40 Questions on Immortality
March 28th, 2010 by Ron S.
Here’s another old conditional immortality pamphlet from my father’s collection that I’m bringing into the digital age. I searched the internet for this particular piece and never found it. Although I did find out that the author (Horace Lorenzo Hastings) lived back in the 1800’s (1831-1899). This little track was published by Adventist churches for decades after – my particular copy by Advent Christian Publications & then hand stamped from the Advent Christian Church of Shamrock, Texas (probably in the early 1970’s). Enjoy!
by H. L. Hastings
1. Who is immortal?
“The King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God.” 1 Tim. 1:17.
2. Are not all men possessed of immortality?
“The blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality.” 1 Tim. 6:15, 16.
3. Are not all men created immortal?
He “only hath immortality.” 1 Tim. 6:16.
4. Is there any way by which men may obtain immortality?
“To us are given exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Pet. 1: 4.
5. Is this immortality revealed by Plato, or Socrates, or by “familiar” rapping “spirits,” or In nature, or is it through Jesus Christ and his Gospel?
“By the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light, through the Gospel.” 2 Tin. 1:10.
6. Who has power to bestow immortality upon man?
“The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:32.
7. Will God give this gift to all persons, whatever their works may be?
God “will render to every man according to his deeds.” Rom. 2:6.
8. What will be the portion of those who are contentious and obey not the truth?
“Indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth evil.” Rom. 2: 8, 9.
9. To whom will God impart immortality?
“To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality.” Rom. 2:7.
10. What shall be their Reward?
“Eternal life.” Rom. 2: 7.
11. Upon what conditions may we obtain this blessing?
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Tim. 6: 12.
“The life which is life indeed.” 1 Tim. 6:9, R.V.
12. When do men obtain immortality? Is it at death or at the resurrection?
“The dead shall be raised incorruptible.” 1 Cor. 15:52; Luke 14:14.
13. How shall those who are not dead become incorruptible?
“We shall be changed.” 1 Cor. 15:52.
14. When will this change take place?
“At the last trump.” 1 Cor. 15:52.
15. How suddenly will the change occur?
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed.” 1 Cor. 15:52.
16. Will this change be a change of the internal or the external and physical or corruptible man?
“This corruptible must put on incorruption.” 1 Cor.15:53.
17. What then becomes immortal?
“This mortal must put on immortality.”
18. What Scripture will be fulfilled when this corruptible shall have put on Incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality?
“Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Cor. 15:57; Isa. 25:8; Hos. 13:14, Rev. 21:4.
19. Who shall be raised from the dead?
“All that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth.” John 5:28, 29.
20. Will the unburied arise?
“The sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell (the grave) delivered up the dead which were in them.” Rev. 20:13.
21. Will different classes of characters arise in the resurrection?
“There shall he a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” Acts 24: 15; 1 Cor. 15: 22; Rom.5: 18; Luke 13:25-28.
22. For what purpose will the good be raised?
“They that have done good unto the resurrection of life.” John 5:29; 2 Cor. 5:4.
23. To what will others be raised?
“They that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” John 5 :29; 2 Thes. 1:6-9.
24. Will a man’s destiny at last be in accordance with his previous life?
“Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.` Gal. 6:7.
25. What shall be the portion of the ungodly?
“He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.” Gal. 6:8; Phil. 3:19.
26. What is the reward of the saint?
“He that soweth to the spirit shall of the spirit reap life everlasting.” Gal. 6:8; Mark 10:30.
27. Where is now the Christian’s life?
“Your life is hid with Christ in God.” Col. 3:3.
28. How then should we live?
“Let us not he weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. Gal. 6:9; John 6:27; Tit. 1:2.
29. What will be the fate of those who by sowing to the flesh reap corruption?
“These, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, . . . shall utterly perish in their own corruption.” 2 Pet. 2:12; Acts 3:23; Mal. 4: 1-3.
30. Is it possible for man to be utterly destroyed?
“Fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna).” Matt. 10:28.
31. What is the wages of sin?
“The wages of sin is death.” Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:15; Deut. 30:19.
32. Is this death merely a bodily death?
“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezek. 18:4.6
33. If the wicked turn away from his wickedness and do right, what then?
“He shall save his soul alive.” Ezek. 18:27, 32; Jas.5:20.
34. “When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquities and dieth in them,” what shall be his fate?
“For his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.” Ezek. 18:26; Acts 13:40, 41,46; Heb. 10:27.
35. As he first dies in his iniquity, and then dies for his iniquity, what must this last death be called?
“The second death.” Rev. 2:11; 20:6.
