In what state are we then? We are no different from Adam and Eve. We are the dust of the ground. We are perishable. We are not of the Kingdom of God because Paul told us flesh and blood (the race of humans) cannot inherit the Kingdom.

If God at this point does not give us to eat of the Tree of Life, of Jesus Christ, then what will take place? Will all such be thrown into the outer darkness? Into the flames of the Lake of Fire to be with the devil and his angels?

I am certain the wicked will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, because the Bible states this clearly. But how about people who are not that bad but simply have no eternal life to make alive their resurrected body? Perhaps this is the corruption and destruction the New Testament speaks of.

Instead of a glorious entrance into the Kingdom of God they have been raised to shame and everlasting contempt, as Daniel says. They are not part of the royal priesthood. Their talent may be taken from them and given to another. They may be beaten with lashes. They may be driven from the Lord's Presence. All of this is absolutely scriptural.

It is clear if we as a Christian do not turn from the flesh and live according to the Spirit of God we will die spiritually.

For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, (Romans 8:13—NIV)

The reason I am pointing out the cause and effect relationship between our behavior today and the resurrection unto life is that in the current teaching (which hardly resembles the new covenant described in the Book of Hebrews) the idea is that if one "accepts Christ" he escapes Hell and goes to Heaven. There is no cause and effect relationship between how one lives today and what happens to him in the Day of Resurrection.

Therefore I cannot accept the current teaching. It is not scriptural. There is no new-covenant of transformation in it; no image of God; no union with God; no bringing about of God's eternal purposes concerning man.

It is easy to see that the new covenant is so superior to the Law of Moses that comparison is not possible. As we said, all of God's covenants have the same goal—to accomplish the original fourfold Divine fiat. While the goal remains the same, two features change. First, the demands on the human being become greater. The demands placed on the worshiper under the Law of Moses were more rigorous and detailed than those placed on Abraham, for example (except for the extraordinary test concerning Isaac).

The demands placed on the worshiper under the new covenant are very much more severe and comprehensive than those included under the Law of Moses. Never before have God's followers been asked to present their body a living sacrifice. Never before have God's people been required to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow the Lord. The demands under the Law of Moses involved part of one's time and strength. The demands under the new covenant demand the worship of every part of the personality every moment of every day.

Marriage to Jesus Christ is the ultimate demand on the human personality.

To be continued.