-((The following will happen in similar order after the rapture))-
*Total chaos will rule for a time. (Lk. 21: 25)
*Governments will get control through sometimes-harsh methods. (Rev. 17: 12-13)
*One world government will come together. (Ps. 2: 1-3)
*A one-world church will form. (Rev. Ch. 17)
*A world leader from Europe will step to the forefront and take charge of the peace process. (Dan. 9: 26-27)
*Israeli government and Israels enemies will sign an agreement of peace that ensures peace and safety. (Dan. 9: 27; Isa. 28: 18; 1 Thes. 5: 3)
*Peace will not last, as a coalition of nations--led by Russia--will invade the Middle East. (Ezek. 38: 1-12)
*God, himself, will destroy all but one-sixth of the invader forces. (Ezek. 39: 1-5)
*Much of the world will be hit by the deadly effects of the invasion. This will possibly include chemical, biological and nuclear aftereffects. (Ezek. 39:6-7; 11-16)
*The world leader will solidify his power following the Russian-led coalitions destruction. (Dan. 8: 23-25; 11: 36-39)
*Two Old-Testament-type prophets will come on the world scene and preach about Christ while condemning the worlds evil. (Rev. 11: 3-6)
*Meanwhile, God will put His protection upon 144,000 Jews who have converted to Christianity so that they can begin to preach Gods saving message to the people of the Tribulation. (Rev. 7: 3-8)
*At the same time, God will allow strong delusion to come over all who heard the Gospel before the Rapture, but, fully understanding the offer of salvation, refused to accept Christ. These will believe Antichrists and Satans, lies. (2 Thes. 2: 11-12)
*Antichrist, after months of trying, will finally murder the two Old-Testament-type prophets. But they will come back to life and be taken into Heaven while the world watches. (Rev. 11: 11-12)
*Antichrist will receive a supposedly deadly head wound. (Rev. 13: 3)
*He will appear to resurrect from the dead, being then possessed by Satan. (13: 3-4)
*Antichrist will stand in the Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem. He will claim to be God, and demand worship. (2 Thes. 2: 3-4)
*The false prophet will direct all worship to Antichrist, and will erect an image of him. (Rev. 13:11-17)
*Antichrists regime will institute a computer mark and numbers system. It will be both to control the worlds populations, and to cause all to worship Antichrist, whose number in all of this is 666. (Rev. 13: 16-18)
*Those who refuse to accept Antichrists mark will be murdered. Beheading will apparently be the regimes chosen method of offing these traitors. (Rev. 13: 15; 20: 4)
*Antichrist will begin a systematic genocide against the Jewish race that will make Hitlers Holocaust look mild by comparison. (Rev. Ch. 12)
*He and the false prophet will also have all the new believers they can find, rounded up, tortured, then murdered. (Jhn. 16: 2; Rev. 13: 8)
*While Antichrist hunts down and murders people by the millions, Gods judgments will begin to fall directly on the rebellious people of Planet Earth. (Rev. 6: 17)
*Millions upon millions will die while Gods wrath pours out in a series of three types of judgments, each consisting of seven specific judgments, for a total of 21 judgments. (Rev. Chpts 6through 18)
*When all is said and done, more than one-half, possibly as much as two-thirds, of all human life on Earth will die of the plagues. (Rev. 6: 8; 8: 8; 9: 18)
*God will prepare, and the Jewish remnant will flee to, a hiding place, probably Petra, the ancient city carved in the rose red-colored rocks of the Jordanian wilderness. (Rev. 12: 6, 14)
*Antichrist and his forces, led by Satan, will pursue the Jewish people and try to murder them, but the pursuing forces will be swallowed up by the Earth. (Rev. 12: 15-16)
*While the Jewish and many of the Gentile people still alive remain safely protected, Gods wrath will fall in greater force. (Rev. 16: 1)
*The sun will go partly dark, while at the same time heating up to seven times hotter than normal. (Rev. 16: 8-11)
*A great object will fall into the ocean from space. Its impact will kill life in the sea, and most likely will destroy coastal areas with tidal waves. (Rev. 8: 8-9)
*Another asteroid or other mass from space will strike Earth and will poison much of the planets fresh water sources. (Rev. 8: 10-11)
*Great, unprecedented earthquakes will happen simultaneously all over the Earth. (Matt. 24: 7; Rev. 16: 18)
*People will be so frightened they will have heart attacks, just from the things they see are yet to come. (Lk. 21: 26)
*A supernatural plague of huge insect-like creatures will be released from the abyss, and they will sting all who have the mark of the Beast. Men and women will try to commit suicide because of their great pain from the stings and bites of these demonic creatures. (Rev. 9: 3-6)
*God will then move in the minds of all military forces on Earth to gather in the valley of Jezreel, the plains of Esdraelon, near the ancient city of Megiddo. This is Armageddon. (Joel 3: 14; Rev. 16: 16)
*The Kings of the East, a huge army out of the Orient numbering more than 200 million troops, will invade to make war with Antichrists and the other worlds forces. (Rev. 9: 15-16; 16: 12)
*Jesus said of this time, that if He didnt come back, everyone and everything would die because of the fighting about to take place. (Matt. 24: 22; Mark 13: 20)
*Jesus will return with the armies of Heaven. His armies consist of the mighty angels and Jesus Church, which will have been raptured at least seven years earlier. (Rev. 19: 11-14)
*Antichrists armies and all others will try to prevent Christs return. (Rev. 19: 19)
* Jesus will simply speak, and all armies on Earth will be rendered helpless, most killed. (19: 15-18)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Eternal Rewards
Eternal Rewards
What does your eternal future hold?
For most Christians, the blessed hope is that once the rapture occurs or they depart from this world after death, they will spend eternity in heaven with Jesus Christ. For those who trust in Him, this is true. However, few Christians realize they will also face judgment before Jesus Christ. Not judgment for our sins, which were cleansed by Christ’s blood on the cross. But judgment for our works here on earth. Jesus will hold each of us accountable for the deeds performed in our earthly lives, and although our eternal destiny is never in question, the size and scope of our reward is.
