and Martha and friend of Jesus), who was raised from the dead by Jesus we learn that he spent four days in the afterlife. Yet the Bible tells us nothing about what Lazarus saw or experienced. The Bible reveals very few concrete details about heaven, the afterlife and what happens when we die. God must have a good reason for keeping us wondering about the mysteries of heaven. It could be that our finite minds could never comprehend the realities of eternity. Have you ever wondered about the lack of Biblical revelation about eternity/afterlife? What were your thoughts? However, the Bible does reveal several truths about eternity. In the Old Testament actual words expressing eternal life only appear two places: > Psalm 133:3 } It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. > Its mention here seems to be a simple passing reference made by David with no real explanation

as to what it is, other than a blessing from God. > Daniel 12:1-‐2} “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.


2Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. < This sounds like a reference to the coming resurrection spoken of in the New Testament. ^ Some theologians connect this to the “Great Tribulation.” ^ We see that there will be a resurrection of the dead. } Every one whose name was in the book will rise to everlasting life. } The others will rise to contempt. < These verses show that present faithfulness is worthwhile for the believer, even if it costs them

their life. Their eternal outcome will be life. Also in Exodus 3:6 God tells Moses, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Jesus quotes from this verse in Matthew 22:31-‐32 (31 But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”). > Jesus clearly told them that those who had died centuries before were very much alive with God at that moment. The Old Testament believers went to a place of comfort and rest called “paradise” when they died. > The Old Testament taught life after death and that everyone who departed from this life went to a place of conscious existence. < The general term for this place was Sheol, which could be translated “the grave” or “the realm of

the dead.” ^ The wicked were there (Psalm 9:17; 31:17; 49:14; Isaiah 5:14) ^ The righteous were there (Genesis 37:35; Job 14:13; Psalm 6:5; 16:10; 88:3; Isaiah 38:10)

! ! ! While the Old Testament writers don’t address the afterlife in as much detail as the New Testament writers, the Old Testament does contain the magnificent description of the prophet Elijah being taken up to heaven without dying. Elijah is one of only three people taken to heaven in bodily form, the other two being Enoch (you can read about him in Genesis 5:21 – 24) and, of course, Jesus. You can read about Elijah in 2 Kings 2:1-‐18 (or pgs. 157-‐158 in BELIEVE). In this passage Elisha is keeping close watch over Elijah. Elisha would be taking over the call of Elijah and his request of a double blessing would come only if he would see Elijah’s departure from this world. > In verse 11 we read about the chariot and horses of fire appearing. It may be that these fiery visions were for Elisha’s benefit because Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind (also see verse 1), not the chariot. (11As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.) < It may have been a confirmation to Elisha that Elijah is gone. He is clearly in heaven. An interesting note from BIBLE.ORG by Robert Deffinbaugh


Elijah’s departure is not the exception; it is the rule, for every Christian. Some may think that at his departure Elijah was given the VIP treatment. It is my strong conviction that every Christian gets this VIP treatment at the moment of their death. I would like you to see the similarity of these three texts of Scripture: (2 Kings 2:11-12) (2 Kings 13:14) (Luke 16:22-23). It is my conviction that every Christian has an angelic escort to heaven when they die. In 2 Kings, this is said of the two greatest prophets of all time—Elijah and Elisha. But in Luke 16, it is said of Lazarus, a poor beggar. The rich man (who is never named) lived well all of his life, and I’m sure that he had a very fancy funeral. But the reality is that when he died, he went to hell. Lazarus, on the other hand, lived a life of suffering. He may not even have been given a funeral. But the angels gave him a heavenly escort to heaven. I believe this informs us that every Christian’s departure is a glorious one—if we could see the heavenly realities, like chariots and horsemen of fire. Those we love who trusted in Jesus Christ may have spent their final hours in physical pain, and may have died in agony, but the heavenly reality is not diminished one bit by this. When it is the Christian’s time to depart from this life, it is a glorious departure. This we must “see” by faith, but it is a certainty. What a glorious day our day of departure will be, if we know Christ as our Savior!

