Quote:
Originally Posted by bearbear
Most Christians I've encountered usually fall into one of these two camps but perhaps it really is a false dichotomy and the truth lies in the middle.
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Try to follow my "brief" reasoning here.
In the section of Hebrews 9.26-28, the sacrifice for sins is addressed for those both under Law and under Grace (iow, OT and NT) Interestingly, the phrase "
reserved for men once to die, and then judgment" is referred to. This Judgment determines where we will wait or "sleep." Where we wait is in Hades, under the earth, where Jesus Himself also went. The story of Lazarus and the rich man tells us that Hades has two parts. Following death there is immediately a judgment to determine our temporary resting place. Luke 16.29 informs us that it is not our wealth or poverty that determines where we wait, but whether we "hear Moses and Prophets," which means
do we believe God and His Word.
The story of the 2 criminals on the cross with Jesus is informative. Initially both criminals mocked Jesus (Matt 27.44), but later one had a change of heart, (Luke 23.40-43) to whom Jesus famously responded "
today you will be with Me in Paradise." It is just that easy to change your resting place. Perhaps these two criminals had a similar conversation across the great divide as Lazarus and the rich man.
All those who stress "grace, by faith, never perish, forgiveness of sins, etc." stress stories like this. And they are right. All these scriptures are a witness at this judgment following our death. But this Paradise under the earth is where we wait; it is not "heaven" or our final destiny. All of past mankind is now in Hades, under the earth, waiting to be resurrected.
The Bible does speak of the pending "Judgment Seat of Christ" for all believers after our resurrection at the last Trumpet. (I Ths 4.16) Here we will be judged for our works, our life, all things "good and worthless." All those who stress the requirements of faithfulness and obedience to the Lord until the end correspond with the book of James which is a witness at this Judgment Seat. Therefore he states "faith without works is dead," because at this time we will be "justified by works." (James 2)