Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. (Leviticus 23:27)
Now the Lord Jesus has come, in the spiritual fulfillment of the Day of Atonement, to remove from His Body, His Church, all the works of Satan. It is a consequence made possible by the judgment and condemnation that occurred on the cross. The deliverance from the bondages of sin taking place today is not primarily a judgment of the human being. Rather, it is a judgment of Satan. It is an appearing of the Lord Jesus "without sin unto salvation" to those who are looking for Him (Hebrews 9:28).
The final judgment of Satan, as far as the members of the Wife of the Lamb are concerned, is the first resurrection from the dead. Here that last enemy, death, is crushed under the feet of the Church. Again, this is not a judgment of human beings. It is a judgment of Satan.
If such is the case, are human beings ever judged? Yes. We indeed are judged. We are judged according to our works, according to what we have done.
It can be observed that we are making a distinction between what the person does, and the satanic bondages that reside in his physical body. The deliverance of the human being from the satanic bondages that reside in him is a judgment of Satan. The judgment of the human being himself is the judgment of the decisions he has made throughout his lifetime.
There is a relationship between these two judgments—the judgment of Satan and the judgment of the individual. As we do the things that please God, being judged worthy in His sight, God passes judgment on the bondages of Satan that reside in us and delivers us. This process, which is the process of redemption, begins with our initial acceptance of Christ and continues until the fullness of deliverance is realized in the first resurrection, in the case of the royal priesthood; or at some point after that, in the case of those who do not attain the first resurrection from the dead.
Human beings always are judged according to their works. The sentence of judgment either is our release from Satan and the resulting fullness of eternal life, or else we are cast with our satanic bondages into the Lake of Fire, into the environment reserved for Satan, his angels, and all human beings who refuse to enter the process of redemption the Lord God has provided for us through Christ.
The seventh chapter of the Book of Romans reveals the difference between the person, and the satanic bondages that dwell in him.
Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. (Romans 7:17)
Here we see two personalities, two motivations. On the one hand we have the human being, the believer. On the other hand we have an enemy who is dwelling in the flesh of the believer and attempting to control his flesh.
Two different judgments are required because we have two different personalities with whom we are dealing. There must be a judgment of the enemy who is dwelling in the flesh of the individual. Then there must be a judgment of the individual himself.
To be continued.
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Sunday, May 31, 2009
Judgment, Redemption, and the First Resurrection, #4
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 4:3)
These are the sons of God. They will go through the earth, destroying all sin and bringing the government of Christ to every nation.
The second death has no authority over them because Christ has delivered them completely from every trace of Satan. The second death has authority over all sin, whether it is in a Christian or not. It only is as we are delivered completely from sin that it can be true of us that the second death has no authority over us.
We notice in Philippians 3:11 that the Apostle Paul was seeking to attain the first resurrection from among the dead, the resurrection of the royal priesthood:
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection [Greek, out-resurrection] of the dead. (Philippians 3:11)
The term "resurrection," as employed in Philippians 3:11, properly should be translated out-resurrection. It is the word for resurrection with a preposition prefixed to it. Paul was not seeking to attain the general resurrection of the dead, because all persons will be raised from the dead and stand before Christ. Rather, Paul was seeking to attain the out-resurrection, the resurrection out from among the dead, the first resurrection.
It is important that the believer understand it is the royal priesthood that will be raised from the dead and ascend to meet the Lord Jesus at His appearing. The first resurrection is a special resurrection, the resurrection of the rulers of the Kingdom of God. It is not the general resurrection of the dead.
Only the blessed and holy, those who have learned to trust in the Lord instead of in their own reasonings, those who have shunned involvement in the economic system of the world except for their necessities—and sometimes to the point of being denied their necessities (as the Lord leads)—will be raised and ascend to meet the Lord when He appears. The remainder of the dead will not be raised from the dead until the end of the thousand-year period.
It is essential, therefore, that the disciple understand what he has to do in order to be qualified for participation in the first resurrection.
One of the principal concepts to be mastered is that of the relationship of the redemption of our body to our being delivered from sin. The first resurrection has to do with complete freedom from sin. It is the final, climactic act of our redemption from the hand of Satan. The last enemy that will be destroyed is physical death (I Corinthians 15:26).
The first resurrection is the answer to Paul's cry:
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (Romans 7:24)
We have stated before that there often is confusion between the judgment of Satan and the judgment of the individual. Satan was judged and condemned on the cross of Calvary. The Lord Jesus bore our sins in His own body, thereby releasing us from the authority of Satan. The Lord Jesus will come again, this time to remove from the earth, beginning with His firstfruits, all of the presence and works of Satan. This is a further judgment of Satan.
Satan was condemned on the cross, and those who place their trust in Christ have been delivered from the condemnation that abides on Satan and his works.
To be continued.
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These are the sons of God. They will go through the earth, destroying all sin and bringing the government of Christ to every nation.
The second death has no authority over them because Christ has delivered them completely from every trace of Satan. The second death has authority over all sin, whether it is in a Christian or not. It only is as we are delivered completely from sin that it can be true of us that the second death has no authority over us.
We notice in Philippians 3:11 that the Apostle Paul was seeking to attain the first resurrection from among the dead, the resurrection of the royal priesthood:
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection [Greek, out-resurrection] of the dead. (Philippians 3:11)
The term "resurrection," as employed in Philippians 3:11, properly should be translated out-resurrection. It is the word for resurrection with a preposition prefixed to it. Paul was not seeking to attain the general resurrection of the dead, because all persons will be raised from the dead and stand before Christ. Rather, Paul was seeking to attain the out-resurrection, the resurrection out from among the dead, the first resurrection.
It is important that the believer understand it is the royal priesthood that will be raised from the dead and ascend to meet the Lord Jesus at His appearing. The first resurrection is a special resurrection, the resurrection of the rulers of the Kingdom of God. It is not the general resurrection of the dead.
Only the blessed and holy, those who have learned to trust in the Lord instead of in their own reasonings, those who have shunned involvement in the economic system of the world except for their necessities—and sometimes to the point of being denied their necessities (as the Lord leads)—will be raised and ascend to meet the Lord when He appears. The remainder of the dead will not be raised from the dead until the end of the thousand-year period.
It is essential, therefore, that the disciple understand what he has to do in order to be qualified for participation in the first resurrection.
One of the principal concepts to be mastered is that of the relationship of the redemption of our body to our being delivered from sin. The first resurrection has to do with complete freedom from sin. It is the final, climactic act of our redemption from the hand of Satan. The last enemy that will be destroyed is physical death (I Corinthians 15:26).
The first resurrection is the answer to Paul's cry:
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (Romans 7:24)
We have stated before that there often is confusion between the judgment of Satan and the judgment of the individual. Satan was judged and condemned on the cross of Calvary. The Lord Jesus bore our sins in His own body, thereby releasing us from the authority of Satan. The Lord Jesus will come again, this time to remove from the earth, beginning with His firstfruits, all of the presence and works of Satan. This is a further judgment of Satan.
Satan was condemned on the cross, and those who place their trust in Christ have been delivered from the condemnation that abides on Satan and his works.
To be continued.
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Friday, May 29, 2009
Judgment, Redemption, and the First Resurrection, #3
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)
The fact that we have been forgiven our sin through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ does not mean we will not give an account of ourselves to God. The deliverance from the power of sin, the removal of the presence of sin, that will take place in the last days will be a reward for those who are true disciples of Jesus, who eagerly are looking for His appearing. Deliverance from the power of sin is a judgment on Satan and it will be given to those whom God judges worthy of eternal life. Whether or not we are found worthy of deliverance, and the resulting eternal life, depends on Christ's evaluation of us when He judges us.
We have stated that all human beings will be raised at the end of the thousand-year Kingdom Age and their destinies will be determined at that time. This is the general resurrection of the dead, some to eternal life and some to eternal torment. The basis for judgment is how each individual behaved during his or her lifetime on the earth.
If any person hears the voice of Jesus and refuses to yield to the Lord, no other evidence is needed. He is doomed. There is no salvation other than in the Lord Jesus Christ. The problem is, multitudes have never heard of Jesus, or if they have heard it has not been a clear presentation of the Lamb of God. The people who have not heard will be judged according to their works, whether good or evil.
The first resurrection. There is, however, another resurrection. It is not the resurrection of salvation. It is a resurrection out from among the dead, a resurrection of a firstfruits to the Lord. It is the resurrection of the royal priesthood. The members of the royal priesthood will be given back their bodies when Jesus appears so they may rule on the earth with Him throughout the thousand-year period.
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. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power [authority], but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4-6)
Notice that these victorious saints "lived." This means they regained their bodies so they may reign on the earth with Christ.
Notice also that nothing is said in this passage about those who are raised being judged (they have been judged previously) or about their being saved to go to Heaven. The participants are destined to govern the nations of the earth.
