The Life Beyond – Ray Summers

An interpretation of New Testament teachings on death, the resurrection, the second coming, and eternal destiny; Broadman Press, 1959. I discovered Ray Summer in the late 1980s, reading Worthy is the Lamb (the Revelation), Behold the Lamb (the gospel of John), and the Life Beyond. Ray Summers (1910-1992) was on faculty at SWBTS (1938-1959), SBTS (1959-1964), and was the chairman of the department of religion at Baylor University (1964-1980).

He begins by addressing the place of eschatology in Christian theology. If someone rejects the authority of God’s Word, you may reject or accept any teachings on the end of all things. Does the NT affirm belief in the Lord’s return and a consummation of God’s purpose in the affairs of men but stop short of setting a deadline for these events? Many will answer based on some prejudiced viewpoint supported by a series of proof texts which may be forced to fit the position held.

So, in the 1980s, while on staff at Partners Lodge (Resort Family Ministries) in Virginia Beach, I was challenged with a concept called “deworlding” (Dr. Don Solomon, PhD), taking everything the world has taught us and holding it up to the standard of Christ and his Word. I took this challenge a step further; taking up everything I learned in the church and holding it up to Christ and his Word. I was saved in high school and was faithfully taught by godly mentors (from high school into college). I must admit that I had what I would later describe as a “second hand faith,” believing all that was taught to me. It was not until this time in my life (the later 1980s, after graduating from Southern Seminary) that I developed what I now call, a “first hand faith.” My passion became discovering what the Bible says about life, purpose, and theology more than what was taught to me in the church.

Ray Summer’s writings helped me read the text in context, understand what the Bible teaches, and then accept that teaching, governing thought, belief, and conduct by it.

DEATH

Old Testament thought of death was dark and foreboding; rarely rising to the level of fearing no evil or dwelling in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23). Job looked forward to redemption (Job 19:25-27). Daniel 12:2 offers hope for everlasting life.

1. A Definition of Death: a concept of separation of spirit/soul from the body (2 Peter 1:14-15, Mark 15:37, Matthew 27:50, Luke 23:46, 12:16-20). What happens at death? (Luke 16:19-31) – Jesus mention a state of blessedness for some and punishment for others.
2. Jesus’ View of Death: he referred to death as sleep (Mark 5:39, Matthew 9:24, Luke 8:52, John 11:11).
   1. This is not the same a modern “soul-sleep” but death being something that brings peace and relief and quiet, not something to fear like an enemy.
   2. Jesus in Gethsemane was not fear of death, but the manner of death (on a cross for the sins of the world, in agony, public shame, alone – John 16:32, Matthew 27:46).
   3. The Greek “why” indicates, “for what cause” or purpose, what is the end of such an experience?
3. Paul’s Teaching on Death: He used Jesus’ terminology of sleep (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Similar for Luke in Acts 7:60.
   1. Sleep is merely a metaphor for death. Death is universal (Romans 5:12) since the time of Adam, related to sin. He has an emphasis on spiritual death, separation from the blessings and fellowship of God.
   2. For Paul, sin and death entered the world together. The body is subject to death but the spirit is not (Romans 8:10).
   3. Jesus abolished death (2 Timothy 1:10) and has brought forth life and immortality.
   4. It is at physical death that humans depart this life and are with Christ (Philippians 1:21-23).
   5. Paul acknowledges that leaving this earthly life is not entirely a pleasant experience (2 Corinthians 5:1-10) and that a new body will be given (1 Corinthians 15).
   6. Death can be the crowning event of a life well-spent in service to God (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
   7. Death is not a defeat but a glorious victory to those who are faithful and have overcome the enemy.

THE DISEMBODIED STATE

The main discussion here is the problem of the nature of the soul’s existence between death and the resurrection.

Lewis Sherry Chafer wrote that an intermediate body will be given so that we will not be bodiless between leaving the natural body in death and receiving the spiritual body at the resurrection (a reluctance to believe the spirit can have life apart from a body – 2 Corinthians 5:1-4). Summers writes that this view is foreign to the New Testament.

Martin Luther’s view is that of sleep, one goes to sleep, and after a few hours of sleep he wakes without consciousness of time lapsed or what happened during those hours of sleep. Calvin rejected this view of sleep without consciousness, but held that the souls of the righteous dead live and enjoy quiet rest but that the whole of their felicity is to be experienced only in the resurrection.

The eternal state is to be a bodily state (spiritual body). The “disembodied state” is used to describe that state of spiritual existence which the individual experiences in the interim between his death and his resurrection. So, the disembodied state is the conscious existence of both the righteous and the wicked after death and prior to the resurrection. Summers writes that this state the spirit is without body, yet the righteous enjoys joy and blessing, and the wicked experience conscious suffering.

He writes: the New Testament teaches that at death the body returns to the earth, and the spirit enters into a state of conscious existence either in blessedness or suffering. The body will be raised and transformed at the resurrection when Christ returns to the earth. If these two propositions are taught in the New Testament, it follows that there is a disembodied state of conscious existence of the spirit between these two events, death and resurrection.

1. The Disembodied Righteous:
   1. These are with God (Ecclesiastes 12:7, 2 Corinthians 5:8, Luke 23:43, 16:22, 1 Thessalonians 4:14)
   2. These are in Paradise (Genesis 2:8, Luke 23:43, 2 Corinthians 12:4, Revelation 2:7, 22:1-2)
   3. These are Alive and Conscious (Matthew 22:32, John 11:26, Philippians 1:23)
   4. These are at Rest (Revelation 14:13, 20:12). While none of this is defined a soul sleep, it is a state of unconsciousness until the resurrection of the body, at which time spirit and body are reunited and consciousness returns.
      1. A Fixed State: the moral and spiritual quality of the individual is a decided matter at death. There is no second chance after death or a purgatorial cleansing which would alter the spiritual quality which one possessed at death.
      2. An Incomplete State: while a fixed state, it is not viewed as a complete state. Paul looked forward to putting on the new body (2 Corinthians 5:3-4). He longed for the resurrection (Philippians 3:10-11).
2. The Disembodied Wicked:
   1. These are Separated from God (Luke 16:33, Matthew 25:31-46)
   2. These are Alive and Conscious (the rich man was fully aware of his situation).
   3. These are Under Punishment (terms used are suffering and torment), see 2 Peter 2:9, 1 Peter 3:19-20.
      1. A Fixed Place: while the righteous dead are in paradise, the wicked dead are in Hades (Luke 16:23). The Greek indicates an unseen world rather than a visible one. Sheol is generally used to mean the grave (with no distinction between the righteous and the wicked).
      2. Hades in the New Testament: Matthew 11:23, Luke 10:15, Matthew 16:18, Luke 16:23, Acts 2:27, 2:31, 1 Corinthians 15:55, Revelation 1:18, 6:8, 20:13-14)
      3. The term is used as a general reference to the grave, a place of the departed wicked, or a general reference to death or extinction. Gehenna is also used to refer to punishment in death.
   4. Where was Jesus after his crucifixion? (2 Peter 3:20)
      1. The Greek “disobedient” has no article, rather than “those who were disobedient,” is better, “when they were disobedient.” This refers to the witnessing the time of disobedience in the days of Noah (every pound of Noah’s hammer was a witness of the judgment that was coming).
      2. Jesus preached to the spirits in prison (the wicked dead). Jesus proclaiming his lordship even over the wicked dead. Prison could be the Hebrew Sheol.
      3. Perhaps Jesus was preaching even to the righteous dead proclaiming his victory at the cross (they died having not received the promise, but the victory has now been revealed), and he would soon lead them out of Sheol into paradise with him, leaving the wicked dead in Hades.

