by IsraelNN TV staff
Jews in the town of Mitzpe Yericho are taking practical steps to prepare for the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, by preparing descendents of Cohanim (priests) and Levites for service. At the Mitzpe Yericho school, Temple priest hopefuls learn exactly how to conduct the daily Temple service and offer the required sacrifices.
"Today is really a historical event for the Jewish people,” organizer Levi Chazan said as another part of the school was completed. “It is the beginning of the work for the Third Temple.”
The school will include an exact replica of the Temple. The latest addition to the replica was the area in which priests offered wine and water libations. The water offering was traditionally given on the Sukkot holiday, which was celebrated last week.
Festivities accompanied the completion of another step in the school's construction. Among those present was Baruch Marzel, long-time Land of Israel activist and parliamentary aide to MK Michael Ben-Ari. The timing of the work on the school is particularly appropriate due to recent Muslim riots against Jewish visits to the Temple Mount, Marzel said.
(IsraelNationalNews.com)
The Secret Of The Scarlet Thread
Written By B.R. Burton
The Talmud, a gigantic library of ancient Rabbinic commentary, is composed of the Mishnah, a legal commentary on the Torah codified around 120 AD, and the Gemara, a commentary on the Mishnah, which was finalized around 400 - 500AD. A multitude, if not a majority, of the traditions recorded in these texts, however, existed in the time of Yeshua, and represent major influential currents in the theology of Judaism in the Second Temple period. As such, the Talmud is absolutely indispensable to the study of the New Testament. In recent years, a flurry of modern scholarship, both Jewish and Christian, has rapidly developed in this field, and numerous articles and books have been published on the subject. Contained within the Talmud, and even throughout the entire scope of Rabbinic literature, a large number of striking parallels to the New Testament emerge, illuminating the ancient understanding of the teachings of Yeshua of Nazareth, and opening a window into the text of the Gospels and writings of Shaul of Tarsus. In the midst of this connection between the Talmud and the New Testament, a scarlet thread has ignited a new facet of an ancient debate.
The controversial scarlet thread figures prominently in the center of miraculous events that took place in the Second Temple. The Talmud records the Yom Kippur Temple ritual concerning the thread, and the miracles surrounding it:
"R. Nahman b. Isaac said it was the tongue of scarlet’, as it has been taught: ‘Originally they used to fasten the thread of scarlet on the door of the [Temple] court on the outside.28 If it turned white the people used to rejoice,29 and if it did not turn white they were sad. They therefore made a rule that it should be fastened to the door of the court on the inside. People, however, still peeped in and saw, and if it turned white they rejoiced and if it did not turn white they were sad. They therefore made a rule that half of it should be fastened to the rock and half between the horns of the goat that was sent [to the wilderness]’. . . . If you assume It was R. Johanan b. Zaccai [who made the rule], was there in the days of R. Johanan b. Zaccai a thread of scarlet [which turned white]? Has it not been taught: ‘R. Johanan b. Zaccai lived altogether a hundred and twenty years. For forty years he was in business, forty years he studied, and forty years he taught’, and it has further been taught: ‘For forty years before the destruction of the Temple the thread of scarlet never turned white but it remained red’. Further, the statement of the Mishnah is, ‘After the destruction of the Temple R. Johanan b. Zaccai made a rule’. [What says] the other [to this]? — During those forty years that he studied his status was that of a disciple sitting before his teacher, and he would offer a suggestion and make good his reasons."
Footnotes:
(28) After the High Priest had performed the service on the Day of Atonement. V. Yoma, 67a.
(29) This being a sign that their sins had been forgiven.
Rosh HaShanah 31b, Babylonian Talmud, Soncino Press Edition
Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in all of Judaism, and was central to the kapparah (covering) of the sins of Israel. The scarlet thread, as explained in the above passage, miraculously turned white if Adonai accepted the sacrifice, thus indicating that He forgave the sins of the people. If the thread did not turn white, then they were sad, as their sins were not forgiven.
This section in the Talmud divides this time into three periods of 40 years, coinciding with the life of Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai. A similar division of years is applied to Moshe, Rabbi Leading up to the last set of forty years when the scarlet thread ceased altogether, the miracle sporadically occurred. What is extremely significant, or "coincidental", is that the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Yeshua of Nazareth, whom a first-century apocalyptic sect of Judaism believed was the Messiah, was crucified circa 30 AD. The "coincidence" is now obvious, the scarlet thread finally ceased turning white at the time Yeshua was crucified.
The Talmud and the New Testament
Rabbi Tovia Singer, of Outreach Judaism, an anti-missionary group has attempted to refute this understanding of the text. He attempts to make a point about hypocrisy of "Hebrew Christians" who disparage the Oral Torah, and then change positions when it fits their agenda.
There are indeed a many people, including some Messianics, who condemn the Talmud - mostly because they know little about it. Messianic Judaism, however, contains a wide spectrum of differing opinions. It is our position that the Talmud is monumental in the study of the Bible, yet is NOT scripture and all authority comes from the Bible alone. The Oral Torah, codified in the Mishnah and Gemara, is critical to understanding the Written Torah. The former explains how to apply the latter.
As recognized by a vastly growing array of both Jewish and Christian scholars, Rabbinic literature is critical to the study of the New Testament, and, as the Jewish scholar Alan F. Segal notes, that the New Testament is critical to the study of first century Judaism,
"Study of the New Testament, undeniably a first-century source, has proven to be quite useful for validating mishnaic recollections of first-century Jewish life . . ."
Alan F. Segal, Paul the Convert, Yale University Press, pg. xiv
The Talmud records and reflects the thought of the Rabbis in post-Temple Judaism, who did not believe in Yeshua, and engage in polemics against Him, responding to their Christian contemporaries. However, some of the traditions of the Talmud in regard to Yeshua are of extreme historical importance. This is not to say these traditions are accurate in their denial of His Messiahship, but that they echo the historical events recorded in the New Testament.
The Talmud, in Sanhedrin 38a, notes that He was "hanged on the eve of Passover," and, although it is written from the perspective of those who opposed Him, it does not deny His miracles, as it notes, "he practiced sorcery." It mentions the disciples of Yeshua, numbering about five, as "Matthai, Nakai, Nezer, Buni and Todah." 'Mattai' is reminsicient the name of Mattityahu, 'Nakai' perhaps is Nakdimon (Nicodemus), a Pharisee, and Todah may refer to Taddai (Thaddeus). In a world were atheists deny that Yeshua of Nazareth even existed, the Talmud provides powerful historical weight to the historicity of the Gospel accounts. If this were not the case, the Talmud would have either denied His existence or not mentioned Him at all. This, however, is a subject to be discussed elsewhere.
The Quote in Context
In regard to the importance, or "coincidence" regarding the scarlet thread, Rabbi Singer, argues against the connection to Yeshua's crucifixion noting how Christians have "misused" this Talmud quote, and taken it out of context. Recounting a story of a pastor who "excitedly" expounded this section of the Talmud to his congregation, who were so "spellbound" their faces turned pale, he asserts,
"Had any one of the parishioners in the audience gone to the local library and examined this entire section of the Talmud, they would have quickly realized that this quote had been misapplied and misused."
Tovia Singer, Outreach Judaism, "Why Did the Red Ribbon on the Head of the Scapegoat turn White in 30 C.E.?"
Years ago, when I first became aware of this text, I was aware of this possibility, so I actually looked Rosh HaShanah 31b up in a local Jewish temple. I then purchased Tractate Sanhedrin, and then eventually the entire Talmud. Rabbi Singer's statement is totally inaccurate. There is NOTHING in the surrounding areas of this texts that indicate it has in any way been misused. As we did to Rosh HaShanah 31b above, we will quote the entire section relevant to the scarlet thread, and then let the reader decide:
"Our Rabbis taught: Throughout the forty years that Simeon the Righteous ministered, the lot [‘For the Lord’] would always come up in the right hand; from that time on, it would come up now in the right hand, now in the left. And [during the same time] the crimson-coloured strap12 would become white. From that time on it would at times become white, at others not. Also: Throughout those forty years the westernmost light13 was shining, from that time on, it was now shining, now failing; also the fire of the pile of wood kept burning strong,14 so that the priests did not have to bring to the pile any other wood besides the two logs,15 in order to fulfill the command about providing the wood unintermittently; from that time on, it would occasionally keep burning strongly, at other times not, so that the priests could not do without bringing throughout the day wood for the pile [on the altar]. . . .
Our Rabbis taught: During the last forty years before the destruction of the Temple the lot [‘For the Lord’] did not come up in the right hand; nor did the crimson-coloured strap become white; nor did the westernmost light shine; and the doors of the Hekal would open by themselves, until R. Johanan b. Zakkai rebuked them, saying: Hekal, Hekal, why wilt thou be the alarmer thyself?5 I know about thee that thou wilt be destroyed, for Zechariah ben Ido has already prophesied concerning thee:6 Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.7
12) Which was tied between the horns of the bullock. If that became white, it signified that the Holy One, blessed be He, had forgiven Israel's sin. Cf. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow (Isa. I, 18, Rashi).
Yoma 39b, Babylonian Talmud, Soncino Press Edition
Contrary to Singer's assertion, there is nothing in the above selection that would lead any of the "parishioners" to think differently about the way their pastor "excitedly expounded" it. It is important to note that the miracle of the thread turning white was a sporadic occurrence, yet something still happened to cause the miracle to cease completely 40 years before the destruction of the Temple.
Future Sacrifices
Tovia Singer then moves on to a traditional Christian misunderstanding on the Temple sacrifices. Here, he actually raises a legitimate issue,
If in fact, as the “Hebrew-Christian” insisted, the reason that the scarlet wool strip did not turn white was “because Jesus was the final atonement,” and there was thus no longer any need for animal sacrifices, why then are the same animal sacrifices coming back?
Tovia Singer, Outreach Judaism, "Why Did the Red Ribbon on the Head of the Scapegoat turn White in 30 C.E.?"
He is correct that the animal sacrifices are coming back, as this is foretold in the Tanakh. The issue arises due to the mainstream Christianity's lack of understanding of the book of Hebrews, and the nature of Yeshua's ultimate atonement for sin. Singer rightly says those who espouse the position that, "God had done away with animal sacrifices," should be hit with considerable pause. The New Testament does not contradict this opinion, nor the Torah. As Yeshua says in Mattityahu 5:17:
""Do not think that I came to destroy the Torah or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to complete. For, Ameyn, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one yud or one tagin will pass from the Torah until all is complete. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Yeshua of Nazareth, Matthew 5:17-19
The commandments that Yeshua speaks of include the commandments regarding sacrifice. Moreoever, Paul, the most misunderstood writer in the Bible, proves that he is obedient to the Torah, in Acts 21:
" And the day following Paul went in with us unto Ya'akov; and all the elders were present. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said to him, "You see, brother, how many tens of thousands of Jews there are who believe; and they are all zealous of the Torah. And they have been told about you, that you teach all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moshe, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. What is it therefore? The multitude will assemble: for they will hear that you have come. Now, therefore, do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. Take them with you, and purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses, that they may shave their heads. And then all will know that those things, which they were informed about you are false; but that your yourself also walk in line, and keep the Torah. . . Then Paul took the men the next day, and purified himself with them, and entered into the Temple, to signify the completion of the period of purification, and that an offering should be offered for every one of them. "
Acts 21:20-26
It is obvious therefore, that the New Testament is not contrary to the Torah, but that mainstream Christianity has misunderstood the relevance of the Torah. This is foremost evident in Christianity's misinterpretations of Paul's epistles, as Alan F. Segal notes,
"Without knowing about first-century Judaism, modern readers - even those committed by faith to reading him - are bound to misconstrue Paul's writing."
Alan F. Segal, Paul the Convert, Yale University Press, pg. xii
Therefore, Singer's argument is only valid against those who do not understand Scripture, the Temple sacrifices and especially Yeshua's Redemptive Sacrifice. His argument does not conflict with the New Testament. I have had the personal blessing of meeting one of the premier scholars on the Temple, Joseph Good, of Hatikva Ministries. He is a believer in Yeshua, and even teaches about the future sacrifices. For an accurate understanding of how Yeshua's death fulfills these, and the nature of the future sacrifices, I recommend his teaching. In the end, anyone who believes animal sacrifices have been done away with does not have an accurate understanding of the New Testament. Let it be known, however, that Yeshua is indeed the atonement for the sins of the world. However, His sacrifice - foreshadowed and prophetically patterned by the sacrifices - does not "do away" with the future sacrifices of the Temple.
Hatred Without Cause
In another section of his article, Singer then says of the debate on the scarlet thread,
" . . . if evangelicals wish to engage in this sophomoric approach, a far more congruous argument could be made here using their same line of reasoning. We can, utilizing the same course of logic, conclude that the reason the scarlet strip of wool did not turn white was due to the fact that masses of wayward Jews had followed the false messiah, Jesus of Nazareth."
Tovia Singer, Outreach Judaism, "Why Did the Red Ribbon on the Head of the Scapegoat turn White in 30 C.E.?"
There were indeed many in Israel who believed that Yeshua was the Messiah. However, Israel, corporately, did not accept Yeshua as the Messiah. However, in my opinion, this is actually Rabbi Singer's strongest argument against the "Scarlet Thread-Crucifixion Connection." Yet, he subsequently denies its validity! He says,
"Bear in mind, I am not suggesting that this is the correct understanding of this text. It is not. We shall soon see that this section of the Talmud is unrelated to either of these explanations."
Tovia Singer, Outreach Judaism, "Why Did the Red Ribbon on the Head of the Scapegoat turn White in 30 C.E.?"
So, what was the cause of the miracles ceasing? Singer says, accurately illustrating the ugly picture the Talmud paints of spiritual situation in ancient Israel. In fact, the New Testament says the same thing, however, it is regarded as anti-Semitic. If the Talmud had, somehow, been as central to Christians throughout the centuries, as it has the Jewish people, perhaps this passage in the Talmud would be regarded as an anti-Semitic addition. In fact, Singer quotes Isaiah, who uses the exact terminology of the New Testament, which has been misused for anti-Semitism. Singer even says, "Its painfully difficult to read this chapter." Yet it happened, as Singer admits.
"Even as I write this letter, in the shadow of Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination, it is still difficult to imagine a time when baseless hatred could have become so widespread that murders had became commonplace among my people."
Tovia Singer, Outreach Judaism, "Why Did the Red Ribbon on the Head of the Scapegoat turn White in 30 C.E.?"
Yet, the New Testament is castigated for its proclamation of this truth, the same truth that Rabbi Singer here admits to. It is indeed this condition of first century Israel, noted by the Talmud and New Testament, and vicious anti-Semites have seized upon to justify their satanic hatred of the Jewish people. The New Testament clearly states in the Book of Revelation that hatred of Israel is satanic. Therefore, let it never be said, "The Jews killed Jesus," or let the abhorrent phrase, "Christ killer" ever come to mind. All of Yeshua's disciples were Jewish. Indeed, Israel corporately rejected the Messiah, and was in a state of such spiritual declination that "murders had became commonplace".
So, in the midst of the spiritual decline of Israel, what does Tovia Singer say was the chief reason the Temple was destroyed?
" . . . there was no iniquity that was as self-destructive as the interpersonal baseless hatred that was pervasive among the Jewish people during this difficult time. . . The Talmud bears record to this spiritual decay, and declares that this national tragedy reached its height exactly 40 years prior to the destruction of the second Temple. It was during this turbulent time that murders became so widespread that the Sanhedrin9 ceased to judge capital crimes such as homicide "
Tovia Singer, Outreach Judaism, "Why Did the Red Ribbon on the Head of the Scapegoat turn White in 30 C.E.?"
I couldn't agree with Singer more on this point. The national tragedy of baseless hatred did indeed reach its pinnacle around 30 AD. Singer's basis for this belief is recorded in Yoma 9b,
"Why was the first Sanctuary destroyed? Because of three [evil] things which prevailed there: idolatry, immorality, bloodshed . . .
But why was the second Sanctuary destroyed, seeing that in its time they were occupying themselves with Torah, [observance of] precepts, and the practice of charity? Because therein prevailed hatred without cause. That teaches you that groundless hatred is considered as of even gravity with the three sins of idolatry, immorality, and bloodshed together . And [during the time of] the first Sanctuary did no groundless hatred prevail? Surely it is written: They are thrust down to the sword with my people; smite therefore upon my thigh,13 and R. Eleazar said: This refers to people who eat and drink together and then thrust each other through with the daggers of their tongue! — That [passage] speaks of the princes in Israel, for it is written , Cry and wail, son of man; for it is upon my people,13 etc. [The text reads] ‘Cry and wail, son of man’. One might have assumed [it is upon] all [Israel], therefore it goes on, Upon all the princes of Israel.
