GOD IS NOT A GOD OF THE DEAD
Sakkie Parsons
Translated from Afrikaans: “God is nie ‘n God van dooies nie”
Translator: Robin Barker
In this writing I want to share my view with you about: Is there life after death?
LUKE 16:22-23
22 The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.
23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.
I want to start by saying to you, that there will probably be many people who have a different opinion of what I am going to share with you. I say this, because I do not want to get involved in a dispute regarding this subject.
I certainly do not mind listening to other people’s opinions, because a person is never too old to learn.
The reason why I share my understanding about this is because it occurs in this following event, as you will see:
Jesus says that when Lazarus died, he was led by angels to his new place of residence.
LUKE 16:22 The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side.
When the rich man opened his eyes, he was in hell.
LUKE 16:23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.
Now remember, that it is Jesus who shares these facts with us and as I always say, Jesus is the only person who has ever walked on this earth, who has a deep knowledge of both these places and everything that happens there.
Take note that Lazarus did not appear differently; The rich man recognized him immediately and that was also from a distance.
LUKE 16:23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.
I know that there are people who allege that you go into a sort of resting state when you die and they can support their opinion with Scriptures, or so they say, but these verses which I am discussing with you is one of the evidences which I use as proof of why I think differently.
Here are some more proofs which I use to support my opinion:
Some of Jesus’s glory is seen here
MATTHEW 17:1-3
1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
Moses and Elijah was there, you could say in the flesh.
Jesus is speaking here:
MARK 12:26-27
26 Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the account of the burning bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?
27 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!”
God was not Abraham’s, Isaac’s and Jacob’s God because they once lived and are now dead.
God is Abraham’s, Isaac’s and Jacob’s God because they live.
LUKE 23:38-43
38There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?
41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
As I always say, I say it now again –
If Jesus says today, then you certainly know, it is today.
I conclude with my great hero Paul’s view in this regard:
PHIL 1:21-23
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!
23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
I will arrive on the other side of the grave very much alive and not just very much alive but perfectly alive.
Greetings,
Sakkie