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Life and Death
If there is a subject that is on our minds more than any other subject, it is the subject of life and death. I might add also, it is no doubt the most important since this subject directly and personally involves everyone of us. We all have to face what is called life, and there will come a day when we must all lay down these bodies and face what is called death. Life and death go hand in hand, and it is assumed that they are total opposites. It is also assumed that one cannot exist without the other. The Bible is the only authority that we can go to and learn the correct understanding of what is called "life" and what is called "death". Because of it's simplicity and pureness, the Bible is perhaps the most misunderstood book of the twentieth century! We live in a world that generally regards the Bible as just some ancient poetic writings, and certainly not as a "book of truth". For this reason it is extremely difficult for sincere people to except and believe the simple and plain teachings of the Bible. The truth of the Bible is carefully "designed" to be accepted only by those that have the child-like humility to simply believe what it says! The truth of God is very precious! Therefore believers must respond in some way by doing a "work" so that God's precious truth can bring forth "fruit", which is what it is designed to do. Believers will therefore be found worthy of this precious truth. This will be explained later.
The common accepted view on life and death most non religious people seem to have is that we live out our lives, and when this life is over we die or cease to exist. Most of us are familiar with what is called physical life and what is called physical death. However the Bible also talks about another kind of life and death, which I want to explore and attempt to explain in this booklet. There have been many countless books and information published throughout the years with each author claiming to know some truth on this subject. However there is very little information on the fact that the creation of Adam is much different than the creation of "kind after it's kind" that is mentioned ten times in the first chapter of Genesis. The creation of Adam was after the image and likeness of the God kind, and was therefore of a spiritual nature. This booklet will only address and attempt to explain the life and death of the true descendants that genetically came from Adam. This booklet will also repeatedly use the phrase "Adam kind" or "Adam man", which means the kind of man the genetically came from Adam. The premise of this booklet will be based on the fact that the "life and death" of Adam's family of people are much different in one aspect than that of the non-Adamic breathing living creations. The Bible does indeed make this distinction and difference, as we shall see.The "Death" of Adam
Adam was created to live forever, and when Adam sinned a dying process started, and Adam's body began to break down. However it took a very long time for this process to finally bring about the death of Adam's body. Adam lived for nine hundred and thirty years as it shows in Gen. 5:5.
Genesis 5:5 And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died. (KJV)
The Bible records that several men of Adam kind lived to be the age of over nine hundred years. You could say, in a sense, that these men inherited a slight touch of the "life" of God from their father Adam. They had this "life" lingering in their bodies which prolonged their physical lives. However it is very important to understand that Adam actually "died" in the day that he sinned, as it plainly states in Gen. 2:17.
Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. {thou shalt surely...: Heb. dying thou shalt die} (KJV)
What kind of death did Adam die when he sinned? It certainly was not a physical death, since Adam was still living for over nine hundred years after he sinned. The sin that Adam committed caused God to withdraw his "breath" or his Spirit from Adam. For years I have always accepted and assumed that this "breath" was simply the air that we breath with our lungs to sustain us physically. However when God "breathed" in Adam's nostrils it was something entirely different than air. Something eternal of God (outside of this atmosphere) went into Adam. It was called the "breath of life", and it was meant to sustain Adam and Adam kind "forever". Therefore when Adam sinned the "breath" and Spirit of God departed, and Adam was now living on his own so to speak. This is what I call a "spiritual death", and this is the condition that all of Adam's true descendants are now in. This kind of death is mentioned several times in the Bible. According to Matt. 8:22, Luke 15:24, and 1 Tim. 5:6 it is possible for Adam's descendants to be "spiritually dead" before they actually die the physical death.
Matthew 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead. (KJV)
Luke 15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. (KJV)
1 Timothy 5:6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. {in...: or, delicately} (KJV)It is very important to understand that our Heavenly Father is on a "divine" program to legally cancel this condition called the "spiritual death". This legal process is through a plan known as the "covenants" that were given to the Israelite family of people. These people can legally be restored to the same standing as Adam was before he sinned. However it is dependent upon their belief and obedience to these covenants for God to accomplish this. The Bible was only written to, for, and about a people called the Israelite people that came from Adam, and these covenants belong only to them and no other people. See Gen. 5:1 and realize that the "generations of Adam" can only apply to the true descendants of Adam. Please understand this truth!
Genesis 5:1 This [is] the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; (KJV)
Here is Strong's Con. definition of the word "generations" found in Gen. 5:1. It is no. 8435, and as you can see it refers to the family of people that descended by conception and birth from Adam.
8435 towledah (to-led-aw'); or toledah (to-led-aw'); from 3205; (plural only) descent, i.e. family; (figuratively) history:
KJV-- birth, generations.The Bible was written only to the Israel family of people that genetically descended from Adam, and this will be the correct premise and standpoint of this booklet regarding the "life" and "death" of Adam kind. It is only the "generations of Adam" that need to be restored or "saved" the way they were originally intended to be. This is the "salvation" that the Bible talks about, especially in the New Testament. In order to understand the subject of life and death, we must know how it applies to the Israelite people that genetically came from Adam. The Bible does make a difference between the "generations of Adam" and the other non-Adamic breathing living creations. This is explained in detail in my booklet "The World Before Adam". It is true that Adam's "generations" along with all the other non-Adamic people and living creations experience the "death" of the body. This fact is explained very well in Eccl. 3:19-20. Notice the statement; "....as one dieth, so dieth the other", and "....all turn to dust again".
Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 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. (KJV)The sons of men (Adam) die just as "beasts" do (as pertaining to the body). This is very important! However since Adam was created after the God-kind and actually came from God, there is another kind of "life" and "death" that is possible for Adam's true descendants to experience. In Ezek. 18:31-32 and 33:11 God asked the question; "Why will ye die, O house of Israel? God also states; "I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth".
Ezekiel 18:31-32 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye. {yourselves: or, others} (KJV)
Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? (KJV)What did God mean by having no pleasure in "the death of him that dieth"? It obviously is not referring to the death of the body, since all of Israel naturally and normally died this kind of death anyhow. Is this not true? What are we to understand from these scriptures? All of Israel had no choice on whether they "died" or didn't "die", because they all died physically as was shown in Eccl. 31:19-20. However there was a choice that Israel could make in avoiding a certain kind of death since God asked the question; "Why will ye die, O house of Israel"? If they turned from their wicked way, then they would "live" (verses 32, 33:11). They lived anyhow, and it did not matter if they turned from their wicked way or if they didn't turn from their wicked way. What kind of "life" and "death" is being talked about here? Deut. 30:19 holds important clues and keys to unlock the mysteries of how "life and death" is applied to the fallen "God-kind" Israelite people.
Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: (KJV)
I have read this verse of scripture for many years and never really gave it much thought on what is being said, and how this is worded. First of all, why would Moses call on the physical creation (heaven and earth) to record against Israel on them choosing "life" or choosing "death"? "Heaven" is biblically translated as "air" several times in the Bible, therefore "heaven and earth" could simply mean the earth and the atmosphere. This is important! There is a definite reason why Moses wrote this in this manner, and it is not some idle wording that's being expressed here. All physical life including God's fallen children (Israelites) are dependent on the atmosphere (heaven) and the earth for physical survival, therefore they are subject to this "earthy" life and death.