This is the first resurrection. It is not the general resurrection where it is decided whether we are saved or lost. It is the resurrection of God's kings, priests, and judges. It will take place when the Lord returns, at the beginning of the thousand-year Kingdom Age.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The fact that we have been forgiven our sin through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ does not mean we will not give an account of ourselves to God. The deliverance from the power of sin, the removal of the presence of sin, that will take place in the last days will be a reward for those who are true disciples of Jesus, who eagerly are looking for His appearing. Deliverance from the power of sin is a judgment on Satan and it will be given to those whom God judges worthy of eternal life. Whether or not we are found worthy of deliverance, and the resulting eternal life, depends on Christ's evaluation of us when He judges us.
We have stated that all human beings will be raised at the end of the thousand-year Kingdom Age and their destinies will be determined at that time. This is the general resurrection of the dead, some to eternal life and some to eternal torment. The basis for judgment is how each individual behaved during his or her lifetime on the earth.
If any person hears the voice of Jesus and refuses to yield to the Lord, no other evidence is needed. He is doomed. There is no salvation other than in the Lord Jesus Christ. The problem is, multitudes have never heard of Jesus, or if they have heard it has not been a clear presentation of the Lamb of God. The people who have not heard will be judged according to their works, whether good or evil.
The first resurrection. There is, however, another resurrection. It is not the resurrection of salvation. It is a resurrection out from among the dead, a resurrection of a firstfruits to the Lord. It is the resurrection of the royal priesthood. The members of the royal priesthood will be given back their bodies when Jesus appears so they may rule on the earth with Him throughout the thousand-year period.
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. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power [authority], but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4-6)
Notice that these victorious saints "lived." This means they regained their bodies so they may reign on the earth with Christ.
Notice also that nothing is said in this passage about those who are raised being judged (they have been judged previously) or about their being saved to go to Heaven. The participants are destined to govern the nations of the earth.
This is the first resurrection. It is not the general resurrection where it is decided whether we are saved or lost. It is the resurrection of God's kings, priests, and judges. It will take place when the Lord returns, at the beginning of the thousand-year Kingdom Age.
To be continued.
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Thursday, May 28, 2009
Judgment, Redemption, and the First Resurrection, #2
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, (Romans 2:7,8)
The people called up at the last judgment will be judged according to their works—according to the choices they made throughout their lifetime on the earth. Those who have practiced righteousness will enter eternal life. Those who have practiced unrighteousness will experience wrath.
It is common Christian teaching that no individual will be saved at the last judgment because the dead are judged "according to their works," and all the works of man are evil. This is incorrect. It is a conclusion denied by numerous passages.
The Scriptures proclaim clearly that all human beings are judged according to their works. Every one of us must give an account of himself to God, whether or not he is a Christian.
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)
Jesus described the last judgment as follows:
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the 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 5:28,29)
The division of the wheat and the tares is not between those who believe in Jesus and those who do not believe in Jesus but between the righteous and the wicked. If receiving the Lord Jesus does not make us righteous in behavior, then the grace of God has not affected our personality in the desired manner.
The emphasis always is on what we have done, never on what we have believed. Those who do good enter life. Those who practice evil enter wrath.
There is no question that Paul believed he would be judged according to his works.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (II Corinthians 5:10)
The reason Christian thinking has become confused is that we do not distinguish between the judgment of Satan and the judgment of the individual. Satan was judged on Calvary and his works will be destroyed in the last days. Satan himself will be thrown into the Lake of Fire.
However, the human being, whether Christian or not, will appear before Christ to give an account of his actions on the earth. This is taught clearly throughout the New Testament. He will not be cast into the Lake of Fire unless his works have been wicked.
The wicked are appointed to the Lake of Fire, including the wicked Jews, the wicked Christians, and everyone else who practices wickedness and does not repent. To believe otherwise is to be deceived.
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:27,28)
The above passage means every individual will give an account of himself to Christ after he dies. It states also that in the last days Christ will appear and remove sin from those who are looking for Him.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The people called up at the last judgment will be judged according to their works—according to the choices they made throughout their lifetime on the earth. Those who have practiced righteousness will enter eternal life. Those who have practiced unrighteousness will experience wrath.
It is common Christian teaching that no individual will be saved at the last judgment because the dead are judged "according to their works," and all the works of man are evil. This is incorrect. It is a conclusion denied by numerous passages.
The Scriptures proclaim clearly that all human beings are judged according to their works. Every one of us must give an account of himself to God, whether or not he is a Christian.
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)
Jesus described the last judgment as follows:
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the 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 5:28,29)
The division of the wheat and the tares is not between those who believe in Jesus and those who do not believe in Jesus but between the righteous and the wicked. If receiving the Lord Jesus does not make us righteous in behavior, then the grace of God has not affected our personality in the desired manner.
The emphasis always is on what we have done, never on what we have believed. Those who do good enter life. Those who practice evil enter wrath.
There is no question that Paul believed he would be judged according to his works.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (II Corinthians 5:10)
The reason Christian thinking has become confused is that we do not distinguish between the judgment of Satan and the judgment of the individual. Satan was judged on Calvary and his works will be destroyed in the last days. Satan himself will be thrown into the Lake of Fire.
However, the human being, whether Christian or not, will appear before Christ to give an account of his actions on the earth. This is taught clearly throughout the New Testament. He will not be cast into the Lake of Fire unless his works have been wicked.
The wicked are appointed to the Lake of Fire, including the wicked Jews, the wicked Christians, and everyone else who practices wickedness and does not repent. To believe otherwise is to be deceived.
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:27,28)
The above passage means every individual will give an account of himself to Christ after he dies. It states also that in the last days Christ will appear and remove sin from those who are looking for Him.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Judgment, Redemption, and the First Resurrection
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. (Revelation 20:6)
It is the writer's point of view that most believers in the Lord Jesus Christ will not be raised from the dead in the first resurrection, at the time when the Lord returns to earth; or if they are raised at that time they will not be glorified in the manner that is true of the victorious saints.
First, let us think about the two different resurrections from the dead.
There will be two principal resurrections from the dead. The first resurrection will take place at the beginning of the thousand-year period commonly referred to as the Millennium. The second resurrection will occur at the end of the thousand-year period.
The second resurrection. We believe the second resurrection is the resurrection in which people either are saved or lost. It is at the second resurrection, the general resurrection of the dead, that the dead are brought from several areas of waiting in order that they may appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ and be judged according to their works.
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. (Revelation 20:13)
The wording of the following verse gives the impression that a minority of those raised at the last judgment are cast into the Lake of Fire while the majority are found worthy to enter life:
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)
The expression "whosoever was not found written in the book of life" seems to imply it is the exception who are condemned to this most terrible of destinies. God looked through the book, and if someone was not found written there he or she was cast into the Lake of Fire.
If the majority were to be cast into the Lake of Fire it should read, "if anyone's name were found," as though only an individual here and there was found in the book. But since the expression is, "whosoever was not found," we are of the belief that ordinarily the person's name was found there.
Thank God for that! The Lake of Fire, the second death, indeed is a fate so frightful as to be incomprehensible.
Think of never knowing any love, any joy, any peace, any of the Presence of God for eternity! Can you grasp anything as terrible as that?
Yet those who refuse the deliverance from Satan offered by the Lord Jesus Christ indeed will be cast into the lake that burns with fire and sulfur.
The second resurrection, then, is the general resurrection of the dead. At that time all those whom God judges to be worthy of eternal life will be released from sin and death and brought into the new world. This is what it means to be "saved."
The lost are those whom their Creator does not judge worthy of eternal life. They will be cast in their flesh and bone bodies into the Lake of Fire, there to be looked on with horror by the saved of mankind (Isaiah 66:24).
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
It is the writer's point of view that most believers in the Lord Jesus Christ will not be raised from the dead in the first resurrection, at the time when the Lord returns to earth; or if they are raised at that time they will not be glorified in the manner that is true of the victorious saints.
First, let us think about the two different resurrections from the dead.
There will be two principal resurrections from the dead. The first resurrection will take place at the beginning of the thousand-year period commonly referred to as the Millennium. The second resurrection will occur at the end of the thousand-year period.
The second resurrection. We believe the second resurrection is the resurrection in which people either are saved or lost. It is at the second resurrection, the general resurrection of the dead, that the dead are brought from several areas of waiting in order that they may appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ and be judged according to their works.
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. (Revelation 20:13)
The wording of the following verse gives the impression that a minority of those raised at the last judgment are cast into the Lake of Fire while the majority are found worthy to enter life:
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)
The expression "whosoever was not found written in the book of life" seems to imply it is the exception who are condemned to this most terrible of destinies. God looked through the book, and if someone was not found written there he or she was cast into the Lake of Fire.
If the majority were to be cast into the Lake of Fire it should read, "if anyone's name were found," as though only an individual here and there was found in the book. But since the expression is, "whosoever was not found," we are of the belief that ordinarily the person's name was found there.
Thank God for that! The Lake of Fire, the second death, indeed is a fate so frightful as to be incomprehensible.
Think of never knowing any love, any joy, any peace, any of the Presence of God for eternity! Can you grasp anything as terrible as that?
Yet those who refuse the deliverance from Satan offered by the Lord Jesus Christ indeed will be cast into the lake that burns with fire and sulfur.
