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Death Is Not the End (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughFrom 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.
Christ's Death and the Immortality of the Soul
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughDeath 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.
Death: The End of the Beginning
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDeath, 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.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Four): Ecclesiastes 9:2-12
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough 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. RitenbaughChrist's resurrection is of paramount importance to us, because Jesus alone has the keys to our own resurrection and eternal life as firstfruits.
John (Part Eighteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughTrust 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. RitenbaughIn I Corinthians 15, Paul expounds the resurrection, recalling the basic facts of the gospel message, stressing that salvation is an ongoing process.
Our Bread of Life
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe 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.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe cosmology of ancient Greece, saturated with astrology and Gnostic dualism, filtered into the doctrines of the early church, creating corrupt doctrines.
Then Comes the End
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeChrist'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.
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.
Passover of the Most High God
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeAmong God's many titles is one that proclaims His supremacy over all others: 'God Most High.' It provides confidence in God's governance of our lives.
The Measure of Christ's Gift
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus selected disciples with disparate temperaments, unifying them to accomplish a steadfast purpose. God disperses a wide diversity of spiritual gifts.
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.