SECOND
CHANCE SALVATION
Baptism for
the Dead – Prayers for the Dead – Reincarnation – Universalism – Mormons
First
Word
·
I have FAMILY, friends and neighbors; some of which are un-believers,
Buddhist, Catholics and Protestants. - My only motive in this Word Study is to
address the Second Chance doctrine based on The Book; precept upon precept
and line upon line with no motives or agenda to throw rocks at any denomination
or person that supports this theory.
·
The question presented is CAN A PERSON BE
SAVED AFTER THEIR DEATH? – Is reincarnation a valid doctrine? – Do we get a Do Over?
- Is Baptism
for the dead a valid option. - Are Prayers for the dead scriptural? – Can you do Penitence
for a loved one?
Isaiah 28:13 – Precept upon precept – Line upon
line
13And the word of the LORD will be to them precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little, that they may go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. (ESV)
13And the word of the LORD will be to them precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little, that they may go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. (ESV)
Post-Mortem
Evangelism
·
Post-Mortem Evangelism asks us to reshuffle the
deck for a new understanding of death. – PME contends that those who DO NOT BELIEVE the Gospel Message during their lifetime will be
given another opportunity to believe after they die and thus be saved; PME – They
torture John 5:25 until it confesses this thinking. – John’s letter was about
being spiritually dead, hearing the gospel massage and being made spiritually
alive.
·
LISTEN – In the actual text Jesus
is speaking about THE HOUR that was to come, the time when He would be
crucified and then spend three days in a compartment of hell known as Paradise
preaching to those who from “all time” who had died in the favor of God,
but had never heard the Gospel Message; this was a ONE TIME
EVENT. – NYOBS 68.29 – THE THREE DAYS
·
The Book is absolutely SILENT
regarding any opportunity to hear the gospel after death. – LISTEN…. IF the
fate of a Christian is NOT fixed at death, then that opens the door to the thinking
that our salvation may not be fixed; a Believer might end up being lost
after death. – Those in Hell and Paradise already had their fate fixed. – It’s in the Book -
John 5:25 – The dead will hear the Gospel and live
25 Truly, truly, I say to you, AN HOUR is coming, and is now here, when THE DEAD will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear WILL LIVE.
25 Truly, truly, I say to you, AN HOUR is coming, and is now here, when THE DEAD will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear WILL LIVE.
(ESV)
Ephesians 2:1-5 – Dead spiritually and made alive
1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins
2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,
5 even WHEN WE WERE DEAD IN OUR TRESPASSES, MADE US ALIVE together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— (ESV)
1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins
2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,
5 even WHEN WE WERE DEAD IN OUR TRESPASSES, MADE US ALIVE together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— (ESV)
Exclusivism
·
Exclusivism is the view that you must believe
that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and it is ONLY through His work that Salvation
is obtained. – It teaches God’s perseverance with unbelievers ends at their
physical death. – One Way – One Truth – One Life -
·
The Last Call Doctrine is that you must make
your “Free Will” choice in this lifetime.