THE RESURRECTION

It seems that every religion on the planet makes room for some sort of life after this earthly departure: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism. The Greek resurrection has the meaning of “to stand” or “to cause to stand,” plus, with the preposition ava meaning “up” or “again.” So, here is the language of “to raise up” or “to be raised up,” specifically, from the clutches of death.

Resurrection is defined as, “the raising up of the body so that it is released from the powers of death and made to live and stand up again.” This is not the same as resuscitation, like what happened to Lazarus, or seeing Jesus as being John the Baptist made alive again. Martha had a good understanding in John 11:24.

1. The Resurrection of Jesus:
   1. His prediction: Matthew 12:39-40, 16:4, Luke 11:29, Mark 8:31, Matthew 16:21, Luke 9:22, Mark 9:31, 10:34, Matthew 17:23, 20:19, John 2:19, Mark 9:9, Matthew 17:9
   2. His resurrection (fact with evidence): Matthew 28, Mark 16:1-19, Luke 24, John 20-21
      1. The stolen body theory? the disciples took the body from the tomb and claimed the resurrection.
      2. The swoon theory? he did not die but passed out, and was revived in the cool tomb.
      3. The wrong tomb theory? the women were mistaken.
      4. The group vision theory? firm belief in the resurrection caused them to see him.
      5. The telegram theory? the spirit of Christ communicated with the disciples.
      6. The legendary theory? myth eventually turned to legend over time.
      7. The hyperbolic theory? the early church had such a continued life with Christ that misunderstanding rose early in the first church.
      8. Some even claim that Jesus was never raised at all? perhaps a miracle of disposal as God annihilated the physical body of Jesus and the only surviving part of Jesus was spirit.
      9. Similarities in the New Testament: early Sunday morning, women were there first, the tomb was empty, guarded by angels, angels announcing the resurrection, a message to go to the disciples, Jesus appeared several times.
      10. Differences in the New Testament: (1) the exact hour on Sunday (Mark very early, Matthew after the Sabbath on the first day, Luke at dawn, John while it was still dark. (20 the attending women’s names, (3) the number of angels, (4) the exact time and message to the disciples.
   3. His appearances:
      1. To Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18) don’t touch me.
      2. To The group of women (Matthew 28:9-10).
      3. To the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32).
      4. To Simon Peter alone (Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:5)
      5. To the disciples in the upper room, Thomas absent (Mark 16:14, Luke 24:36-43, John 20:19-25).
      6. To the disciples in the upper room, Thomas present (John 20:26-31).
      7. To the group of seven at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-23).
      8. To the 500 on the mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:15-18, 1 Corinthians 15:6).
      9. To James (1 Corinthians 15:7).
      10. To all the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:7, may be the same as found in Acts 1:3-8).
   4. In other New Testament books: Acts 1:3, 23-26, 2:27-32, Psalm 16:10-11, Acts 4:33, 9:1-22, 22:3-16, 26:1-20, 1 Corinthians 15:8, Romans 1:14, 4:24, 6:7-10, 10:6-7, Ephesians 4:9, Psalm 68:18, Romans 4:19, 1 Corinthians 15:4-8, Philippians 3:10-11, 2 Timothy 2:8, Romans 8:11, Galatians 1:1, Ephesians 1:20, Colossians 2:12, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Acts 3:15, 5:30, 26:4-10.
   5. The nature of Jesus’ body: while a “mystery…
      1. It was a tangible body: Mark 16:14, John 20:18, 1 Corinthians 9:1, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 24:17, 42-43, John 20:27
      2. It was a transcendent body, not a restoration of the old one: John 20:19-26, Luke 24:31, 33-34
2. Hebrew Beliefs: humans are made up of three parts (body, spirit, and soul).
   1. R. H. Charles: Body – the physical part, Spirit – the breath of God which animates a body, Soul – the functioning of the animated body. Death comes when the soul is extinguished. When the body returns to the earth, the spirit returns to God.
   2. Old Testament support:
      1. Genesis 35:18, Ecclesiastes 12:7 (something survives the death of the body).
      2. John 11:39 (the soul lingers soon after the body is dead).
      3. 1 Samuel 28:7-20 (bringing a passed person back from the region of the dead).
      4. Psalm 88:12 (land of forgetfulness), Psalm 94:17, 115:17 (land of silence).
      5. Isaiah 14:9-20 (a degree of self-consciousness, movement, and speech).
      6. Job 13:14-15, 19:25-27 (an idea of a future life in faith). Also Psalm 16, 17, 49, 73.
      7. Isaiah 26:19 (resurrection of the nation).
      8. Isaiah 24-27 (resurrection is the sole privilege of the righteous with no resurrection for the wicked). Albert Knudson writes about the importance of the individual over the importance of the nation, retribution is carried beyond death, and blessings of fellowship with God is individualistic).
3. The New Testament Era:
   1. Religious parties: Pharisees and Sadducees.
   2. Jesus’ controversy over resurrection (Matthew 22:23-33). The point was the Sadducees denied the resurrection, since the concept is not found in the Pentateuch.
   3. Paul’s appeal to the Pharisees in Acts 23:6-10, being tried for proclaiming a doctrine held dear by the Pharisees.
   4. The Greeks held to the immortality of the soul but rejected the resurrection of the body. The material world was evil and only the spirit was good. The blessing for the spirit was to cast off the body at death.
      1. Jesus is a masculine noun while resurrection was a feminine noun.
      2. Greeks wondered if this was a new pair of gods (Jesus and Resurrection).
4. Interpretation of John 5:24-29
   1. A literary technique unique to John’s gospel, a play on words.
   2. John writes of two kinds of quickening (spiritual quickening of regeneration and spiritual quickening of resurrection).
      1. The Father has assigned the Son to quicken the dead, and the other is to pronounce judgment.
      2. The messianic age had already broken into history and is present among them.
      3. One raised to life and the other raised for judgment.
   3. “From the tombs” refers to those experiencing bodily death and being raised in the resurrection (John 5:25, 28).
   4. “All” is important – both are raised, the righteous and the unrighteous (John 5:28)
   5. This is a statement from Jesus about the general resurrection at the last day.
      1. Not two separate resurrections but two types of people raised.
      2. Jesus proclaims the fact of the resurrection of the body, and that it will be at the last day (John 6:39-40, 44, 54).
5. Interpretation of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
   1. Our hope of resurrection is based on the fact of Jesus’ resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:14). This is a first-class conditional sentence.
   2. Paul tells of his source of this information (1 Thessalonians 4:15). The teaching is based on a revelation of the Lord.