When Adam sinned, Adam and all of the unborn of God's children fell into the heaven and earth "trappings" and environment. This is simply how the laws of genetics and biology work! God's children were genetically created in Adam at the time when Adam's body was created in God's image and likeness. The origin of God's chosen people (Israel) was outside the physical dimension of this heaven and earth. Could this be the reason for Moses to call on heaven and earth to record against Israel? I'm leaving this as a question. It is not something natural or normal for God's children to experience this "heaven and earth" life and death. Please understand this simple truth! God gave Israel a choice. Obedience to his laws and commandments meant "life" and disobedience meant "death". The fact is, they all lived and faced death anyhow, and it did not matter what choice they may or may not have made. Is this not true? We have to ask ourselves the question, what is meant by "life" and what is meant by "death" according to Deut. 30:19? If Israel obeyed God's laws and commandments as given by Moses, they would inherit "life" forever on the earth as it plainly shows in Deut. 4:40 and 5:29.
Deuteronomy 4:40 Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong [thy] days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.(KJV)
Deuteronomy 5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever! (KJV)Ps. 37:9-11 explains this truth also, and it states that the evildoers will not be around when this "life" is realized by the obedient Israelites when they inherit the earth forever.
Psalm 37:9-11 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. 10 For yet a little while, and the wicked [shall] not [be]: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it [shall] not [be]. 11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. (KJV)
If they disobeyed, they would experience a certain kind of "death", and forever be separated from a certain kind of "life". Please keep in mind that this covenant with all the laws and commandments could only apply to Israelites that of course came from Adam by physical birth. These laws and commandments were only given to Israel and no other people. Deut. 7:6 and 10:15 explains this truth and fact very clearly.
Deuteronomy 7:6 For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth. (KJV)
Deuteronomy 10:15 Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, [even] you above all people, as [it is] this day. (KJV)The Israelite people have a spiritual and genetic "makeup" about them that other people do not have. This is a biblical fact and truth that we must not ignore, and to not believe this truth makes the Bible a very confusing book. This is precisely why it is confusing for most people, because they refuse to make the biological and spiritual difference between Israelites that came from Adam, and other people. There is no way to correctly understand the covenants and the promises of God, if we refuse to separate Israelites from other people. Therefore the doctrine of life and death cannot be correctly understood either. It is very important to understand who the true Israelites are that God made his covenants with, and this truth is explained in detail in my booklets entitled "Abraham's Covenant and Baptism" and "Lost Israel and the Gentiles".
Under the old covenant as given by Moses, Israel was promised "life" upon their obedience to all the laws and commandments as outlined by that covenant. As we all know, and as the Bible explains, Israel failed miserably to keep what they had promised to do. Keep in mind that Israel was given "life and "death" choices that did not necessarily apply in the realm of this material heaven and earth. God's children have the capacity and the ability to experience "spiritual" life or "spiritual" death, because they were not designed originally to be sustained by physical means. They "spiritually" came from God. Under the old covenant, the Israelites did not have a real sacrifice for sin yet, therefore salvation was not possible for all the righteous Old Testament saints. Notice in 1 Pet. 1:10 that the prophets did not really understand how their salvation would come about; however they did prophesy of the grace that Christ brought.1 Peter 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you: (KJV)
The old covenant under Moses with all the works of the law only "pictured" and pointed toward the future sacrificial work of Christ. Acts 3:22 and Deut 18:15 explain that the Israelites under Moses were to look ahead to the time of Christ and to hear him.
Acts 3:22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. (KJV)
Deuteronomy 18:15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; (KJV)All the righteous Old Testament saints did not receive the salvation that was only possible through the future shed blood and the death of Christ. This is very important to understand, and will be addressed later. As was mentioned previously, when Israelites die their bodies returns back to dust, however their spirits return back to God who gave it. See Eccl. 12:7.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. (KJV)
Notice also in Eccl. 3:18-21 that the "estate" or the physical condition of the sons of men (Adam) are the same as that of a "beast". This is because Adam and the "generations of Adam" fell and were reduced to the same physical "estate" as that of the "beast".
Ecclesiastes 3:18-21 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. {that God...: or, that they might clear God, and see, etc} 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? {of man: Heb. of the sons of man} {goeth upward: Heb. is ascending, etc} (KJV)
The implication of these verses is that the sons of men (Adam) can die the same as that of a "beast" since all of Adam's "generations" now (since the fall) have the same "breath" of air (verse 19). However the major difference between the "generations of Adam" and that of the "beast" is that the spirit of man (Adam) goes upward, and the spirit of the "beast" goes downward to the earth (verse 21). It was only Adam that God "breathed" his Spirit into, therefore the spirits of men (Adam) go upward to return back to God. This proves the point that Adam originated outside of this heaven and earth environment. The spirits of the "beasts" are of the earth, therefore they go "downward" back to the earth.
Keep in mind that the laws of biology demand that all of Adam's descendants were genetically created into Adam's body, therefore also originated outside of this physical creation. Please understand that all of Adam's descendants were in Adam's body before Adam sinned, which is why they have the capacity built into them to be "saved" and receive eternal life. There is reason to believe that the "beast" mentioned in Eccl. 3:18-21 is referring to non-Adamic people, and is not necessarily referring to animals. I'll leave that as a question. What happens to the spirits of disobedient (or obedient) Adam kind Israelites upon the death of the body after they return back to God? I might add, since this spirit returns back to God, they will forever be in a conscious state of mind. I believe God will then give all the Adamite spirits over to either experience what is biblically called "life", or to experience what is biblically called "death".The Soul Of Adam-Kind
Some people are willing to acknowledge who Adam man is. Although if told the origin of where Adam came from, it would be unbelievable to them. People as a rule tend not to think in terms of what Adam man is. However the following scripture explains what Adam man is. Read 1 Thes. 5:23.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)
According to this scripture, we are composed wholly of "spirit", "soul", and "body". This is the whole man (wholly), and I might add he was created in that sequence and order. Most people (including me) are in the habit of saying body, soul, and spirit in that order. We tend to interpret things backwards at times. It is my current understanding that the spirits of the "generations of Adam" were created first, and were in existence before the body of Adam was "formed". I tent to believe this because there was "not a man to till the ground", and this was after Adam was created (Gen. 2:5-7).
Genesis 2:5-7 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and [there was] not a man to till the ground. 6 But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. {there...:or, a mist which went up from, etc.} 7 And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. {of the dust...: Heb. dust of the ground} (KJV)
I believe God created all the Adamite spirits in the "eternal" past, and knows them before they are bodily "formed" in the womb. God knew Jeremiah before he was conceived and formed in the belly (womb). This would only be possible if Jeremiah spiritually pre-existed before his "earthy" birth. See Jer. 1:5.
