{"id":856,"date":"2010-07-05T08:00:48","date_gmt":"2010-07-05T14:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.returningking.com\/?p=856"},"modified":"2010-07-05T08:00:48","modified_gmt":"2010-07-05T14:00:48","slug":"the-spirit-world-conclusion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/returningking.com\/?p=856","title":{"rendered":"The Spirit World: Conclusion"},"content":{"rendered":"
This entry is part 23 of 23 in the series The Spirit World<\/a><\/div>

Conclusion<\/h1>\n

(This is a continuation of The Spirit World book series<\/a>. This post assumes the prerequisite reading of earlier posts in the series.)<\/p>\n

\"\"The ultimate question asked of student and teacher alike upon completion of a body of study in scripture should always be, “what shall my response be?”\u00a0 For this particular work there are multiple possible answers which should be contemplated, each depending upon the reader’s position in Christ.\u00a0 Those who do not ascribe Christ as the uncontested Lord of their lives have one necessary response to consider, while those who know Christ have several thoughts to ponder.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This chapter entails notes of encouragement from the author and will be written in the first person as his private appeal to each group.<\/p>\n


<\/p>\n

Believers<\/h2>\n

To those who are believers in the Lord Christ, and have given your lives to his service, I wish to appeal to you in light of this study to re-evaluate the stewardship of your service to the King.\u00a0 To those of us in this category, my singular appeal to you in light of this work is very simple:\u00a0 please take scripture seriously.<\/em>\u00a0 It reveals the substance of your future judgment.<\/p>\n

We live in a day when scripture has gone the way of fine poetry; it is considered something to be interpreted on an individual basis by many.\u00a0 A common assertion concerning a biblical text is, “well, it doesn’t mean that to me.”\u00a0 Some church groups actually champion themselves as people who are open minded to “interesting ideas” concerning scripture.\u00a0 Modern thinking seems to be comfortable with an utter lack of absolute truth in one’s theological diet.\u00a0 But, scripture does not belong to us.\u00a0 It is God’s Word, not ours, our denomination’s or our focus group’s.\u00a0 I do pray that you are challenged to consider the wealth of biblical knowledge as something which has been once and for all entrusted to the saints.<\/p>\n

Religious relativism is greatly involved in this demise of biblical truth as something which is absolute.\u00a0 People are quite content these days to think that everyone has their own “religious book,” and that each has something of value to offer this great buffet of spirituality which is permeating our culture.\u00a0 And, when we teach scripture with faulty hermeneutical processes, that mindset is encouraged.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Yet, when scripture is taught plainly and honestly it comes to life for those who hear it.\u00a0 It is our joy and responsibility to present scripture to people in such a way that they hear it not as “some food for thought,” but rather the very Word of God<\/em> which has been entrusted to our care.\u00a0 To that end, I pray that the principles detailed in this work will assist you as we contend once and for all for that trust.\u00a0<\/p>\n

There are several false doctrines being touted today which are easily refuted by the simple understanding of the spirit world in scripture.\u00a0 Our responsibility to God and his Word are to expose such teachings and to prepare our own discipleship circle biblically, that they will not be susceptible to such false doctrines.\u00a0<\/p>\n

One incredulous teaching I’m referring to is the “Jesus in Hell” doctrine.\u00a0 This doctrine is daily<\/em> being introduced into the mainstream by the likes of Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Paul Crouch, Joyce Meyer and other T.V. “star” billionaires who are pandering to the biblical ignorance of this generation.\u00a0 Paul noted,<\/p>\n

2 Timothy 4:3 (NIV) <\/strong>
\n3 <\/sup>\u2026 the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.<\/p>\n

This false doctrine states that Jesus went to Hell upon his death and paid the sentence for man’s sin in Hell<\/em> (meaning the lake of fire) rather than on the cross.\u00a0 To put it accurately in their terms, Jesus gave up his righteousness, took on the nature of Satan and went to Hell in our place.\u00a0 This is an essential part of the Word of Faith soteriology (doctrine of salvation) which is propagated by TBN and other “Christian” television networks.\u00a0 Joyce Meyer said, ” “There is no hope of anyone going to heaven unless they believe this truth I am presenting. You cannot go to heaven unless you believe with all your heart that Jesus took your place in hell.” (“The Most Important Decision You Will Ever Make”, 1991 pg. 3)<\/p>\n

The basis of this doctrine is noted to be Psalm 16:10, rendered from the KJV.<\/p>\n

Psalm 16:10 (KJV) <\/strong>
\n10 <\/sup>For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.<\/p>\n