   3. Those living at the time of the Lord’s return will not have an advantage over those who have died. The church was troubled at their loved ones dying before the Lord returns.
   4. “The Lord descends” refers to his personal appearance, with a shout of command and authority.
   5. Two groups are awaiting the Lord’s return:
      1. Christians who have died before the second coming (raised up).
      2. Christians who will be alive on the earth at the second coming (caught up).
   6. Death is conquered in resurrection (no more sleeping, no more waiting).
   7. Again, not two resurrections but two types of Christians raised.
   8. Paul believed in the resurrection of unbelievers but did not mention them here.
6. Interpretation of 1 Corinthians 15
   1. The basis for the doctrine – 1 Corinthians 15:3-34
      1. The resurrection of others is based on the the fact of the resurrection of Jesus.
      2. An early Christian creed (four statements)
         1. Jesus died: according to the Scriptures
         2. Jesus was buried (proof of his death)
         3. Jesus was raised: according to the Scriptures
         4. Jesus was seen (proof of the resurrection). “He has been raised” is in the perfect tense (it describes a state of being which is the result of a completed action).
      3. Paul writes of six post-resurrection appearance.
      4. Paul writes about the significance for us if Jesus had not being raised (1 Corinthians 15:12-19)
         1. Preaching would be void and meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:14).
         2. All who have been preaching the resurrection would be false witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:15).
         3. Then a Christian’s faith would be meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:17-19).
         4. The tragedy of those who had already died (1 Corinthians 15:18) with no hope of salvation.
      5. Paul writes about the resurrection being related to Christian hope (1 Corinthians 15:20-28).
         1. Jesus came to be the first-fruits of those who have died.
         2. All believers will be made alive, but in order (Christ raised first and then those belonging to Christ at his second coming, the harvest).
      6. Paul includes the ultimate result of belief or unbelief in the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:29-34).
         1. An evangelistic incentive: believers must contemplate matters of life and death in the loss of loved ones.
         2. Baptism “of” the dead: more accurately “being baptized because of the dead” (martyrs), people being saved due to the faith of Christian witnesses.
   2. The power of God – 1 Corinthians 15:35-38
      1. How are they raised? Through God’s power.
      2. Illustrations:
         1. Vegetation – the grain of wheat.
         2. Biology – different kinds of heavenly bodies needed for heavenly habitation.
   3. The resurrection of the body – 1 Corinthians 15:39-50
      1. Moving from the question of how to the question of kind.
         1. Planted in corruption and raise in incorruption.
         2. Planted in dishonor and raised in glory.
         3. Planted in weakness and raised in power.
         4. Planted in a natural body and raised in a spiritual body (not planted in body and raised in spirit).
      2. Contrasts:
         1. The earthly body is perfectly suited for the physical realm of existence.
         2. The heavenly body will be perfectly adapted to the needs of the spiritual plane of existence.
         3. There can be no victory over death unless the body were raised from the dead and transformed so that it would never die again.
   4. The time of the resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15:50-54
      1. The change will be realized in one of two ways.
         1. Those who have died prior to the second coming, who will be changed/resurrected.
         2. Those who are still living at his second coming, who will be changed/transformed.
      2. Paul’s twofold contrast:
         1. The dead will be raised incorruptible; never subject to death again.
         2. The living will changed so that they will never be subject to physical death.
         3. Details… (the living / the dead)
            1. 1 Corinthians 15:50 – the living, flesh and blood / the dead, corruption.
            2. 1 Corinthians 15:51 – the living, not all sleep / the dead, all will be changed, dead included.
            3. 1 Corinthians 15:52 – the dead, raised / the living, changed
            4. 1 Corinthians 15:53 – the dead, corruptible / the living, mortal
            5. 1 Corinthians 15:54 – the dead, corruptible / the living, mortal
      3. Paul’s main passages/progression in his thinking: (1 Thessalonians 4, 1 Corinthians 15, 2 Corinthians 5).
         1. In 1 Thessalonians 4 – resurrection of the body in line with a Jewish of restoration of the body to its physical functions (raising the dead and snatching up the living, without the living being being transformed, but assuming that they continue in some physical form).
         2. 1 Corinthians 15 – written later, Paul has a Greek feel of immortality of the soul saying the bodily existence (flesh and blood) have nothing to do with the eternal state.
         3. 2 Corinthians 5 – perhaps Paul had given up the idea of a new body when the Lord returns, and does not write about the resurrection of the body (all one receives for an eternal dwelling he will receive at the time of his death).
         4. Explanation: Paul was never static in his thinking.
            1. The difference between 1 Thessalonians 4 and 1 Corinthians 15 appears to be found in the word “mystery” (a new revelation). Paul was giving a view that was not previously given.
            2. The transformation of the living and the dead will happen at the same event, the second coming of Christ.
   5. The result of the resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15:55-58
      1. Resurrection at the second coming will rob death of its victory over mankind.
      2. There is also victory over death/sin comes through regeneration.
7. Interpretation of 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
   1. Had Paul given up the idea of resurrection of the body (whatever one receives for an eternal dwelling he gains at the time of death)? Does one get an intermediate body which he will give up at the resurrection for the eternal body?
   2. Paul begins with an affirmation of faith: the wearing out of the physical body does not mean an end to one’s existence.
   3. Paul wanted to put on his eternal body without temporarily being a disembodied spirit.
      1. Absent from the body is at home with the Lord.
      2. When we die we are immediately in the presence of Christ.
   4. Paul’s summary view:
      1. God has for our eternal habitation a body which will be the dwelling place of the spirit for eternity.
      2. This body which we are to have is one which God gives for the eternal dwelling place of the spirit.
      3. As Paul faces his prospects for the future, he sees two alternatives.
         1. One is to lay aside this body and becoming a disembodied spirit until the resurrection.