Yoma 9b, Babylonian Talmud, Soncino Press Edition
This is fascinating. Look at the words of Yeshua,
"He that hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they would not have sinned: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this has come to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their Torah, 'They hated me without a cause.'
Yeshua of Nazareth, John 15:23-25
Notice the phraseology, and similarity:
"But why was the second Sanctuary destroyed . . . ? Because therein prevailed hatred without cause."
Yoma 9b, Babylonian Talmud, Soncino Press Edition
Now compare Yeshua's words,
" . . . this has come to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their Torah, 'They hated me without a cause.'
Yeshua of Nazareth, John 15:23-25
Conclusion
It is the apex of irony, then, that Rabbi Tovia Singer's argument against the connection of the scarlet thread to the death of Yeshua the Messiah, actually turns out to strengthen the position of Messianic believers, who see this as much more than a mere "coincidence". Singer's articles seize on common misunderstandings in Christianity, which misrepresent the actual positions of Messianic scholars, especially those who believe in the validity of the Torah, and importance of the Oral Torah. I hope that everyone who reads this article will pray for Yeshua to reveal Himself to Tovia Singer, as this modern day pre-Damascus Paul would be a powerful witness to the truth of Messiah Yeshua. Then, many will forsake their baseless hatred of Yeshua, who has been misrepresented to them on both sides, and then they will fulfill the word of Isaiah the Prophet,
"Come now, and let us reason together, says the YHVH: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. '
Isaiah 1:18
The Talmud, a gigantic library of ancient Rabbinic commentary, is composed of the Mishnah, a legal commentary on the Torah codified around 120 AD, and the Gemara, a commentary on the Mishnah, which was finalized around 400 - 500AD. A multitude, if not a majority, of the traditions recorded in these texts, however, existed in the time of Yeshua, and represent major influential currents in the theology of Judaism in the Second Temple period. As such, the Talmud is absolutely indispensable to the study of the New Testament. In recent years, a flurry of modern scholarship, both Jewish and Christian, has rapidly developed in this field, and numerous articles and books have been published on the subject. Contained within the Talmud, and even throughout the entire scope of Rabbinic literature, a large number of striking parallels to the New Testament emerge, illuminating the ancient understanding of the teachings of Yeshua of Nazareth, and opening a window into the text of the Gospels and writings of Shaul of Tarsus. In the midst of this connection between the Talmud and the New Testament, a scarlet thread has ignited a new facet of an ancient debate.
The controversial scarlet thread figures prominently in the center of miraculous events that took place in the Second Temple. The Talmud records the Yom Kippur Temple ritual concerning the thread, and the miracles surrounding it:
"R. Nahman b. Isaac said it was the tongue of scarlet’, as it has been taught: ‘Originally they used to fasten the thread of scarlet on the door of the [Temple] court on the outside.28 If it turned white the people used to rejoice,29 and if it did not turn white they were sad. They therefore made a rule that it should be fastened to the door of the court on the inside. People, however, still peeped in and saw, and if it turned white they rejoiced and if it did not turn white they were sad. They therefore made a rule that half of it should be fastened to the rock and half between the horns of the goat that was sent [to the wilderness]’. . . . If you assume It was R. Johanan b. Zaccai [who made the rule], was there in the days of R. Johanan b. Zaccai a thread of scarlet [which turned white]? Has it not been taught: ‘R. Johanan b. Zaccai lived altogether a hundred and twenty years. For forty years he was in business, forty years he studied, and forty years he taught’, and it has further been taught: ‘For forty years before the destruction of the Temple the thread of scarlet never turned white but it remained red’. Further, the statement of the Mishnah is, ‘After the destruction of the Temple R. Johanan b. Zaccai made a rule’. [What says] the other [to this]? — During those forty years that he studied his status was that of a disciple sitting before his teacher, and he would offer a suggestion and make good his reasons."
Footnotes:
(28) After the High Priest had performed the service on the Day of Atonement. V. Yoma, 67a.
(29) This being a sign that their sins had been forgiven.
Rosh HaShanah 31b, Babylonian Talmud, Soncino Press Edition
Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in all of Judaism, and was central to the kapparah (covering) of the sins of Israel. The scarlet thread, as explained in the above passage, miraculously turned white if Adonai accepted the sacrifice, thus indicating that He forgave the sins of the people. If the thread did not turn white, then they were sad, as their sins were not forgiven.
This section in the Talmud divides this time into three periods of 40 years, coinciding with the life of Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai. A similar division of years is applied to Moshe, Rabbi Leading up to the last set of forty years when the scarlet thread ceased altogether, the miracle sporadically occurred. What is extremely significant, or "coincidental", is that the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Yeshua of Nazareth, whom a first-century apocalyptic sect of Judaism believed was the Messiah, was crucified circa 30 AD. The "coincidence" is now obvious, the scarlet thread finally ceased turning white at the time Yeshua was crucified.
The Talmud and the New Testament
Rabbi Tovia Singer, of Outreach Judaism, an anti-missionary group has attempted to refute this understanding of the text. He attempts to make a point about hypocrisy of "Hebrew Christians" who disparage the Oral Torah, and then change positions when it fits their agenda.
There are indeed a many people, including some Messianics, who condemn the Talmud - mostly because they know little about it. Messianic Judaism, however, contains a wide spectrum of differing opinions. It is our position that the Talmud is monumental in the study of the Bible, yet is NOT scripture and all authority comes from the Bible alone. The Oral Torah, codified in the Mishnah and Gemara, is critical to understanding the Written Torah. The former explains how to apply the latter.
As recognized by a vastly growing array of both Jewish and Christian scholars, Rabbinic literature is critical to the study of the New Testament, and, as the Jewish scholar Alan F. Segal notes, that the New Testament is critical to the study of first century Judaism,
"Study of the New Testament, undeniably a first-century source, has proven to be quite useful for validating mishnaic recollections of first-century Jewish life . . ."
Alan F. Segal, Paul the Convert, Yale University Press, pg. xiv
The Talmud records and reflects the thought of the Rabbis in post-Temple Judaism, who did not believe in Yeshua, and engage in polemics against Him, responding to their Christian contemporaries. However, some of the traditions of the Talmud in regard to Yeshua are of extreme historical importance. This is not to say these traditions are accurate in their denial of His Messiahship, but that they echo the historical events recorded in the New Testament.
The Talmud, in Sanhedrin 38a, notes that He was "hanged on the eve of Passover," and, although it is written from the perspective of those who opposed Him, it does not deny His miracles, as it notes, "he practiced sorcery." It mentions the disciples of Yeshua, numbering about five, as "Matthai, Nakai, Nezer, Buni and Todah." 'Mattai' is reminsicient the name of Mattityahu, 'Nakai' perhaps is Nakdimon (Nicodemus), a Pharisee, and Todah may refer to Taddai (Thaddeus). In a world were atheists deny that Yeshua of Nazareth even existed, the Talmud provides powerful historical weight to the historicity of the Gospel accounts. If this were not the case, the Talmud would have either denied His existence or not mentioned Him at all. This, however, is a subject to be discussed elsewhere.
The Quote in Context
In regard to the importance, or "coincidence" regarding the scarlet thread, Rabbi Singer, argues against the connection to Yeshua's crucifixion noting how Christians have "misused" this Talmud quote, and taken it out of context. Recounting a story of a pastor who "excitedly" expounded this section of the Talmud to his congregation, who were so "spellbound" their faces turned pale, he asserts,
"Had any one of the parishioners in the audience gone to the local library and examined this entire section of the Talmud, they would have quickly realized that this quote had been misapplied and misused."
Tovia Singer, Outreach Judaism, "Why Did the Red Ribbon on the Head of the Scapegoat turn White in 30 C.E.?"
Years ago, when I first became aware of this text, I was aware of this possibility, so I actually looked Rosh HaShanah 31b up in a local Jewish temple. I then purchased Tractate Sanhedrin, and then eventually the entire Talmud. Rabbi Singer's statement is totally inaccurate. There is NOTHING in the surrounding areas of this texts that indicate it has in any way been misused. As we did to Rosh HaShanah 31b above, we will quote the entire section relevant to the scarlet thread, and then let the reader decide:
"Our Rabbis taught: Throughout the forty years that Simeon the Righteous ministered, the lot [‘For the Lord’] would always come up in the right hand; from that time on, it would come up now in the right hand, now in the left. And [during the same time] the crimson-coloured strap12 would become white. From that time on it would at times become white, at others not. Also: Throughout those forty years the westernmost light13 was shining, from that time on, it was now shining, now failing; also the fire of the pile of wood kept burning strong,14 so that the priests did not have to bring to the pile any other wood besides the two logs,15 in order to fulfill the command about providing the wood unintermittently; from that time on, it would occasionally keep burning strongly, at other times not, so that the priests could not do without bringing throughout the day wood for the pile [on the altar]. . . .
Our Rabbis taught: During the last forty years before the destruction of the Temple the lot [‘For the Lord’] did not come up in the right hand; nor did the crimson-coloured strap become white; nor did the westernmost light shine; and the doors of the Hekal would open by themselves, until R. Johanan b. Zakkai rebuked them, saying: Hekal, Hekal, why wilt thou be the alarmer thyself?5 I know about thee that thou wilt be destroyed, for Zechariah ben Ido has already prophesied concerning thee:6 Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.7
12) Which was tied between the horns of the bullock. If that became white, it signified that the Holy One, blessed be He, had forgiven Israel's sin. Cf. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow (Isa. I, 18, Rashi).
Yoma 39b, Babylonian Talmud, Soncino Press Edition
Contrary to Singer's assertion, there is nothing in the above selection that would lead any of the "parishioners" to think differently about the way their pastor "excitedly expounded" it. It is important to note that the miracle of the thread turning white was a sporadic occurrence, yet something still happened to cause the miracle to cease completely 40 years before the destruction of the Temple.
Future Sacrifices
Tovia Singer then moves on to a traditional Christian misunderstanding on the Temple sacrifices. Here, he actually raises a legitimate issue,
If in fact, as the “Hebrew-Christian” insisted, the reason that the scarlet wool strip did not turn white was “because Jesus was the final atonement,” and there was thus no longer any need for animal sacrifices, why then are the same animal sacrifices coming back?
Tovia Singer, Outreach Judaism, "Why Did the Red Ribbon on the Head of the Scapegoat turn White in 30 C.E.?"
He is correct that the animal sacrifices are coming back, as this is foretold in the Tanakh. The issue arises due to the mainstream Christianity's lack of understanding of the book of Hebrews, and the nature of Yeshua's ultimate atonement for sin. Singer rightly says those who espouse the position that, "God had done away with animal sacrifices," should be hit with considerable pause. The New Testament does not contradict this opinion, nor the Torah. As Yeshua says in Mattityahu 5:17:
""Do not think that I came to destroy the Torah or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to complete. For, Ameyn, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one yud or one tagin will pass from the Torah until all is complete. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Yeshua of Nazareth, Matthew 5:17-19
The commandments that Yeshua speaks of include the commandments regarding sacrifice. Moreoever, Paul, the most misunderstood writer in the Bible, proves that he is obedient to the Torah, in Acts 21:
" And the day following Paul went in with us unto Ya'akov; and all the elders were present. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said to him, "You see, brother, how many tens of thousands of Jews there are who believe; and they are all zealous of the Torah. And they have been told about you, that you teach all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moshe, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. What is it therefore? The multitude will assemble: for they will hear that you have come. Now, therefore, do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. Take them with you, and purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses, that they may shave their heads. And then all will know that those things, which they were informed about you are false; but that your yourself also walk in line, and keep the Torah. . . Then Paul took the men the next day, and purified himself with them, and entered into the Temple, to signify the completion of the period of purification, and that an offering should be offered for every one of them. "
Acts 21:20-26
It is obvious therefore, that the New Testament is not contrary to the Torah, but that mainstream Christianity has misunderstood the relevance of the Torah. This is foremost evident in Christianity's misinterpretations of Paul's epistles, as Alan F. Segal notes,
"Without knowing about first-century Judaism, modern readers - even those committed by faith to reading him - are bound to misconstrue Paul's writing."
Alan F. Segal, Paul the Convert, Yale University Press, pg. xii
Therefore, Singer's argument is only valid against those who do not understand Scripture, the Temple sacrifices and especially Yeshua's Redemptive Sacrifice. His argument does not conflict with the New Testament. I have had the personal blessing of meeting one of the premier scholars on the Temple, Joseph Good, of Hatikva Ministries. He is a believer in Yeshua, and even teaches about the future sacrifices. For an accurate understanding of how Yeshua's death fulfills these, and the nature of the future sacrifices, I recommend his teaching. In the end, anyone who believes animal sacrifices have been done away with does not have an accurate understanding of the New Testament. Let it be known, however, that Yeshua is indeed the atonement for the sins of the world. However, His sacrifice - foreshadowed and prophetically patterned by the sacrifices - does not "do away" with the future sacrifices of the Temple.
Hatred Without Cause
In another section of his article, Singer then says of the debate on the scarlet thread,
" . . . if evangelicals wish to engage in this sophomoric approach, a far more congruous argument could be made here using their same line of reasoning. We can, utilizing the same course of logic, conclude that the reason the scarlet strip of wool did not turn white was due to the fact that masses of wayward Jews had followed the false messiah, Jesus of Nazareth."
Tovia Singer, Outreach Judaism, "Why Did the Red Ribbon on the Head of the Scapegoat turn White in 30 C.E.?"
There were indeed many in Israel who believed that Yeshua was the Messiah. However, Israel, corporately, did not accept Yeshua as the Messiah. However, in my opinion, this is actually Rabbi Singer's strongest argument against the "Scarlet Thread-Crucifixion Connection." Yet, he subsequently denies its validity! He says,
"Bear in mind, I am not suggesting that this is the correct understanding of this text. It is not. We shall soon see that this section of the Talmud is unrelated to either of these explanations."
Tovia Singer, Outreach Judaism, "Why Did the Red Ribbon on the Head of the Scapegoat turn White in 30 C.E.?"
So, what was the cause of the miracles ceasing? Singer says, accurately illustrating the ugly picture the Talmud paints of spiritual situation in ancient Israel. In fact, the New Testament says the same thing, however, it is regarded as anti-Semitic. If the Talmud had, somehow, been as central to Christians throughout the centuries, as it has the Jewish people, perhaps this passage in the Talmud would be regarded as an anti-Semitic addition. In fact, Singer quotes Isaiah, who uses the exact terminology of the New Testament, which has been misused for anti-Semitism. Singer even says, "Its painfully difficult to read this chapter." Yet it happened, as Singer admits.
"Even as I write this letter, in the shadow of Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination, it is still difficult to imagine a time when baseless hatred could have become so widespread that murders had became commonplace among my people."
Tovia Singer, Outreach Judaism, "Why Did the Red Ribbon on the Head of the Scapegoat turn White in 30 C.E.?"
Yet, the New Testament is castigated for its proclamation of this truth, the same truth that Rabbi Singer here admits to. It is indeed this condition of first century Israel, noted by the Talmud and New Testament, and vicious anti-Semites have seized upon to justify their satanic hatred of the Jewish people. The New Testament clearly states in the Book of Revelation that hatred of Israel is satanic. Therefore, let it never be said, "The Jews killed Jesus," or let the abhorrent phrase, "Christ killer" ever come to mind. All of Yeshua's disciples were Jewish. Indeed, Israel corporately rejected the Messiah, and was in a state of such spiritual declination that "murders had became commonplace".
So, in the midst of the spiritual decline of Israel, what does Tovia Singer say was the chief reason the Temple was destroyed?
" . . . there was no iniquity that was as self-destructive as the interpersonal baseless hatred that was pervasive among the Jewish people during this difficult time. . . The Talmud bears record to this spiritual decay, and declares that this national tragedy reached its height exactly 40 years prior to the destruction of the second Temple. It was during this turbulent time that murders became so widespread that the Sanhedrin9 ceased to judge capital crimes such as homicide "
Tovia Singer, Outreach Judaism, "Why Did the Red Ribbon on the Head of the Scapegoat turn White in 30 C.E.?"
