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Jesus and 'the Spirits in Prison'
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe concept of 'Restraint, Place of' pertains to the imprisonment of rebellious angels, as described in Scripture. Unlike mortal humans who return to dust upon death, these spirit beings, composed of spirit, do not die and thus must be confined. They are cast down to Tartarus, a place of restraint or prison, where they are bound until God judges them. This place of restraint is identified as their first estate, their proper domain, which is earth. The reference to 'spirits in prison' likely denotes these evil spirits or demons who disobeyed long ago, particularly in the time before the Flood, during the days of Noah while the ark was being built. Despite their efforts to corrupt mankind, their attempts were thwarted as God patiently waited to save only eight souls through the Flood, delivering them through a type of baptism. Furthermore, after His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven, proclaiming to these imprisoned spirits His victory over death, signifying that the demons had failed once again. His exaltation to the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to Him, underscores this triumph over Satan and his horde.
Disproving Hell
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe concept of 'Restraint, Place of' emerges in the discussion of specific biblical terms related to the confinement of spiritual beings. The Greek verb *tartaroo*, found only in II Peter 2:4, means to cast down with the connotation of imprisonment. It refers to the angels who sinned, whom God cast down to a place of restraint, identified as the earth. This location serves as their prison, distinct from any notion of a human afterlife or hell, focusing solely on the confinement of these sinning angels. Thus, *tartaroo* does not pertain to human destiny but is strictly about the restraint of demonic entities. Additionally, a related concept appears in the term *abyss*, or bottomless pit, mentioned in Revelation 11:7, 17:8, and 20:1. This term is synonymous with the idea of a place of restraint, as seen when an angel uses a key to open the abyss and confine Satan the devil with a great chain. While not the exact term *Tartarus*, which is absent as a noun in the Bible, *abyss* conveys a similar notion of a location for imprisonment, reinforcing the idea of a designated place of restraint for spiritual beings.
Satan (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe concept of a place of restraint for fallen angels, often referred to as demons, emerges as a significant theme in understanding the spiritual dynamics at play on earth. These beings, led by satan, were cast down from heaven to the earth following a major battle, as depicted in Revelation 12. The earth itself is described as their place of restraint, a prison or silo where they are confined. This imagery is reinforced by terms such as "chains of darkness," emphasizing their restricted state as they await judgment. The Greek term "tataroo," translated as a place of restraint, aligns with mythological descriptions of Tartarus, a deep abyss far below Hades, illustrating the profound depth of their confinement. This restraint, however, does not render them powerless, as they share this earthly domain with humanity, viewing us as intruders in their space. Scriptures in II Peter and Jude further clarify that these angels, having left their first estate and rebelled under their leader helel, who became satan, are now held in a state of limitation. Their initial domain transformed into a pit or silo, indicating a significant reduction in their former liberty and free moral agency due to their rebellion. Despite this confinement, their presence on earth poses a continuous challenge, as they remain formidable adversaries with a deep understanding of divine laws and a long history of influence over this realm.
God's Wrath and Hell
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOblivion, not eternal torment in hell fire, is the merciful end for the wicked. God is both good and severe, but His mercy endures forever.
Accessing the Invisible God
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Because of the testimony of the creation, people are without excuse for not knowing that God exists and sustains His creation. God is not very far away.
How God Deals With Conscience (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe have to learn to rely on God to get us out of strait and difficult situations, realizing that God may want to help us to develop a backbone and mature.
Psalms: Book Five (Part Five): Psalm 119 (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEven though keeping the law does not justify us, it does point out to us what sin is. The law is a guide keeping us within moral and ethical boundaries.