"Insights" (P)
Listed Alphabetically by Topic
Listed Alphabetically by Topic
PASSOVER (meaning)
THE PASSOVER (Exodus 12) is the very foundation of the Jewish religion.
In it we also have the central teaching of Christianity. On more than
one occasion I have said to a Jewish friend or business associate, 'If Jews practiced real Judaism and Christians practiced real Christianity, we would be in total agreement.'
Each element of the Jewish Passover celebration portrays an essential
truth of the Christian faith:
They were to take a lamb from their own flock. A lamb is a picture of
innocence. Lambs are not aggressive. They are submissive. The lamb
pictures Jesus in His meekness and innocence, and He was completely
obedient to His Father’s will. The Israelites were told to take the lamb
from their own flocks because when Jesus came, He would be an Israelite
from the royal tribe of Judah.
The lamb was to be an unblemished male a year old. Jesus in His humanity
was a male. The lamb had to be without any physical defect; representing
the sinless impeccable nature of Christ. “He did no sin nor was deceit found in His mouth” (I Peter 2.22). The one year requirement probably illustrates the fact that Jesus would die in the prime of life.
The lamb was to be kept inside the house for 14 days. This was something
of a “trial” period to confirm that the lamb was healthy and perfect. This corresponds to the trials and testings over the 33 years of Jesus’ life through which He passed without ever committing a single sin. The 14 days probably allowed the family to become attached to the lamb making it difficult to kill the lamb when the time came. This helps us understand the tremendous sacrifice God made when He “spared not His own Son but delivered Him up focus all” (Romans 8.32).
Once the lamb was killed, it’s blood was applied to the doorposts and
lintel of their house. Blood symbolizes death. Romans 6.23 says “The
wages of sin is death.” According to Hebrews 9.22, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” The magnitude of our sin demands the death penalty. Animal blood did not take away sin (Hebrews 10.4). The Passover lamb was a teaching mechanism to prepare the Jews for the future Messiah that would become their substitute when He died. The Jewish prophet Isaiah wrote about this in detail:
“He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on Him [Messiah] the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53.4-6
Finally, Passover lamb was roasted with fire and eaten. Fire pictures
God’s judgment. Jesus the Messiah was judged by God and punished for of
our sin.
The Passover meal required individual participation. Every Israelite was
required to eat the flesh of the sacrificed lamb and drink the passover wine. Jesus used eating and drinking as illustrations of faith; “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day” (John 6.54). Jesus was not advocating cannibalism, He was stressing the need for personal faith in His substitutionary death on our behalf.
“Truly, truly I say unto you, He that believes in Me has everlasting
life.” (John 6.47)
"For it is by grace that you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2.8-9)
Jesus is "The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world [including your sin and mine!]." (John 1:29)
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." (Acts 16.31)
If you have any questions about today's insights, please feel free to contact us.
Please join us tomorrow for more insights and tell a friend where to find us as well.
In it we also have the central teaching of Christianity. On more than
one occasion I have said to a Jewish friend or business associate, 'If Jews practiced real Judaism and Christians practiced real Christianity, we would be in total agreement.'
Each element of the Jewish Passover celebration portrays an essential
truth of the Christian faith:
They were to take a lamb from their own flock. A lamb is a picture of
innocence. Lambs are not aggressive. They are submissive. The lamb
pictures Jesus in His meekness and innocence, and He was completely
obedient to His Father’s will. The Israelites were told to take the lamb
from their own flocks because when Jesus came, He would be an Israelite
from the royal tribe of Judah.
The lamb was to be an unblemished male a year old. Jesus in His humanity
was a male. The lamb had to be without any physical defect; representing
the sinless impeccable nature of Christ. “He did no sin nor was deceit found in His mouth” (I Peter 2.22). The one year requirement probably illustrates the fact that Jesus would die in the prime of life.
The lamb was to be kept inside the house for 14 days. This was something
of a “trial” period to confirm that the lamb was healthy and perfect. This corresponds to the trials and testings over the 33 years of Jesus’ life through which He passed without ever committing a single sin. The 14 days probably allowed the family to become attached to the lamb making it difficult to kill the lamb when the time came. This helps us understand the tremendous sacrifice God made when He “spared not His own Son but delivered Him up focus all” (Romans 8.32).
