Gehenna vs Life

Lyn Mize
Unfortunately, the King James Version of the Bible uses the Old English word hell to translate the Hebrew word
sheol, and the Greek words hades, tartaros and gehenna. This has caused great confusion in the Church in leading
many Christians away from a true understanding of the meaning of gehenna. Heaven is a place and is located in
the sides of the North due north of the North Pole in what is known as the Orion Nebula.
(Psa 48:2 KJV) Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city
of the great King.
(Isa 14:13 KJV) For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars
of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
Hades and Sheol are the same place and are located in the underworld, or a subterranean part of the earth. Hades is
the transliterated Greek word for the abode of the dead, and sheol is the transliterated Hebrew word for this same
place. There is another compartment in the subterranean part of the earth that is lower than Hades, and this place is
called Tartaros in the Greek. This is the deepest abyss in Hades, and this is the place where the angels that sinned
are held until judgment. Tartaros is the abyss or the bottomless pit where Satan will be imprisoned for the
millennium. We know from Scripture that Hades and Tartaros are places located in the subterranean part of the
earth. Tartaros proper would have to be in the very center of the earth, for this would be the only place inside the
earth that does not have a bottom. Any direction would be upward, so Scripture refers to Tartaros as the
Bottomless Pit or the Abyss.
Above Tartaros would be the compartment referred to in the Scriptures as The Place of Torment. This is the place
of the unsaved dead. Separated from The Place of Torment by a great gulf is a third compartment called
Abrahams Bosom or Paradise. When Gods elect people descended into Hades or Sheol, they descended into the
place called Abrahams Bosom. This is also the place where Jesus went at his death. Jesus even told the thief on
the cross that he would be with Jesus in Paradise that same day. When Jesus was resurrected and ascended into
heaven, He transferred Paradise from Hades into heaven and took all of the occupants with him to heaven. The
following verse in a psalm of David and the verses in Acts confirm that David descended into Sheol, the abode of
the dead. It also confirms that Thy Holy OneJesus Christwould also be there. David was confident that the
Lord would resurrect him up out of Sheol, and that Christ would be resurrected out of Sheol.
(Psa 16:10 NASB) For Thou wilt not abandon my (i.e., Davids) soul to Sheol; Neither wilt Thou allow Thy Holy
One to undergo decay.
(Acts 2:27 NASB) BECAUSE THOU WILT NOT ABANDON MY SOUL TO HADES, NOR ALLOW THY HOLY
ONE TO UNDERGO DECAY.
(Acts 2:31 NASB) he (David) looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that HE WAS NEITHER
ABANDONED TO HADES, NOR DID His flesh SUFFER DECAY.
(Eph 4:7-10 KJV) But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. {8}
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. {9} (Now that
he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? {10} He that descended is
the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
(1 Pet 3:18-20 NASB) For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might
bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; {19} in which also He went and
made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, {20} who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept
waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought
safely through the water.
In accordance with the above passages of Scripture, Jesus Christ descended into Sheol into Paradise and preached

to the spirits in prison. These were the elect of God confined in Sheol until the atonement was made and made it
possible for them to enter heaven. This was when Jesus transferred Paradise into heaven. This is the meaning of
When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
When Jonah was in Sheol before the resurrection of his body in the great fish, he was confident that his soul would
be brought up from Sheol at some point in time. David, Jonah and Jesus would have been in Abrahams Bosom or
the place known as Paradise, which is in Sheol.
(Jonah 2:1-2 NASB) Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the stomach of the fish, {2} and he said, "I
called out of my distress to the LORD, And He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; Thou didst
hear my voice.
(Jonah 2:6 KJV) I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet
hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God.
It is clear from the Scriptures that Hades, Tartaros, Sheol, Abrahams Bosom, and Paradise are all located in the
subterranean part of the earth. The Scriptures are also clear that the unsaved dead will spend eternity in The Place
of Torment, which is the second level in Sheol or Hades:
(Psa 9:17 NASB) The wicked will return to Sheol, Even all the nations who forget God.
All of these described places are literal places. We can point to them from anywhere on the earth by pointing
straight down. Thus, hell is a place if one is speaking of Sheol, Hades or Tartaros.
The transliterated Greek word gehenna is used twelve times in the New Testament, and each one refers to THE
DESTROYING FIRE OF GOD, which results in the STATE of perdition or destruction, but it does not refer to a
place. To be cast into Gehenna for the Christian is the opposite of entering into life, which is destruction of the
soul. The Christian who is cast into Gehenna fails to realize the salvation of his soul.
Note: Gehenna fire applies to Christians and the unsaved dead. Gehenna is the destroying fire of God that destroys
the souls of unfaithful Christians and the resurrected bodies of unsaved reprobates. THE FIRE THAT TRIES THE
LIVES OF CHRISTIANS IS THE SAME FIRE THAT WILL CONSUME THE BODIES OF THE UNSAVED
DEAD. This truth is very unpopular and rejected by the majority of the Church, but it is a Biblical fact.
Fortunately, the Christian will receive a new soul at the Judgment Seat of Christ, and be like Christ. Unfortunately,
the unsaved dead will spend eternity in Hades without a body and with the old soul that has not been redeemed.
Thus, the Christian is completely redeemed in spirit, soul and body, but the unsaved reprobate is left with a dead
spirit, a depraved soul and no body to fulfill the fleshly desires of the depraved soul. Therefore, the unsaved
reprobate cannot quench his thirst or satisfy any of the lusts of the flesh. Undoubtedly, this is the torment that the
unsaved dead will experience in Hades in The Place of Torment.
The following verse is addressed to the disciples of Jesus. The warning about Gehenna Fire is for believers:
(Mat 18:9 KJV) And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life
with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell (i.e., gehenna) fire.
NOTE: The alternatives are to enter into life or to be cast into gehenna fire. LIFE IS NOT A PLACE AND
NEITHER IS GEHENNA FIRE. To enter into life is to realize soul salvation at the Judgment Seat of Christ. To be
cast into gehenna fire is to have ones soul (i.e., life) destroyed by the fire that tries our works.
Please read my article To Perish or not to Perish for a detailed explanation on the destruction of the soul.
The following passage of Scripture also depicts Gehenna as the opposite of entering into life:
(Mark 9:39 KJV) But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that
can lightly speak evil of me.
(Mark 9:40 KJV) For he that is not against us is on our part.

(Mark 9:41 KJV) For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ,
verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
(Mark 9:42 KJV) And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a
millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
(Mark 9:43 KJV) And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having
two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
(Mark 9:44 KJV) Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
(Mark 9:45 KJV) And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two
feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
(Mark 9:46 KJV) Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
(Mark 9:47 KJV) And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God
with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
(Mark 9:48 KJV) Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
(Mark 9:49 KJV) For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.
(Mark 9:50 KJV) Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in
yourselves, and have peace one with another.
Verse 41 above confirms that the issue is reward and not the final destination of the person. Verses 43, 45 and 47
confirm that a Christian either enters into life, or he passes away in Gehenna, which is the state of destruction for
the soul. Verse 49 confirms that Gehenna fire is that fire that will try all of the Christians works. A Christian either
enters into life, which is soul salvation, or he enters into Gehenna, which is destruction of the soul. The following
Scripture is addressed to believers and confirms that Gehenna is the fire by which God destroys both the body and
the soul:
(Mat 10:28 KJV) And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which
is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (i.e., gehenna).
This Scripture states very clearly that believers are not to fear men who are able to kill their bodies, but they are to
fear God (i.e., him) who is able to destroy their soul in Gehenna.
The following Scripture verse shows three levels of judgment for the Christians hostile attitude toward his
brethren. The levels of judgment increase in severity as the level of attitude becomes more virulent.
(Mat 5:22 KJV) But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of
the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall
say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell (i.e., gehenna) fire.
The first Christian who is angry with his brother without justification is in danger of the judgment. The Greek
word for judgment is krisis and means a sundering, or separation. This Christian is in danger of being separated at
the Firstfruits Rapture. It means that he does not qualify for being the bride of Christ. He is not a part of the outresurrection, which is the better resurrection or the abundant entrance into the kingdom of heaven.
The Christian who says to his brother Raca shall be in danger of the council. The term Raca is a term that
means a scornful attack on a persons intellect. In modern English, we would call a brother stupid. The council is
the Judgment Seat of Christ at the Main Harvest Rapture of the Church. The Christian who shows disdain for his
fellow Christian and calls him stupid is in danger when he will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ. He could
be rejected for the kingdom, or relegated to a lower position in the kingdom.

The Christian who calls his brother a fool is in danger of Gehenna fire, which is the destruction of the soul by
fire. Calling a brother a fool is a scornful attack on a brothers moral character. This is a judgment of our Christian
brother that we are not qualified to make. Only God is capable of making this judgment, for He is the only one
who knows all of the facts and the state of the Christians heart. The Christian is not to judge his brothers moral
character and consign him to destruction by Gehenna fire, or that Christian who does the judging will be in danger
of destruction by Gehenna fire himself.
NOTE: In the above verse, the separation is not a place. Also, a less than favorable judgment at the Judgment Seat
of Christ is not a place. Finally, destruction by Gehenna fire is not a place.
The Scriptures are very clear that gehenna and the lake of fire are the same. The following Scripture verse defines
the Lake of fire as the second death:
(Rev 21:8 KJV) But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and
sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:
which is the second death.
Unless we can state with a straight face that the second death is a place, then we must conclude that the lake of fire
IS NOT A PLACE. This verse is talking about unfaithful Christians having their part or portion in the lake of fire.
As stated earlier in this article, this is an extremely adverse judgment for Christians who have been unfaithful.
They end up with their lives destroyed by the fire of Gods judgment. Their lives have been a waste and will be
consumed by the fire of Gods judgment. The following Scripture passage is the best link showing that Christians
can suffer loss in the judgment by fire.
(1 Cor 3:11 KJV) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
(1 Cor 3:12 KJV) Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
(1 Cor 3:13 KJV) Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be
revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
(1 Cor 3:14 KJV) If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
The fire in verse 13 above just happens to be the second death, which happens to be the lake of fire, which
happens to be Gehenna fire. The fact that the works of Christians will be tried in the same fire that will destroy the
bodies of the unregenerate is confirmed in the following verse of Scripture:
(Rev 2:11 KJV) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall
not be hurt of the second death.
Christians who overcome the world, the flesh and the devil will not be hurt by the second death, which is the lake
of fire, which is Gehenna fire. Christians who do not overcome the flesh nature and Satan WILL BE HURT BY
THE SECOND DEATH. The fire will try the work of every Christian. If his work passes through the fire, then he
will receive a reward. THE FIRE DETERMINES OUR REWARD, AND NOT OUR DESTINATION. THE
DESTINATION OF ALL CHRISTIANS IS HEAVEN, WHICH IS A PLACE. THE PLACE FOR THE
UNREGENERATE IS HADES (GREEK), OR SHEOL (HEBREW), WHICH IS THE ABODE OF THE DEAD.
AN ABODE IS A DWELLING PLACE.
Summary
Heaven is a place! Hades and Sheol are a place. Tartaros is a place. Earth is a place. The kingdom of heaven is
NOT A PLACE, but a position of authority. Outer Darkness is NOT A PLACE, but the loss of a position of
authority. Gehenna is the fire that will try mens works. It refers to the destruction of either the body or the soul.
This destruction is forever. This is the meaning of Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
Gehenna fire and the Lake of Fire are the same. Both refer to the Judgment fire of God to destroy the bodies and

souls of men. Many Christians will be hurt by Gehenna fire, which is called the Second Death in the following
Scripture:
(Rev 2:11 KJV) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall
not be hurt of the second death.
(Rev 20:6 KJV) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no
power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
(Rev 20:14 KJV) And death (i.e., thanatos) and hell (i.e., hades) were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second
death.
(Rev 21:8 KJV) But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and
sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:
which is the second death.
The last two verses above clearly state that the LAKE OF FIRE IS the SECOND DEATH. Therefore, these verses
clearly define the Lake of Fire as a STATE, which is the SECOND DEATH.
Therefore, the lake of fire and Gehenna ARE NOT PLACES. They are the fire by which God is able to destroy
both body and soul. The unsaved, spiritually dead will have their bodies destroyed in the lake of fire, and
unfaithful Christians will have their souls destroyed in the lake of fire. Please read my article To Perish or not to
Perish to more fully understand the meaning of a Christian having his soul destroyed, but a brief explanation is
necessary here.
All spiritually, regenerated Christians have a new spirit, and they will get a new soul and a new body. The
Christian gets his new spirit when he is regenerated and believes that Jesus died for him. The Christian is
commanded to lose or crucify his soul in this life. This means he must die to self, put off the old man, walk in
newness of life, enter into life, renew his mind, walk in the Spirit, walk in the light, put on the new man, and a
myriad of other clauses that describe the work that a Christian must do to realize the salvation of his soul. If the
Christian does this, then he has a new soul or life controlled by the Holy Spirit. If he does not do this, then his soul
will perish at the Judgment Seat of Christ, and he will be hurt by the second death. In his new body, which will be
totally obedient to the Holy Spirit, this Christian will be completely conformed to the image of Christ, so he will
have a new soul. Unfortunately, he will lose his reward of entering into the kings dominion. The loss of the soul at
the Judgment Seat of Christ pertains to the loss of reward and not to his final destination. All Christians go to
heaven. All Christians get a new soul. All Christians get a new body. All Christians will be complete and perfect in
heaven, and live in their new home, which is the heavenly or New Jerusalem. Unfortunately, it will be necessary
for the souls of many Christians to be destroyed at the Judgment Seat of Christ in order for them to be conformed
to the image of Jesus Christ. If a Christian crucifies his old self now, then it will not be necessary for Jesus to
destroy it at the Judgment Seat of Christ. THE OLD MAN MUST DIE!
The words soul and life in the following passage are the same Greek Word psuche.
(Mat 16:24 KJV) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take
up his cross, and follow me.
(Mat 16:25 KJV) For whosoever will save his life (psuche) shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life (psuche)
for my sake shall find it.
(Mat 16:26 KJV) For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul (psuche)? or
what shall a man give in exchange for his soul (psuche)?
(Mat 16:27 KJV) For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall
reward every man according to his works.
Verse 27 confirms that soul salvation pertains to reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

The misunderstanding about Gehenna is the reason that so many Christians erroneously believe that a Christian
can lose his spirit salvation and go to Hell. A Christian can lose his soul in the Judgment Fire of God, but he still
goes to heaven and he is still redeemed in spirit, soul and body. It is his reward that he loses. THE OLD MAN
MUST DIE, EITHER NOW IN THIS LIFE OR AT THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST.

The Old Man Must Die

Lyn Mize
Every born-again Christian is given a new nature at his spiritual rebirth. Since this new nature is born of God, it is
completely sinless and in tune with the Holy Spirit. This new spirit nature is the person or whosoever addressed
in the following Scripture:
(1 John 3:9 KJV) Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot
sin, because he is born of God.
It is the new man in the Christian that does not commit sin. However, there is still in every Christian the old
flesh nature that the Scriptures refer to as the flesh or the old man. Consequently, every Christian has two
opposing natures in him that war against each other. The old nature is still present in every Christian in a fallen
stateeven though the Christian has been born again with a new nature. Also, this old man or flesh nature is
still the dominant nature when a Christian is first saved. This is why the first command for every born-again
Christian is Repent and be baptized.
Repentance and baptism are not requirements for the new birth experience, but they are requirements for the
Christian to become a faithful Christian. Repentance is a work that every Christian should do after he has been
born-again, but it does not precede spirit salvation. The Gospel of John was written about spiritual regeneration
and the mission of Christ as the Son of God. The word repent or repentance is not found in the Gospel of
John.
It must be understood that repentance pertains to the Covenant of Works and not the Covenant of Grace. Belief or
faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the natural and certain response to spiritual regeneration, but
repentance is an act of obedience to the command of God. After spiritual regeneration, the Holy Spirit convicts
every Christian about his sinful state, and he is commanded to repent and be baptized. Repentance means to turn
away from sin and follow Christ. It means that the Christian should become a follower or disciple of Christ.
Baptism is a ritual or ordinance of God that symbolizes that a Christian has chosen to follow Christ. Baptism
symbolizes death and resurrection and means that the Christian has committed himself to dying to the old man and
living according to the new man. It means the Christian has determined to put to death the old nature and live
according to the new nature. It means the Christian has committed himself to studying the Bible and living
according to its precepts or teachings. It means the Christian has chosen to seek the kingdom of God with all of his
heart, mind and soul. It means the Christian has committed to seeking after practical righteousness, which comes
from God. It means the Christian has decided to give up his old way of life for a new life. It means the Christian
has counted the costs of giving up his old life, and living a new life in obedience to the Word of God. It means the
Christian has given up his old life controlled by his old nature for a new life controlled by his new spirit nature. It
means the Christian has committed to losing his soul now in this life, so that he can save his soul at the Judgment
Seat of Christ. This is confirmed in the following Scripture passage:
(Mat 16:24-27 KJV) (24) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross, and follow me. (25) For whosoever will save his life (i.e., soul) shall lose it: and whosoever
will lose his life (i.e., soul) for my sake shall find it. (26) For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole
world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (27) For the Son of man shall
come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
The above passage of Scripture establishes conclusively that the Christian must do something other than believing
in Christ to save his soul. It also establishes with certainty that soul salvation is something that believers must seek
after by crucifying the old man. It also clearly establishes that soul salvation is in accordance with works and the

REWARD for the Christians life. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LOSE HIS SOUL OR LIFE, IN ORDER TO SAVE
IT AT THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST. THE OLD MAN MUST DIE!
There are many Christians that hear the gospel of grace, believe in the atoning death of Jesus Christ, but they are
never obedient to the command to repent and be baptized. Many Christians go through the motions of repentance
and baptism, but they do not follow through with this commitment. Many were probably sincere in their
commitment, but they failed to count the costs of this commitment. These Christians are still saved spiritually and
will still go to heaven, but they must answer for their disobedience at the Judgment Seat of Christ. They are still
saved by grace, will still be conformed to the image of Christ and will still receive a new body at the Main Harvest
Rapture.
The following Scripture verse is addressing Gods command for every Christian to repent, and is NOT
ADDRESSING SPIRITUAL REBIRTH:
(2 Pet 3:9 KJV) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering
to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
This passage states that God is longsuffering to all believers and God does not desire that any Christian perish at
the Judgment Seat of Christ. Every Christian must put to death the old man or the old flesh nature before he stands
before the Lord at the Judgment Seat of Christ. If the Christian does not do this, then the old man or old nature will
perish at the Judgment Seat of Christ, and this Christian will lose his inheritancewhich is his reward. The Lord
does not desire that any Christian perish at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
THE OLD MAN MUST EITHER DIE NOW IN THIS LIFE, OR HE WILL PERISH AT THE JUDGMENT SEAT
OF CHRIST.
The Christian must put off the old man and put on the new man. This means that he must crucify, mortify or put to
death the old nature, or Jesus Christ will do it for him at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
The following Scripture passage is addressed to Christians and is warning them about perishing:
(1 Cor 3:16-17 KJV) (16) Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
(17) If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye
are.
The old man perishing at the Judgment Seat of Christ is the same as losing ones soul at the Judgment Seat of
Christ. IT IS THE LOSS OF REWARD ONLY! The following passage of Scripture addresses the death of the old
man or the loss of the soul at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The Christian still goes to heaven and he is still
conformed to the image of Christ. The Scripture passage is
(Rom 8:12-13 KJV) (12) Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. (13) For if ye
live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Soul vs Spirit Salvation