John 14:6 - I AM THE ONLY WAY
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME. (ESV)
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME. (ESV)
Mark 16:15-16 – The Great Commission – Go Proclaim
the Gospel
15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (ESV)
15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (ESV)
The
Sleep/Wake Gap Doctrine
·
The Death-Judgment
GAP is
the belief that there is a time gap of unknown duration between the time you
die and the judgment; this is where you are given a second chance for
salvation. - Those who embrace this, use the scripture from the Book of
Daniel that says “those who
SLEEP in the dust of the earth; (sleep meaning A GAP OF TIME) shall AWAKE, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting
contempt.” – NYOBS 15.32 – SOUL SLEEP -
·
The Book
says and,
you must let this sink into your spirit; when the life giving breath (Ruah) departs from the man and returns
to God, the man goes back to the dirt from which he was formed. - All his plans
have now perished, there is NO working, planning, knowledge or wisdom. - He can
no longer think – He cannot praise God; he is silent, not a word can
be heard. - He is not aware of anything, he knows nothing – He has no
emotions of love, hate or envy; it has all perished. – NYOBS 42.26 – NECROMANCY - There is NO second Chance GAP
Daniel 12:2 - Time Gap between
sleep and waking
2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. (ESV)
2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. (ESV)
Psalm 146:4 – Man goes to the grave – His plans
perish
4 When his breath (Ruah) departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. (ESV)
4 When his breath (Ruah) departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. (ESV)
Ecclesiastes 9:10 - NO working, planning, knowledge or wisdom
10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. (NIV2011)
10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. (NIV2011)
Psalm 115:17 – The dead cannot praise God – They
are silent
17 Dead people can't praise GOD— not a word to be heard from those buried in the ground. (MSG)
17 Dead people can't praise GOD— not a word to be heard from those buried in the ground. (MSG)
Ecclesiastes 9:5 – The dead know nothing
5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. (ESV)
5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. (ESV)
Ecclesiastes 9:6 – The dead’s emotions have
perished
6 Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun. (ESV)
6 Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun. (ESV)
Universalism
·
Universalism is the doctrine
of universal reconciliation, also known as universal salvation -
The doctrine that every human soul will ultimately be reconciled to God because
of His divine love and mercy; even after they CROSS
OVER. –
This makes a remarkable shift; you not only get a second chance for salvation, but
you get a fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, etc. until finally God triumphs over ALL, in their stubborn resistance to
the Gospel Message.
·
The Book
says that
after we CROSS OVER we will be judged for the
things we have done while “IN THE BODY” whether good or evil.
·
Works do not save us, but they do determine
our rewards in heaven or the level of punishment in Hell. – TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, MUCH WILL BE REQUIRED.
·
Editorial: Much will be required especially for Oprah Winfrey,
for whom much has been given; her religion and church diminishes the God of
the Bible. – She is clear to insist that when she speaks of God that she means no
specific god and entails no particular theological commitments. – This
is the Blind leading the Blind - Millions of Souls will be lost because she has led them to the
lake of fire. - NYOBS 14.14 – ANOTHER
GOSPEL – NEW AGE MOVEMENT
·
The Book gives an example where there
were two men that had died; one went immediately to Hell the other immediately
to Paradise. The one tormented in Hell
wanted someone to CROSS BACK OVER to warn his family, but God said
NO. –
If someone could get a second chance for salvation, then there would be no
reason for Jesus to be sacrificed on the cross.
·
The doctrine of Hell is the most
gut-wrenching, heart-breaking doctrine in the Christian faith. – Universalism is
a false doctrine. Even the Apocrypha
2 Clement says “For after we shall have departed out of this world, we shall no
longer be able to confess our sins or repent in the other” - There is NO Universal
Reconciliation; there is NO Second Chance
2 Corinthians 5:10 – Judged for what was done
while in the body
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has DONE IN THE BODY, whether good or evil. (ESV)
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has DONE IN THE BODY, whether good or evil. (ESV)
1 Corinthians 3:8 – Receive wages according to his
labor
8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages ACCORDING TO HIS LABOR. (ESV)
8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages ACCORDING TO HIS LABOR. (ESV)
Revelation 22:12 – The reward is according to your
work
12And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one ACCORDING TO HIS WORK. (NKJV)
12And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one ACCORDING TO HIS WORK. (NKJV)
Revelation 2:23 – I will give according to your
works
23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you ACCORDING TO YOUR WORKS. (ESV)
23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you ACCORDING TO YOUR WORKS. (ESV)
Revelation 20:13 – Judged according to his works
13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one ACCORDING TO HIS WORKS.
13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one ACCORDING TO HIS WORKS.
(NKJV)
Matthew 15:14 – OPRAH;
a blind guide leading the blind, all lost
14 so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will BOTH FALL into a ditch.” (NLT)
14 so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will BOTH FALL into a ditch.” (NLT)
Luke 12:43-48 - To whom much was given; much will be required,
43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.
