preterism with Resurrection
"The Resurrection" - Against Errors
"..Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the
INWARD MAN is being renewed day by day..We do
not look at the things which are
seen, but at the things which are NOT seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are
NOT seen are
eternal.." (2 Cor 4:16-18).
Caught Up
2. It is interesting to note that CBV advocates talk little about Adam and when they do they will always add something like, "What MIGHT have happened to Adam had he not sinned in the Garden of Eden is a moot point because the Bible does not say."
The words "moot point" are used extensively within CBV circles and making a 'reasonable connection' is ONLY allowed if does not argue against their 'theory'. Sadly, the "man of dust" is where CBV begins to slip, slide, and evade, it ends with the "heavenly Man". [ See below. ]
3. Had Adam remained "obedient" until the completion of his time of "testing" (cf; Lk 4:2) would he have continued living in this world forever? — an obviously foolish notion not only because of the indomitable laws of growth and decay (Ps 49:12), but for MANY other reasons; e.g. the Sun eventually running out of energy — or would he have been "caught up" (harpazō) into Heaven at the end of his "natural" life (Gen 5:5) to continue fellowshipping with God in the realm that neither "moth nor rust" destroys, there to "eat" from the true "Tree of Life" age without end (Matt 6:19-20, Heb 11:10, 16, Rev 2:7)?
If the latter (which is the only 'sensible' option), would ALL of his humanity been "caught up" into Heaven? or only an aspect of it? Paul provides the answer to this in 1 Cor 15 (e.g. 1 Cor 15:44, 51-52). [ See, 'Man'. ]
The
"soul" of a "believer" received "life" when he first
believed the "gospel" (Col 2:12). The
aspect of
his "flesh" that
provided his "soul" with its own "covering" (or "body"/sōma) received "life" at Christ's "return"
(1 Cor 15:22).
Thus, his entire
"inward man", "body" and "soul", was "saved" from the "flames" of
geenna (Matt 10:28, 2 Cor 4:16).
4. The
entire CBV system is built upon one
MAJOR error: To force its system to work it has to claim that
if a certain word means such-and-such in one place, it
must mean the
same in another place REGARDLESS of
context (e.g.
the use of the word "body" [sōma] in Rom 8 and
1 Cor 15). The folly of this is easily seen to all but
the biased.In every language the meaning of a word is determined by the CONTEXT of the immediate passage it is used in, not by how it may, or may not be used elsewhere.
For example, in Lk 7:22 Jesus talks about the "dead" (nekros) being LITERALLY brought back to life as a result of His ministry. In Lk 9:7 we read that Herod believed John the Baptist may have LITERALLY risen from the "dead" (nekros).
5. Are we then to believe that in the PARABLE of the 'prodigal son', which we find in the same book, the "son" was LITERALLY "dead" (nekros), then LITERALLY brought back to life when his relationship with his father was restored (Lk 15:24)? No. CONTEXT always determines meaning.
It is plain that the CONTEXT of 1 Cor 15 for example is physical, not covenantal. The immediate CONTEXT of this passage refers to individual physical "bodies" (sōma; 1 Cor 15:3-4, 37-41), NOT the corporate "body of Christ" as per Rom 6 and elsewhere.
6. When asked what they believe happened to Christ's "bodily" (sōmatikōs) substance when He "ascended" into Heaven (Ac 1:9, Col 2:9, Eph 5:30), CBV advocates will either answer the question with a plethora of other questions, or resort to their standard deflection, "its a moot point".
"Now when He had spoken these things, WHILE THEY WATCHED, He was TAKEN UP, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.." (Ac 1:9).
The Essential Body View (EBV) accepts this statement in its SIMPLE sense: One moment the LORD tarried in an "earthly" environment in a "body" (sōma) that required "natural" means to sustain it (Lk 24:41-42), the next He was "translated" to the "heavenly country" where His "body" (sōma) was sustained by God (Rom 8:11, Heb 9:14, 1 Pet 3:18); a "body" described by Paul as "glorious" (doxa) [Phil 3:21].
CBV on the other hand is forced into all manner of evasion and hyper-spiritualisations here, which it masks by its "moot point" litany.
7. In relation to Paul's use of the word "changed" (allassō) in 1 Cor 15:21-22, EBV agrees with CBV's definition that one thing was EXCHANGED for another. But this is where the agreement ends.
CBV immediately resorts to its operatus morandi by spiritualising-away the entire "physical" CONTEXT of 1 Cor 15 in order to claim it was all about "exchanging" one "covenant" for another. But in regards to covenants "understanding not what they say, nor whereof they affirm".. (1 Tim 1:7). [ See, 'Covenant'. ] A similar approach is adopted by 'futurists'. They also take certain scriptures out of CONTEXT to make the case for their own erroneous paradigm.
8. To rightly understand Paul's teaching in 1 Cor 15 we must consider the CONTEXT of this passage.
Firstly the apostle described the PHYSICAL "resurrection" of Christ (vs.1-22) before moving on to ask, "..with what kind of body (sōma) are the dead ones raised" (vs.35)? Does he then compare "law" with "grace" as he does elsewhere? or maybe "righteousness" with "unrighteousness"? which things would be reasonable if contrasting "covenants". No. He goes on to describe PHYSICAL "grain" (vs.37); the PHYSICAL "flesh" (sarx) of "fish", "birds", and "animals" (vs.39); and the PHYSICAL "bodies" (sōma) of the "sun", "moon" and "stars" (vs.41).
Unless the Corinthians had superior abilities — which we know they did not (1 Cor 1:26-27) — and could grasp convoluted concepts such as those invented by CBV advocates 2,000 year later, it seems highly unlikely they made any connection between "birds", "fish", and the "moon", and the "exchange of covenants".
9. We should also note that when Paul wished to speak of the CORPORATE nature of the spiritual "renewal" received by God's PEOPLE he simply declared it, "..even when we were dead in trespasses, (He) made us alive TOGETHER with Christ..and raised us up TOGETHER, and made us sit TOGETHER in the heavenly places in Christ.." (Eph 2:5-6). But the Corinthians never had Romans or Ephesians to compare Paul's teachings to, nor were they needed.
It is evident how those in Corinth would have understood Paul's use of the word "body" (sōma) in the CONTEXT of 1 Cor 15. It takes modern CBV 'scholars' (?) many words to confuse such "plain speech".
10. In some concordances the word, apothnēskō ("die"), as used in 1 Cor 15:22, is tagged with the following Robinson's Analytical Code: V-PAI-3P. This refers to; Tense: PRESENT, Voice: Active, Mood: Indicative, Person: Third, Number: PLURAL.
Thus, when Paul wrote his letter to the Corinthians God's PEOPLE (PLURAL) were still suffering from subjection to "death" as a result of Adam's "sin"; including the "dead ones" of 1 Cor 15:35. This, he said, would continue UNTIL "death" was "swallowed up in victory", which was a future event (1 Cor 15:54).
11. In 1 Cor 15:22 the word, zōopoieō ("shall"), is tagged with the code: V-FPI-3P. This refers to; Tense: FUTURE, Voice: Passive, Mood: Indicative, Person: Third, Number: PLURAL.
The FUTURE tense of the word, zōopoieō, here is why committees of scholars all around the world translate it as, "WE shall (FUTURE tense) ALL be made ALIVE". And WHEN would they (PLURAL) "ALL be made ALIVE"? A time yet FUTURE; i.e. at the "last trumpet" (1 Cor 15:24, 26, 52).
As those Paul wrote to had ALREADY received covenantal/spiritual "life" when they first believed (Eph 2:5-6, Rev 5:9), this CANNOT refer to the same thing. But in utter confusion CBV advocates will insist it does.
12. Paul said, "..(the INDIVIDUAL body) is sown a natural body (see, vs.37-38, 40, for how "body"/sōma is used in this passage); it is (being) raised a spiritual body (sōma).." (1 Cor 15:44).
