It's written:
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:24-28)
Here, I run into a particular contradiction. Or what merely seems a contradiction, considering the standard interpretations on the passage. But we know the truth cannot contradict itself. Scripture doesn't conflict with scripture.
The above passage says "once to die". Yet, Jesus identified John the Baptist as the reincarnation of Elijah.
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Matthew 11:11-15)
Later in Matthew's gospel Jesus addresses the matter again, following the event at the Mount of Transfiguration.
And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold , there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist. (Matthew 17:1-13)
Then, there are the various accounts and references to those who were raised from the dead. Obviously if you were dead, then brought back to life, this is not a matter of only dying once.
The most often spoke of incident being Lazarus who had been dead for days.
Yet another consideration would be to those few who were taking into heaven without having experienced death. Did they die at all?
I'm not saying I believe in reincarnation. It wouldn't make sense to me that every soul should live again and again. And I certainly don't agree with many new-age philosophers who claim that we continue to come back to live another life until we somehow "get it right." That's salvation by works and if that were the case - if we have to live again and again until we somehow perfect ourselves, then Jesus' sacrifice was of no effect and Grace and Mercy meaningless.
I'm not sure what to make of this contradiction. Or, as I said, what seems a contradiction. There must be more to the matter. Perhaps I'll not find a solid answer in this lifetime, or until I, at last, see clearly but it's something I ponder from time to time.
Of course, for the Elect - for the Children of God - there is another lifetime. But second or third death? Another earthly life? I just can't say that I know, one way or another.
© Rachelle
"Fly From Heaven"
Toad the Wet Sprocket
Lyrics:
Paul is making me nervous
Paul is making me scared
Walk into this room and swaggers
Like hes gods own messenger
Changed the name of my brother
Changed the things that he said
Says he speaks to him
But he never even knew the man
But Id give my life for him
Like water through my hands
Youd give him any ending
But if hes all you say
Would he fly from heaven
To this world again
To this world again
Take whatever youre needing
Take whatever you can
We are broken from within
Run to another land
Like water through my hands
Or is it just beginning
But if hes all you say
Would he fly from heaven
To this world again
To this world again
They took my brother
They ripped him from me
To twist his words as they did his body
Denied his family
Denied his beauty
To lie him down at the feet
Of those he couldnt save
Couldnt save, couldnt save
Will it be the end
Or is he still ascending
But if hes all you say
Would he fly from heaven
To this world again
To this world again