The second resurrection, then, is the general resurrection of the dead. At that time all those whom God judges to be worthy of eternal life will be released from sin and death and brought into the new world. This is what it means to be "saved."
The lost are those whom their Creator does not judge worthy of eternal life. They will be cast in their flesh and bone bodies into the Lake of Fire, there to be looked on with horror by the saved of mankind (Isaiah 66:24).
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
"Rapture" or Resurrection?, #5
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:12)
Bible students, please notice above that Jesus Christ takes His place as King at the time of the sounding of the seventh angel. This is the last of the seven trumpets and the time when we shall be changed into immortality, according to the fifteenth chapter of First Corinthians. There assuredly is no resurrection or "rapture" prior to the sounding of the last trumpet.
He comes with His victorious saints to establish His righteous Kingdom on the earth. When Antichrist and the False Prophet have been hurled alive into the Lake of Fire, He—the Lord Jesus Christ—will go up to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. There He shall be crowned King of all kings and Lord of all lords.
Then His army shall go out through all the earth, driving every vestige of Satan from our planet. One angel will throw Satan into the bottomless pit.
This is the revealing of the sons of God, and through them the saved peoples of the earth will be released into the glorious liberty of the children of God, of those who live in God's Spirit.
Can you see the difference between the true Kingdom vision and the miserable, fleshly delusion of the any-moment rapture? Obviously one or the other is scriptural; one or the other is a distracting, destructive lie that has left a good part of American Christianity helpless in the face of the age of moral horrors we are entering.
No, we are not going to be caught up to Heaven in our overalls and bikinis.
Some are practicing jumping up and down next to their pews in preparation for the unscriptural "rapture." I will tell you from the Word of God that the preparation God wants is for the hearts of the fathers to be turned toward their children and the children toward their fathers. Already the Christian people are being deceived as they buy their children games that lead into supernatural violence and witchcraft. These are foreign gods of the occult. We had better look to our families, for Satan is doing everything in his power to destroy them.
We have been deluded by the enemy. Let us turn to the Lord that we may save ourselves and our households throughout the spiritual nightmare that is rapidly approaching the United States of America.
Numerous believers in Christ are facing stripes (or worse!) in the spirit realm because of their halfhearted, disinterested, disobedient walk in Jesus. The concept of a "rapture" to deliver them from suffering is not taught in the Scriptures. Indeed, it may be "out of the frying pan into the fire" for multitudes of the church-attenders of our day.
If the present generation of Christian "believers" were to be caught up into the Presence of Him whose eyes are a flame of fire there would be scenes of agony, remorse, wailing, terror, that no person could bear to watch.
The believers have been taught that once they make a profession of Jesus as Christ they no longer need to fear the judgment of God. While such a concept can be derived from one or two passages, the bulk of the New Testament writings declare the opposite.
And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 25:30)
But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. (Hebrews 6:8)
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. (Revelation 2:23)
None of the above passages is addressed to the unbelievers.
Nowhere in the New Testament is there a suggestion that Christ will deliver the believers from tribulation by lifting them up to Heaven. Are we preaching and teaching that which is not taught clearly in the Scriptures?
A change in emphasis from the doctrine of the catching up of the immature believers to Heaven to avoid tribulation, to an emphasis on the pursuit of righteous and holy behavior such that the resurrection from the dead is attained (which was the expressed hope of the Apostle Paul), will restore spiritual vitality to the Christian churches. (from "Rapture" or Resurrections?; from It Is Time for a Reformation of Christian Thinking)
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Bible students, please notice above that Jesus Christ takes His place as King at the time of the sounding of the seventh angel. This is the last of the seven trumpets and the time when we shall be changed into immortality, according to the fifteenth chapter of First Corinthians. There assuredly is no resurrection or "rapture" prior to the sounding of the last trumpet.
He comes with His victorious saints to establish His righteous Kingdom on the earth. When Antichrist and the False Prophet have been hurled alive into the Lake of Fire, He—the Lord Jesus Christ—will go up to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. There He shall be crowned King of all kings and Lord of all lords.
Then His army shall go out through all the earth, driving every vestige of Satan from our planet. One angel will throw Satan into the bottomless pit.
This is the revealing of the sons of God, and through them the saved peoples of the earth will be released into the glorious liberty of the children of God, of those who live in God's Spirit.
Can you see the difference between the true Kingdom vision and the miserable, fleshly delusion of the any-moment rapture? Obviously one or the other is scriptural; one or the other is a distracting, destructive lie that has left a good part of American Christianity helpless in the face of the age of moral horrors we are entering.
No, we are not going to be caught up to Heaven in our overalls and bikinis.
Some are practicing jumping up and down next to their pews in preparation for the unscriptural "rapture." I will tell you from the Word of God that the preparation God wants is for the hearts of the fathers to be turned toward their children and the children toward their fathers. Already the Christian people are being deceived as they buy their children games that lead into supernatural violence and witchcraft. These are foreign gods of the occult. We had better look to our families, for Satan is doing everything in his power to destroy them.
We have been deluded by the enemy. Let us turn to the Lord that we may save ourselves and our households throughout the spiritual nightmare that is rapidly approaching the United States of America.
Numerous believers in Christ are facing stripes (or worse!) in the spirit realm because of their halfhearted, disinterested, disobedient walk in Jesus. The concept of a "rapture" to deliver them from suffering is not taught in the Scriptures. Indeed, it may be "out of the frying pan into the fire" for multitudes of the church-attenders of our day.
If the present generation of Christian "believers" were to be caught up into the Presence of Him whose eyes are a flame of fire there would be scenes of agony, remorse, wailing, terror, that no person could bear to watch.
The believers have been taught that once they make a profession of Jesus as Christ they no longer need to fear the judgment of God. While such a concept can be derived from one or two passages, the bulk of the New Testament writings declare the opposite.
And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 25:30)
But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. (Hebrews 6:8)
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. (Revelation 2:23)
None of the above passages is addressed to the unbelievers.
Nowhere in the New Testament is there a suggestion that Christ will deliver the believers from tribulation by lifting them up to Heaven. Are we preaching and teaching that which is not taught clearly in the Scriptures?
A change in emphasis from the doctrine of the catching up of the immature believers to Heaven to avoid tribulation, to an emphasis on the pursuit of righteous and holy behavior such that the resurrection from the dead is attained (which was the expressed hope of the Apostle Paul), will restore spiritual vitality to the Christian churches. (from "Rapture" or Resurrections?; from It Is Time for a Reformation of Christian Thinking)
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"Rapture" or Resurrection?, #4
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (II Timothy 4:3,4)
The above is a description of the day in which we live. We of America simply will not endure sound doctrine. If our teachers do not please us we go to another church.
We are told that Divine grace is an alternative to righteous behavior, instead of what it actually is—the means of developing righteous behavior.
We are told that if we have faith we will never be sick; furthermore, we will be rich in material wealth!
We are told that no Christian should ever suffer.
One of the greatest of the fables to which we have been turned is the mythology accompanying the totally unscriptural doctrine of the "rapture" of the saints. This mythology still is being preached in America.
The idea is that any day now every individual who makes a profession of faith in Jesus Christ will be caught up to Heaven in order to escape Antichrist and the Great Tribulation. This in spite of the suffering of Christians throughout the Church Era.
Thus we have a significant number of believers in Jesus Christ who are almost totally ignorant of the Kingdom purposes of God. They picture themselves leaving the earth, whether visibly or invisibly one cannot tell, whether still in their flesh and blood bodies it is hard to determine. There they go off into the wild blue yonder, some in their church clothes, some in their dirty jeans, others in bikinis (we are saved by grace, you know!).
Whereas the truth is that when the Lord appears, after the world has been crying peace and safety because of the brief reign of Antichrist, there suddenly will be tremendous signs in the heavens. The sun will be darkened; the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky; the heavenly bodies will be shaken.
The nations of the earth will mourn as they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. At the same time the Glory of Christ will fall on the saints who have remained true to the Lord during the period when the Christian witness has been driven from the earth. These are not the weak, worldly, sinful, rebellious believers of today who have "taken the four steps of salvation" and then have lived to please themselves. These are strong Christians, heroes of faith.
Then a tremendous trumpet blast will resonate throughout the earth, the same trumpet that sounded on Mount Sinai when the Law was given. The saints of all ages, some having been waiting in the spirit realm for thousands of years, will descend to earth and gather up their bodies. They will join together with the living who will be changed from mortality to immortality while standing on their feet.
Now shall the greatest fellowship hour of all time take place as the whole army of saints greet each other.
Antichrist and his followers will see this but be utterly helpless. Great fear will seize them. God has set a table for His saints in the presence of their enemies.
Then the great shout shall be heard: "Come up here!"
Slowly, majestically, the entire army of God will ascend to meet the Commander in Chief in the clouds. There they will mount the white war stallions. These are God's judges and kings, the least of whom is as David.
Jesus Christ now will lead His army down through the clouds to the staging area on the earth. His robe is red with the blood of atonement. His name is The Word of God.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The above is a description of the day in which we live. We of America simply will not endure sound doctrine. If our teachers do not please us we go to another church.
