Understanding the Word of God, The Church and The Tribulation Part 1

What happened to the church that was established by Christ and his disciples in the first century, that glorious church that Jesus so adamantly proclaimed, "... and upon this rock, I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)   This is a bold statement made by the Christ, who would later issue letters of indictment against the church.  (Revelation 2-3) In a rambling sort of way let us first explore the history of that church and in doing so we might find the answer as to whether the church will go through the tribulation. 

First, to reconcile Matthew 16:18 and Revelation 2-3,  we must once again entertain the question of what is the church.  The pious have proclaimed the church to exist within the heart, yet the Greek word for church indicates that it is an assembly.  The mission of the church is spiritual, but the church or an assembly is a natural entity and need not be spiritualized to fulfill its purpose.  As we have indicated in previous studies, the church is the bride of Christ.  The parable of the ten virgins is indicative of a time when Christ returns to claim his bride.   A careful reading of Matthew 25 should give us a deeper insight into the workings of this process and the coming Kingdom.

Consider this; when the bridegroom came for his bride five were ready and went in with him to the marriage.   Follow me on this; a marriage is a transformation ceremony.  It is a Holy ceremony where two become one.  

Did the true church survive the cruelty of the persecution of the Roman emperors or did the church succumb to the wiles of the Devil?  In my book, "The Evolution of A Failed Church", I make a distinction between the true church and the organized church.  Now, those who follow a prescribe indoctrination will proclaim the church to be founded upon the rock as proclaimed by Jesus and is impervious to the attacks of the Devil.  Here again, do Revelation 2-3 tells the rest of the story? 

Constantine often referred to as the first Christian emperor supposedly converted to Christianity in 312.   We now know the strategy for his conversion grew out of a desire to unify his empire by creating a "Catholic" –meaning universal- a church that would blend elements from Pagan and Christianity into one.  The “Christianity” Constantine endorsed was considerably different from that practiced by Jesus Christ and the apostles. The emperor accelerated the change by his own hatred of Jews and religious practices he considered Jewish.

The fourth century marks a startling transformation of or in the church.  There were those whom Jesus and Paul warned the flock off, came in and set themselves up as state sanction rulers of the church.  They brought with them the pomp and pageantry of idol worship.  Men of skill began hewing out for themselves positions of power and influence.   The fourth century also marked the first split in the hierarchy of the church.  The church that Christ ordained upon that Holy rock become a divided body.   Remember the word of Jesus, "And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand." (Mark 3:25)

 “How could the Christian Church, apparently quite willingly, accommodate this weird megalomaniac [Constantine] (and those that followed him)  in its theocratic system? Was there a conscious bargain? Which side benefited most from this unseemly marriage between Church and State? … Did the empire surrender to Christianity, or did Christianity prostitute itself to the empire?” ( A History of Christianity,1976, pp. 67-69).

How could the Christian church openly embrace a government that openly rejected the teaching of the Bible?  An administration that sought to pollute Christian values in the name of eliminating hatred.  Are we so blind as to believe that hatred, a type of madness that has existed since the beginning of time, can be eliminated by a mortal man? 

A study of the evolution of the church would cause some serious questions to arise.  These questions deserve an answer but not many are prepared to give an answer?  Now if you have been studying with me you are aware that at least two major events are mention in Matthew 25.   First, Christ comes for his bride, then he returns with his Holy Angels.  "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:" (Matthew 25:31)   The question of who is the Holy Angels should be fuel for an in-depth Bible Study.  Remember, the saint shall judge the world. 

Jesus addressed the problem facing the church in Revelation through seven letters to the churches.  These letters seem to address a progressive failure or breakdown of the church.  Not only did he point out the errors of the organized church, he prescribed fixes and issued threats if they fail to correct to correct the problem.   Did the church as a whole response to Jesus' indictment or did he remove the candlestick?

Martin Luther is one of the most influential figures in the Western history of Christianity. His writings were responsible for fractionalizing the Catholic Church and sparking the Protestant Reformation. Although Luther was critical of the Catholic Church, he also distanced himself from the radical successors who took up his mantle.   This is a common occurrence within the hierarchy of the church, one person establishes a new order and other come in seeking fame and glory and control.  To achieve their goal they usually exalt the founder to Godhood.  Often the new order becomes worse than the one that spews forth the new order.  

The Protestant Reformation is a term used to describe a series of events that happened in the 16th century in the Christian Church. Because of corruption in the Catholic Church, some people saw a need to change the way it worked.   Yet, if one were to truly separate themselves from what is deemed the pagan influence of the Catholic church, Sunday worship would be deemed unholy.  Else we must conclude that we are not under the Law, therefore what day we choose to assemble is irrelevant to salvation.  From a financial aspect, it is beneficial to the organized church to accept parts of the Law as enforceable while explaining away the rest.  If it wasn't for the issue of the tithes Paul's writing would be accepted without explanation, the law would be superseded by Grace.  The clarity of the Law on tithes is just as clear on "remember the sabbath day and keep it Holy,". 

Johann Gutenberg's invention of the printing press around 1448 had a significant impact on the spread of ideas in Europe and beyond. Printing technology traveled quickly across Europe and, at a time of great religious change, played a key role in the success of the Protestant Reformation.  In today's society, the internet is playing an important role in the spread of false narratives and conflicting Gospels.  False narratives spread like wildfire and proclaimed ministers of God are adding the fuel.

Where is the true church, this is a question that we have been toying with since the beginning of this narrative.  Isn't it possible that we are living the events portrayed in the book of Revelation?   If so then wouldn't it seem feasible that the events are in chronological order? Thus Revelation 4:1 could easily represent the rapture of the church as the church in Revelation is no longer mentioned as being on earth.   In Heaven John was able to look back through time and see the plan of God unfold. Once the church has been caught up, Jesus transformed and rewarded those who will be his Holy Angels and rule with him.  

Now I ask you to seriously consider this scenario before discarding it as pure garbage.   As church-going mortals, I know there is a problem with this scenario, but to say that the church exists as the unified body of Christ requires a stretch of the imagination.   Based upon Jesus' profound words concerning the gates of Hell, it would be logical to assume that Christ came back to claim his church at the onset of the fourth century.  This would be before the pollution of Christianity by Constantine, his Pagan influence, and the church becomes a divided body.  Is it possible we are left behind and are going through the great tribulation?  "And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Revelation 7:14)

To Be Continued

The Concept of Heaven, The Lie, The Myth, and The Truth(Part 3c of 3a,b,c)

The final two segment of this discussion has been and is dealing with a series of judgments that must take place before the Kingdom of God is established on the new earth.  Judgment one and two was discussed in the previous segment. Now lets began with;

JUDGMENT NO. 3

1. Subjects-- The JEWS.

2. Time-- "The Great Tribulation."

3. Place-- Jerusalem and Vicinity.

4. Basis of Judgment-- Rejection of the Godhead.

5.Result-- Their Conversion and Reception of Christ as Their Messiah.

This judgment is FUTURE.

This Judgment is controversial because it denies the church the right to lay claim to the promise God made to Abraham and his seeds.  The acceptance of that statement will allow a hidden Bible truth to emerge.  Understanding this Judgment will also provide an important key to a deeper understanding of the Bible.  This is a part of the prophecies that many ruler, nations and churches have tried to eradicate.

In a church Bible Study I was hastily chastened for making reference to the rebuilding of the Jewish temple before the time of the end.  A scripture out of context was read stating the we are no longer Jews or Gentiles and since the coming of Christ there has been no need for a temple to be built. 

 Jesus also foretold the building of the Third Temple, after the destruction by the Romans in A.D. 70.  In Matthew 24:2, Jesus told the disciples after they commented about the beauty of the Temple, that not one stone would be left upon another. This was fulfilled in A.D. 70, by the Romans under Titus. Matthew 24:14-15, Later Jesus refers to the time of the end, when the Third Temple would be defiled, causing the abomination of desolation.   14 “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. 15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, STANDING in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),

 The abomination of desolation is referred to three times in the book of Daniel, (Daniel 9:27,11;31, 12:11). Each mention refers to the Temple being defiled.  Paul also notes the need for a Third Temple and the role the Temple will play.  The anti-Christ will enter the Temple and proclaim himself to be God. This is consistent with the words of Jesus and Daniel about the role this Temple will play.

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God." (2^nd Thessalonians 2:3-4)

The long absence of a Temple and Israel's gathering are also foretold by Hosea. The many days refers to our own day.  The only other time, since Hosea day there was no Temple was for the 70-year period, between 586 B.C. and 516 B.C. Seventy years does not qualify as a long absence when when the only other time is over 1900 years.

"For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth." (Deuteronomy 14:2)     

God’s relationship to Israel, is based on his word, to the fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The special relationship between Israel and God is holy, Israel has a specific purpose in the Earth. They are unique among the nations.  From these verses in Deuteronomy we can conclude the following points about God’s relationship with Israel.

•         God chose Israel

•         Israel as a nation is distinct from all the other nations.

•         The Lord loves Israel

•         God will keep his word he made to the fathers

 A point to remember the church and the Jews are two different groups and the promises made to the fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were promises made to the Jews not the Church.  The Children of Isreal are referred to as the bride of God the Father  The Church is referred to as the bride of Jesus.

