Many
persons
think
there
is
only
one
type
of
death:
when
our
body—which
contains
our
soul
and
spirit—dies.
However, because we have a soul and a spirit there are two additional deaths: spiritual death and second death.
•
Spiritual
death:
o
Occurs at conception.
o
Is characterized by our sinful nature.
•
Physical
death occurs:
o
When our body no longer functions.
o
When our soul and spirit leave our physical bodies.
•
Second
death occurs:
o
After our physical death.
o
After the Great White Throne Judgment.
o
To those whose names are not found in the Book of Life.
It is important to note here that all three types of death represent some type of separation.
•
Spiritual death results in separation from God.
•
Physical death is a separation between the soul and spirit from the physical body.
•
Second death is an eternal separation from God.
Spiritual Death
The
origination
of
spiritual
death
is
found
in
Genesis
when
Adam
and
Eve
sinned
against
God
by
breaking
God’s
one
and only commandment: do not eat the fruit from one specific tree.
“Then
the
Lord
God
took
the
man
and
put
him
in
the
garden
of
Eden
to
tend
and
keep
it.
And
the
Lord
God
commanded
the
man,
saying,
‘Of
every
tree
of
the
garden
you
may
freely
eat;
but
of
the
tree
of
the
knowledge
of
good
and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’” Genesis 2:15-17
Adam
could
eat
from
any
tree
but
one—which
should
be
a
very
simple
command
to
obey.
You
get
to
live
in
absolute
bliss
in
the
Garden
of
Eden;
you’re
continually
in
God’s
presence;
all
of
your
needs
are
met;
and
you
get
to
live
a
perfect
life
by
just
not
eating
from
this
one
tree!
Plus,
God
warned
Adam
by
saying
he
would
die
if
he
ate
the
fruit
from
the tree. Not a physical death but spiritual—in that his life of absolute bliss would no longer exist.
However,
Eve
believed
the
deceptive
lie
by
Satan
and
ate
fruit
from
the
tree.
She
then
gave
some
to
Adam
to
eat.
God’s word is true! As a consequence of not obeying His word, they spiritually died and hid themselves from God.
“Then
the
serpent
said
to
the
woman,
‘You
will
not
surely
die.
For
God
knows
that
in
the
day
you
eat
of
it
your
eyes
will
be
opened,
and
you
will
be
like
God,
knowing
good
and
evil.’
So
when
the
woman
saw
that
the
tree
was
good
for
food,
that
it
was
pleasant
to
the
eyes,
and
a
tree
desirable
to
make
one
wise,
she
took
of
its
fruit
and
ate.
She
also
gave
to
her
husband
with
her,
and
he
ate.
Then
the
eyes
of
both
of
them
were
opened,
and
they
knew
that
they
were
naked;
and
they
sewed
fig
leaves
together
and
made
themselves
coverings.
And
they
heard
the
sound
of
the
Lord
God
walking
in
the
garden
in
the
cool
of
the
day,
and
Adam
and
his
wife
hid
themselves
from
the
presence
of
the
Lord
God
among the trees of the garden.” Genesis 3:4-8
The spiritual death of Adam and Eve was passed on to their children and throughout all generations.
“Therefore,
just
as
through
one
man
sin
entered
the
world,
and
death
through
sin,
and
thus
death
spread
to
all
men,
because all sinned.” Romans 5:12
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8
Being born spiritually dead is evidenced by our sinful nature.
Excluding
Jesus
Christ—who
was
conceived
by
the
Holy
Spirit
(Luke
1:26-35)—every
person
conceived
by
man
and
woman
is
born
spiritually
dead—which
is
demonstrated
by
our
sinful
nature—and
characterized
by
sin,
an
unrepentant
heart and a desire to avoid/hide from God.
Jesus
said,
“For
everyone
practicing
evil
hates
the
light
and
does
not
come
to
the
light,
lest
his
deeds
should
be
exposed.
But
he
who
does
the
truth
comes
to
the
light,
that
his
deeds
may
be
clearly
seen,
that
they
have
been
done
in God.” John 3:20-21
The
sinful
nature
of
people
is
easily
seen.
Consider
how
a
very
young
child
will
lie
when
they
have
been
caught
doing
what
they
know
is
wrong.
The
child
will
even
deny
the
truth
when
given
factual
evidence
of
their
wrongdoing.
Unfortunately,
this
type
of
lying
continues
into
adulthood.
Do
you
ever
“scratch
your
head”
and
wonder
sometimes
why
people
do
what
they
do?
Why
do
people
steal?
Why
do
people
harbor
hatred,
argue
and
fight?
Why
do
people
commit
adultery?
Why
do
people
murder
one
another?
Why
can’t
we
get
along?
What’s
more,
as
you
take
time
and
contemplate
the
depths
of
the
human
soul,
you
will
see
even
darker
dimensions
of
the
sinful
nature
we
were
all
born
with.
However,
Jesus
Christ
obediently
gave
His
life
as
a
free
gift
to
overcome
our
sinful
nature
(and
its
consequences);
which has been passed on throughout each generation since Adam’s disobedience.
“Therefore,
as
through
one
man’s
offense
judgment
came
to
all
men,
resulting
in
condemnation,
even
so
through
one
Man’s
righteous
act
the
free
gift
came
to
all
men,
resulting
in
justification
of
life.
