Mojawapo ya mafundisho ya ajabu sana ya Biblia, na pengine mojawapo ya yasiyoeleweka zaidi, ni fundisho la Ufufuo wa Wafu. Uhakika wa kwamba hakuna mtu anayeishi leo ambaye amewahi kuona mtu aliyekufa akifufuliwa una matokeo ya kufanya watu wenye hekima ya kilimwengu wapuuze fundisho hili kuwa hekaya na ushirikina tu wa kidini. Kisha kuna wengine ambao wamekubali imani ya uwongo ya kwamba wote wamezaliwa na nafsi isiyoweza kufa na mtu anapokufa, nafsi zao huenda mbinguni au kuhukumiwa motoni, huko kuteseka milele. 

One of the most wonderful doctrines of the Bible, and probably one of the most misunderstood, is the doctrine of the Resurrection of the Dead. The fact that no one living today has ever seen a dead person brought back to life has the effect of making the worldly-wise discount this doctrine as myth and mere religious superstition. Then there are others who have adopted the false belief that all have been born with an immortal soul and when someone dies, their soul either goes to heaven or is condemned to hell, there to suffer for all eternity. 

Hata hivyo, kwa mtafutaji wa ukweli wa Biblia, fundisho la Ufufuo wa Wafu linaweza kukabiliana na changamoto hizi. Neno la Mungu litajibu swali hili waziwazi, “Je, kutakuwa na Ufufuo wa wafu?” Twende kwenye Neno la Mungu na tuone kinachosemwa juu ya somo hili. Swali moja la kuzingatia ni -- wafu watafufuliwa kwa uzima gani au kwa uwezo wa nani? Ingawa hili ni swali linalofaa, Wakristo wanajua vizuri maneno ya Yesu, “Kwa wanadamu hili haliwezekani, bali kwa Mungu mambo yote yanawezekana” (Mt. 19:26). 

However, to the seeker of Biblical truth, the doctrine of the Resurrection of the Dead can meet these challenges. God’s Word will clearly answer the question, “Will there be a Resurrection of the dead?” Let us go to the Word of God and see what is said on this subject. One question to consider is -- By what or whose power will the dead be raised to life? While this is a reasonable question, Christians know well Jesus words, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26). 

Naam, hata ufufuo wa wafu unawezekana kwa Mungu. Yesu aliwafufua wafu wakati wa kuja Kwake kwa mara ya kwanza, na Mungu alimfufua Yesu yapata miaka 2,000 iliyopita ( 1 Kor. 15:20; Mdo. 2:24; 4:10; Gal. 1:1 ). Wengi walikuwa mashahidi wa macho wa hii. 

Yes, even the raising of the dead is possible with God. Jesus raised the dead during His first advent, and God resurrected Jesus some 2,000 years ago (1 Cor. 15:20; Acts 2:24; 4:10; Gal. 1:1). Many were eye witnesses to this. 

Kuhoji hekima na uweza wa Mungu si tu kumtilia shaka, bali kumfanya Mungu aonekane kuwa mwongo. Isaya 55:11 humhakikishia mwamini kwamba Neno Lake litatimia: “Ndivyo lilivyo neno langu, litokalo katika kinywa changu: halitanirudia bure, bali litatimiza mapenzi yangu, na kutimiza kusudi nililolituma. ” Bwana, tofauti na mwanadamu, daima hutimiza ahadi zake (Isaya 14:24, 27). 

To question the wisdom and the power of God is not only to doubt Him, but to make God out to be a liar. Isaiah 55:11 assures the believer that His Word will come true: “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” The Lord, unlike man, always keeps His promises (Isaiah 14:24, 27). 

Hebu tuzingatie nguvu na hekima ya Mungu. Ni Muumba Mweza-Yote tu ambaye angeweza kuwazia kazi hizo za ajabu na tata. Kutoka kwa amoeba yenye chembe moja hadi Uumbaji wa mwanadamu katika ugumu wake wote na ukamilifu, kwa hakika kunafichuliwa hekima kamili na uwezo wa Mungu. Daudi alisema vizuri, mwanadamu “ameumbwa kwa namna ya ajabu ya kutisha” (Zab. 139:14). Asili yote inatangaza kazi ya mikono ya Muumba (Zab. 19:1-3; Mit. 8:23-31). Logos, Mwana wa Pekee wa Mungu, alihusika sana katika uumbaji. Mungu alimpa hekima na uwezo wote wa kukamilisha kila kazi ya Uumbaji. Mtume Paulo anatuambia katika Wakolosai 1:16 kwamba vitu vyote viliumbwa na Yeye na kwa ajili yake. 

Let us consider the power and wisdom of God. Only an Almighty Creator could have conceived such wondrous and complex works. From the single-celled amoeba to the Creation of man in all his intricacy and perfection, there surely is revealed the perfect wisdom and power of God. David well said, man is “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psa. 139:14). All nature declares the Creator’s handiwork (Psa. 19: 1-3; Prov. 8:23-31). The Logos, God’s Only Begotten Son, was instrumental in creation. God gave Him all the wisdom and power to accomplish every work of Creation. The Apostle Paul tells us in Col. 1:16 that all things were created by Him and for Him. 

Mungu alikuwa na Mpango, mpango, na Logos alifuata mpango huo kikamilifu. Katika Mwa. 1:26 tunaona kwamba mwingine, mbali na Mungu, alihusika katika Uumbaji wa mwanadamu. “Ndipo Mungu akasema, Na tumfanye mtu kwa mfano wetu, kwa sura yetu.” Tunaambiwa katika 1 Kor. 8:6 kwamba vitu vyote vimetoka kwa Baba, ila kwa njia ya Mwana. Biblia imejaa Maandiko yanayosimulia mambo ya ajabu na ya ajabu yaliyoumbwa, kwa sifa na utukufu wa Baba na Mwana pia. Soma sura ya 1 na 2 ya Mwanzo; Zaburi 8, 19, 65, 66, 104, 148; Ayubu 38 & 39. Sura hizi zote zinaeleza Hekima ya kutisha na Nguvu za Mungu wetu Mkuu. Kwa kuwa anaweza kuumba haya yote, mtu anawezaje kutilia shaka kwamba Yeye pia anaweza kufufua wafu? 

God had a Plan, a blueprint, and the Logos followed that plan perfectly. In Gen. 1:26 we see that another, other than God, was involved in the Creation of man. “ Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.’” We are told in 1 Cor. 8:6 that all things are from the Father but through the Son. The Bible abounds with Scriptures telling of the marvelous and wondrous things that were created, to the praise and glory of both Father and Son. Read chapters 1 and 2 of Genesis; Psalms 8, 19, 65, 66, 104, 148; Job 38 & 39. All these chapters describe the awesome Wisdom and Power of our Great God. Being able to create all this, how can one doubt that He can also raise the dead? 

