Matthew's account of the death of Jesus is peculiar in that it alone records the opening of the graves at Christ's death and the raising of many sleeping saints along with the Lord at his resurrection ( Matthew 27:50-54). The raising of certain dead ones is given as one of three happenings that follow the death of Jesus on the cross as Calvary. It comes after the tearing of … [Read more...]
The Importance of Hope
FDTL Iss 6 1997 In order for anyone to live life to the full it is essential to have hope. For the Christian, hope is seizing the promise of life and salvation. We wait for the blessed hope of the appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13). Our hope is secure as no other hope can be! There are three things to remember about the Christian hope: Our … [Read more...]
Body Soul and Human life : The Nature of Humanity in the Bible by Joel B. Green | Book Review
Joel B. Green (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is now professor of New Testament interpretation at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, after teaching at Asbury Theological Seminary for ten years, serving as vice president of academic affairs and provost. He is the author and editor of many books, including Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, Introducing the New … [Read more...]
Rejoicing in Our Sufferings
First published in From Death to Life Issue 45 Beryl Ching, in her article on the resurrection in Acts, mentions a time when Peter and the other Apostles were called before the Sanhedrin to give account for their witness to the resurrection. The upshot of it all was that they were flogged and then let go under orders never to speak in that name (the name of Jesus … [Read more...]
Book Review Rethinking Human Nature
Book Review Rethinking Human Nature: A Christian Materialist Alternative to the Soul by Kevin J. Corcoran. FDTL Iss 31 Kevin J. Corcoran begins what is a philosophical book with a very personal reflection: "In 1968 I lost my father to cancer," Corcoran recalls. "I was four years old. I can still remember the funeral home. And I can remember that as I looked into the casket, … [Read more...]
A Summary and a Review Of What About The Soul?
What About The Soul? : Neuroscience and Christian Anthropology Edited By Joel B. Green. Modern neurological research is challenging the traditional concept of a “soul” or a “spirit” separable and distinct from the body and/or the mind. In light of these discoveries, this book explores such fundamental questions as, Who am I? What am I doing here? Why do I do what I do? What … [Read more...]
Twisted Scripture: Hebrews 12:23
A reader writes Dear Mr. Burge, Could you help me understand a difficult text. I am a conditionalist like you, but I am having a really tough time making sense of Heb 12:23, specifically, the reference in that verse to "spirits of righteous men made perfect." I have consulted many commentaries, but they all explain this in a dualistic fashion. I have read your short study … [Read more...]
Radio Interview with David
Sean Finnegan interviewed David Burge for the Truth Matters website on the topic of Objections to Conditional Immortality. The radio interview can be downloaded here on www.afterlife.co.nz … [Read more...]
From the President’s Desk Issue 4 1996
This is David Burge’s Editorial from the Issue 4 “From Death to Life” Magazine. According to BBC World News (TV One, 11 Jan 96) the Doctrine Commission of the Anglican Church has said "hell exists, but the idea of an eternity spent in fire and brimstone is out-dated". The report prepared for a clerical committee chaired by the Archbishop of Canterbury said, "It might be … [Read more...]
From The President’s Desk Issue 3 May 1995
Editorial from the Issue 3 “From Death to Life” Magazine. An article entitled "Heading for the Light ( Next Magazine April 1995) asked the question "When we die do we simply sink into oblivion? Or is death a doorway to some other place?" The front cover promises the reader, "Find out how heaven looks". What followed was a series of interviews with Kiwis ( New … [Read more...]