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Clarence Larkin - The Spirit World


Alan

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I do appreciate the additional information, logic, spiritual reasoning, Biblical references of both Jim and Omega.

All through the scriptures, in both the Old and New Testament, and in all dispensations,  it is very obvious that the consequence of our sins, and the consequence of rejecting the salvation that God freely offers, immediately after death of the body, the soul of the unregenerate person, is in conscious torment, and will spend eternity in hell. 

And, all through the scriptures, in both the Old and New Testament, in all dispensations,  it is very obvious that the consequence of a person having faith in the salvation that God freely offers is immediately, after the death of the body, the soul of the regenerate  person, is in a conscious state of bliss: heaven.

Larkin clearly brought out that the belief, the doctrine, of 'soul sleep' is a falsehood.

Edited by Alan
grammer and the word heaven
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On 11/28/2017 at 4:32 AM, (Omega) said:

I'm about to leave to do some missionary work in a few hours today,

Maybe, if you feel led to do so, if you would like to tell us what kind of missionary work you do (I think home missions; among the homeless), please do so. As this thread is concerning an overview of Clarence Larkin's book, maybe you could start another thread concerning what you do?

Brethren,

I am working on Chapter 12, "The Intermediate State" and will upload soon.

Alan

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Chapter 12

The Intermediate Statement

Clarence Larkin relates that since it has been proven, by scripture, that “Soul Sleep” is an erroneous doctrine, that we need to know the “Intermediate State” of the soul after the death of the body and before the resurrection of the body.

Chart – Page 96

The Three States of Man”

image.thumb.jpeg.469efedeb6c5f2829cf1193c1d01bb82.jpeg

In the chart, “The Three States of Man,” whether saved or lost, are:

 

1. Present State: from the birth of the body to the death of the body.

2. Intermediate State: from the death of the body to the resurrection. Concerning the lost, we need to note that Larkin has a line, called, 'Souls of the “Wicked dead” going to the grave for their bodies” going from 'Hell' portion of the chart to the end of the 1000 year 'Resurrection Day' circle. In the chart, Larkin feels, due to the fact we do not have a resurrected body, our souls are in 'Paradise' which he has slightly under 'Heaven,' and which he calls, “The Upperworld.” Alan note: I am not in full agreement with this thought. I do not see an, “Upperworld” in the scriptures.

3. Future State: from the resurrection to 'Eternity.'

Larkin Divides the Intermediate State into Five Categories:

Category #1 “It is a State of Consciousness”

Larkin refers the reader to the story of The Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16:16-31. The bodies of the rich man, Lazarus,and Abraham, had all been buried. After the burial of their bodies, the soul of each individual was conscious, they could feel, thirst, talk, remember, see, and have the capacity to experience pain and comfort.

Larkin then refers to the reader to the promise of the Penitent thief on the Cross, the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:6-9 and Philippians 1:21-24 and states that the promises of Paradise after death would have no meaning if the individual was not conscious. Alan note: Larkin feels that Paradise and Heaven are not entirely the same location until the righteous have been given their gloried bodies.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:6-9, “Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

  • Philippians 1:21-23, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”

Note by Alan. The apostle Paul knew that after death the soul of the righteous was absent from the body, and in a conscious state with the Lord Jesus. I consider that since the Lord Jesus is in heaven, which I consider Paradise, than that we cannot, since the Resurrection of Christ, separate the two.

First Experiences After Death

Larkin gives seven thoughts concerning death. In my overview, I will give my thoughts on Larkin's fifth thought as I am not fully agreeing with him.

1. It will be light falling asleep and our 'Guardian Angel(s)' will convey us to paradise. Luke 16:22 and Hebrews 1:13-14

2. We will leave our earthly body behind with all of its weaknesses, sufferings, and limitations and we will have a body fitted for the spiritual realm.

3. We will be transported swiftly to our home and escorted by angels singing: Revelation 22:14

4. We will be in an environment of love without discord, lack of harmony and the chief characteristic will be HOLINESS (emphasis is Larkin's).

5. Larkin states, “Our fifth experience will be the feeling that we are near Jesus. If we do not actually see Him, we shall have the consciousness of His nearness.”i Note by Alan. I am confident that when Paul said, “...and to be present with the Lord.” and, “ ...and to be with Christ...” is very clear that we will be be within eyesight of the Lord Jesus.

6. We will experience being with the loved ones who are saved.

7. We will meet the saints who preceded us to heaven; including the Patriarchs and others.

Category # 2. It is a State of Rest

Larkin begins this section with quoting Job 3:17, “There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.”

Revelation 6:9-11, “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.”