While the Church is being judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ in the air, the Jews will be judged under Antichrist on the earth. The Jews are an "earthly" people; and as all the promises to them are "earthly," it follows that their judgment must be of an "earthly" character. The basis of their judgment is their "rejection of the Godhead." In the days of Samuel they rejected God the Father. "And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them." (1^st Samuel 8:7)

 In the days of Christ they rejected God the Son.   "And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas." (Luke 23:18)

In the days of Stephen they rejected God the Holy Spirit. "For their sin they have been scattered among the nations until the "Times of the Gentiles" are fulfilled." (Acts 7:51,54-60)

When the "Times of the Gentiles" are about to end the Jews will be gathered back to the Holy Land "unconverted," and caused to "pass under the rod." Ezekiel 20:34-38. They will be cast into God's "Melting Pot" (Ezekiel 22:19-22), and pass through an experience spoken of by Jeremiah and Daniel as the "TIME OF JACOB'S TROUBLE." Jeremiah 30:4-7; Daniel 12:1. Christ calls it "The Great Tribulation," and He and Zechariah the Prophet associate it with the "Return of the Lord." Matthew 24:21-31; Zechariah 14:1-11. The human agent the Lord will use will be the Antichrist, the awfulness of whose rule will be supplemented by the pouring out of the "Vials of God's wrath" upon the earth. Revelation 15:1,5-8; 16:1-21.

The result of these terrible judgments will be that the Jews will call in their misery upon the Lord. Zechariah 12:10. Then Christ will come back to the Mt. of Olives (Zechariah 14:4) and the Jews will look upon Him whom they "pierced" (Zechariah 12:10), and a nation, the Jewish Nation, shall be "born (converted) in a day." Isaiah 66:8. This will complete the judgment of the Jews.

JUDGMENT NO. 4

1. Subjects-- The NATIONS (Gentiles).

2. Time-- The "Revelation of Christ."

3. Place-- The "Throne of His Glory." On the Earth-- "Valley of Jehoshaphat."

4. The basis of judgment-- Their Treatment of Christ's Brethren-- The Jews.

5. The result-- Some Nations "SAVED," Others "DESTROYED."

This judgment is FUTURE.

The account of this judgment is given in Matthew 25:31-46. The description of this judgment, and of the one given in Revelation 20:11-15 are combined by many, and taken to teach the doctrine of a general judgment. But when we compare them as they differ so widely that it is evident that they do not describe the same event. What God has put asunder let no man join together. The following comparison will show the difference in the two accounts

 Matthew 25:31-46

1. No Resurrection. 

2. Living Nations Judged. 

3. On the Earth. Joel 3:2. 

4. No Books Mentioned. 

5. Three Classes Named. "Sheep," "Goats," "Brethren." 

6. Time-- Before the Millennium. 

Revelation 20:11-15 

1. A Resurrection. 

2. Dead judged. 

3. Heaven and Earth Gone. 

4. Books Opened. 

5. One Class Named. "The Dead." 

6. Time-- After the Millennium.

This comparison reveals the fact that one of these judgments is "on the earth," the other in the "heavens," and that they are separated by 1000 years.

(Many World leaders and ethnic groups have attempted to destroy the Jews as a nation and a people, claiming their birthright for themselves.  If this was allowed to happen, the written Bible prophecies would fail and it is the thinking of the Devil (Antichrist) that if this happen then Jesus Christ would not have a reason to return to this earth.  Even religious organizations have unwittingly participated in this Unholy scheme.  Many still wonder, what was Hitler’s real reason for trying to destroy the Jews.  Understanding the Bible prophecies will help us understand what has been and still is going on in the Middle East.)

The Greek word "ethnos" here translated "Nations" occurs 158 times in the New Testament. It is translated "Gentiles" 92 times, "Nation" or "Nations" 61 times, and "The Heathen" 5 times, but it is never in any instance (unless it is this) applied either to the "dead" or the "resurrected."

As this is a judgment of nations only, the Jews cannot be in it, for they are not reckoned among the nations. Numbers 23:9. And as the Church will be associated with Christ in this judgment, for the "Saints" (the Church) shall judge the "World" (the Nations) (1^st Corinthians 6:2), the Church cannot be in this judgment either. As we have seen the Church and the Jews have been already judged, so the "Judgment of the Nations" cannot be a general judgment. Who then, is asked, are meant by the Sheep? Do they not represent the Righteous, and all the Righteous from the beginning of the world to the end of Time? And do not the Goats in like manner represent all the Wicked?