Jesus Christ as the Ultimate Judge
The scriptures are filled with references to the ultimate judgment of our works, yet somehow many Christians have either failed to understand, or have chosen to ignore, what the bible says. Nevertheless, we will be judged. Paul makes this clear in his letter to the Corinthians:
“For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NLT)
Jesus confirms Paul’s assertion, revealing that each of us will be held accountable for every idle word we speak!
“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.” Matthew 12:36 (NLT)
and Jeremiah says the same:
“But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Jeremiah 17:10 (NLT)
Think of some of the terrible things we’ve said in our lives. In the years and months since, we hope others have forgotten them. But the Lord hasn’t! Even worse, try to remember some of the horrible things you’ve thought. Even our thoughts have condemned us! Who then can stand before Christ blameless? Only those who have washed themselves clean of sin from the blood of the cross:
“For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? And also, ‘If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?’” 1 Peter 4:17-18 (NLT)
The fate of those who reject Christ is eternal separation from Him. But for those who embrace Him, we can face His judgment with fearless confidence:
“And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.” 1 John 4:17 (NLT)
We can face Him with confidence because have lived our earthly lives like Jesus.
Judgment is Reserved for Christ
When Jesus walked among the crowds of Israel, he never attempted to build Himself up by knocking other people down. Instead, He attempted to lift others up and to encourage them to live godly lives. He knew that praise from God was a far greater reward than the often insincere and fleeting praise of humans. As such, He never looked down on others or proclaimed Himself superior to them. He humbled Himself, and although He had all the power of God, He expended His life to serve others – preaching the Gospel, healing those in need, washing His disciples’ feet, and giving His life on the cross in order to save all.
If we truly wish to live our lives like Christ, we should not be like the Pharisees who condemned others for small infractions of their own created laws and traditions. We should not be like the Pharisees who viewed themselves as morally superior to others. The arrogance they exhibited is the same arrogance that brought on the fall of Lucifer, and left to fester, that same arrogance can bring about the fall of any Christian.
Ultimate judgment of others belongs to Christ, so don’t make personal judgments of others in regard to God’s approval. For He alone knows all the facts. And the day will come when many who are looked down on today, who are rejected and ridiculed and labeled immoral by their own Christian brothers and sisters, will receive great reward from Jesus Christ. And many who are viewed as experts, saints, and holy men in this world will be given lowly positions in God’s Kingdom, while many who are viewed as outcasts, kooks, or poorly educated will be rewarded with the highest positions.
So listen to Paul when he tells us to reserve judgment for Christ:
“So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time – before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.” 1 Corinthians 4:5 (NLT)
“So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘As surely as I live,’ says the LORD, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God.’ Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.” Romans 14:10-12 (NLT)
Knowing this, we should encourage those around us, building them up with ample praise, careful rebuke, and all the respect deserving of those God has chosen to call His children. We should approach everyone with the same humility Christ exhibited, because we never know what role others will play in the eternal kingdom. The one you look down on today, might be your superior in heaven!
Not Everyone Will Have the Same Status in Heaven
This leads us to another myth which has taken hold of the Christian community – that everyone will enjoy equal standing in heaven. This is not true. Although God loves each of us without end, some will be given positions of higher status, authority, and responsibility than others. In the Book of Matthew, Jesus reveals this truth:
“So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 5:19 (NLT)
“But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then.” Matthew 19:30 (NLT)
If everyone is equal in heaven, then how can some be “greatest” while others are “least”? This is not a contradiction, but an indication of the true nature of heaven. Whether or not our earthly deeds are deserving of gain or loss is completely dependent upon what we do in our earthly lives. Heaven will simply be a place where true justice will reign.
Eternal Treasures in Heaven
Jesus, knowing the nature of heaven and the rewards that await us, discouraged us from becoming captives of this world and its fleeting pleasures. Instead, he encouraged us to focus on the accumulation of heavenly treasures:
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)
Our treasures in heaven are eternal. Why then do so many of us spend a lifetime hoarding earthly treasures – cars, houses, stocks, and bonds – when everyone of us knows they are only temporary in nature? We can’t take our earthly treasures to heaven, but we can take our heavenly rewards. And if any doubt persists as to how the treasures of heaven compare to the treasures of this world, listen to what Paul has to say on the subject:
“That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)
Despite this knowledge, millions aspire to live in earthly mansions, while Jesus continues to prepare for us our own heavenly mansions – eternal abodes that will never catch fire, flood, get termites, or experience any of the headaches of earthly dwellings:
“There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?” John 14:2 (NLT)
Why then, are so many of us concerned with where we live?
Christ Will Award Us with Crowns
Some of our heavenly treasure will take the form of rewards we receive from Jesus Christ. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have – Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials – gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.” 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (NLT)
For the Christian, belief in Jesus Christ is only a beginning. This is the foundation of our holy existence, and no one can lay a foundation other than Christ. Upon this foundation, we are expected to build a portfolio of works which benefit the Lord. Not one of these works is necessary for our salvation, but if we truly believe in Him, it will be our pleasure to perform such works. On the day of judgment, each work will be tested to see if it has eternal value. Only that which has everlasting value will result in reward.
So how do we know what works will have everlasting value? We must remember it is not our deed alone the Lord will judge, but the motive which caused us to perform the deed in the first place. The Lord, who knows the deepest secrets of our hearts and minds, will know the motives upon which our earthly lives were built. And the only motive which will result in a reward is one that desires glory for Jesus Christ.
Among the many rewards we’re eligible to receive, the Bible specifically mentions five crowns:
The Crown of Victory
“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:25 (NLT)
The prize to which Paul refers is a crown. This crown is reserved for those who, through careful discipline, have overcome the desires of the flesh. Through means of the Holy Spirit, they have managed to gradually wane themselves from the power of the temptations of this world. Just as an athlete trains to perfect his performance in an athletic contest, Christians must train themselves to overcome the desires of the flesh.
If you want to win this crown, make sure to listen to and abide by the Holy Spirit within you. Train yourself so that your every thought, feeling, and action is measured and judged in accordance to God’s will for your life.
