Dreams, Visions, Prophecies, and Supposed Apparitions [podcast]
Remember that Jesus says that His sheep hear His voice (John 10:16). The point of this message is in no way to limit God or foolishly claim He no longer speaks to people in dreams, visions, or the vocal gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-10; Hebrews 13:8). Yet, today, most of those claiming to be getting words, visions, dreams, and prophecies, are not grounded in Christ and most of them make it abundantly obvious by their lack of preaching the essential doctrines of the original Gospel such as Christ’s cross, judgment, hell, repentance, the necessity for personal holiness, the return of Christ, and the crucified life – the cross life.
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:” Acts 2:17
IT’S SAD to see how many refer to and base things on their own dreams or things they claim “God showed” them – INSTEAD OF GROUNDING AND FOUNDING THEIR LIVES IN THE “MORE SURE WORD OF PROPHECY” which is the Holy Scriptures (2 Peter 1:12-21).
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21
Yes as we read the words of 2 Peter 1:19-21…. part of it says “no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” When we trust God by learning, devouring, walking in and walking out His “MORE sure word of prophecy”, we are thereby grounded ever more deeply in Christ and will see little need to read prophecies, dreams, vision, words, etc. that come out daily by certain ministries/people (who seem to use this as a device to get people to patronize them). They are not sanctioned by God as are His holy written Word is – which is the “the MORE sure word of prophecy.” The Scriptures are already written saints. “ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness” are already on record in God’s Word (KJB). Beware of the “don’t put God in a box” deceivers.
“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:3-4
Doctrine is more important than gifts. God’s true people hear His voice primarily through His Word, sound doctrine (2 Timothy 3:16).
Beware of the “don’t put God in a box” deceivers. It’s a bunch of witchcraft. Anyone who uses the “put God in a box” deception, is simply looking to define Him anyway THEY wish, outside of what His Word clearly states. They are moral cowards who do not fear the LORD and are full of self while they use His holy name in vain by putting His name on things that violate the final divine authority of His Word. See Psalms 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21, etc.
The LORD defines Himself in His Word, period. Anyone teaching outside of His Word or contrary to it, is making a god in their own corrupt sinful image.
MANY are willing to give ear to any wolf who comes along with a staged “ministry” who is running their mouth, claims they have a word from God, a revelation, a dream, a vision, a promise, etc. Beware.
God has given His people dreams since Genesis and still does today (Genesis 37; Acts 2:17, etc.). Yet a dream, in biblical definition, is from the LORD and for His glory and purpose (1 Corinthians 1:29-31). A dream, gift, vision, or prophecy from God is not for the self-serving purposes and agenda of men and women who are not crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 4:10-11). Many we see boasting of a dream, gift, or vision today are self-glorying. Beware.
The words “dream” or “dreams” are found nearly 100 times in the Bible and mostly in a positive way. Joseph dreamed. Daniel dreamed. Ezekiel dreamed. New Testament Joseph dreamed. Peter was given a dream/vision. The list goes on.
Self-serving people are lazy and therefore refuse to seek the LORD in His written Word. So, instead, they look for and rely on a “word” or dream, philosophy, or vision from a mere man. They are not “valiant for the truth” and God Himself will send them “strong delusion” and they will be “destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Jeremiah 9:3; Hosea 4:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).
ALL who run around looking for or give ear to the pathetic self-appointed, self-proclaimed “prophetic” witches and warlocks who are giving out “words” are not in God’s WORD for themselves and therefore turned over by God Himself to “strong delusion” so they will be “deceived” and ultimately “damned” – “because they received not the love of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
The LORD tells you to get into HIS Word for yourself!
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
Note above that Paul instructed Timothy to study God’s Word – “You do it.”
“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail …” Isaiah 34:16
Are you looking for A WORD or THE WORD? If you aren’t looking for THE WRITTEN WORD, God is personally sending you a “strong delusion” so that you will be “deceived” by those who give “A WORD” and ultimately “damned” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:” Acts 2:17
WHAT is a dream, by definition? It’s GOD giving someone a vision supernaturally. Yet, today in the apostate modern church world we have self-serving counterfeits using the word “dream” to conjure up and confess all kinds of self-worshiping dreams.
If your foolish self-serving “dream” doesn’t include at it’s center to be crucified with Christ by daily dying, taking up the cross to follow Jesus for real, you are full of the devil and need to repent for real and get saved! (read Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33; John 12:23-25; 1 Corinthians 2:2 Galatians 2:20; 6:14, etc..)
