Barnes church of Christ

As we read pronouns in the New Testament, we must keep in mind, each one was chosen by the Holy Spirit; therefore, each has its own story to tell in the context it appears. If we just read over these little, often two-letter pronouns, we are going to miss something the Holy Spirit has put into the statement being made. By doing this, we are subject to reaching a wrong conclusion as to what the Holy Spirit, through the writer, is revealing. Let us now notice a few cases where the use of a certain pronoun changes what some have concluded.
Paul wrote to the church in Corinth: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Cor. 6:19). Just how carefully did you read Paul’s words? First, the words “know ye not” is an expression used to introduce an argument. In this case, here is something you should know, “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.” Did you notice the pronoun “your?” It is a plural pronoun being the Greek “humon.” Now, read with care the next word, “body,” which has the article “the” before the word “body” in the Greek Majority Text; therefore it reads: “the body.” It must be noted the words “the body” is singular! Yes, Paul used a plural pronoun “your” with a singular “the body!” Paul did not write “bodies,” but “the body,” as in the one body which is the church (Eph. 1:22-23). Paul then follows with: “is the temple of the Holy Spirit.” The singular “body,” the church is “the temple of the Holy Spirit.” Paul is not writing about the human physical body, but the one “body,” the church, which is “the temple of the Holy Spirit.” Yet, people continue to read this text as though Paul used a singular pronoun “you,” making Paul say, our physical body is “the temple of the Holy Spirit,” which he did not!
It is also of interest to note the following verse: “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your (humon) body, and in your (humon) spirit, which are God’s” (verse 20). The pronouns “your” before the word “body” and before the word “spirit” are both plural (humōn). Yet, each is used with a singular “body” and “spirit.” It is also true here, as in verse 19, the article “the” appears before both: 1) “the body” and 2) “the spirit.” Therefore, the one body, the church, has one spirit. More than likely the word “spirit” refers to one disposition that runs through the one body. Now, why is this? Because we have all, all who are in the one body and who have one disposition have been “bought with a price” and that “price” is “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Pet. 1:19). Therefore, the body and the spirit which we are collectively and does not belong to us, but as Paul wrote, “which are God’s!” Shame on anyone, or any group who would treat the church as though she belongs to them!
While on this subject, this is a good time to address the subject that the church, the body, was purchased by Christ as Paul pointed out when addressing the elders of church of Ephesus, he said: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Here Paul wrote that “God” “hath purchased” the church “with his own blood.” The word “God” must refer to the second member of the Godhead as he is the only member who was made flesh, thus, having blood. Some manuscripts have “the church of the Lord.” However, the point being made here is the “preciousness” of the church. The value we place upon a thing is the price we are willing to pay for it. God was willing to pay for the church the “precious blood” of Jesus, his only begotten Son.
It should be noted that pronouns are very important to our understanding of the text in which they appear! First, we need to read with care; while noticing when there is a plural pronoun used with another word that is singular. As the writer is expressing a collective singular and this is the church; as in ye (plural) are the Barnes church of Christ. The Barnes church of Christ is one, but made up of “ye!” You, singular, are never “the temple of the Holy Spirit,” unless you are the only member of the church.
Yes, pronouns have a story to tell if we are willing to listen. How many times have we read a text, but never noticed the Holy Spirit had the writer using a plural pronoun with singular noun? Let us keep in mind, we are reading the word of God, we are reading the words chosen by the Holy Spirit; and we are reading the word of life!