Lyn Mize
The salvation of the soul is probably the most misunderstood concept in Christianity today. This may sound
incredible, since virtually every church-going Christian thinks that his understanding of soul salvation is correct,
but only a handful of Christians has bothered to check out the Scriptures to see what soul salvation really means. It
matters not what preachers say about soul salvation, if the Scriptures say something different. Spirit and soul are
not the same in the Bible. The following Scripture clearly establishes that soul and spirit are not the same:
1 Th 5:23 (KJV) And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and
body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This confirms that man is a triune being, just as God is a Trinity. It also helps to confirm that spirit salvation differs
from soul salvation. Spirit salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ plus nothing. The following Scripture about Paul
and Silas confirms this:
Acts 16:30-31 (KJV) (30) And (the Philippian jailer) brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
(31) And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Spirit salvation is very simple. One simply believes that Jesus Christ died for his sins. One can do nothing to earn
this salvation. It is a gift from God, and the Holy Spirit even provides the faith. However, the Scriptures go into
great detail regarding soul salvation, which should occur after spirit salvation. The Scriptures are also clear that
effort or striving is necessary for soul salvation. The following Scripture confirms this:
James 1:21 (KJV) Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the
engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:21 (ASV 1901) Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with
meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
This Scripture is addressing believers and it states that a believer can save his soul by getting rid of sin in his life
and studying and obeying the Bible. This requirement differs from Acts 16:30-31. Spirit salvation and soul
salvation are not the same.
The difference between spirit salvation and soul salvation is the difference between grace and works. The spirit is
saved by faith in Jesus Christ, while the soul is saved by faithfulness to Jesus Christ. Soul salvation does not
determine whether a person enters heaven, but it does determine his reward in heaven. Some Christians will enter
heaven with no reward because of unfaithfulness to Jesus. The following Scripture confirms this:
1 Cor 3:13-15 (KJV) (13) Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall
be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. (14) If any man's work abide which he
hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. (15) If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he
himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
The following Scripture also confirms that soul salvation is the result of works:
1 Pet 1:7-9 (KJV) (7) That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it
be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (8) Whom
having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and
full of glory: (9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
This Scripture is addressed to believers who have faith that has matured, and when tested at the return of Jesus,
will be found to be as precious as gold resulting in praise, honor and glory from the Lord Jesus Christ. This results
in the saving of their souls or reward for being faithful.
In the following Scripture, Jesus explains the requirement for soul salvation:
Mat 16:24-27 (KJV) (24) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross, and follow me. (25) For whosoever will save his life (psuche) shall lose it: and whosoever
will lose his life (psuche) for my sake shall find it. (26) For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole
world, and lose his own soul (psuche)? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul (psuche)? (27) For the
Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to
his works.
Please note that the Greek word for life and soul is the same word psuche throughout this passage of Scripture.
Jesus is telling His disciples about soul salvation and how it determines their reward for successfully crucifying
the old flesh nature. This passage of Scripture clearly establishes that soul salvation is according to works.
Spirit and soul are not the same. The soul is what a person is in regard to his character or his person. It is possible

for a person to be totally changed as a person and in character. The reason for this is that the soul is a person's
mind, emotions, intellect, will and heart. It is what kind of person he is in life. This is why the Greek word psuche
is alternately translated as life or soul.
It is possible for a person to lose his soul in this life and be a totally different person. This happens when a person
lives according to his new spirit nature, which never sins (1 John 3:9), instead of his old flesh nature, which can do
nothing good. Therefore, the Christian who loses his soul in order to save it is the faithful, spiritual Christian who
will receive a reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ when the Christian's works will be tried by fire. The souls of
Christians who continued to live according to their old flesh nature will be lost (i.e., they will perish or be
destroyed), and they will receive no reward. Their spiritswhich are born of Godwill still be saved, and they
will still receive a redeemed body. The redeemed body will live in complete submission to the spirit, so the soul
(i.e., personality, character and mind) of these believers will be totally different in heaven. Their souls will perish,
but they will be completely and totally redeemed.
There will be Christians who will be disqualified as the Bride of Christ, and they will lose their inheritance as a
coheir with Jesus Christ. They will still be in heaven, and they will be totally forgiven for all their sins. Christians
who had lived their lives as gluttons will no longer be gluttons. Christians who had lived lives as busybodies and
gossips will no longer be that way. Christians who were liars will no longer be liars. Christians who were
pharisaical and self-righteous will no longer be that way.
In like manner, Christians who were drunkards will no longer be drunkards. Christians who were homosexuals will
no longer be homosexual. Christians who were adulterers will no longer be adulterers. Christians caught up in
seeking after wealth and material possessions will no longer be worldly minded. All of these Christians will have
lost their souls, but they will have new souls. Simply stated, their lives will be totally different, but they will have
no positions of honor and glory in the millennial kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Book of Remembrance
Eric Summers
16Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book
of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 17And
they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a
man spareth his own son that serveth him. 18Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the
wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. (Malachi 3:16-18 KJV)
Today, there are small groups of Christians that meet often to read, study and meditate upon the word of God.
They enjoy the spiritual nourishment they receive from the presence of the Holy Spirit and from the fellowship of
fellow believers. These believers meet in their homes and sometimes in small churches. In larger churches, they
are sometimes allowed to meet in classrooms, but most of the members of these churches are either unaware of or
do not place a very high value on joining in with these small groups of faithful believers. They are reading
complete books of the Holy Bible and discuss the topics in each chapter in-depth. They may expand their study of
Sunday School materials to include the unpopular topics that many of the authors simply ignore or incorrectly
interpret. Some of these ignored topics include Watching for the return of Jesus Christ, the Judgment Seat of
Christ, the Confession of Sins and admitting that they sometimes fail in their walk with God, the Commandment to
live a righteous life for God, the Ten Commandments and the need to teach their children Godly living. The Bible
is full of other topics that are almost never mentioned, either in the pulpit by the pastor or by the Sunday School
teachers. However, these small groups of faithful believers are the only Christians that are studying and applying
all chapters of all 66 books of the Bible.
Their informal conversation is different from the conversation of most Christians, because their talk is mainly
about Jesus Christ. Yes, they will sometimes discuss a football game, or how their children did in school, or a new
recipe, but because they are filled with the Holy Spirit, their conversation always comes back to talk about Jesus
Christ and His goodness and what God is accomplishing in their lives. Their conversation will never include
putting down a person or glorifying their selves. They will always be supportive to others and to help them with

money, clothing, a kind word and a loving friendship.

Their thinking is also Christ-centered. They will often just sit down in a chair and open up The Word of God. They
will start with the first chapter in a Book of the Bible and just prayerfully read until they finish the Book. This
Bible reading will not just be done once a month, but will happen almost every day. This reading is allowing God
to speak to them through the messages in His Holy Word and this reading is slowly transforming their lives--they
are becoming faithful followers of God. Because of this reading of the Word, they are becoming more resistant to
the evil that is so prevalent in the world today. This reading and applying the word of God to their lives is also
leading to a fellowship with God because they are praying to God and telling Him each day how important He is
to them. They are recognizing and thanking God for the many blessings that He is pouring out to them each day
and are daily confessing their sins and shortcomings to God and are relying upon the Holy Spirit to help them in
their walk with God.
There are not many of these believers, because the cares of the world are controlling the thinking and actions of
most of the other Christians in this world. Many Christians are only focusing on their jobs and their drive to
succeed in having a bigger house, a newer car, the best clothes, their children to succeed in athletics and academics
and to shine and even dominate the leadership in their churches. This is the leading church in the last days--the
Church of Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22).
These faithful believers are identified in the Book of Revelation (Rev 3:7-13) as the Church of Philadelphia.
Because they are demonstrating their faith in and their love for God, He is very pleased with them. Hence, God has
promised that He will remove them from the earth in the First Fruits Rapture, which will happen just before the
start of the Tribulation. These faithful actions are being recorded in a scroll called a Book of Remembrance. When
Jesus gives out His rewards, this book will be opened and the faithful Christian's life works will be reviewed and
this Christian will be praised by Him before all the saints in Heaven. This book will be one of the main reasons
that a faithful Christian's name will not be blotted out of the Book of Life. These faithful actions are the main
reason for God recognizing that they have achieved Soul Salvation. They are counted as wise and faithful servants
of Jesus.

Imputed vs Practical Righteousness

Lyn Mize
Every born-again Christian has the Imputed Righteousness of Christ, but every Christian is exhorted to seek after
the Practical Righteousness of God. The Imputed Righteousness of Christ is that righteousness that is credited to
one based on his spiritual rebirth. This Imputed Righteousness of Christ is addressed in the following verse:
(Gen 15:6 KJV) And he (Abraham) believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
The Christian enters heaven based on the Imputed Righteousness of Christ.
The Practical Righteousness of God is that righteousness worked out in a Christians life resulting in integrity,
virtue, purity of life and rightness or correctness in feeling, thinking and acting. Practical righteousness is
addressed in the following passage of Scripture about the righteousness of David as he sought after practical
righteousness:
(2 Sam 22:21-25 KJV) (21) The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of
my hands hath he recompensed me (22) For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed
from my God. (23) For all his judgments were before me: and as for his statutes, I did not depart from them. (24) I
was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity. (25) Therefore the LORD hath recompensed
me according to my righteousness; according to my cleanness in his eye sight.
The Christian will be rewarded in the future kingdom of heaven based on his practical righteousness.
The following verse also addresses practical righteousness:

(1 Ki 3:6 KJV) And Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as
he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for
him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
Even though the Christian has the imputed righteousness of Christ, he is commanded to seek after the practical
righteousness that comes through crucifying the flesh nature and walking according to his redeemed spirit nature.
The Scriptures describe this as putting off the old man and putting on the new man, or walking according to the
spirit and not according to the flesh.
Every Christian gets to heaven because of the imputed righteousness of Christ. This same Christian will be judged
at the Judgment Seat of Christ according to his success in walking before God in truth, in righteousness and in
uprightness of heart. It is a grave mistake for the Christian to settle for the imputed righteousness of Christ and to
fail to seek after the practical righteousness of God.
The Imputed Righteousness of Christ is an absolute righteousness, whereas the Practical Righteousness of God is a
relative righteousness. Every Christian has the imputed righteousness, but he must seek after the practical
righteousness. Imputed righteousness gets one into heaven, but practical righteousness gets one into the kingdom
of heaven. Heaven is a place for Christians, but the kingdom of heaven is a position of authority, which is a reward
for faithful Christians. Every Christian enters into heaven, but faithful Christians enter into the kingdom of heaven.
The following verses in the Sermon on the Mount are speaking of the practical righteousness of believers:
(Mat 5:6 KJV) Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
(Mat 5:10 KJV) Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.
(Mat 5:20 KJV) For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes
and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
(Mat 6:33 KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added
unto you.
The following verses that are in the middle of the context of the above verses show that the righteousness
addressed in these verses is the practical righteousness that results in reward:
(Mat 5:11-12 KJV) (11) Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of
evil against you falsely, for my sake. (12) Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for
so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
It is a common mistake in the church today to quote the following verse and assume that the Christian can do
nothing that is righteous:
(Isa 64:6 KJV) But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do
fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
In this verse Isaiah was lamenting the falling away of Israel from the ways of the Lord. The Christian operating in
the power of the Holy Spirit can and does perform many righteous acts or deeds. These righteous acts and deeds
represent the practical righteousness of Christians. The more of these acts and deeds that the Christian performs,
the more righteous he is. This is the reason that practical righteousness is a relative righteousness. Some Christians
are more righteous than others, and this is why some Christians will have greater reward and responsibility in the
coming kingdom of the heavens. Christians that do not seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness will lose
their inheritance completely. These are the Christians that fail to enter the kingdom of God.
The following Scripture passage confirms that the inheritance in the kingdom of God is a reward for faithfulness in
performing acts and deeds of practical righteousness in the power of the Holy Spirit:

(Col 3:22-24 KJV) (22) Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as
menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: (23) whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not
unto men; (24) Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord
Christ.
The following Scripture confirms that Christians who are poor in the things of this world, rich in faith and love the
Lord are the ones that will receive the inheritance of the kingdom:
(James 2:5 KJV) Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and
heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Those Christians that are rich in faith and love the Lord are the ones that abound in practical righteousness. All
Christians have the imputed righteousness that qualifies one for heaven, but many do not abound in practical
righteousnessa prerequisite for entrance into the kingdom of God. WORKS DO COUNT AND ARE
IMPORTANT!!!

Eternal Life -- Tradition vs Scripture

Lyn Mize
The phrase eternal life is probably the most misunderstood phrase in all of Scripture. It comes from the Greek
words aionios zoe, and these Greek words are translated in the Scriptures as eternal life, life eternal, or everlasting
life. The phrase is used 45 times in the New Testament, and it has the same meaning every time that it is used. The
Biblical meaning of this phrase is quite different from the traditional interpretation. The traditional interpretation
of eternal life assigns it to every believer, and provides the meaning of living forever. Traditionally, eternal life is
linked with the spirit of man, but Scriptures link it to the soul of man. Unfortunately, the great majority of
Christians do not know the difference between the soul and the spirit.
The Scriptures provide a clear and unmistakable definition of eternal life in the following passage in Romans,
addressed to Christians and warning them about the Judgment Seat of Christ:
(Rom 2:1-10 KJV) Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou
judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. {2} But we are sure that the
judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. {3} And thinkest thou this, O man,
that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? {4} Or
despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of
God leadeth thee to repentance? {5} But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath
against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; {6} Who will render to every man
according to his deeds: {7} To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and
immortality, eternal life: {8} But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey
unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, {9} Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of
the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; {10} But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the
Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
Verses 6 & 7 provide the simple definition of eternal life. Eternal life is the reward of glory and honour and
immortality that comes to the Christian who patiently endures in performing good works (i.e., well doing). The
Christian who worketh good will have glory and honour at the Judgment Seat of Christ, and the person he is at
the rapture (i.e., resurrection) will pass through the testing fire and continue on into the millennial reign of Jesus
Christ. This is the meaning of immortality. The person who is immortalized is the one who receives glory and
honor, and his deeds (i.e., his life) are remembered forever. Christians who arrive at the Judgment Seat of Christ as
liars, gossips, adulterers or drunkards will have their lives perish in the testing fire of God. They will receive
tribulation and anguish for their evil works, and they will not inherit eternal life. The opposite of perishing at the
Judgment Seat of Christ is to inherit eternal life. Eternal life pertains to the soul of the Christian and not the spirit.
The Christian must be faithful to lay hold on eternal life in the present life, or he will not have it at the Judgment

Seat of Christ:
(1 Tim 6:12 KJV) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast
professed a good profession before many witnesses.
(1 Tim 6:18-19 KJV) That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to
communicate; {19} Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may
lay hold on eternal life.
The Christian who follows Jesus and puts him first in his life will inherit eternal life:
(Mat 19:27-29 KJV) Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee;
what shall we have therefore? {28} And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed
me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. {29} And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters,
or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall
inherit everlasting life.
Every Christian is an heir to eternal life, but he can lose his inheritance by not following Christ. Many Christians
will fail to inherit eternal life because they put wealth and riches ahead of following Jesus Christ:
(Mark 10:17-22 KJV) And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and
asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? {18} And Jesus said unto him, Why callest
thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. {19} Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit
adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. {20}
And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. {21} Then Jesus beholding
him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the
poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. {22} And he was sad at
that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
Even the best known Scripture in the Bible confirms the conditional nature of eternal life:
(John 3:14-16 KJV) And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
{15} That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. {16} For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
This brief passage states twice that believers should not perish, but they might perish. This passage confirms and
restates that the opposite of perishing is the realization of eternal life. We have already seen that eternal life is
something the Christian must lay hold on in this life. We have also seen that eternal life pertains to REWARD at
the Judgment Seat of Christ, and this REWARD is the receipt of glory, honor and immortality. The immortality
pertains to the soul of the Christian. The faithful Christians soul (i.e., life) will pass through the judgment fire and
will never be forgotten. This is what it means to be immortalized.
Summary: Eternal life pertains to the soul and not the spirit. Eternal life must be sought after by the Christian in
doing good works. The Christian can have eternal life abiding in him in the present age, but it can be lost by
falling away from the faith. The Christian still goes to heaven and he is still conformed to the image of Jesus
Christ, but he loses his REWARD in the millennial kingdom of Jesus Christ. Eternal life is related to the
inheritance, and not the destination of the Christian. The opposite of perishing at the Judgment Seat of Christ is to
realize eternal life and receive glory, honor and immortality. Christians must put aside tradition and believe the
Word of God.

Is Repentance a condition for Salvation?