Sharon Wylie Hagglov writes:
“Closed Bibles account for the famine in the land (Amos 8:11-13). The hunger for God can only be found in His Word ….not through revelations, visions, dreams.”
BEWARE of those who use the Bible for their own self-serving purposes as did Satan when tempting our LORD (Matthew 4:4). Hint: They sprinkle in Bible verses here or there, sometimes out of context, instead of simply preaching the written WORD as their whole message and only SCRIPT – GOD’s message. “You preach this Gospel JUST LIKE it’s written young man, you understand me!”
It’s real simple: Their message is the WORD and the written WORD only or they are false!
Do you remember that Satan used Scripture against Jesus in the temptation in the wilderness? (See Matthew 4.) Using Scripture alone is not an indication of a person of truth. We know this because Paul says MANY corrupt or twist and use Scripture to their own self-serving advantage (2 Corinthians 2:17).
“For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17
Here are some Bible verses where God deals directly with the heart of the wicked imaginations of the un-repentant hearts of many who claim to know Him:
“But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:” Jeremiah 9:14
“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets (false leaders) that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth (written Word) of the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:16
“I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;” Jeremiah 23:25-26
The true disciple is not overly impressed with a word, dream, or vision because he’s soundly grounded in the “MORE sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:19-21).
IF what you call your vision or dream is not 100% biblical, it’s from the devil! Beware of your own deceitful heart! (See Jeremiah 17:9.) Dare we place the holy name of the LORD on our own evil imaginations?
“How long shall this be in the heart of the (false) prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;” Jeremiah 23:26
“But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD.” Ezekiel 11:21
“Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,” Ezekiel 13:17
“That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.” Ezekiel 14:5
A true New Testament apostle or prophet first and foremost draws men to God’s WRITTEN Word which is the “MORE sure word of prophecy” – Having even more divine authority than the literal audible voice of the Father speaking from Heaven. Peer into that in 2 Peter 1:12-21.
Dreams in Biblical Context
It’s biblical for God to give people dreams, as He has done throughout biblical history. Dreams are biblical and yet, are dreams and visions to be relied on? Is the New Testament disciple to live by dreams and visions?
No.
While we cannot factor out God using dreams, we must be keenly aware of the master counterfeiter, the chief deceiver of mankind.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:8
We must know God’s Word and thereby not be “ignorant of his devices.”
“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 2 Corinthians 2:11
SOME who say they had a word or a dream or vision, seek to use those things as a tool to control, to manipulate others. But all dreams, visions, and prophetic words are subjective and must be tested in the Spirit and by the written Word. Beware. from a true Disciple: “Just because you had a dream or a vision, so you claim, changes nothing. I am standing on the Rock of Christ, His Word.”
God still gives visions to His people. Yet it’s for HIS Gospel, divine purpose, to establish His people in His kingdom truth. There is a difference between most visions “from God” claimed today and what we see in God’s Word. Beware. Test everything by the Word.
“And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” Acts 16:9
“Help us” in this biblical context meant to “come and preach the Word to us.” Most who are claiming visions and dreams and words from God today are not simply preaching and teaching God’s Word because they are utterly false. And this is how we know they are false.
Jesus taught us that those who hear His written Word and obey Him in it, build their house on His rock which will stand forever (Matthew 7:21-29).
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-34
“For we walk by faith, not by sight:” 2 Corinthians 5:7
It’s clear from Jesus’ interaction with Thomas that God aggrandizes faith.
“Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” John 20:29
Those who seek to live by signs and wonders are weak and foolish and not rooted in Christ by faith, which the LORD says is essential.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
Does faith come from dreams or visions?
No.
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
Jesus’ twelve never asked for visions or dreams. Yet they did ask Jesus to increase their faith and for Him to teach them how to pray. Jesus readily answered the prayer requests His disciples asked Him for.
“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5
“Lord, teach us to pray.” Luke 11:1
Those who have a vital relationship with Jesus, live according to His Word. They are grounded in a rich, abiding relationship with the Savior and so are not moved about with every wind of false doctrine that blows through the apostate modern church world (Ephesians 4:14). The words of God in the Bible are their life-giving final authority.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105
God may give dreams at times BUT they and EVERYTHING must be tested against Holy Scripture (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1, etc.). Dreams are not necessary but the Bible is.
