The Wisdom of Solomon – Chapter 3B

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3:1 But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of Elohim, and there shall no torment touch them. 2 In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure is taken for misery, 3 And their going from us to be utter destruction: but they are in peace. 4 For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of immortality. 5 And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded: for Elohim proved them, and found them worthy for himself.

6 As gold in the furnace hath he tried them, and received them as a burnt offering. 7 And in the time of their visitation they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble. 8 They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the people, and their Lord shall reign for ever. 9 They that put their trust in him shall understand the truth: and such as be faithful in love shall abide with him: for grace and mercy is to his saints, and he hath care for his elect. 10 But the ungodly shall be punished according to their own imaginations, which have neglected the righteous, and forsaken יהוה . 11 For whoso despiseth wisdom and nurture, he is miserable, and their hope is vain, their labours unfruitful, and their works unprofitable: 12 Their wives are foolish, and their children wicked: 13 Their offspring is cursed. Wherefore blessed is the barren that is undefiled, which hath not known the sinful bed: she shall have fruit in the visitation of souls. 14 And blessed is the eunuch, which with his hands hath wrought no iniquity, nor imagined wicked things against Elohim: for unto him shall be given the special gift of faith, and an inheritance in the temple of יהוה more acceptable to his mind. 15 For glorious is the fruit of good labours: and the root of wisdom shall never fall away. 16 As for the children of adulterers, they shall not come to their perfection, and the seed of an unrighteous bed shall be rooted out. 17 For though they live long, yet shall they be nothing regarded: and their last age shall be without honour. 18 Or, if they die quickly, they have no hope, neither comfort in the day of trial. 19 For horrible is the end of the unrighteous generation.

Problems:

1. Hebrews 9:27 – “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”

I’m starting to see that Scripture shows that יהוהs judgment can lead to purification, a process of refinement rather than mere condemnation.

2. 2 Thessalonians 1:4-10 – Describes punishment for the unrighteous.

aiōnios indeterminate, an age. 

I’m looking at the broader biblical narrative, which I am seeing includes opportunities for repentance and transformation. In 1 Timothy 2:4 we see יהוה has a desire for all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. 

3. Matthew 10:28 – “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”

This differentiates between physical death and the soul’s eternal destiny. It shows the soul’s enduring nature and יהוהs ultimate authority over it.

4. The Transfiguration and the Appearance of Moses and Elijah:

The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9) is presented as a vision (Matthew 17:9) However, the appearance of Moses and Elijah shows the continuity of יהוהs plan and the connection between the Law, the Prophets, and Yahusha. I see the passage as showing that those who’ve passed aren’t beyond יהוהs reach.

5. Ecclesiastes and the State of the Dead:

It’s written in Ecclesiastes 9:5 “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing.” This is Solomon’s perspective on the finality of death, but the context of Ecclesiastes is “under the sun” to describe life from an earthly perspective, focusing on human experiences within our world. This perspective speaks to the perceived meaninglessness of life when viewed solely through human effort and understanding in this realm. It’s a perspective confined to earthly existence. Solomon is considering human endeavors and experiences without explicit reference to the afterlife or spiritual realms beyond our immediate world. For example, Ecclesiastes 1:3 poses:

“What profit has a man from all his labor in which he toils under the sun?” 

This question reflects on the seeming futility of human labor when viewed solely from an earthly standpoint.

6. The Concept of Post-Death Refinement:

I think refinement after death aligns more with with biblical themes of purification. 1 Peter 1:7 speaks of the genuineness of faith being tested by fire – thats the refining process.  

7. Avoiding Comparisons to Purgatory:

The Bible emphasizes that salvation is through faith in Yahusha alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), and any post-death purification is not a second chance but a reflection of יהוהs mercy in Yahusha alone and His desire to purify His creation. They are not the same!

8. Assurance of Salvation and the Final Judgment:

I believe Scripture assures that believers can have confidence in their salvation (1 John 5:13). But it also warns of a final judgment where deeds are evaluated (Revelation 20:12). This judgment is not solely about condemnation but also about rewarding faithfulness and refining character.

Love doesn’t fail:

1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails.

Romans 8:39 Neither height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of Yah which is in Yahusha Ha Moshiach.

1 John 4:16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that יהוה has for us. יהוה is love, and whoever abides in love abides in יהוה , and יהוה abides in them.

Psalm 136:1 Oh, give thanks to יהוה, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Jeremiah 31:3 I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

…thus it remains steadfast and unbroken, through His direct love for humanity whether by acceptance or non acceptance His love still never fails.

Hebrews 12:28-29: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve יהוה acceptably with reverence and Elohimly fear. For our Elohim is a consuming fire.”

Malachi 3:2-3: “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderer’s soap.”

In the case of the unrepentant, I’ve come to see process of refinement continues beyond death, just as Revelation 20:13-shows:

“The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.”

So even the unrepentant will undergo judgment in Hades before the ultimate purification, as they face the “second death” in the lake of fire. 

Doesn’t this show that there’s a final purification for those who’ve lived in rebellion and sin against יהוה?

Wouldn’t that make יהוה’s ultimate judgment a redemptive one, maybe it’s not aimed at eternal punishment but purification! Have you thought of that?

Redemption and Universal Salvation:

Did Shaul hint at the process of universal salvation in 1 Timothy 2:3, where he spoke of יהוהs true desire for His creation. 

This is good, and pleases Elohim our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one Elohim and one mediator between Elohim and mankind, the manafaced Messiah Yahusha, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.

Could it be possible that יהוהs will for all to be saved—regardless of their previous state?

Wouldn’t this align more with the concept of refining…more with the idea of a universal salvation that’s rooted in the mediatorial work of Yahusha, which is to me the crux of our hope here in this life!

It’s ONLY His crucifixion, that reconciles all of humanity to Elohim. 

This concept ties in with what we just studied in Isaiah 66:22, where Isaiah speaks of a future time of restoration and renewal for all people, and where the gates to the kingdom will remain open for those who are redeemed through the blood of Moshiach.

The Lake of Fire and Ultimate Purification:

The “lake of fire” is the final stage of purification, Revelation 21:8:

But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.

Traditionalists interpret the “lake of fire” as a place of eternal damnation.

Now bare with me here: Purgatory! OH OH! Is there a purgatorial aspect of refining that’s hinted at in some Christian traditions? I believe so…NOT PURGATORY NO…but a Purgatorial aspect found in the final purification in the lake of fire that’s necessary for those who’ve not yet been transformed but through this process, they will be refined, just as gold is refined in fire.

Is there a valid concept of universal salvation and a second exodus which points to the day when Elohim will restore all things?

The trials we face then aren’t without purpose; what if they’re a means to purify our character, prepare us for eternal glory, and bring about our redemption?

Is it possible that יהוהs plan of salvation extends beyond temporal life, Is it possible that יהוהs love is wider and deeper than we could’ve ever thought…I’m not unconvinced that there’s something here…a wider and more encompassing view of redemption, ultimately leading all creation to a reconciled state in Moshiach. 

The scripture is clear that the gates of the New Jerusalem are always open (Revelation 22:14), and the healing of the nations will bring all people into Elohim’s embrace. 

Yahusha’s mediation is key. 

The waymaker for salvation, reconciliation by refinement rather than separation and destruction.

1 Timothy 2:5-6
For there is one Elohim and one mediator between Elohim and men, the man Moshiach Yahusha, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

He paid  the ransom for all people, ensuring that humanity is no longer separated from Elohim due to sin.

Hebrews 9:15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

Redemption and the promise of eternal inheritance to all who are called.

Colossians 1:19-20 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Now all things are of Elohim, who has reconciled us to Himself through Yahusha Ha Moshiach, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that Elohim was in Moshiach reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Yahusha is the means through which the world is reconciled to Elohim, is there a possibility of salvation through His sacrifice and forgiveness that extends beyond our past understanding – the opportunity for refinement and transformation?

John 12:32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself.

Titus 2:11 For the grace of Elohim that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

Isn’t that a universal offer of salvation, made possible through the Son. Elohim’s grace, shown through the Son is available to all people. Is that so insane?

1 Peter 1:7 That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Yahusha Ha Moshiach. 

The testing of faith is a refining fire, a process not meant for destruction but for the purification and strengthening of faith. Refinement allows us as believers to grow in holiness and character, in preparation for eternal glory.

Malachi 3:3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to יהוה an offering in righteousness.

Matthew 3:11-12 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Yes there’s a separation of the righteous and the unrighteous. But those who are not in Yahusha will face judgment and destruction (the unquenchable fire), the righteous are refined and purified like wheat – here in this world. 

1 Corinthians 3:13-15 Each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.