Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.
‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): (5) Resurrection of the dead (Heb. 6:2; 1Cor. 15:1-58; 1Thess. 4:13-16; 2Thess. 2:7). This refers only to the bodies of all men who die, not to the souls and spirits which are immortal. Without exception, all scriptures on the future resurrection of the dead refer only to the bodies that die and will be resurrected from dust again (Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29; 1Cor. 15:1-58; 1Thess. 4:13-17; Rev. 20:4-6, 11-15). There will be no spiritual resurrection – a resurrection of the soul and spirit. All spiritual resurrection is accomplished in this life before the body dies (Eph. 2:1-10; Col. 2:11-13). If one is not resurrected spiritually from death in trespasses and sins in this life, he will remain forever spiritually dead or separated from God (9:27; Rev. 22:11).
The intermediate state refers to the state of the dead between death and the resurrection of the body. After the body goes back to the dust at physical death (Gen. 3:19; Eccl. 3:19-21; Jas. 2:26), it remains dead (separated from the inner man) until the future resurrection day when the body will be made immortal (1Cor. 15:35-54). The soul and spirit remain alive, being immortal either in paradise or hell, until the resurrection day when the body will be made immortal.
At physical death the soul and spirit leave the body (Jas. 2:26). If one is a converted person, his soul and spirit go to paradise immediately at death to await the resurrection of the body (Luke 20:38; John 11:25-26; 2Cor. 5:8; Eph. 3:15; 4:8-10; Php. 1:21-24; Rev. 6:9-11). If he is a sinner, his soul and spirit go to hell at death to await the resurrection of the body (Isa. 14:9; Luke 16:19-31; 2Pet. 2:9; Rev. 20:11-15).
To be continued…
Living the Word 