Genesis 37:5-11, Genesis 40:5-22, Genesis 41, Deuteronomy 13:1-4, Job 7:14, Jeremiah 29:8, sometimes dreams come because of movies we watched, "you caused to be dreamed" Ecclesiastes 5:3,
Genesis 20:3, Numbers 12:6, Jeremiah 23:28, Matthew 1:20, Matthew 2:12,13,19,22, Books of Daniel 2, 4, 7, Matthew 27:19,
Not sure who had answered & given scripture, but hopefully I can help.
Matthew 8,
Matthew 8:4, 1st "Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man;" why._._ Mark 5:24, Mark 3:7-10, John 6:15, John 7:3-8, John 6:2,26, John 12:37,
2nd part of Matthew 8:4, gift to the priests Moses commanded, Leviticus 13,
3rd part of Matthew 8:4 for a testimony to them, prophecy fulfilling, Isaiah 53, Psalms 22, Job 14:7, Isaiah 11:1, Zechariah 3:8-9, Jeremiah 33:15, John 15:4,
Matthew 8:11-12 = Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:2, Matthew 27:11, Romans 1:6,
Jesus suffered and died on the cross for our salvation, if I may suggest that you read Hebrews chapter 10 and it explains the necessity of Jesus dying on the cross.
John 19:19, Matthew 27:40-42, Mark 15:30-32, 1 Corinthians 1:18, Hebrews 12:2
I agreed with what you posted on the flesh Jesus was born in, the same as the first Adam, without the stain of sin which comes the penalty of death. Jesus started just like the first Adam and as the first Adam being pure without sin and death had no hold on him, he could obey or disobey. He chose to disobey; the last Adam chose to obey.
When God made the covenant with Israel, it was a covenant of works, obeying the commandments of God that Adam failed to do. Because of Adam's sin, we are born corrupt and cannot please God apart from grace. For this covenant to be fulfilled a man had to live his entire life without sin, a perfect life. Jesus was not only tempted by Satan He was tempted as you and I, His entire life, Hebrews 2:14-18
If Jesus was incapable of sinning, the fulfillment of the law and the covenant would be a farce.
The other part of your reply involves Luke 16, and the thief next to Jesus, I am sorry I do not agree, my understanding is different.
What you said, "at the last minute to shut the mouth of unbelievers" He did. If we look at John 8:24-28, we see in Matthew 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. Their mouths were shut.
In addition I think of the Earthquake while Jesus was on the cross, also fitting. Matthew 27:51-54, Luke 23:44-47, Mark 13:24,
Recently I was studying the words Jesus said "Moses wrote of ME'' John 5:46, & I've been amazed how many times I've found references for sure understanding now, clearly there I hadn't seen beforehand.
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord as when the silver cord is broken. You do have a soul and spirit, but you will also be given a new body which is changed which originated from the flesh. But, now will be changed and raised up immortal as written in 1 Corinthians 15:49-53
Your soul & spirit are with Christ who is raised up already. Why do the ones martyred ask the Lord how much longer if the dead cannot speak (speaking of course their dead old flesh bodies). The old flesh body is asleep - but the soul & spirit are awake and praise God alive.
God is not the God of the dead but Is the God of the living! Paradise is not where we are not conscious or asleep.
Where is Christ now? We'll He died and took our death! Praise God we will be with Him in our last second when our flesh body passes away as our soul & spirit ascends to be with Him and forevermore. Plus we get to be with Him now because He will never leave us or forsake us and is with us!
We are "NEW" creatures.
Also, it says as He is "NOW" so are we in this world. Also, says that we are seated already with Him in heavenly places. Our flesh body is the only thing down here that needs to be raised or change similar to this age as it will also wear out like an old garment. The flesh body is the only thing left down here that needs to be translated.
He is coming soon so Praise God the dead in Christ will rise first like it was before so shall it be again similar to Matthew 27:52 except those then were not yet with Christ till after His death when He set the captives free!
May God bless and May we all look to Jesus and praise Him!
Here are several scriptures I found about death & after death : James 2:26, Ecclesiasticus 38:23, Ecclesiasticus 22:11, 2 Maccabees 7:36, 2 Maccabees 12:44, Ecclesiasticus 10:11, Ecclesiasticus 17:28, Baruch, 2:17, Psalms 88:10, Psalms 115:11, Ecclesiastes 9:5,
after death,: Matthew 17:1-3, Luke 7:12-16, Luke 8:49-56, John 11:21-45, Matthew 27:50-54, Luke 16:22-31, John 21:14, Acts 3:15, Acts 4:10, Mark 12:25,26,27, Luke 24:46, John 5:12, John 5:25, 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 4:5, Revelation 1:5, Revelation 1:18, Revelation 14:9-20, 1 Corinthians 15:20,21, 2 Timothy 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 14:9, Matthew 22:32, Isaiah 26:19,
Only the Father knows the day Jesus will return, Mark 13:32, we are told to watch Matthew 25:13. How do we know Jesus died in the first place, we look back, God said 100s of years before it would happen. Isaiah 7:14 Scripture points to how he will be born, and also to one of the names given to Christ: Immanuel, Matthew 1:23. Micah 5:2 This scripture tells where He will be born and from what tribe, which was Judah, Matthew 2:5Luke 2:4.
Psalm 22:7-8 This scripture tells how they will ridicule Him, Matthew 27:40-43. Psalm 22:16-18 the same refers to the actual crucifixion of Christ, Matthew 27:35,39,41,49. Isaiah 53:5 tells they will pierce Him for our transgressions, and by his wounds, we are healed, John 19:34.
I could list more scripture that was written 100s of years before that is clear that it was Jesus our savior that was told of before and what would happen to Him, and we can be sure He will return the same way as He ascended Acts 1:10-11Revelation 1:7
God bless and have faith; If prophecy told it would happen 100s of years before and it happened have no doubt it is true. He is coming back and will set the kingdom upon the earth.
In other translation "Jerusalem Bible" "His brightness is like the day, rays flash from his hands, that is where his power lies hidden"
When I researched it: resemblance of the cross, injuries to the Messiah's hands, resurrection of Jesus, the scars remained. Prophecy? John 20:20, * John 20:24-31, *
Psalms 22:16
Psalms 22:1, Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34,
Mark 15:24-31, Matthew 27:35-42, Psalms 22, John 19:33-37, Luke 23:33-37, Luke 24:36-42,
Luke 22:36, Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets, this that Jesus asked them to do was in a prophecy given to Isaiah 53:12. In Luke 22:37-38, He tells them why and the swords they had would be enough, then in verse 52, we see they came with swords and spears as against a thief. Jesus was also put on the cross between two thieves, Matthew 27:38. Even the least of the prophecies not obvious, Jesus fulfilled them all.
Luke 8:2, Luke 8:1-4, the whole chapter is relevant actually to point out Jesus love for people deliverance, GOD's nature, Luke 8,
Mary Magdalene is mentioned: Mark 15:40-47, continues Mark 16:1-14, Matthew 27:55-56 (followed Jesus from Galilee), Matthew 27:59-61, Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 23:49-56 continues Luke 24:1-10,22-24, John 19:25,
Judas was a scoundrel, what we don't keep in remembrance, the fact that Jesus was going to be crucified, put in a tomb, and resurrected on the third day, it was hidden from the disciples. They thought He was going to set up the kingdom then and Judas probably thought he would have a grand job in treasury where he would have access to the money. He did not kill himself until he saw Jesus was condemned, probably just before or after Jesus was crucified. Matthew 27:1-4
His comment, "I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood" he betrayed Jesus, and now they were killing him, he was not the Messiah because the Messiah was supposed to set up the kingdom, I turned in the wrong man. Just a thought, don't take it to the bank.