It was "sown a natural body" because God's PEOPLE were still "returning" to "dust". No "covenants" were "sown" anywhere! It was "(being) raised a spiritual body" because when INDIVIDUALS believed the "gospel" each one put his "faith" in a message with a "promise"; i.e. the "redemption" of his "body" (sōma), God's answer to Gen 3:19. The "gospel" pointed FORWARD to Christ's "return" and the "consummation" of God's program of "redemption" — "For we were saved in this HOPE.." (Rom 8:11, 23-24, Eph 4:30).
13. So that none were confused over 'timing', to clarify WHEN each one would ACTUALLY be "made alive" and receive his "spiritual body" (sōma), Paul added, "However, the spiritual is NOT first, but the natural, and AFTERWARD (epeita) the spiritual.." (1 Cor 15:44, 46).
Thus, the "soul" of the "believer" received "life" when he first believed the "gospel" (Col 2:12), the aspect of his "flesh" that provided it with its own "covering" (or "body"/sōma) received "life" at Christ's "return" (1 Cor 15:22). In this way was his entire "inward man", "body" and "soul", "saved" (2 Cor 4:16).
Similarly, he who refused the "gospel" had his entire "inward man", "body" and "soul", "condemned" (Matt 10:28).
14. Sometime CBV advocates will appeal to an epistle the Corinthians never had, Romans for example. But notice what Paul said in ch.8;
"But if the Spirit of Him who RAISED Jesus from the DEAD dwells in you (singular; notice the CONTEXT here; Paul speaks to INDIVIDUALS about Christ's physical "body", which was "RAISED" from the "DEAD") He who RAISED Christ from the DEAD will ALSO (kai) give life to YOUR mortal BODIES (plural) through His Spirit who dwells IN you (singular; now Paul refers to the One who had "sealed" each one of them INDIVIDUALLY for the "day of redemption").." (Rom 8:11, 23; 2 Cor 1:22, Eph 1:13, 4:30).
15. Paul continues with this theme in Rom 8:23 when he speaks about the "redemption of our (plural) body (singular)".
There is no discrepancy between Paul's use of the word "bodies" (plural) in vs.11, and his use of the word "body" (singular) in vs.23. In vs.11 his focus is on the INDIVIDUAL "salvation" of the "bodies" (plural) of God's PEOPLE, which would come by the "Spirit of Him who RAISED Jesus from the DEAD". In vs.23 he focuses on the ground of the "salvation" of the "body" (singular); i.e. the "redemption" found "in" Christ, which applied them ALL (plural).
16. Lest we become confused and look for out-of-context solutions (the error of CBV), we should bear in mind that using plural adjectives to qualify singular nouns is not uncommon in ANY language. For example, in scripture we read of;
OUR (plural) food (singular), Matt 6:11; and OUR (plural) Nation (singular), Lk 7:5; and OUR (plural) heart (singular), Lk 24:32; and OUR (plural) witness (plural), Jn 3:11; and OUR (plural) Law (singular), Jn 7:51; and OUR (plural) God (singular), Ac 2:39; and OUR (plural) Lord (singular), Rom 1:3; and OUR (plural) father (singular), Rom 4:1; and OUR (plural) spirit (singular), Rom 8:16; etc, etc, etc.
Difference
EBV believes that those we read of in the NT who put their "faith" the "gospel" ALREADY belonged to the corporate "body of Christ". Thus, they were "new creations" (2 Cor 5:17) who had "passed from death into life" covenantally and spiritually (Jn 5:24, 2 Cor 5:17). There was no need for them to wait for some future time for MORE to be added to this (Rom 8:23-243).
This truth was clearly demonstrated when Paul immediately appeared in the Father's presence after being "CAUGHT up" into "Paradise" (Ac 14:19, 2 Cor 12:4). [ NB: "CAUGHT up" (harpazō), not "RAISED up" (egeirō); two words that CBV mixes up. ]
2. Due to their failure to grasp passages such as 1 Cor 15 and 1 Thess 4, CBV advocates are forced into claiming that MORE needed to be added to God's PEOPLE covenantally/spiritually/corporately at the parousia.
The reality however is that after they first "believed" all that remained was that they wait in "HOPE" for the "redemption of their bodies (plural)" [Rom 8:11, 1 Cor 15:51-52, Phil 3:21, 1 Thess 4:13-17].
"Not only was the 'change' that occurred at Christ's parousia profound, it was PERMANENT." 3. If the "nature" of a believer's soul-covering was "changed" at the parousia — i.e. its "natural"/"mortal"/"corruptible" properties were EXCHANGED (allassō) for "spiritual"/immoral"/"incorruptible" properties — that renewed "nature" would also have passed to his posterity. Thus, not only was the "change" profound, it was PERMANENT.
After the parousia the soul-coverings (or "bodies"/sōma) of God's PEOPLE no longer went down to the "grave" as was the case pre-parousia — the (first) "death" having been "swallowed up in victory" (1 Cor 15:54-55, Rev 20:14) — but at the end of their "pilgrimage" in THIS "world" their entire "inward man", "body" and "soul", was "caught up" (harpazō) into the "heavenly country", THERE either to become "citizens" or "outcasts" in God's "heavenly Kingdom".
[ NB For the duration of the "second death", see; Matt 8:12, Rev 14:10-11, 21:8, 22:14-15.) ]
4. [ Note on 'Infinity' ]
'Infinity' has to do with 'time and space'. As God is omniscient and transcends both (Deut 10:14, 1 Kin 8:27, 2 Chron 2:6, 6:18, Ps 89:11, 113:4, 115:16, Jer 23:24), He ALREADY knows all that will come to pass on "earth", AND in His everlasting "heavenly Kingdom" (2 Tim 4:18, 2 Pet 1:11).
Thus, if a glorified "believer" sings Him a "new song" in some distant future, He ALREADY knows all the words.
5. The first (temporal) "death" was "abolished" for God's PEOPLE at the "last trumpet" when Christ's "victory" was applied to them in the "twinkling of an eye" (1 Cor 15:52, Rev 20:14). [ See, 'Death'. ]
But we read there was a "resurrection" not only of the "just", but of the "unjust" (Dan 12:2, Matt 25:46, Jn 5:28-29, Ac 24:15). Thus, "immortality" does NOT in itself = "salvation" or "holiness".
"Unclean spirits" have "immortality" yet they are NOT "saved" nor are they "holy" (Heb 2:16). [ See, 'Angels'. ]
6. Once CBV advocates grasp that Christ has the same "bodily" (sōmatikōs) substance now in "Heaven" as He did on "earth" (Eph 5:30, Col 2:9) — SAME substance, DIFFERENT (i.e. "spiritual") properties — and they apply that consistently when they read the scriptures (especially 1 Cor 15, which they REFUSE to interpret in CONTEXT), they come to realise that CBV defeats itself.
"And as we have borne the image of the man of DUST (i.e. received properties like unto Adam's), we shall ALSO BEAR the image of the HEAVENLY Man (i.e. receive properties like unto Christ's)..", "..There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body..However, the spiritual is NOT first, but the natural, and AFTERWARD (at the "last trumpet") the spiritual.." (1 Cor 15:44, 46, 49). [ See, 'The Image of God'. ]
7. Neither the Adamic "covenant" or the Mosaic "covenant" had anything to do with "dust"! What Paul refers to in the above are the "bodies" (sōma) of God's PEOPLE, which were about to receive the same properties ("image") as Christ's. Again;
"For OUR (those he wrote to) citizenship is in Heaven, from which WE (same people) also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will TRANSFORM our lowly body (the "body" that "clothed" their "souls") that it may be CONFORMED to His glorious body (sōma)), according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.." (Phil 3:21).
It is abundantly clear to all but those determined to maintain erroneous paradigms, that "covenants" (diathēkē) are not being referred to here, but Christ's "glorious body" that had ascended into "Heaven" (Ac 1:9), and the believer's "lowly body" that was still on "earth".
8. CBV proponents will sometimes use the "closed doors" event as described at the end of John's "gospel" to support vague statements about Christ's current "bodily" (sōmatikōs) state in Heaven (Jn 20:26). But this passage does nothing to endorse their hyper-spiritualised claims.