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. (KJV)
In Gen. 2:5 it stated that there was not a man to till the ground. Yet Adam was created male and female prior to this. It was not until Gen. 2:7 that the body was "formed", and this is when God breathed the "breath of life" into Adam's nostrils. Adam's soul then became "alive" to experience activity of mind with appetite, desire, emotions, and passion. See the definition of the word "soul" in Strong's Lexicon no. 05315, and notice the many words that were used to mean "soul".
05315 nephesh {neh'-fesh} from 05314; TWOT - 1395a; n f AV - soul 475, life 117, person 29, mind 15, heart 15, creature 9, body 8, himself 8, yourselves 6, dead 5, will 4, desire 4, man 3 themselves 3, any 3, appetite 2, misc 45; 751
1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) dubious 1h) activity of the will 1h1) dubious 1i) activity of the character 1i1) dubiousWe can all safely assume that the bodies of Adam kind are composed of material or physical substance. However the "spirits" and "souls" of Adam kind are not composed of material substance, therefore not subject to the "earthy" death. I was led to believe in past years that our soul was physical, therefore subject to a physical death and died the same as the body. However there are scriptures that completely disprove that concept. In Gen. 35:18, it states that the soul of Rachel separated or departed from the body when the body of Rachel died.
Genesis 35:18 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. {Benoni: that is, The son of my sorrow}{Benjamin: that is, The son of the right hand} (KJV)
Where did the soul of Rachel go, and what happened to it? I believe the angels carried it into a place known as "Abraham's bosom" which will be discussed later. In 1 king 17:21-22 it says that Elijah prayed for the soul of the child to come back into the body, and the child was again revived and brought back to life.
1 Kings 17:21-22 And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again. {stretched: Heb. measured} {into...: Heb. into his inward parts} 22 And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived. (KJV)
These scriptures show without a doubt that the soul is certainly not physical; if we want to be honest with the Bible! In Matt. 10:28, Christ said, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him which is able to "destroy" both soul and body in hell".
Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (KJV)
Notice Christ used the word "kill" in relation to the body, and also as not able to "kill" the soul. Christ then used the word "destroy" in relation to both the body and the soul in "hell". To "destroy" does not necessarily mean to annihilate, or cause to cease to exist as shown in Luke 4:33-34.
Luke 4:33-34 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, 34 Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, [thou] Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. {Let...: or, Away} (KJV)
The spirits of unclean "devils" will exist for all eternity, however Christ has the power to "destroy" them. The word "destroy" is no. 622 and 575 in Strong's Con., and if traced to it's conclusion means "separation" or "departure", etc. These words are very important to understand!
622 apollumi (ap-ol'-loo-mee); from 575 and the base of 3639; to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively:
KJV-- destroy, die, lose, mar, perish.
575 apo (apo'); a primary particle; "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative): KJV-- (X here-) after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for (-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-) on (-ce), since, with. In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc.However "destroy" also means to "lose" or "perish". Therefore we can also say that the word "perish" is interchangeable with the word "destroy"; as this meaning clearly shows. This is important because Christ stated that it is possible for Adam man to "perish" as it explains in Matt. 18:14, Luke 13:3 and John 3:15-16.
Matthew 18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. (KJV)
Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (KJV)
John 3:15-16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV)In other words, it is possible for Adam man to be "separated" or "lost" from God forever; and to destroy or to perish also means "cessation" and "completion" as we have seen, which is implied as being something final. The question that now needs to be asked and answered is; what happens to the souls and spirits of Adam kind, and does Adam kind cease to exist when the body dies? That question can only be answered in the context of Adam existing before he had a body. I believe Adam and Adam kind did indeed exist before a body was "formed" for Adam. God's family existed in the past as well as "forever" existing in the future. The problem is trying to explain this in terms of using "time" as a pattern of measurement. It is outside the realm of the physical heaven and earth as was shown earlier, and it therefore cannot be explained in physical terms so that we can understand.
Were there instances in the Bible that men of Adam kind existed after the soul departed from the body? They not only existed but were in a conscious state of mind, and actually had conversations with men in the physical! In Luke 9:30-32, Moses and Elijah appeared with Christ, and the apostles actually saw them talking with Christ. This was something very real to the apostles, because they saw this after they awoke from sleep (verse 32).Luke 9:30-32 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. (KJV)
In Matt. 17:9, Christ called this a "vision". However it was a very "real" vision, and it means Moses and Elijah actually do exist; and there is no way the apostles could have been convinced otherwise.
Matthew 17:9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. (KJV)
The word "vision" in Matt. 17:9 is no. 3705 taken from 3708 in Strong's Con., and notice it means to discern clearly a spectacle by sight and vision (physically or mentally), and it also means to "appear".
3705 horama (hor'-am-ah); from 3708; something gazed at, i.e. a spectacle (especially supernatural): KJV-- sight, vision.
3708 horao (hor-ah'-o); properly, to stare at [compare 3700], i.e. (by implication) to discern clearly (physically or mentally); by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear: KJV-- behold, perceive, see, take heed.This "vision" in Matt. 17:9 in the eyes of the apostles was indeed a supernatural spectacle of Moses and Elijah that was clearly perceived and seen after the apostles awoke from sleep, as was shown in Luke 9:32. In 1 Sam. 28:14-16, King Saul deceived the woman with a familiar spirit to allow him to communicate with Samuel after Samuel had been dead for some time. Read these verses carefully, and simply believe what it says.
1 Samuel 28:14-16 And he said unto her, What form [is] he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he [is] covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it [was] Samuel, and he stooped with [his] face to the ground, and bowed himself. {What...: Heb. What is his form?} 15 And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. {by prophets: Heb. by the hand of prophets} 16 Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy? (KJV)
From where was Samuel "brought up"? This is interesting because when Samuel spoke to Saul he made reference to this very same term (verse 15). Saul knew that by consulting with a familiar spirit, he would be able to bring Samuel "up" and actually communicate with Samuel. This was a real conversation with Saul and Samuel, and it actually happened because the Bible plainly says that it did. There is no way to explain it away or say it didn't really happen, if we want to be honest with scripture. This practice of communicating with the dead (necromancing) was of course forbidden for Israel to engage in, as it shows in Deut. 18:10-11.
Deuteronomy 18:10-11 There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. (KJV)
The fact that it was strictly forbidden only proves that it was possible to do! Please understand this truth! Christ said that God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God is not the God of the dead but of the living, therefore from this understanding it would mean that these men are alive. Is this not true? Read Matt. 22:32.
Matthew 22:32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. (KJV)
Also in John 8:56 Christ plainly states that Abraham rejoiced to see the day of Christ, and he was glad to see Christ come into the world.
John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw [it], and was glad. (KJV)
Did Christ really mean what he said regarding Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as actually being alive and therefore conscious? How else can these statements by Christ be explained? Abraham rejoiced and was glad to see Christ's day because he had not yet received salvation, and he knew Christ would destroy the power of Satan and secure salvation for him. This will be discussed later. However Christ did not dispute the Jews in their claim that Abraham was dead. See John 8:51-53 and realize that Abraham and all the prophets have all died and are indeed dead.