For
as
by
one
man’s
disobedience
many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” Romans 5:18-19
Jesus—who
was
fully
aware
of
our
spiritually
dead
condition—declared
we
must
be
born
again.
“Most
assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
unless
one
is
born
again,
he
cannot
see
the
kingdom
of
God.
Unless
one
is
born
of
water
and
the
Spirit,
he
cannot
enter
the
kingdom
of
God.
That
which
is
born
of
the
flesh
is
flesh,
and
that
which
is
born
of
the
Spirit
is
spirit.
Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’” John 3:3, 5-6
Born again is a spiritual birth and regenerative transformation performed by the Holy Spirit—which begins as one:
•
Believes (in faith) Jesus Christ died for our sins.
•
Accepts Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
•
Yields to the Holy Spirit as He transforms us from within into the image of Jesus Christ.
Being
born
again
is
comprised
of
a
spiritual
transition
from
being
spiritually
dead—to
being
spiritually
alive
as
we
live
in
the
unmerited
grace
and
forgiveness
God
gave
us
in
His
Son,
Jesus
Christ.
God’s
forgiveness
for
our
sins
(past,
present and future) is His spiritual means to crucify our sinful nature, and to change our heart and soul.
“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Ephesians 2:1
“And
you,
being
dead
in
your
trespasses
and
the
uncircumcision
of
your
flesh,
He
has
made
alive
together
with
Him,
having
forgiven
you
all
trespasses,
having
wiped
out
the
handwriting
of
requirements
that
was
against
us,
which
was
contrary
to
us.
And
He
has
taken
it
out
of
the
way,
having
nailed
it
to
the
cross.
Having
disarmed
principalities
and
powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:13-15
For more information on born again, read “What is a Born-Again Christian” on the Unique Bible Studies website.
Physical Death
“And as it is appointed for men to die once.” Hebrews 9:24
Although
it
is
a
difficult
and
anxious
thought
to
consider…every
one
of
us
will
physically
die.
It
is
inevitable
and
a
point
of
time
in
the
future
when
our
soul
and
spirit
will
be
separated
from
our
body…and
we
begin
our
eternal
experience
in
the spiritual realm.
So,
here
is
an
interesting
question
to
consider:
what
will
your
epitaph
say?
An
epitaph
is
a
phrase
or
words
written
as
an
inscription
on
a
gravestone
in
memory
of
a
person
who
has
died.
If
those
who
knew
you
were
asked
to
write
your
epitaph today, what words would they write?
This
is
an
important
question
to
consider
because
this
scenario
will
likely
happen.
But
what’s
more,
your
answer
may
define
where
you
spend
eternity
after
you
die.
Take
some
time
to
read
each
of
the
gravestones
and
ask
yourself
is
this
what they would write about me?
Here
is
a
very
important
truth
to
understand.
Our
physical
death
is
also
the
“finish
line”
and
a
point
of
no
return.
In
other
words,
for
each
person
who
either
accepted
Jesus
Christ
as
their
Savior
and
Lord—or
rejected
Jesus—their
fate
and eternal future is “sealed” upon their physical death.
There
are
many
persons
who
know
what
they
need
to
do…but
delay
their
decision
to
give
their
life
to
Jesus
based
upon “justified” reasons (but are in truth delusional lies). Meanwhile, they risk far more than they realize.
Jesus
provided
us
with
a
parable
(The
Rich
Man
and
Lazarus)
to
give
us
insight
into
the
finality
of
physical
death,
the
consequences
of
sin
and
the
inability
to
go
back
and
“fix
things.”
A
rich
man
who
experienced
“worldly
things”
in
life,
died
and
found
himself
in
the
flames
of
Hell.
While
Lazarus,
a
sick
beggar,
died
and
found
himself
in
Heaven.
The
rich
man realized the eternal severity of his mistake and desired to warn his family, but it was too late.
“There
was
a
certain
rich
man
who
was
clothed
in
purple
and
fine
linen
and
fared
sumptuously
every
day.
But
there
was
a
certain
beggar
named
Lazarus,
full
of
sores,
who
was
laid
at
his
gate,
desiring
to
be
fed
with
the
crumbs
which
fell
from
the
rich
man’s
table.
Moreover,
the
dogs
came
and
licked
his
sores.
So
it
was
that
the
beggar
died,
and
was
carried
by
the
angels
to
Abraham’s
bosom.
The
rich
man
also
died
and
was
buried.
And
being
in
torments
in
Hades,
he
lifted
up
his
eyes
and
saw
Abraham
afar
off,
and
Lazarus
in
his
bosom.
Then
he
cried
and
said,
‘Father
Abraham,
have
mercy
on
me,
and
send
Lazarus
that
he
may
dip
the
tip
of
his
finger
in
water
and
cool
my
tongue;
for
I
am
tormented
in
this
flame.’
But
Abraham
said,
‘Son,
remember
that
in
your
lifetim
e
you
received
your
good
things,
and
likewise
Lazarus
evil
things;
but
now
he
is
comforted
and
you
are
tormented.
