When Jesus was approached by a certain young rich man, the following conversation ensued:

“And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

“And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” Matt. 19:16-17

And so we have the question: If only God is good, can we say we are a good Christian, or a good father, or a good mother?

To confuse the issue, there are verses like this:

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

“But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

“The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

“As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:10-15

So on the one hand it appears that Jesus is saying he’s the good shepherd, on the other that he’s not even good.

It is no wonder that so many people think the Bible is a book full of contradictions. The unlearned and unbelieving will say, “It contradicts itself and you cannot trust it.”

But we know it to be he Word of God, and that when ever it appears to contradict, it is only an apparent contradiction, and that there is an explanation that lacks contradiction.

Whenever the Bible contradicts itself, we know that when originally given, the Word of God did not, and that apparent contradictions exist either in translation or in our understanding.

“Why callest thou me good?’ in Scripture is a literal absolute. Jesus was saying that literally, there is only one good. But it is time for a question that on the surface seems self-explanatory: What does he mean here by “good?”

Translation or understanding.

These are always the two areas that bring about contradictions as we read a Bible, that explain apparent contradictions in Scripture.

If we look up the word “good” in Matthew 19, we find the word “agathos” which is defined as “intrinsic virtue.” If we look at John 10, we find “good” is “kalos,” meaning “the appearance of virtue.”

Jesus was saying that as the good shepherd, his shepherding puts on the characteristics of virtue. But only God has the intrinsic value, the inherent nature of virtue.

God and God only.

Not Jesus, and if not Jesus, certainly no other man or woman.

Of course, if we fail to recognize that Jesus is God’s creation, that Jesus as a being separate from God had his own free will, and could have chosen to deviate from following God’s will, we have a problem with this.

In our understanding, we will fail to understand how Jesus could lack virtue that was inherent and inseparable. See how our understanding could create an apparent contradiction that could only be accepted by “You have to take it on faith?”

Indeed, we only have trust God on faith, but to do that, we have to recognize the integrity of God’s Word, that it does not contradict itself, that it contains literally no errors.

In a direct and literal way, only God has inherent goodness that cannot be separated from Who He is.

Jesus, not so much.

In his ministry, he could have veered, went his own way, followed his own will or even rejected God’s outright as Adam did. In all real and literal ways, Jesus was tempted, but in a real and literal way, God cannot be. God as a virtue that is inseparable from Who He is. Only God is agathos.

But Jesus is the good shepherd. He put on all righteousness, he put on all virtue. By choice and free will, he did the right things. Jesus is the kalos shepherd.

See the resolution an accurate translation makes?

Now, let’s muddy the water again.

“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

“A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” Matt. 12:34-35

One second, Jesus says only God is good, agathos, now he’s saying a man can indeed be agathos. It’s apparent contradiction time.

First, who is this “good man?” It does not identify him does it”?

Matthew 19 clearly identified Jesus and everybody else as not good, not containing inherent virtue, and God specifically as having this quality.

Matthew 12, however, is a general reference to a paradox man who is personally unidentified, hypothetical.

You see how, if we fail to understand Biblical usage, we might think we have a contradiction? 

In Scripture, a hypothetical paradox is a figure of speech that underscores figuratively a very literal truth. It is Biblically a literary device that can use a parallel to bring attention to very real qualities or realities.

What quality, what reality is brought alive by the paradox of a hypothetical “agathos” man?

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

“For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matt. 12:36-37

At judgment, when our words and our works are judged, we will find that our lives will be accounted as to whether they can be considered to have had intrinsic virtue or not. And this accounting will be based on the intrinsic virtue of words and works.

Look at Tabitha:

“Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” Acts 9:36

This is the first application of the word “agathos” in the Church, and it refers to her works.

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

“Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

“If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

“If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”1 Cor. 3:11-15

You see? For the Christian, the works that have intrinsic virtue will be tried and remain. The rest, no.

“(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

“For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:

“Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” Rom. 2:13-16

See?

Thus, based on the inherent virtue of the body of works and the witness of conscience, and man, is by the grace of God accounted as having intrinsic virtue.

But the leaders of Israel, men who were certain they were good, were a generation of vipers, Jesus said! They bore rotten fruit!

What then?

We will not worry about whether we are good. We will concern ourselves, one act at a time, with emulating Jesus Christ and seeing to it that each act we dedicate to our Lord has intrinsic value, that it is indeed a blessing to God and to someone in God’s Church.

Amen?

Amen!

Jesus, Redeemer

Gen. 1:27-28: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”

We see that Man, created in the image of God, had dominion. Over every living thing, Man was Lord.

Sound familiar?

Of course. The man the Scriptures call “the second Adam”, Jesus, is now Lord.

But God created Man in His image. God is spirit, and the image He created Man in was His own.

Adam originally had spirit. Until this spirit died when he ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam was Lord.

Gen. 2:15-17: “And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

What died? Did Adam’s body and his soul, his “breath life”, did they die? No, Adam’s body was breathing for another 900 years.

The created part of Adam, the spirit, the source of the power he needed to function as Lord had died.

Rom. 6:16: “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”

When Adam sinned, he not only died, but he also became servant of sin.

Who is the master of sin? The Devil, Satan.

2 Cor. 4:3-4: “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

Here Satan is referred to as “the god of this world” because of his influence. He wields this influence by blinding people into sin, by tricking people into obedience. People like Adam and Eve, people like you and I when we allow him.

I say allow, because today we have a choice. More on that later.

How did Satan get this power?

Who you obey, you are the servant of, whether sin unto death, as Adam did, or God unto righteousness and life. In tempting Jesus, the Devil revealed his power, as well as how he acquired it:

Luke 4:5-8: “And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

“And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.

“If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

“And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

Jesus was a man. He could have been awed by the Devil’s power, and thought, “Oh, wow, look at what I could have now.”

Just as you and I have been tempted with instant gratification, Jesus was being tempted with the glory, the dominion of earth, for the Devil said, “For that is delivered unto me.”

How was it delivered?

We just read “whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are.”

Adam had yeilded to Satan’s temptation to sin, we all have. Adam had dominion of the kingdoms, but gave it away.

When we sin, we still give it away. Without God on our side, we have no choice. Without God, we are taken captive at Satan’s will. What strength of character Jesus demonstrated!

Heb. 4:15-16: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

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

2 Tim. 2:25-26: “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

“And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”

See? Without God, we have no choice, we are ensnared because without God, we do not have the tools to fight. With God, we have Jesus, who went through every little and big temptation.

Here is a big chance for Jesus to be ensnared, and the Devil offers him the whole enchilada, a chance to be Satan’s underruler. “All shall be thine.”

This was more blatant than the tricks Satan uses with most of us. But the reward offered, “All this shall be thine,” was much greater.

What did Jesus say? “Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

Score one for the good guys. Jesus refused to be sidetracked, he refused to allow his focus to go away from God. As a result of his blood being pure and his heart never obeying Satan, Satan had no right to the blood of Jesus.

Was it easy? One imagines not. Jesus loved, Jesus longed, Jesus felt pain like any other man.