As we well know, the underlying term for “hell” in this text is “Sheol.”\u00a0 Jesus did not go to the lake of fire, but to Sheol- where dead people went.\u00a0 Yet, this older translation coupled with a biblically ignorant population has given rise to a horrendous misrepresentation of Jesus’ atoning work which millions<\/em> of listeners are now subscribing to.<\/p>\n

Another popular movement in our culture is the emergent movement.\u00a0 While not all emergent congregations are created equally, many within that mindset are now subscribing to a strictly narrative interpretation of scripture.\u00a0 Some of the strongest leaders in this group, notably Rob Bell and Brian McLaren, are now teaching that the lake of fire is figurative in scripture.\u00a0 As such, Hell does not exist as it has been taught historically via systematic theology.\u00a0 There is no literal burning lake of sulfur nor is there an eternal punishment for the body and soul of mankind who reject Christ.<\/p>\n

If you have not thrown this book in the trash by now, then you have a proper mindset for the literal application of scripture.\u00a0 It is to be understood as written.\u00a0 There is no “secret,” hidden message in the Bible which can only be understood by an emergent.\u00a0 It is God’s straight-forward message for his people to learn and apply.\u00a0 So – go and apply it.\u00a0 Teach your students about the spiritual abodes.\u00a0 Teach them how to properly interpret scripture.\u00a0 Teach them concerning the very real judgments<\/em> which wait for us all.\u00a0 Never stop learning and teaching that your master will not return to find you sleeping.<\/p>\n

Secondly, I appeal to you to make it your daily goal to build your eternal reward.\u00a0 It should be crystal clear at this point that our existence on this earth will be judged in accordance with our works.\u00a0 Many have allowed the security of their salvation to somehow trump their very daily life of works.\u00a0 “I know I’m going to Heaven, so I’m not worried about how I live.”\u00a0 Such is not the message of scripture on any level.\u00a0 Indeed, those who have faith in Christ will endure to eternal life.\u00a0 Yet, it is one’s works<\/em> which will determine one’s eternal reward.\u00a0 While no one is saved by works, all are judged by them.\u00a0 Do not be satisfied with entering life as one escaping through the flames.\u00a0 Understand your Master’s call; to work toward your reward.\u00a0 Be compelled each day to do that which will endure to eternity rather than to limit yourself to the pursuit of earthly satisfaction.\u00a0 How sad it will be for all of us when we stand before our Lord and have the sudden, sharp realization that we have wasted so much of our lives in the pursuit of things that have now burned up before our eyes.\u00a0 Our careers will not follow us into eternity, but our co-workers may if we introduce the gospel into their ears.\u00a0 Our hoarded wealth will melt in the kiln of judgment, but perhaps those we feed and provide for will follow us in the teachings of our Lord.\u00a0 Perhaps they will stand behind us in line as the substance of that which will endure into eternity.\u00a0 Indeed,<\/p>\n

Philippians 3:20-21 (NIV) <\/strong>
\n20 <\/sup>\u2026 our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 <\/sup>who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.<\/p>\n

I have a friend who some years ago noted to me this sentiment: “My personal goal is to do something every day which is eternal.”\u00a0 My hope is that the readers of this work will be compelled by God’s word to endorse and accept that same challenge.\u00a0 I am confident that we all will find life entirely too short and the fruits of judgment entirely too long-lasting to have had any other attitude.<\/p>\n

Unbelievers<\/h2>\n

If you find yourself completing this work, yet do not have- or are not sure if you have- a relationship with Christ, the King, then I pray that God’s Word will be a light to your path.<\/p>\n

Fundamentally, the message of scripture should inspire one to whatever means necessary to avoid the certain judgment that awaits all who do not receive the forgiveness of God for their sin.\u00a0 The warnings of this work draw their weight and their light from the scriptures.\u00a0 Unconditionally, the Bible teaches that all of us are in a dire standing with God.<\/p>\n

We have a profound problem.\u00a0 That problem is sin, and it is universal.\u00a0 Romans says,<\/p>\n

Romans 3:23 (NIV) <\/strong>
\n23 <\/sup>for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,<\/p>\n

I have met precious few people who have difficulty understanding that they have sinned.\u00a0 While some today do not believe in sin, most understand that they have failed at being 100% righteous, which is God’s requirement for entering eternal life.\u00a0 As Paul noted,<\/p>\n

Romans 6:23 (NIV) <\/strong>
\n23 <\/sup>For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.<\/p>\n

God has proclaimed a universal penalty for sin.\u00a0 That penalty is eternal death and destruction in the lake of fire.\u00a0 While this may seem harsh to some, it is what scripture teaches unapologetically.\u00a0 Sin is simply that significant of an issue to God.\u00a0 It is to trespass his very nature.<\/p>\n