And
besides
all
this,
between
us
and
you
there
is
a
great
gulf
fixed,
so
that
those
who
want
to
pass
from
here
to
you
cannot,
nor
can
those
from
there
pass
to
us.’
Then
he
said,
‘I
beg
you
therefore,
father,
that
you
would
send
him
to
my
father’s
house,
for
I
have
five
brothers,
that
he
may
testify
to
them,
lest
they
also
come
to
this
place
of
torment.’
Abraham
said
to
him,
‘They
have
Moses
and
the
prophets;
let
them
hear
them.’
And
he
said,
‘No,
father
Abraham;
but
if
one
goes
to
them
from
the
dead,
they
will
repent.’
But
he
said
to
him,
‘If
they
do
not
hear
Moses
and
the
prophets,
neither
will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’” Luke 16:19-31
2nd Death
When
compared
to
the
other
two
types
of
death,
the
second
death
is
the
worst
form
of
death…because
it
is
an
eternal
death of the soul—tormented day and night forever and ever—because our soul will never die.
Those who are born again will not experience a second death.
“He
who
has
an
ear,
let
him
hear
what
the
Spirit
says
to
the
churches.
He
who
overcomes
shall
not
be
hurt
by
the
second death.” Revelation 2:11
“Blessed
and
holy
is
he
who
has
part
in
the
first
resurrection.
Over
such
the
second
death
has
no
power,
but
they
shall
be
priests
of
God
and
of
Christ,
and
shall
reign
with Him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6
“I
am
the
resurrection
and
the
life.
He
who
believes
in
Me,
though
he
may
die,
he
shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” John 11:25-26
“He
who
overcomes
shall
be
clothed
in
white
garments,
and
I
will
not
blot
out
his
name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” Revelation 3:5
Those who are not born again will experience a second death.
Jesus
said
“And
do
not
fear
those
who
kill
the
body
but
cannot
kill
the
soul.
But
rather
fear
Him
who
is
able
to
destroy
both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28
“The
devil,
who
deceived
them,
was
cast
into
the
lake
of
fire
and
brimstone
where
the
beast
and
the
false
prophet
are.
And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Revelation 20:10
“Then
Death
and
Hades
were
cast
into
the
lake
of
fire.
This
is
the
second
death.
And
anyone
not
found
written
in
the
Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:14
“But
the
cowardly,
unbelieving,
abominable,
murderers,
sexually
immoral,
sorcerers,
idolaters,
and
all
liars
shall
have
their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8
The Narrow Gate and the Broad Path
I
mentioned
earlier
that
every
person
that
has
entered
into
this
world
since
Adam
has
been
born
with
a
sinful
nature—which
results
in
spiritual
death.
However,
there
is
One
who
has
entered
into
this
world—not
born
as
an
act
of
procreation between a man and woman—but conceived by the Holy Spirit.
“Now
in
the
sixth
month
the
angel
Gabriel
was
sent
by
God
to
a
city
of
Galilee
named
Nazareth,
to
a
virgin
betrothed
to
a
man
whose
name
was
Joseph,
of
the
house
of
David.
The
virgin’s
name
was
Mary.
And
having
come
in,
the
angel
said
to
her,
‘Rejoice,
highly
favored
one,
the
Lord
is
with
you;
blessed
are
you
among
women!’
But
when
she
saw
him,
she
was
troubled
at
his
saying,
and
considered
what
manner
of
greeting
this
was.
Then
the
angel
said
to
her,
‘Do
not
be
afraid,
Mary,
for
you
have
found
favor
with
God.
And
behold,
you
will
conceive
in
your
womb
and
bring
forth
a
Son,
and
shall
call
His
name
Jesus.
He
will
be
great,
and
will
be
called
the
Son
of
the
Highest;
and
the
Lord
God
will
give
Him
the
throne
of
His
father
David.
And
He
will
reign
over
the
house
of
Jacob
forever,
and
of
His
kingdom
there
will
be
no
end.’
Then
Mary
said
to
the
angel,
‘How
can
this
be,
since
I
do
not
know
a
man?’
And
the
angel
answered
and
said
to
her,
‘The
Holy
Spirit
will
come
upon
you,
and
the
power
of
the
Highest
will
overshadow
you;
therefore,
also,
that
Holy
One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.’” Luke 1:26-35
As
such,
God’s
Son
was
not
born
with
man’s
sinful
nature
and
was
sinless.
“Who
committed
no
sin,
nor
was
deceit
found
in
His
mouth.”
(1
Peter
2:22)
Jesus
Christ
was
the
one
and
only
perfect
sacrifice
for
the
sins
of
all
who
believe.
His
reflection
of
God
was
demonstrated
as
He
was
being
crucified
between
two
criminals.
One
taunted
Jesus.
The
other
recognized
who
Jesus
is
and
what
was
occurring,
had
a
repentant
heart
and
asked
Him
to
remember
him.
Consider the heart of Jesus as He told him he was forgiven…for this is the glorious grace of the God we serve!
“Then
one
of
the
criminals
who
were
hanged
blasphemed
Him,
saying,
‘If
You
are
the
Christ,
save
Yourself
and
us.’
But
the
other,
answering,
rebuked
him,
saying,
‘Do
you
not
even
fear
God,
seeing
you
are
under
the
same
condemnation?
