Hope Sabbath School

Many thinkers have tried to explain the origin of evil. Some suggest that evil always has existed because, in their view, good can be appreciated only in contrast to evil. Others believe that the world was created perfect but, somehow, evil emerged. For example, in Greek mythology, evil started when the curious Pandora opened a sealed box out of which flew all the evils of the world (this myth, however, does not explain the origin of the evils supposedly hidden in that box).

This study looks into the origin of evil and as a result - death!

This study will reflect on the fall of Adam and Eve, on how sin and death took over our world, and on how God planted a seed of hope for humanity even back in Eden. 

This study will consider how the Old Testament defines human nature and the condition of human beings at death.

The Old Testament teaches about the resurrection. The resurrection is the time when God will wake up His dead followers at the Second Coming. This teaching fills us with hope. But how does the resurrection happen? How can a body that is burned to ashes or that rots in the grave come alive again? In this study we look at what some Old Testament writers say about the final resurrection.

This study looks at certain cases of individuals who were resurrected prior to the crucifixion of Christ. Of all these individuals who died, only Moses went straight to heaven. All the rest were brought back to life here on earth. As we look into these accounts we will find clues that help us form a clearer picture of death. 

Christ’s resurrection is central to our faith, because in His resurrection we have the surety of our own. But before Christ was resurrected from the dead, He, of course, had to die. This is why, amid the agony of Gethsemane, in anticipation of His death, He prayed: “ ‘Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? “Father, save Me from this hour”? But for this purpose I came to this hour’ ” (John 12:27, NKJV). And that purpose was to die. This STUDY will focus on Christ’s death and what it means for the promise of eternal life.

The Cross is Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the devil; and His resurrection is the culminating triumphal event. Death could not retain Jesus, for He never committed sin and was sinless in all His actions. Jesus’ death is the central point of His accomplishments; however, the Cross without the resurrection would become only a beautiful philosophy of unselfish service and have no salvific significance. Furthermore, the Cross without the resurrection would be a demonstration of sacrificial love but have no power to transform lives and bring a decisive solution to the problem of sin and death. It would be incapable of providing eternal life for believers (Rom. 3:21–26). 

This study will delve into the New Testament passages about the resurrection from the dead. Whether from Paul and the other apostles or from Jesus Himself, none say anything about immortal souls or spirits already being in heaven. The New Testament hope is found in the resurrection and the Second Coming.

This study examines biblical passages that have been proposed by some as promoting the immortality of the soul and/or the existence of a foreverburning hell. These reflections should strengthen our own convictions and help us to answer kindly those who question this crucial teaching.