Baptism is an outward symbol of a Christian’s lifelong devotion to God and following His word. With the help of someone else, a person is first safely lowered backward underwater, symbolizing giving up their own ways, or will, to follow God’s ways, or His will. The person is then immediately lifted back up out of the water, symbolizing their new life of serving God from that point on. When Christians study God’s word, they may feel like God is calling or inviting them to take a serious step – to give up sin, follow His word the best they can, copy the life of His son Jesus, and live a righteous life devoted to serving God. When Christians decide to answer God’s invitation to serve Him, they are baptized to outwardly show that they have made this serious and important decision in their heart. It should not be done just because others expect them to do it or tell them to do it. It’s a personal decision that should be made after a lot of thought and prayer. When he was 30 years old, Jesus was baptized in the river Jordan by his cousin, John the Baptist. Jesus’ baptism symbolized that he was ready and willing to follow His father’s will forever. So, what is baptism? It’s an outward symbol showing a life-changing decision to no longer follow our own wills, but to try to follow God’s will for the rest of our lives.

If Jesus didn’t need to be baptized for repentance or remission of sins and was already begotten of the holy spirit, why was he baptized? It is true that Jesus was a perfect sinless man who was not in need of John’s baptism, which was for repentance of sins. John’s baptism was done in order to bring Jews who recognized their own sinfulness into a proper heart attitude to receive their Messiah. Why, then, was Jesus baptized? Jesus was baptized for a completely different reason. His baptism was a baptism into death in the sense that he gave up his own will in order to do his father’s will in every aspect of his life, even unto actual death. Jesus gave up his opportunity to live forever as a perfect man and chose to sacrifice his will and be wrongfully put to death in order to pay the ransom price that would redeem Adam and the entire human race from sin and death. His reward for this sacrifice was immortality in heaven. Although Jesus was God’s first and only direct creation (Colossians 1:15) and was a co-creator with his Father in heaven prior to his walk on earth (Colossians 1:16-17), he was not immortal. He needed to be mortal in order to actually die on the cross. “For just as through the disobedience of the one man (Adam) the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man (Jesus) the many will be made righteous.” Romans 5:19 Jesus made the decision to sacrifice his will as well as his perfect human life prior to his immersion by John. The immersion was a symbol of that decision. God’s manifestation of his acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice waited until after Jesus had performed the symbol. It was after Jesus came up out of the water (representing death of his human life and begettal of a new spiritual life) that God gave Jesus an outward sign of his holy spirit descending upon him in the form of a dove. “And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” Matthew 3:17 We believe that when Christians decide to give their hearts to the Lord they make a covenant of sacrifice of self-will just as Jesus did at Jordan. Their total immersion (baptism) is an outward manifestation of a life decision already made to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and crucify self-will. “I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8

There is only one baptism for a disciple of Christ. That baptism is to be “baptized in Christ,” into his death. How does this work? By what authority do we do this? It is done by the authority that Jesus gave when he ascended up to heaven: Matthew 28:18-20: “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the son and the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Jesus’ instruction was to baptize in the name of the Father, son and the holy spirit. This instruction is the “how” of the matter. We are told elsewhere that we are baptized into Christ, and this comes by the authority of Jesus’ instructions. The conclusion here is that the authority of the Father, the son and the holy spirit give us the unique opportunity to be baptized into Christ, into being a part of his body. The “what” of the matter is explained in Romans 6: Romans 6:1-11 (NASB) “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into his death?“ We are baptized to be a part of Jesus, a member of his (figurative) body and part of his self-sacrifice. “Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.“ How do we walk in newness of life? It is only by the power of the holy spirit, which God chooses to give to those whom He has called to follow Jesus. “For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over him. For the death that he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life that he lives, He lives to God.” The “name” of Jesus is here further shown to us. It is he who died to cancel the power of death. “Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Alive – by the holy spirit, and alive to God the Father and to Jesus His son. Is Acts 2:38 a contraction? “Peter said to them, Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy spirit.” No, it is not a contradiction because it was an instruction by the Apostle Peter at Pentecost. He is simply telling those who were compelled to follow Jesus to be baptized in Jesus’ name in contrast to the baptism of John the Baptist, which would have been the only baptism they knew about.

Revelation 7:9-17 is a picture of the spiritual classes involved in God’s plan of which the “great multitude” is a piece of this puzzle. The setting of the picture is heaven, or the spiritual plane. The first participant in the picture is God Himself. The second participant in the picture is the glorified Christ. The head of the Christ is the glorified Jesus, and the body, or “bride” of the Christ class are those who are judged as having satisfactorily delivered on their vows of living consecrated lives of service to God. These two participants, God and the Christ class, are pictured together on one “tier,” indicating that they are of the same nature (the divine nature). The third participant in the picture is a “great multitude” or, as is sometimes translated, a “great company.” This group is pictured as standing before God and the glorified Christ. This difference indicates that while they are on the same spiritual plane, they are still on a different “tier” of existence (not the same divine nature as God or the church class). This group is described as having been required to come through a great deal of tribulation to obtain their heavenly, spiritual position “in front” of God and the glorified Christ. This “great company” is also described as serving God “day and night” and not “hungering or thirsting” any longer (implying that this class did hunger or thirst at some point). The last participants in this picture, the angels, are only mentioned briefly. They are described as also being before God and the glorified Christ class and worshipping them. In summary, there are four distinct participants or participant groups in this picture of the heavenly portion of God’s plan. Before proposing an identity of “the great multitude” or “great company,” it is first necessary to prove where Revelation 7:9-17 takes place. Notice that verses 9 and 10 indicate the “great company” is standing “before the throne” and that “God sitteth upon the throne.” Scriptures such as Psalm 11:4 and Psalm 103:19 plainly state that God’s throne is in heaven. The fact that these groups are standing either by the throne (the glorified Christ, head and body) or before the throne (the “great company” and the angels), places them all on the same plane of existence; namely heaven, or the spirit plane of being. The next reasonable question is, who are the “great company?” While it is true that all mankind will eventually be raised with the opportunity to be restored to the human perfection lost due to Adam’s disobedience (sometimes referred to as “the earthly phase of God’s kingdom” or the “restitution of all things” in Acts 3:21), the heavenly setting of Revelation 7:9-17 indicates that the “great company” cannot be mankind. The “great company” cannot be the glorified members of Christ’s church either, since the “great company” stands before the glorified Church. The “great company” is also not the angelic host, since they are called out as a separate group in verse 11. So, who, then, comprise this “great company?” When Jesus taught in parables, he often strung together several sequential parables to convey different aspects of the same concept. Consider first, the parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. In this parable, the two groups of virgins both start out to meet the bridegroom with lamps. The wise group has oil, but the foolish group goes forward with enough oil in their lamps to have them lit, but not enough for them to stay lit until the bridegroom arrives. Oil in this parable represents the God’s holy spirit, or power, which is given to those who dedicate, or consecrate, their lives to God (see John 14:26 and Acts chapter 2, for example). While the foolish virgins scrambled to search for more oil, the bridegroom came and granted entry to the waiting wise virgins. When the foolish virgins returned, the bridegroom did not allow them entry into the wedding. The parable ends here. The foolish virgins, therefore, are a group who started out with the holy spirit, but through negligence, did not keep their supply, or access to it, sustained for the required period of time. They were thus shut out of the bride class. This class does not seem, then, to represent the world of mankind who, not having lived consecrated lives or received the holy spirit, were not eligible to be members of the bride class. This group started out as potential members of the bride class to the point of having received the “oil” of the holy spirit but were not faithful in maintaining what they had. Consider Jesus’ next parable, the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. In this parable, a man gives his servants money, or talents, to use in his service while he goes away. When he returns, most of the servants showed at least some increase above what they were entrusted with. One servant, however, buried his talent in the ground and offered only that same single talent back to the master. The master was extremely displeased, indicating that he expected to see an increase, and cast the unprofitable servant out. The talents in this parable again represent the holy spirit and is only given to the master’s servants. The master in the parable is Jesus. This parable indicates that those who are granted the holy spirit are expected to work with it, to increase it in the Master’s service. Again, the holy spirit is not granted to the world of mankind; only to those who consecrate their lives to God. The unprofitable servant, like the foolish virgins, represents a group of those who consecrate their lives to God (“entering the master’s service”), and while not turning their backs on God completely (“remaining a servant of the master”), do not satisfactorily use the holy spirit they have been granted. While the foolish virgins were not allowed entry into the bride class, the unprofitable servant was “cast into outer darkness” where they “wept and gnashed their teeth.” This indicates this group was not destroyed, as in the oblivion of second death, where they could not feel the regret or anguish that would cause “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Being “cast into outer darkness” is the equivalent of the foolish virgins being shut out of the light of the glories bestowed on the faithful bride of Christ. This invitation is not being delivered to the general population of mankind, now or in the future, and is a further indication that the “great company” is comprised of a group of individuals that were invited but failed to keep their vows necessary for maintaining that invitation. When one consecrates their lives to God, that consecration is intended to be a dedication of all one’s heart and mind. It is a complete surrendering and sacrifice of one’s goals and ambitions in favor of service to God. It is also a sacrifice of the future human resurrection and opportunity to return to a life of human perfection. From this perspective, there are only two salvations as indicated in God’s original promise to Abraham (Genesis 22:17): the “stars of heaven” (the heavenly salvation of answering “the high calling) and the “sands of the seashore” (the earthly salvation of resurrection and restitution to human perfection). There is no “third salvation.” Membership in the “great company” is not something to aspire to; it is not a “way out” of the vows one has made. Thinking that living up to one’s vows in the narrow way is too difficult and it is an easier course to “settle” for membership in the “great company” is a misunderstanding and misapplication of God’s mercy. Those who make a vow of consecration to God, and while not turning completely away from God or completely disavowing Jesus’s sacrifice, nevertheless allow themselves to live a life that falls short of the vows they have made, run the risk of losing the reward they originally sought. While God may, in His mercy, decide not to permanently destroy those who demonstrate an insufficient faith to complete their vows, these nonetheless will experience “great tribulation” and will need to endure “sufferings” in order to fully appreciate Jesus (“washing their bespotted robes white in the blood of the Lamb”). In the end, our faith, our character and our hearts are what we have to offer God. The best course is to remain focused on maintaining the vows of full devotion and consecration to God, each and every day of our lives, and to leave the final judgment up to Him who is in all things too wise to error.

6 Or what agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell among them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 17 Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “And do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you. 18 And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” says the Lord Almighty. In this chapter, the Apostle Paul is giving general admonitions that would have particular significance to the context of the lives of the Corinthian church and their deeply pagan background. He discusses various relationships, starting with the most important relationships in our lives and the principle in 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Do not be bound together with unbelievers.” While not entirely focused on marriage, it is an important and time-consuming relationship. He continues with: “For what partnership has righteousness (a state of being made right with God) and lawlessness (a state of disfavor with God). Partnership is different than being yoked together. Verse 14 continues “…or what fellowship has light with darkness?” The Christian wants to maintain proper allegiances in fellowship without rationalization or compromise of scriptural principles. Ideally, we want to walk away from any ties that are of this world, that are therefore unclean (in terms of godliness) and that can deter us from that which we have covenanted to do. “Be ye separate.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 describes the Christian as an “ambassador” for Christ. An ambassador is an accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country. They represent their home country’s interests while living in a host country. Paul goes on to compare what a believer has in common with an unbeliever in verse 15 and the disconnect between the two. The admonishment is to “Watch your heart with all diligence.” We have a choice as to whom and what we bind our hearts. We need to be careful in our relationships and walk away from evil whenever possible. In our experiences with the world around us, we have to have some level of engagement but are still to be separate. The Apostle Paul is warning that even though we have Christian liberty, we must use our highest spiritual thinking, applying our liberty in a Christlike fashion.

Life is a great blessing! Because our God is a God of love, He wanted to give the gift of life to many others, which is why He created his human family. In God’s future kingdom, everyone will experience the joy of living perfect, righteous lives forever that will bring glory to Him. In Isaiah 43:6,7, God says, “Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth, Everyone who is called by My name, those whom I have created to reflect My glory…” Right now, this scripture is true for faithful Christians. They are called to live a good life that reflects God’s glorious character, but in the kingdom when everyone reaches perfection, all people will live upstanding lives. The Bible also tells us of other purposes for man’s creation. In Psalms 8:6-8, we’re told mankind was given dominion (authority) over all of the animal creation, to watch over and care for them. And in 1 Corinthians 4:9, we’re told humans are examples to angels and to others – when we do good OR bad. Micah 6:8 shows us what God desires our example to be: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 Why did God create human beings? So that we could live happy, holy lives that would serve and honor Him for all eternity. He also wanted us to take care of the earth and the animals, as well as be an example to the angels. Our goal as Christians now should be to act justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.