44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk,
46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful.
47 And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a SEVERE beating.
48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a LIGHT beating. EVERYONE TO WHOM MUCH WAS GIVEN, OF HIM MUCH WILL BE REQUIRED, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. (ESV)
43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.
44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk,
46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful.
47 And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a SEVERE beating.
48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a LIGHT beating. EVERYONE TO WHOM MUCH WAS GIVEN, OF HIM MUCH WILL BE REQUIRED, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. (ESV)
Luke 16:19-31 – No one will cross back over after
death
19 There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.
20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried,
23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.
24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’
25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.
26 And besides all this, BETWEEN US AND YOU A GREAT CHASM HAS BEEN FIXED, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’
27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house—
28 for I have five brothers—so that he may WARN THEM, lest they also come into this place of torment.’
29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’
30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if SOMEONE GOES TO THEM FROM THE DEAD, they will repent.’
31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”
19 There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.
20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried,
23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.
24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’
25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.
26 And besides all this, BETWEEN US AND YOU A GREAT CHASM HAS BEEN FIXED, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’
27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house—
28 for I have five brothers—so that he may WARN THEM, lest they also come into this place of torment.’
29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’
30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if SOMEONE GOES TO THEM FROM THE DEAD, they will repent.’
31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”
(ESV)
2 Clement
3:16 – After death – no longer able to confess
sins
16 For after we shall have departed out of
this world, we shall no longer be able to confess our sins or repent in the other.
Reincarnation
·
Reincarnation is the religious or
philosophical concept that the soul or spirit, after biological
death, begins a new life in a new body. –
Many second chances to get it right.
·
Reincarnation is a word derived from Latin,
meaning literally, "entering the flesh again". The Greek
equivalent corresponds to the English phrase "TRANSMIGRATION
OF THE SOUL"
– They refer to being "born again" which is a universal
process that gives rise to the cycle of death and rebirth, governed
by “Karma”. - Every living being's soul transmigrates (recycles) after
death, carrying the seeds of Karmic impulses from the life just completed, into
another life and a lifetime of karmas. - Birth is not a beginning and death is
not an end.
·
After death, the life as we know now
moves on to another form of life based on the merits and demerits it
accumulated in its current life. The path to becoming a “Supreme Soul” is to
practice non-violence and be truthful.
·
As worn-out garments are shed by the person;
Worn-out bodies are shed by the dweller within the body. New bodies are “put
on” by the dweller, like garments.
·
Abrahamic religions such as Christianity, and
Islam do not believe that individuals reincarnate, however in Judaism,
followers of the Kabbalah do believe in reincarnation. Wikipedia - NYOBS 34.02 - REINCARNATION
·
Just to drive home a point; when the Disciples saw Moses and Elijah appear on the Mount of transfiguration, they were
still identified as they were before; Moses and Elijah – They had not been
reincarnated into different bodies.
·
When Jesus was resurrected from the dead, He was
still identified in His same form, not a reincarnation of somebody else, although
I must point out that all of them had glorified bodies that were not subject to
our dimensional laws.
·
DO OVER - God has provided us FULL salvation through His Son Jesus
Christ. - We don’t need another DO OVER LIFE to try to FIX our sins. – We are
destined to die once and then the judgment. – It’s through the JUDGMENT that
the Kingdom of God will be ushered in.
·
The Book says that when we leave
our body, we are present with the Lord.
So there is NO Reincarnation; there is NO “DO OVER”; there is NO Second Chance.
2 Corinthians 5:8 - Absent from the body - Present with Lord
8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. (NKJV)
8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. (NKJV)
Ecclesiastes 12:7 – The
body returns to dust – The spirit to God
7 Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it. (NKJV)
7 Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it. (NKJV)
Ps 17:15 – Alive again - I
will be satisfied – I will see
15 And I--in righteousness I will see your
face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your
likeness.
