A Thousand Years Of Peace

After Christ assumes the throne here on earth, destroying the wicked, Satan will be imprisoned and unable to influence people for a thousand years, according to Revelation 20:1-3.  “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.  And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.”

With Satan out of the way, there will be a completely new system of government headed by Jesus Christ.  Revelation 2:26-27 tells us, “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.”  God’s law will be strictly enforced. 

To see that God’s standards are enforced, God will place those who have believed in him obeyed him in positions of power, as described in Revelation 20:4-6.  “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.  But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

For a thousand years, there will be no war, as described in Isaiah 2:4.  “And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”  There will be none of the problems we deal with, as Isaiah 65:20-25 tells us. “There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.

And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.  They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.  They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.  And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.  The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.”  

For a thousand years, the problems we live with will not be problems because Christ will have complete control.  At the end of the time, Satan will be released for a while so t6hat people can choose whether they prefer God’s plan or the struggles they have lived with throughout history, as Revelation 20:7-8 describes.  “And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.”

Many people will choose to follow Satan rather than God, and will revolt against that perfect government, according to Revelation 20:9-10.  “And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.  And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”  Unbelievable as it seems, many people prefer to live with their problems, and take the consequences of their choice, just like a smoker or drug addict who refuses to quit despite the risks.  It is a serious reminder that humanly, we will not be able to resolve the world’s problems. 

The Basis For Separation

In Matthew 25:31-33 Jesus described separating the sheep from the goats.  He goes on to describe the basis of the separation.  Matthew 25:34-40 describes the basis of the sheep.  “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?  Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” 

Matthew 22:36-40 describes Jesus answer to the question of which was the most important of God’s commands.  “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”  The commands in the law were all about how we are to treat each other.  In Galatians 5:14 tells us, “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” 

Literally, Jesus was saying that those who had cared enough to obey God’s law in loving other people had demonstrated a love for God and would take their place in the Kingdom of God.  As he explains in Matthew 25:41-46, those who have not cared enough to follow those laws will go into the lake of fire along with Satan and the demons.  “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.  And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”

Jesus was not talking about mechanically keeping the law, but of an attitude of the heart, as Romans 2:9-15 tells us.  “Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.  For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.  For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)” Mechanically keeping the law will not save anyone.  Gentiles have the same opportunity for salvation as the Jews had, even though they did not have God’s law to direct them. 

Romans 3:20-28 explains this more fully.  “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.   But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.  Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

None of us are good enough in ourselves to earn salvation.  God sent his son Jesus to be the propitiation or payment in full for our sin.  We can either accept his payment, believing in him or we can face the penalty ourselves.  If we accept his payment and forgiveness, our sins are blotted out and we stand before God as having fulfilled his law, as Romans 8:1-4 explains.  “There is therefore now no condemnation 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.  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Separating The Sheep From The Goats

When the Lord returns, there will be a separation between those who serve him and those who don’t.  Jesus described that separation in Matthew 25:31-33.  “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: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.”

Revelation 14:14-20 describes this separation as two separate gatherings.  “And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.  And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.  And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.  And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.  And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.”

The Lord himself come for his people, as I Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes.  “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.”  Revelation 19:6-9 describes the events immediately following the Rapture of God’s people.  “And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.  And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.”

Once he has gathered his own people, the rest of the people will be gathered into one place to face destruction at the battle of Armageddon as described in Revelation 9:11-21.  “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.  And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.  And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.  And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.  And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.”

Actions Demonstrate Faith

Because we don’t know when the Lord will return, we need to be constantly prepared, doing what he has commanded us to do, as Jesus said in Matthew 25:13.  “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”  To illustrate the point, Jesus used a parable about a man going on a long journey who assigned three different employees different responsibilities, in Matthew 25:14-18.  “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.  And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.  Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.  And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.  But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.” 

