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Death Is Not the End (Part One)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

From God's perspective, death is termed an enemy, as it emerged from sin when Adam, representing mankind, partook of the forbidden Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Yet, God, in His foresight, had planned for this before creating humanity, incorporating death into His divine purpose. He allowed sin and consequently death to enter the world, transforming what seems a curse into a potential blessing. In His plan, even death holds a positive aspect, as it is part of the journey toward a future where sin and evil are eradicated. God's view of death is rooted in reality and hope, encouraging a healthy, positive outlook on what is often seen as a somber subject. Through His design, the inevitability of death serves a greater purpose, aligning with His ultimate goal of redemption and the elimination of all evil.

Death: The End of the Beginning

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Death, though a somber reality, holds a significant place in God's plan, as it is a necessary step toward the ultimate fulfillment of His purpose. For mankind to reach the time of the Last Great Day, a vast number of deaths must occur, with billions having already died and billions more to die before they rise in the second resurrection for their chance at salvation. Death is a common trait among all who will rise in the general resurrection, spanning every race, tribe, language, and nation across history, from the most ancient times to the present day. God has incorporated death into His plan, allowing it to occur as a consequence of sin, yet viewing it with a positive purpose. From His perspective, death is not to be feared but understood as a transition. Jesus Christ Himself approached His own death with calm and purpose, seeing it as part of God's will and a necessary event in the divine plan, devoid of dread or fear. Likewise, in the case of Lazarus, He displayed no sorrow for the death itself but rather indignation at the unbelief of those around Him, knowing the joy and glory that would follow through God's power. The apostle Paul also exemplified this perspective, viewing death not with morbidity but with desire, considering it a gain to depart and be with Christ. He saw life as a temporary endeavor, ready to "cash in his chips" for the greater treasure awaiting him, while still willing to remain if it served God's purpose. In the incident with Eutychus, Paul remained calm, raising the young man from death without panic or despair, reflecting a faith that transcends the fear of death. Death, often seen as a permanent cessation of life, is not permanent in God's eyes, for He holds the power to give life to the dead. Solomon and Job, in their reflections, acknowledged the reality of death but pointed to the hope of life beyond it, with man's spirit returning to God and the possibility of being called to live again. This hope culminates in the vision of the Last Great Day, where the dead, both small and great, will stand before God's throne in the second resurrection, not for condemnation but for a genuine opportunity at salvation under the best conditions, free from satan's influence. God uses death as part of the path to salvation, allowing rest in the grave like a refreshing sleep, after which the dead will rise renewed, without disease or defect, to a new life. Death is no barrier to the God of salvation; He will destroy it with His might, raising all who have died to stand in victory. As foretold, death will be swallowed up in victory, its sting and power demolished by God's ultimate triumph. Thus, death, though a fact of life, is not to be feared, for God is far stronger, and through Him, we will stand victorious.

Christ's Death and the 'Immortality' of the Soul

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Death is a tool of Satan, embodying evil and standing in opposition to God's will. It is an enemy, not a friend, as some misguided beliefs suggest. The Bible portrays death as a hostile force that emerged from the sin of Adam and Eve, a power foreign to God's purpose for humanity. Demonic forces wield death to exercise authority over us through sin, instilling constant fear. Death does not reflect the will of the Holy God. Jesus Christ faced this last enemy with profound distress, unlike those who viewed death with calm acceptance. His soul was exceedingly sorrowful unto death, burdened by the weight of affliction. He knew that death would bring absolute separation from the Father, a dreadful isolation He feared deeply. In His humanity, He shared the natural fear of death, reaching out to His friends to avoid being forsaken. His cries on the cross reveal death in all its frightful horror, as He understood the stakes involved. Death is the ultimate separation from life and relationships, the worst enemy because it represents nothingness—complete loss of awareness, love, hope, joy, creativity, and future. It rifts everything God created for us. In God's purpose, death is an accommodation to His plan, an enemy to God, Jesus, and mankind that must be overcome and destroyed. Jesus had to meet and conquer death on its own turf—absolute nothingness—by giving up life itself, the most precious gift from God. His death was not a continuation of life in another form; He truly died, facing the final challenge of this enemy. The resurrection to immortality and God-life required a divine act of creation, issuing from genuine death, not from an already living entity. Jesus Christ's resurrection was the first act of God's promise to make all things new, demonstrating His power to give life. Death, not the body, must be conquered by resurrection, for the death of our God-given physical life is the destruction of true life. Sin, if continued without change or overcoming, guarantees this destruction, underscoring why it cannot be taken lightly. Jesus Christ's death and resurrection rendered death powerless for those who truly believe and steadfastly follow the way of life He pioneered. His victory over death—Satan's most powerful tool—came through dying without ever sinning, ensuring that those who trust in Him can overcome while still alive, living by faith to impress God. This trust will be magnificently rewarded with the greater, stronger, and more glorious life that comes through resurrection.