NIV
Luke 16:23-25 - No Second Chance – No
Reincarnation - Judged
23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.
24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.
23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.
24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.
(NIV2011)
Daniel 12:2 - Everlasting
life or Everlasting contempt
2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt.
2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Luke 9:30 – They recognized Moses and Elijah
30 Then two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared and began talking with Jesus. (NLT)
30 Then two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared and began talking with Jesus. (NLT)
Acts 1:11– Jesus will return the same as He left
11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in THE SAME WAY you have seen him go into heaven.” (NIV2011)
11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in THE SAME WAY you have seen him go into heaven.” (NIV2011)
Mormon
Doctrine
·
Progression between ESTATES and KINGDOMS
1. The First Estate – Spirit - A place where
all humankind existed as spirit children of the “Heavenly Father”.
2. The Second Estate – Mortal – Those who proved themselves worthy in
the pre-existence spirit world were eventually allowed a mortal existence here
on earth and given physical bodies.
3. The Third Estate – Heavenly – Those who are
tested and tried on earth will after their death enter the heavenly estate.
·
Salvation for the dead is the system by means of
which those who “die without a knowledge of the gospel” may gain such knowledge
in the spirit world and then, following the vicarious performance of the
necessary ordinances, become heirs of salvation on the same basis as though the
gospel truths had been obeyed in mortality. (When they
were alive).
·
Salvation for the dead is limited expressly to
those who do not have opportunity in this life to accept the gospel, but who
would have taken the opportunity had it come to them.
·
THREE DEGREES OF GLORY – Every person on earth
is living a set of laws that will have a bearing on what level of Glory they
will inherit in eternity.
1. Celestial kingdom – The celestial kingdom is
of the highest of the three degrees of glory and is the permanent
residence of God the Father and Jesus Christ. - It will be the residence of
those who have been righteous, accepted the teachings of Jesus Christ, and made
and lived up to all of the required ordinances and covenants. Individuals
may accept and receive these ordinances and covenants during their mortal
lives. - For those who did not have the opportunity while living, (when they die) they will have the opportunity in the
post-mortal spirit world, where they can accept ordinances performed
on their behalf by Latter-day Saints in temples. - All children who
die before the age of eight automatically inherit the celestial kingdom
without the reception of ordinances.
2. Terrestrial kingdom - is the middle of
the three degrees of glory. It is believed by Latter-day Saints to correspond
to the "bodies terrestrial" and "glory of the moon"
mentioned by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:40-41 - Those
who will inhabit the terrestrial kingdom include those who lived respectably
but "were blinded by the craftiness of men" and thus REJECTED the
fullness of THE GOSPEL of Jesus Christ when it was presented to them during
their mortal lives. (while they were alive) - It also includes persons who rejected the
"testimony of Jesus in the flesh, but afterwards received it" in
the spirit world and those who "are not valiant in the testimony
of Jesus" after having received it. - Those who inherit the terrestrial
kingdom "receive of the presence of the Son, but not the fullness of the
Father”.
3. Telestial kingdom is the lowest of
the three degrees of glory. - Those who will inhabit the telestial kingdom
include those "who received NOT the gospel of Christ, nor the testimony of
Jesus." - It will also include "liars, and sorcerers,
and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves and makes a
lie." - Because of their refusal to accept Jesus as their Savior,
these individuals will remain in spirit prison for 1000 years during
the millennial reign of Christ. - After the 1000 years, the
individuals will be resurrected and receive an immortal physical body
and be assigned to the telestial kingdom. - Individuals in the telestial
kingdom will be servants of God, but "where God and Christ dwell they
cannot come. – Wikipedia -
·
Those who have a fair and
just opportunity
to accept the gospel in this life and WHO DO NOT DO IT, but who then do
accept it when they (have died and) hear it in the spirit world will go NOT
to the CELESTIAL (kingdom) ,
but to the TERRESTRIAL kingdom.