The Crown of Rejoicing
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.” Philippians 4:1 (NLT)
“After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 (NLT)
This crown is reserved for those whose efforts have led to others becoming believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. As Paul states, this crown will be a source of pride and joy for all of eternity, represented not only in the form of a crown, but in the form of actual fellow Christians who will be a source of joy for the Lord for all of eternity.
If you want to win this crown, make sure to share the Gospel of Christ with others whenever God presents an opportunity.
The Crown of Righteousness
“And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)
This crown is reserved for those who eagerly and patiently await the promised return of Jesus Christ. Throughout the scriptures, Jesus encourages us to be good and faithful servants, prepared for the master’s return. One day, He will come “like a thief in the night” – unexpectedly – and only those who have lived their lives in daily anticipation of this moment will be awarded this crown.
If you want to win this crown, make sure to live every day of your life with the constant expectation that Christ could return at a moment’s notice.
The Crown of Life
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NLT)
“Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10 (NLT)
This crown is reserved for those who endure testing, temptation, persecution, suffering, and martyrdom for Jesus Christ. Believing in Christ is not a recipe for carefree living in a world which hates Him. For if the world mocked, ridiculed, and murdered Jesus Himself, then why should His followers expect to avoid suffering? We can not. Some will suffer worse than others, but everyone that remains faithful will receive the crown of life.
If you want to win this crown, make sure to love Jesus Christ more than you love your own life.
The Crown of Glory
“And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly – not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.” 1 Peter 5:1-4 (NLT)
This crown is reserved for those who are placed in a position of authority and responsibility in our earthly lives. With others looking to us for leadership by example, this is a task of enormous importance. Such people must exhibit love and humility, carefully watching over those with whom they have been entrusted. Their motives and hearts must be pure, focused on serving God rather than serving themselves. Those who lead others by example will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
If you want to win this crown, make sure to be a good example to others, especially those who look to you for guidance. And be a good and faithful steward of those God has entrusted to your care.
Our Rewards in Heaven Directly Correlate with Our Efforts on Earth
In addition to the previously mentioned crowns, Christ has a number of additional rewards waiting for those who love Him. But our ability to receive each reward is in direct correlation with how we handle the earthly opportunities he gives us. Jesus clearly illustrates this concept in Matthew 25 with the Parable of the Talents. In this story, each servant is entrusted with a certain number of talents, each according to his ability. In the end, each is rewarded by the master on the basis of how he has invested the talents. In the same way, each of us will be rewarded on the basis of how we have advanced the kingdom of heaven.
Yet another promise of reward from Jesus Christ appears in Matthew 19:
“And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will have eternal life.” Matthew 19:29 (NLT)
How many stock market investors would be ecstatic to experience just one 100-fold investment return in a lifetime? Yet the opportunity to receive an everlasting 100-fold return is available for anyone who invests in advancing the kingdom of heaven!
Conclusion
All who trust in Jesus Christ will experience eternity in His presence. In heaven, there will be no sorrow, death, crying, or pain. However, there is no guarantee that we will not experience regret. Despite our greatest efforts on His behalf, each of us will probably look back on our earthly lives and wish we had done more to advance the kingdom of heaven. We won’t look back out of jealousy or envy or pride, but with the simple wish we would have glorified His name to a greater degree. In heaven, we’ll have all of eternity to reflect on what we could have done for the Lord. As such, we should take advantage of the time we have left.
The things of this world should be of little value to Christians. We know that accumulation of wealth, career advancement, and earthly pleasures have no lasting value. Only a life which gives glory to Jesus Christ has lasting value. So don’t waste another moment!
Rearrange the priorities of your life, and look forward to His coming with great confidence. Live your life in accordance with the example set by Christ, and you will experience great reward for all of eternity. The time to do so is now, for we never know when our window of opportunity will close forever:
“Look, I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.” Revelation 3:11 (NLT)
“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:12-13 (NLT)
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus, come!
What does your eternal future hold?
For most Christians, the blessed hope is that once the rapture occurs or they depart from this world after death, they will spend eternity in heaven with Jesus Christ. For those who trust in Him, this is true. However, few Christians realize they will also face judgment before Jesus Christ. Not judgment for our sins, which were cleansed by Christ’s blood on the cross. But judgment for our works here on earth. Jesus will hold each of us accountable for the deeds performed in our earthly lives, and although our eternal destiny is never in question, the size and scope of our reward is.
Jesus Christ as the Ultimate Judge
The scriptures are filled with references to the ultimate judgment of our works, yet somehow many Christians have either failed to understand, or have chosen to ignore, what the bible says. Nevertheless, we will be judged. Paul makes this clear in his letter to the Corinthians:
“For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NLT)
Jesus confirms Paul’s assertion, revealing that each of us will be held accountable for every idle word we speak!
“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.” Matthew 12:36 (NLT)
and Jeremiah says the same:
“But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Jeremiah 17:10 (NLT)
Think of some of the terrible things we’ve said in our lives. In the years and months since, we hope others have forgotten them. But the Lord hasn’t! Even worse, try to remember some of the horrible things you’ve thought. Even our thoughts have condemned us! Who then can stand before Christ blameless? Only those who have washed themselves clean of sin from the blood of the cross:
“For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? And also, ‘If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?’” 1 Peter 4:17-18 (NLT)
The fate of those who reject Christ is eternal separation from Him. But for those who embrace Him, we can face His judgment with fearless confidence:
“And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.” 1 John 4:17 (NLT)
We can face Him with confidence because have lived our earthly lives like Jesus.
Judgment is Reserved for Christ
When Jesus walked among the crowds of Israel, he never attempted to build Himself up by knocking other people down. Instead, He attempted to lift others up and to encourage them to live godly lives. He knew that praise from God was a far greater reward than the often insincere and fleeting praise of humans. As such, He never looked down on others or proclaimed Himself superior to them. He humbled Himself, and although He had all the power of God, He expended His life to serve others – preaching the Gospel, healing those in need, washing His disciples’ feet, and giving His life on the cross in order to save all.
If we truly wish to live our lives like Christ, we should not be like the Pharisees who condemned others for small infractions of their own created laws and traditions. We should not be like the Pharisees who viewed themselves as morally superior to others. The arrogance they exhibited is the same arrogance that brought on the fall of Lucifer, and left to fester, that same arrogance can bring about the fall of any Christian.