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1
Every doctrine and supposed vision or dream must be compared to what the whole of Scripture teaches:
“And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:10-11
There are whole movements today which have manufactured groundless flakes, such as the NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) cult. Beware.
BE careful with those who over-emphasize visions, dreams, and supposed appearances of Jesus. Listen closely please:
“Wherefore henceforth (from now on) know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.” 2 Corinthians 5:16
In the above verse, we read that we no longer know Jesus Christ after the flesh.
True disciples of Jesus are grounded in sound doctrine. Every rooted disciple of Christ is a student of the written Word of God which is the absolute final divine authority.
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17
In the above paramount Bible passage, we observe that God gave us His tangible written Word to teach us His wisdom, sound doctrine, instruction in His righteous ways, and make us thoroughly complete.
If you have a dream and that dream isn’t to see and obey Jesus then you’ve got the wrong dream and lack the Cross of Christ in your personal life to circumcise your heart.
“False Dreams”
ALL dreams are not from God. Yes He gives dreams – we see that from Genesis on. Yet, He says there are “false dreams” which are those which contradict revealed truth – in the written Word. Listen to God’s prophet:
“Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:32
APPARENTLY, people can conjure up their own dreams, based on their own evil imaginations. Listen, especially to the end of this following verse:
“For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.” Jeremiah 29:8
Dreams are used by wolves to deceive prey.
“I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. 26 How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; 27 Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal.” Jeremiah 23:25-27
The written Word, we are told, is more divinely authoritative than the actual voice of the Father speaking audibly from Heaven. You will do well to pour prayerfully over 2 Peter 1:12-21.
Destiny
“For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.” 2 Peter 2:18
There are lots of “fulfill your destiny” type themes in the modern church world to lure in the gullible… but it’s all self-centered and not Christ-centered. If it were according to the original Gospel, the destiny would be recognized as living a crucified life – consenting to death and burial of self, of the self-life, so Christ alone can reign! Just another cross-less heresy peddled by what Paul calls “enemies of the cross of Christ” (Philippians 3:18-19).
SO, they’re not preaching the cross – the crucified life – and you STILL can’t see they’re false? WOW!
Jesus calls all who will follow Him to die – to lay down your life and your will for His (Luke 9:23-24; John 5:30). This is what we are predestined to!
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son (the crucified Savior), that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29
So many seek their own vision and destiny. There is NO cross in it. Jesus was fully submitted to His Father whereas most who use these buzz words today are not also preaching the essential cross, the crucified life.
These who chase destiny are missing the cross which is central to the Gospel, friend. Running around trying to fulfill our destiny is not of God. Laying down our lives – death and burial – assures us that GOD, not us, is leading and raising us up to do His will.
Jesus came to die and sent us to die, and if we don’t we are not following Him (Luke 9:23-24). Seeking our own destiny is the antitheses of dying to self so Jesus can reign in our lives – it’s completely self-serving and reveals we don’t truly know Him.
Soaking: Is it Biblical? | Prophetic or Pathetic? | Satan | Spiritual Warfare | Abiding in Christ | Support | STORE | Podcasts | Peace with God
FEEDBACK:
“Thank you for the article on ‘Dreams and Visions….’ So Good. Especially where you contrast ‘seeking after your destiny’ with ‘seeking to be crucified with Christ and raised with Him.’ Excellent.” Debbie Lord
Articles
Soul Sleep Exposed: Where Do We Go When We Die? When do we Go there? [podcast]
Do you realize that upon death, immediately, each soul is instantly translated, transported to their new and eternal place of existence – comfort and joy or hell fire? Instantly each soul is already judged upon death and literally in hell or Heaven now (Luke 16:19-31; 2 Corinthians 5:6, 8; Philippians 1:21-23; Hebrews 9:27).
When the Bible speaks of “slept” or “sleep”, it’s speaking of the body, not the eternal soul. For example, the soul sleep cults use verses like 1 Kings 2:10 to attempt to “prove” soul sleep.
“So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.” 1 Kings 2:10
“For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,” Acts 2:34
Notice here in Acts 2:34 that it says “David is not ascended into the heavens.”
Primarily this is speaking of Jesus, the son of David and the prophecies Peter is speaking of in this message He’s preaching.
“Act_2:34: Ascended not for is not ascended, A.V. For David, etc. The ascension of Christ is inferred from the previous prophecy, “Thou wilt show me the path of life,” etc.; and is there distinctly proved from Psa_110:1, which Peter (remembering, probably, our Lord’s application of it as recorded in Mat_22:42-45, which he had doubtless heard) shows could not apply to David himself, but only to David’s Lord.” Pulpit
David’s eternal soul is in Heaven now.