— Frank R. Williams

Understanding the use of pronouns may become more difficult when, in the context, words appear which are amenable to those being personally spoken to, but also are amenable to all. In the last article, we studied John chapters fourteen through sixteen, and the subject was the “Comforter.” The text was: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26). It was proven in the article, that the pronoun “you” does not refer to anyone living today. It referred to the apostles of Christ.
Yet, in this same context, Jesus spoke words which apply to all; those living then and all living today. As a matter of fact, the words could have been said in the Garden of Eden! In other words, the words which are here referred to are amenable and applied to people of all time. So, what are these words? “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). It is always true, the person who loves God (Jesus being Deity) will keep his commandments! This was true of Adam, of Abraham, of Isaac, of Jacob, of Moses, of Daniel, of John, who baptized, of John the apostle of Christ, it was true of the churches of Christ in the first century, and it is true of those living today. It does not matter the context, it does not matter to whom the words are being spoken and neither does it matter who is saying them, it will always be true: ““If ye love me, keep my commandments,” when the “me” and the “my” refer to God, to Jesus!
This just points out the truth, as one reads and studies the word of God, be it the Old or New Testament, care must be given to the pronouns in the text. For example, Jesus sent out his twelve disciples to the “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt. 10:1-6). Clearly he is speaking and commanding the twelve, but are there things within the context which would apply to us today? What about these words: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matt. 10:16)? Is it not true, Christians should, as we do the work of the church (Eph.1:23; 3:9-10) in teaching the lost, are going “in the midst of wolves,” but we should be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves?” Yes we should! So once more we have found words spoken to one small group of men, the twelve disciples, which are also true of the church of our Lord today. There are a number of other points in this context which have application to us today, but there are also some things within the context which do not apply to anyone but the twelve disciples who are named in verses two through four. Look at verse 19: “But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.” Personally, I confess that I would be a much better teacher and preacher if the Holy Spirit would put within my mind the words I needed and the “how” I should speak; but alas it is not to be! These words applied to the twelve and not to anyone living today. Yet, there are some who think otherwise, but the evidence is missing! So, what does this mean to the person reading and studying the New Testament? It means we must read and study with care; even great care, as we notice the pronouns appearing in the context!
Let us look at a few other statements in the context of Matthew chapter ten. Having seen that Jesus is speaking to the twelve disciples, of whom eleven would become the apostles of Christ; there are other very important points that apply to all the disciples of Christ today; the church of our Lord. Throughout history, Christians have suffered persecution, and some have been put to death. Therefore, fear has filled their hearts and Jesus addressed this subject with the twelve disciples, personally. He said to them: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (The word “hell” is “Gehenna,” the eternal place of punishment)” (Matt. 10:28). Do these words have any application to the Christian of today? Yes, very much! In our world today, Christians are persecuted and some are being put to death. Should these take the words of Jesus personally; or should they fear man to the point of denying their faith in Christ? You see, even though the words were spoken to the twelve disciples, they have application to all who would be faithful to Christ throughout the age of Christ.
So, we have learned that even in a context where the pronouns refer to others, we may find words within the context that have application to others; even those living today. We must read, but we must also study and as we do so, we must pay attention to the pronouns used in the text and context.

