Another Subtle Rapture Hint

On By TimIn Jesus, Last Days, Rapture, Revelation 03Leave a comment

Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.

Revelation 3:20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s hard to read this verse and not perceive the sudden urgency. Listen! Behold! Jesus is saying, “Take notice, this is important.”

Most times this is taught it is usually about how the time of salvation is now. It could be, and it can lend itself that way.

If you’ve read much here, there is a post that talks about this very verse. You can read that for some background.

What comes to my attention is not only the urgency of the time but what happens when one avails themselves of the Savior at that moment. He comes in to dine with them. That is what stands out… This invitation to dinner.

But while they went to buy some, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

Matthew 25:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This portion of Matthew is known as the parable of the Ten Virgins. It is written about yet future events. Note two elements, a meal, and a door. In reading the entire parable, the idea of the urgency of the hour is also apparent.

One also notes that the Bridegroom comes to retrieve the party not unexpectedly. They all knew He was coming for them. Some were prepared and some were not.

The oil in the lamps of these virgins is integral to what happens to them. The ones who are prepared have oil. The ones who don’t aren’t. In Scripture, oil typifies the Holy Spirit. Those who are saved have that oil and are prepared for the sudden appearance of the bridegroom. Those who do not have the Spirit are not prepared.

I would be remiss to point out that all of these virgins appear to have the same knowledge. That the Bridegroom is appearing suddenly and it is necessary to be prepared beforehand. Those not prepared have no place at the banquet as the door will be shut.

It’s just like Jesus’ words to the Laodicean church at the end of the age. He stands outside at the door and knocks. Anyone willing can enter in and dine with Him. The appeal is to the individual (any man) there.

We live in a time where each of us needs to be prepared. Really. Things will happen so fast; delaying your own reconciliation with God could prove detrimental. Who knows when the door shuts?

Do you know that the Bible says all have sinned?

None of us escapes that truth. The problem is that by the time we find out God’s righteous requirement to have that fellowship with Him, we know we’ve missed the mark of perfection. That’s what sin means… To miss the mark. Think of an archer who shoots at a target and misses. A miss brings the penalty of death, and you cannot greet the king.

A do-over doesn’t change the missed mark. In fact, there is no amount of do-overs that can correct the one error. That’s our predicament.

We cannot reach God.

Do you know how God fixed that?

He sent His Son to die… Taking the penalty. That Son is Jesus Christ. He died to take the penalty due for the miss you’ve had in the past… All of them.

Jesus fixed it. If you believe that and confess that, you can enter the presence of the King and fellowship with Him.

It’s easy. If you need to chat about it, message me.

The Reward for the Believer

On By TimIn Last Days, Malachi 03, Prophecy, Rapture, Return of JesusLeave a comment

Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord listened and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name.

Malachi 3:16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the midst of the apocalyptic portions of the book of Malachi, we find a hidden hint of mystery. As the context speaks of the advent of the Messiah, and who can stand in that day… We know this is of what is called the end days.

There is a some-2,000-year gap in the midst of those end days. I like to think of it as a respite. It has stretched the culmination of them (times of the Gentiles) for millennia, maybe more. But I doubt that.

Our verse above transitions the focus from judgment to the disposition of the believer. Watch as to what is in store for them.

They shall be Mine, says the Lord of Hosts, on the day when I make up My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.

Malachi 3:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He calls those who believed His jewels. Another translation says His treasured possession. If you believe… That’s you. That is who you are. It’s not by anything you have done. It is He Who considers you thusly.

But wait, there’s more! Just like the unbelievable commercials always promising more to entice. God promises more for the believer (that’s us) in those end days. Those will be spared.

One may ask, “Spared from what?”

To answer that, we must read a bit ahead.

Surely the day is coming, burning like an oven; all the proud, yes, all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming will burn them up, says the Lord of Hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.

Malachi 4:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is being spared from what other texts call the indignation, the day of wrath, or Jacob’s Trouble. It is the judgment poured out onto the world because of Israel. Believers are spared this as sons. This takes us to what is hidden.

Then you will again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

Malachi 3:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the particular translation I use, it’s not really clear. Here’s another.

You will return and see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between the one who serves God and the one who does not serve him.

Malachi 3:18 — The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012)

What is meant by “You will return?”

The Hebrew word that underlies the English return implies physical movement. We will venture a bit ahead in the text yet again. This is to clarify understanding.

But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. You will go out and grow up like calves from the stall. And you will tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I do this, says the Lord of Hosts.

Malachi 4:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

“You will go out.” And “you will tread down the wicked.” “You will return.”

Isn’t it clear that believers would be physically removed from the indignation and judgment and would then be the ones returning amidst and after that judgment?

If so… Could this be a hint of rapture?

Read the text for yourselves. Don’t believe me. The context is there. As is the subtle language of escape and return.

He Commanded to Bring Her

On By TimIn Esther 1, Husbands, Leadership1 Comment

Additionally, Vashti the queen prepared a feast for the women in the royal house of King Ahasuerus.

Esther 1:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We are now introduced to new people. The first is Vashti, the queen. She, too, is hosting a reception for the women.

With this introduction, we will take a turn. A bit of the character of the king will be revealed. Remember the character traits here to see if they change later.

On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Karkas, the seven eunuchs attending to the needs of King Ahasuerus, to bring Queen Vashti before the king with the royal crown, to unveil her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful.

Esther 1:10–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It may have been the merriness brought on by the wine, but here the king commanded Vashti be brought to him. It was without any care for her or what she was doing at the moment. He wished to show her off as another part of the splendor of his kingdom.

Many scholars think that King Xerxes called Vashti to make a lewd display of her beauty with the opulent turban. It would be in front of the other males at his feast. (The women were at hers.)

This is just another in a series of bad decisions that serve as a foundation for the events that unfold in the book of Esther. The king was drunk. As customary, Persians often deliberated and decided important things while drunk. It seems to have happened here, too.

But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command delivered by his eunuchs. Therefore, the king grew very angry, and his wrath burned within him.

Esther 1:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The queen refused the command. The king’s rash command resulted in his own anger. He failed to take into account the needs of others, perhaps because of the dissipation that alcohol brings. Maybe there was something more profound. One could speculate.

Nevertheless, his addled thinking led him to be embarrassed in front of his guests.

Then the king spoke to the wise men, who understood the times (for in this way the king would speak before all who understood law and judgment). Those nearest him were Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memukan. They were the seven princes of Persia and Media and the king’s closest confidants who met with the king and held the highest rank in the kingdom.

Esther 1:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We meet the king’s advisors. These are the ones that will counsel him. They will turn what happened as a result of his decision into a scandal and blame someone else.

According to law, what should be done about Queen Vashti because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus when it was delivered by the eunuchs?”

Esther 1:15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Let’s see what the law has to say about the matter.

And Memukan answered before the king and the princes, “Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king but also all the princes and all the people who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus. For should this matter of the queen spread to all wives, then they would look with contempt on their husbands when it is reported that, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she never came.’ This very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media, who hear of the queen’s act, will say the same thing to all the king’s princes. Then there will be more contempt and wrath.

Esther 1:16–18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is nothing here that shows what ought to be done to Vashti in the law. In the patriarchies of old, the queen’s behavior is scandalous. She embarrassed the king. Furthermore, such actions would also upset the male’s leadership in the home. How was a man to be king of his castle?

What is recorded here is a historical lesson that is to teach honor in marriage. Men are to love their wives with due consideration. Our spouses aren’t a possession to be commanded and ordered. We put their needs above ours.

The wrong perpetrated on the king was a result of his own bad decision. Yet… By his decision, a new law would be made.

“If it pleases the king, let a royal decree be sent by him, and let it be written in the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it may not be altered, that Vashti can never enter into the presence of King Ahasuerus, and that the king will give her royal position to another woman who is better than she. When the king’s decree that he shall make is proclaimed throughout all his empire (for it is vast), then all the wives shall give honor to their husbands, both the prominent and lowly.”

Esther 1:19–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

That ought to really fix things. Make it personal. Vashti would never be permitted to enter the presence of her husband. In other words, divorce for disobedience of command was implemented.

It’s like the law for drinking; people are permitted licentious behavior. More license is added. Remember, the laws of Persia cannot be rescinded, not even by a decree of the king.

The suggestion pleased the king and the princes, so the king did according to the word of Memukan. He sent letters to all the king’s provinces, in the script of every province and in the language of every people group, bearing the message in the languages of his people that each man should rule over his own house.

Esther 1:21–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The decrees of the king were promulgated throughout the kingdom. The kingdom was vast and the resources needed to govern were considerable. The decrees would be translated into the written language of every person. This method will be repeated in the book of Esther.

The law established the man as sovereign of the house.

According to Every Man’s Pleasure

On By TimIn Esther 1, TemperanceLeave a comment

Now in the days of Ahasuerus, also called Xerxes, who reigned from India to Ethiopia, over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces, in those days, the palace where King Ahasuerus sat on the royal throne of his kingdom was in Susa.

Esther 1:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This sets the stage for the things written in Esther. Chronologically, these events happen in the middle of what is written in Ezra. King Xerxes is introduced in Ezra. At the beginning of his reign, there was a letter written to him that portrayed the Jewish people as insubordinate. Keeping that in mind will help to see how the king grew in wisdom despite the intrigue of the adversary to destroy a people.

In the third year of his reign, he prepared a feast for all his officials and his servants. So the army commanders of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the officials of the provinces were before him.

Esther 1:3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We understand that what occurs here happens a few years after what is recorded about the king from the book of Ezra.

He unveiled the riches of his glorious kingdom and the costly luxury of his greatness for many days, one hundred and eighty days.

Esther 1:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This feast lasted for half a year. It was lavish, as the kingdom itself was wealthy. It also showed off the military prowess and conquests of the king. If one remembers the statue from Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in the book of Daniel, this kingdom is represented by silver. The Medo-Persian kingdom was not as grand as the Babylonian kingdom it seized. Yet Xerxes’ reign was exerted over a vast kingdom.

When these days were completed, the king prepared a seven-day feast for all the people present, from the greatest to the least, in the citadel of Susa. This feast was in the courtyard garden of the king’s palace where white and blue linen hangings were fastened with cords of white and purple linen to silver rings and columns of marble. The gold- and silver-plated couches were on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.

Esther 1:5–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

After that great feast, a smaller one was prepared. It was much more intimate than the previous one, yet still displayed the splendor and wealth of the kingdom.

For all the opulence on display, some darker things are revealed.

They provided drinks in golden vessels (the vessels being diverse one from another) and royal wine in abundance, by the expense of the king. In accordance with the law, the drinking was not mandatory, because the king had directed all the stewards of his house to serve according to every man’s pleasure.

Esther 1:7–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Drunkenness was allowed by law. Of course, one may overlook the detail, but it is recorded for us that drinking was permitted as a matter of law. As was conscience. Yet the law permitted and sanctioned immorality.

Think of applying these ideas to your own household. Having a grand party to show off wealth may seem pretentious enough. Sanctioning drunkenness is another.

According to every man’s pleasure is how these were served by law. Of course, the law also allowed for conscience. It also permitted debauchery in the highest places.

Sometimes, a person’s conscience isn’t enough to keep them from succumbing to intoxicants. With no outside influence in society to align with moral behavior, people are given a license to indulge. This is decadence.

They Shall Come Into the Land Restored from the Sword

On By TimIn Ezekiel 38, Israel, Last Days, ProphecyLeave a comment

And the word of the Lord came to me, saying: Son of man, set your face against Gog of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshek and Tubal, and prophesy against him, and say: Thus says the Lord God: I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshek and Tubal.

Ezekiel 38:1–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Ezekiel is prophesying against the nations around Israel. This particular passage, it comes as a stark contrast to what comes before. That is, speaking of the restoration of Israel. I would think that the timeliness of that could also be considered prophetic. That restoration reads specifically as both Judah and Israel being gathered together as one nation. That assembly is happening today.

It comes as the backdrop for the set-up for what most scholars agree is something yet future. I contend that yet future is almost now.

The term Gog refers to an unidentifiable person; some think it is even a supernatural entity. The other names in the text are geographical in nature. These places are named in what is referred to as the Table of Nations in Genesis 10. Magog refers to part of Asia. Josephus identified Magog as the land of the Scythians. It is said by some the Great Wall of China was called the Ramparts of Magog. This most likely identifies the area around and including Ukraine and Russia.

The entire area is marked by three names, Rosh, Meshek, and Tubal. These would include the area directly north of Israel. This would fit with many of the prophetic warnings to Israel and Judah that were recorded at the same time. The invasion would come from the north (mentioned later in the text.) As it happened with Babylon.

And I will turn you back and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses, and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armor, even a great company with buckler and shield, all of them handling swords.