On one side of the "closed doors" Christ's "bodily" (sōmatikōs) substance had "natural" properties, then they were then EXCHANGED for "spiritual" properties and He passed through the "closed doors", then they returned to their "natural" state (Lk 24:39). [ A similar thing happened on the "holy mount" (Matt 17:2, 9). ]
But notice, in BOTH states ("natural" and "spiritual") Christ retained the same "bodily" substance; i.e. SAME substance, DIFFERENT properties.
9. If not long before and for a variety of reasons (wars, disease, climate change, etc), the PHYSICAL "earth" will eventually "pass away" when the Sun runs out of energy.
Why then do CBV scholars (?) argue with 'futurists' as if full-preterism is inconsistent with an EXACT number of "elect" being "saved" during this dispensation? [ See, 'Man - 5'. ] As a 'theory' CBV may have helped certain misguided (unscrupulous?) folk for a season, but it is time for full-preterists to move on.
[ NB Some argue that God could intervene to stop the Sun from running out of energy. Indeed He could. But He has not seen fit to replenish it (nor any other star) thus far so why should He do so in the future? For countless "ages" children have died in agony from disease. God could have intervened to stop that, but He has not done so. Why then should He do so in the future? Sadly, this kind of argument has its roots in gross superstition. ]
Only Contender
i. It was purely covenantal/spiritual; ii. ALL of God's people EVERYWHERE, living and dead, suddenly "vanished" from planet earth; iii. Everyone had to wait until they died before they received a "spiritual body"; iv. The "resurrection"/"spiritual body" referred to the EXCHANGE of properties in the aspect of "flesh" that provided the "souls" of God's PEOPLE with their own "covering" (or "body"/sōma); i.e. the Essential Body View (EBV).
We have to carefully examine each position and determine for ourselves which paradigm best accords with scripture, other historical evidence (or lack thereof), and with 'reasoned thought'.
In 1 Cor 15:51-52 we find Paul referring back to vs.44-46 to
explain HOW "natural (mortal) bodies" would
soon become "spiritual
(immortal) bodies". This would occur, he said, after they were
"changed" (allassō). That is, after their "natural" / "corruptible" / "mortal"
properties were EXCHANGED for
"spiritual" / "incorruptible" / "immortal" properties.
2. It is worth noting one other fringe 'theory'.
This suggests that a "multitude" of "living" people
of ALL ages from ALL across the Roman Empire and
beyond
(Ac 2:9-11) were made "immortal" in 70AD and raised VISIBLY into the "sky".
Joining them were an even greater "multitude" of "dead" people who were
fully
reconstituted in the "dust" before also being raised VISIBLY into the "sky" from beneath fields, cities, towns, villages,
and graveyards, and from underneath temples, houses, community centres, and
work places.We should consider that even when the "body" of one Man was "raised up" from "death" in its ENTIRETY it was seen by "hundreds" of people (Mar 16:9, Jn 20:14, 19, 1 Cor 15:4-8). And the few who came out of their "graves" at Christ's crucifixion also "appeared to many" (Matt 27:52-53).
But this 'theory' suggests that we should not be concerned that NO ONE, ANYWHERE, ever mentioned that an Empire-wide "miracle" took place that caused a "multitude" of "living and dead" people to "rise up" VISIBLY into the "sky".
3. Why does this 'theory' tell us we not be concerned about this total lack of silence? Because, it claims, this is what the "inspired" author of 1 Thess 4 said happened!
This is similar to the way 'Young Earth Creationists' COMMAND us not to doubt (on pain of being called a heretic) that the ENTIRE Universe is 6,000 years old and that all of humanity descended from Adam because this is what the "inspired" author of Gen 1 said happened!
As this fringe 'theory' does not even begin to accord with "reasoned thought", it can be safely discounted.
4. The study of God's "revelation" in nature has NOT stood still over the last 2,000 years. Thus, by the efforts (and sometimes blood!) of some we no longer believe that the earth is flat or that the Sun revolves around it
The study of God's "revelation" in His "Word" has also NOT stood still over the last 2,000 years. Thus, by the efforts of some in uncovering how the ancients structured their writings and pieced them together, all but the hopelessly superstitious now believe that Gen 1-3 speaks NOT speak about the creation of the entire Universe 6,000 year ago, but about the "preparation" (bârâ') of "covenant" God's People and the "land" ('erets) they lived in. [ See, 'Genesis'. ]
Tragically however, there is a connection between our fathers who "persecuted" those who advanced our understanding of God's "revelation" in nature, and their children who "persecute" those who advance our understanding of His "revelation" in Genesis.
5. When we open up the Bible there are times when we have to make 'reasoned connections'.
For example, we do not have the word "dinosaurs" in scripture but does this mean they never existed? We do not have the words "nuclear fusion" in scripture, but does that mean the Sun does not burn up energy? We do not find the word "Trinity" in scripture, but does this mean no such thing exists within the "Godhead"? We do not have the word "bathroom" in scripture and we read NOTHING of Christ using one, but does that mean He never did?
To insist in some sort of gnostic way that He did NOT just because we do not find this exact word in scripture or have CLEAR evidence of Him using one, would be extreme folly. Albeit, because it can have an APPEARANCE of being exegetically "sound" the unwary are often duped by this kind of 'blinkered' approach.
6. Some find this 'style' useful because when their presuppositions are threatened, to them, resorting to it is an answer to everything they find uncomfortable. From a great height they cry, "I do not find this word in scripture so what you claim is false. Therefore, I am right." Thus, dinosaurs, nuclear fusion, Trinity, etc, are ALL lies concocted by "unenlightened minds".
Throughout the ages this particularly dangerous form of fanaticism that hides under the banner of 'sound exegesis' has been used to justify all manner of abomination.
7. In 1 Cor 15:51-52 we find Paul referring back to vs.44-46 to explain HOW "natural (mortal) bodies" would soon become "spiritual (immortal) bodies". This would occur, he said, after they were "changed" (allassō). That is, after their "natural"/"corruptible"/"mortal" properties were EXCHANGED for "spiritual"/"incorruptible"/"immortal" properties.
Paul's contemporaries expected that something would soon happen to the "bodies" of those who "slept" in the dust" (1 Cor 15:35). [ NB their "bodies "slept", they were NOT annihilated. ] But the "mystery" the apostle revealed to them was that those who "remained" at Christ's "return" would not have to "sleep" before their "bodies" received spiritual properties.
8. "Sleeping" and "corruption" had NOTHING to do with "sleeping" inside the "old covenant" as CBV errorists twist Paul's words to mean. It had to do with the "corruption" that occurred when God's PEOPLE "slept" in the "DUST" (Gen 3:19, Dan 12:2,13, Jn 11:11, 13, Ac 2:29-31):
"Behold, I tell you a MYSTERY: We shall not all SLEEP, but we shall all be CHANGED (allassō), in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet (i.e. on the "last Day" of the "old" dispensation, NOT 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 2000 years later!). For the trumpet will sound, and the DEAD will be RAISED incorruptible, and WE shall be CHANGED..", "There is a NATURAL body (sōma), and there is a SPIRITUAL body (sōma)..However, the spiritual is NOT first, but the natural, and AFTERWARD (epeita; at the "last trumpet") the spiritual.." (cf; 1 Cor 15:42, 44, 46, 50-52, Rom 8:11, 23, Phil 3:21).
The question here is: What did it mean for God's PEOPLE to have the "natural"/"mortal"/"corruptible" properties of their "bodies" (sōma) EXCHANGED (allassō) for "spiritual"/"immoral"/"corruptible" properties whilst they still lived? Did they "ALL" suddenly "vanish" as some suggest (even though there is absolutely no evidence of this)? or did something else take place?
Context
2. Josephus confirmed that countless thousands died in the "holy city" at the hands of Titus (even as many had died previously during the "hour of trial"; i.e. the Neroic persecutions; Rev 3:10).
But notice, in His Revelation to John Christ did NOT caution those who lived in Asia (or anywhere else) to "flee to the mountains" BEFORE the "troubles" started. Most of the "elect" living in "JUDEA" would heed His earlier warnings (Lk 21:21, Rev 12:6, 17:3).
