"Come Out Of Her My People" – Utter Destruction is in the Forecast for New York City, and for America -- Babylon the Great

In this article I will explain this warning given by God in the Book of Revelation, and what it means.  Hopefully, those who read this will warn someone they know who does not know the Lord so they may escape the coming complete and utter destruction of this very populous city, and of America.

In the Book of Revelation (Rev 18:4) God gives a command.  He admonishes “His people” to come out of Babylon.  So, where or what is Babylon, who are “His people”, and why must they come out?

To understand the context of God’s command, we must back up to Rev Chapter 17, where in verses 1-6, it describes a woman, a great harlot (seen by John, a disciple of Jesus, while he is brought up to heaven by Jesus during John's interment on the Isle of Patmos) who appears to John riding on a scarlet beast having 7 heads and 10 horns (v. 7).  Verse 5 describes the woman as having a name written on her forehead:

“MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT.  THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH”.

The remainder of Chapter 17 describes further characteristics of the 7-headed beast.  In verse 18, it states that “the woman who you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.” 

So where is this great city Babylon?  Is it the ancient city of Babylon in what is now the nation of Iraq?  No, that city, which was the principal city of the kingdom of Babylon, was destroyed by Cyrus of the Median/Persian empire in approximately 539 B.C.  You can look it up.  In fact, Saddam Hussein started to rebuild it, to no avail.

Is it, as some TV evangelists and others say, the ancient city of Babylon rebuilt in the 21^st century?  No.  Isaiah prophesied in approximately 740 B.C., in his “burden against Babylon” (Is 13: 1, 17-22) that the actual kingdom of Babylon would be destroyed forever and never would again be inhabited.  In Jeremiah Chapter 25, it is also prophesied that Babylon shall never be rebuilt.  This was written in about 625 B.C.  So, this “Babylon the Great” referred to in the Book of Revelation cannot be a rebuilt actual city of Babylon in Iraq.

A careful reading of Chapter 18 of the Book of Revelation describes, in amazing detail, that the Great Harlot – Babylon the Great is indeed an actual city with which most of the world's leaders (political, financial) have “committed fornication” (v. 9), where she has lived luxuriously (v. 7), has made the merchants of the world rich (v. 15), and by her “all the nations were deceived” (v. 23).  Her destruction will come about “in one hour.” (vv. 10, 19)

The placement of this description of Babylon the Great in the Book of Revelation is immediately after the 7^th angel pours out his bowl of God’s wrath at the end of Chapter 16, which completes God’s wrath against an unrepentant world and the ushering in of the Kingdom of God.

But, Chapters 17 and 18 are considered by many Bible scholars as “parenthetical” in nature, since they are not a real-time description of events occurring on earth or in heaven vis-à-vis the 7 trumpet-initiated events or the 7 bowl judgments.  Rather, these chapters are an off-line dialog between John and an angel to reveal to John further detail regarding the judgment by which that city, Babylon the Great, will suffer, including the characteristics of that city.

In another parenthetical chapter, Chapter 14 (v. 8), another angel tells John that “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”  The phrase “is fallen” is stated twice since the original historical city/kingdom of Babylon has already fallen (by the hand of the Medes), and now the present existing city of spiritual Babylon has fallen.  Another explanation for stating this twice is that both the political and religious world systems which originated with ancient Babylon are now fallen.

Either way, the placement of this twice mention of Babylon being fallen in Chapter 14 is just after the description of the rapture of the 144,000 found in verses 1-5.  Just prior to that, in Chapter 13, the beast, or anti-Christ, is described, including his authority to continue for 42 months (3 1/2 years).  (Rev 13: 5)

Just after the mention of Babylon being fallen in Chapter 14 is a description, beginning in verse 9, of a warning to not worship the beast or his image or to take the mark of the beast.  To do so would doom one for eternity.

So, it seems clear that Babylon the Great is an actual city which exists at the time of the beast, i.e. the anti-Christ. I believe that we have only a short time, no more than 10-15 years, or less, before the anti-Christ will indeed be revealed.  I can think of no other city and host nation on earth which presently exists that dominates and “reigns over the kings of the earth” (Rev 17: 18) and makes all the merchants of the world rich, aside from New York City and America.  Additionally, Rev 18: 19 describes a lament of merchants for the destruction of "that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth."  This must be New York City and host nation America, as well.

Some teach that the "great city" is Rome (or more accurately, the Vatican) because it associates the "great harlot" with a false church associated with the false prophet of Rev chapter 13, and they further associate that false church with the Roman Catholic church which is headquartered at the Vatican.  But, Rev 18: 19 requires that all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth.  I do not believe that Rome, or the Vatican, make all ship owners rich, or engage in the amount of commerce on par with New York City, and also with America.

Some also base this assumption regarding Rome on Rev 17: 9, which gives information about the 7-headed beast on which the harlot sits, whereby it states that "the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits."  The use of the term "seven mountains" in this verse, I believe, does not connote the 7 hills of Rome, but connotes rather 7 world kingdoms or nations and not 7 literal mountains.

While I do believe that the city of Rome and the Vatican will become an apostate religious Babylon during Daniel's 70th week, and may indeed be destroyed by the antichrist some time around the mid-point of Daniel's last week (i.e., about 3 1/2 years prior to Jesus' return), I believe these passages of Chap 17 of Rev refer to something else -- a political/economic Babylon.  The next verse, Rev 17: 10, confirms this and gives further information about the 7-headed beast by stating that "there are also seven kings.  Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come."  I believe that these 7 kings signify leaders of the 7 "mountains", or world kingdoms, described in Rev 17: 9.

Remember that the angel is speaking to John in approximately the year 90 A.D.  At that time in world history 5 world kingdoms had come and gone (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Media/Persia, and Greece), one world kingdom then-existed (Roman Empire), and one world kingdom had not yet come (future revived Roman empire).  Remember also that the great city has to exert control over leaders of the world in finance and trade, according to the Book of Revelation.  No other city in the present world has more influence on the entire world in regard to finance (stock markets and commodity trading located there) and trade.  Couple that thought with the huge amount of drug use, pornography, prostitution, same-sex marriage, gay pride activities, and other activities considered abominations to God occurring within New York and within America.  Indeed, the cup of her abominations and the filthiness of her fornications are filling to the brim of her golden cup.  (Rev 17: 4)  Without repentance by the people of this nation, God’s wrath will be carried out and she will be judged.

