Lesson 6 Review: He Died for Us

Introduction

Memory Text: “ ‘And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life’ ” (John 3:14, 15, NKJV).

Christ’s resurrection is central to our faith, else there would be no hope for us after death. Without Christ’s death and resurrection “those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished” (1 Cor. 15:18, NKJV), this implies that those who have died do not live somewhere else, else there would be no need for resurrection.

How could Christ be considered “slain from the foundation of the world”?

It simply means that the plan of salvation had been put in place before the creation of the world.

What is central to the whole plan of salvation?

Central to the whole plan of salvation is Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross, symbolized for centuries by animal sacrifices.

What does the Jesus’ predictions of His sufferings teach us about the dangers of misunderstanding scripture?

Jesus spoke explicitly to His disciples concerning His death in many occasions, but they did not accept because it is not what they wanted.

What crucial message is there for us in Christ’s statement, “It is finished!”?

In the suffering of Christ on the cross, he was defeating the kingdom of Satan. He was asked to come down from the cross, but it was not the nails that held Him to the cross, but His will to save us. The statement, “It is finished” indicated that Satan had lost, the price was paid, and we can live forever now.

What has Christ’s death accomplished for us?

Animal sacrifices could not sufficient to cleanse us from our unrighteousness, only Jesus’ death could save us from the punishment of sin, He is “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”. Whoever however believes in Jesus shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

What are the important aspects to remember in regards to the meaning of the Cross?

First, the Cross is the supreme revelation of God’s justice against sin (Romans 3:21). Second, the Cross is the supreme revelation of God’s love for sinners (Rom. 5:8). Third, the Cross is the great source of power to break the chains of sin (Rom. 6:22, 23; 1 Cor. 1:17-24, NKJV). Fourth, the Cross is our only hope of eternal life (Phil. 3:9-11; John 3:14-16; 1 John 5:11, 12). And fifth, the Cross is the only antidote against a future rebellion in the universe (Rev. 7:13-17, Rev. 22:3).

How can we discover the truths of the Cross?

None of these crucial truths about the Cross can be discovered or understood by the “wisdom of the world.”  The preaching of the Cross is “foolishness” to worldly wisdom. We need to do away with worldly wisdom when it comes to the meaning of the Cross and believe in Jesus.

In Conclusion,

The Cross is central to the plan of salvation, the blood of lambs could never save us. None of our works could ever merit us Salvation or even favor from God, the very fact that Jesus had to die tells us just how serious our sins are, Jesus wants us to believe in Him and we will benefit from the Cross, I pray that we believe in Christ’s atoning sacrifice and be saved in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 5 Review: Resurrections Before the Cross

Introduction

Memory Text: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die forever. Do you believe this?’ ” (John 11:25, 26, LEB).

There are accounts of people in the Bible who were resurrected before the Cross, but with the exception of Moses, they all eventually died again. These accounts do not suggest the existence of a supposed life after death, at death, there is no tendency not to rest in peace, we know nothing at death.

What evidences can we find in Jude 9 and Luke 9:28-36 about the bodily resurrection of Moses?

‘Jude 9 confirms the Biblical resurrection of Moses’ body because the dispute was “about the body of Moses” and not about any supposed surviving soul’. Another piece of evidence is in Christ’s transfiguration, where Moses and Elijah appeared to Jesus and were dialoguing, the Bible makes it clear that it was not their spirits that appeared, besides Elijah did not see death.

What are the similarities between the resurrection of the Shunammite woman’s son and the Woman of Zarephath’s son?

They both received back their dead sons by resurrection, and they both have the same saving faith.

What are the differences between the resurrection of the Shunammite Woman’s son and the Woman of Zarephath’s son?

‘The Phoenician widow hosted the prophet, Elijah, in an extremely difficult time when there was no safe place for him in Israel. The Shunammite woman and her husband built a special room where the Prophet Elisha could stay while passing through their region.

What important difference is there between the resurrection of the Son of the Widow of Nain and that of the Shunammite and Zarephath women’s sons?

The Widow of Nain was helped even without asking, God cares for us even when we feel unworthy to ask Him for help.

Why did the people ridicule Jesus when He said “ ’The child is not dead but sleeping’ ”? (Mark 5:38, NKJV)

1.       They knew that she was dead

2.       They did not grasp the meaning of His words.

What can we learn from Christ’s words “ ‘The child is not dead, but sleeping’ ”? (Mark 5:39, NKJV)

Sleep seems to be Christ’s favorite way of referring to death. It is a metaphor. Death is a sleep, but it is a deep sleep from which only the great Life-giver can awaken one, for He alone has the keys to the tomb.

In what sense was Jesus “glorified” by the sickness and death of Lazarus (John 11:4)?