He wept over the death of his best friend, Lazarus. He grieved over the passing of his cousin, John the baptist. He hungered many times, even during the temptations of the wilderness he would have been sorely ravenous.

When he was betrayed by Judas, how did that make him feel? Was he indifferant?

No. He was tempted in every way, and he had as much temptation, he was touched with the feelings of our infirmities at every level, that we would have been.

What strength of will, of trust in God, did he have to bear hours and hours of beatings, scourgings and humiliation at the hands of Jew and Gentile alike? If he groaned from expectation of the coming trials, what were his prayers like when the Romans were torturing him?

When the evil, angry mob beset him and demanded “Crucify him, crucify him,” he had already been beaten and scourged.

By the time he was dragged to Calvary, his face was so battered he could not be recognized as a man.

When the spikes, thick enough to hold the thin bones and flesh of hands and feet, were driven into nerves that caused stimulation of pain to every other nerve in his body, what dedication kept him hanging there?

When he was left there for hours, battered, bruised beyond recognition, every nerve in his body given over to pain, what kept his steeled for our sakes? He had done no wrong, it was not his own sin he was paying for.

Sure he knew, “It was written.” Sure he was the son of God, created with perfect, sinless, innocent blood. But what love for God, what love for Mankind it must have taken for him not to waver, when at any time he copuld have said, “Father, enough,” and tens of thousands of angels would have rescued him.

Rom. 6:23a: “For the wages of sin is death;…”

That’s right. The consequence of Adam giving in to sin was immediate spiritual death, plus the flesh and breath succumbing years later. Jesus must have driven this into every fibre of his being to keep hanging there to pay this debt. Only one death had no claim on could pay the price for any other than themselves.

The wages of sin is death.

For Adam, being close to genetic perfection even after sin entered, it was centuries later. For us, its a few decades at best.

Either way, we have a debt, and that debt is death.

Col. 2:13-15: “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

We were dead, nothing but rotting flesh that would be in the grave in a few decdes, but Christ quickened us. Through his works, through his sufferings, through his perserverence to see it through we were made alive spiritually. We again have the spirit Adam lost.

Because we were dead, servants to sin, we were controlled by principalities and powers, captive at their will.

Now though we are servants to Christ and to God.

We are forgiven.

Being forgiven, we are also redeemed, no longer property of the god of this world.

Ex. 15:13: “Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.”

At first, only Israel had been redeemed, but they gave themselves back to idolotry and sin in the wilderness. Thus, through laws and ordinances, God gave them a way to be redeemed through sacrifices and offerings.

2 Sam. 7:23-24: “And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, from the nations and their gods?

“For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be a people unto thee for ever: and thou, LORD, art become their God.”

This “confirmation” was the covenant, with its laws and ordinances:

1 Chron. 16:13-19: “O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

“He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.

“Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;

“Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac;

“And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,

“Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance;

“When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it.”

These laws and ordinances were not just the first ten we call The Ten Commandments. There were over 900 of them. Israel was responsible to do all of them, thus they are said to be “the handwriting of ordinances that were against us.”

But Christ shed his blood on the cross, nailing these ordinances to his cross.

“Redemption” means “to trade something of value to gain posession of something you want.”

We used to gather S&H Green Stamps as proofs of purchase and redeem them for toasters and pot holders.

You may save bars codes and send them to Kellogg’s to redeem them for a rooster t-shirt.

Jesus Christ hung on a cross on the hill called “The Place of the Skulls,” where he shed his life, to reddem us both from the Law andfrom sin, and therefore from this world.

Gal. 3:12-14: “And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

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

“That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

See? We are redeemed from the Law and through faith in and of Christ, we receive that spirit of promise. As Adam lost spirit unto death, through Christ we gain spirit unto life.

This spirit is like the Green Stamps, or like the UPC, it is a proof of purchase.

Eph. 1:13-14: “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

“Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

Jesus earned all the Green Stamps he needed to waltz right in and claim us.

When the Body is full, he will.

Until then, we are no longer forced to serve sin, no longer forced to be taken captive at Satan’s will. We now havve a choice, because Jesus paid the price.

We have been redeemed from the god of this world. Now our motto is, “It is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

No more are we servants of sin unto death, but of God unto righteousness and unto life.

Rom. 8:12-14: “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

It is as sons that we prevail, it is as sons that we walk in the spirit, it is as sons that we manifest ourselves as the redeemed of God, saved through the blood of Jesus Christ.

This is what Jesus earned for us when his body was bruised beyond endurance and his blood poured out from the thrust of a Roman spear. This is what his voluntary agony purchased.

We are Christ’s, he has paid the wages of our sins, and Christ is God’s.

Therefore we belong to God, and therefore we are no longer owned by this world.

Let us lift up our lives to God, believe these things and act like it. Let’s live in gratitude for what Jesus did for us.

Amen?

AMEN!

One of the most confusing things for the Church today is the manifestaion of spirit called “speaking in tongues.”

To the unbeliever, it is nonsense. Those who have tried to record and analize it have been treated to a language unlike anything they can verify. Such is all the fools who think they can put an Almighty God under their microscopes, test Him the way they test rats and monkeys, deserve.

The tongues of angels, perhaps?

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” 1 Cor. 13:1

So they call it glossolalia, and call it gibberish. Yet there are many who have seen someone unlearned in a language speak to someone who is the wonders and glory of God, giving the Father of life praise and thanksgiving.

To the “traditional” believer, speaking in tongues was a short-lived phenomenon that ended with the apostles. After all, when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away with.

Yet in Against Heresies, Irenaeus reports that speaking in tongues was widely practiced in the Church still, in 177 AD. This is long after the apostles were gone.

To some, it is a crucial part of salvation. Yet Scripture very concisely states we are saved, not by speaking in tongues, but by grace, a grace received when we confess the truth that Jesus is indeed lord and believe that God indeed raised him from the dead.

Indeed, Paul writes “I would that ye all spake with tongues…”* and “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

  “…the Church seeing in the saints … friends and servants of God whose holy lives have made them worthy of His special love…” and, “…If we may beseech those who still live on earth, why not those who live in heaven?”

In Hebrews eleven, we see a long list of Old Testament believers, some said to be numbered among they who “live in Heaven.”

Enoch, Abraham, Moses, David, all died in faith having not received the promises, and who will not, without us:

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” Heb. 11:13

“And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

“God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” Heb. 11:39-40

These all received a good report, but have not received the promise without us.

In fact, Revelation talks of the first resurrection:

“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, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Rev. 20:4-6

This takes place right after the end of the Beast’s reign on earth. If these holy martyrs (including many who are supposedly beautified) first are alive again after their deaths then, and the rest of the dead live not again until the thousand year reign of Christ is up, who then lives in Heaven right now?

Certainly not the dead saints.

“Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake.

“For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?” Ps. 6:4-6

If the dead have no remembrance of the Lord, how are they making intercession for those believers on earth?

 “Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Eccl. 9:9-10

Those believers that are not Christian, that are not of the Church which is called the Body of Christ, what about them?

