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NASB | Ephesians 4:8 Therefore it says, "WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES, AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 4:8 Therefore it says, "WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE, AND HE BESTOWED GIFTS ON MEN." [Ps 68:18] |
Bible Question: Since Christ was not present (physically) in the OT, will the dead Jews be redeemed when Christ comes again? |
Bible Answer: Hi, evbag... Welcome to the forum! As with all sound exegesis, Ephesians 4:8 must be understood in context, as quote from David (Psalm 68:18). See how in the Psalm it is asserted that the Lord plunders the world, as Paul explains in the verses that follow? This plunder is what is given as gifts to the church (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers). There is, indeed, a traditional teaching of something called purgatory. You can search our the roots of that idea online. Salvation comes through Christ alone (Acts 4:12). Redemption, as you probably know because of the language of your question, is a payment in full for the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13-14; Romans 3:24; Colossians 1:14). Christ purchased all of the redeemed, whether they lived before or after the atonement. It was that marvelous and that incredible! In the resurrection, all men will be raised again (Revelation 20:12-15). The redeemed -- God's people -- will enter into the new creation to live with Him, as Revelation 21 states. The atonement of Christ is so powerful it shakes the very foundations of the universe across time. It does not lack the power but to click into effect at a particular moment in time. It is the very crux of God's eternal purpose, set in motion at the very foundation of the world (Ephesians 3:11; 1 Peter 1:20; Colossians 1:26; etc.). In Him, Doc |