So, the question remains regarding who God refers to as “My people”.  A quick concordance study of the bible shows many, many references in the Old Testament which describe the nation of Israel as “My people” in the eyes of God.  Examples are too numerous, but 1 Chron 11: 2 describes a scene where God is speaking to David after David was anointed to be king of Israel, although Saul was still king of Israel at the time.  God tells David that he “shall shepherd my people Israel.” (emphasis added)

However, in Rom 9: 25, the apostle Paul tells us, quoting the prophet Hosea (Hos 2:23), that God has included a new group of people as “My people”.  Hosea had prophesied that God “will call them my people who were not my people.”  (See also, 1 Pet 2: 10)  Thus, Gentile Christian believers are now “My people”.  I do not believe, however, as many do, that this description by Paul, citing Hosea, gives grounds for Christians to claim that THEY, and only they, are now considered by God as “My people.”  This is part of what is known as “replacement theology”, where Christians have become replacements for the Jews in God’s eyes.

I believe that God, as prophesied by Hosea, has simply increased the group of those He considers “My people” and has not substituted one group for another.  The nation of Israel, i.e. the Jews, will ALWAYS be his people.  He made that promise to Abraham in Genesis Chapter 12.  Also, in Deut 14: 2 it is recorded by Moses that God considers the Jews His "holy people" and "a people for Himself."  I do not believe that God will ever back-off these promises. 

Since both Jews and Christians are considered “My people” in God’s eye, then what does the command mean?  In full, Rev 18: 4 states, "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, 'Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.'"  (See also, Jer 51: 45)

UPDATE:  So then, if a believer leaves the United States prior to its destruction, where should he/she go?  Perhaps verse 50 of Jer 51 offers a clue.  God's word says to "let Jerusalem come to mind."  It says this in the context of speaking to those who have escaped the sword which has come upon Babylon and has destroyed her.  God may indeed be telling such ones who escape His wrath against the United States to seek shelter in Israel.  Seek the Lord to confirm this in YOUR heart.

I believe that the harlot of Rev 17 represents the entire Babylonian system, which is a human governmental system and accompanying religious system fostering a way of living which includes pride, false idols and a corrupt God-rejecting government.  This Babylonian system originated with Nimrod, great-grandson of Noah, after the flood, and is described in Gen 11.  God wants us to "come out" of such a Babylonian system and to seek Him with all our heart by living holy for His kingdom.  Be a memeber of the true church, the "Philadelphia church", and not the lukewarm "Laodicean church" of Rev 3.  That is, God wants us to be standard bearers for Him and His kingdom -- ambassadors.  These Babylonian systems are increasing in strength in America.  Do not be overcome, but continue to do good throughout the ever-increasing evil times which are rapidly accelerating around us.  The Kingdom of God transcends the Babylonian systems.  We live in the world, but we need to operate to show we are in His Kingdom which is spiritual.

So, if New York City is that great city Babylon the Great, then the United States of America is the spiritual nation of Babylon which includes that great city.  How can this be?  How could God birth America and then bless America for over 200 years only to bring her to nothing?

Read the prophecy found in Ob 1: 1-4.  It speaks of the ancient nation of Edom, but it appears equally applicable to the United States.  God has indeed set America's "nest among the stars" but also vows to "bring her down" because of her pride and to "make [her] small among the nations."  God hates pride, which shows lack of consideration and deference to Him.  Clearly, America as a nation has turned away from and forgotten God.

King David wrote over 3,000 years ago that, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." (Emphasis added) (See, Ps 9: 17-18)  There is no exception in that psalm for America.  A nation cannot forget God until it first knows God.  America was founded on God's word.  In the early 1600's, the Puritans who landed at Plymouth Rock in the Massachusetts Bay colony founded that colony on biblical principles and saw America as a New Israel.  Recently, however, the president of our nation told the world that America is the world's largest Muslim nation.  Insanity.  Who does not believe that America as a nation has indeed forgotten God?

Read the prophecies concerning "Babylon" found in Jer chapters 50, 51 and the many descriptions therein which were not fulfilled by ancient Babylon.  For example, Jer 51: 6-14 speaks of a "Babylon" which I believe refers to that same "Babylon the Great" of the Book of Revelation.  Read it for yourself and note the similarities between that prophecy and America today.  Notice the similarities between Jer 51: 6-8 and Rev 14: 8, Rev 17: 2, and Rev 18: 3 regarding the characteristics and destruction of the "Babylon" described therein.

UPDATE:   As recorded in Jer 51: 12-14, the prophet Jeremiah hears God's spirit say, "set up the standard on the walls of Babylon; make the guard strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes.  For the Lord has both devised and done what He spoke against the inhabitants of Babylon.  O you who dwell by many waters, abundant in treasures.  Your end has come, the measure of your covetousness.  The Lord of hosts has sworn by Himself:  'Surely I will fill you with men, as with locusts and they shall lift up a shout against you.'”  (Emphasis added)  I,  and others far more scholarly in biblical research than I, believe that this prophecy is against the Babylon the Great of the end times.  That is the Babylon  described in the Book of Revelation which I and they argue is the United States of America.

UPDATE:  Ancient Babylon was not geographically located "on many waters."  America is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico.  The Great Lakes provide a thousand miles of shoreline in the northern portion of America.  Truly, America is a nation on many waters.

UPDATE:  I believe that in addition to the destruction of America by external sources, such as a nuclear attack from Russia and/or China, internal foreign forces will cause America to become paralyzed and perhaps go into occupation and control by foreign forces.  Jeremiah calls this a takeover by men as numerous and characteristic as locusts.  Locusts swarm in large numbers, and they devour.

UPDATE:  Verses 41-44 of Jer 51, describe the total destruction of Babylon (Sheshach), the praise of the earth.  I believe this description is literal and that it describes America.  After a devastating and complete nuclear attack, the great earthquake associated with the 7th Trumpet in the Book of Revelation will shift the land of America in such a way as to have the oceans overflow the land, forever.