Obviously, neither did those in the "grave" "flee to the mountains". They were "raised up" from wherever they were buried; e.g. from beneath fields, cities, towns, villages, graveyards, and from underneath temples, houses, community centres, and places of work.
3. Christ did NOT warn that in the "tribulation" that would affect the inhabitants of "JUDEA" that virtually every Christian throughout the ENTIRE Roman Empire and beyond — and there were large numbers of them (Ac 2:9-11, 13:42-45, 19:8-10, Col 1:23) — would be killed. Nevertheless, this is what some are forced to claim in order to support their 'theory'.
A "multitude" of Christians MUST have "remained" at Christ's "coming" (1 Cor 15:51-52, 1 Thess 4:13-17). Therefore, is it sensible to claim that each and every one of them — man, woman, and child — simply "vanished" in 70AD and that NOTHING WHATSOEVER at ANY time was EVER reported about it? Not only by well known historians like Josephus and Tacitus in the West, but by anyone, ANYWHERE? Nor did later authors ever mention such a breathtaking, Empire-wide "miracle" that would at least have reached them by word of mouth had it happened.
That some use this "argument from silence" to support their 'Vanishing Act Theory' (VAT) is an indication of their desperation.
4. For reference, here are some of the cities/regions where the NT says Christians could be found during the apostolic generation:
Libya, Egypt, Arabia, Mesopotamia, Parthia, Medes, Elam, Israel, Cappadocia, Pontus, Bithynia, Galatia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Rome, Antioch, Corinth, Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea, Philippi, Macedonia, Colosse, Cyrene, Crete.
That anyone can claim that EVERY Christian who "remained" at the parousia suddenly "vanished" from ALL these places and no-one, ANYWHERE, ever mentioned ANYTHING about it, is beyond imagination. But alas, this is EXACTLY what VAT does.
There are a number of 'sensible' reasons that could account for the post-parousia silence that do not require the invention of such a farfetched 'theory'.
"Christ did NOT warn that in the "tribulation" that would affect the inhabitants of "JUDEA" that virtually every Christian throughout the entire Roman Empire and beyond would be killed." 5. Christ and the "apostle and prophets" warned of a coming disaster that would strike the "city" of Jerusalem such as had "never been seen before" (Matt 24:21, etc). If such a disaster did strike it is it reasonable to expect that someone, somewhere, made a record of it? Yes. And so they did.
Albeit, some claim it is also reasonable that another, Empire-wide event took place at the SAME time — which, unlike the sacking of a small, localised "city", had never been seen before — that NO ONE, ANYWHERE, ever mentioned anything about!
This is astounding.
6. For VAT advocates to argue that a mass vanishing act occurred in 70AD is folly. And to claim that extra-biblical testimonies of such an incredible "miracle" are not needed because God's PEOPLE must have vanished at Christ's parousia because this is what they think 1 Thess 4 says, only adds to the folly. Sadly, these kind of claims are indicative of an approach that CANNOT be reasoned with.
The VAT paradigm may satisfy those whose ENTIRE eschatological framework would fall to pieces otherwise ('Israel Only' errorists for example), but it does not satisfy those who wish to allow scripture, and the testimony of history (or lack thereof), to speak for themselves. Believing that an astonishing Empire-wide "miracle" occurred in 70AD that NO ONE ever said ANYTHING about is a superstition on par with believing the ENTIRE Universe is no more than 6,000 years old.
Alas, BOTH ends of scripture have always been subject to the greatest abuse. [ See, 'Genesis' for a 'sensible' discussion of Gen 1. ]
7. One of the strongest arguments that some have for supporting VAT and the failure of ANYONE, ANYWHERE, ever to mention the mass disappearance of Christians in 70AD, is this:
Contrary to the evidence (and commonsense!), EVERY city, town, village, street, and alleyway, and EVERY community, work place, family, and household, from Mesopotamia to Rome and beyond (Ac 2:9-11), were so devastated by "war" and the "persecutions" of Nero — which did NOT extend to those who lived outside the Empire (in Mesopotamia for example) — that no-one took much notice when family members, friends, and work collogues, "vanished" from their midst in the "twinkling of an eye" (1 Cor 15:52). Thus, "war" and "persecution", they claim, is the reason why no-one EVER related or recorded this great "miracle".
When we consider than many of the advocates of this superstition are utterly convinced that the ENTIRE Universe is no more than 6,000 years old it is not surprising they could also believe something as outrageous as this.
8. In addition to the hundred or so named in the NT, Christians were scattered throughout the Roman Empire and beyond (Ac 2:9-11). Yet even then serious errors were creeping into the "church" under the noses of Christ's "inspired" ministers (1 Cor 5:1, 2 Tim 2:18, Gal 5:11-12).
Even if they had done so, we have no historical evidence that Christians (other than the NT authors) strove to cast-out errors during the apostolic generation. Why then should we expect them to suddenly start writing letters and such post-parousia when they may still have continued to struggle against errors?
And is it any wonder that when Papias, Polycarp, and Ignatius, began writing 40-or-so years later when there were NO "inspired" ministers left to challenge them in a region where error had taken root decades before (Rev 2:4, 14-15, 20, 3:1, 15-17), that confusion abounded? sacramentology, ecclesiology, second coming guesses, etc? And the world is only to aware of what happens when religious error starts passing from father-to-son.
Even now we labour under the weight of those early errors.
9. We should also consider that when the 'The Apocalypse' was written (circa. 62/63AD), the bestowal of supernatural "gifts" — which were given for a season to help establish the "gospel" in the earth (Heb 2:4) — was coming to an end. Indeed, John was likely one of the last men to receive direct "revelations" from God (Rev 22:18).
If any of the apostles lived past Christ's parousia they may well have opposed those who claimed that the "resurrection" was still a FUTURE event, even as they had previously opposed those who had claimed it was a PAST event (2 Tim 2:18), pointing those with "inspired" epistles to teachings ALREADY contained in them (Lk 21:20, 1 Cor 15:22-24, etc). No more was needed.
Once the "old" dispensation came to an end and the Father became "all in all" (1 Cor 15:28), "FAITH" alone was needed. God was NOT going to "inspire" any more writings in order to continually set people straight on doctrinal issues, nor was He going to continuously bestow supernatural "gifts" as if unto "children" (Jn 2:28, 1 Cor 1:22).
10. Existent scripture during the apostolic generation made it clear that the "resurrection" would occur when Christ "returned" (1 Cor 15:52-53), and that would occur when the "harlot" was destroyed (Lk 21:20, 22, 24, 27-28, 31, Rev 17:1, 19:2) and the "power of the holy people was completely shattered" (Dan 12:7, Rev 10:7, 11:15). All but the hopelessly superstitious understand that this occurred when Jerusalem was destroyed by Titus in 70AD.
Thus, there is no need for any 'Vanishing Act Theory' (VAT) to account for the so-called post-parousia "silence".
11. In Revelation we read of a "vision" given to John that has God's "servant" Israel (Ex 19:6, Lev 25:55) "inheriting" the "land" — i.e. the "heavenly country" from which they would NEVER be "plucked up" — a "second time" through "great tribulation" (Isa 61:7, Eze 28:25, 36:24, 28, 37:12-13, 21, 25, Jer 30:3, 32:41, Amos 9:15, Heb 11:10, 16).
In it we are told that the Israelites were EXACTLY "numbered"; a "number" given symbolically as 144,000 (Rev 7:4-8). [ If we prefer to cherry-pick verses in Revelation in order to claim that this "number" was literal, the entire Book becomes subjective nonsense. ] Then, "after" (meta tauta) the EXACT number of Israelites is given, we are told of a "great multitude which NO ONE COULD NUMBER" praising God (Rev 7:9-10).
In other words, we are told of a separate group of "worshippers". Those who had "joined themselves" to God's PEOPLE throughout the "old" dispensation and had become "fellow heirs with the saints" in the "Kingdom of God" (Isa 14:1-2, 19:24-25, 56:6-8, 60:3-5, Ruth 1:16, Est 8:17, Jer 12:15-16, Zech 2:11, 8:22-23, Ac 15:16-17, Eph 3:6, etc).
