There are many scriptures in the Old Testament that plainly say that the dead are not alive and sleep the sleep of death being totally unconscious. There are some who say these words by the prophets have been changed by GOD and don’t apply to us today and they use the transfiguration, the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, 1 Peter 3:18-21 and others to prove this. GODS attributes of omnipotence and omniscience should show us that GOD doesn’t need to change HIS mind about anything. It is necessary to examine what Jesus and the Apostles say about this idea.
2 Peter 3:1-2 “This second epistle beloved I write to you in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance. That you be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets and the commandment of us Apostles of the Lord and Savior.”
2 Peter 1:19 “And so we have the prophetic word made sure to which you would do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. Knowing this first that no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation for prophecy never came by the will of man but holy men of GOD spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 1:2 “the gospel HE promised beforehand through HIS prophets in the holy scriptures.”
Ephesians 3:5 “which was not made known in other generations as it has now been revealed by the spirit of GODS holy Apostles and prophets.”
Acts 3:21 “whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things about which GOD spoke by the mouth of all HIS holy prophets since the world began.”
Well, these are only a few scriptures that to me establish the sureness of the testimony of the prophets. Peter reveals that all the prophets were not speaking to people of their day or for themselves but to the church.
1 Peter 1:12 “It was revealed to them (the prophets) that they were not serving themselves but you (the church) when they spoke of the things that have now been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things angels desire to look into.”
All the words of the holy prophets are still valid today, even those that describe the state of the dead being that of unconscious nothingness. That there is no immediate life after death. The truth of GOD had always been in both old and new testaments that the ONLY way to live again after death is by a resurrection from the dead at the return of Christ.
Any other teachings that contradicts or alters this truth are from Satan. This lie of Satan is not part of the gospel but of Satans first lie, “You shall not surely die.” The elect of GOD are to be in agreement on all spiritual things with no divisions among us and all of us speaking the same thing. Anyone calling themself a brother but thinks there is immediate life after death is a deceived person. This deceived brother needs to repent and accept the truth if GOD will have mercy on him and grant him repentance.
James 5:20 “Let him know that the one who has turned a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
The brother, more than likely a babe, needs correction from the mature brethren, but if he rejects loving correction then what ?
Romans 16:17 “I urge you brothers and sisters to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”
Titus 3:10-11 “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful and self condemned.”
2 John 1:9 “Whoever transgresses and does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have GOD but the one who remains in the teaching has both the FATHER and the son.”
1 Timothy 6:3 “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words even the words of the Lord Jesus Christ and with doctrine conforming to Godliness they are proud knowing nothing but is obsessed with dispute and arguments over words from which come envy, strife, evil suspicions.”
GODS elect will in love try to explain the truth to a confused brother but if that brother refuses to hear and continues his rant about a false belief then it is time to rebuke him. Titus 3:10
Usually a person rebuked is offended and withdraws himself from fellowship rather than realize his error when the brethren attempt in love to help him see the truth. This is a sad thing but this person isn’t lost but may have to be in the millennium or second resurrection to see the truth if GOD doesn’t want him now. If the brother repents and desires to return to fellowship then let him and consider the matter over and done.
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