Ezekiel 38:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There are words here that are noteworthy. “I will turn you back.” God is saying that to these nations; He will make them turn back. It sounds like a reverse course; at least that is what seems to be said. Perhaps it is an about-face on a peripheral approval of peace accords.

It looks as if something is being used as bait to draw them. That fits with what is spoken of later in this. Some speculate that it is the massive gas deposits Israel has recently discovered. But I will leave that for the reader to discover.

This will be a vast military invasion of Israel. The text states horses will be used. Could that be literal?

What is intriguing to me is what is missing. In the other prophetic warnings of invasion recorded by Ezekiel and other prophets, the machines of warfare are mentioned… Camps and siege works along with a prolonged period of time. These are not mentioned here, which lends itself to happenings that are more sophisticated and short-lived.

Persia, Ethiopia, and Put with them, all of them with shield and helmet.

Ezekiel 38:5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Roughly… Iran, Ethiopia, and Libya would help with the invasion.

I will do so to Gomer and all its troops, Beth Togarmah of the north quarters and all its troops, and many peoples with you.

Ezekiel 38:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This names what is the modern area of Turkey. It will also join the coalition. All of these nations would be allies in an invasion of Israel.

Be prepared and prepare yourself, you and all your companies that are assembled to you, and be a guard to them. After many days you shall be called. In the latter years you shall come into the land that is restored from the sword, whose inhabitants have been gathered out of many peoples, against the mountains of Israel which had been always a waste. But its people were brought out of the nations, and they, all of them, are dwelling safely.

Ezekiel 38:7–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As God speaks to this confederation of invaders, He establishes some specific markers with a precision that seems to fit the current situation. I mean that they fit right into events of late.

This invasion is prophesied to be in the latter years. That is where we are… In what the Bible calls the last days. It is the latter years of the last days.

They shall come into the land restored from the sword.

This is huge! That is exactly what we are seeing today. Unprecedented peace agreements are being made between Israel and some of her age-old enemies. The land is being restored from the sword… And the centuries of warfare over it.

The modern-day inhabitants of Israel are gathered from many places. They have returned to Israel and settled. They have restored the mountains of Israel, which have always been a waste. The mountainsides are now terraced, and homes are built on them.

And all of these people were brought from other lands to the wasteland. They’ve trained it. They’ve made it alive again. It’s happening right before our eyes. And soon, Israel will be dwelling safely.

You shall ascend and come like a storm; you shall be like a cloud to cover the land, you and all your troops, and many peoples with you.

Ezekiel 38:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It will be a sight to see…

Perhaps You Will be Hidden on the Day of the Lord’s Anger

On By TimIn Last Days, Rapture, Zephaniah 11 Comment

I will utterly consume all things on the face of the earth, says the Lord;

Zephaniah 1:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I will consume man and beast; I will consume the birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, and the stumbling blocks with the wicked. I will cut off man from the face of the land, says the Lord.

This is the introduction of God’s word to Judah delivered through the prophet Zephaniah. Throughout the book many prophecies are given, some as this that will be global and others that are localized.

What is described is usually called ‘The Great Day of the Lord.’ It is the end of the age when the things on the earth will be consumed. The apostle Peter wrote of this day (2 Peter 3:10.)

As written yesterday, Peter speaks of the general apathy that will precede such things. We also know that this is not just to be thought of as a 24-hour day. The text is truly apocalyptic in nature. It is the time when God judges all unbelievers.

The name Zephaniah means God has hidden. That intrigues, as maybe there is a surprise. I have written previously of Old Testament hints of what is called “The Rapture.” Consider what is being said here:

Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who carry out His judgment. Seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden on the day of the Lord’s anger.

Zephaniah 2:3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Yet again, we encounter this mysterious idea of those who seek righteousness being hidden from the Lord’s anger. Paul, when he spoke of the rapture, called it a mystery. Though he was the one to reveal the full idea, the Old Testament gives some corroboration.

It is such an adventure to read the Bible and let the Spirit teach. Praise God for that!

The Righteous Man is Rescued

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Eternal Security, Isaiah 57, Last Days, RaptureLeave a comment

The righteous man perishes, and no man lays it to heart; and merciful men are taken away while no one understands, for the righteous man is taken away from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace; they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.

Isaiah 57:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I love little surprises. There is one here.

The book of Isaiah is filled with apocalyptic descriptions of Jesus in both advents. That is to say, the events are not written separately in the book. God’s program for Israel was for the kingdom to come after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Israelis as a nation rejected that.