If the Sheep are the Righteous, and the Goats the Wicked, then who are the Brethren? If they are the "followers of Christ," as some claim, they should be classed with the Sheep. The Scriptures teach that the Righteous are saved by "faith," and the Wicked are lost because they "reject Christ," but in this judgment scene the Sheep inherit a "Kingdom" and the Goats are commanded to "depart," because of their treatment of the Brethren.

All the confusion is caused by trying to make a judgment of "nations" mean a judgment of "individuals." The Sheep represent one class of Nations, and the Goats another class, while the Brethren represent the Jews (Christ's brethren). We must bear in mind the time and place of this judgment. The time is the "Revelation of Christ" when He comes to set up His "Millennial Kingdom" on the earth. The place is the "Valley of Jehoshaphat" in the vicinity of Jerusalem.

 "For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather ALL NATIONS, and will bring them down into the `Valley of Jehoshaphat,' and will plead with them there for MY PEOPLE and for my heritage ISRAEL, whom they have scattered among the Nations, and parted my land." Joel 3:1-2.

 This prophecy clearly states that there is to be a "Judgment of Nations" on the earth in the "Valley of Jehoshaphat" at the time of the restoration of the Jews to their own land, and that the basis of judgment is the treatment by the nations of Christ's brethren-- The Jews.

During the "Tribulation Period" the Nations that treat the Jewish People kindly, feeding and clothing them, and visiting them in prison, will be the "Sheep Nations," while those who neglect to do so will be the "Goat Nations." At the "Judgment of Nations" the King (Christ) will say to the "Sheep Nations," inasmuch as ye have been kind to My brethren (the Jews), "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." This Kingdom is the "Millennial Kingdom" that the "Sheep Nations" as Nations will "inherit" and possess during the Millennium. And as they are to be among the "saved nations" of the New Earth (Revelation 21:24) it can be said of them that they, or at least the righteous individuals of them, shall enter into life eternal. Matthew 25:46.

Christ's sentence upon the "Goat Nations" will be-- "Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his angels," and "these shall go away into everlasting punishment." The "Goat Nations" will at once be destroyed as Nations, not one of them shall get into the Millennium, and the wicked individuals that compose them will perish and be eternally lost.

Next the final judgment

The Concept of Heaven, The Lie, The Myth, and The Truth(Part 3b of 3a,b,c)

The Judgments

How can we reconcile the different scriptures as pertaining to Heaven and the judgment?  The task is not easy, it might cause us to question our indoctrinated and denominational ideology.  There can be no "General" Judgment because the Scriptures speak of one judgment as being in the "Air" (1^st Thessalonians 4:16-17; 2^nd Corinthians 5:6-10); another on the "Earth" (Matthew 25:31-46); and a third in "Heaven," the earth and its atmosphere, having fled away. Revelation 20:11-15. To make sure that these three separate judgments remain separate the scripture mention three different General judgment scenes and three different Thrones.  

1. The "Judgment Seat of Christ" 2^nd Corinthians 5:10. "This judgment is in the Air for "Believers" only." 

2. The "Throne of Glory" Mt 25:31-32."This judgment takes place on the Earth, this is for "The Nations."" 

3. The "Great White Throne" Revelation 20:11-12."This judgment takes place in Heaven "For the "Wicked Dead."

The Scriptures speak of at least Five Separate Judgments. They differ in five general aspects. As to "Subjects," "Time," "Place," "Basis of Judgment" and "Result." The Judgments that we will discuss is labeled as such, Judgment #1, believers as to sin, this judgment took place when Christ died.  Judgment #2, believers as to works, it deals with when the church is caught out and take place in the air.  Judgment #3 is the Judgment of the Jews during the great tribulation.  Judgment #4 deals with the judgment of nations and Judgment #5 is the judgment of the wicked dead.  I hope I have whetted your appetite enough, now let us began.

JUDGMENT # 1

1. Subjects-- Believers as to "SIN."

2. Time-- A. D. 30.

3. Place-- Calvary.

4. The basis of Judgment-- Christ's "FINISHED WORK."

5. Result-- (1.) Death as to Christ. (2.) Justification as to the Believer.

This judgment is Passed. The Bible proofs of the results of this judgment are:

"For Christ is the END OF THE LAW for righteousness to everyone that Believeth." Roman 10:4.  There are those that do not believe that Christ is the end of the law and ways to incorporate selective teachings of the Law and Grace is paramount to the many doctrines.    If it were not for the issue of the tithes, the Old Testament would be a learning guide rather than a guide to living. 