Lyn Mize

Christians have debated this question for many years, but only a small percentage of Christians have an accurate
understanding of the place of repentance in the Christian life. Even Billy Graham has waffled on this question and
is unable to explain the work of repentance, which should follow salvation by grace. Must a Christian repent of his
sins in order to be saved spiritually? The Biblical answer to this question is simple, but the explanation is very
complex for those Christians with a superficial understanding of the Bible. The simple answer is no, repentance is
not a condition for spirit salvation, but it is a condition for soul salvation. Spirit and soul are not the same!
The Christian must first understand the difference between Gods Covenant of Grace, which pertains to spirit
salvation, and Gods Covenant of Works, which pertains to soul salvation. Both covenants are addressed in the
following passage of Scripture:
Covenant of Grace:
(Eph 2:8-9 NASB) For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of
God; (9) not as a result of works, that no one should boast.
Covenant of Works:
(Eph 2:10 NASB) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared
beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Covenant of Grace:
Verses 8 & 9 cover the covenant of grace. Please note that works are not involved, and that even the faith comes
from God. These two verses address spirit salvation from God. God the Holy Spirit regenerates the persons spirit,
convicts him of his sinful state and causes him to believe in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. The believer does
nothing for this salvation. He hears the gospel of grace and simply believes it because of the faith given him by
God. This is the point at which the believer receives the imputed righteousness of Christ. Repentance plays no part
in this salvation by grace. It is very significant that the gospel of John was written so that people would believe in
Jesus for spirit salvation, and the gospel of John does not contain the words repent or repentance.
(John 20:31 KJV) (a) But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; (b) and
that believing ye might have life through his name.
Spirit salvation is effected by the simple belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, as confirmed in (a)
above. This means that the person believes that Jesus is the anointed onethe Son of Godwho died as a
substitute for the believer. Upon belief in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells, or comes
to live inside the Christian. This is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is so misunderstood and abused by the
endtime church of Laodicea. Every Christian is baptized by the Holy Spirit upon belief in the substitutionary death
of Jesus Christ. This completes spirit salvation via the Covenant of Grace, which is all a work of God and not man.
Spirit salvation takes away the guilt of sin.
Covenant of Works:
As soon as the Holy Spirit indwells the believer, the Holy Spirit begins to convict the Christian about his sins,
which come from his flesh or sin nature. The born-again Christian has a new spirit nature that is totally obedient to
the Holy Spirit living inside him. The new spirit nature listens to the Holy Spirit and begins to work on the mind of
the believer. The mind is part of the soul, and has not been renewed at the point of spirit salvation. In fact, the
entire soul is still in a fallen state at the point of spirit salvation. The soul includes the mind, the will, the emotions,
and the intellect.
The renewing of the mind plays a primary part in the process of soul salvation. The Christian begins to feel
remorse, contrition or self-reproach for his sinful behavior. The Christian should understand that these feelings of
remorse cannot take place until a persons spirit has been quickened or made alive by the Holy Spirit, and the Holy
Spirit has become active in the believer. This is why repentance and baptism are part of the Covenant of Works and
not the Covenant of Grace. The salvation of the soul pertains to the Covenant of Works and not the Covenant of
Grace. Soul salvation is little understood by most Christians, and this is primarily responsible for the

misunderstanding about repentance.

Soul salvation pertains to the life and is effected through his name as confirmed in John 20:31(b) shown
above. Through his name means that a Christian lives his life in the power and authority of Jesus Christ. A
Christian can live his life in the power and authority of the flesh nature, or he can live it in the power and authority
of Jesus Christ. A Christians life may perish at the Judgment Seat of Christ, or it may come through the judgment
by fire and result in reward. The Christian who lives a wasted life in the power of the flesh nature will see his life
go up in smoke at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The Christian who lives his life in the power and authority (i.e.,
name) of Jesus Christ will see his life come through the testing fire and receive glory, honor and immortality.
A pastor friend once stated I hope that when the rapture takes place that there will not be much change in me after
the rapture. This is the essence of soul salvation. The Christian who walks in the spirit has put off the old man
and has put on the new man. He has repented or died to self, and is walking in the spirit. The Christian who walks
in the flesh has not repented, or has fallen away from the faith. The old man has not been crucified, and he is
walking in the flesh.
Repentance and baptism pertain to discipleship or faithfulness to Jesus Christ. Repentance involves turning from
sin. Repentance goes hand in hand with baptism, which portrays dying to the old nature and living in accordance
with the new nature. Gods command to believers is repent and be baptized. Repentance and baptism are required
for making a public commitment to die to the old nature and to live according to the new nature. This is a worka
difficult workthat requires determination, tenacity and fortitude. This is why repentance comes under the
Covenant of Works and soul salvation, and not the Covenant of Grace.
Repentance is something that every Christian should do in obedience to God, but many do not make the
commitment, or they do not follow through with the commitment. Repentance pertains to the Christian life and
ones success in living the Christian life. The success of a Christians repentance and baptism (i.e., death of self)
will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The Christian who has been successful in his life will pass through
the judgment fire unscathed, but the Christian who has not been successful in his life of repentance will suffer loss.
He will see his lifes work perish in the judgment fire of the Judgment Seat of Christ.
Summary: Repentance is not required for spirit salvation, but it is required for soul salvation. Repentance does not
pertain to the Covenant of Grace, but it does pertain to the Covenant of Works. Repentance is not required for
entrance into heaven, but it is required for entrance into the kingdom of heaven. Repentance does not pertain to the
gospel of grace, but it does pertain to the gospel of the kingdom. The gospel of grace says Believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. The gospel of the kingdom says Repent and be baptized for the kingdom
of heaven is at hand.

Salvation Past, Present and Future

Lyn Mize
(Gen 1:27 KJV) So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female
created he them.
Man was created in the image of God, which means that he is a tripartite or triune being, just as God is a Trinity.
Man is made of spirit, soul and body, just as God is God the Father, God the Holy Spirit and God the Son. God is
Three Persons in One, just as man is three persons in one.
When man fell in the Garden of Eden, he fell in all three persons. Consequently, when he is redeemed, he must be
redeemed in all three personsspirit, soul and body. It does not take much thought to realize that the bodies of
Christians have not yet been redeemed. The redemption of our bodies will take place at the rapture (i.e.,
resurrection) of the Church.
It should not take much thought to realize also that the souls of Christians have not yet been completely redeemed

at the present time. Our soul is our mind, will, intellect, emotions and personality. Our soul is who we are as a
person. The Scriptures have much more to say about the salvation of our souls than the salvation of either our
spirits or our bodies.
Simply stated, the salvation of the Christians spirit is a one-time event that has taken place in the past for
Christians. Therefore, it is a past salvation that can never be rescinded, in spite of the behavior of Christians. That
is why it is called Salvation by Grace. It is an unconditional salvation that is not dependent upon the Christians
behavioreither before salvation or after salvation. Spirit salvation is eternally secure and can never be lost by the
actions of the Christian. Spirit salvation guarantees a redeemed soul and a redeemed body at the resurrection, and
all Christians will abide in the New Jerusalem forever. A redeemed soul means that the Christian will be like Christ
in his thoughts and behavior. The redeemed body will also be like the redeemed body of Christ. It will consists of
flesh and bone, and will be fit for dwelling in heaven and transporting back and forth between the New Jerusalem
and the earth. It will also be indestructible and invinciblemuch like the body of the comic book hero Superman.
Even though every Christian is guaranteed a new soul and body at the Rapture of the Church, God has established
a process whereby a Christian can realize soul salvation in the present life. Therefore, soul salvation is a present
salvation, but there are requirements for attaining to this salvation in the present age. The Christian must put to
death the old flesh nature and allow his new spirit nature to be in control of his life. The Christian must lose his
soul now so that it can be saved at the Judgment Seat of Christ. If the Christian loses his soul now, then he will not
lose it at the Rapture. Jesus explains this in the following Scripture:
Mat 16:24-27 (KJV) (24) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross, and follow me. (25) For whosoever will save his life (psuche) shall lose it: and whosoever
will lose his life (psuche) for my sake shall find it. (26) For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole
world, and lose his own soul (psuche)? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul (psuche)? (27) For the
Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to
his works.
Please note that the Greek word psuche is the word for soul or life. Also note that soul salvation pertains to works
and rewards at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
We have now seen that spirit salvation is a past salvation, soul salvation is a present salvation and body salvation is
a future salvation. Consequently, when a Christian is asked if he is saved, he can truthfully say, I have been saved,
I am being saved and I shall be saved.
Spirit salvation is referred to in the Scriptures as the Justification by Faith. Soul salvation is referred to as the
Justification by Works, and body salvation is referred to as Glorification, since Christians will receive a glorified
body.
Soul salvation is greatly misunderstood by the majority of Christians. Many Christians have taken the Scriptures
that address the loss of soul salvation, and applied them to the spirit. They say that a Christian can fall away from
the faith and end up in hell if he is unfaithful. The truth is that a Christian can fall away from the faith, but it is
his soul that he loses at the Judgment Seat of Christ, and he loses his reward, which is his inheritance in the
kingdom of God. THE CHRISTIAN CANNOT LOSE HIS SPIRIT SALVATION. He did nothing to earn it, so he
can also do nothing to lose it. The following Scripture addresses soul salvation, but verse 13 confirms that even if
the Christian is unfaithful (i.e., believe not), Jesus will remain faithful, since he cannot deny himself:
(2 Tim 2:10-13 KJV) Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation
which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. {11} It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also
live with him: {12} If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: {13} If we
believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
In this Scripture, Paul writes about working very hard, so the elect can obtain or realize soul salvation, which will
result in glory for the coming age (i.e., eternal glory). If Christians die to self (i.e., be dead with him) then they
will live with him, which means they will realize soul salvation at the Judgment Seat of Christ. If Christians also
suffer with him, then they will also reign with him, which means they will enter the kingdom of heaven. If
Christians deny Christ by their manner of life, then they will be denied at the Judgment Seat of Christ, which

means the loss of soul salvation, the loss of glory and honor, and the loss of the reward of reigning and ruling with
Christ in his millennial kingdom. THE LOSS OF SOUL SALVATION AT THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST
IS VERY SERIOUS. It means the Christian cannot be the bride of Christ, cannot enter the kingdom to reign and
rule, and cannot receive honor and glory because of his wasted life. The loss of the soul at the Judgment Seat of
Christ means the Christian has wasted his life in the pursuit of earthly things. The Christian that loses his soul at
the Judgment Seat of Christ is the Christian whose life consists of wood, hay and stubble. The Christian that
realizes the salvation of his soul at the Judgment Seat of Christ is the Christian whose life consists of gold, silver
and precious stones.
The soul is a persons life. It will either perish at the Judgment Seat of Christ in the judgment fire of God, or it will
pass through the fire and attain to glory, honor and immortality. THE ISSUE OF SOUL SALVATION IS
REWARD.
The student of the Bible must rightly divide the Word of truth to determine if the Scripture is speaking of spirit
salvation, soul salvation or body salvation. Most of the Scriptures in addressing salvation are speaking of soul
salvation, such as follows:
(Phil 2:12 KJV) Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much
more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

The Book of Life

Lyn Mize
The Book of Life is one of the most misunderstood concepts in Scripture. The misunderstanding about the Book of
Life is due to the misunderstanding about the difference between the spirit and the soul, and the misunderstanding
of the difference between the Covenant of Grace and the Covenant of Works. The misunderstanding about Grace
and Works is due to the failure of the great majority of Christians to rightly divide the Word of Truth, which is the
Bible. Bible prophecy confirms that the leaven of false doctrine would permeate the Church at the end of the
Church Age. That prophecy has been fulfilled.
One truth of Scripture is generally understood correctly by both the end-time Sardis (i.e., Protestant) church and
the end-time Laodicean (i.e., Pentecostal and Charismatic) church. That truth is that all the names of believers
were written in the Lambs Book of Life from the foundation of the world in accordance with the following
Scriptures:
(Rev 13:8 KJV) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of
life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
(Rev 17:8 KJV) The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into
perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the
foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
It is widely understoodCORRECTLY that all believers were elected before the foundation of the world, and
they had their names written in the Lambs Book of Life at that time. However, it is NOT generally understood
that the Book of Life pertains to the Covenant of Works and soul salvationNOT SPIRIT SALVATION. A
Christian can have his name blotted out of the Book of Life, if he is not an overcomer in his Christian life. This is
NOT the loss of spirit salvation, but the loss of soul salvation at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The potential for
having ones name blotted out of the Book of Life is confirmed in the following Scripture:
(Rev 3:5 KJV) He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name
out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
This Scripture confirms that overcoming Christians will NOT have their names blotted out of the Book of Life. It
also confirms that Christians who are NOT overcomers WILL have their names blotted out of the Book of Life.

The following Scripture confirms that the Book of Life is linked to the works of the Christian. There are three
words in this brief Scripture linking works to the Book of Life:
(Phil 4:3 KJV) And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel,
with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
The following passage of Scripture relates the JUDGMENT OF THE WORKS of the unsaved spiritually dead.
THE ISSUE IS WORKS. Of course, the names of these people are NOT FOUND WRITTEN in the Book of Life,
because they were not written there from the foundation of the world. The issue for both believers at the Judgment
Seat of Christ and the spiritually dead at the Great White Throne Judgment is WORKS. The Book of Life is related
to WORKS, which is confirmed in the following Scripture:
(Rev 20:12-15 KJV) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and
another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were
written in the books, according to their works. {13} 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 every man according to their works. {14}
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. {15} And whosoever was not found
written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
We have seen so far that every believer has his name written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world.
We have also seen that if the believer is not an overcomer, then his name is blotted out of the Book of Life. We
have also seen that this is the loss of soul salvation at the Judgment Seat of Christ, and NOT THE LOSS OF
SPIRIT SALVATION, which is eternally secure. Spirit salvation and the destination of heaven are based on the
work of Christ. Soul salvation and the realization of the inheritance in the kingdom of heaven are based on the
works of Christians. The Scriptures confirm this numerous times.
It should not be difficult to understand that the loss of the Crown of Life is directly related to having ones name
blotted out of the Book of Life. It is also directly related to the loss of Eternal Life at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
There is a pattern here that should be fairly easy to comprehend. The fact that a believer can lose his Crown of Life
and the fact that the Crown of Life is related to faithfulness is confirmed in the following Scriptures:
(James 1:12 KJV) Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of
life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
(Rev 2:10 KJV) Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into
prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give
thee a crown of life.
The following Scripture confirms that the crown of life can be taken from a believer:
Rev 3:11 KJV) Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (Ref. Rev. 2:10)
Summary of Biblical Truths: The names of all believers were written in the Book of Life before the foundation of
the world. The Book of Life pertains to the life that a believer lives. A believers name can be blotted out of the
Book of Life, if he is not an overcomer. Having ones name blotted out of the Book of Life means the loss of the
Crown of Life, and the loss of soul salvation at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The loss of soul salvation at the
Judgment Seat of Christ means the loss of Eternal Life, which pertains to glory, honor and immortality in the
coming Kingdom Age:
Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the
goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
Romans 2:5 but after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up for thyself wrath in the day of wrath and
revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Romans 2:6 who will render to every man according to his works:
Romans 2:7 to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life:
Romans 2:8 but unto them that are factious, and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, [shall be] wrath
and indignation, (ASV 1901)

The unfaithful Christian still goes to heaven. He is still in the Church, and he is still conformed to the image of
Christ. However, he does lose his inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, which means the failure to reign and rule
with Christ in the coming millennial kingdom. The loss of the Crown of Life and Eternal Life results in the
blotting out of ones name in the Book of Life. This means the Christian has been found unfaithful at the Judgment
Seat of Christ, and he LOSES HIS REWARD. His LIFE perishes.
THE BOOK OF LIFE, THE CROWN OF LIFE AND ETERNAL LIFE ALL PERTAIN TO THE COVENANT
OF WORKS, AND NOT THE COVENANT OF GRACE.
The Crown of Life is based on faithfulness.

The Philadelphia Christian

Lyn Mize
The Philadelphia Christian is the one who will be taken in the Firstfruits Rapture. I have had many questions from
other Christians asking me to identify the characteristics of a Philadelphia Christian. The primary answer is that
the Philadelphia Christian bears the Fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The Philadelphia Christian bears this fruit because he is filled or
controlled by the Holy Spirit. He is filled or controlled by the Holy Spirit because he reads his Bible and allows
the Word of God to be firmly implanted in his being. The Bible describes this as receiving with meekness the
engrafted Word as shown in the following Scripture as necessary for saving the soul.
(James 1:21 KJV) Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the
engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
The soul is the kind of person each of us is in living our life. The Christian who bears the Fruit of the Spirit has
certain traits of character. If a Christian has the following traits, then he could be described as a Philadelphia
Christian:
Trustworthy
trustworthy adj. trustworthier, trustworthiest. Warranting trust; reliable. See Synonyms at reliable.
--trustworthily adv. --trustworthiness n.
trust n. 1. Firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing
reliable adj. Capable of being relied on; dependable: a reliable assistant; a reliable car. --reliability or
reliableness n. --reliably adv.
The Philadelphia Christian is trustworthy. This means that God and his fellow Christians can depend upon him to
do that which is right. The Philadelphia Christian can be relied upon to do that which has been entrusted to him.
The trustworthy person is faithful to his calling. He does not depart from his calling in times of trouble,
persecution and hardship. He can be trusted in his obedience to the Word of God.
The Philadelphia Christian is trustworthy because he has entrusted his spiritual well-being to Jesus Christ. This is
one of the definitions of the word believe:
4100 pisteuo (pist-yoo'-o);
from 4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust
(especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ):
KJV-- believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.