Mtu anaweza kuuliza, Lakini vipi ikiwa Mungu angebadili mawazo Yake? Mungu kamwe habadili mawazo yake kama sisi wanadamu tunavyofanya mara nyingi. Tunahakikishiwa hili katika Isaya 40:8 : “Majani hunyauka na maua huanguka, bali Neno la Mungu wetu hudumu milele. Pia Yakobo 1:17 inatuambia, “Kila kutoa kuliko kwema, na kila kitolewacho kilicho kamili , hutoka juu, hushuka kwa Baba wa mianga ; ( Ona pia Isa. 55:11 ) Kwa kuwa tumehakikishiwa kwamba “hakuna jambo lisilowezekana kwa Mungu” na kwamba ana uwezo wa kuwafufua wafu, acheni sasa tuone ni kwa nini wanadamu hufa kwanza. 

Someone might ask, But what if God should change His mind? God never changes His mind as we humans so often do. We are assured of this in Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God stands forever." Also James 1:17 tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow caused by turning.” ( See also Isa. 55:11) Having been assured that “nothing is impossible with God” and that He has power to raise the dead, let us now look at why mankind dies in the first place. 

Mwa. 1:26-31 inatuambia kwamba baada ya uumbaji Wake wa mwisho, ule wa mwanadamu, Mungu alitamka Uumbaji wote “mzuri sana.” Kisha akaelekeza Adamu na mke wake Hawa ‘waongezeke’ na kuijaza dunia. Adamu alipewa mamlaka juu ya wanyama wote. Waliishi katika Bustani nzuri ambapo kila hitaji lao lilitolewa, na wangeweza kuishi milele. Hata hivyo, Adamu aliamriwa asile tunda la mti fulani, akionywa kwamba akifanya hivyo atakufa (Mwanzo 2:15,17). Kerubi hodari, Lusifa, (maana yake “nuru”) alipewa kazi ya kuwa mlinzi wa Adamu na Hawa katika bustani ya Edeni. Lusifa alikuwa mkamilifu hadi dhambi ilipopatikana ndani yake. Eze. 28:12b-17 inasimulia juu ya kiburi chake kikubwa. Katika Isa. 14:12-15 , ijapokuwa imeandikwa katika nafsi ya kwanza kuhusu Mfalme wa Babeli, mistari hii kwa kweli inabeba ufahamu wa ndani zaidi wa kiroho unaoakisi mawazo ya Lusifa mwenyewe, ambayo yaliongoza kwenye dhambi yake na hukumu ya Mungu. Tamaa yake na kiburi chake kilikuwa kikubwa sana hata alitaka kuwa mkuu kuliko Mungu. "Jinsi ulivyoanguka kutoka mbinguni, Ee nyota ya alfajiri, mwana wa asubuhi! Jinsi ulivyokatwa chini, wewe uliyedhoofisha mataifa! Kwa maana umesema moyoni mwako, Nitapanda mpaka mbinguni, nitakuinua juu yangu. Na kiti cha enzi juu ya nyota za Mungu; nami nitaketi juu ya mlima wa mkutano, katika pande za mwisho za kaskazini; Lakini utashushwa mpaka kuzimu, chini kabisa ya shimo. 

Gen. 1:26-31 tells us that after His final creation, that of man, God pronounced all of Creation “very good.” He then directed Adam and his wife Eve to “multiply” and fill the earth. Adam was given dominion over all the animals. They lived in a beautiful Garden where their every need was provided, and they could have lived forever. However, Adam was commanded not to eat the fruit of a certain tree, being warned that if he did so he would die (Gen. 2:15,17). The mighty cherub, Lucifer, (meaning “light”) was assigned as the guardian over Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Lucifer had been perfect until sin was found in him. Ezek. 28:12b-17 tells of his great pride. In Isa. 14:12-15 , while written in the first person about the King of Babylon, these verses actually carry with it a much deeper spiritual insight that reflects the mindset of Lucifer himself, which led to his sin and God’s judgment. His ambition and his pride were so great that he wanted to be greater than God. "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart, 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation, on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.' Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.” 

Kerubi huyu mwenye nguvu, ambaye alikuwa amepewa cheo cha kuwa mlinzi wa mwanadamu, alitaka kuwa Mungu wao. Alitamani kuabudiwa na kuheshimiwa. Tamaa hii ilimpelekea kuwa mtawala wa mamlaka ya giza na mungu wa ulimwengu huu mbovu wa sasa (2 Kor. 4:4; Kol. 1:13). Aliwashawishi Adamu na Hawa wasimtii Mungu, na hivyo wazao wote wa Adamu wamekuwa chini ya uvutano wake mwovu na hukumu ya kifo. (Ona 1 Kor. 15:22 .) Lusifa, ambaye sasa anaitwa Shetani au “Adui,” aliwafanyaje wazazi wetu wa kwanza watende dhambi? Kwanza, alimdanganya Hawa katika kutotii kwa njia ya shaka. Akitumia nyoka kwa mdomo wake, alisema, “ Je, ni kweli Mungu alisema , ‘Msile matunda ya mti wowote wa bustani’? Mwa. 3:2-4 inatuambia, “Mwanamke akamwambia nyoka, Matunda ya miti ya bustani twaweza kula; lakini matunda ya mti ulio katikati ya bustani, Mungu amesema, Msile, wala msiyaguse, msije mkafa. Kisha nyoka akamwambia mwanamke, Hakika hamtakufa ; kwa hivyo, uwongo wa kwanza ulisemwa na Shetani, na matokeo mabaya (Yohana 8:44). Shetani pia alimwambia Hawa, “Kwa maana Mungu anajua ya kuwa siku mtakayokula matunda yake, macho yenu yatafumbuliwa, nanyi mtakuwa kama Mungu, mkijua mema na mabaya” (Mwa. 3:5). Hawa alimpa Adamu baadhi ya tunda, na hivyo akajiunga naye katika kutotii amri ya Mungu (Mwa. 3:6). Hawa alidanganywa na nyoka lakini Adamu hakudanganywa. 1 Tim. 2:14 inatuambia, “Wala Adamu hakudanganywa, bali mwanamke alidanganywa akaanguka katika hali ya kukosa.” Tangu siku hiyo, wanadamu wote wamekuwa chini ya adhabu ya dhambi na kifo (Warumi 5:12). 