You Shall Surely Die

Sermonette by Craig Sablich

The belief that humans are inherently immortal and consciously live after death has influenced many cultures and Christian teachings.

John (Part Eighteen)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Trust in God's ability to resurrect can neutralize the most basic debilitating fear—the fear of death. Christ assures us that death is not the end.

Themes of I Corinthians (Part 8)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In I Corinthians 15, Paul expounds the resurrection, recalling the basic facts of the gospel message, stressing that salvation is an ongoing process.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Four): Ecclesiastes 9:2-12

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Although some try to make their lives easier by compromising, Solomon warns that all evil leads to death, and that doing evil in any circumstance is insane.

The Resurrection: A Central Pillar

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Christ's resurrection is of paramount importance to us, because Jesus alone has the keys to our own resurrection and eternal life as firstfruits.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The cosmology of ancient Greece, saturated with astrology and Gnostic dualism, filtered into the doctrines of the early church, creating corrupt doctrines.

Let Him Who Glories Glory in This (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark Schindler

True kingdom citizenship, affirmed in Matthew 25, is marked by serving others, while Jeremiah 7-11 warns against the stagnation of self-reliance.

Our Bread of Life

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The world is confused on the timing of Christ's death and resurrection. It becomes clear by a proper understanding of the holy days, preparation days, and Sabbaths.

Then Comes the End

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Christ's return marks the beginning of the end of mankind's problems. However, His return will not be the final end, which comes when God is all in all.

Let Him Who Glories Glory in This (Part Three)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark Schindler

There is an unbroken lineage of God's righteous kingdom from creation through Revelation 21. We are called to represent this eternal sovereign plan.

Was Peter the Lead Apostle?

Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo

Matthew 16:15-18 shows that Jesus had made Peter His chief apostle after recognizing Him as the Christ and His purpose for coming.

Refuge! Refuge! (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The cities of refuge highlight the great importance God placed on the sanctity of life, especially in beings created in God's image.

Passover of the Most High God

'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe

Death is the last enemy (I Corinthians 15:26), and it will not be overcome until every other enemy has been overcome, which does not happen until the resurrection from the dead. Christians also face enemies in the unseen spiritual forces of wickedness and in the carnal man within, but death comes last. Human effort cannot defeat it. The Most High gives the victory by providing the life, death, and resurrection of His Son as a blessing. Christ is the believers' Forerunner and Captain, who went before them and blazed the trail (Hebrews 2:10). He is called the firstborn from the dead, which shows that others will likewise rise. Because He opened the way, those who follow in His footsteps are able to deliver even death into their own hands. The Passover is part of this blessing, given so that God's people can be victorious over every enemy, death included.

The Measure of Christ's Gift

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Death is one of the great enemies that held mankind in captivity for so long, together with Satan and sin. Jesus Christ came into the world to deal with and conquer these enemies. Ephesians 4:8 and Psalm 68:18 picture Him as a victorious conqueror who "led captivity captive," like an ancient king returning from battle with his defeated foes made to walk in chains in a public victory procession while he showers gifts on his acclaiming people. Having routed Satan, sin, and death, Christ has returned to heaven leading them captive in His triumphal train, though the evil powers that controlled that captivity do not yet realize they are defeated. The spiritual side of this victory has been and is being accomplished. Its literal realization will be completed after the resurrection of the firstfruits, at the marriage supper, and at Christ's return to set up God's Kingdom on the earth. From His triumph Christ gives gifts to His church, including love, the Holy Spirit, unity, and the callings to function within His body.

All in All (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The end of the sanctification process is when Christ will have defeated all enemies and put all things under His feet. Then, God the Father will be all in all.