This belief is more than simply believing in the atonement of Jesus Christ on the Cross. It is believing the Bible as
the inspired Word of God, and the study and engrafting of Gods Word into the life of this person. Thus, the
Philadelphia Christian is the Christian who believes, studies and applies the Word of God to his life. This is much
more than simply believing in the atonement of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary.
Loyal
loyal adj. 1. Steadfast in allegiance to one's homeland, government, or sovereign. 2. Faithful to a person, an ideal,
a custom, a cause, or a duty. 3. Of, relating to, or marked by loyalty. See Synonyms at faithful.
The Philadelphia Christian is loyal to his Sovereign God, the Word of God, and his duty as a Christian in studying
the Bible and applying it to his life. The Christian who states that he is loyal to God, and never opens his service
and duty manualthe Bibleis a liar. The Philadelphia Christian is steadfast in his allegiance to God. He is
unwavering in his duty in spite of hardship and persecution that comes from his loyalty in teaching and abiding by
the precepts in the Word of God.
Helpful
helpful adj. Providing assistance; useful. --helpfully adv. helpfulness n.
The Philadelphia Christian provides assistance to those in need, and he is a useful member in society. He comes to
the assistance of those who need help. He is a good worker on his job, since everything that he does is performed
as if he were doing it for his Lord and Master.
The Christian who has the spiritual gift of serving excels in this trait, but all Philadelphia Christians should have
this trait in varying degrees.
Friendly
friendly adj. friendlier, friendliest. 1. Of, relating to, or befitting a friend: friendly advice. --friendly adv. 1. In
the manner of a friend; amicably. --friendly n., pl.
The Philadelphia Christian is friendly to his brethren, and even those who persecute him, speak evil of him or
belittle him. This is very difficult to do, and the only means of doing this is to be filled with the Holy Spirit to the
extent that agape flows through the Philadelphia Christian to those who persecute and despitefully use him. Agape
is Christian love that comes from God through the Christian who is spirit-filled. The Christian who is not filled
with the Holy Spirit cannot manifest agape. He may pretend to have this love, but it is not real and will be revealed
to be false when tested. I have had fellow Christians feign agape towards me, until I stated something with which
they disagreed, and then their true nature of malice and spitefulness was manifested. The Philadelphia Christian is
able to crucify the old nature with its malice and spitefulness, and allow agape to flow through him. The Christian
who is unable to control malice and spitefulness out of his old flesh nature is not manifesting self-control, which is
a Fruit of the Spirit.
Courteous
courteous adj. Characterized by gracious consideration toward others. See Synonyms at polite. [Middle English
corteis, courtly, from Old French, from cort, court. See COURT.] --courteously adv. --courteousness n.
The Philadelphia Christian is courteous towards others. He is graciously considerate of the feelings of others. He
does not fly off the handle and verbally abuse others. He does not hurt the feelings of others through his prideful
and arrogant actions. He is polite and tactful in his dealings with others, and he shows good manners.
It is the old flesh nature that gets angry simply because others disagree on doctrinal issues. All of us are in error on
some doctrinal issues, so we must allow ourselves to be open and teachable. The Philadelphia Christian is very
much aware that he can be in error, so he remains courteous when others are rude and impolite.
It is very difficult to disagree with some without appearing rude and offensive, as the egos of many Christians

consider any disagreement as rude and offensive. These Christians will insert attitudes between the lines in written
communications that may not have been intended by the writer. Any disagreement may appear as harsh and rude
regardless of the words that are used.
Kind
kind 1 adj. kinder, kindest. 1. Of a friendly, generous, or warm-hearted nature. 2. Showing sympathy or
understanding; charitable: a kind word. 3. Humane; considerate: kind to animals. 4. Forbearing; tolerant: Our
neighbor was very kind about the window we broke. 5. Generous; liberal: kind words of praise. 6. Agreeable;
beneficial: a dry climate kind to asthmatics. [Middle English, natural, kind, from Old English gecynde, natural.
See gen- below.]
The Philadelphia Christian is generous, warm-hearted, charitable, and has legitimate sympathy or understanding
for the feelings of others. He is tolerant and patient in the face of provocation from others. He is not easily
provoked. He is humane and considerate towards animals. He is generous and liberal in sharing his possessions
with others. He really cares about other people and animals.
Obedient
obedient adj. Dutifully complying with the commands, orders, or instructions of one in authority. [Middle
English, from Old French, from Latin oboedins, oboedient-, present participle of oboedre, to obey. See OBEY.]
--obediently adv.

SYNONYMS: obedient, biddable, compliant, acquiescent, submissive, docile, amenable, tractable. These
adjectives mean carrying or willing to carry out the orders, requests, or wishes of another. Obedient implies
acceptance of and submission to authority: an obedient pupil; an obedient soldier. The obedient colonies in this
scheme are heavily taxed; the refractory remain unburdened (Edmund Burke). One who is biddable follows
directions or obeys commands: A more gentle and biddable invalid . . . can hardly be conceived (Henry
Kingsley). Compliant and acquiescent suggest a disposition to yield to authority meekly and without protest:
children compliant with the parental will; too acquiescent to challenge the propriety of offering a bribe.
Submissive implies an inclination or a willingness to submit without resistance and sometimes with deference to
the control of another: replacing the troublemakers with more submissive people from the masses of
unemployed (Suzanne Muchnic). One who is docile is receptive to being taught and willing to be led, supervised,
or directed by another: A State which dwarfs its men, in order that they may be more docile instruments in its
hands even for beneficial purposeswill find that with small men no great thing can really be accomplished
(John Stuart Mill). Amenable suggests an agreeable responsiveness to authority, advice, or suggestion: a highspirited and rebellious girl not at all amenable to persuasion. Tractable applies to those who can be handled, dealt
with, or managed, especially with ease: the natives . . . being . . . of an intelligent tractable disposition (Samuel
Butler).
The Philadelphia Christian is obedient to God and those whom God has placed in authority over him. The
emboldened phrases under synonyms above are the characteristics of the Philadelphia Christian. He is not
rebellious of the authorities that God has placed above him. This includes the wife who is to be obedient to her
husband and the child who is to be obedient to the parent. The Philadelphia Christian will be the obedient wife, the
obedient child, and the obedient employee. He will be obedient to the laws of man and will be seen as a lawabiding citizen. The only time a Philadelphia Christian would rebel against the authorities above him would be
when the orders go against the laws of God. Even then, the refusal to obey would be explained in a courteous and
kind manner. For example, the Christian who has been told to tell a lie by his supervisor should respectfully
decline to do so with the explanation that it is against Gods law to lie. In most cases, the declination to lie would
gain respect from the supervisor. Integrity is something that is admired by everyoneeven those who do not have
it themselves.
Cheerful
cheerful adj. 1. Being in good spirits; merry. See Synonyms at glad1. 2. Promoting a feeling of cheer; pleasant: a

cozy, cheerful room. 3. Reflecting willingness or good humor: cheerful labor. --cheerfully adv. --cheerfulness
n.
The Philadelphia Christian is cheerfuleven in the face of adversity. He has the peace of God as a result of being
filled with the Holy Spirit, and he exhibits the joy and pleasure of knowing that he belongs to God. He knows that
his future is bright, in spite of present circumstances. The Philadelphia Christian does not depend on his present
circumstances for his cheerful disposition. He depends upon the inner peace that comes from God. He knows that
all things work together for his good, since he loves the Lord with all of his heart, mind and soul. The threat of
death does not disturb the inner peace of the Philadelphia Christian, for he knows that when he comes to be absent
from the body, he will be present with Christ.
Thrifty
thrifty adj. triftier, triftiest. 1. Practicing or marked by the practice of thrift; wisely economical. See Synonyms
at sparing. 2. Industrious and thriving; prosperous. 3. Growing vigorously; thriving, as a plant. --thriftily adv.
--thriftiness n.
The Philadelphia Christian is thrifty. He is wisely economical and is not wasteful. He is industrious in his work,
and he spends his money wisely. This does not mean that he is stingy, miserly, avaricious, penurious or niggardly.
He is not grudging or petty in giving or spending, and he does not live meagerly in order to hoard money. He is not
greedy or immoderately desirous of wealth. He does not spend his money recklessly and wastefully, and he is not
extravagant in spending. He pays his bills and he renders unto God the firstfruits of his labors, which is the tithe of
his income. He is a cheerful giver to the Lords work. Thrift and generosity are perfectly compatible with each
other.
Thrift is not the same as greed. Some may see themselves as being thrifty, when they are actually being greedy. I
have seen firsthand the greed of corporate officers, who withhold the wages of the laborer, yet pay themselves very
large salaries and bonuses, and then attempt to justify their actions. The following Scripture is a prophecy about
these rich men, and what is going to happen to them and their wealth at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Their hoards
of wealth will actually be a witness against them when they have to account for their lives. These rich men are
Christians. The words rotted, moth-eaten, and corroded refer to wealth that is simply laid in store and unused.
(James 5:1-5 NIV) Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. {2}
Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. {3} Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion
will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. {4} Look! The wages
you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have
reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. {5} You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have
fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.
Brave
brave adj. braver, bravest. 1. Possessing or displaying courage; valiant.
The Philadelphia Christian is brave. He possesses courage, boldness and valor. This is not the showy, pretentious
bravery known as bravado. Bravado is a pretense of courage and a false show of bravery. Bravado is a disposition
toward showy defiance or false expressions of courage. True bravery is coupled with humility, meekness, and
patience, but it is not timidity. The Philadelphia Christian is humble, meek, and patient at the same time that he is
bold, courageous and valiant. He is not marked by bravado or pretentious displays of courage designed to impress
others. The Philadelphia Christian is the one who lays his life on the line to save another, and is embarrassed by
the attention that he gets for doing so.
Clean
clean adj. cleaner, cleanest. 1. Free from dirt, stain, or impurities; unsoiled. 2.a. Free from foreign matter or
pollution; unadulterated: clean air; clean drinking water. .10.a. Morally pure; virtuous: led a clean life. b. Having
no marks of discredit or offense. 11. Fit for all readers, listeners, or audiences; not ribald or obscene: a clean
joke. 12. Honest or fair: a clean fighter; a clean competition. 13. Slang. a. Not carrying concealed weapons or

drugs. b. Free from narcotics addiction. c. Innocent of a suspected crime. --clean adv. cleaner, cleanest. 1. So as to
be unsoiled: wash the dishes clean. 2. In a fair manner: played the game clean. 4. To remove the contents from;
empty: cleaned my plate. Slang. To eliminate or discard what is undesirable: The scandal forced the company to
clean house. [Middle English clene, from Old English clne.] --cleanable adj. --cleanness n.

SYNONYMS: clean, antiseptic, cleanly, immaculate, spotless. The central meaning shared by these adjectives is
free from dirt: clean clothing; antiseptic surgical instruments; cats, cleanly animals; an immaculate tablecloth;
spotless gloves.
ANTONYMS: dirty.
The Philadelphia Christian is clean. He fits several of the definitions in the American Heritage Dictionary shown
above for the word clean. He is free from the stain of sin, and he lives his life free of drugs and crime. He is not
only clean on the inside, but he keeps himself clean on the outside. The Old Testament priests were constantly
washing their hands and feet on the outside as a demonstration of cleanliness on the inside. It is possible for a
Christian to be clean on the outside, and still be dirty on the inside, but a Christian who is clean on the inside will
eventually come to be clean on the outside. Inner cleansing will always eventually work its way to the outside.
Reverent
reverent adj. Marked by, feeling, or expressing reverence. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin
reverns, reverent-, present participle of reverr, to revere. See REVERE1.] --reverently adv.
reverence n. 1. A feeling of profound awe and respect and often love; veneration. See Synonyms at honor. 2. An
act showing respect, especially a bow or curtsy. 3. The state of being revered. 4. Reverence. Used as a form of
address for certain members of the Christian clergy: Your Reverence. --reverence tr.v. reverenced, reverencing,
reverences. To consider or treat with profound awe and respect; venerate. --reverencer n.
The Philadelphia Christian is reverent toward God. He has profound awe, respect, love, and veneration toward
God. It is because of this reverence that the Philadelphia Christian does not take the Lords name in vain. He does
not use filthy language that would dishonor God. Most people with even a little character do not use filthy
language in the presence of ladies and children, but they do not hesitate to use it in the presence of God. Since the
Philadelphia Christian lives his life abiding in the presence of God, he does not use filthy language, tell filthy
jokes, or perform any actions that are irreverent towards God. As soon as the Philadelphia Christian does commit
an act that is offensive to God, he seeks cleansing and forgiveness for that act. The Christian who lives his life
with the knowledge that he is in the abiding presence of God lives a life that is reverent toward God. The
Philadelphia Christian not only talks the talk of the Christian life, but he walks the walk of the Christian life.

Conclusion
If a Christian desires to know if he is a Philadelphia Christian, he can judge himself in accordance with the above
twelve traits or characteristics to determine if he is measuring up to Gods standards. The Christian whose life is
characterized by the above twelve traits will carry these traits into heaven with him, and he will be rewarded with a
position of honor in the coming kingdom of Jesus Christ. The Christian whose life is not characterized by the
above traits will see his life perish at the Judgment Seat of Christ. He will have these traits after the Judgment Seat
of Christ, but there will be no reward for him in the kingdom. This is what is meant in the Scriptures about a
Christian perishing or losing his soul at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

The Bride of Christ

Lyn Mize

It is a widespread and common misconception among Christians that the bride of Christ and the Church are
synonymous. The bride of Christ is not the Church, contrary to popular belief and teaching. It is true that the
Church is the body of Christ, and the entire Church has been espoused or engaged to Christ, but every member of
the Church will not be the bride of Christ. Faith in Christ is necessary to be in the Church, but faithfulness to
Christ is necessary to be the bride of Christ.
The Church and the body of Christ are one and the same (Eph. 1:22-23), but no Scripture equates either one of
these groups of Christians with the bride of Christ. Tradition is responsible for this doctrinal error, and tradition is
a worthy opponent for anyone attempting to replace it with Scriptural truth.
The Church consists of all spiritually regenerated people from Pentecost to the end of the Age of Grace, which will
end with the Firstfruits Rapture of the bride and her court. John the Baptist was not a member of the Church, since
he died before Pentecost. Since the bride comes out of the Church, he could not be a member of the bride, and he
even referred to himself as a friend of the bridegroom (John 3:29).
In 2 Corinthians 11:2-3 (KJV) Paul tells the Corinthians that he has espoused them to Christ:
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you
as] a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your
minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Espoused means betrothed or engaged, and Paul clarifies his statement by saying that he desires to present them as
a chaste (i.e., pure) virgin, but he is afraid that their minds would be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to
Christ. This Scripture clearly states that sincere and pure devotion to Christ is a prerequisite for being presented as
the chaste bride of Christ.
We know that Mary was betrothed to Joseph, and his intent was to put her away when he thought she had been
unfaithful. There will be numerous Christians who will be put away or disqualified as the bride of Christ at the
Firstfruits Rapture.
Paul compared the Christian life to a race where all run, but only one receives the prize. Paul was fearful that he
would become a castaway so he worked diligently to keep his body in subjection:
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And
every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but
we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep
under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself
should be a castaway. (1 Cor 9:24-27 KJV)
In chapter three of Philippians, Paul talks about losing all things so that he might gain Christ. He also says that
he wants to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings,
becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. The resurrection
Paul is talking about in this passage of Scripture is something that is earned. The usual transliterated Greek word
for resurrection is anastasis. The Greek word used in Philippians 3:11 is exanastasis. The word literally means the
out-resurrection from among the dead. This is the only place this Greek word is found in the Bible. It refers to a
partial resurrection of Christians who have attained to a certain standard. Hebrews 11:35 calls it the better
resurrection (Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting
deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:) and it is also related to works. In this passage of
Scripture Paul emphasizes that he is working very hard to win the prize, which is in Christ Jesus. The prize is
clearly the highest reward that a believer can receive for faithful, spirit-filled service in the Lords work. The
Scriptures are replete with types, parables and doctrinal statements that express the honor and blessing attached to
those who attend the wedding of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Scriptures also attach shame and reproof to those Christians who have not prepared for themselves a wedding
garment (Mat. 22:1-14). The wedding garment represents the good works that pass through the judgment fire at the
Judgment Seat of Christ. It is clear from these Scriptures that being selected as the bride of Christ was Pauls goal
for himself and for as many Christians as Paul could persuade to make the supreme sacrifice of self.

The Church and the Bride are not the same. The Scriptures confirm that the bride of Christ comes out of the body
of Christ. They also give the Biblical criteria for being a member of the bride of Christ. As stated above, pure and
sincere devotion to Christ is one of the criteria. Preparing for oneself a wedding garment of good works is another
criterion. It is also required that a Christian be found watching at the time of the Firstfruits Rapture of the Church.
The bride of Christ will come from those Christians that are longing for the Return of Christ. They will be among
the Five Wise Virgins that have trimmed their lamps and beckoned for the Lords return at the midnight hour. The
bride of Christ will be among the watchful and waiting Christians anxious for the Lord to return for them. She has
separated herself from the cares of this world, and the riches of this world do not deceive her. The Main Body of
the Church does not see her as worthy, and it may even see her as being eccentric, fanatical or even too heavenly
minded to be of any earthly good.
The first bride in Scripture was Eve and her origin (Gen. 2:22-23) is well known among Christians, but few
understand the prophetic significance of her origin. The different methods for the creation of Adam and Eve were
for a reason. Adam is a type of Christ, and just as Adams bride was taken out of his body, Christs bride will be
taken out of his body, the Church. Eve was made from a small portion of Adams body. She was made out of one
rib and the flesh attached to that rib. The type is accurate for the bride of Christ, since the bride of Christ will come
from a very small portion of the body of Christ. Adam was put to sleep before his side was opened. Christ was also
put to sleep before his side was pierced and blood and water poured out. The blood represents the salvation of the
spirit, which is by grace. The water represents the salvation of the life, which is a work and is attained by the
washing of water by the Word (Eph. 5:25-27). Thus, the bride of Christ must be born of water and the spirit.
Many in the Church are not born of water, since they do not avail themselves of the cleansing that Jesus is now
providing as our High Priest (1 John 1:9), and they do not study the Bible and apply it to their lives. The bride of
Christ will come out of those who not only see the kingdom (John 3:3), but those who enter the kingdom (John
3:5). The bride will be at the highest level in reigning and ruling with Jesus Christ. The Four Living Creatures in
Revelation represent her. The bride will share the throne of Jesus Christunlike the 24 elders that have their own
thrones and occupy the second level in the kingdom of the heavens.
The bride of Christ constantly confesses her sin, is filled or controlled by the Holy Spirit and performs righteous
deeds that prevent her from being put away because of her unfaithfulness. Just as Ruth (Book of Ruth) did before
she met Boaz, the bride washes herself, anoints herself with oil and dresses herself in the wedding garment of
good works. The bride has made herself ready, just as the following Scripture confirms:
(Rev 19:7-8 NASB) (7) "Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has
come and His bride has made herself ready." (8) And it was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and
clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
The bride of Christ remains faithful to Christ until the end, and she has the pure and sincere devotion that qualifies
her for the prize of the high calling of God, which is to be presented as the bride of Christ.

No Man Knows the Day and Hour

Lyn Mize
(Mark 13:32 KJV) But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither
the Son, but the Father.
This one Scripture verse is the only verse that numerous Christians can quote regarding Bible prophecy and the
return of Jesus Christ for his bride. This verse is often quoted and then the Christian states Therefore, we do not
need to concern ourselves with the time of Jesus return. The next verse in this passage is not quoted and is
completely ignored by the majority of Christians. It is as follows:
(Mark 13:33 KJV) Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Therefore, the majority of Christians use verse 32 above as an excuse for ignoring Bible prophecy, and especially
the Scriptures that pinpoint the time of Jesus return for those Christians who are diligently watching and praying
for the return of Jesus Christ for his bride.