Ultimate judgment of others belongs to Christ, so don’t make personal judgments of others in regard to God’s approval. For He alone knows all the facts. And the day will come when many who are looked down on today, who are rejected and ridiculed and labeled immoral by their own Christian brothers and sisters, will receive great reward from Jesus Christ. And many who are viewed as experts, saints, and holy men in this world will be given lowly positions in God’s Kingdom, while many who are viewed as outcasts, kooks, or poorly educated will be rewarded with the highest positions.
So listen to Paul when he tells us to reserve judgment for Christ:
“So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time – before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.” 1 Corinthians 4:5 (NLT)
“So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘As surely as I live,’ says the LORD, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God.’ Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.” Romans 14:10-12 (NLT)
Knowing this, we should encourage those around us, building them up with ample praise, careful rebuke, and all the respect deserving of those God has chosen to call His children. We should approach everyone with the same humility Christ exhibited, because we never know what role others will play in the eternal kingdom. The one you look down on today, might be your superior in heaven!
Not Everyone Will Have the Same Status in Heaven
This leads us to another myth which has taken hold of the Christian community – that everyone will enjoy equal standing in heaven. This is not true. Although God loves each of us without end, some will be given positions of higher status, authority, and responsibility than others. In the Book of Matthew, Jesus reveals this truth:
“So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 5:19 (NLT)
“But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then.” Matthew 19:30 (NLT)
If everyone is equal in heaven, then how can some be “greatest” while others are “least”? This is not a contradiction, but an indication of the true nature of heaven. Whether or not our earthly deeds are deserving of gain or loss is completely dependent upon what we do in our earthly lives. Heaven will simply be a place where true justice will reign.
Eternal Treasures in Heaven
Jesus, knowing the nature of heaven and the rewards that await us, discouraged us from becoming captives of this world and its fleeting pleasures. Instead, he encouraged us to focus on the accumulation of heavenly treasures:
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)
Our treasures in heaven are eternal. Why then do so many of us spend a lifetime hoarding earthly treasures – cars, houses, stocks, and bonds – when everyone of us knows they are only temporary in nature? We can’t take our earthly treasures to heaven, but we can take our heavenly rewards. And if any doubt persists as to how the treasures of heaven compare to the treasures of this world, listen to what Paul has to say on the subject:
“That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)
Despite this knowledge, millions aspire to live in earthly mansions, while Jesus continues to prepare for us our own heavenly mansions – eternal abodes that will never catch fire, flood, get termites, or experience any of the headaches of earthly dwellings:
“There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?” John 14:2 (NLT)
Why then, are so many of us concerned with where we live?
Christ Will Award Us with Crowns
Some of our heavenly treasure will take the form of rewards we receive from Jesus Christ. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have – Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials – gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.” 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (NLT)
For the Christian, belief in Jesus Christ is only a beginning. This is the foundation of our holy existence, and no one can lay a foundation other than Christ. Upon this foundation, we are expected to build a portfolio of works which benefit the Lord. Not one of these works is necessary for our salvation, but if we truly believe in Him, it will be our pleasure to perform such works. On the day of judgment, each work will be tested to see if it has eternal value. Only that which has everlasting value will result in reward.
So how do we know what works will have everlasting value? We must remember it is not our deed alone the Lord will judge, but the motive which caused us to perform the deed in the first place. The Lord, who knows the deepest secrets of our hearts and minds, will know the motives upon which our earthly lives were built. And the only motive which will result in a reward is one that desires glory for Jesus Christ.
Among the many rewards we’re eligible to receive, the Bible specifically mentions five crowns:
The Crown of Victory
“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:25 (NLT)
The prize to which Paul refers is a crown. This crown is reserved for those who, through careful discipline, have overcome the desires of the flesh. Through means of the Holy Spirit, they have managed to gradually wane themselves from the power of the temptations of this world. Just as an athlete trains to perfect his performance in an athletic contest, Christians must train themselves to overcome the desires of the flesh.
If you want to win this crown, make sure to listen to and abide by the Holy Spirit within you. Train yourself so that your every thought, feeling, and action is measured and judged in accordance to God’s will for your life.
The Crown of Rejoicing
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.” Philippians 4:1 (NLT)
“After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 (NLT)
This crown is reserved for those whose efforts have led to others becoming believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. As Paul states, this crown will be a source of pride and joy for all of eternity, represented not only in the form of a crown, but in the form of actual fellow Christians who will be a source of joy for the Lord for all of eternity.
If you want to win this crown, make sure to share the Gospel of Christ with others whenever God presents an opportunity.
The Crown of Righteousness
“And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)
This crown is reserved for those who eagerly and patiently await the promised return of Jesus Christ. Throughout the scriptures, Jesus encourages us to be good and faithful servants, prepared for the master’s return. One day, He will come “like a thief in the night” – unexpectedly – and only those who have lived their lives in daily anticipation of this moment will be awarded this crown.
If you want to win this crown, make sure to live every day of your life with the constant expectation that Christ could return at a moment’s notice.
The Crown of Life
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NLT)
“Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10 (NLT)
This crown is reserved for those who endure testing, temptation, persecution, suffering, and martyrdom for Jesus Christ. Believing in Christ is not a recipe for carefree living in a world which hates Him. For if the world mocked, ridiculed, and murdered Jesus Himself, then why should His followers expect to avoid suffering? We can not. Some will suffer worse than others, but everyone that remains faithful will receive the crown of life.
If you want to win this crown, make sure to love Jesus Christ more than you love your own life.
The Crown of Glory
“And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly – not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.” 1 Peter 5:1-4 (NLT)
This crown is reserved for those who are placed in a position of authority and responsibility in our earthly lives. With others looking to us for leadership by example, this is a task of enormous importance. Such people must exhibit love and humility, carefully watching over those with whom they have been entrusted. Their motives and hearts must be pure, focused on serving God rather than serving themselves. Those who lead others by example will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
If you want to win this crown, make sure to be a good example to others, especially those who look to you for guidance. And be a good and faithful steward of those God has entrusted to your care.
