12/9/19

Did Jesus Go to Hell? Did He Preach to Spirits in Prison? by Dave Miller, Ph.D.



Did Jesus Go to Hell? Did He Preach to Spirits in Prison?

by Dave Miller, Ph.D.
A significant misconception that has prevailed through the centuries within Christendom has been the idea that Jesus went to hell after His crucifixion, prior to His resurrection. The creedal statements of historic Christianity are largely responsible for generating this notion. For example, the Apostles’ Creed affirmed belief in Jesus on the following terms: “Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; He descended into hell, the third day He rose again from the dead” (emp. added). The Athanasian Creed states: “He suffered death for our salvation. He descended into hell and rose again from the dead” (emp. added). “Church Fathers” and Reformers toyed with this viewpoint. John Calvin, in his voluminous Institutes of the Christian Religion, treated the subject at length (1599, II.16.8-12). Calvin cited earlier theologians who agreed with him, including Hilary in his On the Trinity (IV.xlii; III.xv). The renowned medieval Catholic theologian, Thomas Aquinas, held a similar view (Summa Theol. III. 52. 5). The apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus, which dates from the fifth century A.D., claims that Jesus descended into hell and retrieved all the Old Testament saints, including Adam, David, Habakkuk, and Isaiah (see James, 1924, pp. 125ff.).
Further impetus for confusion was generated by the English translations of the 16th and 17th centuries, due to translator confusion regarding the technical distinctions that exist between the pertinent Greek terms. Specifically, the Greek term hades generally was equated with gehenna. Hades refers to the intermediate state of the dead (disembodied spirits) who are awaiting the Judgment. Gehenna, on the other hand, refers to the location of the final state of the wicked after the Judgment. This confusion culminated in the King James Version’s rendering of hades as “hell” in all ten of its occurrences in the New Testament (Matthew 11:23; 16:18; Luke 10:15; 16:23; Acts 2:27,31; Revelation 1:18; 6:8; 20:13,14). Rendering hades as “hell” in Acts 2:27,31 leaves the reader with the impression that when Jesus exited His physical body on the cross, He went to hell. The first English translation to maintain the distinction between hades and gehenna was the English Revised Version and its subsequent American counterpart, the American Standard Version of 1901 (Lewis, 1981, p. 64).
In 1 Peter 3:18-20, a most curious reference appears on the surface to be an affirmation that Jesus descended into the spirit realm and preached to deceased people. However, a close consideration of the grammar will clarify the passage. First, the preaching referred to was not done by Jesus in His own person. The text says Jesus did the preaching through the Holy Spirit: “…the Spirit, by whom…” (v. 18-19). [“My Spirit” (Genesis 6:3) = the Spirit of God = the Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9; Ephesians 2:17).] Other passages confirm that Jesus was said to do things that He actually did through the instrumentality of others (John 4:1-2; Ephesians 2:17). Nathan charged King David: “You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword” (2 Samuel 12:9), when, in fact, David had ordered it done by another. Elijah accused Ahab of killing Naboth, using the words, “Have you murdered and also taken possession?” (1 Kings 21:19), even though his wife, Jezebel, arranged for two other men to accomplish the evil action. Paul said Jesus preached peace to the Gentiles (Ephesians 2:17), when, in fact, Jesus did so through others, since He, Himself, already had returned to heaven when the first Gentiles heard the Gospel (Acts 15:7). So the Bible frequently refers to someone doing something that he, in fact, did through the agency of another person.
In fact, within the book of 1 Peter itself, Peter already had made reference to the fact that the Spirit “testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow” (1 Peter 1:11). But it was the prophets who did the actual speaking (vs. 10). Then, again in chapter 4, Peter stated that “the gospel was preached also to those who are dead” (1 Peter 4:6). Here were individuals who had the Gospel preached to them while they were alive (“in the flesh”), and who responded favorably by becoming Christians. But then they were “judged according to men in the flesh,” i.e., they were treated harshly and condemned to martyrdom by their contemporaries. At the time Peter was writing, they were “dead,” i.e., deceased and departed from the Earth. But Peter said they “live according to God in the spirit,” i.e., they were alive and well in spirit form in the hadean realm in God’s good graces.
Second, when did Jesus do this preaching through the Holy Spirit? Notice in verse 20, the words “formerly” (NKJV) and “when”—“when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah.” So the preaching was done in the days of Noah by Jesus through the Holy Spirit Who, in turn, inspired Noah’s preaching (2 Peter 2:5).
Third, why are these people to whom Noah preached said to be “spirits in prison”? Because at the time Peter was writing the words, that is where those people were situated. Those who were drowned in the Flood of Noah’s day descended into the hadean realm, where they continued to reside in Peter’s day. This realm is the same location where the rich man was placed (Luke 16:23), as were the sinning angels (“Tartarus”—2 Peter 2:4). However, Jesus did not go to “prison” or “Tartarus.” He said He went to “Paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Fourth, why would Jesus go to hades and preach only to Noah’s contemporaries? Why would He exclude those who died prior to the Flood? What about those who have died since? Since God is no “respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11), Jesus would not have singled out Noah’s generation to be the recipients of preaching in the spirit realm.
Fifth, what would have been the content of such preaching? Jesus could not have preached the whole Gospel in its entirety. That Gospel includes the resurrection of Jesus (Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:4). However, at the time the alleged preaching was supposed to have occurred, Jesus had not yet been raised!
The notion of people being given a second opportunity to hear the Gospel in the afterlife is an extremely dangerous doctrine that is counterproductive to the cause of Christ. Why? It potentially could make people think they can postpone their obedience to the Gospel in this life. Yet the Bible consistently teaches that no one will be permitted a second chance. This earthly life has been provided by God for all human beings to determine where they wish to spend eternity. That decision is made by each individual based upon personal conduct. Once a person dies, his eternal destiny has been cinched. He is “reserved for judgment” (2 Peter 2:4; cf. vss. 9,17). His condition will not and cannot be altered—even by God Himself (Luke 16:25-26; Hebrews 9:27).

