Tag: Eternal Life

One Gets What They Give

On By TimIn Genesis 12, SalvationLeave a comment

I will make of you a great nation;
I will bless you
and make your name great,
so that you will be a blessing.
I will bless them who bless you
and curse him who curses you,
and in you all families of the earth
will be blessed.”

Genesis 12:2–3

Considering the things people are doing today, there are many chanting “From the River to the sea…” Not quite understanding the genocide inherent in the refrain. The ultimate goal there is the annihilation of the Israelis as a people.

Given the promise God made to Abraham and his descendants, there is blessing to those who bless. Cursing comes to those who curse. In other words, one will get in return what one gives to Israel.

That in itself is a practical personal application. There is a Hebrew word used in hermeneutics. It is remez, which generally means hint. Hint, as in there’s something else here. Knowing that, consider this:

When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.

Hosea 11:1

Israel was called out of Egypt by God. Moses led them through the wilderness and eventually to the Promised Land. The promise given to Abraham was kept by God. Along the way, those that treated Israel favorably got favor back. Those that didn’t received the unfavorable.

That verse in Hosea is prophetic. Matthew quoted it in his Gospel.

When he rose, he took the young Child and His mother by night, and departed into Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod, to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called My Son.”

Matthew 2:14–15

Clearly Israel serves as not just a synonym for Jesus. The two terms are interchangeable. Some Christians even call Jesus the “Israel of God.”

That has grand implications. One of those may be unsettling to some. That Israel was to bring salvation to the world. What is true for One is true for the Other. Jesus did bring salvation to the world, as is true for Israel.

So… To come full-circle.

One will get in return what one gives to Jesus. Those that give Him their life receive life in return. Those that don’t, won’t. (What I mean is you will lose your life eventually, and when you meet Him after, you will not have life to give to Him.)

God explained the principle. I will bless those that bless Jesus, and curse those who curse Jesus.

The deeper application is to you. There is only so much time that is available to anyone… Why are you waiting to give Jesus your life?

It might not be there when you want to do it.

The Surprising Way That Resurrection Proves Futurism and the Rapture Before the Hour of Testing

On By TimIn 1 Corinthians 15, Rapture, Resurrection3 Comments

But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came by man, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward, those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end when He will deliver up the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He will reign until He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.

1 Corinthians 15:20–26

In these verses, there are two resurrection events plainly described. Hints at others are veiled. Resurrections are specific events defined in the Bible. Most are easily identified by the word resurrection being used.

Resurrection

Resurrection, in essence, is basically coming back to life from being dead. It is a demonstration of the power of God. It is He Who gives life and has the power over death.As will be seen, it is Jesus Who is given this authority to exercise.

The Bible mentions types of resurrections. One is a resurrection to life. Believers are resurrected into new bodies just as Jesus is. There is also a resurrection of judgment that occurs before the final judgment. There are also other resurrections back into these bodies like what happened to Lazarus. The primary focus here will be on the resurrection to life.

Do not Marvel

“Do not marvel at this. For the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

John 5:28–29

The thing that most don’t understand is that every human will be resurrected. They will all be resurrected by Jesus. It is clear as He says “all who are in the graves” will hear His voice and come out. Some will be resurrected to life, other to judgment. But all will hear His command. Remember these things as more is revealed.

Now is Christ Risen

In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul explains the importance of resurrection to Christianity. That brings us forward to the founding passage above where a brief outline of resurrection events is given. The first resurrection event mentioned is that of Jesus. This is not to be confused with what will later be encountered, what the Bible calls the first resurrection. Paul is using the resurrection of Jesus as a foundation for Christianity, calling it first fruits. He is the first to be raised in the new body. This is symbolic as the event came on very day of the Feast of First Fruits.

The second of the two resurrections is then mentioned and coincides with His coming. It is intimately tied with His coming. Also in the text of our passage, we can deduce when this coming is and what it is for. The timing of the second resurrection according to verse 24 above is before the end. As it says about that resurrection with His coming… Then comes the end.

This tells us that this particular resurrection event is yet future because it has not yet happened. Therefore the end has not yet come. This resurrection is before the time when He puts an end to all rule, authority, and power. It is at His coming back to Earth to establish His Kingdom of rule. This places the event at the end of a yet future period of time the Bible calls Jacob’s Trouble.

Alas! for that day is great, so that no one is like it; it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.

Jeremiah 30:7

It is a seven year period that is also called Daniel’s 70th Week. That week is given by God to and for Israel.

“Know therefore and understand that from the going forth of the command to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem until the Prince Messiah shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks. It shall be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of trouble. After the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the troops of the prince who shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall come with a flood. And until the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall make a firm covenant with many for one week. But in the middle of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed destruction is poured out on the desolator.”

Daniel 9:25–27

It may come as a shock and as will be shown, this is the resurrection promised to Israel and not the church.

This period of time at the end is all very much centered on Israel. Daniel’s 70th week is the end of the Israeli age of 490 years as wash shown to him. 69 weeks of years have already passed, and Messiah was cut off. The temple and the city were destroyed. But one week of years remains.

Jesus speaks of this time period in the Olivet Discourse. This happened because four of His disciples asked Him to expound on the end of the age and He did. This end of the age is these last seven Israel-centric years. I won’t include that here, but it can be found in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.

The End or the Last Day

This is the will of the Father who has sent Me, that of all whom He has given Me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. This is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

John 6:39–40

Most of us are familiar with these verses. There are some segments of Christianity that make a claim of exclusivity of this promise as applicable only to chosen believers. That is not true. These verses are Jesus demonstrating the power of God over death. He also says that all will be hear His voice and come out of the graves. Some will have eternal life, yes. That is only to those who see the Son. Which means to see Him as He is, God Who defeated death.

The importance of Jesus and His authority over life will be witnessed twice more in John 6.

Understand that when Jesus says last day, the Greek word for last is eschatē. It is from where we get the English word eschatology. Eschatology is the study of the end times. This witnesses of this to our text in 1 Corinthians speaks to something yet future. When Jesus is saying the last day to His intended audience, He is speaking of the end of the age. Watch how important the last day is the time of this resurrection.

No one can come to Me unless the Father who has sent Me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day

John 6:44

Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life. And I will raise him up on the last day

John 6:54

What is Jesus saying?