“[David is not ascended into the heavens] This refers to David’s body in resurrection, not to his soul and spirit which are in heaven (Heb_12:23; Eph_4:8-10; 2Co_5:8; Php_1:21-24).” Dake
Hebrews 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 and Philippians 1:21-23; Revelation 22:11 make it clear that when one dies he goes straight to his eternal destination. Any compromise on this doctrine is evil and constitutes that which seduces the believer towards lasciviousness Jude 3-4. There will be no second chance to repent. Death is final and as one dies so shall he be forever (Luke 16:19-31; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 22:11).
Fact: Only cults teach soul sleep.
Praying for someone who’s already dead is futile. At death, the soul goes to Heaven if the person is a born again Christ or eternally, irrevocably to hell. Read Luke 16:19-31 in the King James Bible. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9:27)
The Word of God tells us that anyone living in sin, upon death, is going to hell, immediately upon death. Luke 16:19-31; Hebrews 9:27; Ezekiel 33:12-13, etc Those who are born again and abiding in Christ will be with Him immediately upon death (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:21-23). You have to be born again to be in Christ.
“To Day Shalt Thou be with Me in Paradise”
“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42-43
“To day” this repentant former thief who hung next to Jesus was going to be “in paradise” and not asleep in the grave.
The doctrine of soul sleep is taught by many cults including the Seventh Day Adventists and Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Roman Catholic version of this antichrist, diabolical lie is their teaching on purgatory (an in-between state where average Catholics supposedly get their sins burned off by fire because the blood of Christ was not good enough to cleanse away those sins). This false teaching (soul sleep) supposes that when people die they go into a state of sleep or nothingness. Yet, the Bible reveals something very different. These false teachings are a diabolical attempt to remove the severe reality of conscious, eternal torment (Mark 9:43-49).
The flames of eternal damnation shall forever feed upon the conscious souls of all rebels. Mark 9:43-49 KJB Are you born again? Go here now and make peace with God before its too late.
Recently I replied to a post that was pushing the soul sleep heresy. Here it is….
REPLY:
Soul sleep is another false teaching taught only by the cults. Beware of those peddling this lie. Luke 16:19-31 makes it more than clear that upon death, the eternal soul of the individual goes to Heaven or hell based upon the spiritual state at the moment of death. Upon death the soul goes straight to Heaven or hell. Heb 9:27; 2 Cor 5:6-8; Philippians 1:21-23
The righteous who have died, are “under the altar” in Heaven, right now.
“And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw UNDER THE ALTAR the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:” Revelation 6:9
No Sleep, Just Judgment at the Moment of Death
The grave is the “final resting place” of no one. Heaven or hell await – immediately upon drawing one’s last breath on earth. Read Luke 16:19-31 and Hebrews 9:27.
QUESTION RECEIVED:
“Todd where do you believe we go when we die? Why do some preach we go to the grave until Christ returns?”
REPLY:
The Bible tells us we go directly to glory or hell (2 Cor 5:6-8; Phil 1:21-23; Luke 16:19-31; 23:43). It’s false to teach we go to the grave only. Cults teach that. That’s a false teaching that gives us a clue that we are dealing with a cult.
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27
According to the full-counsel of God’s Word, when a person dies, that soul goes directly, immediately to the destination God has judged them to go.
When someone dies, they are immediately in the place they have merited with God – Heaven or hell. Then, the wicked will be dredged up and will be formerly sentenced. Those not found written in the book of life will be brought before the Throne of God to be terminated or “cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15)
As a person dies – that is, in the spiritual state they die in – so shall they be for all eternity. There are no second chances.
“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Revelation 22:11
The apostle Paul taught us that immediately upon death he was going to “be with Christ”:
“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.” Philippians 1:23
“Philippians 1:23: To depart – Out of bonds, flesh, the world. And to be with Christ – In a nearer and fuller union. It is better to depart; it is far better to be with Christ.” John Wesley
“Notice that Paul did not believe in any theory of soul-sleep. He believed that the Christian goes to be with Christ at the time of death and that he is in the conscious enjoyment of the presence of the Lord. How ridiculous it would be for him to say, as some do today: “To live is Christ; to sleep is gain.” Or, “To depart and to sleep is far better.” “Sleep” is used in the NT of the believer’s body at the time of death (1Th_4:14), never of his soul. Soul-sleep is a myth. Notice, too, that death is not to be confused with the coming of the Savior. At the time of death, we go to be with Him. At the time of the Rapture, He comes to us.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Remember how the rich man in Luke 16 died and immediately he was in hell?