REFERENCES

Calvin, John (1599), Institutes of the Christian Religion, trans. Henry Beveridge (London: Arnold Hatfield).
James, M.R., trans. (1924), The Apocryphal New Testament (Oxford: Clarendon Press).
Lewis, Jack (1981), The English Bible From KJV to NIV (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker).

"THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES" The Preacher's Search For Meaning - I (1:4-18) by Mark Copeland 



"THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES"

The Preacher's Search For Meaning - I (1:4-18)

INTRODUCTION

1. Why am I here?  What am I to be doing?
   a. These are questions that nearly everyone asks at some point in their life
   b. They are questions the author of Ecclesiastes sought to address

2. In our introductory lesson we saw...
   a. The author identified - 1:1
      1) The Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem
      2) I.e., Solomon
   b. The theme stated - 1:2
      1) All is vanity
      2) I.e., life from an earthly perspective ("under the sun") is 
         futile, meaningless - 1:14
   c. The question raised - 1:3
      1) What profit is there for a man from all his labor under the sun?
      2) I.e., what benefit can one derive from all his efforts in this life?

3. In the first two chapters, Solomon demonstrates how he came to this
   conclusion
   a. From his observations regarding the cyclical nature of life and
      its apparent meaningless
   b. From his own experiences as he sought to find meaning through
      various avenues

[As we continue to listen to the "Preacher", then, we find him describing...]

I. THE FUTILITY OBSERVED IN THE CYCLES OF LIFE

   A. NOTHING SEEMS TO CHANGE - 1:4-7
      1. The earth appears to abide forever, even as generations of men
         come and go
      2. The sun is constant with its rising and setting
      3. The winds continue their whirling cycle
      4. The water cycle also, as rivers run into the seas, and then
         through evaporation and rain return to the rivers again
      -- Looking at nature, it seems nothing ever changes, it just goes
         in circles and remains the same!

   B. NOTHING SEEMS TO SATISFY - 1:8
      1. Despite all our labors, man is never truly satisfied
      2. What satisfaction one may think they have is only apparent and
         fleeting
      3. Given time, they soon desire something else

   C. NOTHING IS NEW UNDER THE SUN - 1:9-11
      1. What will be done is that which has been done
      2. If thought to be new, it is only because we have forgotten 
         what occurred before
         a. What about our modern technological advances?
         b. What about the technology that created the pyramids, Stonehedge, etc.?
      -- Given time, future civilizations will forget what we are doing
         today, and only "rediscover" what has been learned again and again!