36. What is the result attained by the man who converteth a sinner from the error of his ways?
“He shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” Jas. 5:20.
37. What then has God placed before us to incite us to action?
“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” Deut. 30:19; Psa. 21:4; 37:20, 27; 1 John 2:17.
38. How does God manifest His love for men?
“God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16; 10:10,28; 6:58; 1 John 5:11, 12.
39. What is our Savior’s complaint concerning mankind?
“Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.†John 5:39,40.
40. What is the command of God to all?
“Cast away from you all your transgressions whereby you have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God; wherefore turn yourselves and live ye.†Ezek. 18:31,32, John 20:31, 1 John 5:11,12, Rev. 2:7, 10.
Ron
as usual this is great.
But it brings to mind a questions that i have often.
If all the good people are resurected at the coming of Jesus then what is the purpose of the second judgement where we see also good people receiving salvation.
Why is there a twofold resurection?
Are there different standards for the two Judgements?
And if they are where do we find them?
What souls are immortal?
Those that be in Christ.
Robert,
you ask “Why is there a twofold resurrection?”
Perhaps the idea of the “resurrection” being a particular event in time, and thus theologians speaking about two resurrections (resurrection events, supposedly separated in time by a span of a thousand years), ought to be corrected?
Compare what Jesus taught:
This does not sound like 2 distinct and a thousand year apart resurrections (resurrection events), does it? Rather sounds like he is speaking about “the resurrection” as what happens to “all that are in the graves”, and he then specifies that for those who have done good the resurrection will result in life, but for those who have done evil, the resurrection will result in damnation.
Also note, that Jesus taught that already in his time, the hour for that resurrection was coming and he did so rather emphatically (“MARVEL NOT at this: for the hour IS COMING, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice ….”
Cheers,
Wolfgang
Robert,
Perhaps people who lived during the millennium will have opportunity for salvation at the second resurrection?
hi, robert, that sounds interesting can you give me scripture for that, please, thanks
“Robert,
Perhaps people who lived during the millennium will have opportunity for salvation at the second resurrection?”
Sean
From this verse they dont lived during the millennium
Revelation 20
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.
this verse show that of that dead those who names are found written in the book of life will receive salvation.
Revelation 20
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
these verse show those of the first resurrection not being a part of the 2nd judgement
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Yes i do believe there will be mortals living during the millennium who can receive salvation at 2nd judgement but they are not the rest of the dead mentioned
Wolfgang
If your idea does not have a literal physical kingdom on this earth then there is no need for you to mention it to me.
There is way to much clear on that subject to allow my imagination to dismiss it.
what you think you see is just something you dont understand and are not willing to understand.
Sean
From the looks of it even those who sleep through the Millennium will have a chance at life in the 2nd resurrection of the dead.
Robert,
I did not mention an idea of mine … I asked a question concerning a prevalent theology in light of rather clear words of the Lord Jesus as recored in Joh 5.
Would you rather disregard what the Lord Jesus said concerning “resurrection” and adhere to a prevalent and popular theology of today (which, by the way, was historically not always as popular) ?
Cheers,
Wolfgang
I don’t think we need to disregard Jesus’ words. There is no contradiction with the references to two resurrections. First he says “everyone in the grave shall hear his voice and come forth.” But it doesn’t say anything about when. It’s a simple statement – everybody who’s dead will get up.
Then he elaborates on his first statement – some to “the resurrection of life” and some to “the resurrection of damnation.” It still says nothing about the timing, but clearly indicates two different resurrections. In Revelation 20, we are given the details of the timing, and it fits with Jesus’ words.
Rev. 20:
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
The words of Scripture are clear, regardless of theology, popular or otherwise.
Sean,
who can it be that some who lived (and died) during the millenium will have opportunity for salvation when that supposed 2nd resurrection event at the end of the so-called millenium is “the resurrection of DAMNATION” ?
Cheers,
Wolfgang
Joh 5:28-29 (KJV)
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Wolfgang
these verses are only dealing with the fact ALL WILL RECEIVE JUDGEMENT not about when.
I realize now that my wording was not clear. When I said it “clearly indicates two different resurrections” I perhaps should have said, “two different types of resurrection” in the sense of two different end results from the resurrections.
The “resurrection of damnation” referred to in John 5:29 is not specifically the second resurrection in Rev. 20, but simply the resurrection of those that are not saved. It is called the resurrection of damnation, while the resurrection of those that are “saved” is called the resurrection of life. As Robert said, these verses are not talking about when either resurrection will take place, just about the fact that all will be raised and judged.
Has anyone put any thought into my questions
Why is there a twofold resurection?