— Frank R. Williams

Pronouns are most important in any study of the New Testament, as they have a story to tell. As a matter of fact, you cannot understand the teaching of Christ without paying attention to the speaker’s, or the writer’s use of pronouns. Any number of false teachings have been arrived at simply because someone did not study more carefully the pronouns in the context.
This may cause some of you to mark me as a “heretic”, but the New Testament was not written to you! Oh, of course, you have known that letters were written to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon; you also have known that letters were written to churches, such as the church at Rome, at Corinth, at Ephesus and others; then you have known that letters were written to groups of people, such as the Hebrews Christians, and to those James called, “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” and Peter called “to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.” Yet, somehow, we have continued to maintain in our minds, that everything we read is directly written to us. Well, it just wasn’t! Those pronouns “us” and “you” in the text is not “you” and “us!” These pronouns must not be taken at first reading as personal; speaking directly to us today.
Here is what I mean! Jesus said: “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16). Just who is this “you” that Jesus is referring to? One thing for sure, it is not YOU and me! First, it is unfortunate that the King James translators used the word “Comforter;” for this same Greek word, “paraklētos,” is translated into our English word, “advocate” in 1 John 2:1, as John writes: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate (parakletos) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” Here Jesus is the “paraklētos,” the “advocate” and not the Holy Spirit. Therefore, Jesus and the Holy Spirit which he was to send in John 14:26, in one respect did and Jesus still does, the same thing. This is understood if we notice Jesus’ use of the word “another,” which is the Greek “allos” and means: another of the same kind; thus, another of the Godhead. In this case, in John 14:26 the Holy Spirit! So, the Holy Spirit was to be “another” of the Godhead who would serve as a “paraklētos!” Some have concluded that the Holy Spirit has the job of “comforting” us today because of these words! But, they have [over- looked] the antecedent to the pronoun Jesus used in the text.
However, “comforting” was not the work of the Holy Spirit, as that is not a good meaning to the Greek word. The word means: “one who pleads another’s cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate.” Yet, Jesus did not leave us without understanding as to what the “parakletos” would do; for he said: 1) he will teach you all things, 2) bring all things to your remembrance, 3) guide you into all truth, and 4) show you things to come. (John 14:26 and 16:13). There is the work of the “paraklētos!” Now, do you still believe the “Comforter” is for you? It should be very clear Jesus was not talking to you and me when making this promise! No, he was talking to the disciples, those men who would become his apostles as he would send them out; once the Holy Spirit, the “paraklētos,” came upon them to preach the gospel and to confirm the gospel with signs, to “the uttermost most part of the earth” and this they did (Acts 1:8 and Mark 16:20 and Col 1:23).
Yes, there it is, the personal pronoun “you,” but it does not refer to you and me! It referred to those to whom Jesus was speaking, and this is easy determined by reading and studying the context! The context starts in John chapter thirteen, verse one: “Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” And it ends in chapter eighteen, verse one: “When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.”
The only names which appear in this context are those of the twelve disciples, Jesus, and the devil. Clearly, Jesus was not talking to the devil, but he was talking to the disciples; and the pronoun “you” and the promise of the “Comforter,” was not promised to us! A study of those pronouns proves the case!
Yes, the pronouns of the New Testament have a story to tell, if only we will listen and learn what they are telling us. Are you willing to learn?

— Frank R. Williams

This year’s lectureship theme, “Out of Darkness into Light – Out of Atheism into Christianity,” is truly a great one! A few words about the theme are in order to help with our understanding.
To readers of the New Testament the words “darkness” and “light” are common words and it is understood they are used figuratively. We all know of day and night in a twenty-four hour day which has a period of darkness and light. In creation there was darkness and Moses wrote: “darkness was upon the face of the deep“. Then, God said: “Let there be light: and there was light.” Of course, this was literal darkness and light as we have even today as the sun sits and rises each day. John opens his account of the gospel addressing the subject of light and darkness: “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:5). Here the words are used figuratively speaking of Jesus, as Jesus was not literal light. Then, Paul used the words: “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness” (1 Thess. 5:5). Paul also used the words figuratively. However, in each case “darkness” is used to refer to evil while “light” refers to good. This is the way the words are used in our theme: “Out of Darkness into Light!”
Second, the words “Atheism” and “Christianity” as used in our theme: “Out of Atheism into Christianity.” Just what does the word “Atheism” mean? Simply put, “disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God.” The word “Christianity” means as used in our theme: “the religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, or its beliefs and practices.”
Therefore, it is the purpose of this lectureship, in the lectures given and in manuscripts appearing in the book, to give enough evidence to bring a person who does not believe in God, who is in “darkness” to a faith in God and into the “light” of the goodness of Christ. It is based upon the truth expressed in Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The word “substance” is the Greek “hupostasis” and means: “a setting under: support.” While the word “evidence” is the Greek “elegchos” and means: “a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested.” Faith as used in the New Testament is not a “leap in the dark!” No, it stands firmly up the support of tested evidence! As Paul wrote: “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Rom. 1:20). The words, “clearly seen,” come from the Greek “kathorao” and means: “to behold fully,” and “distinctly apprehend.” But, Paul added one more thought in the word, “understood,” which is the Greek “noieo” and means: “to exercise the mind.” When a person is honestly willing to think, and to honesty examine evidence, God is so fully and distinctly apprehended by the things which are seen, that Paul said those who disbelieve “are without excuse!”
When the theme for the lectureship was settled on, and the subjects were put forth, effort was made to build a firm foundation, “support” of evidence which would produce a strong conviction of faith in the existence of God, in the Bible being the word of God; to help in understanding the Bible, the theme of the Bible, then, to cover what one must do in order to be saved; and finally, how to live as a Christian, faithfully until death. We were not under the delusion that in these short lessons that all atheists who might hear or read, would be converted, but that we have in these lessons laid the ground work for such. We hope that churches of Christ may find the lectureship book useful as a Bible class study; and in converting the lost. Not just for the young, but certainly for the young; but for all ages!
We are grateful for all who have come to the “26th Annual Oklahoma City Lectures” and your presence is a great encouragement to our efforts! The lectureship is part of the “Oklahoma City School of Biblical Studies.” We encourage you to pick up information about the school and see what it has to offer to the area churches of Christ.

