(08/14/2019) Spirits Of The Dead

Today, reply is on existence, life, and whether spirits of the dead actually exist. Mortality and death pertain to the state of the physical body more than to the influence of spirit on the process and substance of life. The deposit of spirit that operates as life within both Christians and sinners is understood as different from the spirit that appears as religion, or the imparted spirit from the makeup of GOD provided for rebirth and salvation in those becoming born again. While there is much disagreement among Christians regarding the place where ones life spirit is located or resides after leaving a physical body (e.g., limbo, purgatory, the place of torment), many nonetheless agree that ones spirit continues to exist, and will at some point re-occupy its own form (body). It is written: Romans 8: 22-23, King James Version (KJV): 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Skittles” (Level 3 with 1,672 points, a member since May 12, 2012) posted the following:

Does spirits of the dead really exist?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (for we walk by faith, not by sight.) (2nd Corinthians 5: 1-7, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Present With The Lord (08/05/2019); Death Used in Salvation (06/28/2019); Two Uses For Resurrection (05/01/2019); Challenged To Explain Resurrection (10/08/2018); The Comfort Through Christ? (01/13/2017); Signs From The Dead? (01/15/2017); Life Is GOD’s Intent (11/15/2016); Discovered Differences? (09/18/2015); Spirit, Spirit Beings, Spirit Persons? (10/13/2015)

“Skittles”, here are some thoughts you may find helpful. Mature Christians do not acknowledge apparitions, ghosts, phantoms, and occult creatures. As a matter of their faith and full understanding, many agree that where life essence (we also say, breath; spirit; word) has been imparted from GOD to inhabit flesh and blood, a created being or creature is produced who displays consciousness, existence, and life. GOD must be joined with a material body for there to be “a living soul.” Material things may exist having neither consciousness nor life (e.g., a cardboard box; a corpse; a stone idol). Even so, all material things that exist occupy measurable amounts of space, and may register as a focus or object in the consciousness of the living.

Spirit can not be known completely and correctly, or manipulated using only such finite human tools as intellect, logic, sensation, recall, and thought. Spirit matter exists as unseen active presence; may display direction; and may of itself both concentrate and expand. The operations of Spirit become visible through its effects, and when Spirit embodies or uses multiple forms as vessels. Destroying a vessel that contains spirit matter does not always destroy its spirit content also. Because spirit substance is diffuse, immaterial, invisible, and immeasurable, many deny the existence of Spirit. In their error, they insist “spirit” has no authentic influence and power over the living.

Death is the completion of ones mortality; the loss of life; and the separation event where the spirit that allows the living to display direction, personhood, purpose, and self-will leaves the physical body. To comfort survivors of bereavement, mankind continues to use many diverse explanations and traditions that promote the continued existence of ones spirit, and therefore, possibilities for their life to be renewed and restored. Divine judgment requires resurrection of the dead, for all who appear before divinity must be alive. Consider again the following found among Christians that use language from the Bible:

1. Ecclesiastes 3: 18-22, King James Version (KJV): 18 I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. 19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. 20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. 21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? 22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

2. Ecclesiastes 12: 1-7, KJV: 1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; 2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: 3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, 4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low; 5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets: 6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. 7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. Revelation 20: 4-6, KJV: 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/18/2015) Discovered Differences?

Today, response is shared for a discussion on paradise, purgatory and teachings within the Scriptures on the place and state of the dead.  Principles for answering supposed contradictions found in Scripture as well as differences among accounts and doctrines are considered.  Linjo Eveline who participates with me in THE BIBLE STUDY GROUP (a Public Group on Facebook presently having 19,656 members), invited comments by sharing a presentation that included the following at about 11: 41am on August 18, 2015:


please borthers and sisters l realy wish to know if there is a place call PURGATRY where if u die with sin u will stay there then ur family will pray so that God should fogive your sins?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.  (1st Thessalonians 4:  13-18, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Living Baptized for the Dead? (03/27/2015); Like a Thief? (12/01/2013); 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); Ghosts (09/02/2012); About Conversion (09/03/2012)