Only an Aspect
This would also account for what would have happened to God's PEOPLE had Adam not "sinned". [ See below. ]
But what aspect could that have been?
When God "fashions" a person's "inward man" in his mother's "womb" (Ps
139:13-14, 2 Cor 4:16), FROM his substance He also "fashions" a
"covering" (or "body"/sōma) for it, in the SAME way as He "fashions" a
"covering" for EVERYTHING else in him.
2. EBV argues that when God "fashions" a person's "inward
man"
in his mother's "womb" (Ps
139:13-14, 2 Cor 4:16), FROM his substance He "fashions" a
"covering" (or "body"/sōma) for it, in the SAME way as He "fashions" a
"covering" for EVERYTHING else
in him.If one would argue otherwise he would have to be ready to answer this question:
Why would God "clothe" ALL the countless "parts" of a man's humanity with their own "coverings" but leave out His greatest work and the ONLY thing He made to be "immortal", a man's "soul"? Do we truly believe that this ALONE is left "naked" (2 Cor 5:1-4)?
[ There is also the question of what happened to Christ's "bodily" (sōmatikōs) substance after He "ascended" to consider (Ac 1:9, Col 2:9). (See below.) ]
But if He does so "clothe" a man's "soul" with its own "covering" (or "body"/sōma), what could it consist of?
3. Modern science has taught us that ALL "living creatures" have 'essential bodily substance' that is unique to its "kind" (Gen 1:11-12, 21, 24-25, 6:20, 7:14). A "substance" that permeates the ENTIRETY of its physicality.
If an aspect of this 'substance' is used by God to "clothe" a man's "soul" with its own "covering" (or "body"/sōma) this could account for the kind of language we find in places like, Job 19:26, Ps 16:9, Dan 12:2, 13, Eze 37:1-14.
Thus, when the "natural"/"mortal"/"corruptible" properties of this 'substance' were EXCHANGED (allassō) for "spiritual"/"immortal"/"incorruptible" properties at the parousia (1 Cor 15:51-52), the "bodies" (sōma) of God's people truly were "redeemed" from the "bondage" of "corruption" and subjection to "death" and given "life and immortality" (Rom 8:11, 21-23, 2 Tim 1:10).
4. As to the biblical definition of "redemption", consider: When a slave is "redeemed" for a "ransom" price his slavery is EXCHANGED (allassō) for freedom (Ex 21:30). Yet the same man is present both before, and after, the EXCHANGE.
Similarly, the "bodies" (sōma) that "clothed" the "souls" of God's PEOPLE were "redeemed" from "bondage" to "corruption" and subjection to "death" (Rom 8:11, 21-23) when their "natural"/"mortal"/"corruptible" properties were EXCHANGED (allassō) for "spiritual"/"immortal"/"spiritual" properties at Christ's "return" in "Judgment" (1 Cor 15:44, 46, 51-52). But the 'substance' remained the same BOTH before, and after, the EXCHANGE. — Same substance, different properties.
Unlike the 'Immortal Body at Death' view ('IBD'), the 'Essential Body View' ('EBV') supports the biblical doctrine that a true "redemption" took place at Christ's "return", one that occurred in a SINGLE "moment" on the "last Day" of the "old" dispensation (1 Cor 15:51-52), not 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 2000 years later. [ See also the argument below against the, 'Vanishing Act Theory' (VAT). ]
5. If the LORD provides a man's "soul" with its own "covering" (or "body"/sōma) and what happened at the parousia related solely to "changing" its "nature" — whether God's PEOPLE were "living" or "dead", "just" or "unjust" (Dan 12:2, Jn 5:28-29, Ac 24:15, 1 Thess 4:13-17) — this would NOT have been observable by ordinary sight (Lk 17:20).
This would help explain why the "beast" (Vespasian) and "false prophet" (an Israeli Roman sympathizer) were "cast alive" into the "Lake of Fire" (Rev 19:10), as well as help us understand the meaning of Matt 10:28; "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 geenna.." It also sheds light on the post-parousia confusion of those who believed the "resurrection" was yet future — and confusion over the "resurrection" was NOT a new thing (2 Tim 2:18) — because they expected it to be an EXACT replica of Christ's "resurrection" but on a larger scale.
[ Confusion over the NATURE of Christ's second "coming" is related to confusion over the NATURE of His first "coming". Confusion that still exists today, especially amongst those know as 'futurists'. ]
6. It is not hard to imagine why Jesus was the ONLY one who needed to have the properties of His entire "bodily" substance "changed" at His "ascension". If so much as a strand of His hair had remained in this "world" untold misery would have ensued. (Consider what is STILL happening over a few blocks of stone in Jerusalem! )
When it comes to the doctrine of the "resurrection" Jesus was indeed "the exception to the rule" because He was unique. For example, NO ONE else was "chosen" by God to be the substitutionary "sacrifice" for His PEOPLE. Only Jesus died in the stead of others (Matt 10:28, 26:28, Ac 20:28, Eph 1:7, Col 1:14, 1 Pet 1:18-19, etc). Only Jesus was the promised "Seed" of Adam (Gen 3:16, Gal 3:16). Only Jesus was born of a "virgin" (Matt 1:20, 23). Only Jesus was the "last adam". Only Jesus became a "life-giving spirit" (1 Cor 15:45). Only Jesus is the "High Priest who is seated at the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the heavens" (Heb 8:1). In MANY ways was Jesus of Nazareth unique.
Post-parousia Christians who thought that the "last Day" "resurrection" would be an EXACT replica of Christ's "resurrection" did not fully consider these things. And as ever, "confusion" led to "error", "error" was taught as "truth", "truth" became "creed", and "creed" was promoted in human establishments (Ac 7:51, 19:34, Col 2:8, 1 Pet 1:18).
7. We read that it was not God's will for the "souls" of His PEOPLE to appear before Him "naked" in the "heavenly country" (2 Cor 5:1-4).
Receiving a "body" (sōma) that had "spiritual"/"immortal"/"incorruptible" properties (1 Cor 15:44, 46) was therefore a necessity because "flesh and blood" in its "natural" state CANNOT survive in this environment (1 Cor 15:50). A "change"/"transformation" was needed (Phil 3:21), hence Paul's "revelation" in 1 Cor 15 (1 Cor 15:51-52, etc).
Given what Paul taught was required before a man could receive "life" we are able to work back to the time before "sin" entered the "world" of God's "covenant" PEOPLE (Rom 5:12). What Paul "revealed" would soon happen to the "church" at the "END" of the "old" dispensation would have been PRECISELY what happened to it at its "BEGINNING" had Adam not "sinned".
8. But if Adam had not "sinned" and the aspect of his "flesh" that provided his "soul" with its own "covering" (or "body"/sōma) had received "spiritual"/"immortal"/"incorruptible" properties at the end of his time of "testing" (cf. Lk 4:2), does that mean he would suddenly have become "invisible"? How then would he have obeyed God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" (Gen 1:28)?
This suggests that "immortality" would ONLY have applied to an aspect his physicality — his soul-covering. Thus, when "full of days" (Gen 5:5) this "covering" (or "body"/sōma) would NOT have "returned" to "dust" with the rest of his "flesh" but his complete "inward man" — "body" AND "soul" (cf. Matt 10:28, 2 Cor 4:16) — would have been "caught up" into true "Paradise" (cf. Rev 2:7).
After his probationary period had ended his renewed "bodily" nature would also have passed to his "children, and to his children's children" (Gen 5:3). And unless a "multitude" of people actually DID "vanish" in 70AD, must have been what started to happen at the parousia when "death" was "swallowed up in victory" (1 Cor 15:54-55, Rev 20:14; Isa 66:22, Jer 30:18-20, 32:39, 33:22, Eze 37:25-26, Joel 3:20, Eph 2:7, 3:21).
9. In summary: At Christ's "return" the soul-coverings (or "bodies"/sōma) of those who "slept" in the "dust" were "changed" and "raised up" (egeirō) [Dan 12:2. 13], whilst the soul-coverings (or "bodies"/sōma) of those who "remained" were "changed" (allassō) and "caught up" (harpazō), each in his "own order" at the end of his "pilgrimage" in this "world" (1 Cor 15:23, 1 Thess 4:13-17).
