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NASB | Philippians 1:23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Philippians 1:23 But I am hard-pressed between the two. I have the desire to leave [this world] and be with Christ, for that is far, far better; |
Bible Question:
Thanks BradK for your answer. I'm still a little stumped though because of Acts 2:29 and Acts 2:34. Acts 2:34 states that David "is not ascended into the heavens". I've been told that before Christ died the saints went to Abraham's Bosom and after Christ died they went to heaven with the Lord. But Acts 2:34 stated "is not ascended" and Christ has already died. Please explain this to me so maybe I have a clearer understanding and when witnessing I can explain myself better. Thanks again. |
Bible Answer: Greetings MMBE, While waiting for Brad I could interject something that might help clear the air, if that’s OK? Man in his original state as created in Adam has a body, a soul, and a spirit. When Adam sinned his spirit died that very day, Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. What is being spoken of in Acts 2:29 and 34 is the bringing back to life the function of the BODY as in the resurrection, when a new eternal body designed to last forever will be issued. 1 Cor. 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. David’s body is still in the ground but his soul is with the lord. This is possible since Christ emptied Abraham’s bosom or the place of the departed dead; i.e. the ones who had trusted in God’s Messiah that was to come. Ephes. 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Those that died in the Old Testament had to be kept there until their sins were completely removed by the finished work of Christ. Up until then their sins were only covered and waiting for the removal, by the perfect Lamb of God, that would take away the sin of the World, i.e. Jesus the appointed one. The spirit of man is that part of man that perceives the things of God and since we all die or are dead in the spirit from birth we can’t understand the things of God. 1 Cor. 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. That’s why man, in order to see the things of heaven, must be born again. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. I hope this helps, CDBJ |