1 Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
What if: Those that sleep in Jesus are the Old Testament Saints that died never receiving the promised victory over death, but had to wait on Christ resurrection.
Matthew 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many of the bodies of the saints which slept (in Jesus) arose (with Christ),
Matthew 27:53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared to many.
What if: the holy city was New Jerusalem and not Old Jerusalem.
1 Thessalonians 4:15 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.
What if: those that are alive and remain, are the ones that had their part in the first resurrection and never saw death.
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that had part in the first resurrection......
John 8:51 .....he shall never see death.
The saints from the Old Testament and those that never see death, all took part in the first resurrection. These want prevent those left in their graves from seeing a future resurrection.
This (first) resurrection want prevent those still in their graves from seeing a future (second) resurrection.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 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 shall rise first.
What if: the is just reaffirming the above verses, the saints and the ones who died with Christ having their part in the first resurrection; making sure we know there are two resurrection.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain (alive because we never saw death) shall be caught up together with them (saints of old) in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, so shall we ever be with the Lord.
The only instances I am aware of in the Bible is the physical resurrection of godly people upon Jesus' death and resurrection. Matthew 27:52-53. After Jesus' resurrection they went into the city and appeared to many.
Another, was at the transfiguration of Jesus. Moses and Elijah appeared an spoke with Jesus. the apostles with Jesus saw this, but did not talk with Moses and Elijah ( Matthew 17:1-8)
1 Thessalonians 4:14 (KJV) -"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.". Have you considered "sleep in Jesus" as referring to the believers that sleep in the salvation of Jesus and not in some place in which Jesus is present (heaven)? Saying that I trust in Jesus does not actually mean that I am attached or embodied in Jesus. It means that I trust in what Jesus stands for as my salvation and eternal life with Him.
Sorry about my misunderstanding as to the Lazarus in your prior comment. Lazarus had died, no doubt in any Christian's mind. The body was decomposing as Mary told Christ. Christ recalled the spirit, some may soul, of Lazarus and the body was restored to life until the appointed time for the spirit to exit the body later. That the spirit resides somewhere accessible is not the question; the question is where. I find no concrete evidence it is in heaven either before or after the resurrection.
Case in point, 1 Samuel 28:11-20. The spirit of Samuel was brought from its resting place for Saul. Granted, God can do and/or permit ALL THINGS. Personally, I can not accept the spirit of Samuel was recalled from heaven, but it could have been.
As to the use of the name "Lazarus" in the parable of the poor beggar, the Hebrew meaning of Lazarus, (Hebrew, , means "God Has Helped". Thus, the use of "Lazarus" reinforces the intended meaning of the parable and invites no questioning as to the name after the parable is concluded.
Matthew 27:52,53 is another example of the unlimited power of God. Jesus restored life to at least three (3) bodies, for these are recorded. There was an earthquake that could have opened graves. Those brought to life are called "saints". Those raised would have been known in Jerusalem to have died. This, to me, is an act of confirming Christ's holiness and coming resurrection in three (3) days.
Thanks for your response, Bill. You wrote: "Paul does not say the body will be raised; The sleeping spirit is raised from its rest, or sleep." Yet, in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 we read: "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him." Of course, there can be discussion on why God's Name is mentioned here, but the verse says that those who have slept (in Jesus), God will bring with Him. And in the following verses, "the dead will rise first". Who then would be those whom God brings & the dead rising, if the dead doesn't represent bodies of people?
My mention of Lazarus is the one spoken of in John chapter 11, the brother of Mary & Martha. But since you mentioned Lazarus of Luke 16:19-31, believing this account to only be a parable, then in my understanding, Jesus never used people's names in His parables. If this was a parable, the Pharisees & others listening to Him, could well ask Jesus, who Lazarus was. Jesus of course, would have to say, 'I just made up this fictious name', thereby giving them further reason to continue their derision of Him. It was always, 'a certain man, or a sower who went out', as unnamed people in parables. Then of course, Paul's description of sleep, in my understanding, is simply the body lifeless & decaying, awaiting the resurrection when the spirit is joined to the resurrected body, as in Matthew 27:52,53, when bodies of the saints were resurrected at Jesus' crucifixion. Those spirits must have returned, the bodies recomposed, & another spectacle of proof of the One Whom they crucified. So, it may be quite possible, that a similar miracle will take place at the Lord's Coming, of spirits returning to their newly reconstituted bodies.