Heavenly Environment
But did that "raising"/"catching up" refer to the ENTIRETY of their physicality, or only an aspect of it?
2. In 1 Cor 15 Paul revealed the "mystery" of how the "bodily" (sōmatikōs) substance of those ready to be "raised up"/"caught up" would soon be "changed" (allassō) [1 Cor 15:51-52]. A necessity given the ENVIRONMENT they were destined to spend the "ages of the ages", that is, in the unseen realm; i.e. the "air"/"clouds" (1 Thess 4:17, 2 Tim 4:18, Heb 11:16).
Thus, the aspect of "flesh" that provided a man's "soul" with its own "covering" (or "body"/sōma) — NOT his entire "flesh" — would have its "natural"/"mortal"/"corruptible" properties EXCHANGED (allassō) for "spiritual"/"immortal"/"incorruptible" properties. For those who "remained" at Christ's "return" that meant this "covering" did NOT "return" to "dust" with the rest of their "flesh" (i.e. they did "NOT all sleep"; 1 Cor 15:51), but it continued to "cover" their "souls"; first in this "world", then in the next (2 Cor 5:1-4, Rev 2:7).
At the parousia the REWARD of the adamic "covenant" ("life") was finally received. In other words,
God's PEOPLE "ate" from the "Tree of Life" and "lived forever". Thus, the (first) "death" was "swallowed up in victory"
(1 Cor 15:54).
3. And so the REWARD of the adamic "covenant" ("life") was finally received. In other words, God's PEOPLE "ate" from the "Tree of Life" and "lived forever" (Gen 3:22, Rev 2:7).
Thus, the (first) "death" was "swallowed up in victory" and they "inherited" life in His "heavenly Kingdom" (Gen 3:15, 19, Matt 25:34, 1 Cor 15:54-55, Rev 13:8). [ See, 'Covenant'. ]
4. Paul tells us that "first" came the "natural body" (psuchikos sōma) — when its properties were like unto the "man of dust" (i.e. "mortal"/"corruptible"). Then, at Christ's "return", came the "spiritual body" (pneumatikos sōma) — when its properties were "transformed" to be like unto the "heavenly Man" (i.e. "immortal"/"incorruptible") [1 Cor 15:44, 46-47, Phil 3:21].
Being "spiritual" in nature and a "work" of the "Spirit" (Rom 8:11, 23) the "resurrection"/"change" — which occurred in a single "moment" — would NOT have been observable by ordinary sight (Lk 17:20). Like the Transfiguration, it would have taken "vision" to behold (Matt 17:2, 9).
5. Christ's final Judgment occurred on the "last Day" of the "old" dispensation (Jn 6:39-40, 44, 54, 11:24, Rev 20:12) when the "last trumpet" sounded, it was then that the "resurrection"/"change" took place (1 Cor 15:52).
Only by doing violence to scriptures such as these can 'theories' like IBD ('Immortal Body at Death') be made to work. Like VAT advocates, supporters of IBD fail to grasp the biblical doctrine of "redemption". There MUST be continuity of substance between what "clothed" the "souls" of God's PEOPLE on "earth", and what "clothes" them in "Heaven", for true "redemption" to have taken place (2 Cor 5:1-4).
And Christ's "redemption" did not only apply to SOME of God's PEOPLE (i.e. those "who "remained" at Christ's "return"), but to ALL of them, including those whose "bodies" "slept" in the "dust". [ See below. ]
6. Christ was the "firstfruits" of the "resurrection" — who, for necessary reasons had the ENTIRETY of His "bodily" (sōmatikōs) substance (Col 2:9) "changed" at His ascension (if so much as a strand of His hair had remained in this world untold misery would have ensued) — "then" came the "harvest" when He "returned" at the "end" of the "old" dispensation to "gather" the OT "faithful" into His "heavenly Kingdom", "each" in his "own order" (Ac 26:23, Rom 11:12, 15, 25, 1 Cor 15:20, 23-24).
For those who "remained" past the parousia that meant when they finished their "pilgrimage" in this world, "then" (epeita; 1 Thess 4:17) they were "caught up" to be "together" with those whose "bodies" were "raised up" from their "sleep" in the "dust" on the "last Day" (Job 19:25, Isa 26:19, Eze 37:12, Dan 12:2, 13, Hos 13:14, 1 Thess 4:14).
7. EBV takes account of the entire revelation of scripture and applies God-given commonsense to both biblical data, and extra-biblical data (or lack thereof).
It removes any need for full preterists to spiritualise-away things like edenic events (Gen 2:17, 3:19), Christ's ascension (Ac 1:9), the "resurrection" of the "dead ones" (1 Cor 15:35), and the "change" that occurred in those who lived (1 Cir 15:51-52).
Unless we can provide a CREDIBLE account of what took place on the "last Day" of the "old" dispensation ((70AD) — which includes the "resurrection" of INDIVIDUAL "bodies" (sōma)) from the "dust" — we cannot call ourselves CONSISTENT 'full preterists'.
That is why 'theories' like CBV, IBD, and VAT, have been tried and found wanting.
Mystery
Once the Spirit had "completed" this "work" (cf; Rom 8:11, 23) this "covering" (or "body"/sōma) would NOT then "return" to "dust" with the rest of his "flesh", but be made ready for being "caught up" (harpazō) into "glory" at the end of his "pilgrimage" in this world (cf; 1 Thess 4:13-17).
And so, said Paul, would "death" be "swallowed up in victory" (1 Cor 15:54; cf. Rev 20:14). "The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.." (1 Cor 15:26), which has to do with a man's "body", NOT with any "covenant" (Gen 3:19).
2. Christ was born the "virgin" Mary and so He was not polluted by Adam's "sin". Only by "faith" in Adam's "Seed" could God's PEOPLE receive "life", for "in Him was life, and the life was the light of men" (Jn 1:4, 5:26, 6:48, 11:25, 14:6, Ac 3:15).
We should note that if the "natural" properties of Christ's entire physicality were EXCHANGED (allassō) at His "ascension" for "spiritual" properties, He would no longer be in the "days of His flesh" (Heb 5:7). Nor after receiving His "glorious body" (1 Cor 15:45, Phil 3:21) — SAME "body", DIFFERENT properties — would He appear as a man of "flesh" (Ac 9:3-7, 1 Cor 15:8, 45).
"Only by 'faith' in Adam's 'Seed' could God's PEOPLE receive "life", for "in Him was life, and the life was the light of men." 3. There are no convoluted concepts in the 'Essential Body View' (EBV) paradigm. Nor is there anything "pseudo-metaphysical" or "gnostic" about it. It presents a straightforward interpretation of the data available to us in places like Matt 17:2, 9, Ac 1:9, Col 2:9, Eph 5:30, and especially 1 Cor 15. Heaven is "spiritual" in character (2 Tim 4:18, 1 Thess 4:17), so the "bodies" (sōma) of God's PEOPLE also needed to be "spiritual" in character (1 Cor 15:44, 46). This is not difficult to grasp.
When interpreting 1 Cor 15 EBV does not have to refer to epistles the Corinthians never had (Romans, Ephesians, etc) in order to qualify it. Unlike CBV, IBD, and VAT, teachings found elsewhere do not need to be hyper-spiritualised and FORCED into it for it to work.
The SIMPLE explanation Paul gives in relation to what was needed before a man of "flesh and blood" could "inherit" God's "heavenly Kingdom" (1 Cor 15:50), is in stark contrast to CBV explanations on the subject.
4. CBV provides no sensible explanation as to what it believes happened to Christ's 'bodily' (sōmatikōs) substance (Col 2:9, Eph 5:30) when He "ascended" to the Father (Ac 1:9). It becomes another, "moot point."
But do those who do not know what happened to the "body" God "prepared" for Christ when it ascended to the One who "prepared" it (Matt 1:18-20, Heb 10:5), preach "another Jesus"? or "another gospel"? or a "damnable heresy"?
Not necessarily. But this is often what CBV advocates accuse 'futurists' of doing when they promote their own errors.