Concerning the martyred saints in Revelation 6:6-9, Larkin then proceeds to show that after the martyrdom of the saints in Revelation 6:9-11, they were given white robes to cover their “Soulish BODIES,” (emphasis is Larkin's). Larkin then sates, “Therefore we see that the state of the Righteous dead in the “Intermediate State” is that of consciousness, and that their “Soulish Body” is clothed, and that they are resting.”ii

Larkin comments on Revelation 14:13 and again shows conclusively that after the death of the body of the person who is righteous; they are conscious and in a state of rest. Revelation 14:13, “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

Larkin also brings to mind that the Christian has rest after the warfare, work and labor, in this life: Romans 7:15-25, Luke 9:14, and 2 Corinthians 5:10

Category # 3. It is a State of “Bliss”

Larkin refers the reader back to Revelation 14:13, “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” Larkin then states, “The word “blessed” means “happy,” then HAPPY will be the Righteous in Paradise. And as “happiness” is an emotion that demands consciousness to be experienced, the Righteous must be conscious in Paradise.”iii

Larkin then states that are bodies are 'asleep' and are waiting for the redemption of the 'body.' Romans 8:23, “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.”

Category # 4. It is a State of “INCOMPLETENESS.”

Larkin states that the intermediate state is not the final state for either the wicked nor the righteous. Larkin states, “That is, we do not go immediately to “Heaven” or to the “Lake of Fire” when we die. We must first get our Resurrection body and be Judged before we can go to either place.iv Alan note: I am in partial agreement with this statement. After the death of the righteous and the unrighteous both can see and experience all of the spiritual realm that they are conscious in. After the judgment, the lost are cast into the lake of fire, and the saved still experience the glories of heaven but have been rewarded.

Category # 5. It is a State of HOPE.

Larkin uses John 3:5 and Hebrews 12:23 to express the thought that the new born are in a family. Some of the this family of believers are in Heaven (Paradise) and some on Earth. He states that the hope of both parts of this family is the “Blessed Hope” of the coming of Christ, Titus 2:11-14, in order for all to receive their glorified bodies. Larkin then quotes 1 Corinthians 15:55, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

i Larkin, Clarence The Spirit World, (Glenside, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate), 1921, page 100

ii Larkin, Clarence The Spirit World, (Glenside, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate), 1921, page 101

iii Larkin, Clarence The Spirit World, (Glenside, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate), 1921, page 102

iv Larkin, Clarence The Spirit World, (Glenside, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate), 1921, page 103

Edited by Alan
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The fact that the rich man mentioned in (Lk.16:19-31) could feel the torment in the flames suggests that there is an "interim body" before the resurrection at the Great White Throne judgement. And the "dead" will be resurrected and given a body suited for eternal torment in the Lake of Fire (Jn. 5:28,29). The torments of hell will continue in the Lake of Fire at the end of History (Rev.20:14).

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The story of the rich man in hell, and the multitudes of people with him, should urge us to spend more time in warning them and seeking the salvation of their souls  in order to escape the lake of fire after the judgment.

Larkin is clearly showing us that Hell is real and Heaven is real and that those who go to either place is conscious of his environment. Jude 22 & 23, “And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”

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Chapter 13

Recognition and Relationship

in the Spirit World

Although there is no chart in this chapter, the chart on page 96, Chapter 12, “The Intermediate State,” would be appropriate while studying this chapter.

King David makes this testimony concerning the death of his child, “2 Samuel 12:23, “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”

Larkin makes an appropriate comment on the words of King David, “If the inspired Psalmist should say of his son, “He shall not return to me, but I shall go to him,” he must have said it because he knew that when he should go to him he would recognize him.”i Larkin's observation is not only appropriate, it is correct and a comfort to all who lost a child in childbirth. In eternity, both the regenerate, and the unregenerate, will recognize one another. Larkin further brings out this truth with thoughts on previous passages commented on in earlier chapters in, 'The Spirit World;' Luke 23:43, Philippians 1:23, the story of the Rich man and Lazarus, Matthew 22:23-30, and Luke 20:34-36

Larkin brings our a sobering scriptural truth of the Spirit world when he mentions the recognition and relationship issue concerning the unregenerate in hell; “The torment of the lost will be intensified by their recognition of the righteous in the other world. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall See Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. Luke 13:28,”ii

Larkin also brings out the comforting scriptural truth that, “If our Heavenly Father's house is a HOME, then it will have all the features of a home, and they include the recognition of the members of the family. “For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”1 Cor. 13:12”iii

i Larkin, Clarence The Spirit World, (Glenside, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate), 1921, page 105

ii Larkin, Clarence The Spirit World, (Glenside, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate), 1921, page 107

iii Larkin, Clarence The Spirit World, (Glenside, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate), 1921, page 107

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6 hours ago, Alan said:

King David makes this testimony concerning the death of his child, “2 Samuel 12:23, “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”

 

Some have suggested that the verse mentioned means that King David will be buried alongside his dead child. But I do not hold to that interpretation because we are condemned for NOT believing and a child or baby does not have the mental capacity to "believe", therefore they cannot be condemned.