John 8:51-53 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. 52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. 53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? (KJV)
They all died the "earthy" death and will no more live the "earthy" life. In John 8:51-53, Christ did not mean if a man (Adam) keep his sayings he would never see the "earthy" death. This is what the Jews thought Christ meant! However this does not mean their thoughts ceased when they died the "earthy" death. Christ was referring to never seeing the death that causes one to "perish", or forever "separates" a soul from God. When the bodies of Adam kind die, it is a condition that the Bible defines as "fallen asleep", as it explains in 1 Cor. 15:6 and 2 Pet. 3:4.
1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. (KJV)
2 Peter 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation. (KJV)This "sleep" is entirely different than the sleep that we experience at night with these physical bodies, which I call an "earthy" sleep that our "earthy" bodies need to survive physically. Is it possible for souls to "die"? I was told in past years that since the soul is physical, it can die and therefore is not immortal. Ezek. 18:4, 20 clearly states; "the soul that sinneth, it shall die". This is repeated twice, however please keep in mind the Bible definition of this kind of "death".
Ezekiel 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.(KJV)
Ezekiel 18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. (KJV)As was explained previously, all of Adam kind will die anyhow regardless if their souls sin or if they do not sin. This is important! The Adamite souls that sin and then "die", is not the kind of death that all of Adam kind experience with the body. These scriptures prove that the soul is not the body! Therefore Ezek. 18:4, 20 could read; "the soul that sinneth shall perish", or better yet, forever be separated from God. This is not talking about souls dying the "earthy" death, since only Adam kind bodies die the "earthy" death. Souls are able to depart from the body, therefore will exist to experience "life" or to forever experience "separation" from God. Separation from God is also known as the "place of torment" spoken about in Luke 16:28. This is the story of the rich man and Lazarus, which most of us are familiar with. Read Luke 16:22-28 and take note of certain facts concerning the rich man and Lazarus.
Luke 16:22-28 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that [would come] from thence. 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. (KJV)
Christ spoke of this event as if it already had happened, and was not something to take place in the distant future. I was led to believe in past years that Christ meant that this was the time of the resurrection of the rich man, which is the resurrection of the unjust. Christ spoke of the resurrection many times, and he always mentioned it whenever the resurrection applied to the context of what he was saying. However with this account of the rich man, Christ did not mention anything about a resurrection. We have to believe exactly what is being said. It is not that we have to understand it! This was not a prophecy, and it was not a "parable"; because Christ mentioned certain names and the rich man spoke of five brothers. Generally when Christ spoke a parable, he was referring to the kingdom of God in a future sense; and he did not mention names of certain people in history.
Lazarus and the rich man both died and both went to the same place called "hell". Why do I say this? Because the rich man was able to see Abraham and Lazarus, and a conversation took place between them. The only difference was; Lazarus was in a place called "Abraham's bosom", and the rich man was in a place of "torment". There was a "great gulf" fixed that made it impossible for the rich man to go where Abraham was, and to be in the condition and comfort that Abraham was in. The rich man knew he would never be in "Abraham's bosom" which caused great torments for him, and he called it a "place of torment". The place where the rich man was is not the grave. "Hell" is not the grave regardless of what some might believe "hell" means. Just the body of the rich man was buried in the grave, and there are no "torments" or conscious thoughts in the grave as it plainly explains in Psl. 146:4.
Psalm 146:4 His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. (KJV)
The rich man's "earthy" thoughts did perish, or "separated" from his body that very day when he died and was buried; and his body returned to "his earth". However according to Christ he regained his thoughts very quickly (apart from his body) when he found himself in a place called "hell". How could he experience "torment" if his thoughts ceased when he died?
Where and What is "Hell"?
In the Old Testament, the word "hell" is "sheol", and it is no. 7585 in Strong's Con. "Sheol" means a subterranean (under the earth) retreat, and implies of it as being a "prison" with inmates.
7585 she'owl (sheh-ole'); or sheol (sheh-ole'); from 7592; Hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates: KJV-- grave, hell, pit.
The word "grave" is the same word as "hell" and also has the same meaning. It is very unfortunate that the translators used "grave" to mean "sheol" in many scriptures in the Old Testament. In some cases, the word "grave" is correctly used. It is no. 6913, and as you can see it means "burying place", which is correct.
6913 qeber, (keh'-ber); or (feminine) qibrah (kib-raw'); from 6912; a sepulchre: KJV-- burying place, grave, sepulchre. ***. qeburah. See 6900.
In the New Testament, the word "hell" is no. 1067 in Strong's Con. and means a valley in Jerusalem. Christ used "ge-henna" (figuratively) for the place of everlasting punishment.
1067 geena (gheh'-en-nah); of Hebrew origin [1516 and 2011]; valley of (the son of) Hinnom; ge-henna (or Ge-Hinnom), a valley of Jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment: KJV-- hell.
No. 86 is "Hades" and means the "unseen". As you can see, this meaning could also mean the grave. However, "departed souls" do not go to the grave in the way that this meaning implies.
86 haides (hah'-dace); from 1 (as negative particle) and 1492; properly, unseen, i.e. "Hades" or the place (state) of departed souls:
KJV-- grave, hell.Adam kind is composed of spirit, soul, and body; and common sense tells us that just the body goes to the grave. Some of the statements that Christ made regarding "hell" could never be referring to the grave. No. 5020 for "hell" means the "deepest abyss" of Hades.
5020 tartaroo (tar-tar-o'-o);from Tartaros (the deepest abyss of Hades); to incarcerate in eternal torment: KJV-- cast down to hell.
The quote of this" hell" only occurs once in the New Testament (2 Pet. 2:4).
2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; (KJV)
This is also the place in hell (tartatos) where certain angels that sinned were cast. It is ridiculous to think that this kind of "hell" is the deepest part of the grave! "Tartaros" is the deepest or "lowest" part of hell, and this could only mean that there are different places or "levels" in hell. This is very interesting, because in Ps. 86:13 David talked about his soul being delivered from the "lowest hell".
Psalm 86:13 For great [is] thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. {hell: or, grave} (KJV)
The righteous souls (including David's soul) did not go to a place in hell called "Tartaros". I believe this is indeed the deliverance of all the souls of the righteous Old Testament saints that have died. They all went to a place in "sheol" known as "Abraham's bosom". I believe this explains the "great gulf" that was fixed that made it impossible for the rich man to go to where Abraham was. I also believe the reason that this place is called "Abraham's bosom" is because the plan of redemption started with Abraham. Also the true Christian faith is built on the promises and the covenant given to Abraham by God. This fact is carefully explained in my booklet "Abraham's Covenant and Baptism". As we have seen, the real meaning of "sheol" is a prison or a place where souls are held "captive". Several scriptures talk about this "prison", and this truth is explained very clearly. First of all, Satan had lawful control of this "prison", and has held souls of the just and righteous saints "captive" since the fall of Adam. See Isa. 49:24.