         2. Another is to continue in this life until the Lord’s return and then by means of instant transformation (1 Corinthians 15) put on the eternal body over his mortal one, like a new robe over an old one.
8. Systematic Survey:
   1. The topic is found in every part of the New Testament.
      1. In the teachings of Jesus in the gospels.
      2. In the teaching of the apostles in Acts.
      3. It is found in the writings of Paul.
      4. It is found in the teachings of the Revelation.
   2. The fact of the resurrection
      1. Jesus taught that the resurrection was to be experienc4ed by men: Matthew 12:41-42.
      2. Jesus spoke in John’s gospel concerning the resurrection: John 5:28-29, 6:39-40, 44, 54, 11:23.
      3. Jesus spoke of going to prepare a place for his followers: John 14:1-6, 19.
      4. The resurrection is emphasized in Acts following his ascension: Acts 4:3.
      5. Peter affirms the resurrection from the dead: 1 Peter 1:3.
      6. The resurrection is one of the first principles in the faith (Hebrews 6:2) and part of the reflection on the martyrs (Hebrews 11:35).
      7. The resurrection is the experience available to all men (Philippians 3:10-11) and Paul looked to the time when Christ would fashion our renewed body (Philippians 3:29-21).
      8. John writes about the resurrection in Revelation 20:1-15.
   3. The agent of the resurrection
      1. How? The resurrection becomes a reality by the power of God (1 Corinthians 15:35-50, Matthew 22:23-33.
      2. When Jesus comes again it will be by God’s power (1 Thessalonians 4:14) and God gives life to the dead (Romans 4:17, 8:11, 1 Corinthians 6:14, 2 Corinthians 1:9, 4:14, 13:4).
      3. Christ is the agent of the resurrection (John 5:25-29, 6:39-40, 44, 54, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28).
      4. There are times when no agent is expressed (Matthew 12:41-42)
   4. All are to be raised: quite the accepted doctrine.
      1. Augsburg Confession (Lutheran), Westminster Confession (Presbyterian), the Thirty-nine Articles (Church of England), the New Hampshire Confession (Baptists), Reform Episcopal Articles, Articles of Religion (Methodists).
      2. Resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous is found in Daniel 12:2, John 5:28-29, Matthew 7:21-23, 13:36-42, 16:24-27, 25:31-46.
   5. Time of the resurrection
      1. Always spoken as in the future (2 Timothy 2:18).
      2. God’s purpose of the resurrection is based on the redemption of the entire person (John 5:28-29, 6:39-54, 11:24-25, Romans 8:23, 8:18-25).
      3. Future is related to the second coming (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:20-58, 2 Thessalonians 1:7)
      4. Are the righteous and the unrighteous raised at the same time? Major Christian groups recognize only one resurrection, at the time of the second coming.
         1. Why two? Essential to the idea of two resurrections is the expectation that Christ will rule on earth for a thousand years.
         2. All who died in Christ would be raised to rule with Christ during the millennium, but the unrighteous would be raised at the end of the millennium, raised for judgment (Scofield, Talbot, Larkin, and Ladd).
         3. The first resurrection would be in two parts: the rapture and then the revelation seven years later.
            1. Calling out the righteous is called the harvest, including taking the Holy Spirit out of the earth.
            2. Those who are converted to Christ during the tribulation would be raised at the end of those seven years.
            3. The second resurrection would be at the end of the 1000 years of Christ on the earth. Righteous and wicked will be raise to face the white throne judgment.
      5. Revelation 20:4-6 (righteous raised at one time and the wicked at another).
         1. Most interpreters hold this view: the wicked will be raised 1007 years after the righteous are raised.
         2. Those who reject this view say this obscure passage (the only passage) must be interpreted in light of the teachings of clear passages.
            1. B.H. Carroll insists that both expressions refer to souls and not bodies (a symbol of the Christian’s triumph over evil).
            2. Edward McDowell writes that the millennium is a symbol of the period of history from the time of Christ’s first coming and his redemptive work until the time of his second coming in the consummation.
               1. The first resurrection refers to the souls that lived at the time of Nero and Domitian, experiencing persecution for their faith in Jesus.
               2. These are the one who were faithful in the darkest hours of the early church.
               3. “The rest of the dead” refers to all non-Christians, but also thinks that it may by contrast with the martyrs have a specific reference to to those who were identified by the mark of the beast as belonging to Domitian.
            3. There is debate on the resurrection in this passage being symbolic or literal.
               1. The first resurrection is a symbol of the triumph of the martyrs.
               2. The second resurrection (not mentioned but implied) is the general resurrection.
               3. The first death (not mentioned but implied) is physical death.
               4. The second death is a symbol of eternal punishment in separation from the blessings of God.
         3. When the entire book of Revelation is interpreted in the light of its historical setting, it seems certain that those described in Revelation 20:4 as reigning were the martyrs who lost their lives during the time of persecution of the early church. These are not seen as defeated in death but triumphant with Christ.
      6. First Thessalonians 4:16 – “The dead in Christ” will be raised first and the wicked dead will be raised later. However, this is not Paul’s statement at all. He was speaking of two groups of believers.
      7. Matthew 24:37-41 – Jesus was discussing the second coming, the point was that it would be unexpected, like in the days of Noah. Many say this is evidence of the rapture, not a separation of the wicked from the righteous. It is interesting to note that Jesus describe something opposite of what happened in the days of Noah. In the days of Noah it was God’s people who were left and the wicked were taken away (in the water).
      8. In summary:
         1. The idea of separate resurrections for the wicked and the righteous is not well-founded in the Bible (John 5:28-29, Daniel 12:2).
         2. When is the “last day”? Is it the last day, or is it 1000 years or 1007 years before the last day?
   6. The resurrection body
      1. Life will transcend the life we know here (Matthew 22:23-33).
      2. The bodies of the resurrection will be like that of Christ (Philippians 3:21)
         1. The eternal state will be a bodily state.
         2. The body will be adapted for eternal needs (2 Corinthians 5:1-10).
      3. Little is said about the resurrection of the wicked other than the wicked will not be subject to death, but for suffering in line with the wickedness which has been done (punishment for eternity).

