Christ, God the Son verified in Mt. 8:29, and Satan, the god of this world, 2 Cor. 4:4 are at “enmity” with each other, Gen. 3:15.  There is no question but Christ stands for good and Satan stands for evil.  But think about this for a second, that one could not be known without the other.  For at this present time we need both, this will force man to use his God given “free will” and make a choice. 

Good is often represented by the word light and evil by the word darkness in the Bible.  The two cannot exist in the same space, they are totally opposites.  Light overpowers darkness, Jn. 1:5 and Christ says that, “I am the light of the world”, Jn. 8:12.   Satan is linked to darkness, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against; powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”.    And 2 Cor. 6:14, “…And what communion hath light with darkness?”  Just like the reaction between light and darkness, turn the lights on in a dark room and darkness flees, turn the lights off and darkness returns. 

The conflict is over the relationship of God the Father with man.  Satan’s goal is to drive man away from God, but through Christ is found the way back to God.  We find this conflict first prophesied in Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; he (Christ) shall bruise thy head, and thou (Satan) shalt bruise his heel”.  The first major face off happened during the first advent found in Mt. 4:1-11,”Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil…”  the next major encounter will be at the second advent when Christ has an angel to bind Satan for a thousand years, Rev, 20:2-3.  And the final battle is found a few verses later 20:7-10 and Satan “was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever”.

Jesus leads the way.

Jesus says, “I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life”, Jn. 8:12.   And those that believe in Jesus, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (17) And if children, then heirs-heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ-if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”   Rom. 8:14, 17.   Paul talking to the believers also said in 1 Thess. 5:4-5, “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  Ye are all children of light, and children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness.”  So for the believer, those that follow Christ are not still in darkness (evil) ways.  The believer is to be Christ-like (that is what the word Christian means) and therefore follow good not evil.  But we know that even though we are Christians we still are in our physical (carnal, evil) bodies.  John writes in 1 John 2:1, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.  And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;”  Yes, we still have a physical body and occasionally this carnal or Adam nature will win out at times and we will sin.  What do we do then?  That what John was telling us is to do, our very best not to sin, but if and when it happens Christ is there at the right hand of the Father pleading our case.  But also before God is another there accusing us of each sin day and night.  Rev. 12:10, “…for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night”.  Satan is there and each time we sin he is telling God now look at so and so, look at that sin, and then Christ will respond and say to the Father that we are one of His and that our sin has already been paid for by the shedding of His own blood.  Of course, that probably is not literally what is said, but hopefully there is enough there for you to get the idea.

Christ the mediator.  1 Tim. 2:5, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man, Christ Jesus”.  Heb. 8:6, “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises”.  Heb. 12:24, “And to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel”.    Peter also warns us of the devil by saying, 1 Pt. 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil. Like a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour;” 

We have two places in the Bible that talks about Satan’s origin.  He was covered with every precious stone, anointed as a cherub, Ez. 28:12-15.  Satan’s sin Isa. 14:12-14, “How are thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of morning!  How art thou cut down to the ground, who didst weaken the nations!  For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will set also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north, I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High (Christ)”.  Ez. 28:16-17, “By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee, with violence, and thou hast sinned; therefore, I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God,  and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.  Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty; thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness; I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.”   God says that Satan will be punished.

Power of Satan is spoken of in many places in the Bible.  So one should never, never underestimate his power.  Michael would not rebuke Satan, Jude 9, “Yet Michael, the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.”  Eph. 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”.  A Christian does not have to go looking for this evil, it will come to him.

How does one fight against such evil? How did Jesus fight Satan in the wilderness?  How will Christ fight Satan at Gog and MaGog?   He will with the sword that comes out of His mouth, the word, just speaking to cause a plague.

How are we to fight against these powers?  Go back to Ephesians 6:11-20 and here we find that we are to “Put on the whole armor of God…, loins girded about with truth,… breastplate of righteousness…feet shod with preparation of the gospel…shield of faith…helmet of salvation…sword of the Spirit… (and all of these come from where) which is the word of God”.

One thing I have assurance of is that in the life after this, everything for everyone will be different.

But we can look to see the light at the end of the tunnel in that New Heaven and New Earth where there is no evil.

The Fight Between Good and Evil is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

 What is the main thing a Christian should look for when someone is teaching Scripture.  The Christian should be looking for “TRUTH”.   I will tell you where to find truth.  I will give an example of something someone wrote in the paper that is not scripturally correct and give scriptural reproof using the Bible why such statement is not scripturally true.  Many claim to teach and explain Biblical truths, but some of these are not in line with the Scriptures even when they quote a verse to validate their statements.  Most often the verse is taken out of context and once in a while the verse is just plain misused.   The condition of the proclaimer and also the reaction of the hearer concerns me.  The proclaimer is taking a position of authority or an elder of the Scriptures and what they say is most generally taken as truth by inexperienced Christians.  This can be very detrimental to the growth of new Christians.  It is a fact that most Americans do not like change, the same holds true with false teachings about scripture and doctrine, once someone believes one way it requires much more evidence to win over that individual to the truth. 

The example, I recently read in an editorial that the grave is the end of conscious existence for the unbeliever.  Does this raise a question with you?  It should!  Then we should look it up and find what the Scriptures say?  1 Cor. 2:13, “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual”.  What one reads or hears from those who are supposed to know the “truth” is sometimes not scriptural.  So always compare man’s words to the Bible. 

Where do Christians go to find truth?  In Sunday School?  The church?  I wish that that one always heard the truth in church, but sometimes it is not the truth.  Some have succumbed to what Paul called social pressure, 2 Tim. 4:3-4, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine but, after their own lusts, shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itchy ears; and they shall turn away from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables”.    Now don’t get me wrong, I am not saying “don’t go to church and listen to the sermons”.  What I am saying is for one to study and  become familiar with the Bible so you will recognize the “truth” when you hear it, 2 Tim. 2:15, “Study to show thyself approved unto a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”.  Then you can make a wise judgment to whom you want to listen and believe.  1 Jn. 4:12, “…try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world”.   What does the Bible say about seeking the truth?  Jn. 8:31-32, here Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.  And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free”.  Jesus said that if we follow what He tells us then we are following the truth.  Jn. 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him. I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto Father, but by me”.  Again Jesus is saying follow me I am the truth.  And what is the best source to learn of Jesus?  The Bible.   Eph. 4:21, “If so that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus”.  Eph. 4:14-15, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, by which they lie in wait to deceive; But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, who is the head, even Christ;”.  Become mature knowledgeable Christians to avoid the pitfalls of man.   Gal. 5:7-8, “Ye did well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?  The persuasion cometh not of him that called you”.  It didn’t come from Jesus, He does not mislead anyone.  In Gal. 1:7-9 Paul rebukes false teachers, “…but there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  As we said before, so say I now again.  If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed”.  Christians are told to search for the truth by Dt. 13:14, “Then shall thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and behold, if it be truth, and the things certain, that such abominations is wrought among you”.   Ps. 33:4, “For the word of the LORD is right, and all his works are done in truth”.  Jn. 17:17, “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth”.  The word, our Bible is truth, and who will guide us in the reading of his word?  Jn. 16:13, Nevertheless, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth;…”.  God the Holy Spirit indwells in us today and is our guide.   Rom. 1:15, “Who exchanged the truth of God for a lie,…”.  False teachers.  Gal. 3:1, “O Foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been openly set forth, crucified among you”?  1 John 4:1, “Beloved believe not every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world”.   Here we have several scriptures telling us that Jesus is the “TRUTH”.   And the Bible is the truth.  And that many false prophets are telling things that are not true.  Jesus says that He is the way, the truth and life, Jn. 14:6.  Jesus also said that the devil has no truth in him, Mt. 8:44.  We must go to Jesus for truth and we will find Him in the Bible.

At the beginning I mentioned the editorial about the grave being the place where the unbeliever would remain in an unconscious state and I also said that I would present Scriptures that illustrate otherwise.  First of all let’s get a little background of man and his physical death.  Paul said that a believer has a spirit, soul and body, 1 Thess. 5:23, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”.  In Gen 35:18 we find at physical death the body is separated from the soul, “And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing (for she died), that she called his name…”.  Rachel’s soul left her body at death.  Again in Heb. 4:12 we find the separation of the body and soul, “…even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit…”.  Now the physical body goes to the six foot hole in the ground.  The soul and the spirit go other places.  Lk. 16:19-31 tells where the souls went before the resurrection of Christ.  The rich man went to hell and on the other side of the “great fixed gulf” in Abraham’s bosom (paradise) was Lazarus.  David is quoted in Acts 2:27 as saying, “Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou allow thine Holy One to see corruption”.  So where is the soul at that time?  In hell, now don’t forget that hell was divided at this time, Lk. 16.  I think that there is enough evidence to show that the body is one place and a very conscious, knowing, feeling soul is in another.   Death is just a tollgate and after this physical death you do not remain unconscious.  Now these next scriptures follow up what hell is like and how long it lasts for the unbeliever.   Mt. 18:8-9, “Wherefore, if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee; it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than, having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire.  And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee; it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than, having two eyes, be cast into hell fire”.   Here in verse 8 we can see the time element word, “everlasting” and in verse 9 we can see the subject “hell” and we can also see what is in hell, “fire”. 

