在死亡与复活之间
Between Death and the Resurrection
科内利斯·维内马 / Cornelis Venema
简介 Summary
改革宗神学家维内马对基督教中间状态教义的系统研究。"中间状态"指人死后到最终复活之间灵魂的状态，这一教义在基督教传统中存在不同观点。维内马通过细致的圣经释经和历史神学分析，论证信徒死后立即与基督同在的福音真理，同时探讨了这一教义对基督徒面对死亡和永恒的实际意义。
Reformed theologian Venema's systematic study of the Christian doctrine of the intermediate state. The "intermediate state" refers to the soul's condition between death and final resurrection, a doctrine with varying views in Christian tradition. Through careful biblical exegesis and historical theological analysis, Venema argues for the gospel truth that believers are immediately present with Christ after death, while exploring this doctrine's practical significance for Christians facing death and eternity.
📑 章节 Chapters
Ch.1: The Importance of the Intermediate State Question
维内马开篇阐述中间状态教义的重要性。这不仅关乎抽象的神学思辨，更关乎基督徒面对死亡时的安慰和盼望。对中间状态的正确理解影响着我们的丧礼实践、死亡观念，以及对永恒的期待。
Venema begins by explaining the importance of intermediate state doctrine. This concerns not merely abstract theological speculation but comfort and hope for Christians facing death. Proper understanding of the intermediate state affects our funeral practices, death concepts, and expectations of eternity.
“The question of what happens after death is not merely academic but touches the deepest concerns of human existence. 死后会发生什么的问题不仅仅是学术性的，而是触及人类存在的最深关切。”
“A biblical understanding of the intermediate state provides genuine comfort to grieving believers. 对中间状态的圣经理解为悲伤的信徒提供真正的安慰。”
Ch.2: Historical Views and Perspectives
回顾基督教历史中关于中间状态的不同观点：灵魂睡眠论、炼狱说、立即荣耀说等。维内马分析每种观点的历史发展、神学论据和实践影响，为后续的圣经分析提供背景。
Reviews different views on the intermediate state in Christian history: soul sleep, purgatory, immediate glorification, etc. Venema analyzes each view's historical development, theological arguments, and practical implications, providing background for subsequent biblical analysis.
“The diversity of views in church history demonstrates both the complexity of the issue and the need for careful biblical study. 教会历史中观点的多样性既证明了问题的复杂性，也证明了仔细研究圣经的必要性。”
“Each historical position reflects genuine pastoral concerns about the fate of believers after death. 每个历史立场都反映了对信徒死后命运的真正牧养关切。”
Ch.3: Death and Sheol in the Old Testament
详细分析旧约中关于死亡和阴间的教导。虽然旧约的启示是渐进的，但其中已经包含了关于死后生命的重要线索。传道书、约伯记、诗篇等书卷为理解死后状态提供了重要视角。
Thoroughly analyzes Old Testament teachings about death and Sheol. Though Old Testament revelation is progressive, it already contains important clues about afterlife. Books like Ecclesiastes, Job, and Psalms provide important perspectives for understanding post-mortem states.
“The Old Testament view of death is not one of annihilation but of diminished existence in Sheol. 旧约对死亡的观点不是湮没，而是在阴间的衰减存在。”
“Even in the Old Testament, we find hints of hope beyond the grave for the righteous. 即使在旧约中，我们也找到了义人坟墓之外盼望的暗示。”
Ch.4: The Revolutionary Revelation of the New Testament
新约关于死后生命的启示是革命性的。基督的死与复活为信徒开辟了新的道路——死后立即与主同在。路加福音23:43中耶稣对强盗的应许，以及保罗在哥林多后书5:8的教导都支持这一观点。
New Testament revelation about afterlife is revolutionary. Christ's death and resurrection opened a new path for believers—immediate presence with the Lord after death. Jesus' promise to the thief in Luke 23:43 and Paul's teaching in 2 Corinthians 5:8 support this view.
“Today you will be with me in paradise. 今日你要同我在乐园里了。(路23:43)”
“We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 我们坦然无惧，是更愿意离开身体与主同住。(林后5:8)”
Ch.5: Critical Analysis of Soul Sleep
系统批评灵魂睡眠论（psychopannychism）的观点。维内马分析支持灵魂睡眠的经文，论证这些经文应当理解为比喻性语言，而非字面的意识消失。圣经的整体见证支持死后意识的持续存在。
Systematically critiques the soul sleep (psychopannychism) position. Venema analyzes texts supporting soul sleep, arguing these should be understood as figurative language rather than literal consciousness cessation. Scripture's overall witness supports continued consciousness after death.
“The metaphor of sleep refers to the body's rest, not the soul's unconsciousness. 睡眠的比喻指的是身体的安息，不是灵魂的无意识。”
“The consistent biblical testimony is that the soul continues to exist in conscious fellowship with God after death. 一致的圣经见证是灵魂在死后继续在与神的有意识团契中存在。”
Ch.6: The Glory of Being with Christ
阐述信徒死后与基督同在的福乐状态。虽然这不是最终的复活状态，但已经是"好得无比"的福分。维内马分析保罗、彼得、约翰等使徒对这一状态的描述，展现其超越今生的荣耀。
Explains the blessed state of being with Christ after death for believers. Though not the final resurrection state, it is already 'far better' blessing. Venema analyzes descriptions of this state by apostles Paul, Peter, John, revealing its glory transcending this life.
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 因我活着就是基督，我死了就有益处。(腓1:21)”
“I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far. 我正在两难之间，情愿离世与基督同在，因为这是好得无比的。(腓1:23)”
Ch.7: Resurrection and the Final State
区分中间状态与最终复活状态。虽然信徒死后立即与基督同在，但这不是故事的终点。基督再来时身体的复活将带来完全的救赎——灵魂与身体的重新结合，以及新天新地的最终实现。
Distinguishes between intermediate and final resurrection states. Though believers are immediately with Christ after death, this is not the end of the story. Bodily resurrection at Christ's return will bring complete redemption—soul and body reunion and the ultimate realization of new heavens and new earth.
“The intermediate state, glorious as it is, remains incomplete until the resurrection. 中间状态虽然荣耀，但在复活之前仍是不完全的。”
“The resurrection of the body completes what was begun in the intermediate state. 身体的复活完成了在中间状态中所开始的。”
Ch.8: Pastoral and Comforting Applications
将中间状态教义应用于牧养实践。这一真理如何安慰丧亲的信徒？如何帮助垂死的圣徒？如何影响我们的丧礼仪式和悼念方式？维内马提供了实用的牧养指导。
Applies intermediate state doctrine to pastoral practice. How does this truth comfort bereaved believers? How does it help dying saints? How does it influence our funeral services and memorial practices? Venema provides practical pastoral guidance.
“The doctrine of the intermediate state transforms grief from despair into hope-filled sorrow. 中间状态的教义将悲伤从绝望转变为充满盼望的忧伤。”
“For the Christian, death is not the end but a doorway to greater life with Christ. 对基督徒来说，死亡不是终点，而是通向与基督更大生命的门户。”