THE SECOND COMING

While the term “second coming” is not in the New Testament, it appeared in early Christian writings (Justin Martyr in his First Apology dated between AD 147-161, speaks of the first advent and the second advent). The doctrine was a key teaching in the early church. At his ascension, the angels promised Jesus would return. There is a lot in the New Testament about the timing of his return and what will happen at that time. The return is an important part of God’s redemptive purpose.

The New Testament teaches that when the Lord returns he will raise the dead, hold final judgment, establish the eternal order (with general agreement and little confusion). However, when we try to determine events related to his return, confusion reigns. Many have overemphasize the future events into a systematic eschatology that often rules more than the actual text. What are these NT passages and what do they reveal about the doctrine? Jesus did not intend for us to have all these details of his purpose for the future.

What we need to know, he let us know: he will return, raise the dead and transform the living, exercise final judgment on what people did with his mercy through the redemptive work of Christ, he will bring an end to the present world order and establish the eternal order for the glory of those who are his and the degradation of those who are not.

Some believe his promises were fulfilled at Pentecost, at the coming of the Holy Spirit. Others see fulfillment at the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in AD 70. Still others find the Lord’s promise to return to be related to his coming to receive the believer at the point of death. But the emphasis in the gospels, Acts, the epistles, and the Revelation is on a personal, visible, and triumphant return of Christ to consummate the purpose of God in history and to usher in the eternal order. The Greek ἔρχομαι (erchomai), meaning literally, “I come” (Matthew 24:5, 30, 42, 44, 46, 25:31). There are three nouns…

1. Greek ἐπιφάνεια (epiphaneia), meaning “appearing” (2 Timothy 1:7, 4:1, 8, 1 Timothy 6:14, 2 Thessalonians 2:8, Titus 2:13)
2. Greek ἀποκάλυψις (apokalypsis), meaning “appearing” or “revelation” or “uncovering” (1 Peter 1:7, 13, 4:13, 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:7).
3. Greek παρουσία (parousia), meaning “I am beside” or “I am alongside” (Matthew 24:3, 27, 37, 39).

All these words have one basic idea: the appearing, the revealing, the coming, the presence of Christ.