Are there different standards for the two Judgements?
And if they are where do we find them?
Plus 1
And How do we know after we find them which standards applies to what judgement?
robert
The first resurrection is called “the rapture” of the saints [1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; Rev 20.4-6] It corresponds with Jesus’ teaching of the “resurrection of the just†(Luke 14:14) and the “resurrection of life†(John 5:29).
Rev 20.12-13 identifies those comprising the second resurrection as the wicked judged by God at the great white throne judgment prior to being cast into the lake of fire. The second resurrection, then, is the raising of all unbelievers; the second resurrection is connected to the second death. It corresponds with Jesus’ teaching of the “resurrection of damnation†(John 5:29).
The event which divides the first and second resurrections seems to be the millennial kingdom. The last of the righteous are raised to reign “with Christ a thousand years†(Revelation 20:4), but the “rest of the dead [that is, the wicked] lived not again until the thousand years were finished†(Revelation 20:5).
“but the “rest of the dead [that is, the wicked] lived not again until the thousand years were finished†(Revelation 20:5). ”
Xavier
that couldnt be possible because if they were all wicked none would be found in the book of life, the fact is there wouldnt even be a need for the book of life.
Plus what you are claiming is the wicked will be judged twice.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell [1] delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
there must be something special about those in the first resurrection that has to do with this verse
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
robert
Yes, they are the saints of the Church who will be “raptured” [transformed, as Paul calls it, 1Cor 15] first.
Just to clairfy, 2nd resurrection scenario is not some type of universal bonfire, where everyone will be thrown in the lake of fire. I assume there being a “book of life” and judgment that not all the people in view are “wicked”.
Xavier
You position wasnt clear in that post as it was in the first. wasnt sure if you were still seeing salvaton being a part of the second resurrection.
I have been reading everywhere to find these answers and so far i dont see a judgement in the first till after the resurrection but that judgement is to them who has already received immortality. this must be a judgement of the greatest and the least in the Kingdom. there is no need for a just and unjust judgement because those raised are not subject to the second death.
Is it possible that since there is 2 types of salvation there is different standards for both mixed in the gospel.
robert
1st resurrection people are the saints, the Church of Christ. All the saved from all ages.
2nd resurrection includes the “wicked” and those who may have accepted the ruling Messiah Jesus in the Millenium. I do not think they are all just wicked due to the appearance of a “book of life”. And people being judged “according to their works [of faith, perhaps]” as recorded in that book.
Revelation 11
13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men [3] seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Revelation 18
4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
I see the deceived in the second resurrection receiving judgements.
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
And either there is 2 resurrections in the first resurrection or there cant be thrones ,they on them,and judgement given them.
there is no doubt who it is on the thrones, just how did they get there before.
I see those who were not deceived being the only ones who take part of the first resurection.
we also know that is few chosen, but many called.
Could God let good people Die just because they were deceived when God gave power to Satan to deceive than let people living in the kingdom who never knew the deception live because temptation was shackeled.
Not my GOD
in the second resurrection the Good will be judged by their works toward mankind even if they never got the chance to hear about God or was deceived about God
The first is for those who walked as Jesus did and Joined themselves to God
Robert,
Thanks for your kind comment.
Let me see if I can answer your first question, or at least explain how I tend to view this subject. I’ll give an overview of it all that makes the most Scriptural & logical sense to me.
I firmly believe that God does everything in His master plan for a darn good reason. If there are two resurrections. Then there’s got to be a perfectly logical reason why.
Some might ask why wouldn’t God just have one big resurrection of everyone, judge everybody, put the good folk in the kingdom and throw the devil and all the bad folk in the lake of fire to be annihilated and everything is done & over with once-and-for-all? Why bother locking Satan up for a 1000 years and then letting him out to muck things up again? Why have two separate resurrections and space everything apart like that?
Why indeed? Well, here’s how I see it (of course ymmv).
The first resurrection is of those who belong to Christ. Those who believe in and have accepted Jesus of Nazareth as their Lord, King, & Messiah of God (and of course those chosen of God prior to Jesus who looked forward to his arrival one day – David, Abraham, Isaac, etc.). Those are the ones that Paul talks about in the resurrection chapter of 1 Cor. 15 and in 1 Thes. 4. The reason to resurrect them (hopefully “them” includes all of us in that batch) is for them to be the teachers, builders, administrators, etc. of Christ’s Millennial Kingdom – the “priests of God and his Christ who will reign with him for a thousand years” (Rev 20:6).
So perhaps the bigger question is what is the purpose of the millennium? And then why a 2nd resurrection after that?