Our Rewards in Heaven Directly Correlate with Our Efforts on Earth
In addition to the previously mentioned crowns, Christ has a number of additional rewards waiting for those who love Him. But our ability to receive each reward is in direct correlation with how we handle the earthly opportunities he gives us. Jesus clearly illustrates this concept in Matthew 25 with the Parable of the Talents. In this story, each servant is entrusted with a certain number of talents, each according to his ability. In the end, each is rewarded by the master on the basis of how he has invested the talents. In the same way, each of us will be rewarded on the basis of how we have advanced the kingdom of heaven.
Yet another promise of reward from Jesus Christ appears in Matthew 19:
“And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will have eternal life.” Matthew 19:29 (NLT)
How many stock market investors would be ecstatic to experience just one 100-fold investment return in a lifetime? Yet the opportunity to receive an everlasting 100-fold return is available for anyone who invests in advancing the kingdom of heaven!
Conclusion
All who trust in Jesus Christ will experience eternity in His presence. In heaven, there will be no sorrow, death, crying, or pain. However, there is no guarantee that we will not experience regret. Despite our greatest efforts on His behalf, each of us will probably look back on our earthly lives and wish we had done more to advance the kingdom of heaven. We won’t look back out of jealousy or envy or pride, but with the simple wish we would have glorified His name to a greater degree. In heaven, we’ll have all of eternity to reflect on what we could have done for the Lord. As such, we should take advantage of the time we have left.
The things of this world should be of little value to Christians. We know that accumulation of wealth, career advancement, and earthly pleasures have no lasting value. Only a life which gives glory to Jesus Christ has lasting value. So don’t waste another moment!
Rearrange the priorities of your life, and look forward to His coming with great confidence. Live your life in accordance with the example set by Christ, and you will experience great reward for all of eternity. The time to do so is now, for we never know when our window of opportunity will close forever:
“Look, I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.” Revelation 3:11 (NLT)
“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:12-13 (NLT)
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus, come!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
THE BELL
THE BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)
I am united with the Lord(1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price(1 Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt.5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ(1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation (Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil.3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31-34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God(2 Cor.5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God(Rom.8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together f o r good (Rom. 8: 28)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16)
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).
I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1).
I am God's workmanship(Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil 1: 5)
I have be en redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14).
I have been adopted as God's child(Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you knowwho you are!?
"The LORD bless you and keep you;the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward youand give you peace."Numbers 6:24-26
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)
I am united with the Lord(1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price(1 Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt.5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ(1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation (Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil.3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31-34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God(2 Cor.5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God(Rom.8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together f o r good (Rom. 8: 28)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16)
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).
I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1).
I am God's workmanship(Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil 1: 5)
I have be en redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14).
I have been adopted as God's child(Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you knowwho you are!?
"The LORD bless you and keep you;the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward youand give you peace."Numbers 6:24-26
Grace
" Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is Freedom."
" In the Cross I see the overwhelming Love of God."
" All the Glory be to God for His Mercy, Provision, and Grace."
Before the very dawn of time,Before the earth was round;Before there was a sight to see,Or what we know as sound...
God formed you then, within His mind,With expertise and care;He planned each detail in advance,He numbered every hair.
He picked your very temperament,He planned your every day;He knew exactly what you'd doAnd just what you would say.
He chose you then to be His own,To live with Him on high;He wrote you on His very palms,The apple of His eye.
He made you gifts to pleasure you,To brighten up your eyes;He made the earth, He made the sea,He made the endless skies.
To bring you joy, He made the birds,To see you smile, the flowers;To comfort you when things go wrongHe made the springtime showers.
He gave His angels a commandTo guard in all you do;Because you're precious in His sightHe did all this for you.
And when He saw you steeped in sin,With Love personified
He cloaked Himself in human flesh,Came down to earth, and died.
With His own blood He paid the price,He washed your sins away;With Love so great it conquered death,He rose on the third day.
And now He sits upon His throneIn Heaven up above;He's waiting there to hold you close,And all because of Love!
" Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."(Psalm 51:10 KJV)
" I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. (Ezekiel 36: 26 NIV)
" Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8 KJV)
" For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8 NIV)
" For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:17 KJV)
" This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."(Psalm 118:24 NIV)
" The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works."(Psalm 145:8,9 NKJV)
" I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."(2 Timothy 4:7 KJV)
" Search for the Lord and for his strength, and keep on searching. Think of the wonderful works he has done, the miracles and the judgments he handed down."(Psalm 105:4-5 NLT)
" …Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9-10 NIV)
The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." (Psalm 32:8 NLT)
" I will thank you, Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High." (Psalm 9:1-2 NLT)
" In the Cross I see the overwhelming Love of God."
" All the Glory be to God for His Mercy, Provision, and Grace."
Before the very dawn of time,Before the earth was round;Before there was a sight to see,Or what we know as sound...
God formed you then, within His mind,With expertise and care;He planned each detail in advance,He numbered every hair.
He picked your very temperament,He planned your every day;He knew exactly what you'd doAnd just what you would say.
He chose you then to be His own,To live with Him on high;He wrote you on His very palms,The apple of His eye.
He made you gifts to pleasure you,To brighten up your eyes;He made the earth, He made the sea,He made the endless skies.
To bring you joy, He made the birds,To see you smile, the flowers;To comfort you when things go wrongHe made the springtime showers.
He gave His angels a commandTo guard in all you do;Because you're precious in His sightHe did all this for you.
And when He saw you steeped in sin,With Love personified
He cloaked Himself in human flesh,Came down to earth, and died.
With His own blood He paid the price,He washed your sins away;With Love so great it conquered death,He rose on the third day.
And now He sits upon His throneIn Heaven up above;He's waiting there to hold you close,And all because of Love!
" Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."(Psalm 51:10 KJV)
" I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. (Ezekiel 36: 26 NIV)
" Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8 KJV)
" For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8 NIV)
" For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:17 KJV)
" This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."(Psalm 118:24 NIV)
" The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works."(Psalm 145:8,9 NKJV)
" I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."(2 Timothy 4:7 KJV)
" Search for the Lord and for his strength, and keep on searching. Think of the wonderful works he has done, the miracles and the judgments he handed down."(Psalm 105:4-5 NLT)
" …Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9-10 NIV)
The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." (Psalm 32:8 NLT)
" I will thank you, Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High." (Psalm 9:1-2 NLT)
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Praise ye the LORD.
