The Soon Return of Jesus

SECOND COMING PREDICTIONS-STRONG DELUSION-PART 5

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“And Jesus answered and said to them: ‘Take heed that no one deceives you.’ For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.”

Matthew 24:4-5

Many who read this passage think on simple terms and convince themselves they could never be deceived by someone who said they were Jesus. But, there are many around the world claiming to be Christ or a Prophet that has built a cult of followers around them.

A quick look at Wikipedia shows many in the world claiming “I am the Christ.”

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If you have 25 minutes to watch a documentary on a person who claims he is Christ, click here.  I must warn you that this can be disturbing if you are a follower of the only name under heaven “whereby we are saved.”  Notice, as you watch (if you do), how the beauty of the true Creator is used by the false Christ to seduce the followers into a lie and away from the true God.  The ramblings of the false Messiah is seductive to people who love not the truth as found in God’s word.

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Before you can understand the false, you must know the true.  Herein lies the problem, many are confused about the nature of God because of minimization or outright ignoring of the words of God Himself-The Holy Scripture.

Also, many are looking for answers and expect them to come from a leader other than the proven word of scripture.

Often delusion is self-made. The scripture warns us ahead of time:

“Let no one deceive himself….”

1 Corinthians 3:18

“Do not be deceived….”

1 Corinthians 6:9

For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

Romans  16:18

The subject of delusion is often avoided by many because:

1.) It is not politically correct to think or say that other people are being deceived.  It is asked by those who don’t know God’s word, “Who can judge something like that?”

2.) The possibility of deception in the religious world forces the fact that there is an enemy who works hard to deceive people.

3.) Deception is possible even in Christian churches!

4.) Most everyone who belongs to a church and a denomination believe they are not deceived nor can they possibly be deceived.  They think their denomination has all the truth and everyone else is confused.  Sounds like the religious people of Jesus day…the scribes and pharisees!

But let’s start with this question:  How can anyone know they are deceived or not?  Can we go by appearances?  No!

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”

Matthew 7:15

Deception does not come in a red suit and a pitchfork.  It comes looking nice and easy on the eyes. This is why delusion can be so powerful! It mimics truth and appeals to the sense of sight and sound.  It can come in a nice blue suit, with a white shirt and tie, white teeth, and carefully combed hair!  It can come in a massive church that inspires the senses!

Satan has used deception since he appeared as a serpent to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Since his fall from the heavenly courts, his desire has been to mar the image of God in people and destroy as many as possible.  Today, as his time comes to an end, he is compared to a hungry lion:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because  your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

1 Peter 5:8 

 He is called a murderer and  the father of lies:

“He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”

John 8:44

“Even Satan can disguise himself to look like an angel of light! So it is no great thing if his servants disguise themselves to look like servants of righteousness. In the end they will get exactly what their actions deserve.”

2 Corinthians 11: 14-15

With our ancient enemy seeking to personally deceive us, the most pressing question is, “How can I keep myself from delusion?” It is all about knowing the true Jesus as described in  the entire Bible

What God has said2

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Delusion-For Religious People Only

Jesus reserved His most critical words and most urgent warnings for religious people.  Those who were not religious, or were considered “sinners” by the religious community, received a softer exchange of words, encouragement, and personal interaction.  The religious people of Jesus’ day asked the disciples,

“How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” Mark 2:16 

These words came from the scribes and Pharisees (Religious leaders and scholars)

Jesus heard them and said,

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Mark 2:17

His biggest enemies were the Bible scholars and religious people of the day.  His friends were not particularly gifted Bible students, nor did they look and act like  “church” members.

Goal for church

His true followers were average people, perhaps less educated, at least in the religious schools. They were not content with their lives and felt a need for the presence of the Lord. They were often meek and unassuming.  Jesus said it was these who would inherit the earth:

“Blessed are the meek,

For they shall inherit the earth.”

Matthew 5:5

Their spiritual neediness made them more open to the words of Jesus and salvation, but also open to deceivers in sheep’s clothing.  If Jesus is not introduced properly to a spiritual needy person, they are subject to being fed by the deceiver.

On the other hand, those who feel that no need of a physician and are comfortable in their “religious” experience are, perhaps, in danger of being self-deceived.  It seems that there are much more warnings for the “comfortable” than for the needy.

Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—Revelation 3:17

Notice being wealthy is not about physical wealth, but spiritual wealth as demonstrated in its context. Perhaps when Jesus was talking more about perceived spiritual wealth than actual riches when He said,

 “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:25

True, these words of Jesus came after speaking to the rich young ruler when “he went away sorrowful because he had great riches” Mark 10:25. But notice that he felt rich spiritually because he said,

“Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Mark 10:20

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To illustrate the types of  people Jesus sought and who became his friends and followers, I have made a shortlist:

  1. A woman with multiple marriages and living with someone (John 4)
  2. A group of men and women who were not of the same “faith” but were moved by the testimony of the woman with multiple marriages (John 4)
  3. Someone with mental problems that had 7 demons (Luke 8:2)
  4. Someone caught in adultery (John 8)
  5. A hated tax collector (Matthew 9:9)
  6. Simple Fishermen with violent tempers so great, Jesus gave them the name “Sons of Thunder.” (Mark 3:17). They wanted to kill the Samaritans because they did not accept Jesus (Luke 9:54)
  7. Someone with a socially unacceptable disease (Matthew 8:1)
  8. A hated soldier of an occupying country (Mathew 8:5)
  9. Two people demon-possessed, but would be considered mentally sick in today’s society. (Matthew 8:28)
  10. Someone with a blood disease of 12 years (Mark 5:25)
  11. Someone who was blind (Mark 8:23)
  12. Someone who could not speak (Mark 9:17)
  13. A doubting follower in jail for political reasons and for preaching Christ (Matthew 11: 1-6)

“I will make the lame a remnant,
And the outcast a strong nation;
So the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion
From now on, even forever.” Micah 4:7

Again, the words of Jesus brings warning:

Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Mark 2:17

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In contrast, there were controlling religious leaders of Jesus’ day who were part of the big church, who constantly followed Jesus, but for the wrong reasons.  They show up on the scene early,  just before Jesus is baptized and makes his ministry public.  They came to John to be baptized.  John’s response seemed judgmental and harsh:

“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.” Matthew 3:7-9

The Pharisees and Sadducees were proud and content with their lives, tradition, and “denomination.”  Their character was marked by a “holier-than-thou” attitude who knew the truth and the Tanakh (The Old Testament)…at least that is what they thought.  But even more, they believed their lineage made them superior to everyone else.  This pride sought to destroy Jesus and anybody else who went against their beliefs:

They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.”

Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. You do the deeds of your father.” John 8: 39-41

As Paul and James would later concur, it is the fruit of works that determine the identity of the tree. The Scribes and Pharisees responded to Jesus in a very accusatory way making reference to the events surrounding His birth.  In effect, they called him a bastard (Illegitimate child born to unmarried parents).

Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.” John 8: 41, last part

Again, their smug holier-than-thou attitude shines through.  But Jesus says something that is powerful underneath the stern language. He starts with the idea that if they loved the God of Abraham they would love Him if they understood His words, but they are incapable of doing so.

Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word” John 8:42

Their preconceived ideas about God and a misunderstanding of scripture led them to “not (being) able to listen to the words of Jesus.”

Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God…You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”

Matthew 22:29, John 5:39

Their knowledge of scripture and how to interpret it was all wrong because they missed seeing Jesus in it! They were self-deceived by twisting things to fit how they felt and not letting God’s word interpret itself.

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star (Jesus) rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God[ spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1: 19-21

These words tell us that the prophetic word is confirmed.  How is it confirmed?  By its fulfillment!  Because of this, we should listen and follow it until the light of Jesus rises up in our hearts.  The prophecy cannot be interpreted by one person, it is done so by the men moved by the Holy Spirit to write Scripture.  As we compare scripture with scripture, we will see the light and understand.  How many people are willing to do this?

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Continuing with the argument by the religious leaders, Jesus says a truth that reveals their religion is a sham and they are something other than what they appear to the people:

“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44

What a powerful scene to behold!  Here Jesus is telling the religious leaders and religious people who followed them that their father was the devil!  Why? It is the truth they are missing.  They have their own resources for “truth.”

Jesus is telling the truth, but they don’t want to hear it!

But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me?He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” John 8:45-47

It is sobering to know; even the scholars and religious people in the church who refuse to hear and follow the word of God are,simply not of God!  Is this possible?  Yes!.  If a person is not willing to obey God’s word, it jeopardizes their entrance into the kingdom of heaven!

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord,Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?”

Luke 6:46

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Matthew 7:21-23

How important it is to know Jesus not just with lip service, but with obedience to the will of the Father in heaven.  Many of the church leaders today, take the extreme opposite view of the Scribes and the Pharisees who taught a strict legalistic form of religion. The teachers of today teach a cheap grace whereby obedience is minimized, eliminated, or spiritualized away!  But how can you be a follower of Jesus and refuse to obey His word?

Notice that it is the ones who know Jesus that obey the commandments of God who are His friends.  Those who have a dramatic experience of doing many wonders in His name are not safe.  It is the ones who do the will of the Father in heaven.  Jesus’ will and the will of the Father are not against each other.

For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”

Matthew 12:50

We must beware of those who would minimize or eliminate obedience to the will of God as found in scripture.  Wouldn’t you agree?

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The religious leaders  have called Jesus a bastard and now they say He is demon-possessed.  Why would they say that?

“Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” John 8:48

Jesus defended himself and answered,

“I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me.” And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges. Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.”

John 8:49-51

By dishonoring Jesus, they are dishonoring God the Father! Keeping the word of God results in never seeing death!  Conversely to not obey the word results in eternal death.

But notice how they react:

“Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say,‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?”

John 8:52-53

Follow their reasoning.  Jesus says if they keep His word they will never see death. But, they reason that since Abraham is dead and the prophets are dead, Jesus is claiming to be greater than Abraham! Just what are you saying, Jesus?  Then Jesus delivers the bombshell, he calls them a liar.  Abraham saw the coming of Jesus and was glad. But, what really threw them over the edge was when he claims the title Moses gave to the children of Israel as the One who was their God i.e., “I AM.”

“If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word. 

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad. Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” 

Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

John 8:54-58

Those who practiced “lawlessness” like the religious leaders of the day had missed Jesus in their studies and were self-deceived because they wanted scripture to say something that it did not.  They wanted a Christ that was like them and would free them from the bondage of their enemies.

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So, as we study the topic of delusion, we must be willing to do the will of God or we will be subject to strong delusion.

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

John 7:17

If we are not doing the will of God as shown clearly in the scripture, our worship is useless because we are following the philosophy of man:

And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7:7

Let us not become so religious that we miss Jesus.  It is all about Him.  If we come into a relationship and know Him, we will be assured of eternal life

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.

1 John 2:3

If we say that we know Him and disobey Him or lead a life of lawlessness, we deceive ourselves:

He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

1 John 2:4

Again, strong words from Jesus to religious people who claim to know Him.

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There are millions today that are deceived because they love not the truth.  But those who love the truth, but not willing to follow are in the same boat!

As we will see next time, the biggest deception of all time is upon us today.  It is in our newspapers and on our news.  It is cleaver, powerful, and some of it may appear to be from God.  We will consider this portion of scripture and how it relates to religion.  Please notice carefully the things that set up “strong delusion.”

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. “

2 Thessalonians 2: 8-12

We will study the Anti-Christ next time and how obedience and truth are part of the final test before the Lord returns to end our sin-sick world..

There is hope for you today if you simply ask the Lord to take charge of your life and direct your path through His word.  Begin to read and follow the words of our Creator.  Let it become your spiritual food and drink.  Let  it speak to you and you will find Jesus in its pages from Genesis to Revelation.

Jesus is real.  It is not about becoming religious.  It is about knowing Jesus and following Him.  Won’t you do that today?  Your life will be fuller and you will find peace with Jesus in mind and thought.  This experience is a Jesus journey that does not end at baptism.

The Soon Return of Jesus

Second Coming Predictions-1,000 Years-Part 4

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Many are tempted to view this topic as not necessary in their experience.  They will ask, “Why study the 1,000 years?  What does that have to do with my salvation?”

For sure, there are many people who have a saving relationship with Jesus that know very little (if anything) about this topic as well as other topics.  But, as shown in the scripture below,  all scripture is good for several things.  This topic is good to understand too, otherwise, the Lord would not have inspired John to see it and write it under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  Wouldn’t you agree?

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”  2

Timothy 3:16

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”

Romans 15:4

Pondering whether the 1,000 years is literal or symbolic is of little consequences because of the many facets brought forth about the nature of God contained in the topic.

A study of the 1,000 years is an important study for a couple of main reasons.  First, it reveals further teachings about the 2nd coming and it provides clarity to things that are not clear in other passages.  Secondly, it demonstrates how God deals with the sin problem, judgment, and justice.

For the purpose of this study, we will look at events only.  We will assume the period is a literal 1,000 years.  unless we find something that would lead us to a different conclusion.

There are clear related passages that let us know the start of this period; events in the middle; and finally events when the 1,000 years have passed and eternity begins.

If you are ready, let’s prayerfully begin.

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*Much thanks to Steve Wohlberg for the following material and its format.”

What is the truth about the thousand years?

To discover the answer, we must carefully examine the only authoritative source where it’s taught, the Bible, especially chapter 20 in the book of Revelation. Let’s see what Revelation 20 actually says, and doesn’t say.