This powerful cherub, who had been honored with the position as guardian of man, wanted to be their God. He desired to be worshipped and honored. This ambition led him to become the ruler of the dominion of darkness and the god of this present evil world (2 Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:13). He tempted Adam and Eve to disobey God, and so all of Adam’s descendants have come under his evil influence and the death sentence. (See 1 Cor. 15:22.) How did Lucifer, now known as Satan or “Adversary,” cause our first parents to sin? First, he deceived Eve into disobedience through doubt. Using the serpent for his mouthpiece, he said, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Gen. 3:2-4 tells us, “And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, “You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.” Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die;” thus, the first lie was told by Satan, with dire consequences (John 8:44). Satan also told Eve, “For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gen. 3:5). Eve gave some of the fruit to Adam, and thus he joined her in disobedience to God’s command (Gen. 3:6). Eve was deceived by the serpent but Adam was not. 1 Tim. 2:14 tells us, “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being deceived, fell into transgression.” Since that day, all mankind has come under the penalty of sin and death (Rom. 5:12). 

Tunasoma laana ya Mungu katika Mwanzo 3:17-19, “...Kwa kuwa umeisikiliza sauti ya mkeo, ukala matunda ya mti ambao nalikuagiza, nikisema, Usile matunda yake; Ardhi imelaaniwa kwa ajili yako; kwa taabu utakula katika siku zote za maisha yako. Miiba na michongoma itakuzalia, nawe utakula mboga za kondeni. kwa jasho la uso wako utakula chakula, hata utakapoirudia ardhi, ambayo katika hiyo ulitwaliwa; kwa maana u mavumbi wewe, nawe mavumbini utarudi.” Katika mistari 22-24, Mungu aliweka makerubi na upanga wa moto ili kuwazuia Adamu na Hawa wasirudi kwenye bustani baada ya kuwafukuza. Nyoka, ambaye alitumiwa na Shetani katika udanganyifu wake, basi pia alilaaniwa na uharibifu wa Shetani hatimaye ulitabiriwa katika Mwa. amelaaniwa kuliko wanyama wote wa kufugwa, na zaidi ya hayawani wote wa mwituni; kwa tumbo utakwenda, nawe utakula mavumbi siku zote za maisha yako. Nami nitaweka uadui kati yako na huyo mwanamke, na kati ya uzao wako na uzao wake; yeye atakuponda kichwa, na wewe utamponda kisigino.’” Yesu angekuwa uzao huo ambao ungeponda kichwa cha Nyoka, Shetani ( Gal. 3:16 ). 

We read of God’s curse in Genesis 3:17-19, “...Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it': Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” In verses 22-24, God set cherubim and a flaming sword to keep Adam and Eve from returning to the garden after He had banished them. The serpent, who was used by Satan in his deception, was then also cursed and satan’s eventual demise was predicted in Gen. 3:14-15: “So the LORD God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruiseHis heel.’” Jesus was to be that seed who would crush the head of the Serpent, Satan (Gal. 3:16). 

Kwa kuwa sisi sote ni wazao au wana wa Adamu, sote tuko chini ya kifo, kwa kuwa sote tumefanya dhambi na kupungukiwa na utukufu wa Mungu (Zaburi 51:5; Rum. 3:23). Huenda swali likazuka, “Ikiwa Mungu ni mwenye hekima sana, kwa nini hakufanya maandalizi ya kutoruhusu Adamu na Hawa watende dhambi?” Jibu la swali hili linapatikana katika kuelewa mpango wa Mungu kwa wanadamu. Mungu hakumuumba mwanadamu awe roboti. Alimuumba “kwa mfano Wake” akiwa na uwezo wa kujichagulia kwa hiari. Hii inaitwa kuwa "wakala huru wa maadili." Ingawa wanadamu wana uhuru wa kuchagua, kuna matokeo ya kulipwa kwa maamuzi mabaya ambayo ni katika kutotii kanuni za haki za Mungu. Adamu alihukumiwa kwa haki kwa sababu alichagua kwa hiari kutomtii Mungu. 

Since we are all descendants or children of Adam, we are all subject to death, for we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God (Psalm 51:5; Rom. 3:23). The question might arise, “If God is so wise, why didn’t He make provisions for not allowing Adam and Eve to sin?” The answer to this question is found in understanding God’s plan for mankind. God did not create man to be a robot. He created him “in His image” with the ability to freely choose for himself. This is called being a “free moral agent.” Though men are free to choose, there are consequences to be paid for wrong choices that are in disobedience to God’s just principles. Adam was justly condemned because he freely chose to disobey God. 

Mungu alimruhusu Adamu kuchagua kwa uhuru ingawa alijua kabla kwamba angetenda dhambi. Ruhusa ya uovu na Mungu ina sehemu muhimu sana katika Mpango Wake. Mwanadamu anapitia matokeo ya dhambi, na kwa ujuzi huo atakuwa na motisha ya kuchagua haki katika ufalme ujao wa Bwana. 

God allowed Adam free choice even though He knew beforehand that he would sin. The permission of evil by God plays a very important part in His Plan. Mankind is experiencing the results of sin, and with that knowledge he will be motivated to choose righteousness in the Lord’s coming kingdom. 

Udanganyifu wa Shetani kwa Hawa unatufunulia kwamba yeye ni mwongo na kwamba hawezi kutegemewa (Yohana 8:44; 1 Petro 5:8). Akijua kimbele kwamba mwanadamu angetenda dhambi, Mungu katika upendo Wake alifanya maandalizi kwa ajili ya ukombozi wake. Tunasoma jambo hili katika Ufu. 13:8 ambapo inazungumza kuhusu “Mwana-Kondoo aliyechinjwa tangu kuwekwa misingi ya ulimwengu.” Mungu alimtuma Mwanawe wa pekee kufa kwa ajili ya dhambi zetu (Yohana 3:16). 1 Timotheo 2:5, 6 inasema, “Kwa maana kuna Mungu mmoja na mpatanishi kati ya Mungu na wanadamu ni mmoja, Mwanadamu Kristo Yesu, ambaye alijitoa mwenyewe kuwa ukombozi kwa ajili ya wote, utakaoshuhudiwa kwa majira yake.” Ni upendo wa Mungu na ule wa Mwana mpendwa kwa wanadamu ambao ulichochea ukombozi wetu kutoka katika dhambi na kifo ( 1 Kor. 15:22; Rum. 5:12, 18, 19 ). 