“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.” 1 Thes. 4:13-17

Those alive shall not precede, go before (the word “prevent” in the texts means “precede”) those who “sleep,” those of the Body who have died.

They are called asleep because they shall rise again, but for now, they are not aware. Right now, they have no wisdom, no knowledge in the grave.

They are dead, like all the dead whom the Church has “beautified” through the centuries.

What then about the saints?

“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

“By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

“Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

“To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 1:1,5-7

Paul, servant of Jesus Christ, addresses ALL those in Rome who are beloved of God, whose calling is as saints.

The saints are the beloved of God.

The saints are you and I who are in the Church.

Are we beloved?

Are we called?

“But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

“Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thes. 2:12-14

You see, the word “saints” in the New Testament is “agion,” which simply means “sanctified,” “set apart.” It is translated “holy,” and refers to the special place God has accounted us to be. We are set apart from the world for His purpose.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Rom. 12:1-2

You see, as we present our bodies a sacrifice, we are God’s sanctified, we are God’s saints. We have been set apart in Christ, by God’s gift of holy spirit which Jesus left us when he ascended.

It behooves us not to be conformed to this world, but to the high calling we have in our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, as the called and beloved og God.

Amen?

AMEN!

May 8, 2010

Damnable Heresies

 If the Scriptures indeed are, as many of us maintain, the record we have of God’s original message to Mankind, then does it not behoove us to find out exactly what God meant when the revelations of Scripture were originally given?

 While it may be impossible for any one person or any group of people to compile the entire original text as originally given, these promises remain:

 “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Psalm 100:5

 And,

 “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

“But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Pet. 1:22-25

We know that if this Scripture indeed reveals the record we have remaining of the Word God once revealed to us, it is still available. God’s truth endures to how many generations?

All generations.

And by the gospel, the “good news,” which we know to be the Scriptures revealing the ministry of Jesus and the effects of his resurrection and ascension, the word that endureth forever is preached to us.

So if it endures forever, we have to be able to get to it.

But as 1 Peter reveals, we have to be willing to obey it.

You see, the truth does not obey us. We have to obey it.

Peter, in 2 Peter, writes of those among the flock who he said would bring in “damnable heresies”:

“Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;” 2 Pet. 2:15

“The way of Balaam” was that he was being paid by the king of Moab to curse Israel on God’s behalf to benefit Moab.

God had basically told Balaam, “If these men call you in the morning, go with, and Balaam rose up and went to them. After some amount of drama, God gave Balaam the go ahead, but told Balaam only to speak what God told him to speak.

But in spite of all this, Balaam wanted the riches offered by Balak king of Moab, he went many times before God seeking enchantments, trying to cajole God into siding with Balak against Israel. But each time, God rejected the wicked corruption of Balaam, and finally, Balaam recognized what was going on. 

“And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether.

“And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?” Num. 23:11-12

Time and time Balaam tried to appease the king and earn the riches. He climbed mountains, made massive sacrifices of oxen. Balaam really wanted the riches and glory promised him by the king, but each time God rejected Balaam. Finally Balaam’s thick skull got the message.

So the last place Balak took Balaam seeking a prophesy against Israel, you see this:

“And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.” Num. 24:1

Balaam went to God hoping God would stamp a seal of approval on what Balaam had already decided he wanted to do.

Teachers and elders in the Church often do likewise.

You see, when the teachers of Scripture can make the people feel comfortable, and can tell them what they expect or want to hear, then they are generally rewarded by the grace of the congregation: tithes and offerings.

There is a place in the Christian Church for offerings. Paul talks about this in some detail, concluding that a person is to give as they purpose in their heart, not grudgingly, not because they are “supposed to.” (I.E., of necessity.)

But love of money is a root of all evil.

We see that Peter said the Church was being corrupted in order that some might receive the wages of unrighteousness.

Thus, many craft their sermons carefully that the doctrines of the denomination are respected. Each section of Scripture is carefully taught according to the correct dogma, often down to the very verse.

God’s truth is to all generations. That includes the gospel Paul and Peter preached of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, whom God raised from the dead.

That includes the gospel of Jesus Christ, Son of God, who when we deny we deny God Who is the Father of the Son.

What part of  “Son” is unclear to you?

But those following Balaam’s ways are increasingly translating even the Word of God itself, not in order to make God’s choice of words available to you, but to justify what Peter calls “damnable heresies.”

Now, there are legitimate variations in Scripture between places where the same word is used with different meaning. If I say to you, “You have a green shirt,” if you speak English you assume I mean the color is green. If I say “You have a green thumb,” you will likely assume I mean you are a wonderful gardener.

But when Scripture was given, English was not any of the languages. Scripture was written in variations of Hebrew and Greek. All the other texts come from those sources. They were translated.

There has always been a tendency among preachers to interpret Scripture in light of their doctrine and in light of what the Congregation will be comfortable with and will keep the money flowing. For example, how many preachers will preach that the tithe was never mentioned as something that applied to the Churches among the Gentiles?

Even fewer will even admit the tithe even to Israel under the Law was limited to a tenth of agricultural increase, never applied to wages, profits from industry or craft, etc.

They choose to interpret everything in light of what is expected, and in light of what keeps the money flowing in.

Increasingly, this willingness to corrupt the intended meaning of the God-breathed Word has crept into translation as well. “Traditional” mainstream denominations are increasingly challenged on their doctrine and dogma in that it often blatantly contradicts Scripture, and so they are forced to pick and choose between which verses they will believe.

This is not good for credibility, thus it is not good for the money coming in.

Regarding New Testament Scriptures, there have always been some discrepancy in various copies and versions. But we’ve always been able to compare old with new, the most with the few, and thus those of us who want to get back to the meaning indicated by the preponderance of Scriptural evidence have been able to.

Look at two usages of a single word used figuratively in Scripture, “One.”

In the King James, we have:

“I and my Father are one.” John. 10:30

Now, the moneymaker says “I and my Father are the same.” I.E., that Jesus and the Father are both God. This is Church dogma, how most denominations interpret this verse.

But John in this same book of John later says:

“And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:” John. 17:22

Ouch.

Does not look good for the common denomination interpretation.

This whole chapter of John literally expounds on how Jesus is “one” with God,” and we are “one” in them. It connotes unity on several levels. Thus, it expounds on the use of “I and my Father are one” back in chapter ten.

Look back at the record in chapter ten.

“I and my Father are one.

“Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

“Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

“The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.” John 10:30-33

When Jesus said “I and my Father are one,” the unbelievers assumed he was making himself to be God. The unbelievers still say he was claiming that, only now they are calling themselves Christians instead of Jews. Damnable heresies, remember?

But what did Jesus say?

“Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

“If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

“Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?” John 10:34-36

Jesus answered by saying, “You say I am committing blasphemy (the blasphemy of claiming to be God) because I say I am the Son of God?”

First he told them that even if he used the title “God” it would not automatically mean he was claiming to be God, because it was a legitimate usage for those who represent God.

Then he pointed out he didn’t even claim to be God (Jesus never lied) but the Son of God.

What part of Son don’t we understand?