And
we
indeed
justly,
for
we
receive
the
due
reward
of
our
deeds;
but
this
Man
has
done
nothing
wrong.’
Then
he
said
to
Jesus,
‘Lord,
remember
me
when
You
come
into
Your
kingdom.’
And
Jesus
said
to
him,
‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’
” Luke 23:39-43
There
are
a
lot
of
obstacles,
challenges
and
temptations
in
life—all
competing
for
ou
r
attention—and
all
seeking
to
control
who
and
what
we
are.
But
when
you
stand
back
and
look
at
the
big
picture…none
of
these
truly
fulfill
the
deep
desires
of
our
heart
and
soul…and
leave
us
empty
on
the
inside.
These
things
are
only
a
diversion,
a
distraction
and
a
delusion.
The
only
thing that has present and eternal value…is what we do for Him.
Jesus
declared,
“Enter
by
the
narrow
gate;
for
wide
is
the
gate
and
broad
is
the
way
that
leads
to
destruction,
and
there
are
many
who
go
in
by
it.
Because
narrow
is
the
gate
and
difficult
is
the
way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
Do you know Jesus?
When
you
die…what
will
your
headstone
say?
Will
it
be
based
upon
your
earthly
accomplishments? Or will it reflect who you will be with for eternity?
Jesus
lived
and
died
a
sacrificial
death
for
your
sins
so
that
you
can
be
forgiven…past,
present,
future
and
for
eternity.
Believe
in
Him;
extend
your
faith
in
Him; place your trust in Him; and give your life to Him by praying:
Holy
God,
I
am
a
sinner.
Jesus,
I
believe
you
died
and
paid
the
price
for
who
I
am
and
what
I
have
done.
I
want
to
trust
and
follow
you
as
my
Savior
and
Lord.
Holy
Spirit,
I
invite
you
to
come
into
my
heart
and
life
and
change
me
from
within.
Thank
you, Jesus, for providing a way to restore my relationship with God. Amen.
All for the Glory of God!
Harold D. Thomas
Thought-Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
below
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
content,
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader;
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader
or
church
pastor.
The following questions should be answered or discussed after reading “Managing Anxiety During the Pandemic.”
There
are
two
types
of
questions:
lesson
and
opinion.
Lesson
questions
(preceded
by
a
number)
are
provided
an
answer.
Opinion
questions
(preceded
by
an
“O”)
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
opinions
and/or discovering how the lesson content illuminates our personal lives. As such, no answers are provided
Questions
(Do your best to respond to each lesson question before looking at the answer.)
1. What are the 3 types of death?
2. When does each occur?
3. Explain how separation occurs with each type of death.
4. Which of the three types of death is worse?
5. Does every human have a sinful nature, and is every human guilty of sin?
O Did Jesus Christ have a sinful nature and did He sin? Consider the following before you determine your answer.
•
All humans are conceived by a man and a woman.
•
Jesus Christ was conceived in the womb of Mary by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:26-35).
•
“Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth.” 1 Peter 2:22.
•
“A lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:19
•
If Jesus had a sinful nature and committed sin, would He had been a perfect sacrifice for our sins?
O Why did Jesus say we must be born again?
O Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate.” What did He mean and what is the relevance to each of us?
Answers
1.
Page 2: Spiritual, Physical and Second Death
2.
Page 2: Spiritual at conception, Physical when the body dies, and Second after the body dies.
3.
Page 2: Spiritual and Second = separation from God. Physical = soul + spirit separation from the body.
4.
Page 5: Second death because it is an eternal torment in the lake of fire—with no hope.
5.
Page 2: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) Death spread to all men because all
sinned. (Romans 5:12) If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8).
The questions may be viewed and downloaded as a PDF file by clicking on this button.
The words of Jesus Christ are in
red text.
Many
persons
think
there
is
only
one
type
of
death:
when
our
body—which
contains
our
soul
and
spirit—dies.
However,
because
we
have
a
soul
and
a
spirit
there
are
two additional deaths: spiritual death and second death.
•
Spiritual
death:
o
Occurs at conception.
o
Is characterized by our sinful nature.
•
Physical
death occurs:
o
When our body no longer functions.
o
When
our
soul
and
spirit
leave
our
physical
bodies.
•
Second
death occurs:
o
After our physical death.
o
After the Great White Throne Judgment.
o
To
those
whose
names
are
not
found
in
the
Book
of Life.
It
is
important
to
note
here
that
all
three
types
of
death
represent some type of separation.
•
Spiritual death results in separation from God.
•
Physical
death
is
a
separation
between
the
soul
and
spirit from the physical body.
•
Second death is an eternal separation from God.
Spiritual Death
The
origination
of
spiritual
death
is
found
in
Genesis
when
Adam
and
Eve
sinned
against
God
by
breaking
God’s
one
and
only
commandment:
do
not
eat
the
fruit
from one specific tree.
“Then
the
Lord
God
took
the
man
and
put
him
in
the
garden
of
Eden
to
tend
and
keep
it.
And
the
Lord
God
commanded
the
man,
saying,
‘Of
every
tree
of
the
garden
you
may
freely
eat;
but
of
the
tree
of
the
knowledge
of
good
and
evil
you
shall
not
eat,
for
in
the
day
that
you
eat
of it you shall surely die.’” Genesis 2:15-17
Adam
could
eat
from
any
tree
but
one—which
should
be
a
very
simple
command
to
obey.