·
The Book
says that once we die it’s all over. - For the Believer, he
is present with the Lord and the unbeliever goes directly to the grave and
awaits judgment – Pre-judging has already occurred. – There is only ONE kingdom of God - There is no
Second Chance -
1 Corinthians 15:40-41 – Sun Moon Stars different kind
of glory
40 …The glory of the HEAVENLY BODIES is different from the glory of the EARTHLY BODIES. The sun has one kind of glory, while the moon and stars each have another kind.
40 …The glory of the HEAVENLY BODIES is different from the glory of the EARTHLY BODIES. The sun has one kind of glory, while the moon and stars each have another kind.
41And even the stars differ from each
other in their glory (NLT)
Daniel 12:2 - Everlasting
life or Everlasting contempt
2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt.
2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt.
2 Corinthians 5:8 - Absent from the body - Present with Lord
8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. (NKJV)
8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. (NKJV)
Prayers
for the Dead
·
The supporting scripture for praying for salvation
for someone that is dead comes from Timothy’s letter when he writes about his
friend Onesiphorus that is “assumed” to be dead and states he hopes he will
find favor at the judgment. (Onesiphorus may or may not
be dead)
·
Give me a break – Paul has just expressed
that there were some that were UNFAITHFUL and had turned away from
the ministry and he named them; Phygelus and Hermogenes and then
he continues by lifting up those who had remained FAITHFUL with a praise to the
Lord; “May the Lord grant Onesiphorus mercy at the resurrection”. – He was not Praying,
he was Praising that extra mercy “blessings” would be given to the faithful;
especially Onesiphorus.
Prayers for the Dead are a useless pagan ritual; there
is NO Second Chance
2 Timothy 1:15 The Unfaithful - Phygelus and Hermogenes
15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. (ESV)
15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. (ESV)
2 Timothy 1:16-18 - Prayer for mercy for deceased Onesiphorus
16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains,
18 MAY THE LORD GRANT HIM to find mercy from the Lord ON THAT DAY!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus. (ESV)
16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains,
18 MAY THE LORD GRANT HIM to find mercy from the Lord ON THAT DAY!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus. (ESV)
2 Timothy 4:19-20 – Onesiphorus was “assumed” dead
19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus remained at Corinth, I left Trophimus, who was ill (ESV)
19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus remained at Corinth, I left Trophimus, who was ill (ESV)
Baptism
for the Dead
·
Superstitious customs of proxy baptisms have
always existed. - Someone could offer to be baptized on behalf of another, or
the graves of someone could be baptized.
·
Those who practice this
rite
view baptism as an ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENT to enter the kingdom of God, and
therefore practice baptism for the dead to offer it by proxy to those who died
without the opportunity to receive it. (Teaching - Salvation is Jesus Christ PLUS
baptism)
·
The LDS Church; the Mormons are the best known for the
Baptism for the Dead doctrine
of which they have practiced since 1840. - It is practiced in their secret temple rites according to the
“Doctrine and Covenants”.
·
Mormons emphasize that the family
succession of baptized persons MUST form an unbroken chain back to
Adam. – They must research their own genealogy and for this reason you will find Ancestry.com
advertised on TV - The doctrine
of “Vicarious Baptism” is a way to
save someone who has already died. - Those who have died may choose to accept
or reject the baptisms done on their behalf. – Wikipedia –
NYOBS 07.041 - MORMONS
·
The ONLY supporting
scripture
is when Paul, debating this pagan point, speaks about people being
baptized on behalf of the dead; saying that if they did not believe in the resurrection;
then why did they baptize for the dead?
- There is nothing in The Book that
says that the early Christians baptized for the dead. – NOTHING – ZIP – NADA -
·
Metaphorically speaking; the word BAPTIZE means
to “IDENTIFY WITH” – Being identified with Jesus Christ in
His death and resurrection. – Salvation is Jesus plus nothing else. -
Baptism for the dead is a useless pagan ritual; there is NO Second Chance
1 Corinthians 15:29 – Baptized on behalf of the
dead
29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being BAPTIZED ON BEHALF OF THE DEAD? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? (ESV)
29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being BAPTIZED ON BEHALF OF THE DEAD? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? (ESV)
Baptism for
the Living
- Baptism is a change from one state to
another, like a civilian putting on a soldier uniform; we put on the
garments of Christ, we are baptized into Christ. We are identified
in Christ.