1. The certainty of his coming:
   1. One of the earliest references is found in Luke 12:39-40, Jesus warns about being watchful.
   2. Another reference is in Luke 17:22-37, when the Pharisees asked when the kingdom would come.
   3. His return is assumed in Matthew 19:28, Peter asking about the future of the disciples.
   4. Jesus on trial before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:64, Mark 14:62).
   5. Jesus responds to the disciple’s question regarding the temple’s destruction (Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, Luke 21:5-36). It is difficult to determine when he stops talking about the temple and starts talking about his return.
   6. Before the ascension his return is promised (Acts 1:11).
   7. The return of Christ is emphasized in Peter’s sermon following the healing of the lame man (Acts 3: 20).
   8. Peter writes about the return of Christ (1 Peter 1:13, 2 Peter 3:1-10) Peter refers to the delay of the second coming, allowing time to repent, and then the certainty of that return.
   9. The return is found in Hebrews 9:28, “he will come.”
   10. James mentions the certainty of his return and calls for patience (James 5:7).
   11. Paul wrote a lot about the return (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, 2:19, 3:13, 4:13-18, 5:23, Philippians 1:6, 10, 3:20, Colossians 3:1-4).
2. The manner of his coming: there is an emphasis on his return being personal (Acts 4:16, this same Jesus, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, the Lord himself).
   1. It will be mysterious (Acts 1:11), as difficult as explaining his ascension.
   2. It will be sudden (Matthew 24:29, Luke 17:26-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:3)
   3. It will be triumphant (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10), accompanied by those who died trusting in Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:14).
3. The time of his coming:
   1. Known only by the Father (Matthew 24:26, Acts 1:7).
   2. The Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, Luke 21:5-36) is difficult to read. It is not designed to satisfy our curiosity but for a purpose…
      1. To safeguard from misconception.
      2. To refrain from impatience.
      3. To stimulate continuous watchfulness and faithfulness in the task of being a witness.
   3. As Jesus discusses the temple’s destruction, it is hard to tell when he begins talking about his return. These two events are not clearly related.
      1. The destruction of the temple was one event that was destined to come.
      2. The second coming was the consummation of God’s purpose for the world.
      3. The two events were related only in the sense that the one illustrated and preceded the other. The destruction of Jerusalem would precede the destruction at the end of the world.
   4. Jesus warned about…
      1. Being led astray (Matthew 24:4) by false reports.
      2. Difficulties they would face (Matthew 24:19).
      3. Turmoil would cause people to look for a radical messiah to deliver them (Matthew 24:23).
      4. When will these thing take place? (Matthew 24:29, Mark 13:24, Luke 21:25).
      5. What is meant by “immediately” in Matthew 24:29? Some translate the word, “suddenly” to not force the end of the world coming right after the fall of Jerusalem. Neither Mark nor Luke use the word “immediately.” The answer may lie in God’s measurement of time versus ours (2 Peter 3:8). Jesus speaks like poets and prophets speak about future events (two lofty mountain peaks in the distance may appear joined although in reality there may be miles of lesser peaks between them).
      6. What about cosmic upheaval? (similar language to Isaiah 13:9-10, Ezekiel 32:7-8, Joel 2:1-2, 10-11, 30-31, Amos 8:9, Zephaniah 1:14-16). Signs of his return…
         1. His appearing (Mark 13:26, Luke 21:27, Acts 1:9).
         2. Gathering his people (Matthew 24:31).
         3. Separating the righteous from the wicked (Matthew 24:40-41).
         4. Final judgment and eternal destinies decided (Matthew 24:31-46).
         5. When the Son appears, we will know the end of all things is near.
      7. What about “this generation will not pass away until all these things are accomplished”?
         1. It refers literally to the destruction of Jerusalem. It is obviously a problem if he meant the second coming.
         2. The word “generation” could carry the idea of race, it will be a part of human history on earth.
         3. Lenski holds that the word refers to the Jews, who in their wickedness were rejecting Jesus when he was on the earth.
         4. Others hold that it is a reference to Christian people.
         5. The most satisfactory explanation seems to be that Jesus had reference to the principle about which he had been talking – violence, turmoil, agony, false rumors of his coming, and the continued preaching of his word wherever men are found. Every generation since Jesus has seen these signs fulfilled in principle (his coming could have been in any generation). Since he has not yet returned, it is evidence that God’s purposes have not yet been fulfilled.
      8. What about “not even the Son of Man knows”? (Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:32) – this is not a commentary of the limitation placed on his human condition. He points to the impossibility of man’s determining the end by showing that such knowledge is withheld from the Son and the angels, so we should be content to be without such knowledge.
      9. What about the event coming when men would not be expecting it?
         1. People ignored the warnings of Noah, living normally until the rain started.
         2. Jesus gave illustrative warnings.
            1. Be ready for his coming (the house – Matthew 24:43-44).
            2. Be busy at your task until he comes (the master and servants – Matthew 24:45-51).
         3. The ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) – five were unprepared.
         4. The man on a journey (Matthew 25:14-30) – be faithful at your task and be ready for the return).
         5. If we know when the thief is coming (Luke 12:39-40).
         6. Peter affirms the unexpected nature of the event (2 Peter 3:10).
         7. Paul emphasized his return being unexpected (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3)
         8. People are so involved in the lives that they leave God’s judgment completely out of their planning (Luke 17:22-37).
      10. What about the separation of the sheep from the goats? (Matthew 25:31-46). It appears that second coming, resurrection, judgment, and eternal destinies happen at the same time.
   5. The imminence of the Lord’s return (emphasized since the ascension).
      1. Jesus told of the master being gone a long time (Matthew 25:19).
      2. Scofield, Larkin, and Talbot include a rapture, a secret coming of Jesus to take his church out of the world before the tribulation period.
         1. Larkin emphasizes the rapture can happen at any time.
         2. Scofield teaches that certain other prophetic events must take place before the rapture happens.
            1. The close of the church age.
            2. The return of the Jews to their homeland.
            3. Rebuilding the temple.
            4. Reestablishing temple worship.
            5. Restoration of the Roman empire and world dominance.
            6. The antichrist one world government before the rapture.
            7. The gospel preached to the whole world, and then the end will come (Matthew 24:14).
         3. Ladd writes there is no scriptural basis to divide the second coming into two parts (rapture and return).
      3. If Jesus knew the event would be hundreds of year away, perhaps he would not have told people to be ready for it. The point is to be ready, especially in tough times.
         1. People are urged to repent before the return of Christ (Acts 3:12-26).
         2. People should be patient until the return of Christ (James 5:8-9). The judge is at the door.
         3. People are encouraged to gather together, since the day draws near (Hebrews 10:25, 37).
         4. The end is at hand (1 Peter 4:7).
         5. The Lord is at hand (Philippians 4:5).
         6. We who are living when he returns (1 Thessalonians 4:17, 1 Corinthians 15:52).
      4. People misunderstood the doctrine of the second coming (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, 3:6-12), like the great falling away and the man of lawlessness.
         1. Falling away during terrible persecution.
         2. Who is the man? Paul doesn’t indicate a specific person. Could it refer to a principle rather than a person? His characteristics…
            1. Exalts himself to a place of worship.
            2. The highest enemy of Christ.
            3. The one who restrains; seeks to destroy the Christian faith.
            4. Characterized by evil and hypocrisy.
         3. Be watchful (1 Thessalonians 5:2-8).
         4. There will be grievous times (2 Timothy 3:1-9).
         5. Opposition to God’s redemptive movement (1 John 2:18-29).
   6. The proper attitude toward his coming.
      1. Preparation (Luke 12:40, Matthew 24:43, Mark 13:35).
      2. Expectation (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8, Titus 2:13, Philippians 3:20-21).
      3. Patience (Hebrews 10:36-37, James 5:7).
      4. Joy (1 Peter 4:12-13)
      5. Holy living (1 Peter 4:7-11, Matthew 7:7-11, 2 Peter 3:14).
      6. Peace with the brethren (2 Peter 3:14).
      7. Evangelism (2 Peter 3:15).
      8. Loyalty to God (2 Peter 3:17, 1 Timothy 6:14-15).
      9. Growth in grace (2 Peter 3:14-18).
      10. Doing God’s work (Matthew 25:14-30, 24:43, Mark 13:34-36, Revelation 22:3
   7. The consummation of the world order.
      1. Resurrection of the dead (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 15:23, 52, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10).
      2. Transformation of the living (1 Thessalonians 4:17, 1 Corinthians 15:52).
      3. Separation of righteous and the wicked (Luke 17:34-36, Matthew 25:31-46).
      4. Judgment of the wicked and exaltation of the righteous (Matthew 19:28, 2 Timothy 4:1).
      5. Destroy the man of sin (2 Thessalonians 2:8).
      6. The heavens will pass away and the earth will melt (2 Peter 3:10-13).
      7. Introduction of the new eternal order.

JUDGMENT

Most biblical passages are present not to prove the fact of judgment but to warn men of its coming. There are three main pictures of concepts which lead to division of opinion of the subject: the sheep and the goats (Matthew 24:31-46, takes place on earth and is for the nations of the world during the millennium), the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10, takes place in heaven and is for believers), and the great white throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-15, takes place in the air while the earth is being purged, and is for the wicked from all ages).

This distinction of judgments was not recognized in New Testament interpretation until the middle of the 19th century and the work of John Newton Darby (the founder of the Plymouth Brethren Movement). The system was expanded by Scofield at the beginning of the 20th century, popularized in the Scofield reference Bible.