Praise ye the LORD.
Psalm 92:1
IT IS A GOOD THING TO GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD, AND TO SING PRAISES UNTO THY NAME, O MOST HIGH:
Psalm 107:8Oh
that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalm 107:15Oh
that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalm 107:21
Oh
that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalm 107:31
Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalm 113:1
Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.
Psalm 113:3
From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised.
Psalm 115:18
But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.
Psalm 135:1
Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD.
Psalm 135:3
Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.
Psalm 146:1
Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.
Psalm 150:6
Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
Isaiah 12:4
And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
Isaiah 25:1
O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.
Isaiah 61:11
For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
Praise the LORD!
Jesus Christ Is Lord.
AMEN.
Psalm 92:1
IT IS A GOOD THING TO GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD, AND TO SING PRAISES UNTO THY NAME, O MOST HIGH:
Psalm 107:8Oh
that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalm 107:15Oh
that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalm 107:21
Oh
that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalm 107:31
Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalm 113:1
Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.
Psalm 113:3
From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised.
Psalm 115:18
But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.
Psalm 135:1
Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD.
Psalm 135:3
Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.
Psalm 146:1
Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.
Psalm 150:6
Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
Isaiah 12:4
And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
Isaiah 25:1
O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.
Isaiah 61:11
For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
Praise the LORD!
Jesus Christ Is Lord.
AMEN.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
(But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:)
(But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:)
I just have to share what the next scripture says 1 Corinthians 2:10 , and it shares so much....
1st scripture
1 Corinthians 2:9 (King James Version)
9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1 Corinthians 2:10 (King James Version)
Then the 2nd scripture:
10(But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:)
for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Infact all of 1 Corinthians 2 is very powerful...
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
6Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
I just have to share what the next scripture says 1 Corinthians 2:10 , and it shares so much....
1st scripture
1 Corinthians 2:9 (King James Version)
9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1 Corinthians 2:10 (King James Version)
Then the 2nd scripture:
10(But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:)
for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Infact all of 1 Corinthians 2 is very powerful...
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
6Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
The Rapture of His Saints
The Rapture of His Saints
The absolute promise of the Heavenly Father to care for and protect His own saints as His own family was evident from the very moment He created them in Genesis. The Father actually came down from Heaven and watched over the first family. He walked with them in the garden until sin drove them into hiding. Then He even killed an innocent animal to clothe them so they could come out of hiding for a limited fellowship with Himself. Slowly, that close communion was lost until only one man was recorded as walking with God.
Enoch was the last member of His family who had the privilege of taking a personal walk with God the Father was so moved by their time together that He invited Enoch to go back to Heaven with Him. The Bible records, “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” (Genesis 5:24)
The Rapture is much, much more than escaping from whatever level of judgment is coming on this world. The idea of God’s family being protected during His judgments is a Biblical principle that fills the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation. The Creator never judges the righteous with the wicked. Even Sodom and Gomorrah would have escaped the fire and brimstone destruction if ten righteous citizens could have been found. Jeremiah was instructed to purchase land while he was imprisoned by King Zedekiah even when he had pronounced that the invading army would carry them into captivity.
Jeremiah was removed from the captives as they marched into slavery and was allowed to return to his possessions. The faithful family of God that forsakes this world to walk with Him has nothing to fear when the Father and the Son begin their wrath on wickedness.
The ark was a perfect type of the Rapture.
The fury of God against wickedness had reached its full capacity and action was imminent. Noah was a righteous man and found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Elijah was another wonderful example of the Rapture. When Elijah had finished his ministry, the Father raptured him by a chariot and a whirlwind up to heaven in a supernatural flash. This kind of action by the Father of all creation is breathtaking and cannot be separated from His nature.
Every Scripture and every story in the Bible are part of the whole. You cannot have an Old Testament God that is different in the minutest detail from His person in the rest of Scripture. The Bible is a perfect whole and every nuance of truth fits the same pattern as all truth.
The Prophets Prepared the Way for the RaptureThe great events of God’s actions and His dealing with the families of the First Testament can only set the tone for the prophecies of God’s great voices.
The statesman prophet Isaiah gave one of the Bible’s greatest endorsements of the coming Rapture that will fulfill all the rest of His exclusive deliverance of the godly. It is evident from Isaiah’s prophecy that this was a personal hope not just a future prophecy. Isaiah was going by the way of the grave but he saw himself as an unwelcome guest in the graveyard. He could hear the dust of his ashes singing as resurrection life visited his tomb of hope.
Read his words of prophetic revelation. “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. Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” (Isaiah 26:19-21)
Anyone that cannot see the Rapture in these words has eyes that are blinded. Isaiah even saw the wedding chamber where the Bride would meet the Divine Husband. He saw this place of the wedding as a place where the saints would escape the indignation of the Father’s wrath against the wicked. He even understood that the earth was going to feel the wrath of judgment and that the righteous would not still be entombed in graveyards. The finality of this event is evident in the words, “the earth…shall no more cover her slain.” (Isaiah 26:21)
Malachi was another voice with an exceptional prophecy about the future Rapture. This prophecy unveils something about the Rapture that had not been revealed before. Malachi shows the two aspects of the future return of the Son of God. The Lord is seen making up His jewels by sparing them from His judgment and returning with them to be His army in judging the wicked on this earth. This very truth is at the heart of the pre-tribulational Rapture. He comes first to get his jewels and returns with them to establish His Kingdom on earth.
Read this prophecy. “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.” (Malachi 3:16-18)
It is simple to move from these First Testament truths right into the Second Testament church dispensation. The First Testament conceals the new but the Second Testament unveils the old. God intended that each covenant would accentuate the other.
The Second Covenant
Jesus Christ was very clear in giving support to the First Testament writers. His entire ministry and lessons came directly out of the First Covenant. If we will give to every verse of the Old Testament the same respect Jesus gave to the verses He quoted, we will be fully justified in doing so. In Matthew Chapter twenty-four Jesus Christ ties the writing of Daniel to His own words. The Son of God connects Daniel’s explanation of the dark revelation of the Antichrist to the period Jesus Christ describes as the Great Tribulation.