Satan’s deception of Eve reveals to us that he is a liar and that he cannot be trusted (John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8). Knowing beforehand that man would sin, God in His love made provisions for his redemption. We read of this in Rev. 13:8 where it speaks of a “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” God sent His only begotten Son to die for our sins (John 3:16). 1 Timothy 2:5,6 states, “ For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” It was the love of God and that of His dear Son for mankind that prompted our redemption from sin and death (1 Cor. 15:22; Rom. 5:12, 18, 19). 

Shetani amepofusha na kuchanganya akili za wanadamu kuhusu uandalizi huu wa ajabu wa Wokovu kwa wanadamu wote. Makanisa mengi yanaamini na kufundisha kwamba ukiwa mwema, utaenda mbinguni; lakini ikiwa nyinyi ni waovu, basi adhabu ya milele ni adhabu yenu. Hilo lapuuza kusudi la Ufalme wa kidunia wa wakati ujao wa Kristo wakati Bwana Yesu, pamoja na Bibi-arusi wake, watakuwa njia ya kurudishwa na kuwarudisha wanadamu katika upatano pamoja na Mungu ( Eze. 16:55; Rom. 8:17; 1 Kor. 6 ; 2, 3; 2 Pet. 3:13; Yesu alikufa kwa ajili ya dhambi zetu (Yn. 1:29). Alilipa bei iliyohitajiwa ili kuwafidia wanadamu wote kwa kifo chake. Uhai mkamilifu ulihitajiwa kwa mwanadamu mkamilifu Adamu. Alikuwa Mwanadamu , Kristo Yesu, aliyetoa ukombozi huu kwa ajili ya watu wote (1 Tim. 2:5, 6). Yesu alitoa bei hii ya ukombozi alipotoa maisha yake kwenye Msalaba wa Kalvari. Isa. 61:1 inasema hivi kiunabii, “Roho ya Bwana MUNGU i juu yangu, kwa maana BWANA amenitia mafuta kuwahubiri maskini habari njema. Amenituma ili kuwafunga waliovunjika moyo, kuwatangazia wafungwa uhuru wao, na kufunguliwa kwa giza kwa wafungwa.” Siku moja hivi karibuni, wanadamu wote watafunguliwa kutoka katika gereza la kifo. Kifo cha Yesu kinahakikisha ufufuo wa watu wote (Yohana 5:28, 29). 

Satan has blinded and confused the minds of men about this wonderful provision of Salvation for all mankind. Many churches believe and teach that if you are good, you will go to heaven; but if you are bad, then an everlasting Hell of torment is your lot. This negates the purpose for Christ’s future earthly Kingdom when the Lord Jesus, with his Bride, will be the means of restoration and bringing mankind back into harmony with God (Ezek. 16:55; Rom. 8:17; 1 Cor. 6:2,3; 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 20:4, 22:17). Jesus died for our sins (Jn. 1:29). He paid the price required to ransom back all mankind by his death. A perfect life was required for the perfect man Adam. It was the Man, Christ Jesus, who provided this ransom for all men (1 Tim. 2:5, 6). Jesus provided this ransom price when He laid down His life on Calvary’s Cross. Isa. 61:1 states prophetically, “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” One day soon, all mankind will be released from the prison house of death. Jesus’ death guarantees the resurrection of all men (John 5:28, 29). 

Mtume Paulo alikuwa na uhakika sana kwamba Ufufuo wa Yesu kutoka kwa wafu ulikuwa uthibitisho kwamba wanadamu pia watakuwa na Ufufuo. Anasema katika 1 Wakorintho 15:12-14, “Lakini ikiwa inahubiriwa ya kwamba Kristo amefufuka katika wafu, wawezaje baadhi yenu kusema kwamba hakuna ufufuo wa wafu? Ikiwa hakuna ufufuo wa wafu, basi hata Kristo hakufufuka. Na ikiwa Kristo hakufufuka, basi kuhubiri kwetu ni bure, na imani yenu pia." 

The Apostle Paul was very positive that the Resurrection of Jesus from death was proof that mankind will also have a Resurrection. He states in 1 Corinthians 15:12-14, “But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” 

Nafsi 

Mwanzo 3:4 : “‘Hakika hamtakufa,’ nyoka akamwambia mwanamke.” Huu ulikuwa uwongo shupavu wa Shetani. Kutokana na uwongo huo kulitoka fundisho la kwamba nafsi haifi, na mtu anapokufa, nafsi yake huenda mbinguni au motoni. Ukatoliki una nafasi ya tatu ambayo roho inaweza kwenda iitwayo Purgatory. Makosa haya mazito yameenea miongoni mwa makanisa ya Kikristo. Biblia inafundisha kwamba mwanadamu hana nafsi, bali yeye ni nafsi. (Ona Mwanzo 2:7.) 

The Soul 

Genesis 3:4: “‘You will not surely die,’ the serpent said to the woman.” This was Satan’s bold lie. From this lie came the teaching that the soul is immortal, and when a person dies, their soul either goes to heaven or to hell. Catholicism has a third possible place to which the soul could go called Purgatory. These serious errors are widespread among Christian churches. The Bible teaches that man does not possess a soul, but rather that he is a soul. (See Genesis 2:7.) 

Fundisho hili potovu la kutoweza kufa kwa nafsi limekuwa njia ya kuwaweka watu katika utumwa wa kidini kwa kutegemea hofu ya uwezekano wa kuteswa milele. Biblia inafundisha kwamba nafsi hufa wakati huo huo mwili unapoacha kupumua. Wafu wangebaki wakiwa wamekufa milele ikiwa si dhabihu ya ukombozi ya Yesu ambayo inafanya iwezekane kwa wanadamu wote kufufuliwa kutoka kwa wafu ( Zaburi 146:4; Eze. 18:4, 20; 1 Kor. 15:22 ). Maandiko fulani yanayofafanua hali ya wafu yanaweza kupatikana katika: 

This erroneous teaching of the immortality of the soul has been the means of keeping people in religious bondage based on the fear of possible eternal torment.. The Bible teaches that the soul dies at the same time as the body ceases to breathe. The dead would remain dead forever if it were not for the redeeming sacrifice of Jesus which makes it possible for all mankind to be raised from death (Psalm 146:4; Ezek. 18:4, 20; 1 Cor. 15:22). Some scriptures that describe the condition of the dead can be found in: 

Zaburi 6:5-19 BHN - “Hakuna mtu anayekukumbuka anapokufa. Ni nani anayekusifu kutoka kaburini?” 

Zaburi 115:17 - "Sio wafu wamsifuo BWANA, Wale washukao kunyamaza." 

