The Kingdom of God, Student Workbook, SW02

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T H E K I N G D O M O F G O D

3. Is this view persuasive? No, for several reasons:

a. It implies a kind of works righteousness which is contrary to many clear teachings of the New Testament, especially Galatians 3.1-14 and Ephesians 2.8-9.

b. The heart of the New Testament’s teaching is that we are saved by grace through faith, not through our works.

c. A theology of purgatory actually speaks of a kind of spiritual probation and personal contribution and aiding in one’s own righteousness, and therefore cannot be accepted.

D. The intermediate state as the believer’s hope: transported into the presence of the Lord

1. General overview of intermediate state

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a. The state of the unrighteous dead is not entirely clear from Scripture, although Jesus’ teaching of the rich man in Luke 16 would argue against soul sleep, but a kind of conscious misery and torment in Hades.

b. The Bible does provide, however, indications that the righteous dead do not go into unconsciousness or a state of gloom in Hades.

2. What is the view of the believers hope of the presence of the Lord?