The majority of Christians alive today are among the Five Foolish Virgins who are asleep in regard to the return of
Jesus Christ. They are neither interested in nor concerned about the time of Jesus return. Therefore, they will be
among the Five Foolish Virgins who will be awakened at the Midnight Cry, and will be caught unawares when
Jesus comes as a thief to them. Jesus will come as a thief to the Sardis church. The Sardis church represents the
Protestant churches that came out of the Reformation. This includes Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian and Lutheran
churches. Please note what Jesus had to say to the Sardis church:
(Rev 3:1-3 KJV) And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits
of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. {2} Be
watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect
before God. {3} Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou
shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
This should be clear. Sardis Christians are not watching for the return of Jesus, and Jesus will come upon them as a
thief. They will not know the day and hour of Jesus return because THEY DID NOT WATCH.
The great majority of Christians are virtually ignorant on the Scriptures that deal with Bible prophecy and the
return of Jesus Christ for his bride. They are primarily ignorant about the three aspects of Jesus return as
Bridegroom, Lord and King. He will first return at midnight for his bride. This is when He returns as a thief to the
majority of the Church. He will then return as Lord to remove the Main Body of the Church who was asleep at the
first aspect of his return. Jesus will then return as King to the Jews and Gentiles who are saved during the
tribulation period. The three aspects of Jesus return will be sequential and will take place respectively at the
beginning, middle and end of the seven-year tribulation period.
The bride of Christ is among the Five Wise Virgins who are watching and beckoning for the return of Jesus. The
Main Body of Christians is among the Five Foolish Virgins, totally disinterested in the prophetic Scriptures. The
evil servant who delays the return of the Bridegroom in his own mind represents the Main Body of Christians.
The following passages of Scripture distinguish the faithful and WISE servant from the evil servant:
(Mat 24:40-42 KJV) Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. {41} Two women
shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. {42} Watch therefore: for ye know not what
hour your Lord doth come.
It is absolutely critical for Christians to understand that the two in the field and the two women at the mill are ALL
CHRISTIANS. The only difference between them is that one is WATCHING and the other is NOT WATCHING.
The passage continues as follows:
(Mat 24:43-44 KJV) But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would
come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
{44} Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
The house in verse 43 above is the household of faith (i.e., the Church). The goodman of the house represents
the pastors and leaders in the Church. If the Church pastors and leaders had known in which watch the thief would
come, they would have been ready and not allowed the Church to be split up. This prophecy will be fulfilled. The
Thief will come and remove that which is most valuable to him. That will be the bride of Christ. The remainder of
the Church will be cut asunder or separated in accordance with the remainder of this passage of Scripture:
(Mat 24:45-50 KJV) Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to
give them meat in due season? {46} Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
{47} Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. {48} But and if that evil servant shall
say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; {49} And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and
drink with the drunken; {50} The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an
hour that he is not aware of, {51} And shall cut him asunder, (i.e., separate him) and appoint him his portion with
the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The evil servant represents Christians caught up in the cares of this world, and they are not watching and
beckoning for the return of the Bridegroom. They actually delay the return of the Bridegroom in their own minds,
since they are NOT longing for his return. They will be separated at the Firstfruits Rapture. The following are
actual quotes from Sardis Christians in regard to the return of Jesus Christ:
I hope it doesnt happen too soon. I want to get married and have children first.
There is a part of me that hopes it does happen soon.
We should not be praying for Jesus to return. We have too many people we have to save first.
I hope it doesnt happen too soon. I want to sell some more asphalt plants first.
No man knows the day or hour, so we should not concern ourselves with the time of Jesus return.
The above statements represent the primary attitude of Sardis Christians, and they are all in complete opposition to
what the Christians attitude should be in regard to the return of Jesus.
(2 Tim 4:8 KJV) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge,
shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
The Date of Jesus' Return Will Be Revealed
There is one and only exception to the verse in Mark 13:32 of only God the Father knowing when Jesus will return
for the First Fruits Rapture--here it is:
Either the USA and/or Israel will destroy Damascus because of a terrorist act on either or both countries. The
details of the destruction of Damascus is covered in: The Burden of Damascus. After this event, Jesus will initiate
the "midnight cry" and somehow let all Christians in the world know that He is coming back to take to Heaven His
most faithful believers. The verses:
(Isa 17:1-3 KJV) The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a
ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make
them afraid. The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of
Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.
The fortress are faithful Christians that support and pray for the nation of Israel--here mentioned as Ephraim, one
of the sons of Joseph and adopted by Jacob as one of his own sons (Genesis 48:5). The "ceasing" means that they
will no longer be on the earth and hence not be able to directly support Israel. After Damascus is destroyed, the
First Fruits Rapture will take place on the following Pentecost, the Day of First Fruits, which is one of the seven
Jewish Feasts. Thus, after Damascus is destroyed, we will know with certainty when the First Fruits Rapture will
take place.
What should Christians be doing to let Jesus know that we want very much to be taken to Heaven and to be with
Him for eternity at the First Fruits Rapture? We should be doing this:
(Hebrews 10:23-25 KJV) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that
promised;) {24} And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: {25} Not forsaking the
assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as
ye see the day approaching.
The day approaching is the First Fruits Rapture. Once Damascus is destroyed and the event will be covered for
months on TV and on the Internet, Christians should meet often to discuss the events of the day and how quickly
prophetic events will be taking place. We should show our love for our brothers and sisters in-Christ by
encouraging each other to pray, to read and study the Holy Bible and to accomplish any good works that Jesus
prepares for us to accomplish. An overview of the events leading up to the First Fruits Rapture and events of the
Tribulation are covered in: An Overview of the Book of Revelation and details of these events are discussed

starting with: The Book of Revelation Chapter One.

Note the following verse:
Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He reveal His secret unto His servants the prophets.
Thus God the Father via the Holy Spirit will reveal to His faithful followers the knowledge about when Jesus will
return for the First Fruits Rapture as stated in the above verse. So this last generation of Philadelphia Christians
will know the day and the hour of Christ's return and be preparing and beckoning for His return. Hebrews 10:2325 is a second confirmation that the date of Jesus' return will be known.

The Burden of Damascus

Lyn Mize
The 17th chapter of Isaiah is an overview of The Seventieth Week of Daniel. It follows the Semitic style of
apocalyptic writing, which is found throughout the Bible. This style of writing first gives an overview of the main
events in a particular time frame, and then the passage goes back and provides details during the same time frame.
The time frame in Isaiah 17 is the seven year Tribulation period. The first six verses provide an overview of the
entire period from the total destruction of Damascus at the beginning to the wine press of the wrath of God at the
end.
Verses 7-9 begin the detailed portion of the passage, and these three verses describe the Church in the first half of
the Tribulation period. After Damascus is completely destroyed, and the Firstfruits Rapture takes place (i.e., the
removal of the defender of Israel), the remainder of the Church will suddenly take their eyes off of their wealth
and earthly things, and they will look to Jesus Christ.
Verses 10 and 11 provide details of the Jews during the seven year period. The first half of the Tribulation period
shall appear to be a wonderful time of planting with an expected great harvest, but the last half of the tribulation
(i.e., the harvest) will end up as a time of grief and sorrow for the Jews (i.e., the time of Jacobs trouble).
Verses 12-14 provide details of the Gentiles (i.e., the nations), and how the Gentiles cause massive destruction in
the world and attempt to destroy and plunder Israel. The end for the Gentiles who do this is their destruction in the
wine press of the wrath of God, and these Gentiles will not be present when the millennial kingdom starts (i.e., the
morning).
Chapters 18 and 19 are a continuation of the details during the seven year Tribulation period, but this article will
not cover these details. Briefly, chapter 18 explains what takes place in America during the seven years, and
chapter 19 covers what takes place in Egypt. America was not yet named when Isaiah wrote chapter 18, so Isaiah
simply described the nation as it would be in the future.
We will now attempt a verse-by-verse exposition of chapter 17:
(Isa 17:1 KJV) The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a
ruinous heap.
The Hebrew word for burden means prophecy or doom. Thus, this is a prophecy of the doom of Damascus.
Damascus shall cease from being a city because it will become a pile of rubble. The description appears to be that
of a nuclear blast that reduces the city to rubble. This has never before taken place in the history of Damascus.
Damascus will look like Hiroshima after the atomic bomb was dropped. Syrians today are very proud of the fact
that Damascus is the oldest continuously existing city in the world. The fact that Damascus is the center of
terrorism in the world today makes it ripe for a nuclear attack by America, or even Israel. It seems certain that the
current war on terrorism will result in the destruction of Damascus just as it is described in this prophecy.
(Isa 17:2 KJV) The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall

make them afraid.

Aroer is the area east of the Jordan River just across from Israel in modern day Jordan. There are many
Palestinians who live in this area due east of the West Bank, and due south of Damascus. All of the people who
live in these cities will leave or forsake these cities so quickly that they will not even take their flocks with them.
These cities are not destroyed like the city of Damascus, but it is obvious that whatever destroyed Damascus will
suddenly become a strong threat to the people living due south of Damascus. This threat may very well be the
nuclear radiation that will drift southward in the dust cloud and wind that comes out of the nuclear destruction of
Damascus.
Bashar al-Assad, President of Syria, finances and supports terrorism, and Damascus is the center of terrorism. It is
clear that any provocation by Syria in the direction of war against Israel would result in a nuclear attack by Israel
on Damascus. Also, another major terrorist attack against America would almost certainly result in a nuclear attack
on Damascus. The next major terrorist attack on America would almost certainly involve nuclear, chemical or
biological weapons, and the existing policy of Americas government is to retaliate against any biological,
chemical or nuclear attack with nuclear weapons. Any retaliation by America would have to be against the
headquarters of terrorism, and that would be Damascus. The destruction of Damascus will be the major event just
before the removal of the Firstfruits in the Church and the appearance of Antichrist to the world.
(Isa 17:3 KJV) The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of
Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.
This verse alludes to the Firstfruits Rapture of the Church, which is described in detail in the New Testament. The
Hebrew word for fortress means defender. The Hebrew word for cease means to be removed, taken away, or to
rest (i.e., to be made to cease from labor). Thus, the first clause in this compound sentence states, The defender
shall also be removed or taken away from Israel and shall enter into rest. It is no secret that the faithful Christians
in the Church are the defenders of Israel. It is the faithful in the Church who stand up for Israel, pray for Israel, and
do everything they can to watch over and protect Israel. This is in obedience to the command of God as given in
the following Scripture verse:
(Gen 12:3 KJV) And I (God) will bless them that bless thee (Israel), and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee
shall all families of the earth be blessed.
At the same time that the defender is taken away from Israel, the kingdom is taken away from Syria. Thus, the
order of events appears to be (1) Damascus will be destroyed with a nuclear missile or bomb and the inhabitants of
Northern Jordan will flee the nuclear dust cloud, (2) the Firstfruits Rapture will take place, (3) Egypt, Syria, Iraq,
Jordan and Saudi Arabia will unify against the Western world and employ the oil weapon against America and the
other western countries. These five Arab countries will almost certainly make up the Leopard with four wings on
its back described in Daniel 7. The Leopard with four wings on its back only has four heads. It appears that the
nation without a head will be either Iraq or Syria. Please see my article Four Beasts out of the Sea for a full
discussion on Daniel 7.
The last part of verse 3 above speaks of the remnant of Syria who survive the nuclear devastation. Their glory shall
be as that of Israel, and the implication is that this glory is nonexistent.
(Isa 17:4 KJV) And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of
his flesh shall wax lean.
This verse is referring to the time of Jacobs trouble during the last half of the seven-year tribulation period. In
that day is referring to the Day of the Lord, which takes place on the earth during the last half of the tribulation
period. The only difference between the Day of the Lord and the Day of Christ is the Day of the Lord takes place
on the earth as a time of darkness and destruction, and the Day of Christ takes place in heaven as a time of
rejoicing by the Church, since all of the Church will be in heaven around the throne.
It is during the Day of the Lord that all nations will come against Israel and two-thirds of the nation of Israel will
be destroyed. Before the Day of the Lord can take place on the earth, the Day of Christ, or the Main Harvest
Rapture of the Church must take place. The Main Harvest Rapture of the Church is described in the following

verse.
[Note: It is important to understand that in typology, grain such as wheat, corn, and barley typify the Church, since
the home of the Church is not on the earth. These grains are annuals and they are only temporary. The Olive tree
typifies Israel. Olive trees are firmly attached by deep roots to the earth, and they grow to be very old. Grapes
typify the Gentiles as grape vines are also perennials that are firmly attached to the earth. The following Scriptures
address the Church, Israel, and the Gentiles using these types.]
(Isa 17:5 KJV) And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and
it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim.
This verse depicts the Main Harvest Rapture of the Church. The Harvestman is Jesus Christ and He gathers the
stalks of grain. This gathering is a complete harvest of the stalks of grain. In addition, he reaps the heads (i.e., ears)
of grain by placing them under his arm and mowing off the heads. The picture is that of a complete harvest of the
stalks of grain with the heads of grain being separated from the chaff at the same time that the harvest takes place.
In addition, there is no regard for picking and choosing stalks of grain where the heads of grain are ripe.
Everything is harvested whether or not the heads are mature. This is in clear contrast with the Firstfruits Rapture of
the church, when only the ripened or mature heads of grain are harvested.
This Main Harvest Rapture of the Church is further described as being similar to the harvest of the heads of grain
in the valley of Rephaim. The valley of Rephaim is a rich, fertile valley southwest of Jerusalem reaching to
Bethlehem. The valley is ideal for the growing of grain. The harvests are plentiful and the whole valley is
harvested at once. This verse is a perfect depiction of the Main Harvest Rapture of the Church.
(Isa 17:6 KJV) Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top
of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel.
This verse describes what is left after the grain harvest. When the grain (i.e., the Church) has been completely
harvested, there is still left the grape gleanings and the olive threshing. The grape gleanings refer to the Gentiles
who are saved during the seven year tribulation period, and they enter into the earthly aspect of the kingdom. The
olive threshing refers to Israel in the last half of the tribulation period. There will only be a remnant of Jews left
that survives the time of Jacobs trouble, but they enter into the earthly aspect of the kingdom. Those at the top of
the tree seems to portray those who enter into the highest level of the earthly aspect of the kingdom, and those on
the outer branches seems to portray those who enter the second level of the earthly aspect of the kingdom.
The above verse ends the overview of Daniels seventieth week. The following verse goes back to the beginning of
the passage and begins giving details of what takes place during the time covered by the overview. Verses 7-9
describe the reaction of the Church to the destruction of Damascus and the removal or taking away of the
Firstfruits at the Separation.
(Isa 17:7 KJV) At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.
At the time that Damascus is completely destroyed and the Firstfruits of the Church are removed, the Christian in
the Church left behind upon the earth will suddenly have regard for God, and his spiritual faculties will begin to
pay attention to the things of God, and he will learn about the Holy One of Israel. Of course, the Holy One of
Israel is Jesus Christ.
(Isa 17:8 KJV) And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his
fingers have made, either the groves, or the images.
The Christian who has been left behind will suddenly realize that all of the things that he had put ahead of God are
no longer important. Possessions and wealth that Christians spent a lifetime seeking will no longer have relevance.
The groves are the images of Astarte, and the images are the images of Baal and/or Tammuz. This most likely
pertains to the church of Thyatira (i.e., the Catholic Church) who is big into the use of images in their worship
services. Mariolatry is actually worship of Astarte. The image of Baal, the Sun god, is also seen in the sacred trees
that are used as images of the resurrection of the Sun god. These trees are today called Christmas trees.

There are many pagan practices in the Church that are abominations to God. These rituals will suddenly have no
meaning when Christians suddenly realize that many faithful Christians have gone to be with the Lord, and they
have been left behind.
(Isa 17:9 KJV) In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left
because of the children of Israel: and there shall be desolation.
In that day after Damascus has become a total ruin and the Firstfruits have been taken to heaven, the Christian will
forsake the strong cities. This means that the Christian will turn away from the things of the world, and he will
concentrate on spiritual things. The forsaking of the cities is compared to the forsaking of the bough of a tree or
the uppermost branch of a tree. This analogy is made because the Church as a whole has become a powerful entity
in the world system. The New Testament compares the Church to a mustard bush that grew into a tree and this is
not good. God never intended for the Church to become a powerful entity in the world. The Church is supposed to
be like wheat with shallow roots into the earth, but it has become like a tree with deep roots into the earth. The
Christians who will be left behind are those who have important positions in the Church. They are the big branches
that support the tree. The uppermost branch represents those Christians who are in the highest levels of importance
in the Church.
After the Firstfruits Rapture these important positions in the Church will be abandoned, and the Church as an
organization will fall apart. Church leaders will get serious about serving the Lord and forget their important
positions and their big salaries. The Church will be greatly persecuted, and will no longer be a world power. All of
this will take place because of the children of Israel. The salvation and conversion of the 144,000 Jewish Firstfruits
will very likely play a major role in this great turnaround by the Church, and this verse alludes to this revival of
Israel as the catalyst for the revival of the Church.
Verses 10 and 11 that follow address the Jews in the seven-year tribulation period, and they provide an account of
what happens to the Jews during this seven year period.
(Isa 17:10 KJV) Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy
strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips:
As the prophet to Israel, Isaiah now addresses his people, the Jews, in the future, and tells them that they have
forgotten the God of their salvation. Salvation is of the Jews. The Jews have not only forgotten God the Father, but
they have not been mindful of the Rock of their strength. The Rock of their strength is, of course, Jesus Christ. The
great majority of Jews in the world today are not concerned with God, and they have rejected Jesus Christ. The
Jews have been brought back to the land of Israel in unbelief in God. They were brought back to the land because
of the crisis of the holocaust. In the middle of the tribulation, another crisis will bring them back to a belief in God
the Father. Armageddon and the Return of Jesus Christ in power and glory will bring them to a belief in Jesus
Christ as their Messiah.
Israel has planted charming plantations with strange vines since they have been back in the land. The strange vine
means they have not relied on the True Vine, which is Jesus Christ. Israel is an exporter of fruits and vegetables to
Europe and other countries, and their developments and progress in Botany is amazing. They have reclaimed much
of the desert with new methods of agriculture, and they grow fruits and vegetables in the sand with brackish water.
They have hybrid plants that can grow and flourish on brackish water, and they have special watering systems to
trickle water and keep the sand moist so large fruits and vegetables can grow. However, there is a consequence to
forgetting God and His Son Jesus Christ, and it is during the Tribulation (i.e., the harvest) that Israel will suffer for
their forgetfulness and their failure to be mindful of Christ.
(Isa 17:11 KJV) In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to
flourish: but the harvest shall be a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow.
Even though Israel has been so successful in replanting trees in Israel, and in growing farm produce, Israel will
become a harvest mound or heap in the day of grief and desperate sorrow. This is the time of Jacobs trouble in the
last half of the tribulation period. This ends the brief detailed account of Israel in the seven year tribulation period,
and verses 12-14 following address what happens to the Gentiles during the tribulation period.