Here’s Revelation 20 in its entirety:

“1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. 7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. 11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20, King James Version.

Following is a brief summary of each verse.

vs. 1 – An angel descends from heaven with a key and a chain.
vs. 2 – He binds Satan for 1000 years.
vs. 3 – During the 1000 years, Satan cannot deceive the nations anymore.
vs. 4 – Martyrs are resurrected to reign with Jesus Christ for 1000 years.
vs. 5a – The rest of the dead will be raised at the end of the 1000 years.
vs. 6 – Those in the first resurrection will reign with Jesus for 1000 years.
vs. 7 – Satan will be loosed at the end of the 1000 years.
vs. 8 – After the rest of the dead are raised, Satan deceives them again. There will be billions – like the sand of the sea. They are called Gog and Magog. Satan gathers them for a final battle.
vs. 9 – Satan and this host surround God’s City. A fire comes down and devours them.
vs. 10 – Satan, the Beast, and the False Prophet end up in this lake of fire.
vs. 11 – Before this fire falls, a final judgment occurs.
vs. 12 – All the resurrected lost are judged.
vs. 13 – Another description of the resurrected lost being judged.
vs. 14 – Death and Hell [Hades-Grave] are cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death.
vs. 15 – All the resurrected lost are cast into the lake of fire.

To break it down even further: there is a ‘good resurrection’ (called “the first resurrection”) at the beginning of the 1000 years (vs. 4-6), whereas “the rest of the dead” are resurrected at the end of the 1000 years (vs. 5a). Satan is bound during the 1000 years (vs. 3), but is loosed “when the thousand years are expired” and “the rest of the dead” are raised (compare verses 5a and 7). Satan gathers the lost for a final battle against God’s City (vs. 8). A final judgment occurs, and then the lost are punished in the lake of fire (verses 9, 14-15). Then the old earth passes, and the new earth comes (Revelation 21:1).

The above points are undeniable, for this is exactly what Revelation 20 says. Two significant facts should be noted:

  1. Revelation 20 doesn’t say there will be peace on earth during the 1000 years.
  2. Revelation 20 doesn’t say Jesus Christ will rule during the 1000 years from the present city of Jerusalem.

These common doctrines are being taught worldwide but are not found in Revelation 20, the only place in God’s Word that specifically mentions the 1000-year period. Now let’s go deeper.

The Two Resurrections

There are two defining ‘bookends’ marking the beginning and the end of the thousand years, the two resurrections (vs. 4-6). Let’s see what else the Bible says about them.

Jesus Christ taught two resurrections.

“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in their graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation”

John 5:29.

The apostle Paul did too.

“There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust”

Acts 24:15.

Thus, both Jesus Christ and Paul taught two resurrections, the first being “the resurrection of life” for the saved, the second being “the resurrection of damnation” for the lost.

Revelation 20 revolves around these two resurrections. As we’ve already seen, verses 4-6 reveal that one takes place at the beginning of the 1000 years, the other at the end. The Word says,

“Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years”

(vs. 6)

This is the good, or “first resurrection,” at the start of the 1000 years. Those in it need not fear the second death.

“But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years where finished”

(vs. 5a).

This is the bad or second resurrection, at the conclusion of the 1000 years. Jesus Christ called it “

the resurrection of damnation”

John 5:29

Thus it is plain that there are two resurrections – one at the beginning of the Millennium, in which true believers in Christ are raised to eternal life; and one at the opposite end of the Millennium, in which the “unjust” awake to something else entirely.

The Second Coming

If the thousand years begins with the resurrection of the just, the question is, When does this good resurrection take place? When we find the answer, then we’ll understand what initiates the thousand years.

Scripture teaches that the return of Jesus Christ results in the resurrection of His saints. Paul tells us plainly that it is at “His coming,” when “the trumpet sounds,” that “the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

“But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming”

1 Corinthians 15:23:

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

1 Corinthians 15: 51-55,

Paul also wrote,

“The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

According to Paul, “the dead in Christ shall rise first.” This is the same as “the first resurrection” depicted in Revelation 20:6.

In summary, Revelation 20:4-6 begins the 1000 years with the resurrection of the saints. 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 teach that the resurrection of the saints, who are called “the dead in Christ,” occurs when Jesus Christ returns. Thus it is the return of Jesus Christ, when His saints are resurrected, that marks the beginning of the Millennium.

Left Behind

In Part 2,  we studied about who was taken, who was left. We saw that those who are “left” are actually the saved who remain alive and those who are “taken” are the lost taken in death.   Here is further Biblical support.

Jesus returns, the righteous dead are raised, and along with the righteous living they all are “caught up” to meet the Saviour in the air. This is great news for true believers!

But what about those who are not “caught up,” those who are left behind? Popular teaching says they will have a second chance during a “seven-year Tribulation,” an idea heavily promoted in the wildly popular Left Behind novels by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. Though those books have sold by the millions, the important question for us should be, Is that theology truly biblical?

Immediately after Paul describes true believers being “caught up,” he then declares,

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. For when they shall say Peace and Safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them … and they shall not escape”

1 Thessalonians 5:2-3

Thus, according to Paul, those who are not “caught up” will reap “sudden destruction” and “not escape.”

Does this sound like ‘the second chance’ so graphically depicted in Left Behind novels and films? Hardly.

It gets worse. How widespread is this “sudden destruction”? Jesus Himself explained it. Note the comparison between the lost of Noah’s day and Lot’s day.  Those left are those not destroyed.  They remain alive.  Those taken are those destroyed.

“As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed”

Luke 17:26 -30

In Noah’s day, all who refused to enter the ark were destroyed in the deluge. In Lot’s day, everyone except Lot and his family were consumed by falling fire. Jesus Christ said,

“Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”

Luke 17:30

Other texts make it clear that when Jesus returns, the lost will be destroyed, and they are not given another chance during some hypothetical “seven-year Tribulation” (which, by the way, is nowhere specifically referred to in the Bible). Here are just a few texts describing the global desolation that follows Jesus’ return.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 – When Jesus returns in flaming fire, the lost will be destroyed.
Revelation 16:17-18 – At Armageddon, cities crumble around the world.
Revelation 6:14; 16:20 – Every island sinks, and all the mountains disappear.
Jeremiah 4:23-26 – Planet Earth is totally devastated, with “no man” left alive.
Jeremiah 25:30-33 – Those slain by the Lord lie dead, unburied, all around the world.
Revelation 19:17-18, 21 – The birds eat the flesh of every human being worldwide.

These verses teach that those not “caught up” when Christ returns will be destroyed, and the destruction will encompass all the earth, as it did during Noah’s flood. Jesus Himself taught this.

“The flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the son of man be”

Matthew 24:39

From this verse, it is clear who got “took away” or who was taken.

The Rest of the Dead

The last sentence in Revelation 19 describes birds feasting upon “the flesh of all men” (vs. 21). Immediately following is Revelation 20, which depicts the binding of Satan so that he can “deceive the nations no more” during the 1000 years (Revelation 20:1-3). Why not? The answer’s easy–there’s nobody left alive on earth to deceive. Those in the first resurrection were “caught up” to be with Jesus, and the rest, those taken, were slain.

This helps explain what follows (Read carefully):

“that he [Satan] should deceive the nations no more until the thousand years should be fulfilled”

(Revelation 20:3).

Notice these three words “no more until.” What do they tell us? They teach that those “nations” are entirely Satan’s nations. Satan is deceiving them now, but can’t continue deceiving them during the Millennium, “until” a certain time.

What time is that? When the 1000 years are over, obviously. Now put two and two together. At the end of the Millennium, “the rest of the dead” (who missed “the first resurrection”) are raised back to life. Then Satan deceives them again. Look again, and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise:

 “The rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished”

Verse 5a 

“When the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison”

Verse 7 

At the end of the 1000 years, “the rest of the dead” are raised, and Satan is “loosed.” Therefore the raising of the “rest of the dead” is what “looses” the devil. Satan then swoops into these resurrected nations (now alive in the four corners of the earth), deceives them again, and then gathers them for the grand finale (verses 8-9).

What does all this mean? The answer will come shortly after we examine a few more crucial points. What should be clear so far however, that the common notion of the Millennium, reflected in Left Behind, leaves much to be desired. In fact, it’s completely bogus.

The Bottomless Pit

Crucial to understanding the Millennium are the first texts of Revelation 20, verses 1 and 2. According to these texts, Satan is bound with “a great chain” and confined to “the bottomless pit” for 1000 years. The expression, “a great chain,” doesn’t mean a literal chain. Even today, all of “the angels that sinned” with Lucifer are described as being in “chains of darkness” (2 Peter 2:4). These words do not refer to actual clinking and clanging metal, but to circumstances of darkness that these angels find themselves in after having been booted out of heaven.

During the 1000 years, Satan is represented as being bound with a chain because his new circumstances prevent him from deceiving the nations during the Millennium (Revelation 20:2). Again, what are those circumstances? Everyone left on earth is dead.

What’s this “bottomless pit”? In the Old Testament, the word “pit” often refers to a grave, a cemetery, or to the place of the dead.

Psalms 55:23 – Evil men will go “down into the pit of destruction.”
Numbers 16:32-33 – “the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up … into the pit.”
Ezekiel 32:22-23 – “his graves are about him … in the sides of the pit … all of them slain.”
Psalms 28:1 – David prayed not to “become like them that go down to the pit.”
Psalms 69:15 – “Let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.”

Isaiah 14 contains one of the Old Testaments clearest prophecies about Lucifer. He was cast out of heaven (vs. 12) for exalting himself (vs. 13). Yet he is to be brought down “to the sides of the pit” (vs. 15). Isaiah 14:18-21 perfectly parallels the prophecy in Revelation 20:1-3.

“All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house [the grave]. But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcass trodden under feet. Thou shall not be joined with them in burial”

Isaiah 14:18-21

These verses predict a time when all the nations are slain and lie in their graves, yet Satan will not join them in burial. He will be left, instead, to wander among earth’s ruins. Notice carefully:

“Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, thou inhabitant of the earth … The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be moved like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it, and it shall fall and not rise again. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in prison, and after many days shall they be visited”

Isaiah 24:17-22

This is a prediction of a destroyed and devastated earth. Its inhabitants are gathered as prisoners in the pit [the grave]. When Revelation 20:1-3 describes Satan as bound with a chain for 1000 years, this means that a chain of circumstances will prevent him from deceiving the nations. The major circumstance is the return of Jesus Christ in “flaming fire” (2 Thessalonians 2:8), the “sudden destruction” of sinners (1 Thessalonians 5:3), the largest earthquake in history (Revelation 16:18), the global crumbling of cities (Revelation 16:19), the disappearing of mountains and islands (Revelation 16:20), and the total depopulation of planet Earth just like “it was in the days of Noah” (Matthew 24:37-39). This “great day of the Lord” will come “as a destruction from the Almighty” (Joel 1:15).

“And the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be as dung upon the ground”

Jeremiah 25:33

Earth will then be like one gigantic bottomless pit, a huge cemetery. Jeremiah predicted:

“I beheld the earth, and lo, it was without form and void; and the heavens, and they had no light. I beheld the mountains, and lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly. I beheld, and lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled. I beheld, and lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the Lord, and by his fierce anger”

(Jeremiah 4:23 -26).

As Satan and his angels behold their kingdom in ruins, they can only wonder about, counsel together, and contemplate with trembling the final events to occur at the end of the 1000 years.

Yet it doesn’t end here. We mustn’t forget the last section of Isaiah 24:17-22, which predicts that those who lie dead in their graves “shall be visited” (Isaiah 24:22). What could that possibly mean other than what we have seen in Revelation 20:5?

“But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.” It’s what Jesus was talking about when He warned about the “the resurrection of damnation”

John 5:29

This occurs at the end of the Millennium.

Far, then, from being a time of earthly glory when Jesus reigns from Jerusalem, the Millennium is a time when earth lies waste, in desolate ruins, a prison house for Satan and his demons.

The Saints in Heaven

If this doesn’t sound inviting, it’s because it isn’t supposed to be inviting. It’s a time of chaos, desolation, and ruin, a time when sin takes another step toward its horrific ending. The Millennium is not some idyllic era of peace and goodness upon this old earth, with Jesus ruling from Jerusalem, but a time of utter devastation and judgment.

What about God’s people? What about those who participated in “the first resurrection,” who were “caught up” with Jesus as opposed to being left behind? What happens to them during the Millennium?

Near the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus told His followers that He was going to heaven, where He would be preparing mansions for His children (John 14:1-2). When He returns, He will take us to Himself, “that where I am, there you shall be also” (vs. 3). When He comes, Jesus will take us to the place where He is now, in heaven in the New Jerusalem (see Revelation 3:12; 21:10). As we saw earlier, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 tells us that at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ we shall be “caught up.” Thus we are going up to glory. In perfect agreement with this is Revelation 19:1-2, which teaches that immediately after the destruction of Babylon (Revelation 18:8-24), John beheld God’s saints in heaven.

“And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God: For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand”

Revelation 19:1-2

According to Revelation 20:4, 6, the saints will “reign” with Jesus for 1000 years. Contrary to popular opinion, Revelation 20 does not say they will reign on earth during that time. Why would Jesus and His people rule over a devastated and ruined world anyway? The Bible says we will soar upward when Christ returns (1 Thessalonians 4:17), that He will take us to the New Jerusalem (John 14:1-3), and that we will then be in heaven praising God (Revelation 19:1-2).

Some might ask, How can we “reign” for 1000 years if we’re in heaven? Don’t we have to be on earth to “reign” over others during this time? Not necessarily. The Bible also says the saints will “reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:5). Thus this “reign” idea implies we will be in some position of authority, just as Adam originally exercised dominion over the earth, that’s all.

Now, if planet Earth is depopulated, with no survivors (except Satan and his angels), and the saints are in heaven, then what is the purpose of the 1000 years? A few possibilities exist:

1) It gives the loyal universe an opportunity to behold the terrible results of Satan’s rule;
2) It gives the saints in heaven an opportunity to go through heaven’s records and to have all their questions answered about why some of their loved ones are there and some are not;
3) It provides a period of time when Jesus and the saints together can make decisions about the just punishments to be carried out upon the lost at the end of the 1000 years (see 1 Corinthians 6:2-3);
4) It also gives the saints a period of time to prepare mentally for the events at the end of the 1000 years, at which time many of their loved ones will be resurrected, judged, and sentenced to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:5a, 11-15).

The Resurrection of Damnation

Okay, we have seen that at the Second Coming, Jesus returns, the saved (both the resurrected dead and those alive at His return) are taken to heaven where they “reign” for a thousand years, the earth is destroyed–and Satan remains captive there for the allotted thousand years. What then happens at the end of the thousand years?

Revelation 20 (as we’ve already seen) is clear that two events occur:

1) The “rest of the dead” are raised to life (vs. 5a).
2) Satan is “loosed” (verses 3, 7).

Both events occur simultaneously. When the lost are resurrected, Satan now has people once again to deceive; thus he is, in effect, “loosed” from his chains. Satan then

“will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea”

(vs. 8).

The “sand of the sea” means myriads of people (all the lost–from the days of Adam down to the last person who experienced “sudden destruction” at Christ’s return). During the 1000 years, they remain in their graves; now, they are raised to life in “the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29).

Immediately after the lost are resurrected, Satan gathers “them together to battle.” What Hollywood movie producer could even envision such a scene: billions of lost people, including (no doubt) great military commanders, gathered together in one final burst of rebellion?

The next question is, Who will this terrible army attempt to fight? The Bible makes it plain: “They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city…” (vs. 9). This is the New Jerusalem, the home of the saved (Revelation 3:12; 21:10), which descends from heaven to the earth (Revelation 3:12; 21:2) right before the second resurrection. Then Satan and his macabre army surround the “camp of the saints” in a last-ditch effort to conquer God’s fortress.

Picture this scene: all the world’s lost and all the world’s saved are together for the first time–the saved inside the city, the lost outside. The lost will behold the reward of the righteous, the saved the doom of the damned.

This is Satan’s last stand, his final opportunity to conquer Jesus Christ, His New Jerusalem, and the redeemed of all ages. But he can never defeat the King of the Universe. He failed miserably when Jesus was a lowly carpenter in human flesh. What chance does he have against Him now as King of the New Jerusalem? None whatsoever!

Fire from Heaven

After Lucifer’s legions gather round God’s holy city to make war against it, what happens next? The Bible explains explicitly:

“[Satan] shall go out to deceive the [resurrected]nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them”

Revelation 20:8-9

Notice, “fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.” That’s their fate!

Before the fire falls, a vast cosmic judgment scene unfolds.

“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it … And I saw the [resurrected] dead standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it [another description of the resurrection of the lost], and Death and Hades [the grave] delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged each one according to their works”

Revelation 20:11 -13

This judgment occurs while Satan’s army is gathered around the city; it concerns only the lost, who are then judged “according to their works.” As books are opened above them, they are allowed to see the complete record of their lives. They are shown why they are lost, why they are outside God’s City, why they have forfeited eternal life with Jesus. As the Book of Life is opened, they discover their names are missing. Then Jesus will undoubtedly show them how much He loved them, how He tried hard to save them, and yet how by their own persistent efforts they resisted His tender appeals. Yes, they will see that Jesus Christ died for them, that on the cross He paid the full penalty for all their sins, and that they could have been inside the city with His saints; but now they are outside with another master, the master of their own choosing. They will see that, though Jesus willingly took upon Himself the punishment that was theirs, they spurned Him, and now they are forced to stand before His holy majesty in the shame of their spiritual nakedness, with every wrong thought, every wrong word, and every wrong deed bearing down upon their consciences to condemn them, and there is no longer any Mediator to represent them and intercede for them.

After sentence is pronounced, the fire of God brings final retribution upon the lost. By this time, all the unsaved understand why they are lost. This destruction is an act of justice, not cruelty. The book of Revelation is very clear about God’s uprightness. “Just and true are your ways, O King of the saints” (Revelation 15:3); “You are righteous, O Lord … Because you have judged these things” (Revelation 16:5); and “For true and righteous are His judgments” (Revelation 19:2).

The judgment at the close of the Millennium will be perfectly just, without any taint of imperfection chargeable upon God. By rejecting His love and mercy, and by a life of continued sinning, the lost have earned their just reward. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). The Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, holy angels, and the saints will all weep over the unsaved. But nothing more can be done. Now it’s too late.

Revelation 20:8 says the lost will march across “the four quarters of the earth” right before the fire falls upon them. Thus we conclude that God’s fire will descend all over planet Earth. This unquenchable downpour will become a “lake of fire” (14-15) boiling everywhere. Malachi 4:1, 3 says that entire fateful day will “burn as an oven.” 2 Peter 3:10 adds “…the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” Thus God will totally purify and cleanse our sin-polluted earth with flames. In fact, 2 Peter 3 parallels the destruction of the world by water in Noah’s day with the purification of the earth by fire at the end of the 1000 years (2 Peter 3:5-7). In Noah’s day, the whole earth was under ‘a lake of water’; at the end of the 1000 years, this planet will be wrapped in “a lake of fire.” In Noah’s day, God’s people floated in the midst of the water but were protected inside the ark; at the end of the Millennium, when a lake of fire envelops our planet, God’s saved “saints” will be right there, riding the storm safely inside the New Jerusalem.

The New Heaven and New Earth

Revelation 20 concludes with these solemn words, “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15). Fortunately, that’s not the end of the story. The next verse reads: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away” (Revelation 21:1).

New heaven (sky), new earth! What happened to the old ones? We just saw. The lake of fire consumed them. When the Bible says, “…the first heaven and the first earth had passed away,” this must include the lake of fire! After God’s fire completely purifies this planet and its atmosphere, He will recreate the earth and sky, so long under the contaminating effects of sin. God will make “a new heaven and a new earth.” Eventually, the cleansing fire will disappear, after purifying this earth from every trace of sin, sinners, Satan, and demons, and in place of smoggy sky and a polluted earth, the Lord will create new ones.

“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells”

2 Peter 3:13

Revelation 21 also adds,

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Then He that sat upon the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful’”

Revelation 21:4-5

“Write, for these words are true,” says God Almighty. When this finally happens, the lake of fire, death, sin, sorrow, crying, and pain will “have passed away.” There will be no more terrorists, no more tears over the World Trade Center, nor crying over a million other things like natural disasters, sickness, divorce, child abuse, or graveside services. These will all have “passed away.”

As Noah and his family finally walked out of the ark onto a cleansed world, so will God’s faithful saints finally step out of the New Jerusalem into a brand new world.

Conclusion

Contrary to popular opinion, the biblical Millennium is a time of desolation and ruin, followed by more rebellion, then judgment, and finally, re-creation–when the Lord who first spoke heaven and earth into existence (Genesis 1) repeats His creativity, “His wonders to perform”!

The most important issue, however, isn’t so much our knowledge of millennial details but our knowledge of the God who has revealed the truth about it. What this study shows us, perhaps more than anything else, is that there is no second chance, no middle ground, no neutrality in this Great War between Jesus Christ and Satan. Remember, the devil deceives “nations” (Revelation 20:3) in many areas, including this one. You will be on one side or the other. You will either be inside the city, safe and secure with Jesus, looking down on the hordes outside; or you will be outside, deceived by the Devil, looking up at what might have been yours had you only repented and given yourself fully to Jesus Christ for faithful obedience.

Jesus died for you! He died so that you could have a place with Him in that New Jerusalem and in the new heavens and new earth that are coming. Your final destiny, inside or outside, eternal life or eternal destruction, depends upon your choice. Will you give yourself to the One who gave Himself for you, and thus have eternity with Him, or will you continue resisting His pleadings?

Rapture, The Soon Return of Jesus

Second Coming Predictions-7 Years of Tribulation? -PART 3

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“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”

Daniel 12: 1

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”

Matthew 24:21

No doubt, there is predicted a “time of trouble” by Daniel and Jesus in these two verses, but how long is it?  Is it 7 years as surmised by Hal Lindsey and his followers?  What passages of scripture does he use to support this length of time?

There is no verse in the Bible that has the phrase “7 years of tribulation”, or “trouble.”,  The length of the time of trouble in the verses above is not specific.  It is just a “time of trouble.” The attempt to make it 7 years comes from a fanciful interpretation of  Daniel 9: 24-27  prophecy.  Despite this, the Daniel 9 prophecy is powerful when interpreted in its setting.  It has helped many believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah.

Nevertheless, Hal Lindsey and followers predict 7 years of tribulation before Jesus returns based on a part of this prophecy.  He states that since the church is “raptured” and the “saved” are spared from any uncomfortable situations i.e., time of trouble, Anti-Christ, etc.  But as we saw in the Bible in the previous post, there is no room for a 2nd Coming part (a) and part (b) (Invisible/Literal). Jesus return to save and to execute judgment on the lost occur only once as this shall explain Biblically

  Let’s read the prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27 and compare it with actual history and Biblically documented historical dates to see if there is a 7-year tribulation hidden somewhere in it.  In the process, we will discover the power of this prophecy written almost 500 years before Jesus!

Please follow closely.  When we are finished, I recommend you verify the dates at your local library or other resources.  Beware of the confusion of the internet.  Also, I have included a chart at the end in the “Appendix” to make these dates easier to see and follow.  There are also other helpful references.

Ready? Here we go:

“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks (7), and threescore (60) and two weeks (2): the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

 And after threescore (60) and two weeks (2) shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (1): and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”

Daniel 9: 24-27

If you count up the number in parenthesis, you will have the 70 years mentioned at the start.  There is a reason why they are split up that way.  I will not go into those historical reasons in this writing.

The setting for these verses is important in understanding the prophecy.  Daniel and his people (The Jews) had been taken captive by Babylon and the city of Jerusalem was destroyed and lay desolate as prophesied by Jeremiah.  It was predicted by Jeremiah that they would be in captivity for 70 years!

“In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.”

Daniel 9:2

As the 70 years drew near to the end, Daniel began to pray and confess his sins and the sins of the people (Verses 4-20). Then Gabriel (an angel) came and informed Daniel that he had come to

“give thee skill and understanding.” 

Daniel 9:22

Then Gabriel gives the vision as stated in Verses 24:27 above.  This is the skill and understanding Daniel needed other than simply knowing the Jews would soon be freed after 70 years of captivity.

From Daniel 9: 24-27 above, we observe the following:

70 weeks was given to Daniels people (Israelites) and the city of Jerusalem to:

  1. Finish the transgression
  2. Make an end of sins
  3. Make reconciliation for iniquity
  4. Bring in everlasting righteousness
  5. Seal up the vision and prophecy
  6. Anoint the most Holy

So God gave the Jewish people 70 weeks or 490 days to do all those things, ending with anointing the most Holy.  We shall see that the anointing of the most Holy is not in regards to the apartment in the sanctuary necessarily, but the Holy One of God-Jesus   The  70 weeks given to the Jews are calculated in the verses in sections:   threescore (60) and two weeks (2) 7 weeks (7) and 1 week (1)   Quick addition shows this is 70 weeks or 490 days (7 X 70).  But in Bible prophecy, the day = year principle should be used to unlock the timelines for history.  The verses that support this principle can be found in the passages below:

   “After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.”Numbers 14:34  “

And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.”Ezekiel 4:6  

God gave the Jewish people 490 years for their assignment.  During this time, he sent prophets and others to inspire and help keep them close to him.  But as one reads their story, it is quickly seen that they often went after other gods and forsook the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob…the one and only true Creator God!

  “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city…”Daniel 9: 24  

If we can determine where the 490 years began (with certainty), we can understand the other parts of the prophecy.   The timelines start here:  

“….from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem”Daniel 9: 25  

This command to restore and build Jerusalem can be found in Ezra Chapter 7, when Artaxerxes gave the commandment in 457 BC (See the **notes at the end).   So, now that we have a starting date, let’s see where it takes us:  The first stop is the coming of the Messiah, the Prince  

“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince….Daniel 9: 25  

The Messiah, the Prince, can refer only to Jesus himself.  He is both the Messiah and a Prince  

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.John 1:41Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.John 1:45

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”Isaiah 9:6  

So we know that from the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Jesus would be a certain length of time.  How long?  

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks (7), and threescore (60) and two weeks (2): the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.  

From 457 to Jesus is 69 weeks or 483 days or 483 prophetical years.  Let’s do some math:   Starting at 457 BC and moving through history 483 years brings us to the fall of 27 AD. This is the date Jesus was baptized by John (anointed), and he began his ministry as the prophecy predicted. Here is an important verse in connection with Jesus’ baptism:  

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: “Matthew  3:16  

A dove represents anointing.  

