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Explore the traditional view of Hell, universalism, and conditional immortality. Discover what the Bible says about heaven and the resurrection. Learn about the state "in between" and the Judgment Seat of Christ. A thought-provoking lecture series on the afterlife.
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Southwold Lent Lectures2019Heaven, Hell, or Somewhere In Between? Where Do I Go When I Die?H. G. M. Williamson
Beyond anyone’s experience • Beyond time and space
Beyond anyone’s experience • Beyond time and space • No longer taught during Advent
What is Hell? • The Traditional View
What is Hell? • The Traditional View • Universalism
What is Hell? • The Traditional View • Universalism • Conditional Immortality
So what about heaven? • Essential to link with last week: • Resurrection of Jesus anticipates end time
So what about heaven? • Essential to link with last week: • Resurrection of Jesus anticipates end time • His resurrection as ‘firstfruits’
So what about heaven? • Essential to link with last week: • Resurrection of Jesus anticipates end time • His resurrection as ‘firstfruits’ • ‘the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting’ —discontinuity —continuity
1 Corinthians 15 • Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (v. 50): not just resuscitation (discontinuity)
1 Corinthians 15 • Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (v. 50): not just resuscitation (discontinuity) • End time change (vv. 51–52): trumpet; raised; changed
1 Corinthians 15 • Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (v. 50): not just resuscitation (discontinuity) • End time change (vv. 51–52): trumpet; raised; changed • Mortal ‘puts on’ immortality (v. 53)
1 Corinthians 15 • Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (v. 50): not just resuscitation (discontinuity) • End time change (vv. 51–52): trumpet; raised; changed • Mortal ‘puts on’ immortality (v. 53) • Death swallowed up in victory (v. 54)
What Happens In Between? • What is clear: Philippians 1:23 2 Corinthians 5:8 Luke 23:43
What Happens In Between? • What is clear: Philippians 1:23 2 Corinthians 5:8 Luke 23:43 • Not soul sleep • Not purification or punishment
What Happens In Between? • What is clear: Philippians 1:23 2 Corinthians 5:8 Luke 23:43 • Not soul sleep • Not purification or punishment • What is not clear:Problem of time Problem of state/condition
The Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10 as explained by 1 Corinthians 3:10–15) • Foundation: ‘builder will be saved’
The Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10 as explained by 1 Corinthians 3:10–15) • Foundation: ‘builder will be saved’ • Building as an image
The Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10 as explained by 1 Corinthians 3:10–15) • Foundation: ‘builder will be saved’ • Building as an image • Differing materials, tested by fire
The Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10 as explained by 1 Corinthians 3:10–15) • Foundation: ‘builder will be saved’ • Building as an image • Differing materials, tested by fire • Reward for what endures • Application to the final state
For further reading Gerhard Lohfink, Is This All There Is? On Resurrection and Eternal Life (Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2018) Tom Wright, Surprised by Hope (London: SPCK, 2007) Anthony Thistleton, Life After Death: A New Approach to the Last Things (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2012)