In that same text He reminds us of His coming in glory to establish His Kingdom on this earth. He once had described Daniel warning of the “abomination of desolation,” then tied it to the Great Tribulation, and spoke of Jesus coming; He then warned the listeners that they could escape the dark events by being prepared to be caught up with Him.
The Lord said this in a very revealing manner.
He stated, “So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (St. Matthew 24:33,37,40, 44)
If this is not convincing, then read St. Luke’s description of these very same words that Matthew quoted. Luke quoted the Son of God’s statement as follows “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” (St. Luke 21:34-36)
Jesus Christ was not trying to present a chronological picture, yet He came very close to doing so. Apostle Paul gave us the most celebrated Scripture teaching about the Rapture of the chosen family. The saints were weeping over the saintly loved ones they had buried in death. The apostle uses this sadness to give them hope and to show them the plan of God. He prophesied,“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:
and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
It would take considerable effort to mess up this Scripture.
The saints are certainly going to be resurrected from the dead and the living saints are going to be transformed. The Lord Himself is seen coming down from the third heaven to meet the saints as they arise into the heavens. It’s very apparent that they go all the way back to Heaven with Him and never separate from each other again. The words “caught up” which were used by our English translators were given as one word in the Greek language. It was “harpazo” and means “Rapture.” This word is a dynamic word and means “to snatch up, to carry off for oneself, to deliver from pending sorrow.” It is a perfect word for the Rapture of His saints to Himself.
The promised return of the Lord was a big thing with the early church. They never got used to being without Him in their midst even after the baptism of the Comforter. They actually expected Him to return before all of them had died! They were enthused to ready the whole world while they looked for Him at the same time.
They warned of the false brethren that would scoff at the hope of His coming. Peter wrote to saints saying, “…I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (2 Peter 3:1b-4)
Anyone that questioned His coming back for them was a false prophet to them and they were careful to say so.
Look at these powerful Scriptures that are loaded with the hope of the Rapture of His saints:
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (St John 14:1-3)
“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11)
“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: {taking: or, yielding} Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10)
“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, {unto him: or, around him} That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3)
The Book of RevelationEvery great truth in the Bible ends in the book of Revelation. From the moment Enoch “was not because God took him” in Genesis to the “open door in heaven” of Revelation, the great “catching away” of the saints has never ended. Apostle John was told by the Son of God that His vision of an open door in Heaven was the beginning of everything. “hereafter.” The seven letters clearly concluded at the Rapture where an apostate church had risen to spew its deception on the world. This great multitude of religious apostates will be spewed into the Tribulation. Look at these words, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16) Immediately after we see that scene in Revelation Chapter three, we see the next scene of the Rapture as Chapter four opens.
The Lord Himself is not visible in Chapter four but we hear Him speaking as the voice of a trumpet.” After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.” (Revelation 4:1-4)
The Old Testament saints and the New Testament saints are finally one. The twenty-four elders bring together an innumerable multitude to sit before the majestic throne of the Father and to prepare for the closing events of human history. The overcoming saints of both covenants of the Holy Bible are one together. They are never called saints again. They are elders from Chapter four to Chapter nineteen and then they become His army. After the victory of His Second Coming is complete, they will reign as kings and priests for one thousand years. After that, they have only one position as His eternal Bride dwelling in New Jerusalem.
Chapter five is the celebration of a seven sealed book that the Lamb of God receives at the Father’s hand. The seven years of the Great Tribulation could never begin until this book is presented to the Lamb of God and He and His elders, the glorified saints, prepare to judge and cleanse this earth.
“And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.” (St. John 5:27) But His church has been promised that she would judge the world and the angels. “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels?” (1 Corinthians 6:2-3a) This judgment of the world and of the angels is an intimate act of the seven years that start in the first verse of Chapter six. Chapters four and five are the picture of His family finally raptured to His presence and ready with the Lord of Lords Himself to set this world straight. Together we will judge all uncleanness, bring Satan and his unholy trinity to answer for six thousand years of destruction, and then prepare the world for the Kingdom of God.
a special thanks to all of you, and to paw creek for helping to prepare the Bride of king Jesus Christ...
The absolute promise of the Heavenly Father to care for and protect His own saints as His own family was evident from the very moment He created them in Genesis. The Father actually came down from Heaven and watched over the first family. He walked with them in the garden until sin drove them into hiding. Then He even killed an innocent animal to clothe them so they could come out of hiding for a limited fellowship with Himself. Slowly, that close communion was lost until only one man was recorded as walking with God.
Enoch was the last member of His family who had the privilege of taking a personal walk with God the Father was so moved by their time together that He invited Enoch to go back to Heaven with Him. The Bible records, “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” (Genesis 5:24)
The Rapture is much, much more than escaping from whatever level of judgment is coming on this world. The idea of God’s family being protected during His judgments is a Biblical principle that fills the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation. The Creator never judges the righteous with the wicked. Even Sodom and Gomorrah would have escaped the fire and brimstone destruction if ten righteous citizens could have been found. Jeremiah was instructed to purchase land while he was imprisoned by King Zedekiah even when he had pronounced that the invading army would carry them into captivity.
Jeremiah was removed from the captives as they marched into slavery and was allowed to return to his possessions. The faithful family of God that forsakes this world to walk with Him has nothing to fear when the Father and the Son begin their wrath on wickedness.
The ark was a perfect type of the Rapture.
The fury of God against wickedness had reached its full capacity and action was imminent. Noah was a righteous man and found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Elijah was another wonderful example of the Rapture. When Elijah had finished his ministry, the Father raptured him by a chariot and a whirlwind up to heaven in a supernatural flash. This kind of action by the Father of all creation is breathtaking and cannot be separated from His nature.
Every Scripture and every story in the Bible are part of the whole. You cannot have an Old Testament God that is different in the minutest detail from His person in the rest of Scripture. The Bible is a perfect whole and every nuance of truth fits the same pattern as all truth.
The Prophets Prepared the Way for the RaptureThe great events of God’s actions and His dealing with the families of the First Testament can only set the tone for the prophecies of God’s great voices.