[Faced with what appeared to be such meaningless cycles in life, the
"Preacher" sought to determine man's true purpose.  He first shares 
with us his own experience with...]

II. THE FUTILITY OF HUMAN WISDOM

   A. THE PREACHER PREFACES HIS SEARCH - 1:12-15
      1. He was king over Israel in Jerusalem
         a. I.e., Solomon
         b. Who had been given wisdom from God - 1Ki 3:9-12; 4:29-34
      2. He determined to use such wisdom to seek and search all that
         has been done "under heaven"
         a. A task that he understood God had given to all men
         b. A task for which he knew he had been especially equipped
      3. He summarizes what he found, having seen all the works done
         "under the sun"
         a. He concludes they are vanity and grasping for wind
         b. For there is little one can do to make significant changes

   B. THE PREACHER APPLIED HIS GOD-GIVEN WISDOM - 1:16-17a
      1. He acknowledged the greatness and wisdom he had attained
         a. In answer to prayer, Solomon had attained great wisdom
            1) Again, cf. 1Ki 3:9-12
            2) Compare this also to Jm 1:5
         b. This is "God-given wisdom", to be contrasted with "human wisdom"
      2. He therefore sought to apply it to wisdom, madness, and folly
         a. The "wisdom" here I believe is "human wisdom" (e.g., philosophy)
         b. For this is wisdom that he set his heart to know (learn)

   C. THE PREACHER CONCLUDES HUMAN WISDOM IS FUTILE - 1:17b-18
      1. He perceived that such wisdom was like grasping for wind, it
         did not provide the answer to his problem
      2. He also saw that such wisdom and knowledge provides much grief
         and sorrow
         a. As we might say today, it provides "information overload"
         b. One becomes burdened as they learn of many things in life
            1) Things they have no control over
            2) Yet things they often worry over

CONCLUSION

1. In beginning his search for meaning, the wise Preacher naturally
   began with wisdom...
   a. Thus he set his heart to "know wisdom"
   b. But he found such wisdom to be "grasping for the wind"

2. I do not believe we are to take his words as an indictment against
   all wisdom...
   a. For there is a "God-given wisdom" for which one should seek 
      - cf. Pr 2:1-9; Jm 1:5
   b. This kind of wisdom can bless one's life - cf. Pr 3:13-18

3. But it is an indictment against "human wisdom"...
   a. A wisdom that seeks to understand life, but leaves God out of the picture
   b. A wisdom that can only leave one "grasping for the wind"

In our next study, we shall continue with the Preacher's "search for 
meaning" and notice his observations regarding pleasure, madness, and folly.

In the meantime, remember what Paul wrote in contrasting human wisdom
with God's wisdom:

   But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom 
   from God; and righteousness and sanctification and redemption;
   that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the
   LORD." (1Co 1:31)

Have you accepted and obeyed the true wisdom from God, Jesus Christ,
who gives meaning and purpose for life?


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The Bible’s Amazing Unity by Eric Lyons, M.Min.






The Bible’s Amazing Unity

by Eric Lyons, M.Min.
Imagine asking an actress from Hollywood, a farmer from Oklahoma, and a restaurant manager from Alabama to write an essay about the causes of the Civil War. Even though they would all write at the same time about a war that occurred less than 200 years ago, numerous differences would be obvious. The Hollywood actress might say the war was a result of slavery. The restaurant manager may assert the war was about states’ rights. And the farmer from Oklahoma might claim that the war was because of stubbornness on both sides—the North and South. The point is, these three individuals likely would have many different things to say about the war.
When we compare ordinary human authors to the writers of the Bible, we realize that the Bible truly is an amazing book written by men who were inspired by God. Considering it was written by approximately 40 different writers over a period of about 1,600 years (1500 B.C. to A.D. 100) and contains no contradictions in its original form, one has to admit that the Bible is no ordinary book. From Genesis through Revelation the theme is Jesus Christ—His coming, His presence, and His return. Yet, the Bible writers were as different as the Hollywood actress and the Oklahoma farmer. Some were fishermen, some were farmers, some were military leaders, and some were kings. Some wrote in the Hebrew language, while others wrote in Aramaic or Greek. Some of the Bible writers penned letters while traveling, and others while in prison. Yet when we look at the Bible, it shows amazing unity—unity that can be explained only by the fact that Bible writers were guided by the Holy Spirit.
Truly then, as the apostle Paul wrote nearly 2,000 years ago, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The Bible is Still the Favorite by Kyle Butt, M.Div.