- Baptism is death and
burial
to our past life with change to
a new resurrected life in Christ.
- Baptism is something
that we do,
but it is also something that has been done to us; Change.
- The
Book says
that a public confession and commitment is required. When you fall in love with someone; you
act different, what’s in your heart will overflow your mouth, you want
everyone to know; otherwise you’re really not in love. Love is the way you act.
- For sure, Faith is
something you have, but it is expressed through your actions or you don’t
really have the faith. - If you have the light, you will let it shine.
IF YOU DO NOT CONFESS IT, YOU DO NOT POSSESS IT.
- Baptism in water is not necessary for
Salvation; otherwise the thief on the cross was lost. Our salvation is by faith in Jesus
Christ alone; Jesus Christ plus nothing else.
- While baptism is a
commandment,
it is neither a requirement nor a guarantee of a person receiving
the gift of eternal life. – NYOBS 03.07 –
BAPTISM -- NYOBS 62.02 – INFANT BAPTISM
- About 40 years ago I was shocked when
my pastor was preaching on baptism and spoke to the method used -
he said, “I’ll use a WATER GUN if that’s all I
have”; he was implying that what really counted was the work of the Holy
spirit that “changed” the heart on the inside. -The act of baptism must be
accompanied by a heart attitude of faith in Jesus Christ.
·
Paul gives us an example
of heart attitude
- A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely
outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and
circumcision is circumcision of the heart, BY THE SPIRIT, not by the written code.
Gal 3:27 – We are clothed and
identified in Christ
27 for all of you who were
baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
NIV
Luke 23:42-43 - The
thief on the cross – Not baptized -
42 Then he said,
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43 Jesus answered him,
"I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
NIV
Josh 24:15 – Public commitment
15 But if serving the LORD
seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will
serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the
gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my
household, we will serve the LORD."
NIV
Matt 10:32 – Public acknowledgement
32 "Whoever
acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in
heaven. NIV
Rom 10:9-10- Confess with your mouth
9 That if you confess
with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that
God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is with your
heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you
confess and are saved.
NIV
Matt 5:14-16 – Public
display
14 "You are the
light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Neither do people light
a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives
light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let
your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise
your Father in heaven.
NIV
Rom 2:28-29 – You must be a believer inwardly and outwardly
28 A man is not a Jew if
he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.
29 No, a man is a Jew if
he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart,
BY THE SPIRIT, not by the written code. Such a man's
praise is not from men, but from God. NIV
Purgatory
- Purgatory
is a state or place in which, in Roman Catholicism and other
Christian doctrine, those who have died in the grace of God expiate
their sins by suffering – Any state or place of temporary punishment, expiation
or remorse. – Webster -
- Expiate: to make satisfaction or atonement; to
make amends or reparation for wrong doing; to pay the penalty or suffer.
- Catechism
- Catholic Church; “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still
imperfectly purified are indeed assured of their eternal salvation, but after
death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness
necessary to enter the joy of heaven”
- Second
- Purgatory
is a place
in Catholic doctrine designated as a place of purification, not a place of
punishment; however the purification process does involve mental and
physical anguish which includes an intense, excruciating painful
“purifying fire”. - NYOBS 15.25 - PURGATORY
- The
Time in purgatory: can be from a
few hours to a few thousand years. - The supporting scripture uses the
verse 1 Corinthians 3:15 to
point to the doctrine of Purgatory.
“If
any man's work shall be BURNED, he shall suffer loss:
but he himself shall be SAVED”.