The New Testament has more to say about eternity that may help us answer our key question:

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

KEY QUESTION: What is going to happen in the future? THE INTERMEDIATE STATE What happens when we die? The New Testament indicates that people experience an “intermediate state,” which refers to a person’s existence between their time of death and the promised resurrection of their new body. Their earthly body goes into the grave; their spirit lives on in one of two places — in God’s presence where they enjoy a time of peace until they receive their resurrected bodies or in a place of torment where they await final judgment. Jesus talked about this vividly in the story about a rich man and Lazarus (not the Lazarus Jesus raised from the dead). Jesus depicted the place of blessedness for the righteous as Abraham’s side and the place of torment for the wicked as Hades. Luke 16:19-‐31 CEV 19 There was once a rich man who wore expensive clothes and every day ate the best food. 20 But a poor beggar named Lazarus was brought to the gate of the rich man’s house. 21 He was happy just to eat the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. His body was covered with sores, and dogs kept coming up to lick them. 22 The poor man died, and angels took him to the place of honor next to Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 He went to hell and was suffering terribly. When he looked up and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side, 24 he said to Abraham, “Have pity on me! Send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and touch my tongue. I’m suffering terribly in this fire.” 25 Abraham answered, “My friend, remember that while you lived, you had everything good, and Lazarus had everything bad. Now he is happy, and you are in pain. 26 And besides, there is a deep ditch between us, and no one from either side can cross over.” 27 But the rich man said, “Abraham, then please send Lazarus to my father’s home. 28 Let him warn my five brothers, so they won’t come to this horrible place.” 29 Abraham answered, “Your brothers can read what Moses and the prophets wrote. They should pay attention to that.” 30 Then the rich man said, “No, that’s not enough! If only someone from the dead would go to them, they would listen and turn to God.”


31 So Abraham said, “If they won’t pay attention to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even to someone who comes back from the dead.”

Luke 16:19-‐31 has been the focus of much controversy. Some take the story of the rich man and Lazarus to be a true, historical account of events that actually occurred; others consider it a parable or allegory. Those who interpret this narrative as a true incident have several reasons for doing so. > First, the story is never called a parable. < Many other of Jesus' stories are designated as parables, such as ^ the sower and the seed (Luke 8:4) ^ the prosperous farmer (Luke 12:16) ^ the barren fig tree (Luke 13:6) ^ the wedding feast (Luke 14:7). < Second, the story of the rich man and Lazarus uses the actual name of a person. ^ This detail would set it apart from ordinary parables, in which the characters are not named. < Third, this particular story does not seem to fit the definition of a parable. ^ A parable is a story of spiritual truth using an earthly illustration. ^ The story of the rich man and Lazarus presents spiritual truth directly, with no earthly

metaphor. }The setting for most of the story is the afterlife, as opposed to the parables, which are seen

in earthly contexts. Those who interpret the story as a parable and not an actual incident use these reasons: > They point out that Jesus' standard practice was to use parables in His teaching. < They do not consider the above arguments strong enough to classify the story as being anything

but a parable. < Also, there are some aspects of the account that do not seem to agree with the rest of Scripture.

For example, can people in hell and people in heaven see each other and speak to each other? NOTE: Regarding this statement, see the quote below: FROM THE TRANSFORMATION STUDY BIBLE From our Lord’s description, we learn that the place of the dead (Greek, Hades) had two sections: a paradise portion called “Abraham’s bosom,” and a punishment portion. It is believed by many theologians that our Lord emptied the paradise part of Hades when he arose from the dead and returned to the Father (John 20:17; Eph. 4:8-10). We know that today “paradise” is in heaven, where Jesus reigns in glory (Luke 23:43, 2 Cor. 12:1-4). There is no indication in Scripture that souls in heaven can communicate with people in Hades or with people on earth. What are your thoughts on the theological theory presented in the above quote?


The important thing is that whether the story is a true incident or a parable, the teaching behind it remains the same. Even if it is not a "real" story, it is realistic. > Parable or not, Jesus used this story to teach that after death the unrighteous are eternally separated from God, that they remember their rejection of the Gospel, that they are in torment, and that their condition cannot be remedied. > Jesus clearly taught the existence of heaven and hell as well as the deceitfulness of riches to those who trust in material wealth. Let’s look at some points regarding eternity and their related scriptures: BELIEVERS CAN FACE DEATH WITHOUT FEAR.

Psalm 23:4} Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 1 Corinthians 15:54-‐57} Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. Also see: Romans 8:38-‐39; Revelation 2:11

BELIEVERS ENTER THE LORD'S PRESENCE AT DEATH. > In essence, the moment we die, our spirit and soul go to be with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:8} Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. Philippians 1:22-‐23} But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.

BELIEVERS WILL DWELL WITH GOD FOREVER. Psalm 23:6} Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Also see: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-‐18

JESUS PREPARES A SPECIAL PLACE FOR BELIEVERS IN HEAVEN. John 14:1-‐3} "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

HEAVEN WILL BE FAR BETTER THAN EARTH FOR BELIEVERS. Philippians 1:21} For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!”

THE DEATH OF A BELIEVER IS PRECIOUS TO GOD. Psalm 116:15} Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

BELIEVERS BELONG TO THE LORD IN HEAVEN. Romans 14:8} If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

BELIEVERS ARE CITIZENS OF HEAVEN.