"There is therefore NOW no condemnation, (Judgment) to them which are in CHRIST JESUS, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the Law of the `SPIRIT OF LIFE' in Christ Jesus hath made me FREE From the Law of sin and Death." (Roman 8:1-2)

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, HATH EVERLASTING LIFE and shall not come into condemnation (Judgment) but IS PASSED From Death Unto Life." (John 5:24)

The "Believer's" Judgment for Sin then is PAST and was settled at the Cross. However, we must not forget that the judgment of the Believer is threefold.

1. As a "Sinner."

2. As a "Son."

3. As a "Servant."

As we have already seen his judgment as a "Sinner" is passed. Let us look at his judgment

2. As a "Son."

As soon as the sinner accepts Christ as his personal Savior that settles the "Sin" question for him. For if our iniquities are laid on Him (Jesus), then they are not on Us. Isaiah 53:5-6. But the "Sin" question, and the "Sins" question are two different things. Christ died on the Cross to atone for "sin," to pay the penalty of Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. "Sin" is that tendency in humankind to do wrong which we call "Natural Depravity." We do not get rid of this "tendency" by the "New Birth," but we get a "counteracting force" called the "New Nature." We become a "dual personality," composed of the "Old" and "New Natures," and which shall predominate depends on which we feed and which we starve. This explains the "warfare" that Paul describes as his experience, after his conversion, in Roman 7:1-25. This warfare will continue until the "Old" nature is eradicated at death. "Sins" are the outward acts of wrongdoing that we commit as the result of our tendency to sin. These sins must be put away daily by "confession and repentance."

"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an `Advocate' with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." 1^st John 2:1.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1^st John 1:9.

Our judgment as "Sons" is for "un-confessed sins." The punishment is chastisement. This explains much of the chastisement of Christians, and should show them that they are "Sons" and not "Bastards." Hebrew12:5-11. Paul says--

"If we would `judge ourselves' we should not be judged. But when we are judged we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned (Judged) with the world." 1^st Corinthians 11:31-32.

Our duty then as "Sons" is to "self-judge" ourselves daily, "confess our sins," and so avert the chastisement of our Heavenly Father.

The context of these scriptures does not provide for the "Once in Christ and never out", concept unless that is what you are searching for. 

JUDGMENT # 2

1. Subjects-- Believers as to "WORKS."

2. Time-- After The Church is caught out.

3. Place-- "Judgment Seat of Christ" (in the Air).

4. The basis of Judgment-- Their "WORKS."

5. The result-- Reward or Loss.

This judgment is FUTURE.

"We must all appear before the `Judgment Seat of Christ,' that every one may receive the things `done in the body' according to that he hath done, whether it be `good' or `bad' (worthless)." 2^nd Corinthians 5:10.

One of the major Keys to a deeper understanding the scripture is to understand "Who is speaking" and "Who is being spoken to".  The Bible consists of messages to the Jews, the Gentiles, and the church.  When Jesus spoke to the Jews, he often spoke in a manner that the Gentiles could not understand.  Luke 8:10 And he said, Unto you, it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.  

The pronoun "We" occurs 26 times in the chapter, and in every instance, it means the Believer, and the Epistle is addressed to the "Church" and "Saints" at Corinth, so the Judgment here spoken of is for Believers "only." The "Time" of the Judgment is when the Lord comes (1^st Corinthians 4:5), and the "Place" is "in the air" (1Thessalonians 4:17) and before the Judgment Seat of Christ.

It will not be a judgment in the sense of a "trial" to see whether the judged are innocent (saved) or guilty (lost), for it is a judgment of the "saved only." It will be like the judges' stand at a Fair, or Race Track, where rewards are distributed to the successful contestants. Paul describes such a scene in 1^st Corinthians 9:24-27.

It is not a judgment for sin, but for "works." This judgment is described in 1^st Corinthians 3:11-15.  What we know is that neither the wicked dead, nor the nations will meet the Lord in the air, yet they are spoken of as being judged.

"Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones (valuable building stones, as marble, etc.), wood, hay, stubble; every man's `Work' shall be made manifest; for the `Day' (Judgment Day) shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by `fire,' and the fire shall try every man's `work' of what sort it is. If any man's work `abide' which he hath built thereupon he shall receive a `reward.' If any man's work shall be `burned' he shall suffer `loss;' but `he himself shall be saved;' yet so as by fire."

The result of this judgment is "reward" or "loss." All our "bad" and "dead works," represented by the wood, hay, and stubble, will be consumed, and only our "good works" shall remain. Much passes for Christian service that is merely human and secular, and does not count in our eternal reward. For those who deserve a "reward", it will be The Crowning Day.

After the Grecian games were over the runners, wrestlers, and successful contestants assembled before the "Bema," or judges' stand, which was an elevated seat on which the Umpire sat, and the winners received a "corruptible crown" of "laurel leaves." Some had no reward, they had lost the "Victor's Crown." Nevertheless, while there was no reward there was no punishment, they were not cast out.

The New Testament speaks of Five Crowns. 

1. The Crown of "LIFE."

This is the "Martyr's" crown and is mentioned twice.

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation (testing), for when he is `tried' (at the Judgment Seat of Christ), he shall receive the `Crown of Life' which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him." James 1:12.

"Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer; behold, the Devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried (tested) and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful `unto death,' and I will give thee a `Crown of Life.'" Revelations 2:10.

Understanding the symbology of the scripture is another important key to understanding the scripture.  

Notice it does not say "until" death, but "unto" death. They were not to recant but to remain faithful unto a martyr's death. To recant was to lose the crown. This refers to the martyrs of the Tribulation Period.

2. The Crown of "GLORY."

This is the "Elder's" or "Pastor's" crown, given by the Chief Shepherd when He shall appear. But it is not for those who serve for "filthy lucre" or "lord it over God's heritage."  Many which will have already received their reward here on earth.1^st Peter 5:2-4.

3. The Crown of "REJOICING."

This is the "Soul Winner's" crown. Those brought to Jesus by us will be our "crown of rejoicing" at His Coming. 1Thessalonians 2:19-20; Philippians 4:1.

4. The Crown of "RIGHTEOUSNESS."

This is the crown of those who "love His appearing" and will be given in "that day"-- the Day of His Appearing. 2^nd Timothy 4:8.

5. The Crown "INCORRUPTIBLE."

This is the "Victor's" crown, and is for those who "keep under their body" (1Co 9:25-27); who do not yield to their fleshly lusts; who do not permit themselves to be diverted from the Master's work by worldly amusements and pleasure, nor saturate their body with drugs.

If we do not want to be "ashamed at His Coming," (1^st John 2:28), let us see to it that we keep our body "under" and so live that we shall secure a crown.

Now the world has not been judged, Christ has come back to claim his church and he did not set foot on the earth.  If we can accept this Judgment it becomes easy to understand the scripture, 1^st Corinthians 6:2  Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

To be continued

The Concept of Heaven, The Lie, The Myth, and The Truth(Part 3a of 3a,b,c)

The Concept of Heaven, The Lie, The Myth, and The Truth(Part 3a of 3a,b,c)

The Concept of Heaven, The Lie, The Myth, and The Truth(Part 2 of 3)

The Concept of Heaven, The Lie, The Myth, and The Truth(Part 1 of 3)

Whatever transpires at death is really not such a great secret if we believe in the Bible  If we do not believe in the Word of God then death is a journey into the dark unknown.  The story of Lazarus and the rich man explains the process in such a manner that there should not be any doubt or question if we believe.  The rich man died, he was buried, and in Hell, he lifted up his eyes.  The problem began when we began to add shape and twist the scripture fit our own ideology.

It easier to believe that our destiny is to live among the clouds and be entertained by celebrity preachers and rock stars than to believe that God has a plan to establish his Kingdom here on earth.  

Understanding the Word of God through reconciliation of the scripture rather than reinterpretation is preferred when seeking to maintain the scripture's integrity.   New interpretations have the tendency to inject errors into a more than two thousand-year-old Gospel.  Reinterpretation allows us to stray farther and farther from the intended message by injecting modern day euphemisms into the message. 

Since this thesis is about Heaven and meeting God, let's consider a scripture that is often misinterpreted as pertaining to standing before God in Heaven.   "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (2^nd Corinthians 5:10) 

The pronoun "We" occurs 26 times in the chapter, and in every instance, it means the Believer, and the Epistle is addressed to the "Church" and "Saints" at Corinth, so the Judgment here spoken of is for Believers "only."

Now we could jump ahead to the Revelations given to John and pollute the whole message of Paul or when the time arrives in our study we can seek to reconcile what is being said with what has been said. 

The "Time" of the Judgment is when the Lord comes (1^st Corinthians 4:5), and the "Place" is "in the air" (1^st Thessalonians 4:17) and before the Judgment Seat of Christ.  Keep in mind Jesus' narrative of the rich man and Lazarus as we take a closer look at the scriptures pertaining to the Judgment day.  Lazarus died and the angels carried him to a place of rest; the rich man proceeded straight to Hell.

1^st Thessalonians 4:13-18.  "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. For if, we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, them also which sleeps in Jesus will God bring with him. 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.  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

There are three groups of people mention in this narrative:

          *  Them also which sleeps in Jesus will God bring with him.

       * The dead in Christ shall rise first.

     * Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air

The destination is to MEET the Lord in the air and it does not say they proceeded to a place known as Heaven and sat around singing and walking.  Keep these thoughts also in mind as we study other verses of the prophecy and  as we reveal the destination of those who were caught up.  

Each of these following scriptures will reference a moment in time known as judgment day. For as long as I can remember, I have heard about that day and that it was coming. After Judgment day, all judged righteous will proceed to Heaven to live for eternity.  Judgment Day, it is a Bible study aid, fuel for movies and Playground acronyms.  How much do we know about Judgment day and how much do we really know about Heaven? 

The Bible does not contradict itself; therefore, the scriptures that I am referencing must be reconciled with each other.  If we can reconcile these scriptures then we will have a clear understanding of what heaven is and what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.  Jesus speaking to his Disciples he often began by saying, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like..."  He wanted them to have a clear understand what awaited them.

"When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all of the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory; and before him he shall gather all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a Shepherd divides his sheep from the goats:" (Matthew 25:31-32) 

The question that I should ask now is who are the Holy angels that are taking part in judging the world?   As we know, the regiment of angels diminished when Satan corrupted a third of the Heavenly host in the original war.  

"Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?" (1^st Corinthians 6:2)  

"Know ye not that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life?" (1^st Corinthians 6:3)  Paul is speaking to the Corinthians about judging in rightness.  Part of the justification of sin we truncated a verse and said God said, "Don't judge". 

"For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem.  I will also gather ALL NATIONS, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat,' and will plead with them there for MY PEOPLE and for my heritage ISRAEL, whom they have scattered among the Nations, and parted my land." (Joel 3:1-2)

When Christ comes back to the Mt. of Olives (Zephaniah 14:4) and the Jews will look upon Him whom they "pierced" (Zephaniah 12:10), and a nation, the Jewish Nation, shall be "born (converted) in a day." Isaiah 66:8. This will complete the judgment of the Jews.

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 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." (1^st Thessalonians 4:16-17) 

 

The above verses will be the basis of our discussion, and judgment is the common thread, but there seems to be a difference in how this judgment is carried out.  By adding the word, “this” judgment seems to muddle the water even more as to how the differences between Joel 3:1-2 and 1^st Thessalonians 4:16-17  can be reconciled. 

The common opinion that the Millennium is to be ushered in by the preaching of the Gospel, and after the Millennium there is to be a "General Resurrection "followed by a "General judgment," and then the earth is to be destroyed by fire. This is what most have been taught but this is not all scriptural.  

Continued in Part 3b

The Concept of Heaven, The Lie, The Myth, and The Truth(Part 2 of 3)

The Concept of Heaven, The Lie,   Part 1

The Concept of Heaven, The Myth Part 2

Usually, when a famous person dies, especially glorified singing stars, friends, relatives and the presiding preacher conspire to place that person in Heaven long before the conclusion of the funeral service.  The deceased is usually elevated to the position of entertaining the masses such as singing in the Heavenly choir, regardless of the life they lived. When I think of the life that the followers of Christ lived, the pain and suffering, the neglect, and to be told that when I die I am going to a place to be entertained by rock stars and drug addicts the question of, "what's the use of trying to serve God", is often suppressed.

One prominent American described Heaven to a group of children as a place where everybody goes when they die.  Assigned to a cloud each person just floats around all day looking down on and caring for their friends.  One preacher justified the untimely death of a young football as, "God needed another quarterback on his team so he called the young man home."  This may or may not have calmed the inquisitive youthful mind of children but it was destructive to the biblically based belief of going to Heaven.  

In an apostate and permissive society, we must be careful what we say so as that we do not hurt anyone's feeling.  This is an impossible task but Christianity has bought into the ideology by toning down its rhetoric, and in some instances like much of the populace,  shamed into silence by those who are quick to apply meaningless labels to the things they don't agree with.  According to some Heaven and Hell is hate speech and unsuitable for use in the presence of Children, and Jesus coming back to establish the Kingdom of God here on Earth to rule over humanity has never set well with the politicians.     

While some believe that the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven are referring to different things, a careful study of Jesus' use of the phrase will make it clear that both phrases are referring to the same thing.  The confusion surrounding the definition of the two phrases serves no purpose other than to promote the confusion of Christianity and confusion allows the charlatan priests to foster false doctrines.  The lack of reconciliation on this issue and many others are the cause for confusion within the household of faith.  Try to imagine what it would be like if all of this confusion found its way into the presence of God.   

The Hebrew word for “heavens” is shamayim; it is in a plural form, meaning “heights,” “elevations.  A careful reading and study of Genesis 1 seem to indicate, "In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth."  After his restoration, and creative works Genesis 2: 1 indicate "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them."  Failure to address these entities properly in our bible study has caused many to cast these celestial places aside as irrelevant entities in the overall scheme of things.  In an apostate society, being able to say, "I just want to be able to make it in", might be fine for the true believer, but to the hearer in search of directions, it is often lacking in substance. 

The Bible speaks of three heavens.  The first being our immediate atmosphere, the second is outer space as far as it stretches, and the third is the place where God himself dwells. This is the place that Jesus called the “Father's house.”   "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 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 14:1-3)  Somewhere in the  Heavens, there is a place of rest for the bride of Christ before it is transformed and presented to the Father.     


Out-of-body experiences are nothing new, like dreams they are a means of transmitting valuable knowledge about God's plan. But in a highly educated society, there is a stigma associated with the acknowledgment of such experiences.   There is a long list of words used to shame the person into silence.  Mention an out-of-body experience in some churches and the pastor will call you into the office.  

Paul wrote, "I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven." (2^nd Corinthians 12:2)  It is because of this out-of-body experience he was able to speak so forceful of on the subject of the afterlife.  Paul affirms the thesis that there is more than one Heaven.   Therefore we must conclude that God's Kingdom exists in Heaven.  

In the Lord's Prayer Jesus stated, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)  "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." (Revelation 21:1-2)

The phrase “Kingdom of God” occurs 69 times in 10 different New Testament books, while “Kingdom of heaven” occurs only 32 times, and only in the Gospel of Matthew. Based on Matthew’s exclusive use of the phrase and the Jewish nature of his Gospel, in an attempt to be profound, some interpreters have concluded that Matthew was writing concerning the millennial kingdom while the other New Testament authors were referring to the universal kingdom. However, a closer common sense study of the use of the phrase would reveal that this interpretation is in error.

For example, speaking to the rich young ruler, Christ uses “the Kingdom of Heaven” and “Kingdom of God” interchangeably. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven’” Matthew 19:23.   In the very next verse, Christ proclaims, “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God” (verse 24). Jesus makes no distinction between the two terms but seems to consider them synonymous.

The keys to Understanding the Word of God have always been, "who is talking", "Who it is spoken to", and "What is the subject matter."  We also must honor context and perspective, failure to follow the guidelines of the knowledge of God or "common sense" will result in a polluted interpretation of God's Word.  A polluted interpretation allows for multiple interpretations or convoluted messages using the same scripture or verse as the reference.  

In order to support the financial aspiration of the numerous workers in the field, it was necessary to construct different message that would appeal to different groups.  Different companies don't produce the same or identical products because it is not financially expedient.  In the religious arena, different doctrines or interpretations allows the field to be crowded with workers competing for followers, fame, and financial support.  The elimination of or the reshaping the fire and brimstone message and the justification of sin is a welcoming change to those who are searching for a new and easier direction. The desire is for a direction governed by humanity, rather than a God who may or may not hesitate to kill his wayward children. 

With the increase in the Knowledge of Good and Evil as spoken of in Daniel 12:4, the concept of Heaven here on Earth is becoming more acceptable to the masses.  Working out our Soul's salvation, life after death and the return of Christ to establish his Kingdom are all deemed passé.  The existence of these once noble thoughts now is now nothing more than a figment of an overactive and ancient imagination.  The message emulating from the rabbit hole is God wants you to have it all right here on Earth. From that perspective, a natural perspective, God became a God of giving and money is leading the way.  To some having a good job and an outgoing personality is accepted as God's favor, but what profit does this have in the Kingdom of God?   Are we using it to promote ourselves or are we using it to promote the Kingdom of God?

During the early sixties, many belief structures came under attack as man sought to explore the moon and other "Heavenly bodies."  Today there is no consensus whether a man actually walked on the moon and we will not attempt to debate the issue.  A consensus is not necessary for an act, thought or hateful rhetoric to take root and become destructive to Christian values.  The concept of Heaven and the throne of God came under a new and intense attack when man began to explore the universe.  Christian's values suffered because of these events.  The Sheppard's of the flock was not prepared to discuss the supernatural aspects of, God, Heaven and the throne of God. The search for God or the Throne of God in a natural environment proved futile.  The focus of the church changed as one minister mused out loud, "I wonder where He was hiding."

There has always been a stigma associated with the concept of Heaven and Hell, a God who has shown such great propensity for love would not treat his children in such a horrible manner.   Along the road of arriving at this conclusion, we cast aside the unwanted attributes of God.  The angry God or the God of war concept does not fit a sellable rhetoric.  However, do we all go to Heaven the moment they die, here again, consider carefully Jesus narrative of the events surrounding the rich man and Lazarus death. Luke 16:19-31.  The best interpretation of Abraham's bosom is paradise or a place of rest for the righteous souls. It is not the throne of God.   

To be continued in part 3