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Death of a Lamb
Article by StaffDeath, as a penalty for sin, is a design of our Creator, built into human existence for profound reasons. God has established death as the just consequence of failing to live according to His way, highlighting that sin, not death itself, is the true evil. He does not desire for any of His children to endure a miserable, sinful existence eternally, but rather to learn obedience and reject sin, reaping joy in eternal life. For those who persist in sin despite ample opportunity to understand the consequences, the second death serves as God's merciful penalty of eternal sleep, preventing perpetual misery. Death is also portrayed as an enemy, one that God will ultimately destroy. Though it causes much unhappiness and misery alongside sin, its role as a test tool in God's plan will end, and it will be discarded. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ won the initial and crucial battle against sin and death, granting His followers the chance to engage in ongoing struggles against these foes. The promise remains that death will be swallowed up in victory, with sin, death, and the grave itself cast into the Lake of Fire, never to return. On that day, there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of the sacrifice of the Lamb of God.
What Is the Second Death?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe Bible teaches that the wages of sin is death, a complete cessation of existence rather than a mystical journey of the soul. Scripture introduces the concept of the second death, mentioned only in the book of Revelation. It is stated that those who overcome shall not be hurt by the second death, and those who take part in the first resurrection will have no fear of it, as it holds no power over them. The second death is the final event for those who, after being given the opportunity to know God, choose to remain in opposition to Him. Such individuals, having tasted what God offers and rejected it, will be resurrected to face judgment, be cast into the Lake of Fire, and cease to exist. This ultimate penalty underscores that only a life taken in judgment for sin satisfies the debt, and those who willfully sin after receiving the knowledge of truth face a fearful expectation of fiery indignation.
Dead to the Law?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennIn Romans 7:1, Paul explains that the law has power over a person only while they live, meaning it can condemn us as sinners and sentence us to death as long as we are alive. Once we have died, the penalty for sin is paid, and the law no longer has the authority to condemn us. In the context of Romans 6:9 and 14, Paul illustrates that death and sin no longer have dominion over us, just as death no longer has power over Christ after His resurrection. Through baptism, as described in Romans 6:4, our old man of sin is put to death, and because Jesus Christ died in our stead, the law regards us as having died, thus the penalty for sin is paid, and the law cannot condemn us to death for our sins. In Romans 7:6, Paul concludes that we have been delivered from the power of the law, as it no longer has authority to condemn us to death since our old man of sin has died, and Christ has paid the penalty for sin on our behalf.
Murder by Degrees
Sermonette by James BeaubelleGod's called-out ones must curtail 'installment plan' serial sins which carry them to a fatal point of no return.
Does Scripture Allow for Killing in Self-Defense?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeMany believe that we are allowed to take another's life in defense of our own, God's Word distinguishes only between accidental and premeditated killing.
Innocent Victims?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe often hear of 'innocent victims' dying in some tragic way, but are they truly innocent? The Bible gives God's perspective of the human condition.
Amazing Grace
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe old song speaks of "Amazing Grace" but do we really understand just how amazing it is? The Bible reveals some details on this vital topic.
The Sixth Commandment
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe commandment against murder is the one most universally followed by man. But Jesus shows there is much more behind it than merely taking another's life.
The Sixth Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe sixth commandment, forbidding murder, is rare among the Ten Commandments in that a clear line can be drawn between its commission and its consequences.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod inspired the book of Hebrews to answer the difficult questions church members were struggling with during the tumultuous first decades of the church.
Are Some Sins Worse Than Others?
'Ready Answer' by Martin G. CollinsIt seems that some sins should be worse than others in God's eyes. Though all sin merits the death penalty, some sins carry greater consequences and penalties.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die by Crucifixion?
'Ready Answer' by StaffCrucifixion is man's most cruel form of punishment. Why did Jesus need to die this way? What does it teach us? And was Jesus stabbed before or after He died?
What Sin Is
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughNo one seems to talk about sin anymore, but it still exists and continues to wreak havoc! Scripture describes sin and what God wants us to do about it.
Did God Lie to Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:17)?
Bible Questions & AnswersGod's Word reveals that there are two deaths—the first and the second. All men are subject to the first, but it is the second that we are to fear.
The Traditions of Men
Sermonette by Craig SablichChrist did not end the law, but fulfilled the law, providing a lasting pattern for His saints to follow. We have a responsibility to seek biblical proof.
'But I Say to You' (Part Two): Murder and Anger
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMurder originates in the heart. Nothing from the outside defiles a man but originates in the heart governed by carnal human nature.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Six): The Sin Offering
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJesus' perfect offering of Himself for us fulfilled the sin offering of Leviticus 4. Our acceptance of His offering for atonement puts us under obligation.
Benefits of the Third Resurrection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Lake of Fire (Second Death or Third Resurrection), dreadful as it initially appears, produces both immediate as well as ultimate benefits or good.
Refuge! Refuge! (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe cities of refuge highlight the great importance God placed on the sanctity of life, especially in beings created in God's image.
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAll authority for law and justice resides in God; when God is taken out of the picture, darkness and chaos dominate. God's laws create a better life and character.
The Sixth Commandment (Part One) (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur society is becoming increasingly violent. The sixth of the Ten Commandments covers crime, capital punishment, murder, hatred, revenge and war.
The Third Resurrection: What Is Its Value?
'Ready Answer' by StaffWhat purpose does the Third Resurrection serve? Is it just so God can punish the incorrigible? Does it play a part in OUR salvation?
Justice and Grace
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSometimes we are disturbed, even angered, because an act of God seems unfair. We have difficulty because we do not understand holiness, justice, sin, and grace.
The Commandments (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus emphasized the spirit of the law, which places deterrents on the motive (anger, resentment, envy, revenge), preventing murder from ever taking place.
Preternatural, Natural, Unnatural, Supernatural (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God, before He created Adam and Eve, preternaturally planned the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to save humanity from the curse of sin and death.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJustification does not 'do away' with the law; it brings us into alignment with it, imputing the righteousness of Christ and giving access to God for sanctification.
What Do You Mean . . . the Unpardonable Sin?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletCan a Christian commit a sin, and still be a Christian? Or would this be 'the unpardonable sin'? Or would it prove he never was a Christian?
The Cursed Redeemer
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHanging on a tree was designated the punishment for the worst kind of sin. Jesus was hung on a tree, having fulfilled the curse of the law for us.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Although God never intended the Old Covenant to endure eternally, the spiritual law (shared by both the old and new covenants) lasts forever.
Holy Days: Passover
Bible Study by Earl L. HennPassover may be the most important festival ordained by God. Not only does it memorialize Christ's death, it also symbolizes our redemption and the covenant.
The Great Flood (Part Eight)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod literally called Noah, offering him deliverance from the world catastrophe, and offering him a job of being a physical savior for all of creation.