The statesman prophet Isaiah gave one of the Bible’s greatest endorsements of the coming Rapture that will fulfill all the rest of His exclusive deliverance of the godly. It is evident from Isaiah’s prophecy that this was a personal hope not just a future prophecy. Isaiah was going by the way of the grave but he saw himself as an unwelcome guest in the graveyard. He could hear the dust of his ashes singing as resurrection life visited his tomb of hope.
Read his words of prophetic revelation. “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. Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” (Isaiah 26:19-21)
Anyone that cannot see the Rapture in these words has eyes that are blinded. Isaiah even saw the wedding chamber where the Bride would meet the Divine Husband. He saw this place of the wedding as a place where the saints would escape the indignation of the Father’s wrath against the wicked. He even understood that the earth was going to feel the wrath of judgment and that the righteous would not still be entombed in graveyards. The finality of this event is evident in the words, “the earth…shall no more cover her slain.” (Isaiah 26:21)
Malachi was another voice with an exceptional prophecy about the future Rapture. This prophecy unveils something about the Rapture that had not been revealed before. Malachi shows the two aspects of the future return of the Son of God. The Lord is seen making up His jewels by sparing them from His judgment and returning with them to be His army in judging the wicked on this earth. This very truth is at the heart of the pre-tribulational Rapture. He comes first to get his jewels and returns with them to establish His Kingdom on earth.
Read this prophecy. “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.” (Malachi 3:16-18)
It is simple to move from these First Testament truths right into the Second Testament church dispensation. The First Testament conceals the new but the Second Testament unveils the old. God intended that each covenant would accentuate the other.
The Second Covenant
Jesus Christ was very clear in giving support to the First Testament writers. His entire ministry and lessons came directly out of the First Covenant. If we will give to every verse of the Old Testament the same respect Jesus gave to the verses He quoted, we will be fully justified in doing so. In Matthew Chapter twenty-four Jesus Christ ties the writing of Daniel to His own words. The Son of God connects Daniel’s explanation of the dark revelation of the Antichrist to the period Jesus Christ describes as the Great Tribulation.
In that same text He reminds us of His coming in glory to establish His Kingdom on this earth. He once had described Daniel warning of the “abomination of desolation,” then tied it to the Great Tribulation, and spoke of Jesus coming; He then warned the listeners that they could escape the dark events by being prepared to be caught up with Him.
The Lord said this in a very revealing manner.
He stated, “So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (St. Matthew 24:33,37,40, 44)
If this is not convincing, then read St. Luke’s description of these very same words that Matthew quoted. Luke quoted the Son of God’s statement as follows “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” (St. Luke 21:34-36)
Jesus Christ was not trying to present a chronological picture, yet He came very close to doing so. Apostle Paul gave us the most celebrated Scripture teaching about the Rapture of the chosen family. The saints were weeping over the saintly loved ones they had buried in death. The apostle uses this sadness to give them hope and to show them the plan of God. He prophesied,“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:
and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
It would take considerable effort to mess up this Scripture.
The saints are certainly going to be resurrected from the dead and the living saints are going to be transformed. The Lord Himself is seen coming down from the third heaven to meet the saints as they arise into the heavens. It’s very apparent that they go all the way back to Heaven with Him and never separate from each other again. The words “caught up” which were used by our English translators were given as one word in the Greek language. It was “harpazo” and means “Rapture.” This word is a dynamic word and means “to snatch up, to carry off for oneself, to deliver from pending sorrow.” It is a perfect word for the Rapture of His saints to Himself.
The promised return of the Lord was a big thing with the early church. They never got used to being without Him in their midst even after the baptism of the Comforter. They actually expected Him to return before all of them had died! They were enthused to ready the whole world while they looked for Him at the same time.
They warned of the false brethren that would scoff at the hope of His coming. Peter wrote to saints saying, “…I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (2 Peter 3:1b-4)
Anyone that questioned His coming back for them was a false prophet to them and they were careful to say so.
Look at these powerful Scriptures that are loaded with the hope of the Rapture of His saints:
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (St John 14:1-3)
“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11)
“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: {taking: or, yielding} Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10)
“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, {unto him: or, around him} That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3)
The Book of RevelationEvery great truth in the Bible ends in the book of Revelation. From the moment Enoch “was not because God took him” in Genesis to the “open door in heaven” of Revelation, the great “catching away” of the saints has never ended. Apostle John was told by the Son of God that His vision of an open door in Heaven was the beginning of everything. “hereafter.” The seven letters clearly concluded at the Rapture where an apostate church had risen to spew its deception on the world. This great multitude of religious apostates will be spewed into the Tribulation. Look at these words, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16) Immediately after we see that scene in Revelation Chapter three, we see the next scene of the Rapture as Chapter four opens.
The Lord Himself is not visible in Chapter four but we hear Him speaking as the voice of a trumpet.” After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.” (Revelation 4:1-4)
The Old Testament saints and the New Testament saints are finally one. The twenty-four elders bring together an innumerable multitude to sit before the majestic throne of the Father and to prepare for the closing events of human history. The overcoming saints of both covenants of the Holy Bible are one together. They are never called saints again. They are elders from Chapter four to Chapter nineteen and then they become His army. After the victory of His Second Coming is complete, they will reign as kings and priests for one thousand years. After that, they have only one position as His eternal Bride dwelling in New Jerusalem.
Chapter five is the celebration of a seven sealed book that the Lamb of God receives at the Father’s hand. The seven years of the Great Tribulation could never begin until this book is presented to the Lamb of God and He and His elders, the glorified saints, prepare to judge and cleanse this earth.
“And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.” (St. John 5:27) But His church has been promised that she would judge the world and the angels. “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels?” (1 Corinthians 6:2-3a) This judgment of the world and of the angels is an intimate act of the seven years that start in the first verse of Chapter six. Chapters four and five are the picture of His family finally raptured to His presence and ready with the Lord of Lords Himself to set this world straight. Together we will judge all uncleanness, bring Satan and his unholy trinity to answer for six thousand years of destruction, and then prepare the world for the Kingdom of God.
a special thanks to all of you, and to paw creek for helping to prepare the Bride of king Jesus Christ...
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