Page 13 - BCCA2
P. 13
"...from men, LORD, by your hand -- from men who belong to this world
[non-Israelite races], whose reward is only in this life. But as for your
treasured ones [Israelites], may their stomachs be full, may their children
have an abundance, and may they leave wealth to their offspring."
8. Also, read what Psalm 49 has to say. Note particularly verses 1, 7, 17
and 19.
COMMENT: The Revised Standard Version of the Bible makes this a little
clearer. Life after death is a mystical vision for most races and involves
speculation about a fabulous harem for Moslems on the one hand, to re-
incarnation for the Hindus on the other. The Bible tells those of us of Israel
nothing about the resurrected life other than that we cannot even begin to
imagine it.
9. How does Paul explain what’s in store for us? I Corinthians 2:9.
COMMENT: If we care about it, as Israelites, we will strive to attain it and
will receive it. If we care not, we will see it momentarily and know absolute
remorse, panic, and terror as we face oblivion in the Lake of Fire. But once
that occurs, we will know nothing and will be the same as any non-Israelite
who dies. There is no such thing as Hell and eternal punishment -- only life
and oblivion.
These things are not spelled out in black and white in the Bible, but they
are the corollaries of what is spelled out for Israel and Israel only.
How Do We Assess Our Beliefs?
This might be summed up by saying that we must be objectively critical,
and that we must appreciate just what the Bible says on any subject. Like-
wise we must appreciate what the Bible does not say, and we must not
presume anything or accept anything, especially if this is based upon reli-
gious tradition.
1. Does Scripture says we can be led away, fall away, or slip away from the
Truth of the Word of YEHOVAH God? Luke 8:13.
COMMENT: Most people are the clones of their teachers in their beliefs,
and this can only be bad. We must do our own research on what is said.
2. Are the Bereans a good example to follow? Acts 17:10-11.
13 | P a ge