We are told that Divine grace is an alternative to righteous behavior, instead of what it actually is—the means of developing righteous behavior.
We are told that if we have faith we will never be sick; furthermore, we will be rich in material wealth!
We are told that no Christian should ever suffer.
One of the greatest of the fables to which we have been turned is the mythology accompanying the totally unscriptural doctrine of the "rapture" of the saints. This mythology still is being preached in America.
The idea is that any day now every individual who makes a profession of faith in Jesus Christ will be caught up to Heaven in order to escape Antichrist and the Great Tribulation. This in spite of the suffering of Christians throughout the Church Era.
Thus we have a significant number of believers in Jesus Christ who are almost totally ignorant of the Kingdom purposes of God. They picture themselves leaving the earth, whether visibly or invisibly one cannot tell, whether still in their flesh and blood bodies it is hard to determine. There they go off into the wild blue yonder, some in their church clothes, some in their dirty jeans, others in bikinis (we are saved by grace, you know!).
Whereas the truth is that when the Lord appears, after the world has been crying peace and safety because of the brief reign of Antichrist, there suddenly will be tremendous signs in the heavens. The sun will be darkened; the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky; the heavenly bodies will be shaken.
The nations of the earth will mourn as they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. At the same time the Glory of Christ will fall on the saints who have remained true to the Lord during the period when the Christian witness has been driven from the earth. These are not the weak, worldly, sinful, rebellious believers of today who have "taken the four steps of salvation" and then have lived to please themselves. These are strong Christians, heroes of faith.
Then a tremendous trumpet blast will resonate throughout the earth, the same trumpet that sounded on Mount Sinai when the Law was given. The saints of all ages, some having been waiting in the spirit realm for thousands of years, will descend to earth and gather up their bodies. They will join together with the living who will be changed from mortality to immortality while standing on their feet.
Now shall the greatest fellowship hour of all time take place as the whole army of saints greet each other.
Antichrist and his followers will see this but be utterly helpless. Great fear will seize them. God has set a table for His saints in the presence of their enemies.
Then the great shout shall be heard: "Come up here!"
Slowly, majestically, the entire army of God will ascend to meet the Commander in Chief in the clouds. There they will mount the white war stallions. These are God's judges and kings, the least of whom is as David.
Jesus Christ now will lead His army down through the clouds to the staging area on the earth. His robe is red with the blood of atonement. His name is The Word of God.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
"Rapture" or Resurrection?, #3
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. (Revelation 20:6)
If the catching up of the saints had one-tenth the importance being assigned to it today it would be discussed in several passages of the New Testament, as is true of the doctrine of righteousness, for example.
The Book of Revelation, which is the definitive unveiling of the future, does not reveal a withdrawing of the believers to Paradise for the purpose of escaping suffering or escaping the Antichrist. It is the resurrection, not the catching up, that is the victory.
Once we have been raised from the dead we have no need of being caught up to deliver us from suffering. We shall have immortal bodies. Therefore it is not logical to speak of the catching up as being for the purpose of escaping suffering or danger.
Rather, the catching up of the saints is for the purpose of arraying the army of Christ in battle formation under the Commander in Chief.
It is Christ's resurrection, not His catching up, that saves us, that justifies us. We are being pressed into His crucifixion and His resurrection. The power of Christ's resurrection is associated with the fellowship of His sufferings. Christ's ascension, which took place forty days after His resurrection (as may prove to be true also in our own case), was not an act of redemption on a level with His resurrection.
Redemption is the reclaiming of that which disobedient man forfeited to Satan. Man forfeited access to eternal life, not residence in Heaven.
To our knowledge there is no inkling of such an emphasis in the Old Testament, while the resurrection from the dead indeed is presented in the Old Testament.
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: (Job 19:25,26)
Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. (Isaiah 26:19)
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. (Daniel 12:2)
But no Old Testament passage that mentions a catching up.
Resurrection into eternal life in the Presence of the Lord Jesus is the great hope of the Christian Church. Ascension into the realm of spirits is no guarantee that we will not suffer. Indeed, there is much suffering in the spirit realm. The worst suffering anyone can experience is found in the spiritual Hell and the spiritual Lake of Fire. There is no release there by means of unconsciousness or death.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
If the catching up of the saints had one-tenth the importance being assigned to it today it would be discussed in several passages of the New Testament, as is true of the doctrine of righteousness, for example.
The Book of Revelation, which is the definitive unveiling of the future, does not reveal a withdrawing of the believers to Paradise for the purpose of escaping suffering or escaping the Antichrist. It is the resurrection, not the catching up, that is the victory.
Once we have been raised from the dead we have no need of being caught up to deliver us from suffering. We shall have immortal bodies. Therefore it is not logical to speak of the catching up as being for the purpose of escaping suffering or danger.
Rather, the catching up of the saints is for the purpose of arraying the army of Christ in battle formation under the Commander in Chief.
It is Christ's resurrection, not His catching up, that saves us, that justifies us. We are being pressed into His crucifixion and His resurrection. The power of Christ's resurrection is associated with the fellowship of His sufferings. Christ's ascension, which took place forty days after His resurrection (as may prove to be true also in our own case), was not an act of redemption on a level with His resurrection.
Redemption is the reclaiming of that which disobedient man forfeited to Satan. Man forfeited access to eternal life, not residence in Heaven.
To our knowledge there is no inkling of such an emphasis in the Old Testament, while the resurrection from the dead indeed is presented in the Old Testament.
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: (Job 19:25,26)
Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. (Isaiah 26:19)
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. (Daniel 12:2)
But no Old Testament passage that mentions a catching up.
Resurrection into eternal life in the Presence of the Lord Jesus is the great hope of the Christian Church. Ascension into the realm of spirits is no guarantee that we will not suffer. Indeed, there is much suffering in the spirit realm. The worst suffering anyone can experience is found in the spiritual Hell and the spiritual Lake of Fire. There is no release there by means of unconsciousness or death.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
"Rapture" or Resurrection?, #2
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. (I Corinthians 15:52)
Notice that the above verse, taken from the "resurrection chapter" of the New Testament, does not mention the catching up of the saints, nor does the entire chapter.
The return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth and the raising of the bodies of the saints have been the hope of the godly from the days of the Apostles of the Lamb and ought to be the hope of the believers of our time.
Instead, an unscriptural emphasis on the catching up ("rapture") of the saints has been inserted in place of the historical hope. According to Dr. Ladd of Fuller Theological Seminary, the doctrine of a pre-tribulation translation of the believers came into existence in the nineteenth century. It was not known before this time (George E. Ladd, The Blessed Hope , Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1956, p.19).
The emphasis on the catching up of the saints rather than their resurrection has destroyed the spiritual vitality of the Christian churches. The doctrine of the catching up, as it currently is presented, appeals to the unregenerate nature of man. The catching up is perceived as a means of escaping suffering, a doctrine with no scriptural support (see, for example, the fourth chapter of First Peter for the scriptural attitude toward the suffering of the believers).
The Old Testament speaks of the resurrection of the saints but never, to our knowledge, of their being caught up. As we have stated, the fifteenth chapter of I Corinthians is the "resurrection chapter" of the Scriptures; yet, this chapter does not mention the catching up of the saints. Paul was not seeking to attain the catching up (Philippians 3:11).
Except for I Thessalonians 4:13-18, a passage written for the comfort of the bereaved believers but which is now regarded as a special, secret appearing of Christ, none of the epistles of the Apostles alludes to the catching up of the saints.
There is no indication in the fourth chapter of I Thessalonians that Paul is referring to a flight to Heaven or a flight to escape suffering. These ideas have no basis in Scripture.
The fourth chapter of I Thessalonians, with its "shout," its "voice of the archangel," and its "trump of God" is speaking of raising from the dead the army of Christ in anticipation of the Battle of Armageddon (Ezekiel 37:10).
The Epistles emphasize the resurrection but not the catching up. The Book of Revelation emphasizes the return in Glory of the Lord Jesus Christ and speaks directly of the first and second resurrections from the dead. The catching up of the witnessing saints is mentioned in the Book of Revelation.
And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. (Revelation 11:12)
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Notice that the above verse, taken from the "resurrection chapter" of the New Testament, does not mention the catching up of the saints, nor does the entire chapter.
The return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth and the raising of the bodies of the saints have been the hope of the godly from the days of the Apostles of the Lamb and ought to be the hope of the believers of our time.
Instead, an unscriptural emphasis on the catching up ("rapture") of the saints has been inserted in place of the historical hope. According to Dr. Ladd of Fuller Theological Seminary, the doctrine of a pre-tribulation translation of the believers came into existence in the nineteenth century. It was not known before this time (George E. Ladd, The Blessed Hope , Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1956, p.19).
The emphasis on the catching up of the saints rather than their resurrection has destroyed the spiritual vitality of the Christian churches. The doctrine of the catching up, as it currently is presented, appeals to the unregenerate nature of man. The catching up is perceived as a means of escaping suffering, a doctrine with no scriptural support (see, for example, the fourth chapter of First Peter for the scriptural attitude toward the suffering of the believers).
