In this lesson, Pastor Luther Walker continues the study on eschatology, focusing on death, the intermediate body, and the last days of the Church. Scripture defines death not as annihilation, but as separation—the body from the soul and spirit, or the spirit from God. Pastor Walker explains the biblical structure of Sheol, its three primary chambers, and how paradise was moved to the third heaven after Christ’s resurrection (2 Corinthians 12:2–4).
From 1 Samuel 28, he discusses Samuel’s appearance to Saul, revealing the existence of a physical, intermediate body even after death. Moses and Elijah appearing on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3) further demonstrate this truth. The study also examines Moses’ burial (Deuteronomy 34:4–6; Jude 9), Elijah’s ascension (2 Kings 2:11), and the account of Abraham, Lazarus, and the rich man (Luke 16:19–31), affirming the reality of conscious existence after death.
Pastor Walker then addresses intermediate bodies in the present Church Age and during the tribulation period, where saints appear under the altar (Revelation 6:9–11). He explains the believer’s current state as being “in this tent” (2 Corinthians 5:1–4; 2 Peter 1:13) and the expectation of being present with the Lord when absent from the body (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:20–23).
The teaching transitions into the last days of the Church, where many will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1–3). These false teachings are not characterized by overt demonic displays but by the misapplication of Old Testament doctrine to Church truth. The message warns of perilous times in which people will be “fond of themselves and fond of pleasure rather than God” (2 Timothy 3:1–5), and mockers will walk after their own lusts, denying Christ’s return (2 Peter 3:3–4; Jude 4, 18–19).
Pastor Walker concludes that we are living in the final period of the Church on earth. While the exact day and hour of the rapture remain unknown, the signs of the times indicate that its fulfillment is near. This message urges believers to remain steadfast in sound doctrine, discerning in faith, and attentive to the hope of Christ’s imminent return.
Key Topics:
The nature of death: separation, not annihilation
Structure and chambers of Sheol
Relocation of paradise to the third heaven
Samuel, Moses, and Elijah after death
The intermediate body and resurrection hope
Tribulation saints and the altar in heaven
Doctrines of demons and apostasy in the last days
The perilous times of the Church
Signs pointing to the approaching rapture
Scripture References:
1 Samuel 28 | 2 Corinthians 5 | 2 Corinthians 12:2–4 | Deuteronomy 34:4–6 | Jude 9 | 2 Kings 2:11 | Luke 16:19–31 | Matthew 17:3 | 1 Timothy 4:1–3 | 2 Timothy 3:1–5 | 2 Peter 3:3–4 | Revelation 6:9–11 | Philippians 1:20–23 | Jude 4, 18–19