Mhubiri 9:5 - “Kwa maana walio hai wanajua ya kwamba watakufa; lakini wafu hawajui neno lo lote; hawana thawabu zaidi, na kumbukumbu lao limesahauliwa.” 

Mhubiri 9:10 - “Lo lote mkono wako utakalolipata kulifanya, ulifanye kwa nguvu zako zote; 

Mhubiri 12:7 “Ndipo mavumbi yatarudi ardhini...na roho itarudi kwa Mungu aliyeitoa. 

Psalm 6:5 - “No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave?” 

Psalm 115:17 - “It is not the dead who praise the LORD, those who go down to silence.” 

Ecclesiastes 9:5 - “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten.” 

Ecclesiastes 9:10 - “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working...planning...knowledge or wisdom.” 

Ecclesiastes 12:7 – “Then shall the dust return to the earth...and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” 

Nabii Ezekieli (katika sura ya 18:4,20) na Mtume Paulo wanakubaliana kuhusu hali ya wafu, kwa ajili ya Rum. 6:23 inasema, "...mshahara wa dhambi ni mauti." (Ona pia 1 Kor. 15:21, 22 .) Mwanadamu aliumbwa akiwa na uwezo wa kufa na alipaswa kufa. (Kifo kilikuwa kitu kinachowezekana.) Mwa. 2:7 inatuambia, “BWANA Mungu akamfanya mtu kwa mavumbi ya ardhi, akampulizia puani pumzi ya uhai; mtu akawa nafsi hai.” Kusoma tena katika Eze. 18:4, “Tazama, roho zote ni mali yangu; kama vile roho ya baba ni mali yangu, vivyo hivyo na roho ya mwana ni mali yangu; roho itendayo dhambi ndiyo itakayokufa. ” Neno la Mungu linasema kwa uwazi kwamba “nafsi” -- kiumbe hai -- itakufa ikiwa ikifanya dhambi, na wote wamefanya dhambi (Rum. 3:23). “Ni mtu gani atakayeishi asione mauti…” (Zaburi 89:48)? 

The Prophet Ezekiel (in chapter 18:4,20) and the Apostle Paul agree on the state of the dead, for Rom. 6:23 says, “...the wages of sin is death.” (See also 1 Cor. 15:21, 22.) Man was created mortal and was subject to death. (Death was a possibility.) Gen. 2:7 tells us, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Reading again in Ezek. 18:4, “Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sins, it shall die.” God’s Word plainly states that the “soul”--the living being -- shall die if it sins, and all have sinned (Rom. 3:23). “What man is he that lives and shall not see death ...” (Psalm 89:48)? 

Mtu anapokufa, anakaa katika usingizi wa kifo hadi ufufuo. Yesu aliweka hili wazi katika Yohana 11:11-14 ambapo alitumia usingizi kuwakilisha kifo. “Akasema hayo, kisha akawaambia, Rafiki yetu Lazaro amelala; lakini naenda nipate kumwamsha. Basi wanafunzi wake wakasema, Bwana, ikiwa amelala, atapona. Lakini Yesu alisema juu ya kifo chake, lakini wao walidhani kwamba alikuwa amesema juu ya kulala usingizi. Ndipo Yesu akawaambia waziwazi, ' Lazaro amekufa .'” Ndiyo, wafu watakaa makaburini mwao hadi Ufufuo, na ni hapo tu ndipo watakapoamshwa kutoka katika usingizi wa kifo. (Ona pia Mdo. 7:60; 1 Kor. 15:20; 2 Petro 3:4; 1 The. 4:14 .) 

When a person dies, he remains in a sleep of death until the resurrection. Jesus made this clear in John 11:11-14 where he used sleep to represent death. “These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, ‘Our friend Lazarus sleeps; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.’ Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleeps, he shall do well. However, Jesus spoke of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking a rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead.’” Yes, the dead will remain in their graves until the Resurrection, and only then will they be awakened out of the sleep of death. (See also Acts 7:60; 1 Cor. 15:20; 2 Peter 3:4; 1 Thes. 4:14.) 

Agano Jipya linashikilia maandiko mengi juu ya somo la Ufufuo. Matendo 24:15 inasema, “Na nina tumaini kwa Mungu, ambalo wao wenyewe wanalo, ya kwamba kutakuwa na ufufuo wa wafu, wenye haki na wasio haki pia. Yohana 5:28, 29 inatuambia, “Msistaajabie neno hili; wale waliofanya mema kwa ufufuo wa uzima; na wale waliofanya mabaya kwa ufufuo wa hukumu .” 

The New Testament holds forth many scriptures on the subject of the Resurrection. Acts 24:15 states, “And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” John 5:28, 29 tells us, “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment.” 

Mtume Yohana, kwenye Kisiwa cha Patmo, alipewa ufahamu wa ziada kuhusu Ufufuo. Ufunuo 20:12-14 inatuambia, “Nikawaona wafu, wakubwa kwa wadogo, wamesimama mbele ya kile kiti cha enzi; na vitabu vikafunguliwa, na kitabu kingine kikafunguliwa, ambacho ni cha uzima; na hao wafu wakahukumiwa katika mambo hayo yaliyoandikwa katika vile vitabu, sawasawa na matendo yao. Bahari ikawatoa wafu waliokuwa ndani yake; na mauti na Kuzimu zikawatoa wafu waliokuwa ndani yake; wakahukumiwa kila mtu kwa kadiri ya matendo yake. Mauti na Kuzimu zikatupwa katika lile ziwa la moto. Hii ndiyo mauti ya pili, ndilo ziwa la moto.” 

The Apostle John, on the Isle of Patmos, was given additional insight into the Resurrection. Revelation 20:12-14 tells us, “And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead that were in it; and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, even the lake of fire.” 

Ufufuo wa Kwanza

Biblia inazungumza juu ya Ufufuo mbili. La kwanza litatokea wakati Yesu atakapokuja kumchukua Bibi-arusi wake -- wale ambao wamekuwa wanafunzi wake waaminifu tangu siku ya Pentekoste hadi ukamilisho wa Kanisa lake, kutia ndani baadhi ya watakaokuwa hai wakati huo. Hili linafundishwa waziwazi katika 1 Thes. 4:13-17 : “Akina ndugu, hatutaki mkose kujua kuhusu wale wanaolala usingizi , au muhuzunike kama watu wengine wasio na tumaini. Tunaamini kwamba Yesu alikufa na kufufuka na hivyo tunaamini kwamba Mungu atawaleta pamoja na Yesu wale waliolala katika yeye. Kulingana na neno la Bwana mwenyewe, tunawaambia kwamba sisi ambao bado tu hai, ambao tutabaki hadi kuja kwake Bwana, hakika hatutawatangulia wale ambao wamelala mauti. Kwa maana Bwana mwenyewe atashuka kutoka mbinguni pamoja na mwaliko, na sauti ya malaika mkuu, na parapanda ya Mungu; nao waliokufa katika Kristo watafufuliwa kwanza. Baada ya hayo, sisi tulio hai, tuliosalia, tutanyakuliwa pamoja nao katika mawingu ili kumlaki Bwana hewani. Na hivyo tutakuwa pamoja na Bwana milele." 

