Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Month: June 2021

  • What Comes After Death?

    The pandemic has claimed many lives. A lot of questions arise with the passing of a person. We probably have heard sermons concerning the afterlife. I was in a similar circumstance when my only son passed away decades ago. I also have my questions. What happens after death?

    Death has always been a mystery, though some may have tried to figure out the answer through research and experiments. Yet, the only source for answer should be from the Giver of Life Himself – God eternal.

    Just as I have said earlier, a lot of sermons have focused on the topic of the afterlife to provide hope and assurance. I have heard of sermons on the topic as I attended funeral or necrological services. Yes, all of them were right to say the hope of eternity is in Christ alone. But the details on when and how somehow differs.

    Since the passing of my son, I have a particular interest in the topic of death and life. I initially came to faith in Christ Jesus simply for the selfish reason of wanting to see him again. But with the years of seminary training, study, and teaching of the Bible, the Lord Jesus Christ graciously opened my eyes and mind to understand His Word.

    Christians, at the end of our physical journey, do not end up in soul sleep but have continued. For Jesus Christ said:

    “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” John 11:25-26

    Obviously, in verse 26, Jesus Christ wasn’t referring to the continuance of physical life but life eternal with Him. None of the apostles remained alive physically though they believed in Christ Jesus. No Christian since the onset of Christianity remained physically alive forever. Without a doubt, Jesus Christ was/is true and faithful to His Word and promises – “everyone who lives and believes in Him shall never die”. Therefore, Christians need not wait for a future resurrection. Again Jesus Christ said:

    “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24

    The Greek word for “Christian or Christians, Strong #G5546” was used only three times in the New Testament – Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16, “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”

    The Strong’s Greek definition for the noun “Christian” literally means “follower of Christ”. The apostle Peter clearly taught a Christian person ought to glorify God in that name – follower of Christ. It is therefore important to know the Bible’s definition of a Christian. Go, read and study the Word of God. Do not allow yourself to be trap in the loosely interpreted, used and application of the word “Christian”.

    The true blessings of Christ Jesus rest in the authority, truthfulness and validity of His Words.

    If you want to follow our journey of unlearning tradition and relearning Scripture, you can stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox.

  • Oops! They Did It Again

    I was asked recently, “Is it true that Russia would supply arms to Middle Eastern nations in war with Israel as taught in Scripture preceding the Return of Christ?”

    The simple and straightforward answer in Scripture was a definite “no, nowhere in the Bible,” but with Christian myths and fictitious novels, “yes, a lot!”

    Here was the warning from Christ Jesus our Lord on His return:

    “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” Revelation 22:18-20

    It is important to note that Jesus Christ said “soon,” not today but two thousand years ago. And He made that promise to a real person, the apostle John, not just any John Doe today.

    “And he (the angel) said to me (John), ‘These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants (John, included) what must soon take place.’ ‘And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.’ I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me.” Revelation 22:6-8

    The same narrative has been repeated for decades, perhaps centuries, until recently. It’s truly pathetic and becoming like “the boy who cries wolf.”

    For Jesus Christ attested to His disciples – that is, Peter, James and John, and the rest – saying:

    “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Matthew 16:28

    Are any of the apostles to whom Jesus Christ gave the assurance of His return still alive today?

    Anyone who insists otherwise should debunk the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Would anyone dare to do so?

    If you want to follow our journey of unlearning tradition and relearning Scripture, you can stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox.