Have you lost a loved one in death, and find it very difficult to go on. I know your heart must feel crushed beyond repair. You may be wondering why God allowed this to happen. I once asked the same question, and I found answers. Let me explain what I have learned from the bible about why these horrible things happen, and what the bible says about the resurrection of the dead. Most Christians think everyone who dies “goes to heaven.” However, the bible teaches that only 144,000 people will go to heaven. They have a special purpose there. Therefore, not everyone who dies will go to heaven. Rev 7:4; 14:1-5 The ones who go to heaven are selected by God to be kings, co-rulers in God’s kingdom under the direction of Jesus Christ. This is a heavenly government, not like the governments on earth. God’s Kingdom will remove death, and bring back people who have died. God promises. Matt. 6:9, 10 Jesus taught us to pray for this government to come. It will make big changes on earth. On the other hand, millions of people who have died, as Jesus put it, are asleep in death. Your loved one is asleep, and God remembers everything about him, or her, every detail, their beautiful smile, and their personality. When the one you miss wakes up, they will be smiling, and happy to see you. I will explain the resurrection more, so keep reading. 2 Peter 3:13 Instead of going to heaven, millions will be resurrected to life on a peaceful new earth, a new righteous society! This is what the bible teaches. This has always been God’s purpose for humans on earth. But what happened? How did it turn out like this, with all the problems, suffering, and death? Who is to blame? John 17:3 Has God abandoned us? No, our Creator, whose name is Jehovah, has a very wonderful future prepared for those who search for him, and come to know him and his Son, Jesus. They will receive everlasting life in a new world. The bible shows that death was never part of God’s purpose for us. God created people to live forever on a perfect earth. Therefore, what happened? Six thousand years ago a powerful spirit person challenged God. This angel became an enemy of God, and began to wage war with him. This enemy, an intelligent, deceitful spirit creature, challenged God’s right to rule as Sovereign of the Universe. This enemy spread lies about God. First, he deceived Eve, and she disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden. Later, she got her husband to disobey this simple command. God warned them both that if they disobeyed they would be punished with a death sentence. Instead of listening to the Creator, they listened to a serpent. This was really the rebel angel talking (like a ventriloquist). Adam and Eve had everything they needed. However, as soon as they disobeyed the Creator, Adam and Eve’s bodies began to break down. They received their death sentence, however, Adam and Eve did not die within that 24 hour day. Instead, they grew old and died during one of Jehovah’s days, which equals 1,000 years. Adam died at age 930. Eve also died during that “one thousand year day.” 2 Peter 3:8 says “One day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.” Romans 5:12 Therefore, in God’s scheme of things, it has only been 6 days since the rebellion in Eden. Now all humans die because we all have inherited sin and death from our first father, Adam. But, why? How long will it be this way? What else did that enemy-angel do? This enemy of God, whom the bible calls, Satan (resister), began to deceive millions of angels in God’s vast organization in heaven. By his actions, this lying rebel implied that he could rule the world better that God. He also implied that humans do not need God, that they can rule themselves successfully. We know this is not true!!! Look around, listen to the news. Ge 3:1-7 Hence, humankind came under the leadership and control of Satan. This rebellious angel stood up as a rival god in opposition to Jehovah. The results of this challenge are seen in the world around us today. Why? Because God handed over his ruling power, temporarily, to Satan, to prove a point, and to settle all issues. Now, Satan’s period of ruling is almost complete. Clearly, this evil angel does not have the right to rule earth. The world is in complete chaos! 1 John 5:19 “The evil one controls the whole world.” 1 John 3:8 “The Son of God came…to destroy the devil’s work.” You may be wondering, “Did God really have to let Satan rule over earth?” Why didn’t he just start over by destroying that evil spirit creature? Good point, but this would not have settled the problem, because millions of angels were looking on, and most likely, some would later cultivate doubts about God’s right to rule. They may have wondered, ‘Maybe that rebel angel was right?’ Therefore, the issues needed to be settled once and for all time! Something else was needed, something that, over time, would ensure the loyalty of all angels in heaven, and all humans on earth. Therefore, a period of time needed to go by. The enemy of God, the devil, would become the ruler of the world. His rule would prove who really has the right to rule over earth. This very powerful enemy set off chaos in heaven, and sowed many seeds of doubt within the angelic realm, to the extent that a third of the angels in heaven followed the devil. A great rebellion broke out in heaven. Now the works of the devil fills the earth. His influence is seen everywhere. Revelation 12:4 speaks about a dragon that drags a third of the stars of heaven down to earth with its tail. Revelation 12:12 “On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing that he has a short period of time.” The good news is that we are now living during the end of Satan’s rule on earth. What will happen to the devil’s world? 1 John 2:17 “Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.” ***Who are the ones left over on earth? “Those doing God’s will.” De 32:4 Jehovah God has not lost all control. He allows the evil one to rule for a while. Jehovah’s activity is “perfect,’ with no injustice or unrighteousness. Now life is a big mess, full of violence, war, crime, sickness, death, tragic events, and chaos. Nevertheless, Jehovah has made a provision, a way out through his Son, Jesus Christ, the messiah. Jesus will rule in heaven over the earth. Matt 6:9, 10 He taught us to pray for this kingdom to come, and for God’s will to be done on earth. Jesus will correct all the wrongs that the enemy ruler has developed on earth. Things like death, suffering, and war, are just a few. John 3:16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life. Yes, many will gain everlasting life, not in heaven, but on earth. This was God’s original purpose, and it still is. However, Jehovah God has not forgotten about your loved one, and millions of others who have died. When Jesus was a perfect man on earth, he showed he was empowered by God to raise the dead. Why do you think he did this, and why did he have it recorded in the bible for us to read? He did this so we can have faith in his Father’s, promises. Matt 24/ 2 Timothy 3:1-5 My friend, we are very close to what the bible calls, the “last days.” Revelation 16:13-16 You and I will live to see Armageddon. This is God’s Great War against wickedness, against Satan’s oppressive human rule, and all who oppose the Creator. However, the earth will not be destroyed. For instance, if you owned a baseball that had been signed by Babe Ruth, and you dropped in the mud, would you throw it away? No, of course not, you would clean it. This is what our Creator is planning to do with our wonderful perfect planet earth. How will he do it? He will use his Son, Jesus Christ, along with the entire heavenly kingdom. God will bring his war against his enemy, and afterward, he will lead the activity of cleaning up earth, and making it into the beautiful paradise, that has always been his purpose from the beginning. After he cleans it up, he will bring your loved ones who have died back to you, along with all others who have died. This will be a time full of joyful tears. Have you ever wondered how things would have been on earth today if this hateful enemy had never ruled earth? Okay, if Adam and Eve remained obedient to God, humans would now be able to converse freely with Jehovah, everyone would have been taught the fulfilling work of bringing about God’s wonderful purpose for the earth. A beautiful paradise would fill the entire planet. Perfect people would fill the earth, and they all would love their neighbor as their self. The animals would be at peace with one another, and humans. All people would live forever, in perfect health. We would not grow old. We would know our first parents, Adam and Eve, they would be alive forever, without a wrinkle or cane. After all, aging and death were never part of Jehovah’s purpose. The rebellion changed everything, but only temporarily! There are many scriptures that show this. So, why not have a bible study. It is free. Jw.org Yes, if Satan had not deceived Eve she would be alive today and all people would have a special relationship with her. After all, she is our first mother. Adam would also be here as our first earthly father. There would be no death, no sickness, no war, no crime, no accidents, no disasters, no injustice, no oppression, no violence, no tragedy, and no chaos. There would be only good news all the time. The world would be perfect, peaceful, and under one perfect government, the kingdom rule of Jehovah through Jesus Christ. However, this is still God’s purpose for earth. His purpose has not changed. Under the rule of Jesus Christ, and the 144,000 heavenly co-rulers, God’s purpose will be fulfilled. It will happen very soon. 2 Corinthians 4:4; Matt 7:14. Another thing, this enemy left no stone unturned. Satan initiated confusion about Jehovah and Jesus Christ, distorting the truth, and keeping most of the world in darkness. In fact, this evil angel has concealed himself, through false teachings like evolution, and most people do not