The Bible is Still the Favorite

by Kyle Butt, M.Div.
According to a recent Harris Poll, the Bible continues to be the number-one, favorite book in the United States. The survey was based on a sampling of 2,513 adults (“Bible is America’s...,” 2008). The second-favorite book varied among age groups and other factors, but the Bible swept first place in every age group, ethnic group, and among both genders.
The fact that the Bible remains the favorite book is encouraging. It shows that the majority of citizens in our country are willing to put forth some effort to obtain a Bible, read it, and understand the concepts found therein. When the moral landscape of our country is surveyed, however, it seems that most who claim that the Bible is their favorite book do not put into practice the moral concepts contained in the sacred volume.
It is time Americans take their affinity for the Bible to the next level by obeying its commandments. Concerning God’s commandments given to Israel, Moses wrote: “Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people’” (Deuteronomy 4:6, emp. added). In order for the United States of America to be a “wise and understanding people,” we must determine to put into practice the teachings found in our favorite book—the Bible.

REFERENCES

“Bible is America’s Favorite Book: Poll” (2008), [On-line], URL: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080408/lf_nm_life/reading_survey_dc;_ylt=

The Bible and a Little Detail by Kyle Butt, M.Div.






The Bible and a Little Detail

by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

If the Bible really is the Word of God, then we should expect it to be totally accurate. Not only should it be able to get the “big” details right, like the emperors of Rome or the locations of major cities, but it should be equally as accurate with smaller details like names of specific, obscure people, or details concerning foods or local customs.
When we critically analyze the Bible in regard to these “little” details, it quickly becomes apparent that the Bible shows the same fidelity in these small areas as it does in those that would be considered much larger. For instance, in Acts 10:6, the Bible notes that the apostle Peter was staying with a man named Simon, who was a tanner. The text also explains that Simon’s house was “by the sea.” What is the significance of Simon’s house being by the sea?
Tanning, the process of making usable leather from animal hides, was an extremely distasteful job to many in the first century. Because the process often involved decaying animal skins and the use of animal feces, ancient tanning was extremely foul-smelling. In order to process hides for tanning and clean the foul-smelling agents away, tanners need large amounts of water. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia states: “Simon’s house was by the seashore, as is true of the tanneries along the Syrian coast today, so that the foul-smelling liquors from the vats can be drawn off with the least nuisance, and so that the salt water may be easily accessible for washing the skins during the tanning process” (“Tanner,” emp. added). Where would you have expected a tanner to live in the first century?—by the sea, exactly where Simon’s house was said to have been in Acts 10 (see Jackson, 1986, p. 64).
Regardless of the “size” of the detail, the biblical writers were perfect. The tiny details that fill the inspired text are exactly what we expect from a book that was authored by the omnipotent, infallible Creator.

REFERENCES

Jackson, Wayne (1986), Background Bible Study (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press).
“Tanner” (no date), International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, [On-line], URL: http://www.bible-history.com/isbe/T/TANNER/.

INHERITED SIN, SIN NATURE, AND TOTALLY DEPRAVITY? BY STEVE FINNELL



INHERITED SIN, SIN NATURE, AND TOTALLY DEPRAVITY?  BY STEVE FINNELL


According to those who believe in the doctrine of original sin, because Adam sinned, all men are born guilty of sin, with a sin nature, and totally depraved, and void of free-will to do good or resist evil.

If all men are born guilty of sin, then the 57,000,000 million babies who have been killed by abortion are on their way to hell. Babies are babies before they are born. Unborn babies have no chance to believe and be baptized in order to be saved. The truth is babies are not guilty of Adam's sin. People who sin are guilty of sin. Adam was guilty of his sin. Men are not guilty of sin until they reach an age of accountability. Babies born nor babies unborn do not know right from wrong. They are not sinners.

