Resurrection and Judgment – Part 2

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation…of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Heb 6:1, 2

We began considering our text above last week, and the Lord really blessed our study!  This text shows how important it is to properly understand the doctrines concerning the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment because they are foundational to our faith.  My plan had been to consider three simple questions last week, but our study was so rich that we only had time to deal with the first one!

1) What is the state of the physically dead right now?

In answering this question, the story of the rich man and the beggar Lazarus in Lk 16:22-31 is most helpful.  Because the passage reveals that the rich man’s brothers are still alive, clearly this account takes place following natural death but before the general resurrection.  In other words, this text gives us an understanding of the state of the physically dead right now.  We can draw the following conclusions concerning the departed:

  • The wicked man is in a state of suffering (Lk 16:22-23 “in torments”) and is experiencing sensation as if had a body.  It is like being burned (“cool my tongue”, “tormented in this flame” v. 24).
  • In contrast, the righteous man is experiencing satisfaction and comfort (v. 25).
  • The torment of the wicked is further enhanced because they can see the comfort of the righteous but cannot pass to where they are (v. 26).
  • There is no opportunity of escape for the wicked.  Even though the rich man is suffering, he recognizes there’s no point in asking that he be sent back from the dead (which would relieve his suffering) and so instead asks Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers (v. 27).
  • This existence is one without interaction with the living (neither the rich man nor Lazarus could have any effect on the living brothers unless raised from the dead).  Paul said it was more helpful to the church for him to be alive in the flesh in Ph 1:24. What does that tell us about the saints involvement with the church after death? There is none! Paul needed to be physically alive to benefit them! So what are the implications of this fact for those that talk to dead saints or think the dead are watching over them?

One final important point that we can gather from other passages concerning the state of the physically dead is that our dead brothers and sisters in Christ are even now His presence!  2 Co 5:6-8 says “…while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord…We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” In Ph 1:23-24, Paul says he’s between a rock and hard place because he knows it’s better for the church for him to remain alive, but he has a strong desire for death because then he would “be with Christ.”  Finally, we hear the precious words of our Savior as he promises the thief hanging on the cross next to Him that “today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Lk 23:43)

I’m excited to see where the Lord will take us this week as we continue looking at our topic.  We have two more questions to answer, so be prepared to share any relevant Scripture that you may have.  Remember, our next questions are:

2) What happens at the resurrection?

3) Will the wicked suffer eternally?

See you tomorrow, Lord willing…

Jamie

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