We believe God does indeed have a plan for all humankind as well as for the physical planet earth and that plan does not involve its destruction, as some prophets and Christian groups express. We believe that God will destroy this evil world or social order run by its prince Satan (not the actual earth) and in its place usher in a new world or system of righteousness (2 Peter 3:13) ruled by Jesus and his church where all persons who ever lived, whether they believed in Jesus or not or whether they were good or evil, will have an opportunity for everlasting life on a perfected earth due to Jesus’ all-inclusive ransom sacrifice. “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22) The reason some believe in the earth’s actual destruction along with all the ungodly is because they interpret 2 Peter 3 (the Day of the Lord) literally, rather than figuratively. They also believe that salvation is strictly heavenly and rests on belief in Jesus now. However, such an interpretation is in direct contrast to other scriptures that describe God’s future peaceable kingdom on earth. (See Isaiah 11:1-9; 32:1-5; 35:5-10 and 65:21-25.) God’s millennial kingdom will be nothing like our present evil world. “No longer will the fool be called noble nor the scoundrel be highly respected.” (Isaiah 32:5) Not only will mankind be perfected, but the earth and the animal kingdom will also be perfected. “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.” (Isaiah 35:1) “The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.” (Isaiah 65:25) Why would Jesus tell us to pray, “Thy kingdom come in earth as it is in heaven,” if it were not to be so? The subject of the two parts or phases of salvation is basic and crucial for understanding God’s beautiful plan of the ransom for all. Although Jesus died for everyone, his blood was first applied for his church (those most faithful followers who have chosen to live a life of righteousness, while sacrificing their human wills in order to do the will of God). When these die, they will be with Jesus in heaven. After this church class is completed and is reigning with him in heaven, Jesus’ ransom sacrifice will be applied for the vast majority of humanity during the millennial age. Then the dead shall come forth from their graves to a period of judgment, or decision. The Scriptures are clear that during this time Satan will be bound. “He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years” (Revelation 20:2). Satan will not be allowed to influence people’s minds or create havoc in the world during the millennial age as he does today. (See Revelation 20:3.) It is true that people will return with their same mind-sets and will need to learn righteousness. However, they will have ample opportunity to do so (at least a hundred years –see Isaiah 65:20). While they are learning to perfect their characters, they will not be allowed to harm another. “They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9). What a beautiful picture of restoration! In Scripture, the fire of judgment destroys that which is evil and purifies that which is good. Therefore, the figurative “fire” of God’s judgment will destroy the evil systems and bring righteousness and purity to the earth and its inhabitants. Will God bring major destruction and correction to the planet Earth? We believe God will bring destruction to the current evil systems of this world (but not the literal earth) and to those who, after given ample light, chose willfully to follow after evil. Once accomplished, righteousness will prevail on a perfected earth where humans will know and love God and enjoy everlasting life. “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4).

We believe that in order to go to heaven a person must be seeking the Lord and righteousness and believe that Jesus was the Messiah who died so that the entire human race would have a chance for salvation either in heaven or on earth. God often calls such individuals to follow in the pathway of His Son Jesus. If the person answers the call, he will gladly give up his own personal will in order to follow the will of God in all aspects of his life. If that person remains faithful to his covenant of sacrifice, he will obtain a heavenly reward upon death. We know from the scriptures that there is only one call during this time, and that is the high calling to be part of the bride of Christ. This very special call is mentioned many times in the New Testament letters. In fact, most letters open with greetings to the saints. (See Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Philippians 1:1, 1 Peter 1:1-2, 2 Peter 1:1-4, and Jude 1:1.) “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 The loftiness of the call requires total submission to the will of God and sacrifice of self will in every matter of life. Although very few can reach this goal, the good news is that salvation is all inclusive. There is also an earthly salvation. When we examine the scriptures we find many references to a future time on earth when God’s Kingdom will be established. (See Isaiah 9:6-7; 35:5-10; 65:21- 25; Revelation 11:15; 21:1-4.) In fact, Jesus tells us to pray for that kingdom on earth. “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 In this earthly kingdom, all who ever lived, the evil as well as the good, will come forth from their graves and have an opportunity for everlasting life after a period of judgment in which righteousness is learned. And the heavenly class, who followed after Jesus now, submitting their wills to God’s will and practicing righteousness in all aspects of their lives, will be instrumental in helping to restore the billions returning from their graves. This heavenly class will rule with Jesus as his “bride” (Revelation 21:2) for one thousand years (Revelation 20:4), the end result of which is spoken of in Zephaniah 3:9. “For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.” Do all Christians go to the same place when they die? Mostly all go to the same place (the grave) and wait for their awakening on earth. Only those who have made a full submission to God are able to go to heaven.

When someone dies, it’s as if they have gone to sleep. When Jesus’ friend Lazarus died, Jesus described him as “sleeping.” Do you remember last night when you were asleep? Probably not! Death is like sleep; you don’t feel or know anything. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hands find to do, do with all your strength, because there is no work, planning, knowledge, or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” This Scripture says nothing is happening when a person is dead. They aren’t doing anything. They aren’t thinking anything. They can’t feel anything. Genesis 2:7 tells us that a human being is made up of two parts: dust from the ground and the breath of life that comes from God. To make this easier, let’s call the dust a “physical body” and the breath “the spark” that only God knows how to make. You need both in order to be alive. Together, these two parts make up what we call a “soul.” If you take away either of these parts, the soul dies – meaning, the person dies. To help illustrate this, think of a lightbulb. The lightbulb is the body and the spark is the electricity. When you turn on the light, electricity floods the bulb and it turns on. But if you turn the switch off, the light goes out. That’s what it’s like when someone dies. The person’s soul does not continue living. It is NOT flying around, visiting or scaring people and it doesn’t transform into an angel, because that’s not what the Bible tells us. Instead it’s like the person who died is sleeping, just waiting to be brought back to life in God’s future kingdom. There is another special group of faithful believers who follow Jesus now, and as a reward they will go to heaven when they die to help Jesus carry out God’s plans for His kingdom on earth for the rest of mankind to enjoy. So, what happens when we die? Some wait in the grave to be brought back to life in the earthly kingdom. Others go to heaven. The Bible promises us that everyone who has died will come to life again. We can thank God for the promise that in His kingdom, we will see all of our loved ones again who have passed away.

The answer begins with the story of creation. God created the first man Adam, who sinned by disobeying God. The book of Romans (6:23) says, “The payment for sin is death.” Therefore, Adam eventually had to die because he disobeyed God. Sadly, Adam’s disobedience started a terrible “chain reaction” of sin that has been passed down to every generation. Romans 5:12 also says, “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone…” We all die because we inherited this sin that came from Adam. To free Adam (and all of us) from the death penalty, God’s justice required that another perfect man had to die in Adam’s place. Since all people are imperfect sinners – being children of Adam – Jesus offered to give his perfect life as an equal substitute for perfect Adam. The Bible refers to Jesus dying as a substitute for Adam as the RANSOM. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 says, “…the Man Christ Jesus…gave Himself a ransom for all…” Jesus giving his life as a ransom for Adam will take away the death penalty upon Adam and all of his children in God’s future Kingdom. But how does that work and when will it happen? Because Jesus was faithful, God rewarded him by bringing him back to life as a divine spirit being in heaven. In God’s future kingdom, Jesus will use his power to bring back to life everyone who has ever died. Faithful Christians go to heaven. The rest of mankind will have an opportunity to live a happy life on earth, serving God forever if they agree to obey him and gradually overcome their sinful ways. Everyone will receive a lot of help in learning to always do what is right. So, why did Jesus have to die? To be a ransom for Adam, so that everyone who has ever died will have the opportunity to come back to life in God’s future kingdom.

Why would a merciful God allow the innocent to suffer? It certainly seems incredibly cruel and unjust if we look at the situation purely from a human perspective. First, it must be acknowledged that there is no such condition as an innocent human being. “All have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23. Therefore, no one is innocent in the sense of being sinless. Sin entered the world when Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the Garden of Eden, and mankind has been in rebellion ever since. Sin’s effects permeate everything, and the suffering we see all around us is a direct result of that sin. We need to look at the big picture – the reason Jesus died on the cross, which was to redeem all humanity from the curse of sin, sickness, and death. If God had not planned to send His only begotten son as a ransom for Adam, all humanity (the good as well as the evil) would have been doomed to die with no chance of redemption. But Jesus paid the price at Calvary, assuring us that every person who has ever lived will have the opportunity for everlasting life on earth during the Day of Judgment. Knowing God had a well-devised and thought-out plan in place since the foundation of the earth (Revelation 13:8) helps us understand why He temporarily permits misery and death in this present evil world where Satan is the prince. However, just knowing and believing that a better age is coming when all will come forth from their graves to enjoy health and happiness is often not enough when a loved one, especially a child, is suffering and dying in our midst. Our pain can be agonizing. We earnestly pray for healing, but our prayers are not answered. Why would God not grant our request? To answer that question, we need to ask ourselves if we are praying for God’s will or for our own wills to be done. It is not God’s purpose to heal during this time. We live in a time of faith and trust, not miracles. It is not the time to be asking for physical healing for others or ourselves. Healing will take place in the next age – the Millennial Age. The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation [testing] has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted [tested] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted [tested], he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” The way out or way of escape is a way to endure the pain by embracing it. We pray for God to give us the strength to bear up under the pain. We know our loving, merciful Father would not have us suffer pointlessly. The suffering and pain we go through is to draw us closer to Him, so that we will cling to Him. Jesus said, “In the world you shall have tribulation” John 16:33. No matter how severe the storms of life, we have an anchor in Christ. In times of despair and sorrow, we reach out to him, and he is always ready to comfort and uphold us. As we experience his comfort through trials, we are then able to comfort others in the same way (2 Corinthians 1:4). How we respond to suffering is determined by the genuineness of our faith. If our faith is genuine, we will come through the testing. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These are come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” 1 Peter 1:6-7. Therefore, we are to consider it pure joy (James 1:2), knowing that the trials prove that we are children of God. “Blessed is the man that endures temptation [testing], because having been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). Lastly, God allows suffering so that we may focus our minds on the kingdom of heaven and the world to come. The Bible continually exhorts us to not get caught up in the things of this world. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). The sufferings we endure, which seem so terrible, “are not worthy to be compared with the coming glory to be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). Should we pray for the healing of a child? We can ask that the child be healed ONLY if it is God’s will to do so. But, if it is not His will, we should not get discouraged. Instead, we should ask God for strength to bear the outcome. The death of the child is not the end of the child. The child will come back in the next age. We should pray for wisdom to see the experience from God’s perspective and go through the misery with hope because “all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). So, even suffering is part of the “all things” that God is using to accomplish His good purposes. God’s plan for the human race is perfect. It is bigger than the moment. His plan is the hope for all eternity. Let us embrace it and grow spiritually from our experiences as we encourage others through our example.

Evil is certainly a reality and Satan has been allowed to be the “prince” of this “present evil world.” (See John 14:30 and 16:11.) You may ask, “If God is love, why would He permit evil to prosper when it is in direct opposition to His character?” To answer that question we need to go back to the creation of man. God created man in His “image” (Genesis 1:26-27), which means that man has the ability to reason and make choices. God could have made man a robot to always do what is right, but then he would not be in God’s “image.” God could have shielded man from Satan’s temptation, but then man would still have been subject to ambitions from within. In God’s wisdom, He foreknew Adam would sin. However, Adam was master of his own God-given free will and could have chosen to obey God’s command. God has always allowed humankind the option of choosing righteousness or sinfulness, just as he allowed Adam that choice. When God expelled disobedient Adam and Eve from His fellowship in the Garden of Eden, they began to “know good and evil” (Genesis 3:22) and to appreciate the difference. During all the centuries thereafter, humankind has been learning the same lesson as well. It is important to remember that we have free will and are on earth to learn lessons in this evil age that will benefit us in the glorious age of redemption to come. The good news is that God will not always permit evil to reign over man. After the true followers of Jesus (those who have dedicated their lives to righteousness by following in the footsteps of Jesus) are united in heaven and reigning with him, then Jesus’ ransom sacrifice (his dying on the cross after fulfilling the Law perfectly) will be applied for the vast majority of humanity during the Millennial Age. All those who have died will come forth with new physical bodies to a period of judgment, or decision, on earth. The Scriptures are clear that during this time Satan will be bound. “He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:2) Satan will not be allowed to influence people’s minds or create havoc in the world during the Millennial Age as he does today (See Revelation 20:3) while resurrected humanity goes through a complete learning and rehabilitation period. Does evil rule the world? Even though God hates evil, He allows it so that all humanity throughout the ages has the opportunity to learn the sinfulness of sin and, of his own free will, choose righteousness. Messiah’s Kingdom is coming soon when all injustice and evil works will be dissolved. As the Psalmist tells us, “I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like the green tree in its native soil, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.” (Psalm 37:35-36)