Philippians 3:20-‐21} But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

AFTER THEIR PHYSICAL DEATH, BELIEVERS GAIN ETERNAL LIFE. John 11:25-‐26} Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" Also see: John 10:27-‐30; John 3:14-‐16; 1 John 5:11-‐12

BELIEVERS RECEIVE AN ETERNAL INHERITANCE IN HEAVEN. 1 Peter 1:3-‐5} Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

EVENTUALLY, GOD WILL PUT AN END TO DEATH. Revelation 21:1-‐4} Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away ... I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God ... And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Have these verses provided comfort to you? Do you know of someone you should share these verses with, and assure them of the wonderful eternal life the believer has with the Father and the Savior? AN INTERESTING THOUGHT REGARDING ETERNAL LIFE: The gift of eternal life comes to those who believe in Jesus Christ, who is Himself “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). The fact that this life is “eternal” indicates that it is perpetual life—it goes on and on and on, with no end. > We should not view eternal life as simply an unending progression of years. < A common New Testament word for “eternal” is aiónios, which carries the idea of quality as well

as quantity. < Eternal life is not associated with “years”, it is independent of time. < Eternal life can function outside of and beyond time, as well as within time. > For this reason, eternal life can be thought of as something that Christians experience now. < Believers don’t have to “wait” for eternal life, because it’s not something that starts when they

die. Rather, eternal life begins the moment a person exercises faith in Christ. It is our current possession. John 3:36 says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.”

^ Note that the believer “has” (present tense also in Greek word) this life. ^ There are similar present-‐tense examples in John 5:24 and John 6:47.


< The focus of eternal life is not on our future, but on our current standing in Christ. > John 17:3} “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” < Jesus equates “eternal life” with a knowledge of God and of the Son. ^ There is no knowledge of God without the Son, for it is through the Son that the Father

reveals Himself to the elect (John 17:6; 14:9). > Paul made it his goal to know the Lord, and he linked that knowledge to resurrection from the dead: < “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his

sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10–11).

How do you feel about seeing Eternal Life in this light of the believer being in possession of it now? As we think of eternal life and eternity we come to the understanding that there is a final destination for everyone. But there are two different existences for that final destination. This brings us to our Key Idea. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

KEY IDEA: I believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus will return to judge all people and to establish his eternal kingdom. The existence of life after death is a universal question. “Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. He springs up like a flower and withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure....If a man dies, will he live again?” (Job 14:1-‐2, 14). Like Job, all of us have been challenged by this question. Exactly what happens to us after we die? Do we simply cease to exist? Does everyone go to the same place, or do we go to different places? Is there really a heaven and hell? WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DEATH? Within the Christian faith, there is a significant amount of confusion regarding what happens after death. > Some hold that after death, everyone “sleeps” until the final judgment, after which everyone will be sent to heaven or hell. > Others believe that at the moment of death, people are instantly judged and sent to their eternal destinations. > Still others claim that when people die, their souls/spirits are sent to a “temporary” heaven or hell, to await the final resurrection, the final judgment, and then the finality of their eternal destination. SO, WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE BIBLE SAY HAPPENS AFTER DEATH? First, for the believer in Jesus Christ, the Bible tells us that after death believers’ souls/spirits are taken to heaven, because their sins are forgiven by having received Christ as Savior (John 3:16, 18, 36).


> For believers, death is to be “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-‐8; Philippians 1:23). > However, passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:50-‐54 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-‐17 describe believers being resurrected and given glorified bodies. < If believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, what is the purpose of this resurrection? > It seems that while the souls/spirits of believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, the physical body remains in the grave “sleeping.” < The Bible uses the term "asleep" or "sleeping" when referring to the physical body of the believer

at death. (Note that the term is used solely for believers.) The dead body appears to be asleep when it is separated at death from the spirit and soul of the believer.

< The spirit and soul, which are eternal, are united with Christ at the moment of the believer's death (2 Corinthians 5:8). The body of the believer, which is mortal flesh, perishes, or "sleeps" until the day it is transformed and reunited to the believer at the final resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:43; Philippians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:51)

1 Corinthians 15:50-‐53} I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.

> So at the resurrection of believers, the physical body is resurrected, glorified, and then reunited with the soul/spirit. This reunited and glorified body-‐soul-‐spirit will be the possession of believers for eternity in the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21-‐22). Is this your understanding about what happens after death, or do you feel there is a different Biblical understanding? Explain. If you grew up in the church, what was the teaching on life after death that you received? Second, for those who do not receive Jesus Christ as Savior, death means everlasting punishment. > Similar to the destiny of believers, unbelievers also seem to be sent immediately to a temporary holding place, to await their final resurrection, judgment, and eternal destiny. < Refer back to the section on Luke 16:22-‐23 about the poor man and Lazarus (page 5). > Revelation 20:11-‐15 describes all the unbelieving dead being resurrected, judged at the great white throne, and then being cast into the lake of fire. < Therefore it seems that unbelievers are not sent to hell (the lake of fire) immediately after death,

but rather are in a temporary realm of judgment and condemnation.