Yet, the focus of scripture does not merely reveal great warnings of impending doom to you and I for our sin.\u00a0 It rather focuses the heart and soul of its message on the great lengths which God has gone to redeem mankind from his sinful state.<\/p>\n

In the Old Testament law of Moses, God prescribed that man could be forgiven of his sins by the shedding of blood.\u00a0 That blood would vicariously pay the death which man owed for his own trespass.\u00a0 This old legal application of grace was not the final answer to sin, however.\u00a0 It was instead a portrait of what was to come.\u00a0 In the New Testament God afforded a once-and-for-all sacrifice of his own Son, Jesus, to provide a permanent blood atonement for all who will receive him as their Lord and King.\u00a0 As Romans 3:23 (above) notes, “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”<\/p>\n

One does not have a gift simply because it has been offered.\u00a0 Indeed, one has to put forth initiative to take hold of it.\u00a0 The way one receives the gift of eternal life is noted to be “in Christ Jesus our Lord.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

Lordship involves one literally giving of oneself to another.\u00a0 Christ gave his life for us, and we are expected to give our lives to him in order to receive his offer.\u00a0\u00a0 To put it simply, one finds salvation from one’s sin by calling upon Christ, confessing his sins and yielding oneself to his service in repentance.\u00a0 That process involves our proclamation of faith that Jesus is God’s Son, that he died for our sins and that he rose from the dead as the firstfruits of the resurrection of all the dead.\u00a0 If you believe in the Jesus of scripture, then act upon that belief and proclaim him the Lord of your life today.<\/p>\n

Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins was fully capable of removing all guilt from our lives; past, present and future.\u00a0 Yet his gift is only offered to those who will reach out and receive it.\u00a0 Those who do so are promised the resurrection of the righteous and the rewards which accompany it.\u00a0 Those who do not are promised the resurrection of the unrighteous and the judgments of the lake of fire.<\/p>\n

Many are those who insist on speaking of the “unfairness” of the Bible’s clear depiction of raging fire judgment for man’s sin.\u00a0 Yet, those should understand how loving and gracious God is.\u00a0 He did what no father I know would do.\u00a0 He prescribed his Son to intervene on man’s behalf and become obedient to a cruel death on a Roman cross.\u00a0 Such action demands response.\u00a0 As gently as I can say it, if I had given my son for people who then rejected his offering, I doubt that I would be any more yielding in the application of the punishment which was due.<\/p>\n

If you desire to conclude this study by making the commitment of faith to Christ, may I suggest the sincere communication of this prayer to the Lord:<\/p>\n

Lord, Jesus, I do believe you are who the Bible says.\u00a0 You are God’s Son, and our only path to salvation from sin.\u00a0 I believe you died to be a substitute for man’s sin.\u00a0 I admit that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness.\u00a0 Please forgive me for my sin and help me to live as you desire.\u00a0 I proclaim you as the Lord of my life and will serve you to the best of my abilities.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Upon your commitment to the Lordship of Christ, I strongly suggest that you find a good church to join and learn with.\u00a0 A good church is one which teachers the Bible, and the Bible alone as the source of God’s revelation to man.\u00a0 Beyond that, a good church is one which interprets the Bible literally, rather than symbolically.\u00a0 Men will fall and will fail.\u00a0 Their leadership is always to be tested biblically.\u00a0 But, God’s Word will remain intact, and is absolutely trustworthy to lead you in pursuit of the Lordship of Christ.\u00a0 A good biblical teacher will always begin with the Bible itself as the source of truth, and will teach what the Bible states, rather than attempting to teach another agenda while using the Bible as support material.\u00a0 Find a pastor who will preach the text of the Bible purely and you will surely find a good church to learn and grow in.<\/p>\n

Until we stand before our King, may his grace lead you to readiness and great anticipation of his redemption.<\/p>\n

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The Spirit World series will continue weekly until the entire book is published online. If, however, you enjoy this series and do not wish to wait, you can purchase the paperback version of The Spirit World here<\/a>.<\/p>\n


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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This entry is part 23 of 23 in the series The Spirit World<\/a><\/div>

Conclusion (This is a continuation of The Spirit World book series. This post assumes the prerequisite reading of earlier posts in the series.) The ultimate question asked of student and teacher alike upon completion of a body of study in scripture should always be, “what shall my response be?”\u00a0 For this particular work there are […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[16,19],"tags":[],"series":[217],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/returningking.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/856"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/returningking.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/returningking.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/returningking.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/returningking.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=856"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/returningking.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/856\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/returningking.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=856"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/returningking.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=856"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/returningking.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=856"},{"taxonomy":"series","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/returningking.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fseries&post=856"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}