At the end of the tribulation we read about the judgment of the sheep and goats, Mt. 25:41, “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand [the goats or unsaved], Depart from me ye cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels;”.  The goat or unsaved here is man and his judgment is to be put into a place of everlasting fire.  2 Thess. 1:8-9, “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power,”.  Again the word “everlasting” is used.   Mt. 13:41-42, “The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them who do iniquity, and shall cast them into a furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth”.   An expansion on, Lk. 16:19-31 tells of the story of the rich man and Lazarus.  I feel that this is a story and not a parable as some claim, for this story uses names and parables do not use names.  Here the rich man is conscious, sees, feels, thirsts, has memory, tormented in flames, and talks to others.  Rev. 20:10 tells of the place called the “lake of fire and brimstone” where the devil was cast to be “tormented day and night forever and ever.”  The verse 14 tells us that those rise from the dead [unbelievers] they will be judged and “cast into the lake of fire”.  The Bible says nothing about there being two “lakes of fire” so I will have to assume that the lake of fire that the devil is sent to will be the same for the unbelievers. 

Many scriptures have been presented to let you see what Jesus, John, Peter and Paul have said about whether or not hell exists and if it is everlasting.  These scriptures certainly would not give me the opinion that hell is just a place the unbeliever goes after death where they remain in an unconscious state.  If they were unconscious they would have no feelings, emotions or knowledge of surroundings.  I hope this is enough Scriptures to convince one that the grave is not the end.  I want to believe that the ones that teach things like this do it out of ignorance, and not out of a willing ignorance (2 Pt. 3:5).  Nonetheless it is apparent that they have not made a diligent study of the Scriptures on the subject.  I pray for these individuals to search the scriptures and I also feel that they should not rest their case on just one verse.  This is what Peter was saying in 2 Pt. 1:20, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation”.   All who proclaim or teach the scriptures to others should memorize 2 Tim. 2:15 and include this in their daily prayer, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”.  Following with verses 24-26, “And the servant if the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose him, if God, perhaps, 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”. 

If people are teaching false doctrine in ignorance, then we need to pray for them.  If they are teaching false doctrine for some reason other than ignorance, then Paul said in Gal. 1:8-9 to let them be accursed.  2 Tim. 3:7 and 13 prophesying about the last days shows the people will be, “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”.  And v. 13, “But evil men and seducers shall become worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived”.  Again we need to be aware what Peter said in 2 Pt. 2:1-3, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who secretly shall bring in destructive heresies…And many shall follow their pernicious ways…And through covetousness shall they, with feigned words, make merchandise of you;…”. 

It is the Christian’s responsibility to be wise, alert and to know the truth.  Eph. 4:14-15 says that we are not to be children, we are to mature in knowledge of the Bible so we will not be “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive…”. 

What can Christians do?

1.  Listen with discernment.   Heb. 5:14
2. Remember that which does not sound right then look it up in the Bible.  Dt. 13:14.
3. Follow along with the speaker in your Bible.  Remember the Bible has the final say in “truth”. Jn. 8:31.
4. We are all human and humans make mistakes.  Only God is omniscient.  Job chapters 38-41.
5. God gave us His word so we would have access to the truth.  2 Tim. 3:16.  But God has also given us free will, so it is our choice whether or not we study the Bible.
6. It is the Christian’s responsibility to grow, mature and to learn of God.  2 Tim. 2:15.
7. We can only point out the truth of scriptures, we can’t make others believe it.  They also have been given free will about accepting the truth or not.

I can only hope that this has enlightened you to the fact that there are false teachings presented to any who will listen.  I also hope that this will give you some tools if you choose to seek out the real truth.

Scriptures for Truth and Does Hell Exist is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

The Grave

The end of our physical life here on earth is most often called death. At the instant of death the human trinity is divided. The physical body (the earthly material part), is most often put in the grave, that is, buried in the ground.

In the Bible, where we end up after the event of death is spoken of in various ways. Some words used are Sheol, Hades, Hell, asleep, Paradise, Gehenna, grave, Tartarus and for the future Lake of Fire. Some of these words are Hebrew and some are Greek. The Hebrew refers to the Old Testament and the Greek words to the New Testament.

First lets start with the word “grave” (geber). This a place to put the corpse or body of one who has died. Normally the grave is about six feet deep. This term concerns the condition of the physical body when life as we know it ceases.

Words pertaining to the Unsaved

Sheol-is the Old Testament Hebrew word for the Greek word “hell”. Refers to a condition after death. This is a location for the spirit and soul of the body to be held after death. Sheol does not refer to one who is going to heaven. In Lk. 16 the rich man was in Sheol and Lazarus and Abraham was in Paradise.

