Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
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Lazarus in light of Hebrews 9:27 | Donald | Monday, April 7, 2014 |
Question: One more question about Lazarus. How is Lazarus' death, and others that Jesus brought back to life, reconciled with Hebrews 9:27 ~ "And as it is appointed unto men to die once, and after this the judgment"? |
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Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OMSM(r), LTh, DD
Donald: God can do what He wants according to His perfect Will. There was a purpose for the resurrection of Lazarus — to show the glory and power of God and to authenticate Jesus as the Son of God, and thus God made an exception to the teaching of Hebrews. That is the answer to the teaching of Hebrews 9:27, God is not bound by His teachings as we are. That which is the norm He, (not us), can make exceptions according to His perfect Will and purposes. In similar fashion God is not bound by His Sacraments. That is why He may save someone who has not been baptized, or even who is not converted to Christ, as He wishes, which is outside the norm (See the Catechism 846-848). God can do the extraordinary. With that said, I would suggest that Lazarus was judged when he died the first time, thereby going to Abraham's Bosom and not to the part of Hades/Sheol where the condemned were imprisoned. Jesus would not have resurrected a person from hell (the part of Hades/Sheol where the condemned of the pre-Cross period go). Once in hell one never gets out. I hope this helps. God Bless, Footer Notes: This forum is for general questions on the faith. See specific Topic Forums below: Spiritual Warfare, demons, the occult go to our Spiritul Warfare Q&S Forum. Liturgy Questions go to our Liturgy and Liturgical Law Q&A Forum Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) Questions go to our Divine Office Q&A Forum Defenfing the Faith Questions go to our Defending the Faith Q&A Forum Church History Questions go to our Church History Q&A Forum
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