UPDATE:  In Jer 50: 14-15, the prophet records God saying, "put yourselves in array against Babylon all around, all you who bend the bow.  Shoot at her, spare no arrows, for she has sinned against the Lord.  Shout against her all around.  She has given her hand, her foundations have fallen.  Her walls are thrown down for it is the vengeance of the Lord.  Take vengeance on her."  Verses 29-32 describe further detail regarding America's coming destruction.

UPDATE:  Again, I believe this prophecy is for America.  Ancient Babylon was taken over in a relatively peaceful invasion by the Medes in one night (See, Dan 5: 26-30)  The coming combined invasion and subsequent destruction of America will not occur in one night.  Its utter destruction will occur in one day, but the prior invasion by foreign forces will most likely take months.

Some ask, "How could God bless America and then bring her down?"  In Jer 18: 7-10, God speaks about any nation which sins against Him and the nation which does, or does not, repent of that sin.  Beginning in verse 7 God speaks, "The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it.  And the instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it, if it does evil in My sight so that it does not obey My voice, then I will relent concerning the good with which I said I would benefit it." (Emphasis added)

Does anyone doubt that America today is going in the wrong moral direction vis-a-vis God?  Can the need for repentance in America be any more clear to avoid God's judgment and utter destruction?  Without such repentance, judgment and utter destruction are coming to New York City, and sadly, I believe to most of America.  When?  Only God knows, but he has given the warning.

My guess -- the destruction will occur some time during the final 3 1/2 years before Jesus returns, the final 3 1/2 years of Daniel's 70th week, based on the placement of the admonition of God in Rev 18: 4 which occurs after the anti-Christ/beast is revealed.  At that time, I believe the principal city of America, "spiritual Babylon", New York City, and most likely much of America, will be utterly destroyed in one hour.  This will probably be a nuclear event initiated by a nation such as Russia and/or North Korea, whose leaders have typically had hatred for America.  Perhaps China could join in.

God warned Lot to leave Sodom before it was destroyed -- but Sodom was indeed destroyed.  Effort should be directed by all born-again (from above) Christians to live as citizens of His Kingdom instead of trying to get God to hold-off on His judgement, which He cannot do since His Word says it will occur.  God's people should focus on living holy for Him.  When destruction comes to America, He will give His people a way out.  Pray that you are counted worthy to escape. (Luke 21: 36)

It could be that after America is destroyed the war of Gog of Magog, described in Ezekiel Chapters 38 and 39, will occur.  I always wondered how any nation, or group of nations, could come against Israel militarily without America preventing such an action.  Once America is destroyed, or severely wounded by a nuclear attack, there would be no world power capable of preventing such a war as described in Ez 38/39.

The "time of trouble" spoken of throughout the Old Testament is indeed just around the corner.  It is time to repent and to prepare your heart to seek the Lord to escape things to come and to be hidden in the time of trouble.  (Psalm 27: 5; Zeph 2: 3; Rev 3:10)


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There Will Be No 'Pre-tribulation' Rapture of the Church -- Do Not Be Deceived, Prepare to Endure

Much of what I am about to say will be new to some, unbelievable to many, and controversial to most.  But please read on and seriously consider what is written herein, because your eternal life depends on it.

I have spent many hours over the past few years studying the scriptures regarding the timing and substance of the rapture.  Also, I have listened to lectures on the subject in-person and on TV, I have read numerous books on the subject, and I have heard sermons preached on the subject.  You should also know that until a few months ago, I myself was a "pre-trib" rapture believer; however, I am quite confident that I was wrong.  I have received recent revelation from the Holy Spirit in regard to the scripture I have studied on this subject, which has opened my eyes.

Again, please consider seriously what I say herein.  I have no book contract or other financial reason to write this.  I believe that what I say herein is God's truth for us and that he wants me to publish it.  Study it out for yourself.  Do not be complacent in your understanding.  God desires that you prepare your heart to seek Him to know Him, His commands, and His truth. (See for example, Acts 15: 17; Zeph 2: 3; Jer 29: 13; Ps 27: 8; Is 55: 6; Hos 10: 12; Ezra 7:10; Chron 16: 10-11; 2 Chron 12: 14;  2 Chron 20: 33)  To prepare your heart to seek the Lord means to determine in your heart that you will seek the Lord.  The best way to do this is to read His word, fast and pray; with necessary repentance. 

As many of you are aware, the term "rapture" is not found in any English translation of the Bible.  It is the Latin word "raptio" which has been translated into English as "rapture" and was used in the Latin Vulgate version of the Bible to represent the original Greek words found in 1 Thes 4: 17 meaning to be "caught up" or "snatched away."  The Latin Vulgate version of the Bible was commissioned in 382 C.E. by Damasus I of Rome.

In general, the rapture is a future event, believed by Christians, whereby there will be heard the voice of the Archangel Michael, the blowing of the trumpet of God (the last trump), and a shout of command of the Lord Jesus to call all true believers up to the clouds of heaven to meet with him in the air.  At that time, all those who are dead in Christ having believed in Jesus' salvation for them will rise (i.e. be resurrected) and will be instantly given new, eternal and immortal spiritual bodies which are immune to death, disease and any other effect of sin.  Then, those who are still alive and surviving who believe that Jesus is their salvation will be "changed in the twinkling of an eye" and also be given new, eternal and immortal spiritual bodies (1 Cor 15).

The Greek word translated as "remaining" in 1 Thes. 4: 17 in many English translations of the Bible more accurately means "alive and surviving."  This rapture event will be amazingly quick and will result in a meeting with Jesus for the raised (resurrected) dead in Christ and those living and surviving on earth who are believers.  Jesus will then take them with him to Heaven, soon to return to earth with him to battle, as described in Rev 19: 11, 14.  From that point on, they will be with Jesus forever in their new immortal spiritual bodies.

As a point of history, over the past few hundred years, many Bible scholars have expressed various opinions regarding the likelihood, timing and conditions surrounding the rapture of the Christian church.  As stated above, the term "rapture" is equated with the concept of a "catching away" of the church of Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament, at a future point in time in proximity to the final 7 years of man's reigning on this earth, commonly referred to as the "7-year tribulation."