Isaiah 49:24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? {lawful...:Heb. captivity of the just} (KJV)
Christ (who was God in the flesh) emptied himself of his glory, and took part of the same "earthy" flesh and blood that Adam kind also were "partakers" of. Christ as the second Adam suffered and died an "earthy" death that he might "destroy" him that had the power of death, that is the devil; as it clearly explains in Heb. 2:14.
Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; (KJV)
Christ did not cause the devil to cease to exist! This is another example of how the word "destroy" is biblically used to show a certain meaning. Satan the devil had power over death and has held the righteous Adamite souls captive, because Adam actually gave him that power. This was accomplished as a result of a lie told to Eve, which was followed by a seduction. Therefore as a result of this, Adam sinned by taking Eve back as his defiled wife. Adam gave up his life and caused an "earthy" death and a "spiritual" death to pass on all of the unborn of Adam kind. The following scriptures show a beautiful truth concerning the real purpose and meaning of the death of Jesus Christ. See Psl. 68:18, 142:7 and Isa. 42:7, 61:1. Take the time to read these verses carefully and understand them!
Psalm 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, [for] the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell [among them]. {for men: Heb. in the man} (KJV)
Psalm 142:7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me. (KJV)
Isaiah 42:7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, [and] them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. (KJV)
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound; (KJV)Christ set at liberty all the righteous souls that were held captive in this prison house called "sheol". Psl. 68:18 states that Christ led "captivity captive", which means Christ captured the righteous souls which was held captive. For years I have wondered what this verse means. It simply means that the souls that were held captive in hell are now in the care and protection of Christ, past and present. Or you could say; "prisoners of Christ", as Paul himself said that he was a "prisoner". See Eph. 3:1 and 4:1.
Ephesians 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, (KJV)
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, {of the Lord: or, in the Lord} (KJV)This prison house ("sheol") is referred to as actually having "gates", as Christ plainly states in Matt. 16:18.
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. {Peter: this name signifies a rock} (KJV)
Therefore it is very wise to have an active part in building the Church of Jesus Christ! According to Christ it is the only living "organism" that is protected from a place called hell. This is a powerful statement from Christ, and it gives us an understanding of the lawful power given to a fallen angel called Satan the devil. Christ emptied himself of his glory by taking on a flesh and blood body, and he suffered and died a most cruel death to make it possible that you and I do not have to go to a place called hell! Understand this truth! In Isa. 38:9-10 it states, "...I shall go to the gates of the grave". This verse should read "I shall go to the gates of hell". This proves where the soul of Hezekiah went when he died.
Isaiah 38:9-10 The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness: 10 I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave: I am deprived of the residue of my years. (KJV)
This is one verse among many that the word "hell" should have been used instead of the word "grave". Psl. 24:7 also explains that these "gates of hell" were lifted up to let Christ in, so he could free the righteous captive souls.
Psalm 24:7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. (KJV)
It states in Matt. 12:40 that Christ went in the "heart of the earth". When Christ died, his body remained in the tomb and did not see corruption. However his soul went to hell but was not left in hell, as it explains clearly in Acts 2:31 which was quoted from Psl. 16:10.
Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (KJV)
Acts 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. (KJV)
Psalm 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. (KJV)It is interesting that Christ compared himself with Jonah. Jonah died and went to hell, and was resurrected to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh. Jonah died in the whale's belly, and then Jonah's soul went under the "bottoms of the mountains" where the earth with her "bars" (which could also be called "gates" of hell) claimed Jonah's soul. Jonah in his affliction cried out to God, and God heard him and brought Jonah's life up from corruption; or shall we say "resurrected" Jonah (as was Christ). See Jonah 2:2, 6.
Jonah 2:2 And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, [and] thou heardest my voice. {by...: or, out of mine affliction} {hell: or, the grave} (KJV)
Jonah 2:6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars [was] about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God. {bottoms: Heb. cuttings off} {corruption: or, the pit} (KJV)Christ went in the "heart of the earth" to free the righteous captive souls which allowed them to be in heaven with their Father. Heaven is where all the righteous souls are that have departed from the body before and after Christ's death. Read and simply believe Eph. 3:15.
Ephesians 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, (KJV)
The whole family of God is either in heaven or living out their "earthy" lives on this earth. After Christ released all the righteous Old Testament saints, he again on the third day took up his body at his resurrection. Christ's soul was not left in hell because he was God in the flesh, and it was not possible that death should hold him captive. See Acts 2:24.
Acts 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. (KJV)
Christ went in the "heart of the earth", which is where hell is located. It is also referred to as the "bottomless pit" in several scriptures in the book of Revelation, and spoken of as the "pit" in many verses of the Bible. Christ went to the "lower parts" of the earth first, as it shows in Eph. 4:9.
Ephesians 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? (KJV)
If you will recall, the Old Testament saints were delivered from the "lowest" part of hell, as was explained in Psl. 86:13. "Tartaros" is where Christ went first to preach to (not deliver) the spirits of angels that sinned before he broke down the "gates" where the souls of righteous saints were held. He did not go to the lower parts of the earth to release these angels (1 Pet. 3:19 and 2 Pet. 2:4).
1 Peter 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; (KJV)
2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; (KJV)These fallen angels are now in "chains" of darkness awaiting their judgment. I believe this was the message that Christ preached to them. My booklet "The World Before Adam" addresses this truth concerning these angels that sinned. The Apostle Paul talked about things in heaven, things on the earth, and things under the earth that will bow the knee, as it shows in Phil. 2:10.
Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; (KJV)
What is under the earth that Paul was referring to? According to this verse, there are things under the earth that will bow the knee at the name of Jesus. Rev. 5:3 states that no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither "under the earth" was able to open the book.
Revelation 5:3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. (KJV)
According to this verse, there are men in heaven and men on the earth. However there are also men under the earth! This obviously is not talking about men in "earthy" bodies. However these scriptures do mean what they are saying, and I choose to believe that there are conscious souls of men in heaven and also under the earth. The definition of "under the earth" in Strong's Con. is no. 2709, and as you can see this actually is the place of "departed souls".
2709 katachthonios (kat-akh-thon'-ee-os); from 2596 and chthon (the ground); subterranean, i.e. infernal (belonging to the world of departed spirits): KJV-- under the earth.
Thayer's definition of "under the earth" is even more revealing which states; "refers to those who dwell in the world below, departed souls".
2709 katachthonios- subterranean; refers to those who dwell in the world below, departed souls
When Christ was crucified there were two thieves crucified with him, and Christ in agony said an interesting statement. Apparently one of the thieves repented before his death and turned to Christ and said, "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom". To which Christ responded; "Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise". See Luke 23:42-43.