Another interesting passage that makes sense in the light of Jesus beginning his ministry exactly on time according to Daniel’s prophecy some 500 years before Jesus is this one:  

“But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son…”Galatians 4:4  

The time was “full.” In other words, Jesus came to this earth and began his ministry right on time.  It may be possible that this quote is in reference to this particular prophecy.  Whatever the case, we know that God knows the future  and will not do anything unless he reveals it by his prophets:  

“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”Amos 3:7  

69 weeks or 483 years of the 70 weeks or 490 years has been explained.  

Isn’t it comforting to know that God, through the prophet Daniel let the world know when Jesus would come on the scene?    Now let’s look at the last week or 7 years.  This is where Hal Lindsey and his followers use the 7 years as a period of tribulation.  They disconnect it from this timeline and attempt to run it down to the end of time after Jesus “raptures the church.”  But we are going to let the verses speak for themselves.  We will keep the last week on the timeline as intended.  If we do, we learn the most interesting part of this prophecy.  

Daniel tells us after Jesus began his ministry that, Jesus would be cut off:   “

Messiah be cut off, but not for himself:….”Daniel 9: 26  

But before He is cut off, he would do the following:  

“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease,Daniel 9:27”  

Jesus was to “confirm the covenant with many for 1 week or 7 days, which is 7 years in prophecy. But He is “cut off” in the middle of the week or 3 1/2 days or 3 1/2 years. Jesus’ ministry was exactly that long (3 1/2 years) before He was “cut off” or crucified on a Roman cross in 31 AD.  He ministered from 27 AD to 31 AD.  

As Daniel 9:27 stated, the sacrifices and oblations also ended at the time of Jesus’ death.  The law of ceremonies had taught the Jewish nation about the price of sin, the sacrifice for it, and the plan of salvation.  Those ceremonial laws were the School Master to bring people to Jesus and help them understand the lesson of sin, forgiveness, and grace.  The School Master died forever the day Jesus died on the cross as the true Lamb of God.  

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Galatians 3:24, 25

All the festivals, drink and meat offerings, and special Sabbath days (Not the weekly Sabbath) were shadows pointing to the body of Jesus.   All those had served their purpose and were fulfilled in Christ:

“Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”

Colossians 2:17

On the other side of the cross, the people looked forward in faith to Jesus (the Messiah) and what He would do for them.  All of us on this side of the cross look back in faith at what Jesus has done for us.  Something extraordinary occurred at the crucifixion of Christ to demonstrate the truthfulness of the two verses above:  

Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;Matthew 27: 50, 51  

Thus ended the rounds of ceremonies and the laws put in place by Moses to teach about Jesus.  Please note:  These laws did not include the 10 commandments as some would assert.  A study for another time.   Jesus told His disciples this:    

But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”Matthew 15: 24  

Jesus was “confirming the covenant” with the children of Israel during His ministry.  With them, he spent most of His time.  His plea of the coming Kingdom of God was a message primarily to the Jews.   He also told His disciples to do the same:  

“These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 10: 5, 6

This the disciples did for 3 1/2 more years after Jesus was “cut off” or crucified in 31 AD.

This takes us 3  1/2 years forward to the end of the 70 weeks or 490 years.

In the year 34 AD, some interesting things happened to mark the end of the 490 years “determined” or given unto the Jewish nation:

In this year, Stephen was martyred, and Paul was converted to be the teacher to the Gentiles

“I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.” 

2 Timothy 1:11

A very interesting passage of scripture also marks the end of 70 weeks given to the Jews to do all those things of the covenant listed in Daniel 9.  It is a point where the burden of carrying the gospel to the entire world is taken off the shoulders of the Jews and given to the Gentiles. It is the point where God determines who is a real Jew or seed of Abraham.

Paul and Barnabas were preaching to a large group but were interrupted by the Jews because of the large following of the two disciples.  Those religious leaders who were interrupting contradicted Paul and Barnabas and actually blasphemed God!  But it is what Paul and Barnabas say that marks the transition from Jew to Gentile or Spiritual Jew:

 “But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

Acts 13:  45, 46

The appointed people of God had failed to keep the covenant (agreement) and God turned to the Gentiles and made them heir to the promises of God:

“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

Galatians 3:29

No longer was there a distinction between literal Jew and God’s chosen people simply identified as belonging to Christ:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Galatians 3:28

 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Romans 2:28, 29

Thus the 70-week prophecy came to an end! There is no room or context in the prophecy for 7 years of tribulation or the Anti-Christ. It is simply not there.  To try to force it takes away from a beautiful and important part of the ministry of Christ.

While Hal Lindsey has everyone looking at Jerusalem for the rebuilding of the temple to mark the soon return of Jesus, the Anti-Christ is at work elsewhere in the world.  this we will see in future studies.  This is so deceptive that almost the whole world is taken in.  What a great diversion by the enemy of mankind!

In conclusion, the 70-week prophecy of Daniel 9 is mishandled to try and support 7 years of tribulation at the end of time and the work of the Anti-Christ.  If the prophecy is kept in its context, it becomes a prophecy to support Jesus as the Messiah, his crucifixion, the spread of the gospel, and God’s long-suffering with the lost sheep of the house of Israel!

Below is a summary chart of the dates we have discussed above:

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APPENDIX

Below is information if you want more detail otherwise, I hope this prophecy helped you see how God is in control.

*Notes about the dates described above:

Ezra has three decrees with different dates that could be used.  Nehemiah has a date also.  But the decision as to which one to use, you must keep in mind the key words of the prophecy: “the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.” The four decrees are :


The decree of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4)
The decree of Darius I (Ezra 6:1-12)
The decree of Artaxerxes I (Longimanuus) (Ezra 7: 12-26)
The decree of Artaxerxes (Nehemiah Chapters 1 and 2)  

Let’s eliminate some of the dates based on the guiding verse of Daniel 9:25.

Ezra 1 gave instruction only for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Said nothing about the whole city.  We can eliminate this date.  

Ezra 6-simply the endorsement by Darius of the decree of Cyrus.  Only mentions the building of the “house of God.” We can eliminate this date.  

Ezra 7 makes provision for the complete restoration of the Jewish state, including the right to appoint magistrates and judges, hold trials, and pass and execute sentences upon violators of their own national laws. This is the date that fits the idea of “restoring and rebuilding Jerusalem.”   

Nehemiah 2-Wording has not been preserved, but was simply a reinstatement of Artaxerxes original authorization to Ezra recorded in Ezra chapter 7.  

Determination of the date of the decree: It was in the seventh year of Artaxerxes’ reign (Ezra 7:7,8). This is Biblical evidence for the 457 BC start date:   The dates for Artaxerxes’ reign are well documented in the ancient sources: Greek historians, Ptolemy’s Canon
The Babylonian business tablets
Elephantine papyri from Egypt.


From the above documents, we know that Xerxes was killed in late December of 465 B.C., and the reign of Artaxerxes began at the time.  

Artaxerxes Reign Fall to Fall
First-year464/463 B.C.
Second year463/462 B.C.
Third year462/461 B.C.
Fourth-year461/460 B.C.
Fifth year460/459 B.C.
Sixth year459/458 B.C.
Seventh year458/457 B.C.

Therefore, the seventh year of Artaxerxes, according to Jewish reckoning, extended from the fall of 458 to the fall of 457 B. C.

Note: the references in this prophecy to the destruction of the city and temple and desolations:

“….the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined… for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate”

Daniel 9:27

This is not referenced to a small historical character called Antiochus or a future Anti-Christ, but to the total destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD as predicted by Jesus himself when he told the disciples.  There has never been a temple since then and never will be!

“Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

Matthew 24:2 

“Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains,.  Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.  But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in the winter or on the Sabbath.   For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”

Matthew 24: 15-22

The total destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman soldiers was horrible.  Many who tried to escape were crucified outside the city.  At one time, the number of crosses outside the city almost made it look like a forest of trees.  Those who heeded the advice of Jesus escaped the city and remained alive.

Rapture, The Soon Return of Jesus

SECOND COMING PREDICTIONS-WHO IS LEFT BEHIND? PART 2

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Jesus compared His second coming with two destructive events: The flood and the destruction of Sodom.  Is the second coming destructive also?  What can we learn from this comparison?

“And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.  Likewise, as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so, will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.”

Luke 17: 26-30

As disclosed in a previous post, there is no room for the idea that the believers are secretly and quickly “snatched” away.  The ear, the eye, and the emotions (good or bad) are part of Jesus’ return.  There is no support for it being secret.  No driver-less cars or a spouse wondering why their mate suddenly disappeared.

Hal Lindsey and followers attempt to break up the second coming into two parts:  The invisible snatching away and the visible return after the 7 years of tribulation.  But many passages of the Bible have to be ignored and misapplied to create a two-part scenario.   It is made complicated but it is actually plain and simple in scripture.  The word of God should be allowed to describe the event without any private interpretation:

“…knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation”

2 Peter 1: 19-21

Further, the more passages on the topic the better. This approach will allow for clarity on a topic.  I have discovered,  the Occam Razor’s approach works well for competing Bible ideas.  This idea used primarily by scientists states that usually the idea (hypothesis) with the least amount of assumptions or the one that is most simple is the better one.  In a Biblical sense,  we must add another guideline as well:  The teaching with the preponderance of verses must be considered as the most valid. So with that in mind, let’s see if the following conclusion is fair.

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In the 1980′s, another more sophisticated group of predictions caught fire in the mainline churches and has pretty much taken over concerning the second coming.  Mr. Camping (mentioned in the previous post) believed this great error.  It is the second coming predictions by Hal Lindsey from the book The Late Great Planet Earth.  He asserts  the following:

1.)    The return of Jesus is in two parts:

a.       The secret rapture – The church is snatched out and taken to heaven before the “tribulation.”  Christians, therefore, have no need to worry about the time of trouble.

b.      The literal visible return – This is for those that survived the 7 years of tribulation and the Mark of the Beast on the earth and for the Jews who finally accept Jesus as their Messiah!

To support the secret rapture, its proponents will say that the “Lord comes as a thief in the night!”  It is   true that he comes as a thief in the night, but the rest of the verse reveals more:

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night…”

Many stop here, but the “thief” does more as described in the very next words:

“…in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,”

2 Peter 3:10, 11

From the verses above, we can see:

  • When the Lord comes as a “thief” He brings destruction. The reference to a thief shows it is unexpected.
  • The elements and the earth and the works (the things man has created)  are “burned up”
  • Since we know it is going to end this way, we need to be prepared now.  There are no second chances for  7 years.

A companion verse written by Paul adds more understanding of this idea of the Lord coming like a thief:

“For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night…”

Again, many stop reading here to support the secret snatch idea, but the remainder of the verse confirms what Peter wrote concerning destruction.  But, Paul adds: 1.) the lost are destroyed and 2.)  the believers are “not in darkness.” So, the second coming does not come to them like a thief in the night because they are prepared.

 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.”

1 Thessalonians. 5: 2-4

From the Verses above, we can see:

  • The Lord does come as a thief, but only to those who are in darkness (lost).  They are unprepared and not looking for his return!
  • The Lord does not come as a thief to those who are not in darkness (redeemed). They are prepared and are looking for his return!
  • Notice that those who are in darkness, are destroyed when Jesus returns!  We will see additional support below that when Jesus returns the lost will be destroyed or die.

Those who are looking for Jesus to come do not know the day nor the hour, but they know it is near and they are prepared as shown my the teaching of Jesus:

 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.  But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.  So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Matthew 24:42-44

With this in mind, let’s find out who is “taken” and who is “left behind” when Jesus returns.  Again, it is the assertion of Hal Lindsey and his followers that the church is “taken” (snatched up) and the lost (or those not prepared) are “left behind” to experience the tribulation.  In effect, there is a second chance for those “left behind.”

A quick note:  The term “left behind” does not appear anywhere in the New Testament. It is used two times in the Old Testament and is not a reference to the second coming:

Exodus 10:26-“Not a hoof left behind”

1 Samuel 30:9-Soldiers left behind at a brook

To further push this idea of the secret rapture and the concept of being “left behind,” a series of movies based on the “Left Behind” books were created. But, there are several misinterpretations of verses, particularly like the main one shown below and its companion verses found in Luke. Let’s read it slowly and follow our idea of comparing Bible writers to get a better understanding.

“But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man comes.”

Matthew 24: 37-44

From the Verses above, we can see:

Flood Victims:

  • The coming of Jesus is compared with the days of Noah.
  • Unprepared-Not looking-Surprised!
  • Every-day life was going on right up to the end: eating, drinking, marrying, etc.  Will it be the same way when Jesus returns? Yes!
  • There was no clue to the lost until the day of their death.  Will it be the same way with Jesus’ coming?  Yes! He will come to them as a thief in the night.  If they had watched, they would be prepared.
  • What happens to the lost?  The flood came and “took them all away.”  Where did it take them? Nowhere!  They were destroyed!

Now let’s look at the companion description given by Luke that adds clarity to this event:

“And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;

But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed”

Luke 17: 26-30

Luke describes the same event, but he adds clarity.  Those in Noah’s day and Lot’s day were destroyed!  They were destroyed by the flood during Noah’s day and fire in Lot’s Day (Sodom) and will be destroyed by fire when Jesus returns.