— Frank R. Williams

The New Testament is not just for reading, but for study. In the years which I have given to study, I have had to change my mind about a number of things due to having studied. Please keep in mind, by study, I do not mean just reading. Reading is necessary and good, but it is not study.
Before a person sits down to study, it is good to read the material two or three times. This allows you to become acquainted with the material you intend to study. But, just what is this thing called study? The word “study” as used here means: 1) the devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge and 2) a detailed investigation and analysis of a subject or material. In order to really know a subject, to really know a book, or to really know some material; many hours of study, devotion of time and attention given to a detailed investigation and analysis must be done. There are no shortcuts!
When I write there are no shortcuts, it is not meant to imply that there are no helps which may cut the time. For instance, you may read what another has written on the subject, but you still must read and study the material for yourself. In doing this, you are using their time spent in studying the material.
Now to study the subject of pronouns. At times we read through a chapter of one of the books of the New Testament any number of times; while never noticing a change in pronouns. Then, we pick up a book written by another and the writer points out the change in the use of pronouns. We go back and read the material again and there it is, only this time, it jumps out at us. We look at it and wonder how we could have missed it all those times we read it before.
So, what about the pronouns? How many times have you read Acts chapter sixteen? As you start to read verse one, reading through verse one notice the pronoun used by Luke the writer of “The Acts of the Apostles.” In verse four he writes: “And as they went through the cities, …” This pronoun does not include Luke, as he was not with Paul at this time. Luke does not say so in so many words, but by the simple use of the pronoun “they,” he excludes himself. Luke was not with Paul at this time! As you continue to read, verse 6 has the pronoun “they,” the same is true of verse seven and in verse eight it reads: “And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.” In verses nine and ten Paul has the “vision,” then, in verse eleven, notice a change in pronouns: “Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia,…”
In studying these few verses, did you learn anything? If you read, or more correctly, if you studied, you noticed that Luke the writer included himself by using the personal pronoun “we” for the first time in verse eleven, when he wrote: “Therefore loosing from Troas, we …” Now here is a simple question: Where did Luke join the apostle and his company? Answer, it was at Troas! Luke has told us a story in pronouns! How unlikely is this, Luke will use this same method to teach us again. If we continue to read through Acts of the Apostles, Luke will continue to use the personal pronouns “we” and “us” for some time.
Before continuing to read, let me ask this question: “Who was the first located preacher in Philippi?” The first thought that comes to mind, how could anyone know just a thing? Would it surprise you, if I were to say, I know who the first located preacher was in the city of Philippi? Unless you have studied, or read what another has written on the subject, you are surprised that I would write such a thing, you may even think that I am mad! However, Luke identifies the first located preacher in Philippi by his use of pronouns! Just how important is it to notice and understand the use of pronouns that appear in a text? Well, that is the point of this first article in this series.
As we continue to read through Acts chapter sixteen, Luke will continue to use the personal pronouns “we.” In verse twelve he wrote: “And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.” I have bolded the personal pronoun just so you will not miss it! This means that Luke is with Paul as they enter the city of Philippi. The last personal pronoun, which included Luke, is found on verse seventeen: “The same followed Paul and us, …” Paul and Silas were then put in jail, the conversion of the jailer and family takes place; then, the chapter ends with these words: “And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed” (Verse 40). Luke never uses the personal pronoun which includes himself, but Paul and company departed Philippi without him. Thus, Luke stayed behind and became the first located preacher in Philippi.
Finally, once more by noticing the personal pronouns, we also learn that Paul went back to Philippi and Luke joins the company; read these words: “And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days” (Acts 20:6). Did you know that Luke was part of that worship upon the first day of the week, when he wrote: “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight” (verse 7)? No, more than likely you have never thought about Luke being part of this before!
You see, so much can be learned simply by noticing pronouns! What else can we learn? We shall see in the following articles.