5. It is also observed that CBV advocates struggle to keep their 'theory' together when they debate Col 2:9 with 'futurists'. They believe that by ripping this verse out of CONTEXT (as per their modus operandi) and striving to compare it to other verses in Colossians (e.g. Col 2:16-17, 19), that CBV will be established. The reality however is that their interpretation of Col 2:9 — which makes Christ's "bodily" (sōmatikōs) substance both "shadow" and substance at the SAME time! — establishes the opposite.
Notice, in verses like Col 2:16-17, 19, Paul CONTRASTS "shadows" that were found in prescribed "foods", "feasts", etc, with the "substance" (or "body") of those "shadows" that was found "in" Christ. But earlier in the passage Paul was not focused on making contrasts, he SIMPLY declared, "For in (Christ) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead BODILY (sōmatikōs).." (Col 2:9; cf. Eph 5:30).
From this SIMPLE "truth" he moved on to contrast OT "shadows" ("food", "feats", etc) with what it meant to be in "covenant" with the LORD; e.g. salvation, redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation, wisdom, knowledge, life, righteousness, fruits of the Spirit, fellowship with the Father, and so on.
6. When CBV advocates are able to provide ONE credible explanation — without endless evasions — for what they believe happened to Christ's "bodily" (sōmatikōs) substance when He was translated into "Heaven" (Ac 1:9, Col 2:9, Eph 5:30), maybe then they will be taken more seriously.
The simple explanation EBV provides on the ascension is this: The "natural" properties of Christ's entire "bodily" (sōmatikōs) substance were EXCHANGED (allassō) for "spiritual" properties in a similar way to what occurred at His "transfiguration" (Matt 17:2, 9) and in THIS "glorious body" (Phil 3:21) did He "return" in "Judgement" exactly when scripture said He would — when the "power of the holy people" was "completely shattered" (Dan 12:7) and the "harlot" was destroyed (Rev 19:2); i.e. when Titus sacked Jerusalem in 70AD.
[ The 'Arch of Titus', which commemorates Titus' campaigns (including his destruction of the "holy city"), can still be seen in Rome today. ]
Spiritual Nature
EBV argues that the same is now true for the aspect of "flesh" that provides the "souls" of the "children" of Christ's NT ekklēsia with a "covering" (or "body"/sōma). This "covering" (or "body"/sōma) also became spiritual in nature at the parousia in readiness for "clothing" God's PEOPLE in His "heavenly Kingdom" (1 Cor 15:44, 46, 51-52, 2 Cor 5:1-4, 2 Tim 4:18).
2. During His time on earth after His "resurrection" Christ lived in a natural environment (Ac 1:3) as opposed to the spiritual environment He entered into upon His ascension (Ac 1:9, Heb 5:7). Therefore He needed natural means of sustenance:
"But while they still did not believe for joy, and marvelled, (Jesus) said to them, 'Have you any FOOD here?' So they gave Him a piece of a broiled FISH and some HONEYCOMB. And He took it and ATE in their presence.." (Lk 24:41-42).
This "covering" (or "body"/sōma) that "clothes" a man's "soul"
received spiritual properties at the parousia in readiness for "covering" it in God's "heavenly Kingdom".
But does anyone seriously believe that the properties of Christ's
"bodily" (sōmatikōs) substance are EXACTLY the same
now at
the "right hand of God" in "Heaven" as they once were on "earth" when they needed
natural means to sustain them?Alas, there are indeed those who believe this. A folly often used as the basis for claiming that ALL "believers" will get the entirety of their biological bodies back at some (distant?) point in the future, one that looks EXACTLY as they do now but without "pollution".
3. Paul taught that Adam was a "man of DUST" and that after His ascension Christ became a "life-giving SPIRIT" (1 Cor 15:45, 47). This does not mean He no longer has a "body" (sōma), only that His "body" is now spiritual in character.
Consider what environment He began to dwell in after His translation and then read verses like Ac 1:9, Col 2:9, Phil 3:21 and Eph 5:30, in their simple sense.
4. Paul also taught that God's PEOPLE would receive a spiritual nature "like" Christ's when the "natural"/"mortal"/"corruptible" properties of their "bodies" (sōma) were EXCHANGED (allassō) for properties "like" His (cf; Phil 3:21); i.e., when they were made "spiritual"/"immortal"/"incorruptible" (1 Cor 15:44, 46, 51-53). That was the only way, he said, that a man of "flesh and blood" could "inherit the Kingdom of Heaven" (1 Cor 15:50):
"It is sown a NATURAL body (with properties like unto the "man of dust"), it is raised a SPIRITUAL body (with properties like unto the "heavenly Man"). There is a NATURAL body (theirs on earth), and there is a SPIRITUAL body (Christ's in Heaven)..However, the SPIRITUAL is not first (for them), but the NATURAL, and AFTERWARD (at Christ's "return") the SPIRITUAL..", "Behold, I tell you a mystery: WE (those Paul wrote to) shall not all sleep (i.e. "return" to "dust" as their fathers had), but WE (same people) shall all be CHANGED (allassō)—in a MOMENT, in the TWINKLING of an eye, at the LAST trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the DEAD will be RAISED incorruptible (from the "dust"), and WE (who "remain") shall be CHANGED (and as we know there are no reports ANYWHERE of a "multitude" of people suddenly vanishing right across the Roman Empire and beyond in 70AD. Therefore this must have applied to an aspect of their "flesh", NOT its entirety).." (1 Cor 15:44, 46, 48, 51-52; cf. 1 Thess 4:13-17).
5. The "redemption" of their individual "bodies" (sōma) from "bondage" to "corruption" was the "end" of the "hope" of God's PEOPLE. Indeed, this was the reason why the promise of the "Seed" was originally given (Gen 3:15, 19, Heb 2:14). It was this "hope" that Christ and His apostles stirred the "faithful" up to "EAGERLY wait" for:
"Not only that, but WE (those Paul wrote to) also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even WE OURSELVES groan within ourselves, EAGERLY WAITING for the adoption, the redemption of OUR body (sōma). For WE (same people) were saved in this HOPE..", "..so that YOU (those Paul wrote to) come short in no gift, EAGERLY WAITING for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ..", "For WE (Paul's brethren) through the Spirit EAGERLY WAIT for the HOPE of righteousness by faith.." (Rom 8:11, 23, 1 Cor 1:7, Gal 5:5; cf. Matt 10:23, 24:42, Lk 21:28, Rom 8:11, 19, 23-25, Phil 3:20, Heb 9:28).
6. As history is COMPLETELY silent about a "multitude" of "dead ones" being "raised" from the "dust" in 70AD with the same properties as the ones they had when they were "sown" into the "dust", we can accept Paul's teaching in its SIMPLE sense; "..what you sow you do not sow that body (sōma) that SHALL be..", "..the SPIRITUAL ("body") is not first, but the NATURAL, and afterwards (at Christ's "return") the SPIRITUAL.." (1 Cor 15:37, 46).
And as there are NO reports either of a "multitude" of people suddenly "vanishing" all across the Roman Empire and beyond at the parousia (Ac 2:9-11), it is reasonable to assume that what was "raised up"/"changed" was not the ENTIRETY of the "bodily" substance of those who "remained", but an aspect of it — the aspect that provided a man's "soul" with its own "covering" (or "body"/sōma).
7. Had Adam not "sinned" the "husk" of his physicality — his "outer man" (2 Cor 4:16) — would have decayed naturally anyway. (If not we would now have a 6,000 year-old man living in the Middle East!) But had he remained "obedient" (Rom 5:19) the aspect of his "flesh" that provided his "soul" with its own "covering" (or "body"/sōma) would have received "spiritual"/"immortal"/"incorruptible" properties. And so he would have "lived forever" (Gen 3:22, Rev 2:7).
But his "disobedience" prevented him from receiving the REWARD he would have received at the end of his time of testing ("life"), and his soul-covering was "condemned" to "return" to "dust" with the rest of his "flesh" (Gen 3:19).