You
get
to
live
in
absolute
bliss
in
the
Garden
of
Eden;
you’re
continually
in
God’s
presence;
all
of
your
needs
are
met;
and
you
get
to
live
a
perfect
life
by
just
not
eating
from
this
one
tree!
Plus,
God
warned
Adam
by
saying
he
would
die
if
he
ate
the
fruit
from
the
tree.
Not
a
physical
death
but
spiritual—in
that
his
life
of
absolute
bliss
would
no
longer
exist.
However,
Eve
believed
the
deceptive
lie
by
Satan
and
ate
fruit
from
the
tree.
She
then
gave
some
to
Adam
to
eat.
God’s
word
is
true!
As
a
consequence
of
not
obeying
His
word, they spiritually died and hid themselves from God.
“Then
the
serpent
said
to
the
woman,
‘You
will
not
surely
die.
For
God
knows
that
in
the
day
you
eat
of
it
your
eyes
will
be
opened,
and
you
will
be
like
God,
knowing
good
and
evil.’
So
when
the
woman
saw
that
the
tree
was
good
for
food,
that
it
was
pleasant
to
the
eyes,
and
a
tree
desirable
to
make
one
wise,
she
took
of
its
fruit
and
ate.
She
also
gave
to
her
husband
with
her,
and
he
ate.
Then
the
eyes
of
both
of
them
were
opened,
and
they
knew
that
they
were
naked;
and
they
sewed
fig
leaves
together
and
made
themselves
coverings.
And
they
heard
the
sound
of
the
Lord
God
walking
in
the
garden
in
the
cool
of
the
day,
and
Adam
and
his
wife
hid
themselves
from
the
presence
of
the
Lord
God
among
the
trees
of
the
garden.” Genesis 3:4-8
The
spiritual
death
of
Adam
and
Eve
was
passed
on
to
their children and throughout all generations.
“Therefore,
just
as
through
one
man
sin
entered
the
world,
and
death
through
sin,
and
thus
death
spread
to
all
men, because all sinned.” Romans 5:12
“If
we
say
that
we
have
no
sin,
we
deceive
ourselves,
and
the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8
Being
born
spiritually
dead
is
evidenced
by
our
sinful
nature.
Excluding
Jesus
Christ—who
was
conceived
by
the
Holy
Spirit
(Luke
1:26-35)—every
person
conceived
by
man
and
woman
is
born
spiritually
dead—which
is
demonstrated
by
our
sinful
nature—and
characterized
by
sin,
an
unrepentant
heart
and
a
desire
to
avoid/hide
from
God.
Jesus
said,
“For
everyone
practicing
evil
hates
the
light
and
does
not
come
to
the
light,
lest
his
deeds
should
be
exposed.
But
he
who
does
the
truth
comes
to
the
light,
that
his
deeds
may
be
clearly
seen,
that
they
have
been
done in God.” John 3:20-21
The
sinful
nature
of
people
is
easily
seen.
Consider
how
a
very
young
child
will
lie
when
they
have
been
caught
doing
what
they
know
is
wrong.
The
child
will
even
deny
the
truth
when
given
factual
evidence
of
their
wrongdoing.
Unfortunately,
this
type
of
lying
continues
into
adulthood.
Do
you
ever
“scratch
your
head”
and
wonder
sometimes
why
people
do
what
they
do?
Why
do
people
steal?
Why
do
people
harbor
hatred,
argue
and
fight?
Why
do
people
commit
adultery?
Why
do
people
murder
one
another?
Why
can’t
we
get
along?
What’s
more,
as
you
take
time
and
contemplate
the
depths
of
the
human
soul,
you
will
see
even
darker
dimensions
of
the
sinful
nature
we were all born with.
However,
Jesus
Christ
obediently
gave
His
life
as
a
free
gift
to
overcome
our
sinful
nature
(and
its
consequences);
which
has
been
passed
on
throughout
each
generation
since Adam’s disobedience.
“Therefore,
as
through
one
man’s
offense
judgment
came
to
all
men,
resulting
in
condemnation,
even
so
through
one
Man’s
righteous
act
the
free
gift
came
to
all
men,
resulting
in
justification
of
life.
For
as
by
one
man’s
disobedience
many
were
made
sinners,
so
also
by
one
Man’s
obedience
many
will
be
made
righteous.”
Romans
5:18-19
Jesus—who
was
fully
aware
of
our
spiritually
dead
condition—declared
we
must
be
born
again.
“Most
assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
unless
one
is
born
again,
he
cannot
see
the
kingdom
of
God.
Unless
one
is
born
of
water
and
the
Spirit,
he
cannot
enter
the
kingdom
of
God.
That
which
is
born
of
the
flesh
is
flesh,
and
that
which
is
born
of
the
Spirit
is
spirit.
Do
not
marvel
that
I
said
to
you,
‘You must be born again.’” John 3:3, 5-6
Born
again
is
a
spiritual
birth
and
regenerative
transformation
performed
by
the
Holy
Spirit—which
begins as one:
•
Believes (in faith) Jesus Christ died for our sins.