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Chapter 14

The Final State

Larkin says, “The Scriptures speak of two places, “Heaven” and “Hell,” where the “righteous” and the “wicked” respectively are to spend eternity. The one demands the other. There can be no Heaven without its counterpart hell. If there is no Hell there is no Heaven, for the same Book speaks of both.”i Note by Alan. I throughly agree with Larkin's scriptural reasoning, logic, and conclusion.

Heaven

Larkin clearly states that heaven is a “place” and not a condition or state and that the New Jerusalem is a city of heaven. Revelation 21:2, “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Larkin references (but does not quote, or just partially quotes), the following verses to substantiate his belief.

  • John 14:2

  • Revelation 21:9-10

  • Hebrews 11:12

  • Hebrews 13:14

Larkin then explains that there are three heavens mentioned in the scriptures.

  • The atmosphere: Acts 14:17, “Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.”

  • The heaven of the stars, or 'high places, where the evil principalities are: Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

  • The heaven where God dwells: Acts 14:19-20 Paul called this place the 'third' heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:1-4

    Chart

    The Church

    Page 111

image.thumb.jpeg.6e2c568c938bbdbf94f6ecdc2e761f69.jpeg

Larkin broadly takes the reader through the various stages of the church in the chart from the Cross to our eternal home in the New Jerusalem in the New Earth. Larkin talks about the coming of Christ, 1 Thessalonians 3:13 and 4:13-17, to the Judgment Seat of Christ in the air, 2 Corinthians 5:10. Concerning the judgment of the church, Larkin refers the reader to study Chapter 19, “The Judgments.”

As brought out in above chart in this chapter, after the Judgment Seat of Christ, while the false, Papal Church, is going through the Tribulation Period, the, “Marriage of the Church,” Revelation 19:7-9, is taking place in heaven. Under, “The Millennium” section of the chart the church is reigning with Christ on the earth for 1000 Years in resurrected bodies. In Revelation 21:1 -2 Larkin brings out that the New Jerusalem descends from heaven to the New Earth for eternity.

The Final State of the Wicked

Larkin brings out that the wicked dead are not raised from the dead until the end of the 1000 Year Reign of Christ. Larkin references John 5:28-29 and states that the resurrection of the wicked is referred to as, “the resurrection of damnation.” Larkin refers the reader to study the chart concerning the resurrection of the wicked to Chapter 17, “The Resurrections.” Larkin also refers the reader the the chart on, “The Judgments,” in Chapter 19, called, “The Judgments.”

Concerning the judgment of the wicked at the Great White Throne of Judgment as recorded in Revelation 21:11-15, Larkin states, “They will not be judged to see whether they are entitled to “Eternal Life,” for their destiny was fixed at death, but to ascertain the “degree” of their punishment. That being fixed they are sentenced to the “Lake of Fire,” which is the “SECOND DEATH.” Rev. 20:11-15.”ii

The Second Death

Larkin states that the body of the resurrected wicked will die after the Great White Throne of Judgment that occurs in Revelation 20:11-15 and that their souls will spend eternity in the lake of fire and that the “Second Death,” for the wicked is the death of their resurrected bodies. Larkin then states, “From this we see that the Wicked are not to be annihilated or restored but are to survive for all Eternity in a disembodied form in the Lake of Fire.”

Note by Alan Concerning the Annihilation of the Wicked

Previously, I pointed out in my overview on Chapter 6, that Larkin is trying to prove that the soul of the righteous and the the soul of the wicked is conscious after death and will never be annihilated. Larkin stated, “Annihilationism is the Doctrine that the wicked are to be destroyed at death, or later after Judgment. The Doctrine is based on a false view of Death, and a wrong interpretation of the word “Destruction.”iii

Larkin proceeds to refer the reader to the following passages in scripture to prove his assertion. Note: the order of the passages given are Larkin's. They are given by Larkin in order to prove the consciousness of the soul after death, that the annihilation of the soul is not scriptural, the reality of hell, and the true biblical interpretation of the word “destroy” or “destruction” according to its proper context.