I believe it all comes down to practice over theory. Or being shown something in reality vs having it described or stating its properties/aspects. It is easier for people to learn by direct contact/experience, than by just being told this is the way it works. Mankind has been told for thousands of years that God’s ways are the proper ways to live – not just because God said so, but because God knows what is best for us since he created us. The 1000 year millennium is to prove that to all – to show it in action. A demonstration on the grandest scale if you will. Jesus will displace the kingdoms of this world and run a perfect theocracy of peace & prosperity without the influence of Satan or sinful men calling the shots. Can you imagine what the world will look like in the latter part of that kind of 1000 year perfect rule? How will that look compared to the previous history of the earth? A thousand year rule of Christ with absolute peace and God’s perfect order will bring show prove to every human being that man’s way throughout time was totally wrong and God’s way is the only way to live.
So the 2nd resurrection is to bring everyone who wasn’t chosen to be apart of the 1st resurrection (and run the millennium) so they can see first hand THAT difference. We should keep in mind that this 2nd resurrection isn’t only for the wicked. This is everyone else who weren’t Christ’s and simply were not apart of the first resurrection. And as one can imagine, there’s been a TON of people who have lived and died over the course of time who never heard of Jesus of Nazareth (remember two thirds of human history occurred before Jesus was born). How many of those people were good people? How many of them would have believed and accepted Jesus if they had know the truth of everything? How many people grew up in the various religions of the world and died knowing only that because of where and when they lived? Now those people will finally have the chance to see and know the truth. Plus all the doubters and those who wouldn’t believe because they got bad information or the wrong information (e.g. atheists & critical thinkers who wouldn’t accept Christianity because God was described as a monster who tortures unbelievers for all eternity).
All these people will now get to see the world fully under God’s leadership (under his King Messiah). They will learn and see who Jesus is and get the true facts on everything. Then EVERYONE of those people can make a truly informed decision. They will see how beneficial God’s laws & instructions are to mankind. They will see how the earth and mankind prospers under the just rule of God’s Messiah. They will see it all first hand with their own eyes and have the opportunity to make an informed decision to join that kingdom.
I could go on some more, but let me stop there and see what you think. And I’m sure we’ll get plenty of discussion points from this. 🙂
Hi Ron,
I agree with you – I believe that the second resurrection (i.e., the resurrection of judgment) will give people who were not chosen the opportunity to be saved – since they never had that opportunity during this age.
I refer to people who lived and died, without ever hearing of Jesus, as “ignorant” people – because they were ignorant about Jesus.
I actually have a PowerPoint presentation about this very subject on my website. A link to that presentation can be found here:
http://ncbf.homestead.com/The_Resurrection_of_Ignorant_People.ppt
Brian
The way i see it then there must be 2 salvations being preached.
One to spiritual and physical Israel who has recognized there future King and promised inheritance as the millennium.
the other to all the good people who lived thru all the ages but didnt join themself to God chosen elect by being mark with the signs of Israel but were deceived into taking the mark of false gods.
thank you all for your answers.
I do see now 2 salvations being preach and understand the purpose of the Kingdom as pertaining to the promise to Abraham.
First Abraham’s promise must be fulfilled, then comes salvation to all others
Is it just me or does this show the multitude only in the New Heaven and Earth after the millennium
Revelation 7
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Revelation 21
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away
I met Dean Braxton a few years ago while he was preparing his book, In Heaven!, Experiencing The Throne Of God. He’s a man who died and was taken to be with the Lord in heaven, by way of the holy spirit, as he being in soul and spirit, then seeing and hearing many wonderful things, sent back.
I just received an answer which I sent to his e-mail address. I don’t know for sure if it was Dean or his wife Marilyn who answered it, but I do think it was Dean.
Here is the queston, and the answer given:
Q. Is the soul immortal?
A. Yes, the spiritual side. There is a fleshly side.
Ray
did you expect him to say NO after the claims he is making ,that are not biblical.
Not going to sell many books that way.
Robert, please avoid false accusation.
God and Adam were in union. When a man is in union with God he may enjoy peace and joy. God took from man’s side and created a woman.
In this union with God, Adam’s side was flesh. God’s side was spirit.
Because of God giving Adam the breath of life, Adam became a living soul.
Ray,
You need to make up your mind whether your standard for truth is the Bible or Dean Braxton. As the above article shows, the Bible says nothing about an immortal soul, in fact it says the opposite. The idea of an immortal soul came from Greek philosophy.
When the spirit of God joins up with a soul, it has the power to take that soul to heaven. This is the teaching of the Bible and it is true in Jesus.