•
Accepts Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
•
Yields
to
the
Holy
Spirit
as
He
transforms
us
from
within into the image of Jesus Christ.
Being
born
again
is
comprised
of
a
spiritual
transition
from
being
spiritually
dead—to
being
spiritually
alive
as
we
live
in
the
unmerited
grace
and
forgiveness
God
gave
us
in
His
Son,
Jesus
Christ.
God’s
forgiveness
for
our
sins
(past,
present
and
future)
is
His
spiritual
means
to
crucify
our
sinful
nature,
and
to
change
our
heart
and
soul.
“And
you
He
made
alive,
who
were
dead
in
trespasses
and sins.” Ephesians 2:1
“And
you,
being
dead
in
your
trespasses
and
the
uncircumcision
of
your
flesh,
He
has
made
alive
together
with
Him,
having
forgiven
you
all
trespasses,
having
wiped
out
the
handwriting
of
requirements
that
was
against
us,
which
was
contrary
to
us.
And
He
has
taken
it
out
of
the
way,
having
nailed
it
to
the
cross.
Having
disarmed
principalities
and
powers,
He
made
a
public
spectacle
of
them,
triumphing
over
them
in
it.”
Colossians 2:13-15
For
more
information
on
born
again,
read
“What
is
a
Born-Again
Christian”
on
the
Unique
Bible
Studies
website.
Physical Death
“And
as
it
is
appointed
for
men
to
die
once.”
Hebrews
9:24
Although
it
is
a
difficult
and
anxious
thought
to
consider…every
one
of
us
will
physically
die.
It
is
inevitable
and
a
point
of
time
in
the
future
when
our
soul
and
spirit
will
be
separated
from
our
body…and
we
begin
our eternal experience in the spiritual realm.
So,
here
is
an
interesting
question
to
consider:
what
will
your
epitaph
say?
An
epitaph
is
a
phrase
or
words
written
as
an
inscription
on
a
gravestone
in
memory
of
a
person
who
has
died.
If
those
who
knew
you
were
asked
to write your epitaph today, what words would they write?
This
is
an
important
question
to
consider
because
this
scenario
will
likely
happen.
But
what’s
more,
your
answer
may
define
where
you
spend
eternity
after
you
die.
Take
some
time
to
read
each
of
the
gravestones
and
ask
y
ourself is this what they would
write about me?
Here
is
a
very
important
truth
to
understand.
Our
physical
death
is
also
the
“finish
line”
and
a
point
of
no
return.
In
other
words,
for
each
person
who
either
accepted
Jesus
Christ
as
their
Savior
and
Lord—or
rejected
Jesus—their
fate
and
eternal
future
is
“sealed”
upon
their
physical death.
There
are
many
persons
who
know
what
they
need
to
do…but
delay
their
decision
to
give
their
life
to
Jesus
based
upon
“justified”
reasons
(but
are
in
truth
delusional
lies). Meanwhile, they risk far more than they realize.
Reason: Church filled with hypocrites
Truth:
Every
person
on
earth
falls
short
of
the
glory
of
God Romans 3:23
Reason: Not good enough / need to improve first
Truth:
Will
never
be
good
enough--salvation
is
because
of
God’s grace
Reason: Concerned about what others may think
Truth:
A
true
friend
accepts
you
as
you
are--without
ridicule or judgment
Reason: Fear of Christian role, function or service
Truth:
The
Holy
Spirit
prepares
each
heart
to
joyfully
glorify God
Reason: Prefer sin and don’t want to change
Truth:
They
do
not
realize
they
are
in
bondage
to
sin
and
in darkness
Reason: All good people go to heaven
Truth:
“No
one
comes
to
the
Father
except
through
me.”
John 14:6
Reason: I’ve got time
Truth:
We
can
die
in
an
instant
with
no
warning
or
foreknowledge
Jesus
provided
us
with
a
parable
(The
Rich
Man
and
Lazarus)
to
give
us
insight
into
the
finality
of
physical
death,
the
consequences
of
sin
and
the
inability
to
go
back
and
“fix
things.”
A
rich
man
who
experienced
“worldly
things”
in
life,
died
and
found
himself
in
the
flames
of
Hell.
While
Lazarus,
a
sick
beggar,
died
and
found
himself
in
Heaven.
The
rich
man
realized
the
eternal
severity
of
his
mistake
and
desired
to
warn
his
family, but it was too late.
“There
was
a
certain
rich
man
who
was
clothed
in
purple
and
fine
linen
and
fared
sumptuously
every
day.
But
there
was
a
certain
beggar
named
Lazarus,
full
of
sores,
who
was
laid
at
his
gate,
desiring
to
be
fed
with
the
crumbs
which
fell
from
the
rich
man’s
table.
Moreover,
the
dogs
came
and
licked
his
sores.
So
it
was
that
the
beggar
died,
and
was
carried
by
the
angels
to
Abraham’s
bosom.
The
rich
man
also
died
and
was
buried.
And
being
in
torments
in
Hades,
he
lifted
up
his
eyes
and
saw
Abraham
afar
off,
and
Lazarus
in
his
bosom.
