Beginning Apologetics – The End Times III: The Second Coming (part II)

Folks,

Three classes down, and no one has been hurt, yet!  Here’s the audio file for the class; hope it’s useful.  Here’s the outline in Word 2007 format; if you need the converter, you can find it here.  Finally, here are the notes pages for the PowerPoint presentation I used.  If you’re listening at home, I would recommend printing the presentation and taking notes on it, or printing the outline and following it.

There were two questions asked before and during this class; the first was about a reference from 1 Peter 4:6: “For this is why the gospel was preached even to the dead ²that, though condemned in the flesh in human estimation, they might live in the spirit in the estimation of God.”  The question was whether this verse could serve as a proof text for praying for the dead, in the same sense that 2 Macc 12:44-45 can be used.  I have searched a few of the resources I have at my disposal, and I would have to say that I don’t think so; 2 Macc 12:44-45 is a proof text for Purgatory, while the verse above really aims in a different direction.  This verse refers to, it seems, the effectiveness of the Gospel even for those who are now dead (but who heard the Gospel preached while alive).  It’s not a reference to use, so much, about things that will help the dead who are not yet in Heaven; it’s more a reference to the effectiveness of the Gospel on the souls of those who have already died.  Prayer for the dead aims to improvethe lot of the dead; this verse refers to the Gospel’s positive effect in general on them. Convoluted answer; if anyone can do better, throw it out there in the comment box!

The other question, which was also a comment, was about a particular verse and its applicability to those who have left the Church.  I am still trying to find the specific reference, and when I do, I’ll answer it here!

See y’all next week; take care, and God bless!