^ However, even though unbelievers are not instantly sent to the lake of fire, their immediate fate after death is not a pleasant one.

Therefore, after death, a person resides in a “temporary” heaven or hell. After this temporary realm, at the final resurrection, a person’s eternal destiny will not change. The precise “location” of that eternal destiny is what changes. > Believers will ultimately be granted entrance into the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1). > Unbelievers will ultimately be sent to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-‐15). These are the final, eternal destinations of all people—based entirely on whether or not they had trusted Jesus Christ alone for salvation (Matthew 25:46; John 3:36). IMPORTANT NOTE: God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but wants everyone to turn from their wicked ways so that they can live (Ezekiel 33:11). > But He will not force us into submission; if we choose to reject Him, He accepts our decision to live eternally apart from Him. > Life on earth is a test, a preparation for what is to come. < For believers, life after death is eternal life in heaven with God. < For unbelievers, life after death is eternity in the lake of fire. How can one receive eternal life after death and avoid an eternity in the lake of fire? There is only one way—through faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die...” (John 11:25-‐26). THE RESURRECTION The grand promise of God and the ultimate hope for all Christians is the resurrection. Just as Christ was raised from the dead and received an imperishable body, so will all those who believe in Christ. Paul, writing to the church at Corinth, details this major truth. FROM I Corinthians 15:1-‐26 15 My friends, I want you to remember the message that I preached and that you believed and trusted. 2 You will be saved by this message, if you hold firmly to it. But if you don’t, your faith was all for nothing.3 I told you the most important part of the message exactly as it was told to me. That part is: Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures say. 4 He was buried, and three days later he was raised to life, as the Scriptures say. 5 Christ appeared to Peter, then to the twelve. 6 After this, he appeared to more than five hundred other followers. Most of them are still alive, but some have died. 7 He also appeared to James, and then to all of the apostles. 8 Finally, he appeared to me, ... 12 If we preach that Christ was raised from death, how can some of you say that the dead will not be raised to life? 13 If they won’t be raised to life, Christ himself wasn’t raised to life. 14 And if Christ wasn’t raised to life, our message is worthless, and so is your faith. 15 If the dead won’t be raised to life, we have told lies about God by saying that he raised Christ to life, when he really did not.


16 So if the dead won’t be raised to life, Christ wasn’t raised to life. 17 Unless Christ was raised to life, your faith is useless, and you are still living in your sins. 18 And those people who died after putting their faith in him are completely lost. 19 If our hope in Christ is good only for this life, we are worse off than anyone else. 20 But Christ has been raised to life! And he makes us certain that others will also be raised to life. 21 Just as we will die because of Adam, we will be raised to life because of Christ. 22 Adam brought death to all of us, and Christ will bring life to all of us. 23 But we must each wait our turn. Christ was the first to be raised to life, and his people will be raised to life when he returns. 24 Then after Christ has destroyed all powers and forces, the end will come, and he will give the kingdom to God the Father. 25 Christ will rule until he puts all his enemies under his power, 26 and the last enemy he destroys will be death.

Paul writes to the church of Corinth to give assurance of their resurrection. > The believers at Corinth did believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, so Paul started his argument with that fundamental truth. > He reminded them of three proofs of assurance that Jesus Christ did rise from the dead. < First, the reality of their salvation. ^ Paul had preached the gospel message at Corinth about the saving resurrection of Christ. It

transformed their lives. < Second, the testimony of the Old Testament. ^ In verse 3 when Paul refers to the “scriptures” he is referring to the Old Testament. ^ Much of the sacrificial system in the OT pointed to the sacrifice of Christ as our substitute and

Savior. < Third, living witnesses to Christ’s resurrection. ^ While on the cross Jesus was seen by believers and non-‐believers. But after the resurrection,

he was seen by believers who could be witnesses of his resurrection. The resurrection of the Christ is a well-‐documented event. Paul challenged people to question eyewitnesses for its validity, and no one was able to contest its truth. > The resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Because Christ was raised from the dead, we can have faith that we, too, will be resurrected. > The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate proof of life after death. < Physical death came through one man, Adam, to whom we are all related. But all who have been

adopted into God's family through faith in Jesus Christ will be given new life (1 Corinthians 15:20-‐22). > Just as God raised up Jesus' body, so will our bodies be resurrected upon Jesus' return (1 Corinthians 6:14 14 God will raise us from death by the same power that he used when he raised our Lord to life.). The Bible tells us that there is not only life after death, but eternal life so glorious that “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) > Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, came to earth to give this gift of eternal life. (Isaiah 53:5) When p e o p l e d e n y t h e e x i s t e n c e o f h e a v e n , t h e y d e n y n o t o n l y t h e wr i t t e n Wo r d o f G o d , b u t t h e y a l s o d e n y t h e i n n e rmo s t l o n g i n g s o f t h e i r own h e a r t s .