Luke 23:42-43 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (KJV)
I was told in past years that this is the time when this thief will be resurrected, and be with Christ in the kingdom. I was told that the "comma" was inserted in the wrong place. Therefore by magically switching the comma to the other side of the word "To day" would somehow show that Christ certainly did not mean that the thief would be with Christ in paradise that very day. It also was never pointed out to me that the word "To day" is capitalized, therefore could be the beginning of Christ's statement (this is only true in the King James version). It amazes me that people will refuse to believe the simple words of Christ. The scriptures prove beyond a doubt where Christ went when he died. Christ went in the "heart of the earth", which is where the righteous departed souls were. The thief went there also when he died that very same "To day". Christ called this place "paradise", and could very well also be called "Abraham's bosom". When Christ released the righteous souls out of hell, paradise was also taken out of hell; and is now located in the "third heaven"; as Paul explains in 2 Cor. 12:2-4.
2 Corinthians 12:2-4 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. {lawful: or, possible} (KJV)
The apostle Paul explained that he heard words that were not lawful to utter (or explain) when he was caught up to "paradise". However these scriptures explain a very important truth concerning the soul, paradise, and the third heaven. To simply believe these statements that Paul wrote, it obviously means it is possible for souls to depart from the body, and be "caught up" to the third heaven in a place called paradise. Paul makes the point that he could not tell if he was in the body or out of the body. Paul also explains in Phil. 1:23 and 2 Tim. 4:6 that he was ready to "depart" and to be with Christ, which was far better than staying in the "earthy"; and it also states that his "departure" was at hand.
Philippians 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: (KJV) 2 Timothy 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. (KJV)
The word "departure" in 2 Tim. 4:6 is no. 359, and it is taken from no. 360 in Strong's Lexicon. As we can see, to depart from life (to die) means "to return".
359 analusis {an-al'-oo-sis} from 360; TDNT - 4:337,543; n f AV - departure 1; 1
1) an unloosing (as of things woven 2) a dissolving (into separate parts) 3) departure 3a) a metaphor drawn from loosing from moorings preparatory to setting sail
360 analuo {an-al-oo'-o} from 303 and 3089; TDNT - 4:337,543; v AV - return 1, depart 1;
2) to unloose, undo again 2) to depart, break up, to depart from life, to returnThis is a very interesting statement made by the apostle Paul! Could it possibly mean that Paul wanted to "return" to where he came from? Paul knew that he existed with God prior to his "earthy" birth in this physical realm. Some would have you to believe that Paul's soul did not "depart" from his body when he died, therefore his "departure" only referred to his death. It is very strange indeed why Paul just simply didn't say, "my death is at hand"! It would be very wise to simply believe what Paul said! In Mark 9:44-48 Christ mentioned several times something about the "worm" that dieth not and the "fire" that is not quenched.
Mark 9:44-48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: {offend...: or, cause thee to offend} 46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: {offend...: or, cause thee to offend}
48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (KJV)What did Christ mean by these statements? Was Christ referring to this "worm" as being immortal? It is very important to understand why certain words are biblically used to represent something or show a certain meaning. Christ quoted "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched" from Isa. 66:24, which says this would happen to the men that have transgressed against God.
Isaiah 66:24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. (KJV)
This "worm" in Isa. 66:24 is no. 8438 in Strong's Con., and as you can see this "worm" is used to express a color which is associated with the colors of crimson and scarlet.
8438 towla` (to-law'); and (feminine) towle` ah (to-lay-aw'); or towla` ath (to-lah'-ath); or tola` ath (to-lah'-ath); from 3216; a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of 8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cloths dyed therewith: KJV-- crimson, scarlet, worm.
The word "worm" is an interesting word, and it is the same Hebrew word (no. 8438) that is used for the colors of "blue, purple, and scarlet". This Hebrew word (towla) is mentioned many times in the book of Exodus when God instructed Moses in the building of his sanctuary, or the tabernacle that God was to dwell in. See Exod. 25:8.
Exodus 25:8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. (KJV)
What do these particular colors represent in God's sanctuary? It would be logical to assume that these colors represent God as the supreme Ruler! It is also interesting to know that the rich man that spoke to Abraham was clothed in "purple", or similar to the scarlet color that this "worm" represented. See Luke 16:19.
Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: (KJV)
Christ himself is referred to in Psl. 22:6 as also being a "worm". When Christ was crucified he was also clothed in "purple", and was "crowned" with thorns which was done in mockery of Christ being a king or a ruler; as it shows in Mark 15:17.
Psalm 22:6 But I [am] a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. (KJV)
Mark 15:17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his [head], (KJV)Christ was also made a reproach of men and despised of the people. Christ was clothed in mockery with the similar color of this "worm" that the rich man also was clothed with. What are we to understand from these facts? First of all, Christ referred to hell as being the place where this "worm" does not die, or you could say, is forever in a conscious state of existence. It would be fair to say this "worm" is symbolic of and represented the colors of royalty or dominion. The rich man was clothed with this color (purple), however he found himself in a place called hell; which is the place where their "worm dieth not". Adam was given dominion over all the earth before he sinned. God's people Israel have also carried the title of dominion, which is what the name "Israel" means according to no. 3478 in Strong's Con. Please notice from this meaning that this dominion includes the descendants (posterity) of Israel, and it also states, "he will rule as God". This is very important to understand!
3478 Yisra'el (yis-raw-ale'); from 8280 and 410; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity: -Israel.
The rich man that was clothed with the color of this "worm" transgressed against God, and obviously in this life trusted in his riches. Also he was never reproached and was never despised of the people as Christ was. Therefore he disqualified himself to rule and have dominion in the future kingdom of God. In Job 25:6 it states that the son of man (Adam) is a "worm".
Job 25:6 How much less man, [that is] a worm? and the son of man, [which is] a worm? (KJV)
There are two different words for "man" used in this verse, and two kinds of "worms" are used also. The first "worm" has the meaning of a literal worm or maggot as it shows in Strong's Con. no. 7415.
7415 rimmah (rim-maw'); from 7426 in the sense of breading [compare 7311]; a maggot (as rapidly bred), literally or figuratively:
KJV-- worm.However the "worm" applied to the son of man (Adam) is no. 8438, which also has the meaning of a maggot. However it has an additional meaning, and refers to a certain color that this "worm" has; as we have seen previously. When Adam sinned, all of Adam kind fell and was reduced to a very low form of life which this "worm" represented. However, the colors of dominion and royalty still stayed with Adam after he sinned and was reduced to this "worm". This is very important to understand! Jacob is also referred to as being a "worm" in Isa. 41:14.
Isaiah 41:14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. {men: or, few men} (KJV)
I believe this is the one verse which sums up what this "worm" is all about. Notice that it says that Christ was to help Israel, and was to become a redeemer to Israel. Jacob and all his true descendants (Israelites) were all reduced to a "worm", however Jacob was not to fear since help was on the way. Christ was to help Israel by becoming a flesh and blood "worm" himself, therefore becoming Israel's redeemer. Israel carries the title of "ruling as God" and is destined to rule in the kingdom of God forever. I believe the reason Christ used the phrase "where their worm dieth not" is because the wicked of the Adam kind Israelites will forever be conscious of the fact that they will never have what they could have had. Out of rebellion and unbelief in the Word of God, they "missed" their calling to rule as God in the kingdom of God. This mental condition causes torment which "dieth not"! I believe this is what Christ was talking about in Mark 9:44-48. There are those of today that claim that these statements made by Christ were never in the original manuscripts. It is sometimes hard for us to understand why Christ would make certain statements. However it is always wise to simply believe what the written text states, and by careful study the Bible will interpret itself.