Linjo Eveline, be encouraged!  Holding to the principle that there are no contradictions within the Scriptures, believers still can identify differences, near repetitions and shifts that many take to be errors.  The Bible must be read with an eye to divine intent and eternal purpose.  Every attractive and pleasing idea may not be appropriate, for the holy writings contain many subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden shifts in meaning and value).  Those who exaggerate the significance of discovered differences often become excited and seek to discredit and dismiss the entire Bible.  Examples even are seen when a simple change in spelling occurs as with “Esaias” instead of “Isaiah”, “Cora” and “Kore” instead of “Korah”.  It is not that differences do not appear, rather, it is that—because our salvation is through grace, by faith, and not by works—discovered differences are often irrelevant, and not significant.  This truth also applies when considering differences among long-held doctrines and traditions such as those regarding the place and state of the dead.

The references to the bosom of Abraham and Paul praying for the dead are unfortunate, for they encourage ideas regarding the state of the dead that are in conflict with other teachings presented from the Scriptures.  For example, the state of the spirit separated from the body is indirectly described in the account of Saul using the witch of En-dor as a medium or vessel to contain the spirit of the prophet Samuel.  As surely as it is written, the dead praise not GOD, and lose all concern and interest for the things of the earth, spirits separated from flesh as living souls no longer may display character and personality they showed when living, and can not know or predict the future.  In the instance of Saul, Samuel repeated things that had been proclaimed while the prophet was alive that, in fact, had addressed Saul’s future.  Where touching a dead body renders a person unfit to participate in the community of believers, surely, having contact with a “dead” spirit renders a living person defiled.

Many of us assume that the spirit of a dead person remains in the coffin, and with the cadaver of the deceased.  However, when a spirit is separated from its body through death, the spirit does continue to exist.  The Scriptures only state that the spirit returns to GOD who gave it; and does not provide detail on an area or gathering place for spirits.  In accounts we have been given, there is no indication that spirits separated from flesh (many say, ghosts that exist through death and natural processes) roam the earth as do Satan and his followers (spirit beings created by divinity).  Thus, in the account of a man who ran amok among the tombs and had  a legion of unclean spirits, these were not spirits from the deceased; and the devils were not willing to inhabit the corpses buried there.

That a spirit can exist without a body is further shown by the account in Revelation where John of Patmos reported hearing souls beneath the altar in heaven that cry, “How long, O Lord, holy and true dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?”  These are described as having been lifted from the earth, and are understood as having gone through the complete process of their own final judgment; yet, they are not in full resurrection, and are awaiting the return to their physical body.

Many believers want to avoid the anxiety, depression, emotional pain, fear, and multiple errors that result by exaggerating our focus upon damnation, death, the dead and dying.  These are more likely to affirm that there is a spirit realm that compares to the spheres of life created for those upon the earth, and within heaven.  These unknowingly alter the teachings from the Apostle Paul that discuss resurrection and various differences in flesh and glory.  For the Christian believer, release from despair, gloom, morbidity, and pessimism are accomplished primarily by concentrating on the divine proclamations, promises and prophesies regarding our redemption, our salvation, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, his harvesting all believers from the earth as well as life in New Jerusalem and upon the earth made new.

There is much more that could be said, that should be carefully weighed, and spiritually taken into account.  (For example, we agree, one faith, one Lord, one baptism, one GOD and Father of all.  Yet, just as the harmony and peace of the church as the body of Christ does not result from believers all wearing the same type of clothing, having the same employer, or sharing the same marital status, unity in Christ is not an outcome of believers all agreeing on every question and topic, all ministering (e.g., hospitality, preaching, teaching) to others in the exact same way, or all placing the exact same emphasis upon the shared doctrines.  Disagreement with continued respect and diversity are  important to the fullness and richness of the church as a living expression of divinity.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/24/2013) Salted with Fire?

The uses of fire and salt when making sacrifices offered to GOD is a focus, today; and there is more on sin, atonement and salvation seen in the figure of Moses.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers UK and Ireland” using the ID “Lucis” (Level 4 with 2615 points, a member since 14 June 2013) posted the following:


Christians, explain "every one shall be salted with fire"?