  • John 5:28-29

  • Revelation 20:12-15

  • Luke 16:19-31

  • Acts 1:25

  • Exodus 10:7

  • John 2:18-22

  • Matthew 25:46

  • Revelation 20:10

  • Matthew 13:49-50

  • Matthew 25:41

  • Mark 9:43-48

Larkin states, “The word “Destruction” as used in the Bible never means annihilation or the blotting out of existence. It simply denotes “loss” or “ruin,” and the thing “destroyed” is not longer fit for the purpose for which is was made or intended, and that the “form of its existence” is changed.”iv

Larkin conclusively scripturally proves that the soul of the wicked is conscious for eternity and the annihilation of the soul is a false doctrine. Larkin correctly states, “God is love, but God is JUST. He must preserve the Righteous from the Wicked. This demands that they be separated from all eternity.”v

i Larkin, Clarence The Spirit World, (Glenside, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate), 1921, page 108

ii Larkin, Clarence The Spirit World, (Glenside, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate), 1921, page 112

iii Larkin, Clarence The Spirit World, (Glenside, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate), 1921, page 58

iv Larkin, Clarence The Spirit World, (Glenside, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate), 1921, page 58

v Larkin, Clarence The Spirit World, (Glenside, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate), 1921, page 60

Edited by Alan
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I absolutely agree with EVERYTHING and EVERY word Larkin said in the above post. And I am almost certain that Larkin would agree with most of what I am about to say in this post. And a little caveat. Some of the info I am sharing, I am not 100% dogmatic on. This is based on my study of scripture and the etymology of certain words in the Bible. But with regards to what I have experienced with demonic entities, I can guarantee that what I say is true.

Many Christians scoff at the idea that there are UFO's, and aliens are the ones who pilot them. And they will tell you that you're a nut job if you believe in that. That is because they do not understand the depths of Satan. These beings are not "aliens", they are demonic beings in body suits. One might ask, "only God can create a body". These beings who are spirits can possess humans, and use their bodies as a vessel. They now have a body to use to create their own bodies. These entities can create body suits, but they cannot create a soul -- only God can. They all look exactly the same, because they are engineered body suits. They have been around for thousand of years, or maybe more, and were worshipped as gods in ancient times. The word "gods" in the Hebrew is "daimon, or daimones", which is where we get demons from, and the ancient Hebrews believe that they dwelt in the first and second heavens. I can't recall the name of the Pastor who said that these creatures have bases on other planets and can travel across the Universe with no problem at all. These evil entities not only dwell in the second heaven, but also hear on Earth in underground bases. I have personally seen these entities before and they communicated with me telepathically. This may sound like science fiction, and I know I may be scoffed at for my belief in what I'm saying -- but it's the truth. One of my closest friends actually worked at one of these underground bases and seen the dead bodies of these entities. They have no digestive system and a brain completely unlike ours. They absorb nutrients like frogs by putting themselves in vats. Since they are spirits in body suits, if they die, they can always enter another body suit. This close friend of mine, as long as I have known him (30 years), have been the most honest man I've ever came across.

The words "sons of God" appears 5 times (if I am correct) in the Old Testament and it ALWAYS  refers to angels. The term is "Bene elohim" in the Hebrew language. This cannot refer to born again Christians as we can see in this passage:

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? (Job 38:4-7)

If the "Sons of God" were born again believers, then how did they exist when God laid the foundations of the Earth? The offsprings of the Sons of God and the daughters of men resulted in a half breed and are referred to as "Nephilim". They were wiped out in the flood so their bodies were destroyed, but their spirits remain. And this is one of the reasons why these spirits seek bodies.

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; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; (2 Peter 2:4,5)

And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. (Genesis 6:1-4)

And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. (Revelation 16:13,14)

I never underestimate Satan's ability to work miracles. It has been confirmed by many (including one of my best friends) that there are underground bases where these entities are creating all sorts of weird creatures in preparation for the day of God Almighty, to wage war against the Lord. Obviously, they are not going to succeed. 

And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men. And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions. And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months. And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon. (Revelation 9:7-11)

Satan is still the prince of the power of the air and does his dirty work in the 2nd heaven. But he will one day come down to the Earth and all Hell will break loose. God is absolutely sovereign over all affairs and will even use these demonic creatures to punish those who refuse to repent from their wicked deeds.

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:7-9)

Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (Revelation 12:12)

I find it interesting that the word "heavens" ("ouranos" in the Greek) is in the plural. This seems to indicate that there are also angels and other celestial beings who are battling against Satan and his fallen angels. The bible even states in Revelation that John was caught up to the 3rd Heaven, which exists outside the Universe as we know it.