The word “hell” as it is translated in the Bible actually refers to both “the grave” and to “second death.” The word for “hell,” is the Hebrew word “sheol,” meaning “grave” or “pit.” We note that it is translated 31 times as “grave” and 31 times as “hell.” To the Jews of the Old Testament, “sheol” was the end result for everyone. No distinction was made between the good and the bad. But, we find when reading scriptures that pertain to evil, translators have imposed the word “hell.” For example, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” (Psalms 9:17 KJV) Conversely, translators have used the word “grave” to describe the ending that awaits the good. Such an example is found in Job 14:13 KJV. “O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!” We ask, “Can the same word sheol have two different meanings?” No. The answer is that Job is talking about being hidden in death until the wrath of God is past and he is again remembered in resurrection. If the word “oblivion” were substituted for both “hell” in the first scripture and “grave” in the second scripture, it would impart the correct meaning. Therefore, based on the definition of the word “sheol” and on its uses applying to both good and bad people, the conclusion is reached that there is no fire attached to its meaning, only death and destruction. Was a hell of torment taught in the New Testament? The answer is no. In the New Testament the Greek word “hades” is used for “sheol.’” This can be proven by an example found in I Corinthians 15: 54-55, “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that it is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’” I Corinthians 15: 54-55 Paul is referring to Isaiah 25: 8, “he will swallow up death forever” and to Hosea 13:14, “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; … Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?” We can see from these scriptures that there is a very clear transition from “hell” in the Old Testament to “hades” in the New. Neither word represents a place of burning. We must then ask if there is a difference between hell and the lake of fire? Revelation 20:14 NIV states, “Then death and Hades (KJV – Hell) were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.” What is this lake of fire that is the second death, and how is it different from Hades? The word for the lake of fire is “gehenna.” It is of Hebrew origin and pertains to the Valley of Ge-Hinnon. In Jesus’ time this valley was the garbage dump of Jerusalem. Into it were thrown the dead bodies of animals and executed criminals. Fires were kept burning continuously so that all would be consumed. No living thing was ever thrown into it. This valley stood as an ominous symbol of everlasting and total destruction and that is why Jesus used it as an unmistakable symbol of the second death. Three examples where Jesus used “gehenna” appear in Mark 9:43, 45, and 47. “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.” (Mark 9:43) Jesus is symbolically saying control your body so you will not be unfaithful, or you will be destroyed. The difference, then, between “Hell” (Hades) and “The Lake of Fire” (Gehenna) is that “hell” is the death that everyone goes to, and “Gehenna” is the second death from which there is no resurrection. A challenging text found in Luke 16: 19-31 is the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. It concerns the fate of the rich man, who died, was buried and then found himself in the flames of torment. Verse 24, “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.” After reading this verse it is important not to arrive at the hasty conclusion that hell is indeed a place of torment before looking at the context of this story. Jesus is at the home of a Pharisee, eating a meal with his disciples. Luke 15:1 begins the first of five parables spoken by Jesus, the Rich Man and Lazarus being the fifth. In this parable Jesus speaks to his disciples, but his message is meant for the Pharisees’ ears. It is important to remember that Jesus related a parable, which is a fictitious story illustrative of a moral or religious principle. Therefore, the story is not literal, but representative. The word “tormented” from the Greek ”odunao” means to grieve or sorrow. (See use of this same word in Luke 2:48 and Acts 20:38) The word “flame” from the Greek word “phlox” means “to flash or flame” or “a blaze.” (See use of this same word in Acts 7:30, 2 Thessalonians 1:8, and Hebrews 1:7.) In all the examples mentioned, the flame is a light to see previous indiscretions. It is not a fire to torture. Therefore, we can interpret Jesus’ meaning of the rich man’s statement “for I am tormented in this flame” in Luke 16:24 to signify “for I grieve and anguish at my sin and transgression.” We should all be encouraged in our Bible study to look up word meanings and challenge what is said. Weigh the evidence. Is torment taught in the Old Testament or not? Is it taught in the New Testament? When we look into the Scriptures to discover the character of God, we not only find a God of love, justice, wisdom and power, but we encounter a God who has an incredible plan for the redemption of all mankind and where eternal torture has no part in that plan. Our belief is that hell is not a scriptural concept and that salvation is available to all of humanity, but that availability exists on two levels, heavenly and earthly. The subject of the two parts of salvation is basic and crucial for understanding God’s beautiful plan of the ransom for all. When Jesus died, he paid the price once for all. God has a place for everyone in either his heavenly or earthly kingdoms and Jesus’ sacrifice included all of humankind, regardless of when a person lived or whether he has accepted Jesus as his Savior now or not. “This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given at its proper time. (1 Timothy 2:3-6) “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22) These scriptures tell us that Jesus came to provide a ransom for Adam and all his progeny, some now, who are following Jesus and sacrificing their wills, and some later. Those who are sacrificing now have been called by God and look forward to a heavenly reward mentioned in John 13:33-36; 14:1-4; and 17:24. Although there is definitely a heavenly destination, it is only for a very select few who, if faithful, will have a change of nature from human to spiritual (Romans 6:5; 2 Corinthians 5:1-2; Revelation 3:20-21). But, the vast majority of humankind will be awakened on earth to a period of judgment, or decision, in which they will have an opportunity to willingly follow God’s laws of righteousness and perfect their characters. Jeremiah speaks of this future time. “No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34) God’s purpose was not to have millions be born and die in this present evil world with no chance of salvation. Nor was it God’s purpose to destroy those who knew of Him, but sinned in this present life. When humankind is awakened on earth, there will be a period of judgment, the purpose of which will be to destroy sin and evil and bring everyone by his own free will to salvation. Although this will be a time of pruning, it will also be a time of great joy, in which everyone will understand God’s plan. (See Isaiah 11:1-9.) Bloodshed, hurting or destroying will be only a memory because the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord. God does not wish to destroy those who have sinned in this present life, but to destroy sin and evil and bring everyone to salvation. Would Jesus instruct us to pray for a kingdom to come on earth if there wasn’t going to be one? (Matthew 6:6-13) For more on the peaceable kingdom soon to be established on earth in which all who are not of the heavenly class will come forth from their graves, read Isaiah 35:5-10, Revelation 21:1-4, Revelation 11:15, Isaiah 9:6-7, and Isaiah 65:21-25. We look forward with great joy to that day when all these scriptures will be fulfilled. Jesus died as a ransom fulfilling God’s perfect justice. God has a plan and His plan is for the redemption of mankind through the incredible edifying sacrifice of Jesus. He gave everyone an opportunity for life that cannot be denied.

Some mistakenly believe that Jesus was alive in spirit form after his crucifixion, even though his body was dead. They cite as their reference 1 Peter 3:18-20: “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is eight souls were saved by water. “ Before we address the meaning of these Scriptures, we need to establish through other Scriptures that God and His son Jesus are two separate entities, and that at the time of Jesus’ first advent on earth he was a perfect mortal man, not an immortal divine deity. Colossians 1:15 addresses the separateness of God and His son, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Colossians 1:15 “Image” in Strong’s Concordance means “a faintness as a copy; to resemble or to be like; representation; resemblance.” “Firstborn” means to be “foremost in place, order or importance; best, first of all.” These definitions clarify the meaning of Colossians 1:15. Jesus is a representation of God, a copy, in that he resembled God. He was God’s first, foremost and best creation. Furthermore, if we look at what Jesus says about himself, we can determine who he is. Jesus said, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me.” (John 7:16). God and Jesus have separate wills, and Jesus does the will of God. “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38). Jesus said that he and his Father are separate beings and that his Father was greater and higher. (John 14:28; 1 Corinthians 15:28). After establishing that God and His son are separate beings, we need to determine if Jesus was divine at his creation. If we believe that Jesus was divine there is a problem, because “divinity” means “immortality,” and therefore the inability to die. Was his death on the cross an act, or pretense? We think not. In Revelation 1:18 Jesus said, “I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever!” If Jesus was divine, what did Paul mean when he stated, “By one [man] shall many be made righteous” (Romans 5:19) and “By man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:21)? “There is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5) If we contend that Jesus was divine when he walked the earth, his death is minimized. Since Adam was a perfect man who sinned, only another perfect man who did not sin could redeem not only him, but also his entire race. God knew that Jesus would need to actually die in order to redeem the fallen human race. After Jesus fulfilled his mission, he was resurrected as a divine spirit being. However, that event did not take place immediately upon his death, but on the third day. It was then that Jesus was given the gift of immortality after he died a perfect, sinless, mortal man as a ransom for Adam and the entire human race. So, how could Jesus who was actually dead preach to the spirits in prison? Let us examine 1 Peter 3:18-20 to better understand its meaning. Verse 18: What does being “put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit” mean? When we look at the oldest manuscripts from the Greek, they say simply, “Put to death flesh, quickened spirit”. The words “in the” and “by the” are arbitrarily supplied by the translators and are misleading. Our Lord was put to death a fleshly or human being and was raised from the dead a spirit being. Therefore, a better translation of verse 18 would be, “He was put to death a flesh being, but quickened [made alive] a spirit being [at his resurrection].” Verse 19: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison. How could Jesus preach when he was dead, and who were the spirits in prison? Verse 20: Tells us who these spirits were – they were the fallen or disobedient angels who kept not their first estate and were on the earth in the days of Noah when the ark was being built. Jude tells us that since the Flood, God has kept these angels in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day (Jude 6). Even though these angels have been imprisoned or restrained by God, they have been observing God’s plan unfolding on earth. Obviously, Jesus was not able to literally preach to them during the three days that he was dead. He was, however, able to preach by example through his faith and obedience to his Father, even unto suffering, ignominy and death on the cross. He was rewarded for his faithfulness when God resurrected him as an immortal spirit being. In summary, 1 Peter 3:18-20 tells us Christ suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death a flesh being, but quickened [made alive] a spirit being [at his resurrection]. By which also he preached by his example while on earth unto the spirits (fallen angels) in prison [chains of darkness] who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the ark was being built. In it only eight people were saved by water. Did Jesus go to hell for days after his death? The word for “hell” is the Hebrew word “sheol,” meaning “grave” or “pit.” Such an example is found in Job 14:13: “O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave [sheol], that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!” Job 14:13 Job was talking about being “hidden” in death until the wrath of God is past and he was again remembered in resurrection. In the New Testament, the Greek word “hades” is used for “sheol.’” Sheol means “a state of oblivion or non-existence”. When Jesus died, he was in a state of oblivion, or non-existence, until God resurrected him on the third day. While he was in this state of oblivion or death, he did nothing and went nowhere.

The phrase “bottomless pit” is found seven times in the Bible, all in the book of Revelation. Revelation is a highly symbolic text. Over the centuries, much confusion has arisen from taking its writings literally. The “bottomless pit,” for example, is not a literal place, but rather a symbolic picture. Different interpretations of biblical symbols like this one exist; however, one suggested interpretation is that a “bottomless pit” represents oblivion. Oblivion is not a place; it is the state of nothingness. There is no time or awareness in oblivion, and in this sense, oblivion can be considered as endless or “bottomless.” Oblivion is often equated with the absence of light, or blackness, just as a “bottomless pit” may be. Oblivion can also be compared to a nothingness with which the world cannot interact. Things that enter a state of oblivion are out of reach, just as things that would fall into a bottomless pit would be. One place the “bottomless pit” is referenced is in Revelation 9:1-2. Many of the symbolic pictures in Revelation represent the unfolding of history, with a particular focus on the history of the Christian church system. Revelation chapters 2 and 3 chronicle, in prophetic terms, seven historical stages of the Christian church, from its foundation after Jesus’ death to the present day. Each church, or stage, has an associated “angel,” which means “messenger.” Each messenger represents a prominent figure in human history who had a particularly significant impact on the Christian church. The fifth angel, or messenger, is first described in Revelation 3:1-4 and is referenced again in Revelation 9:1-2. One interpretation of these scriptures is that the fifth messenger represents John Wycliffe. Wycliffe was a Christian reformer who endorsed the Bible as the basis for all Christian beliefs. Although this may seem like a somewhat obvious stance by today’s standards, during Wycliffe’s time, the Bible was not readily available to the everyday person. As such, much of the Christian teachings at the time relied heavily on teachings of the church system, and these teachings were not always scripturally based. Revelation 9:1 describes the fifth angel (Wycliffe, in this interpretation) being given the keys to the “bottomless pit” which he “opened.” Because the Bible was not available to the general public and its teachings not the primary foundation of people’s religion, the Bible and its teachings were in an unreachable “oblivion” to the people of the time. By championing the return to the Bible as the basis for religion, Wycliffe can be thought of as using a “key” to open the “bottomless pit” into which biblical-based teachings had been relegated. A second place the “bottomless pit” is referenced is in Revelation 20:1-3. At the time Revelation was written, many of its prophecies, such as the one just examined, were future events that from today’s viewpoint are now in the past. Revelation 20:1-10 describes a time that is yet further into the future from today. Every person who ever lived, all the way back to the first man and woman (Adam and Eve) will be resurrected from the dead and given the opportunity to come into harmony with God. Isaiah 35:5-10, for example, describes the future time of the re-education of mankind back into harmony with God as a “highway of holiness.” Isaiah 35:9 promises there will be no evil influences to detract mankind from their re-education. Revelation 20:1-3 describes how, during this time period, Satan as the source of deception and evil will be “bound” and “cast into a bottomless pit.” The verses are again symbolic, not literal. They refer to the prevention of Satan’s interfering with mankind’s re-education. The description of being “cast into a bottomless pit” demonstrates the totality of this binding. The binding is infinite and absolute, just as the oblivion of a bottomless pit may be. Notice, however, that verse 3 also states that after a thousand years, Satan and his influence will be “loosed for a little season.” Satan has one more use in God’s plan for mankind. After the re-education period, each individual’s faithfulness to God will be tested. Some, sadly, may respond to Satan’s renewed influence, but the majority of mankind will see the goodness of remaining in harmony with God. With the lesson of sin’s penalty truly understood by mankind, Satan and his influence will at last be destroyed, as pictured in verse 10. This verse describes Satan as being “cast into a lake of fire and brimstone.” Fire symbolizes destruction and brimstone (or sulfur) increases the intensity of fire, symbolizing a more complete and absolute destruction. The different between the “bottomless pit” and the “lake of fire” is the former represents an absolute state of holding, infinite in its ability to imprison or contain. Escape from this “bottomless” state is only possible at God’s command (symbolized, for example, by a “key” in verse 1). The latter is a state of absolute destruction.

Jesus used the Greek word Gehenna (often translated into English as “hell”), referring to an actual location – the Valley of the Son of Hinnom. For example, he used the term when speaking to his followers in Mark 9:43,47-48 and Matthew 10:28. He used the term when speaking to the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:28,32-33. Bible commentaries have long described a garbage dump located here. For example: (Source: Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary) “In the time of Jesus, the Valley of Hinnom was used as the garbage dump of Jerusalem. Into it were thrown all the filth and garbage of the city, including the dead bodies of animals and executed criminals. To consume all this, fires burned constantly. Maggots worked in the filth. When the wind blew from that direction over the city, its awfulness was quite evident.” (Source: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible) “The Jew’s extreme loathsomeness of the place, the filth and putrefaction, the corruption of the atmosphere, and the lurid fires blazing by day and night, made it one of the most appalling symbols with which a Jew was acquainted.” Quoting from Wikipedia: “The valley surrounds the Old City of Jerusalem and the adjacent Mount Zion from the west and south. It meets and merges with the Kidron Valley, the other principal valley around the Old City, near the Pool of Siloam which lies to the southeastern corner of Ancient Jerusalem. The northwestern part of the valley is now an urban park.” However, the article goes on to explain the physical location is disputed and alternate sites have been suggested. Further, the idea of this being a garbage dump is being questioned among scholars because archeologists haven’t actually found evidence of such, and it is not mentioned in early literary writings?at least those that have survived. The idea of the garbage dump can be traced back only so far as that given by Rabbi David Kimhi around the year 1200 AD. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon states “this common explanation…is found in Rabbi David Kimhi (fl.c.1200 AD) on Psalm 37:13.” Regardless, Gehenna symbolically represents utter destruction (not torment) of second death, as evidenced by its reference in the Old Testament when God changed its name to the Valley of Slaughter as punishment for the unthinkable child sacrifices made to Baal.

If God is the Creator of all things, then why did he create sins such as rape and murder? If God has a plan for us all, then do we have free-will since he knows every action we will make? God never created sin and all its manifestations (lying, rape, murder, etc.). Satan is the author of lies. He told the first lie to Eve in the Garden of Eden. That lie led Eve and Adam to disobey God’s command not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Their disobedience thus plunged their progeny (the entire human race) into sin. When God created man he created him in his “image” (Genesis 1:26-27), which means that man has the ability to reason and to make choices. God could have made man a robot to always do what is right, but then he would not be in God’s “image.” God could have shielded man from Satan’s temptation, but then man would still have been subject to ambitions from within. In God’s wisdom, he foreknew that Adam would sin. However, Adam was master of his own God-given free will and could have chosen to obey God’s command. God always allows humankind the option of choosing righteousness or sinfulness, just as he allowed Adam that choice. When God expelled disobedient Adam and Eve from his fellowship they began to “know good and evil” (Genesis 3:22) and to appreciate the difference. During all the centuries thereafter humankind has been learning the same lesson as well. Although God has a plan for the entire human race, which will come to fruition in the Millennium, he has not planned every detail of each person’s life when that detail has no impact on His grand plan. For example, the nation of Israel has always played an important role in God’s plan. After all, it was from this nation that Messiah was to come. In the books of Isaiah and Amos, God said he would protect Israel from disasters if they were faithful, but if they forsook Him, He would bring calamities upon them. (See Isaiah 45:7 and Amos 3:6.) Here we see that because of some of Israel’s poor choices, they were chastised with a “calamity” or trouble sent by God. This trouble could have been avoided had the people obeyed God. They had a free will and chose evil rather than righteousness. Another example of free choice was displayed by the nation of Nineveh. God commissioned the Prophet Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and preach against it because of its wickedness. Jonah told the Ninevites that in forty days their city would be overturned. The Ninevites declared a fast and put on sackcloth. When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not execute the destruction he had threatened (Jonah 3:10). It is important to remember that, although God has a grand plan for the entire human race in the future, he does not plan out every detail of our individual lives. We definitely have free will and are not subject to a preordained destiny. We are on earth to learn lessons in this age that will benefit us in the glorious age of redemption to come. Although Jesus died for every man, woman and child who ever lived in order to give each one an opportunity for everlasting life in the future, each is nevertheless ultimately responsible for his own destiny. If a person continues to sin during the Day of Judgment, he will be taken away in the second death. God will never take away a human’s free will. It is the choice of each individual as to whether he or she chooses righteousness or not. In summary, God did not create sin. Sin is a result of disobedience to his laws. It is important to remember that God does NOT control or plan the actions of humans. God created man in his own “image.” Man has the free will to make his own choices. These six thousand years of sin and its consequences have been a learning experience for humankind. The lessons learned in this present evil world will be of benefit in the glorious age of redemption to come.

God created man in his “image” (Genesis 1:26-27), which means that man has the ability to reason and to make choices. God could have made man a robot to always do what is right, but then he would not be in God’s “image.” God could have shielded man from Satan’s temptation, but then man would still have been subject to ambitions from within. In God’s wisdom, He foreknew that Adam would sin. However, Adam was master of his own God-given free will and could have chosen to obey God’s command. God always allows mankind the option of choosing righteousness or sinfulness, just as He allowed Adam that choice. When God expelled disobedient Adam and Eve from his fellowship they began to “know good and evil” (Genesis 3:22) and to appreciate the difference. During all the centuries thereafter, mankind has been learning the same lesson as well. Although God has a plan for the entire human race, He has not planned every detail of each person’s life when that detail has no impact on His grand plan. For example, the nation of Israel has always played an important role in God’s plan. After all, it was from this nation that Messiah was to come. For example, in the books of Isaiah and Amos, God said He would protect Israel from disasters if they were faithful, but if they forsook Him, He would bring calamities upon them. (See Isaiah 45:7 and Amos 3:6.) Here we see that because of some of Israel’s poor choices, they were chastised with a “calamity” or trouble sent by God. This trouble could have been avoided had the people obeyed God. They had a free will and chose evil rather than righteousness. Another example of free choice was displayed by the nation of Nineveh. God commissioned the Prophet Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and preach against it because of its wickedness. Jonah told the Ninevites that in forty days their city would be overturned. The Ninevites declared a fast and put on sackcloth. When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not execute the destruction he had threatened (Jonah 3:10). It is important to remember that God does not plan out every detail of our lives. We definitely have free will and are not subject to a preordained destiny. We are on earth to learn lessons in this age that will benefit us in the glorious age of redemption to come. Although Jesus died for every man, woman and child who ever lived in order to give each one an opportunity for everlasting life in the future, each is nevertheless ultimately responsible for his own destiny. If a person continues to sin during the Day of Judgment, he will be taken away in the second death. There is no scriptural indication that God will ever take away a human’s free will. It is the choice of each individual as to whether he or she chooses righteousness or not. Isn’t God angry with us? If He planned this, how could he be angry with us? It is important to remember that God does NOT control or plan the actions of humans. As we stated in the previous paragraphs, humans have freedom of choice. Therefore, God’s anger is totally justified when humans deliberately choose to ignore his laws and willfully sin. A familiar episode of God’s wrath is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah due to the wickedness practiced by all the inhabitants except Lot and his family. (See Genesis 18:16-33; 19:1-29.) Although God was very angered by the lawlessness of the people and foresaw the destruction of their cities, He never predestined the people to act wickedly. Their actions were of their own choosing. Had they been repentant, God would not have been angered and their cities would not have been destroyed.

The Bible describes the holy spirit as being the invisible power or influence of God. God gave most of us five senses: touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. The holy spirit is like a very “special sense” that God gives to faithful Christians to help them make good decisions – like helping others, being honest, and understanding the Bible, just to name a few. Jesus describes the holy spirit as a “helper” in John 14:26: “The helper, the holy spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.” The first person who ever received the holy spirit was God’s son, Jesus. One early Christian who received the holy spirit was Cornelius. We read about him in Acts, chapter 10. He was very faithful and wanted to do God’s will, so God gave him the holy spirit to help him spread Jesus’ message throughout the world. Just like Cornelius, God gives the gift of the holy spirit to the people who faithfully follow His word and want to live their lives just like God’s son, Jesus. God alone decides who receives the gift of this helper. When Christians study God’s word, they may feel like God is inviting (or calling) them to take a serious step – to do their best not to sin, follow His word the best they can, copy the life of Jesus, and live a righteous life devoted to serving God. Christians then decide if they will answer God’s invitation. Once they do, and God accepts their promise to serve Him, He gives them the holy spirit to guide them. So, what is the holy spirit? It is God’s invisible power and influence that helps guide faithful Christians to make good decisions in serving God faithfully for the rest of their lives.

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” (John 3:5) We believe that Jesus is referring to spiritual birth in heaven (“the kingdom of God”), the reward promised to those who have recognized their sinful natures, asked for forgiveness and have chosen to deny their own wills in order to do the will of God. “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) You asked what the word “water” represents in John 3:5. “Water” in scripture usually symbolizes truth, as we believe it does in this scripture. Water similarly refers to cleansing or purifying by the Word of truth. “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any blemish, but holy and blameless.” (Ephesians 5:25-27) The holy spirit, also mentioned in John 3:5, we believe refers to understanding of the water of truth (knowledge). “But the Counselor, the holy spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26) It is evident that both the water of truth (knowledge of God’s word) and the spirit of truth (understanding of His word through the holy spirit) are essential elements for the Christian’s entry into the kingdom of heaven. What does “water” symbolize in John 3:5? It symbolizes truth through the word of God found in the Bible.

Wycliffe and the New American Standard Bible versions say “IN the holy spirit” in John 1:33 while other translations say “WITH the holy spirit.” Was Jesus baptized into the holy spirit in John 1:33or is John describing the same baptism into the body of Christ that 1 Corinthians 12:13 describes? The relevant Greek word in John 1:33 is “en,” which is frequently rendered “in” but can also mean “with.” Thus, we see disparity in the translations of this text. “[Jesus] is he which baptizeth with [en] the holy spirit.” The meaning is the same either way it is rendered. Baptism means immersion, so whether we read that Jesus immerses us “in ” the holy spirit or “with” the holy spirit, the meaning is the same. The believer will be immersed into, or inundated with, the holy spirit. The same word “en” is used in the companion text, Matthew 3:11. “I indeed baptize you with [en] water unto repentance, but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with [en] the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” The word “en” in both uses in this text refers to the medium that persons would be immersed into. (The “fire” in this case was the fire ending the Jewish Age, as Matthew 3:10 suggests. Believers would receive the holy spirit, the balance of the nation would experience the fiery judgments of the Roman campaign against Israel.) The holy spirit is the medium into which believers are immersed. No text speaks of the holy spirit as anything like a “person” that accomplishes an act of baptism upon people. The holy spirit is simply as Ephesians 4:30 describes it, the spirit, or influence, or power, of God acting upon believers. Therefore, in answer to your question, John 1:33 is describing the same baptism into the body of Christ that 1 Corinthians 12:13 describes.

How can we be sure that Jesus did not use the Greek word “krisis” to refer to the second death when he said in John 5:29 that those that have not followed after him would have a resurrection of judgment? How can we be sure that the resurrection of judgment in John 5:29 does not correspond to Revelation 20:13, 15 which describe the dead coming forth and “anyone not written in the book of life being thrown into the lake of fire”? The Greek word krisis is Strong’s Concordance #2920 and means a decision (for or against) an accusation, condemnation, damnation or judgment. From the context of Matthew 23:13, Mark 3:29, Hebrews 10:27 and Revelation 18:10 and 19:2, the judgment – either on the individual or on the system – is clearly a final one, called “second death.” However, John 5:28-29 is a direct reference to the coming time and the Millennial age (the Day of Judgment) when people will come forth from their graves to have an opportunity to make right the wrongs of their previous lives and to learn what true righteousness is and have it written in their hearts. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming in which all that are in their graves [those who have followed after Jesus as well as everyone else] shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good unto a resurrection of life [they receive a heavenly reward]; and they that have done evil [the remainder of the world who have not qualified for a heavenly reward, due to the time in which they lived, their character, etc.] unto a resurrection of damnation [judgment].” John 5:28- 29 The Millennial age will give everyone who has ever lived the opportunity for everlasting life on earth. The translators of the King James Version (KJV) rendered #2920 (krisis) in John 5:29 “damnation” because they supposed (as most Christians unfortunately still do today) there was no hope except this present life and consequently could think of no object God would have in calling the unjustified from their graves, except to condemn them publicly. The KJV’s rendering of krisis (damnation) in John 5:29 is a serious error that has confused many respecting the true import of the passage. We see this same viewpoint of the translators in John 5:24 where krisis is translated into English as “condemnation.” However, krisis is rightly translated as “judgment” in John 5:27. The same word (#2920) is rendered as “judge,” “judgment” and “just” in John 5:30. We believe that in the entire passage of John 5:24-30 Jesus is talking about two groups of people: Those who are already judged now – his true followers. They have achieved a heavenly reward, as promised, and Those who have yet to be judged. This second class will comprise the majority of mankind. They will be awakened from their graves to a period of future, on-going judgment where they will have an opportunity to learn righteousness and achieve life everlasting on earth. If #2920 is rendered “judge” or “judgment” in every place it is used in John 5:24-30, the passage makes complete sense and is not confusing. The word “judged” in Revelation 20:13 is Strong’s Concordance #2919 (“krino”) and means to decide, distinguish, condemn, try or punish. By definition, we see it implies finality. “And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged [final judgment] every man according with their works [not works during their previous life on earth, but works throughout the period of judgment, the 1000-year Millennial age]. . . . And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire [the second death].” (Revelation 20:13,15) How can we be sure that the resurrection to judgment in John 5:29 does not correspond to Revelation 20:13 and 15? Krisis in John 5:29 refers to coming under judgment (the Millennial Day—the 1,000-year judgment period). This will be a period where reformation will be possible. John 5:29 is part of the larger context of John 5:24-30, which bears out this perspective. However, Revelation 20:13-15 refers to the end of the 1,000-year Judgment Day and uses the word “judged” (krino) implying finality. That finality is brought out in verse 15, where those found lacking righteousness at the end of the Judgment Day are cast into the lake of fire (the second death).

“And the LORD God commanded the man, ‘You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.’” (Genesis 2:16-17) We know that Adam disobeyed God’s direct command and ate of the tree, thereby condemning himself and all of his progeny to death, NOT eternal torment. “The soul that sinneth it shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:4) But since the “father of lies,” Satan, contradicted God, “Ye shall not surely die” (Genesis 3:4), he had to devise a cover-up to hide the fact that the human race was actually dying. Throughout human history Satan has been very successful in perpetuating the lie that man does not really die but lives on in an afterlife—one of bliss or torment. So, the world’s religions have all carried on Satan’s lie in one form or another until our day. Where did the traditional concept of hell originate? Nowhere in the fifty three passages of the Old and New Testament where “hell” is used in the King James Version, is there support for the idea of torture (punishing) of people by a merciful Creator. Instead, the scriptures repeatedly support a reward of eternal life, or death, a one-time event for eternity (punishment). As the scriptures say, “the wages of sin is death,” (Romans 6:23) not torture. The Western religions from Roman times through the Middle Ages borrowed the doctrine of eternal torture from the pagan philosophers. Certain writers of the Middle Ages had such tremendous influence on the Christian-professing world that their writings and teachings came to be generally accepted and believed, until it became the doctrine of the Christian-professing world. Our belief is that hell is not a scriptural concept and that salvation is available to all of humanity, including Adam, but that availability exists on two levels, heavenly and earthly. The subject of the two parts of salvation is basic and crucial for understanding God’s beautiful plan of the ransom for all. When Jesus died, he paid the price once for all, redeeming Adam and the entire human race. God has a place for everyone in either his heavenly or earthly kingdoms and Jesus’ sacrifice included all of humankind, regardless of when a person lived or whether he has accepted Jesus as his Savior now or not. “This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given at its proper time. (1 Timothy 2:3-6) “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22) These scriptures tell us that Jesus came to provide a ransom for Adam and all his offspring, some now, who are following Jesus and sacrificing their wills, and some later. Those who are sacrificing now have been called by God and look forward to a heavenly reward mentioned in John 13:33-36; 14:1-4; and 17:24. Although there is definitely a heavenly destination, it is only for a very select few who, if faithful, will have a change of nature from human to spiritual (Romans 6:5; 2 Corinthians 5:1-2; Revelation 3:20-21). However, the vast majority of humankind will be awakened on earth to a period of judgment, or decision, in which they will have an opportunity to willingly follow God’s laws of righteousness and perfect their characters. Jeremiah speaks of this future time. “No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34) God’s purpose was not to have millions be born and die in this present evil world with no chance of salvation. Nor was it God’s purpose to destroy those who knew of Him, but sinned in this present life. When humankind is awakened on earth, there will be a period of judgment, the purpose of which will be to destroy sin and evil and bring everyone by his own free will to salvation. Although this will be a time of pruning, it will also be a time of great joy, in which everyone will understand God’s plan. (See Isaiah 11:1-9.) God does not wish to destroy those who have sinned in this present life, but to destroy sin and evil and bring everyone to salvation. Would Jesus instruct us to pray for a kingdom to come on earth if there wasn’t going to be one? (Matthew 6:6-13) Was Adam condemned to hell? Adam was condemned to death. Adam awaits his reawakening in the future Day of Judgment where everyone who has ever lived will also be awakened and granted the opportunity for everlasting life on earth. Hell is the grave or the sleep of death and not a place of eternal punishment.

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, ‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?’” 1 Peter 4:17-18 In verse 17 when Apostle Peter says that it is time for judgment to begin with the family [or house] of God, he is referring to the on-going present trial of the Church, the consecrated Body members of Christ, since the time of Jesus’ death. He then proceeds to ask the question as to what the outcome will be for those [these same consecrated members] who do not obey the gospel of God. The answer, found in Hebrews 6:4-6and Hebrews 10:26-31, is a dire one because these individuals have shared in the holy spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God” (Hebrews 6:5). If they keep on deliberately sinning all that is left is the fearful expectation of judgment [second death] that will befall the enemies of God (Hebrews 10:26-27). Peter is pointing out to the brethren that they are on trial now for their spiritual lives and that their commitment to obedience and righteousness, albeit difficult, is extremely serious. Therefore, Peter’s question is rhetorical and is designed to produce an effect rather than a specific answer. “The Lord will judge his people. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:30-31) In verse 18, the Apostle alludes to Proverbs 11:31, “If the righteous receive their due on the earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!” Both verse 18 and Proverbs 11:31 refer to the Day of Judgment on earth for the world of mankind. Peter, in verse 18, is making a contrast between the two groups of salvation—the heavenly and the earthly. He says if it is hard for the righteous (those who have lived relatively righteous lives on earth) to be saved, he asks what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? He is targeting primarily evildoers in the world. Here again this is a rhetorical question because it is unanswerable, since judgment for the world is yet future and will be determined on an individual basis during the Millennium. Those who have previously lived relatively righteous lives will have a much easier time in the Day of Judgment, since they will have fewer sins to make right. Others who have lived sinful lives will have a very difficult time changing their behaviors and some who remain incorrigible will enter into second death. What will happen to even the most ungodly sinner, though, is not a question that can be answered now. Each person, regardless of his sins in this present life, needs to have an opportunity to learn righteousness, internalize it, and practice it in the peaceable kingdom on earth. Only in the Day of Judgment can Peter’s question actually be answered. Why did Peter ask these questions without giving definitive answers? We believe they were not meant to be answered definitively. He asked them as an admonition to each believer to be on guard of his own fallen nature so that he would not fall into a life of sin and lose the grace of God. Peter concludes by telling the Church in verse 19 what they must do to remain in that grace. “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”

144,000 is the actual number of those sealed by God that will comprise the church class and bride of Christ (See Revelation 7:4). To some, this appears to be a very small number of those that have faithfully served God. After all, there are many people in the Old Testament who served God despite great opposition. However, no one who lived before Christ can be part of the heavenly calling and bride of Christ. Even John the Baptist, who Jesus said was greatest among those born of women, will not receive a heavenly reward. Jesus said, “he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he”(Matthew 11:11). This clearly excludes John from receiving a heavenly reward and being part of the bride. There is an important reason for this distinction. It has to do with a doctrine known as “justification.” The word means to be made right (or righteous) in the eyes of God. The scriptures describe two levels of justification, by faith and by blood. In Romans 4:18-22, the Apostle Paul addresses the difference between them. He speaks of Abraham as being a great man of faith. Because of this Paul says, “therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness” (verse 22). His faith made him righteous (or justified) in the eyes of God. This formed the basis of Abraham’s relationship with God. It is called “justification by faith.” On this basis he was called “the friend of God” (James 2:23). But faith alone could not atone for his sins. As a result, justification by faith is limited. Abraham and other faithful individuals who lived before Christ are never referred to as “sons of God” (1 John 3:1,2). The qualification to become as sons of God is not necessarily greater faith, but a better basis for their justification. Paul makes this distinction in Romans 5. He says, “…God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him” (Romans 5:8,9). The apostle is now making a distinction between justification by faith and justification by blood. Paul continues his explanation in Romans 8: “For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God…ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Romans 8:13-17 He is saying that the holy spirit is proof of sonship. The holy spirit (God’s power and influence) was first given at Pentecost, 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus. This was not available before Jesus’ death and resurrection. Hebrews 11:40 says, “God has provided some better thing concerning us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” In other words, the faithful Old Testament people he had listed in chapter 11 will be “made perfect” through the work of the church class, the bride of Christ. John the Baptist and other faithful individuals died before the blood of Christ was available to fully justify them. This meant that the heavenly call was not yet available. But God has not forgotten them. Hebrews 11:2 says that by faith “the elders attained a good report.” In chapter 12 He calls them “a great cloud of witnesses.” Psalm 45:16 says they will be “princes in all the earth.” In the general resurrection of mankind, they will be God’s earthly representatives and instrumental in administering the kingdom (See Isaiah 1:26). Having faithful men and women on earth to guide and direct the world will be a necessary human touch. In comparison to the billions who have lived, 144,000 may seem like a small number to comprise the bride of Christ. But the cooperative work of Christ and his bride with these “princes” will bring eternal life to this dying race. Isaiah 35 is a beautiful description of God’s kingdom on earth. These faithful ones of old will be instructed to, “Strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you’… And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called ‘The Way of Holiness… And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” This will be the result of the combined efforts of Jesus and his bride working with the resurrected faithful men and women of old.

“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:13) When Jesus said that he had not come to call the righteous, he meant the self-righteous, such as the scribes and Pharisees. The “sinners” are all who recognize themselves as imperfect and in need of repentance. The Apostle Paul, quoting Psalm 14:3 says, “There is no one righteous, not even one.” (Romans 3:10) All of us are sinners, even though our heart intentions may be good. All of us fall short of the glorious standard that God has set. Jesus was calling out a people for his heavenly class who recognized their shortcomings and their need for repentance and mercy. How then do the “righteous” (actually the self-righteous) receive their salvation? They will have an opportunity to receive it when they are awakened from the sleep of death in Messiah’s Millennial kingdom on earth. At that time all people will have an opportunity to learn what true righteousness is, practice it and write it in their hearts.

“The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.” Romans 8:19 What is the meaning of this scripture? What is it that the human race is waiting for? Unknowingly the human race is waiting for the completion of Jesus’ church, the heavenly body of Christ, also scripturally referred to as his “bride,” which is composed of faithful Christians since the time of Jesus’ death. Until that heavenly body is complete, the earthly kingdom cannot be fully established. We believe that once the last church member passes away, then the four hands who are holding back the four winds of destruction (symbolizing Armageddon) will let those winds loose. (See Revelation 7:1-4.) The opportunity to be part of Jesus’ bride class in heaven is still open since Armageddon has not commenced. Scriptures state, however, that there will come a time when all work will cease (John 9:4). It will be then evident that the church class is complete so that the four winds, mentioned above, can be loosed bringing an end to this present age of sin and death and ushering in Christ’s kingdom on earth. Although Jesus died for everyone, his blood was first applied for his church (those who have chosen to follow him and live a life of righteousness, while sacrificing their human wills in order to do the will of God). When this church class is completed, Jesus’ blood will be applied for the vast majority of humanity. After a period of turmoil (Armageddon) Christ’s earthly kingdom will be set up and all who ever lived, the evil as well as the good, will come forth from their graves and have an opportunity for everlasting life after a period of judgment in which righteousness is learned. The heavenly class will rule with Jesus as his “bride” (Revelation 21:2) for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:4) and will be instrumental in helping to restore the billions returning from their graves. The end result for the world of mankind is spoken of in Zephaniah 3:9. “For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.” Zephaniah 3:9 Since we do not know when the last church member will go “home” to be with Jesus, we do not know the date when Armageddon will begin, nor how long it will last before the peaceable earthly kingdom will be ushered in. Nonetheless, we do believe the time is short. We are told in the Bible that four events would transpire to confirm that our present time is drawing to a close and Christ’s kingdom was near. These signs are: The return of Israel (symbolized by the fig tree) to her homeland (Matthew 24:32) The increase of knowledge (Daniel 12:4) Rapid transportation innovations (Daniel 12:4) World-wide trouble threatening universal destruction (Matthew 24:21) Because we have witnessed and are witnessing all the above events today, we believe we stand at the very brink of Christ’s peaceable kingdom on earth. Jesus assures us, “When you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.” (Matthew 24:33-34) The signs are evident that God’s kingdom on earth will be fully established in the near future. The LORD has said, “For the revelation waits for an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:3)

Prophecy foretells a time at the end of this time period when all the nations will gather against Israel to battle, the city will be captured, and the LORD will deliver Israel from that sure destruction. “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son, indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens [through Jesus and the spiritual class of faithful Christians – See Galatians 3:29] and as the sand which is on the seashore; [the Heroes of faith, See Hebrews 11 and the nation of Israel, Zechariah 13:8 see below]…And in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” Genesis 22:17-18 Zechariah 14:1: “Then the LORD will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle.” Zechariah 14:3: “The people will live in it [Jerusalem], and there will be no more curse, for Jerusalem will dwell in security.” Israel will undergo a complete change of heart after this deliverance, as they recognize Christ as their Savior. Zechariah 12:10-11: “And I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on me [“him” according to Eastern Hb mss.] whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over him, like the bitter weeping over a first-born. In that day there will be great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the plain of Megiddo.” The New Covenant with its promises of blessing and character growth will be made first with the nation of Israel, and then all the families of the earth will also have this opportunity. (And the faithful nation of Israel will be a strong influence to assist all the families of the earth to be blessed, as discussed below.) “Behold, day are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them, declares the LORD. But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD, I will put My law within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God and they shall be My people….” Jeremiah 31:31-33 The Jewish people will be some of the first among the nations to walk up the highway of holiness by active participation in changing the old ways according to principles of holiness. (Isaiah 35:8) “…I have again purposed in these days to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Do not fear! These are the things which you should do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace in your gates. And let none of you devise evil in your heart against another, and do not love perjury; for all these are what I hate, declares the LORD.” Zechariah 8:15-16 One way Israel will be used of the Lord in God’s kingdom on earth is recorded in Zechariah 14:16. The transformed and believing nation of Israel will be used as a center of worship and an example of faith and devotion to God. “It shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.”(Jewish Publication Society Old Testament) The Feast of Tabernacles, also referred to as the Feast of Booths, was a celebration of how the Lord delivered Israel through the 40-year wilderness journey and brought them to the promised land. (Leviticus 23:39-43) Israel will lead the world to celebrate the deliverance of all the human family through the wilderness of sin to the promised blessing of the kingdom on earth. The nation of Israel will be used to be a blessing to the rest of the resurrected mankind on earth, and they will be an example of the Lord’s favor. We expect the LORD will work through Israel as a seat of His government. “And it will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing…” Zechariah 8:13 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘It will yet be that peoples will come, even the inhabitants of many cities. And the inhabitants of one will go to another saying, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts; I will also go.’ So many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘In those days ten men from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'” Zechariah 8:20-23: “And many peoples will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the god of Jacob; that He may teach us concerning His ways, and that we may walk in His paths.’ For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Isaiah 2:3

“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36) From this statement we gather that Jesus was saying that certain features of God’s plan were kept secret from even him until he had finished his course. When Jesus laid down his perfect human life at Jordan to do his Father’s will without reserve—from that moment he became the Lamb of God slain. He received the holy spirit in full measure and was now worthy to be entrusted with his father’s scroll. (See Revelation 5) “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.” (Revelation 5:12) As Jesus came up out of the water “the heavens were open unto him” (Matthew 3:16) meaning that higher things in the plan of God were made clear to him. In his pre-human condition as the Logos in heaven he was not permitted to read the scroll; as the boy Jesus, and as the young man Jesus he had not understood the deep meanings of the Scriptures. It was at the moment that Jesus made his consecration at Jordan, the moment of his death as the Lamb—that the scroll was handed to him by the Great Eternal One. Although his sacrifice would not be actually completed for three and a half more years, the surrender of his will was complete and was accepted as the sacrifice of his all. After his baptism at Jordan, Jesus hastened away to a solitary place in the wilderness so that he might deliberate upon the Divine purposes as they had been disclosed to him. Figuratively he had read and comprehended all that was written on the outside of the scroll—all which was necessary for him to know prior to his sacrifice at Calvary. We know from his statement to his disciples in Matthew 24:36 quoted above, that Jesus had not yet broken the seals of the scroll and had not yet comprehended all the things written on the inside of the scroll. We thus see that there were certain features of the Divine Plan still kept secret from our Master up to the time that he had finished his course. But, after his resurrection, he knew all things as he was rewarded with immortality and given all power in heaven and earth. “Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’” (Revelation 5:13)

What did Jesus mean in Matthew 10:16 to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves"? Matthew 10:16: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” This statement by Jesus is in the context of sending the apostles out to preach the gospel message. He forewarned them that they would encounter great opposition, describing them as “sheep in the midst of wolves.” He wanted the apostles to be prepared, as wise as serpents. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance explains the Greek word for “wise” here (#5429) means “to be thoughtful and implies caution.” In verse 14 Jesus had just instructed them saying, “Whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.” This is a Hebrew idiom meaning to have nothing to do with them. They were going to meet people who weren’t interested and they should move one. This was one way of being cautious and is consistent with the following verses when Jesus warned, “Beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues.” Jesus then directed how they should respond to persecution. They should be “harmless as doves.” In other words, they should not respond by attempting to harm those who oppose them. Their response should be with gentleness and kindness. That very principle was later exhibited when Stephen, while being stoned by his Jewish brethren, did not defend himself but instead asked God to forgive them. It was a dove-like response and most pleasing to God. To summarize: being “serpents” in this passage represents caution when dealing with evil men. Being “doves” represents turning the other cheek when being mistreated (Matthew 5:39). It also suggests speaking with kind, gentle words when presenting Scripture.

There is a difference between “loving the world” in a positive sense and “loving the world” in a negative sense. Let’s look at John 3:16 in how “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son…” Revelation 13:8 tells us Jesus was the “Lamb slain before the foundation of the world,” in other words, God knew mankind would sin and would require a remedy to fulfill justice. He loved the world – the creatures He made – enough to provide this ransom price for Adam and provide an opportunity for all to know Him in the kingdom with the curse of sin and death removed. God IS love (1 John 4:7-12). The Greek word for “love” in John 3:16 is agape or agapao, which is the highest form of love. His very nature is this special, selfless love flowing from everything He does. He acts in the best interest of ALL of His creation. The Christian is supposed to have agape love for others – love in action – by being kind, forgiving and generous; loving without expecting anything in return. We are even supposed to have this kind of love for our enemies (Matthew 5:44). When James 4:4 uses the word “world,” it means the spirit of the sinful world that is now self-centered instead of God- and Christ-centered. It is selfish and greedy. The faithful Christian lives IN the world but is not OF the world, as they are to be sanctified – set apart – in holiness (1 Thessalonians 5:23). We are to be “ambassadors for Christ” – 2 Corinthians 5:20-21. Ambassadors reside elsewhere but live in a foreign country. Ours is a heavenly hope, but we are residing here in this sinful world and are to be a preserving influence and a reflection of God and His son Jesus (salt and light – Matthew 5:13-16). We aren’t to walk a middle road, trying to keep the favor of God and the favor of the world. Having “friendship of the world” means being in accord with sinful practices, even indirectly. We are to love the world only in the sense of having sympathy with it, like our heavenly Father, but the path of the “present evil world” (Galatians 1:3,4) ruled by Satan (who will be cast out – John 12:31) is out of harmony with God and righteousness.

The concept of the ransom is important because it is the entire basis for our Christian faith and the plan of God for the world of mankind. What does it mean to say “Jesus is the ransom?” “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom <Strongs #487> for all, the testimony given at the proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6: (NASB) Ransom: Strongs #487, antilutron, a redemption price Strongs #487 is only used in this one place in the Bible. It is derived from two Greek words: anti: Strongs #473, instead of or because of; used to denote substitution or correspondence Lutron: Strongs #3083, a redemption price, ransom So, the word ransom in this one text means a “corresponding price.” Adam, a perfect man, chose to disobey God resulting in sin and death for him and all his offspring. The entire human race was doomed to the prison of death in order to satisfy justice – Adam paid the penalty of his disobedience to God. (Romans 6:23: (KJV) The wages of sin is death…) All of our race are either dead or dying. Without the intervening sacrifice of Jesus, the cycle of sin and death would continue in misery until eventually the human race died out. The death of the perfect man Jesus became the substitute or corresponding price for Adam. Jesus willingly volunteered to die and thereby paid the ransom by his perfect obedience to God. The man Jesus would take Adam’s place in death, thereby satisfying justice. Having paid the ransom price allows the work of the ransom to begin. “In Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22 This legal equivalency of “a perfect life (Adam) for a perfect life (Jesus)” allows for the resurrection of mankind and their opportunity for everlasting life in the kingdom. Mankind will finally have the full opportunity to be obedient without inherited sin. As a reward for his sacrifice, Jesus was resurrected as a highly exalted spirit being to complete the great work of bringing mankind back into a relationship with God. The ransom does not excuse the sins committed by those in this lifetime – it does not suddenly count sinners as saints and usher them into everlasting bliss. It merely releases the accepting sinner from the first condemnation and its results, and places him again on trial for life, in which his own willful obedience or willful disobedience will decide if he may or may not have life everlasting. “The Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world…” John 1:29: (KJV) “So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.” Romans 5:18-19: (NASB)

“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:3-6 The above scriptures tell us the wonderful plan that God has for all his children on earth and in heaven. We are told that God wants everyone who ever lived to be saved and come to an understanding of the truth. Even though Adam sinned and plunged the entire human race into death, God in his infinite wisdom, love and mercy, provided a Redeemer in the person of his Son, Jesus. “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:9 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22 “When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Romans 5:10), who is “the mediator between God and men” (1 Timothy 2:5). Christ as mediator effects our reconciliation to God. Jesus’ death and resurrection provided a ransom for Adam and all his progeny, some now, who are following Jesus and sacrificing their wills, and some later. Those who are sacrificing now have been called by God and look forward to a heavenly reward mentioned in John 13:33-36; 14:1-4; and 17:24. Although there is definitely a heavenly destination, it is only for a select few, who, if faithful, will have a change of nature from human to spiritual (Romans 6:5; 2 Corinthians 5:1-2; Revelation 3:20-21). However, the vast majority of mankind will be awakened on earth to a period of judgment, or decision, in which they will have an opportunity [“the testimony given at its proper time”] to willingly follow God’s laws of righteousness and perfect their characters. (See Isaiah 35 and 65:17-25) At this time the earth will be filled with the knowledge and glory of the Lord (Habakkuk 2:14). “Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder.” Zephaniah 3:9 Finally, at the end of the judgment period, those who have written righteousness in their hearts will be reconciled to God and attain everlasting life. “Then God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4

We believe that God does indeed have a plan for all humankind as well as for the physical planet earth and that plan does not involve its destruction, as some prophets and Christian groups express. We believe that God will destroy this evil world or social order run by its prince Satan (not the actual earth) and in its place usher in a new world or system of righteousness (2 Peter 3:13) ruled by Jesus and his Church where all persons who ever lived, whether they believed in Jesus or not or whether they were good or evil, will have an opportunity for everlasting life on a perfected earth due to Jesus’ all-inclusive ransom sacrifice. “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22) The reason some believe in the earth’s actual destruction along with all the ungodly is because they interpret 2 Peter 3 (The Day of the Lord) literally, rather than figuratively. They also believe that salvation is strictly heavenly and rests on belief in Jesus now. However, such an interpretation is in direct contrast to other scriptures that describe God’s future peaceable kingdom on earth. (See Isaiah 11:1-9; 32:1-5; 35:5-10 and 65:21-25.) God’s millennial kingdom will be nothing like our present evil world. “No longer will the fool be called noble nor the scoundrel be highly respected.” (Isaiah 32:5) Not only will mankind be perfected, but the earth and the animal kingdom will also be perfected. “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.” (Isaiah 35:1) “The wolf and the Lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.” (Isaiah 65:25) Why would Jesus tell us to pray, “Thy kingdom come in earth as it is in heaven” if it were not to be so? The subject of the two parts or phases of salvation is basic and crucial for understanding God’s beautiful plan of the ransom for all. Although Jesus died for everyone, His blood was first applied for His Church (those who have chosen to follow Him and live a life of righteousness, while sacrificing their human wills in order to do the will of God). When these die, they will be with Jesus in heaven. After this Church class is completed and is reigning with Him in heaven, Jesus’ blood will be applied for the vast majority of humanity during the millennial age. Then the dead shall come forth from their graves to a period of judgment, or decision. The Scriptures are clear that during this time Satan will be bound. “He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:2) Satan will not be allowed to influence people’s minds or create havoc in the world during the millennial age as he does today. (See Revelation 20:3.) It is true that people will return with their same mind-sets and will need to learn righteousness. However, they will have ample opportunity to do so (at least a hundred years –see Isaiah 65:20). While they are learning to perfect their characters they will not be allowed to harm another. “They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9) What a beautiful picture of restoration! In Scripture, the fire of judgment destroys that which is evil and purifies that which is good. Therefore, the figurative “fire” of God’s judgment will destroy the evil systems and bring righteousness and purity to the earth and its inhabitants. Will God would bring major destruction and correction to the planet earth? We believe that God will bring destruction to the current evil systems of this world (but not the literal earth) and to those who chose willfully to follow after evil. Once accomplished, righteousness will prevail on a perfected earth where humans will know and love God and enjoy everlasting life. “Now the dwelling of God is with men and he will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)

The first question this scene raises is, why did God send an earthquake? In the Scriptures, an earthquake is used to describe social upheaval. For example, Joel 3:16 uses an earthquake to describe the time when God will fight for Israel in Armageddon against the nations that come against her. In keeping with this symbolism, causing an earthquake at the moment of Jesus’ death suggests that a great social upheaval was imminent. This was prophetic of events that would take place for the nation that rejected and crucified the Lord. History confirms that Israel’s national identity was lost in AD 70 when Rome destroyed the temple and the city of Jerusalem. God used an earthquake to send this to Israel message upon the death of His son. The other event that occurred in connection with the earthquake was the opening of the graves. The passage reads, “…The earth did quake, and the rocks rent; and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.”Matthew 27:51-53 As the previous answer suggests, the meaning of this passage has been questioned. But upon close examination the answer seems evident. The Greek word used when saying these individuals “arose” is the word “egeiro” (Strong’s # 1453). Though it can be used for waking from natural sleep, its use here is consistent with the three miracles Jesus performed when he raised the dead. It is the same word used for the awakening of Lazarus (John 12:9), the awakening of the widow’s son (Luke 7:14) and the awakening of Jairus’ daughter (Luke 8:54). Lazarus is described as, “he whom he had raised (egeiro) from the dead.“ To the widow’s son Jesus said, “I say unto thee arise (egeiro).” To Jairus’ daughter he said, “maid arise (egeiro).” These were not resurrections in the full sense of the word. They are often referred to as resuscitations, since the individuals eventually died again. These also stands in marked contrast to the resurrection of Jesus who was rewarded with immortality and would never die again. The awakenings Jesus performed, and those described after his death, were intended to prove the authenticity of who Jesus was. What helps clarify the meaning of this passage is the sequence of events. There are two events described: the opening of the tombs caused by an earthquake, and the raising of the saints after the resurrection of Jesus. These events are separated by parts of three days. The earthquake occurred when Jesus died. The saints were raised upon his resurrection, three days later. This timing was intended as a final witness that the resurrection of Jesus would mean life for the world. Many have claimed to be Messiah (See Matthew 13:22; 1 John 4:1), but here was a man whose death shook the earth and whose resurrection brought forth life. The sequence is significant. By raising these individuals as immediate evidence of Jesus’ own resurrection, it would seem reasonable that they would be known to the citizens of Jerusalem and recognized that they had been dead. Recall how the Chief Priests and Pharisees demanded that Pilate put guards at the tomb of Jesus, lest the disciples steal his body and say that he was raised from the dead. When Jews living in Jerusalem heard that his body was no longer in the tomb but were told by their religious leaders that his disciples had stolen it, Jesus’ Messianic claims would be ignored, believing he was just another “false prophet.” But if the people of Jerusalem met and spoke with individuals whose funeral they had attended and who may have been dead for some time, all the claims that Jesus was a criminal, worthy of death, were proven wrong. It was unequivocal proof that Jesus was the true Messiah. Here is a second interpretation: The expressions “out of the graves [tombs]” and “out of the tomb” have different shades of meaning in the New Testament, The expression, “out of the tomb”, is twice used in the singular. John 12:17 (NKJV), “…He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead…” It’s used about Jesus when Mary of Magdala surmised that “they have taken away the Lord out of the tomb.” John 20:2. In each case, it is of someone coming out from inside a specific tomb. Matthew 8:28 speaks in the plural of two demoniacs “coming forth out of the tombs.” Mark 5:2 speaks similarly of a man with an unclean spirit. Clearly, none of these three was dead; so the expression evidently merely means these were in a cemetery, and not necessarily inside a tomb (empty or not). Luke 8:27 speaks of a demoniac who “abode … in the tombs,” when he also was not dead. It is also in the plural, later in Matthew 27:52-53 (WEB), “And the graves were opened, and many bodies of saints who slept, arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared to many.” Some questions about this seemingly mysterious account need be resolved: * Is any group called “saints” other than Jesus Christ and his church? * At the end of verse 52, the Greek word primarily means “awaken, arouse” (Liddell & Scott). Does it mean awaken from sleep or from death in this context? * It says, “they came forth … after his resurrection,” not “after their resurrection(s).” The text may be easier to understand than it seems at first glance. The “saints” need only come out of a cemetery. The “saints” usually means the (faithful) church, so why not the apostles here? They had been so tired after the Last Supper that they could not watch one hour without falling asleep, and it is here said that they had fallen asleep, so the earthquake awakened them. They remained fugitives in the city of Jerusalem until after Jesus was resurrected.

How can we be sure that Jesus did not use the Greek word “krisis” to refer to the second death when he said in John 5:29 that those that have not followed after him would have a resurrection of judgment? How can we be sure that the resurrection of judgment in John 5:29 does not correspond to Revelation 20:13, 15 which describe the dead coming forth and “anyone not written in the book of life being thrown into the lake of fire”? The Greek word krisis is Strong’s Concordance #2920 and means a decision (for or against) an accusation, condemnation, damnation or judgment. From the context of Matthew 23:13, Mark 3:29, Hebrews 10:27 and Revelation 18:10 and 19:2, the judgment – either on the individual or on the system – is clearly a final one, called “second death.” However, John 5:28-29 is a direct reference to the coming time and the Millennial age (the Day of Judgment) when people will come forth from their graves to have an opportunity to make right the wrongs of their previous lives and to learn what true righteousness is and have it written in their hearts. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming in which all that are in their graves [those who have followed after Jesus as well as everyone else] shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good unto a resurrection of life [they receive a heavenly reward]; and they that have done evil [the remainder of the world who have not qualified for a heavenly reward, due to the time in which they lived, their character, etc.] unto a resurrection of damnation [judgment].” John 5:28- 29 The Millennial age will give everyone who has ever lived a second chance for everlasting life on earth. The translators of the King James Version (KJV) rendered #2920 (krisis) in John 5:29 “damnation” because they supposed (as most Christians unfortunately still do today) that there was no hope except this present life, and consequently could think of no object God would have in calling the unjustified from their graves, except to damn (condemn) them publicly. The KJV’s rendering of krisis (damnation) in John 5:29 is a serious error, which has assisted in confusing the minds of many respecting the true import of the passage. We see this same viewpoint of the translators in John 5:24 where krisis is translated into English as “condemnation.” However, krisis is rightly translated as “judgment” in John 5:27. Moreover, the same word (#2920) is rendered as “judge,” “judgment” and “just” in John 5:30. We believe that in the entire passage of John 5:24-30 Jesus is talking about two groups of people: Those who are already judged now – his true followers. They have achieved a heavenly reward, as promised, and Those who have yet to be judged. This second class will comprise the majority of mankind. They will be awakened from their graves to a period of future, on-going judgment where they will have an opportunity to learn righteousness and achieve life everlasting on earth. If #2920 is rendered “judge” or “judgment” in every place it is used in John 5:24-30, the passage makes complete sense and is not confusing. The word “judged” in Revelation 20:13 is Strong’s Concordance #2919 (“krino”) and means to decide, distinguish, condemn, try or punish. By definition, we see it implies finality. “And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged [final judgment] every man according with their works [not works during their previous life on earth, but works throughout the period of judgment, the 1000 year Millennial age]. . . . And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire [the second death].” (Revelation 20:13,15) How can we be sure that the resurrection to judgment in John 5:29 does not correspond to Revelation 20:13 and 15? Krisis in John 5:29 refers to coming under judgment (the Millennial Day—the 1,000-year judgment period). This will be a period where reformation will be possible. John 5:29 is part of the larger context of John 5:24-30, which bears out this perspective. However, Revelation 20:13-15 refers to the end of the 1,000-year Judgment Day and uses the word “judged” (krino) implying finality. That finality is brought out in verse 15, where those found lacking righteousness at the end of the Judgment Day are cast into the lake of fire (the second death).

The Bible describes TWO salvations for mankind. 1 Corinthians 15:35-55 describes the heavenly resurrection, but the earthly resurrection IS addressed in in 1 Corinthians 15:21-23. “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22 Everyone who dies in Adam will have a resurrection. As in John 5:28-29, there are two resurrections, a heavenly resurrection of life for the faithful followers of Christ, and a resurrection of judgment – an earthly resurrection – for the remainder of all born in Adam. Paul describes these two resurrections in 1 Corinthians 15:23: “But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.” “Christ the firstfuits” – this describes the heavenly resurrection. The faithful followers of Christ are referred to in Revelation 14:1-4 as having the Father’s name written in their foreheads, and in verse 4 as being pure and following the Lamb wherever he goes, “the firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.” They are also referred to as “the church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven.” Hebrews 12:23. “They that are Christ’s at his coming” – this refers to all the remainder of our human family who die because of Adam’s sin and is a major work of blessing that Jesus’ return will accomplish. Who are they that are Christ’s? “The creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it…” Romans 8:20. All of the human race – all of creation – was under the power of futility (depravity) not by personal choice, but by the inheritance of the death sentence through Adam. See Romans 5:12 and Romans 5:19: “For as through the one man’s disobedience THE MANY were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the one THE MANY will be made righteous,” or in other words, “As in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive.” God’s justice in this inherited death sentence had an amazing long-range purpose for blessing! “For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it IN HOPE that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” Romans 8:20-21 “For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.” Romans 8:19 The HOPE is the blessing of freedom from the slavery of sin and death because of Adam. This whole creation born in Adam waits for the manifestation of the sons of God, the firstborn class, who will with our returned Lord Jesus bring blessing to all of our human family resurrected on earth. They that are Christ’s at his coming: He returns to reign with his bride, and “they will live and reign with him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:4. ”He will reign until he has put all enemies under his feet.” 1 Corinthians 15:25 After the symbolic meltdown of our present religious and social rulership, the old heavens and earth, he will institute the new heavens and the new earth, the holy spiritual rulership and earthly government 2 Peter 3:10-13. “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, (the new heavens blessing the earth) made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.” Revelation 21:2. “And the spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” Revelation 22:17 The amazing hope and blessing in this earthly resurrection is the blessing of healing of heart and mind. The physical and spiritual eyes of the blind will be opened as told to us in Isaiah 35:5-6. There will be a “highway of holiness” – a very accessible opportunity for becoming holy, described in Isaiah 35:8. Satan, the “roaring lion,” will be bound and not permitted to deceive the nations according to Isaiah 35:9. Also see Revelation 20:1-3. “They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:9

The thought behind the word salvation is to rescue and to deliver. Every human being born in Adam has need of salvation. The death sentence passed upon Adam was because of his disobedience in the Garden of Eden. This death sentence has been inherited by every human being. Romans 5:12: “Through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all have sinned…” Death is automatically inherited by every human being born to this earth. Alienation from God has resulted in not only death and physical problems and issues, but a perverse way of thinking and acting, which has led to all kinds of choices and actions including murder and war. Galatians 4:17-19: “…walk no longer as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart, and they having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.” But God has provided salvation and deliverance from this death sentence and process. Acts 4:12: “He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the very corner stone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.” Just as all death came through Adam, so all hope of deliverance from death and depravity comes through Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15:22: “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” The Bible shows that salvation takes place in two different periods of time. A resurrection of deliverance is promised for ALL: 1 Corinthians 15:22-23: “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, (faithful Christians) and after that those who are Christ’s at his coming” (the rest of our human family, the “everybody else”). John 5:28-29: “Do not marvel at this: for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs shall hear his voice and shall come forth; those who did the good deeds (faithful Christians) to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds (the rest of our human family) to a resurrection of judgment.” First, salvation and deliverance is carried out for to those who believe and live a faithful life of obedience to Christ. Hebrews 5:8-9: “Though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he (Jesus) became the author of eternal salvation unto all that obey him…” Romans 1:16: the gospel of Christ is defined as “the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth…” The end result of this salvation of faithful Christians and their heavenly reward is an even more widespread salvation, “the salvation of souls” (1 Peter 1:9), the deliverance of all the human family in a kingdom on earth. The second phase of salvation is the resurrection of judgment. An earthly resurrection will provide the ability to understand the truth of Jesus and of the Bible, a blessing of physical healing, and an opportunity to learn a lifestyle that leads to holiness in thought and character. Isaiah 11:9: “They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” See also Jeremiah 31:34. The resurrection of judgment will lead to the full opportunity for all the effects of sin to be reversed. Not only will all be able to SEE the truth and to accept Christ, they will also be empowered to walk the “highway of holiness.” This will be a symbolic journey of learning and a process of literal and spiritual healing, which will lead to development of a character of holiness. Isaiah 35:5-6,8: “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing…and an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for those; the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.” Why is salvation important? Without this fullness of salvation there would be no hope or future for anyone! Ephesians 1:10: “And this is in harmony with God’s merciful purpose for the government of the world when the times are ripe for it – the purpose which He has cherished in His own mind of restoring the whole creation to find its one Head in Christ: yes, things in heaven and things on earth, to find their one Head in him.

