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God's Plan and the False Immortal Soul Doctrine
'Ready Answer' by Craig SablichThe concept of immortality is a profound element within God's Plan for humanity. God promises immortality to believers as a gift, bestowed at specific times, each in their own order. This gift of eternal life is not inherent within human beings at birth but is granted through the Holy Spirit, as the guarantee of inheritance until the resurrection. To live forever, humans must partake of the fruit of the Tree of Life, which is the fruit of God's Holy Spirit, signifying that eternal life is a divine endowment rather than a natural possession. Scripture reveals that mortal man will put on immortality through resurrection. The dead lie in their graves until they are resurrected, with the righteous experiencing a resurrection to eternal life, while evildoers face a resurrection of condemnation. There are distinct resurrections outlined, including a future period of judgment for humanity, where God will grant salvation and eternal life to those who live according to His way. However, some will reject immortality, choosing to live selfishly despite knowing God's truth. Such individuals will face a different resurrection, one that leads to a fate apart from eternal life. The example of David illustrates this cycle of life and death. David, a man after God's own heart, is dead and buried, his body having decayed, and he has not ascended into the heavens. Like all humanity, he awaits the resurrection, with a future planned by God to be king over resurrected Israel. This pattern confirms that immortality is not immediate upon death but is a future gift, part of God's glorious plan for those who choose to follow His way of life.
The Immortal Soul and the Plan of God
Sermonette by Craig SablichNominal Christianity is grounded in the belief that man has an immortal soul, a doctrine that contradicts the Bible and the plan of God for mankind.
Is Your Soul Immortal?
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe prevailing idea is that the soul is the indestructible part of a human being that lives on after death. The Bible reveals a different reality of life and death.
Christ's Death and the Immortality of the Soul
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe dangerous false belief of inherent immortal life has led to an acceleration of sin and the danger of eternal oblivion. Only God can give eternal life.
Death Is Not the End (Part Seven)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThere is life after death; there is an age to come in which all who have not been called to salvation will be raised to new life to hear what God offers.
Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus' parable preaches the gospel of the Kingdom by revealing salvation, the resurrection to eternal life, and inheritance of His Kingdom on the earth.
What Is the Second Death?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe second death is an event beyond physical death. It disproves the traditional heaven-hell and immortal soul doctrines, yet demonstrates God's perfect justice.
Raising Our Conception of the Resurrection
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIf we are satisfied with the fact that Jesus was resurrected, we miss its full glory and significance, as it has eternal consequences for God's elect.
The Second Death
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeFor those who have submitted their lives to God, turning their lives around in repentance, there is no fear of the Second Death—eternal death in the Lake of Fire.
Eternal Torment?
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible does not teach that hell is a place of eternal torment. Instead, God will eradicate all sin and wickedness, not punish the wicked forever.
Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part Three: Satan's Three Heresies
Article by David C. GrabbeWhen Satan confronted Adam and Eve, he fed them three heresies that Gnosticism incorporated into its parasitic philosophy and way of life.
What Do You Mean . . . Salvation?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletNot one in a hundred knows what salvation is—how to get it or when you will receive it. Don't be too sure you do! Here is the truth, made plain.
Do Angels Live Forever?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHow will God deal with the demons? Here are four common assumptions made regarding Satan's and the demons' fate, along with a cohesive explanation.
Four Views of Christ (Part 7)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur lives parallel what Christ experienced: crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and glorification. The death of self must precede resurrection and glory.
The Wonderful Ordinance of Water Baptism
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBaptism symbolizes a burial and resurrection, or the crucifixion of the carnal self. After a person realizes his ways have been wrong, he should counsel for baptism.
Elements of Motivation (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEternal life, emphasizing a special intimate relationship with God the Father and Christ, is vastly different from immortality, connoting only endless existence.