8. Nevertheless, the promise of a "Seed" was given to Adam (Gen 3:15) and in the "fullness of time" his "condemnation" was undone by his Seed's substitutionary sacrifice on the Cross (Rom 5:16-18). A "victory" applied in its FULLNESS to God's PEOPLE when He "returned" on the "last day" of the "old" dispensation:
"For OUR (those Paul wrote to) citizenship is in Heaven (note: "in Heaven", NOT "on earth"; cf. 1 Thess 4:17), from which WE (same people) EAGERLY WAIT for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform (cf; 1 Cor 15:51-52) our (same people) LOWLY body (sōma) that it may be conformed to His GLORIOUS body (sōma).." (Phil 3:20-21).
9. EBV argues that if God was capable of "changing"/"transforming" the nature of Christ's ENTIRE "bodily" (sōmatikōs) substance at His ascension in order to make it meet for the "heavenly country" (Ac 1:9, 1 Cor 15:45, Phil 3:21, Col 2:9, Eph 5:30), He was MORE than capable of "changing" an aspect of it within His PEOPLE at Christ's "return".
Thus, EBV is consistent with the time-texts found in the Bible, biblical "redemption", and with all the other doctrines found in scripture (1 Cor 15, 1 Thess 4, etc). It also provides a sensible explanation for so-called difficulties like the post-parousia 'silence'.
Redemption
But in order to make VAT work it has to redefine the doctrine and scope of biblical "redemption".
2. In relation to physical "redemption" VAT proposes this only applied to those who "remained" at Christ's parousia. The "dead" were disembodied so, it claims, they had nothing physical to "redeem" because their "bodies" "slept" in the "dust". But the "living" had "bodies" to “redeem” so THEY benefited from physical "redemption".
This is clearly opposed to plain scriptural teaching about the nature and scope of biblical "redemption" (Job 19:26, Dan 12:2, 13, Lk 14:14, 24:15, Jn 5:28-29, Ac 24:15, 1 Cor 15:16).
VAT's claims that Christ only "suffered" physical "death" to "redeem" the "bodies" of a handful of Christians in 70AD, is a grave error.
3. VAT teaches at Christ's "return" the "souls" of the faithful-dead were "raised" out of hadēs and given totally "NEW bodies" in Heaven whilst their "OLD bodies" forever "slept" in the "dust" (it says little about the "resurrection" of the "unjust"). Thus, their "bodies" were NOT "redeemed" from the "condemnation" of "death" (Gen 2:17, 3:19) because to receive something totally NEW is not "redemption".
"VAT claims that Christ only 'suffered' physical 'death' to 'redeem' the 'bodies' of a handful of Christians in 70AD. This is a grave error.""Redemption" is to have something that is yours "purchased" back at a price. Which is what God's promised His PEOPLE from the "beginning": "All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.." (Rev 13:8, 17:8).
[ Compare to the "skins" that "covered" Adam and Eve (Gen 3:21) and to "righteous" Abel's typical offerings (Gen 4:4). ]
4. VAT proposes that unlike the faithful-dead in hadēs, the "bodies" of the "living" were not left on earth. The ENTIRETY of their physical substance, it claims, was "changed" and then disappeared. Thus, unlike those who "slept" in the "dust" whose "souls" ALONE were "redeemed", the "bodies" of the "living" were "redeemed" from the "condemnation" of "death".
Thus, a handful of God's PEOPLE received a full "redemption" whilst "multitudes" of "dead ones" had to make do with a partial "redemption". In VAT's estimation there are two groups of "believer" in "glory": A. One with totally NEW "bodies" who know nothing of the "redemption" of their OLD "bodies" (sōma); and, B. One whose OLD "bodies" have been "redeemed" from subjection to "death".
VAT fails to grasp that the "bodies" (sōma) that "clothed" the "souls" of those in hadēs ("just" AND "unjust") were not annihilated when they "returned" to "dust", they merely "slept" and awaited the "resurrection of the dead" (Dan 12:2, 13, 1 Cor 11:30, 1 Cor 15:51, 1 Thess 4:14-15).
5. On account of the multiform consequences of "sin" Christ's "redemption" had a wide range of applications for God's PEOPLE. For example, "deliverance" from "corruption" of the aspect of a man's "flesh" that "clothed" his "soul" with its own "covering" (or "body"/sōma) [Rom 8:11, 23].
The "salvation" of this "covering"/"body" (Rom 8:11, 23) involved a real penal substitutionary atonement; i.e. a redemptive "deliverance" effected by the "ransom" price of Christ's "blood" (Rev 5:9). And as a result of the payment of the redemption "price", at Christ's "return" God's PEOPLE were awoken from their "sleep" in the "dust" (Job 19:26, Dan 12:2, 13, Ac 20:28, Rom 3:24-27, 1 Cor 6:19-20, 7:23, 1 Tim 2:6, Titus 2:14, Eph 1:7, Col 1:14, 1 Pet 1:18-19, Rev 5:9).
Before Christ's parousia the "souls" of the "faithful", "living and dead", were ALREADY "redeemed" (1 Thess 3:13, Jud 1:14, Rev 5:9), yet there remained a "day of redemption" (Eph 1:14, 4:30; Lk 21:28). "Redemption" had been applied to their "souls" for the "forgiveness of sins", and the "redemption of their bodies" (Rom 8:11, 23) brought "salvation" to its intended "consummation" (Gen 3:19, Rom 5:12, 1 Cor 15:22).
6. When Adam "sinned" His ENTIRE "inward man" (2 Cor 4:16) became "corrupt" (Rom 8:21). In other words, NOT only was his "soul" affected by his "disobedience", but also the aspect of his "flesh" that "clothed" it with its own "covering" (or "body"/sōma); i.e. it was "condemned" to "return" to the "dust" with the rest of his "flesh" when his "outward man" perished (Gen 5:5).
The properties of this "covering" (or "body"/sōma) were not "changed" (allassō) as a reward for "overcoming" "temptation" to "sin" — symbolically speaking, for not eating "..from the Tree of the Knowledge of good and evil.." (Gen 2:17) — and so it suffered "death" just like every other man's (Gen 3:19).
7. In scripture "death" (mâveth/thanatos) nearly always refers to the physical (i.e. the "body"), NOT the spiritual (i.e. the "soul").
Paul's teaching on Adam's "judgement"/"condemnation" for example focused primarily on the "death" penalty pronounced on him for his "disobedience" and how it would be overcome by Christ's "obedience" (Rom 5:12-19).
The "bodies" (sōma) of the "dead ones", he taught, would be "raised up" after the pattern of Christ's — and it was NOT just Christ's "soul" that was "raised" up" (1 Cor 15:35) — and the "bodies" (sōma) of the "living" would be "changed" (1 Cor 15:51-52).
8. The "bodies" (sōma) of the typical "sacrifices" slain in order to "cover" Adam and Eve with "tunics of skin" (Gen 3:21), pointed to the antitypical work of Adam's "Seed" in, A. "Redeeming" their "bodies" (sōma) from the "dust" so they could "live forever" (Gen 3:19, 22), and, B. Bestowing "forgiveness of sins" upon their "souls" (Rev 13:8).
To "cloth" the 'Common Ancestors' of God's PEOPLE with a symbol that did NOT apply to their own "bodies" (sōma) because they would be in the "grave" at Christ's parousia, would have been a cruel mockery designed to give them FALSE hope. Yet this is the implication of the VAT system.
9. The reality however is that God did not mock Adam and Eve (Gen 3:15) and EVERY blood "sacrifice" offered up in "faith" by God's PEOPLE from that time onwards pointed to the "redemption" of THEIR "bodies" (sōma) and the "forgiveness of sins". In other words, the "salvation" of their entire "inward man".
The "hope of Israel" for example — even amongst those LONG dead" — was the "raising up" of their "bodies" from the "dust" (Dan 12:2, 13), not just the release of their "souls" from hadēs (Ac 23:6, 24:15, 28:20).
That "hope" was realised on the "day of redemption" (Eph 4:30).
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TAFFY WITH YOUR VIEWS. MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY DONE SO.
If you are a preterist or have any views on preterism it would be great to hear from you.
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