(Isa 17:12 KJV) Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the
rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!
Isaiah pronounces a woe against the Gentiles of the world. The exclamation of Woe is an expression of pain, and
it is followed by the proclamation of the judgment of wrath. The Hebrew word for noise means the nations will be
troubled, and they will be in an uproar like the raging of the sea. The Hebrew word for rushing means destruction
like the destruction of mighty waters. In the last several years we have seen how destructive the rushing of waters
can be with the floods that have affected the whole world. This has been just a sample of the destruction that is
going to take place during the Tribulation period when the Gentile nations become a tumultuous uproar with the
destructive use of nuclear weapons.
(Isa 17:13 KJV) The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall
flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the
whirlwind.
The Gentile nations shall destroy the world like the destruction of many great floods, but God will rebuke them
severely. The nations will attempt to hide from the face of God and to flee from His wrath, but they will not be
able to escape His judgments. They will be caught up in His judgments like the chaff of the mountains are caught
up in the wind, and they will be whipped about and destroyed like an object that is caught up in a tornado. The
Hebrew word for chased means to run after with hostile intent.
(Isa 17:14 KJV) And behold at eveningtide trouble; and before the morning he is not. This is the portion of them
that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us.
The two Hebrew words for at eveningtide means at the end or the terminus of the period of darkness there will be
great terror and destruction. The terminus of the darkness is the period of time between 3:00AM and 6:00AM. This
is the darkest part of the night and represents the last half of the seven year tribulation period. The period between
Midnight and 3:00AM represents the first half of the Tribulation period when God has turned the Christians over
to Antichrist to be persecuted. The last half of the Tribulation period is when the wrath of God is unleashed upon
the Gentile nations. It is also the time of Jacobs trouble when the Jews will be severely persecuted by Antichrist.
The morning represents the initiation of the millennial kingdom. Before the kingdom is implemented, the Gentile
nations who came to destroy and plunder Israel at Armageddon will be destroyed themselves, and they will be no
more. Individual Gentiles who assisted Israel during the Tribulation period will enter into the earthly aspect of the
kingdom. These Gentiles are the sheep in the sheep and goat judgment of Matthew 25. The goats are the ones who
lose their inheritance in the earthly aspect of the kingdom.

Do Not Forsake Assembling Together

Lyn Mize
(Heb 10:23-25 KJV) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that
promised;) {24} And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: {25} Not forsaking the
assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as
ye see the day approaching.
Verse 25 of this passage of Scripture is often quoted from the pulpit and by Sunday school teachers to emphasize
the importance of coming to church and Sunday school. It is true that Christians should attend church and Sunday
school, but this verse is not addressing church and Sunday school. The literal meaning of this verse of Scripture
addresses a specific Christian gathering that is yet future. One simply has to read the WHOLE VERSE to
understand that Paul is talking about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to rapture the Church to heaven.
The Greek word for assembling together is episunagoge (ep-ee-soon-ag-o-gay'). This Greek word is only used
twice in Scripture, and the other Scripture passage is:

(2 Th 2:1-3 KJV) Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering
together unto him, {2} That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by
letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. {3} Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall
not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Both the verse in Hebrews and the verse in 2 Thessalonians are addressing the rapture of the Church. The passage
in Hebrews is warning Christians not to forsake the doctrine of the coming Rapture of the Church. It is important
to note that even then, some Christians were forsaking the teaching and exhortation of each other about the
coming Rapture of the Church. This is the meaning of the clause as the manner of some is. Some of the
Christians were ignoring the doctrine of the coming rapture.
The Sardis (i.e., Protestant) church has almost completely forsaken the teaching and exhortation of fellow
Christians to prepare for the rapture. The great majority of Sardis Christians do not understand the three aspects
of the Second Coming, the difference between the Day of the Lord vs. the Day of Christ, the Firstfruits Rapture vs.
the Main Harvest Rapture, or the real meaning of watching and beckoning for the Lords Return. The Sardis
church is not watching, and it is not beckoning for the return of the Lord to take away his bride.
The great majority of the Sardis church is included among the Five Foolish Virgins in the Parable of the Ten
Virgins. They are asleep in regard to the soon return of Jesus Christ for his bride. Jesus exhorts the Sardis church
to wake up in the following passage of Scripture, but most will remain fast asleep until the Midnight Cry is
initiated by the Five Wise Virgins:
(Rev 3:1-6 KJV) And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits
of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. {2} Be
watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect
before God. {3} Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou
shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. {4} Thou
hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for
they are worthy. {5} He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his
name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. {6} He that hath
an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The above passage of Scripture was included wholly, because it is addressed to the end-time Protestant or Sardis
church. This includes Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians, among others. These churches have fallen asleep in
regard to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ for his Church. They will be taken by surprise when Jesus comes as a
thief to remove his bride. Since Sardis Christians are asleep and have forsaken the assembling together, they are
completely unaware of the three aspects of the Second Coming of Jesus. Briefly, Jesus will first come as a thief to
take away his bride and her court. These Christians are among the Five Wise Virgins, and they are watching for
the Lords return. They are beckoning for the Lord to return for them. They have trimmed their wicks (i.e.,
confessed their sins), and they have their lamps burning brightly. They have the extra measure of oil (i.e., the
filling of the Holy Spirit), and they are wide-awake and anxiously watching for the Bridegroom. The first aspect of
the Second Coming is Jesus Christ coming as the Bridegroom for his bride. The Main Body of the Church will be
left behind, as only a few will be able to enter in at the strait or narrow door, in accordance with the following
Scripture:
(Luke 13:24-25 KJV) Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall
not be able. {25} When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand
without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know
you not whence ye are:
Please note that an unsaved reprobate does not strive or work very hard to enter heaven. Also, unsaved reprobates
do not call Jesus Lord, Lord. The Five Foolish Virgins do wake up with the Midnight Cry, but they are not taken
in the Firstfruits rapture with the bride and her court. The Open Door is closed on them.
Many Christians will wake up at the Midnight Cry and realize that they have forsaken the teachings about the
Second Coming of Jesus. They will immediately start striving to enter the strait or narrow door, but they will not
be able to enter.

Instead, The Five Foolish Virgins will enter heaven at the broad or wide gate. This is the Main Harvest Rapture of
the Church. This is the second aspect of the Second Coming of Jesus as Lord for the Main Harvest rapture of the
Church.
The third aspect of the Second Coming of Jesus is his coming as King at the end of the seven-year tribulation
period. Jesus Christ comes as Bridegroom at the beginning of the seven-year tribulation, Lord at the middle of the
seven-year tribulation and King at the end of the seven-year tribulation period.
The Firstfruits & Main Harvest raptures make up the assembling of ourselves together described in 2
Thessalonians 2:1 and Hebrews 10:25. Paul exhorts the Church not to forsake this doctrine and to consider one
another to provoke unto love and to good works. The reason we are to exhort one another is so we might qualify
for the Firstfruits Rapture. Jesus urged us to pray unceasingly that we might qualify for The Open Door rapture
described as follows:
(Luke 21:36 KJV) Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things
that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

What is The Gospel?

Lyn Mize
The two Greek words translated gospel in the New Testament are euaggelion (yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on) and
euaggelizo (yoo-ang-ghel-id'-zo). They mean respectively to bring good news or a good message. The good news
or the good message that is preached must be identified from another word that is used or from the context of the
use of the word. There are several gospels that are addressed in the Scriptures. The first gospel addressed in the
New Testament is the gospel of the kingdom. This gospel was for the Jews and simply stated Repent and be
baptized for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. This is addressed in the following verse:
(Mat 4:23 KJV) And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the
kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Signs and wonders (i.e., miracles) accompanied the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom to the Jews. Miracles
were the credentials that the kingdom of heaven was at hand. This is confirmed in the following Scripture:
(Mat 11:5 KJV) The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the
dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
The preaching of the gospel of the kingdom to the Jews continued for 40 years beginning with the ministry of
Jesus and continuing until the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem by Titus in 70 A.D. This is why the return of
Jesus Christ to set up his kingdom was imminent during the writing of the New Testament. If the Jews had
repented as a nation, then Jesus would have returned and set up his kingdom with the Jews as heirs of the kingdom
of heaven. This was not part of Gods plan, so the kingdom of God (i.e., heaven) was taken from the Jews and
given to the Church in accordance with the following Scripture:
(Mat 21:43 KJV) Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation
bringing forth the fruits thereof.
The second gospel addressed in the New Testament is the good news of the death and burial of Jesus Christ as
atonement for sin. This is confirmed in the following passage:
(Mat 26:12-13 KJV) {12} For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. {13}

Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this
woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
This gospel of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ is commonly called the gospel of grace. This gospel states
very simply Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. The gospel of grace is for the Gentiles, as
well as the Jews, while the gospel of the kingdom was for the Jews only. The preaching of the gospel of the
kingdom ceased with the Diaspora in 70 A.D., and this was when the sign gifts of speaking in tongues and
miraculous healing ceased. The Gospel of Grace has continued to be preached to both Jew and Gentile, and the
Lord adds members to the Church daily.
The word gospel is used in other Scriptures to refer to specific aspects of good news for mankind. The gospel of
God (Rom. 1:1) refers to the whole work of salvation, including justification, sanctification and glorification.
Thus, the gospel of God refers to spirit salvation, soul salvation and body salvation. The gospel of Christ (Rom.
1:16) is the good news preached to Christians, and it pertains to soul salvation and being established in the faith.
The gospel of Christ is simply Christ in you the hope of glory (Col. 1:27). The passage is as follows:
(Col 1:26-27 KJV) Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made
manifest to his saints: {27} To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among
the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
The Greek word for Gentiles in verse 27 is ethnos (eth nos). It is Pauls word referring to Gentile Christians. The
gospel of Christ is for Christians to die to self and allow Christ to live his life in them. This results in soul
salvation at the Judgment Seat of Christ and the receipt of the inheritance in the coming kingdom of heaven.
Paul refers to my gospel in three verses of Scripture (Rom. 2:16; 16:25: 2 Tim. 2:8). Pauls gospel also relates to
soul salvation, and the qualifying for positions in the coming kingdom of Jesus Christ, but Pauls gospel has
special reference to the Gentiles. Pauls special ministry was to the Gentiles, and the good news was that not only
Jews can qualify for the coming kingdom of God, but Gentiles can also qualify to reign and rule with Jesus.
Summary
The Greek word for gospel simply means good news, but the good news referred to must come from another
word in the Scripture or from the context in which the word is used. We have seen that the gospel of the kingdom
was the message to the house of Israel, and the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom was accompanied with
great signs and wonders (i.e., miracles). The kingdom of heaven was preached to the Jews during the three and
one-half year ministry of Jesus Christ. It was during this ministry that the gospel of grace was also introduced, and
Jesus alluded to the gospel of grace and the salvation of Gentiles. Jesus even alluded to the fact that many Gentiles
would come from the East and the West and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom, but the
children of the kingdom (i.e., Jews) would be disinherited (Matt. 8:11-12). The message of the gospel of the
kingdom was to the Jews and stated simply Repent and be baptized, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. The
gospel of the kingdom was preached for 40 years until the Diaspora took place in 70 A.D. The gospel of the
kingdom is not now preached among the Jews, for the kingdom of heaven was taken away from them and given to
those in the Church that qualify.
Currently, the word of the kingdom is taught in the Church, but the majority of the Church confuses it with the
gospel of grace. The parables of the kingdom depict the primary teaching about the word of the kingdom to the
Church.
It is very important to distinguish between the gospel of grace, which pertains to spirit salvation, and the gospel of
Christ, which pertains to soul salvation at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The gospel of grace pertains to the
Covenant of Grace, and the gospel of Christ pertains to the Covenant of Works. The gospel of grace pertains to
entrance into heaven, but the gospel of Christ pertains to entrance into the kingdom of heaven.
The gospel of the kingdom will be preached once again for three and one-half years upon the earth during the last
half of the tribulation period, but it will be preached to the Gentiles upon the earth. Many will qualify to enter into
the earthly aspect of the kingdom of God. The gospel of the kingdom is not a message to the Church, since the
kingdom of heaven is not at hand. The word of the kingdom is the message to the Church, but the majority of the

Church does not understand this message.

The following table summarizes the various Gospels:
The Gospel

Recipient

Time Span

Gospel of the Kingdom

The nation of Israel

30AD-70AD: 40 years

Gospel of Grace

Anyone God calls: Jew or Gentile

30AD-today: 2,000 years

Gospel of Christ

Any Christian

30AD-today: 2,000 years

Gospel of the Kingdom

the Gentiles

the Tribulation:7 years

Paul's Gospel

the Gentiles

30AD-to his death: 40 years?

God's Covenant of Works

Lyn Mize
Many Christians in the Church today despise and denigrate Gods system of rewards for his faithful ones. These
Christians have been so caught up in Gods Covenant of Grace, that they have completely overlooked his
Covenant of Works, and the just recompense of reward that goes along with this covenant. Both covenants are of
equal importance, and one must not be overemphasized to the total exclusion of the other. It is because of this
overemphasis on the Covenant of Grace and the exclusion of the Covenant of Works that the majority of Christians
in the Church today have virtually no understanding of the kingdom of heaven, the accountability of Christians at
the Judgment Seat of Christ, the Firstfruits Rapture of the bride and her court, and the difference between spirit
and soul salvation. All of these are critical elements in Gods Covenant of Works, but the majority of Christians are
oblivious to these truths. Gods Covenant of Works has been completely ignored by all the major denominations.
It is true that spirit salvation is by grace and grace alone. Even the faith to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ is a gift
from God. The Scriptures summarize the Covenant of Grace as follows:
(Eph 2:8-9 KJV) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9) Not of
works, lest any man should boast.
The above two verses address the Covenant of Grace, but the following verse tends to be ignored by Christians of
all faiths. Verse 10 below addresses the Covenant of Works, and Christians are accountable for performing these
good works.
(Eph 2:10 KJV) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before
ordained that we should walk in them.
All Christians will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ on how well they have done in performing these good
works. The majority of Scripture addresses this accountability that Christians have for performing good works, but
these Scriptures are wrested from the Covenant of Works and altered to pertain to the Covenant of Grace.
The primary example of wresting the Scriptures is the example of soul salvation. Soul salvation pertains to the
Covenant of Works and hundreds of Scriptures link soul salvation with our works. Please read To Perish or not to
Perish for an in depth explanation of the difference between spirit and soul. The primary Scripture for showing that
soul salvation pertains to our works is as follows:
(James 1:21 KJV) Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the
engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
(James 1:21 NKJV) Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the
implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

A second example of wresting the Scriptures pertains to the kingdom of heaven. The issue of heaven or hell
pertains to the Covenant of Grace, but the issue of entrance into the kingdom of heaven pertains to the Covenant of
Works. The following Scripture passage is the primary one for distinguishing entrance into the kingdom of heaven
a works related issuefrom the new birth experience, which is related to grace:
(John 3:3 KJV) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God.
(John 3:4 KJV) Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time
into his mother's womb, and be born?
(John 3:5 KJV) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he
cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Verse 3 above describes the Covenant of Grace, and states that a person cannot comprehend the kingdom of God
unless he is born of God. Verse 5 describes the Covenant of Works and adds the additional criterion that one must
be born of water in order to enter into the kingdom of God. Born of water refers to the sanctifying work of
studying the Scriptures and applying them to ones life. The following Scripture defines this work:
(Eph 5:25 KJV) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
(Eph 5:26 KJV) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
(Eph 5:27 KJV) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such
thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Please note the conditional aspects of verses 26 and 27. Christians who enter into the kingdom of God must not
only be born again, but they must also be sanctified and cleansed by the washing of water by the word. These
are the Christians who study the Word of God and apply it to their lives. Not all Christians do this, and not all
Christians will enter into the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven pertains to the reign and rule of Jesus
Christ in the coming kingdom, and only Christians that earn rewards will enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Heaven pertains to the Covenant of Grace, while the kingdom of heaven pertains to the Covenant of Works. Please
read the article Heaven vs the Kingdom of Heaven. Heaven is a place, but the kingdom of heaven is a position of
authority attained to because of good works. The Covenant of Works and the rewards for good works are very
important in the Scriptures, yet the majority of Christians despise and denigrate obedience to God because of
reward. Esau lost his inheritance because he thought little of it. Esau despised his birthright and sold it for a bowl
of stew. Christians that despise and denigrate the Covenant of Works are also in danger of losing their inheritance
in the kingdom of heaven.
The following Scriptures address the importance of the Covenant of Works and the importance of working for the
Just Recompense of Reward:
(Heb 11:6 KJV) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh (i.e., draws near) to God must
believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
This Scripture emphatically states that if a Christian wants to draw near to God, this Christian MUST BELIEVE
THAT GOD IS A REWARDER OF THEM THAT DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM.
(Col 3:23-24 KJV) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Knowing that of the
Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: (24) for ye serve the Lord Christ.
This Scripture emphatically states that Christians should do their very best in everything, so that they will receive
the reward of the inheritance. There are numerous Scriptures that exhort Christians to work for rewards:
Genesis 15:1

Numbers 18:31

Deut 10:17

Deut 27:25

Deut 32:41

Ruth 2:12

1 Sam 24:19

2 Sam 3:39

2 Sam 4:10

2 Sam 19:36

I Kings 13:7

2 CHron 20:11

Job 6:22

Job 7:2

Ps 15:5

Ps 19:11

Ps 40:15

Ps 54:5

Ps 58:11

Ps 70:3

Ps 91:8

Ps 94:2

Ps 109:20

Ps 127:3

Prov 11:18

Prov 21:14

Prov 24:14

Prov 25:22

Eccl 4:9

Eccl 9:5

Isa 3:11

Isa 40:10

Isa 45:13

Isa 62:11

Jer 40:5

Ez 16:34

Hos 4:9

Hos 9:1

Obad 15

Mic 3:11

Mic 7:3

Mat 5:12

Mat 5:46

Mat 6:1

Mat 6:2

Mat 6:4

Mat 6:5

Mat 6:6

Mat 6:16

Mat 6:18

Mat 10:41

Mat 10:42

Mat 16:17

Mark 9:41

Luke 6:23

Luke 6:35

Luke 23:41

Acts 1:18

Rom 4:4

1 Cor 3:6

1 Cor 3:14

1 Cor 9:17

1 Cor 9:18

Col 2:18

Col 3:24

1 Titus 5:18

2 Titus 4:14

Heb 2:2

Heb 10:35

Heb 11:16

2 Pet 2:13

2 John 8

Jude 11

Rev 11:18

Rev 18:6

Rev 22:12

Gen 44:4

1 Sam 24:17

2 Sam 22:21

2 Chron 15:7

Ps 7:4

Ps 18:20

Ps 35:12

Ps 103:10

Ps 109:5

Prov 13:13

Isa 3:9

Jer 31:16

Rev 18:6

Heb 11;6

Job 21:19

Ps 31:23

Ps 137:8

Prov 17:13

Prov 26:10

Num 22:7

Isa 1:23

Dan 2:6

Dan 5:17

Hosea 2:12

1 Sam 17:25

Ez 27:33

1 Cor 1:5

2 Cor 9:11

Salvation is by Grace, but rewards are according to works. The last words of Jesus recorded in the Scriptures
through John the apostle are as follows:
(Rev 22:12-13 KJV) And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his
work shall be. (13) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

