Greetings again xfro,
Kind regards
Trevor
I was responding here to your quotation of Mark 16:19. Yes, Jesus, a man, the Son of God, is in heaven, bu Paul is in the grave.Sorry, but Paul was clearly referring to himself, not Christ.
I don’t believe in soul sleep either, but I believe that when we die we return to the dust Genesis 3:19, Daniel 12:2. If you consider the word “depart” in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, and what Paul anticipated, you will discover that Paul had a different hope to those who have now adopted the pagan philosophy of immortal souls and heaven going immediately at death. Paul was looking forward to the return of Jesus, not going to heaven. That is when he will be with Christ, not before. Paul believed in and taught the resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1-58.He said "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:" Paul was clearly saying that if he desires to die so that he can be with Christ. Paul knows it's far better because he has been there!! I don't believe in soul sleep.
Kind regards
Trevor