As we have stated, we are not implying a purgatory or a second chance after we die. When God comes to us at whatever level of redemption (and every aspect of redemption is an opportunity), we must respond in faith. If we do not, we are charged with neglecting our salvation and there is no second chance to our knowledge, at least not a second chance to gain that level of growth and rank in the Kingdom of God.

We know little or nothing of what happens to us after we die. We have a venerable tradition of mansions in Heaven. But a careful study of the Scriptures will reveal that we know little or nothing of what life is like in Heaven. We do read that God is going to shake the heavens and is in the process of moving His Throne from Heaven to the hearts of His saints. Great changes are taking place in the realm of spirits and there is no safety in Heaven, only in the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone is our Rock and our Fortress, not the heavens.

The idea of judging the living and the dead starts back in Chapter Three.

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened [made alive] by the Spirit: by which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. (I Peter 3:18-20)

I don't know that I have ever read a commentary that treated clearly and plainly the concept of Christ ministering in the spirit realm or deceased people being judged according to people still living in the flesh. Have you?

I guess this is because we seem to have a phobia about the spirit realm. We prefer our dry, doctrinal theological religion. The result is, people today are going to other religions and beliefs to satisfy their desire for the supernatural. This is a shame because Christianity has all the supernatural aspects and experiences one could wish.

We have made a business of Christianity. In place of the enchanting wonders of the spirit Paradise we have our building program. Instead of the rush of angels' wings we have the unfolding of blueprints. When visitors come to see the church we show them the new parking lot. Is this why the American people are lusting after occult experiences?

I even read where one Evangelical group said the witch of Endor didn't really bring up Samuel but a demon. If that were the case the Bible is not telling the truth. But it shows how determined we are to keep pressed into the dead religious works of the flesh. We don't ever get to hear the horns of elf land.

Well there are no such chain on me and so I am going to take these references in First Peter full-bore.

To be continued.