- In the Book Paul is talking about laying the
spiritual foundation for the church at Corinth; the foundation of Christ
which he laid; others would build on. - If someone builds on any
foundation other than that of Christ; their building or efforts or works would be burned up in fire;
but they would not lose their salvation.
- Fire
is symbolic of purification. – As heating metals and pouring off the
waste; the dross.
- The Book says this purification will take place
on that day; which is the “Day
of the Lord” spoken of by John the revelator. – This is talking about
good works and heavenly rewards.
Not purging sin so man can be saved...
- The Good Book says we
are appointed once to die and
then after that, the judgment
The Tradition of
Purgatory is not found in scripture. - There is NO Second Chance.
1 Cor
3:10-15 – Works/efforts burned up – different foundation
10 According to the
grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise master builder I laid a
foundation; and another builds thereon. But let each man take heed how he
builds thereon.
11 For other foundation
can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 But if any man builds on
the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 each man's work shall
be made manifest: for THE DAY shall
declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself
shall prove each man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work shall
abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's WORK shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but
he himself shall be SAVED; yet so as through fire.
ASV
1 Peter
1:6-7 – Your faith is refined by fire on that day
6 In this you greatly
rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all
kinds of trials.
7 These have come so that YOUR
FAITH-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though REFINED BY
FIRE-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when
Jesus Christ is revealed.
NIV
Heb 9:27 – Once we die; it’s a done deal.
27 And as it is appointed
unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: KJV
Jesus
– Second Chance
·
There are those that
believe
that Jesus will go to Hell and give people a second chance to accept the
Gospel, and they use the Book to
point out the scripture where Jesus went to hell to a place called Paradise,
preached and then everybody got saved.
·
Paradise was also known as
“Abraham’s Bosom”,
which was at one time located in Hades and held the Godly saints of all
times. - These are people who sought after God’s heart, but had never heard the
Gospel message. – Paradise is a place better to be than on earth,
but it’s not as good as it’s going to get. – NYOBS 15.36 –
ABRAHAM’S BOSOM -- NYOBS 06.21 –
PARADISE
·
When Jesus died; He went to Abraham’s
Bosom and preached for three days telling them, “I am
the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”.
Those in Paradise heard this message FOR THE FIRST
TIME and they accepted this Good News. - He then took all of
Paradise and those in it to Heaven; where it is now. –
·
The preaching in the compartment of Hell
known as Paradise CANNOT be
repeated again because it’s not there anymore.
·
When the compartment of
Paradise
was removed and taken to heaven, Hell was enlarged to receive more Un-believers
and Make believers. – If someone is in hell, they are just lost.
There is NO
Second Chance.
Luke 23:42-43 - Believers will be in Paradise
42 Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him,
43 "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."
42 Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him,
43 "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."
Eph 4:9 – Jesus descended
into Hell
9 Now that he ascended, what is it but that he
also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? KJV
Matt 12:40 – He was in
Hell Three days
40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in
the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three
nights in the heart of the earth. NIV
1 Peter 3:18-19 – He
preached in Abrahams Bosom in Hell
18 For Christ died for sins once for all. He was
put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,
19 through whom also he went and preached to
the spirits in prison
John 14:6 - I am the way, and the truth, and the life.
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (ESV)
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (ESV)
Eph 4:8 – He took all
those in Abrahams Bosom to heaven
8 Wherefore he says, When he ascended up on
high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Holy Spirit day of Pentecost) KJV
2 Corinthians 5:8 - Absent from the Body Present
with the Lord
8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. (NKJV)
8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. (NKJV)
Luke 16:23 – Un-Believers in Hades have Awareness
and Torment
23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. (NIV2011)
23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. (NIV2011)
Luke 16:26 -
Hell – There
is NO EXIT
26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, NOR CAN ANYONE CROSS OVER FROM THERE TO US.’ (NIV2011)
26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, NOR CAN ANYONE CROSS OVER FROM THERE TO US.’ (NIV2011)
Last
Thoughts
- If
we have a second chance then why obey God at all?