Once the lamb was killed, it’s blood was applied to the doorposts and
lintel of their house. Blood symbolizes death. Romans 6.23 says “The
wages of sin is death.” According to Hebrews 9.22, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” The magnitude of our sin demands the death penalty. Animal blood did not take away sin (Hebrews 10.4). The Passover lamb was a teaching mechanism to prepare the Jews for the future Messiah that would become their substitute when He died. The Jewish prophet Isaiah wrote about this in detail:
“He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on Him [Messiah] the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53.4-6
Finally, Passover lamb was roasted with fire and eaten. Fire pictures
God’s judgment. Jesus the Messiah was judged by God and punished for of
our sin.
The Passover meal required individual participation. Every Israelite was
required to eat the flesh of the sacrificed lamb and drink the passover wine. Jesus used eating and drinking as illustrations of faith; “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day” (John 6.54). Jesus was not advocating cannibalism, He was stressing the need for personal faith in His substitutionary death on our behalf.
“Truly, truly I say unto you, He that believes in Me has everlasting
life.” (John 6.47)
"For it is by grace that you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2.8-9)
Jesus is "The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world [including your sin and mine!]." (John 1:29)
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." (Acts 16.31)
If you have any questions about today's insights, please feel free to contact us.
Please join us tomorrow for more insights and tell a friend where to find us as well.
PROPHECY (Part 1)
There are two major prophetic panoramas in the Bible. Daniel 9.24-27 and the Book of Revelation. Both are in chronological order and when studied together give us detailed overview of what to expect.
Daniel’s chronology runs from 445 BC to the end of the seven year tribulation period that is still future. The nice thing about Daniel’s prophecy is that much of it by now has taken place so we can confirm the accuracy of his predictions that are still future by observing that what he said would happen in the past did happen.
Revelation begins with events taking place around 96 AD and goes all the way out to eternity! Like Daniel, John, the author of Revelation predicted events which are now historical. The first three chapters of Revelation are written to seven churches that existed at the end of the first century. Many experts see these churches as representing various phases of church history from about 100 AD up to the present - perhaps a little beyond the present. Bible prophecy has been defined as “history written in advance.”
The question that always comes up when people approach prophecy is “where do we fit in?” Do current events tell us that we are coming to the end of the world?
It is important to recognize that we live in the Church Age. The Church age began 40 days after Jesus returned to Heaven and runs to an event known as The Rapture, at which time Jesus will return to remove all Christians from the earth just prior to the Tribulation. The church was unknown in the Old Testament where most of prophecy is contained.
Bible prophecy and the Old Testament mostly concerns Israel. Virtually all of the human authors of scripture were Jewish. When God reveals the future to Daniel, He says; “Seventy weeks are determined upon YOUR people and YOUR holy city…..” Daniel 9.24. This explains why we don’t see the United States, The French Revolution, Africa, the moon landing, September 11, 2001 or the covid pandemic in prophecy. Another reason we don’t see current events in Daniel’s chronology is because for him the Church Age is sort of a “time out” period. Daniel includes the events between 445 BC and 70 AD and then he stops the “clock.” Why? Because at present, God is not using the Nation of Israel to carry out His purpose. Israel was temporarily set aside because they rejected Jesus as their Messiah, and God for now has chosen to operate through the Church. When God once again begins to carry out his plan through Israel, the remainder of Daniel’s panoramic prophecy will unfold.
Join us tomorrow for more about Biblical prophecy.
Daniel’s chronology runs from 445 BC to the end of the seven year tribulation period that is still future. The nice thing about Daniel’s prophecy is that much of it by now has taken place so we can confirm the accuracy of his predictions that are still future by observing that what he said would happen in the past did happen.
Revelation begins with events taking place around 96 AD and goes all the way out to eternity! Like Daniel, John, the author of Revelation predicted events which are now historical. The first three chapters of Revelation are written to seven churches that existed at the end of the first century. Many experts see these churches as representing various phases of church history from about 100 AD up to the present - perhaps a little beyond the present. Bible prophecy has been defined as “history written in advance.”
The question that always comes up when people approach prophecy is “where do we fit in?” Do current events tell us that we are coming to the end of the world?
It is important to recognize that we live in the Church Age. The Church age began 40 days after Jesus returned to Heaven and runs to an event known as The Rapture, at which time Jesus will return to remove all Christians from the earth just prior to the Tribulation. The church was unknown in the Old Testament where most of prophecy is contained.
Bible prophecy and the Old Testament mostly concerns Israel. Virtually all of the human authors of scripture were Jewish. When God reveals the future to Daniel, He says; “Seventy weeks are determined upon YOUR people and YOUR holy city…..” Daniel 9.24. This explains why we don’t see the United States, The French Revolution, Africa, the moon landing, September 11, 2001 or the covid pandemic in prophecy. Another reason we don’t see current events in Daniel’s chronology is because for him the Church Age is sort of a “time out” period. Daniel includes the events between 445 BC and 70 AD and then he stops the “clock.” Why? Because at present, God is not using the Nation of Israel to carry out His purpose. Israel was temporarily set aside because they rejected Jesus as their Messiah, and God for now has chosen to operate through the Church. When God once again begins to carry out his plan through Israel, the remainder of Daniel’s panoramic prophecy will unfold.
Join us tomorrow for more about Biblical prophecy.
PROPHECY (Part 2)
I think the best way to study Bible Prophecy is to look at the major events of the future in chronological order:
The next event on God’s prophetic calendar is the Rapture. The word rapture does not actually appear in the Bible but is derived from the Latin word “Rapto” in I Thessalonians 4.17. Rapto means “caught up” and that is exactly what happens; the church (all born-again believers) is suddenly removed and carried away to heaven. You will not read about the rapture in the Old Testament because it is does not pertain to the nation nation Israel. God will rescue believing Israel at a later point.
The rapture has been promised to believers of every generation since Jesus returned to His Father in Heaven. The possibility of Christ’s return at any moment is intended to keep believers alert and living in a way that will please Him when he suddenly appears. There are no warnings, signs or timetables for the rapture. We cannot predict the time of this event. We are just told to be ready.
“It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power…” Acts 1.7
“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man comes at an hour when ye think not……. Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he comes shall find so doing.” Luke 12.40,43
Although the Bible does not reveal the time, all other details about this event are clearly described:
“I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14.2-3
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we who 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.” I Thessalonians 4.16-17
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Titus 2.13
“For our citizenship is in heaven; from where also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our weak body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body…” Philippians 3.20-21
“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3.4
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he appears, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” I John 3.2
Join us tomorrow for more about Biblical prophecy.
The next event on God’s prophetic calendar is the Rapture. The word rapture does not actually appear in the Bible but is derived from the Latin word “Rapto” in I Thessalonians 4.17. Rapto means “caught up” and that is exactly what happens; the church (all born-again believers) is suddenly removed and carried away to heaven. You will not read about the rapture in the Old Testament because it is does not pertain to the nation nation Israel. God will rescue believing Israel at a later point.
The rapture has been promised to believers of every generation since Jesus returned to His Father in Heaven. The possibility of Christ’s return at any moment is intended to keep believers alert and living in a way that will please Him when he suddenly appears. There are no warnings, signs or timetables for the rapture. We cannot predict the time of this event. We are just told to be ready.
“It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power…” Acts 1.7
“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man comes at an hour when ye think not……. Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he comes shall find so doing.” Luke 12.40,43
Although the Bible does not reveal the time, all other details about this event are clearly described:
“I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14.2-3
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we who 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.” I Thessalonians 4.16-17
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Titus 2.13
“For our citizenship is in heaven; from where also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our weak body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body…” Philippians 3.20-21
“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3.4
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he appears, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” I John 3.2
Join us tomorrow for more about Biblical prophecy.
PROPHECY (Part 3)
The Tribulation
Just as we are getting used to our new bodies and our new home in Heaven, all Hell breaks loose on earth. The event that follows the Rapture of the church is called the "Tribulation." It is the worst period of human history. It lasts for seven years and intensifies during the last three and one half years.
“And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time.” Daniel 12.1
“Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is near, And it will come as destruction from the Almighty.” Joel 1.15
“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved." Matthew 24.21-22
“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” Luke 21.25-26
After the Rapture a world ruler will rise to power. He is known in the Bible as the Beast, Antichrist, The Man of Sin etc. He becomes a hero to be worshipped because he brings peace to the Middle East. The Jews will accept him as their Messiah. The Tribulation actually begins when he signs a peace agreement that guarantees the security of Israel. Since the Church (all true Christians) is removed, God will once again deal with the human race through Israel. At this time the Jews will rebuild their temple and re-establish their system of animal sacrifice. At the mid point of the seven year Tribulation, Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel and turns against them. He desecrates their temple, an event known as “The Abomination of Desolation.”
In the book of Revelation, chapters 6-16, the Tribulation is described under three sets of plagues. There are seven Seals, seven Trumpets, and seven Bowls. These are worldwide catastrophes that destroy the world. For example, as a result of the fourth Seal judgement, one fourth of the people on earth die. During the sixth seal, another third perish. In those two plagues alone the earths population is reduced by half.
The Tribulation will eclipse all the disasters that the world has ever seen. YOU DON’T WANT TO BE HERE! Jesus promises deliverance by the Rapture to all those who put their trust in Him.
“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep you from the hour of tribulation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” Revelation 3.10
Join us tomorrow for more about Biblical prophecy.
Just as we are getting used to our new bodies and our new home in Heaven, all Hell breaks loose on earth. The event that follows the Rapture of the church is called the "Tribulation." It is the worst period of human history. It lasts for seven years and intensifies during the last three and one half years.
“And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time.” Daniel 12.1
“Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is near, And it will come as destruction from the Almighty.” Joel 1.15
“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved." Matthew 24.21-22
“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” Luke 21.25-26
After the Rapture a world ruler will rise to power. He is known in the Bible as the Beast, Antichrist, The Man of Sin etc. He becomes a hero to be worshipped because he brings peace to the Middle East. The Jews will accept him as their Messiah. The Tribulation actually begins when he signs a peace agreement that guarantees the security of Israel. Since the Church (all true Christians) is removed, God will once again deal with the human race through Israel. At this time the Jews will rebuild their temple and re-establish their system of animal sacrifice. At the mid point of the seven year Tribulation, Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel and turns against them. He desecrates their temple, an event known as “The Abomination of Desolation.”
In the book of Revelation, chapters 6-16, the Tribulation is described under three sets of plagues. There are seven Seals, seven Trumpets, and seven Bowls. These are worldwide catastrophes that destroy the world. For example, as a result of the fourth Seal judgement, one fourth of the people on earth die. During the sixth seal, another third perish. In those two plagues alone the earths population is reduced by half.
The Tribulation will eclipse all the disasters that the world has ever seen. YOU DON’T WANT TO BE HERE! Jesus promises deliverance by the Rapture to all those who put their trust in Him.
“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep you from the hour of tribulation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” Revelation 3.10
Join us tomorrow for more about Biblical prophecy.
PROPHECY (Part 4)
Our study of Bible Prophecy has followed the chronological flow of events in the book of Revelation. Just to review, Revelation chapters 1-3 contain letters that reveal conditions in the church during the period between the apostolic age and the Rapture. The Rapture is symbolically pictured in the invitation given to John “Come up here” (Revelation 4.1). Yesterday we looked at the seven years of tribulation which is covered in Revelation chapters 6-16.
It should be observed that there are several parenthetical sections in Revelation such as the throne in chapter four, the little book in chapter five, the 144,000 in chapter 7. These do not advance the chronological flow but provide supplemental information.
In Revelation 19.11 we come to the climax of prophetic events, the Second Coming of Christ to earth. Often we call the Rapture the “second coming” because it is the first phase. We distinguish these two events by using the term “Revelation” to describe the return of Christ to earth to establish His kingdom. (He descends to the clouds at the Rapture, but He descends to the earth itself seven years later at the Revelation.)
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.
His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.” Revelation 19.11-13
When Jesus entered Jerusalem Palm Sunday, He was riding a donkey which indicated a mission of peace; when he comes to Jerusalem in Revelation, He is riding a horse symbolizing warfare. The Revelation of Jesus Christ is a catastrophic event as He destroys the armies of the world that are intent on the annihilation of Israel. He overthrows the Satanically energized kingdom of Antichrist which dominated the world during the seven year Tribulation period.
“And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” Revelation 19.14-15
At this time, the Jews of Jerusalem, facing annihilation from an invasion by a worldwide coalition of armies, suddenly realize that deliverance is coming from The God of Heaven;
"…they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem…..all the people of the earth will be gathered together against it…. In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem…Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, ‘A strong support for us are the inhabitants of Jerusalem through the Lord of hosts, their God.'" Zechariah 12.2-8
The Jews look up to welcome their deliverer and are shocked to see none other than The Lord Jesus Christ!