Though Isaiah is not quite narrative, portions of it read that way. The first phrase about a righteous man perishing is a rebuke of pervasive evil. People do not care when a righteous man perishes. Nor would those consider changing their behavior to right.

Those that practice mercy are taken away. Of course, there is a change in the phrase. Maybe it is in assent to the idea that when someone dies, it is God taking them out. Yet, this is where the surprise is.

The one that dies and the one taken away enter into rest. They walk in their own uprightness. These are the ones that have moved on to the next life where they live eternally.

There is that “evil to come.” As I read that, it was impressed upon me that this is specifically referencing what we would call the Tribulation.

And the surprise… Those “taken away” is a veiled reference to the rapture.

To impress the point further, it is done in such a way that the rapture will be easily explained away so that most will just go on with life as If deceived.

The Surprising Way God Reveals Himself

On By TimIn Holy Spirit, Isaiah 48, Jesus, The Father, Triune God1 Comment

Come near to Me, hear this: I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there I am. And now the Lord God has sent me and His Spirit.

Isaiah 48:16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Perhaps what is present here is clear to you. In this portion of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking the words of God. He identifies Himself in the previous context as “I am the First, and I am the Last.” (Is 48:12)

Clearly, we can identify the One speaking in First Person here as God. We also know from other Scriptures in this portion of Isaiah this Person is the Maker, and He also ascribes Himself as Redeemer, Savior, and the Lord of Hosts. If we could identify the Person speaking by New Testament names, it’s Jesus!

If that is not clear, read the last line…

“And now the Lord God has sent me and His Spirit.”

One Person sent at least one other Person. I say that because it is clear in the text. Whether His Spirit is a person is not clear, but from the context it is hinted at.

What is apparent in reading through Isaiah is that there are two distinct Persons ascribed to God. The One speaking, Redeemer, was sent by the Lord God. And if the identity of the One sent is not clear, the next verse remedies that.

Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way that you should go.

Isaiah 48:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The first sentence tells you Who is speaking, and He gives not one, not two… not four… But three attributions to Who He is. Then He sums that up with the name of God YHVH.

Do not let anyone tell you the doctrine of the Trinity was made up by some New Testament “church fathers.” It is right there in the text. The old rabbis knew it, taught it, and then suppressed it after Christ’s ascension.

Sow to Yourselves Righteousness

On By TimIn Hosea 10, Righteousness, SanctificationLeave a comment

Sow to yourselves righteousness, reap mercy, break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and rains righteousness upon you.

Hosea 10:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Hidden gems abound in the writings of the prophets. This is one of my favorites. In an agrarian way, God succinctly explains how things work. It is sowing and reaping.

In our own lives, we are responsible for the viability of the ground the seed is planted in. That is if your own heart is willing to hear the words of God… No matter how hard they are to hear… That is breaking up the fallow ground.

The next step is to apply and do what you hear. That is, sow to yourself righteousness. The crop reaped is mercy. And it comes in bounties!

The time is now. Yea, it is! It is time to seek the Lord. You cannot do it half-heartedly. It is a life-long loyalty.

Until He comes and rains righteousness upon you. In other words, you will be immersed in righteousness.

It is not doing good things that saves anyone. You cannot do enough. But it is hearing, heeding, and doing God’s will. And that is easy.

Acknowledge Who He is and what He says. That He did indeed come in the flesh, He died on the cross, and rose again to give life to all.

Believe it is for you right now. Jesus did die for you; He did that for the pardon of your sins. He rose again, too. In that, He gives you new life.

Confess those things out loud. Tell Him your sins, too. He will faithfully remove those and cleanse you from all unrighteousness and give you the gift of eternal life.

He Won’t Turn His Face from You

On By TimIn 2 Chronicles 30Leave a comment

Because if you return to the Lord, your brothers and children will find compassion before those who have taken them captive, in order to return you to this land. For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn His face from you if you all return to Him.

2 Chronicles 30:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

These are part of the last lines of a decree sent from Hezekiah to all of Israel. Hezekiah was the impetus for Judah to repent toward God. He extended the offer to all of Israel.

For those that think that the God presented in the Old Testament is not the same God in the New… Look at that last line.

He will not turn His face from you if you all return to Him.

That was a plea to the nation to change. Yet in it, the compassion and mercy of God toward humanity is ever-present.