So not only does Jesus point out he is not claiming to be God in John 10, we have John 17 that says we can be one as they are.

I am not you, you are not I, but we are to be one in Christ, and Christ in God.

When one really reads what is written, it is clear.

But what of those who interpret Scripture according to what they believe, rather than translating it so it can speak for itself?

John 10:30 and John 17:22:

You see that the first two versions (KJV & NIV), as most translations, stay faithful to the original wordage used, in spite of the conflict with the common theology.

But the last version, God’s Word Bible, uses an entirely different word in 17:22 (unity) to avoid making a connection back to “I and my Father are one” in 10:30. They are teaching, they are translating to support their theology, according to damnable heresies, according to the way of Balaam.

This is what people have to do in order to mutate words in the words away from what was intended. They have to replace what they originally meant with something they did not.

They have to alter the Word of God.

When God revealed to the prophets of Israel and the prophets of the Church the holy Scriptures, He was the ultimate Boss dictating to willing “secretaries.” Each word in the Word, each rhema in the Logos, was perfectly grammatically precise.

When Jesus is called the Word, literally He is being called “The expression of God’s thought,” for that is what “Logos” means. Rhemata are the words and phrases used to form the Logos.

If we get the rhemata wrong, do not think for a second that your comprehension of the Logos of God will be as clear as it can be, as it should be.

We need to work the Word with respect for the precise usage of words God intended, so that we do not have to guess. Not many people in Scripture were as forcefully confronted for their error as Balaam.

We have grace, we have the gift of pnuema hagion, but we are also to study, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Let us walk in the revelation of that gospel, not bringing in our own damnable heresies.

Amen?

Amen!

http://www.freechristianministry.com/integrity.html

Nephalim: Fallen Angels A Study in Scriptural Integrity:Storylines in Genesis IV Scripture development, Biblical use of words.

We have seen it is often necessary to combine scriptural interpretation techniques to come to a fuller understanding.

In studying Genesis 6:4 our primary tool will be scripture development, but we will also need to look up the Biblical use of certain words and phrases.

It is indeed excellent, a manifestation of God’s grace that we have the priviledge of even serving Jesus Christ. It is simply astounding that this service primarily consists of simply accepting the truth concerning God, and the truth concerning His son Jesus Christ, and living accordingly.

It is simply awesome to understand that the mightiest living entity ever (and always) in existence has created us to fellowship with Him.

It is also incredible to realize that, thanks to the revelations of the “Church Epistles,” (The post-Ascension Bible books written to the Body of Christ) we do not have to be ignorant of spiritual matters. How easy it is to sift the “flour” of Old Testament, Gospel , Church, and Apocalyptic revelation through the filter of the revelation of “the things that are freely given to us of God,

“…comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”

But how easy it is to forget to do this!

Remember how it is written, that the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God, neither can he know them, for they are spiritually discerned?

In this context came the great truth that while we now have a terrestrial body; in the future we shall have a spiritual.

Now the seed via which we reproduce therefore is carnal. But then?

Then we shall be as the angels of God, neither marrying, or given in marriage. Why? Because, the earth will be filled, and the purpose of God in human procreation fulfilled.

What is the purpose of God?

God Himself demanded of Job,

“Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth,” of “eden,” of paradise?

…who laid the corner stone thereof,

When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?”

Job 38:4b & 6b-7

The corner stone? What IS the cornerstone of Paradise?

Man.

Just as the man Jesus is corner stone for the church, MAN is the cornerstone of paradise, Jesus himself being chief.

As it is even today said, God made the heavens for earth, earth for man, and man for himself.

Man was not present for the laying of eden. He was, however, present for the promise of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone, in whom all the sons of God to this day rejoice.

And after his creation, Man was given three responsibilities above his duty to love God, three “jobs.”

1) “Don’t eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”

2) “Dress and keep the garden.”

3) “Replenish the earth.”

(Gen. 2:17; 2:15, 1:28; 1:27-28)

When woman was given the promise of a seed for mankind, the “laying of the corner,” (Gen. 3:15) Adam could rejoice. When new generations were given additional details, as this “corner” was laid, the people, the sons of God, rejoiced, along with the morning stars, God’s spirits, which watched this unfold.

It looked at one time like the promise would not come to pass, that God’s Word was going to fail.

Man failed at two of his responsibilities. He had eaten that which he was told not to, which foiled his ability to fellowship perfectly with God. This led to his expulsion from the garden he was to tend, and while he was still to tend the earth, it was no longer in harmony.

But although not in its intended fullness, he could perform the third, “replenish the earth.”

The effect of this duty is explained in Gen 5:1 ” This is the book of the generations of Adam.” The standard of how Man accomplished this was revealed in verse three, “and begat in his own likeness, after his image.”

After his image. Today we would say, “according to the parent’s DNA.”

What was the image of Adam? Was it the image of God? No, that part of Adam “in the day he ate thereof” died. I Corinthians, regarding the revelation of spiritual matters, tells us it was “earthy.” “Terrestrial,” not “celestial.” And that, in the pattern God created, “after his kind, with the seed in itself.”

As much as the first part of Genesis deals with the failure of man’s first two responsibilities, this section of Genesis deals with his struggle to “replenish” the earth: procreation of man.

Man procreates how? Right. Through intercourse, impregnation and conception, and gestation of immature young. Therefore, man’s failures in this section deal primarily with failures of this nature.

And he procreates “after his kind.” Even chimpanzees, having only 2% difference of genetic material, cannot procreate with man. It is “after its kind,” and the “kind” of man is terrestrial.

(When man’s nature after Judgment becomes celestial, it will be as “the angels in heaven, neither marrying or given in marriage,” which will involve no ability to reproduce, for we will have no need to “replenish the earth.”)

Notice the “Ands” which connect all the following verses to Gen. 6:1. It connects ALL the activity to that last verse, using a figure of speech called “anaphora,” starting all the parts of a list with the same word.

There are actually several figures of speech connecting this entire section, including anaphora and parallel lines, but we in this study will concentrate anaphora and on a specific “A-B” literary structure, what is called a “complex extended alternation” of parallellines that will bring us to the conclusion to the matter.

(“A-B” simply means a word or phrase dealing with one subject or idea, then a word or phrase dealing with a relative but different subject or idea, and then alternately repeating it one or more times in succession.)

Gen. 5:2: “male (A) and female (B) created he them.”

“Male” and “female,” afterward replaced with the similar “sons” and “daughters,” are the nouns of our complex alternation of parallel lines. “Sons” and “daughters” are the nouns of our “complex extended alternation.”

Remember, what this means simply is that God is putting extreme emphasis on this, and He would very much like us to get it right.

We continue with the form of this account:

5:4: “and begat sons (A) and daughters. (B)”

5:7: “and begat sons (A) and daughters. (B)”

5:13: “and begat sons (A) and daughters. (B)”

5:16: “and begat sons (A) and daughters. (B)”

5:19: “and begat sons (A) and daughters. (B)”

5:22: “and begat sons (A) and daughters. (B)”

5:26: “and begat sons (A) and daughters. (B)”

5:30: “sons (A) and daughters (B).”