Firstly, I would rather refer to this final 7-year period as Daniel's 70th week (i.e., a "week" of years = 7 years; Dan 9: 27), since nowhere in scripture is there a period of time referred to as the "7-year tribulation", but there is indeed scriptural basis for the term "Daniel's 70th week."  During this time, there will be "tribulation" (i.e. affliction, pressure) on all humanity.  But, a period called the "Great Tribulation" is described by Jesus in Mat Chapter 24, and it will not commence until some time in the midst of the 70th week (Dan 9: 27) when the "Abomination of Desolation" (i.e., the person who will be the satan-possessed anti-Christ who will influence all world governments, and  eventually rule a one-world government during Daniel's 70th week) described in Dan 11: 31 enters a future rebuilt temple of God on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and declares himself to be God (2 Thes 2: 3-4).  Thus, the Great Tribulation begins about 3 1/2 years before Jesus' 2nd coming, which is to occur at the end of the 70th week.

I am aware that many TV evangelists, the typical Sunday school teacher, and most everyday Christians believe, teach and have been taught that a "pre-tribulation" or "pre-trib" rapture will purportedly take place some time prior to the "7-year tribulation", or Daniel's 70th week, which week commences with a peace covenant "with many" (perhaps a United Nations treaty, which most likely will include the nation of Israel) being "confirmed" by the "prince of the covenant."  Again, this may be different from what some of you have been taught, but a study of Daniel Chapters 9 and 11 supports my contention regarding the terminology and substance of Daniel's 70th week.

I do believe that there will be a rapture of the church but I do not believe that scripture supports a "pre-trib", or "pre-70th week", timing of the rapture.  I believe that the rapture will occur on a future Feast of Trumpets on a future Tishri 1 of the Biblical calendar (late-September/early-October).  Generally, the church has been taught, albeit incorrectly, that the rapture will occur prior to Daniel's 70th week.  The main reason for this misinterpretation of scripture, I believe, is due mainly to "wishful thinking."  After all, who would want to endure the dreadful plagues and exceedingly hard times associated with the trumpet plagues of Rev Chapters 8 and 9?

Additionally, many ask, "how could a loving God punish his bride the church, and then after subjecting her to great affliction rapture her home to himself in heaven"?  These questions appear logical, but remember where the Israelites were when the various terrible plagues of Egypt were brought about in the days of Moses -- the Israelites were in Egypt too, but were protected from the plagues while they lived in the area of Goshen, their place of refuge.  The meaning of Goshen is "draw near."  We will, no doubt, have opportunity to find and enter "mini-Goshens" during the 70th week.  Where they will be geographically, I do not know.  But, I have no doubt that they will exist and be available to those who seek the Lord, to those who draw near to Him, to be "hidden" in the time of trouble as described in Ps 27: 5.  Likewise, God promises in Ps 50: 15 that if we call upon Him in the day of trouble we will be delivered. 

So, to put it bluntly, for at least the reasons given herein, I believe that the rapture of the church, which includes both living believers and the dead in Christ, will not occur until the "Day of the Lord" at the end of Daniel's 70th week.  At that time (the true "Last Day"), Jesus will return to earth to:

     1)  "harvest" or "catch away" or "rapture" his church to himself;
     2)  defeat the armies of the world's nations which have gathered at Armageddon (Mt. Megiddo) in Israel to destroy Jerusalem;
     3)  bind satan for 1,000 years; and
     4)  renew the earth and establish his eternal kingdom on earth, where he is forever King of kings and Lord of lords.

To properly understand scripture, the words of the Bible must be interpreted literally, unless they are clearly being used in a non-literal sense.  Also, the context of the scripture must be considered.  Taking quotes from scripture out of context misrepresents the true meaning of the scripture and misleads many.

The rapture event described in 1 Thes 4 is given a time frame in 1 Thes 5 as the "Day of the Lord."  This is the day Jesus returns to earth, described above.  Many teach that the event described in 1 Thes 4 is the "coming of the Lord" (i.e. the rapture) which is invisible to the world and is a separate event from the "Day of the Lord" described in 1 Thes 5 which, they say, is the Lord's "glorious appearance" (Titus 2: 13; Mat 24: 30) when Jesus returns and is seen by the entire world at His Second Coming on the Last Day.  This bifurcating of the single event described in 1 Thes 4 and 1 Thes 5 is improper.  In context, that which is described in 1 Thes 4: 15-17 is the same subject matter being further described in 1 Thes 5: 1-4, which follows immediately after 1 Thes 4 and is the same event.  (See also, Ps 50: 4 describing a rapture of His saints during a last day scenario)

Jesus laid out the timing for the rapture/harvest on the Last Day in Mat 24: 29-31 while answering his disciples in regard to their questions concerning what would be the "sign of his coming, and the end of the age"?  He answered them by saying that "immediately after the tribulation of those days ... they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.  And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds."  (Emphasis added) This "gathering together "event is on the Last Day, the Day of the Lord.  So, the tribulation comes first, then the rapture.

In Mat 13: 24-30 and 37-39, Jesus describes the same Last Day scenario of the rapture given by 1 Thes 5 and Mat 24: 29-31.  He gives the parable of the good seed (wheat) and the bad seed (tares) being allowed to grow together until the harvest.  The harvest is described in Mat 13: 27-29, 31 as occurring at the end of the age on the Last Day.

In his prayer for Christians in Thessaloniki, referred to in 2 Thes 1: 4-8, Paul states in his letter to them that because of their faith and patience through persecutions and trouble, they should be "counted worthy of the kingdom of God", and further states that God will repay with tribulation those who trouble them, giving them "rest ... when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels."  (Emphasis added)  (See also, Mark 8: 38)  So, their rest from further persecution is not to be given by God until Jesus returns in full glory on the Last Day, described in Mat 24: 30 as His "glorious appearing."

If rest is to be given to believers from persecution, trouble, danger, etc., at any time other than the Last Day, then when?  If such rest is to occur in a pre-trib rapture, prior to Jesus' being revealed, then why doesn't Paul say so?  He describes only one time when such rest is to be given, and mentions no other time when rest for Christians from persecution will be given by God.

This Last Day rapture/harvest event and timing is vividly illustrated in Rev 14: 14-16, where the Son of Man is shown in the clouds of heaven putting in a sharp sickle to reap the earth of His followers at harvest.  This event is placed in the Book of Revelation immediately prior to the pouring out of the last 7 plagues or "wrath of God" of Rev Chapters 15 and 16, described below.

Additionally, Rev 14: 4 describes the rapture of 144 thousand who have been redeemed from mankind and are first fruits to God and to the Lamb.  If the church is raptured "pre-trib", this would also violate scripture since the 144 thousand are clearly raptured during the second half of the 70th week and are described in scripture as being first fruits.  A "pre-trib" raptured church would necessarily precede the rapture of those 144 thousand and itself be first fruits which, according to scripture, cannot be.

The rapture/raising of the dead in Christ will also be a resurrection event.  (See, 1 Thes 4: 16; 1 John 3: 2)  But the first resurrection of humanity will not occur until the end of the 70th week, around the time the beast (anti-Christ) is destroyed.  In fact, Christians who are killed for not taking the mark of the beast during the 70th week are participants in the first resurrection.  (See, Rev 20: 4-6)  Daniel 12: 2 teaches that "many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake."  The timing for this event in Dan Chapter 12 is given at the end of Dan Chapter 11 and is the time when the anti-Christ is defeated.  Furthermore, Jesus himself gave the Last Day as the time for the resurrection of those who believe in him, when he stated in John 6: 44 that "no one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day."  (See also, John 6: 39-40, 53-54)  So, any teaching of a "pre-trib" rapture contradicts the timing of such a rapture event as described in scripture, which event includes the first resurrection of humanity.

Many in the church have been taught that the reference in Rev 4: 1 of  a door standing open in heaven, which is described just after the letters to the seven churches in Rev Chapters 2-3, is an image of the "pre-trib" rapture of the church.   In that passage, John is called up to heaven by Jesus to see things which are to take place after the letters to the seven churches are discussed in Chapters 2-3.  I do not believe that the open door of Rev 4:1 is a picture of a "pre-trib" rapture of the church.  Here, Jesus simply is bringing John up to heaven for him to see future events which have not yet happened on earth.

In fact, in Rev 3: 8 the "open door" in heaven is promised only to the "Philadelphia church."  The attributes of those qualifying as members of the "Philadelphia church" are given in Rev Chapter 3.  I believe that a rapture is indeed promised by Jesus to the "Philadelphia church" in Rev 3: 10, wherein Jesus says that "because you (the Philadelphia church) have kept my command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth."  (Emphasis added)  If this promise has any meaning, it is a reward only for those who persevere.  Its interpretation must be consistent and in context with the above discussion and interpretation of scripture in regard to the substance and timing of the rapture.

In line with that, I submit that the "hour of trial" from which those who persevere will be kept is "the wrath of God" which occurs at the end of the 70th week, and perhaps all of the 7 trumpet initiated-events occurring during the 70th week since the Great Multitude in heaven of Rev Chapter 7 are seen by John just prior to the 7 trumpet initiated-events which begin in Rev Chapter 8.  Therefore, one must strive to be a memeber of the true church, the "Philadelphia church", and not the lukewarm "Laodicean church" of Rev 3, or risk being left on earth during the entire Great Tribulation period (Mat 24; Mark 13) for cleansing and to bring about true repentance.

I believe that the "wrath of God" does not occur until the 7 bowl/vial plagues described in Rev Chapters 15 and 16 are carried out.  In fact, the passages of Rev 15: 1, 7 and 16: 1 describe how the wrath of God is that which is contained in the 7 bows/vials to be poured out on the earth, which happens at the end of the 70th week.  I believe that it occurs after the members of the church still on earth and surviving and who have not taken the mark of the beast have been raptured.

Understand that tribulation and God's wrath are not the same thing.  The church on earth will endure tribulation, which is defined as persecution, great pressure, danger, and affliction.  It is recorded in John 16: 33 that Jesus told His followers, "in the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."  (Emphasis added)  At Mat 24: 9, Jesus tells His disciples in regard to their questions concerning what would be the "sign of his coming, and the end of the age" that "they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake." (Emphasis added)

As recorded in Acts 14: 22, Paul told believers in the cities of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) that "we must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."  (Emphasis added)  In 2 Tim 3: 12, Paul tells Timothy that "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."  (Emphasis added)  Revelation 2: 10 describes how Jesus, in addressing the church at Smyrna, tells the believers that they will suffer and be tested through tribulation, but to be fairthful and endure to receive the crown of life.  Thus, there is no free pass given to a Christian to be kept from tribulation.

If we are alive and surviving during the time of the anti-Christ, we will face tribulation, but not God's wrath.  Paul makes this point clear and tells us in 1 Thes 5: 9, that "God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ."  (Emphasis added)  Jesus spoke of a Great Tribulation which is to begin in the midst of Daniel's 70th week, when the Abomination of Desolation enters the temple and declares himself to be God, and it will last for about 3 1/2 years until the Last Day.  (Mat 24: 15-21; 2 Thes 2: 3-4; Dan 9: 27)  But, the wrath of God is reserved for after the saints still alive and surviving on earth are raptured.

Whether or not the rapture of the church occurs literally on the "last 24 hour day" of the age or some time prior during the last half of Danienl's 70th week, it will certainly occur prior to the wrath of God being poured out near the end of Daniel's 70th week subsequent to the Great Tribulation period spoke of by Jesus in Mat 24 and Mark 13.  The day of the rapture will indeed be the "last day" on earth for believers before Jesus comes to rule and reign as King of Kings.

Regarding the seven trumpet-initiated events, plagues or judgments of Rev Chapters 8, 9 and 11, I do not know when the first four of the seven events will occur, but because of their placement in the Book of Revelation vis-a-vis other events described therein, it seems most likely that they will occur during the second half of the 70th week during the Great Tribulation spoken of by Jesus in Mat Chapter 24.  If so, these events must be endured by the church on earth at that time, and are designed to bring about God's final plan to bring man to repentance or to face judgment.  If one or more of these events occur during the 70th week, their origin may be the two witnesses of Rev Chapter 11 who are given power/authority to cause various plagues (similar to Moses in Egypt) as often as they see fit.  I believe that the final three trumpet-initiated events (trumpets 5-7 -- the three "woes") of Rev Chapters 9 and 11 will occur during the 70th week.