First, we know that He is going to call all humans to resurrection, some to life and others to judgment. This will be on the last day. Second, consider this:

Truly, truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has given to the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.

John 5:25–27

The power of life and death belongs to God. Jesus claims that power as His own. Therefore, the passages in John 6 about resurrection are proclaiming that He is in fact God.

Jesus gives us timing for this raising up. It is the last day or the end. I am saying it time the end of the Israeli age. Is that true?

To help us understand, let’s consider the final two usages of the term last day by John. John records it twice more, once by Martha and another usage of it by Jesus.

Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”

John 11:24

Martha affirms the idea that the resurrection of life comes for believes at the last day.

He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him. The word I have spoken will judge him on the last day.

John 12:48

We know the timing for the term the last day used in all of these passages is found back in John 5:28-29. It points to the hour of what we now see as two resurrection events, those to life and those to damnation. The hour and the last day are often used as collective terms for the entire end times.

The Sharp Edges Blur

“But every man in his own order.” There is an order to things. “Christ the first fruits.” He comes first. “Afterward, those who are Christ’s at His coming.”

Does that mean Jesus only comes once… Or is this a pattern?

And from which reference point do we measure once and is defined by context?

There is much controversy. Some say that a Jesus only has one second coming. That is there cannot be a coming for Israel and a coming for the church. It is my contention and understanding that every person will experience on more coming of Jesus. Here is what I mean.

Jesus promised to the believer to come to them and receive them to Himself. I believe He fulfills this to everyone. The saint that passes before the end of times won’t miss Jesus coming to them and receiving them to Himself. Likewise those alive at the end, He likewise returns to gather them.

From an individual perspective, Jesus comes to all once more. From a collective human experience Jesus comes again many countless times.

The text also seems to indicate that there are layers to last day. It would be incorrect to consider it constructively a singular expression coving just one moment in time. It is both and, it requires context for clarity.

It follows that there are layers to this second resurrection. We’ve encountered two… The resurrection of the Jewish saints and the end of the Jewish age after the completion of Daniel’s 70th week. The resurrection of life Jesus is speaking to in John 6 is a promise to Jewish believers. It occurs at the end of the age. This is the end of the Israeli age of 490 years.

There is also be another resurrection to judgment for those who reject Jesus. This occurs at the last day, by necessity the end of a different age.

It gets messy to nail down dogmatically.

Now, not intending to be controversial… But the Gospels are often misapplied. Many think because they are in the New Testament, they apply to the church. But that is not the case, the church had not yet come into existence. The words and actions of Jesus then were to and for Israel. Yes, we church saints can and do benefit from them. But they are primarily Jewish in nature and audience. Grasping that helps to understand many things.

That said, the last day points to the things at the end of the age. It is many layered.

The Resurrection Events in the Last Day

We know the those at His coming resurrection occurs at the coming of Jesus. This is His physical return to Earth when He protects Israel and vanquishes her enemies. This is the competed promise to the Jewish folks in John 5 and 6. It is also the fulfillment of the promise given to Daniel and others.

“And at that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt.

Daniel 12:1–2

Clearly, we also see that the resurrection events described in the last day match what Daniel received. They are also patterned here:

Come, let us return to the Lord, for He has torn, and He will heal us. He has struck, and He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us. On the third day He will raise us up, that we may live before Him. Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His appearance is as sure as the dawn. He will come to us like the rain;
like the spring rains He will water the earth.

Hosea 6:1–3

These were the promise of resurrection given by the prophets. It would come in the last days.

Daniel aligns with how Jesus speaks of resurrection in the last day. He shows the two-fold nature which hints at the layered aspect of it.

The Third Day

I find the mention of two days rather intriguing. If we consider elsewhere that God says to Him a thousand years is like a day. It’s been about 2,000 years since Israel as a nation was abandoned and forgotten. Hosea instructed the Israelis to return to the Lord, and it follows that the resurrection of these Israeli saints would come on the third day. That is the 1,000 year Millennial Kingdom.

Is it coincidence that resurrection comes on the third day?

As I mellow in age, I see that Scripture is often a pattern. One to match to reality. Jesus rose on the third day. These Jewish believers will be raised up by God on the third day. I can see the pattern.

Do with that what you wish. I don’t think it is insignificant. I’ve learned that no detail in the Bible is insignificant. If it appears strange, it’s important to look deeper into it.

What we know is that His second coming, it will be Jewish saints raised as the Jewish nation receives the Messiah they abandoned.

All of this comes at the end of a period of time unprecedented in disaster. This period of time has another name in the New Testament.

The Hour of Temptation

Because you have kept My word of patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation which shall come upon the entire world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

Revelation 3:10

We have already referenced John’s Revelation. When one approaches the book of Revelation, one important note to understand is given at the outset. John was instructed to write about things you have seen, the things which are, and the things which will take place. Chapters 2 and 3 are the things which are part. Chapter 4 begins the things which will take place.

With that understanding, the hour of temptation points to that which will take place. The promise Jesus gives to the church of Philadelphia is to keep them from the hour, not to keep them through it. That’s an important distinction to understand.

Daniel’s 70th week is not for the church.

This is shown clearly in Daniel 12 and Hosea 6 as previously cited. One can also clearly see it in Jeremiah 30. I hope you read these and more on your own. Daniel’s 70th week is not a time where God randomly judges folks arbitrarily or throws wrath at them. This period of time has a very specific purpose. It is a test that the church of Philadelphia has already passed simply deducing they are kept from it.

What is the test?

I know your works. Look! I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it. For you have a little strength, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

Revelation 3:8

This is a good report of those who have not denied His name. It indicates the nature of the testing. Would you deny Jesus?

There are only two viable answers, people either will be for Jesus or they will deny Him. That is not a test for the church nor any believer alive today.

The Martyrs

The test has two major outcomes. Those that do not believe will be destroyed by God. There is no escaping that. Those that believe will most likely be martyred. There will be some that remain alive when Jesus comes and will enter the Millennial Kingdom.

The martyrs are resurrected.

I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and the authority to judge was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness of Jesus and for the word of God. They had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Revelation 20:4

This part of John’s revelation points to the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom. The text tells us that there is a resurrection commensurate with that. It is fitting that this would also be a fulfillment of the resurrection promised by the prophets to the Israelis. Why?