The Old Testament speaks of the resurrection of the saints but never, to our knowledge, of their being caught up. As we have stated, the fifteenth chapter of I Corinthians is the "resurrection chapter" of the Scriptures; yet, this chapter does not mention the catching up of the saints. Paul was not seeking to attain the catching up (Philippians 3:11).
Except for I Thessalonians 4:13-18, a passage written for the comfort of the bereaved believers but which is now regarded as a special, secret appearing of Christ, none of the epistles of the Apostles alludes to the catching up of the saints.
There is no indication in the fourth chapter of I Thessalonians that Paul is referring to a flight to Heaven or a flight to escape suffering. These ideas have no basis in Scripture.
The fourth chapter of I Thessalonians, with its "shout," its "voice of the archangel," and its "trump of God" is speaking of raising from the dead the army of Christ in anticipation of the Battle of Armageddon (Ezekiel 37:10).
The Epistles emphasize the resurrection but not the catching up. The Book of Revelation emphasizes the return in Glory of the Lord Jesus Christ and speaks directly of the first and second resurrections from the dead. The catching up of the witnessing saints is mentioned in the Book of Revelation.
And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. (Revelation 11:12)
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
"Rapture" or Resurrection?
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. (I Corinthians 15:19)
The resurrection from the dead is one of the fundamental doctrines of the Christian Gospel—the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. The fifteenth chapter of the Book of First Corinthians is devoted to the topic of raising the bodies of the saints from the dead.
If our bodies are not going to be raised from the dead our faith in Christ is in vain.
In fact, the Scripture does not consider we have been brought to life until our body has come forth from the grave.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. (I Corinthians 15:22,23)
We shall have attained the fullness of victory when our mortal body has been made alive by the Spirit of God. This will take place at the coming of Christ.
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (I Corinthians 15:26)
The resurrection from the dead, which is the final victory of the saint, must be attained .
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection [Greek, out-resurrection] of the dead. (Philippians 3:11)
We attain the resurrection by overcoming the world, the satanic lusts that dwell in our flesh, and our self-will. If we live in the appetites of the flesh we will die spiritually. If we, through the Holy Spirit of God, achieve victory over the world, sin, and self-will, we will attain eternal life.
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify [put to death] the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (Romans 8:13)
Eternal life, immortality, that which Adam and Eve forfeited, has been lost to mankind from the time of the fall. Death has been working in our flesh and spirit since our physical birth. God has given Christians the gift of eternal life, that is, He has brought us into His Presence with a view to immortalizing all that we are—spirit, soul, and body.
The gift of eternal life must be grasped. Eternal life is a demanding gift. God has not given us the gift of life as one would make a present of money but as the opportunity to attain life. There is a difference between these two concepts.
If we Christians choose to employ the grace of God in order to live righteously, we attain eternal life; we attain the resurrection out from among the dead. If we do not choose to serve righteousness, do not learn through Christ to behave righteously, we will not attain eternal life (Romans, Chapter Six).
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The resurrection from the dead is one of the fundamental doctrines of the Christian Gospel—the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. The fifteenth chapter of the Book of First Corinthians is devoted to the topic of raising the bodies of the saints from the dead.
If our bodies are not going to be raised from the dead our faith in Christ is in vain.
In fact, the Scripture does not consider we have been brought to life until our body has come forth from the grave.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. (I Corinthians 15:22,23)
We shall have attained the fullness of victory when our mortal body has been made alive by the Spirit of God. This will take place at the coming of Christ.
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (I Corinthians 15:26)
The resurrection from the dead, which is the final victory of the saint, must be attained .
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection [Greek, out-resurrection] of the dead. (Philippians 3:11)
We attain the resurrection by overcoming the world, the satanic lusts that dwell in our flesh, and our self-will. If we live in the appetites of the flesh we will die spiritually. If we, through the Holy Spirit of God, achieve victory over the world, sin, and self-will, we will attain eternal life.
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify [put to death] the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (Romans 8:13)
Eternal life, immortality, that which Adam and Eve forfeited, has been lost to mankind from the time of the fall. Death has been working in our flesh and spirit since our physical birth. God has given Christians the gift of eternal life, that is, He has brought us into His Presence with a view to immortalizing all that we are—spirit, soul, and body.
The gift of eternal life must be grasped. Eternal life is a demanding gift. God has not given us the gift of life as one would make a present of money but as the opportunity to attain life. There is a difference between these two concepts.
If we Christians choose to employ the grace of God in order to live righteously, we attain eternal life; we attain the resurrection out from among the dead. If we do not choose to serve righteousness, do not learn through Christ to behave righteously, we will not attain eternal life (Romans, Chapter Six).
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Judgment Begins With the Household of God, #7
He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; (Isaiah 33:15)
He who can stand in the Presence of God always has been and always shall be the individual who fits the above description.
The person who behaves righteously, who speaks the truth, who does not take advantage of the weak, who cannot be influenced by the wealthy, who will not listen to gossip, who does not delight in wickedness—he is the person who is accepted of God. If we follow the Lord Jesus with all our heart He makes us to be this kind of righteous individual. Such righteousness of personality and behavior is the mark of the new creation. Now we are ready to "ever be with the Lord."
But the person, Christian or not, who behaves unrighteously, who speaks lies (and there are many Christians who do), who takes advantage of the weak and poor, who seeks to please the wealthy and influential, who tolerates and participates in gossip and slander, who tolerates and participates in evil—that individual is abiding under the wrath of God. He is the enemy of God.
He may profess to be a Christian. He may attend a church that holds to the inspiration of the Scriptures. He may be correct in all points of theology according to the constitution of his Christian church. He may proclaim "grace" from the housetops. But he is a sinner. He is under Divine condemnation because of his wicked behavior. He is under greater condemnation than the individual who never has heard the Gospel of the Kingdom.
The Christian preachers may denounce the teaching of the preceding paragraph but they are in deception. The Christian churches have been destroyed morally and spiritually because of the ignorance of their preachers and teachers concerning what the Apostle Paul meant by the grace of God.
It is what we are and do, not what we believe or profess, that concerns God primarily. Truly receiving the Lord Jesus Christ causes change to take place in the human personality. We are transformed in personality and behavior.
We cannot see the Lord or have fellowship with Him until we become holy. Only the pure in heart can see God, not those who are "saved by grace" but the pure in heart.
Christ always and forever teaches us to be holy as He is holy, to be pure as He is pure. He always leads us in paths of righteousness, of holiness, of obedience to God. If we learn these lessons from Christ we enter eternal life in the Presence of Almighty God. Righteousness and holiness are the signs of eternal life and are eternal life! If we do not learn our lessons, if we do not bear the fruit of righteousness and holiness, we are cut out of the Vine, out of Christ.
God does not wear blinders with respect to the behavior of His saints. God does cover our sins by the blood of Jesus so the Lord Jesus may have the opportunity to bring us to repentance and to convert us. But the Divine atonement is more than a covering. It is the redemption of what we are in personality and behavior until we become fit for the Presence of God.
The Christian salvation is not limited to forgiveness. Salvation includes transformation. Salvation is our deliverance from the person and ways of Satan and our entrance into the moral image and Person of Christ. Forgiveness is permission to enter the plan of salvation.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
He who can stand in the Presence of God always has been and always shall be the individual who fits the above description.
The person who behaves righteously, who speaks the truth, who does not take advantage of the weak, who cannot be influenced by the wealthy, who will not listen to gossip, who does not delight in wickedness—he is the person who is accepted of God. If we follow the Lord Jesus with all our heart He makes us to be this kind of righteous individual. Such righteousness of personality and behavior is the mark of the new creation. Now we are ready to "ever be with the Lord."
But the person, Christian or not, who behaves unrighteously, who speaks lies (and there are many Christians who do), who takes advantage of the weak and poor, who seeks to please the wealthy and influential, who tolerates and participates in gossip and slander, who tolerates and participates in evil—that individual is abiding under the wrath of God. He is the enemy of God.
He may profess to be a Christian. He may attend a church that holds to the inspiration of the Scriptures. He may be correct in all points of theology according to the constitution of his Christian church. He may proclaim "grace" from the housetops. But he is a sinner. He is under Divine condemnation because of his wicked behavior. He is under greater condemnation than the individual who never has heard the Gospel of the Kingdom.
The Christian preachers may denounce the teaching of the preceding paragraph but they are in deception. The Christian churches have been destroyed morally and spiritually because of the ignorance of their preachers and teachers concerning what the Apostle Paul meant by the grace of God.
It is what we are and do, not what we believe or profess, that concerns God primarily. Truly receiving the Lord Jesus Christ causes change to take place in the human personality. We are transformed in personality and behavior.
We cannot see the Lord or have fellowship with Him until we become holy. Only the pure in heart can see God, not those who are "saved by grace" but the pure in heart.