The next verse, 6:1, will conclude the thought connected by the “Ands”.

6:1: And it came to pass, when men (A) began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters (B) were born unto them…”

All the figurative elements are brought together here in verse 1. The continued “And” of the series anaphora is here. The A-B parallel line structure of the subjects “sons” and “daughters” is still present. The significance of man’s third responsibility, to replenish the earth, is still here.

The next verse makes the point.

6:2: “That the sons of God (A) saw the daughters of men (B) that they were fair, and they took them wives of all which they chose.”

These sons, (A), and these daughters, (B), who were they? Since we have the A-B figure, it is the same general people throughout.

These “sons” are the same as the sons of Adam in 5:4, and of Enos in 5:10, so on down the line. It is one chain of thoughts here, not a collection of esoteric messages. This is a concise listing and explanation of the “generations of Adam,” Adam whose sons are, as he was, referred to as “sons of God.”

Why are they called the sons of God?

Because they were progeny of he who was created “in the image of God.” Of course, this is Adam. Genesis 5:1, remember. The context, Genesis, tells me this. I don’t have to guess or search elsewhere. While Adam died spiritually, he still a son of God by creation (not begotten,) and so his sons were referred to likewise.

The context, Genesis, reveals all of these things as well. I don’t have to guess or try to read into it. Eve was made as a helpmate, a partner, for Adam. This was the only given standard. Her daughters were who? The daughters of men.

Lets continue, having seen just who these sons are and understanding that these daughters were also the daughters of chapter 5, and indeed all were the sons and daughters of the sons and daughters.

6:3:” And the Lord said, My Spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.”

Hold on. God is angry. Why? All it said is that people went about replenishing the earth like He said to, right? Why is He then angry?

Because man is blowing his third “job.”

How? And why is his error so great as to bring upon him wrath?

We are dealing with the sons of God. These were people still very close to the dawn of creation, close in generations to  he who was made “in God’s image.” Their genetic makeup was not as contaminated as it would some day be.

These were beautiful and attractive men, healthy and vibrant. They were “hunks,” personable, having everything going for them, and they had decades in which to develop their charms, for they were long lived.

The women were “daughters of men,” not just any men but these sons of God, and they were “fair.” Same thing here, they were gorgeous, the lot of them.

THEN, it said, “they took them wives of all which they chose.”

God is mad for this? This is why he will not strive? There is more than the English translation would have us believe. The word “wives” is the generic word for “women” in the text; these men took for women “all” of which they choose.

It does not say, “this man chose this woman, that man chose that woman, and they paired off.” Nor does it say “one of whom they chose.”

No, it says “all.”

They would choose this one today, that one tomorrow. It was nothing more than promiscuous fornication, not at all in the order that God had set up.

THEREFORE, “My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh.”

For corrupting the final task he was given to do, for this God was “angry” with man! Why?

Because people are hurt by the sin of others. Not only the sinner, even those around them reap ill. God’s plan for Man, and thus the ability of Man to live rightly, was botched.

6:4: “There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of reknown.”

Giants. Big, tall people? Yes, but I don’t believe that tells the entire story. The “giants” were, in Hebrew, “nephilim,” a word from the root “nephal” that means “fallen ones” or “fallen.” Fallen how?

Some say it is fallen angels. I don’t believe it can be handled that way, by guessing or searching high and low for a hint of a hidden meaning. When we find the meaning, we will be astounded at how clearly it will fit into the context.

I believe that the key is in the word “nephilim.” The root for “nephilim” is the same as for a word translated “abomination,” and also for a word translated “concubine.”

“Nephal,” root of “piggul,” is translated once “abomination,” and “pilegesh” is translated “concubine” 36 times and “paramour” once.

“Fallen to evil of a sexual nature,” perhaps, and whether “giants” are “spirits which influence to sexual deviancy,” or “men who are prone to such,” you judge. I would guess the latter, because the phrase “after that” connotes they weren’t always here with man, while Lucifer’s follower spirits seem to have been.

Regardless, there were giants, and the sons of God were men which came in unto the daughters of men, and caused them to bare children. It does NOT say that the “nephilim” did that to them, but MEN who were called “sons of God.”

The children born to these promiscuous unions, the conclusion of the “A-B” sequence that tells of the “replinishing” of the earth, are these mighty men. They became mighty men, men of renown. Giants. Nephilim.

They were men, men coming from “seed” after their own “likeness” (1:11, 1:24, 5:3) There is no indication they were more or less than the offspring of fallen men, pure and simple. For them to be would contradict the pattern of Genesis and the truths of Matthew 22 and I Corinthians 15.

Remember, angels are not given to marriage. Why?

They are not made for procreation.

“The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,

“Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

“Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:

“Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.

“And last of all the woman died also.

“Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

“For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.” Matt. 22:23-30

When those resurrected have new bodies, they will be like the angels, not marrying, not given in marriage.

Scripturally, “marrying and given in marriage” is not a legal arrangement, it is not a social arrangement. It is a man “taking” a woman, a woman “taking” a wife, sealed by the act of carnal union.

Angels do not do this.

Even if they were to “manifest in flesh” and engage in carnal unions, look at 1 Corinthians:

“The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven.

“As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

“And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

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

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

“For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” 1 Cor. 15:47-53

The first man, Adam, is of the earth, the second man of heaven. When dealing with the issues related to procreation (and keeping God’s command) in the earthly, and related to the resurrection, this is important to remember.

Those that are earthy, such as those who procreate, are earthy. Those who are heavenly, who are spiritual, do not procreate the same way.

“Be fruitful, and multiply” was to a man of both earth and heaven, before the fall.

But after the Fall, Adam was dead spiritually, he had died when sin entered by his work.

Now Adam, and his children, are earthy, and it is these earthy children Paul refers to in 1 Corinthians 15.

Look at all the trouble God Himself had to go through to build Himself a family based on the incorruptible seed, pnuema hagion.

Luke records the account of Matthew 22 a little differently.

This does not mean either account is erroneous. Often in Scripture not all of the conversation or events of a situation are recorded, indeed, that would take a book to large to carry.

Rather, one account may contain part of the account, some, other parts.

For example, two malefactors, two “kagorgai,” were led and crucified at the same time as Jesus, and one railed at him, mocking. But the other kagorgi was repentant, and Jesus said that he would be with him in Paradise.

Not in Heaven, but Paradise.

Later, after the placard with his accusation was nailed to his cross, two robbers, two “lestoi,” were then crucified with him. Both of these lestoi mocked Jesus.

Confusion has arisen because these two lestoi are confused with the two kagorgi.

So when Luke has a slightly different translation of the account of the parable of the woman with the seven husbands, some think there was a contradiction in the Bible.

There is not. It is a failure of transcription, translation, or our understanding, and we will see Luke actually simply adds new information.

“But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

“Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.” Luke 20:35-36

Equal to angels, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage. Furthermore, they are children of God, being the children of the resurrection!

Adam was son of God by creation. But in the resurrection, something special happens. Men are no longer referred to as sons because of their relation to Adam, they are called sons by something that occurs during the resurrection!

