Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 3) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 1 (State of the soul after death) by reading up to the heading '2. The sleep of the soul'.
My summary
Today we begin a new part of the work. We now turn to Hodge's thoughts on eschatology.
Thus, Chapter 1 starts a discussion of the state of the soul after death.
Firstly Hodge affirms that Protestants believe in the continued conscious existence of the soul after the dissolution of the body. He demonstrates this truth from the Old Testament, as well as the New.
Then Hodge discusses the intermediate state. We learn that Christians believe that there is a state of existence which intervenes between death and the resurrection; and that the condition of the departed during that interval is, in some respects, different from that which it is to be subsequent to that event.
What grabbed me
I enjoyed this description of the intermediate state: 'The Bible constantly speaks of the present life as a state of conflict, of labour, and of suffering ; and of death as the entrance into rest. There remains a rest for the people of God. That rest follows the state of labour and trial. Believers then cease from their works. The rest on which they enter is not merely a rest from conflict and sin, but a rest which arises from the attainment of the end of their being, from their restoration to their proper relation to God, and all their capacities being satisfied and filled.'
Thus, I think we can all say with the apostle Paul, 'For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.'
Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 1 (State of the soul after death) by reading up to the heading '4. Doctrine of the Church of Rome'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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