Christ always and forever teaches us to be holy as He is holy, to be pure as He is pure. He always leads us in paths of righteousness, of holiness, of obedience to God. If we learn these lessons from Christ we enter eternal life in the Presence of Almighty God. Righteousness and holiness are the signs of eternal life and are eternal life! If we do not learn our lessons, if we do not bear the fruit of righteousness and holiness, we are cut out of the Vine, out of Christ.
God does not wear blinders with respect to the behavior of His saints. God does cover our sins by the blood of Jesus so the Lord Jesus may have the opportunity to bring us to repentance and to convert us. But the Divine atonement is more than a covering. It is the redemption of what we are in personality and behavior until we become fit for the Presence of God.
The Christian salvation is not limited to forgiveness. Salvation includes transformation. Salvation is our deliverance from the person and ways of Satan and our entrance into the moral image and Person of Christ. Forgiveness is permission to enter the plan of salvation.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Monday, May 18, 2009
Judgment Begins With the Household of God, #6
He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. (Daniel 3:25)
The Lord whom we seek is coming now. His fan is in His hand. He is baptizing with a baptism of fire those whom He chooses. Baptism with Divine fire is not an enjoyable experience but it brings us to the peaceable fruit of righteousness. It leads us into the knowledge of God as our Father. After we have been tested and refined we come forth as pure gold. Only our bonds are burned, as in the case of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Of all the needs of the Christian churches of today, the greatest may be for Divine judgment. If God can find a person who will separate the precious from the vile, who will distinguish between what is righteous and what is unrighteous, who will stand and announce to the present generation the righteous ways of the Lord, then God may be entreated for our land and not destroy it.
Therefore thus saith the Lord, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them. (Jeremiah 15:19)
If any individual will step forth and show God's people their sins, God will bless him and those who hear him. But such a prophet will be persecuted viciously by those who are making money from the flock; those who speak smooth words, pleasant promises, in order to gain a following. However, the Lord God always strengthens and protects His prophets even when the rest of the people perish.
And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall [a fortified wall of bronze]: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 15:20)
One man is more powerful than a nation if he will stand with the Lord and explain to God's people the difference between holiness and uncleanness, righteousness and unrighteousness.
The Day is coming when many Christians will flee in terror from the Lord. They did not realize He was not dancing to their piping or playing their religious games.
The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? (Isaiah 33:14)
How many of us are ready to "ever be with the Lord"? Are we certain we want to be that close to Jesus? Do we want to be that close today?
Who will stand in His burning Presence? The answer is the same today as it was in the days of Adam and Eve. God's eternal moral law never changes.
God does not change. New-covenant "grace" is not a means whereby the sinful and rebellious can stand in the Presence of the consuming Fire of Israel and not be judged for what they are and what they do. Divine grace that operates through faith is the means whereby the sinful and rebellious can become righteous, holy, and obedient to God, being able to live and move and have their being in the Divine fire.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The Lord whom we seek is coming now. His fan is in His hand. He is baptizing with a baptism of fire those whom He chooses. Baptism with Divine fire is not an enjoyable experience but it brings us to the peaceable fruit of righteousness. It leads us into the knowledge of God as our Father. After we have been tested and refined we come forth as pure gold. Only our bonds are burned, as in the case of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Of all the needs of the Christian churches of today, the greatest may be for Divine judgment. If God can find a person who will separate the precious from the vile, who will distinguish between what is righteous and what is unrighteous, who will stand and announce to the present generation the righteous ways of the Lord, then God may be entreated for our land and not destroy it.
Therefore thus saith the Lord, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them. (Jeremiah 15:19)
If any individual will step forth and show God's people their sins, God will bless him and those who hear him. But such a prophet will be persecuted viciously by those who are making money from the flock; those who speak smooth words, pleasant promises, in order to gain a following. However, the Lord God always strengthens and protects His prophets even when the rest of the people perish.
And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall [a fortified wall of bronze]: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 15:20)
One man is more powerful than a nation if he will stand with the Lord and explain to God's people the difference between holiness and uncleanness, righteousness and unrighteousness.
The Day is coming when many Christians will flee in terror from the Lord. They did not realize He was not dancing to their piping or playing their religious games.
The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? (Isaiah 33:14)
How many of us are ready to "ever be with the Lord"? Are we certain we want to be that close to Jesus? Do we want to be that close today?
Who will stand in His burning Presence? The answer is the same today as it was in the days of Adam and Eve. God's eternal moral law never changes.
God does not change. New-covenant "grace" is not a means whereby the sinful and rebellious can stand in the Presence of the consuming Fire of Israel and not be judged for what they are and what they do. Divine grace that operates through faith is the means whereby the sinful and rebellious can become righteous, holy, and obedient to God, being able to live and move and have their being in the Divine fire.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Judgment Begins With the Household of God, #5
But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' (a launderer's) soap: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. (Malachi 3:2,3)
Christ is a refiner's fire. He is a strong soap, not a dainty, perfumed soap but a strong soap.
Whenever Christ receives us He washes the robe of our conduct. He does not limit Himself to forgiving our sins. He washes away our sins with fiery sufferings.
Redemption is not limited to the expression of God's mercy in forgiving sinners. We have emphasized the forgiveness aspect of redemption out of proportion to its role in the new covenant. An enlarged justification has swallowed up sanctification. The new covenant primarily is the placing of the Law of God in our minds and hearts (Hebrews 8:10).
God is in the process of establishing righteousness and praise in the earth. God has saved us by His grace so we will behave righteously in His sight and in the sight of His creation.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
Divine grace accomplishes vastly more than the forgiveness of our sins. Divine grace finally succeeds in conforming us to the image of Christ and bringing us into restful union with the Father through the Lord Jesus. Such conformation and union are the goal of our predestination (Romans 8:28,29).
We do not lose sight of God's mercy or His boundless love. Rather we thank God for His mercy. We apprehend His grace by marching forward in His Spirit to perfect, total victory over the world, over Satan, and over our own sin and self-seeking.
The Fire that Christ Is purifies the "silver" (redemption) of our personality. It purifies the "gold" (Divinity) that God has placed in us. "Wood," in the Scriptures, symbolizes the adamic, flesh-and-blood nature of human beings. The Kingdom of God is not flesh and blood (wood). The Kingdom is the "silver" and the "gold" that come to us from Heaven. The silver and gold, after they have been given to us, are refined through the purifying fires of judgment.
As young Christians we speak and sing of our faith. But as we grow older that faith is tested and refined until it is pure. We say Christ shall provide our every need. We believe it. But one day our belief will be tested in the fire. Only then is it pure enough for God to accept.
The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (Psalms 12:6)
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (I Peter 1:7)
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Christ is a refiner's fire. He is a strong soap, not a dainty, perfumed soap but a strong soap.
Whenever Christ receives us He washes the robe of our conduct. He does not limit Himself to forgiving our sins. He washes away our sins with fiery sufferings.
Redemption is not limited to the expression of God's mercy in forgiving sinners. We have emphasized the forgiveness aspect of redemption out of proportion to its role in the new covenant. An enlarged justification has swallowed up sanctification. The new covenant primarily is the placing of the Law of God in our minds and hearts (Hebrews 8:10).
God is in the process of establishing righteousness and praise in the earth. God has saved us by His grace so we will behave righteously in His sight and in the sight of His creation.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
Divine grace accomplishes vastly more than the forgiveness of our sins. Divine grace finally succeeds in conforming us to the image of Christ and bringing us into restful union with the Father through the Lord Jesus. Such conformation and union are the goal of our predestination (Romans 8:28,29).
We do not lose sight of God's mercy or His boundless love. Rather we thank God for His mercy. We apprehend His grace by marching forward in His Spirit to perfect, total victory over the world, over Satan, and over our own sin and self-seeking.
The Fire that Christ Is purifies the "silver" (redemption) of our personality. It purifies the "gold" (Divinity) that God has placed in us. "Wood," in the Scriptures, symbolizes the adamic, flesh-and-blood nature of human beings. The Kingdom of God is not flesh and blood (wood). The Kingdom is the "silver" and the "gold" that come to us from Heaven. The silver and gold, after they have been given to us, are refined through the purifying fires of judgment.
As young Christians we speak and sing of our faith. But as we grow older that faith is tested and refined until it is pure. We say Christ shall provide our every need. We believe it. But one day our belief will be tested in the fire. Only then is it pure enough for God to accept.
The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (Psalms 12:6)
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (I Peter 1:7)
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Judgment Begins With the Household of God, #4
Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. (Matthew 3:12)
Christ has the winnowing (separating) fan in His nail-pierced hand. He will thoroughly purge His floor—His floor meaning His elect. Those who will permit the Lord to sift them will be saved (he who endures to the end shall be saved). But those who prove to be unworthy of the Kingdom of God, according to the Divine judgment, will be cast into the eternal fire.
Judgment begins with the family of God. It begins with the saints. It begins with those who are closest to the Lord.
Notice King David's attitude toward Divine judgment. It ought to be the attitude of every saint whether of the old covenant or of the new:
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalms 139:23,24)
David is asking the Lord to judge him. It is a wise prayer.
Whenever Christ comes to His saints He judges us with His eyes of fire.