believe he really exits. Furthermore, most people have heard the name, Jehovah, but they do not know that it is the personal name of God. The devil has a strong grip over the whole world! He has confused, and blinded millions of people by false teachings that promote pagan philosophy. Besides this, the entire commercial system on earth has stretched around the world like a powerful virus, a disgusting slime, a corrupting sickness called greed. This wicked angel has created a world full of abuses. Everywhere, people and animal are suffering deplorable conditions that make God very sad. Hatred, jealousy, and immorality is widespread. This is Satan’s world! He even promotes the killing of millions of people in the name of religion. However, Jesus taught that “love” was the identifying mark of the true Christian. Therefore, true Christians do not bear arms. This world as we know it, is on its way out! Being the God of justice, Jehovah has granted the devil enough time to prove his challenge. Past and present situations in the world have proven without a doubt that the devil is a liar. God is the One who really has the right to rule, after all, he is the Sovereign of the Universe! Matthew 6:9, 10 Now more than ever we need Jesus Christ, the Son of God to rule as King over earth. He taught us to pray for this government to come, for God’s will to be done on earth like it is in heaven. Isaiah 9:6 reads, “For a child has been born to us, a son has been given to us; and the rulership will rest on his shoulder. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” This is our Savior, Jesus Christ. John 18:36 Millions of people rely on military forces to protect them. They give allegiance to their country. But Jesus said, “My Kingdom is no part of this world.” Yes, Jesus’ rule will be absolutely superior to Satan’s. Satan had Jesus killed! He even tried to trick him. Matthew 4:8-10 reads, Again the Devil took him (Jesus) along to an unusually high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he (Satan) said to him: “All these things I will give you if you fall down and do an act of worship to me.” Then Jesus said to Satan: “Go away, Satan! For it is written: ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’” Yes, this enemy of God is still the ruler of the world today. He still has control over the governments, all the kingdoms of the world. After all, this rebellious ex-angel offered the earthly governments to Jesus. So, who do they belong to? Satan. Read the underlined words above again. What did Satan show Jesus? “World governments.” If Jesus worshiped the devil, what would the devil have given Jesus? “World governments.” ******Yes, the governments on earth belong to Satan. If they were backed by God, as some think, then why is God going to destroy the earthly governments at Armageddon? What about death? What will Jehovah and Jesus do about death? Isaiah 25:8 “He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces. The reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, For Jehovah himself has spoken it.” What about those who have died? If they are not included in the 144,000 who will rule with Jesus in heaven, what will happen to them? Are they gone forever? NO! The bible teaches an earthly resurrection: Isaiah 26:19 “Your dead will live. My corpses will rise up. Awake and shout joyfully, you residents in the dust! For your dew is as the dew of the morning, and the earth will let those powerless in death come to life. Daniel 12:2 “And many of those asleep in the dust of the earth will wake up, some to everlasting life and others to reproach and to everlasting contempt (during the judgment day, the thousand year reign of Christ).” Daniel 12:13 “But as for you, go on to the end. You will rest, but you will stand up for your lot at the end of the days.” Hosea 13:14 “From the power of the Grave I will redeem them; from death I will recover them.” Isaiah 25:8 “He (Jehovah God) will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces.” Job thought he was near death. Job 14:13-15 Job said: “O that in the Grave you would conceal me, that you would hide me until your anger passes by, that you would set a time limit for me and remember me! If a man dies, can he live again? I will wait all the days of my compulsory service until my relief comes. You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands.” Those in God’s memory will be called and the dead will rise when Jehovah calls their names. Those who go to heaven have a different resurrection. Only a small group go to heaven where they will rule over the earth with Jesus, as co-rulers in the Kingdom, the new government. 