God was glorified through the sickness and death of Lazarus. Just before Lazarus was resurrected, Jesus attested to the fact that they will see the glory of God if they believe and it happened there that they saw the life-giving power of God, the same power that spoke our world into existence, and the same power that at the end of the age will call the dead back to life in the resurrection. The resurrection of Lazarus proved that Jesus had the power to defeat death, a great manifestation of God’s glory.

In Conclusion,

There were resurrections before the Cross but none of them implied a possible experience in heaven before their resurrection, the hope of resurrection we have is in the second coming of Jesus, then we will awake to our inheritance, I pray that we take part in the first resurrection in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 4 Review: The Old Testament Hope

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son… He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead – and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back” Hebrews 11:17, 19, NRSV).

We can begin to wonder how God will raise dead bodies back to life again. Do not forget the fact that God created everything we see now from nothing, why then should we doubt God’s capacity to re-create human life and restore its original identity.

When and under what circumstances was Job expecting to “see God”?

Job though “blameless and upright” went through suffering. Physically, He suffered from a very ravaging disease, emotionally, His friends accused him of being an impenitent Sinner, who deserved what he was facing, his wife too said, “ ‘Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!’ “ (Job 2:9, NKJV), amidst all these ‘Job stated that although he would die, his Redeemer would one day stand up and he, Job himself, would see God in his own flesh (Job 19:25-27)’.

How can we understand this statement Job made amidst his suffering?

Job’s statement was that of a glorious hope which implied that even though He went through the sufferings he was currently going through He would still see God in his flesh which at the time was diseased. This resonates with the statement Martha made to Jesus just before Jesus resurrected Lazarus. The statement she made was, “ ‘I know that he [Lazarus] will rise again in the resurrection at the last day’ “ (John 11:24, NKJV).

What similarity exist between the wise and the foolish according to Psalm 49?

Both the wise and the foolish die, leaving “their wealth to others” (Psalm 49:10, NKJV).

What difference exists between the wise and the foolish according to Psalm 49?

Fools perish while trying to find assurance in their own transient possessions and accomplishments. The wise behold the glorious reward that God has reserved for them beyond the grave and human saga.

What else can we note from Psalm 49?

The Psalmist does not suggest that when he dies his soul will fly immediately into heaven. He however says that the grave will not hold him down forever.

How can the expression “from the depths of the earth” in Psalm 71 be understood?

“It can be understood literally as the allusion to the future physical resurrection of the psalmist”. But we could say that it is primarily figurative speech on a condition of deep depression, but it also hints at a physical resurrection.

What conclusion can we draw from Psalm 71?

We can conclude that God cares about us in whatever situation we may be facing and our hope is found in the eternal life to come and not in this life.

What is the contrast between those who will perish and those who will live forever?

The contrast between those who will perish and those who will live forever is that the wicked will die and never live again at least after the “second death” (Rev. 21:8, NKJV), but the righteous dead will be raised from death to receive their blessed reward.

What does Daniel 12 say about the resurrection that is to come?

Daniel 12 explains that both the righteous and the unrighteous will be resurrected. Daniel 12 does not distinguish the fate of the righteous and ungodly and sometimes people see it as a special resurrection that is coming, but also verse 2 says that some will resurrect to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

In Conclusion,

The hope that we as Christians have always had even from the old testament times is that we will all resurrect, those who die in Christ will resurrect to everlasting life and those who die sinners to everlasting destruction. I pray that we all be wise enough to uphold God’s commands so we inherit everlasting life in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 3 Review: Understanding Human Nature

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7).

We may misunderstand what happens to us at death, but only God understands us perfectly, He created us. This week’s lesson will show us the human nature and the condition of human beings at death.

What are the similarities between the way God created the animals and man?

Both man and animals were created from the ground (Gen. 1:24-27).

What are the differences between the way God created the animals and man?

‘First, God shaped the man physically, and then “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (Gen. 2:7). Second, God created humanity as both male and female in the very image and likeness of the Godhead (Gen. 1:26, 27)’.

How does the creation account in Genesis 1 and 2 help us understand the nature of man?

We can draw from the creation account of man, that God formed man first as a physical entity and until God breathed into his nostrils man was not a living soul. This further tells us that for us to be a living soul with consciousness we need both the breath and the body, they cannot exist independent of each other as a living soul.

How does Ezekiel 18:4, 20 and Matthew 10:28 help us understand the nature of the human soul?

Both humans and animals die as a result of sin. If there is also another conscious state after death, then it means we do not die after all. The popular notion of the immortality of the soul is void but there will be a time when all who are dead will be resurrected that is in the second coming of Christ.

Where does the Spirit or breath go after death?

Ecclesiastes 12:7 tells us that “the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it” (NKJV), but this quote does not distinguish the dying process for both the righteous and the wicked, meaning that even the spirits of the wicked go to God. But this is not in harmony with the overall teaching of the scriptures, we can conclude that death is nothing else than ceasing to exist as living beings.

What is the condition of the dead?