But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: (Malachi 3:2)
Malachi 3:2 emphasizes a fact that must be brought to the attention of the Christian people of today. A number of Christian believers are not prepared to meet Christ.
Because of a misleading interpretation of the term "grace," because of a faulty interpretation of the statement "the just shall live by faith," and because of the assumptions included in the teaching of the so-called "pre-tribulation rapture," numerous believers are woefully unprepared to meet Christ.
Today there is in the Christian churches a feeling, a consensus, an assumption concerning what Jesus is like, what His demands are, what His plan of redemption includes. After fifty years as a Christian believer we have come to the conclusion that this "feeling" and set of assumptions concerning the Gospel include a considerable amount of deception.
Because of this "sense" of what the Christian salvation is, a sense that accompanies the "believe only" and "rapture" teachings, many Christians have become silly and presumptuous. They are like little children with jam smeared on their faces.
How do the immature believers of our time compare in character with Abraham, with Job, with Daniel, with Jeremiah? How would their comments about "grace" impress Moses or Elijah or the Apostle Paul? Yet, he who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than any of the prophets. He is greater because Christ has been formed in him as a result of a deep inner crucifixion and a patient, cross-carrying pilgrimage.
We are confused today. We are in deception. Christian theology, except for its foundation in the blood atonement and triumphant resurrection of Christ, is a maze of contradictions. We simply do not understand the new covenant. It is time for God to move, to bring His flock into fiery judgment. If He does not, a multitude of believers are not going to be prepared for the appearing of Christ.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Christ has the winnowing (separating) fan in His nail-pierced hand. He will thoroughly purge His floor—His floor meaning His elect. Those who will permit the Lord to sift them will be saved (he who endures to the end shall be saved). But those who prove to be unworthy of the Kingdom of God, according to the Divine judgment, will be cast into the eternal fire.
Judgment begins with the family of God. It begins with the saints. It begins with those who are closest to the Lord.
Notice King David's attitude toward Divine judgment. It ought to be the attitude of every saint whether of the old covenant or of the new:
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalms 139:23,24)
David is asking the Lord to judge him. It is a wise prayer.
Whenever Christ comes to His saints He judges us with His eyes of fire.
But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: (Malachi 3:2)
Malachi 3:2 emphasizes a fact that must be brought to the attention of the Christian people of today. A number of Christian believers are not prepared to meet Christ.
Because of a misleading interpretation of the term "grace," because of a faulty interpretation of the statement "the just shall live by faith," and because of the assumptions included in the teaching of the so-called "pre-tribulation rapture," numerous believers are woefully unprepared to meet Christ.
Today there is in the Christian churches a feeling, a consensus, an assumption concerning what Jesus is like, what His demands are, what His plan of redemption includes. After fifty years as a Christian believer we have come to the conclusion that this "feeling" and set of assumptions concerning the Gospel include a considerable amount of deception.
Because of this "sense" of what the Christian salvation is, a sense that accompanies the "believe only" and "rapture" teachings, many Christians have become silly and presumptuous. They are like little children with jam smeared on their faces.
How do the immature believers of our time compare in character with Abraham, with Job, with Daniel, with Jeremiah? How would their comments about "grace" impress Moses or Elijah or the Apostle Paul? Yet, he who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than any of the prophets. He is greater because Christ has been formed in him as a result of a deep inner crucifixion and a patient, cross-carrying pilgrimage.
We are confused today. We are in deception. Christian theology, except for its foundation in the blood atonement and triumphant resurrection of Christ, is a maze of contradictions. We simply do not understand the new covenant. It is time for God to move, to bring His flock into fiery judgment. If He does not, a multitude of believers are not going to be prepared for the appearing of Christ.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Friday, May 15, 2009
Judgment Begins With the Household of God, #3
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. (Revelation 3:19)
After this what happens? For the remainder of their days the Lord Jesus works with His elect, chastening them (often severely) from time to time. They are not free to go about doing as they please. The Lord Jesus regards them as His personal property. As such He judges their behavior at all times, testing them continually and chastening them often and soundly so they will not come under the condemnation that rests on the world.
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. (Hebrews 12:6)
It is not the guilt of the faithful saints that is at issue, for their guilt was removed on the cross for all time. It is the sinful nature of the believers that is being judged. The saints suffer so their sinful nature may be driven far from them. As they suffer they learn to walk in the righteous, peaceful ways of the Lord.
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. (I Peter 4:1,2)
Has this been true in your case or have you never been chastened by the Lord? Or do you believe it is Satan who is causing all your troubles?
It is not Satan at all. Satan does not appear in the fourth chapter of I Peter except as an instrument to carry out the Lord's will concerning His saints. Our fiery trials are, as Peter explains to us, the judgment of the Lord on us. They are not an expression of condemnation or a punishment for our sins. They are not a demonstration of Divine wrath but of Divine judgment.
So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: (II Thessalonians 1:4,5)
"A manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God." We suffer that we may be found worthy of the Kingdom of God.
Have you noticed that after you have suffered for a period of time it is much easier to live quietly and contentedly before the Lord?
The righteous experience many afflictions. They always have. But God delivers them out of all their afflictions as soon as the "silver" (redemption) and "gold" (Divinity) in them have been refined to God's standard.
Every Christian will be baptized with the Holy Spirit and with the fire of God's judgment.
Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. (Matthew 3:12)
The above verse parallels I Peter 4:17.
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (I Peter 4:17)
To be continued.
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
After this what happens? For the remainder of their days the Lord Jesus works with His elect, chastening them (often severely) from time to time. They are not free to go about doing as they please. The Lord Jesus regards them as His personal property. As such He judges their behavior at all times, testing them continually and chastening them often and soundly so they will not come under the condemnation that rests on the world.
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. (Hebrews 12:6)
It is not the guilt of the faithful saints that is at issue, for their guilt was removed on the cross for all time. It is the sinful nature of the believers that is being judged. The saints suffer so their sinful nature may be driven far from them. As they suffer they learn to walk in the righteous, peaceful ways of the Lord.
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. (I Peter 4:1,2)
Has this been true in your case or have you never been chastened by the Lord? Or do you believe it is Satan who is causing all your troubles?
It is not Satan at all. Satan does not appear in the fourth chapter of I Peter except as an instrument to carry out the Lord's will concerning His saints. Our fiery trials are, as Peter explains to us, the judgment of the Lord on us. They are not an expression of condemnation or a punishment for our sins. They are not a demonstration of Divine wrath but of Divine judgment.
So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: (II Thessalonians 1:4,5)
"A manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God." We suffer that we may be found worthy of the Kingdom of God.
Have you noticed that after you have suffered for a period of time it is much easier to live quietly and contentedly before the Lord?
The righteous experience many afflictions. They always have. But God delivers them out of all their afflictions as soon as the "silver" (redemption) and "gold" (Divinity) in them have been refined to God's standard.
Every Christian will be baptized with the Holy Spirit and with the fire of God's judgment.
Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. (Matthew 3:12)
The above verse parallels I Peter 4:17.
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (I Peter 4:17)
To be continued.
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Judgment Begins With the Household of God, #2
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation [judgment]; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)
The above passage from the Gospel of John has caused numerous believers to believe that God will bring them to Paradise no matter how they behave.
It is not difficult to understand how a novice could interpret this announcement to mean Christians are not judged and rewarded according to their works as are all the other members of mankind. But the fourth chapter of First Peter prevents any such conclusion. We must look more carefully at the Lord's statement and interpret it in the light of the writings of the Apostles.
There is condemnation resting on the whole world. The nations, living and dead, are awaiting the Day of Judgment.
What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; (Romans 3:9)
Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick [living] and the dead. (I Peter 4:5)
The Day of Judgment began with the coming of Christ. It commenced with those whom Christ chose to make spiritually alive in His day.
The Lord Jesus walked among the people of Israel. Of this multitude He selected some to pass from death to life.
For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will [makes alive whom He will]. (John 5:21)
Jesus spoke to the elect, the chosen: "If you hear My Word and believe in God you will not come into judgment but have passed out of death into life."
Death and life can proceed only from judgment.
Christ is saying, "If you will put yourself in My hands, I will assume all responsibility for your guilt (made possible by His subsequent death on the cross, by the blood atonement). By receiving Me you have received the Resurrection and the Life. You already are alive eternally. You do not have to work for your salvation any longer. I am here. I am your Salvation!"
Does this mean the job is finished and we now are waiting to go to Heaven and reside there forever? Not at all! This is not what Jesus said; this is not what Jesus meant.
We do not work for our salvation but we certainly have to work it out!
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12)
Going to Heaven is not being discussed here (in John 5:24). The issue is eternal death versus eternal life.
For those who receive Him in sincere faith Jesus removes the condemnation resting on the whole world. In so doing the Lord Jesus, the Judge of all men, has made an initial judgment concerning those who have received Him. He has judged them to be worthy of eternal life and has given it to them.
To be continued.
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The above passage from the Gospel of John has caused numerous believers to believe that God will bring them to Paradise no matter how they behave.