“the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” Luke 16:22-23
Read Luke 16:19-31 and you will see that immediately upon death, the wicked and the righteous go to their separate places and are fully conscious. No such thing as soul sleep.
“Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD.” 2 Corinthians 5:6-8
We are fully confident that the moment we pass, we breathe our last, we shall “be present with the Lord.”
“2 Corinthians 5:8: Present with the Lord – This demonstrates that the happiness of the saints is not deferred till the resurrection.” John Wesley
“2 Corinthians 5:8: [to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord] To die and be absent from the body means we go to heaven to be with the Lord (Php_1:21-24; Heb_12:23; Jas_2:26; Rev_6:9-11). This is proof that the inner man does not go to the grave at death, but to heaven if one is righteous. If one is wicked he goes to hell awaiting the resurrection of his body (Luk_16:19-31, notes; Rev_20:11-15).” Dake
On this matter of where the human soul goes immediately upon death, refuting soul sleep, Donald Stamps wrote:
“Psalms 16:10 THOU WILL NOT LEAVE MY SOUL IN HELL. ‘Hell’ (Heb. Sheol) here means the grave. A personal relationship with God will give believers confidence in a future life with God and certainty that He will not abandon them to the grave (cf. 73:24-26). The apostles Peter and Paul both applied this verse to Christ and His resurrection (Acts 2:25-31; 13:34-37).
(1) Sheol, found sixty-five times in the O.T., is translated thirty-one times as ‘the grave,’ thirty-one times as ‘hell,’ and three times as ‘the pit.’ When the N.T. quotes these passages, it generally translates it with the Greek word Hades. Some scholars believe Sheol always means the grave, while others think it never has that meaning alone.
(2) In general, the O.T. views Sheol as a place associated with some sort of punishment. (a) When Jacob indicated that he would go to Sheol because of the loss of his son Joseph (Gen. 37:25), he felt he must be under the judgment of God; thus he refused to be comforted. There is no evidence that he sought God further until after he heard Joseph was still alive. (b) David clearly indicated that Sheol was the place where ‘the heathen’ would go (9:17), and Isaiah said that the heathen king Tiglath-Pileser of Assyria, upon his death, would meet in Sheol the kings he conquered (Is. 14:9-10). (c) There are several passages that indicate the Israelites did not expect to go to Sheol at all at death, but would instead go where they would enjoy the blessings of God’s presence. When David died, for example, he anticipated dwelling in the house of the Lord forever (23:6). Another psalmist believed that God would redeem him from the hand of Sheol and receive him to Himself in heaven (49:15; cf. 73:24-25). And Solomon testified that the wise, God-fearing man goes to the place above, ‘that he may depart from hell beneath’ (Prov. 15:24).” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 820
Of this biblical doctrine, brother Charlie Anthony writes:
“Concerning the time between the believer’s death and his or her bodily resurrection, Scripture teaches the following. (a) At the time of death believers are brought into Christ’s presence. (2 Cor. 5:8 – Phil. 1:23). (b) Believers exist in full consciousness ( Luke 16:19-31) and experience joy at the kindness and love shown by God (Eph. 2:7). Amen!”
But the wicked go straight to the conscious torment of hell immediately upon death (Luke 16:19-31).
Soul sleep is a lie that only cults teach (Philippians 1:21-23; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Revelation 6:9).
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Parents | Family | Godly Manhood | Women | Christology | Because You Care Page | The Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God | The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security [podcast] | The Essential of Fearing God | The KING is Coming [podcast] | Lukewarm is Hell Bound!
Apostasy
Pride and False Prophets [podcast]
“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:11
What’s the difference between true and false servants of the LORD?
Jeremiah 23 is essential concerning recognizing the “MANY false prophets” which Jesus foretold would “deceive MANY” in this late hour before His return (Matthew 24:11).
True servants of the LORD stand in the counsel, the WORD of the LORD and not in the evil imaginations, dreams, or visions of their own wicked hearts.
Jeremiah 23
“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.
17 They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.
18 For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it?
19 Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.
20 The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.
21 I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.
22 But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.”
ARE YOU in God’s Word daily or have you backslidden? It’s either one or the other.