As Christians, although we “groan and sigh” in our earthly state, we have the hope of heaven always before us. As we look forward to our eternal home in heaven, does it give you a different perspective in enduring the hardships and disappointments in this life? (See 2 Corinthians 4:17-18) THE RETURN OF CHRIST The pending event that will trigger this promised resurrection is the second coming of Christ. There are varied beliefs about the details leading up to this grand occasion, but all followers of Jesus embrace its truth and significance. Often the Bible refers to the return of Christ as the “day of the Lord.” Paul uses this phrase in an important letter addressed to the church at Thessalonica. Some of the believers there thought all Christians would be alive at the return of Christ, causing them to be concerned about fellow believers who had died. Paul clarifies that on the great day of Christ’s return God will resurrect those who have died and then all believers will be brought together and will be with the Lord Jesus forever. I Thessalonians 4:13-‐5:11 CEV 13 My friends, we want you to understand how it will be for those followers who have already died. Then you won’t grieve over them and be like people who don’t have any hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and was raised to life. We also believe that when God brings Jesus back again, he will bring with him all who had faith in Jesus before they died. 15 Our Lord Jesus told us that when he comes, we won’t go up to meet him ahead of his followers who have already died. 16 With a loud command and with the shout of the chief angel and a blast of God’s trumpet, the Lord will return from heaven. Then those who had faith in Christ before they died will be raised to life. 17 Next, all of us who are still alive will be taken up into the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the sky. From that time on we will all be with the Lord forever. 18 Encourage each other with these words.

FROM ZONDERVAN ILLUSTRATED BIBLE BACKGROUNDS COMMENTARY (4:17a) This verse contains the one explicit reference in the New Testament to the “rapture”—the sudden removal of believers from earth and their reunion with Jesus in the air at the Second Coming. The word “rapture” does not actually occur here but originates from the Latin translation in the Vulgate of the Greek verb harpazõ. Elsewhere, this latter term refers to the violent action of being “taken by force” or “snatched away,” usually to the benefit of the one being taken. (4:17b): The Greek word used here, apantêsis, which lies behind the English translation “to meet.” was a technical term in the ancient world. It referred to the meeting of a delegation of citizens from a city with an arriving dignitary in order to accord that visitor proper respect and honor by escorting him back to their city.

5 I don’t need to write you about the time or date when all this will happen. 2 You surely know that the Lord’s return will be as a thief coming at night. 3 People will think they are safe and secure. But destruction will suddenly strike them like the pains of a woman about to give birth. And they won’t escape.


4 My dear friends, you don’t live in darkness, and so that day won’t surprise you like a thief. 5 You belong to the light and live in the day. We don’t live in the night or belong to the dark. 6 Others may sleep, but we should stay awake and be alert. 7 People sleep during the night, and some even get drunk. 8 But we belong to the day. So we must stay sober and let our faith and love be like a suit of armor. Our firm hope that we will be saved is our helmet. 9 God doesn’t intend to punish us, but wants us to be saved by our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 Christ died for us, so that we could live with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes. 11 That’s why you must encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing.

The Thessalonian church was confused over the fate of their fellow Christians who had died before Jesus’ second coming. > The text suggests that the church worried that deceased believers would either miss out or be at some kind of disadvantage at Christ’s return compared to those believers who are still alive on that day. > Paul first deals with the issue of whether and how deceased Christians will participate in the second coming and then reassures the Thessalonians that they are destined for salvation. > Paul assures them that they are doing what they need to do to be ready for Christ’s return. < He reminds them that their ultimate destiny on the day of the Lord rests not in their own work