Anyway, thank you for sharing your thoughts brother.
And Jesus said unto (to) him, Verily I say unto thee (to you), To day shalt thou (you shall) be with me in paradise. ("Today" means john 3:16,17. that this criminal will be forgiven by means of his repentance and faith. he will live forever on earth by means of Jesus Christ one for all ransom sacrifice.)
Paradise is on EARTH:
Psalms 37:9-11,29,34
144,000 taken from earth will rule with Christ for 1,000 years
bringing the earth back to Jehovah's ( psalm 83:18) original plan:
Is there any place in the Bible that during the crucifiction Jesus said to one of the thieves being crucified next to Jesus that Jesus said to him "because you believe you will be with me today in Heaven".
We won't know until we are in the afterlife ourselves. No one goes to heaven until they are judged on the day of judgment and that doesn't happen until Jesus comes and the dead rise. Until then the dead remain in sleep. Link
1st , Matthew 5:10-16, Luke 12:52,53, * 1Peter 4,
2nd, Ephesians 6:11-18, Matthew 10:1, Mark 9:28,29, Matthew 17:21,
3rd Matthew 10:8-42, Matthew 12:30, Matthew 26:55,59, Matthew 27:1, Mark 3:6, Mark 13:9-13,
4tu, Mark 6:11, Luke 9:5, Psalms 37,
5th, Mark 11:25, Matthew 6:47-49, Luke 17:3,4,
Even Jesus had to stop disputes with believers : John 12:7,
Genesis 20:3, Numbers 12:6, Jeremiah 23:28, Matthew 1:20, Matthew 2:12,13,19,22, Books of Daniel 2, 4, 7, Matthew 27:19,
Acts 2:17
Hopefully these are helpful
Matthew 8,
Matthew 8:4, 1st "Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man;" why._._ Mark 5:24, Mark 3:7-10, John 6:15, John 7:3-8, John 6:2,26, John 12:37,
2nd part of Matthew 8:4, gift to the priests Moses commanded, Leviticus 13,
3rd part of Matthew 8:4 for a testimony to them, prophecy fulfilling, Isaiah 53, Psalms 22, Job 14:7, Isaiah 11:1, Zechariah 3:8-9, Jeremiah 33:15, John 15:4,
Matthew 8:11-12 = Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:2, Matthew 27:11, Romans 1:6,
Matthew 8:17, Isaiah 53,
Matthew 8:22, Luke 20:38,
Matthew 8:24-27, Luke 8:22-25,
Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:27-39,
Hopefully these are helpful
John 19:19, Matthew 27:40-42, Mark 15:30-32, 1 Corinthians 1:18, Hebrews 12:2
Matthew 27:32
Mark 15:21
I agreed with what you posted on the flesh Jesus was born in, the same as the first Adam, without the stain of sin which comes the penalty of death. Jesus started just like the first Adam and as the first Adam being pure without sin and death had no hold on him, he could obey or disobey. He chose to disobey; the last Adam chose to obey.
When God made the covenant with Israel, it was a covenant of works, obeying the commandments of God that Adam failed to do. Because of Adam's sin, we are born corrupt and cannot please God apart from grace. For this covenant to be fulfilled a man had to live his entire life without sin, a perfect life. Jesus was not only tempted by Satan He was tempted as you and I, His entire life, Hebrews 2:14-18
If Jesus was incapable of sinning, the fulfillment of the law and the covenant would be a farce.
The other part of your reply involves Luke 16, and the thief next to Jesus, I am sorry I do not agree, my understanding is different.