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God (Genesis 3), the punishment of death was applied not only to them, but to all their descendants, meaning every subsequent generation of mankind. Likewise, Jesus’ sacrifice of his perfect human life as a corresponding “payment” for that disobedience applies to all members of the human race back through the generations. This concept is explained in 1 Timothy 2:5-6, where Jesus is described as a mediator for all, and the payment of Jesus’ perfect life is described as a “ransom.” Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, all of mankind may therefore be considered as being “saved” from the death penalty incurred by Adam and Eve. 1 Timothy 2:5-5 also declares that the ransom Jesus paid will be “testified in due time,” meaning the resurrection of mankind from death is a future event. At that time, all of the resurrected mankind will be taught how to obey God and His ways (as pictured in Isaiah 35:8-10). Once all people have had sufficient opportunity to fully appreciate God’s laws, there will be a period of testing. During that period of testing, people will be given the choice of obeying God or returning to disobedience. Just like the consequences for Adam and Eve’s disobedience was death, the consequences for choosing disobedience during this time of testing will also be death. However, there will be no “ransom” from this death condition. The majority of mankind who choose to remain obedient to God during (and after) this time of testing will be returned to the same condition of everlasting perfect human life enjoyed by Adam and Eve prior to their act of disobedience. This return to a previously lost perfect human condition is referred to as “restitution” in the Scriptures (such as in Acts 3:21). This period of testing, and the punishment of failing that testing, is described in Revelation 21:4, and will be one manner in which God will judge mankind. The reason why the time of restitution of all mankind is in the future is because since Jesus’ death, a second means of salvation is available to any who choose to accept it. During his ministry, Jesus sought those who would be willing to set aside their own goals and ambitions in life and to fully dedicate, or consecrate, themselves to God as he had done (Romans 12:1-2, 1 Peter 2:5, Acts 15:14). Those who choose this path sacrifice their participation in the future resurrection of mankind, and also sacrifice the opportunity for restitution to perfect human lives. Instead, these “called ones” demonstrate their obedience to God now in their present lifetimes, through the keeping of their consecration vows. Instead of being judged after a future period of education with the rest of mankind, these will be judged by God at the conclusion of their current lives. If judged worthy by God, this group of people will be granted the higher reward of the same spiritual existence granted to the resurrected and glorified Jesus (Revelation 20:4-5, 2 Peter 1:4, 1 John 3:2). Because this group will be judged at the end of their current lifetimes instead of during the future, more general resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 refers to this group as “the firstfruits of them that slept.” These scriptures also highlight the distinction between the two different types of judgment and salvation by pointing out that “all shall be made alive but every man in his own order.” Whether at the end of their current lives, or during the future resurrection of mankind, all who have ever lived will be tested and judged on their obedience to God and His laws, just as our long-ago ancestors Adam and Eve were tested and judged. Seeking to understand and obey God in our present lives is the best course any can choose to take. If called forth by God to a present life of dedication and consecration, one may, if judged worthy, be eligible for the grand spiritual reward of the divine nature. If not called forth by God, living a life seeking to understand and obey God now will still help prepare one for the future time when all mankind will be judged and, if found worthy, rewarded with perfect human existence.

1 Corinthians 3:6-7: (NASB) 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. 7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. The brethren In the Corinthian church had a lot of issues, and one of them was spiritual pride, bragging about which leader they were following—Paul, Apollos or Peter. Sometimes we find Christian leaders we more readily relate to and can learn from. We can appreciate them and let them know, but what about beyond that? Paul is continuing his arguments against divisions and placing himself and his friend and brother, Apollos, into the middle of things: 1 Corinthians 4:6-10: (NASB) 6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant (inflated) in behalf of one against the other. Paul is warning, “The danger here is that you as followers will become arrogant, using Apollos and me as pawns for your arrogance.” 7For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? In other words, “We are all servants. When you start to elevate your ‘group,’ you are putting your group on a plateau, announcing yourselves as different or better than the rest.” Paul’s argument here is simple – EVERYTHING about the grace of God through Christ is a gift: 8 You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you. Paul is being sarcastic. Paul’s argument here is simple – you are haughty when you ought to be humble! Now his conclusion: 9 For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor. These followers in their divisiveness were acting superior to even the apostles! The arrogance of following is that we can improperly build up a person or group, helping us to feel superior. It is okay to recognize someone for their talent, good work or encouragement. It is not okay to lift them above others. We are all part of the body of Christ. It does not matter which part we are; we each have an integrated function with all of the other parts. (See 1 Corinthians 12:15-26 for more on this.) The elevation of leaders who did not want to be elevated: 1 Corinthians 3:4-10: (NASB) 4 For when one says, I am of Paul, and another, I am of Apollos, are you not mere men? 5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. 7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Each leader did what they were called to do. Followers need growth (leaders do, too!): 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it.

We learn in Genesis 2:16-17 that the LORD God gave Adam a direct command to eat of every tree in the Garden except of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for if he ate of it, he would surely die. It was not long after this directive that God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18) The helper was Eve, who was formed from Adam’s rib. Since Eve had not yet been created when God gave the command to Adam, she learned God’s command second hand from Adam. It is interesting to note that when Satan tempted Eve, she misquoted God’s commandment. She said, “We may eat from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat the fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” (Genesis 3:3) God never told Adam that he could not touch the tree, only that he could not eat of its fruit. Also, God told Adam that the tree was called the knowledge of good and evil. Eve never mentioned the tree by name. Instead, Satan told her that if she ate of the tree, she would be like God knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:5). Eve believed Satan’s lie that she would not surely die and then surrendered to temptation (the lust of the flesh – saw that it was good for food; the lust of the eyes – pleasant to the eyes; and the pride of life – desirable to make one wise). The Apostle Paul tells us that Eve was deceived when she sinned (1 Timothy 2:14). Not only did she sin, but she also became the agent of temptation for Adam. However, when Adam ate the forbidden fruit, he was not deceived as Eve was. Adam sinned with his eyes wide open in rebellion against God. Eve was tricked into sinning. Adam knew exactly what he was doing. He hearkened unto his wife and disobeyed God (Genesis 3:17). Therefore, it is Adam, not Eve, who bears the responsibility for the fall of the human race and for the introduction of death into the created order (Romans 5:12, 1 Corinthians 15:22).

We believe that the knowledge of good and evil was something that God ultimately wanted every member of the human race to have. Had Adam not disobeyed God by partaking of the forbidden fruit, God would have allowed him to have that knowledge at a later date after he had proven his obedience. However, that would mean that each of Adam’s children, grandchildren, etc. would also need to be tested in a similar fashion in order to prove their obedience. Some might pass, while others would fail and be in need of a Redeemer. However, God knew that Adam would disobey and thereby plunge himself and all his progeny into sin and death. Therefore, God made provision for Adam and his entire human family by providing a Redeemer in his Son Jesus, the Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). We believe that Jesus died for all of humanity—his faithful followers first and then for the rest of the world later during the thousand–year time of judgment, yet future. Does baptism wash away the original sin of Adam that each of us inherits? No, we believe that is not the purpose of baptism. Baptism is a voluntary decision made by an individual after much consideration. Baptism symbolizes the death of the old will and the begettal of a new nature. We believe that baptism is an outward manifestation of a heart attitude that has taken place within the individual. The person being immersed has already made a covenant of self-sacrifice in his heart (a consecration) in order to do the will of God in all matters of life. Baptism (total water immersion) symbolizes the figurative death of the old nature and the begettal by the Holy Spirit of a new nature. Although one is encouraged to publicly show that desire of his heart by baptism, the act of baptism itself is not necessary for consecration. We believe that there is only one baptism during this time and that is to be part of the heavenly class. When Jesus fulfilled his mission by dying on the cross, He redeemed everyone who ever lived in the past and everyone who was yet to live in the future. 1 Timothy 2:3-6 says, “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men — the testimony given in its proper time.” And again in 1 Timothy 4:10, “… that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.” These scriptures indicate that all men will be saved, but that there is a special class (a heavenly class) who are to be favored first. These are the ones who have made a covenant to do the will of the Lord now and have symbolized that consecration in baptism. Do we still have the knowledge of good and evil after we are baptized? We most certainly do and that knowledge is essential for our growth and our testing as we are confronted with sin from without (the world) and from within ourselves. Therefore, the Apostle Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God so that we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11) and, thereby, remain faithful to our covenant of sacrifice.

What is the soul? “The LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Hebrew: ruach – spirit of life), and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). God did not give a soul to man, but He created man a soul or being. The word “soul” from the Old Testament (Hebrew: nephesh) means a breathing creature. Therefore, man does not have a soul, but is a soul. What is the spirit of man? The spirit is the breath of life or the privilege of living that God gave to man. “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7). This text reminds us of the original sentence of death pronounced upon Adam for disobedience. He had been formed from the dust and therefore he should forfeit his life and return unto the dust. Adam died. The breath of life (the spirit), the energizing life principle, was removed from his body and is also removed from each of our bodies upon death and returned to God. The living soul – the person – dies, but the spirit (the life principle of the person) is returned to God, who remembers all things and will one day return that essence or spirit to each resurrected human. Death is the nonexistence of life. All living souls die, whether they are human or animal. But there is hope for humankind beyond the grave. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22 “For a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live [immortal life in heaven], and those who have done evil will rise to judgment.” John 5:28-29 What is the difference between the soul and the spirit? A soul is a living, breathing creature, be it man or animal. The spirit is the essence of life or the energizing life principle that each of us has. It is our uniqueness. When we die, this uniqueness is returned to God’s memory. During the Millennium when humans come forth from their graves, they will receive that spirit, or essence, of who they were. Nothing is lost with God.

The Bible says the soul is made up of two parts. To create the first man Adam, Genesis 2:7 tells us God took dust from the ground to make a body and breathed into man what is called the breath of life. And “...man became a living soul.” This word “soul” from the original Hebrew can also be translated in English as “living being.” Human life can only exist if these two parts – body and breath of life – are working together. So, a person does not “have” a soul…they ARE a soul! The soul is not something separate that lives on after a person dies. Ezekiel 18:4 says, “The soul who sins will die.” (NASB) Since all humans are imperfect, all humans sin. This Scripture is saying that all humans eventually die and go into the grave. A person can do nothing in the grave. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.” (NLT) In other words, death is likened to a deep sleep until the resurrection. But once a person is dead, how will they be resurrected in God’s kingdom? We might imagine a person’s character and personality as files on a computer. Many people currently backup or copy their files to something called “the cloud,” a powerful memory system that keeps files safe. But there is an even MORE powerful cloud that exists, with UNLIMITED storage, and that’s God’s perfect mind, allowing Him to recreate and resurrect the identical character and personality of everyone who has ever died in His future kingdom. Whether a person is resurrected to live on a perfect earth or in heaven depends on how they live their life now. Faithful Christians who give their lives to God, do their best to serve Him and try to copy the life of His son, Jesus, are promised a heavenly body. Everyone else will receive a new earthly body. So, what is the soul? A living being made up of two parts that can’t work without the other: a body and the breath of life. A person does not HAVE a soul – they ARE a soul. The soul is not something separate that lives on after a person dies. God remembers everything about every soul who has ever died, so that in His future kingdom, they can be brought back to life with their same personalities, either on a perfect earth or in heaven.