In “Q&A - Mortality and Psalm 118:17” Jefferson Vann answers a question about human mortality. In a recent Facebook message, one of my former students – Pastor R.C. from the Philippines, asked: “Sir do you mind if I may asked what is your interpretation of Psalm 118:17 in the context of our view of Immortality as the exclusive attribute of God at the present time. … [Read more...]
Immortality
Articles in this subcategory focus on the subject of immortality, and particularly whether human beings or angels possess this attribute. Afterlife contributors hold the view of conditional immortality, which teaches that immortality is not innate or naturally inherent within any beings except God. We also teach that God promises to confer immortality upon the saved after their resurrection by Christ when he returns. This view is also called potential immortality because the good news of the gospel includes the fact that although humans are mortal now, they can become immortal in the future by trusting in Christ now.
Christmas Hope
In “Christmas Hope” Jefferson Vann shows that the Christmas hope today is that our Saviour is returning to finish what he started. Background text: 1 Peter 1:3-13 (CSB) “... set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” 1 Peter 1:13b. Most of the Christmas stories that we tell ourselves every year come from the first two … [Read more...]
ACTION seminar 1 notes
In “ACTION seminar 1 notes” Jefferson Vann shares the notes on a seminar he taught on the exclusive immortality of God. After several years of ministry as a missionary in the Philippines, I became convinced that many members of our Advent Christian Churches needed help communicating the distinctive conditionalist doctrines of our denomination. The result was a five session … [Read more...]
Hebrews 2·14 and conditionalism
In "Hebrews 2·14 and conditionalism" Jefferson Vann explains why Hebrews 2:14 is better suited as a defense of conditional immortality than inherent immortality. I recently encountered a question about this verse. It appears that traditionalists appeal to this verse as proof that only flesh and blood can die, thus the spirit lives on after the body dies. “Since therefore … [Read more...]
honour is not enough
In "honour is not enough" Jefferson Vann shows us how to respond when those around us become famous when we feel insignificant. Psalm 49:16-20 (JDV) Psalm 49:16 Do not be afraid when a person gets rich, when the wealth of his house increases Psalm 49:17 because when he dies, he will take nothing at all; his wealth will not follow him down. Psalm 49:18 Though he empowers … [Read more...]
pandemic!
In "pandemic!" Jefferson Vann talks about the universal pandemic of sin, and its eventual cure. pandemic! For months now, the planet has been in the grips of a pandemic that has caused us all to stop and take drastic measures, because it has been literally killing us. What makes this coronavirus so insidious is that it is not contained to a specific region, but has spread … [Read more...]
why we are so mortal
In "why we are so mortal" Jefferson Vann answers Ethan the Ezrahite's question about why humans are mortal. "Take note of my brief lifespan! Why do you make all people so mortal? No man can live on without experiencing death, or deliver his life from the power of Sheol (Selah)" (Psalm 89:47-48 NET). The Coronavirus pandemic has turned our world into an anxiety factory. It … [Read more...]
Enosh – a mortal
In "Enosh - a mortal" Jefferson Vann shares how a Hebrew word indicates that human beings are mortal by nature. The Coronavirus pandemic is giving us daily reminders that we are all mortal, or are we? What does the Bible actually teach on the subject? There are several words in Hebrew which can be translated 'man' -- meaning a human being, and Job 4:17 uses two of … [Read more...]
all the throats
In "all the throats" Jefferson Vann explains that the biblical word soul does not mean what people think it means. Here's an interesting study. How many different words are used in the Hebrew Old Testament for throat? According to the Jewish Virtual Library, the word lev (לֵב) usually translated heart, actually often means throat: "This is what lev means in Isaiah … [Read more...]
perks of being adopted
Jefferson Vann lists the "perks of being adopted" into God's family. Galatians 4:1-7 (JDV) Galatians 4:1 But I am saying that as long a time as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave, although he is the master of everything. Galatians 4:2 Instead, he is under guardians and stewards until the time set by his father. Galatians 4:3 In the same way we … [Read more...]