I couldn't agree with Singer more on this point. The national tragedy of baseless hatred did indeed reach its pinnacle around 30 AD. Singer's basis for this belief is recorded in Yoma 9b,
"Why was the first Sanctuary destroyed? Because of three [evil] things which prevailed there: idolatry, immorality, bloodshed . . .
But why was the second Sanctuary destroyed, seeing that in its time they were occupying themselves with Torah, [observance of] precepts, and the practice of charity? Because therein prevailed hatred without cause. That teaches you that groundless hatred is considered as of even gravity with the three sins of idolatry, immorality, and bloodshed together . And [during the time of] the first Sanctuary did no groundless hatred prevail? Surely it is written: They are thrust down to the sword with my people; smite therefore upon my thigh,13 and R. Eleazar said: This refers to people who eat and drink together and then thrust each other through with the daggers of their tongue! — That [passage] speaks of the princes in Israel, for it is written , Cry and wail, son of man; for it is upon my people,13 etc. [The text reads] ‘Cry and wail, son of man’. One might have assumed [it is upon] all [Israel], therefore it goes on, Upon all the princes of Israel.
Yoma 9b, Babylonian Talmud, Soncino Press Edition
This is fascinating. Look at the words of Yeshua,
"He that hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they would not have sinned: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this has come to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their Torah, 'They hated me without a cause.'
Yeshua of Nazareth, John 15:23-25
Notice the phraseology, and similarity:
"But why was the second Sanctuary destroyed . . . ? Because therein prevailed hatred without cause."
Yoma 9b, Babylonian Talmud, Soncino Press Edition
Now compare Yeshua's words,
" . . . this has come to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their Torah, 'They hated me without a cause.'
Yeshua of Nazareth, John 15:23-25
Conclusion
It is the apex of irony, then, that Rabbi Tovia Singer's argument against the connection of the scarlet thread to the death of Yeshua the Messiah, actually turns out to strengthen the position of Messianic believers, who see this as much more than a mere "coincidence". Singer's articles seize on common misunderstandings in Christianity, which misrepresent the actual positions of Messianic scholars, especially those who believe in the validity of the Torah, and importance of the Oral Torah. I hope that everyone who reads this article will pray for Yeshua to reveal Himself to Tovia Singer, as this modern day pre-Damascus Paul would be a powerful witness to the truth of Messiah Yeshua. Then, many will forsake their baseless hatred of Yeshua, who has been misrepresented to them on both sides, and then they will fulfill the word of Isaiah the Prophet,
"Come now, and let us reason together, says the YHVH: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. '
Isaiah 1:18
THE ETERNAL STATE PART #2
By: Evangelist Donald Perkins
The nations and kingdoms of the New World will all be subject to the authority and government of God. This also makes clear the fact that the New World will be a practical and usable world, not a world filled with spirit beings or Christians flying around with wings and silver slippers. There will be order in God's new system."
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C.) The Living Condition of the Eternal State:
Now we have come to the place in our study that describes the conditions of eternity. We will examine three aspects of the eternal world.
1.) The Theocratic Kingdom/Government
2.) The New Jerusalem/The City
3.) The Physical Life/Living Conditions
1.) The Theocratic Kingdom/Government
In studying the living condition, we must look at those things that will affect life during that time. The Theocratic kingdom is previewed in the Millennial reign of Christ. But here, the fullness of God's kingdom will be revealed. The question is asked, "What is the theocratic kingdom?"
Theocratic comes from the word theocracy, which means:
Theocracy: Def. 1.) Literally, the rule of a state by God or a god: hence, 2.) Government by Priests claiming to rule with divine authority. 3.) A country governed in this way. 4.) A government in which God himself is the ruler.
In the perfect world, all power and rule will be of God Almighty. God will be the sovereign ruler of the world. In I Corinthians 15: 23-28, the Scripture states that Jesus will give all power back to God, that God may be all in all. Jesus will be Lord of Lord and King of Kings.
"Then cometh the end, when He (Jesus) shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall put down all rule and all authority and power..."
Verse 28, "And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son (Jesus) also Himself be subject unto Him (God) that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all". (I Corinthians 15:23-28)
This will be a world ruled by God Himself. The Throne of God and of the Lamb will be established in the New World.
"And I heard a Great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God". (Revelation 21:3)
"And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it: And His servants shall serve Him:" (Revelation 22:3)
Revelation 21:24 gives reference to the fact that there will be some type of rule and governing in the New World. This Scripture states that saved nations will walk in the light and that Kings shall bring their glory into the New Jerusalem.
"And the Nations of them which are Saved shall walk in the light of it: And the Kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it". (Revelation 21:24)
The nations and kingdoms of the New World will all be subject to the authority and government of God. This also makes clear the fact that the New World will be a practical and usable world, not a world filled with spirit beings or Christians flying around with wings and silver slippers. There will be order in God's new system.
2.) The New Jerusalem / The City
"And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband".
"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold the Tabernacle of God is with men..." (Revelation 21:2,3)
This will be a different Jerusalem from the one we know today. This Jerusalem will come from heaven and will rest on the New Earth. The name "New Jerusalem" tells us a lot about this city. The word "New" is defined as: 1.) Is applied to that which has never exited before or which has only just come into being. 2.) taking the place of what has exited; 3.) never exiting before: appearing, thought of, developed, made, produced, etc. for the first time.
The name "Jerusalem" is defined as: 1.) The city of peace. So the name "NEW JERUSALEM" Jerusalem tells us that this city will replace the Old Jerusalem, (a city today filled with violence and bloodshed, a city with no peace and rest). God said concerning the New Jerusalem that "The voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her".
"For, behold I create New Heavens and New Earth: And the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind".
"But ye be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create: for, behold, I created Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy".
"And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying". (Isaiah 65:17,18, 19)
The New Jerusalem is that eternal city that God has promised to the righteous. A city that is prepared for prepared people, a city that will have no destruction, a city whose builder and maker is God, a city whose origin is in Heaven. Let's look at some Scriptures that testify this truth.
1.) "...Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he prepared for them a city". (Hebrews 11:16)
2.) "For here have no continuing city, but we seek one to come". (Hebrews 13:14)
3.) "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God". (Hebrews 11:10)
4.) "But ye are come into Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of Angels.
"To the General Assembly and church of the first born, which are written in heaven and to God the judge of all, and to the Spirits of just men made perfect". (Hebrews 12:22, 23)
5.) "Himthat overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and He shall go no more out and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: And I will write upon him my new name". (Revelation 3:12)
Clarence Larkin, in his book on Revelation, describes the city like this:
"THE description of it is surpassingly grand. It is of Celestial origin. It is not Heaven itself, for it comes down out of Heaven". No mortal hands are employed in it's construction".
Names Given to this City
1.) The Holy City - Revelation 21:2
2.) The Tabernacle of God - Revelation 21:3
3.) The Bride, The Lamb's Wife - Revelation 21:9
4.) The Holy Jerusalem - Revelation 21:10
5.) The Heavenly Jerusalem - Hebrews 12:22, 23
6.) Continuing City - Hebrews 13:14
Each name given to this city gives us the perfect character of God's city.
1.) The Holy City: Revelation 21:2
Holiness reveals that the city will be a separated one, a city that is set apart from all other cities. Also, the occupant of that city must be holy. This will be a holy city dedicated to God.
2.) Tabernacle of God: Revelation 21:3
The name Tabernacle reveals that the city will be a sanctuary where God Himself will dwell among men. (Exodus 25:8)
3.) The Bride, The Lamb's Wife: Revelation 21:9
The Bride, The Lamb's Wife, reveals the relationship of the city to Jesus and the church.
4.) Holy Jerusalem: Revelation 21:10
Reveals that this will be a holy city of peace, a city of perfect peace set apart by God.
5.) The Heavenly Jerusalem: Hebrews 12:22, 23
This reveals the origin of this Holy City, a city coming down from heaven to plant earth.
The Description of this City
The Scripture gives clear reference as to how this New Jerusalem will look. This city will be like none ever built. The description of the city is found in Revelation 21:11-21.
"And He carried me away on the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the Holy Jerusalem. descending out of heaven from God".
"Having the Glory of God; and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal". (Revelation 21:10, 11)
The New Jerusalem will glow from the shekinah glory of God. This will illuminate from the power of God, and shine forth because of the precious stones of the city.
Gates of the City
"And had a wall great and high; and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve Angels and names written therein, which are the names of the twelve Tribes of the children of Israel;"
"On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates." (Revelation 21:12, 13)
This city will have great and high walls, alone with twelve gates around it. There will be three gates facing the north, south, east and west. Here, we see in the design of the Eternal city, that God allows twelve entrances from four directions. How complete do we see the work of God in this construction, for in the first tabernacle, God only allows one entrance and it was from the east. It was from the same direction God cast Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden. But, now in the completed, redemptive work of Christ, man may enter God's presence and city from any direction he wills.
The Scripture goes further to reveal that each gate will have an Angel assigned to it. Each Angel will be like Sentries or door keepers of the city. (It is good to note, also, that society would have us think that these Angels are here to pass judgment on those who are not worthy to go into eternity. But this will not be the case. For at this time, all who are here will be allowed to enter because they are redeemed by the Blood of Jesus Christ.)
The names of the twelve Tribes of Israel will be on each gate. Here, the Old Testament saints are forever remembered in this perpetual city. The gates were made of pearls; each gate was of one several pearl. Here, we have no doubt where the term "pearly gates" was coined. Only God can create gates of pure pearl. As we go on to see the size of this city, it will become apparent that these gates are massive in size. I can't wait to behold the splendor and grandeur of this city!
"And the twelve gates. were twelve pearls, every several gate was of one pearl;..." (Revelation 21:21)
The Walls and Foundations of the City
"And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb." (Revelation 21:14)
The walls of this great city will sit on twelve precious foundations and in the foundations will be the names of the twelve Apostles of Jesus. As we saw in the pearly gates, the Old Testament saints were represented. Even now, do we see the complete picture of Redemption. For here, we have the New Testament Apostles represented, showing us the total community of God, all redeemed by the work of Christ. The Old Testament saints brought to Christ by faith in the Law and the New testament saints saved through faith in Jesus Christ. This also shows us that the Old and the New Testament saints are one in the overall plan of God...one big family under God. The Scripture states, "that through Christ we who were one time strangers are now made made nigh by the blood of Jesus."
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." (Ephesians 2:13)
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;"
"And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;"
"In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord;"
"In whom ye also are builded together for an Habitation of God through the Spirit."(Ephesians 2:19-22)
In Dr. Ed F. Vallowe's book, Riches to Revelation, he summed up this truth like this:
"Note also the foundation stones contain the names of the Apostles, indicating that the Holy City will contain the redeemed by the blood of Christ, who heard the word through the faithful witnessing of the servants of God in the first century, known to us as the Apostles. The gates of the city contain the names of the twelve Tribes clearly indicating that they are the vehicles through which the oracles of God were revealed in the Old testament days, and to whom the Messiah came. Both the Old Testament Saints and the New Testament Saints will have access to this city, but each time they enter they will be reminded of their debt to the nation of Israel and to the Apostles."
"And the building of the wall of it was of Jasper: and the city was pure gold, like clear glass." (Revelation 21:18)
The walls of the city will be made of Jasper stone. Some references on this precious stone tells us that this is a translucent, crystal rock; green in color. It is a glittering stone. The Jasper stone walls of the city will exhibit, to all who see it, the splendor of God's glory shining through. John also stated that the city was pure gold, like clear glass. We can only imagine the grandeur and beauty of this precious city. This city will radiate perfection; the gold so pure that no flaw can be seen in it.
The Measurements of the City
The measurement of this city will be staggering to the human mind. God has prepared a massive city that will be filled with the righteous saints.
"And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth (width): and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousands furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal."
"And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the Angel." (Revelation 21:16-17)
The measurement of the walls were 144 cubits, which is equal to 216 feet high. This is taking into consideration that a cubit measures out to be 18 inches. Now, the overall city measures out to be 12,000 furlongs, which is about 1,380 square miles. (The size of the city is about 1,380 miles long, 1,380 miles wide and 1,380 miles high.) The way this is calculated is as follows:
One furlong is equivalent to 607 English feet. Take the 607 English feet and multiply it by 12,000 furlongs. You come up with a figure of 7,284,000 feet. Now, divide this 5,280 feet, which is equal to one mile. The resulting, final figure is 1,379.54 square miles. What a city this will be! Never have there ever been a city of this size on earth!
The foundations of the city will be garnished with all manners of precious stones.
"And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was Jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;"
"The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelve, an Ametheyst."
"...and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass." (Revelation 21:18-21)
The Eternal city will be a breath-taking sight to behold. The foundations garnished with all manner of precious stones, the measurement of the city and the glory that will radiate from this city all testify to the fact how much God loves and values our relationship with Him. He wants us to be a part of His splendor and glory. Even the streets of the city will be that of gold. Today, gold is the most precious metal known to man, but in the New Jerusalem, it will be the streets on which the righteous walk. Praise God! Only God can make such a city of this caliber. This is that city in which the Partiarch seeked.
"For he (Abraham) look for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Hebrews 11:10)
3.) The Physical Life
The physical life of the Eternal State will be that beyond our imagination. The Scripture clearly teach that our eternity with God will be in a physical, tangible world. Today, there are many voices speaking falsehoods about our future in eternity. Some teach that in eternity, we will become disembodied, spirit beings walking around in Heaven all day. Others teach that we will receive wings and become angels and get silver slippers and spend eternity in Heaven. In this portion of our study, we will examine the physical side of Eternity for the righteous. In the final plan of God, mankind will be restored to his original place in creation before Adam's fall. Whatever Adam had before his fall, will be restored to redeemed man. Case in point: Adam lost his right to eat of the Tree of Life. But in the new world, the redeemed will also have access to this tree to partake of the fruits of it.
The physical side of Eternity:
1.) A life of knowing God face to face.
In the Eternal State, we will see God, the Father, face to face. In the Old Testament, no one was allowed to see God and live, but through the finished work of Christ, we will see and know God face to face and live.
"And they shall see his face; and his name shall be on their foreheads." (Revelation 22:4)
"...and He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God..." (Revelation 21:3, 4)
"For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I am known." (I Corinthians 13:12)
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." (I John 3:2)
2.) A life without crying, sorrow and pain:
In the Eternal State, all crying, sorrow and pain will be done away with. There will be nothing that will cause pain and sorrow there. God shall wipe it all away.
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
"...and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17)
3.) A life without death:
In the Eternal State, the spirit of Death will not have a part. All who are a part of this world will never die.
"He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it." (Isaiah 25:8)
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death..." (Revelation 21:4)
4.) No more hunger nor thirst:
In the Eternal State, there will be no famine of food, nor drought that causes thirst. The fountain of the water of life will be opened to all who thirst.
"...I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." (Revelation 21:6)
"They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat."
"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." (Revelation 7:16, 17)
"They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them." (Isaiah 49:10)
5.) No more curse:
There will be no curse in the land on earth. The beautiful rose bush that became thorn infested after Adam's fall, will no longer have thorns and thistles. It will be restored to it's former glory. Everything that was affected by the curse that fell on man, the animal kingdom and the earth will no longer have the curse on them. The earth will be restored to it's former glory
"And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:" (Revelation 22:3)
6.) We will eat of the Tree of Life:
In the new world, we will eat from the Tree of Life. This tree is the same tree that Adam and Eve could not eat because of their sin. But we will have a right to partake of the fruit of this tree. This tree will only be for the saints of God who have overcome sin through the blood of Jesus.
"...To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the Tree of Life. which is in the midst of the paradise of God." (Revelation 2:7)
"In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." (Revelation 22:2)
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14)
7.) All nations shall walk in the light of God and the Lamb:
In the new world, there shall be nations all over the earth and these nations shall bring their glory and honour into the city.
"And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the Kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it."
"And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there."
"And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it." (Revelation 21:24-26)
8.) A life of service and work:
In the new world, men will serve God. This means we will have jobs and duties to do and to complete. In the beginning when God created Adam and Eve, they did not run around the Garden of Eden doing nothing. Man was commanded to labor in the Garden. I believe we will have jobs in the new world.
"...but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:" (Revelation 22:3)
"...and they shall reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 22:5)
9.) There shall be no night in the New Jerusalem:
Because of the light and glory of God and the Lamb, there will be no need of light in the city. This means that the glory of God will light up New Jerusalem. (Special note: This does not mean that the sun will no longer give it's light. On the outskirts of the city, the ordinance of the sun and moon will still be in affect for all eternity.)
"And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun for the Lord God giveth them light:..." (Revelation 22:5)
"And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the Glory of God did lighten it. And the Lamb is the light thereof." (Revelation 21:23)
10.) God shall make all things new:
In the new world, God the Father shall make everything in it new and uncontaminated nor tainted with corruption and sin. Can you imagine a world without air pollution, oil-filled rivers and streams? No where will there be toxic dumps, for this will be a world brand new.
"And he that sat upon the throne said, behold I make all things new." (Revelation 21:5)
In summary of the physical life of the Eternal World, it will be a tangible, physical and practical world. We will know our friends and loved ones. We will see God face to face and eat of the Tree of Life. We will even have homes in the new world.
God wants us to know that our future with Him will not be a boring time of regimented service, but one of a full and joyful life of relationship, love, peace and glory with God. Jesus paid the price at Calvary that we might one day have perfect fellowship with God, our Creator.
The nations and kingdoms of the New World will all be subject to the authority and government of God. This also makes clear the fact that the New World will be a practical and usable world, not a world filled with spirit beings or Christians flying around with wings and silver slippers. There will be order in God's new system."
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C.) The Living Condition of the Eternal State:
Now we have come to the place in our study that describes the conditions of eternity. We will examine three aspects of the eternal world.
1.) The Theocratic Kingdom/Government
2.) The New Jerusalem/The City
3.) The Physical Life/Living Conditions
1.) The Theocratic Kingdom/Government
In studying the living condition, we must look at those things that will affect life during that time. The Theocratic kingdom is previewed in the Millennial reign of Christ. But here, the fullness of God's kingdom will be revealed. The question is asked, "What is the theocratic kingdom?"
Theocratic comes from the word theocracy, which means:
Theocracy: Def. 1.) Literally, the rule of a state by God or a god: hence, 2.) Government by Priests claiming to rule with divine authority. 3.) A country governed in this way. 4.) A government in which God himself is the ruler.
In the perfect world, all power and rule will be of God Almighty. God will be the sovereign ruler of the world. In I Corinthians 15: 23-28, the Scripture states that Jesus will give all power back to God, that God may be all in all. Jesus will be Lord of Lord and King of Kings.
"Then cometh the end, when He (Jesus) shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall put down all rule and all authority and power..."
Verse 28, "And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son (Jesus) also Himself be subject unto Him (God) that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all". (I Corinthians 15:23-28)
This will be a world ruled by God Himself. The Throne of God and of the Lamb will be established in the New World.
"And I heard a Great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God". (Revelation 21:3)
"And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it: And His servants shall serve Him:" (Revelation 22:3)
Revelation 21:24 gives reference to the fact that there will be some type of rule and governing in the New World. This Scripture states that saved nations will walk in the light and that Kings shall bring their glory into the New Jerusalem.
"And the Nations of them which are Saved shall walk in the light of it: And the Kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it". (Revelation 21:24)
The nations and kingdoms of the New World will all be subject to the authority and government of God. This also makes clear the fact that the New World will be a practical and usable world, not a world filled with spirit beings or Christians flying around with wings and silver slippers. There will be order in God's new system.
2.) The New Jerusalem / The City
"And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband".
"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold the Tabernacle of God is with men..." (Revelation 21:2,3)
This will be a different Jerusalem from the one we know today. This Jerusalem will come from heaven and will rest on the New Earth. The name "New Jerusalem" tells us a lot about this city. The word "New" is defined as: 1.) Is applied to that which has never exited before or which has only just come into being. 2.) taking the place of what has exited; 3.) never exiting before: appearing, thought of, developed, made, produced, etc. for the first time.
The name "Jerusalem" is defined as: 1.) The city of peace. So the name "NEW JERUSALEM" Jerusalem tells us that this city will replace the Old Jerusalem, (a city today filled with violence and bloodshed, a city with no peace and rest). God said concerning the New Jerusalem that "The voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her".
"For, behold I create New Heavens and New Earth: And the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind".
"But ye be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create: for, behold, I created Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy".
"And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying". (Isaiah 65:17,18, 19)
The New Jerusalem is that eternal city that God has promised to the righteous. A city that is prepared for prepared people, a city that will have no destruction, a city whose builder and maker is God, a city whose origin is in Heaven. Let's look at some Scriptures that testify this truth.
1.) "...Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he prepared for them a city". (Hebrews 11:16)
2.) "For here have no continuing city, but we seek one to come". (Hebrews 13:14)
3.) "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God". (Hebrews 11:10)
4.) "But ye are come into Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of Angels.
"To the General Assembly and church of the first born, which are written in heaven and to God the judge of all, and to the Spirits of just men made perfect". (Hebrews 12:22, 23)
5.) "Himthat overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and He shall go no more out and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: And I will write upon him my new name". (Revelation 3:12)
Clarence Larkin, in his book on Revelation, describes the city like this:
"THE description of it is surpassingly grand. It is of Celestial origin. It is not Heaven itself, for it comes down out of Heaven". No mortal hands are employed in it's construction".
Names Given to this City
1.) The Holy City - Revelation 21:2
2.) The Tabernacle of God - Revelation 21:3
3.) The Bride, The Lamb's Wife - Revelation 21:9
4.) The Holy Jerusalem - Revelation 21:10
5.) The Heavenly Jerusalem - Hebrews 12:22, 23
6.) Continuing City - Hebrews 13:14
Each name given to this city gives us the perfect character of God's city.
1.) The Holy City: Revelation 21:2
Holiness reveals that the city will be a separated one, a city that is set apart from all other cities. Also, the occupant of that city must be holy. This will be a holy city dedicated to God.
2.) Tabernacle of God: Revelation 21:3
The name Tabernacle reveals that the city will be a sanctuary where God Himself will dwell among men. (Exodus 25:8)
3.) The Bride, The Lamb's Wife: Revelation 21:9
The Bride, The Lamb's Wife, reveals the relationship of the city to Jesus and the church.
4.) Holy Jerusalem: Revelation 21:10
Reveals that this will be a holy city of peace, a city of perfect peace set apart by God.
5.) The Heavenly Jerusalem: Hebrews 12:22, 23
This reveals the origin of this Holy City, a city coming down from heaven to plant earth.
The Description of this City
The Scripture gives clear reference as to how this New Jerusalem will look. This city will be like none ever built. The description of the city is found in Revelation 21:11-21.
"And He carried me away on the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the Holy Jerusalem. descending out of heaven from God".
"Having the Glory of God; and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal". (Revelation 21:10, 11)
The New Jerusalem will glow from the shekinah glory of God. This will illuminate from the power of God, and shine forth because of the precious stones of the city.
Gates of the City
"And had a wall great and high; and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve Angels and names written therein, which are the names of the twelve Tribes of the children of Israel;"
"On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates." (Revelation 21:12, 13)
This city will have great and high walls, alone with twelve gates around it. There will be three gates facing the north, south, east and west. Here, we see in the design of the Eternal city, that God allows twelve entrances from four directions. How complete do we see the work of God in this construction, for in the first tabernacle, God only allows one entrance and it was from the east. It was from the same direction God cast Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden. But, now in the completed, redemptive work of Christ, man may enter God's presence and city from any direction he wills.
The Scripture goes further to reveal that each gate will have an Angel assigned to it. Each Angel will be like Sentries or door keepers of the city. (It is good to note, also, that society would have us think that these Angels are here to pass judgment on those who are not worthy to go into eternity. But this will not be the case. For at this time, all who are here will be allowed to enter because they are redeemed by the Blood of Jesus Christ.)
The names of the twelve Tribes of Israel will be on each gate. Here, the Old Testament saints are forever remembered in this perpetual city. The gates were made of pearls; each gate was of one several pearl. Here, we have no doubt where the term "pearly gates" was coined. Only God can create gates of pure pearl. As we go on to see the size of this city, it will become apparent that these gates are massive in size. I can't wait to behold the splendor and grandeur of this city!
"And the twelve gates. were twelve pearls, every several gate was of one pearl;..." (Revelation 21:21)
The Walls and Foundations of the City
"And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb." (Revelation 21:14)
The walls of this great city will sit on twelve precious foundations and in the foundations will be the names of the twelve Apostles of Jesus. As we saw in the pearly gates, the Old Testament saints were represented. Even now, do we see the complete picture of Redemption. For here, we have the New Testament Apostles represented, showing us the total community of God, all redeemed by the work of Christ. The Old Testament saints brought to Christ by faith in the Law and the New testament saints saved through faith in Jesus Christ. This also shows us that the Old and the New Testament saints are one in the overall plan of God...one big family under God. The Scripture states, "that through Christ we who were one time strangers are now made made nigh by the blood of Jesus."
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." (Ephesians 2:13)
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;"
"And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;"
"In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord;"
"In whom ye also are builded together for an Habitation of God through the Spirit."(Ephesians 2:19-22)
In Dr. Ed F. Vallowe's book, Riches to Revelation, he summed up this truth like this:
"Note also the foundation stones contain the names of the Apostles, indicating that the Holy City will contain the redeemed by the blood of Christ, who heard the word through the faithful witnessing of the servants of God in the first century, known to us as the Apostles. The gates of the city contain the names of the twelve Tribes clearly indicating that they are the vehicles through which the oracles of God were revealed in the Old testament days, and to whom the Messiah came. Both the Old Testament Saints and the New Testament Saints will have access to this city, but each time they enter they will be reminded of their debt to the nation of Israel and to the Apostles."
"And the building of the wall of it was of Jasper: and the city was pure gold, like clear glass." (Revelation 21:18)
The walls of the city will be made of Jasper stone. Some references on this precious stone tells us that this is a translucent, crystal rock; green in color. It is a glittering stone. The Jasper stone walls of the city will exhibit, to all who see it, the splendor of God's glory shining through. John also stated that the city was pure gold, like clear glass. We can only imagine the grandeur and beauty of this precious city. This city will radiate perfection; the gold so pure that no flaw can be seen in it.
The Measurements of the City
The measurement of this city will be staggering to the human mind. God has prepared a massive city that will be filled with the righteous saints.
"And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth (width): and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousands furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal."
"And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the Angel." (Revelation 21:16-17)
The measurement of the walls were 144 cubits, which is equal to 216 feet high. This is taking into consideration that a cubit measures out to be 18 inches. Now, the overall city measures out to be 12,000 furlongs, which is about 1,380 square miles. (The size of the city is about 1,380 miles long, 1,380 miles wide and 1,380 miles high.) The way this is calculated is as follows:
One furlong is equivalent to 607 English feet. Take the 607 English feet and multiply it by 12,000 furlongs. You come up with a figure of 7,284,000 feet. Now, divide this 5,280 feet, which is equal to one mile. The resulting, final figure is 1,379.54 square miles. What a city this will be! Never have there ever been a city of this size on earth!
The foundations of the city will be garnished with all manners of precious stones.
"And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was Jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;"
"The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelve, an Ametheyst."
"...and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass." (Revelation 21:18-21)
The Eternal city will be a breath-taking sight to behold. The foundations garnished with all manner of precious stones, the measurement of the city and the glory that will radiate from this city all testify to the fact how much God loves and values our relationship with Him. He wants us to be a part of His splendor and glory. Even the streets of the city will be that of gold. Today, gold is the most precious metal known to man, but in the New Jerusalem, it will be the streets on which the righteous walk. Praise God! Only God can make such a city of this caliber. This is that city in which the Partiarch seeked.
"For he (Abraham) look for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Hebrews 11:10)
3.) The Physical Life
The physical life of the Eternal State will be that beyond our imagination. The Scripture clearly teach that our eternity with God will be in a physical, tangible world. Today, there are many voices speaking falsehoods about our future in eternity. Some teach that in eternity, we will become disembodied, spirit beings walking around in Heaven all day. Others teach that we will receive wings and become angels and get silver slippers and spend eternity in Heaven. In this portion of our study, we will examine the physical side of Eternity for the righteous. In the final plan of God, mankind will be restored to his original place in creation before Adam's fall. Whatever Adam had before his fall, will be restored to redeemed man. Case in point: Adam lost his right to eat of the Tree of Life. But in the new world, the redeemed will also have access to this tree to partake of the fruits of it.
The physical side of Eternity:
1.) A life of knowing God face to face.
In the Eternal State, we will see God, the Father, face to face. In the Old Testament, no one was allowed to see God and live, but through the finished work of Christ, we will see and know God face to face and live.
"And they shall see his face; and his name shall be on their foreheads." (Revelation 22:4)
"...and He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God..." (Revelation 21:3, 4)
"For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I am known." (I Corinthians 13:12)
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." (I John 3:2)
2.) A life without crying, sorrow and pain:
In the Eternal State, all crying, sorrow and pain will be done away with. There will be nothing that will cause pain and sorrow there. God shall wipe it all away.
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
"...and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17)
3.) A life without death:
In the Eternal State, the spirit of Death will not have a part. All who are a part of this world will never die.
"He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it." (Isaiah 25:8)
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death..." (Revelation 21:4)
4.) No more hunger nor thirst:
In the Eternal State, there will be no famine of food, nor drought that causes thirst. The fountain of the water of life will be opened to all who thirst.
"...I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." (Revelation 21:6)
"They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat."
"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." (Revelation 7:16, 17)
"They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them." (Isaiah 49:10)
5.) No more curse:
There will be no curse in the land on earth. The beautiful rose bush that became thorn infested after Adam's fall, will no longer have thorns and thistles. It will be restored to it's former glory. Everything that was affected by the curse that fell on man, the animal kingdom and the earth will no longer have the curse on them. The earth will be restored to it's former glory
"And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:" (Revelation 22:3)
6.) We will eat of the Tree of Life:
In the new world, we will eat from the Tree of Life. This tree is the same tree that Adam and Eve could not eat because of their sin. But we will have a right to partake of the fruit of this tree. This tree will only be for the saints of God who have overcome sin through the blood of Jesus.
"...To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the Tree of Life. which is in the midst of the paradise of God." (Revelation 2:7)
"In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." (Revelation 22:2)
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14)
7.) All nations shall walk in the light of God and the Lamb:
In the new world, there shall be nations all over the earth and these nations shall bring their glory and honour into the city.
"And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the Kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it."
"And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there."
"And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it." (Revelation 21:24-26)
8.) A life of service and work:
In the new world, men will serve God. This means we will have jobs and duties to do and to complete. In the beginning when God created Adam and Eve, they did not run around the Garden of Eden doing nothing. Man was commanded to labor in the Garden. I believe we will have jobs in the new world.
"...but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:" (Revelation 22:3)
"...and they shall reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 22:5)
9.) There shall be no night in the New Jerusalem:
Because of the light and glory of God and the Lamb, there will be no need of light in the city. This means that the glory of God will light up New Jerusalem. (Special note: This does not mean that the sun will no longer give it's light. On the outskirts of the city, the ordinance of the sun and moon will still be in affect for all eternity.)
"And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun for the Lord God giveth them light:..." (Revelation 22:5)
"And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the Glory of God did lighten it. And the Lamb is the light thereof." (Revelation 21:23)
10.) God shall make all things new:
In the new world, God the Father shall make everything in it new and uncontaminated nor tainted with corruption and sin. Can you imagine a world without air pollution, oil-filled rivers and streams? No where will there be toxic dumps, for this will be a world brand new.
"And he that sat upon the throne said, behold I make all things new." (Revelation 21:5)
In summary of the physical life of the Eternal World, it will be a tangible, physical and practical world. We will know our friends and loved ones. We will see God face to face and eat of the Tree of Life. We will even have homes in the new world.
God wants us to know that our future with Him will not be a boring time of regimented service, but one of a full and joyful life of relationship, love, peace and glory with God. Jesus paid the price at Calvary that we might one day have perfect fellowship with God, our Creator.
THE ETERNAL STATE PART #1
By: Evangelist Donald Perkins
"The true message of the Eternal State is a practical one that produces a sound measure of hope for Christians as an anchor for their soul."
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The New Heavens and the New Earth
"AND I saw a new Heaven and new Earth: For the first Heaven and the first Earth were passed away:..." (Revelation 21:1)
When the prophet John received the prophecy of the book of Revelation, God was revealing to him the final destiny of man, sin, Satan and earth. I believe this is one main reason why Satan fights the study of Gods prophetic Word. It is because of this teaching that men can have hope for the future. In this study, we will journey through the Scripture to receive the plain and common sense teachings regarding our eternity with God.
The question is asked: Where is your salvation taking you?
Have you ever stopped and thought about the end of your salvation? Some Christians today have no hope past the present day. This attitude is wide spread throughout the church today. There is a danger in not understanding our future and putting all of ones hope in this present world, even as a Christian. Why? Because the Word of God teaches clearly that this present world is not our home! This present world has been contaminated by sin and because of Adams fall, sin has entered into the world.
"Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned". (Romans 5:12)
Everything under Adams domain became cursed and subjected to sin. (The earth, man, the animal kingdom...everything.)
"For the creature (creation) was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him(Adam) who hath subjected the same in hope". (Romans 8:20)
God wants us to have a proper view in light of this present, evil world. Jesus, while here, proclaimed that He nor Gods children were of this world.
"I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world". (John 17:14, 16)
The world Jesus is referring to is this present, evil world. As we will see further in this study, Jesus came to bring in a new world, a world without sin and the curse. If Christians today place all of their hope in this present system, they are putting it in a dieing world. The Scripture call those who do men most miserable.
"If in this life only (present evil world) we have hope in Christ, we are all men most miserable". (I Corinthians 15:19)
To place our hope in the present world alone is to sell ourselves short in receiving the total blessings that God has prepared for those who love Him.
Today, many have made the message of eternity a totally spiritual one and this is far from the truth as taught in the Bible. Some have taught that we are in eternity now, yet others claim that Christians will receive wings and silver slippers when they get to Heaven. The true message of the eternal state is a practical one that produces a sound measure of hope for Christians as an anchor for their soul.
The Earth Is Eternal:
Even though sin has entered the earth, the earth is eternal. When God made the earth, He made it to last forever. This world will never cease to exist as some would think.
The Earth is eternal:
"Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed forever." (Psalm 104:5)
"One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever". (Ecclesiastes 1:4)
"Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth". (Psalm 119:90)
"While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease". (Genesis 8:22)
The earth was created to last for all eternity. When Adam sinned the earth was cursed, but God, in His omniscience, prepared a way to purge the world from sin.
The Promise Of A New World
Careful study of God's Word reveals many eternal promises for the righteous. God spoke of New Heavens and a New Earth, the Tree of Life, Continuing Cities, Kingdoms, Mansions and more. Let us examine some of these promises.
1.) "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for New Heavens and a New Earth, where in dwelleth righteousness". (II Peter 3:13)
2.) "In my Father's House are many Mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you".
"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself that where I am, there ye may be also". (John 14:2,3)
3.) "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, not perceived by ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him". (Isaiah 64:4)
4.) "But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him".
"But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit: searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God". (I Corinthians 2:9, 10)
5.) "But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: For He hath prepared for them a city". (Hebrews 11:13-16)
6.) "For here have we no Continuing city, But we seek one to come". (Hebrews 13:14)
7.) "Then shall the King say unto them on the right hand, come ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world". (Matthew 25:34)
8.) "...but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father". (Matthew 20:23, Mark 10:40)
9.) "For as the New Heavens and New Earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain". (Isaiah 66:22)
10.) "For, Behold, I create New Heavens and a New Earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind". (Isaiah 65:17)
11.) "...To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God". (Revelation 2:7)
12.) "Him that overcometh will I make a Pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon Him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of Heaven from my God..." (Revelation 3:12)
The Eternal State Outline
A.) The purpose of the eternal state:
Q. What is the reason for the eternal state?
B.) The preparation of the eternal state:
Q. How will the earth be cleansed of sin?
C.) The living conditions in the eternal state:
Q. What will life be like in the eternal state?
A.) The Purpose for the Eternal State
There is always a purpose behind everything God has ordained. The Word of God declares that God's Word will not return void, but will do what it was intended to accomplish.
"So shall my Word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it will not return unto me void. But it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it". (Isaiah 55:11)
God's purpose for the eternal state is to restore the earth to it's former glory. It will be restored to the glory that Adam and Eve once enjoyed in the Garden before their fall. When Adam fell, not only was man cursed, but the whole creation was affected. The beautiful rose bush became thorn infested. But God, the Father, had a plan in which He would redeem man. But not only man, He also included the earth and everything in it.
The Scripture teaches that the whole creation is waiting for it's change.
"For the earnest expectation of the creature (creation) waiteth for the manifestation of the Sons of God".
"Because the creature (creation) itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God". (Romans 8:19, 20, 21)
The Scriptures above reveal that the whole creation in earnest expectation, was waiting for the born-again experience of men. The Scripture reveals, further, that the creation shall be delivered from it's bondage of corruption into this same liberty (or born-again) experience as the Sons of God.
In summary, the purpose of the eternal state is to totally restore man and the whole creation back to their original state before the fall. Thanks be to God for His glorious wisdom of redemption, in which He has included us.
B.) The Preparation of the Eternal State
God would not usher in a perfect age without first dealing with sin. We will examine what God has done, is doing, and will do to bring in a world where dwells nothing but righteousness and eternal bliss.
In J. Dwight Pentecost's book entitled, Things To Come, section seven, (The Preparation For The Eternal Kingdom), states:
"Between the termination of the earthly theocratic kingdom (The Millennial Kingdom) and the union of that kingdom with the eternal kingdom of God certain momentous events transpire, so that every vestige of rebellion shall be obliterated and God shall reign supreme".
1.) Jesus Christ, The Ultimate Preparation:
John the Baptist declared one day, while in the Jordan river, God's prophetic answer of who would one day take away sin.
"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world". (John 1:29)
Other Scriptures that testify to this fact:
1.) "Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father". (Galatians 1:4)
2.) "...When He (Jesus) had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right of the majesty on high". (Hebrews 1:3)
3.) "And He (Jesus) is the propitiation (Mercyseat) for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world". (I John 2:2)
4.) "For He (God) hath made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him". (II Corinthians 5:21)
5.) "Therefore as by the offense of one (Adam), judgement come upon all men to condemnation: even so by the righteousness of one (Jesus) the free gift came upon all men unto justification to life". (Romans 5:12-21)
The Scripture above reveals that Jesus is the ultimate preparation in God's prophetic dealings. Jesus died on the cross, shedding His precious blood, paying the price that would reconcile man with God again. And not only man, but God's total creation.
The Crown of Thorns
Not only did Jesus receive bruises for our sins, but He also bore in His body the piercing holes of the crown of thorns. Many have missed a powerful truth here: the crown of thorns was the price He paid for the earth on the cross. When God judged Adam and Eve, He also condemned the earth. He cursed the ground and caused thorns and thistles to come forth.
"...Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thysake: in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life".
"Thorns also and Thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field". (Genesis 3:17,18)
"Andwhen they had plaited a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head,..." (Matthew 27:29)
At Calvary's cross, Jesus redeemed man and earth through His precious blood. Jesus's sacrifice as the Lamb of God was truly God's first line of defense in His quest to restore creation.
2.) The Purging of Unredeemed Men:
Nearing the close of God's prophetic plan, God will begin to purge the earth of the ungodly. This will begin at the close of the Great Tribulation Period and during the Battle of Armageddon. At the close of this period, Jesus will come back and dethrone the Anti-Christ and his False Prophet. These two men will cast into the Lake of Fire.
"Andthe beast (Anti-Christ) was taken, and with the False Prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the Mark of the Beast, and them that worshiped his image, these both (Anti-Christ and False Prophet) were cast alive into a Lake of Fire burning with brimstone". (Revelation 19:20)
The next purging will occur at the close of 1,000 year reign of Christ on earth. At the close of this reign, those men who rebelled in their hearts against Christ's rule, will be deceived by Satan. And they will revolt against the city of God and will meet their end.
"And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison".
"And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea".
"And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and the fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them". (Revelation 20:7-9)
The final purging of unredeemed men will take place at the last resurrection. This event will occur just before the Great White Throne Judgement. At this time, God will resurrect all of the ungodly from their graves. This is known as the Resurrection of Damnation, (John 5:28, 29). This last resurrection is mentioned in the book of Revelation, chapter 20: 11-15. Here, the ungodly will be resurrected to face the judgement of God. All who are judged here will be cast alive into the Lake of Fire and will enter the eternal damnation.
3.) The Purging of Satan:
Satan will be purged from God's system and cast into the Lake of Fire to be burned and tormented forever. Note the following Scripture.
"And the Devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of Fire and brimstone, where the Beast (Anti-Christ) and False Prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever". (Revelation 20:10)
4.) The Purging of Death:
The Scripture declare that the last enemy to be destroyed by Christ Jesus will be death. Death will not enter the New World, but will be cast into the Lake of Fire to be judged forever.
"The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death". (I Corinthians 15:26)
"And death and Hell (hades or sheol) were cast into the lake of Fire. This is the Second death". (Revelation 20:14)
5.) The Earth's Purging:
Before the New Earth and Heavens, God will cleanse planet earth of all it's contaminations. The Scripture declare that the fire of God will burn all the works of the Earth.
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the Earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up".
"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and Godliness".
"Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the Day of God, wherein the Heavens being on Fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?"
"Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for New Heavens and a New Earth wherein dwelleth righteousness". (II Peter 3:10-13)
The fire of God will purge planet earth of all of it's contaminations. Everything that sin has touched will be burned from earth. After the fire of God has purged earth and the smoke clears, God will reveal a brand New Earth and Heavens: a world that will be free from sin and curse, a world without sin and Satan.
In summary, before God can usher in a New World, He will first deal with the sin problem. After He has judged fallen man, Satan, fallen angels, sin and this contaminated earth, we will experience a new world and a new life with God.
"The true message of the Eternal State is a practical one that produces a sound measure of hope for Christians as an anchor for their soul."
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The New Heavens and the New Earth
"AND I saw a new Heaven and new Earth: For the first Heaven and the first Earth were passed away:..." (Revelation 21:1)
When the prophet John received the prophecy of the book of Revelation, God was revealing to him the final destiny of man, sin, Satan and earth. I believe this is one main reason why Satan fights the study of Gods prophetic Word. It is because of this teaching that men can have hope for the future. In this study, we will journey through the Scripture to receive the plain and common sense teachings regarding our eternity with God.
The question is asked: Where is your salvation taking you?
Have you ever stopped and thought about the end of your salvation? Some Christians today have no hope past the present day. This attitude is wide spread throughout the church today. There is a danger in not understanding our future and putting all of ones hope in this present world, even as a Christian. Why? Because the Word of God teaches clearly that this present world is not our home! This present world has been contaminated by sin and because of Adams fall, sin has entered into the world.
"Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned". (Romans 5:12)
Everything under Adams domain became cursed and subjected to sin. (The earth, man, the animal kingdom...everything.)
"For the creature (creation) was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him(Adam) who hath subjected the same in hope". (Romans 8:20)
God wants us to have a proper view in light of this present, evil world. Jesus, while here, proclaimed that He nor Gods children were of this world.
"I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world". (John 17:14, 16)
The world Jesus is referring to is this present, evil world. As we will see further in this study, Jesus came to bring in a new world, a world without sin and the curse. If Christians today place all of their hope in this present system, they are putting it in a dieing world. The Scripture call those who do men most miserable.
"If in this life only (present evil world) we have hope in Christ, we are all men most miserable". (I Corinthians 15:19)
To place our hope in the present world alone is to sell ourselves short in receiving the total blessings that God has prepared for those who love Him.
Today, many have made the message of eternity a totally spiritual one and this is far from the truth as taught in the Bible. Some have taught that we are in eternity now, yet others claim that Christians will receive wings and silver slippers when they get to Heaven. The true message of the eternal state is a practical one that produces a sound measure of hope for Christians as an anchor for their soul.
The Earth Is Eternal:
Even though sin has entered the earth, the earth is eternal. When God made the earth, He made it to last forever. This world will never cease to exist as some would think.
The Earth is eternal:
"Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed forever." (Psalm 104:5)
"One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever". (Ecclesiastes 1:4)
"Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth". (Psalm 119:90)
"While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease". (Genesis 8:22)
The earth was created to last for all eternity. When Adam sinned the earth was cursed, but God, in His omniscience, prepared a way to purge the world from sin.
The Promise Of A New World
Careful study of God's Word reveals many eternal promises for the righteous. God spoke of New Heavens and a New Earth, the Tree of Life, Continuing Cities, Kingdoms, Mansions and more. Let us examine some of these promises.
1.) "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for New Heavens and a New Earth, where in dwelleth righteousness". (II Peter 3:13)
2.) "In my Father's House are many Mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you".
"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself that where I am, there ye may be also". (John 14:2,3)
3.) "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, not perceived by ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him". (Isaiah 64:4)
4.) "But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him".
"But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit: searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God". (I Corinthians 2:9, 10)
5.) "But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: For He hath prepared for them a city". (Hebrews 11:13-16)
6.) "For here have we no Continuing city, But we seek one to come". (Hebrews 13:14)
7.) "Then shall the King say unto them on the right hand, come ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world". (Matthew 25:34)
8.) "...but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father". (Matthew 20:23, Mark 10:40)
9.) "For as the New Heavens and New Earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain". (Isaiah 66:22)
10.) "For, Behold, I create New Heavens and a New Earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind". (Isaiah 65:17)
11.) "...To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God". (Revelation 2:7)
12.) "Him that overcometh will I make a Pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon Him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of Heaven from my God..." (Revelation 3:12)
The Eternal State Outline
A.) The purpose of the eternal state:
Q. What is the reason for the eternal state?
B.) The preparation of the eternal state:
Q. How will the earth be cleansed of sin?
C.) The living conditions in the eternal state:
Q. What will life be like in the eternal state?
A.) The Purpose for the Eternal State
There is always a purpose behind everything God has ordained. The Word of God declares that God's Word will not return void, but will do what it was intended to accomplish.
"So shall my Word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it will not return unto me void. But it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it". (Isaiah 55:11)
God's purpose for the eternal state is to restore the earth to it's former glory. It will be restored to the glory that Adam and Eve once enjoyed in the Garden before their fall. When Adam fell, not only was man cursed, but the whole creation was affected. The beautiful rose bush became thorn infested. But God, the Father, had a plan in which He would redeem man. But not only man, He also included the earth and everything in it.
The Scripture teaches that the whole creation is waiting for it's change.
"For the earnest expectation of the creature (creation) waiteth for the manifestation of the Sons of God".
"Because the creature (creation) itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God". (Romans 8:19, 20, 21)
The Scriptures above reveal that the whole creation in earnest expectation, was waiting for the born-again experience of men. The Scripture reveals, further, that the creation shall be delivered from it's bondage of corruption into this same liberty (or born-again) experience as the Sons of God.
In summary, the purpose of the eternal state is to totally restore man and the whole creation back to their original state before the fall. Thanks be to God for His glorious wisdom of redemption, in which He has included us.
B.) The Preparation of the Eternal State
God would not usher in a perfect age without first dealing with sin. We will examine what God has done, is doing, and will do to bring in a world where dwells nothing but righteousness and eternal bliss.
In J. Dwight Pentecost's book entitled, Things To Come, section seven, (The Preparation For The Eternal Kingdom), states:
"Between the termination of the earthly theocratic kingdom (The Millennial Kingdom) and the union of that kingdom with the eternal kingdom of God certain momentous events transpire, so that every vestige of rebellion shall be obliterated and God shall reign supreme".
1.) Jesus Christ, The Ultimate Preparation:
John the Baptist declared one day, while in the Jordan river, God's prophetic answer of who would one day take away sin.
"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world". (John 1:29)
Other Scriptures that testify to this fact:
1.) "Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father". (Galatians 1:4)
2.) "...When He (Jesus) had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right of the majesty on high". (Hebrews 1:3)
3.) "And He (Jesus) is the propitiation (Mercyseat) for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world". (I John 2:2)
4.) "For He (God) hath made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him". (II Corinthians 5:21)
5.) "Therefore as by the offense of one (Adam), judgement come upon all men to condemnation: even so by the righteousness of one (Jesus) the free gift came upon all men unto justification to life". (Romans 5:12-21)
The Scripture above reveals that Jesus is the ultimate preparation in God's prophetic dealings. Jesus died on the cross, shedding His precious blood, paying the price that would reconcile man with God again. And not only man, but God's total creation.
The Crown of Thorns
Not only did Jesus receive bruises for our sins, but He also bore in His body the piercing holes of the crown of thorns. Many have missed a powerful truth here: the crown of thorns was the price He paid for the earth on the cross. When God judged Adam and Eve, He also condemned the earth. He cursed the ground and caused thorns and thistles to come forth.
"...Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thysake: in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life".
"Thorns also and Thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field". (Genesis 3:17,18)
"Andwhen they had plaited a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head,..." (Matthew 27:29)
At Calvary's cross, Jesus redeemed man and earth through His precious blood. Jesus's sacrifice as the Lamb of God was truly God's first line of defense in His quest to restore creation.
2.) The Purging of Unredeemed Men:
Nearing the close of God's prophetic plan, God will begin to purge the earth of the ungodly. This will begin at the close of the Great Tribulation Period and during the Battle of Armageddon. At the close of this period, Jesus will come back and dethrone the Anti-Christ and his False Prophet. These two men will cast into the Lake of Fire.
"Andthe beast (Anti-Christ) was taken, and with the False Prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the Mark of the Beast, and them that worshiped his image, these both (Anti-Christ and False Prophet) were cast alive into a Lake of Fire burning with brimstone". (Revelation 19:20)
The next purging will occur at the close of 1,000 year reign of Christ on earth. At the close of this reign, those men who rebelled in their hearts against Christ's rule, will be deceived by Satan. And they will revolt against the city of God and will meet their end.
"And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison".
"And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea".
"And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and the fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them". (Revelation 20:7-9)
The final purging of unredeemed men will take place at the last resurrection. This event will occur just before the Great White Throne Judgement. At this time, God will resurrect all of the ungodly from their graves. This is known as the Resurrection of Damnation, (John 5:28, 29). This last resurrection is mentioned in the book of Revelation, chapter 20: 11-15. Here, the ungodly will be resurrected to face the judgement of God. All who are judged here will be cast alive into the Lake of Fire and will enter the eternal damnation.
3.) The Purging of Satan:
Satan will be purged from God's system and cast into the Lake of Fire to be burned and tormented forever. Note the following Scripture.
"And the Devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of Fire and brimstone, where the Beast (Anti-Christ) and False Prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever". (Revelation 20:10)
4.) The Purging of Death:
The Scripture declare that the last enemy to be destroyed by Christ Jesus will be death. Death will not enter the New World, but will be cast into the Lake of Fire to be judged forever.
"The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death". (I Corinthians 15:26)
"And death and Hell (hades or sheol) were cast into the lake of Fire. This is the Second death". (Revelation 20:14)
5.) The Earth's Purging:
Before the New Earth and Heavens, God will cleanse planet earth of all it's contaminations. The Scripture declare that the fire of God will burn all the works of the Earth.
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the Earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up".
"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and Godliness".
"Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the Day of God, wherein the Heavens being on Fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?"
"Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for New Heavens and a New Earth wherein dwelleth righteousness". (II Peter 3:10-13)
The fire of God will purge planet earth of all of it's contaminations. Everything that sin has touched will be burned from earth. After the fire of God has purged earth and the smoke clears, God will reveal a brand New Earth and Heavens: a world that will be free from sin and curse, a world without sin and Satan.
In summary, before God can usher in a New World, He will first deal with the sin problem. After He has judged fallen man, Satan, fallen angels, sin and this contaminated earth, we will experience a new world and a new life with God.
The Dangers of Date Setting
By: Evangelist Donald Perkins
"In this study we will examine the Biblical perspective concerning the setting of dates. We will also look at some of the claims made and how Scriptures were pulled out of context to support these claims. The Word of God commands that we study to show ourselves approved that we may be able to rightly divide the Word of truth."
"Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." Matthews 25:13,
The church has gone through another date-setting episode, the dates that were set have come and gone. History has proven throughout the course of time that those who claim to know when Christ would return to Rapture the Church, have all missed it, and the tragedy of it all is, that there will be others to follows.
In September of 1988, around the 11,12,13, Christ was supposed to Rapture the Chruch out of the world. The author of this theory was Mr. Edgar C. Whisenant, who wrote two books entitled "On Borrow Time and The Rapture 1988, and 88 Reasons Why?" In his books he graphically mapped the last days by dates. Since this episode in 1988 there have been at least 3 major date-setting, dates that have all come and gone, but Christ never came on the dates.
In 1994, another datesetting prophet came to prominence, his name is Harold Camping,
Mr Camping's predictions were based on a complicated mathematical formula that tied Christ's return to the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which ended on Sept.27th. He published a book entitled "1994?"
In this book he dated the Rapture of the chruch and many other things in prophecy.
Why? were these dates false? Because God said in His Word that no man, nor angel would know the actual date of Christ's return. This date is reserved only for God Himself, for any man to claim to know this date is to is to make himself equal with God.
The Word of God is clear on this subject of Date-setting. To set dates on the return of Christ is to err. Because of these recent events, the church has become a laughingstock and many Christian faith were shaken by it; some had their hopes raised to high levels, only to have them come crashing down to the truth. Many even quit their jobs, and still others closed their businesses.
Why have so many been shaken?
1.) Because they didn't take the time to search the Scriptures.
2.) Because they followed many church leaders and not the Word of God.
3.) Because they didn't question what was being taught by the Word of God.
In this study we will examine the Biblical perspective concerning the setting of dates. We will also look at some of the claims made and how Scriptures were pulled out of context to support these claims. The Word of God commands that we study to show ourselves approved that we may be able to rightly divide the Word of truth.
Many of the Scriptures that were used in the teachings of Mr. Edgar Whisenant were Scriptures that pointed to the Second Coming of Christ and not the Rapture. The Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ are two different events that will take place at two distinct times in the future. In a nut shell, the theory of Mr. Whisenant was that Christians could know the date of their Lord's return, but not the unsaved. He used Scriptures like the following:
"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." Amos 3:7,
"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night." 1 Thessalonians 5:2
The theory seemed to be a logical one but not totally sound doctrine. In his books he dated the Rapture of the church, the Battle of Armageddon, the 1,000 years reign of Christ, and the date of the beginning of eternity with the New Heavens and New Earth.
Although the Scriptures clearly places the occurrence of the these prophetic events in the near future, God had reserved the right to keep secret the dates on which they will occur. We can know that the end is close because Jesus gave us the signs of the last days (Matthew 24:3-51), but the actual dates of the events are not for us to know.
The Biblical Perspective on Date Setting
Now we will look at the soundness of the Scriptures and what they teach. There has always been a fascination in the hearts of God's children regarding when their Lord would return. For example, the disciples questioned Jesus concerning the time of the restoration of the kingdom to Israel. He replied by saying:
"It is not for you to know the times or the season, which the Father hath put in His own power." (Acts 1:6,7)
The coming of Jesus is known only by God No man, no angel, nor Jesus Himself knows the time of His return. Note the following Scriptures:
1.) "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Matthew 24:36,
2.) "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." Matthew 24:42,
Here Jesus gives clear evidence that the Christian will not know the actual date of His return. So according the teaching of Christ, neither the Christian nor the sinner will know the date.
3.) "The Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for Him, and in an hour that he is not aware of." Matthew 24:50
4.) "Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of Man cometh at an hour when ye think not." Luke 12:40,
5.) "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh." Matthew 24:44,
6.) "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares." Luke 21:34,
7.) "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in Heaven, neither the Son, but the Father." Mark 13:22,
8.) "Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is." Mark 13:33,
The Word of God, gives strong credence to the fact that the date of the return of Christ will not be known, nor will men be thinking of the actual day at the time of His return. This will be a day for prepared people, for those who want the be with Him. They know not the day of His return, but are ready for it whenever it comes.
The Scriptures narrow it down even more when Jesus used an analogy of a man taking a far journey, comparing Himself to this man.
"For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch."
"Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:"
"Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping."
"And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." Mark 13:34-37,
In this story, authority was given to the servants, and every man was left to his work. The porter was commanded to watch for his return. The message here implies that each servant and every man was to work until the master's return, for he might come in the evening, or at midnight, or maybe at dawn at the cockcrowing, or in the morning. They would not know the time of His coming, so their work had to be done. The warning was that He might come and find them sleeping and their business undone. Only those who had their work done would find peace. Here Jesus was stating that He would depart and leave the work of the ministry in the hands of His servants until His return. But when He would return He wanted to find us so doing His will. We are commanded to watch, but this does not mean that we should quit our jobs, or close our businesses, and go on a mountain top and look into the Heavens for His return. The watching here is referring to an attitude of heart, a heart that is ready to meet its Lord, that's been washed in the Blood of Jesus and has a full assurance of faith. A person with such a heart is doing the will of God. The Word of God speaks a blessing on the man that is found so doing at His Lord's return. (Matthew 24:46; & Luke 12:43,).
In Luke 19, verses 12 through 27, Jesus spoke a parable of a certain nobleman who went into a far country. He left ten servants with ten pounds and told them to occupy till he come. In this parable, Jesus was the nobleman who was going to journey to a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. We are the servants with the ten pounds. We are commanded to occupy till He return. The word occupy here in the Greek is Pragmateuomai, which means, "To busy oneself with, to trade: occupy." We are to be about our Father's business. When Jesus returns to Rapture His Church, we are to be busy for the kingdom. Again, Jesus is coming back for His will.
Noah left us a good example, for God warned Noah of the coming flood and commanded him to build an ark. The Word of God declares, in Hebrews 11:7,
"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."
Here we see that after Noah was warned, he began to prepare the ark. Noah didn't know when God would send him into the ark, so he kept busy working. Noah had to be ready with the ark of God. Noah had respect and reverence for God's judgement; this is what kept Noah working on the ark all those years. Only eight souls were ready for that day. as it was in Noah's day, so shall it be at the time of Christ's return (Matthew 24:36-39).
"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but may Father only."
"But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be."
"For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,"
"And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be." Matthew 24:36-3
When the flood came, it fell on those who were not ready. Those who were obedient to God's will were saved (1Peter 3:20). If Noah had been disobedient to the will of God, he and his family would have been judged with the rest.
A Word of Warning!
The Apostle Paul warned the Thessalonians, exhorting them not to be soon shaken by what they were hearing.
David Allen Lewis: In the section called "Predicting Christ's Return: The Dangers of Date Setting" From the book entitled: Shock Wave 2000!," Stated: Bang-Ik Ha and his misguided Korean followers spent vast sums of money in 1992, announcing to the world that Jesus would rapture the Church on October 28, exactly at midnight. Large advertisements appeared in USA Today and other publications, telling that Jesus would come during the Feast of Trumpets and their fyugo (rapture) to heaven would take place.
A South African newspaper carried a Reuters report telling of adverse reaction in Korea: "Parent groups demand that the government act quickly for fear of mass suicides across the country if the predictions prove wrong." A Mr. Lee was quoted; "in outrage and despair, these believers, especially the young ones feeling betrayed, are very likely to end their lives blaming themselves."
In an article by Associated Press, dated October 29th, 1992, titled "Believers go home grumbling as deadline for 'rapture' passes". This article brought to light the true Dangers of Date Setting.
"Seoul, South Korea - For months, thousands of believers proclaiming the "Rapture is coming!" stood on street corners and predicted the end of the world".
"Believers had quit jobs or school and sold everything to prepare to ascend to heaven late yesterday. But early today, 15 minutes after the midnight deadline passed, worshipers were told heaven could wait. "nothing has happened," said the Rev. Chang Man-ho of Seoul's largest doomsday church, the Mission for the Coming Days. "Sorry, let's go home. Let's go back to a normal life." "God lied to us," an angry congregant said as he left another church".
"There was an error. We don't know what kind of error, but there was one," one weeping woman said, clutching her 4-year-old daughter as she walked from one church".
"Some 2,500 believers filed out to the Mission for the Coming Days church in disappointment, walking under the big yellow chrysanthemum arch at the entrance, pass the loudspeakers that earlier blared hymns and "hallelujahs!" There was no immediate word on whether 10,000 to 20,000 other believers at 200 other churches across the country also had gone home calmly. But anger did surface in Taegu, where the Rev. Hwang Bo-Kwan was beaten by a man who said the church had kidnapped members of his family, the Yonhap national news agency said,"
"In this book, on the title page it reads, "The Lastest messages from our Lord Jesus Christ through Bang Ik Ha, A 16 year old Korean boy" "Rapture October 1992" This book was printed here in the United States, I guesss to reach the U.S. Christians. Their were very strong and bold statements made in this book.
Lest look at four statements made by Bang Ik Ha:
On page 11, he writes, 1.) "It is time to wake up, and realize that we must prepare the oil and lamp to greet our Lord. The wind that brings forth the tribulation has already started to blow. Because of the hard and difficult times we are living in, we must prepare moreover for this coming October".
2.) "The world's greatest blessing is participating in the glorious rapture which will occur in October 1992. The rapture and the tribulation which is te greatest tribulation that has been since the formation of any nation, is beyond our imagination and I know that I lack much knowledge I this great work of God. I also know that the Christian denominations talk of all this as being a pervert theory and also calling it a doctrine that has onlya limited time".
3.) "When this book is published, I know that many people and denominations will denounce this book and call this a false doctrine. On the other hand, there will still be many devout ministers who will come forth with many books and sermons that lead fellow Christians to the right path. I am not writing this book to book to be part of the crowd that fills bookstores with writings for their own honor and vanity. I don't have the ability, or the ealent to write a book of that nature".
4.) "I would like to emphasize once again that as this book's theme which is "Prepare for 1992," I also believe that my earthly life and ministry is prepared for and will end in 1992."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Judging from the statements made by the author, I believe he really believed that the Rapture was going to occur in October of 1992. This is why we must search the Scriptures for ourselves to see if what is taught is sound doctrine. We should judge everything we see and hear on the authority of the Word of God. When the whole thing failed on October 28, 1992, There were reports of a few suicides. It was truly a tragedy."
"Date setting is not new. From the time of the Early Church until now, there have been thousands of date-setting, date-suggesting, and date-hinting schemes. All wrong. Even now, there are books and pamphlets circulating proving that Jesus will come in every year from now until the year 2001."
" Date setting is a curse to the Bible Prophecy message and may prove to be more destructive to the soundness of it's teachings, than all external enemies put together."
Apostle Paul warns us again from the Scriptures:
"that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day Christ is at hand."
"Let no man deceive you by any means...
2 Thessalonians 2:2,3
Judging from these verses, those of Thessalonica had been troubled by the teaching that Christ has already come. Paul told them to let no man deceive them. This is my warning to you also. Try every spirit and study every doctrine. If it is truth, it will stand the test of God's Word.
Many have been hurt because of this. Many have lost crediblity in their ministry. Many have lost all hope; many hearts have become hardened to the truth. But a powerful lesson has been learned also, and it is this: we can never do contrary to the truth of God's word and be a success. Our safety is found in the Word of God and What it teaches.
In closing I want to say that the coming of our Lord is soon. by the signs of the times we know that it is at hand. But the date of His return is unknown to us, so we must stay always ready. He may break through the clouds today even as you read this article. My friend, it is a fact that He will return.
Lastest Update on Mr. Edgar C. Whisenant
Mr. Whisenant, the author of the Rapture '88 theory, has been quoted by Christianity Today magazine in a interview. Mr. Whisenant says his prediction of September 11,12,13, 1988, was just the "shout for the Bridegroom." This, he claims, was to prepare God's children for Christ's imminent return. He has also revised his predictions on his Rapture theory. He stated that the Rapture should occur approximately one year from his last prediction. This would have made the Rapture, occur in September of 1989. Today as I revise this article it is now December 1st, 1996. We need to pray for those who would claim to know the return of Jesus. This message has really hurt the Church, when men cry wolf to many times, people become harden or instinctive to the truth of the message being taught.
"In this study we will examine the Biblical perspective concerning the setting of dates. We will also look at some of the claims made and how Scriptures were pulled out of context to support these claims. The Word of God commands that we study to show ourselves approved that we may be able to rightly divide the Word of truth."
"Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." Matthews 25:13,
The church has gone through another date-setting episode, the dates that were set have come and gone. History has proven throughout the course of time that those who claim to know when Christ would return to Rapture the Church, have all missed it, and the tragedy of it all is, that there will be others to follows.
In September of 1988, around the 11,12,13, Christ was supposed to Rapture the Chruch out of the world. The author of this theory was Mr. Edgar C. Whisenant, who wrote two books entitled "On Borrow Time and The Rapture 1988, and 88 Reasons Why?" In his books he graphically mapped the last days by dates. Since this episode in 1988 there have been at least 3 major date-setting, dates that have all come and gone, but Christ never came on the dates.
In 1994, another datesetting prophet came to prominence, his name is Harold Camping,
Mr Camping's predictions were based on a complicated mathematical formula that tied Christ's return to the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which ended on Sept.27th. He published a book entitled "1994?"
In this book he dated the Rapture of the chruch and many other things in prophecy.
Why? were these dates false? Because God said in His Word that no man, nor angel would know the actual date of Christ's return. This date is reserved only for God Himself, for any man to claim to know this date is to is to make himself equal with God.
The Word of God is clear on this subject of Date-setting. To set dates on the return of Christ is to err. Because of these recent events, the church has become a laughingstock and many Christian faith were shaken by it; some had their hopes raised to high levels, only to have them come crashing down to the truth. Many even quit their jobs, and still others closed their businesses.
Why have so many been shaken?
1.) Because they didn't take the time to search the Scriptures.
2.) Because they followed many church leaders and not the Word of God.
3.) Because they didn't question what was being taught by the Word of God.
In this study we will examine the Biblical perspective concerning the setting of dates. We will also look at some of the claims made and how Scriptures were pulled out of context to support these claims. The Word of God commands that we study to show ourselves approved that we may be able to rightly divide the Word of truth.
Many of the Scriptures that were used in the teachings of Mr. Edgar Whisenant were Scriptures that pointed to the Second Coming of Christ and not the Rapture. The Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ are two different events that will take place at two distinct times in the future. In a nut shell, the theory of Mr. Whisenant was that Christians could know the date of their Lord's return, but not the unsaved. He used Scriptures like the following:
"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." Amos 3:7,
"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night." 1 Thessalonians 5:2
The theory seemed to be a logical one but not totally sound doctrine. In his books he dated the Rapture of the church, the Battle of Armageddon, the 1,000 years reign of Christ, and the date of the beginning of eternity with the New Heavens and New Earth.
Although the Scriptures clearly places the occurrence of the these prophetic events in the near future, God had reserved the right to keep secret the dates on which they will occur. We can know that the end is close because Jesus gave us the signs of the last days (Matthew 24:3-51), but the actual dates of the events are not for us to know.
The Biblical Perspective on Date Setting
Now we will look at the soundness of the Scriptures and what they teach. There has always been a fascination in the hearts of God's children regarding when their Lord would return. For example, the disciples questioned Jesus concerning the time of the restoration of the kingdom to Israel. He replied by saying:
"It is not for you to know the times or the season, which the Father hath put in His own power." (Acts 1:6,7)
The coming of Jesus is known only by God No man, no angel, nor Jesus Himself knows the time of His return. Note the following Scriptures:
1.) "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Matthew 24:36,
2.) "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." Matthew 24:42,
Here Jesus gives clear evidence that the Christian will not know the actual date of His return. So according the teaching of Christ, neither the Christian nor the sinner will know the date.
3.) "The Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for Him, and in an hour that he is not aware of." Matthew 24:50
4.) "Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of Man cometh at an hour when ye think not." Luke 12:40,
5.) "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh." Matthew 24:44,
6.) "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares." Luke 21:34,
7.) "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in Heaven, neither the Son, but the Father." Mark 13:22,
8.) "Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is." Mark 13:33,
The Word of God, gives strong credence to the fact that the date of the return of Christ will not be known, nor will men be thinking of the actual day at the time of His return. This will be a day for prepared people, for those who want the be with Him. They know not the day of His return, but are ready for it whenever it comes.
The Scriptures narrow it down even more when Jesus used an analogy of a man taking a far journey, comparing Himself to this man.
"For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch."
"Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:"
"Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping."
"And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." Mark 13:34-37,
In this story, authority was given to the servants, and every man was left to his work. The porter was commanded to watch for his return. The message here implies that each servant and every man was to work until the master's return, for he might come in the evening, or at midnight, or maybe at dawn at the cockcrowing, or in the morning. They would not know the time of His coming, so their work had to be done. The warning was that He might come and find them sleeping and their business undone. Only those who had their work done would find peace. Here Jesus was stating that He would depart and leave the work of the ministry in the hands of His servants until His return. But when He would return He wanted to find us so doing His will. We are commanded to watch, but this does not mean that we should quit our jobs, or close our businesses, and go on a mountain top and look into the Heavens for His return. The watching here is referring to an attitude of heart, a heart that is ready to meet its Lord, that's been washed in the Blood of Jesus and has a full assurance of faith. A person with such a heart is doing the will of God. The Word of God speaks a blessing on the man that is found so doing at His Lord's return. (Matthew 24:46; & Luke 12:43,).
In Luke 19, verses 12 through 27, Jesus spoke a parable of a certain nobleman who went into a far country. He left ten servants with ten pounds and told them to occupy till he come. In this parable, Jesus was the nobleman who was going to journey to a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. We are the servants with the ten pounds. We are commanded to occupy till He return. The word occupy here in the Greek is Pragmateuomai, which means, "To busy oneself with, to trade: occupy." We are to be about our Father's business. When Jesus returns to Rapture His Church, we are to be busy for the kingdom. Again, Jesus is coming back for His will.
Noah left us a good example, for God warned Noah of the coming flood and commanded him to build an ark. The Word of God declares, in Hebrews 11:7,
"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."
Here we see that after Noah was warned, he began to prepare the ark. Noah didn't know when God would send him into the ark, so he kept busy working. Noah had to be ready with the ark of God. Noah had respect and reverence for God's judgement; this is what kept Noah working on the ark all those years. Only eight souls were ready for that day. as it was in Noah's day, so shall it be at the time of Christ's return (Matthew 24:36-39).
"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but may Father only."
"But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be."
"For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,"
"And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be." Matthew 24:36-3
When the flood came, it fell on those who were not ready. Those who were obedient to God's will were saved (1Peter 3:20). If Noah had been disobedient to the will of God, he and his family would have been judged with the rest.
A Word of Warning!
The Apostle Paul warned the Thessalonians, exhorting them not to be soon shaken by what they were hearing.
David Allen Lewis: In the section called "Predicting Christ's Return: The Dangers of Date Setting" From the book entitled: Shock Wave 2000!," Stated: Bang-Ik Ha and his misguided Korean followers spent vast sums of money in 1992, announcing to the world that Jesus would rapture the Church on October 28, exactly at midnight. Large advertisements appeared in USA Today and other publications, telling that Jesus would come during the Feast of Trumpets and their fyugo (rapture) to heaven would take place.
A South African newspaper carried a Reuters report telling of adverse reaction in Korea: "Parent groups demand that the government act quickly for fear of mass suicides across the country if the predictions prove wrong." A Mr. Lee was quoted; "in outrage and despair, these believers, especially the young ones feeling betrayed, are very likely to end their lives blaming themselves."
In an article by Associated Press, dated October 29th, 1992, titled "Believers go home grumbling as deadline for 'rapture' passes". This article brought to light the true Dangers of Date Setting.
"Seoul, South Korea - For months, thousands of believers proclaiming the "Rapture is coming!" stood on street corners and predicted the end of the world".
"Believers had quit jobs or school and sold everything to prepare to ascend to heaven late yesterday. But early today, 15 minutes after the midnight deadline passed, worshipers were told heaven could wait. "nothing has happened," said the Rev. Chang Man-ho of Seoul's largest doomsday church, the Mission for the Coming Days. "Sorry, let's go home. Let's go back to a normal life." "God lied to us," an angry congregant said as he left another church".
"There was an error. We don't know what kind of error, but there was one," one weeping woman said, clutching her 4-year-old daughter as she walked from one church".
"Some 2,500 believers filed out to the Mission for the Coming Days church in disappointment, walking under the big yellow chrysanthemum arch at the entrance, pass the loudspeakers that earlier blared hymns and "hallelujahs!" There was no immediate word on whether 10,000 to 20,000 other believers at 200 other churches across the country also had gone home calmly. But anger did surface in Taegu, where the Rev. Hwang Bo-Kwan was beaten by a man who said the church had kidnapped members of his family, the Yonhap national news agency said,"
"In this book, on the title page it reads, "The Lastest messages from our Lord Jesus Christ through Bang Ik Ha, A 16 year old Korean boy" "Rapture October 1992" This book was printed here in the United States, I guesss to reach the U.S. Christians. Their were very strong and bold statements made in this book.
Lest look at four statements made by Bang Ik Ha:
On page 11, he writes, 1.) "It is time to wake up, and realize that we must prepare the oil and lamp to greet our Lord. The wind that brings forth the tribulation has already started to blow. Because of the hard and difficult times we are living in, we must prepare moreover for this coming October".
2.) "The world's greatest blessing is participating in the glorious rapture which will occur in October 1992. The rapture and the tribulation which is te greatest tribulation that has been since the formation of any nation, is beyond our imagination and I know that I lack much knowledge I this great work of God. I also know that the Christian denominations talk of all this as being a pervert theory and also calling it a doctrine that has onlya limited time".
3.) "When this book is published, I know that many people and denominations will denounce this book and call this a false doctrine. On the other hand, there will still be many devout ministers who will come forth with many books and sermons that lead fellow Christians to the right path. I am not writing this book to book to be part of the crowd that fills bookstores with writings for their own honor and vanity. I don't have the ability, or the ealent to write a book of that nature".
4.) "I would like to emphasize once again that as this book's theme which is "Prepare for 1992," I also believe that my earthly life and ministry is prepared for and will end in 1992."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Judging from the statements made by the author, I believe he really believed that the Rapture was going to occur in October of 1992. This is why we must search the Scriptures for ourselves to see if what is taught is sound doctrine. We should judge everything we see and hear on the authority of the Word of God. When the whole thing failed on October 28, 1992, There were reports of a few suicides. It was truly a tragedy."
"Date setting is not new. From the time of the Early Church until now, there have been thousands of date-setting, date-suggesting, and date-hinting schemes. All wrong. Even now, there are books and pamphlets circulating proving that Jesus will come in every year from now until the year 2001."
" Date setting is a curse to the Bible Prophecy message and may prove to be more destructive to the soundness of it's teachings, than all external enemies put together."
Apostle Paul warns us again from the Scriptures:
"that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day Christ is at hand."
"Let no man deceive you by any means...
2 Thessalonians 2:2,3
Judging from these verses, those of Thessalonica had been troubled by the teaching that Christ has already come. Paul told them to let no man deceive them. This is my warning to you also. Try every spirit and study every doctrine. If it is truth, it will stand the test of God's Word.
Many have been hurt because of this. Many have lost crediblity in their ministry. Many have lost all hope; many hearts have become hardened to the truth. But a powerful lesson has been learned also, and it is this: we can never do contrary to the truth of God's word and be a success. Our safety is found in the Word of God and What it teaches.
In closing I want to say that the coming of our Lord is soon. by the signs of the times we know that it is at hand. But the date of His return is unknown to us, so we must stay always ready. He may break through the clouds today even as you read this article. My friend, it is a fact that He will return.
Lastest Update on Mr. Edgar C. Whisenant
Mr. Whisenant, the author of the Rapture '88 theory, has been quoted by Christianity Today magazine in a interview. Mr. Whisenant says his prediction of September 11,12,13, 1988, was just the "shout for the Bridegroom." This, he claims, was to prepare God's children for Christ's imminent return. He has also revised his predictions on his Rapture theory. He stated that the Rapture should occur approximately one year from his last prediction. This would have made the Rapture, occur in September of 1989. Today as I revise this article it is now December 1st, 1996. We need to pray for those who would claim to know the return of Jesus. This message has really hurt the Church, when men cry wolf to many times, people become harden or instinctive to the truth of the message being taught.
THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH
By: Evangelist Donald Perkins
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice if the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first."
1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
13, "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not even as others which have no hope."
14, "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."
15, "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep."
16, "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice if the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first."
17, "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."
The Rapture of the Church is the next major glorious event to take place in God's prophetic plan. In this book, we will look at this doctrine in depth. Today, there are many views on the subject. Many in the Church have taken a "let's wait and see" attitude because they have been confused by so many teachings.
In our approach to understand, we will examine:
A. The meaning of the word Rapture.
B. A verse-by-verse look at I Thessalonians 4:13-18.
C. Different views on the Rapture.
D. The difference between the Rapture and the Second coming of Christ
E. The results of the Rapture of the Church.
F. The promise and warning regarding the Rapture.
The meaning of the word Rapture
The word "Rapture" is borrowed from the Latin Vulgate Bible and appears in the English Bible as "caught up." "Caught up" in Greek is "harpazo", which means "to snatch or catch away...to seize, pluck up, pull, take by force." The verb "harpazo" means "to seize upon or take to oneself," "to seize upon with force." It is also used generally as meaning to "forcibly seize upon or take to oneself." The English word also means "to transport to a state of happiness" which comes from a Latin word "rapio." Rapio means "to seize quickly or suddenly or to snatch away."
Webster's Dictionary defines Rapture as: (1) the state of being carried away with joy, love, etc. (2) a carrying away or being carried away in body or spirit.
As described in the definition, the Rapture will be the physical taking out of the saints by Jesus. He will seize upon His Church with force. We will be caught up to the joys of our Lord.
A verse-by-verse look at 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope."
"...which are asleep..." The word "asleep" in Greek is "koimao." In the New Testament this always refers to the Body that is asleep and not to the soul. It means "to put to sleep, pass or reflex, to slumber, to decrease, be a fall, a fall on, sleep be dead."
The Apostle Paul was giving understanding to the Thessalonians about their dead loved ones. He wanted them to know that only their bodies were asleep or decease, but not their souls or spirits. So there was no need to be sorrowful. He went on to explain:
"...which have no hope..." In the latter part of this verse, Paul explained that the Church need not sorrow as the world does when it loses a loved one. The Church has a hope of seeing their dead loved ones again. This hope is locked in the resurrection of the Just. (Note John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15; Daniel 12:2.)
14, "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."
The condition of those who are Raptured will be on the basis they believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The scripture teaches that those who believe are saved. (Romans 10:8-11.)
For those who have died in Jesus, their spirits and souls will, at the time of the Rapture, be brought with Him. Their spirits and souls will be reunited with their physical resurrected bodies and at that time their bodies will be changed from corruptible to incorruptible bodies. (I Corinthians 15:50-57.)
Paul went on to explain:
15, "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep."
"...we say unto you by the Word of the Lord..." The message of the Rapture was given to Apostle Paul by the Word of the Lord. This doctrine was a mystery for the Church from God. (I Corinthians 15:51.)
J. Dwight Pentcost sums up the mystery like this: "The Church and Israel are two distinct groups with whom God has a divine plan. The Church is a mystery unrevealed in the Old Testament. This present mystery age intervenes within the program of God for Israel because of Israel's rejection of the Messiah at His first advent. This mystery program must be completed before God can resume His program with Israel and bring it to completion..."
"...we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord..." Here we have another condition given to those who are alive at the time of the Rapture. Those who remain are those who are still remaining in Christ and have kept their faith. These will be caught up to meet Jesus. Our Lord is coming back for a prepared people; that is, only for those who are ready. Those who have back-slid will not be raptured. Those who are separated from sin will be raptured. Paul gave the warning in his letter to the Corinthians. (IICorinthians 6:14-18.)
17, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."
At the time of the Rapture, if you are separated from sin, Jesus will receive you unto Himself!
"...shall not prevent them which are asleep."
The word "prevent" in Greek means "to anticipate, to be before, or to precede."
Here the scripture gives reference to the fact that we which are alive shall not go up before those who have died in Christ before us, because the Word of God declares that "every man in his own order" after the death of Christ. (ICorinthians 15:23.)
23, "But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming."
Thus the dead in Christ will be raised first, every man in his own order. Then shall those who are alive be caught up and changed. But we all, both the dead and alive, shall meet Christ in the clouds together.
16, "For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first."
"For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven..." Our Lord Jesus Himself will come to receive us unto Himself. Here the scripture indicates that our Lord will physically come to get us. In the Gospel of John 14:1-3, our Lord stated in verse three:
3, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself: that where I am, there ye may be also."
Our Lord promised that He would come and receive us unto Himself. Many today teach that Jesus will never physically come again. But the scriptures prove differently. Our Lord will come again and receive His Church unto Himself.
The phrase "coming of the Lord" in verse 15, explains the beginning of verse 16, Jesus' descent is called His coming. The coming is translated: "parousia" which means "presence or arrival." Our Lord will physically be here to meet us.
"...with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel..." The shout, the announcement of victory for the Church. The voice of the Archangel to proclaim that Christ is here, as He promised to take those who are ready for His gathering. The voice of shout will be Michael, the Archangel. Archangel in Greek means:
Archaggelos- A chief angel - Archangel
Arch- To be first (in political rank or power): reign (rule) over
Aggelos- To bring tidings, a messenger:esp. an "Angel"
The chief angel of Heaven will announce the coming of our Lord for the Church.
"...with the trump of God..." The trump of God will sound. This blast will sound the alarm of the Rapture. This sound will get the attention of the world, living and dead. The trump of God at the Rapture has been confused with the trump of the seven trumpet judgment of God in Revelation 8;2, 6-13, 9:1-21 and 11:15. As a result, many would use these verses to claim that the Church will be raptured at the middle of the Great Tribulation Period. The scriptures are clear that these are two different trumpets sounding. The blowing of the trumpet in IThessalonians 4:13-18 is a trump of victory and the trumpet of Revelation 8:13 are trumpets of woe and judgement in the Tribulation.
"...and the dead in Christ shall rise first..." After the Archangel sounds the trump, the dead in Christ will be raised. Note: The emphasis is on the dead in Christ. At the Rapture those who have died in Christ will be risen first. The scripture declares "Blessed are the dead." (Revelation 14:13.)
13, "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, 'Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."
"...Then we which are alive and remain..." As stated earlier, a condition was given for those who are alive at the point of Rapture. The saints of God that hath continued with Him will be caught up; those who have overcome the world and the devil. Many that are not saved and are in a back-slid condition will not be raptured.
"...shall be caught up together with them in the clouds." Those that die in Jesus, and those that are alive and remain, shall be gathered together in the clouds. At this time we will be seized, caught up, taken by force to meet Jesus in the air.
"...And so shall we ever be with the Lord." Those that are raptured will forever be with the Lord. The door of Rapture will be the end of struggle for the righteous and they will be delivered from temptation and test from the devil.
"...Wherefore comfort one another with these words." The Doctrine of the Rapture is a message of comfort. The Apostle Paul commanded us to comfort one another with these words. The Rapture should be taught in every church to give the blessed hope and comfort of the soon return of Jesus for His Church.
Different views of the Rapture
There are many views being taught on the subject of the Rapture. The four different views addressed here are:
1. Post Tribulationist
2. Pre-wrath Tribulationist
3. Mid-Tribulationist
4. Pre-Tribulationist
Post Tribulationist view: Teaches that the Church will be raptured at the end of the Great Tribulation Period. They believe that at the Second Coming of Christ, the church will be caught up to meet Jesus and then simultaneously return with Christ.
Pre-wrath Tribulationist view: Teaches that the Church will be raptured at the middle of the last three and a half years of the Great Tribulation Period. This is the newest view on the scene.
Mid-Tribulationist view: Teaches that the Church will be raptured in the middle of the Great Tribulation Period.
Pre-Tribulationist view: Teaches that the Church will be raptured before the Tribulation Period. This view, I believe, stands the test of the scriptures for many reasons:
The Church has not been called to the wrath of God. The scriptures teach that the events of the Great Tribulation Period is the wrath of God. (Revelation 6:16, 17; 15:7, 8.) Christ hath delivered us from the wrath to come. (IThessalonians 1:10; Romans 5:9; John 3:36; Luke 21:36.) The Church will not go through the Great Tribulation Period.
The difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ
I believe the reason there are so many views on the Rapture is because many Bible students don't know the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ. These are two separate and distinct comings of our Lord. At the Rapture of the Church, Christ will not touch the earth, but will be met in the air by the saints. (IThess. 4:17.) At the Second Coming, He will touch the earth at His coming. (Zech. 14:4; Acts 1:11.) At the Rapture, He will come as a deliverer of the Church in joyous splendor. In the Second Coming, He will come back to deliver Israel physically and fight against the anti-christ and his fouls. (Rev. 19:11-21.)
Rapture-
I Thessalonians 4:17: "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."
Second Coming-
Zechariah 14:4: "And His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and the half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south."
Acts 1:11: "Which also said, ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
The results of the Rapture of the Church
The Rapture of the Church will accomplish many things in the plan of God.
1. It will take the Church out of the world before the Great Tribulation Period begins. (IThessalonians 4:13-16; 1:10.)
2. The Rapture will cause the resurrection of the righteous dead and the catching up of the living saints to life immortal. (IThessalonians 4:15, 17; John 5:28, 29; Daniel 12:2; ICorinthians 15:50-57.)
3. The Rapture of the Church will mark the beginning of the Great Tribulation because after the Church is taken out, the anti-christ will come on the scene. (Revelation 6:1, 2.)
4. The Church will be taken so the Lord can finish His prophetic dealing with the nation of Israel. (Daniel 9:26,27.)
5. The message of the rapture produces comfort and gives a strong foundation of hope to the saints. (IThessalonians 4:18.)
The promise and warning regarding the Rapture
From our study, we know that the Lord has promised to come for the Church. Jesus said that He would receive us unto Himself, and where He is we would be with Him. (John 14:1-4.)
3, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
Just as our Lord gave the promise, He also gave warnings regarding the Rapture. Those who will be raptured will be those who are saved and washed in the Blood of Christ. The Church has to be separate from the world. Those who are, Jesus will receive them. (IICorinthians 6:14-18.)
17, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing: and I will receive you."
Jesus gave a warning to the Church as a whole when he sent the seven letters to the Churches. In one of his letters, he warned the Church called Thyatira by telling them to repent from their sins. If not, they would be cast into the Great Tribulation Period. Those who are cast will not be raptured. (Revelation 2:18-23.)
22, "Behold I will cast her into a bed and them that commit adultery with her into Great Tribulation except they repent of their deeds."
Christians have an obligation to warn back-slidden Christians and sinners that Jesus is coming back to take our glorious Church. (Ephesians 5:26, 27.)
27, "That He might present it to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such things; but that it should be holy and without blemish."
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice if the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first."
1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
13, "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not even as others which have no hope."
14, "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."
15, "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep."
16, "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice if the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first."
17, "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."
The Rapture of the Church is the next major glorious event to take place in God's prophetic plan. In this book, we will look at this doctrine in depth. Today, there are many views on the subject. Many in the Church have taken a "let's wait and see" attitude because they have been confused by so many teachings.
In our approach to understand, we will examine:
A. The meaning of the word Rapture.
B. A verse-by-verse look at I Thessalonians 4:13-18.
C. Different views on the Rapture.
D. The difference between the Rapture and the Second coming of Christ
E. The results of the Rapture of the Church.
F. The promise and warning regarding the Rapture.
The meaning of the word Rapture
The word "Rapture" is borrowed from the Latin Vulgate Bible and appears in the English Bible as "caught up." "Caught up" in Greek is "harpazo", which means "to snatch or catch away...to seize, pluck up, pull, take by force." The verb "harpazo" means "to seize upon or take to oneself," "to seize upon with force." It is also used generally as meaning to "forcibly seize upon or take to oneself." The English word also means "to transport to a state of happiness" which comes from a Latin word "rapio." Rapio means "to seize quickly or suddenly or to snatch away."
Webster's Dictionary defines Rapture as: (1) the state of being carried away with joy, love, etc. (2) a carrying away or being carried away in body or spirit.
As described in the definition, the Rapture will be the physical taking out of the saints by Jesus. He will seize upon His Church with force. We will be caught up to the joys of our Lord.
A verse-by-verse look at 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope."
"...which are asleep..." The word "asleep" in Greek is "koimao." In the New Testament this always refers to the Body that is asleep and not to the soul. It means "to put to sleep, pass or reflex, to slumber, to decrease, be a fall, a fall on, sleep be dead."
The Apostle Paul was giving understanding to the Thessalonians about their dead loved ones. He wanted them to know that only their bodies were asleep or decease, but not their souls or spirits. So there was no need to be sorrowful. He went on to explain:
"...which have no hope..." In the latter part of this verse, Paul explained that the Church need not sorrow as the world does when it loses a loved one. The Church has a hope of seeing their dead loved ones again. This hope is locked in the resurrection of the Just. (Note John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15; Daniel 12:2.)
14, "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."
The condition of those who are Raptured will be on the basis they believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The scripture teaches that those who believe are saved. (Romans 10:8-11.)
For those who have died in Jesus, their spirits and souls will, at the time of the Rapture, be brought with Him. Their spirits and souls will be reunited with their physical resurrected bodies and at that time their bodies will be changed from corruptible to incorruptible bodies. (I Corinthians 15:50-57.)
Paul went on to explain:
15, "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep."
"...we say unto you by the Word of the Lord..." The message of the Rapture was given to Apostle Paul by the Word of the Lord. This doctrine was a mystery for the Church from God. (I Corinthians 15:51.)
J. Dwight Pentcost sums up the mystery like this: "The Church and Israel are two distinct groups with whom God has a divine plan. The Church is a mystery unrevealed in the Old Testament. This present mystery age intervenes within the program of God for Israel because of Israel's rejection of the Messiah at His first advent. This mystery program must be completed before God can resume His program with Israel and bring it to completion..."
"...we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord..." Here we have another condition given to those who are alive at the time of the Rapture. Those who remain are those who are still remaining in Christ and have kept their faith. These will be caught up to meet Jesus. Our Lord is coming back for a prepared people; that is, only for those who are ready. Those who have back-slid will not be raptured. Those who are separated from sin will be raptured. Paul gave the warning in his letter to the Corinthians. (IICorinthians 6:14-18.)
17, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."
At the time of the Rapture, if you are separated from sin, Jesus will receive you unto Himself!
"...shall not prevent them which are asleep."
The word "prevent" in Greek means "to anticipate, to be before, or to precede."
Here the scripture gives reference to the fact that we which are alive shall not go up before those who have died in Christ before us, because the Word of God declares that "every man in his own order" after the death of Christ. (ICorinthians 15:23.)
23, "But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming."
Thus the dead in Christ will be raised first, every man in his own order. Then shall those who are alive be caught up and changed. But we all, both the dead and alive, shall meet Christ in the clouds together.
16, "For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first."
"For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven..." Our Lord Jesus Himself will come to receive us unto Himself. Here the scripture indicates that our Lord will physically come to get us. In the Gospel of John 14:1-3, our Lord stated in verse three:
3, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself: that where I am, there ye may be also."
Our Lord promised that He would come and receive us unto Himself. Many today teach that Jesus will never physically come again. But the scriptures prove differently. Our Lord will come again and receive His Church unto Himself.
The phrase "coming of the Lord" in verse 15, explains the beginning of verse 16, Jesus' descent is called His coming. The coming is translated: "parousia" which means "presence or arrival." Our Lord will physically be here to meet us.
"...with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel..." The shout, the announcement of victory for the Church. The voice of the Archangel to proclaim that Christ is here, as He promised to take those who are ready for His gathering. The voice of shout will be Michael, the Archangel. Archangel in Greek means:
Archaggelos- A chief angel - Archangel
Arch- To be first (in political rank or power): reign (rule) over
Aggelos- To bring tidings, a messenger:esp. an "Angel"
The chief angel of Heaven will announce the coming of our Lord for the Church.
"...with the trump of God..." The trump of God will sound. This blast will sound the alarm of the Rapture. This sound will get the attention of the world, living and dead. The trump of God at the Rapture has been confused with the trump of the seven trumpet judgment of God in Revelation 8;2, 6-13, 9:1-21 and 11:15. As a result, many would use these verses to claim that the Church will be raptured at the middle of the Great Tribulation Period. The scriptures are clear that these are two different trumpets sounding. The blowing of the trumpet in IThessalonians 4:13-18 is a trump of victory and the trumpet of Revelation 8:13 are trumpets of woe and judgement in the Tribulation.
"...and the dead in Christ shall rise first..." After the Archangel sounds the trump, the dead in Christ will be raised. Note: The emphasis is on the dead in Christ. At the Rapture those who have died in Christ will be risen first. The scripture declares "Blessed are the dead." (Revelation 14:13.)
13, "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, 'Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."
"...Then we which are alive and remain..." As stated earlier, a condition was given for those who are alive at the point of Rapture. The saints of God that hath continued with Him will be caught up; those who have overcome the world and the devil. Many that are not saved and are in a back-slid condition will not be raptured.
"...shall be caught up together with them in the clouds." Those that die in Jesus, and those that are alive and remain, shall be gathered together in the clouds. At this time we will be seized, caught up, taken by force to meet Jesus in the air.
"...And so shall we ever be with the Lord." Those that are raptured will forever be with the Lord. The door of Rapture will be the end of struggle for the righteous and they will be delivered from temptation and test from the devil.
"...Wherefore comfort one another with these words." The Doctrine of the Rapture is a message of comfort. The Apostle Paul commanded us to comfort one another with these words. The Rapture should be taught in every church to give the blessed hope and comfort of the soon return of Jesus for His Church.
Different views of the Rapture
There are many views being taught on the subject of the Rapture. The four different views addressed here are:
1. Post Tribulationist
2. Pre-wrath Tribulationist
3. Mid-Tribulationist
4. Pre-Tribulationist
Post Tribulationist view: Teaches that the Church will be raptured at the end of the Great Tribulation Period. They believe that at the Second Coming of Christ, the church will be caught up to meet Jesus and then simultaneously return with Christ.
Pre-wrath Tribulationist view: Teaches that the Church will be raptured at the middle of the last three and a half years of the Great Tribulation Period. This is the newest view on the scene.
Mid-Tribulationist view: Teaches that the Church will be raptured in the middle of the Great Tribulation Period.
Pre-Tribulationist view: Teaches that the Church will be raptured before the Tribulation Period. This view, I believe, stands the test of the scriptures for many reasons:
The Church has not been called to the wrath of God. The scriptures teach that the events of the Great Tribulation Period is the wrath of God. (Revelation 6:16, 17; 15:7, 8.) Christ hath delivered us from the wrath to come. (IThessalonians 1:10; Romans 5:9; John 3:36; Luke 21:36.) The Church will not go through the Great Tribulation Period.
The difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ
I believe the reason there are so many views on the Rapture is because many Bible students don't know the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ. These are two separate and distinct comings of our Lord. At the Rapture of the Church, Christ will not touch the earth, but will be met in the air by the saints. (IThess. 4:17.) At the Second Coming, He will touch the earth at His coming. (Zech. 14:4; Acts 1:11.) At the Rapture, He will come as a deliverer of the Church in joyous splendor. In the Second Coming, He will come back to deliver Israel physically and fight against the anti-christ and his fouls. (Rev. 19:11-21.)
Rapture-
I Thessalonians 4:17: "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."
Second Coming-
Zechariah 14:4: "And His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and the half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south."
Acts 1:11: "Which also said, ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
The results of the Rapture of the Church
The Rapture of the Church will accomplish many things in the plan of God.
1. It will take the Church out of the world before the Great Tribulation Period begins. (IThessalonians 4:13-16; 1:10.)
2. The Rapture will cause the resurrection of the righteous dead and the catching up of the living saints to life immortal. (IThessalonians 4:15, 17; John 5:28, 29; Daniel 12:2; ICorinthians 15:50-57.)
3. The Rapture of the Church will mark the beginning of the Great Tribulation because after the Church is taken out, the anti-christ will come on the scene. (Revelation 6:1, 2.)
4. The Church will be taken so the Lord can finish His prophetic dealing with the nation of Israel. (Daniel 9:26,27.)
5. The message of the rapture produces comfort and gives a strong foundation of hope to the saints. (IThessalonians 4:18.)
The promise and warning regarding the Rapture
From our study, we know that the Lord has promised to come for the Church. Jesus said that He would receive us unto Himself, and where He is we would be with Him. (John 14:1-4.)
3, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
Just as our Lord gave the promise, He also gave warnings regarding the Rapture. Those who will be raptured will be those who are saved and washed in the Blood of Christ. The Church has to be separate from the world. Those who are, Jesus will receive them. (IICorinthians 6:14-18.)
17, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing: and I will receive you."
Jesus gave a warning to the Church as a whole when he sent the seven letters to the Churches. In one of his letters, he warned the Church called Thyatira by telling them to repent from their sins. If not, they would be cast into the Great Tribulation Period. Those who are cast will not be raptured. (Revelation 2:18-23.)
22, "Behold I will cast her into a bed and them that commit adultery with her into Great Tribulation except they repent of their deeds."
Christians have an obligation to warn back-slidden Christians and sinners that Jesus is coming back to take our glorious Church. (Ephesians 5:26, 27.)
27, "That He might present it to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such things; but that it should be holy and without blemish."
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