Posted By: Green Cochoa
Elucidation on the State of the Dead as Viewed by Jesus - 10/14/09 02:45 PM
This study, being truly impressive in its final implications, and being unrelated to the topic of marriage in the New Earth, in spite of the fact that Jesus took special opportunity to speak to this issue when answering the Jews' question on that, is started here as a separate thread. To view the lead up discussion and inspiration for this, please click here.
This thread might also be named "The State of Life" as opposed to the State of the Dead. Both will be covered here, particularly as they relate to Jesus' and/or God's perspective.
First, in order to understand the better known subject of death in the light of Christ's words, it is simplest to focus first on the "life" portion, and then look at its opposite.
Notice the verb tense. The verb tense is the key here. Present tense. This is the same tense used here:
Jesus speaks of a time in the past when God spoke to the Israelites these words, referring to His being the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jesus' listeners know very well that these patriarchs are no longer living. They even know where these men are buried. But Jesus next startles them by saying "God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."
This can only mean one of two things:
1) Jesus is saying that God's earlier words to the Israelites were false; or
2) Jesus is saying that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are not dead, but alive.
Either one of these meanings would shock them. However, the first one is unthinkable--that God would lie--so the second one is the only option truly remaining.
Considering we know of a certainty that the patriarchs were in their graves awaiting the resurrection, what did Jesus mean? How could they be "alive?"
Here are the other two angles on the same passage:
Both Mark and Luke speak of the resurrection as being future. In Luke, however, there is a slight twist--Jesus explains the fact that the resurrection day is alluded to by God Himself when speaking to Moses at the burning bush! This seems a clear thrust at the Sadducees' doctrine of "no resurrection."
In the same words, Jesus implies that the Jewish leaders should have known that God is not a God of the dead, but of the living.
To be continued in next post...
Blessings,
Green Cochoa.
This thread might also be named "The State of Life" as opposed to the State of the Dead. Both will be covered here, particularly as they relate to Jesus' and/or God's perspective.
First, in order to understand the better known subject of death in the light of Christ's words, it is simplest to focus first on the "life" portion, and then look at its opposite.
Originally Posted By: Jesus
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Notice the verb tense. The verb tense is the key here. Present tense. This is the same tense used here:
Originally Posted By: The Bible
But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, 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. (Matthew 22:31-32)
Jesus speaks of a time in the past when God spoke to the Israelites these words, referring to His being the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jesus' listeners know very well that these patriarchs are no longer living. They even know where these men are buried. But Jesus next startles them by saying "God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."
This can only mean one of two things:
1) Jesus is saying that God's earlier words to the Israelites were false; or
2) Jesus is saying that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are not dead, but alive.
Either one of these meanings would shock them. However, the first one is unthinkable--that God would lie--so the second one is the only option truly remaining.
Considering we know of a certainty that the patriarchs were in their graves awaiting the resurrection, what did Jesus mean? How could they be "alive?"
Here are the other two angles on the same passage:
Originally Posted By: The Bible
And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven. And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err. (Mark 12:24-27)
And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. Now that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him. (Luke 20:34-38)
And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. Now that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him. (Luke 20:34-38)
Both Mark and Luke speak of the resurrection as being future. In Luke, however, there is a slight twist--Jesus explains the fact that the resurrection day is alluded to by God Himself when speaking to Moses at the burning bush! This seems a clear thrust at the Sadducees' doctrine of "no resurrection."
In the same words, Jesus implies that the Jewish leaders should have known that God is not a God of the dead, but of the living.
To be continued in next post...
Blessings,
Green Cochoa.