The martyrs died in the time of Jacob’s Trouble which is Daniel’s 70th Week. Those names relate solely to Israel. They would be primarily Jewish believers. These folks will also reign with Jesus along with the previous resurrected saints.

The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who takes part in the first resurrection. Over these the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

Revelation 20:5–6

First resurrection is a resurrection to life. It is the first one mentioned in the Revelation of John. It is not the first resurrection meaning none others come before.

Again, I am not trying to be controversial. This is where the text leads. Jacob… Another name for Israel will be saved out of Jacob’s Trouble. It is not the church.

I think there is another pattern established on this. Here is why. We know that there will be elect folks who survived Jacob’s Trouble who are ushered into the Millennium. These will be joined by resurrected saints who will reign with Jesus. Keep this in mind.

The Resurrection at the End of the Millenium

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it. From His face the earth and the heavens fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God. Books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. The dead were judged according to their works as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one by his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:11–15

I think the language in this passage tells us that there is something different about this resurrection. It’s not really called that outright. But what is clear is that those that did not participate in the prior resurrections will be brought to life. This bringing to life ends in condemnation. That is, to those who rejected Jesus and will experience the second death.

This is the last day. The next thing that comes after all of this is the new heaven and new earth. It also is the conclusion of resurrections discussed in 1 Corinthians 15 there are no more.

The Rapture

The first task in using this word is to do some disgronification. That means I want to clear up the backward notion many have over the word. They say it is not in the Bible as if that somehow negates the entire idea.

I use the word rapture deliberately. It immediately reveals those who scoff, mock, and scorn. It is said that doctrine divides. And this one certainly does. Much noise and misinformation exists surrounding the word.

The word rapture is a proper description of the event described in the Bible. The word in English means a violent taking and carrying away. Violent in this manner conveys the sense of surprise and quickness.

The English word rapture comes from a Latin word rapio. Which means to seize or snatch from one place to another. It comes into English via the Latin Vulgate translation of the Greek word harpazo. Harpazo is what is usually translated into English as snatched or carried away in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

To those who mock, scoff, and/or scorn at the word… You are responsible for your own triggers. We see you.

A Mystery

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible will put on incorruption, and this mortal will put on immortality.

1 Corinthians 15:51–53

In all the talk of resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul discusses our need for a new body. I have touched on that idea recently in this post. Paul goes into great detail as to why a change to a new body is needed. The conclusion is that these corruptible bodies must put on the incorruptible.

Paul then unveils a mystery. The Biblical meaning of mystery is not like the English definition. When the New Testament calls something a mystery, it is saying what is revealed was once hidden… But not anymore. What Paul is describing is no longer mysterious.

Since the birth of the church, it is a unified body. The church is a chaste virgin bride of Jesus Christ. She is not Israel, the promiscuous divorced wife of God. In the church, there is no distinction between Israelis and Gentiles. All are equal and equally welcome. The church is one body.

Unlike Jesus addressing Jewish folk, Paul is addressing the church, and by extension church age believers. He is telling these believers that not all of them are going to die. When Jesus comes, there will be an immediate change in the body. It will happen so fast as to be imperceptible Corruptible bodies will be made incorruptible. Before our instant change, the dead will be resurrected in like incorruptibility.

This rapture is not a resurrection event like the rest we have seen. But like other resurrection events, it comes at the end of something. This would be the end of the church age. It also fits the pattern of believes at the end of Jacob’s trouble being ushered into the millennium with resurrected saints.

The rapture of the church includes a resurrection but is foundationally a relocation event. If this is so… How do we know?

Before we move on, I think it is worth noting that the word mystery connects many things together in and for the church-age believers. Church itself was a mystery now revealed. The things for the church are necessarily going to be patterned in Israel.

The Trumpet of Assembly

Change happens in the twinkling of an eye… Instantaneously… At the last trumpet that sounds. People are whisked away to a new location.

That last trumpet presents a stone of stumbling to some. (I was there in that. I know.) The mention of this trumpet is not to be confused with the last trumpet blown on Yom Tehurah (the Feast of Trumpets. It is not connected at all to any Jewish feasts, though it may fit a pattern.) It is certainly is not connected with the any of the trumpet judgments in Revelation.

I speak of patterns. There is one in Exodus that fits clearly. When we consider a biblical explanation for a thing, it’s sometimes important to look at first mention of a word. This idea was reinforced when I began to look at the meeting of Israel with God outlined in the exodus. It was quite a surprise to discover that the word trumpet is first mentioned there in the Old Testament.

In Exodus 19 it is clearly demonstrated that the trumpet is a call to assembly. Paul would have known this. It is the reference for his writing. Like that call to assembly was for the people of Israel, this trumpet call of Hod is to assembly for the people of the church. In fact by definition, it’s the last call to assembly for the church.

Let’s look at the first usage of the word trumpet in the Bible in Exodus 19.

The Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothes, and be ready for the third day, for on the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people on Mount Sinai. You shall set boundaries for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves so that you not go up onto the mountain or touch its border. Whoever touches the mountain will surely be put to death. No hand will touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through, whether it be beast or man. He shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.”

Exodus 19:10–13

Not that it pertains to the subject at hand, it is interesting that the Israelis were given two days to be sanctified. On the third day they were called to assemble. Think of what it says in one of Peter’s epistles, 1,000 years is like a day to the Lord. Is it a pattern given to us that like Israel was given two days to be sanctified with washing and then called to assemble on the third day?

Does it have application to a mystery body hidden at the time which would have two days (2,000 years) to be sanctified, then being called to assembly by God on the third day?

Not that it fits exactly… Without atomic clocks, how does one definitively know the exact moment a day starts?

Using Bible references… Is it at the exact moment the sun disappears on the horizon, is it the start of twilight, or when twilight fades to black?

It is another reference to the third day connected with resurrection. I don’t believe in coincidences. Nor do I believe prophecy is for the church. But there is definitely a pattern demonstrated here. And it caught me quite off guard when studying for this. (That is not a bad thing.)

The Assembly

So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and sanctified the people, and they washed their clothes. He said to the people, “Be ready for the third day. Do not go near your wives.” So on the third day, in the morning, there was thunder and lightning, and a thick cloud on the mountain, and the sound of an exceedingly loud trumpet. All the people who were in the camp trembled. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was completely covered in smoke because the Lord had descended upon it in fire, and the smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain shook violently. When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him with a voice.

Exodus 19:14–19

As already attested to, so much here makes my mind explode. There are patterns that seem to apply to our age apart from Israel. God came down in a cloud (of smoke.) The sanctification involved washing. The people were brought out of the camp at the sound of the trumpet to meet with God.

That long trumpet blast is God’s call to assembly. Moses was given instruction by God to give to the people. And when they heard the blast they were to assemble. The trumpet call here resulted in a relocation event from the campy to the mountain.

Is this prophecy being patterned?

The trumpet call of God is to assemble the people. As this is patterned once by Israel, it seems to hint at something more. If it is that, it is not a pattern that points to the second coming of Jesus Christ. How can we tell?

This is for the mixed-multitude people of God. it is not God coming down to judge them. It is a good thing, not a time to mourn.

Our Hope

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Will it not even be you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

1 Thessalonians 2:19

To this end may He establish your hearts to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.

1 Thessalonians 3:13

The crowning jewel for the believer is to be with Him at His coming. For church age believers, this can only happen by prior intervention. We don’t meet Him at His coming. We are already in his presence when it happens. That is because we come with Him.

On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is to the east of Jerusalem. And from east to west the Mount of Olives will be split in two halves by a very great valley so that one half moves to the north and the other to the south. And you will flee to my mountain valley, for the mountain valley will reach to Azal. You will flee just like you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come and all His holy ones with you.

Zechariah 14:4–5

Jesus comes with His holy ones. This is not just angels, nor is it just humans. It is all inclusive to the hosts of heaven. And I am going to tell you, if you are believer now… You are part of the host of heaven. Jesus comes with all of the inhabitants of heaven… All His holy ones.

(For background on that read this: The Divine Council in the Tanakh. Then this: Sons of God in the New Testament.)

It’s Relocation

The call of assembly is not a resurrection. It is a relocation event that by necessity includes a resurrection. Just as the definition of the word rapture entails, it is a quick relocation. People are instantly moved from Earth to heaven to be where Jesus is.

The corruptible bodies will have to be changed in an instant for those alive. And those who have passed before are likewise raised incorruptible.

The word harpazo is not the same as resurrection. It is better understood as a sudden relocation. In Acts 8:39, Phillip was suddenly relocated by the Spirit of the Lord. In the same way, when the word rapture is used, think suddenly relocation.

This is the facilitative relocating of believers to heaven so that they may return with Him at His coming. and remove a restraining pressure on evil.

Putting it All Together

But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and arose again, so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–14

Paul is going to give a framework of how things are going to happen. Pay close attention. Read it all together. Note the apparent concern of dead saints not having the same experience. Paul is assuring the Thessalonians that God will also bring those with Him.

I think when reading the epistles to the Thessalonians, it wasn’t necessarily the rapture they were focused on. It is the Second Coming of Jesus. It is their hope, joy, and crown of rejoicing. That is the goal, the victory… To be counted a part of all His holy ones that come with Him when He vanquishes His enemies.

For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who are asleep.

1 Thessalonians 4:15

Think back to what Paul wrote of the mystery of the sudden change to all believers who will be relocated. That is what he is referencing here. Specifically that those who have passed on already will be included.

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Thessalonians 4:16

Jesus comes with a shout. Remember His promise that those in the graves would hear His voice and come out?

He will have the voice of the archangel signifying ultimate authority. And there will be the trumpet call of God.

This is the call to the people to assemble before God. Those in the graves are called first, and the people assemble before the presence of God in the clouds. It was patterned at Sinai when God descended in the cloud of smoke with a trumpet blast and all Israel came to Him. In like fashion, this church body will be called to assembly in whole and in order.

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 we shall be forever with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:17–18

The body of Christ is relocated to His presence forever.

Concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that I write to you. For you know perfectly that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape.

1 Thessalonians 5:1–3

Since the body of Christ has been relocated, there is no need for a chronology of events that lead to a specific time, the day of the Lord. The rapture does not start Daniel’s 70th week, though it is necessary for the body of saints to be relocated. This is a framework for what is going to happen.

The coming as a thief in the night is not about the rapture. It is a reference to those during Jacob’s Trouble who deny Jesus. At His return will come as a total surprise. They will not know until it happens.

When they say… Destruction will come upon them… They shall not escape. There are the three witnesses that this is not for the body of Christ. The body will not be there.

But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all the sons of light and the sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

1 Thessalonians 5:4–5

We are not darkened in mind like unbelievers. We will not be overtaken by this day.

Concluding Thoughts

As long as this is, it is not definitive. My goal is to help provide a framework for thinking. First, that there are yet future events in store for the nation of Israel and the world as a whole.

There are also future events for the church saints.

Paul also provides definitive proof that the church and Israel are not the same. They do not have overlapping programs. God was never finished with Israel, but set them aside for a time. He will again come to them when they call to His Anointed One. They cannot do that if the Holy Spirit working in the church is in the way.

Now you know what restrains him that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already working. Only He who is now restraining him will do so until He is taken out of the way. Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth, and destroy with the brightness of His presence, even him, whose coming is in accordance with the working of Satan with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all deception of unrighteousness among those who perish, because they did not receive the love for the truth that they might be saved.

2 Thessalonians 2:6–10

I also hope that your mind has been expanded to look at the patterns given in Scriptures. There are many patterns encountered that demonstrate how some seeming unrelated Scriptures interweave these patterns and enlighten understanding.

Resurrection ends one thing. After the end of on thing another begins. Resurrection is connected to the third day.

Jesus is risen and He is coming again!

Spirit, Soul, and Body

On By TimIn Genesis 01, Resurrection, Triune God1 Comment

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 1:26–27

It is hardly hidden that we are made in the image of God. We also know God to be triune in nature, Father, Son, and Spirit. It is not accepted in some circles that we humans are also three-part beings. Is that true?

Here is what Paul said of the matter:

May the very God of peace sanctify you completely. And I pray to God that your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:23

Paul tells us that a human is spirit, soul, and body. In my study, I prefer the Biblical principal that a matter is established by two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15.) Considering that, let’s see if we can find another.

Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.

Genesis 2:7

From the very first moment Adam was created, a body was fashioned from the dust of the ground. Then God breathed spirit into that body. And finally, Adam became a living soul. It’s the three parts that make one whole.

For another witness, we have this:

For the word of God is alive, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

This text is a nexus for many other ideas. Especially when considering the immediate context. The verse that follows this hints at hyperspaces. That is another discussion for another time.

The writer of Hebrews tells us that all things are revealed to God. There is no hiding things from Him. His Word is powerful and can divide the spirit and the soul. There are two of the parts of the human. The third comes in the next phrase, where it also divided the joints and marrow. That is most definitely speaking of the physical body. This text indicates three parts.

There is another distinction in this verse, I think. The spirit and the soul seem to be containerized. That is, the body is the house for the soul and the spirit.

Body Shelters Spirit and Soul

We know that if our earthly house, this tent, were to be destroyed, we have an eternal building of God in the heavens, a house not made with hands. In this one we groan, earnestly desiring to be sheltered with our house which is from heaven. Thus being sheltered, we shall not be found unsheltered. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we wish to be unclothed, but to be further clothed, so that what is mortal might be swallowed up by life. Now He who has created us for this very thing is God, who also has given to us the guarantee of the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 5:1–5

It is of utmost importance to understand this concept. It goes right to the very heart of what it is to be Christian. Our current physical body is a home to our spirit and soul. Paul says when we die, leaving this shelter behind, we have an everlasting one in heaven awaiting us.

Because sin has been sequestered to the flesh, we are burdened by it. And our physical bodies show the wear and tear of sin. Our spirits and souls do not. How can that be?

Paul calls that the circumcision made without hands.

In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which also you were raised with Him through the faith of the power of God, who has raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has resurrected together with Him, having forgiven you all sins. He blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us and contrary to us, and He took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed authorities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by the cross.

Colossians 2:11–15

Paul uses the metaphor of circumcision to explain what happened when we got saved plain to understand. Listen, when someone is circumcised, what is cut away is not reattached, it doesn’t grow back again, and it is removed to be discarded.

It’s like what happens to us Christians. The flesh part is separated from the other parts, the soul and the spirit. That is why Paul says that a believer is a new creation.

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. 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 5:16–17

We don’t regard any believer according to the flesh… Yes, we know them physically, but we don’t know them by their foibles. E we don’t identify our brothers and sisters by their sins. They, like us, are new creations.

It’s as if there is some kind of out-of-this-world surgery done… My mind screams Hebrews 4:13. It is the Word of God that divides joints and marrow. The Word is Jesus! He saves, and that is why the resurrection is so much better than the cross.

It’s the Resurrection

So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. So it is written, “The first man Adam was made a living soul.” The last Adam was made a life-giving spirit.

1 Corinthians 15:42–45

We see clearly that something about the natural physical body we have now cannot get to heaven. It is the natural man the Bible speaks of, the part that cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God.

Just as we see in Jesus’ life, the ugliness of the cross…. What came before… Does not compare with the glory of resurrection. Just as we do baptism, we provide a picture of this very thing. Baptism proclaims resurrection.

We are going to put off these bodies. They don’t go to heaven.

However, that which is spiritual is not first, but the natural, and then the spiritual. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second man was the Lord from heaven. As was the man of dust, so are those who are of dust; and as is the man of heaven, so are those who are of heaven. As we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.

1 Corinthians 15:46–49

At creation, God formed a body for Adam. We all share the genes given to Adam. They are part of the physical body in this physical world. We bare the image of the man of dust, and we bare the image of the One True God.

But there’s a problem.

Now this I say, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit incorruption.

1 Corinthians 15:50

In the Twinkling of an Eye

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible will put on incorruption, and this mortal will put on immortality.

1 Corinthians 15:51–53

I know some of you may roll your eyes at talk of rapture. It seems to be controversial. But Paul called it our blessed hope. And that is what it is. We move around burdened by these bodies marked up with sin. Our spirit and soul long to be free of what besets us.

Most importantly, we see from the very beginning of why these things are so. If they weren’t, who really could be saved?

One last point, the angels in heaven are not made like we are. They do not have these three-part bodies. They do not bear the image of God. They have no Kinsman to redeem. That is why they tremble.

But you and I do.

Escaping the Corruption of the World

On By TimIn 2 Peter 01, Eternal Security, Salvation1 Comment

There exists a vast difference in between the ones who escape the corruption of the world and partake of the divine nature and those who escape the defilements of the world for a season.

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who have received a faith as precious as ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

2 Peter 1:2

In the introduction, Peter is established the tone. That tone is to Peter is encourage other believers to hold fast. Not that they might lose out on eternal life at some future time, but to ensure their own maturity in the faith. To grow to maturity ought to be the goal of every Christian.

At the beginning of this epistle, Peter establishes a premise. Sometimes that premise is blurred by the particular translation of the Bible used which may lead to some insecurities. Because of this, I prefer a literal word-for-word translation. This helps me to grasp the nuances in word meanings being translated. It also helps to have tools available to try and understand the subtleties in the original language that do not translate clearly. Taking the extra time for a bit of a deeper dive helps to ensure right division of the Bible.

With that said, let’s dive in!

His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who has called us by His own glory and excellence, by which He has given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, so that through these things you might become partakers of the divine nature and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.

2 Peter 1:3–4

At the outset, Peter is saying that Christians have everything they need no to live godly lives. These come by the promises of God. Promises that you have no part in save to receive them. He keeps them, even in light of what you do… Because it’s His word. His word is not made void by the freedom He has bestowed on us.

Because we have these promises, we escape the corruption of the world and become partakers of the divine nature. That statement is loaded with lots of stuff to unpack. Note the phrasing, escape the corruption. The corruption is in the world through lust. Think of the word lust as desire and intense craving.

Focus on the word corruption. It is the Greek word phthoras which does mean corruption and can also mean destruction. The destruction is ultimately death. That is the end result of sin. But the Christian escapes this.

For this reason make every effort to add virtue to your faith; and to your virtue, knowledge; and to your knowledge, self-control; and to your self-control, patient endurance; and to your patient endurance, godliness; and to your godliness, brotherly kindness; and to your brotherly kindness, love.

2 Peter 1:5–7

Peter then provides a prescription for the saved person who has eternal life. Keep in mind that God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. The outline is indeed doable by every Christian.

It is self-explanatory in nature. Faith is required to get eternal life and forgiveness is sins, it is also necessary to live a Christian life. It’s not faith alone. We add virtue onto our faith.

Virtue is excellence of character… Blamelessness. Add knowledge to virtue and then self-control. Self-control is different than virtue and comes after. Patience, godliness, kindness then follow, and finally love.

Most of us get it backwards. We think we love first. Peter is telling us that we cannot truly love without all of those things that come orderly before.

For if these things reside in you and abound, they ensure that you will neither be useless nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:8

The discussions that sometimes revolve around 2 Peter tend toward who is really saved. The reality is Peter is encouraging us to be useful and fruitful. This is not unlike much of the Bible, which itself teaches us how to be useful to God. Yes, first we need to be saved. Being useful and fruitful comes with maturity.

Virtue Revisited

I need to say more about virtue. It is a word that conveys an idea of blamelessness. Paul helps us to understand this idea of blamelessness and from whence it comes. He calls it a gift.

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

Righteousness is the quality of being in accordance with God’s requirements. It’s to be blameless in the law. Paul says this gift comes freely by Jesus to any who want it. Recall what Peter said, He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. We don’t add to it, not maintain it. We simply cannot!

It is this gift of righteousness that leads to justification of life. Meaning you and I as Christians can stand blameless in the presence of God. It’s like me saying “Just as if I’d never sinned!”

Strong’s Dictionary gives us some additional insight to this word virtue (Greek aretē.) It means excellence of character, whether that excellence is intrinsic or attributed. As Paul showed, righteousness is attributed to us by God as a gift.

There is another sense conveyed by virtue… It is the idea of valor. Valor is the strength of mind needed to resist fear and brave danger. Think about that. God has given you that strength of mind.

Adding Virtue to Faith is Then Easy

If you are a Christian… You are saved. You have eternal life. Nothing can move you from that position. Fear can trick you but you don’t have to succumb to it. We resist that fear.

When the enemy comes and tells you you’re not doing enough and therefore not valuable to God, know it’s a lie. It’s designed to make you afraid. Resist it the fear, and the enemy has to flee.

God sent His Son Jesus for us. You and I have value and worth far greater than you can imagine.

The journey from faith to virtue is easy. God gives it to us. It means those that have eternal life by faith cannot be removed from it. If there’s a struggle on whether you can lose the gift of eternal life and your salvation, it stops here. And the text is going to show us that clearly.

Blind and Shortsighted in Forgetfulness

But the one who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted because he has forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

2 Peter 1:9

When we forget who we are, and more to the point… Whose we are… It can lead to shortsightedness. Remember, you and I are already cleansed from former sins. Yes that is true. Yet it goes beyond former sins. Remember Peter saying that we might become partakers of the divine nature?

Paul says we already are.

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has resurrected together with Him, having forgiven you all sins. He blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us and contrary to us, and He took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed authorities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by the cross.

Colossians 2:13–15

We are already resurrected with Him. There is no way that can happen unless we are already partaking of the divine nature. Not only that, we are forgiven all sins. These are not just the former sins, but all of them!

Whatever claim the enemy had on us is gone. That’s the freedom of the Christian life. That’s the virtue that we courageously stand in now. We are immovable. We cannot sin enough to lose out on anything God has already given to us. Why would any of us really want to do that?

Now knowledge is added to the virtue. So what now?

Add the rest, self-control, patience, godliness, kindness, and love.

Calling and Election

Therefore, brothers, diligently make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble. For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided for you.

2 Peter 1:10–11

We make our calling and election sure. That is not about salvation. It’s about being useful, useful to God. He has given to every one of us unique gifts to be of service to Him. It is our responsibility to know what these things are and how to employ them for His glory. That is making sure your calling is to a particular place of service. Your election is to be useful to God… Not just saved.

Championing Us

Therefore I will not be negligent to always remind you of these things, though you know them and are established in the truth that is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I live in this body, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that soon I will take off this body, even as our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me. And I will also be diligent to make sure that after my death you will always remember these things.

2 Peter 1:12–15

We all need encouragement. It ought be a strong part of our lives to encourage and admonish others in the same love that Peter does. We do that by reminding ourselves and others of all of these things.

Warnings

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with deceptive words. Their judgment, made long ago, does not linger, and their destruction does not slumber.

2 Peter 2:1–3

This discussion takes a darker turn away from encouragement. Peter is instructing as he exposes false teachers and those led astray by them. These deny the Lord that bought them. Does that mean they have lost salvation?

No. As we have already witnessed in Colossians, sin has been nailed to the cross and taken out of the way freeing humanity from the grips of the enemy. The Lord bought the lot of Adam’s race, every single human that has, had, or will have life. To deny that is to never ever come to salvation and receive the gifts of eternal life and righteousness. I admit, it’s a simple conclusion, but it’s right there. It is the truth. That’s why the writer of Hebrews put it this way:

Therefore we should be more attentive to what we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken by angels was true, and every sin and disobedience received a just recompense, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation, which was first declared by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him?

Hebrews 2:1–3

Considering the immeasurable generosity is such a gesture, how do people ignore it as if nothing really happened?

It would be the height of arrogance and indifference. It’s easy to understand why people go to perdition. And Peter does not have kind things to say about these types of people and the ideas they share with others.

For when they speak arrogant words of vanity, they entice by the lusts of the flesh and by depravity those who barely escaped from those who live in error.

2 Peter 2:18

Remember, the first phrase… Escape the corruption (phthoras.) Peter uses the same idea of escape again. This time it is to describe those who barely escape from those who live in error. I think he is speaking of Christians. These false teachers entice believers with religion. Religion is the idea that people can make themselves presentable to God by abstaining from sin.

Promised Freedom

Although they promise them freedom, they themselves are slaves of corruption, for by that which a man is overcome, to this he is enslaved. For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then turn back from the holy commandment that was delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, “The dog returns to his own vomit,” and “the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mud.”

2 Peter 2:19–22

Freedom is contrasted with the enslavement to corruption. Instead of teaching reliance on the promises of God, the false teacher offers a semblance of freedom that is really slavery.

These teachers have themselves not yet escaped corruption (phthoras) but are still slaves to it. Remember what Paul said:

Do you not know that to whom you yield yourselves as slaves to obey, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

Romans 6:16

Stepping out to sin is presenting yourself as a slave to it. Sin leads to death… The (phthoras) destruction.

Back to the text in 2 Peter, these false teachers seem to escape the defilements of the world. Defilements in the Greek is the word miasmata. It’s different than phthoras, and is only used this once in the entire New Testament. The single usage connotes it has some significance.

Miasmata means shameful deeds, or what we would call sins. In other words, it seems these are escaping sins. But it only seems for a bit as they return to the carnality of the world.

When a person hears the Gospel of Jesus Christ presented they receive the knowledge of Him as Savior. What they do with that is of paramount importance as Peter hints at.

Let’s consider an example. It’s like when people come to church. They might enjoy the time of worship and even get something from the message given. They may even enjoy the fellowship and kindness that abounded. Then they leave and not applying what they heard. They are not changed. Yet, for a short period of time in church… They escaped the defilements of the world in the shelter of the Spirit present in the body of Christ. They did not repent, were not saved, and they did not receive eternal life. These go back to their carnality.

The part of having not known the way of righteousness the becomes condemnation. Each time the Gospel is ignored it hardens the heart. At each iteration it will become easier to not respond. That is why the latter state is worse not hearing.

Escape the Corruption

Christians escape the corruption and become partakers of the divine nature. It is escaping destruction. And such can never become corrupted again. Therefore losing eternal life and salvation are not possible.

Those that escape the defilements can sometimes be described with a term I like, “churchians.” These are folks who go to church and try to live a good life by not sinning, somehow thinking those things give them credibility. Some even shame others for not living like they do. Self-help and motivational therapy is not Christianity. Doing good deeds is not what makes a Christian. Neither is keeping the law or obeying commands. Don’t fall prey to the quaint religious language.

A Christian is one who believes in the One Whom God sent… Jesus. It’s His name we bear. It’s I solely in Him Who we trust. We know He lived, died for our sins, and spent three days in the grave. That was not the end… For He rose again as Victor over death.

Believing that is what makes one a Christian. Jesus keeps those who are His. Those things don’t come by following a set of rules.

Circumcision is Forever

On By TimIn Colossians 02, Eternal Security, SalvationLeave a comment

In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which also you were raised with Him through the faith of the power of God, who has raised Him from the dead.

Colossians 2:11–12

One of my favorite things about Scripture is the precision in the words used to convert an idea. There is no wiggle room for shenanigans, though many may try. Take what Paul says above. He chose his words carefully. Clearly, he is talking about salvation. Read it again, even the tenses of the verbs are significant.

In Jesus, the believer is circumcised. The body of fleshly sins is put off. It’s taken away. The verb tense for circumcised, buried, and raised is aorist. This converts that an action has accurate occurred in the past and it is not undone, with continuing effects to present and beyond.

That word circumcised is used deliberately… In three forms. That signifies grave importance, which provides tension for a pertinent questions.

Can what is circumcised away be reattached or regrow?

No. It doesn’t. Circumcision is forever.

The airiest verb tense also provides more tension. Tension that leads to more questions.

Does the one who has already been raised ever become unraised?

How does one who is already raised from the dead go back to being dead?

No.

So tell me… How does one lose salvation?

And by lose, I mean go away by whatever means one can dream up.

God’s Gift of Everlasting Life

On By TimIn Eternal Security, Gifts, Romans 11Leave a comment

Don’t let someone bamboozle you.

For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.

Romans 11:29

Said another way:

For God’s gifts and calling never change.

Romans 11:29 (ISV):

In this text, Paul was speaking directly of the privileges granted to Israel he noted by name in Romans 9:4. By extension, it includes the usage of the word gift as previously encountered in Romans. He is demonstrating a biblical principle. The gifts (and calling) of God don’t change. (Which means Israel is still God’s chosen people, righteousness, and everlasting life doesn’t change.)

Now… Considering we’ve gotten this far in Romans, we have already encountered some other truths that have application in that verse.

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

Romans 6:23

It’s unequivocally true, everlasting life is a gift of God given to the believer. There are other gifts.

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

God expends the gift of righteousness lavishly. That doesn’t change either. In fact, Paul says that gift leads to justification.

But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets. This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all and upon all who believe, for there is no distinction. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, 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, 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 3:21–26

This text is the crux of what Paul is teaching. It is a foundational understanding to what transpired at the cross. Note that it says the righteousness of God comes to all through faith and is ON all who believe. We already know that righteousness is a gift of God. And we know the gifts of God don’t change. Meaning that once the gift of righteousness comes upon a person, it doesn’t ever go away or even get marred.

Furthermore, the text says all have missed the mark. But those same all who missed the mark are being justified freely. (Verb tenses matter greatly. Pay attention to them!)

This is a clear demonstration of the righteousness of God. All are being justified freely as God’s gift of righteousness is extended to all.

Having already proven that righteousness is a gift that a believer already has upon them and it cannot change. Likewise, everlasting life is also a gift. But does the believer have that now?

You betcha!

“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

And if one witness is not good enough…

Truly, truly I say to you, whoever believes in Me has eternal life.

John 6:47

Surely Goodness and Mercy

On By TimIn Encouragement, Eternal Security, Good, Peace, Psalm 023Leave a comment

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:1–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s a beloved passage. Many have it memorized as it brings comfort in stressful times.

Have you actually pondered the ideas in the last verse?

There is a hymn we sing called “Surely Goodness and Mercy.” It is this last line of this Psalm. The religion of the verse drives an important point.

Goodness and mercy shall follow me.

We get that language from the King James Version. The word shall hints at a deeper meaning of the Hebrew word it is translated from to form the verb shall follow. The Hebrew root is radaph. It is translated correctly.

But let us look in another version of the Bible that may add some higher definition.

Surely goodness and loyal love will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will stay in the house of Yahweh
for a very long time.

Psalm 23:6 — The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012)

Yes, the word can be translated as pursue, here. Other meanings include chase and persecute.

This goodness and mercy of God doesn’t ever give up. It is always there, chasing and persecuting us… Forever.

Whoever Drinks

On By TimIn Eternal Security, Jesus, John 04Leave a comment

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water that I shall give him will become in him a well of water springing up into eternal life.”

John 4:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There was a recent discussion using this passage. In it, someone mocked the idea of a person taking just a sip of the water Jesus gives, and that being enough to never thirst. The scorned idea centers on the assertion that salvation can be lost.

What do you think can be gleaned from this selection as to what Jesus is really saying?

I want to draw attention to one particular verb used two ways. The verb is translated to the English ‘drinks.’ But the underlying Greek reveals something substantial we might miss.

In the first instance, the Greek verb translated ‘drinks’ is present tense in a nominative mood. In essence, it is saying that every time one drinks of this water, thirst will return.

In the second instance, the verb translated as drinks is changed to aorist tense in a subjunctive mood. The aorist tense is best understood as a once-and-done action that carries forward. In other words, it is similar to the present perfect like he is born. The birth happened and the effect it caused carries forth. The birth is not undone, nor does it have to be repeated or continued.

That second instance is also in a subjunctive mood. This can convey a potentiality in the verb, which is translated correctly in the above quotation, whoever drinks.

What we can deduce logically, since no minimum quantity is given by Jesus to qualify how much is needed, a sip suffices to satisfy the thirst forever. He did say never thirst. Think of the thief on the cross.

This coincides with what Jesus continues to say. That one drink will become a well in the saved person that springs into eternal life. Eternal life doesn’t end or go away.

Hidden in typology is the Holy Spirit pictured as the Living Water. It is He Who gives life. This coincides with the Spirit’s ministry in the life of the believer… Keeping such saved because He never leaves.

You cannot buy this Water. Jesus gives it freely to anyone who wants.

You cannot earn this Water, it’s given freely.

One sip suffices forever… But keep drinking in and sharing!

Thump’m with Bible?

On By TimIn Encouragement, Eternal Security, Matthew 07Leave a comment

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonderful works in Your name?’ But then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who practice evil.’

Matthew 7:21–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This passage is often cited. It is often used to scare folks, or as I like to put it, ‘thump’m with Bible.’ Most often, this is used in conjunction with those who claim some obedience, endurance, or perseverance to keep salvation.

Some even use this to point out that people that are truly saved can lose their salvation. It’s an often-used text to prove that. However, that simply cannot be true. Jesus clearly states, “I never knew you.” That statement excludes Him knowing someone as saved and them walking away from it. It cannot happen.

If you don’t understand… A saved person cannot lose salvation. It is testified to right there.

There is another sobering truth presented here. This passage is clearly about people that never came to Jesus in faith, but they do come to Him to show their works. These folks cling to their shiny trinkets, the prophesying, casting out demons, and the good things they did. It’s as if they are trying to trade or buy their way into the kingdom.

Jesus says that doesn’t work, “I never knew you.”

But… Do you understand what else is in that “good works?”

Depending upon your obedience to get to heaven is a good work. As is enduring and persevering in the midst of trials and persecution. Even depending on these things to keep being saved sets aside the work of Jesus.

What counts is the personal relationship with Jesus. He needs to know you. And you need to know Him.

As You have given Him authority over all flesh, He will give eternal life to all whom You have given Him. This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

John 17:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is no other Way to heaven, but by resting in Him. It’s not working. It’s not doing good things. It’s not persevering.

You need to know Jesus so He knows you.

A Child is Born, a Son is Given

On By TimIn Creation, Daily Walk, Encouragement, Eternal Security, Freedom, Heaven, Isaiah 09, Jesus, Prophecy, Reconciliation, Resurrection, Salvation, The CrossLeave a comment

Here’s something that has occupied the spare processing cycles in my brain when the screen saver is active. In other words, there is something that I have been considering deeply.

For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

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

This is one of those memory verses I learned from years of listening to Handel’s Messiah. In that first line is a distinction that is easy to overlook. A child is born and a son is given. It is a prophetic announcement of the birth of Jesus. A child would be born to us humans. Not just any child, but a Son would be given. That Son would be unique. This announcement clearly shows that Jesus is God, not that He came from God.

In a discussion on the Godhead I just perused, I again pondered this idea. This God-Man… This Son, or Word, that was given to us. The interesting part of the conversation prompted me to write my thoughts down and share them.

The discussion was over the Son or Word and whether saying He is begotten by God somehow darkens the idea of His existence from “eternity past.” It’s precisely what derives from the idea of being begotten means, and sort of considers the hypostatic union. That is the union of God and man that is Jesus.

I want to give a foundation from here. This is what God says of Himself in the final chapters of the Old Testament.

For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

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

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no change or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.

James 1:17–18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

From these two witnesses, it is clear that God doesn’t change. The writer of Hebrews adds to this.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

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

How does a God Who doesn’t change incarnate?

It sort of intrigues me that the God Who clearly says He is the same and doesn’t change somehow put on humanity.

It is precisely that idea that I think is too simplistic of an explanation. If He puts on humanity, He changes. Or maybe that doesn’t count as a change.

God has a Unique Relationship with Humans

I think it goes back to something foundational.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 1:26–27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This idea of God making us in His image. What is that, really?

I know one of my favorite Bible nerds says we are imagers. Meaning we get to make God known to others in unique ways.

What if this image is something profound like it is something that is really a part of God?

No… I am not drifting off into pantheism or panentheism.

I’m not saying we are God. Yet there is something more here. When you read the Bible, you’re going to read some things that you might be tempted to glance over.

Beloved, now are we children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

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

There is something so spectacular reserved for humanity. It cannot be put into words.

For those whom He foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.

Romans 8:29–30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s this imager-thing. We are made in His image initially and will be conformed to His image. There are other texts that iterate these ideas like being a joint-heir with Jesus.

Jesus even spoke of this in some of His last words before the crucifixion.

I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. May they also be one in Us, that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory which You gave Me, that they may be one even as We are one: I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfect in unity, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

John 17:20–23— Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I don’t think we can even begin to ponder what is in store for each of us who loves Jesus.