Timothy Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U. S. Army

I am not Jewish, and do not purport to speak on behalf of Judaism or Jewish doctrine, but the Old Testament records cases of individuals such as Enoch and Elijah who did not die, but were taken directly from earth, apparently to an eternal, non-earthly realm of blessedness.

Also, although Moses died, there was apparently a dispute about his body (referenced in Jude 9) between the archangel Michael and Satan, leading to Moses also being taken to heaven (apparently in a revived condition), allowing him to appear with Jesus and Elijah at the Transfiguration in Matthew 17. 

In the New Testament, Jesus also spoke (although in a parable) of at least one individual (the beggar Lazarus in Luke 16) being present with Abraham after his death (again, with both apparently in a blessed condition, while others were still alive on earth) using imagery that I would say must have been familiar or comprehensible to His Jewish listeners.

Similarly, while on the cross, Jesus told the repentant thief that they would be together in Paradise that day, and, in His final words, committed His spirit into His heavenly Father's hands.

2 hours ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report