According to Christ, hell is also the place where the "fire is not quenched". This "fire" is not the kind of fire that burns and causes pain to our "earthy" bodies. Since this fire cannot be quenched, it is a fire that will "burn" forever, and is not of this heaven and earth environment. However it would be much better to have a foot cut off or an eye plucked out in this life than to experience "hell fire", which is what Christ said in Mark 9:44-48. This "fire" causes torment to the wicked Israelites forever. The rich man that spoke to Abraham understood this very well. According to Matt. 25:41 this everlasting hell fire was prepared for the devil and his angels.Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: (KJV)
God had to prepare a place of "restraint" or a prison for the devil and the angels that rebelled against God before Adam was "placed" on the earth to rule. However the devil is not yet in this "fire" that was prepared for him when he rebelled. It would be very helpful to read my booklet "The World Before Adam" which explains why this spiritual angelic rebellion directly effected the angel world and the physical creation. Satan the devil is still loose to do his work of deception which God allows for a purpose. God's children have to be tried and tested by the devil to be worthy to rule in God's kingdom. This is why hell has "enlarged" herself without measure to receive those of the unbelieving Adam kind Israelites that the devil has cunningly deceived to also rebel against the government of God. See Isa. 5:14.
Isaiah 5:14 Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. (KJV)
It is very important to understand that the objective of Satan the devil is to deceive the true Israelites of God as to who they really are, because the devil does not want the true Israelites to have dominion and rule in the coming kingdom of God. Therefore it would be very wise to simply believe the words of Christ regarding Satan the devil, and the place where "their worm dieth not".
"Problem" Scriptures
We live in a society that ridicules and does not consider the subject of death and hell as something of importance, and certainly not of a very serious nature. Some Church groups do believe in a place called hell, however they generally are at a loss of explaining what it means or what this is all about. There are certain scriptures that appear to confuse or cause sincere people to believe that the subject of death, hell, and the devil can be explained on a physical level, which in a sense destroys the theme and purpose of the Bible. These people fail to simply take all the scriptures into account that deal with death and hell, and therefore dismiss a spiritual explanation from God's point of view. They will use scriptures such 1 Tim. 6:16 and say this proves that Adam man does not have an immortal soul.
1 Timothy 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honour and power everlasting. Amen. (KJV)
This scripture only proves that "earthy" man cannot approach the light that God dwells in, and no "earthy" man has ever seen or is able to see the glory of God. It is very possible for Adam man not only to die physically, but also to die "spiritually"; which is why the kind of man that came from Adam does not possess the immortality that God has. God will always be God, and all of Adam kind will never approach the same glory that God has and will always have. This truth only means that Adam man is not like God! Some will also quote John 3:13 and say that no man has ever ascended or went to heaven.
John 3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven. (KJV)
This is true because it is impossible for "earthy" man to ascend to heaven. However the spirit and soul of Adam man either goes to hell, or to be with Christ when the body dies. This truth has been proven several times by scripture, as this booklet explained. If we simply choose to believe the Bible, then there are men under the earth and there are men in heaven as was shown in Phil. 2:10 and Rev. 5:3. There is at least one man that has never had to die the "earthy" death, as explained in Heb. 11:5.
Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. (KJV)
Enoch had the testimony that he pleased God, therefore was qualified to have his earthy body "translated" so that he did not see the earthy death or the spiritual death. We also know that Moses and Elijah appeared with Christ on the Mount of "transfiguration", therefore it is also possible that they never were held captive in hell. There was a contention with Michael the archangel and the devil concerning the body of Moses, as it explains in Jude 1:9.
Jude 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. (KJV)
Keep in mind, the devil had a lawful and legal right to claim the soul of Moses to be held captive in hell. However it appears that God himself buried Moses (Deut. 34:5-6).
Deuteronomy 34:5-6 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.
6 And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. (KJV)I do believe that it was Michael that won the argument in claiming the body of Moses. Could it be that God himself "took" Moses to later bodily present him with Elijah on the Mount of "transfiguration"? There was something very special and interesting about the body of Moses. Moses came in direct contact with the glory of God, and as a result his face "shone". When Moses died the "natural force" of his body never abated. See Exod. 34:30 and Deut. 34:7.
Exodus 34:30 And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. (KJV)
Deuteronomy 34:7 And Moses [was] an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. {natural...: Heb. moisture} {abated: Heb. fled} (KJV)Moses might have lived a very long time because of his physical contact with the glory of God. Keep in mind that several men lived to be the age of over nine hundred years! Jesus Christ said those that believe in him and truly keep his sayings will never die or see death. Read and believe John 11:26 and 8:51.
John 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (KJV)
John 8:51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. (KJV)Those that take the sayings of Christ very seriously concerning death and hell, and honestly try to keep and follow Christ's sayings will never experience separation from God. To never see "death" simply means after the body dies, the thoughts of the soul continue on and do not cease or "die"; and then the soul goes on to be with Christ. It does not mean when the body dies their thoughts "die" or cease also, and will not be restored again until the resurrection. This is what is known as the doctrine of "soul sleep", which many sincere people of today believe as truth. I must say in order to believe this, one has to disregard many scriptures that show something entirely different. Salvation means the saving of the soul (not the body) from "death" or separation from God. See Heb. 10:39 and James 5:20.
Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (KJV)
James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. (KJV)People who hold to the doctrine of "soul sleep" do not really grasp the spiritual makeup and the origin the Adam kind Israelite people. The thoughts of the unsaved soul at the death of the body also continue on and do not cease, however it does not go on to be with Christ. It goes to the other place (hell). There is a major difference between the soul and the body, therefore the doctrine of "soul sleep" will not fit with scripture.
In Conclusion
I hope I have covered enough on this subject to shed some light and understanding on what is biblically known as life and death. However this is a never ending topic and could go into other theological areas of equal interest and importance. The doctrine of the resurrections, eternal judgment, and the subject of the wrath of God is not addressed in this booklet. Neither is the restoring and the salvation of the other non-Adamic people. There is also the subject of what is known as the "nether world" which is spoken of in the thirty first and thirty second chapters of Ezekiel, which is a complete subject in itself. However I must draw the line somewhere. Salvation and eternal life is available to all of Adam kind, however it is something they must fight for and "lay hold on", as it explains in 1 Tim. 6:12, 19.
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (KJV)
1 Timothy 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (KJV)What must a believer do to "lay hold" on eternal life? That question was asked of Christ, and the answer is given in Matt. 19:16-17.
Matthew 19:16-17 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. (KJV)
Christ's answer was; keep the commandments! A believer must faithfully keep the sayings of Christ and try to obey the ten commandments, and by all means have an active part in building the body of Christ. Another question was asked of Christ if there be few that will be saved. See Luke 13:23-34.
Luke 13:23-24 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, 24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. (KJV)
Christ's answer was that many will not be able to enter in at the strait gate. I believe it is because they failed to do a certain kind of "work" during their life time. Salvation is not "free", since it cost the life blood of the son of God. However it is "freely given" to those that have obeyed the covenants, and have done a "work" to secure their own (personal) salvation. Read Phil. 2:12, and notice that your own salvation must be worked out with "fear and trembling".
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (KJV)
"Fear and trembling" means to have a deep and profound respect toward God and the Bible, and to carry out a "work" as if the Father personally told you to do it! It is something very personal, and it is required that we are actively involved in a work to save souls with the truth of God. This is very hard to do in a deceived and evil world which requires much wisdom, love, and forgiveness toward those that might even hate you. The truth of God can stand on its own, therefore should never be forced on people; but must be presented and made available. Our heavenly Father does expect us to do this work, and this I believe is the only way that we are found "worthy" of the kingdom of God. See Luke 20:35 and 2 Thes. 1:5.
Luke 20:35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: (KJV)
2 Thessalonians 1:5 [Which is] a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: (KJV)There are those of today that believe all that is necessary for salvation is to simply "believe on Christ" (whatever that means). Please understand that this is a very tragic deception! To be found worthy means that there must be an honest effort made on our part to share the truth of God, and explain real "saving" knowledge to others. It is very important that you must be able to prove everything you say with the Bible, and you must expose the error and falsehood in the modern liberal-minded churches. You cannot get the proper understanding that you need to do this work if there is not regular assembly and fellowship with others with the same objective in mind. According to the words of Christ there will be people fully expecting to be saved, however Christ has to tell them; "I never knew you, depart from me all ye workers of iniquity". See Matt. 7:22-23.
Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (KJV)
Keep in mind, these are well-meaning Christian people that have done many good and wonderful works in the "name of Christ". These people were basically good people, however they were deceived and were themselves deceiving and teaching others that the "law was done away". This is what the term "workers of iniquity" means, since this teaching gives one license or permission to sin. Regardless of what some sincere Christians might believe, the Ten Commandments are not nailed to the cross or "done away". To say and believe this falsehood is like saying the definition of sin was done away and nailed to the cross. The Ten Commandments define what sin is, and sin is still sin and will always be sin. The only difference now under the new covenant, is that the Ten Commandments are written with the Spirit of the living God on fleshly tables of the heart, and not written on tables of stone. See 2 Cor. 3:3.
2 Corinthians 3:3 [Forasmuch as ye are] manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. (KJV)
The first four commandments identifies the one true God, and how we are to worship the one true God. The remaining six commandments show how to love and respect your fellow Israelite "neighbor". Most well-meaning Christian people will acknowledge and recognize the sin and the wrong in disobeying the last six commandments. However they will unknowingly, but nevertheless willingly, serve and obey the customs of false gods such as Christmas and Easter among other things. Obeying false gods was a major sin of ancient Israel, and it is also a major sin of the modern-day Israelites. As well as in the past, so it is in this present day, that this sin has truly taken Israel away from the true God and the true Christ. The Sabbaths were given as a "sign" that sanctified (set apart) Israelites throughout all their generations, and it identified the one true God, as it explains in Exod. 31:13.
Exodus 31:13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it [is] a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that [ye] may know that I [am] the LORD that doth sanctify you. (KJV)
Christ did not come to do away with the Sabbaths, since they still identify the God of Israel. However the "works" of the Sabbath laws only pointed toward redemption, therefore must not be obeyed after the sacrifice of Christ was made. Christ cannot be sacrificed again! This is very important to understand! The seventh-day Sabbath and the holy days under Moses have done their job and are finished, and were only shadows of the true "Eternal rest"; and also pictured the plan of redemption. Moses himself understood that salvation was not possible through the "works" of the old covenant laws as was shown earlier. He reminded Israel to look ahead to Christ when the real sacrifice was to be made, in which the old covenant laws found their fulfillment. See Acts 3:22.
Acts 3:22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. (KJV)
However, I want to point out and show why the fourth commandment (Sabbath) is still valid, and must be kept to insure that Christ can build his Church. The Sabbath command is a law of God, and Israel was to set aside one day in seven for a day of rest. That is all it was, and that is all it is now under the new covenant! What is so important to understand about the Sabbath is that the phrase "seventh day of the week" is nowhere found in the Bible! What this means is that the Mosaic seventh-day Sabbath did not have to fall on the seventh day of the week. The phrase "seventh day" is found many times in relation to the old covenant, however the "eighth" day is also found many times. I believe the "seventh day" Sabbath was a cycle and pattern of one day in seven that commenced from a holyday, and therefore could fall on any day of the week. This is very important to understand, and I have explained this truth carefully in my booklet "The Seventh Day".
However the phrase "first day of the week" is found eight times in the New Testament, and eight times is very significant! It is highly symbolic of the "eighth" day, or the new creation. Six of these times it is in relation to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Twice when the "first day of the week" is mentioned is when the early Church assembled on that day. What is God trying to tell us by these facts and this truth? Come on you seventh-day Saturday Sabbath keepers, it is time to re-examine your position and conviction on the seventh day of the week! There is a direct connection with the true "Eternal Rest" and the meaning of life, death, and hell. Those in Christ by faith can enter into this "Eternal Rest", which the seventh-day Sabbath under Moses only represented and pointed toward! The fourth chapter of Hebrews explains this truth very well. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ brought freedom to the righteous captive souls, and brought the end of "death" for true believers. Christ's death ended a creation that failed because of Adam's sin. Therefore the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the first day of the week ushered in the "eighth" day or the new creation. This is what assembly and fellowship on the first day of the week (Sunday) is all about! It is done in honor and remembrance of Christ setting the righteous captive souls free, and destroying "death" for us; and bringing in the new creation. It is setting aside one day in seven to allow for God to build the Church of Jesus Christ, which the "gates of hell" will not prevail against!
True Sabbath observance is to cease from our own work, and to be active in a work that will insure us that we will never "see death". Therefore when our fleshly bodies die we will not have to go to a place called hell! As I have stated in the beginning of this booklet, the subject of life and death is very personal, and should be treated with the most respect and careful understanding. This is why the Bible had to be written, and the Bible indeed gives us this understanding. It is the instruction manual and history lesson that goes along with the product. The product being the people known as the Adamite Israel family of people. It would be very wise to study the Bible, and learn the lessons of "life and death" from the history of these people! The Bible clearly shows us the consequences of our daily choices of this life. These daily choices of life style and behavior, and what we choose to believe as doctrine, determine how and where we will spend eternity! To disregard the truths and the commandments of God is to choose "death"! Let us all repent of our sins and pray to the God of Israel to grant us the ability, the wisdom, and the understanding to choose "life"!
Questions or comments?... Email: wickey777@verizon.net