Required reading
Dogmatic Theology Vol 2 by William G.T. Shedd (Available from Amazon or here) - Conclude Chapter I 'The intermediate or disembodied state'.
My summary
Today Shedd teaches us that Hades generally denotes the place of retribution and misery.
Firstly a brief examination is given of references to Hades in the New Testament.
The rest of the reading is concerned with showing that:
(i) Sheol in the Old Testament signifies the place of future punishment;
(ii) Sheol, in one class of Old Testament passages, denotes the grave to which all men, the good and evil, alike go down.
What grabbed me
A very comprehensive examination of the subject.
I liked the application to New Testament believers: 'Sheol in the sense of the grave is invested with gloomy associations for the good, as well as the wicked ; and this under the Christian dispensation, as well as under the Jewish. The Old economy and the New are much alike in this respect. The modem Christian believer shrinks from the grave, like the ancient Jewish believer. He needs as much grace in order to die tranquilly as did Moses and David. It is true that "Christ has brought immortality to light in the gospel ; " has poured upon the grave the bright light of his own resurrection, a far brighter light than the Patriarchal and Jewish church enjoyed ; yet man's faith is as weak and wavering as ever, and requires the support of God.'
Yes, the grave has lost its sting for followers of Christ. But it still raises dark thoughts.
Next week's reading
Read Chapter II 'Christ's second advent'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
No comments:
Post a Comment