After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. (Revelation 4:1)

Well, enough of this, and thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic.

God Bless,

Daniel

Edited by (Omega)
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9 hours ago, (Omega) said:

I absolutely agree with EVERYTHING and EVERY word Larkin said in the above post.

Omega,

I am very happy to hear that you agree with Larkin is teaching on the subject of 'The Final State' of 'Heaven' and 'Hell.' I am sure that you have studied the subjects of heaven and hell and arrived at the conclusion that Larkin has independent of this study.

Larkin did a very good job and the chart is an excellent reference tool also.

Brethren,

It is my hope that all of you have benefited from this lesson on Heaven and Hell and that the chart has helped you to visualize our eternal state and the eternal state of the lost.

God bless! The next lesson on Chapter 15, "The Abolition of Death," should be a blessing to us all.

Alan

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Chapter 15

The Abolition of Death

Although there is no chart in the chapter. In Chapter 17, called, “The Resurrection,” there is a chart on page 131 that may help your understanding of Larkin's teachings in this chapter. I will upload the chart on page 131 on my Chapter 17 overview.

Larkin has the basis of 'The Abolition of Death' through the words of Paul the Apostle in 2 Timothy 1:10, “But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

Larkin states, “What is “Death”? Death is the “departure” (Exodus) of the “Soul” and “Spirit” from the “Body,” leaving the “Body” to corruption and dissolution. What does the word “Abolish” mean? The Standard Dictionary's definition is - “To do away with; put an end to; annul, destroy.”i

Larkin then relates that the penalty for breaking the law of God is death and that death was twofold: the death of the spirit and afterwards the death of the body of the person. Larkin gives the example of Adam and Eve in this regard and quotes Romans 5:12, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned.”

Larkin further states, “Jesus Christ abolished “Death” when He arose from the dead. And death will be abolished for all who are Christ's at the “Rapture.” Then the “Dead in Christ” shall rise from their graves, and all the living “in Christ” shall be “caught up” with them without dying to meet Him who abolished Death, in the air (1 Thess. 4:13-17), and those who shall be thus “caught up” shall be able to say - “O Death, where is thy STING? O Grave, where is thy VICTORY?” 1 Cor. 15:55”ii

Larkin then refers to the following passages to give us an understanding that Christ has the power over death and abolished death for the righteous:

  • Revelation 1:17-18

  • 1 Corinthians 15:26

  • Revelation 21:4

  • Luke 20:36

Larkin is careful to teach that “Death” has not been abolished for the unrighteous through the following two passages:

  • Revelation 20:11-15

  • Matthew 10:28

Concerning Matthew 10:28, Larkin spends the necessary time to explain the words of the Lord Jesus in detail. Matthew 10:28 says, “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.” Larkin states, “The word here translated “Hell” is the Greek word “GEHENNA,” which means the “Lake of Fire.” We must distinguish between the the word “kill” and the word “destroy.” To “kill” is to take away life or existence. To “destroy,” in the Bible use of the word, is not to take away existence, but to change the state of existence. We see then that while men can “kill” the BODY, God can “destroy” both SOUL AND BODY in the “Lake of Fire.”iii

i Larkin, Clarence The Spirit World, (Glenside, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate), 1921, page 114

ii Larkin, Clarence The Spirit World, (Glenside, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate), 1921, page 116

iii Larkin, Clarence The Spirit World, (Glenside, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate), 1921, page 117

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I agree with Larkin's explanation of death, and that is a departure of the soul and spirit from the body. Simply put, it is a separation of something to which it belongs.

If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (James 2:15-17)
 
As Larkin correctly mentioned in Revelation 20:14 regarding the 2nd death, which is Eternal "Separation" or departure from God (cf. 2 Thess.1:7-9)
 
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9) 

I also completely agree that the word "destroy" ("apollumi" in the Greek) does not mean annihilation but come to a state of ruin. A hurricane can destroy my house but it is not annihilated, it still exists, but in a state of ruin.

Thanks for sharing BroAlan, and God Bless,

Daniel

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Daniel,

Thank you for your thoughts, scripture verses, scriptural knowledge, and the illustration concerning how a hurricane can destroy a house but does not annihilate the house. That was a very appropriate illustration.  

I am sure that your thoughts were a blessing to others besides myself.

Alan

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BroAlan, it's always a pleasure to read your assessments and thoughts on Clarence Larkin. Keep up the good work. I like this thread because it sheds a lot of light for serious Bible teachers, evangelists, and even Pastors. There is always room for spiritual growth and the knowledge and wisdom on the Word of God. Thanks, I greatly appreciate it.

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