It is not difficult to understand how a novice could interpret this announcement to mean Christians are not judged and rewarded according to their works as are all the other members of mankind. But the fourth chapter of First Peter prevents any such conclusion. We must look more carefully at the Lord's statement and interpret it in the light of the writings of the Apostles.
There is condemnation resting on the whole world. The nations, living and dead, are awaiting the Day of Judgment.
What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; (Romans 3:9)
Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick [living] and the dead. (I Peter 4:5)
The Day of Judgment began with the coming of Christ. It commenced with those whom Christ chose to make spiritually alive in His day.
The Lord Jesus walked among the people of Israel. Of this multitude He selected some to pass from death to life.
For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will [makes alive whom He will]. (John 5:21)
Jesus spoke to the elect, the chosen: "If you hear My Word and believe in God you will not come into judgment but have passed out of death into life."
Death and life can proceed only from judgment.
Christ is saying, "If you will put yourself in My hands, I will assume all responsibility for your guilt (made possible by His subsequent death on the cross, by the blood atonement). By receiving Me you have received the Resurrection and the Life. You already are alive eternally. You do not have to work for your salvation any longer. I am here. I am your Salvation!"
Does this mean the job is finished and we now are waiting to go to Heaven and reside there forever? Not at all! This is not what Jesus said; this is not what Jesus meant.
We do not work for our salvation but we certainly have to work it out!
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12)
Going to Heaven is not being discussed here (in John 5:24). The issue is eternal death versus eternal life.
For those who receive Him in sincere faith Jesus removes the condemnation resting on the whole world. In so doing the Lord Jesus, the Judge of all men, has made an initial judgment concerning those who have received Him. He has judged them to be worthy of eternal life and has given it to them.
To be continued.
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Morning prayers
The following is one of my morning prayers. You can use this one too if you feel led.
In Jesus’ Name, I bind myself, my witness, testimony, confession and ministry — my whole house; my family and those in my sphere of spiritual influence:
In Jesus’ Name, I bind myself, my witness, testimony, confession and ministry — my whole house; my family and those in my sphere of spiritual influence:
- to the will of God
- the Mind of Christ
- the protection of the precious Blood of Jesus
- the Cross of Christ
- the Truth of God
- and to His purposes and destinies for our lives
In Jesus’ Name, I bind the strong man to plunder his house, loose his hold on and take back the natural and spiritual blessings — everything that he’s stolen from me and those whom I just named.
In Jesus’ Name, I loose, crush, smash and destroy his plots, plans, schemes, wiles, deceits, influence and authority over us and all attempts to oppress, depress, possess and destroy us.
In Jesus’ Name, I loose all of his assignments, strategies, tactics, angels, authorities, principalities, powers, master spirits (who are the rulers of this present darkness) and spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places — that are set against us.
In Jesus’ Name, I loose the harmful practices, influence and utterences of his wicked followers, Satanists, false and rebellious Christians, secret societies and all of their destructive and evil actions, words, curses, hexes, spells, occultism, sorcery, witchcraft, magic, voodoo, Satanism, black masses, black arts, witches’ sabbaths, shedding of innocent blood and carnal prayers spoken against us.
In Jesus’ Name, I bind the individuals who believe, practice and speak these abominable things and those who continue to curse, pray and strive against us — to the Will of God and to the purposes and destiny of God for my life and the lives of those in my sphere of influence — all who have been targeted by these attacks.
Lord Jesus, I forgive and release the individuals responsible for these demonic curses, prayers, utterences, hexes, spells, occultism, sorcery and witchcraft (and their transgressions, sins and iniquity) to You. You are the righteous Judge of all of Your Creation.
Father God, forgive me for my sins. Set a protective hedge about me and my whole house so we may magnify Your holy Name. To fulfill Your will perfectly, fill me to over-flowing with Your blessed Holy Spirit. Release Him to hover and brood over those whom You wish for me to minister — to bring forth Christ. Anoint me to become and do Your perfect will for today.
Dear Father, raise Your Son, Jesus, high over all and raise me up to honor and glorify His holy Name. I ask for Your empowering, gifts of divine faith, love, knowledge, wisdom, prophecy, leading and protection. I knock for doors of unbroken fellowship with You, Lord Jesus and the blessed Holy Spirit, anointed witness, testimony, ministry, utterance and blessing to be opened that no man can close. I ask to please You in all that I am and do.
Anoint me to go through these doors as an overcoming son of Yours — a branch connected to the Vine; in union with You and Your Son, — feeling and realizing Your Presence as You remove all mountains of evil and difficulty and destroy the works of Satan.
Lord Jesus, help me to guard my heart, obey, abide in Your Presence and put You and Father’s will first throughout this day. Enable me to walk in Your strength, love, holiness, wisdom, faith in God, righteousness, protection and victory over the world, the flesh and the devil.
Lord Jesus, forgive me for my sins. Raise me up into the shelter, strength, protection and consciousness of Your Presence. Anoint me to abide in You. You are my Rock; my Refuge, Wisdom, Peace, High Tower, Savior, Strength, Deliverer, King, Healer, Counselor and Great Friend. Empower me to love You with all of my heart!
I bind and loose these things in the Name of Jesus Christ, Who has given me the keys and the authority to use them. I place these requests before You, Father, knowing that whatsoever I ask in Jesus’ Name — You will give me because Jesus abides in me and I in Him.
In Jesus’ Name I pray. AMEN
Judgment Begins With the Household of God
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (I Peter 4:17)
There is a difference between Divine judgment and Divine wrath. Divine wrath destroys. Divine judgment brings us to repentance. God leads every saint through much tribulation and suffering. Such suffering is a judgment on us, a separating of the good from the evil in our personality. Judgment begins with the household of God. It begins with the saints. It begins with those who are closest to the Lord. The Divine judgment is not a bad thing. It is a good thing, a blessing, a working of the grace of God in our life.
From the above verse and the verses surrounding it in First Peter we learn some important facts concerning the Divine judgment.
We learn that the Divine judgment has been in operation since the Holy Spirit fell in the form of tongues of fire. The saints are to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and with the fire of Divine judgment.
We learn that the Divine judgment comes upon the saints first and then upon the world.
We learn that the Divine judgment comes upon the saints in the form of a chastening of our flesh.
We learn that the Divine judgment is so rigorous the righteous are saved with difficulty (I Peter 4:18).
In order to be saved we must maintain our confidence in Christ until we have come to the end of our testings and tribulations. We are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).
There is an important difference between judgment and condemnation.
Judgment is the separation of what is good from what is evil.
Condemnation is the guilt and the disapproval of the Lord that are directed toward all persons, Christians included, who are transgressing God's laws or His known will.
There is no condemnation resting on those who are abiding in Christ and walking in the light of God's will. But numerous Christians do not abide in Christ. They know (or suspect) the will of God and are not doing it. They are under condemnation because they are working evil in the sight of the Lord (Romans 2:8; 14:23; James 4:17).
The current concept that Christians are not judged and rewarded according to their works as are other people arises in part from a misunderstanding of John 5:24, and in part from a misapplication of Paul's arguments against the Judaizers. Paul stressed righteousness apart from the works of the Law until it is very easy to assume that faith can live apart from works of righteousness and that by some "magic" God does not see the sin and disobedience of the believers (Romans 3:21).
To be continued.
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
There is a difference between Divine judgment and Divine wrath. Divine wrath destroys. Divine judgment brings us to repentance. God leads every saint through much tribulation and suffering. Such suffering is a judgment on us, a separating of the good from the evil in our personality. Judgment begins with the household of God. It begins with the saints. It begins with those who are closest to the Lord. The Divine judgment is not a bad thing. It is a good thing, a blessing, a working of the grace of God in our life.
From the above verse and the verses surrounding it in First Peter we learn some important facts concerning the Divine judgment.
We learn that the Divine judgment has been in operation since the Holy Spirit fell in the form of tongues of fire. The saints are to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and with the fire of Divine judgment.
We learn that the Divine judgment comes upon the saints first and then upon the world.
We learn that the Divine judgment comes upon the saints in the form of a chastening of our flesh.
We learn that the Divine judgment is so rigorous the righteous are saved with difficulty (I Peter 4:18).
In order to be saved we must maintain our confidence in Christ until we have come to the end of our testings and tribulations. We are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).
There is an important difference between judgment and condemnation.
Judgment is the separation of what is good from what is evil.
Condemnation is the guilt and the disapproval of the Lord that are directed toward all persons, Christians included, who are transgressing God's laws or His known will.
There is no condemnation resting on those who are abiding in Christ and walking in the light of God's will. But numerous Christians do not abide in Christ. They know (or suspect) the will of God and are not doing it. They are under condemnation because they are working evil in the sight of the Lord (Romans 2:8; 14:23; James 4:17).
The current concept that Christians are not judged and rewarded according to their works as are other people arises in part from a misunderstanding of John 5:24, and in part from a misapplication of Paul's arguments against the Judaizers. Paul stressed righteousness apart from the works of the Law until it is very easy to assume that faith can live apart from works of righteousness and that by some "magic" God does not see the sin and disobedience of the believers (Romans 3:21).
To be continued.
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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