“They will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn.” Zechariah 12.10
Join us again tomorrow fro more daily insights.
It should be observed that there are several parenthetical sections in Revelation such as the throne in chapter four, the little book in chapter five, the 144,000 in chapter 7. These do not advance the chronological flow but provide supplemental information.
In Revelation 19.11 we come to the climax of prophetic events, the Second Coming of Christ to earth. Often we call the Rapture the “second coming” because it is the first phase. We distinguish these two events by using the term “Revelation” to describe the return of Christ to earth to establish His kingdom. (He descends to the clouds at the Rapture, but He descends to the earth itself seven years later at the Revelation.)
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.
His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.” Revelation 19.11-13
When Jesus entered Jerusalem Palm Sunday, He was riding a donkey which indicated a mission of peace; when he comes to Jerusalem in Revelation, He is riding a horse symbolizing warfare. The Revelation of Jesus Christ is a catastrophic event as He destroys the armies of the world that are intent on the annihilation of Israel. He overthrows the Satanically energized kingdom of Antichrist which dominated the world during the seven year Tribulation period.
“And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” Revelation 19.14-15
At this time, the Jews of Jerusalem, facing annihilation from an invasion by a worldwide coalition of armies, suddenly realize that deliverance is coming from The God of Heaven;
"…they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem…..all the people of the earth will be gathered together against it…. In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem…Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, ‘A strong support for us are the inhabitants of Jerusalem through the Lord of hosts, their God.'" Zechariah 12.2-8
The Jews look up to welcome their deliverer and are shocked to see none other than The Lord Jesus Christ!
“They will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn.” Zechariah 12.10
Join us again tomorrow fro more daily insights.
PROPHECY (part 5)
The Kingdom of Christ - The Millennium
Bible students usually refer to the Kingdom of Christ as the millennium. That's because the earthly phase of Christ's Kingdom lasts for 1000 years. Then it continues in Heaven forever.
“And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years...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...and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years...Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Revelation 20.1-8
At the end of the seven year tribulation, Jesus returns and destroys the culture, religion and government of Antichrist. He removes all surviving unbelievers so His kingdom can be completely populated by born-again subjects and administrators.
Earth enters its golden age. No warfare, perfect justice, equality, economic prosperity, perfect environment—all the stuff the politicians promise but always fail to deliver.
Here are some descriptions from Scripture:
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 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. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." Isaiah 2.1-4
"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the cow together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the infant shall play on the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the viper’s den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Isaiah 11.6-9
"…the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert." Isaiah 35.1,2,5&6
"There shall never be an infant who lives a few days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the one who does not live a hundred years old shall be considered accursed. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them." Isaiah 65.20-21
Will you be there?
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. John 3.3
Join us tomorrow for more about Biblical prophecy.
Bible students usually refer to the Kingdom of Christ as the millennium. That's because the earthly phase of Christ's Kingdom lasts for 1000 years. Then it continues in Heaven forever.
“And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years...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...and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years...Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Revelation 20.1-8
At the end of the seven year tribulation, Jesus returns and destroys the culture, religion and government of Antichrist. He removes all surviving unbelievers so His kingdom can be completely populated by born-again subjects and administrators.
Earth enters its golden age. No warfare, perfect justice, equality, economic prosperity, perfect environment—all the stuff the politicians promise but always fail to deliver.
Here are some descriptions from Scripture:
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 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. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." Isaiah 2.1-4
"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the cow together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the infant shall play on the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the viper’s den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Isaiah 11.6-9
"…the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert." Isaiah 35.1,2,5&6
"There shall never be an infant who lives a few days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the one who does not live a hundred years old shall be considered accursed. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them." Isaiah 65.20-21
Will you be there?
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. John 3.3
Join us tomorrow for more about Biblical prophecy.
PROPHECY (Part 6)
The Great White Throne Judgment
The final judgement is most awesome. The common misconception of all people appearing at this judgement and some people being sent to Heaven and some people to Hell is inaccurate.
There are no believers present at this judgment; we have been enjoying God’s presence for at least 1007 years.
