Is there any argument that can be presented against the spirits of the departed being at rest and not awake and conscious that I cannot answer? An argument so sound that it becomes impossible to give a satisfactory explanation?
An argument that it is impossible to refute? An argument that puts all my work on these pages to shame and shows the error of my ways?Yes, There is one!
What is worse is that this argument is so simple it can be expressed in about a dozen words. It can be applied to almost any proof of my position that I care to offer. It can be used for both the New and the Old Testament scriptures.
Dare I reveal it?
Trying to be as honest on these pages as I possible can, then I must let the secret out. I learned of this irrefutable argument when I spoke with others trying to prove my position. At first they offered rebuttal that was easily answered or was already explained on these pages. But then, to my chagrin, they would think of this response and I was stumped. I was beaten. What more could I say?
So, here it is in all its magnificence. I will not try to explain this perfect solution that rebuffs my Psychopannychy position, but I will give many examples.
Scripture is quoted in red and the perfect rebuttal will be in green.Here we go. Are you ready? Are you paying attention? Be sure to take notes.
Memorize these rebuttals, they will prove invaluable should you encounter a heretic like me.
It was Stephen's body that fell asleep. His spirit is alive in heaven.
Act 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Act 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand.
It is David's body that has not ascended. His spirit is alive in heaven.1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
It is the body that will be made alive, the spirit is already alive in heaven.
1Co 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
Dan. 12:2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.
It is the body that will awake, the spirits are already alive in heaven or hell.Psalm 6:4-5 Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake. For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
It is the body in the grave that has no remembrance, the spirit is giving thanks in heaven.John 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice.
It is the body in the grave that will hear His voice, the spirit already hears His voice in heaven.Mat. 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
The spirit in heaven has already been rewarded.1Thes. 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
It is the body that will rejoice, the spirit is already rejoicing in heaven.
Well, I'm sure you get the idea. Every scripture that says when Jesus returns and God will raise the dead you only have to insert the line, "But that refers to the body, the spirit is already alive in heaven."
How simple! There are so many Bible verses that say the dead are asleep or mentions Christ returning and the dead be raised that one wonders why God did not inspire the writers of scripture to insert a simple phrase like that as it applies so often. Surly, one would think, He would have mentioned it just once. But alas, it not to be found in scripture. No matter, you can insert it where needed. After all, it is the perfect rebuttal. Of course it sometimes destroys the point the writer is making, but don't let a little thing like that stop you.