— Frank R. Williams

To what do you appeal for answers when looking for what is authorized in your life? Where do you go when seeking information for what is authorized in your religion? Well, let’s put it this way, to whom do you go when looking for authority in the church you are a member of?
The question may be asked, why the last question? It may be the case that some people, in fact, it may be the case that many people do not look at the “church” they are a member of as having any relationship to their manner of life. Therefore, a study is needed to bring all of the above questions into one question: “By what authority do I live my life?” The apostle Paul wrote: “These things write I unto thee, … that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God…” (1 Tim. 3:14-15). There is a manner of behavior in “the house of God, which is the church.” Behavior being the way we live; thus, by what authority do we live our life?
This article is not addressing the person who lays claim to living outside of Christianity, but is directed only to those who confess to being a Christian. Let it be understood, Christianity is not a biblical word, but it is a word that is here used to embrace the teaching of Christ. The word “Christianity” means: “the religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, or its beliefs and practices.” The apostle John defined it this way: “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9). “Christianity” is that religion which adheres, abides within the teachings of Christ! It never goes beyond, and it never cuts off any part, any part of the teaching of Christ! Therefore, “Christianity” may be seen as a square, or circle, which ever you may prefer, which contains the teaching of Christ.
It is also understood that we have already lost some folks, as they do not like the idea of being confined; but please understand, the teaching of Christ is confining, as it is one body of teaching. If you claim to be a Christian; keep in mind, the root of the word is “Christ;” therefore, the word Christian lays the claim of saying, “I am of Christ!” Christ is my authority for my manner of life! He is the code of my behavior! The word “code” meaning: any authoritative, systematic, and written statement of legal rules and principles applicable in life; and the written statement is the teaching of Christ! Remember John used these two words: 1) “transgresseth,” which means: to go past and 2) “abideth,” which means: to remain in; both relating to the teaching of Christ. Therefore, the teaching of Christ marks the limits, which one must remain in and must not go beyond; if he is to rightfully lay claim to being a Christian!
Of course, this is not the answer you get, when you ask, “What is a Christian?” Let us go back to the first time the word was used. Luke is the first inspired writer to use the word: “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). It should noted that the “disciples,” in this case, disciples of Christ, were called “Christians.” If one is not a “disciple” of Christ, he cannot be a “Christian!” The word “disciple” (mathétés) means: a learner, pupil, and generally, a follower. So, if you know nothing of the teaching of Christ, you are not a pupil and you need to start being a learner; if you are not learner of Christ, you are not a follower of Christ; therefore, you are not a Christian!
Now get this, whatever you may claim, if you are not a learner of the teaching of Christ, you are not a follower of Christ; if you are not a follower of Christ, you are not a Christian! Now, let us be even bolder, if you do not abide within the teaching of Christ, the authority of Christ, you are not a Christian! Therefore, the importance of the question: “What is the authority for my life?” Where do I go for the answers to my questions about what is right and wrong? Where do I go to find what I must do to be pleasing to the one true God?
Finally, please answer this question: “What is my authority for the way I live my life?”

