Some points are shared, today, on the place and state of the dead, and the full work of divinity for salvation. The doctrine that Jesus descended into hell in the time following his crucifixion and before his resurrection is based upon selected passages from the holy writings that can be easily misread. (See for example, 1st Peter 3: 18-20 and 1st Peter 4: 6, King James Version.) The point of such teaching is not to condemn Christ; rather, it is to describe the spiritual operations completed through his work as One Sent. With the Scriptures, there are many considerations that also should come into view. Apart from the Holy Spirit, no man may call Jesus “Lord”; and having the Spirit, none may call Jesus “accursed” (1st Corinthians 12: 3, KJV). There are no specific tests for discerning and recognizing the harrowing of hell as an authentic doctrine from the Father. Yet, as with all the truths that make up the Gospel, certainty and conviction can appear among those who are born again only as the product of their action, obedience, and service to fulfill the Father’s will. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Ruth” (Level 7 with 92,369 points, a member since December 04, 2010) posted the following:
How could Christ descend into hell, that to me is blasphemy, anyone else feel this way?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. (John 7: 16-18, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Not Told in Advance? (10/11/2014); Catholics, Protestants and the Trinity? (10/12/2014); Only While We Live? (12/02/2013); Reveal Himself To All? (12/03/2013); The Dead in Christ? (11/18/2013); Too Much Holy Spirit? (11/19/2013); Understanding Hell (01/09/2013); The Golden Age? (01/10/2013); After the Rapture? (11/01/2012); Opportunity to Repent (11/02/2012)
“Ruth”, here are a few points that have helped Christian believers overcome spiritual confusion:
(1.) There are many teachings that derive from the true principles of the Gospel that may only be received by faith and through operations of the Holy Spirit. That Christ died upon the cross, was buried, and was raised from the dead is only one facet of the many divine operations to accomplish our full salvation. Believers must also hold that the blood of Jesus is applied for atonement; that believers die and are raised with Christ through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit; rebirth from a divine endowment of Spirit); and that believers must accomplish a life of sanctification. More than this, Jesus is to be understood as coming under the full judgment against sin on behalf of those belonging to his kingdom; and this is accounted necessary to his complete work as our substitute, the Lamb of GOD that takes away the sin of the world.
(2.) Ideas describing hell as a place where the dead may communicate and interact with one another are not in accordance with the teachings of Scripture. The holy writings plainly state, the dead have no awareness, do not praise GOD, and may not serve divinity as angelic messengers. With this in view, Christ could not be active while in the grave.
(3.) The doctrine that Christ descended into the earth, instructed those who had lived upon the earth before his coming in the flesh as Jesus of Nazareth, supernaturally gathered and harvested those among the dead who had demonstrated faith, and returned to heaven accompanied by spirits is not accounted as farfetched. Where the Scriptures speak of elders and souls in heaven, many are confident that these were gathered when GOD appeared incarnate to mankind. Others are convinced these only received the Son of GOD—while they lived upon the earth—in the form of proclamations, promises and prophecies that had power to establish their unity with Christ through faith. Every believer must hold to the form of doctrine they themselves have received that establishes their own clear understanding without also contending against the conviction of others on such points as these, that can only have their resolution when the Savior returns to us.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) GOD is a GOD of the living; and it is not impossible for GOD to maintain those having the form of flesh within the heavens (not the grave, not the place of torment) as living persons. Thus, Moses and Elijah could appear to Jesus at the time of his transfiguration. Jesus is alive today, in the form of flesh, and continues to serve in the Temple of heaven as the High Priest, and is continuing the preparations for his second coming as well as for the completion of final judgment.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
No comments:
Post a Comment