I believe that the two witnesses will appear on the scene in Jerusalem around the time the Abomination of Desolation appears on the scene.  A reading of Dan 9: 27 in combination with Dan Chapter 11 and 2 Thes 2: 3-4 discloses that he who is the Abomination of Desolation (i.e. the beast, anti-Christ) is revealed in the midst of Daniel's 70th week in the new rebuilt temple of God in Jerusalem.  According to 2 Thes 2: 3-4, the Day of the Lord cannot occur until after the "man of sin/lawlessness" is revealed.  This is another nail in the coffin against the "pre-trib" rapture doctrine.

Additionally, I believe that events surrounding the opening of the seven seals discussed in Rev Chapters 6 and 8 are not judgments, but are simply an unfolding of events caused by the actual opening of the seals by Jesus, who has been in heaven for almost 2, 000 years.  I submit that scripture does not confine events related to the opening of all seven seals to the 70th week.  Jesus simply told John 2, 000 years ago to come up and see things which would occur in the future.  (See, Rev 4: 1)  Although I believe that events related to the opening of the final three seals will occur during the 70th week, I do not know whether any of the first four seal-related events have occurred in history or whether they will occur during the 70th week.  But, I believe that events associated with the opening of each of the seven seals are necessary to accomplish God's plan of redemption of mankind and redemption of the earth.

You may consider the scroll being opened by the Lamb (i.e. Jesus) in heaven, one seal at a time, as the deed to the earth.  The earth was originally given (deeded) to Adam (Gen Chapter 1), but through his disobedience (Gen Chapter 2) satan gained rights (through the deed) to the earth.  A study of traditional procedures for the purchase and subsequent redemption of real property in ancient times involved such a scroll, having writing and being sealed until a time for the redemption of the property by the original owner, if the owner was able, to re-obtain the real property from loss.  Such a procedure is described in Lev 25: 23-25, where a redeemer kinsman could purchase the property on behalf of the owner who had lost the property.  In Jer 32: 10, it describes that a scroll describing a purchased title to real property was rolled up and then sealed.  The outside of the sealed scroll contained the conditions necessary for the original owner to redeem the lost property.

Those who persevere during the 70th week and are raptured are members of the church who are alive and surviving at the end of the 70th week who do not shrink from their faith by not loving their own life to the point of death (Rev 12: 11; Rev 14: 13; Luke 17: 33; John 12: 25) and who refuse to take the mark of the beast.  Many will be killed for such refusal (Rev 13: 15), and unfortunately, I believe that many members of the church living in the 70th week will not endure, but for the preservation of their life will accept the mark of the beast (Rev 13: 16-17) to be able to buy food and other items to survive.  This short-sighted decision by believers and non-believers alike will be eternally fateful.

Here is a likely scenario -- once the treaty "with many" is confirmed, many in the church will be at a loss to explain why no rapture occurred, causing confusion among believers (see, 2 Pet 2: 3-4), or will attempt to explain that it was not the "covenant" of Dan 9: 27.  But you reader, do not lose heart at that time, but know that no "pre-trib" rapture is promised in scripture.  Thus, it is imperative that those living through the 70th week be strong in faith.  As stated above, even if you are a believing, born-again Christian you can lose your eternal salvation if your faith waivers and you take the mark of the beast.  To do so damns your soul for eternity (Rev 14: 9-11).

The ability to renounce your salvation forever is spoken of in scripture, for example, in Heb 6: 4-6 and Heb 10: 26-31.  (See also, 2 Pet 2: 4, 20-21; Zeph 1: 2-3, 6)  Once saved, you are in God's hand, and nothing in heaven or on earth can take you from God's hand.  (See, John 10: 28-29)  But, because God has given us each free will, you can walk away from God's hand, lose his protection, grace and favor, and be at risk of facing his eternal judgment along with unbelievers.  You can also be blotted out of the Lamb's Book of Life. (Rev 3: 5)  Obviously, you cannot be blotted out unless you were at one time in the Book of Life.

In summary, taken together, all the scripture discussed above point to a rapture of the church immediately prior to the "wrath of God" being poured out on those remaining on earth.  If you are a believer, you have nothing to fear, but do not be complacent in hoping for and depending on a "pre trib" rapture to escape the coming "time of trouble" to occur during the 70th week.  Do not love your life to the point of losing your salvation during the 70th week when things get quite uncomfortable and unpleasant.  Do not take the mark of the beast on your hand or forehead.

Remember that Jesus commanded us to persevere and hold fast to our faith by practicing patient endurance, especially in the end-times.  (See, for example, Rev. 3: 10; Mat 24: 13; Mark 13: 13; Luke 21: 19)  (See also, 2 Pet 3: 17)  By definition, you cannot endure without a struggle.  But, to do so will bring you an everlasting reward of eternal life in a disease-free, joyful, unspeakably beautiful future with God himself.  In Is 40: 31 it says that, "those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength."  Renewing one's strength takes affirmative action and effort, not complacency.  But we must wait on the Lord and be of good courage, and he shall strengthen our heart (Ps 27: 14).

The "time of trouble" spoken of throughout the Old Testament is indeed just around the corner.  It is time to repent and to prepare your heart to seek the Lord to escape things to come and to be hidden in the time of trouble.  (Psalm 27: 5; Zeph 2: 3; Rev 3:10)


For another argument against a "pre-trib" rapture, please click on "June 2009" under Blog Archive to see my June 2009 blog entitled, "Marriage Supper of the Lamb in Heaven or on Earth? Is there no pre-tribulation rapture?"  Also, to check out my other previous blogs, click on the "Older Post" link below.

For an excellent video which touches upon many of the points made herein, please visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jTmZHDb_sP8#!

2012 - True Believer

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Marriage Supper of the Lamb on Earth, or in Heaven? -- Is there no pre-tribulation rapture?

It is basic Christian doctrine that the "marriage supper of the Lamb", referred to in Rev. 19: 9, takes place in heaven during Daniel's 70th week (commonly referred to as the 7-year tribulation) and that there is a pre-tribulation rapture of the church of Christ which precedes the marriage supper.   However, a close read of Luke 22: 14-18 raises several questions with this dogmatic notion.