— Frank R. Williams

In this third and last article in this series of articles on heaven, we will try and do the impossible; that is to describe heaven in earthly terms and in contrasting terms. Even words which may not refer to heaven may yet be true of heaven. What can this possibly mean?
People have read and have been thrilled at these words: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Rev. 21:4). These words may not refer to heaven, as pointed out in an earlier article, but we can be sure, there will be no tears in heaven, there will be no sorrow in heaven, there will be no crying in heaven, there will be no pain in heaven, and there will be no death in heaven! All these things are by nature earthly and all in heaven will be heavenly by nature. So, yes it is possible for words which may not actually refer to heaven in the context to describe the nature of heaven nevertheless.
Give thought to the following contrast between the “terrestrial” body and “celestial” body, as Paul writes; the “terrestrial” body is described as: corruption, dishonour, weakness, natural, earthy, and mortal; while the “celestial” body is described as: incorruption, glory (honor), power, spiritual, heavenly, and immortality. (1 Cor. 15:40-53). As Paul describes the “celestial” body, is he not also describing heaven? Yes he is! However, do we really have the ability to understand something that is “incorruptible” and “immortal”? How can we, seeing all that we know is corruptible and mortal? Here is our problem; here is God’s problem, if you will, in trying to describe heaven to us mortals! Nothing corruptible can truly describe the incorruptible; nothing mortal can truly describe the immortal.
Let us go back to the beginning, to creation. Here we read: “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness …” (Gen. 1:26). Moses wrote that God – and this is the Godhead, as seen in the plural pronoun “us” in the text – made man in “our image,” and “likeness.” These words must refer to the spirit of man, the part of man that is unseen! So, even though within us is a “spirit” that is made in the “image” and “likeness” of God, like God, it is unseen and indescribable! It is immortal, in that it will always exist; either in heaven or hell. However, this “spirit,” if heaven is the eternal home, will be clothed upon with a body that is incorruptible, and immortal. Why is this? Because this is the nature of heaven!
Now, just for the sake of writing, let us suppose that the following words were written to describe heaven: “And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass” (Rev. 21:18-21). First, these words are highly figurative! What would an immortal spiritual being have need of a street made of mortal, corruptible “pure gold?” Here is the real question: “Do these words, even if they were used to truly describe heaven, make you want to go to heaven?” Is this your motivation for eternal life? I think not! We can have material things, yes, even gold, in this life!
The desire to enter heaven is not material in nature; as these are the desires of this life! No, heaven is far more than these! The apostle wrote: “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Pet 3:11-13). Seeing that all material things, including this earth, shall be “dissolved,” Peter says, “nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth.” Peter is not writing about a purified earth and heavens, but a “new” earth and heavens. The key word is “new” which is used two times. It is the Greek “kainos” and means, “1) new, as respects substance , unheard of.” Of course, Peter must use words which we know as in other cases, otherwise, they would have no meaning whatsoever!
But, keep in mind, the “new” is of the “unheard of” nature; truly indescribable to the human mind. Heaven is unlike anything we know; so far above all things of this life that words do not have the ability to describe it. So, what can we say? What a place, a place of the heart, a place of the spirit, a place of all our desires! Friends, it is a place prepared only for those who obey the gospel and live faithful until death. Don’t miss it!!