In Job 3, the writer acknowledges that if he had died at birth, he would be completely at rest from all the troubles that came on him because he is alive, Psalm 115, the Psalmist says that the dead do not praise God. Psalm 146 tells that the mental activities of an individual ceases at death, Ecclesiastes adds that “the dead know nothing” and in the grave “there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom”.

What facts are associated with the condition of the dead?

First, there is no everlasting burning hell or temporary purgatory waiting for those who die unsaved. Second, there is an amazing reward that awaits those who die in Christ.

What other way does the old testament express death?

The old testament uses the notion of being gathered to one’s own people to express death and burial.

What facts can we identify with the aspects of resting with the forefathers?

First is the idea that sooner or later the time will come when we need to rest from our own tiring labors and sufferings. Second is the fact that others before us followed the same trail. Third is the fact that being buried close to their loved ones though unconscious makes them not alone.

In Conclusion,

God made man in His own image physically, then He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul. At death, this processed is reversed, the breath is taken away and the physical body returns back to dust where it was taken. At death however, there is no consciousness, the living know that they will die but the dead know nothing. However, the dead will be resurrected again, some to eternal life and some to eternal destruction. I pray that God protects us from the deceptions of the devil and above all make us be beneficiaries of the reward He promises to give to those who die in Christ in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 2 Review: Death in a Sinful World

Introduction

Memory Text: “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12, NKJV).

Lucifer was jealous of God after Jesus was conferred special honor to create this world. Satan seeing he had failed in his mission to take away the throne from God, sought to attack Adam and Eve with the intention that God will pardon them and the fallen angels too would be pardon. This week’s lesson is a reflection on the fall of man, the origin of sin, death and how God planted a seed of hope.

Why did the argument of Satan sound more convincing to Eve?

First of all, there was no evidence so far in the natural world of the evidence of sin, and death. Second, the serpent was actually eating the fruit and enjoying it so much.

What three principles did Eve ignore when deciding between the two conflicting statements?

‘First, Human reasoning is not always the safest way to evaluate spiritual matters. Second, the Word of God can appear to be illogical and senseless to us, but it is always right and trustworthy. Third, there are things that are not evil and wrong in themselves, but God has chosen them as tests of obedience.

How does Eve’s experience resonate with what we face daily?

‘Every day and every moment we need to decide between the Word of God (which for many can be unpopular) and the seductive appeals of our surrounding culture.

How did Eve make the choice of whom to obey?

She used the empirical method to judge between the two conflicting statements. ‘First, she saw that from a dietary perspective, “the tree was good for food.” Second, from an aesthetic viewpoint, she saw that “it was a delight to the eyes.” Third, from a logical analysis, “the three was desirable to make one wise.’

Why can One say that not all forms of knowledge are valid?

Knowledge, in and of itself, can be very detrimental in view of the experiences of Adam and Eve’s experience in Eden. We are better of not knowing some things.

How does the lie of Satan in Eden that we shall not surely die manifest even after Eden?

‘The powerful manifestation of Satan’s lie is in the common belief in the immortality of the soul.’ Many cultures and even religions believe in this false belief. Satan has defended this lie, with this emphatic assertion.

What does the Bible tell us about the immortality of the soul?

The dead does not praise God (Psalm 115: 17), in the day the living die, their plans perish with them, they return to his ground (Psalm 146: 4), only at the second coming of Jesus will those who died good will resurrect to life and those who died evil to condemnation (John 5:28,29).

What were the main consequences of sin?

The consequences of Eve’s disloyalty is pretty much obvious in the world around us. From a theological perspective, man was overtaken by theophobia (being afraid of God) and hid themselves from God, from a psychosocial assessment, both the man and the woman were ashamed of theselves and began to accuse each other. From a physical standpoint, they would sweat, feel pain and eventualy die. Death came to all men through sin (Romans 5:12) and because all have sinned.

What are we to be thankful of despite the existing consequence of sin?

We are to be thankful that through Jesus and the Cross we have the hope of eternal life in a world where sin will never rise again.

What assurance for the present and hope for the future did God give to man in the garden after the fall?

In Genesis 3:15, the enmity between good and evil is not only a long-lasting one, but also a personal repulsion to sin, which has been implanted by God’s grace, making us not readily susceptible to sin. The Lord also used an animal sacrifice which up to that point was not experienced before. The animal thus prefigured the One who was to die man’s sacrifice.

What was first revealed in Eden in view of 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Hebrews 9:28?

Adam and Eve did not just leave the garden naked on in their fid-leaf coverings. They left with God’s tunics of skin, a symbol of His covering righteousness. Hence the gospel was first revealed in Eden.

In Conclusion,

Death is an inevitable part of the sinful world, prior to sin, in the perfect world, there was nothing like death, everything was good. After the fall, we were sentenced to death, but God has not left us without hope, He has given us by His grace a personal repulsion to sin, and hope in the seed of the woman, I pray that this hope for the future be truly ours in Jesus’ name.