In those passages in Luke, Jesus is reclining at table with the apostles at the last supper just prior to his being betrayed by Judas.  While at the supper, Jesus makes an interesting statement described in verse 18, where, after taking a cup and giving thanks, He says, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves.  For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."  (Emphasis added)  What does He mean?  Until the kingdom comes where?  A literal reading of verse 18 seems to indicate that Jesus is saying that He will not again drink the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes to earth.  Where else would God's kingdom be coming? 

Continuing in Luke 22: 29-30, Jesus tells his disciples that he bestows upon them a kingdom and that they will "eat and drink" with Jesus at His table in His kingdom.  He does not say that they will be in the Father's kingdom, but in His (i.e., Jesus') kingdom.  This must mean on earth, since that is where Jesus will inherit his physical kingdom, when He strips the earth of all the kingdoms of men.  This is evidenced in Rev 11: 15, where the seventh angels sounds his trumpet and heavenly voices proclaim that "the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ."

Therefore, is the marriage supper of the Lamb, where Jesus most likely will drink the fruit of the vine with those at the supper, actually in heaven or on earth?  If it were in heaven, as many have stated from their read of the Book of  Revelation, then why does Jesus explicitly state in Luke that He will not drink the fruit of the vine again until Jesus' Kingdom comes and that the disciples will eat and drink with Him in His kingdom?  After all, the kingdom of God is already in Heaven, but it is not yet on earth and will not come to earth until Jesus returns at the Second Coming (i.e., at Armageddon).  In 1 Cor 15:24, Paul says that the kingdom of God will not be delivered (i.e., not come) until "the end," which is after all saints have been raptured at the end of the age.  The coming of Jesus' kingdom to earth is also God's answer to a part of the Lord's prayer taught as a model prayer by Jesus, which specifically requests of God, among other things, that "thy kingdom come." (cf, Mat 6 :10)

If this analysis of Luke in conjunction with the Book of Revelation is correct, then it seems that there will be no pre-tribulation rapture of the church prior to the Second Coming of Jesus when God's kingdom is brought to earth by Jesus's appearance on earth on the last day at the battle of Armageddon.

Of course, this analysis raises other questions, such as:  if the marriage supper of the Lamb is on earth, where on earth could it take place to be able to accommodate the billions of glorified Christians who would attend?  I don't know.  But, as stated in Mat 19: 26, with God all things are possible.  Is this the feast which is described by the prophet Isaiah as recorded at Is 25: 6?  Until I read this portion of the Book of Isaiah, after God gave me this revelation in the book of Luke, I was unaware of this prophetic feast described by Isaiah over 700 years before Jesus was born.  Perhaps the Holy Spirit has given me a confirmation of that feast.

Revelation 19: 14 describes that the "armies of heaven" follow Jesus to earth at Armageddon while they ride on white horses being clothed in fine linen, white and pure.  However, I cannot see any passage in the Book of Revelation which states that the marriage supper of the Lamb is actually held in heaven.  For instance, in Rev. 19: 9 an angel says that those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb are blessed.  And just prior to that passage, Rev. 19: 7 describes that a "great multitude" cried out that the time for the marriage supper of the Lamb had come.  But, the event is not actually described as taking place in heaven -- it was merely announced in heaven.

Also, immediately subsequent to the announcement that the time for the marriage supper of the Lamb has come Rev 19: 11 describes heaven being opened and the Lord Jesus on a white horse riding down to earth to "judge and make war."  So, it may be that some time shortly after His arrival on earth, with the armies of heaven with Him (glorified Christians from all ages), that the marriage supper of the Lamb will commence on earth.  Perhaps this will occur on earth 1,335 days after the Abomination of Desolation enters the temple in Jerusalem. (See, 2 Thes 2: 4; Dan 9: 27: Dan 12: 12)  By my calculation, that would be about 45 days or so after Jesus returns.  Only God knows.

The "time of trouble" spoken of throughout the Old Testament is indeed just around the corner from us.  It is now time to repent of your sins and to prepare your heart to seek the Lord to escape the things which are to come upon the earth soon, and to be hidden in the time of trouble. (See, Ps 27: 5; Zeph 2: 3; Rev 3: 10)

2009 - True Believer

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Eternal Life - Personal Relationsip With God, or Merely Living Forever?

The words "eternal life" and "living forever" are synonyms, are they not? The answer to that question depends on your source. According to the Bible, they are not synonyms -- that is, "eternal life" and "living forever" do not have the same meaning.

Many are familiar with what is written in John 3:16 ("For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.") However, in chapter 17 of the same book of John, Jesus defines what is meant by those words "eternal life." John 17:3 records Jesus' words, "and this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."

Thus, the words "eternal life" do not mean simply living forever, but carry the additional meaning of requiring a relationship with God and Jesus. It is this special relationship which allows one to avoid hell, to live in heaven forever, and to live a life on earth (prior to death) full of the power and authority Jesus gives to anyone who through faith in Him recognizes Jesus as their only Savior from their sins.

Therefore, having faith in one's heart in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who, although in the form of God, came to earth as a human being and died for everyone by taking the sins of all upon Himself on the cross allows one a relationship with God through Jesus. It is this special relationship which is the "eternal life" spoken of by Jesus.

Faith in Jesus is the only means for salvation for one's sins and requires a special relationship with God through Jesus. Mere acknowledgment of Jesus does not give rise to a personal relationship with Him.  Therefore, such a person does not posses the eternal life which allows an eternity of existence in the presence of God.

These are not my words. Discover them for yourself in the Bible.


2009 - True Believer


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Financial Crisis - One World Government

One cannot turn on the TV these days without encountering a news item related to the present world financial crisis. Indeed, the main worry for most Americans is their own financial security in a world seething with financial insecurity.

Will my 401(k) recover? Will I have enough in savings to retire? Will I lose my job? Will I find a job? Can I make my next mortgage payment? How will I cover all my credit card debt? These questions currently resonate throughout America and the first world nations. So -- what to do? Where do we go from here? When will we recover and reach a level economic playing field?