True servants of the LORD, as was the case with Paul and Timothy, will get YOU into God’s Word for yourself…
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” 1 Peter 2:2
So both the LORD’s apostle Paul and the apostle Peter instructed believers to get into the Word of God for themselves – to “study” and to “desire” it. Any man pretending to represent Christ and not do this very thing repeatedly is a bona fide wolf in sheep’s clothing, a devil.
Imagine parents who continued to feed their infant and never taught that baby to pick up the spoon and feed themself…. so that child would perpetually be dependent upon someone else feeding them…. in the natural this is unheard of, yet it’s rampant in that which claims to be Christ’s “church.”
Read Jeremiah 23.
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:6-10
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1
Pride vs Humility
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) True humility before God first, then men, always wins – “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4:10)
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Because You Care Page | Bible/Word of God | Gifts | Prophetic or Pathetic? | Christology | Final Divine Authority | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God | Grace and Truth Bible School [modules] | 7 Study Guides to a Greater Foundation in Christ | Knowing God | The Cross Life |
Articles
“Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour and are Heavy Laden, and I will Give You Rest” [podcast
God is “Holy, holy, holy” and “God is love.” (Isaiah 6:3; 1 John 4:8, 16; Revelation 4:8)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:16-18
Jesus came and died to save us “while we were yet sinners.”
“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8
The Proof of God’s Love for all Men
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the“ lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:4-8
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please do Your ever-deepening work in my heart and life. Please imbue my innermost being with your holiness, holy fear, and love. Bless this vessel to be purified, cleansed of all iniquity and falsity, made authentic by You dear LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.
For a daily dose and feeding of God’s Word, as a component of your study of the LORD, of His Word, the Moments with Our Master 365 daily devotional is available. | STORE
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Because You Care Page | The Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God | Walking with Jesus on His Stated Terms – the Cross | Fasting and Prayer | The Old Man Must be Put Down [podcast] | The 5 Sins That Keep God’s People Out of Their Promised Land [podcast] | What Did Paul Mean by “I Keep Under My Body”? [podcast] | “Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith” [podcast] | A Living Sacrifice unto God [podcast] | Departing from Hell Beneath | Prayer
Soul Sleep Exposed: Where Do We Go When We Die? When do we Go there? [podcast]
Oneness Godhead
Pride and False Prophets [podcast]
“Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour and are Heavy Laden, and I will Give You Rest” [podcast
Have We Misunderstood Why Christians Meet Together? [video]
Jesus Christ is God [podcast]
Salvation is Not a One-Time Experience but a Lifelong Walk [podcast]
“Feed My Sheep” [podcast]
Mission Mexico Part 43
IS AMERICA DOOMED? To Stay or to Go [podcast]
Concerns about the writings of C.S. Lewis [podcast]
How to Spot a Fake Bible [podcast]
How do We Know Who is “of God” and Who is “Not of God”? [podcast]
Mug Shots and Mercy Moments! [podcast]
What the Bible says about Effeminate Men [podcast] [shorts video]
10 Clues Your Love for God has Waxed Cold [podcast]
Favorite Eternal Security “Proof” Text? [podcast]
Jesus Calling Devotional Exposed: 10 Things You Might Not Know
Water Baptism: Understanding It [study guide]
How to Spot a Fake Bible [podcast]
Jesus Christ is God [podcast]
Read the Handwriting
Why the Apocrypha Isn’t in the Bible
Soul Sleep Exposed: Where Do We Go When We Die? When do we Go there? [podcast]
The Warnings of the Book of Jude [podcast]
Salvation is Not a One-Time Experience but a Lifelong Walk [podcast]
Mug Shots and Mercy Moments! [podcast]
How do We Know Who is “of God” and Who is “Not of God”? [podcast]
Concerns about the writings of C.S. Lewis [podcast]
What the Bible says about Effeminate Men [podcast] [shorts video]
Soul Sleep Exposed: Where Do We Go When We Die? When do we Go there? [podcast]
Oneness Godhead
Pride and False Prophets [podcast]
America1 year agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
- Articles2 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
- Articles8 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
- Apostasy2 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
Providing Christ-centered Scripture-rich resources to feed, edify, and equip the body of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15).
Navigation
Quick links
Newsletter
Stay updated of the ministry operations. We saved a spot for you on the ministry email list.
© 2025 Safe Guard Your Soul. All Rights Reserved