Then
he
cried
and
said,
‘Father
Abraham,
have
mercy
on
me,
and
send
Lazarus
that
he
may
dip
the
tip
of
his
finger
in
water
and
cool
my
tongue;
for
I
am
tormented
in
this
flame.’
But
Abraham
said,
‘Son
,
remember
that
in
your
lifetime
you
received
your
good
things,
and
likewise
Lazarus
evil
things;
but
now
he
is
comforted
and
you
are
tormented.
And
besides
all
this,
between
us
and
you
there
is
a
great
gulf
fixed,
so
that
those
who
want
to
pass
from
here
to
you
cannot,
nor
can
those
from
there
pass
to
us.’
Then
he
said,
‘I
beg
you
therefore,
father,
that
you
would
send
him
to
my
father’s
house,
for
I
have
five
brothers,
that
he
may
testify
to
them,
lest
they
also
come
to
this
place
of
torment.’
Abraham
said
to
him,
‘They
have
Moses
and
the
prophets;
let
them
hear
them.’
And
he
said,
‘No,
father
Abraham;
but
if
one
goes
to
them
from
the
dead,
they
will
repent.’
But
he
said
to
him,
‘If
they
do
not
hear
Moses
and
the
prophets,
neither
will
they
be
persuaded
though one rise from the dead.’” Luke 16:19-31
2nd Death
When
compared
to
the
other
two
types
of
death,
the
second
death
is
the
worst
form
of
death…because
it
is
an
eternal
death
of
the
soul—tormented
day
and
night
forever and ever—because our soul will never die.
Those
who
are
born
again
will
not
experience
a
second
death.
“He
who
has
an
ear,
let
him
hear
what
the
Spirit
says
to
the
churches.
He
who
overcomes
shall
not
be
hurt
by
the
second death.” Revelation 2:11
“Blessed
and
holy
is
he
who
has
part
in
the
first
resurrection.
Over
such
the
second
death
has
no
power,
but
they
shall
be
priests
of
God
and
of
Christ,
and
shall
reign with Him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6
“I
am
the
resurrection
and
the
life.
He
who
believes
in
Me,
though
he
may
die,
he
shall
live.
And
whoever
lives
and believes in Me shall never die.” John 1
1:25-26
“He
who
overcomes
shall
be
clothed
in
white
garments,
and
I
will
not
blot
out
his
name
from
the
Book
of
Life;
but
I
will
confess
his
name
before
My
Father
and
before
His
angels.”
Revelation 3:5
Those
who
are
not
born
again
will
experience
a
second
death.
Jesus
warned,
“And
do
not
fear
those
who
kill
the
body
but
cannot
kill
the
soul.
But
rather
fear
Him
who
is
able
to
destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28
“The
devil,
who
deceived
them,
was
cast
into
the
lake
of
fire
and
brimstone
where
the
beast
and
the
false
prophet
are.
And
they
will
be
tormented
day
and
night
forever
and ever.” Revelation 20:10
“Then
Death
and
Hades
were
cast
into
the
lake
of
fire.
This
is
the
second
death.
And
anyone
not
found
written
in
the
Book
of
Life
was
cast
into
the
lake
of
fire.”
Revelation 20:14
“But
the
cowardly,
unbelieving,
abominable,
murderers,
sexually
immoral,
sorcerers,
idolaters,
and
all
liars
shall
have
their
part
in
the
lake
which
burns
with
fire
and
brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8
The Narrow Gate and the Broad Path
I
mentioned
earlier
that
every
person
that
has
entered
into
this
world
since
Adam
has
been
born
with
a
sinful
nature—which
results
in
spiritual
death.
However,
there
is
One
who
has
entered
into
this
world—not
born
as
an
act
of
procreation
between
a
man
and
woman—but
conceived by the Holy Spirit.
“Now
in
the
sixth
month
the
angel
Gabriel
was
sent
by
God
to
a
city
of
Galilee
named
Nazareth,
to
a
virgin
betrothed
to
a
man
whose
name
was
Joseph,
of
the
house
of
David.
The
virgin’s
name
was
Mary.
And
having
come
in,
the
angel
said
to
her,
‘Rejoice,
highly
favored
one,
the
Lord
is
with
you;
blessed
are
you
among
women!’
But
when
she
saw
him,
she
was
troubled
at
his
saying,
and
considered
what
manner
of
greeting
this
was.
Then
the
angel
said
to
her,
‘Do
not
be
afraid,
Mary,
for
you
have
found
favor
with
God.
And
behold,
you
will
conceive
in
your
womb
and
bring
forth
a
Son,
and
shall
call
His
name
Jesus.
He
will
be
great,
and
will
be
called
the
Son
of
the
Highest;
and
the
Lord
God
will
give
Him
the
throne
of
His
father
David.
And
He
will
reign
over
the
house
of
Jacob
forever,
and
of
His
kingdom
there
will
be
no
end.’
Then
Mary
said
to
the
angel,
‘How
can
this
be,
since
I
do
not
know
a
man?’
And
the
angel
answered
and
said
to
her,
‘The
Holy
Spirit
will
come
upon
you,
and
the
power
of
the
Highest
will
overshadow
you;
therefore,
also,
that
Holy
One
who
is
to
be
born
will
be
called
the
Son of God.’” Luke 1:26-35
As
such,
God’s
Son
was
not
born
with
man’s
sinful
nature
and
was
sinless.