Peter used the comparison of the destruction of Sodom mentioned above in Luke 17 to describe the fate of those who live ungodly.  It is their destruction through fire turning them to ashes:

“And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly”

2 Peter 2:6

As we summarize here, we discover that Hal Lindsey has the fate of the “taken” and the “left behind” switched.  

Since Jesus compared the people in Noah’s day with those when He returns, we must read the verses in their context.  Here is a simple chart to help us understand the context:

Event Unsaved Saved
                Flood   Flood took them-died-        
destroyed		     Remained alive in Ark
         Return of Christ   Taken-Destroyed     Left or remained
 Two in field and roof             top   Taken-Destroyed     Left or remained

From the Chart and Verses above, we can see:

Just as the flood victims were “taken” away in death, so will it be with the two in the field and the two women.  Those that are “left” are those that remain and did not die!  The following verse supports this idea and is in context of the 2nd coming.

“…then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord.”

I Thessalonians 4:17

So based on the context and the verses above, Christians do not want to be taken (death)!  They want to remain alive or be leftover!

Here is an example of understanding the concept of “left” means “not taken”

Suppose you have 2 pieces of candy in your hand.  If I “take” 1 of them, the other one is “left” or remains with you.  This is the idea in Matthew and Luke’s account and confirmed by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:17  when he states that those that are alive are those that are left.

Again notice that the word “left” does not have the word “behind” with it!  Hal misinterpreted it to read…those who are unsaved would be “left behind, “but that is not what the context or the many verses that state the unsaved are destroyed when Christ’s returns.  Those that are left are those that did not die at the return of Jesus!

The term “left behind” is never used in connection with the second coming either directly or indirectly.  Despite this, there are movies and books with the same title!

Below are passages from many different biblical writers describing the death and destruction of the unsaved at the return of Jesus.  These are the ones “taken” by death:

And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and everything that is in the earth shall die. (As it was in the days of Noah….so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be) 

Genesis 6:13

They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.

Luke 17:27

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:”

II Thessalonians 2:8

“For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch…And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 4: 1 

“And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.“

Revelation 20:9

For behold, the Lord will come with fire.  And with His chariots, like a whirlwind,  To render His anger with fury, And His rebuke with flames of fire.  For by fire and by His sword The Lord will judge all flesh; And the slain of the Lord shall be many.

 Isaiah 66: 15, 16 

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that  all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,” 

II Peter 3:11

 “And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;  And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly; “

II Peter 2: 5, 6

“The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.” 

Psalm 145-20

 “For our God is a consuming fire!”

 Hebrews 12:29

 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  II Peter 3:12 

In conclusion:  When the Lord returns,  “Every eye will see Him.” (Revelation 1:7).  Some will mourn and some will rejoice.  Those who are unprepared will be destroyed in the fires of destruction.  Those remaining will meet with the resurrected saved to meet the Lord in the air.

There is not a secret snatching away and then 7 years before the Lord returns visibly.  He returns visibly to everyone.  You might be wondering where the 7 years of tribulation came from.  We will take up this topic in the next post.

You might also be asking, about Hell and Judgment?  Those topics to come also.

In An Hour As You Think Not, The Soon Return of Jesus

SECOND COMING PREDICTIONS-DECEPTION PART 1

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The secular community, as well as Christians, pretentiously poked fun at Harold Camping’s prediction of the “Rapture.”  He said it would occur on May 21, 2011.  The day came and went as usual.  Christians all over the world knew from the words of Jesus himself that Mr. Camping’s prediction was in error.

“But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” Matthew 24:36 

Just one verse in scripture is enough for anyone who would attempt to narrow down the Second-Coming to a particular day or hour.  Most Christians can quote it by heart!  We can trust in Jesus’ word on this. But it is just one verse among many others Jesus had to say about His coming! Matthew 24 is a great source of plain language about the Second Coming if read in its context (without adding or subtracting) will prepare the sincere seeker of truth to be prepared for that great day!

Even though the faithful watchers can discern the times, Jesus will come at a time when they do not expect it, but they can be prepared!

“So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!” …”Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:33, 44

On the other hand, those not prepared are not looking for Jesus and are going about their normal routine. To them, Jesus will come as a thief in the night…totally unexpected. But to the watchers, they will not be overtaken as a thief as we shall see in this study.

Second Coming Shams

There are a host of other shams thrown at us by the enemy more complicated and tougher to unravel.   Many rely on non-biblical reasoning or sources concerning the Second-Coming. Examples:

“If my grandmother believed it, that is good enough for me.”

“If it is on the internet, it must be right. “

“The religious programming and books can’t be wrong.”

“The nice preacher on the TV is telling the truth.  Look at his big church!”

But, the enemy is at work with trickery that is so deceptive that even the best of Christians could be deceived.

“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.“ Matthew 24:24

This warning by Jesus tells those who will listen that false christs (Messiahs), and false prophets (teachers, forecasters) will use the platform of religion to promote falsehoods that could deceive the “elect.”  The word for “elect” as translated from the Greek is the word, “eklektos.”  It means those “chosen by God”

These events and teachings are a strong delusion, but the implication is that the “elect” are not deceived.  What makes this group different?  Very simply, they listen to the voice of Jesus and His word.  Their guiding principle is Sola Scriptura.  The Bible alone.  Scripture comes first before the words of any person, book, movie, or institution.

“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:20

The situation in the last days is very profound. The magnitude of the deception is revealed through God’s word. Paul gave an important warning when He wrote to the Corinthians,  He stated plainly that evil appears to be good!  The bad guy is in a white hat!

 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.  It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. II Corinthians 11:14. 

This verse tells us that Satan and his servants can look like an angel (messenger) of light!  Satan can even use scripture to lead people down the wrong path. He certainly tried with Jesus during the days of temptation in the wilderness.  But, Jesus knew His Father and He knew the word of God.

As Christians were quoting Matthew 24:36 when Camping made his prognostication, it would have been well for all of us to read the entire chapter and listened closely the instruction Christ gave his disciples when they asked,

“…what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?  Matthew 24:3. 

His answer? 

“Take heed that no man deceive you. Matthew 24:4

The very first words out of Jesus’ mouth regarding the sign of His coming and the end of the world is a warning to LISTEN so that no man deceive you! 

 Deception in the Manner of His Coming

As we have seen from Matthew 24:36, Jesus himself does not know when he will return, but He knows there will be deception involved.   But the deception is not just only the timing, but the way He comes back to earth.

The whole of Matthew  24 and the parallel chapters in the other Gospels tell of  Jesus describing to the disciples how He returns. Why is this important, especially to Christians? Could it be that even Christians could be deceived and thereby lost? If you read Jesus warning, it is primarily to His followers. The lost could care less.

“For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. ” 1 Thessalonians 5: 3

Recently, I heard a well-known TV evangelist say he doesn’t look at the signs or worry about the mark of the beast and other end-time-events because that is for those in the tribulation to worry about. Is this true? Isn’t this a dangerous way to prepare for Christ’s return? Is this not the object of the enemy’s falsehood to feel secure in something that is opposite from the teaching of Jesus?  

We will use primarily Mathew 24 for this first study.   Jesus’ return is not just about the “when” but the “how.”  Rest assured, the “elect” will know that his coming is near by the signs he left us. If they are a student of the word of God, they will have stored up the truth in their minds and walked in the light.

“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 1Thessalonians 5: 4-6

Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. Revelation 3:3

How We Got Confused

There was a time when Christians knew how Jesus would come and many of the events of His coming by simply reading the portions of scripture that plainly tell of His coming.  In the last several years, there are books, movies, radio programs,  preachers and teachers with a different story that is not based on plain scripture but rather on a script from Hollywood or a book.

In the study of Jesus’ Second Coming, there is no need for any fanciful interpretation or any deep study.  It is plain and simple; written for all men, women, and children, not just university theologians or popular TV preachers.

Staying in Matthew 24, Jesus goes on to describe his Second Coming in verse 27-31:

For as the lightning comes out of the east, and shines even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Matthew 24: 27-31

What do you see in the words of Jesus regarding his coming?  Is it secret?  Are only a few Christians affected by it?  Is it in two parts or just one?  From the verses above, we can plainly see:

  • His coming is bright like lightning!  While lightning is quick, the comparison here is not the speed but by the brightness (shining)! The reference to shining involves sight.  Is there anything quite or secret about lightning that lights up the whole sky from east to west?
  • There is a tribulation before he comes and the sun is darkened and the moon does not give her light and the stars fall from heaven (massive meteorite shower?) and the powers of the heavens are shaken!  Can anyone miss this?  Is the tribulation before or after he comes?  It is before he comes!
  • Those who are lost see the sign of the Son of man in heaven and the people of the earth mourn!  They see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. They are not left to wonder.  They see Him!
  • He sends his angels with a great sound!  You can hear it!  The angels gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other!  Will this gathering be secret?  No! There is no indication here that this will be at the speed of lightning.  The process of gathering is for both the alive and those who died in Christ.

A Clear Picture

The clearest picture of the 2nd Coming is found in the letter to the Thessalonians by Paul. Here he provides more detail to the canvas of this event.

 “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

1 Thessalonians 4: 16-18.

From this verse, we can plainly see:

  • Jesus comes down from heaven (where he went to prepare a place for us-John 14: 2, 3) and there is sound in the form of a shout, a voice, and a trumpet. So can we conclude there is sound involved with the Second Coming? Yes!
  • Those that died in Christ are resurrected. The resurrection of the saved is the beginning of literal eternal life.  It is the reward Jesus brings with him (Revelation 22:12).
  • Those who are alive when Jesus comes will begin to ascend up into the heavens and meet both Jesus and those who were resurrected.  Here is the “rapture.”  It means to be caught up, but there are two groups that meet the Lord in the heavens.  Those who were in their graves asleep in Christ and those who did not experience death. (1 Thessalonians 4: 13, 14)
  • This is where immortality is given.  Eternity with Jesus starts here at this event! (Notice it is not at death)….”and so shall we ever be with the Lord!”

Paul”s further explanation of these events are found in his letter to the Corinthians.

 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump(et): for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

1 Corinthians 15: 52, 53

 Notice that when Jesus returns, immortality is given instantly at that point…not at death. As mentioned above, this is the reward Jesus brings with Him…It is out of context and in error to use the following verse at a funeral (as I heard) because the saying can only come to pass when Jesus returns and gives us immortality.

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”

1 Corinthians 15: 55

The context of this quote is found in the verse just before (v. 54)

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed…

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”

1 Corinthians 15:54

Very plainly…it is at the second coming that Jesus takes the dust of the dead and shapes them back into life.  The sleep of death is but like a mere second. When Jesus resurrects those who are asleep in death, they are instantly (a twinkling of an eye) given the gift of immortality and bodies that will never decay.

There is a lot going on in these verses to let us know there is nothing secret and it is not in two parts.  Other verses from the other writers further describe the glory of his coming, Here are just a few:

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Mark 8:38

Jesus does not come in his glory alone, but the glory of his Father and with the holy angels!  With all that glory, there is nothing secret or invisible about His coming!

The lost have a different response to His coming:

 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

Revelation 6: 15-16:

The unsaved will hide in the darkest places of the dens and rocks of mountains and pray for them to fall on them to hide them from the face of Jesus!  No secret coming here!  This was also foretold by Isaiah:

“Go into the rocks, hide in the ground from dread of the LORD and the splendor of his majesty!”

Isaiah 2:10

 “Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so,  Amen.”

Revelation 1:7

From the verses above, we can see:

  • When he comes, he comes in His own glory and the glory of the father and the holy angels.  It only took the glory of one angel to make the soldiers at the tomb of Jesus drop to the ground like dead men (Matthew 28: 2-4).  Imagine the whole sky full of the glory of millions of angels and the glory of the Father and Jesus!
  • Those that are lost cannot bear to look upon the sight of Jesus’ coming and try to hide from the face of Jesus by calling for the rocks and mountains to fall on them.
  • Every eye sees him coming!  Much like every eye can see the sun as the earth turns.  It is possible that his coming is seen up to as long as a 24 hour period!

Nothing secret about this!

Notice the contrast of the words of those that are saved.

 “And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Isaiah 25:9

In the next writing, we will study out where Hal Lindsey and others came up with the idea of a sudden snatching away of the church and the 7-year tribulation.

Another topic we will study is the fate of the lost.  The reason for the Lord’s apparent delay in coming is because when he comes, there will be those who perish in the destruction of the earth:

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

2 Peter 3: 9, 10

The Second coming is both rejoicing and destruction for this earth as we know it. Nowhere does the word of God split the return of Christ into two parts. But, as we shall see, the saved spend a honeymoon of one thousand years with Jesus in heaven (where he is now) before He creates the new heavens and the new earth prepared in the saved of the redeemed.

“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3: 13

In conclusion, the Lord taught his disciples about the deception regarding the timing and manner His second coming.  This deception would be very tricky and inspired by the enemy himself with the intent to take as many as possible with him, especially those who give up on the return of Christ and return to their former life:

But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of,..Matthew 24: 48-50

It is critically important for the follower of Christ to know what Jesus and the writers of the Bible have to say about this grand event when all the saved will meet the Lord in the air and begin eternity with each other never; to experience sin and death ever again.  What a day that will be!  We shall behold Him!

 Listen to the correct theology of Christ’s second coming in Sandi Patty’s version of “We Shall Behold Him.”  May the Lord bless you as you listen.