Understanding this simple concept, that there is a gap between carnal procreation and the spiritual, we continue.

“Mighty” simply means trained and adept in the art of war, “gibbor.” “Mighty” in scriptures means “a well trained man for war.”

They were violent men. Look in our cultures today. In cultures where promiscuity and sexual wickedness is the context, rather than a stable family, violence is the norm. The children arise violently. It is true there is no new thing “under the sun,” i.e., spontaneous to the Earth and to man.

“Renown” simply means a culture of celebrity. Seem familiar?

Therefore, because of this culture of promiscuity, violence and celebrity, God was able to look around and see “great wickedness,” to the point He “repented” that He had even made man!

Simply, this is the chronicle of man’s failure to adhere to God’s will because of his lust and greed. He refused to replenish the earth in the way God had willed for him and designed for him. It was, as the saying goes, “strike three.” Man struck out, as revealed by the account of the Flood that will follow.

There is no mystery as to whom these mighty men were. They were the sons and daughters of men and woman given to great promiscuity, violence, and the “worship” of celebrity.

It is indeed a phenomenon of grace that the Bible has remained together as long as it has. It seems more remarkable that even when Christians disagree on details, so many of us can agree on certain “primary” truths. That God created all things, that He sent Jesus Christ as a payment for our sins, that He rose Jesus from the dead, and that Jesus is our risen Lord, attending to the “function” of his people.

Nevertheless, we are to strive to speak the same thing, and we are to strive to keep doctrinal differences minimal. It is, after all, “one faith.”

God bless you. May you continue to seek truth in the pages of its revealing, and may God continue to keep your hearts tender.

And remember to try understanding difficult sections of scripture according to Biblical usage and in their greater context.

May we remain in His Grace, true to His commands.

The Judgment of Christians

We are taught by some who attempt to teach God’s Word that if we are kind and giving to others, we will do okay. Others say that unless we live the rest of our lives on the straight and narrow, we are doomed for Hell.

Others may say that it is our attitude at the end that counts. Die repentant, and you’re destined for Heaven.

What do the Scriptures say?

“But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

“And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

“But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

“Who will render to every man according to his deeds:” Rom. 2:2-6

Ouch.

Every man will indeed be rendered according to his works.

“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,

“Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;” Rom. 2:7-9

Ah. Here we see: by patient continuance in well doing, eternal life. But those who obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath upon their souls.

Hmmm. Who does it say receives eternal life, or indignation and wrath?

The Jew first, and also of the Gentile.

“But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:” Rom. 2:10

Ah. First the Jew will be judged, as the Chosen of God’s people. Then, the Gentile.

“For there is no respect of persons with God.

“For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;

“(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

“For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:

“Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” Rom. 2:11-16

Wow.

We have heard it said that Gentiles not having Christ are doomed to Hell.

But here it says if they do by nature the things contained in the Law, they are a law unto themselves.

Jew, and Gentile. This is the standard that Jews and Gentiles are held to.

But where do we fall in all this?

Neither place. Look at this:

“Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:” 1 Cor. 10:32

In Romans 2, we saw the standard for the judgement to Gentile, and to Jew.

But here we see a third category of people, a “Church of God.”

“Church” is the word “ekklesia” in the Greek, and means basically “those called together for a purpose.” As we study Scripture, we see that Gentiles are the Nations of earth, and the Jews are the descendents of Israel, chosen through the promises to Abraham, Isaac and Israel.

The “called out” of God is this third category.

“Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:” Rom. 1:6

Paul tells the Roman Christians, after pointing out the lordship and resurrection of Christ, they are called. To “all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,“

“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Cor. 1:9

Those who are called to this fellowship are no longer Jew or Gentile, but “Church of God.”

“Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

“Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

“And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

“Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

“Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

“And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

“Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” Eph. 1:15-23

This church, this “called out” of God, is also referred to as “the Body of Christ,” whom Christ is the Head.

In 1 Corinthians, we are also referred to as the “Temple of God.”

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

“If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Cor. 3:16-17

The Greek words translated “defile” and “destroy” are both forms of the same word (“phtheirei” and “phtherei”), and both basically mean “mar” or “defile.” Paul tells us here that he who mars the Temple of God will be marred.

Some will tell us that “your body” is this Temple. Don’t smoke, drink, do bad things in your own personal Temple.

No.

“Ye” is the plural word “umeis.” It indeed is the root word for the English word “human.” Collectively, the Church of God, the Body of Christ is the Temple.

Or do we really think that one individual is big enough for all to serve and worship God in? Which job is the Temple, so that all may worship Him.

Defile the Temple, and one shall be defiled.

Defiled how?

Verse 17 is merely explaining verse 15:

“If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” 1 Cor. 3:15

A man whose work is burned shall suffer loss. His work (not the man himself) shall be burned, he shall suffer loss, but he himself shall be saved. This is the “marring” of verse 19. But whose work shall be burned, who is it that suffers loss (“zemiothesetai,” same root as “phtherei” or “mar” in verse 17) but shall be saved?

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

“Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 3:6-11

If we go further back in this account of 1 Corinthians, we see that Paul is saying he merely lays the foundation that none other can lay than is laid, who is Jesus. Paul does not preach his own gospel, he preaches Christ as Lord, Jesus Christ as he who was raised from the dead.

Before this foundation was layed, there were Jews, there were Gentiles, and whether they receive eternal life is dependent on their works, right? Whether their works are according to Law, or conscience, or unrighteous.

But now we are to take heed how we build, because collectively, we are God’s building, or as we shall see in verse 17, God’s Temple.

“Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” 1 Cor. 3:12-3

What man’s work shall be manifest? What work?

The man who builds on the foundation laid by Christ, the work he does as one who has received Christ.

The Jew will be judged by his works, as will be the Gentile.

However, the members of the Body, while our works are judged, already have the foundation of Christ.

This is hard for people to grasp, but it is really simplicity itself: we are saved by grace. And yet, God is not mocked; our works are still judged, in a judgment referred to as “revealed by fire.”

Stubble? Worthless bits that add nothing to the Temple of God, which is the Church, the Body of Christ.

Hay and wood? Things that aren’t bad, indeed, may be necessary. We all need to eat, but really, are we rewarded for stuffing our face with stuffed peppers or a tuna salad sandwich? Wings of a building made of hay or wood might provide shelter for the day, but will not survive the fire of judgment.

Gold, silver, precious stones, the metal may melt, the stones charred, but they are the things we build that are rewarded into eternity: our ministry to the Body of Christ.

“If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

”If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” 1 Cor. 3:14-15

What work will abide? The worthless stubble, the hours we waste? All men and women will have stubble, the things we’ve done not proud of. All will have wood and hay, the things we build for the day. Some will be necessary; we are to take heed that we do not get lost in the needs of the hour.

But what are these precious stones we build upon the foundation laid by Christ?

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

“For ye are our glory and joy.” 1 Thes. 2:19-20

Are not the glory and joy we receive at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ the people we preach salvation to, the people we minister to as brethren in the Body?