The employer recognized they all had different levels of ability, and gave them responsibilities commensurate with their abilities.  Two of them went out and did their best, but the third made no effort to accomplish anything.  The master was just as pleased with the one who had earned two talents as he was with the one who had made five, because they had done what he assigned them to do, as we see in Matthew 25:19-23.  “After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.  And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.  His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.  He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.  His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

The employer was very upset at the third man, as we see in Matthew 25:24-30.  “Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strowed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strowed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.  Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.  For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.  And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

The master was not concerned with how well they had done, but that they had made the effort.  If the third man had even put the money into a savings account and earned a minimum amount of interest, he would have been satisfied.  His actions indicated he didn’t take his employer seriously.  James 2:14-26 makes the point that faith which does not result in action will never save anyone.    “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?  If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,  And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?  Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?  Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.  Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?  For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

The action demonstrates and completes the faith.  Without the actions, the faith is just words.  It is like believing that chair will hold you up, but until you sit down on it the belief doesn’t benefit you.  The chair only holds you up when you sit down.

   

No Mulligans Allowed

When I was in college, I worked in a welding shop,  One of the guys had his station where he could see when the boss came out of the office.  He would goof off until he saw the office door open then make a big show of being busy when the boss came out.  God deliberately did not tell us when he was coming so that we couldn’t get by with that, as Jesus illustrated in Matthew 24:45-51.  “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?   Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.  Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.  But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;  And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Leaders who faithfully tend to the needs of others under their authority, seeing that they are taught and encouraged will be richly blessed.  Those who take advantage of their position for their own benefit make it clear they doesn’t really care about the Lord or believe him, and will be punished just like anyone else who doesn’t believe. 

In Matthew 25:1-12, Jesus uses a parable to demonstrate that there will be no opportunity to make changes or get prepared when he comes.  “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.  And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.  They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:  But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.  Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.  And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.  But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.  And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.  Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.  But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.”

When the Lord comes for us, we will have had all the chances we get.  If we have not believed in him, we will never get another chance to go to heaven.  That is what Jesus told the disciples in Matthew 16:18-19 when he made the church responsible for telling people how to get into heaven.  “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”  He said the same thing again in Matthew 18:18, when explaining the reasons and ways church discipline was to be handled.  “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

We don’t get a mulligan, a chance to try again after we die.  There is no purgatory.  We either go directly to heaven or to hell, and that will not change when the Lord returns.  The story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:22-26 makes this very clear.  “And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.  And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.”

Christ’s Coming Is Intended To be a Surprise

The desire to know when the Lord will return has been around since Jesus’ day.  His disciples asked him about the time in Matthew 24:3.  “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”  Jesus proceeded to tell them of things that were to happen before he came in the first part of the chapter. 

In Matthew 24:32-34, Jesus uses a parable to illustrate what is going to happen.  “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.  Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”  He had just explained that the Antichrist would come to power and the believers in Jerusalem would be forced to flee for their lives.  Now he said when you see these things begin to happen, you know that his return is imminent.  Many of the people who are alive in that day will live to see his return. 

Unfortunately, many who believe in the Pre-tribulation Rapture have taught that the Fig tree represents the nation of Israel and Christ’s reference to it budding as referring to the reforming of Israel in 1948.  In taking that view they overlook Luke’s account of the same teaching in Luke 21:29-31.  “And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.  So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.”  Referencing back to Luke 21:20-29, we find that both Matthew and Luke describe the same things as being the things that indicate Jesus return.  Unfortunately, as the generation who were alive when Israel was reformed get older, those who have been taught that the fig tree is a reference to Israel are beginning to lose hope, and many of those who have heard so much teaching on prophecy have already given up. 

Just because things haven’t turned out the way some have interpreted the prophecies is no reason to give up.  In Matthew 24:35-44, he reminds us that no one knows the date, not even the angels in Heaven.  “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.  But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.  But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.  Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” 

Human nature is such that if God had told us exactly when he was coming people would procrastinate until a few hours or days before to get ready to meet him instead of serving him every day.   This way, Satan has had to constantly have someone prepared to assume the role of Antichrist because he doesn’t know either, making it much harder to make his plans too far in advance.  It is going to turn out exactly as God planned it, but it is not going to happen when all these prophecy teachers think it will.  As Paul told us in II Thessalonians 2, don’t let them upset you.  Those who claim to know the date are clearly false teachers.

When Will The Rapture Occur?

While we know that Christ is coming back one day, we are not to get so caught up in looking for his return that we begin to believe the predictions we hear.   Paul warned us not to allow prophecy to get us all stirred up and upset in II Thessalonians 2:1-3.  Jesus warned about the same thing in Matthew 24:23-28.  “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.  Behold, I have told you before.  Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.  For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.”

He warned that false teachers and prophets would use powerful signs and wonders to convince people they were right, even confusing some who know the truth.  Many of the signs of the times they point at have nothing to do with the return of Christ, showing only that we lived in wicked world that has turned away from God and is experiencing the consequences of their sin.  We have been told repeatedly Christ’s coming will be like a thief in the night, catching people by surprise.   As Jesus explains, when it happens, it will be like a flash of lightening, completely unexpected, but everyone will know when it happens, just as they see the flash and hear the thunder when lightning strikes.  

In II Thessalonians 2:3, Paul wrote, “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;”  We know from Daniel that the Antichrist will be revealed during the seven years of tribulation.  In Matthew 24:29-31, Jesus describes the sequence of events surrounding his return.  “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.  And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

Jesus was very specific that he would not come for his people until the end of the Tribulation period, and the sequence of events in Revelation 14: 14-20 seems to confirm that statement.  “And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.  And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. 

And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.  And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.  And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.  And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.”  The Lord will come for his own people just before the forces of evil are destroyed at the battle of Armageddon. 

John Nelson Darby appears to have originated the belief that the Rapture would occur before the tribulation begins, based on interpreting II Thessalonians 2:7 as referring to the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately there is no other scriptures to support such an interpretation, and II Peter 1:20 tells us, “…no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.”   If the Tribulation starts before the Rapture, please understand it no way changes what God has promised.  It just means some prophecy teachers have misinterpreted the scriptures, so don’t give up hope.  God’s word is still true.

The Antichrist’s Reign

Christ has promised to return and build his kingdom here on earth.  Since that is what we are looking for, it is natural that Christians would want to know when it will happen, and despite what Jesus told us in Acts 1:7, “…It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power…,”  people still try to figure it out.  Shortly before he was crucified, Jesus gave some detailed teaching about his return in response to his disciple’s questions, to encourage them when the world seemed to be out of control.  Matthew 24:3-14 describes conditions during the present Church age.  “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.  And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.  All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.  And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.  And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.  And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

Like Paul in II Thessalonians 2:1-2, Jesus warned that there would be false teachers and prophets who would attempt to capitalize on the promise of his second coming, with some even claiming to Christ himself.  They will point to wars, natural disasters and widespread disease as signs that they have some special insight as to when the Lord will return.  Jesus was quite specific that while these things are signs of the wicked times we live in, they indicate nothing about the time of the Lord’s return. 

He goes on to warn that Christians will be hated and that many who claim to be Christians will turn aside to follow other teachings.  Even many of those who continue to believe will begin to go along with the world’s moral and ethical standards, not taking God’s word seriously.  This will not negate God’s promises or his commands, and those who really believe sill still follow him.  The Lord will not return until the gospel has been preached throughout the entire world. 

In II Thessalonians 2:3-4, Paul wrote, “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, showing himself that he is God.”  Jesus said the same thing in different words, in Matthew 24;15-22.  “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.  And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!  But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.  And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.”

When the Antichrist comes to power, he will attempt to destroy all who believe in God, both Jews and Christians.  He will start by attacking the Jews, making a mockery of their religion as described in Daniel 11:31.  When he is unable to exterminate them, he will turn on Jews in other lands and on the Christians who support them.  Fortunately, as we see in Daniel 12:7, 11, and 14, and Revelation 12:11, and Revelation 13:5, he will only be in power three and a half years or no one would survive. 

God gave man dominion over the world in Genesis 1:26-28.  “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.  And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.  God will limit his reign for the sake of those who believe.”  Satan has been trying to take over God’s creation from the very beginning, and is willing to kill all living things to seize the dominion God gave to man.   His attitude seems to be kind of like the person who says if I can’t have it I’ll destroy it so nobody can.  God will only allow him to exercise control during the last three and a half of what we call the Tribulation period using the man we know as the Antichrist.  The book of Revelation tells a bit about his reign during that period. 

When Will The Lord Return?

Knowing that the Lord is going to judge this world and set up his earthly kingdom, it is natural to want to know when, and hundreds of prophetic teachers have tried to answer the question.  Jesus’ disciples asked that very question in Acts 1:6-7.  “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?  And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” 

God has deliberately withheld times and seasons of Christ’s return.  Paul re-emphasizes that point, in I Thessalonians 5:1-3.  “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.”  God intends to come at a time when nobody is expecting him so that he can catch people in their sin, with no chance to try to cover it up.   

Those who are Christians have been warned of his coming, and should not be taken by surprise.  They should be prepared, ready to meet the Lord whenever he comes, as I Thessalonians 5:4-11 states, knowing they are saved and have nothing to fear when it happens.  “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,  Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”

For those who do not believe, the Lord’s coming and judgment are something to be feared.  For those who are saved and their sins have been forgiven, the Lord’s return should be something to look forward to as confirmation and justification for their faith over the years.  Unfortunately, many of those prophetic teachers have used the Lord’s return as a threat to frighten believers in an effort to get them to do more religious activities such as soul winning, missions, or giving more to the church. 

Paul warned us not to fall for such manipulative teactics, in II Thessalonians 2:1-2.  “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.”   It doesn’t matter whether the person claims to have gotten his time from some angel or from some miraculous revelation from God, or a special study of the scriptures, those who set dates are false teachers.  It is not for us to know. 

Paul says certain things will happen before the Lord comes back, and we are not let anyone fool us, in II Thessalonians 2:3-5  “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, showing himself that he is God.  Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?  The Lord’s return will not happen until after a time when many who claim to be Christians turn away from the truth, and the one we know as the Antichrist is revealed, setting himself up as God.    

The Satanic power behind the Antichrist has been active throughout history, but has been and will continue to restrained by the power of God until he is set free to impose his will on the earth.  Some have believed that it is the Holy Spirit who restrains the Satanic power, but Daniel 10:13, Daniel 12:1, and Revelation 12:7 seem to imply that it is Michael the Archangel instead.  When he stand back, the Antichrist will be free to take control of the world for a little while, as II Thessalonians 2:6-12 tells us.  “And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

Whether we go through the Tribulation period or not, Christians are assured of their salvation.  Their only concern is to stay faithful to what they have been taught regardless what is happening around them, as II Thessalonians 2:13-15 tells us.  “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.”

If we stay faithful to God, we can depend on god to care for us regardless what is happening around us.  We don’t have to worry about when Christ will return, but can simply trust him when the time comes, as II Thessalonians 2:16-17 reminds us.  “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.”

We’ll Have A New Body

Peter wrote about God’s coming Judgment and the new world the Christians will inhabit.  In this world, death is a natural part of life, and millions have already died.  What happens to those who died before God destroys this earth and creates the new one?  Paul addresses this Question in I 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 sleep 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.”

Those who have died will be raised from the dead, then all believers will go up to meat the Lord together.  Since the bodies rot in the ground and many are cremated, it seems logical to ask will their bodies be the same ones they had here.  Paul addresses this in I Corinthians 15:35-50.  “But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?  Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:  And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.

All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.  There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.  There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.  So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.  Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.  The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.  As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.  And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.”

The human body changes as it enters different stages of life, from birth to old age.  Plants change even more dramatically, from seed to seedling to mature plant, and there are differences in the various types of plants or animals.  There are even differences between the sun, the moon and the stars.  The natural human body tends to choose the things that are ungodly, so it is clear there must be a change for it to live and be happy in a world where there is no sin.  Even those who are alive when Christ comes will be changed to a new body, as Paul explains in I Corinthians 15:51-57.  “Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

When we accept Christ, God gives us the Holy Spirit, forming a new attitude in us, freeing us from that old slavery to sin and death, as Romans 8:1-7 tells us.  “There is therefore now no condemnation 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.  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”

When we get that new body, finally our spirit and body will work together to follow and please God.  We will no longer constantly struggle to do the things we know are right, but will be able to relax and enjoy the freedom of being with Christ.  With that in mind we should not give up hope when we struggle or mess up in this life.  In I Corinthians 15:58 Paul encourages, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 

Why Bother With Prophecy?

It is easy to get caught up in this earthly life and go along with those around us, adopting their lifestyles and beliefs.  In the Old Testament, God repeatedly sent prophets to the Jews, telling them of future events and reminding them of their need to obey God because of what he had done for them.  Unfortunately, many of the Jews ignored the prophecies, not believing what they were told. 

In the New Testament, he has done the same thing for Christians, telling us of things that will happen in the future and warning us of our need to obey God.   In II Peter 3:1-4, Peter wrote for the same purpose.  “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”

Many modern churches no longer teach the prophecies about the Lord’s return, insisting that the old standards and teachings are no longer applicable.  As II Peter 3:5-warned, they have chosen not to believe in the Biblical account of creation or God’s coming judgment of the world.  “For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”  They have chosen to believe the world evolved through a series of accidents over vast amounts of time, and that morality and religion are just a human efforts to make sense of the chaos.   

When we look back on our own lives, there are events that stand out vividly even though they lasted only a few seconds, while we hardly remember other years.    II Peter 3:8-9 points out that to an eternal God who created the world, what we think of as a long period really seems insignificant.  “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 

God hasn’t forgotten about judging the world, it’s just that what seems like a long time to us is just a few moments to him.   II Peter 3:10 tells us that his judgment is coming.  “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”  When it comes, the very elements of which the earth is composed will melt, burning up everything capable of burning. 

Knowing about God’s judgment, we need to think about how we can please God and escape his judgment, as II Peter 3:11-14 tells us, since we look forward to a time after the earth is judged.  “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.   Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”  Studying prophecy reminds us of the need to make the effort to please him so that we can enjoy that new heaven and earth. 

Dealing With Sin In The Church

In John 7:24, Jesus commanded, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”  We are not to judge just on how the behavior appears, but to look deeper so that we are judging properly.   Jesus addressed this Matthew 18:5-17.  “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.  But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.  And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican.”  

Some cultures accept things that other cultures abhor.  When dealing with people from another background, we need to realize they may not understand certain behavior is unacceptable or offensive.  Acting in love, our goal is to help them grow in the Lord, not just to get them out of the church.  Unfortunately, our approach can easily offend them so we start on an individual level in hopes of not embarrassing them.   They may think it is only our own feelings, so if they don’t pay attention, we approach them with a small group, still trying to avoid unnecessary embarrassment or conflict.  If they still refuse to listen, then we bring it before the church so that they know it is everyone’s opinion.  If they still refuse, then they are not to be considered members of the church any longer, but even in that case they are not to be shunned, but treated like any other non-Christian. 

Paul deals with this situation in I Corinthians 5.  It is clear the man already knows his actions are unacceptable, because as I Corinthians 5:1 tells us, even the Gentiles would not accept his behavior.  “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.”  The man has made it clear he has no intention of quitting regardless of what others think.  They are at the point where Jesus said they should put him out of the church. 

The church had become convinced toleration was a sign of spirituality and tried to ignore the sin rather than dealing with it as Jesus said.   I Corinthians 6:9-10 says that certain sins indicate a person is not really a Christian.  “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”  By putting the man out of the church, they might cause him to realize he needed to be saved, even though it might result in his going further into sin for a while, as I Corinthians 5:2-5 tells us.  “And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.  For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”

Their pride in their tolerance and refusal to deal with this man’s sin could well lead others to believe other sins were also acceptable.  If they wanted to be acceptable to God they would need to eliminate the sin, as I Corinthians 5:6-8 advises.  “Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?  Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. “

As Christians we are to be the light of the world, demonstrating a life that pleases God.  If we isolate ourselves in monasteries and communes, the world will not be able to see our light.  Instead of isolating ourselves, we need to deal with sin in the church so that the world can understand what a Holy and perfect God we serve, and that he is willing to forgive those who turn from their sin.  Proper judgement and church discipline is critical our testimony before the world.  It is not our responsibility to change the world, but to set a proper example in the church, as I Corinthians 5:9-13 tells us.  “I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:  Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.  But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.  For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?  But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.”

If we allow the things that indicate that one is not truly a Christian in the church, the church ceases to be a light to the world, because it is no longer different.  Excessive tolerance or a refusal to judge can result in an entire church that is unacceptable to God. 

Judging Properly

I Corinthians 6:9-10 reminds us, “…the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”  Unfortunately, the modern church has frequently forgotten this fact, focusing on the command in Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” 

 They ignore the rest of what Jesus said in the same passage, that we will be judged according to how we have judged others.  Matthew 7:2-5 says, “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.  And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?  Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?  Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.”  Jesus was not saying that we are not to judge, but to make sure of our own rightness before we judge others because we will be judged by the same standards.  Romans 2:1 warns, “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.”

 In John 7:24, Jesus commanded, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”  We are to find out the facts before making judgments.  For example, God was very specific that a murderer was to be executed, in Leviticus 24:17.  “And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.”  At the same time, God recognized that a person may not have intended to commit murder, and made provision for such a case, in Numbers 35:15-25.  “These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither.   And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.  And if he smite him with throwing a stone, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.  Or if he smite him with an hand weapon of wood, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.  The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.  But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;  Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.”

But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait, Or with any stone, wherewith a man may die, seeing him not, and cast it upon him, that he die, and was not his enemy, neither sought his harm: Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments: And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.”

They were to examine the facts and determine whether the person intended to kill or if it was unintentional.  If intentional, they were to execute the person without question, but if unintentional, he could go to the city of refuge, and as long as he remained there, he was protected.  If he killed someone trying to protect lives or property, there was to be no penalty, as Exodus 22:2 tells us.  “If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.”  They needed to know the facts to decide what the penalty should be.  Similarly, we need to learn the facts before we rush to condemn someone else. 

From time to time, problems arise in the church, and we need to learn how to deal with them properly.  The scriptures give very clear guidelines on how we should deal with them.  We will examine them in the next couple of posts. 

One’s Lifestyle Reflects One’s Faith

Since Christ has freed those who believe from the Old Testament Law and modern culture accepts things that were once considered taboo, many believe we need to accept certain practices such as homosexuality.   As we saw in the previous post, Christ died to free us from sin and we need to recognize that fact and live accordingly.  Romans 6:16 warns,  “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” 

To continue in sin implies we are not sincere about being Christians.  John 14:23-24 tells us, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.   He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.”  The fact that a person chooses to live a life of sin indicates that they really don’t care about Christ, or his sacrifice for their sin.

I Corinthians 6:9-10 emphasizes this point.  “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”  Paul is quite specific when he says that people who live these lifestyles are not saved and will not go to heaven.  Please understand that they are not going to hell because they do these things, but as John 3:18-19 tells us, because they do not believe in Christ, preferring their sin.  “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”  As John 3:36 tells us, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

The list of behaviors Paul says indicate a person is not truly a Christian lists a number of things that are widely overlooked in our day.  Let’s look at the list in more detail. 

Fornication is a general term for sex between people who are not married, including premarital sex, prostitution, rape, homosexuality, etc. 

Idolatry is simply worshipping gods other than God himself.

Adultery is specific form of fornication involving sex with a person who is married to someone else.

Effeminate refers to those who pass themselves off as members of the opposite sex, i.e. homosexual or transgender practices.   

Abusers of themselves with mankind refers to Sado-masochistic practices. 

Thieves are people who steal. 

Coveteous people are ones who crave and try to get what others have. 

Drunkards are those who misuse drugs or alcohol. 

Revilers are those who run people down.

Extortioners are those who  take what belongs to others either by force or by deceit, and includes blackmail,  scams, misappropriation, filing false claims, etc.

Fortunately, God changes our attitude when we become a Christian as II Corinthians 5:17-18 tells us.  “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ…”  As a result, I Corinthians 6:11 states, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”   When you become a Christian, such practices and behaviors cause guilt and emotional distress because they go against that new spirit or attitude God gives.    If they don’t bother a person, he needs to check to see if he is saved.