I believe that behind the scenes (and in plain view) there is being set up a one-world government, beginning with a centralized financial system. We can already see evidence of this. China and other nations have recently stated a need for a one-world currency to overcome the declining value of the dollar. Since the price of oil is set in U.S. dollars, nations want to decouple the dollar from oil to allow the price of oil to moderate even as the value of the dollar declines. Also, since China and other nations hold hundreds of billions of dollars of U.S. treasury notes, their incentive to divest away from the declining dollar investments (U.S. treasury notes) increases.

Recently at the G-20 meetings, there was a call for standardization of accounting and financial rules on a centralized world-wide basis. The proponents of the call for this centralization plan argued that such a plan would eliminate, or at least diminish, future financial problems such as those on the forefront (i.e., the housing crises, the failure of many large banks, and recent bankruptcies of such large global corporations as GM and Chrysler).

This concept of global centralization of financial standards is simply a first step to a one-world economic system having centralized control. Next would come a one-world currency. A one-world centralized government is also on the horizon. This is truly what the proponents of a "new world order" have in mind.

Amazingly, all of this is laid out in the Bible (See, Revelation, Daniel, etc.) as a future reality. That future reality is becoming our present reality one step at a time. I believe that this global financial crisis, which began in the U.S. over the past several years and stems from lax financial laws concerning housing and derivative investments passed by Congress during the Bush administration, is the beginning of the end of U.S. financial autonomy and the beginning of the establishment of a one-world government and centralized financial institution.

As events unfold, we are marching headlong into the end times (See, End Times blog below). It's time to wake up, smell the coffee, stop our useless and incessant texting, and devote our lives to the Lord. This world as we know it is beginning to change and will soon end.  Unfortunately, this change will be for the worse and will culminate at Armegeddon.  Stay tuned.  Don't say you were not forewarned.


2009 - True Believer

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End Times - Last Days

The terms "end times" or "last days" are commonly used to refer to a time in world history ocurring just prior to the beginning of the Daniel's 70th week. (See, Dan 9: 25-27)  Many believe that, for various reasons supported by scripture, we are actually living in these end times at present.  During these end times, it is imperative that individuals choose to be "saved", i.e. to accept Jesus as one's Lord and Savior and to be inserted into the Kingdom of Heaven for eternity.

Those who have been saved will be with the Lord forever and may endure hardship during the 70th week.  However, those unsaved will remain on the earth and go through the 70th week only to be cast into the lake of fire after having endured various great wars (no doubt they will be nuclear), plagues, droughts, famines, earthquakes, meteor/comet strikes of the earth, etc. Scared???

If you are not presently saved, you should be scared. But, the good news is that a true, heartfelt desire to know Jesus will change your eternal destination -- Heaven or hell. After all, being "saved" is simply the establishment of a personal relationship with Jesus.  Mere mental acknowledgment that Jesus exists is insufficient .  Jesus defined "eternal life" as a relationship with God the Father and with Him, Jesus Christ, which will last forever and will save your soul from destruction. (See, John 17: 3)

So, whether we are currently in the end times or not, it is imperative that one accept Jesus and establish a personal relationship with Him.  After all, we will all die one day and that day is not predictable. You may go to sleep tonight and never wake up again on this earth.  This statement is not being made for any purpose other than to make you aware of the reality.

The reality is that you are a spiritual being, having a soul, and living on earth in a mortal body.  Once you are created by God and exist in your mother's womb, you will never subsequently cease to exist.  But, YOU CHOOSE where you will spend eternity (i.e. the infinite amount of time subsequent to the death of your mortal body).  You will spend eternity either with God or in eternal hell fire -- eternal life or eternal death.

Everyone has been created with free will, which will NEVER be violated by God.  Thus, YOU make ALL decisions in your life, including where you will spend eternity.  Once you pass to the other side, you cannot change any decision you made on earth.  God has set before you life and death, blessings and cursings.  He desires that none should perish and wants you to choose life -- that is, life with Him for eternity.  It's up to you -- it's your choice.


2009 - True Believer


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Salvation - Know God

From ancient times God has revealed Himself to man, yet man has not perceived God's true nature.  Until Jesus Christ was born into the world, man's only knowledge of God came from the Old Testament prophets and God's creations viewable in nature.

Today, a born-again believer receives revelation about God and His true nature through God's Word (i.e., the Bible) as revealed by the Holy Spirit.  This is where many see contradiction between messages of warning, judgment and wrath as promulgated by the Old Testament prophets and writers, and messages of love, patience and kindness as promulgated by Jesus.

How do we make sense of this?   First, we must understand that we are currently under a New Covenant which was initiated by Jesus Christ by His death on the cross.   The prior Old Covenant was based on the Mosaic law (i.e. the law and commandments given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai) and was ineffective for attaining salvation.  The only purpose of the Old Covenant law was to reveal sin and to show that one needs a savior.  Thus, the New Covenant allows one to be saved by having faith in Jesus, who died to take away the sins of all men for all time.  Our own "good works" cannot save us.  Only faith in the one true Savior and God, Jesus Christ, brings salvation to us.  As it is written, "the righteous shall live by faith"!

Regarding God's true nature, God is the same yesterday, today and forever. The punishment and judgments He initiated against individual sinners during Old Testament times is not the way God operates with us today.  We are currently in the Age of Grace under the New Testament, initiated by Jesus' death on the cross.

To be just, and God is just, God loves the sinner but He hates sin and must punish it.  But, unlike Old Testament times He is not judging individuals for their sin, now.  But, those who reject Jesus while living here on earth will be judged and punished upon their death. Until death, one lives under grace from God and sins are not imputed.  But, upon death one who has not accepted Jesus as savior will face eternal punishment (lake of fire).  It is written that it is appointed for man to die once, then the judgment.

The only way to avoid judgment for one's sins upon death (for without exception, we have all sinned) is to accept God's wonderful free eternal gift, i.e. accept the truth that Jesus suffered and died for YOU and has taken YOUR punishment for YOUR sins that would otherwise be held to your account, payable by you at your death.

How is this salvation possible?  Ask God.  It's His plan for us.  How do we accept Jesus and God's free gift of salvation?  Simply call out to Jesus with a true, penitent and believing heart for Him to save you from your sins.  He will eagerly welcome you into his Heavenly Kingdom and save you eternally, without exception.  Jesus is the ONLY way to be eternally saved.  Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by Me."

Trust in Jesus. He loves you and wants you to live with him forever.

2009 - True Believer

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