Now, God is a rewarder of those diligently seeking Him. Our labour of love on His behalf is not lost, as well.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Heb. 11:6

But in the context of 1 Corinthians chapter 3, we see that great stock is put upon how we build within the Temple of God. First, that it is God’s building, of a foundation laid by Christ, thus we do indeed need to diligently seek Him. Second, that collectively we are indeed God’s Temple, and we shall be tried by fire for how we treated the Body of Christ.

The man himself, who has this foundation, shall indeed be saved. Unlike Jew or Gentile, our eternal life is not dependent on the worthiness of our works. We have eternal life as a gift already promised.

But God is not mocked. We cannot accept this free gift and then neglect or abuse it without consequence. Our works will surely be tried by the fire of judgment. Our salvation was not easily obtained. It took the absolute sacrifice of the sinless one. But for us, it was totally of grace, totally undeserved.

But our works will indeed be tried by fire.

We will do well in keeping this in mind.

Amen?

Amen.

We Are Not Leaders

 We are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. All of us, those who have accepted the risen Lord Jesus as our own personnal Lord.

Most of us in any kind of Christian ministry position have been through “Christian Leadership Development” courses. I myself have had numerous seminars and teachings, usually by invitation, that concerned themselves with raising up leaders in the Church.

Let’s stop and look at what the Scriptures reveal regarding our role as “Church leaders.”

The word “leader” is found sparingly in the KJV. We do not find “leader” in the Church epistles in the KJV. And when we do find it, it means “leader” or “ruler” or “captain” (naghed) in the Hebrew, but “guide” or “teacher” (hodegos) in the NT. We find “leader” in Isaiah 55:4:

But the Bible was not written in English. In fact, the oldest complete text was written in Greek. Many of the New Testament’s books written by Paul were written to Greeks, or to those who would have been able to read Greek as the lingua franca of its day and age.

The Greek word from which we translate “mystery” in the Bible (and from which we also get the English word “mystery”) is the word “mysterion.”

In Greek culture, the “mysteries,” the “mysterion,” were the knowledge and wisdom that would be revealed to those initiated into the religions. Those accepted as brethren would be given the basic common knowledge and wisdom, the common mysteries of that faith. It was what was revealed to them.

The “mysteries” were the very most important tenets of faith, the meat and potatos of the religion.

The higher up the hierarchy, the deeper these mysteries one would have revealed to them would be.

The inner circle would have all the mysteries, all the inner knowledge and wisdom, shared with them.

“And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

“And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:” Mark 4:10-11

There were a few people with Jesus who asked about the things said in parables. Jesus said that they were told parables because they were not to receive the straight facts. The mystery of the Kingdom, however, was given to these few people, the twelve and those with them, was given to know.

“Mystery,” according to Jesus, was that which was given the chosen to know.

To these few was revealed the mystery of the Kingdom.

Paul writes of another mystery:

“For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” Rom. 11:24-25

Paul is telling these Romans that God is grafting them into the same olive tree He is grafting those of Israel who believe.

It is now a mystery: knowledge and wisdom revealed to those in the fold. Paul ends Romans with this prayer:

“Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

“But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

“To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” Rom. 16:25-27

You see, this knowledge and wisdom revealed in this mystery was kept secret, but now it is revealed to the chosen, now it is a mystery of the elect, a revelation.

It is revealed to elect to be kept close?

No, it is a mystery to be made known to all nations, so all have the option of obedience to the faith.

It is God’s will that all are saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.

Won’t happen, but that will be their choice. God wants all saved, all Jews and Gentiles grafted to this olive tree.

“Howbeit 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:

“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

“Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Cor. 2:6-8

Here again, this wisdom had been hidden, lest the princes of this world, the spiritual wickedness, had known how much they would lose by crucifying Jesus. Had they known the details that would be revealed with this mystery, they would have refrained themselves from slaying Jesus Christ!

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

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

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

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

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

“The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 15:51-57

Does this say “I show you the mystery?

No, this is “a” mystery.

We shall be changed if we live, raised if we die, the living immortal and the dead incorruptible.

This shall take place when? At the sound of the last trump.

Who shall it effect?

Paul says “we”: he and those he is writing to.

Who is he writing to? “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth…with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their’s and our’s:” 1 Cor. 1:2a&c

He is writing, not just to the Church at Corinth, but to the Church everywhere, to all who call upon the name of the Lord, who are saved according to Romans 10:9:

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

“For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

“For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:9-13

See? These two sections tell us what it means to “call upon the Lord,” and when we shall be raised from the dead or changed: at the last trump.

“Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him” Eph. 1:9-10

“The” mystery of God’s will mentioned here is that those in heaven and earth are gathered together. We know Jesus, the head of the Church, is in heaven. The rest of us are either walking on the earth or are buried in it.

“For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

“If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

“How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

“Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

“Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

“That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

“Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

“Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:” Eph. 3:1-9

We see several things in this section in Ephesians which deals with what it refers here to as “the mystery written before in few words” and “the mystery…hid in God…” First, this revelation of this mystery takes place in what is called a “dispensation of grace.”

This word “dispensation” is the same as Ephesians 1:10, where it refers to the “dispensation of the fullness of times.”

Up till the dispensation (the word “dispensation” is “oikanomia,” also translated “administration”), until the administration or dispensation of the fullness of time, we are in an administration, a dispensation of grace wherein is revealed this mystery of Jews and Gentiles grafted together, a dispensation of the mystery that is fulfilled at the last trump, when we shall be risen or changed.

This mystery that was his but is now manifest, is now revealed and evident, is that Jews and Gentiles are joint heirs, one body, grafted in.

Are we not of this Body of Christ, he the Head, wherein spiritually is neither Jew nor Gentile, male nor female, bond nor free?

Are we not one spirit, one Lord?

We are to see the fellowship of this mystery, are we not? Up until the last trump, when we are gathered in one.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

“For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Eph. 6:18-20

Paul was an ambassador of the gospel, and the mystery, the innermost revelation of this gospel, was foremost on his heart: One body, neither Jew nor Gentile, with Christ as the Head.

“For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

“That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

“In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Col. 2:1-3

The treasures inherit in wisdom and knowledge indeed are hid in God and Christ, but the revelation of mysteries, that given to us, brings comfort as we are knit in love. We don’t have indecision and doubt. We have assurance, the full assurance, of understanding as we walk in the fellowship of this mystery.

Look at comfort: “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 Thes. 4:13ff

You see here, just as in 1 Corinthians fifteen, that at the trump (the last trump of 1 Corinthians) the dead are raised, and those alive and remaining changed.

Here we see that both are caught up to meet the Lord in the air.

For at this trump, at the last trump, the Lord himself shall descend and we shall be gathered together, rising into the air itself to ever be with our Lord.

Man, talk about a reason to hope!

All this is in the revelation of the mystery within this administration of grace and the fellowship of this one Body of Christ.

It started when the first who were called out to confess the risen Jesus as Lord rejoiced in his name on that day of Pentacost, and shall be finished at the last trump, when Jesus himself shall gather all living and dead unto him in the air.