Salvation to the uttermost

Saved to the uttermost-The 3rd and 4th “p” of salvation

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We have seen that Jesus can save us to the uttermost or as the great Evangelist Ron Halverson said, “He saves us from the guttermost to the uttermost.”

The first “P” of salvation relates to being saved from the Penalty of sin..  Jesus saves us from the Penalty of sin (death).  Then He saves us from the Power of the sin and we walk with a new mind in Christ overcoming sin in our life .  The 3rd and 4th “P” is Jesus will one day save us from the Presence of sin and the Propensity to sin.  He does this when he comes in the clouds the 2nd time.  When this happens sin will be no more.  I like the way this author describes it:

“The death of Christ upon the cross made sure the destruction of him who has the power of death, who was the originator of sin. When Satan is destroyed, there will be none to tempt to evil; the atonement will never need to be repeated, and there will be no danger of another rebellion in the universe of God. That which alone can effectually restrain from sin in this world of darkness will prevent sin in heaven.”

EGW-Signs of the Times, December 30, 1889

It is the meaning of the cross that will be forever remembered by the redeemed and the unfallen angels that will prevent sin from raising its ugly head again.

Sin and its consequences are destroyed when the Lord makes the earth new:

“And death and hell (grave) were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”

Revelation 20:4

This second death is complete and utter destruction.  Not only is death and the grave a thing of the past, but also so is Satan and his fallen angels who started sin in the first place.

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire

Revelation 20:10

He is reduced to ashes:

“You defiled your sanctuaries By the multitude of your iniquities, By the iniquity of your trading; Therefore I brought fire from your midst; It devoured you, And I turned you to ashes upon the earth In the sight of all who saw you.

Ezekiel 28:18

Then those who have rejected the offer of eternal life through Jesus will sadly be destroyed as well.

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:15

They too are reduced to ashes:

For behold, the day is coming,
Burning like an oven,
And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble.
And the day which is coming shall burn them up,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
That will leave them neither root nor branch…

You shall trample the wicked,
For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet
On the day that I do this,”
Says the Lord of hosts.

Malachi 4:1, 3

Sin and its Presence will never be again.

Sin and sinners are forever destroyed by what God calls His “strange act.”  It is strange because God is a Creator and takes no pleasure in the death (destruction) in the death of the sinner.  It is against his nature that He must wipe his creation off the face of the earth and create a new earth.

For the Lord shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act.

Isaiah 28:21 KJ

In the next verse, we are told what is his “strange work” and “strange act”

“Now therefore, do not be mockers,
Lest your bonds be made strong;
For I have heard from the Lord God of hosts,
A destruction determined even upon the whole earth.”

Isaiah 28:22 NKJ

Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways!

Isaiah 33:11

It is the enemy who is the author of death.   it is not God’s will that any should perish, but that all live.  The whole Bible is God’s appeal for man to turn from His sin and find life in Him.

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

The context of this statement is in regards to those who scoff at the idea of Christ’s return. as shown in the previous verses:

... knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation

2 Peter 3: 3-4

Peter opens our eyes to several things in these few verses:

1.) The mindset of the world is that all things have continued the same day in and day out.  The sun rises and it sets.  Nothing has changed since Jesus left this earth.

2.)  God is “long-suffering” with us.  He is patient.  Why?  Because when Jesus returns, it is the end of those who failed to respond to his call to repentance.  What awaits them?  They will perish when Jesus returns.  It doesn’t say they will live in hell….they will perish.

Perish is used in the most famous verse of all.  John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Notice the contrast of destinies of the saved and the lost.  If it is true that the saved have everlasting life, it is true as the opposite that the lost will perish…they do not have everlasting life.

Some would have us believe that the wages of sin is not death (perish) but living in hell. (For more on the teaching of hell, see Lord Tell Me about Hell-Part 1)

All through the Bible, the theme of destruction trumps any twisted interpretation of scripture to make it sound like God will torture the sinner throughout the dim lights of eternity.

Those who have the attitude of mocking the second coming of Christ as described in 2 Peter are not only caught off guard when He comes, but they are destroyed:

For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

1 Thessalonians 5:3

The fate of this first earth is destruction as are those who choose sin and rebellion against God:

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

2 Peter 3:10

There are some who would have us believe that the 2nd coming of Christ is secret…it is quite like a thief. But, when He comes, it is like a thief in this sense.  A thief is one who surprises the owners of the home.  They are not prepared for the thief.

Ask anyone who has come home to find their belongings gone and they will tell you of the shock of surprise.

We are told that the followers of Christ are prepared and the Second Coming is not like a thief to them.  They are not surprised.  They have seen the signs and know that Jesus’ promises are coming to past.  As they are looking for him, they are preparing their hearts and minds to embrace Him.  The others are more interested in their day to day activities.

But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

1 Thessalonians 5: 4-6

The element of surprise feeling life is peaceful and things continue as they always have…sunrise….sunset, but Jesus returns and “takes them all away.”

For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be

Matthew 24: 38-39

Luke says the same as Matthew about those caught by surprise but uses clearer language when he comes to the part about the flood taking away those in Noah’s day and what it means.

They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.

Luke 17:27

By comparing these two inspired writers, there is no doubt that those who are more interested in this life on earth and put their souls into everyday living without God are destroyed when Jesus returns.

Some teach and refer to Matthew without comparing to Luke to make this say that the “taking” is the rapture, but that is to go against the plain teaching of scripture.

As one compares scripture with scripture, the fate of this earth without Jesus is destruction.  When he comes, it is compared to a flaming fire.

when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power

2 Thessalonians 1: 7-9

Notice that the fate of the lost is destruction.  In fact, even the Anti-Christ is destroyed at the brightness of His coming:

And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

2 Thessalonians 2: 8-10

God will save us from destruction.  It is His desire to give us eternal life and to separate us from anything related to sin.  This is why both sin and sinner must be destroyed.  To believe that God has reserved this earth or a place of the universe where the reminder of sin exists is to go against not only plain scripture but also a correct understanding of the character and nature of our great Creator.

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Jesus will rescue us from the Presence of sin (the 3rd P of salvation) when He comes to take us where he is:

 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

John 14:3

When Jesus returns he takes us to where he is now at this very moment.  Where is he?

But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,

Hebrews 10:12

Now this is the main point of the things we are saying:  We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,

Hebrews 8:1

Jesus has not only made it possible for us to live forever but also to enjoy the gift of life by seeing and doing things we never imagined.

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.

2 Corinthians 2:9

Jesus takes us to a beautiful city in a different place in the universe where God the Father is located. When we are rescued from this planet of sin, all heaven is emptied. This includes the angels, God the Father, and of course Jesus.

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.

Matthew 25:31

…. He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.

Matthew 8:28

(For more on the 2nd coming of Christ, See

Part 1 Second Coming

 Part 2 Second Coming,

Part 3 Second Coming)

The place that Jesus has prepared for us is called the New Jerusalem in Revelation chapter 9.  Here is a small section of its description:

….the great city, the holy[Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.

Revelation 9:10-13

This great gated city has a tree and a river that runs through it.

In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

Revelation 22:2

Hard for us to image the beauty of this city.  Did you notice that the tree of life is in the city and it has the special task of “healing the nations?”  This same tree was in the garden of Eden at the beginning and it is there at the end.  Perhaps as all the nations eat from the tree of life again, all differences are resolved and it perpetuates eternal life literally.

But, this new Jerusalem in heaven stays there for only 1,000 years before God moves it to our little planet.

Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Revelation 21: 2-4

(For more on the 1,000 years, see Part 4-Second Coming-1,000 Years?)

Finally, this meek inherit the earth when the New Jerusalem sits down on the New earth:

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth;
And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.
But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create;
For behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing,
And her people a joy.
I will rejoice in Jerusalem,
And joy in My people;
The voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her,
Nor the voice of crying.

Isaiah 65: 17-19

This passage sounds a lot like Revelation 21:2-4  doesn’t it?

We will be busy on the new earth as described by Isaiah:

They shall build houses and inhabit them;
They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit….And My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.

Isaiah 65: 21-22 (partial)

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The Lord is “preparing us a place”  by his ministry not his carpentry work.  It is not about the mansions, it is about preparing us (you and me)  that we might be able to be there.  It is a work of completely changing our hearts through the ministry of Jesus as our High Priest.  Our experience with sin, death, salvation, resurrection and glorification will assure that sin never occurs again in God’s kingdom.

Indeed Jesus is able to save us to the uttermost.  We have seen that He saves us from the Penalty of Sin (death), the Power of sin (rebirth), the Presence of sin (Second coming), and finally the Propensity to sin (sin is eradicated).

The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love.

Great Controversy, p.678

Dear reader,  if you have felt the pull and convicting power of the Holy Spirit to consider letting Jesus come into your heart, your mind, your way of thinking; I encourage you to yield to His pull.  Now is the time to repent of your sins and ask Jesus to give you eternal life. He is faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you.  Then walk in the power of the new life you have in Christ.  Don’t neglect the daily opportunity to read His word and grow.  Then one day, He will come and deliver us all from the presence of sin and never will we experience any tears or crying again.

His work in us will then be complete. We are saved to the uttermost by our Great Creator-Jesus

Salvation to the uttermost

SAVED TO THE UTTERMOST-THE SECOND “P” OF SALVATION

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 “But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.”

Hebrews 10:39

Christ came to save us from the Power of Sin. This is the 2nd “P” of salvation

We learned from our previous two studies that we are in a tight spot regarding sin.  We have all sinned.  Adam and Eve sinned and we have inherited the nature of sin so that we sin without having to think much about it.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me

Psalms 51:5

We are born with a bent towards sin like the “slash” in this picture:

SIN   \    Righteousness (Jesus)

But when we invite Jesus into our lives, he gives us a new heart and now we are bent towards Him and righteousness like this picture

SIN    /       Righteousness (Jesus)

Because we are born with a “bent” towards sin, if left unchecked, we will reap the Penalty of Sin i.e., eternal death.  But, through the work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we are drawn towards Him and eternal life.

Once we confessed our sins and repented of our sins and received Him into our lives, we move from the curse of death to the promise of eternal life.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”

John 5:24

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

Acts 3:19

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While the saved are still mortal and subject to the first death, they are not subject to the second death.  Instead they are resurrected to eternal life.

Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power,

Revelation 20:6

Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

John 5:28, 29

Yes, It is at the resurrection where we realize the promise of eternal life.  We die the first death with the promise of being resurrected.  It is not until then that we “put on immortality” and will never die again.

“So when this corruptible has put on incorruption (subject to death), and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

1 Corinthians 15:54

The above verse is in the context of the second coming when the trumpet shall sound in the dead in Christ shall rise first.

“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.

1 Corinthians 15: 51-52

This is in complete agreement with what Paul wrote to the Thessalonians:

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Thessalonians 4:16

Plainly stated, we are not immortal until Jesus returns, resurrects us,  and gives it to us.

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Let’s turn our attention to the second “P” of salvation.  Jesus saves us from the Power of sin that is in our life.

As Christ was brought back from death to life by the glorious power of the Father, so we, too, should live a new kind of life.

Romans 6:4

After receiving Christ, we are to live a new kind of life.  It is a life of obedience to his word….his commands

If you love me, keep my commandments

John 14:15

With our new heart, we will follow Jesus and do His will, not in order to be saved from the penalty of sin, but because we have a new heart.

When we are baptized, we began a life of obedience.  We were following the command of Jesus to be baptized as a demonstration of a changed life.

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:4

Jesus gives us the power to walk in this new life.  We do not say, “Thank you Lord for saving me from death.  I will take it from here.“

No!  As we received eternal life by faith, we are to walk by faith.

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,

Colossians 2:6

What does it mean to be saved from the Power of sin?

The sins that you once enjoyed, you no longer enjoy them.  It doesn’t mean you don’t have a struggle with them, because you will.  The old life will try to draw you back

The things you didn’t enjoy before, you now enjoy (e.g. Bible study, prayer, fellowship with other Christians, and doing good for others),

Because of Jesus and your rebirth, you will be different.  Your friends will see a change in you. The liar will stop lying, the thief will stop stealing, the adulterer will stop chasing women.  You will have a new appreciation for your parents.  You will be careful how you use the name of Jesus and God.  

Why?  Because Jesus has saved you from the power of sin which is transgression of His law.  Instead of transgressing, you will have a new respect for the will of God and desire to do it.

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Now listen carefully what the word has to say about this new walk.  It will not be without resistance from the enemy and from your own sinful nature.

The carnal (flesh) nature that you still possess has resistance to the spiritual nature Jesus has given you.  As time goes on, you will experience the battle that takes place daily between good and evil between carnal and spiritual.  Paul put it this way:

“…that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.“

Romans 8:4

Did you catch that?  The requirements of the law are fulfilled if we walk according to the Spirit and not the flesh.  Obedience comes from a new nature and walking by that.  Obedience is not the way to salvation, it is the result of salvation.

Our daily life with its many activities is called a “walk.”  It is what you do and say every day.  These activities are to be done in faith or trust, just the same way you received Christ (by faith)…as stated above:

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,

Colossians 2:6

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Romans 8:1

Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.

Romans 13:13

By walking in the Spirit, we are following the spirit-inspired word of God which is His will.  We will not have activities that include such things as described above e.g. drunkenness and parties.  Why?  Because our hearts have been changed. If the heart has not been changed, we will continue in those things that please and satisfy the sinful nature.