What you said, "at the last minute to shut the mouth of unbelievers" He did. If we look at John 8:24-28, we see in Matthew 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. Their mouths were shut.
God bless,
RLW
Recently I was studying the words Jesus said "Moses wrote of ME'' John 5:46, & I've been amazed how many times I've found references for sure understanding now, clearly there I hadn't seen beforehand.
Your soul & spirit are with Christ who is raised up already. Why do the ones martyred ask the Lord how much longer if the dead cannot speak (speaking of course their dead old flesh bodies). The old flesh body is asleep - but the soul & spirit are awake and praise God alive.
God is not the God of the dead but Is the God of the living! Paradise is not where we are not conscious or asleep.
Where is Christ now? We'll He died and took our death! Praise God we will be with Him in our last second when our flesh body passes away as our soul & spirit ascends to be with Him and forevermore. Plus we get to be with Him now because He will never leave us or forsake us and is with us!
We are "NEW" creatures.
Also, it says as He is "NOW" so are we in this world. Also, says that we are seated already with Him in heavenly places. Our flesh body is the only thing down here that needs to be raised or change similar to this age as it will also wear out like an old garment. The flesh body is the only thing left down here that needs to be translated.
He is coming soon so Praise God the dead in Christ will rise first like it was before so shall it be again similar to Matthew 27:52 except those then were not yet with Christ till after His death when He set the captives free!
May God bless and May we all look to Jesus and praise Him!
after death,: Matthew 17:1-3, Luke 7:12-16, Luke 8:49-56, John 11:21-45, Matthew 27:50-54, Luke 16:22-31, John 21:14, Acts 3:15, Acts 4:10, Mark 12:25,26,27, Luke 24:46, John 5:12, John 5:25, 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 4:5, Revelation 1:5, Revelation 1:18, Revelation 14:9-20, 1 Corinthians 15:20,21, 2 Timothy 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 14:9, Matthew 22:32, Isaiah 26:19,
Hebrews 11:35, Revelation 20, 2 Esdras 2:16, Hebrews 6:2, Hebrews 9:14, Hebrews 11:4, Hebrews 13:20, Revelation 11:18,
Hopefully these are helpful.
Only the Father knows the day Jesus will return, Mark 13:32, we are told to watch Matthew 25:13. How do we know Jesus died in the first place, we look back, God said 100s of years before it would happen. Isaiah 7:14 Scripture points to how he will be born, and also to one of the names given to Christ: Immanuel, Matthew 1:23. Micah 5:2 This scripture tells where He will be born and from what tribe, which was Judah, Matthew 2:5 Luke 2:4.
Psalm 22:7-8 This scripture tells how they will ridicule Him, Matthew 27:40-43. Psalm 22:16-18 the same refers to the actual crucifixion of Christ, Matthew 27:35,39,41,49. Isaiah 53:5 tells they will pierce Him for our transgressions, and by his wounds, we are healed, John 19:34.
I could list more scripture that was written 100s of years before that is clear that it was Jesus our savior that was told of before and what would happen to Him, and we can be sure He will return the same way as He ascended Acts 1:10-11 Revelation 1:7
God bless and have faith; If prophecy told it would happen 100s of years before and it happened have no doubt it is true. He is coming back and will set the kingdom upon the earth.
RLW
In other translation "Jerusalem Bible" "His brightness is like the day, rays flash from his hands, that is where his power lies hidden"
When I researched it: resemblance of the cross, injuries to the Messiah's hands, resurrection of Jesus, the scars remained. Prophecy? John 20:20, * John 20:24-31, *
Psalms 22:16
Psalms 22:1, Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34,
Mark 15:24-31, Matthew 27:35-42, Psalms 22, John 19:33-37, Luke 23:33-37, Luke 24:36-42,
Luke 22:36, Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets, this that Jesus asked them to do was in a prophecy given to Isaiah 53:12. In Luke 22:37-38, He tells them why and the swords they had would be enough, then in verse 52, we see they came with swords and spears as against a thief. Jesus was also put on the cross between two thieves, Matthew 27:38. Even the least of the prophecies not obvious, Jesus fulfilled them all.