— Frank R. Williams

The subject of heaven thrills the spirit of every spiritual minded person! The thought that we may not know as much about heaven, the eternal of the saved, is most disturbing to us. There is no question that heaven is truly the eternal home of the saved and this is reassuring, even if we do not know as much about the eternal home as first we thought!
The first thing we know about heaven is that it the home of God! Here we refer to all that is God; thus, the Godhead, known to us as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:20). It is also the home of those heavenly creatures known as angels, which will come with the Lord when he comes to judge (Matt. 25:31). To the saved, heaven is the eternal abode of “the Majesty on high” and the Son who sat down on his right hand (Heb. 1:3). Heaven is the place from which we look for the Lord to come again, just as he was taken up (Acts 1:11). Yet, we are stunned to realize that we know so little about heaven itself!
It might surprise you to read that heaven is the indescribable! Why would anyone write such a things, after all, don’t we have sixty-six books in which inspired writer after inspired writer wrote about heaven? Yes, yes, we sure do! But these writers did not describe heaven itself, at least not ever much; even in those passages in the book of Revelation, which may not refer to heaven at all; as they used physically known things to reveal to us the unknown spiritual things. Physical things can never fully reveal, nor describe, spiritual things! Therefore, our knowledge of heaven is most limited!
Jesus did say, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3). In these words Jesus truly thrilled our hearts, but, just what did Jesus really tell us about heaven itself? He used the Greek “mone,” which is used but two times in the New Testament and both times by Jesus in the Gospel According to John. The second time is in John 14:23: “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode (mone) with him.” So, we have two English words, “mansions,” and “abode.” If you are looking for an English word to describe the greatest place the human mind has ever heard of, what word do you use? If you are living in 1611, the time of the King James Version, the greatest “abode” was a kingly mansion! It is a place of many rooms, with all the best things of the times for the guest. Remember, even the Son of God is limited when it came to describing spiritual things to humans; as he could only use words we humans knew. Therefore, “mansions” is a good word, though it is still limited when it comes to fully expressing the grandness of heaven!
The apostle Paul may help us in our understanding of heaven, even though heaven is not his direct subject. He wrote: “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Cor. 5:1). Of course, the apostle is addressing our physical body, “our earthy house,” which is subject to being “dissolved;” but the apostle assures us “we have a building of God, an house not made with hands.” This requires a few words. The word “dissolved” means “to dismantle,” as one would do a tent; thus, Paul is likening the process of physical death to the dismantling of a tent-dwelling. But he does not leave us in doubt, as he reveals that which replaces the earthy is the spiritual; “a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” It is a spiritual body “eternal in the heavens.” It is totally suitable for heaven; it will fit, it will be right at home in those “mansions!” Heaven is, therefore, incorruptible and immortal. No wonder the apostle went on to write: “For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven” (2 Cor. 5:2).
One final thought, just here, it needs to be understood that when we die we do not go to heaven, the eternal home of the saved! No, at death the spirit being separated from the body (James 2:26); it is at this time the spirit/soul of both the saved and the lost go to Hades. There we are reserved until the second coming of the Lord and judgment; then, following judgment; Jesus said: “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matt. 25:46). “Life eternal” is in the eternal home – heaven!

— Frank R. Williams

It seems only natural to study the subject of heaven after a study of “hell.” As a matter of fact, I would like to know more about heaven than I would about hell. You see, I have no desire to go to hell, be it the Greek “Tartarus” (2 Pet. 2:4), or “Gehenna” (Matt. 10:28). Of course, it must be understood, no one who dies can miss going to “Hades,” all who die go to “Hades” at death! It is true, not all go to the same place in “Hades,” as it has both a place of comfort and torment. You remember, the “rich man” in Luke chapter sixteen was in “Hades,” but he was in “torment;” while Lazarus “the beggar” was also in “Hades,” but he was comforted. Jesus makes the point that a “great gulf” was fixed between them through which no one could pass. So, no one can miss “Hades” who dies; while on the other hand, the Bible reveals that “most” souls will never see heaven!
So, what do you really know about heaven? It might surprise you how little you know about heaven, the eternal home of the saved. One writer, which was found in a search on the internet, wrote: “Neither the artist’s brush, the sculptor’s chisel, nor the theologian’s exegesis can depict the things which God hath prepared for them who love Him.” (Liberty University Online Bible College, Leman Strauss). As true as the words are in the first part of this statement; the scripture quoted: First Corinthians chapter two, verse nine, do not refer to heaven, the eternal home of the saved. The full text reads: “But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” The first words, “But as it is written,” means this is a quotation from the Old Testament. In fact, it comes from Isaiah 64:3; though the words are somewhat different, the Holy Spirit gave Paul the Greek meaning of the Hebrew words. They do not refer to heaven, the eternal home of the saved, but to the blessings of being in the church, the kingdom of Christ. The words, “the things which God hath prepared for them that love him,” are things which those who obey the gospel of Christ receive! The point being, this, “taking a text out of context,” is one of the problems we have when it comes to knowing about heaven, the eternal home of the saved!
So, what do you know about heaven, the eternal home of the saved? More than likely you know more about what does not refer to heaven, than what does refer to heaven. Even those beautiful words from the book of Revelation, which are so often read, may not refer to heaven at all. What words? These words: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Rev. 21:4). It is most important to notice the words that appear just before verse four, as they are most revealing; read with great care: “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” (Rev. 21:1-3). Did you notice that whatever John saw, it was “coming down from God out of heaven?” It was “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Please answer this question: What is the bride of Christ? Is it not the church? John is describing a victorious church as it relates to events, “for time is at hand” (Rev. 1:3 and 22:10). Therefore, John writes: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Whatever “the holy city,” “new Jerusalem,” and “the bride adorned for her husband,” may refer to, they were said to be “coming down from God out of heaven,” not going to heaven and not referring to heaven! The Book of Revelation is a book full of symbolic language; it is filled with figures of speech. It is a book that uses physical things to reveal spiritual things. One must be very careful when studying this book and this is so true with references which may appear to refer to heaven.