2 Corinthians 5:1; Revelation 5:9, 10 The Bible calls this “the first resurrection” and “the earlier resurrection,” both expressions implying that there is another resurrection to follow. Revelation 20:6; Philippians 3:11 This later resurrection will be to life on earth, which the vast majority of those brought back to life, will enjoy. Psalm 37:29 Yes, the bible shows that millions of people who have died will live again on earth. In fact, Jesus demonstrated this on a small scale when God gave him the power to bring people back to life on earth. Look at the account of Lazarus. Ecclesiastes 9:5; John 11:11 The Bible teaches that the dead who await the resurrection on earth “are conscious of nothing at all.” They are not alive and have no conscious existence anywhere. The account of Lazarus confirms this. Upon returning to life, did Lazarus thrill people with descriptions of heaven? Or did he terrify them with horrible tales about a burning hell? No. The Bible contains no such words from Lazarus. During the four days that he was dead, he had been “conscious of nothing at all.” Lazarus had simply been sleeping in death. John 11:39; 11:43, 44 Lazarus had been buried in a cave, and Jesus asked that the stone sealing its entrance be taken away. Martha objected because after four days, Lazarus’ body must have begun to decay. From a human standpoint, what hope was there? The stone was rolled away, and Jesus cried out with a loud voice: “Lazarus, come on out!” What happened? “The man that had been dead came out.” Can you imagine the joy of the people there? Whether Lazarus was their brother, son, friend, or neighbor, they knew that he had died. Yet, here he was, the same dear man, standing among them again. That must have seemed too good to be true. Many no doubt embraced Lazarus joyfully. What a victory over death! John 11:41, 42 Jesus did not claim to perform this amazing miracle on his own. In his prayer just before calling out to Lazarus, he made it clear that Jehovah was the Source of the resurrection. This was not the only time that Jehovah used his power in this way. The resurrection of Lazarus is just one of nine miracles of this kind recorded in God’s Word. Mark 5:42 When Jesus raised a young girl from the dead, her parents “were beside themselves with great ecstasy.” Yes, Jehovah had given them a cause for joy that they would never forget. Of course, those resurrected by Jesus eventually died again. Does this mean that it was pointless to resurrect them? Not at all. These Bible accounts confirm important truths and give us hope. Soon when God’s Kingdom comes in full power on earth, the person you miss so dearly will return from death. They will be leaping for joy to see you. This is good news. This is reason to be happy! The bible promises this. The bible shows that millions of righteous hearted people will survive the Great Tribulation that will soon come upon the earth. Those who follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, those who make God’s name known, like Jesus did, will survive. John 17:6, 26 Before his death, Jesus said in prayer to his Father, “I have made your name manifest to the men whom you gave me out of the world. Vs. 26, I have made your name known to them and will make it known, so that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in union with them.” Here are some comforting scriptures for you. Psalm 83:18 “May people know that you, whose name is Jehovah, You alone are the Most High over all the earth.” This sacred name of God is recorded almost 7,000 times in the original Hebrew Scriptures, and acknowledged 237 times in the original Greek text. Acts 24:15 “There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” Proverbs 2:21, 22 “For only the upright will reside in the earth, And the blameless will remain in it. As for the wicked, they will be cut off from the earth, And the treacherous will be torn away from it.” Psalms 37:9-11, 29 “For evil men will be done away with, but those hoping in Jehovah will possess the earth. Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more; You will look at where they were, and they will not be there. But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace. (Vs. 29) The righteous will possess the earth, and they will live forever on it.” ***Where will the righteous live? Where? …On earth. How long will they live? …Forever!!! John 3:16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” Revelation 21:3-5 “With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.” ****Is this in heaven or earth? There is no sorrow, death, crying, or pain in heaven. This change will happen on earth! At Matthew 5:5 Jesus says, “Happy are the mild-tempered, since they will inherit the earth.” ***Yes, God has a purpose for earth. I hope the bible has helped you to understand why horrible things happen. Jehovah is not the one to blame. We are all victims of foul play. The biggest criminal who ever lived, the wicked ruler of the world, will soon be caught, and jailed (Rev 20:1-3). Our wise Creator, Jehovah, has made a way out for all victims. Soon death will be no more, and we have the wonderful hope of the resurrection. jw.org free bible study - Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses
Posted on: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 03:06:16 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015