revmrf

Aha! Some have uncovered another mystery of our faith! The problem that we have is to try to understand the full meaning of resurrection. Clear arguments can be given on both sides of this conversation. Much has been written on this subject: soul sleep, etc. by/from many Christian church traditions. Is it possible that both are correct? The sad part is that the Church has divided itself [i.e. separated from fellowship with each other] because of differing interpretations of this subject. We'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, I think we understand that we are to live out our faith in the calling that we have received. Of course, this is my opinion....

Tabatha, The Collossions verse above is a very important one to hang onto when addressed by those who question Jesus, the Christ's, divinity... along with what we're discovering in the Hebrews study.

Hebrews 1:2-3, indicates divinity by using the descriptives: God's heir, co-creator, reflector of divinity, exact representation of God's being, sustainer of all things (holds all together), sits at the right hand (privileged position) of Majesty. Seems to me that the Son is the implementor of God, the Father's, will.

'Son': Much more than metaphorical in usage or, in my opinion, even than a biological relationship. I believe that this is 'mystery.' By that I mean it's inexplicable ... cannot be fully explained. I say this because they [Father and Son (and Holy Spirit)] 'were.' They already 'were'... there before the beginning of creation [foundation of the world.] The Son's words carry more weight because of this co-existant/co-equal characteristic [see vv.2b - 3.]

Hi, I forgot to intoduce myself. Like some of you who are 'down east' I, too, live in New England except I live in Lyndon, Vermont... where it is still snowing on April 13! I've been married for 49 years, have three children and three grandchildren. I am retired clergy, but for a great portion of my life, I was a software engineer [computer work, that is.] Good study. Now I'm looking forward to the Hebrews study, Blessings, revmrf

I look forward to being with my loved ones once again, with my ancestors who have gone before me, and primarily to be in the presence of Jesus Christ praising the glorious Triune God. I think that we, in the U.S. are a death denying culture and tend not to think/consider much about death and the hereafter. We tend to focus on the here and now, with all its trappings. That was not always the case, for in years past we, personally, took care of the dying and prepared the loved one who had died for the grave. We were well acquainted with death and thought about it, relating it to our knowledge of the scriptures and its promises [that we've been discussing here.] Now we leave that for the funeral parlor and, often, are only confronted at the memorial service with the gospel and its promises of eternal life by the clergy. We grieve and then... go on our way until faced with death again.

I believe that our resurrection bodies will be virtually the same in attributes as Jesus' was, with the same non-limitational qualities that he had. The good question is: Because Jesus' body had scars and wounds, will ours have similar recognizable attributes? Ralph answers that Jesus' body was a special case for recognition purposes, implying that it won't be for us. Of that, I'm not so sure.... The point? Maybe living in this new dimension requires a 'new dimension body.'

Redemption of our bodies means that we [those who have put their faith in Christ] will be resurrected in bodily form, yet redeemed with attributes far superior than what we possess while here on earth: a body that is imperishable [non-deteriorating,] glorified [splendiforous!], with power [disease free, etc], and having a spiritual dimension such as what Jesus had after his resurrection.

After death, the Christian will be in the presence of God with Christ, awaiting the faithful that remain to come after their death, the completion of all of this will be in accordance with God's time/timing and purpose.

The Bible uses the word "resurrection" for "rapture" is not found anywhere in any biblical text. The Christ will appear; the angelic trumpet will call/announce; God's people will be gathered [the dead and then those still alive;] all will appear before the judgement seat; then those chosen shall enter into glory.

The 'hope' is a secure one - a promise - secured by Jesus' own resurrection from the dead. So our time/work for the Lord has the surety of completion because it is, after all, the Lord's work and he is in charge, in control, taking the responsibility for completion from our own hands, and, no matter how things may seem at present, the ultimate harvest and assurance of well being is by his own methods at his own timing. "So let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me. In my father's house there are many rooms... Let not your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid." Jn 14.1-2; 14.27

The scripture promises a physical resurrection for the believer who will be in the presence of Jesus, the Christ. Jesus, as fully human as well as fully divine, is the 1st one to be alive for ever and ever. Lazurus and Jairus' daughter were brought back to life from death, but they did not have the glorified body as Christ did upon his resurrection. Also, they both died, finally. However the promise of everlasting life is for them as with all believers in Christ. The promis that Jesus is the 'firstfruits' and the 'firstborn' indicates that more are to follow... that's us folks!

Hi Sandy, Would you consider rephrasing "God is a spirit" in the above to read "God is Spirit"? I believe you might acknowledge that there is a difference.

The picture of being immersed in the baptismal water juxtaposed with being immersed in the grave moves to being raised up out of the water and raised [resurrected] from the grave. From life, to death, to new life in Christ. The old has become new. Christ in us gives us the new dimension of his spiritual power.

It is by his death that he took our place on the cross and became sin that we might become righteous or right with God. His resurrection and his place at the right hand of God interceding for us assures us of our salvation.. for who could better be our ultimate intercessor other than Jesus. Otherwise, we would have to rely on our good works vs our bad works [sin] on the balance scale. Speaking for myself, I know which way the scale would tip...