The First Resurrection

The Bible speaks of two Resurrections. The first will take place when Jesus comes to take to himself his Bride -- those who have been his faithful disciples from the day of Pentecost to the completion of his Church, including some who will be alive at that time. This is clearly taught in 1 Thes. 4:13-17: “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 

Yohana alibainisha Ufufuo wa kwanza katika Ufu. 20:6 : “Heri na watakatifu ni wale walio na sehemu katika ufufuo wa kwanza. Kifo cha pili hakina nguvu juu yao, bali watakuwa makuhani wa Mungu na wa Kristo, nao watatawala pamoja naye kwa miaka elfu.” Hawa watafufuliwa katika miili tukufu ya kiroho (1 Yohana 3:2). Wale walio na sehemu katika Ufufuo wa kwanza watapata thawabu zinazotafutwa katika Warumi 2:7: “Wale ambao kwa kudumu katika kutenda mema wanatafuta utukufu na heshima na kutokuharibika, atawapa uzima wa milele.” Zawadi nyingine nyingi zimetolewa kwa Bibi-arusi wa Kristo anayeshinda. Zifuatazo ni baadhi ya ahadi hizo: 

John identified the first Resurrection in Rev. 20:6: “Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” These will be resurrected to glorious spiritual bodies (1 John 3:2). Those who have a part in the first Resurrection will receive the rewards sought for in Romans 2:7: “ To those who by persistence in doing good seek for glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.” Many other rewards are held out to the overcoming Bride of Christ. The following are some of these promises: 

Ufu. 2:7 - “Yeye aliye na sikio, na alisikie neno hili ambalo Roho ayaambia makanisa. Yeye ashindaye, nitampa haki ya kula matunda ya mti wa uzima, ulio katika bustani ya Mungu.” 

Ufu. 2:10-11 - "Uwe mwaminifu hata kufa, nami nitakupa taji ya uzima." 

Ufu. 2:17 - “Yeye ashindaye, nitampa baadhi ya ile mana iliyofichwa. nami nitampa jiwe jeupe, limeandikwa jina jipya, analojulikana peke yake yeye aliyelipokea. 

Ufunuo 2:26-28 BHN - “Yeye ashindaye na kuyafanya mapenzi yangu hadi mwisho, nitampa mamlaka juu ya mataifa, atawachunga kwa fimbo ya chuma. atazivunja-vunja kama vyombo vya udongo' -- kama vile nilivyopokea mamlaka kutoka kwa Baba yangu. pia nitampa ile nyota ya asubuhi.” 

Ufu. 3:5 - “Yeye ashindaye atavikwa mavazi meupe kama wao. Sitalifuta kamwe jina lake katika kitabu cha uzima, bali nitalikiri jina lake mbele ya Baba yangu na mbele ya malaika zake.” 

Rev. 2:7 - “ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” 

Rev. 2:10-11 - “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” 

Rev. 2:17 - “To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a newname written on it, known only to him who receives it.” 

Rev. 2:26-28 - “To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations -- `He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery' -- just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star.” 

Rev. 3:5 - “He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.”

Danieli alitabiri kwamba wafuasi hao waaminifu wa Yesu wangeshiriki katika kutawala katika ufalme ujao wa Kristo. Katika Danieli 7:18 na 27 tunasoma, “Lakini watakatifu wake Aliye Juu Zaidi watapokea ufalme, na kuumiliki milele, naam, milele na milele. - “Ndipo enzi, na nguvu, na ukuu wa falme, chini ya mbingu zote, wakabidhiwa watakatifu, watu wake Aliye Juu Zaidi . Ufalme wake utakuwa ufalme wa milele, na watawala wote watamsujudia na kumtii.” Kisha katika 1 Kor. 6:2-3 tunasoma, “Hamjui ya kuwa watakatifu watauhukumu ulimwengu? Na ikiwa mtauhukumu ulimwengu, je, hamna uwezo wa kuhukumu kesi ndogo? Hamjui ya kuwa tutawahukumu malaika?..” (Hawa ni wale malaika walioanguka dhambini katika siku za Nuhu. Ona Mwanzo sura ya 6) 

Daniel prophesied that these faithful followers of Jesus would have a part in ruling in Christ’s future kingdom. In Daniel 7:18 and 27 we read, “But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever -- yes, for ever and ever.” - “Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.” Then in 1 Cor. 6:2-3 we read, “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels?..” (These are those angels that fell into sin in Noah’s day. See Genesis the 6th chapter) 

Ufufuo wa Pili

Ufufuo wa Pili, ambao utatokea wakati wa baadaye kuliko ule wa Kanisa, utakuwa wa wanadamu wote. Ufufuo huu wa pili au baada ya hapo utatokea mwanzoni mwa ufalme wa kidunia wa Kristo ujao. Je, masharti ya siku hii ya hukumu ni yapi? Isaya 26:9 inaeleza kitakachotokea wakati huu. "Hukumu zako zikija juu ya nchi, watu wa ulimwengu hujifunza haki." Wakati huu wa hukumu utadumu kwa miaka elfu nzima ya utawala wa Kristo. Wakati huo Shetani hataweza kudanganya na kuwajaribu watu kwa uovu. Ufu. 20:1, 2 hutuambia kwamba ‘atafungwa kwa miaka 1000. Kipindi hiki cha wakati pia kinaitwa Enzi ya Milenia -- "Milenia" ikimaanisha "elfu moja." 

The Second Resurrection

The Second Resurrection, which will occur at a time later than that of the Church, will be for the rest of all mankind. This second or after resurrection will occur at the beginning of Christ’s future earthly kingdom. What are the conditions of this judgment day? Isaiah 26:9 tells what will happen at this time. “When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.” This judgment time will last for the entire thousand years of Christ’s reign. At that time Satan will not be able to deceive and tempt people to evil. Rev. 20:1, 2 tells us that he will be “bound for a 1000 years.” This period of time is also called the Millennial Age -- “Millennial” meaning “one thousand.” 

