Immortality part II

The resurrection has been the hope of all the people of God through all ages. Says Paul, “Now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.” (Acts 26:6, 7)  What was that hope? Paul continues: “Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?” Vs. 8.  Death is the present condition of all men, and from it even Christians are not exempt. But to them Paul says, “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” (Col. 3:3, 4)

Eternal life is not something which man possesses b y inheritance, nor can he earn it by good works. “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 6: 23)  By suffering death as a criminal, in agony unspeakable, Jesus purchased life for those who would receive it at His hand. When He appears the second time, bringing life through the resurrection to those who believe in Him, we shall receive this gift of all gifts.

But it is believed by many that man already possesses life and immortality, an undying spirit, an immortal soul, a deathless life. If this be true, Jesus died in vain, for He died to bring us life and immortality. If we already possess immortality, His death was unnecessary. The doctrine that we now have immortality outside of Jesus, robs Him of that for which He died. It makes the cross of Christ of none effect, and His precious blood was spilled for naught.  “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 14: 6. “He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” John 10: 1)

Any theory or doctrine which robs Christ of that for which He died, and gives hope of immortality to men who are not in Christ, is a thief and a robber. Of those who teach such false theories the prophet says:— “With lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life.” (Ezek. 13:22)