1. The sheep and goat judgment (Matthew 25:31-46)
   1. This was the last statement from Jesus on the destruction of the temple, his return, and the end of the world.
   2. Jesus is the Son of Man who sits as King with the task of judgment by way of separation of the righteous and the wicked.
   3. “All nations” is used to indicate the universal nature of the company gathered. He will separate them, referring to the people of the nations.
   4. Failure to exercise compassion on those who are Christ’s and in need is failure to to give proper recognition and attention to Christ himself. It is a test of life and love.
   5. Eternal destinies are decided.
   6. When does this judgment take place? When the Son of Man comes in his glory.
   7. Who is judged? This is a judgment of all (righteous and wicked).
   8. What is the basis for the sentence pronounced? The genuineness of one relationship to Christ reflected in the way they lived.
   9. What is the outcome of this judgment? Some receiving their inheritance of children of God, and the very opposite for the wicked.
2. The judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10)
   1. This is the bema seat – indication is the righteous are judged at a different time and place as the wicked.
      1. Believers are sifted before the judgment seat of Christ in heaven.
      2. The word bema is used twelve times in the New Testament (Matthew 27:19, John 19:13, Acts 12:21, 18:12, 16-17, 25:6, 10, 17, 7:5) as a place of exercising authority or judgment.
   2. There two places where the word is interpreted as a separate judgment on believers only.
      1. Romans 14:10-12 – Paul may have connected Isaiah 45:23. The focus is on the person’s individual responsibility before God; a general reckoning with God.
      2. 2 Corinthians 5:10 – it refers to Paul’s determination to be pleasing to God in every condition of life since one day he will appear before Christ in judgment.
   3. The text suggests this is a general concept of judgment.
3. The great white throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) – the scene is after all the affairs of men in the world have been worked out, after every effort of Satan and his evil forces have been defeated, and after Satan and his assistants have been cast into the lake of fire.
   1. White indicates sovereignty and holiness.
   2. Present are the dead, great and small, taking their stand before the throne, ready for their sentence to be pronounced. No one will escape this solemn and holy hour. All are present, not just a special class of people.
   3. The basis and the method are written (Revelation 20:12, 15).
      1. There’s a book that includes the record of the works of all those who are present.
      2. There is another book (of life) that is the list of all of God’s people (Revelation 3:5, 13:8).
   4. How judgment will be carried out is not mentioned. Perhaps the books reveal a point and counterpoint system. As the books are opened…
      1. Someone’s name is on list, he may be identified as one who belongs to the Lord (in the book of life).
      2. Someone else will be on the list (not in the book of life), the only thing you can plead is the record of his deeds on the earth.
      3. It is not necessary for both books to be checked because God knows those who are his.
   5. The outcome of this judgment is clear: judgment is on the basis of what one’s total life has been, including one’s relationship with Christ.
      1. Some to eternal blessedness.
      2. Some to eternal punishment.
4. The agent of judgment: God is righteous and must mete out punishment to the disobedient and mercy on the obedient.
   1. To rebel against God and engage in sin calls for punishment. To obey and follow God calls for blessings.
   2. The New Testament speaks of God as the agent of judgment (Luke 12:5, John 3:36, Matthew 24:1-14, James 5:1-6, 1 Peter 1:7, 2:23, 4:5, 2 Peter 2:4-22, Hebrews 10:30-31, 12:23, 1 Thessalonians 4:6, 2 Thessalonians 1:6, Romans 1:18, 9:22, 12:19, 14:10-12, John 9:39, Matthew 3:11-12, Luke 3:15-17).
   3. The New Testament also speaks of Christ as the agent of Judgment (Matthew 7:23, 13:41, 19:28, 21:44, Luke 22:30).
   4. There is some indication that Christians take part in the judgment (Matthew 19:28, Luke 22:28-30, Revelation 2:26-27). Perhaps this judgment only relates to one’s testimony concerning the gospel, which condemns unbelievers bringing guilt and shame (1 Corinthians 6:2-3).
5. The time of the judgment: if one believes in multiple judgments, the timing gets complicated, while one general judgment at the end makes sense.
   1. It is a matter of divine appointment (Acts 17:31).
   2. People die once and then comes the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
   3. Paul mentions the “day of wrath” (Romans 2:5) and the “day when God judges” (Romans 2:16).
   4. Paul writes about “that day” (2 Timothy 1:12, 18) and “at that day” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
   5. Some passages indicate the judgment will be at the time of the resurrection (Matthew 12:41-42, Luke 11:29-32, 2 Timothy 1:12-18, 4:8, John 5:29).
   6. Some passages indicate the judgment will be at the time of the second coming (2 Peter 3:7, 10, 2 Timothy 4:1, 4:8, Matthew 24:40-42, Luke 17:34-36, 19:11-27, Matthew 25:14-30, 31-46).
   7. Some passages indicate the judgment will come at the end of the world (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, 47-50).
6. The objects of judgment: all mankind will be judged, or only the wicked?
   1. The whole world will be judged (Romans 3:19, Acts 17:31, Jude 14-15, Romans 14:10-12, Hebrews 12:23).
   2. The scope is comprehensive when dealing with separating the sheep from the goats, dealing with all men (Acts 10:42, 2 Timothy 4:1, 1 Peter 4:5). All men will be present at the judgment but believers have nothing to fear since the blood of Christ’s sacrifice covers all their sin.
7. The basis of judgment: condemnation will be based on one’s total life or works. For believers, the works in relationship to Christ. 1) The sheep and goats (Matthew 24:31-46). 2) The judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10). 3) The great white throne (Revelation 20:11-15).
   1. For every idle word (Matthew 12:36), idle meaning blameworthy.
   2. For every sin, whether hidden or not (1 Timothy 5:24-25).
   3. For each man’s works (1 Peter 1:17, 2 Timothy 4:14, Colossians 3:25).
   4. For works related to sinful activity (2 Peter 2:6-9, Jude 12-15, Luke 13:1-9). Sinful activity and not bearing fruit (the fig tree).
   5. For work related to one another (James 5:1-6, 2 Peter 21, 17, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Corinthians 3:13-15).
   6. For acts of disobedience (John 3:36, Luke 12:42-48, Deuteronomy 18:19, Acts 3:23, 2 Peter 2:4, 1 Peter 4:17-18, Jude 8, 10, Hebrews 10:26-27, Romans 1:18-3:20, 2:1-3:8).
   7. For unbelief (Matthew 12:38-42) and for certain Galilean cities (Matthew 11:20-24). Unbelief is worthy of greater judgment (Matthew 22:1-14). The one who believes does not come under judgment (John 3:16, 36, 8:21-30, 12:48, 1 John 2:23, Hebrews 3:18-19, Romans 11:11-24, Revelation 21:8).
8. The outcome of judgment:
   1. God’s judgment is righteous (Romans 2:2, 3:6, 2 Thessalonians 1:5, 2 Timothy 4:8, Acts 17:31, 1 Peter 2:23) and without partiality (1 Peter 1:17, Colossians 3:25, Romans 2:11).
   2. God sees below the surface (1 Samuel 16:7) and judges in truth (1 Peter 4:5).
   3. Hebrews 4:12-13 uses the word logos, which can mean “reckoning,” sharper than any surgeon’s knife. He is completely discerning in his estimate of those he judges.
   4. There is blessedness for the faithful disciple (2 Timothy 4:8, 1:18, 1 Peter 5:4).
   5. When there is righteous judgment the outcome can mean the exact opposite (2 Thessalonians 1:8, Romans 12:19, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Colossians 3:6, Romans 1:18, 5:9, Acts 3:23, Hebrews 10:27, 4::3-4).