Wakati wa Ufalme wa Kristo kila mtu atawajibika kwa matendo yake mwenyewe. Andiko la Ezekieli 18:20 linatuambia hivi: “Nafsi itendayo dhambi ndiyo itakayokufa; Mwana hatashiriki hatia ya baba, wala baba hatashiriki hatia ya mwana. Haki ya mwenye haki itahesabiwa kwake, na uovu wake mwovu utashtakiwa juu yake.” (Ona pia Matendo 3:22, 23 .) Leo, inaweza kusemwa kikweli, “baba wamekula zabibu mbichi na meno ya watoto yakitiwa ganzi” ( Yer. 31:29 ). 

During Christ’s Kingdom each person will be responsible for his own actions. Ezekiel 18:20 tells us this: “The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him.” (Also see Acts 3:22, 23.) Today, it can be truly said, “the fathers have eaten the sour grape and the children’s teeth are set on edge” (Jer. 31:29). 

Ufalme wa Kristo wa miaka 1000 utakuwa shule ya ulimwenguni pote kwa mabilioni ya watu watakaofufuliwa. Kutakuwa na amani na upatano duniani pote. Isaya 11:9 hufafanua wakati huu wa ajabu: “Hawatadhuru wala kuharibu juu ya mlima wangu wote mtakatifu; (Pia Hes. 14:21; Isaya 54:10 .) Hali katika Ufalme wa wakati ujao wa Kristo zafafanuliwa zaidi katika Yeremia 31:34 : “Mtu hatamfundisha tena jirani yake, wala mtu ndugu yake, akisema, Mjueni BWANA, kwa maana wote watanijua, tangu aliye mdogo hata aliye mkuu, asema BWANA. Kwa maana nitausamehe uovu wao wala sitazikumbuka tena dhambi zao.” Mwishoni mwa ile miaka 1,000, ulimwengu utakuwa na jaribu la mwisho ili kuona kama wanastahili kupata uzima wa milele au la. kufunguliwa kwa muda kidogo” ili kuijaribu mioyo ya wanadamu. 

The 1000-year Kingdom of Christ will be a world-wide school for the billions that are to be resurrected. There will be peace and harmony throughout the earth. Isaiah 11:9 describes this wonderful time: “They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” (Also Num. 14:21; Isaiah 54:10.) The conditions in Christ’s future Kingdom are further described in Jeremiah 31:34: “No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, `Know the LORD,' because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." At the end of the 1,000 years, the world will have its final testing to see if they are worthy of everlasting life or not. We are told that Satan will be “loosed for a little season” to test the hearts of mankind. (See Revelation 20:7-10.) 

Ufunuo 21:7-8 inatuambia kuhusu makundi mawili ya watu. Kundi la kwanza ni wale watakaopita jaribu hili la mwisho na kuwa waaminifu, wakijifunza njia za uadilifu. Kundi la pili ni wale wanaochagua kutojifunza na kushindwa na ushawishi wa mwisho wa Shetani. “Yeye ashindaye atayarithi haya yote, nami nitakuwa Mungu wake, naye atakuwa mwanangu. Bali waoga, na wasioamini, na wafidhuli, na wauaji, na wazinzi, na wachawi, na hao waabuduo sanamu, na waongo wote, mahali pao patakuwa katika lile ziwa la moto la kiberiti. Hii ndiyo mauti ya pili. "... ziwa la moto la kiberiti" - je, hii inamaanisha mahali pa mateso ya milele? La, hii ni ishara ya uharibifu kamili au maangamizi kamili. Kumbuka kwamba inaitwa pia "kifo cha pili." Ni lazima tukumbuke kwamba kitabu cha Ufunuo ni kitabu cha lugha ya mfano sana Tulisoma mapema kwamba “wafu hawajui lolote.” Hilo ni kweli katika kifo cha kwanza, na itakuwa kweli kwa wale wanaokataa kuishi chini ya kanuni na serikali ya uadilifu chini ya Bwana wetu Yesu Kristo na wataangamizwa kwa rehema katika “kifo cha pili.” Watakuwa kana kwamba hawajawahi. 

Revelation 21:7-8 tells us of two groups of people. The first group are those who will pass this final test and prove faithful, learning the ways of righteousness. The second group are those who choose not to learn and succumb to Satan’s final seduction. “He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars -- their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." “... the fiery lake of burning sulfur” - does this mean a place of eternal torture? No, this is symbolic of total destruction or total annihilation. Note that it is also called “second death.” We must remember that the book of Revelation is a book of highly symbolic language. We read earlier that “the dead do not know anything.” This is true in the first death, and it will be equally true of those who refuse to live under the righteous principles and government under our Lord Jesus Christ and will be mercifully annihilated in the “second death.” They will be as if they had never been. 

Hitimisho

Hivyo tunaona Neno la Mungu likifunua Mpango wa ajabu wa Ukombozi kwa wanadamu wote. Imejikita katika dhabihu kuu ya Bwana wetu Yesu Kristo ambaye alitoa yote yaliyohitajiwa kwa ajili ya ukombozi wa mwanadamu kutoka katika dhambi na kifo, ili kwamba siku moja, kwa wakati wa Mungu ufaao, wakombolewe, katika Ufufuo unaokuja, ili waishi siku moja. dunia iliyorudishwa ambapo hali za Edeni zitakuwapo. 

Wakati huo “kwa Jina la Yesu kila goti litapigwa... na kila ulimi utakiri ya kuwa Yesu Kristo ni Bwana kwa utukufu wa Mungu Baba” (Flp. 2:11). Biblia inafungua katika Mwanzo na mwanadamu aliyeumbwa akiwa mkamilifu na kuanguka katika dhambi, na kuishia katika Ufunuo naye akirudishwa kwenye ukamilifu na upatano kamili na Muumba wake. Upendo wa aina gani huu ? Hakika tunapaswa kutaka kumtumikia na kutoa Sifa, Heshima, na Ibada kwa Mungu kama huyo! 

Conclusion

Thus we see God’s Word reveals a wonderful Plan of Redemption for all mankind. It is centered in the great sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ who provided all that was needed for man’s redemption from sin and death, so that one day, in God’s due time, they will be delivered, in the coming Resurrection, to live on a restored earth where Edenic conditions will exist. 

During that time “at the Name of Jesus every knee shall bow...and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:11). The Bible opens in Genesis with man created perfect and falling into sin, and ends in Revelation with him being restored to perfection and full harmony with his Creator. What kind of love is this? Surely we should want to serve and give Praise, Honor, and Worship to such a God! 