May this be enough to answer your question.
God bless,
RLW
Hebrews 13:12, Acts 17:3,
Matthew 26:53-68, Matthew 27:1-54,
Psalms 22,
John 12:1,12,13, John 13:1-2,
Matthew 27:15,
1st Sabbath being the Passover feast.
Exodus 12,
2nd Sabbath Matthew 28:1,
Psalms 81:3, also significant Mark 15:33, total solar Eclipse, New moon?
We should be careful not to follow after traditions set up by men, but Study to understand. Colossians 2:8, Matthew 15:3, Mark 7:9
Why would Jesus rebuke them over tradition? Because even today it causes doubt, & confusion amongst the church.
Hopefully these scriptures are helpful. GOD's WORD is truth.
Tradition is not 100% reliable.
Mary Magdalene is mentioned: Mark 15:40-47, continues Mark 16:1-14, Matthew 27:55-56 (followed Jesus from Galilee), Matthew 27:59-61, Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 23:49-56 continues Luke 24:1-10,22-24, John 19:25,
Luke 10:38-42, John 20:1-18,
* John 11:1-8, John 11:1-45
* John 12:1-3,
Luke 7:36-50- Luke 8:1-3, same account?
John 12,
Hopefully you enjoy this study.
Judas was a scoundrel, what we don't keep in remembrance, the fact that Jesus was going to be crucified, put in a tomb, and resurrected on the third day, it was hidden from the disciples. They thought He was going to set up the kingdom then and Judas probably thought he would have a grand job in treasury where he would have access to the money. He did not kill himself until he saw Jesus was condemned, probably just before or after Jesus was crucified. Matthew 27:1-4
His comment, "I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood" he betrayed Jesus, and now they were killing him, he was not the Messiah because the Messiah was supposed to set up the kingdom, I turned in the wrong man. Just a thought, don't take it to the bank.
God bless,
RLW
1 Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
What if: Those that sleep in Jesus are the Old Testament Saints that died never receiving the promised victory over death, but had to wait on Christ resurrection.
Matthew 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many of the bodies of the saints which slept (in Jesus) arose (with Christ),
Matthew 27:53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared to many.
What if: the holy city was New Jerusalem and not Old Jerusalem.
1 Thessalonians 4:15 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.
What if: those that are alive and remain, are the ones that had their part in the first resurrection and never saw death.
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that had part in the first resurrection......
John 8:51 .....he shall never see death.
The saints from the Old Testament and those that never see death, all took part in the first resurrection. These want prevent those left in their graves from seeing a future resurrection.
This (first) resurrection want prevent those still in their graves from seeing a future (second) resurrection.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 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 shall rise first.
What if: the is just reaffirming the above verses, the saints and the ones who died with Christ having their part in the first resurrection; making sure we know there are two resurrection.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain (alive because we never saw death) shall be caught up together with them (saints of old) in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Another, was at the transfiguration of Jesus. Moses and Elijah appeared an spoke with Jesus. the apostles with Jesus saw this, but did not talk with Moses and Elijah ( Matthew 17:1-8)
John 8:31, Matthew 27:11, John 18:33, Revelation 7:5
Thank you for your kind comments.
1 Thessalonians 4:14 (KJV) -"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.". Have you considered "sleep in Jesus" as referring to the believers that sleep in the salvation of Jesus and not in some place in which Jesus is present (heaven)? Saying that I trust in Jesus does not actually mean that I am attached or embodied in Jesus. It means that I trust in what Jesus stands for as my salvation and eternal life with Him.
Sorry about my misunderstanding as to the Lazarus in your prior comment. Lazarus had died, no doubt in any Christian's mind. The body was decomposing as Mary told Christ. Christ recalled the spirit, some may soul, of Lazarus and the body was restored to life until the appointed time for the spirit to exit the body later. That the spirit resides somewhere accessible is not the question; the question is where. I find no concrete evidence it is in heaven either before or after the resurrection.
