We’re finally here. The final episode of this interesting and important topic. Let’s start by summarising the key points, and thereafter I will share some of my thoughts and before concluding this series.
King Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes tells us that “God has placed eternity in the hearts of men”[1]. We were not created for the now but also life beyond the grave. There are 3 schools of thought when it comes to immortality, firstly, that we can live forever without dying, secondly, life continuing beyond the grave and finally life ceasing at death. In this blog, we surveyed albeit concisely the traditional Christian view against the pseudo-Christian claims of immortality. It is interesting to point out that regardless of which side of the immortality fence you find yourself in, both groups base their doctrine on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Both groups also affirm immortality on Earth[2] [3]. The question ultimately boils down to an issue of timing; before or after death. I demonstrated in the second part of the blog that Jewish thought from the old testament time to Christian thought, that of both Jesus and Paul as recorded in the new testament unanimously upholds the view that immortality is experienced after death. The traditional Christian view also sides with the common human experience, that no one cheats death. The writer of Hebrews affirms this by saying “it is appointed to man to die once and thereafter the judgment”[4]. Another issue we see is the incorrect interpretation of the bible passages that refer to immortality. For example, Rom 2:7 refers to immortality, but context is that of sin, judgment, and reward.
Before concluding this blog, I want to share a few personal thoughts. Firstly, the idea of immortality in this lifetime can result in disillusionment and disappointment in God by believing in an idea that aligns with neither biblical teaching nor reality. Secondly, a sense of condemnation and abandonment can be experienced by the Christian as death, sickness and other ailments are experienced. Thirdly, this pseudo view undermines the story of redemptive history that God has narrated in the scriptures, where He has promised a new heaven and a new earth[5]. Another fundamental part promised to the church by Christ and has been witnessed by many before us, there will be suffering in this life[6] and the way of the cross for every disciple will entail persecution and sometimes death. Jesus clearly set his expectation on his followers when commanded them to take up their cross and follow Him, Jesus Christ[7]
Based on these findings as well as the dangers associated with this type of teachings, we have to reject this doctrine. We as Christians need to be vigilant and testing everything. Truth matters! Building a belief on a false doctrine can have some nasty repercussions like I pointed out above. Don’t forget to think through.
[1] Ecclesiastes 3:11
[2] TTM Editor, “Immortality and Some of its Proponents,” The True Messenger (23 April 2016): http://www.thetruemessenger.org/immortality-and-some-of-its-proponents/
[3] Wright, The Resurrection of the Son of God, 358
[4] Hebrews 9:27
[5] Revelation 21:1-5
[6] John 16:33
[7] Matthew 16:24-26
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