— Frank R. Williams

In this last article in the series, we will look at the Greek work “tartaroo” which is found but one time in the New Testament. The only writer to use this word was the apostle Peter and he did so in the following: “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment” (2 Pet. 2:4). It is to be understood at the beginning, this verse is one of debate, as to meaning and subject. It is clear that Peter is addressing the fact God punished the evil doers. This is not a subject of debate! It is as though Peter is saying, “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment, he will not spare you either!” Therefore, the first point is fully understood!
Before looking at the Greek word and what it means, let us notice a few things in the text itself. Peter is writing about “the angels that sinned” and he says three things about them; first, they were cast down to “hell;” second, they were “delivered” into “chains of darkness;” and third, they were “to be reserved unto judgment.” There is nothing good about any of these three points! This leaves us with two major points of debate: 1) the word “angels” and 2) the word “hell.”
First, a study of the word “angels” will be of great help, not only here, but elsewhere as well. The Greek word translated “angels” is “aggelos” and means: “a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, and a messenger from God.” The translators have done us a disservice by translating this Greek word into our English word “angel.” They should have translated it into the English word, “messenger,” and allowed us the freedom to determine if it is a heavenly or earthly “messenger.” By translating the Greek nearly always into the word “angel,” they have, in some cases, misdirected us. Therefore, it is my conclusion, in the text under study that the Greek word “aggelos” should have been translated into the English word “messenger;” thus allowing us to determine, was Peter writing about heavenly “messengers that sinned,” or was he writing about earthly “messengers that sinned?” It is my humble opinion, after years of study that Peter is writing about earthly messengers who sinned!
Second, the Greek word “tartaroo,” and to what does it refer? It is a place the wicked dead go, thus, spirits of the dead go to suffer punishment, but not the final punishment! Now, take the time and think; asking yourself this question, “What does this remind me of, that has already been studied?” Does it not remind you of the rich man, who was in “hades” being in torments, as he suffered for his evil? Yes, it does! It is only natural to conclude, that “tartaroo” is the place in “Hades” which equals the word “torments.” Therefore, “tartaroo” is the place the “messengers” who sinned were case down to, and being “reserved unto judgment.” The whole text lines up with Hades, and the part described in the word “torments” and being reserved unto the final judgment.
At the resurrection, when Christ shall come, the bodies shall come forth out of the graves and the spirits shall come forth out of Hades, both the just and the unjust; “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). Remember what Jesus said: “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left” (Matt. 25:31-33). The end result of this text reads: “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matt. 25:46).
It needs to be understood, that at death, our spirit/soul does not go to heaven, if we are saved and neither does it go to “Gehenna,” if we are lost! No, all souls at death go to Hades, there to wait for the second coming of Christ, the final judgment, then, eternal heaven or hell. With this, it is hoped that you have a better understanding of “Hell.”
My friends, we are all determining our eternity as we live day by day; we cannot change the truth: “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Heb. 5:9). God’s grace is in obeying his dear Son. Forgiven waits on those who “obey him!” God’s grace is found in: believing the gospel, repenting of our sins, confessing Jesus is Lord, being baptized unto remission of our sins, and living faithfully unto death. You are not going to find God’s grace somewhere else!

— Frank R. Williams