Case in point, 1 Samuel 28:11-20. The spirit of Samuel was brought from its resting place for Saul. Granted, God can do and/or permit ALL THINGS. Personally, I can not accept the spirit of Samuel was recalled from heaven, but it could have been.
As to the use of the name "Lazarus" in the parable of the poor beggar, the Hebrew meaning of Lazarus, (Hebrew, , means "God Has Helped". Thus, the use of "Lazarus" reinforces the intended meaning of the parable and invites no questioning as to the name after the parable is concluded.
Matthew 27:52,53 is another example of the unlimited power of God. Jesus restored life to at least three (3) bodies, for these are recorded. There was an earthquake that could have opened graves. Those brought to life are called "saints". Those raised would have been known in Jerusalem to have died. This, to me, is an act of confirming Christ's holiness and coming resurrection in three (3) days.
My mention of Lazarus is the one spoken of in John chapter 11, the brother of Mary & Martha. But since you mentioned Lazarus of Luke 16:19-31, believing this account to only be a parable, then in my understanding, Jesus never used people's names in His parables. If this was a parable, the Pharisees & others listening to Him, could well ask Jesus, who Lazarus was. Jesus of course, would have to say, 'I just made up this fictious name', thereby giving them further reason to continue their derision of Him. It was always, 'a certain man, or a sower who went out', as unnamed people in parables. Then of course, Paul's description of sleep, in my understanding, is simply the body lifeless & decaying, awaiting the resurrection when the spirit is joined to the resurrected body, as in Matthew 27:52,53, when bodies of the saints were resurrected at Jesus' crucifixion. Those spirits must have returned, the bodies recomposed, & another spectacle of proof of the One Whom they crucified. So, it may be quite possible, that a similar miracle will take place at the Lord's Coming, of spirits returning to their newly reconstituted bodies.
Anyway, thank you for sharing your thoughts brother.
An unsaved person told me yesterday he was told "there is nothing like rapture" Is it true?
You are replying to a comment by "Victor Anyanwu"
Hello Victor,
1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
verse 16: these Dead in Christ shall rise first. for example:
1. ( John 11:11) Lazarus he died again
2. ( Acts 7:55,59, 60) Stephen after saying this, he fell asleep in death. (the vision he saw was in heaven)
3. ( 1 Corinthians 15:6) 500 seen Jesus appear after his death. but some of
them died.
4. Some of Jesus apostles died of old age, most died under roman oppression (by the "ad." "c.e." Jews)
(they were put in prison like Paul as you brought out in Philippians 1), some died in captivity.
Verse 17: Those alive or remain will like Jesus will go to heaven.
( Revelation 14:3/ 144,000). notice the first died. if the second is to be caught up together with them.
they will have to die from flesh...to be taken from earth. ( Acts 1:9,10; Revelation 20)
so no... rapture is not a word in the bible. when Jesus was impaled the scripture said
after that his spirit ( Matthew 27:50 invisible/ john 4:24) yielded up. no human can see the spirit.
( Jas. 2:26)
Hopefully this helps
Hello Victor,
And Jesus said unto (to) him, Verily I say unto thee (to you), To day shalt thou (you shall) be with me in paradise. ("Today" means john 3:16,17. that this criminal will be forgiven by means of his repentance and faith. he will live forever on earth by means of Jesus Christ one for all ransom sacrifice.)
Paradise is on EARTH:
Psalms 37:9-11,29,34
144,000 taken from earth will rule with Christ for 1,000 years
bringing the earth back to Jehovah's ( psalm 83:18) original plan:
Revelation 14:3; 20 Chapter
I hope this helps. Thanks
My sincerest apology to you. I should have said Matthew 27:50-53.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
1 Corinthians 15:6
Matthew 27:52
John 11:11-14