The judgement described in Revelation is for all unbelievers. Its outcome does not determine Heaven or Hell, that was determined by whether or not the individual was trusting (depending) on Christ’s death alone to pay for their sins.
“He that believes on Him is not condemned: but he that does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3.18
“He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he that does not believe the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God remains on him.” John 3.36
The Great White Throne is for all unbelievers. If you fail to trust in Jesus Christ as your savior before you die you must keep this appointment.
“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9.27
“And I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne...” Revelation 20.12
The judgement in Revelation 20.11-15 is based on works. I trust you understand by now that we are saved by grace through faith, and our works cannot help us get into Heaven. Judgement will expose all human effort and good works as insufficient to save us.
"...all our righteousness is as filthy rags in His sight." Isaiah 64.6
“And books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.” Revelation 20.13
God keeps track of everything we think, do or say. He has our name recorded in the book of the living, but if we fail to believe in Christ alone for our salvation, our name is removed.
“And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20.15
The only way you can avoid eternal condemnation in the Lake of Fire is by trusting (believing) in Jesus Christ alone to save you. He paid your penalty; he was raised from the dead because His work was complete.
"Truly, I say unto you, He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." John 5.24
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved..." Acts 16:31
Join us again tomorrow fro more daily insights.
The final judgement is most awesome. The common misconception of all people appearing at this judgement and some people being sent to Heaven and some people to Hell is inaccurate.
There are no believers present at this judgment; we have been enjoying God’s presence for at least 1007 years.
The judgement described in Revelation is for all unbelievers. Its outcome does not determine Heaven or Hell, that was determined by whether or not the individual was trusting (depending) on Christ’s death alone to pay for their sins.
“He that believes on Him is not condemned: but he that does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3.18
“He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he that does not believe the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God remains on him.” John 3.36
The Great White Throne is for all unbelievers. If you fail to trust in Jesus Christ as your savior before you die you must keep this appointment.
“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9.27
“And I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne...” Revelation 20.12
The judgement in Revelation 20.11-15 is based on works. I trust you understand by now that we are saved by grace through faith, and our works cannot help us get into Heaven. Judgement will expose all human effort and good works as insufficient to save us.
"...all our righteousness is as filthy rags in His sight." Isaiah 64.6
“And books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.” Revelation 20.13
God keeps track of everything we think, do or say. He has our name recorded in the book of the living, but if we fail to believe in Christ alone for our salvation, our name is removed.
“And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20.15
The only way you can avoid eternal condemnation in the Lake of Fire is by trusting (believing) in Jesus Christ alone to save you. He paid your penalty; he was raised from the dead because His work was complete.
"Truly, I say unto you, He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." John 5.24
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved..." Acts 16:31
Join us again tomorrow fro more daily insights.
PROPHECY (Part 7)
The Eternal State
The last phase of our existence is called “the eternal state.” All judgements have taken place, all justice has been served and believers in Christ are separated from evil and all the heartache that accompanies it. The earth and the celestial heavens have been destroyed (see Revelation 20.11, II Peter 3.7,10) and God ushers us in to our eternal habitat and home.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'”
“And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal...The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone...The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.”
Heaven would not be Heaven if even one sin entered. Only those who have been washed clean by the blood of Christ will be there. There is no possibility of anyone migrating from The Lake of Fire to the Holy city. (See Luke 16.26)
“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.”
The Bible concludes with an invitation. Anyone can experience this eternal bliss.
“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”
(Revelation 21,22 NIV)
“The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6.23 NIV)
"For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God. Not by works so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Join us again tomorrow fro more daily insights.
The last phase of our existence is called “the eternal state.” All judgements have taken place, all justice has been served and believers in Christ are separated from evil and all the heartache that accompanies it. The earth and the celestial heavens have been destroyed (see Revelation 20.11, II Peter 3.7,10) and God ushers us in to our eternal habitat and home.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'”
“And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal...The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone...The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.”
Heaven would not be Heaven if even one sin entered. Only those who have been washed clean by the blood of Christ will be there. There is no possibility of anyone migrating from The Lake of Fire to the Holy city. (See Luke 16.26)
“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.”
The Bible concludes with an invitation. Anyone can experience this eternal bliss.
“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”
(Revelation 21,22 NIV)
“The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6.23 NIV)
"For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God. Not by works so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Join us again tomorrow fro more daily insights.