ETERNAL DESTINY

Judgment of a responsible creature will stand before his Creator to give an account of what he has done with the stewardship of his earthly life. The first problem is to define the word eternal (Matthew 25:46). Some translate this as everlasting punishment and eternal life; unfortunate for Summers. The duration of future punishment is extremely important. If eternal life is to have no end, eternal punishment will have no end. We will reap the results of evil deeds and will be rewarded for faith and good deeds.

Some focus not on the duration of this life but the transcendent nature of this life. The quality of this latter life will transcend the former life. Yet we cannot leave out the fact of duration (he will never die” and “will never perish”). Henry George Liddell and Robert Scott use the word “perpetual.” This word is used twice in the New Testament (Romans 1:20, Jude 6). God is described as without beginning or end (Romans 16:26). Since humans are not eternal (without a beginning) it is more accurate to use the word everlasting (without end). This is the use in 2 Peter 1:11, 1 Timothy 2:10, Hebrews 9:15, 5:9, Luke 16:9. It is used in the same way to describe the quality of the destination of the wicked (Hebrews 6:2, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Matthew 25:41, 46). Leslie D. Weatherhead wrote that if there is a temporary nature to hell, the same must be said about heaven. in his view, neither heaven nor hell is eternal. He thinks of both in terms as being temporary and purgatory for a new age in which there will be perfect life. This is not consistent with the words of the New Testament, since the soul’s destiny is settled at death. Mankind therefor chooses his destiny which he makes his own.

1. The eternal destiny of unbelievers:
   1. The abode of the wicked.
      1. Separated from God (Matthew 7:23, 25:41-46, Luke 16:25-26, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Ephesians 5:5, Revelation 21:8, 27, 22:15).
      2. In Torment (Luke 16:25-26, 2 Kings 23:10, James 3:6, Matthew 5:21-22, 29, 30, 10:28, Luke 12:5, Matthew 18:8-9, Mark 9:43-48, Matthew 23:15, 33). A Reference to Hinnom outside of Jerusalem.
   2. The experience of the wicked.
      1. The wages of sin in death (Romans 3:23, 8:13, Revelation 2:10-11, 20:6, 14).
      2. There is sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7-9).
      3. There is destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:9, Philippians 1:3-9). This does not assume the idea of annihilation since the terms used are related to punishment.
      4. There is punishment (Hebrews 10:30-31, Mark 3:29, Matthew 26:24, Mark 14:21, Romans 2:8-9).
      5. There is outer darkness (Matthew 25:30, 22:13, 24:51, 2 Peter 2:17, Jude 13).
      6. There is fire (Luke 16:19-31, Matthew 18:8-9, Mark 9:43-48, Jude 23, Hebrews 10:27, Revelation 20:14-15, 21:8).
      7. Those who downplay hell attempt to soften it by denial, universalism, or annihilationism, basically removing the teaching of punishment.
      8. One must understand the teaching of the New Testament on man’s sin and rebellion against God.
         1. God offers mercy through the work of Christ on the cross.
         2. Mankind chooses his own eternal destiny based on what he does with the free gift of salvation offered.
   3. The eternal destiny of the righteous: what is this life like?
      1. The abode of the righteous.
         1. Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:19-31).
         2. The joy of the Lord (Matthew 25:21).
         3. The kingdom of my Father (Matthew 25:34).
         4. Where Jesus is (John 17:24).
         5. Being with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17, 2 Corinthians 5:8, Philippians 1:23).
         6. Being in heaven (Luke 15:7).
         7. My Father’s house (John 14:1-2).
         8. Appearing before the face of God (Hebrews 9:23-24).
         9. With Abraham, whose city and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10).
         10. The heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22). Especially if this passage was written after the destruction of the earthy Jerusalem.
         11. The home of the redeemed (1 Peter 1:3-4, Philippians 3:20, Colossians 1:15, 4:1, Ephesians 6:9).
         12. The new heaven (2 Peter 3:13).
         13. The dwelling place of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:1).
      2. The experience of the righteous.
         1. This life transcends the experience of the earthly life.
         2. It is started now and will not be interrupted at death; everlasting life continues beyond the grave.
         3. There will be blessings (Matthew 22:30, Mark 12:25, Luke 20:36).
         4. There will be rest (Hebrews 3:11, 18, 4:1, 3, 8-9, Revelation 14:13). Idleness has no place in this rest.
         5. There is a beautiful home (Revelation 21:1-22:5).
      3. John saw heaven as a tabernacle (Revelation 21:1-8, Revelation 4, 5).
         1. Paul links this imagery (Romans 8:19-25), the material universe will be set free and redeemed, purged from the fall (Genesis 3:17).
         2. Peter links this imagery (2 Peter 3:7-13), the earth will be purged and restored.
         3. “New” has two meanings: 1) new in time, and 2) new in kind. The second meaning is used to describe the new heaven and earth.
         4. “No more sea” has the idea of separation (John’s experience in Revelation4:6).
      4. John saw heaven as a city (Revelation 21:9-27).
         1. A beautiful city.
         2. A walled city, representing protection, and the measuring is for spaciousness (the perfect symbolic number 1000 multiplied by the perfect spiritual number 12.
         3. A gated city, three facing each compass point. Never closed since there is no night there. Twelve is the perfect number of gates, and 3 is the perfect number of gate on each side.
         4. A city of symbols.
            1. Beauty of the city.
            2. Foundation stones have meaning.
            3. No need for sacrifice.
            4. Illumination of the city.
      5. John saw heaven as a garden (Revelation 22:1-5).
         1. While “garden” is not used in the text, the description fits”paradise”.
         2. The tree of life is there (Revelation 2:7).
         3. We can live forever since everything we need for life will be there.
         4. There is no curse in this garden.
         5. Three significant gardens:
            1. Eden – where sin entered the world and brokenness began.
            2. Gethsemane – where the price of salvation was embraced.
            3. Heaven – the ultimate location to spend eternity.