Does this mean every Christian will go purgatory? Mark 9:49


THE BATTLE AXE:  Moses Killed? (09/23/2013)—  (6.)  While Moses was condemned as guilty by the sacred law that he would later be given because he had committed murder, Moses was received by GOD as if already having made atonement, because his inner spirit was meek, obedient, and pliable before GOD.  Through Moses, Christian believers further understand that salvation in Jesus Christ is by divine grace, and the imparting and indwelling of sacred substance from the person of GOD.  The Comforter (we also say, Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit, Spirit of Prophecy, Spirit of Truth) transforms ones inner content.  Inseparable aspects of divinity are bestowed including faith, holiness, humility, incorruption, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  In baptism, a believer is reborn having divine DNA, so to speak, and develops as one experiencing Christ from within.  This permits us to say, that spirit content and sacred substance are as vital to salvation as confession, repentance, blood sacrifice, and displays through physical actions, behavior, deeds, and good works.  See Leviticus 4:  22-26, Numbers 12:  3, Numbers 11:  16-17, Psalms 25:  9, Matthew 9:  13, Romans 3:  20 and 28, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  As for the oblation of the firstfruits, ye shall offer them unto the LORD:  but they shall not be burnt on the altar for a sweet savour.  And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering:  with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt.  And if thou offer a meat offering of thy firstfruits unto the LORD, thou shalt offer for the meat offering of thy firstfruits green ears of corn dried by the fire, even corn beaten out of full ears.  (Leviticus 2:  12-14, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Prophetic Demonstrations (09/06/2013); Why GOD Prayed to GOD (09/07/2013); The Bible and Stupid People (07/17/2013); The Need to Purify Heaven (01/17/2013); Purchased With Blood? (12/29/2012); The Law Not Flawed (12/30/2012)


“Lucis”, your question is about purgatory; however, here are some points I’d like you to consider about the salting of sacrifices that became clear through years of prayer and study of the holy writings.  In the same way every Christian will not be familiar with what I am about to share with you here (because we are on different levels of knowledge, maturity, understanding and zeal), every Christian does not endorse the teachings on purgatory:

(1.)  Just as today, in Bible times salt was used to flavor foods and enhance their taste.  However, also, salt could be used as currency (money); a medicine to control bleeding, or to clean and close wounds; and as a preservative to keep foods without ice and refrigeration.  Salt was a part of ones daily diet; and shared “eating of salt” was used to show welcome and hospitality.  Contracts and covenant agreements were made binding and official through the eating of salt and formal meals.  Salt also was used as a poison; and the fields would be sown with salt to utterly destroy an enemy’s ability to recover from the losses of war by planting their ground for food and cash crops.

(2.)  The priesthood, tabernacle, and services provided to the tribes of Jacob through Moses were patterned after the things in heaven as was the priesthood granted to Adam and to Abraham.  While sin was first discovered among the holy angels, animal sacrifices that transferred the aspect of life (blood) were first established upon the earth to demonstrate that a divine life essence must be provided to remove sin from the Sanctuary of GOD in both heaven and earth.

(3.)  Throughout the Scriptures burning and fire usually signifies cleansing, purging, and judgment.  Only operations performed by the Spirit of GOD accomplish expiation (punishment and sufferings that identify the presence of sin; restoration of relationship and trust after violations through sin).  Therefore, destruction of the defiled life essence is portrayed, and the sacrifice and use of blood are required for atonement.  In sacrifice, the otherwise common offering is made holy by contact with a consecrated altar—a holy table serving as a point of contact between heaven and earth.  Fire from GOD (and some would say, the blood of the Lamb) must come down to take up our gifts to GOD.  Sins placed upon the sacrifice are completely destroyed, while praise, thanksgivings and reverence are released, and lifted up as if a sweet aroma.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  These ideas should help as a beginning.  Some Scriptures for your study include Genesis 15:  7-18, Leviticus 2:  13, Mark 9:  50, Colossians 4:  6, and Isaiah 4:  4, KJV.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC