Some Die Once – Many Die Twice [Part 9]
In today’s Part 9 of our series of Blog Posts from our upcoming book titled “One Way or Another Your Eternal Destination is Guaranteed” we will study the statements: “The Body is a Temporary Housing for the Spirit and Soul; and an Illustration of Hell and the Lake of Fire”
Our maximum time on earth is brief, possibly a few decades, but by the end of the Church Age, the great majority of us will have experienced physical death. For this maximum time of life on earth—only 70 to 100 years or less—human bodies do experience death. In the following verses Paul explains what happens to the perpetual spirits and souls:
2 Corinthians 5:4-11a
For we who are in this tent [temporary housing for the soul] groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God.
Spirit and Soul
Paul, in his Epistle to the Philippians, goes on to inform us that the believer’s spirit and soul will soon receive a changed, glorified body.
Philippians 3:20b-21
We also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform [cure or heal] our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Illustration of Hell and the Lake of Fire
Mark 9:43-44 (Isaiah 66:24b)
Jesus said:
“If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched where ‘Their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’
Mark 9:45-46 (Isaiah 66:24b)
And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— where ‘Their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’”
Hell and Lake of Fire
To end up suffering forevermore in the Lake of Fire is a terrifying contemplation. Quoting Christian author Warren Henderson,
“Hell is an eternal, putrid, and dark abode with unquenchable fire and suffering…this is the final destination for those who reject God’s offer of mercy.”
The words, the fire is not quenched, bring to realization that the suffering is not temporary. No, the anguish and torment is not short term—it is utterly eternal!
Summary of Chapter Two
Concerning the urgency of the decision, many of our loved ones have proudly said to us, “I’ll think about it tomorrow” or, “I’ll find out when I get there.” Many others have said, “I’m a good person. I will go to heaven.” Those are the last thoughts of multitudes who are now in their graves awaiting final judgment.
There is nothing we can do to save ourselves; not helping a little older lady across the street, not going to church, getting water baptized, taking communion, nor any other good works. The Savior did the good works for us, shedding His blood and dying for us on the cross. It would be boasting if we could save ourselves without the Savior.
No, we do not do good works to save ourselves—we do good works because we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-10). Scripture makes clear that those who’ve chosen not to believe in God are definitely going to suffer for all eternity.
Pride can drive a person away from heaven.
Pray that people will come to the saving knowledge of the Truth before it’s too late, and love their children to teach them the Truth.
Next Blog Post, on October 03, 2024: “God’s Righteousness”
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How to Receive Eternal Life Posts
Would you like to find out why believers have hope of Eternal Life and how to develop a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ? Check out these blog posts if your answer is “yes.”
Receiving Eternal Life as easy as A-B-C-D
Why do I need the God of the Bible?
Resources:
Check Out these Interesting Resources:
Gospel Folio Press – William MacDonald – Believers Bible Commentary
Warren Henderson Publishing
Christ-centered Books and Messages to Enhance Your Spiritual Growth
Solving the Spiritual Dilemma
And check out our latest book “Solving the Spiritual Dilemma” which answers many questions about the hope believers have and how to develop a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.
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Scripture taken from the New King James Version, unless stated otherwise. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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