but in God’s

The apostle Peter also writes in great detail about “the day of the Lord,” adding further clarification and admonition regarding how believers should live their lives in light of this future reality. FROM 2 Peter 3:1-‐18 CEV 3 My dear friends, ... I don’t want you to forget 2 what God’s prophets said would happen. You must never forget what the holy prophets taught in the past. And you must remember what the apostles told you our Lord and Savior has commanded us to do. 3 But first you must realize that in the last days some people won’t think about anything except their own selfish desires. They will make fun of you 4 and say, “Didn’t your Lord promise to come back? Yet the first leaders have already died, and the world hasn’t changed a bit.” 5 They will say this because they want to forget that long ago the heavens and the earth were made at God’s command. The earth came out of water and was made from water. 6 Later it was destroyed by the waters of a mighty flood. 7 But God has commanded the present heavens and earth to remain until the day of judgment. Then they will be set on fire, and ungodly people will be destroyed. 8 Dear friends, don’t forget that for the Lord one day is the same as a thousand years, and a thousand years is the same as one day. 9 The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost. 10 The day of the Lord’s return will surprise us like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a loud noise, and the heat will melt the whole universe. Then the earth and everything on it will be seen for what they are. 11 Everything will be destroyed. So you should serve and honor God by the way you live. 12 You should look forward to the day when God judges everyone, and you should try to make it come soon. On that day the heavens will be destroyed by fire, and everything else will melt in the heat. 13 But God has promised us a new heaven and a new earth, where justice will rule. We are really looking forward to that!


14 My friends, while you are waiting, you should make certain that the Lord finds you pure, spotless, and living at peace. 15 Don’t forget that the Lord is patient because he wants people to be saved. This is also what our dear friend Paul said when he wrote you with the wisdom that God had given him. 16 Paul talks about these same things in all his letters, but part of what he says is hard to understand. Some ignorant and unsteady people even destroy themselves by twisting what he said. They do the same thing with other Scriptures too. 17 My dear friends, you have been warned ahead of time! So don’t let the errors of evil people lead you down the wrong path and make you lose your balance. 18 Let the wonderful kindness and the understanding that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help you to keep on growing. Praise Jesus now and forever! Amen.

Peter writes to explain the Lord’s promised return, and specifically to an apparent debate concerning the timing of the return. > Peter offers a biblical perspective on the skeptics who attempt to create doubt concerning the Lord’s return. < He tells them to remember the prophets’ words and what the apostles had said. < He addresses the folly of the scoffers who are seeking their own sinful pleasures. > In verses 8-‐9 Peter explains that the delay of the second coming is not a long time from God’s perspective. < He also explains the delay is also because God is patient, and he has tarried because he does not

want any to perish. < Though Christians long for Christ’s return and the defeat of all evil, as long as the present period

of history lasts, an opportunity remains for people to turn to God in faith. < But God’s judgment will not be delayed forever. Here are some points and scriptures of interest regarding the Return of Christ: taken from BIBLEINFO.COM > CHRIST'S RETURN WILL BE LITERAL AND REAL. Acts 1:10-‐11, TLB. "It was not long afterwards that He rose into the sky and disappeared into a cloud, leaving them staring after Him. As they were straining their eyes for another glimpse, suddenly two white-‐robed men were standing there among them, and said, 'Men of Galilee, why are you standing here staring at the sky? Jesus has gone away to heaven, and some day, just as He went, He will return!'" > HOW WILL JESUS COME AGAIN? Luke 21:27, NIV. "At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." > HOW MANY WILL SEE HIM WHEN HE COMES? Revelation 1:7, NIV. "Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of Him." > WHAT WILL WE SEE AND HEAR WHEN HE COMES? 1 Thessalonians 4:16-‐17, NIV. "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." > HOW VISIBLE IS HIS COMING TO BE? Matthew 24:27, NIV. "For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."


> CHRIST'S COMING WILL BE UNEXPECTED AND DRAMATIC. 2 Peter 3:10, NKJV. "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." > WHAT WARNING HAS CHRIST GIVEN SO WE WON'T BE FOOLED ABOUT THE SECOND COMING? Matthew 24:23-‐26, NIV. "At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There He is!' do not believe it. For false Christ's and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. So if anyone tells you, 'There He is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here He is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it." > DOES ANYONE KNOW THE EXACT TIME OF CHRIST'S COMING? Matthew 24:36, NIV. "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." > KNOWING HOW HUMAN IT IS TO PROCRASTINATE, WHAT DOES CHRIST TELL US TO DO? Matthew 24:42, NKJV. "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming." > WHAT WARNING HAS CHRIST GIVEN THAT WE MIGHT NOT BE TAKEN BY SURPRISE BY THIS GREAT EVENT? Luke 21:34-‐36, NKJV. "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." > WHY IS JESUS SECOND COMING TAKING SO LONG? II Peter 3:8-‐9, NIV. "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." > WHILE WE WAIT FOR JESUS, HOW SHOULD WE LIVE? Titus 2:11-‐14, NKJV. "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." > WHAT WILL THE WORLD BE LIKE WHEN JESUS COMES? Matthew 24:37-‐39, NIV. "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man." > WILL CHRIST'S COMING BE A TIME OF REWARD? Matthew 16:27 and Revelation 22:12, NIV. "For the Son of Man is going to come in His Father's glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to what he has done." "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done." > WHY IS JESUS COMING BACK? Hebrews 9:28, TLB. "So also Christ died only once as an offering for the sins of many people; and He will come again, but not to deal again with our sins. This time He will come bringing salvation to all those who are eagerly and patiently waiting for Him." > AT JESUS' SECOND COMING, WE WILL FULLY EXPERIENCE THE REALITY OF OUR SALVATION. 1 Corinthians 1:7-‐8, TLB. "Now you have every grace and blessing; every spiritual gift and power for doing His will are yours during this time of waiting for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. And He guarantees right up to the end that you will be counted free from all sin and guilt on that day when He returns." > WHAT IS THE LAST PROMISE JESUS GIVES US IN THE BIBLE? Revelation 22:20, NKJV. "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly.' Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus"