KRISTO ASIYE MFANO

“Alijeruhiwa kwa makosa yetu. Alichubuliwa kwa maovu yetu: Adhabu ya amani yetu ilikuwa juu yake, na kwa kupigwa kwake sisi tumepona” (Isaya 53:5). 

Alikuja kutoka kifuani kwa Baba mpaka kifuani mwa mwanamke. Alichukua juu Yake “umbo la mtumwa” ili tupate kuwa wana wa Mungu. 

Alizaliwa kwa njia isiyo ya kawaida, aliishi katika umaskini, alilelewa katika giza. Mara moja tu alivuka mpaka wa nchi, katika utoto. Hakuwa na mali wala ushawishi, na hakuwa na elimu ya chuo kikuu; lakini hekima kuu ya wanadamu haikulingana kamwe na hotuba zake za mwisho katika Yohana 13 hadi 17 na Mahubiri ya Mlimani. "Hakuna mtu aliyesema kama mtu huyu." 

Jamaa zake hawakuonekana waziwazi na hawakuwa na ushawishi, hata hivyo, katika utoto alimshtua mfalme; utotoni aliwashangaza Madaktari wa Sheria. Hata katika umri wa miaka kumi na miwili alithibitisha kuwa alikuwa mbele ya wanatheolojia, kwa maana "alifundishwa na Mungu". Katika utu uzima alitawala mambo ya asili, ili kwamba aweze kupinga sheria za uvutano kwa kutembea juu ya maji, na kuituliza bahari iliyochafuka kwa neno. Aliponya umati bila dawa na hakutoza malipo kwa ajili ya huduma zake. 

Hakuwahi kuandika kitabu, hata hivyo si maktaba zote za ulimwengu zingeweza kushikilia vitabu vilivyoandikwa kumhusu. Hakuwahi kuandika wimbo, lakini Ametoa mada ya nyimbo nyingi zaidi ya waandishi wote wa nyimbo kwa pamoja. Hakuanzisha chuo, hata hivyo shule zote pamoja haziwezi kujivunia wanafunzi wengi kama Yeye. Hakuwahi kupanga jeshi, kuandaa askari, wala kufyatua bunduki, lakini hakuna kiongozi aliyewahi kuwa na watu wa kujitolea zaidi ambao, chini ya amri Zake, wamewafanya waasi kuweka silaha au kujisalimisha bila risasi kufyatuliwa. Watu wakuu wamekuja na kuondoka, bado Anaendelea kuishi. Herode hangeweza kumuua, Shetani hangeweza kumshawishi, kifo hakingeweza kumwangamiza, kaburi halikuweza kumshikilia, na hata mapepo yalimtii. Aliwalisha umati wenye njaa kwa chakula kidogo cha mvulana, akavunja mazishi, na kuwafufua wale waliokuwa wamekufa. 

Aliweka kando vazi lake la zambarau kama vazi la wakulima. Alikuwa tajiri, lakini kwa ajili yetu akawa maskini. 

Kwa jinsi gani maskini? Muulize Mary. Alilala katika hori ya mtu mwingine; Alisafiri ziwani kwa mashua ya mtu mwingine. Alipanda mnyama aliyeazimwa. Alizikwa katika kaburi la tajiri. 

Alishinda mauti, akafufuka siku ya tatu kama alivyosema, akapaa mbinguni na sasa yuko mkono wa kuume wa kiti cha enzi cha Mungu. Siku moja atakuja kulichukua kanisa Lake, “Bibi-arusi” Wake kuwa pamoja Naye kama alivyoahidi karne nyingi zilizopita, na pamoja nalo atauhukumu ulimwengu katika haki. Wakati huu kila goti litapigwa kwake na kila ulimi utamkiri kuwa ni Bwana kwa utukufu wa Baba naye atafuta machozi yote katika nyuso zote; hakutakuwa na kuugua, wala kilio, wala kufa, bali furaha ya Milele na Amani. 

Yesu ndiye Mkuu zaidi kati ya elfu kumi, ndiye pekee anayeweza kutosheleza nafsi na kuwapa Uzima wa Milele wale waliokuwa wakiangamia. NI MPENZI PAMOJA...na... NDIYE MWOKOZI WETU! 

THE INCOMPARABLE CHRIST

“He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). 

He came from the bosom of the Father to the bosom of a woman. He took upon Him the “form of a servant” that we might become the sons of God. 

He was born in a supernatural way, lived in poverty, reared in obscurity. Only once did He cross the boundary of the land, in childhood. He had no wealth nor influence, and no college education; yet the profoundest wisdom of men never equaled His last discourses in John 13 to 17 and the Sermon on the Mount. “Never a man spake like this man.” 

His relatives were inconspicuous and uninfluential, yet, in infancy he startled a king; in boyhood he puzzled the Doctors of the Law. Even at twelve years of age He proved He was far in advance of the theologians, for He was “taught of God”. In manhood He ruled the elements, so that He could defy the laws of gravity by walking on water, and quiet the raging sea with a word. He healed the multitudes without medicine and made no charge for His services. 

He never wrote a book, yet not all the libraries of the world could hold the books that have been written about Him. He never wrote a song, yet He has furnished the theme of more songs than all song writers combined. He never founded a college, yet all the schools together cannot boast of as many students as He has. He never marshaled an army, drafted a soldier, nor fired a gun, yet no leader ever had more volunteers who have, under His orders, made rebels stack arms or surrender without a shot being fired. Great men have come and gone, yet He lives on. Herod could not kill Him, Satan could not seduce Him, death could not destroy Him, the grave could not hold Him, and even demons obeyed Him. He fed the hungry multitudes with a boy’s little lunch, broke up funerals, and gave back to life those that were dead. 

He laid aside His purple robe for a peasant’s gown. He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor. 

As to how poor? Ask Mary. He slept in another’s manger; He sailed the lake in another’s boat. He rode on a borrowed beast. He was buried in a rich man’s tomb. 

He conquered death, rose on the third day as He said He would, ascended into heaven and is now at the right hand of the throne of God. He will one day soon come to take His church, His “Bride” to be with Him as He promised centuries ago, and together with her will judge the world in righteousness. At this time every knee shall bow to Him and every tongue shall confess Him as Lord to the glory of the Father and He will wipe all tears from off all faces; there will be no more sighing or crying or death but Everlasting Joy and Peace. 

Jesus is the Chiefest among ten thousand, the only One who can satisfy the soul and give Everlasting Life to those who were perishing. HE IS ALTOGETHER LOVELY...and... HE IS OUR SAVIOUR!