“Who
committed
no
sin,
nor
was
deceit
found
in
His
mouth.”
(1
Peter
2:22)
Jesus
Christ
was
the
one
and
only
perfect
sacrifice
for
the
sins
of
all
who
believe.
His
reflection
of
God
was
demonstrated
as
He
was
being
crucified
between
two
criminals.
One
taunted
Jesus.
The
other
recognized
who
Jesus
is
and
what
was
occurring,
had
a
repentant
heart
and
asked
Him
to
remember
him.
Consider
the
heart
of
Jesus
as
He
told
him
he
was
forgiven…for
this
is
the
glorious
grace
of
the
God we serve!
“Then
one
of
the
criminals
who
were
hanged
blasphemed
Him,
saying,
‘If
You
are
the
Christ,
save
Yourself
and
us.’
But
the
other,
answering,
rebuked
him,
saying,
‘Do
you
not
even
fear
God,
seeing
you
are
under
the
same
condemnation?
And
we
indeed
justly,
for
we
receive
the
due
reward
of
our
deeds;
but
this
Man
has
done
nothing
wrong.’
Then
he
said
to
Jesus,
‘Lord,
remember
me
when
You
come
into
Your
kingdom.’
And
Jesus
said
to
him,
‘Assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
today
you
will
be
with
Me
in
Paradise.’
” Luke 23:39-43
There
are
a
lot
of
obstacles,
challenges
and
temptations
in
life—all
competing
for
our
attention—and
all
seeking
to
control
who
and
what
we
are.
But
when
you
stand
back
and
look
at
the
big
picture…none
of
these
truly
fulfill
the
deep
desires
of
our
heart
and
soul…and
leave
us
empty
on
the
inside.
These
things
are
only
a
diversion,
a
distraction
and
a
delusion.
The
only
thing
that
has
present and eternal value…is what we do f
or Him.
Jesus
declared,
“Enter
by
the
narrow
gate;
for
wide
is
the
gate
and
broad
is
the
way
that
leads
to
destruction,
and
there
are
many
who
go
in
by
it.
Because
narrow
is
the
gate
and
difficult
is
the
way
which
leads
to
life,
and
there
are
few
who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
Do you know Jesus?
When
you
die…what
will
your
headstone
say?
Will
it
be
based
upon
your
earthly
accomplishments?
Or
will
it
reflect
whom
you
will be with for eternity?
Jesus
lived
and
died
a
sacrificial
death
for
your
sins
so
that
you
can
be
forgiven…past,
present,
future
and
for
eternity.
Believe
in
Him;
extend
your
faith
in
Him;
place
your trust in Him; and give your life to Him by praying:
Holy
God,
I
am
a
sinner.
Jesus,
I
believe
you
died
and
paid
the
price
for
who
I
am
and
what
I
have
done.
I
want
to
trust
and
follow
you
as
my
Savior
and
Lord.
Holy
Spirit,
I
invite
you
to
come
into
my
heart
and
life
and
change
me
from
within.
Thank
you,
Jesus,
for
providing
a way to restore my relationship with God. Amen.
All for the Glory of God!
Harold D. Thomas
Thought-Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
below
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
content,
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader;
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader
or
church
pastor.
The
following
questions
should
be
answered
or
discussed
after
reading
“Managing
Anxiety
During the Pandemic.”
There
are
two
types
of
questions:
lesson
and
opinion.
Lesson
questions
(preceded
by
a
number)
are
provided
an
answer.
Opinion
questions
(preceded
by
an
“O”)
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
opinions
and/or
discovering
how
the
lesson
content
illuminates
our
personal
lives.
As
such,
no
answers
are
provided
Questions
(Do
your
best
to
respond
to
each
lesson
question before looking at the answer.)
1. What are the 3 types of death?
2. When does each occur?
3. Explain how separation occurs with each type of
death.
4. Which of the three types of death is worse?
5. Does every human have a sinful nature, and is every
human guilty of sin?
O Did Jesus Christ have a sinful nature and did He sin?
Consider the following before you determine your
answer.
•
All humans are conceived by a man and a woman.
•
Jesus Christ was conceived in the womb of Mary
by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:26-35).
•
“Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His
mouth.” 1 Peter 2:22.
•
“A lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter
1:19
•
If Jesus had a sinful nature and committed sin,
would He had been a perfect sacrifice for our sins?
O Why did Jesus say we must be born again?
O Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate.” What did He
mean and what is the relevance to each of us?
Answers
1.
Page 2: Spiritual, Physical and Second Death
2.
Page 2: Spiritual at conception, Physical when the
body dies, and Second after the body dies.
3.
Page 2: Spiritual and Second = separation from God.
Physical = soul + spirit separation from the body.
4.
Page 5: Second death because it is an eternal torment
in the lake of fire—with no hope.
5.
Page 2: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory
of God. (Romans 3:23) Death spread to all men
because all sinned. (Romans 5:12) If we say we have
no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in
us. (1 John 1:8).
The questions may be viewed and downloaded as a PDF
file by clicking on this button.
The words of Jesus Christ
are in red text.