Ask Your Preacher - Archives
Heart Of The Earth
Tuesday, November 08, 2016There was a page-sized ad in our newspaper last week from a church explaining why Jesus had to go to hell for three days and three nights. What are your thoughts on this interpretation?Sincerely,
Long Weekend
Dear Long Weekend,
Jesus went to Paradise when He died – He said so. Jesus told the thief on the cross that they were both going to Paradise after they died (Lk 23:43). Those who say that Jesus went to hell often refer to the verse where it states Jesus would spend three days and three nights in “the heart of the earth” (Matt 12:40). However, that verse is simply stating that Jesus’ body would be buried for three days. Jesus’ spirit was separated from His body at death (Jas 2:26). Jesus’ body went into the ground, and His spirit went into Paradise.
The Best Laid Plans
Monday, November 07, 2016Does God want us to work with Him or for Him? When did salvation begin? What is the origin of salvation?Sincerely,
Business Partner?
Dear Business Partner,
We work for God - He is King (1 Tim 1:17)... we will always be subordinate to Him. Salvation began with Christ's blood on the cross (1 Pet 1:18-19). Jesus is the beginning and the end of our creation and salvation (Rev 21:6). We cannot be saved without Christ (Jhn 14:6). God planned to save mankind through Christ before He created the world (Eph 1:3-4). God's plan for our salvation was perfectly laid out from the beginning, and when the right time came... Jesus was sent to die for our sins (Gal 4:3-5).