You can view an in-depth discussion of The New Testament Hope in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. Click on the image to view: [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NF5K0YZyN2E&w=560&h=315]

With thanks to

Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/10-the-fires-of-hell-hopess-video-discussion/

Though Protestants don’t accept purgatory, many nevertheless believe that the souls of the righteous dead are already enjoying Paradise in the very presence of God. Some argue that those “souls” are just disembodied spirits; others believe they are disembodied spirits but covered by a spiritual body of glory.

Whatever the supposed metaphysical state of the living dead, these theories undermine the biblical doctrine of the final resurrection and judgment of the dead. Why is there a resurrection and a judgment (Revelation 20:12-14) if the souls of the righteous are already enjoying Paradise?

Read Acts 2:29, Acts 2:34-35,  and 1 Corinthians 15:16-18. How do these passages shed light on the state of the dead and those awaiting resurrection?

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The Bible teaches that all human beings who are already in heaven were either translated alive, as in the case of Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:9-11), or resurrected from the dead, as Moses (Jude 9) and those raised with Christ (Matthew 27:51-53).

As we have already seen, the allusion to the souls “under the altar” crying to God for vengeance (Revelation 6:9-11) is just a metaphor for justice and does not prove the theory of the natural immortality of the soul. Otherwise, these folks hardly sound as if they’re enjoying their eternal reward. In reality, the grave is a place of rest for the dead, who are unconsciously awaiting the final resurrection, when their conscious existence will be restored. The dead, even the righteous dead, are not disembodied souls drifting around heaven, waiting patiently to be reunited with their bodies at the final resurrection.

Also, what could Paul possibly be talking about in 1 Corinthians 15:18, NKJV, when he says that if there were no resurrection of the dead, then “those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.” How could they have perished if they are already in the bliss of heaven and have been there for however long since they died? A central and key doctrine of the New Testament, the resurrection of the dead when Christ returns, is made null and void by the false teaching that the righteous dead soar off to their eternal reward right after they die. Nevertheless, we hear it all the time, especially at funerals.

<–Tuesday Thursday–>

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/wednesday-paradise-with-disembodied-souls/

Join the panel as they discuss Lesson 10, The Fires of Hell. See why this week’s keyboard is so important.

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The Roman Catholic Church holds that the dead who do not deserve hell but who are not yet ready for Paradise can have their sins purged in purgatory and then ascend from there to Paradise. Their sufferings in purgatory can be reduced by the prayers and penances of loved ones.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is explicit about purgatory: “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.” — Catechism of the Catholic Church (New York: Doubleday, 1995), p. 291.

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It states, too, that their suffering can be alleviated by the prayers of their loved ones as well as by other acts on behalf of the dead. “The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead.” — Catechism of the Catholic Church, p. 291.

Read Ecclesiastes 9:10, Ezekiel 18:20-22, and Hebrews 9:27. How do these passages refute the theory of purgatory?

The dogma of purgatory combines the pagan notion of a burning hell with the pagan practice of praying for the dead. This dogma is unacceptable for those who believe in the biblical teachings 1. that the dead remain resting unconsciously in their graves (Eccles. 9:10); 2. that the righteousness of one fallen human being cannot be transferred to another fallen human being (Ezekiel 18:20-22); 3. that our only Mediator is Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5); and 4. that death is followed by the final judgment, without any second chance to repent from the pitfalls of this life (Hebrews 9:27).

An even more serious implication is how the antibiblical theory of purgatory distorts God’s own character. Indeed, “Satan’s work since his fall is to misinterpret our heavenly Father. He suggested the dogma of the immortality of the soul. … The idea of an eternally burning hell was the production of Satan; purgatory is his invention. These teachings falsify the character of God, that He shall be regarded as severe, revengeful, arbitrary, and not exercising forgiveness.” — Ellen G. White, Manuscript 51 (Dec. 10), 1890. Instead of the dead asleep, awaiting Christ’s return, this view says they’re in purgatory, suffering there until someone manages to get them out.

<–Monday Wednesday–>

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The theme hymn for this quarter’s studies “On Death, Dying and the FUTURE HOPE” is 
Hymn 214 – We Have This Hope.

The studies we have completed so far are reverberating in 
Hymn 203 – This Is The Threefold Truth and will do through to the end of this quarter.

To help us understand the Bible clearly and avoid the worldly ideas of mankind, 
Lord, I Have Made Thy Word My Choice – Hymn 273. We are then to “sleep not as others; be watchful, and wait” as sung in 
Hymn 600 – Hold Fast Till I Come because 
God Is My Strong Salvation – Hymn 339.

The Biblical View (Thursday) encourages each of us to accept “the gracious gift of eternal life” – Jesus Christ – who give us salvation: 
Hymn 646 – To The Name That Brings Salvation because 
God Is My Strong Salvation – Hymn 339.  1 John 5:11, 12 states “God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life”: 
Hymn 637 – Son of God, Eternal Saviour, Hymn 85 – Eternal Father and 
Hymn 90 – Eternal God. All of this is given to us 
Because He Lives – Hymn 526.

Today we look forward to Jesus coming again. Oh, what a day that will be 
When We All Get To Heaven – Hymn 633 because 
That Glorious Day Is Coming – Hymn 209.

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 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.”

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/10-the-fires-of-hell-singing-with-inspiration/