quietthinker
Well-Known Member
The problem and the confusion as I see it Randy is the premise of human being immortal.I remain confused, but I appreciate the added information. Yes, I'm trying to figure out, from Paul's perspective, what he's saying. Is he bringing departed spirits to their bodies, or transforming them in heaven using the metaphorical term, "raised up?"
If their bodies do not exist on earth in the form of elements to be produced as bodies, then God may make these immortal bodies out of thin air in heaven, and then bring them and their bodies with Christ to be revealed on earth.
And if Jesus and his saints are revealed on earth, is this revelation largely in the sky or down on the earth? What does it mean for Jesus to come in the same way he left? Is this a landing on earth? Or is this simply a revelation of his return in the form of a reestablished Christianity on earth?
If the Serpent's lie to Eve in Eden is believed (and most do) in that they believe when one dies one either goes to Heaven or Hell they are saying you will not die (immortal) ie, you are with in bliss or in torment. The result of this understanding is not being able to clearly decipher both Jesus' and Pauls words.
One the other hand, if one believes that one dies just as God told Eve she would if she ate of the forbidden fruit then the problem and the confusion vanishes. It vanishes because one knows that there is no consciousness in the grave; the same grave that Jesus will call people from at their resurrection. The breath of life which was taken from people at their death will again be united with the elements (body) which in turn becomes animated and consciousness subsequently restored (living soul)
Immortality is then bestowed upon all who look for his appearing/ trusted his promises (God's people from all ages)