Are all people born with a sinful nature and totally depraved? Do men have the ability to choose right from wrong?
 Can men choose good and resist evil? Do men have free-will?

Luke 1:5-6 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.(NKJV)

If all people are born with a sin nature and are totally depraved, then how could Zacharias and Elizabeth be righteous and blameless before the Lord?

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.(NKJV)

How was it possible for Job to be blameless, upright, and resist evil, if he was born with a sin nature, totally depraved, and without free-will?

1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him." But the people answered him not a word.(NKJV)

Why did Elijah offer the people a choice to follow God or Baal if the all the people were born with a sin nature, totally depraved, and unable to choose between good and evil?


The truth is men do not inherit the guilt Adam's sin. Men are not born with a sin nature and totally depraved. Men have free-will. 

If I Be Lifted Up by B. Johnson





If I Be Lifted Up


“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man” (John 12:32-34)?
It was obvious that the Jews did not understand that the Messiah was to be crucified before he could come into his kingdom, nor did they understand who the “Son of man” was. John 3:14 speaks about Moses lifting up the serpent on the pole in the wilderness, and we see a clear comparison between that action and Jesus being lifted up. Those who sinned could come for healing.
Again in John 8:28, Jesus proclaimed to the Jews that he was indeed sent from the Father. He told them they would know him truly after they had lifted him up. Only then would they understand that he was the Messiah, the Son of God. Basically he was saying that after he was crucified and had risen again, he would attract and enlighten both Jews and Gentiles. The term ‘will draw’ is also used in John 6:44. It was to be one of the peculiar characteristics of the Messiah, that unto him should be the gathering of the people, Genesis 49:10. Our Lord also refers to the prophecy in Isaiah 11:10, which particularly belonged to the Gentiles:
Jesus taught that he would incline all kinds of men; or make the way open by the cross, so that all men could come. He was to provide a way which would present a strong motive or inducement, the strongest that can be presented to all men, to come to him. The language used is that of kings, commanders and regiments of colors which are elevated on high places on long poles, so that the people might see the pavilion of their general, and therefore flock to his standard. Jesus pointed the way for all mankind to come to him through the cross.
How would Jesus draw all men to himself?
  • He would die for all (be lifted up on the cross) so he could call men to live for him and for the Father who instituted such a plan (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
  • His crucifixion (lifting up) calls all men to himself to be redeemed (Titus 2:14).
  • Jesus would be lifted up so that all men everywhere would know he was the Christ (John 8:28).
  • Jesus would also show all men that he loves the Father by obeying his command to be lifted up (John 14:31; John 10:17-18).
  • Today, because Jesus was lifted up, he draws all men to follow him (1 Peter 2:18-21).
Beth Johnson
The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The King James Version.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

UP by Gary Rose




Why would they live “a lot differently”? Well, obviously they would be spending more time outdoors and stay up later – they might become “night-owls”, but that is a minor change and not really an answer. As I ponder this, I once again looked at the picture; notice that direction- UP; they are looking up. Most of the time we look at things around us and become temporarily preoccupied by whatever catches our fancy. We don’t really concentrate on something other than our interests, which is another way of saying – OURSELVES. In fact, just think about: How much of our lives revolve around us? Honestly, probably far too much. When we look UP, really look UP, then we are forced to put ourselves into the proper relationship with the world. We are indeed small. The universe is vast and in reality, beyond our comprehension. And the most beneficial effect of looking UP? Well, consider the eighth Psalm…


Psalm 8 ( World English Bible )
[3] When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained; [4] what is man, that you think of him? What is the son of man, that you care for him? [5] For you have made him a little lower than God, and crowned him with glory and honor. [6] You make him ruler over the works of your hands. You have put all things under his feet: [7] All sheep and cattle, yes, and the animals of the field, [8] The birds of the sky, the fish of the sea, and whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
[9] Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!


The heavens reveal the work of God and the role of mankind, that of a caretaker. We do not own this world, we put here to care for it. Once we realize this, we must naturally consider who put us in this position and that answer is God. For me, looking UP was first step in my search for truth. The next step was searching the Bible for truth, which has become a rewarding lifelong quest. I pray that the heavens above will lead you to the same glorious quest. 

Remember: keep looking UP!

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