Do you have an excited assurance of Christ’s return? Why or why not? NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH After Jesus returns and we are resurrected into our imperishable bodies, there will be a final judgment by God of every nation. John saw and recorded a vision from God about what will happen at this time of judgment. John wrote down the final movement in God’s grand story — the restoration of what was lost in the beginning. What we read in the opening creation story of Genesis we see again in Revelation — a re-‐creation — but on a grander scale to accommodate all the people over the centuries who have embraced Christ and received eternal life. See Revelation 20:11-‐22:21 (pages 165-‐169 in BELIEVE)

Chapter 20 Verse 11} The judgment scene that follows resembles that in Daniel 7:9-‐10

Chapter 20 Verse 12} Daniel prophesied that everyone whose name is found written in the book will be delivered. (Dan. 12:1). > The deliverance promised to the righteous death is everlasting life. < Those from the church in Sardis who were victors are promised that their names would not be

erased from the book of life (Rev. 3:5). ^ The disqualifying factor was worshiping the beast rather than the Lamb. Also compare to Matthew 25:31-‐36.

Chapter 20 Verse 14} The second death is the punishment Jesus warned about in Matt. 10:28. > Death and Hades are the last to be thrown into the lake of fire. > Rev. 1:18 says that the one who holds the keys of death and Hades has finally turned the lock. > This reminds us of Paul’s statement in 1 Cor. 15:26 (The last enemy to be destroyed is death.) Chapter 21 Verse 3} God’s desire to live with his people in covenant relationship is first stated in Leviticus 26:11-‐12. This hope was unrealized because of Israel’s disobedience. > We see God’s desire stated again in Ezekiel 37:27 and Zechariah 2:11. > This announcement found in Revelation now fully realizes the prophecies of the OT. “God’s transcendence, which was part of the old heaven and earth, has given way to his immanence as he now lives with his people.” --from Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary Chapter 21 Verse 4} From Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary Death, mourning, crying, and pain – all associated with the old order – have passed away for the saints. Just as salvation is assured for the saints with Jesus’ declaration, “It is finished” (John 19:30), here their glorification is accomplished with God’s pronouncement, “It is done” (Rev. 21:6).

! ! !


The idea of new heavens and a new earth is noted in Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; 2 Peter 3:13; and Revelation 21:1. > The Old Testament has no term that directly translates as "universe"; the phrase "heavens and earth" was the Hebrew way of referring to the universe they knew. > This type of imagery was used in prophetic-‐apocalyptic wording. ^ It encouraged readers to hold on to a future hope for a redeemed world that transcended the

sinful world they knew. IT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE how the final chapters of Revelation reflect the account in Genesis 1-‐3. > The world God originally created suffered the destruction that sin brought to it with all of its consequences. > The future new world, however, will be a perfect world in which the effects of sin are no longer present. > The phrase in Revelation 21:1, "and there was no longer any sea, " illustrates an imagery of a new perfect environment. The sea is used in apocalyptic literature as a symbol of chaos and may symbolize evil. < The beast came from the sea ( Rev 13:1 ). < The great harlot sits on many waters ( Rev 17:1 ). < The absence of the sea in the restored universe symbolizes that the deliverance for which the

creation groans has been realized (see Rom 8:18-‐22 ; Rev 21:27 ). The concept of new things is a major theme in redemptive history, especially in eschatological passages. > The new heavens and earth in Revelation 21 is the beginning of many new things. Verse 5 states that everything is new. < It includes a new covenant ( Jer 31:31 ) < A new name ( Isa 62:2 ; cf. Rev 2:17 ; 3:12 ) < A new song ( Isa 42:10 ; Rev 5:9 ; 14:3 ) < A new spirit/heart ( Ezek 11:19 ; 18:31 ; 36:26 ) < A new wine ( Matt 9:17 ; Mark 2:22 ; Luke 5:37-‐38 ) < The new Jerusalem ( Rev 3:12 ; 21:2 ). Isaiah 65-‐66 provides comfort that the devastation Israel has observed in their history is not God’s ultimate intention for his people. > The use of bara (to create) in 65:17 probably calls to mind the creation account of Genesis 1. < The old and new creation become the focus points of a history of redemption. > 2 Peter 3:13, while addressing issues concerning the final destiny, also focuses on behavior.

