Required reading
Dogmatic Theology Vol 2 by William G.T. Shedd (Available from Amazon or here) - Continue Chapter I 'The intermediate or disembodied state' by reading up to the paragraph beginning 'In the nine places from the New Testament which have been cited in this discussion, the connection shows that Hades denotes the place of retribution and misery.' (Page 622 in my edition)
My summary
This week Shedd teaches us that the intermediate state of the soul is:
(i) disembodied;
(ii) one of blessedness for the believer;
(iii) one of misery for the impenitent in Hades.
Most of the reading was concerned with outlining the characteristics of Hades and next week we will see Scripture teachings that Hades denotes retribution and misery.
What grabbed me
I love the reminder that the intermediate state is one of blessedness and the Old Testament does teach it:
'The Old Testament, with less of local description, yet with great positiveness and distinctness, teaches the happiness of believers after death. Gen. 5 : 24, "Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him." Num. 28 : 10, "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." Gen. 49 : 18, The dying Jacob confidently says, "I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord."'
And that's only a taste of the texts!
Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter I 'The intermediate or disembodied state'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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