John 3:1-16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The visit of Nicodemus, a Jewish ruler, to our Lord was evidently early in our Lord’s ministry. We know little of the man, except that on various occasions he manifested sincerity and considerable faith in our Lord and sympathy with his cause. It was this same man who defended our Lord in a…
It is not, however, for us or anyone to answer the query which our Lord refused to answer, viz., “Are there few that be saved?” (Luke 13:23) The most we are privileged to do is to point out that “a ransom for ALL” has been given by our Lord and the promise that in “due time” ALL shall come to a knowledge of this great truth and to opportunity to attain everlasting life from him, the great Light who shall yet…
Mankind’s Hope for Everlasting Life The boldest and ablest scientists and evolutionists have attempted to show that man’s life was not a gift from the Creator. Theoretically they have brought man and all the lower animals up, by evolution process, from a microscopic germ; yea, from protoplasm, which Prof. Huxley called “the physical basis of life“; and they fain would in some way ignore the Creator and Life-giver entirely: but, as a matter of fact, they have been unable to…
Two Greek words are translated immortality: (1) Athanasia, which Strong defines as “deathlessness.” This word is found in the following scriptures only: “This mortal must put on immortality [athanasia – deathlessness]” – referring to the first resurrection shared in only by the Church. 1 Cor 15:53 “When this mortal shall have put on immortality [athanasia – deathlessness]” – referring to the same first resurrection of the Church. 1 Cor 15:54 “Who only hath immortality [athanasia – deathlessness]” – referring to our Lord Jesus and excepting the Father from comparison, as always. 1 Tim 6:16 (2) Aphtharsia and aphthartos (from…
“Hopes of a future everlasting life are held out vaguely in the Old Testament; but immortality is not so much as mentioned. Indeed, the inspired Apostle declares of our Lord Jesus, that he “abolished death [broke its hold on man] and brought life AND immortality to light through the gospel.” (2 Tim 1:10) This shows two things: (1) That life in perfection, lasting life, is separate and distinct from immortality, indestructibility. (2) It shows that neither of these great blessings had been disclosed or made accessible previous to the…
Confusion is unavoidable unless the true definitions of mortal and immortal be clearly recognized as follows: Immortal – the state or condition in which death is impossible – a death-proof condition. Mortal – a state or condition in which death is possible – a condition of liability to death, but not necessarily a dying condition unless a death sentence has been incurred. From this standpoint we can see at a glance that Adam was created mortal – in a condition in which death was…
A Distinction and a Difference The following is VERY IMPORTANT to grasp and to understand. The failure to rightly understand this has led to all matter of false and misleading theories and ideas commonly held by the professing church. But now, having examined the hope of immortality from the ordinary er of that word (everlasting life), and having found that everlasting life is God’s provision for all those of Adam’s race who will accept it in “due time” under…
The philosophy of a future life and everlasting life. “Beginning at the foundation of this New Testament assurance of Life Everlasting, we find to our astonishment that it first of all admonishes us that in and of ourselves we have nothing which would give us any hope of everlasting life – that the life of our race was forfeited by the disobedience of our father Adam; that although he was created perfect and was adapted to live forever, his sin…
“If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change come.” Job 14:14 “Our Savior Jesus Christ…hath abolished death and brought life [everlasting] AND immortality to light through the Gospel.” 2 Tim 1:10 There is a longing hope within men that death does not end all existence. There is an undefined hope that, somehow and somewhere, the life now begun will have a continuation. In some this hope turns to…
WE BEHELD HIS DIGNITY. The apostles and all believers who had intercourse with our Lord in the days of his flesh experienced, “beheld, his glory.” They beheld the grandeur, the nobility, the perfection of the “man Christ Jesus” – a perfection and glory seen in no other because all others were sinners, while he by virtue of special birth was holy, harmless, separate from sinners. The Word glory here represents the same thought as in Psa 8:5, where, speaking of Adam…