Hades-the Greek word for Sheol.

Gehenna-a place called Valley of Hinnom, outside of Jerusalem where garbage was burnt. This place was constantly burning and had a bad odor. This place also had wild dogs feeding and fighting at night and worms that never died. Jesus described this as a disgusting place where no one would want to be.

Lake of Fire-John describes this as a place where all unsaved will end up. A place of horrible anguish and suffering. Having to do with flames, torment, gnashing of teeth, with total separation from God.

Tartarus the original Greek term used one time in 2 Peter 2:4. This is to denote a particular place where the fallen angels are held captive in chains and darkness till the Great White Throne. Most versions just lump this term in with “hell”.

Another reason that there are so many terms describing the state of beings after death is that the Old Testament was written in Hebrew and the New Testament was written in Greek. Because of this we have two words for the same meaning. Such as, the Hebrew word “Sheol” is translated in the Old testament to the word “hell”, “Grave” and “Pit”. All of these refer to a place where the soul and spirit goes after physical death.

The final conclusion is that all unsaved will end up in the “Lake of Fire”. And no matter by what name it’s called, it is not a place one will want to spend forever. Commit yourself to the Lord Jesus Christ while here on this side of death to chose heaven over hell. For “now” is the day of salvation. 2 Cor. 6:2.

Terms pertaining to the Saved.

Asleep is a term used only for the saved after death. Eleven times this Greek term (koimao) is used to denote the saved’s condition after physical death. This term is never associated with the unsaved.

Paradise is a term used to denote the location of the saved. In Luke 23:43 remember this is before the death of Christ, Jesus told the penitent thief, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise”. In Luke 16:22and 23 it is referred to as Abraham’s bosom. Again this was before Christ’s resurrection. In Mt. 27:52-53 where the saints that slept arose right after Christ did. 2 Cor. 12:2-4, Paul tells where he was “caught up into the third heaven. . .caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words. . .” Going up tells us that Paradise has moved locations. And in Eph. 4:8-10 tells us that Christ descended to lead the captives up far above all heavens. Ps. 68:18 tell us of this prophecy, “thou hast ascended on high, thou has led captivity captive. . .”

2 Cor. 5:8, Paul says, “to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”  Again in Phil. 1:23-24, Paul states, “having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless, to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”

After Death part three is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

 

AFTER DEATH part two

 

WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR BODY?

WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR SOUL?

WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR SPIRIT?

WHY MUST WE DIE?

Therefore, we can see that we are made up of three things, body, soul, and spirit.

 Body–

man is different than plants or animals. Plants, animals and man have a state of being, meaning that they have life, a physical body, what one would see if they looked into a mirror. Soul–

Man and animals have a consciousness, being aware of our surrounding and feelings. Spirit

–a vacant or empty room inside ones heart until he is reborn and the Holy Spirit comes there to dwell.

There are two classes of people, those that are Christians (saved), and those that are not, (sinners). Both these classes are represented in Luke 16:19-31, Lazarus and the Rich Man.  This is a story not a parable, and it answers many questions about what occurs after what we refer to as death.  Some answers from this story are;

1. Both the sinner and the saved dies.

2. Both have a specific place to go after their physical death.

3. The physical death does not mark the end, therefore life or state of being is eternal for both.

4. Here they could talk, feel, see, touch, thirst and had a recognizable form or body.

5. This physical body must die, for it will not withstand eternity. At the first resurrection, the one for a Christian, this physical body will have to be changed to a glorified body liken to that of Christ’s resurrected body. A spiritual body with Flesh and bone, no blood, Luke 24:39. This body will then live forever with Christ.

As for the sinner, just like the rich man, his physical body will also pass away at death. Later he will be resurrected for the judgment. After the judgment the sinner will be cast into hell–here the physical body cannot endure the flames and the physical body must die again (Therefore, the second death).

After Death part two is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

Once you pass through that “toll gate” of death, what then??? What does the Bible tell us about the other side? This topic does concern Bible prophecy for it is telling the future of all who die.

The Human Trinity

First the world is divided into two categories of those things that are alive and those that are not alive. Plants are alive, but do not realize that they have life. Animals are alive and realize that they are alive, but do not have in innate conscious of God. Humans have all three.

Gen. 1:26, “God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. . .”. We are comprised of three things, just as there is a divine trinity, a satanic trinity there is also a human trinity. The human trinity is made up of (1) the physical body itself, (2) a soul and (3) a spirit. 1 Thess. 5:23. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

In Gen 2:7 First God made the body of man, then breathed the breath of life into him and then man became a living soul. The body is materials of this earth. The soul and spirit are from God. Spirit is life and the innermost part of man. The soul is the conscious and works between the spirit and body.

The physical bodyis the part of man is made up of flesh, bone and blood. It is that part which we see when we look into a mirror. The same part we see when we look at one another. It is that part we see when we look into the casket. It is the part that is put into the grave.

The spirit part of man is one that God breathed into Adam. It is life, Lk. 8:55, “And her spirit came again. . .” Do not confuse the spirit of man with the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit). Notice the capital letter. Remember that the Holy Spirit gives life, but just because you have life that does not mean that you have the Holy Spirit in your life.

In the Garden of Eden, the spirit of man is the part that allowed communication between God and Adam. This direct communication was lost because of sin. This part remains as an empty “room” for all those unsaved today. The Bible tells us that the natural man cannot communicate with God. This is because when God looks at the natural man he sees the sinful nature of man. The natural man does not seek God, he knows of God, but does not seek Him. 1 Cor. 2:9-16 tells us that it is the Spirit of God that teaches us the things of God. We do not receive this Spirit until we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. Verse 14, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him. . .”.

This empty place is the “room” where the Holy Spirit indwells or lives once you become a Christian. You are now able, once again, to communication directly with God just as Adam did before his sin. The veil to the Holy of Holies has been “rent in twain from the top to the bottom”, Mt. 27:51.

The last part of the human trinity we will speak of is the Soul. It also was given to man from God. This is where one realizes that they are alive. Has awareness of surroundings and has the innate awareness of God Himself. Romans 1:19-20 tells us that God has shown man of Himself and that man has knowledge of God and is without excuse. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse;”.

These three parts make up the human trinity. Physical body, soul and spirit. How they interact depends on who is in control, God or man. God gave all these to man. It is up to man, (for now) to choose his Lord and master while on this side of death. Once we pass through the “toll gate” then God gives all judgment to the Son.

After Death part one is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

I understand and even have been told face to face that God is a loving God and will not send any to hell, sheol, hades, Gehenna, lake of fire or what other name you choose for this place. I am telling you right now that this is a given, that if you are not saved then you are unsaved. All unsaved will be emptied into the lake of fire and this is not my word this is God’s word. Rev. 20:15, “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” All of this judgment has nothing to do with God being a loving God, it has to do with God being a just God.

God being a loving God has offered salvation to the world through the sacrifice of His only begotten Son, John 3:16. God has made this offer so simple that when anyone has the ability to understand right from wrong, then they are also smart enough to follow His salvation plan. This is not a plan that man deserves. God gives salvation through His mercy and grace. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that God’s will is that none perish. People often quote this part and misrepresent this Scripture by saying that God is not going to send any to hell, but rarely do they think about the rest of that verse. When put in context this is not a verse of love.

Lets look at the WHOLE verse, “The LORD is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” This verse is not one of love, this verse is one of warning.

This verse tells us that God gives His promise. A promise means that one is giving their word that something WILL happen. God always keeps His word.

The next phrase tells us that God puts up with a lot, BUT there is an end. This end is God’s judgment and wrath. God warns that He really does not want to punish any so all one has to do is “come to repentance”.

No where in this verse does God imply that He is not going to punish those who chose not to repent. Matt. 12:30, “He that is not with me is against me;” and Mark 9:40 “For he that is not against us is for us”. These two verse tell us that any who are not for God is against Him. And any that are against God will be cast into the lake of fire.

These are all Bible Prophecies that are God’s promises to man. Everyone will be judged according to their works and after the judgment one will be rewarded for their works. Then one will take his rewards and live in eternity in the place they have chosen, heaven or lake of fire. Forever with God or forever separated from God. Remember that God wants all to chose and accept His plan of salvation.

God says that no one deserve to go to heaven. Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death. . .” But through His love He gives a door that one can chose to walk through to get there. “. . .but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.” All are going to the lake of fire unless they chose Christ.

If we tell our child that, nothing good can come out of an addiction to drugs and the child chooses to go down that path anyway. When destruction comes we can say that they were warned and it was their choice to chose drugs. . .

It is not God’s choice to send us to the lake of fire, it’s our own choice.

The very next judgment is called the Bema Judgment. This is for the Church, that is, the raptured Christians. It will occur in the air. This judgment will happen before the Tribulation period. This is part of the First Resurrection. (See other writing for more on the First Resurrection and Judgments.) It is your choice whether or not you want to be here in the first resurrection or in the second at the Great White Throne Judgment.

Christ is the Judge But It’s Our Choice part two is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

Why will Christ be the “Judge” at all judgments? Because God appointed Him to this position.God also told us that Christ would be the judge, jury and executioner.

Matt. 28:18. “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” After the resurrection of Christ, some say He was given a new name. But actually His name was returned back to His former title and position. The title of LORD, Lord of Lords, ruler of all things. Also the power to carry out all His judgments.

Philippians 2:9-11. “Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

John 3:35. “The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand.”

           5:22. “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.”           5: 27-29. “And hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man. . .’ Not only judge, but  the  executioner as well.

Rom. 14:10-12. “. . .For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, as I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So, then, every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”Hopefully, this will end any notion about one not being accountable for his works in this world. Rev. 20:12, “. . .And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” In 2 Cor. 5:10 it explains that all will be judged. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” Romans 14:10 “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” And Rom. 1:18, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hole the truth in unrighteousness,”.

Christ is the judge, jury and executioner for all.

this will continue in part two.

Christ is the Judge But Its Our choice part one is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

The purpose of this series has been to bring out the truth about restorations and resurrections. Trying to point out the differences. From restoring physical life to restoring spiritual life. Even the restoring of a nation from a remnant.

A Restorations of natural man means to breathe life back into the SAME physical body that was dead. It happened to some in biblical times as Christ, Paul, Elijah and others prophets called people back from death to return to their physical world. These would die again. Another restoration we spoke of was when Israel would be restored to their homeland.

The resurrection from death unto life when a person is re-born. This is a spiritual re-birth, not a physical one.

Differentiating between the first and second resurrection and how many we have. “The Resurrections” have tried to develop a better understanding about what happens after death. Illustrating that death is just the toll gate to eternity.

Quickly, at death the physical body and spirit separate. The physical body goes to what we refer to as the grave. And the spirit or what some refer to as the “soulish” body goes on to one of two places. The unsaved goes to where the rich man is in Luke 16. The saved went to a place called paradise, that was where Lazarus and Abraham were. But Christ emptied that paradise at His resurrection. Now the saved go to a new paradise to be with Christ. Paul said in 2 Cor. 5:8 that to be “absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord”. Here now resides the “soulish” or “spiritual” body upon which age and death has no effect.

The Sadducees claimed not to believe in a resurrection, but yet tested Jesus with the question concerning the resurrection (Mt. 22: 23-33, Acts. 23:8). But Jesus, Daniel, Isaiah, Paul, Peter, David etc. all spoke of the resurrection of the dead. You will have to chose whom to believe.

We also found out that after a resurrection one would immediately proceed to a judgment. The saved to a Bema Seat and the unsaved to the Great White Throne. After the judgment comes eternity, the saved would be with Christ and for the unsaved, to the lake of fire and the second death.

 

In conclusion in 2 Peter chapter 3 we are told about the last day scoffers where they forget the past, make fun of the future and live just for today. Here and in Matt 18:14, you will find that the Lord does not want any to perish and again in Ezek. 18:23. God gives chance after chance, but sure is the day of judgment. When it arrives it will be sure and immediate.

I will leave you with this final thought. The same that Paul asked of Agrippa in Acts 26:8. “Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?”Restorations, First Resurrection, Second Resurrection, Great White Throne Judgment, lake of fire, second death, rich man and Lazarus, Abraham’s bosom, Biblical Prophecy,

Resurrection Bible Prophecy Summary part 7 of 7 is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

The second resurrection includes the resurrection of damnation, the Great White Throne Judgment and the second death. There are several events to the first resurrection, but only one event for the second. As always the truth about these resurrection lies in the study of the Scripture. Not all questions are answered, but some answers are overlooked by many. Through the utilization of the Holy Spirit, prayer and diligent focus can many Scriptures be opened to the true seeker.

The Bible usually speaks of the two resurrections in the same text using opposite terms. Just and unjust, life and damnation, good and evil, etc. John 5: 28 says “all” will be resurrected. And in verse 29 “And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”

In 1 Cor. Chapter 15, Paul answers questions to the church at Corinth about the resurrections. He re-assured them of many resurrections to come. The question Paul answered here was if the resurrection had already happened or was going to be a future event. The one question not answered here is when. But Paul did enlightened us as to the order of the resurrections.

Both Paul and Peter tell us that the saved will be resurrected first and the unsaved last. 2 Peter 2:9, “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” We can deduct from this that the resurrections will occur at different times. Also that the “godly” will be first and before the temptation. The Bible says that all will be resurrected and that all will be judged. And I believe that the judgment begins immediately after resurrection.

The Resurrection of the Damnation, unjust or wicked is found in Dan. 12:2; John 5:28; 2 Peter 2:9; Rev. 20:5-15. It is the last of the resurrections and commonly known as the second resurrection. It’s for all who have not been previously resurrected and judged, now it’s their turn. Remember that God gave all judgment to the Son. John 5:22. And Christ will judge these unsaved on the basis of their works at the last judgment which is called Great White Throne Judgment. Works consist of deeds, words, and thoughts. Notice that you are not judged for sin. That debt has already been paid.

The Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20: 11-15). This topic is fairly large and cannot be fully covered here. I will deal with this subject individually at another time, but for now I want to just emphasize some main points.

1. This is the last resurrection event, the Great White Throne Judgment will be for all that have not previously been resurrected and judged. (John 5:28-29)

2. This will take place after the Millennium Age. (Rev. 20:7)

3. This Great White Throne Judgment will be for the unsaved. Remember salvation is by grace not works. But judgment will be based on works. (Rev. 20:12)

4. It will not take place on earth nor in heaven. (Rev. 20:11)

5. Anyone ever born will be here. (1 Thess. 4:17)

6. Christ will be the Judge. (John 5:22)

7. There is a set of books for judgment

8. All who are not found in the “Book of Life” will be cast into the “Lake of Fire” (Rev 20:15).

The Great White Throne is the last judgment which means that the last resurrection has just occurred. We are told by many that the only ones appearing at the Great White Throne will be the sinner. According to the Bible that is not true. Everyone that has ever been born will be there. Of course, the unsaved will be there as they have not been judged yet. Christ will be there since He is the judge, and He was also born. All Saints were born and they will be there, for we are to be ever with the LORD.

But I believe that there will be others at the Great White Throne Judgment that have lived during the Millennium. During those 1000 years many were born and some died. It does not make any sense to me that out of the billions of people that will be present at one time or another during the Millennium that every single one of them will be unsaved.

Lets consider a few things that happened during that 1000 years up to the Great White Throne. First, Who comes into the Millennium? Only the Saints? No! There are going to be many who has survived the Great Tribulation and they will go into the Millennium. Many babies are going to be born, and since Saints cannot be the parents, then there has to be unsaved present. A baby has to be born before he can die at the age of 100 years (Isa. 65:20). These ones born in the Millennium Age still have the first Adam nature as well, the sinful nature and will require salvation. This Millennium is God’s last chance for man to repent and come to Jesus as their Savior.

Second, how many people will be there? Rev. 20:8 tells us that “the number is as the sand of the sea”. Each of the unsaved here is a candidate for salvation.

(1.) With the innumerable amount of Saints there preaching, judging nations even judging angels. Having a glorified body must very impressive to someone who just has a physical body. Surely with all these things going for us, that at least one of the Saints will be able to lead at least one sinner to Christ in 1000 years. And remember that Christ, our Savior is right there ruling the entire world. Think of the multitude of evangelists there trying to win souls, Billy Graham, Billy Sunday, Peter, Paul and millions of other Saints. I will be extremely difficult to convince that not one will be saved.

(2.) Or if perhaps during the entire 1000 years one child may die before they reach the age of accountability? Neither does it make any sense that not any children will be born at the end of the age and still be under the age of accountability at the time Gog and MaGog II.

(3.) what about all the people coming to seek Christ’s paths and ways in Isa. 2:3. “And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”

It will only take just one person to turning to Christ in any of these three scenarios. Just one, out of all the billions of people there to make sense for the “Book of Life” to be present in Rev. 20:12.

in addition to address another misconception about the Millennium Age. If you think that we are just going to be lying around eating grapes at feasts and parties during the Millennium, then you are getting your information from the wrong book. The great Commission does not end with the great tribulation. Re-read Mt. 28:19-20 and pay particular attention to the very last phrase, “even unto the end of the world.” This means the Great White Throne, for this is where man no longer has any control. Christ will ultimately take over completely. Up until this time Christ has been open to man’s talk and questioning, even during the Millennium, Mt. 7:21-23. Christ is no longer acting as a man, mediator or high priest, or king keeping the peace. Christ is now the ultimate judge, this the finish line for sin. Christ will completely and forever separate good from evil. Amen

Sidebar: I am reasonably sure that there will be a lot of lawyers there at the Great White Throne Judgment. But I do not believe Christ is going to let them yell “Objection, Christ your Honor”. And the lawyer require Christ to prove that He is telling the truth. Showing the Book of Life, and saying, “now you look through all the billions of names and you will see that your name is not there”. And if that didn’t work then they might try filibustering or perhaps question His right to judge, or even to question His authority. And that is definitely not going to happen. Any questioning of God has stopped. Even in Job’s elevated state with God, he was not allow to question God’s judgment. People are not going to be questioning Christ, they are just going to be listening and be on bended knees.