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Your new walk will not go unchallenged by the flesh.  It will call you back at weak moments in particular.  It will try to draw you back.

As our opening verse states, it is possible to be drawn back to perdition (state of sin and unbelief).  This verse is set in the context of endurance from the verses before it:

“For you have need of endurance so that after you have done the will of God you may receive the promise.”

Hebrews 10:36

Notice that those who receive the promise do the will of God.  This is how they are identified and what distinguishes the true from the false follower.  Jesus asked,

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.

Luke 6: 46-48

The Bible is filled with warnings of staying close to Jesus and to put on the whole armor of God.  We are in a fight, but as we “walk” in faith with Jesus we should have no fear.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:11

The weapons you use will assist in your daily walk and the fight between the carnal and the spiritual nature

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

Ephesians 6:14-18

If your daily walk was not a dangerous one to your soul, why would we be told to suit up with all these items?  Notice the items that help us in our daily activities:

truth (God’s word)

righteousness (given to us by faith in Jesus)

salvation (knowing God has saved us)

the gospel of peace (a kind nature towards other people)

But most of all, we are told to take the shield of faith.  Above all the items listed, the shield of faith is the most important.  If we have a shield, we can block the attack of swords, knives, and darts.  This faith is called trust in the one who was able to change our hearts in the first place.  Do you trust Him?  If you do, you have the shield that will repulse the attacker.

It is clear from God’s word that the enemy and our own carnal nature will bring upon us trouble to discourage us and entice us back to the life we once left.  Sorry to say, but there are many who are overcome by self and the enemy and lose their way.  Jesus told a parable that makes this clear.

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The Sower sowed seed.  The seed fell on different types of soil.  Some of the seed produced a crop, while others did not.  The disciples did not understand the parable and asked Jesus.  His explanation is not a parable, but the truth behind the story:

“Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

Matthew  13: 18-23

Notice that the parable as explained by Jesus is talking about people who “hear the word.”  Some people hear it and don’t understand it because the wicked one snatches it away from them.

Other people hear it and are joyful (notice it doesn’t say that they understood it), but there is no root and therefore no endurance or strength.  This is the person whose experience is based on feeling and not on the truth.

The third person hears the word also does not understand it, but their cares and the lure of the world and its riches choke the word and they stop growing or producing.

But the last person both hears and understands.  They have roots that give endurance and the cares and riches do not choke them.  Their walk is one of faith in Jesus and understanding of His word.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Matthew 7:21

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Jesus saves us from the penalty of sin and the power of sin.  Salvation is not just being rescued from the wages of sin (eternal death), but it is a rescue from our sinful ways in this life.

It is not a one-time transaction in front of the church.  It is a walk of growing in Christ.  But this walk is not ours.  We are to entrust it to Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith.

Many have an idea that they must do some part of the work alone. They have trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of sin, but now they seek by their own efforts to live aright. But every such effort must fail. Jesus says, “Without Me, ye can do nothing.” Our growth in grace, our joy, our usefulness,–all depend upon our union with Christ. It is by communion with Him, daily, hourly,–by abiding in Him, –that we are to grow in grace. He is not only the Author but the Finisher of our faith. It is Christ first and last and always. He is to be with us, not only at the beginning and the end of our course but at every step of the way. David says,

“I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”

Psalm 16:8.

Steps to Christ, p. 69

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Next time, we will discuss the third “P” of salvation.  Blessings to you as you walk with Jesus.

Salvation to the uttermost

SAVED TO THE UTTERMOST. THE FIRST “P” OF SALVATION…continued

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“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly.” 

Titus 2:11

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There is so much about the 1st “P” of salvation that I must continue with more scripture before I move to the 2nd “P” of salvation.

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Let’s review and expand.

Jesus saves us to the “uttermost.”  First, He saves us from the Penalty of the law.  All have sinned.  We have broken the 10 commandments and turned away from God.  And we have sinned in many other ways as we shall see.

The wages of sin is death.  This simple Bible definition of sin is found in the writings of the beloved disciple.

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

1 John 3:4

By departing from God and disobedience, we sin.   Because of our sinful nature, we will continue to break the law of God.  By doing this we place ourselves under the curse God promised for disobedience.

Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.

Daniel 9:11

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All of us have sinned.  Not one of us has not sinned:

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 3:23

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Romans 3: 10-12

Not only have we sinned, but if not for the proactive work of God, we would not seek God and we would lack knowledge on spiritual truths.

Because of our transgression and because of the way we are, we are under the curse of sin which is death.

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Romans 5: 12

But, God the Father and Jesus made a way to come out from under the curse of the law (death)

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Romans 3:24

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Galatians 3:13

When Jesus was nailed to the cross, He took upon himself the sin and curse we were under and made the payment for the wages of sin, which is death.

The death of Jesus shows the immutability of the law of God.  Because it could not be changed.  If it could, Jesus would not have needed to die, the law could have simply been watered down and adjusted to our needs or our situation.

Jesus made it clear, that His purpose was not to change even the smallest letter or punctuation mark in God’s law and that the law would outlive the earth:

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Matthew 5: 17-18

Heaven and earth is still here.  Is it not?  Yes, he fulfilled the law and the prophets, but that does not mean that they are destroyed.

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Because of our sin, disobedience, and rebellion we are hopelessly lost, But, His grace working through the faith he gives us we are saved.

God did not have to save us, but He loved His creation and demonstrated it by the substitutionary death of His only begotten.

Let us never forget that God saves us.  We don’t save ourselves by any amount of good work.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Ephesians 2:8

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Look carefully at John 3:16.  Salvation is salvation from perishing.  Death is exactly what it means.  It is not living somewhere else in the universe or living in a place of torment.  To learn more about the mortality of the soul (being) and the errors of everlasting torment, click here: Lord Tell Me About Hell-Part 1

According to John, we are saved from persishing (death with no hope) because Jesus perished for us and paid the penalty for sin (transgression of the law).

I like the description by this author about how serious Jesus’ death was for us.  We think of the physical pain, but there was so much more that he endured for us:

Satan with his fierce temptations wrung the heart of Jesus. The Saviour could not see through the portals of the tomb. Hope did not present to Him His coming forth from the grave a conqueror, or tell Him of the Father’s acceptance of the sacrifice. He feared that sin was so offensive to God that Their separation was to be eternal. Christ felt the anguish which the sinner will feel when mercy shall no longer plead for the guilty race. It was the sense of sin, bringing the Father’s wrath upon Him as man’s substitute, that made the cup He drank so bitter, and broke the heart of the Son of God.

The Desire of Ages, p. 753 

Perhaps, this is why Jesus cried out,

MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?

Psalm 22:1, Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34

 This is the grace and love of God demonstrated in a real way.  Both the Father and the Son suffered that day, but Jesus endured the cross because he could see it would be worth if for us.

…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2 

So this is what we are saved from….eternal death…Jesus makes a way by His death that is initiated by the grace and love of God.  But look again at Ephesians.  There is something we have to do to receive this salvation.  It doesn’t come to everyone.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Ephesians 2:8

The grace of God cannot lead to salvation alone, there must be faith by the one receiving it.

The sinner must make a choice to trust God. But how does this happen?

First the Holy Spirit does the work of conviction and pulls the sinner towards Jesus.

And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

John 16:8

This conviction comes through the Spirit who often uses the word of God and the the law of God.

you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

James 2:9

For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

Romans 7:9

When a person comes into contact with the word of God, it brings conviction of sin.  God’s word is powerful in the work of salvation, because our thoughts and beliefs are changed:

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

As we see Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, conviction overwhelms the sinner and the love of God draws us to Him:

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”

John 12: 32 NKJV

The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying:“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

Jeremiah 31:3

This drawing is described as knocking in the book of Revelation:

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Revelation 3:20

Now the sinner has a choice.  They can yield to the pull of the Holy Spirit or “open the door” and Jesus promises to come into the life of the person and give them peace and eternal life.

Peace is the first feeling of yielding to the pull of the Holy Spirit, the meaning of the cross, and the fellowship of Jesus.

It is at this point, that the person is born again.  Their life is changed.  They have a new master, a new direction.  The things they once liked to do, they no longer want to do it.  The things they once hated, they now want to do them.

The friends you once hung out with….the ones you drank and partied with, now no longer recognize you and you have a great desire for them to know and experience what you have.

Before, you hated church, Christians, prayer, and Bible Study.  Now you can’t get enough!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Now you listen to God’s word and want to follow him.  It is by this new feeling of belief in God that let’s you know you have been reborn.

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

John 5:24

Notice that the person who hears God’s word and believes in Him (God the Father) has everlasting life and will not come into judgment like those who do not hear God’s word or believe in God.

This is good news!  Praise God! Jesus has saved you from eternal death.

If this is truly your experience, you begin to obey God’s word.  Not to be saved from eternal death, but because it is the natural result of being in Christ and being saved.  This is the test of whether one has been reborn and saved.  Obedience.

In fact, your first act of obedience is when you are baptized.  The act itself does not save you, but it is evidence you want to give to the world evidence that you are walking in a new life of following Jesus

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:4

I can’t image a person who has been saved to disobey the command:

He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Mark 16:16

Notice that obedience of baptism comes after salvation not as a pre-requisite.  In fact, not being baptized by choice demonstrates unbelief.

Jesus identifies the saved as His followers who obey him by asking a rhetorical question:

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Luke 6:46

The born again person loves Jesus and will now call Him Lord and will follow him.  Once again, they will obey Him out of love, not in order to be saved, but because they are saved and they love Him:

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 14:15

Here now stands the person who has been saved from eternal death and has begun to follow Jesus.

Does salvation end at the baptism tank?  What does the Bible teach about the  2nd “P” of salvation?  Next time we will talk about how Jesus saves us from the Power of sin.

The thief will turn from a life of theft, the liar from a life of lying, the adulterer from a life of adultery. Why?  Because Jesus wants to save us not only from the Penalty of sin, but the Power of sin that can still show its ugly head from time to time even if we have a new life in Christ.

I don’t know of one Christian who has not been tempted by sin after beginning their walk with Jesus.  What does Jesus do to save us from the Power of sin and the desire to live a life in Jesus?.  How do we walk in newness of life?  The scripture will give us answers.

We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God. No; Christ is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Said the beloved John, “These things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1.

Steps to Christ, p. 64

If you are feeling the pull and conviction of the Holy Spirit, yield and surrender your life of sin to Him.  He will come in, as promised, and give you peace and a new direction.  But, He will also give you Power over the sin that “once so easily beset you.”  I am praying for you my brother and sister.

Salvation to the uttermost

Saved From What?

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Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:25

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In the movie, Titanic, the audience hears the story of a young couple meeting and falling in love on the ill-fated ship.   Their backgrounds and upbringing  were very different.  Jack,  a care-free poor young man who made his living drawing.  To him, life was an adventure.   The young woman of the story (Rose)  comes from “new money” wealth and is soon to be married to a wealthy narcissistic man from Pittsburgh.

But, as we all know, the Titanic sank and so did their young love.  Rose survived the cold water and went on to live a long life, just as Jack said she would.  As Rose takes us through the story of their few days on the ship, she ends with this statement,

“He saved me, in every way a person can be saved.”

What did that mean?  How is this statement similar to Paul’s statement in Hebrews 7:25, when he said, that Jesus is “able to save us to the uttermost“?

Salvation is more than most people think or are taught.  Salvation is at the heart of the gospel, but what are people saved from and how can we know we have salvation?

Jesus is able to save us in every way a person can be saved.  It is a salvation that is more than the saving from the death on a sinking ship.  There is more.  He is able to save us after we get to the safety of the shore because the shore has dangers as well.

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The First “P” in salvation is that Jesus saves us from the Penalty of Sin.

It was Jesus’ mission to come to this world and “save” sinners

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…”

1 Timothy 1:15

We are all sinners.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Romans 3:23

Not only have we sinned, but we fall short of God’s standards.

There are none born into this world that has not sinned nor meet God’s standards.  The payment for this sin is death.

For the wages of sin is death

Romans 6:23

We did not come into this world by choice.  Our parents made  it for us.  We were given the gift of life,  which is priceless in so many ways.  But, because of the sin of Adam and Eve, our bodies (originally meant to live forever) are now subject to death.  It is a disease possessed by everyone.

…just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned

Romans 5:12

As hard as we may try at being good and not sinning, we will always fall short of the “glory of God.”  Because we came into the world with the seed of sin and rebellion and  unrighteous from the start, we can never claim to be righteous on our own.

As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one

Romans 3:10

I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.

Psalm 51:5

Because of this reality, each one of us is born rebellious, sinful, narcissistic, prideful, and sinful.  Our destiny is to live a short life and then die.  That is our payment.

But, God knows this and he made a way out for the planet in rebellion.  This  plan of salvation was made known to Adam and Eve from the beginning.

“And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her Seed;
He shall bruise your head,
And you shall bruise His heel.”

Genesis 3:15

These words were spoken directly to the Serpent that deceived Eve.  Read it closely.  This is both symbolic and prophetical.  The first part talks about “enmity” (hostility and hatred)  between Satan and the woman, which we find out later in scripture to be God’s followers or church.  So there will always be ” enmity” between Satan and Jesus’ church. But, also enmity between our carnal nature and the spiritual nature given us when we are reborn.

In the 2nd part of God’s declaration in Genesis 3 is about a “He” (Jesus) that will “bruise” Satan’s head and Satan’s bruise of the heel of the “He” (Jesus)

The injuries to the heel would not lead to eternal death (the cross), but bruises to he head of Satan will lead to his eternal death.  Here is the beginning prophecies of the Messiah and the enmity that would exist between Jesus and His followers and Satan and his followers… even to this day.

“When Satan heard that enmity should exist between himself and the woman, and between his seed and her seed, he knew that his work of depraving human nature would be interrupted; that by some means man would be enabled to resist his power. Yet as the plan of salvation was more fully unfolded, Satan rejoiced with his angels that, having caused man’s fall, he could bring down the Son of God from His exalted position. He declared that his plans had thus far been successful upon the earth, and that when Christ should take upon Himself human nature, He also might be overcome, and thus the redemption of the fallen race might be prevented.”

“Heavenly angels more fully opened to our first parents the plan that had been devised for their salvation. Adam and his companion were assured that notwithstanding their great sin, they were not to be abandoned to the control of Satan. The Son of God had offered to atone, with His own life, for their transgression. A period of probation would be granted them, and through repentance and faith in Christ they might again become the children of God.”

Patriarchs and Prophets Page 66

The plan of salvation was revealed to Adam and Eve. They taught it to their children and hoped that each child born would be the promised one.

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The plan involved a substitutionary death for sins and required faith in the plan.

The sacrificial system began with this new family.  But, God was particular in how and what was sacrificed because in the sacrificial system, it was to teach of the coming Messiah and a life of faith.  Cain did not sacrifice accordingly and the first death in the Bible is recorded.  It was motivated by jealousy and a self-serving attitude.

“…Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.

So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”

Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.

Genesis 4: 2-8

The Lord tried to intervene in Cain’s anger and depression by encouraging him to do well.  But, Cain was determined to do bad. Our God is always trying to intervene when we are going down the wrong road.  He draws us to himself and away from the bad we would do.  If only we would only yield to this pull, we would find salvation from doing sin.

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”

John 12:32

Moses and the Prophets taught of the coming Messiah and the plan of salvation.  Moses formalized the plan under the direction of God himself.  The years and years of the sacrifices and ceremonies found in the Old Testament were the school master to teach those before the cross about the mission of Jesus so that by believing in Him they could have eternal life and escape the penalty of sin (death)

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Galatians 3: 24, and 25

Many try to make Galatians about the 10 commandments, but it is clear that Paul is talking about the law that was added after sin came into the world.  It was a sin when Cain slew Abel even though it would be years before God would formalize the 10 traits of His will on stone.  The law that was added because of sin and was appointed by angels whereas the 10 commandments were written by God’s own finger.

What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator.

Galatians 3:19

He gave Moses two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone,written with the finger of God.

Exodus 31:18

The lessons taught by the sacrificial system ended when Jesus became its fulfillment.  Jesus’ death did not end the 10 commandments, which is an eternal law.  The  ceremonial and sacrificial law given to teach those on the other side of the cross about Jesus was temporary until type met anti-type.

See the difference in their descriptions and mortality in the following verses.

 First, the sacrificial law is demonstrated to end at the death of Jesus on the cross as recorded by the events of that day.

Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom;

Matthew 27: 51

This veil separated the holy place where the priest minister daily and offered sacrifices and incense before the curtain.  On the other side of the curtain was the Most Holy Place.  Because of the death of Jesus for our sins we have direct access to God without priests or bloody animal sacrifices.  This system met its fulfillment in Jesus and is no longer needed.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4: 15, 16

But as to the 10 commandment laws, the principles found therein did not end when Jesus came and died for He said,

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5: 17-19

Heaven and earth have not passed and neither has the 10 commandments

Lying, murdering, coveting, adultery, dishonoring parents are just as much as sin today as it was during the days of those before the cross.  It is also still a sin to have other God’s and to take the Lord’s name in vain…to make images and bow down to them…to forget the Sabbath.

John exclaims that sin is defined as breaking the law:

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

1 John 3:4

James tells us that if we break one of the 10, we have sinned.  He goes on to tell us that we shall be judged by this everlasting law that liberates:

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

so speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.

James 2: 10-12

Jesus  mission was to save us by paying the debt we owed which was death for transgressing the law of God (defined as sin)

Those in the Old Testament are saved from the Penalty of the law (death) just as we are in the days of the New Testament.  It is by faith in the one who died for our sins.

Those of the Old Testament looked forward by faith to the cross of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins.  We look back to the  cross for the same reason.  Both are saved by grace through faith and not works.

There was never two methods of salvation e.g. one by works and one by faith.  In fact, in Hebrews 11, there is the “Hall of Faith” that hangs the pictures and models of faith. They are all Old Testament people.  Here is an example:

By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous…”

Hebrew 11: 4

Did you catch that?  Abel was made righteous by faith! But it came by doing the will of God.  Faith requires action and obedience.  This action “obtains witness” or demonstrates righteousness.

This is what James meant when he said,

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

James 2:18

We can never work our way into righteousness, but without obedience/works we do not have a “witness” that we have faith.  It is all talk, if we talk of faith without the works.

James shows us the results of salvation and the relationship of works from a changed heart, while Paul shows us the method of salvation.  It is by faith without works

“For by grace are you saved not of works…”

There is no contradiction only a deeper understanding.

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So in summary, we have all sinned and will die unless we choose to yield to the pull of God’s pulling and knocking.  When we do, we place our faith in Him that He has forgiven us.  Then we pass from the sentence of death to the promise of eternal life.

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

John 5;24

When we hear God’s word and believe Jesus to be all He claimed to be, we have experienced the first “P” of salvation.  We are saved from the Penalty of Death.  But, Jesus also saves us from the Power of sin.  This we will discuss next time.

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I leave you with this thought from one of my favorite books called Steps to Christ. If you want a copy, let me know.

“It is impossible for us, of ourselves, to escape from the pit of sin in which we are sunken. Our hearts are evil, and we cannot change them. “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.” “The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Job 14:4; Romans 8:7. Education, culture, the exercise of the will, human effort, all have their proper sphere, but here they are powerless. They may produce an outward correctness of behavior, but they cannot change the heart; they cannot purify the springs of life. There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness.”

Steps to Christ, Page 18

Salvation to the uttermost

A Lost Bible Teaching-Sanctification

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This will be a series on salvation to the uttermost. The concept of salvation is simple, but both dynamic and progressive. We will see that being saved to the uttermost is more than a trip down the aisle and being baptized. It moves on from there to include the complete rescue from sin. The 4 P’s of salvation will be explored. The person who receives Christ is saved from the PENALTY of sin. But sin will continue to pull and tempt us. Through a daily walking in the Spirit and not the flesh we are strengthened to overcome the POWER of sin in our lives. This can be a struggle because our carnal nature still exists. When the Lord comes again, He will rescue us from the, PRESENCE of sin. Then God will eliminate the father of sin (Satan) and change our bodies at the resurrection. Next, He takes us where He now. The Propensity to sin will be no more as we enjoy the new heaven and new earth. But, before we get into those topics, let’s look at the lost Bible teaching of Sanctification.

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Sanctification is a Bible Doctrine

Erroneous theories of sanctification… have a prominent place in the religious movements of the day. These theories are both false in doctrine and dangerous in practical results, and the fact that they are so generally finding favor renders it doubly essential that all have a clear understanding of what the Scriptures teach upon this point.

First of all, true sanctification is a Bible doctrine. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonian church, declares:

“This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” And he prays: “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly.”

1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23.

Secondly, the Bible clearly teaches what sanctification is and how it is to be attained. The Saviour prayed for His disciples:

“Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is the truth.”

John 17:17

And Paul teaches believers are to be:

“sanctified by the Holy Ghost.”

Romans 15:16.

What is the work of the Holy Spirit? Jesus told His disciples:

“When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.”

John 16:13.

And the psalmist says:

“Thy law is the truth.”

Psalm 119:42

By the word and the Spirit of God are opened to men the great principles of righteousness embodied in His law. And since the law of God is

“holy, and just, and good,”

Romans 7:12

a transcript of the divine perfection, it follows that a character formed by obedience to that law will be holy. Christ is a perfect example of such a character. He says:

“I have kept My Father’s commandments.” “I do always those things that please Him.”

John 15:10; 8:29.

The followers of Christ are to become like Him—by the grace of God to form characters in harmony with the principles of His holy law. This is Bible sanctification.

This work can be accomplished only through faith in Christ, by the power of the indwelling Spirit of God. Paul admonishes believers:

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12, 13.

The Christian will feel the promptings of sin, but he will maintain a constant warfare against it. Here is where Christ’s help is needed. Human weakness becomes united to divine strength, and faith exclaims:

“Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 15:57.

Thirdly, sanctification is progressive. The Scriptures plainly show that the work of sanctification is progressive. When in conversion the sinner finds peace with God through the blood of the atonement, the Christian life has but just begun. Now he is to

“go on unto perfection;”

Hebrews 6:1

to grow up “unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

Ephesians 4:13

Says the apostle Paul:

“This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:13, 14.

And Peter sets before us the steps by which Bible sanctification is to be attained:

“Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. . . . If ye do these things, ye shall never fall.”

2 Peter 1:5-10.

Examples of Sanctification

Those who experience the sanctification of the Bible will manifest a spirit of humility. Like Moses, they have had a view of the awful majesty of holiness, and they see their own unworthiness in contrast with the purity and exalted perfection of the Infinite One.

The prophet Daniel was an example of true sanctification. His long life was filled up with noble service for his Master. He was a man “greatly beloved” (Daniel 10:11) of Heaven. Yet instead of claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet identified himself with the really sinful of Israel as he pleaded before God in behalf of his people:

“We do not present our supplications before Thee for our righteousness, but for Thy great mercies.” “We have sinned, we have done wickedly.”

He then declares:

“I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people.” And when at a later time the Son of God appeared, to give  him instruction, Daniel says: “My comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.”

Daniel 9:18, 15, 20; 10:8.

When Job heard the voice of the Lord out of the whirlwind, he exclaimed:

“I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

Job 42:6.0

It was when Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord and heard the cherubim crying,

“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts,” that he cried out, “Woe is me! for I am undone.”

Isaiah 6:3, 5.

Paul, after he was caught up into the third heaven and heard things which it was not possible for a man to utter, speaks of himself as

“less than the least of all saints.”

2 Corinthians 12:2-4, margin; Ephesians 3:8.

It was the beloved John, who leaned on Jesus’ breast and beheld His glory, that

fell as one dead before the feet of the angel.

Revelation 1:17.

No Sanctification Without the Cross

There can be no self-exaltation, no boastful claim to freedom from sin, on the part of those who walk in the shadow of Calvary’s cross. They feel that it was their sin which caused the agony that broke the heart of the Son of God, and this thought will lead them to self-abasement. Those who live nearest to Jesus discern most clearly the frailty and sinfulness of humanity and their only hope is in the merit of a crucified and risen Saviour.

The Easy Religion

The sanctification now gaining prominence in the religious world carries with it a spirit of self-exaltation and a disregard for the law of God that mark it as foreign to the religion of the Bible. Its advocates teach that sanctification is an instantaneous work, by which, through faith alone, they attain to perfect holiness. “Only believe,” say they, “and the blessing is yours.” No further effort on the part of the receiver is supposed to be required. At the same time, they deny the authority of the law of God, urging that they are released from its obligation to keep the commandments. But is it possible for men to be holy, in accord with the will and character of God, without coming into harmony with the principles which are an expression of His nature and will, and which show what is well pleasing to Him?

The desire for an easy religion that requires no striving, no self-denial, no divorce from the follies of the world, has made the doctrine of faith, and faith only, a popular doctrine; but what saith the word of God? Says the apostle James:

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man says he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? . . . Wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? . . . Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”

James 2:14-24.

The testimony of the word of God is against this ensnaring doctrine of faith without works. It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions upon which mercy is to be granted, it is presumption; for genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures.

Let none deceive themselves with the belief that they can become holy while willfully violating one of God’s requirements. The commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God.

“Sin is the transgression of the law.”

1 John 3:4

And “whosoever sinneth [transgresseth the law] hath not seen Him, neither known Him.”

1 John 3:6. 

Though John in his epistles dwells so fully upon love, yet he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of that class who claim to be sanctified while living in transgression of the law of God.

“He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.”

1 John 2:4, 5.

Here is the test of every man’s profession. We cannot accord holiness to any man without bringing him to the measurement of God’s only standard of holiness in heaven and on earth. If men feel no weight of the moral law, if they belittle and make light of God’s precepts, if they break one of the least of these commandments, and teach men so, they shall be of no esteem in the sight of Heaven, and we may know that their claims are without foundation.

Cannot Claim to be Without Sin

And the claim to be without sin is, in itself, evidence that he who makes this claim is far from holy. It is because he has no true conception of the infinite purity and holiness of God or of what they must become who shall be in harmony with His character; because he has no true conception of the purity and exalted loveliness of Jesus, and the malignity and evil of sin, that man can regard himself as holy. The greater the distance between himself and Christ, and the more inadequate his conceptions of the divine character and requirements, the more righteous he appears in his own eyes.

*Great Controversy, p.469-473

In part 2, we will discuss how Bible sanctification as set forth in the Scriptures embraces the entire being—spirit, soul, and body.

"He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28