Tag: Death

The Last Man

On By TimIn 1 Corinthians 15, Death, ResurrectionLeave a comment

For since death came by man, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

1 Corinthians 15:21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I love nuggets of truth hidden in plain sight. For that reason, this is one of my favorite portions of Scripture.

Death came by man. It came by one man and it spread to all men because of their own sin.

Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, so death has spread to all men, because all have sinned.

Romans 5:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is also by man that came the resurrection of the dead. That is, by One Man came resurrection. He is called First Fruits. His name is Jesus.

If you read a bit further in 1 Corinthians, you will see Paul call Jesus that Last Adam. And I want you to think of that when you encounter the word man in our text above.

In other words, since death came by Adam, by Adam came also the resurrection of the dead. What Paul is saying is that Jesus Christ, being the Last Adam (or the Last Man) is the One Who fixes all that has been broken by the first man’s sin.

Jesus really is the Last Man.

Especially to Those Who Believe

On By TimIn 1 Timothy 04, Death, Hebrews 02, Reconciliation, SanctificationLeave a comment

For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

1 Timothy 4:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sometimes, Scripture is very precise in what is being said. Many times, that precision is glossed over. This is one of those things that is passed over, and more often than not argued over.

Paul is teaching his disciple Timothy. He is explaining the reason for suffering reproach. Trusting in the living God will do that. Yet in that Paul states, God is the Savior of all men.

Wasn’t it Jesus Who died?

Let’s find out. Paul is blatantly saying Jesus is God. I love that. It’s a precise statement that might be overlooked.

But what about Savior of all men… Did God save all men?

Let’s see what Paul reveals elsewhere.

For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, how much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by His life.

Romans 5:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is another place where the precision of what is real is overlooked. For now, I want to focus on reconciliation. We were reconciled to God by the death of His Son. It’s a simple statement. It’s done. That is what Jesus did when He said “It is finished!” You and I, in fact, all humanity was reconciled to God.

That is, Jesus’ death conciliates mercy in the presence of God. It provides the forbearance of punishment to any in sin and such are not immediately cut off from living the moment sin is purposed in the heart. (Did you ever wonder why Daniel said Messiah would be cut off? It’s for this reason. It’s sudden.)

It is why the writer of Hebrews said Jesus tasted death for every man.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels to suffer death, crowned with glory and honor, so that He, by the grace of God, should experience death for everyone.

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

He humbled Himself, in this case, made as a man to suffer death for men. The death due for sin is sudden. It’s evident in Jesus. He died suddenly and for sin. In that way He Yates that death for every man.

He didn’t spend time in Hell serving infinite punishment or warring for your freedom. That was done already when He died. “It is finished!”

To Those Who Believe

Look back at our first text. Why would Paul differentiate Who God is from those who believe?

It’s like Paul is saying believers have something extra that not all men have.

Reread the second text. Now, note how Paul differentiates reconciliation from salvation. He says we are saved by His life.

What Paul is concisely explaining is the double nature of atonement taught in the law (Lev 16.) There is a dead offering, one that conciliates mercy. That seated mercy provides a respite from justice, but it doesn’t remove the curse of sin and the condemnation it brings. For that, confession is needed. It is typified in Leviticus 16 by the high priest leaning on the head (think authority) of the live offering. As he does, he confesses sin for the people. That offering is then led away alive and released into the wilderness carrying all the confessed sin away.

We need the resurrected Jesus. We need that authority to Whom we can confess our sin and have it removed… Forever! That is why Paul says especially to us believers.

The death of Christ is effectual for all men. Remission of sin and eternal life are the gifts given to the believer.

This is explained succinctly by one of my mentors.

“All men are commended mercy which preserves from being destroyed immediately and that so they can be and are, led to repentance and by repentance, the forgiveness of sins and by the remission of sins, salvation everlasting. Being led does not mean they will follow.” Jeff Thomas

In Conclusion

I do love how Paul seems to say these things that he would know intimately, being very familiar with the Law of Moses. Its prophetic implications are interwoven into much of what he writes.

My hope for you, as you’ve read this far… Is that you are one of those especially saved by His life. This requires a conscious decision on your part.

The Wages of Sin

On By TimIn Atonement, Death, Romans 06, SalvationLeave a comment

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The wages of sin is death. It’s that simple.

Think about what Paul is saying. Understanding this critical point is a foundation for everything. To do that, consider the context…

I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh, for just as you have yielded your members as slaves to impurity and iniquity leading to more iniquity, even so now yield your members as slaves to righteousness unto holiness. For when you were the slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. What fruit did you have then from the things of which you are now ashamed? The result of those things is death. But now, having been freed from sin and having become slaves of God, you have fruit unto holiness, and the end is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:19–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul is conveying spiritual truth in human terms. Particularly in that when we present ourselves to unrighteousness, it snowballs. That is, more sin leads to the suppression of the knowledge of God, which makes doing sinful things easier. This he spoke of in the opening of the letter.

The other truth is showing that the real fruit of sin is death. There is nothing that comes of it that is going to last. It’s a freedom from righteousness, meaning it is leading to lawlessness. The result of those things is death. He is urging us to present ourselves as slaves to righteousness, leading to sanctification. There is fruit in that.

Suffice it to say, humans have an appointment with death, The Bible says it is appointed unto men once to die. It also says after that comes judgment. Looking back on the text, we see that there is a dichotomy eternal life is set against death, that is the wages of sin death.

Paul has already conveyed to us that “just as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death spread to all people because all sinned.” (Ro 5:12) This doesn’t mean we are all born sinners as it is easy to say. It means that corruption entered the progeny of Adam and was passed down through his seed. That is death is passed down because all have sinned. Paul is saying we are all born dying which is a transgression of God’s desire for humans. We were made to live with Him forever. But because death entered by one man, and passed to all… All are already in transgression. We will all die of natural causes having lived long enough.

These are the wages of sin death. This is the death Jesus died.

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one died for all; as a result all died. And he died for all, in order that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised.

2 Corinthians 5:14–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Christ died for us. Yes, that is true for us believers. Yet Paul is saying it is for all. The underlying Greek literally conveys “that if one for all died, then the whole died.” Look at the text, the ‘all’ is in noun form. Changing the noun form of ‘all’ to an adjective by claiming it to be ‘all individuals’ impose an idea on the text that isn’t there. Consequently, using a prepositional phrase as an adjective to limit the scope of ‘all’ as in saying ‘all of us’ is also imposing an idea on the text that isn’t there. This does apply to anyone reading this, and even those who do not. Jesus died that death due to sin, and we get to live.

Having been freed from the constraints of that death, live for Christ! How do we do that?

We must be reconciled to God.

So from now on we do not regard anyone according to the flesh. Yes, though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet we do not regard Him as such from now on.

2 Corinthians 5:16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Understand the reality behind this idea. If all have died the death due for the wages of sin in Jesus Christ’s death, the flesh does eventually die. The old things have passed away.

Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Let’s not look at any human in the old way. Those things have passed away, and the grace of God abides upon them. It is a time of mercy. A time in which Paul says each ought to live for Jesus.

All this is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins against them, and has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:18–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God has reconciled the world to Himself in Jesus. He is not counting their sins against them. The wages of sin is already satisfied.

So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us. We implore you in Christ’s stead: Be reconciled to God. God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

2 Corinthians 5:20–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Those that know this are now called ambassadors. As Christians, we get to implore others to be reconciled to God. The One Who took on sin to be sin for us, was for us to live for Him. That we could become the righteousness of God in Him.

His death gave a respite of time to all humans. The righteousness of God doesn’t come by His death, though. As people will still die in their sins.

He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

John 8:23–24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus said those who do not believe I am He will die in their sins. They won’t die as a result of them but will die in them. What does He mean ‘I am He?’

He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. He bears witness of what He has seen and heard, yet no one receives His testimony. He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without measure to Him. The Father loves the Son, and has placed all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has eternal life. He who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:31–36 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I think the testimony is clear. There is only One Who is above all. Without believing ‘I am He’ one dies in their sin. To close the circle, Jesus says this:

Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life.

John 5:24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s a simple idea to be reconciled to the God Who has reconciled Himself to each of us. Yet it is most difficult, as we all must acknowledge the truth in our own hearts. This respite of the wages of sin death is a time of mercy. One where we can seek remission of sins. Yet, remission cannot happen unless we acknowledge the truth, believe the truth, and confess our sins to Him. Only then are they taken away forever.

Genesis 2:17: You Will Surely Die?

On By TimIn Creation, Death, Genesis 02, Romans 02, Romans 03, Titus 01Leave a comment

but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”

Genesis 2:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When you read that verse, what comes to mind?

I offer, most who read the verse won’t really take it at what is written. Instead, the truth might be obscured, understanding it as “you will eventually die.” God is not teaching that sin brings eventual death, but that just death for sin is immediate. Sin, Is a capital offense.

When the recompense for sin was stated to Adam, God did not say, “you will eventually die.” The penalty is clearly stated. It’s immediate death. Let us read this rationally, and not soften what God clearly says. A cursory examination of commentaries on this verse agrees. This is from the conservative Keil-Delitzsch’s Commentary on the Old Testament, “Why then did God prohibit man from eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, with the threat that, as soon as he ate thereof, he would surely die?” That clearly delineates what is meant, death is to be expected as soon as one ate. Another more progressive commentary Interpreter’s Bible Commentary says, “Death would follow immediately!” The intent of God’s word is clear. God’s command to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil included the assurance of immediate death. It stands in stark contrast to what most believe, and to what was allowed, to eat of any other tree… Including the tree of life.

Humans were created to be image-bearers of God. That means being like Him in all ways. There were things reserved for God, yet the implication of that one tree in the garden shows the will of God. Humans were not to know death.

There might still be an objection

But they did not immediately die when they ate the fruit. But they did eventually die.

Exactly!

The eventual death is evidence of the corruption the fruit did to the physical body. It changed Adam and Eve and not just in a spiritual sense. God gave all the other trees of the garden as good for food. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was therefore not ‘good for food.’ It was the one tree God set aside as something not to eat for food. After the serpent entered and questioned what God had said, Eve had assented to the idea God was holding something from them. She looked at the fruit, and her desire led her away from the truth, believing that the fruit was ‘good for food.’

When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasing to the eyes and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate;

Genesis 3:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When she ate, things changed for her. She passed it to her man, and he also ate. He too was changed. Corruption entered humanity. The corruption also had a physical effect on the body. That corruption was passed down to progeny. That is the death from disease and aging we all will eventually die. (There are other ways to die, but all humans will die from the corruption in their own bodies regardless of other factors.)

Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, so death has spread to all men, because all have sinned.

Romans 5:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We also know that Adam did not die immediately. It’s not that God changed His mind or backpedaled on His words to them. There is something else in place.

Jesus is The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

He provides the respite from justice that was given to Adam. He was the One Who satisfied what was owed, immediate death.

But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if through the trespass of one man many died, then how much more has the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. The gift is not like the result that came through the one who sinned. For the judgment from one sin led to condemnation, but the free gift, which came after many trespasses, leads to justification. For if by one man’s trespass death reigned through him, then how much more will those who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:15–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The free gift came after many trespasses, meaning it came at a later time than that first trespass that introduced corruption to death. The seeming delay of death is not a delay, but a respite of justice. It’s been fulfilled. We know this applies backward in time to that very first trespass. The righteous act of One is applicable to all.

Therefore just as through the trespass of one man came condemnation for all men, so through the righteous act of One came justification of life for all men.

Romans 5:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Therefore, that free gift leads to justification for all. It’s the goodness of God.

But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who commit such things. Do you think, O man, who judges those who do such things, and who does the same thing, that you will escape the judgment of God? Do you despise the riches of His goodness, tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

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

Paul would further expound on the idea, that all who have sinned are being justified as they live after it.

being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith, in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins previously committed,

Romans 3:24–25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is the reality. Jesus’ death provides. It’s a respite for humans from death. This respite leads to justification for all humans.

Enough about death.

Let’s talk about life. Though we all are foolish, the kindness of God is still there. Just like in the garden at the beginning, His desire has not changed.

We also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various desires and pleasures, living in evil and envy, filled with hatred and hating each other. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward mankind appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of rebirth and the renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, being justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:3–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Back in that garden, amongst those trees, there is another implicit truth. Humans were created to live forever, and not to die. God is demonstrating that to fulfill what it is to image-bear for Him is living with Him as He lives. The ability to live the kind of life God has is not intrinsic to humans. We need that tree of life to give to us what we do not have. God wants us to live the kind of life He has. It’s HIs gift to us, we must take it inside of us for ourselves.

In the garden, God is establishing reality. A reality that He continually tells us.

I call heaven and earth to witnesses against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.

Deuteronomy 30:19–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The apostle Paul affirmed that this gift is from the beginning, just as taught in Genesis.

in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began,

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

We are not guaranteed to become heirs of the hope of eternal life. Just like it was presented to Adam and Eve in the garden, we must choose to live forever by partaking in the tree of life. The tree of life is not in our midst to us as we live today, in that we cannot eat of it now. We can have it (eternal life) now.

Jesus says we have it now. That, is because we are heirs to the things of God, including the hope of eternal life.

Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life.

John 5:24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give permission to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.

Revelation 2:7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Justice no longer stands against us. Justice is satisfied to then provide respite from the immediate penalty due. We know looking back, it was done at the cross when Jesus stated, “Tetelestai!” Justice has been done. Justice is done by His grace and all are being justified. Justification is poured out abundantly in Jesus. He is Just and justifier.

to prove His righteousness at this present time so that He might be just and be the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 3:26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We are saved by His life.

How much more then, being now justified by His blood, shall we be saved from wrath through Him. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, how much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by His life.

Romans 5:9–10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Preached through Jesus the Resurrection of the Dead

On By TimIn Acts 04, Death, ResurrectionLeave a comment

As they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly troubled because they taught the people and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they seized them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men grew to about five thousand.

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

Preached the resurrection?

This turn of phrase in Acts is enlightening. I mean, how different is that from today’s preaching?

Imagine what would ‘preaching through Jesus the resurrection from the dead’ looks like. Instead, we get preaching of other things. I am not disparaging that. What I am saying is we focus much more on the death of Jesus. That’s not a bad thing as it brought a respite whereby we can read these words.

Yet, it is the resurrection from the dead that is everything. Without it, there is no real hope. It’s because He lives, I can have a reason to live… A reason to love others. In fact, that is the only real way to love others. Without Him, it is a far more difficult thing to do.

We focus muchly on death, the wages of sin, and its power over us. Perhaps that is to reach the unsaved person who attends church. His death gives us freedom from the just recompense due to sin. Ought we not use that freedom to seek remission of sins and put our hope in the only One Who has demonstrated power over death?

It could be the vestiges of papism. From the moment one enters certain churches, it is apparent that death is present. Jesus is often portrayed as dead and still suspended on a cross. When a mass is offered, it’s a celebration of death. Jesus is re-crucified (dying again) at the ringing of a bell. And that was done on command of the priest.

Friend… Jesus died once. His death is for all. It says the just recompense of your sin. He isn’t angry at you. The time now is to change your mind. Seek the Savior who died your death. He has a gift of life for you.

It Was Not Possible That He Should be Held by Death

On By TimIn Acts 02, Death, ResurrectionLeave a comment

You have taken Him, who was handed over to you by the ordained counsel and foreknowledge of God, and by lawless hands have crucified and killed Him, whom God raised up by loosening the pull of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.

Acts 2:23–24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Given His earthly ministry, Jesus spoke of His death and His resurrection. At best, His disciples were oblivious to the things He said about it. They didn’t understand the resurrection, nor did they expect it. Think about that, imagine someone trying to tell you about hypervisor. It’s real. But most peoples’ collective wisdom knows no such thing. It would be hard to explain any details to anyone who didn’t know what it is. Resurrection would be the same thing. No person who heard Jesus had experienced anybody walking out of a grave after three days dead.

But now they did!

In the citation above, Peter is preaching. Even in the early stages of this ministry, what Peter didn’t know before the crucifixion, He now clearly understood.

There was no possible way death could have power over Jesus. Peter explains it by quoting David.

For David says concerning Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord always before me, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will dwell in hope. For You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy with Your presence.’

Acts 2:25–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

That’s it. Jesus is that Holy One. Corruption has no power over holiness. Peter continues urgently; he speaks of David having died and been buried. He speaks of the presence of David’s tomb. Yet David knew the promises of God were true, that He would raise up the Messiah to sit on his own throne.

he foresaw this and spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. God raised up this Jesus, of which we all are witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured out this which you now see and hear.

Acts 2:31–33 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Those present were also privy to the recent events, and now they were eyewitnesses to this pouring out of the Holy Spirit. They see and hear for themselves.

Peter is telling them what David told them, this Messiah would be Lord. That is, the very God of David.

For David has not ascended to the heavens, yet he says:
‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Until I make Your enemies
Your footstool.” ’
“Therefore, let all the house of Israel assuredly know that God has made this Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Acts 2:34–36 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Men Fainting from Fear and Expectation

On By TimIn Apostasy, Death, Israel, Last Days, Luke 21, ProphecyLeave a comment

“There will be signs in the sun and the moon and the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men fainting from fear and expectation of what is coming on the inhabited earth. For the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke 21:25–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

These are the words of Jesus to His disciples during a private briefing He gave them in the week before His death. Clearly, we can understand that the events portrayed here will happen around the time closely preceding Jesus’ return to judge the world.

Reading through this, there was something that stood out. Jesus speaks of the signs that seem to be unprecedented at any time heretofore. He then makes an interesting statement, that there will be humans “fainting from fear and expectation of what is coming.”

What is Coming

Perhaps He is speaking to that period of signs and distress He spoke of in the immediately preceding context. But then He could be speaking of the immediately preceding context, as bad as it was, things coming would be more perilous and frightening.

I am thinking the latter is probably a better explanation. Those people faint from fear connect right here:

In those days men will seek death but will not find it. They will desire to die, but death will elude them.

Revelation 9:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As the revelation unfolds beginning in Revelation 6, seals are opened. As each seal is opened, it reveals an event among other things.

The Seals

As the first is opened, it reveals a horseman given the ability to conquer. This is most likely what will bring a one world leader into power. Yet it will not be without bloodshed. The second reveals peace being taken the earth. Again, this will probably prove fatal to some humans. The next brings massive inflation. How much death would occur during each of these?

The fourth horseman brings death to one-quarter of the Earth’s population. The next seal reveals comfort and encouragement given to the servants of God murdered during this time. They seem to have already been informed that God would avenge them. They ask God, “How long?”

The sixth seal reveals massive earthquakes and signs in the sky. The stars of heaven fall to the Earth. This could be figurative, or it could be the fallen angels coming to Earth as the marshaling of forces to confront Jesus when He comes to Earth to judge at the end of these events.

So far we see that this stuff is so disconcerting, people will go underground and hide in caves. They will hide from what they know is the great day of His (Jesus’) wrath.

A pause ensues, the servants of God on Earth are marked. We also see the saints that were murdered for their testimony during this time of perplexity worshipping Jesus. We see the prayers from those still alive being heard in the heavens and answers to them are prepared.

As the seventh seal is opened, there is a short period of silence. After the silence, angels are revealed, seven of them have trumpets.

The first angel sounds his trumpet, a third of all vegetation burns up. The second sounds and a great rock falls into the sea destroying a third of the living creatures in it and a third of the ships on it. The third blares, a star falls from heaven and makes a third of the freshwater rivers bitter; killing those who drink the water. The fourth angel sounds and a third of the day and a third of the night have no light.

There is yet another pause.

Then I watched, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the other trumpet blasts of the three angels, who are yet to sound!”

Revelation 8:13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Now considering all that has been revealed so far from Revelation 6 through 8 and how it is easily and succinctly summed up in Luke 21:25. Think of the reaction you might have to an angel flying over your head saying loudly, “Woe, woe, woe.” Would there be overwhelming fear so bad you would want to die?

God says they will desire to die, but death will elude them.

men fainting from fear and expectation of what is coming on the inhabited earth. For the powers of heaven will be shaken.

Luke 21:26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)
The Powers of Heaven Will Be Shaken

The fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. The star was given the key to the bottomless pit. He opened the bottomless pit, and smoke ascended from the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace. The sun and the air were darkened by the smoke from the pit. And out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. Power was given them as the scorpions of the earth have power. They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were given authority, not to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings a man. In those days men will seek death but will not find it. They will desire to die, but death will elude them.

Revelation 9:1–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I cannot even begin to imagine the things that would follow. An angel opens a pit, from which locusts thick as clouds come. These won’t bother anything other than those men who do not have the seal of God. These will have a painful sting and cannot kill either.

That Time Approaches Quickly

Given the greater context of our primary text in Luke 21, this setting is in the period before these things happen. By the parable of the fig tree that comes immediately after, we can surmise we are most likely in that time period.

What is coming is a drastic and systematic reduction of the population of the Earth. It’s going to happen. God didn’t write this to scare anyone, but to warn those who have ears to hear… So they may prepare.

That preparation is to become a servant of God… Not a servant of the needy, the culture, or yourself.

Naked Meets Crafty

On By TimIn Genesis 02, The Fall1 Comment

They were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

Genesis 2:25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God said, ‘You shall not eat of any tree of the garden’?”

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

They were both nude. The serpent, though, was shrewd. The wordplay in that summation hints at the wordplay that exists in the Hebrew behind our Bible translations.

The word translated as naked is the Hebrew arummim. In the next sentence, the word translated to subtle is the Hebrew arum. Maybe it is an entertaining way to convey a recount of what had really happened. Maybe there is something more.

The enemy had no way to directly curse these first humans. Just as the crafty wordplay is presented. It helps us to be paying attention to the next sentence in which he subtly changes the Word God had said to Adam.

“Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”

Genesis 2:16b–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Instead of it being a generous offering as God intended, the serpent inserted his own wordplay. He wanted it perceived as perhaps God depriving them of something. He changed the command to highlight one thing set aside, “Has God said, ‘You shall not?'” The idea of deprivation comes in the context following. We can clearly see that for whatever reason, Eve gives into this crafty idea of deprivation. She even added to it.

And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit from the trees of the garden; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You will not eat of it, nor will you touch it, or else you will die.'”

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

We can’t even touch it. God didn’t say that. Now that she had bought into the idea of deprivation, he pushes her even further. God really is keeping something from you. Don’t worry about dying. When you eat, you’ll be like gods knowing how to fix that.

Then the serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! For God knows that on the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Genesis 3:4-5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Death comes because of calamity.

These first – innocent humans weren’t acquainted with death; having never experienced it. God was protecting them from calamity and death.

It’s like that for us. The enemy wants us to think that God is keeping good things from us. It’s not true. We see from yesterday’s post on James 1:5, God gives lavishly to us, just as He did to Adam and Eve. He gave them every tree from which to eat. He gave them the tree of life that would keep them alive forever. All of that was good, but the enemy pointed out the one thing God said they couldn’t have. He made it sound as if what God was keeping them from was something good.

Considering our world and all the calamity that exists in it, would you rather not know calamity than experience it?

I would rather not have to experience it.

Did God really set us up to fall for something that was not good for us?

No.

But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed. Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin; and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.

James 1:14-15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I don’t think it a coincidence that this subtle lie from the enemy that God may be depriving us of something has given way to the deprivation we humans demonstrate.

After all, it was just a subtle idea. One that would lead Eve to want to satisfy her own felt needs. It led the unashamed to desire something that wasn’t theirs. It drew her eyes away. She saw that what really wasn’t intended to be good for food as something to eat. She did and gave to the man and he ate.

When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasing to the eyes and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

Genesis 3:6-7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The rest of this we all know. The one thing God had said would happen did. Death came because we had set ourselves apart from the source of life. Our parents deprived us of the only life that matters.

The LORD God said, “The man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil. And now, he might reach out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”—therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he was taken.

Genesis 3:22-23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Pursuit of Enlightenment is the Same Old Lie

On By TimIn Apostasy, Last Days, Revelation 09Leave a comment

In those days men will seek death but will not find it. They will desire to die, but death will elude them.

Revelation 9:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, so that no one may buy or sell, except he who has the mark or the name of the beast or the number of his name.

Revelation 13:16-17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The smoke of their torment will ascend forever and ever. They have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image and whoever receives the mark of his name.

Revelation 14:11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

These texts allude to some interesting thoughts if one pays attention to avant-garde research in science.

Since the beginning, the shining one (the serpent, what many scoffers call the talking snake) has seduced humanity with a lie, ‘You shall be as gods.’ What is called the science of evolution furthers the lie, that life evolves upward, and that men are evolving to be better. The occultists and pagans would agree with the sentiments found there. Many of the world’s religions would also agree.

The coming mark the writer of Revelation warns of may be many things. It will probably be an outward mark of allegiance to a man. It also will be necessary to participate in the economy that comes. These things we know from the text, but these ideas could be cursory to what it may also be. When the apostle John speaks of the ‘mark,’ he addresses the dire spiritual implications that befall those who choose to take it. Reading Revelation clearly, one can also see those who take the mark of the beast are no longer able to be saved. Can we infer that this mark alters humans in such a way that they are no longer human?

I think so. Salvation is graciously offered to humans. It is provided by the finished work of a Human Being that lived around 2,000 years ago. His name is Jesus. He lived as a man. He also died as a man, but not a death that was the result of His own sin. He died for the penalty of the sin of all (1 John 2:1-2.) He also rose again, defeating death and nullified its sting (separation from God.) Salvation is only made available by humans, as another human graciously gave of His own blood for that purpose.

Back to the mark.

The first citation above indicates that death will elude those who take the mark. I have glossed over that many times. Given recent advancements in science that include genetic programming and manipulation, it may help us to examine what that may entail.

It is possible (and somewhat common practice) to snip a portion of DNA from one organism and insert it into another. It is not necessary that the organisms be related in the way we think of that idea. This practice is called a genetic modification. (The resulting organisms fit the definition of chimeras.) Gene therapy is a burgeoning new world of genetic modification that founds new therapies in the field of medicine. The dream of many in the fields of such biotechnologies is to extend the length and quality of human life. Genetic engineering is exploring novel ways at achieving this.

There is also another branch of science that would work inside the body, modifying it in real-time. This field of exploration is nanotechnology. This involves placing tiny machines inside our bodies to perform specific functions. It can also include a way of modifying existing cells to operate like customized machines that can be manipulated to perform specialized tasks, think it like programming tiny computers for a certain task. The goal is to use these machines inside of our bodies to augment us.

It is conceivable that this coming mark could offer some of these technologies. Perhaps it will be introduced not just as a way to buy and sell or show allegiance… But may include some way to combat the effects of aging and disease. In a way, it would be effective at delaying or even preventing death. In essence, it would alter humans to become like gods. It sounds too good to be true. The faint stench of sulfur seems to surround the idea. It is the ultimate deception culminating from that first one… The lie from the serpent ‘you shall be as gods.’ Like his intent then, the inference would be made that God is keeping something from us… Immortality.

Look further at the linked image below. You see the alleged seven Kundalini Chakras overlaid on the Caduceus. The intertwined serpents around that center rod is a modern symbol used to signify a field of medical science. The winged image on top of it is the winged-sun disk. (These symbols can be researched further if you like.)  I want to draw attention to those intertwined serpents, note the double-helix design. It brings to mind the modern depictions of the construction of the DNA strand.

The long pursuit of humans who are beguiled by the lie… Is to be like gods. The scientific mantra is that humans are evolving to be better suited for their environs. There are some who even want to further this evolution in a self-directed fashion. It used to be called eugenics, but for the sinister implications of that word, it is no longer used… Though the ideas behind it are alive and well.

As the deception is ever increasing, the serpent subtly alters what God says and does in his mimicry of the Most High. That is, he copies what God has already done after his own sinister ways. This is about the shining one wanting to make humans after his image, and creation after his will. The coming deception seems to be based on the very first one, you shall be as gods. Maybe this mark will offer an alteration in humans, or better said, an augmentation that makes the ones having it substantially more impervious to death.

Could it be, that those who take that mark which may include technologies designed to augment humanity become altered in their DNA… That is, ultimately making them different than humans?

The Bible clearly states those who take the mark shall not be saved. In other words, they are not eligible for the blood propitiation offered freely to all by Jesus.

Some others offer even more speculation… That a ‘third strand’ of DNA can be added in the middle of the double helix. Look again at the Staff of Caduceus. Look at what is hidden in plain sight. Also consider the Kundalini pursuit of enlightenment that is superimposed upon it. Everything is spiraling upward toward god. In this case, god would be the sun god signified by the winged sun disk.

It’s something to think about. Either way… Don’t fall for the age-old lie.

Don’t take that mark.