THERE is nothing in the Bible about the resurrection of souls or spirits. The resurrection has to do with bodies, not souls nor spirits. It was the body of Jesus that rose from the dead. It was bodies that came forth after Jesus rose and were seen of many. Mortal bodies shall be quickened. The resurrection has nothing to do with the spirit in the way of raising it or making it alive. If man becomes extinct at death there is nothing to raise from the dead. Other beings might be created, but the words resurrection and creation are not of the same meaning. The creation of Adam was not the same as raising Lazarus from the dead. We use the two words, or find them used in the Bible, create and resurrection, to express two distinct ideas. If man becomes extinct at death there remains no man to raise from the dead. Other persons might be created, and there would be no identity to lose, for they would not be identical, but others. We need plain Bible truth; the matters of the Bible, and not theories about the pre-existence of spirits or the transmigration of souls. The plain truth of the Bible will save us; idle speculations will ruin us for this world and the world to come. Let us study and preach the clear truth of divine revelation and enforce it on our race. It is the only hope for all nations, kindreds, tongues and peoples of the earth.
A Book of Gems, or, Choice selections from the writings of Benjamin Franklin
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About This Book
A curated anthology of sermons, debates, tracts, and miscellaneous religious writings arranged by subject and indexed for quick reference. Selections treat biblical authority, church order and practices (such as baptism and communion), pastoral responsibilities and preaching, moral exhortation, repentance and salvation, missionary effort, and reflections on life’s brevity. Short homiletic pieces blend doctrinal argument with practical counsel and urgent appeals for immediate personal and communal reform, offering guidance for Christian conduct and for those engaged in ministry or church renewal.