There have been thousands of years that questioning could have and did occur, but here at the Great White Throne man has already expended his last time out it is as if he has died again and can no longer change his mind to be saved or not.

The second death. The eternal state of the wicked. First of all lets discuss what eternal means. What does eternal mean for the Christian? Some words used to describe it is forever, everlasting, without end, etc. Why would eternal mean one thing for a Christian and another for unsaved? So when the Bible tells of those being put into the Lake of Fire “shall be tormented day and night forever and ever.”, why should we think in terms other than eternal.

We have a first death which is the physical death of the physical body because of Adam’s sin. “For as in Adam all die,” 1 Cor. 15:22. And in Rom. 5:12 “and so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned.”

After death the next thing that happens to the physical body is its resurrection. For the Saved Christ said, once resurrected “neither can they die any more;” Luke 20: 35-36. But for the unsaved, just the opposite, they have a second death. The resurrected body of the unsaved, that which they have while they are going through the judgment will be stripped away and they will be returned to the state of the rich man in Luke 16. All death, hades, and unsaved will be emptied into the lake of fire. Rev. 20: 14-15. The process of taking away the resurrected body, emptying into the lake of fire, and being forever banished from God is known as the second death. The everlasting torment and gnashing of teeth is what we now refer to as hell. It would be like being cast into and confined on the interior of the Sun, the body would burn away quickly, but with no escape the eternal “soulish” body like the rich man had would forever feel the heat.

All will be resurrected, some to life and some to the second death, and all will be judged by Christ as to their works here on earth. It’s your choice where you prefer to spend eternity. But rest assured that it WILL be in heaven or the lake of fire. The Bible tells us that “now is the day of salvation” 2 Cor. 6:2 because now is all you have. The past is gone and the future may not come for you. Repent of your sins, and ask Christ to come into your heart and be your Savior and Lord. Then let someone know about your decision to follow Christ.

The Second Resurrection Bible Prophecy part 6 of 7 is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

Now lets take a quick look at our Table of Contents for future events.

1. The rapture.

2. Tribulation part one.

3. Gog and MaGog I.

4. Great Tribulation part two.

5. Armageddon.

6. Millennium Age,

7. Satan being loosed for a short season.

8. Gog and MaGog II.

9. After this Satan will be cast into the lake of fire.

10. The fallen angels to join him there.

11. Second resurrection.

12. Great White Throne Judgment.

13. Second death.

14. Unsaved are put in the lake of fire.

This is just a very quick look at the sequence of events. To get more information about this individual events check in my other writings.

Rapture is the resurrection of the Church. 1 Thess. 4:13-18, There are no signs to foretell us of the rapture. Signs are for the Jews, not the Church. The word “rapture” does not appear in the Scriptures. E. L. Towns writes in his book Bible Answers for Almost All Your Questions, “It is from the word for ‘caught up’ (Greek harpazo) in the Latin translation [rapto] that we get our word rapture. The word in the original means ‘snatch,’ or ‘seize.” Paul also tells of the resurrection in the fifteenth chapter of 1 Cor. (For more on the topic rapture check out ” The First Resurrection part 5).

Tribulation part one. This is the first three and one-half years which the antichrist takes over as ruler and sets himself up as the king. A treaty of peace is made with Israel. The temple is rebuilt.

Gog and MaGog I. This war is one of the many wars and rumors of wars during the seven year period. The little horn will appear and take over three of the ten nations. But the countries of the North will have hooks put into their jaws and invade Israel and God will destroy their armies. Read James (Thru the Bible Commentary), Vol. 3, pages 512-517.

The Great Tribulation or the second three and one-half years. Which starts in the eleventh chapter of Revelation.

Armageddon is the battle that ends the tribulation period. God’s wrath upon the Jews is over now by Christ’s return and defeating the Satanic triad. Satan to be bound in the abyss and the false prophet and beast to cast into the lake of fire.

The Millennium Age is the Kingdom that is ruled by Christ Himself. For a period of 1000 years this earth will be without the influences of evil. At the end of the 1000 years Satan will be loosed for a short season.

Gog and MaGog II will be the battle between Satan’s army and Christ. Fire will come down for God and devour them.

Now starts the last judgments. First Satan will be sentenced to join his cohorts in the lake of fire. The fallen angels will also be sent here.

The second resurrection of all that have not been previously resurrected and judged.

This is the Great White Throne Judgment. This will happen in a place away from heaven and earth. All will be present here for the judgment for all that have not been previously judged.

The unsaved judged here will be sentenced to the second death and cast into the lake of fire.

Sequence of Events Now to the New Heaven in Bible Prophecy is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy