Daily Lesson for Tuesday 4th of June 2024

Both the Old and New Testaments use the symbolism of death as a sleep. At least 53 times in the Bible, the word “sleep” is equated with death. The Bible writers concur that there is no conscious existence in an immortal soul that leaves the body immediately after death.

Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com

The New Testament adds another dimension, one already hinted at in the Old: the glorious resurrection at Christ’s return.

The Gospels emphasize that eternal life is in Christ alone. All the demons in hell cannot rob believers of their assurance of eternal life. Christ conquered death on the cross. The grave can no longer hold its victims. Christ’s resurrection is the guarantee that all believers will one day be resurrected from the grave at His return.

Look at these words of Paul: “For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished” (1 Corinthians 15:16-18, NKJV). How does one make any sense of these verses if the dead, at death, already are in the bliss of heaven? What does Paul mean that they “have perished” if, in fact, they already are in heaven?

Instead, Paul’s whole point is that Christ’s resurrection is the foundation of our resurrection and that without the Resurrection, “your faith is futile; you are still in your sins,” and the dead remain in the ground, perished.

These verses fit in perfectly with other Bible texts about the hope we have in the resurrection at Jesus’ return when we will receive the “inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4, NKJV). If, however, the dead already are in heaven, why does Peter speak of an inheritance “reserved in heaven” for us? Clearly, New Testament believers eagerly looked forward to the coming of Christ and the resurrection of the dead, and this hope inspired them to faithfulness in the trials of life.

(0)

The post Tuesday: Death in the New Testament appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/24b-10-death-in-the-new-testament/

Do the Scriptures teach that we go to heaven the moment we die? Let’s look. 

Did the angel tell Daniel he would die and go straight to heaven? No, he told Daniel he would rest and then rise again at the end of the days, at the second coming.

Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com

As for you, go your way until the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you.” Daniel 12:13 NLT

Did Peter say that David went to heaven when he died? No. He says David never ascended into heaven.

For David himself never ascended into heaven, Acts 2:34 NLT

Did Jesus tell the repentant thief that they both would be in paradise that day? No. The original manuscripts had no punctuation. When the Bible was being translated man put the comma in the wrong place. With the comma in the right place the passage makes total sense with the rest of Scripture about the state of the dead. With the comma in the right place Jesus says, “I assure you today, you will be with me in paradise.” With the comma which was placed there by man and not inspiration it makes total sense with Jesus’ statement in John 20:17.

““Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father.” John 20:17 NLT

Did Paul say we die and go straight to heaven? No. He explained it this way.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.  For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NLT 

Someone once told me that there may be more to life after death than the Scripture explains, but Paul is saying he wants us to know what happens when we die. In the KJV he says I don’t want you to be ignorant. If he left out some mystery about our souls going to heaven while we are dead, then we would still be ignorant after Paul’s explanation but we are not ignorant because he just told us about the resurrection.

Also, Paul tells us to comfort each other with these words. These words are about the second coming. None of these words mention dying and immediately going home to be with the Lord. Nowhere in Scripture does Paul or anyone else say “They went home to be with the Lord.” Does Paul talk about going to heaven when we die? No. He explains it this way.

 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back. 1 Corinthians 15:23 NLT

But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 NLT

Didn’t Paul teach that when we die, we go to be with Jesus? No.

And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8 NLT

Did Jesus tell the disciples they would be with him as soon as they died, or did her teach them He would have to come again so they could be with him again?  He taught them that He would come again and get them so they could be together. 

When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:3 NLT 

Wait a minute, aren’t all souls immortal?  

“the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality…1 Timothy 6:15-16 NKJV

The soul who sins shall die. Ezekiel 18:4 NKJV

….But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell. Matthew 10:28 NKJV

Without a single shred of Bible evidence why do so many teach and preach that we go straight to heaven when we die?

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT

Jesus, Peter and Paul never taught the immortality of the soul but the serpent did!

“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. Genesis 3:4 NLT

(0)

The post What Does the Bible Teach About Death and the After Life? appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-death-and-the-after-life/

Daily Lesson for Monday 3rd of June 2024

The Old Testament does not teach the immortality of the soul. Nor does it teach that after death the faithful soar off to the bliss of heaven for eternity and the unfaithful descend to hell, where they burn for eternity.

Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com

It teaches that death is a sleep. The book of Kings uses the expression “they rested [slept] with their fathers” to describe the death of the patriarchs. The Psalms call it the “sleep of death” (Psalms 13:3; compare Psalms 90:5). Referring to death, Job speaks of not awaking from sleep (Job 14:12). The psalmist adds, “As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness” (Psalms 17:15, NKJV).

When the Assyrian army was defeated and destroyed, the death of the soldiers is called their “final sleep” (Psalms 76:6, CJB). The idea of the dead as disembodied spirits hovering around to communicate with the living is not a biblical concept at all but pure paganism.

A failure to understand the truth about death leaves us open to the deceptions of Satan. “Many will be confronted by the spirits of devils personating beloved relatives or friends and declaring the most dangerous heresies. These visitants will appeal to our tenderest sympathies and will work miracles to sustain their pretensions. We must be prepared to withstand them with the Bible truth that the dead know not anything and that they who thus appear are the spirits of devils.”—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 560.

Death is a rest in sleep until the resurrection. There are no disembodied spirits hovering around to communicate with the living. Although the pagans believed in a spirit world, the Israelites understood death as a sleep until resurrection morning.

Though we mourn for the dead, think this way about those who die in Christ: they close their eyes in death, and then, regardless of how long it takes until Jesus returns, the next thing they know is the Second Coming. The first thought they might have at the resurrection is Wow! Jesus really did come back soon after all!

(0)

The post Monday: Death in the Old Testament appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/24b-10-death-in-the-old-testament/

Key Thought: Spiritualism began in the Garden of Eden when Satan’s lie, “You shall not surely die” was believed by Eve. Today, millions believe that death is not the end and that we live on after death in spirit form.
June 8, 2024

1. Have a volunteer read Eccl. 9:5; Job 7:7-9; Isaiah 8:19,20.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What do these passages teach us about death and communication with the dead?
3. Personal Application: What has been your experience with death and communication with the dead? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Don’t we have an immortal soul that God gives us that lives on in spirit form when we die? I think the Bible talks about that.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Psalm 6:5; 115:17; I Kings 2:10; 14:20.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What do these verses teach about death?
3. Personal Application: What role does mass media play in misinterpreting the state of a person in death? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Matthew 24:5,11,24 Revelation 13:13,14; 16:13,14.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on the most important point in this text.
2. What kind of deceptions will people face in the last days?
3. Personal Application: Why is it dangerous to trust our emotions, good and bad, in our faith experience? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “What are some common deceptions that those who understand the dead sleep are protected from?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Matthew 24:23-27; 2 Corinthians 11:13,14; 2 Thess. 2:9-12.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on the most important point in this text.
2. What do these passages tell us about Satan’s deceptive power and manner of working? Why are both important?
3. Personal Application: Why is understanding the truth about how Christ returns and the state of the dead so important in order not to be deceived? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

(0)

The post 10: Spiritualism Exposed – Teaching Plan appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/10-spiritualism-exposed-teaching-plan/

Our learning this quarter will show us that 
God Is Working His Purpose Out – Hymn 225 so that we will Lift Up The Trumpet because 
Jesus Is Coming Again – Hymn 213. You may have two hymns from which to choose for your theme hymn this quarter.

The Memory Text gives us a wonderful hymn that resounds throughout the week: 
Hymn 216 – When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder. Our personal relationship with Christ and a solid grounding in the teachings of the Bible states that 
My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less – Hymn 522. For sure, 
We’ll Build On The Rock – Hymn 531 and not be lead astray.

With our loved ones sleeping now, they will say “Wow! Jesus really did come back soon after all!” knowing that 
In The Sweet By and By – Hymn 428 we will meet on that beautiful shore all because 
The Lord Is Coming – Hymn 200. Oh yes, there is the 
Day of Judgment, Day of Wonders! – Hymn 418.

Tuesday follows reminding us clearly that 
We Have This Hope – Hymn 214  and then instructs 
O Brother, Be Faithful – Hymn 602.

We learn very clearly this week that 
‘Tis Almost Time For The Lord To Come – Hymn 212 with so many terrible things happening in this poor old world.

The final encouragement this week comes on Friday with us learning 
How Firm A Foundation – Hymn 509 that we have in our Lord, Jesus.

May we continue to search the scriptures this week to be blessed and to bless many others.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

(0)

The post 10: Spiritualism Exposed – Singing with Inspiration appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/10-spiritualism-exposed-singing-with-inspiration/