"Who Hath Abolished Death."
By Joseph Clarke
At a recent funeral in this vicinity the above isolated text was commented upon. The speaker endeavored to show how this text should be understood. Much truth was spoken, but the usual idea of a spirit world predominated, and that there was only a momentary change from the body to the spirit land; that now the deceased is singing praise in Heaven; has grasped and is now wearing the crown, and is in the presence of God. Once we would have received it all as sound doctrine; but, thank God, we are no longer ignorant on this point. To understand this passage we have only to finish the clause. It reads thus: "and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." 2 Tim. 1: 10. Now how is it brought to light? Hear the Saviour in John 14: 3. "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." So it seems from this that the dead wait until Christ comes in the clouds of heaven. The idea of the spirit existing without the body is all illusory. It is a doctrine imported from the heathen by corrupt Christianity long ages in the past. The dead wait for immortality till the life-giver comes.