- The Book says we will be judged by the deeds done
while in the body… This would not be true if we got a second chance when
we were dead and out of the body.
This is a slippery slope as you would then have to embrace reincarnation
to get another body to be judged in.
- The Book says that when the Rich man died and went
to Hell and the Beggar died and went to Abraham’s Bosom or Paradise; they
had already been judged and their destination had been FIXED at their death.
- The Book says; NOW is the time of God’s
favor, NOW is the day of
Salvation; once we die we are judged. – Even ONE SIN would keep us out of
heaven. – Jesus atoned for ALL of our sins, past, present and future; ALL
of our sins, and has given us almost innumerable chances in this
lifetime TO ACCEPT His payment on the
cross to deliver us from the wrath of God. -- NYOBS 72.02 - THE CROSS - ICHTHUS
- Two Deaths - There are actually
two deaths; Physical and Spiritual, but the believer only
experiences the first; the physical death; the Un-believer and the Make-believer
experiences both. – NYOBS 22.02
ARMAGEDDON
- Books
are opened
and
There is NO Second
Chance, but there is a Second Death.
Hebrews 9:27 – We destined
to die once and then the judgment
27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, (NIV2011)
27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, (NIV2011)
2 Corinthians 6:2 NOW is
the time of Salvation & God’s favor
2 For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, NOW is the time of God’s favor, NOW is the day of salvation. (NIV2011)
2 For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, NOW is the time of God’s favor, NOW is the day of salvation. (NIV2011)
Revelation 21:8 – THE SECOND DEATH
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (KJV)
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (KJV)
Revelation 20:14 - Those
in Hell experience the Second Death
14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (NKJV)
14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (NKJV)
Revelation 20:6 – The
Believer does not see the Second Death
6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. (NIV2011)
6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. (NIV2011)
John 20:29 – BLESSED; THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SEEN
AND YET BELIEVE
29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (ESV)
29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (ESV)
Romans 2:13 – Salvation is
not knowing the law, its obedience
13 For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. (NLT)
13 For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. (NLT)
In the
multitude of counselors,
there is wisdom.
Proverbs 11:14
I am grateful to those that went before me
providing concepts, ideas, historical
information, and scripture verses. Because of them I can stand on their
shoulders
and see further that I otherwise ever could
have.
A Commentary; Critical,
Experimental and Practical - Eerdmans
All the Women of the Bible – Edith
Deen
Antiquity of the Jews – Flavius
Josephus Matthias
Apocrypha – Goodspeed
Baker Commentary on the
Bible – Elwell
Bible Almanac; The – Packer-Tenney-White
Bible Commentary – F.B. Meyer
Bible Dictionary – Harper and Row
Bible Dictionary – Nelson’s
Bible Hub.com
Dake’s Annotated Bible – Dake
English Standard Version
Bible – ESV
Expositor’s Bible
Commentary – Frank E. Gaebelein
Forgotten Books of Eden; The – World
Illustrated Bible
Dictionary; The – Tyndale
Interlinear Greek-English
New Testament - Baker
King James Version Bible –
KJV
Lost Books of the Bible; The - World
Lost Books of the Bible; The - Bell
Matthew Henry’s Commentary - Zondervan
Missing Books of the Bible; The – Halo Press
Mysteries of the Bible – Readers Digest
Nag Hammadi Library; The – James M. Robinson
Nave’s Topical Bible - Zondervan
New International
Dictionary of the Bible; The – Douglas -
Tenney
New International Version
Bible (2011) – NIV
NOTE: The “new” NIV has been corrupted & made gender
neutral. AVOID IT.
Secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls – Hugh J.
Schonfield
Thru the Bible – J. Vernon
McGee
Vincent’s Word Studies of
the New Testament – Mac Donald
Who’s Who in the Bible – Paul D. Gardner
Wycliffe Bible Commentary;
The – Pfeiffer & Harrison
Wikipedia –
Zondervan Pictorial
Encyclopedia of the Bible; The – Tenney
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