You see how all these verses pertaining to the Church fit perfectly and wonderfully together?

Do we know when the end shall be?

No.

No man, Jesus said, knows he hour of what the Father has put in his own power. We see this prior to Pentacost, prior to the first days of this Church of the Body we are part of.

“When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

“And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.” Acts 1:6-9

Before Jesus ascended, his disciples, specifically his apostles, asked if he would now restore the Kingdom of Israel. He was asked if the end, if the dispensation of the fullness of time, had come.

He said, “It is not for you to know the times of the seasons which the Father hath put in His own power.” It was not for them to know when the dispensation of the fullness of time, or as we also know them the end times, was upon Mankind.

Instead, they would receive power after Pentacost, and they would be witnesses, as we have seen, to the whole world.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

“And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance…

…Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:1-4, 41

The fellowship of the mystery would take the gospel of the mystery, and the knowledge of Christ and of God revealed, to all nations. This was the beginning of the fellowship of the mystery,

Did they think of it this way?

Of course not. As we have seen, the knowledge of the mystery which up to this point had been hid in God was first made known to Paul years later. But this day of Pentecost recorded in Acts was the first day of this new Church, the gift of sonship known as “pneuma hagion.”

Do we know when the sequence of events leading to the last trump, and to the end of this dispensation of grace, will end?

No.

But when the sequences of events begin, I guarantee they shall be so unique, that there will be no mistaking them when they arrive. Let’s look:

Jesus left in a cloud and a few days later the Comforter, the gift pnuema hagion, hoy spirit, came to the first believes of the Church of the Body.

The first thing that happens as he descends again, as we have read, when he is descending with the voice of the archangel, as the last trump sounds, is that we meet him while he is still in the air.

We just read that we must meet the Lod in the air at our gathering unto him.

“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto 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;

“Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

“Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

“And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.” 2 Thes. 2:1-6

Here we see another mystery: the mystery, not of God, but of inequity, where a man of sin is revealed, who shows himself as God.

Between the end of Revelation chapter ten and the beginning of chapter fourteen, when you see Jesus on Zion with his legion, you find the rise of the beast, and the dragon which loses war in heaven.

The beast, and the beast which follows him, are worshipped by the entire world, by all not found in the book of life.

But the “falling away” must first take place.

You see, Satan, the Devil, the great dragon, still has audience in Heaven.

He can still stand before God as accuser to the brethren. Praise God we have an advocate, Jesus Christ the righteous!

But before Revelation fourteen, when Christ has returned and masses his forces on Zion, something happens, a “falling away.”

This “falling away” is an “apostia,” a renunciation. It is not a time where “the whole church will be deceived.” It is a time when all man literally renounces Jesus and God. The Church does not worship falsely. The very concept of the Christian church is blatantly rejected en masse.

Why is this?

“For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:” 2 Thes. 2:7-8

“Let” and “letteth” in verse 7 are the word “ketecho” and means “hold down” or “with hold.”

In Christ’s place, we “hold down” the revelation of the son of perdition. We keep the Wicked from fully manifesting himself.

This “mystery of inequity,” man trying to be God, is already at work but cannot fully manifest.

But after we are gathered, and no longer going about infiltrating this fallen world in the fellowship of our own mystery, this false mystery will gain precedence in the world.

“But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

“For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

“For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

“But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief…

 “…For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

“Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.” 1 Thes. 5:1-4,9-10

Jesus said no man knows the time or the season. But we of the fellowship of the mystery in this dispensation of grace are not in darkness. To us have been revealed the mysteries of the grace of God.

You see, we are not in darkness, God hath not appointed us to wrath.

There will be a day of wrath, where the “vials of the wrath of God” are spilled upon the earth.

“And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.” Rev. 16:1

These seven vials of wrath will bring great sorrow and destruction upon the earth, but the inhabitants who remain, rather than repent and pray for deliverance, will harden against the Lord who could save them.

But we of the Body, we of the fellowship of the mystery of God, are not appointed to this wrath.

But before this wrath, a clear and unmistakable sequence of events will transpire.

Reading Revelation, you will find that the first thing mentioned is the standard by which the “Seven Churches” will be judged. Since salvation appears to be conditional for these Churches, one assumes that these Churches are the followers of Christ who are destined to go through the wrath.

After all, our salvation is in calling upon the Lord as written in Romans 10:9. But he who hath an ear to hear, let him hear. We are saved. But we still have to answer, our works still tried as by fire.

After the standards of judgment are set, prior to the vials of wrath, seven seals will be broken. These first six seals release, in order, a conqueror, total warfare, famine, destruction of a fourth of mankind, persecution of the Church, (obviously it has not yet renounced Christ), and a unique and all-inclusive earthquake.

Now, one might miss the conqueror, and the wars of the first two seals. While these events will be unique in scope, they are not in precedence.

Then a great famine will follow. We might mistake that as well.

When a great persecution hits the Church, well, this too is not unprecedented, even when followed by an unprecedented famine.

When over a billion and a half people are annihilated, however, and then an earthquake flattens the entire earth, only a moron with his spiritual head in the sand will be able to deny the book is coming to pass.

Even the “kings,” the politicians of the earth will realize the great wrath is coming upon them.

And twelve thousand from each of the tribes of Israel are sealed with the seal of God.

So then we have the last seal, and we have the seven trumpets.

The first six trumpets in order herald these things: hail of fire burning a third of the trees of earth, a great mountain cast into the sea turning a third of it to blood, a great star from heaven falling into the rivers with great devastation, the blackening out of the third part of the light of day and night, a plague of man-biting locust, the death of another third of Mankind, seven thunders which are little surprises not revealed in the Book.

Uh, we might not know when this sequence of events will start, but by the time we’re at this point, it should be obvious we’re there.

And the angel that sounds the sixth trump has this to say: “And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:” Rev. 10:6

What did the Scriptures tell us?

That at the dispensation of the fullness of time, we shall be gathered in Christ. Remember?

“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him” Eph. 1:10

It said this about the mystery, right?

Finally, we have the seventh trump.

Look at this: “But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.” Rev. 10:7

When this seventh trumpet, when this last trumpet, begins to sound, then the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

We’ve read the records: when the dead are raised, the living changed, the dispensation of the fullness of time arrives, and we meet the Lord in the air.

At the beginning of the sounding of the last trump, ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters in Christ, the mystery is finished and we shall be with the Lord, at his coming!

After this, you have the unveiling of the son of perdition, you see the beast unveiled, you see war in Heaven wherein the dragon is permanently cast down, you see the number of the Beast, you see Jesus arraying his forces on the Hill.

You see the pouring out of the vials of the wrath of God, the wrath we are saved from.

Some will want to argue against what is so clear from every pertinent Scripture verse.

It’s not my job to argue.

I simply find Scripture is so much easier to understand when I have a proper view of things, don’t you?

I am certainly glad we are saved from the outpouring of the vials of wrath. Will we have to go through some terrible times? If we remain unto the opening of the seals, certainly.

But our job is to stand regardless of what we face. We are to hold fast unto the day Jesus comes back for us.