THE STATE OF THE SAVED AFTER DEATH (view two)

Ephesians 4:7-10

  Introduction:

      A.  Review view one (to Hades).

      B.  View one is correct until the resurrection and ascension of Christ.

  I.  Where does the spirit/soul of a saved person go when he dies? (view two)

      A.  Significant background information.

          1.  From the beginning of time until the ascension of Christ, the spirits of the                        "righteous" people

               went to Paradise in Hades when they died.  Why?

               a.  The "righteous" who died before the sacrifice of Christ were saved on                                 credit.

               b.  The price for their sin had not been paid by Christ so they had not been                             redeemed by the the blood of Christ. Hebrews 9:6-15,23-28:

                     1)  The way into the Holiest of All (Heaven) was not yet manifest.  V8,

                           John 3;13

                     2)  The offerings of the O.T. could not make person perfect(completely                               saved) . V9, Hebs.10:3-4,  Galatians 3:21-22

                     3)   Until  the time of reformation. (sacrifice of Christ)  Hebs. 9:10

                     4)  For the redemption of the transgressions that were under the  Law.                              Hebs. 9:15

               c.   God is completely holy and the people who were saved on credit could                             not go into His presence.

          2.  After the resurrection of Christ, He emptied Paradise in Hades transferring all                   the saved to Heaven.  Ephesians 4:7-10

               a.   When Christ ascended to Heaven, He led captivity.( the saved in Paradise                         made captives by death). V8  He descended to Hades (lower parts of the                           earth) and then ascended to Heaven. V V 8-10.

               b.   Paul quotes from Psalm 68:18. note also Psalm 24:7-10

                     1)  The picture is of a victorious king.  (illustrate).  This pictures parallels                            Christ as our victorious King. (illustrate)

   Conclusion:

        A.  Since the resurrection and ascension of Christ, the spirit of the saved goes                       directly to Heaven when he dies.

                                                       To be continued