< Christian living is made worthwhile by the prospect of the future of the new heaven and earth. < 2 Peter 3:1, 11, 14, and 17 encourage godly living in light of the future. < 2 Peter 3:13 emphasizes that this new earth will be a righteous dwelling. < The call to Godly living is also seen in Revelation 21-‐22.


The manner in which the new heavens and earth come into existence is a matter of debate among biblical scholars. > Some see them as symbolic rather than literal. > Taking the literal stand we also come into a division of theological thought. < Will the new heavens and earth come by means of renewal – a type of renovation of the old, or

by replacement – a totally new act of creation? The author was more impressed with the fact and nature of the new order than by how it will come about. Yet part of theology is to theorize these questions. > The replacement view claims 2 Peter 3:12b-‐13 as its key text. < It is claimed that this tradition is reflected in Matthew 5:18 (see Mark 13:31 ; Luke 16:17 ) and 1

John 2:17. < Some would note that Isaiah 65:17 uses the same term as Genesis 1:1. > The renewal (also called renovation) view is more widely represented. < 2 Peter 3:12b-‐13 is viewed as a purging of the old heaven and earth and forming it into the new. < The catastrophe is comparable to Noah's flood, which was only a temporary fix. ^ This would bring continuity in the fulfillment of the purposes God had with his original

creation. } His original intent for his creation would now be complete. < Christ's incarnation and the believer's resurrection body also provide analogies – although in

different realms. < The term palingenesia, "renewal, " in Matthew 19:28, (Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the

renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.) also seems to suggest renovation rather than replacement.

Renewal verses renovation is not an issue that should divide and keep us from sharing in the excitement of our future. But, just for fun, what theory do you think is correct and why? FROM THE TRANSFORMATION STUDY BIBLE Heaven is more than a destination; it is a motivation. Knowing that we will dwell in the heavenly city ought to make a difference in our lives here and now. The vision of the heavenly city motivated the patriarchs as they walked with God and served him. Knowing that he was returning to the Father in heaven also encouraged Jesus Christ as he faced the cross. The assurance of heaven must nut lull us into complacency or carelessness, but spur us to fulfill our spiritual duties. … The believers who first read this inspired book, must have rejoiced to know that, in heaven, there would be no more pain, tears, sorrow, or death, for many of their number had been tortured and slain. In every age, the hope of heaven has encouraged God’s people in times of suffering.


In Jesus’ last week on earth before he returned to the Father, he comforted the disciples concerning the future. He informed them that he was leaving, but he also promised that he would be overseeing the construction of a place for each of them in heaven — the New Jerusalem John saw and described. As you read these words, please know that Jesus’ message to the disciples applies to you as well. He has prepared an eternal home for all those who believe. John 14:1-‐7 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house

has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FROM THINK, ACT, BELIEVE LIKE JESUS by Randy Frazee KEY APPLICATION: What difference does this make in the way I l i v e?

If we truly believe God has prepared an eternal home for us — a house with many rooms, as Jesus explained in John 14 — then we can and will . . .

• live with hope every day, regardless of the circumstances around us; life may or may not get better here, but we can know that God’s home awaits us

• love people with freedom and boldness, because our future is secure in him • lead more people into a relationship with Christ, because we want to share this great hope

with others. … How many non-Christians are currently in your circle of influence? And of these non-

Christians in your circle, how many are you actively sharing God’s love with? (Write their names in a journal or on a piece of paper.) … If you have none, or maybe just one, then the motivation here is to gain a hunger and a

drive to see others come to faith in Christ. There is no condemnation for what has not happened, but conviction toward obedience to see what can happen. …

If, however, you wrote down several names, be encouraged that God is working on your behalf to use your every word and action to bring these people to him. Keep praying, be inspired, and never give up. … know you are simply a part of the salvation process in these lives, and God will most definitely use you as you submit to and serve him.

! ! !

Documents

CHAPTER 10(( Eternity&& - First Churchfirst4christ.com/.../BELIEVE-CHAPTER-10-deeper-std.pdf · BELIEVE&Chapter&10:&Eternity& Page&3& First&Churchof&Christ,&Altoona,&PA&! Elijah’s