Monthly Archives: March 2010
The Spirit World: Ch. 7 (The Migration of Paradise)
The Migration of Paradise
(This is a continuation of The Spirit World book series. This post assumes the prerequisite reading of earlier posts in the series.)
As has been demonstrated thus far, the righteous are appointed to leave Sheol/Hades at some point in time. The hope of a future release from Sheol for the righteous is a demonstrated characteristic of their existence there. Hannah notes in her prayer,
1 Samuel 2:6 (NIV)
6 “The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave (Sheol) and raises up.
The priestly sons of Korah note,
Psalm 49:15 (NIV)
15 But God will redeem my life from the grave (Sheol); he will surely take me to himself. Selah Continue reading
The Spirit World: Chapter Six (Paradise)
Paradise
(This is a continuation of The Spirit World book series. This post assumes the prerequisite reading of earlier posts in the series.)
“Paradise” is a Greek term literally meaning a “royal park” or a “garden.” However, the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) translates “the garden of Eden” as “the garden of Paradise.” Thus it can be gleaned that the Greek understanding of “paradise“ was more than a mere garden. It was an exceptional type of garden, denoting a place of peace, innocence and freedom from the sinful realm. It was a place in some way resembling the character and nature of Eden. Continue reading
The Spirit World: Chapter Five (Abraham’s Bosom)
Abraham’s Bosom
(This is a continuation of The Spirit World book series. This post assumes the prerequisite reading of earlier posts in the series.)
The Term
The terms “Abraham’s Bosom” are found only in Luke 16, in Jesus’ story of Lazarus and the rich man. The terms are Greek “kolpos Abraam.” Kolpos (or kolpon) is rendered “bosom” by the KJV and “side” by the NIV. “Bosom” is the most articulate and accurate term and the most historically known, thus the term “Abraham’s bosom” is familiar in theology as a designation for this abode. The definition of kolpos describes the area between the arms, or the chest. While the English use of “bosom” frequently implies the mammary specifically, it is not intended necessarily as such in Greek, but rather, the general chest area. Continue reading
The Spirit World: Chapter Four (The Pit)
The Pit
(This is a continuation of The Spirit World book series. This post assumes the prerequisite reading of earlier posts in the series.)
The term
“The Pit,” is to be described in this work using its English rendering because two different Hebrew terms are translated “the pit” in the Old Testament. Both terms, when used metaphorically, clearly speak of the same place, however. Additionally, both terms translate into English as “the pit,” so are grouped together in this section. Continue reading
If You Love Jesus… Forward Another Brainless Email
You’d think I would be desensitized by now. But, truth be told, I get more irritated each time it happens. Before their morning coffee has opened passages to their hypothalamus, someone forwards me an utterly asinine email from their Aunt Myrtle which aptly demonstrates the theological aspirations of Joe Q. Christian. I’m sure it seemed relevant at the time.
The sentiment of Aunt Myrtle’s pining will be less than challenging to anyone who knows any actual scripture (beyond what is printed on their clothing or bumper stickers.) It will normally be the stuff that Touched By An Angel episodes are made of; such as the heart-warming story of the child who gave a homeless man his happy-fries outside of the local McDonalds. Continue reading
The Spirit World: Chapter Three (Abaddon)
Abaddon
(This is a continuation of The Spirit World book series. This post assumes the prerequisite reading of earlier posts in the series.)
Abaddon is also a Hebrew term, thus is constrained to the Old Testament, except for one occasion when the Hebrew term is referenced in its original language in the New Testament. Abaddon appears seven times in the Bible. Since it is used so sparingly, this chapter will examine each use of the term.
Abaddon is translated “destruction” throughout the NIV and KJV, except for the Revelation passage, where Abaddon is rendered in its native Hebrew, as a proper name.
Each use of the term is listed below. Continue reading