Spiritual Rebirth

Lyn Mize
Spiritual rebirth is a work of God and not man. It is the Holy Spirit that regenerates the spirit of man and gives him
the faith to believe in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. No one is saved spiritually by the power of persuasion
by an eloquent preacher or witness. Every unbeliever is a spiritually dead person before the Holy Spirit regenerates
him. He cannot understand spiritual things for they are foolishness to him in accordance with the following
Scripture:
(1 Cor 2:14 KJV) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto
him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
The spiritually dead person cannot possibly understand the Bible or the testimony of a Christian about the
substitutionary death of Jesus Christ. He must first be born from above or spiritually regenerated by the Holy
Spirit. Once this happens, then he will believe in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Until a person is quickened
or made alive spiritually by the Holy Spirit, the words of testimony of a Christian might as well be spoken to a
cadaver. No amount of persuasive ability is enough to convince a person to get born-again. Telling a person that
he just has to get born-again is about as useless as going to a morgue and telling a dead person to just come alive
and walk.
The Holy Spirit must first quicken a person, and then this person will believe in the atoning death of Jesus Christ.
This is confirmed in the following Scriptures:
(Eph 2:1 KJV) And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:
(Eph 2:5 KJV) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
(Col 2:13 KJV) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together
with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
The new spiritual birth is the work of God and not of man in accordance with the following Scriptures:
(John 3:3 KJV) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God.
(John 3:6 KJV) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
(John 3:7 KJV) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
(John 3:8 KJV) The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it
cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
It is the Holy Spirit that quickens an unbeliever and makes him a believer. It is not by the power of the flesh, the
power of the will, or the power of persuasion. The new birth experience is from God above and in accordance with
his will and his choosing. This is confirmed in the following Scriptures:
(Eph 1:4 KJV) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy
and without blame before him in love:
(Eph 1:5 KJV) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the
good pleasure of his will,
(Eph 1:9 KJV) Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath
purposed in himself:
(Eph 1:11 KJV) In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of
him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Two things should be very clear in the above verses of Scripture. The first is that God chose us for salvation before
the foundation of the world. The second is that He chose us according to the good pleasure of His willNOT
OURS. It is stated three times in this brief passage that God chose us on account of His will and good pleasure and
not ours. In addition, the following verses expressly state that we are not saved by our own will or choice:
(John 15:16 KJV) Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring
forth fruit, whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
(John 1:12 KJV) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them
that believe on his name:
(John 1:13 KJV) Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
The new birth experience is a work of the Lord and not man. God chooses the ones He will save and he works out
all the details for their spiritual birth. People are not born again by the power of persuasion, but by the power of
the Spirit of God. No amount of persuasive eloquence can quicken a man spiritually. No amount of friendship or
social interaction can bring about the spiritual quickening of a person. It is only by the power of God that a person
is born again from above.
The person born again spiritually has just as much to do with his spiritual birth as he did with his physical birth. It
is God that opens and closes the womb, and it is God that quickens the spirit of a person. Just as a person can assist
with the natural birth of a baby, he can assist with the spiritual birth of a Christian, but the work is of God and not
man. The believer cannot tell another person how to get born again. All the believer can do is tell him about the
atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. IF THE HOLY SPIRIT QUICKENS THAT PERSON, then he will believe and be
born again. It is the Holy Spirit that leads us to witness to a person, and it is the Holy Spirit that quickens the
person to believe in Jesus Christ. Christians do not save people. They are merely used as vessels of God to present
the gospel of grace to people whom God has already chosen for spiritual salvation. These people hear the gospel of
grace and believe it, because they have been made alive by the Holy Spirit and given the faith to believe. This is
why no one can take credit for the spiritual salvation of a personneither the person doing the witnessing, nor the
person being witnessed to. This is confirmed in the following passage of Scriptures:
(Eph 2:8 KJV) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
(Eph 2:9 KJV) Not of works, lest any man should boast.
God has mightily used Billy Graham as a vessel to bring about the spiritual rebirth of millions of Gods elect. Dr.
Graham fully understands that it is not in accordance with his powers of persuasion, but by the power of God that
all of these people have been made alive spiritually.
(Rom 8:30 KJV) Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also
justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
(Rom 9:15 KJV) For he (i.e., God) saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have
compassion on whom I will have compassion.
(Rom 9:16 KJV) So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.

The Doctrine of Rewards: the Five Crowns

Lyn Mize
The doctrine of rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ is sadly a neglected topic in our pulpits today, but it is one
of the most important for the Christian. This doctrine pertains to the future inheritance of the Christian, and it is a

central theme of the Bible. Yet, the great majority of churches rarely preach or teach on this doctrine. It is
incorrectly assumed that all Christians will be co-heirs with Christ in his coming kingdom and all crowns and
rewards are automatic. While it is true that all Christians will have God as their inheritance, there is an inheritance
from the Lord that is not automatic.
There are several aspects of the doctrine of rewards such as the prize for the overcomers, treasures in heaven,
praise and honor from Christ, co-reigning with Christ, participation in the wedding banquet, and a special class of
resurrection. All of these aspects seem to be directly linked to the five crowns that are to be awarded to the faithful
overcomers at the Judgment Seat of Christ. They are earned rewards.
Only those Christians who have earned all five crowns will qualify for the prize that Paul talked about (Phil
3:14). The prize is the full reward, and those believers who obtain it will be selected as the Bride of Christ. This
is the highest level of the three levels of service in the kingdom. A chart is given at the end of this article to help
the reader understand the importance of faithful service to the Lord Jesus Christ in the current age.
There will be many positions of service in the kingdom of God the Son, and the rank of each Christian who
qualifies to enter the kingdom will be determined by faithfulness while on earth. Contrary to popular opinion, the
phrase enter the kingdom does not refer to a persons spirit salvation in the evangelical sense (i.e., the kingdom
of God the Holy Spirit). The phrase literally means to enter into the kings dominion, and it refers to Christians
who qualify to reign and rule with Jesus Christ in his millennial kingdom (i.e., the kingdom of God the Son). This
privilege is directly related to the doctrine of rewards which depends upon the manner in which the Christian lives
his life during the current age. This is the salvation of a persons soul.
The current age is a time when God is taking a people out of the Gentiles for his name (Acts 15:14) so they can
be tested for the purpose of filling positions in the kingdom of God the Son. There will apparently be three levels
of service in the kingdom, and these levels of service appear to be linked to the five crowns. Clearly those who
enter the kingdom will have won stephanos crowns at the Judgment Seat of Christ, but it is not absolutely clear
about the ranks of the crowns. However, some delineation of ranking order is suggested as the crowns appear to be
related to the three levels of service in the kingdom.
The chart at the end of this article may be helpful in understanding the crowns as they are related to the ranks in
the kingdom.
The Crown of Life
The first and basic crown that is required for entrance into the kingdom of God the Son is the crown of life. It
must be remembered that the crowns are earned rewards and do not pertain to the new birth experience which is
entrance into the kingdom of God the Holy Spirit. Salvation of a persons spirit through faith in Jesus Christ can
never be lost. Crowns can be lost and the Scriptures attest to this fact. The crown of life is referred to in the
following Scriptures:
James 1:12 (KJV) Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of
life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Rev 2:10 (KJV) Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into
prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give
thee a crown of life.
Rev 3:11 (KJV) Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
The crown of life will be awarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ to those Christians who are faithful, love
him, and hold fast. These are Christians who lose their lives to Christ that they might gain them in eternity. This
is the salvation of the soul.
Luke 9:23-24 (KJV) And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his
cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my
sake, the same shall save it.

The crown of life will be awarded to those Christians who have their souls saved at the Judgment Seat of Christ. It
is a salvation based on works. (This is very different from the salvation of the spirit which is by grace, through
faith in Jesus Christ, without any works of any kind). The salvation of the soul, represented by receiving the crown
of life, is a reward to those Christians who seek the Lord and overcome the flesh through confession of sin and
filling of the Holy Spirit. (1 John 1:9)
Rev 3:5 (KJV) He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out
of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
The Book of Life is greatly misunderstood by the majority of preachers and teachers. The book of life is the basis
for rewards in heaven, not entrance into heaven. Every believers name was written in the book of life from the
foundation of the world (Rev 17:8). These are all the ones chosen by God for salvation. Everyone who has his
name in this book has the potential for living a life under the control of the Holy Spirit resulting in the crown of
life or a reward for good works.
Having ones name blotted out of the book of life does not mean the loss of salvation in the evangelical sense, but
the loss of the crown of life or the loss of reward. This crown is a basic requirement for entrance into the kingdom
of Jesus Christ and for earning one or more of the other four crowns. Jesus personally described how this crown is
earned in the following Scriptures:
Mat 10:39 (KJV) He that findeth his life (i.e., soul) shall lose it: and he that loseth his life (i.e., soul) for my sake
shall find it.
Mat 16:27 (KJV) For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall
reward every man according to his works.
Verse 27 above clearly establishes that the salvation of the soul is a result of works, and it is directly related to the
crown of life. Thus, the loss of the crown of life is the loss of the soul and the loss of reward and not the loss of the
salvation of the spirit which is a free gift from God. If man must maintain good works in order to keep this
salvation, then it would not be a free gift nor would it be by grace. Salvation is by grace, but rewards are according
to works.
Numerous Christians will be in heaven whose names were blotted out of the book of life. These are the Christians
who lost all of their reward by living a life controlled by the soulical or flesh nature. Their lives will have been a
waste, but their spirits will be saved. There are many examples of this in the Bible.
Saul is a primary type of the Christian who loses his life and his crown by disobedience. Other Old Testament
types who lost their inheritance by disobedience are Reuben who lost his double portion because of sin, Esau who
sold his birthright for a meal of red stew, and Lot who lost his reward because he loved the things of the world. All
of these men were saved spiritually, but they lost their rewards in the coming messianic kingdom.
Every Christian who wins the crown of life is an overcomer and will reign and rule with Jesus Christ in the
millennial kingdom. Those Christians winning only this crown will be ruling from the third level in the kingdom,
and they will reign over the cities of the earth.
The parable of the pounds in Luke 19:11-27 is a picture of the good servant who has been faithful in a very
little. He will reign over the cities of the earth. This servant is in contrast to the good and faithful servant who
will be made ruler over many things in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-25:30. The good and
faithful servant will be reigning from the second level in the kingdom. The incorruptible crown and the crown of
righteousness appear to be linked to the good and faithful servant. The reader may want to refer to the chart at
this point in order to grasp the subtle differences in the degrees of faithfulness and the degrees of responsibility in
the millennial kingdom.
The Incorruptible Crown

1 Cor 9:24-27 (KJV) Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that
ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a
corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that
beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have
preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
The incorruptible crown is awarded on the basis of winning a spiritual race that is marked out by God for each
believer. It is a daily race of putting off the sins of the flesh which then allows the believer to put on the fruits
of the spirit (Col 3). This requires self-discipline of the body which is used by the Holy Spirit to manifest the life
of Christ. This life is dependent on the filling of the Holy Spirit through confession of sin and a sensitivity to the
leading of the Lord.
There is a difference in being in Christ and having Christ in us. All Christians are in Christ, but Christians
winning this Crown have Christ in them. The winner of this crown has been successful in denying the fleshly
desires and appetites of the body. He has been successful in crucifying the flesh (Gal 5:22-24).
This crown is tied in with the good and faithful servant who will be ruler over much (Matt. 25:21). According
to the following Scripture, it is also apparently a prerequisite for winning the crown of righteousness:
Crown of Righteousness
2 Tim 4:7-8 (KJV) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there
is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not
to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
In order to summarize and place these crowns in perspective up to this point, it is important to understand that the
crown of life pertains to the soul while the incorruptible crown is connected to the body. Thus, the believer who
fights a good fight and finishes the course (i.e., he overcomes sin that affects body, soul, and spirit) will have won
the crown of life and the incorruptible crown. It is now possible to win the crown of righteousness which is a
higher award in the second level of the kingdom. In order to win this crown, the believer must not only fight a
good fight and finish his course, but he must also keep the faith.
The keeping or guarding of the faith is required for winning the Crown of Righteousness. This is not the common
faith connected to salvation in the evangelical sense but the faith that speaks of Christs coming kingdom and
produces good works through those who hope in Him. This is why verse 8 above says this crown will go to those
Christians who love his appearing. Thus, those Christians who are alert to and anxiously looking for the return
of Jesus are the ones who are keeping the faith. These are Christians who are daily occupied with Jesus Christ
through his Word and anticipate his return.
Many Christians perform good works, but they do them in the power of the flesh. To the observer who sees only
the outward appearance, these works do not appear any different than good works in the power of the Holy
Spirit. Even the Christians performing these works do not realize that they are merely wood, hay, and stubble.
These works will perish in the fire at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Even Peter resorted to the arm of flesh when he
cut off the soldiers ear in the Garden of Gethsemene.
The primary test for determining the quality of these works is the motive behind the works, for God looketh on
the heart. Many works are performed by Christians for the purpose of exalting and glorifying self. They are
performed in order to receive praise and honor from men and not from God. The parable in Luke 19:12-27 pictures
the outcome of a servant who performs works in the power of his own flesh. This servant kept his pound laid up in
a napkin (i.e., sweat cloth). This servant is called wickednot slothfuland he loses all reward the same as the
servant who hid his talent in the ground (Mat. 25:14-30). The servant who hid his talent in the ground was called
wicked and slothful (i.e., he did not even work in the power of the flesh).
Many Christians who work hard in the Church and occupy positions of leadership are going to be surprised when
they appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ and learn that they were hiding their pounds in the sweat cloths of selfeffort.

Christians often get caught up in works that are to be seen by men rather than God. Some times it is even hard for
Christians to know their own true motives. That is why David prayed for God to search his heart and show him
any evil ways. Many Christians find it hard to say no when asked to help. They are afraid of what people think.
They get caught up in pleasing a pastor or friends rather than God. We are told to fear God and not men. It should
be remembered that Gods yoke is light and not heavy. If ones yoke feels heavy or burdensome, then it may be the
yoke of man rather than God.
Many of these hard working believers are Laodicean Christians who do not realize that they are wretched,
miserable, poor, blind and naked (Rev. 3:17). They are too busy to study their Bibles. The common thread for
these Christians is a lack of knowledge about the deeper things in Scripture. They relate everything to basic
evangelical salvation and think all rewards are automatic. They lack understanding of the deeper truths of Gods
Word pertaining to the salvation of the soul and the doctrine of rewards.
The Crown of Rejoicing
The Crown of Rejoicing and the Crown of Glory are the two highest crowns awarded to Christians for their
faithfulness in seeking the Kingdom of Heaven. It is commonly thought that seeking the Kingdom of Heaven is
seeking to be born again, but this is incorrect. Only believers are able to seek the Kingdom of Heaven, and it
should be the ambition of every Christian.
The Crown of Rejoicing will be awarded on the basis of soul winning and not spirit winning as is commonly
thought among Christians. Evangelism (i.e., witnessing to the unsaved) is a very important work, and there will be
rewards for those Christians who evangelize with the correct motives. Unfortunately, much witnessing about Jesus
is done out of guilt, coercion by pastors, self-exaltation, and various other reasons, but the true motive should be
love for the Lord Jesus Christ and a desire to please our Lord and Savior by being obedient to the leading of the
Holy Spirit. A strong desire to obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit will give the believer boldness in witnessing.
The true soul winner is the Christian who wins saved people to a life of obedience by teaching them the deeper
truths (i.e., epignosis) of Scripture. Soul winning involves teaching and motivating Christians to be overcomers.
Spirit winning saves man from the penalty of sin, but soul winning saves man from the power of sin.
Spirit winning gets the believer into heaven, but soul winning gets the believer into the kingdom of heaven. Spirit
winning involves a salvation that can not be lost, but soul winning involves a salvation that can only be attained by
persevering in good works until the end. Spirit winning involves a gift that is without cost, but soul winning
involves a prize that is worked for, and it is very costly. The rewards, however, are very great and far surpass the
costs involved.
The highest or first level of rule in the kingdom belongs to the Bride of Christ, and this level will be composed of
Christians who have won the soul winning crown which is called the Crown of Rejoicing. This crown is described
in the following Scripture:
1 Th 2:19 (KJV) For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord
Jesus Christ at his coming?
The Thessalonians were very faithful Christiansunlike the Corinthiansand Paul had high hopes of them
entering the Kingdom of God the Son. The following Scripture is only one that confirms this to be true:
2 Th 1:5 (KJV) Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the
kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
Paul was greatly pleased that the Thessalonians had a mature faith, and they persevered under persecutions and
trials. Paul was confident that their souls (i.e., lives) would be saved because of their faithfulness and that they
would be part of the Kingdom of God the Son.
Paul was also confident about the Philippians and their perseverance unto the saving of the soul according to the
following Scripture:

Phil 4:1-3 (KJV) Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the
Lord, my dearly beloved. 2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3
And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement
also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
The above Scripture confirms that Paul is confident that their names will not be blotted out of the book of life.
Note again that the book of life is clearly linked with works and not grace.
It is important to understand that soul winning involves a great deal more than memorizing a few Scriptures and an
opening line to determine if someone has been spiritually reborn (i.e., they have entered the Kingdom of God the
Holy Spirit). Soul winning involves knowing God by knowing the Scriptures and meditating upon them night and
day. It involves being filled with the Holy Spirit and leading other Christians into the spirit-filled life. It involves
Bible study, prayer, praise and worship, and it entails more than showing up at visitation on Monday nights. Soul
winning requires a daily walk with Christ and an abiding in Christ so that He can work through the believer.
Crown of Glory
1 Pet 5:1-4 (KJV) The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings
of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you,
taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as
being lords over Gods heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye
shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
The second crown in the highest level of rule is the Crown of Glory, and it is possibly the highest ranking crown
of all. This crown will go to those faithful under shepherds over a flock. The elders are those who are spiritually
mature in the Church. It is thought that they represent pastors and teachers who are responsible for feeding the
flock, but it is any Christian who has matured in the faith and who exercises his spiritual gift in serving the body of
Christ. These are the Christians whom God has placed in charge over the other servants according to Matthew
24:25.
All Christians are responsible for feeding and edifying the body of Christ by utilizing their spiritual gifts. Those
Christians who exercise their gifts will be assigned positions of responsibility in feeding other Christians at the
appropriate time. In addition, it seems inconsistent that God would offer a crown to only those Christians who
have the gifts of prophecy and teaching or to ordained pastors of local churches. Certainly all pastors should win
this crown, but this seems doubtful in the current Laodicean Church Age.
It seems certain that only a small percentage of those in the Church will qualify to win this crown. Indeed, most of
those in the Church are spiritual babes in Christ and never even give it a thought that they will stand before Jesus
Christ at the Judgment Seat of Christ to give an accounting of their lives. Numerous Christians will have their
names blotted out of the book of life because they will not be accounted worthy of the Kingdom of God the Son.
There are numerous Scriptures that warn of this possibility, but pastors and teachers relegate these warnings to the
unsaved (i.e., reprobates). It is necessary to grossly twist the plain teaching of the Scriptures to arrive at this
conclusion. The Bible was written to believers, and the warnings in the Bible are meant for believers.
The Crown of Rejoicing and the Crown of Glory seem to be tied in with the faithful and wise servant of
Matthew 24:45 who will be made ruler over all his goods as shown in Matthew 24:47. Christians who win these
crowns will have won all five crowns. They will be chosen as the Bride of Christ, and they will rule from the
highest level in the kingdom. They will receive a full reward according to the following Scripture:
2 John 1:8 (KJV) Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a
full reward.
SUMMARY
The Scriptures are clear that not all Christians will be overcomers at the Judgment Seat of Christ. It is important
for the reader to strive to enter in the kingdom of God. This involves a great deal more than simple salvation
according to the free grace of God. So many preachers are caught up in the grace of God and salvation by faith that

they completely ignore the plain teaching of Scripture on the rewards that God has for those Christians who are
willing to go on into maturity. Once a Christian has been born of the Spirit, he has the freedom to become a
disciple of Jesus Christ or to continue as a slave to his own soulical nature, the old man (Eph. 4:22-24).
Numerous preachers today get caught up in judging whether a person is saved or not by how he lives. It has
become a common practice for pastors to cause Christians to doubt their salvation by attempting to describe what a
"real" Christian is like. Using the criteria established by many pastors today, Jesus Himself would have failed the
tests so common in Christian circles. He drank wine, which contained alcohol, and He was friend to prostitutes
and those in the lower socioeconomic levels of society and He was highly critical of the religious establishment. It
is inappropriate for Christians to attempt to judge another persons salvation experience by that persons behavior.
We are admonished not to judge (Mat. 7:1). The Bible tells us that some Christians in the current Laodicean
church age will live just like unsaved people.
No one except God knows who belongs to him. The only criterion for whether a person is a Christian is his belief
in the Lord Jesus Christ. Contrary to popular teaching, the Bible teaches easy believism, and there is no
additional criteria needed to prove that faith is real and valid. The person who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ
receives his assurance of salvation the moment he believes (Rom. 8:16). He knows within his heart that he
believes, and it is wrong for anyone to rob him of his assurance of salvation by pointing to his works. Salvation is
a free gift and no works are required either before or after to either gain salvation or prove that salvation is real. It
is the Judaizers who tie works into salvation by faith by making works a necessary consequence of faith. This is
the heresy of Lordship Salvation.
It is Gods desire that every Christian come to repentance after he has been saved spiritually. Repentance is a
continual work of a Godly Christian. The gospel of John was written so that men would believe and be saved
(John 20:31). It is significant that the word repentance is not found even once in the book.
God does not desire for any Christian to lose his soul. The following Scripture is one of the most misunderstood
verses in all of Scripture:
2 Pet 3:9 (KJV) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering
to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
This Scripture is written to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God
and our Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:1). Thus, the recipients of this exhortation are born again, blood-bought,
justified Christians. The us-ward are Christians and not unsaved people whom God is desperately trying to save.
God saves whomever he wishes and whenever he wishes (Doctrine of Election), and then he calls them to
repentance. It is only after we have been born again that we can truly repent of our sins and save our souls. God is
long-suffering to us-ward (i.e., Christians) and does not want any of us to perish (i.e., lose our soul). This is
confirmed in the following Scripture which is also written by Peter:
1 Pet 1:9 (KJV) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
If the Christian attains the end of his faith which is the salvation of his soul, then he will be awarded the Crown of
Life, and he will enter the Kingdom of God the Son and reign and rule with Jesus Christ in the coming messianic
kingdom. Many Christians will not receive the end of their faith which is the salvation of their souls. Their names
will be blotted out of the book of life and their lives will perish in the judgment fires of the Judgment Seat of
Christ. They will have lost their souls and their inheritance as co-heirs with Christ. Numerous Scriptures attest to
this fact, but Christians refuse to apply these Scriptures to themselves.
Numerous pastors attempt to use these Scriptures to show that many Christians have not truly been born again
spiritually, but spiritual rebirth is not the issue in these Scriptures. The salvation of the soul is the issue, and this
salvation pertains to works, and rewards for these works at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Thus, the Crown of Life is
the basic crown for being a part of the Kingdom of God. The following Scriptures are usually misinterpreted as
pertaining to the salvation of the spirit, but they are referring to entrance into the kingdom of God the Son:
Luke 13:24 (KJV) Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not
be able.

Luke 13:28 (KJV) There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and
Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
A person does not strive to get saved. It is only when he ceases to strive and he trusts in the finished work of Jesus
Christ on Calvary that he is saved spiritually. However, one does save his soul by striving in the power of the
spirit, and this salvation gains one entrance into the Kingdom of God. Many Christians strive to enter in by the
works of the flesh, but they will not be able to enter the kingdom because their lives will be lost. The following
Scripture pertains to the salvation of the soul and the crown of life that is so crucial for every believer to win:
Heb 2:2-3 (KJV) For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience
received a just recompense of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first
began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Please note the highlighted phrase to understand that this is a salvation accomplished for the purpose of reward.
The implication is that Christians will not escape destruction if they neglect this salvation. This destruction is not
eternal damnation but the loss of the soul and the Crown of Life.
One final Scripture exhorting Christians to save their souls and win the Crown of Life is the following:
Phil 2:12-13 (KJV) Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much
more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you
both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
The Incorruptible Crown and the Crown of Righteousness are the crowns awarded those Christians who reign
from the second highest level of rule in the Kingdom of God the Son. They are most likely represented by the 24
elders in Revelation 4 and 5. The 24 elders are analogous to the 12 disciples who were administrators with Jesus
when he was on the earth. The number 12 is the number of earthly government while the number 24 is the number
of heavenly government. Thus, the 12 disciples were the earthly equivalent of the 24 elders who will be crowned
sovereigns in the Kingdom of God the Son.
The Crown of Rejoicing and the Crown of Glory are the crowns awarded to those who will reign from the highest
level of rule in the kingdom These Christians make up the Bride of Christ and they are most likely represented by
the four living creatures in Revelation 4 and 5. The number four is the number of creation and represents all things
created. The Bride of Christ will be reigning over all the Lord has which is all created things.
The four living creatures of Revelation look like a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle. Clearly they are the praise and
worship leaders in Johns vision of heaven since the 24 elders follow their lead in praise and worship. It is
interesting that these four creatures symbolize the different aspects of Jesus Christ presented in the four gospels.
The lion represents Jesus as the King of Israel since He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and the book of Matthew
depicts this side of Jesus. The ox (i.e., calf) represents Jesus Christ as the suffering servant presented in the book of
Mark. The man represents the human nature of Jesus Christ as presented in the gospel of Luke. The eagle
represents the divine nature of Jesus Christ as presented in the gospel of John.
Thus, the four living creatures reflect the character of Jesus Christ in his different roles. They cannot represent
Jesus Christ in the book of Revelation since they participate in worship, and they clearly depict redeemed
individuals. Therefore, they represent a class of Christians who most closely resemble the image and character of
Jesus Christ. They have the very mind of Christ. This group can be none other than the Bride of Christ.
It is significant that Lucifer was the praise and worship leader in heaven before his fall and he was the most
powerful being created by God. It may very well be that the Bride of Christ will take the place of Lucifer. Clearly
the Bride of Christ will be co-heirs with Christ so their authority will be over all creatures. This was also the
position of Lucifer before his fall. He was the most powerful creature in the universe.
It is a beautiful plan of God to replace the rebellious Lucifer with lowly man whose only qualification is that he
learned to be a servant. Those Christians that follow Jesus example as a servant now will reign and rule with Him
in the coming Kingdom.

The book of Esther presents in typology the fall and exclusion of Lucifer from the kingdom in Queen Vashti who
was disobedient to King Ahasuerus when he was showing the riches of his glorious kingdom. Lucifer was also
very beautiful, but he became proud, disobedient and resentful of his position in second place. Hence, the criterion
for reigning and ruling is humility in place of pride.
The Christians position in the kingdom is determined by faithfulness in performing the Lords work in the power
of the spirit and in obedience to Him in this life. There will be many Christians who will be ashamed at the
appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ because of their selfishness and their love of the things of this world. The things
of the world will pass away, but the things done for the Lord will be greatly rewarded (1 John 2:17).
The Kingdom of God the Son is a literal kingdom occupying time and space. It is one thing to be a subject in this
kingdom (i.e., all Christians). It is an honorable thing to be an officer in the kings service and be an administrator
over a portion of his kingdom (i.e., Christians who enter the kingdom and rule over cities). It is quite another
matter to be among the kings court and take part in governing the kingdom and live in the palace in close
proximity to the king (i.e., Christians who enter the kingdom and rule over many things). It is still a more
prestigious honor to be the wife of the king and co-reign with him from his throne (i.e., the Bride of Christ). This
is a simplified analogy of the Kingdom of God the Son with the three levels of rule and those unfortunate ones
who will have no position of authority in the kingdom.
The five crowns addressed in Scripture represent the goals that every Christian should strive to attain in his
Christian walk with the Lord. Every wise Christian should set about earning all five crowns so that he can receive
a full reward and reign and rule as the Bride of Christ. Only those Christians who have kept themselves clean and
pure and who have lived in close communion and fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ will be rewarded with the
prize of the high calling of God. These servant Christians will be gloriously presented as the Bride of Christ. The
honor will be unparalleled in all of history.
The five crowns are described:
Crown

Scope of Authority

Kind of
Servant

Description

Crown of Life

"Ruler over cities" Luke 19:17

"Good"

"The
Chosen"

Incorruptible Crown & "Ruler over many things" Matt 25:21

Crown of
Righteousness

"Good and "The

Faithful"
Faithful"

Crown of Rejoicing & "Ruler over all His goods" Matt 24:47
Crown of Glory

"Faithful
and wise"

Crown

How Earned

Crown of Life

Repent and be baptized; patiently endure the present trials and

testing of life. The baptism is via water and pictures the death
of the self. Spirit baptism occurs the moment of salvation (i.e.,
spiritual rebirth)

Incorruptible Crown

Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Put off fleshly desires and
appetites of the body. Turn from the things of the world.

Crown of
Righteousness

Mature in the Word. Put on the fruits of the Spirit consistently.

Keep the faith. Love His appearing.

Crown of Rejoicing

Be a soul winner (i.e., Motivate other Christians to win the

Crown of Life by saving their souls).

Crown of Glory

Tend, lead and nourish the flock (i.e., Exercise spiritual gifts
in building up and edifying the body of Christ). This requires
a knowledge of the Scriptures.

"The Wise"

The Beckoning for Jesus' Return

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly, Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (Rev. 22:20)
We welcome you to this Beckoning for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the First Fruits Rapture
of His most faithful believers, the Bride of Christ. We don't know the exact day when Jesus will return, but we do
know that He could appear even this year sometime between Resurrection Sunday (Easter) and the beginning of
Summer. We are in deep joy about the possibility of His return and if we are counted worthy, to receive our
resurrection bodies and to have our sinful nature completely removed. We will then be perfect in body, soul and
spirit; we will be completely holy and righteous. After this, Jesus will take us to heaven and we will be serving and
worshipping Him forever in perfect harmony and peace.
Our Father in Heaven, we thank You for showing us what You expect of us, so that we may be counted worthy to
stand before the Son of Man and to be judged as faithful and wise servants of His. You have shown us the way by
helping us to understand the Holy Scripture and by the power of the Holy Spirit to obey the commandments you
have given us in both the Old and New Testaments. We have not been perfect in this walk with You, but we have
confessed our sins to You and because of Your grace, we know that we have been completely forgiven and
cleansed from our imperfections. We thank You that we are able to fellowship, worship and serve You and to have
a peace in our lives that is worth more than all the riches in the world. We thank You for the presence of the Holy
Spirit in our lives and the continual encouragement and love we receive from You through Him. We are so blessed
to be called by You to an infinitely better and more fulfilling life, even in this age. We are expectantly looking
forward to the return of Jesus Christ our Lord, so this calling will become complete. We will then be without sin
and will be filled with righteousness. Abba, we need You, we love You, we appreciate You and we thank You for
being our Heavenly Father and our God, Amen.
Our Lord Jesus, You are our Savior in Heaven and in our lives, and we earnestly beckon for You to return to Earth
so that our joy in our salvation will become complete. We, Your humble servants, want You to appear so we can
see Your glory. We want you to return so that You will change us from being fallen and sinful men and women to
becoming completely holy and righteous. We want You to appear so that our love for You and for our fellow
believers will be made complete and perfect. We want You to appear so that in seven years, evil and death will be
destroyed, the Earth restored and the curse removed. We dedicate the rest of eternity to Your service and to love
You and to fellowship with You. We are at peace with You and will give praise, glory, honor and devotion to You
forever, Amen.
We pray this prayer and this beckoning through the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
We invite all that read this prayer to also bow before our God in Heaven and to express in your own words that
you are thankful to Him for His gift of mercies to you and to invite you to also beckon for the return of our Savior,
Jesus Christ.
Our Admonishment to You
Jesus said to be ready and watching for His return in the following verses:
Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. (Rev. 22:7)
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. (Matt. 24:42)
Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at evening, or at midnight, or at the
cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto
all, Watch. (Mark 14:35-37)

If you are a member of the Bride of Christ, then you will also be longing for the return of Jesus. You will be
watching each day for His return. Because of your faith in Him, you are right now preparing yourself for His
return. You will be praying as commanded in the following scripture:
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to
pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:36)
You will also be denying all self-gratifying instincts or temptations that may appear in your life. You will be
reading and obeying all the commandments in the Holy Bible, worshipping God, confessing your sins, praying and
having fellowship with God and with other faithful believers. Finally, you will be obeying Jesus, and following
every word that came out of His mouth because he said:
If you love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15)
Our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray for all Christians across the world that many will also be joyfully waiting and
watching for Your return. We pray that the Holy Spirit encourage them to continue in the faith and for many to
have their arms wide open to receive You, at Your Second Coming. Please impart enthusiasm for Your service to
our brothers and sisters in the United States, North America, Europe, Central and South America, Africa, the MidEast, Israel, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Islands of the seas. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Washing is Necessary
Given Blakely
If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me. (KJV John 13:8)
It was the night of our Lords betrayal. He had desired to eat His last Passover with His disciples (Lk 22:15). He
had no heart for spending the last hours before His death with the multitudes, or those with snaring questions and
carnal requests. Even though He saw the wandering multitudes as sheep having no shepherd (Matt 9:36), He did
not want to spend this time with them. Neither, indeed, did He seek to spend this time in the Temple, or the
synagogue, or a wedding feast, or in the land of the Gadarenes where He had healed that poor demoniac. This
night was reserved for His disciples, and no others would be welcome. Things would transpire this night that were
intended only for those who loved Him enough to forsake everything for the privilege of walking with and being
taught by Him. Jesus is like that. He does not spend a lot of time with some people, while He is desirous to spent a
lot of time with others. There are a lot of fabled views of those with whom Jesus prefers to spend His time.
However, the record is too clear on the matter to allow for human conjecture and speculation.
Early that evening, as soon as the supper was ended, Jesus rose from the supper and took a towel, and girded
himself. Judas had not yet left, and was at the table with the eleven. The disciples beheld Him as He poured
water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was
girded (NKJV). One by one, He moved from one disciple to another, washing and drying their feet. Finally, He
came to Peter, and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? There is no record of Jesus ever doing
this before. It apparently was a first, and Peter did not comprehend the action. It seemed out of character for Jesus,
and Peter knew he was totally unworthy of such an act of humility being performed upon him.
Graciously, Jesus answered him. What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. There were
implications here that were not, and could not, be seen by Peter that evening. Something very significant was
happening, even though Peter did not know what it was. Still, driven by a sense of his own unworthiness, Peter
cried out, Thou shalt never wash my feet. It was too demeaning for the Lord. But Jesus left no doubt about the
significance of the activity. If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me. This was a decisive moment: one in
which Peter would either be identified with Christ, or cut off from him.
There was no doubt in Peters mind now. He replied, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. He
wanted nothing to do with having no part with Jesus. Still, there were some things that were not clear to him. Jesus
clarified it some when He said, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet (John 13:3-10). Peter offered

no more objections, and Jesus finished washing all of their feet (13:12).
These words of Jesus are unusually strong, and are certainly worthy of much consideration. Two significant things
were revealed, and they pertain to us today.
FIRST, if Jesus does not wash us, we can have nothing to do with Him. There must be no mistake about this. There
is a certain pollution associated with being in this world that must be washed from us, and Jesus alone can remove
it. This is contamination that occurs AFTER we have become His disciples AFTER He has washed us from our
sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father (Rev 1:5-6). One might call
this post-Christian defilement. It is not the result of willful disobedience, or rebellion against the Lord. It is simply
the result of being in the world. Earthly contaminants must be removed from us, with no part of this world
clinging to us. Like the washing that took place the night Jesus was betrayed, only Christ can do this. But if we do
not allow Him to do it, we can have no part with Him.
SECOND, those who have been cleansed from their sins do not require thorough cleansing again. The cleansing
we experience when we arise and are baptized, washing away our sins (Acts 22:16) is never again duplicated. It
was thorough, and is not required repeatedly. However, the part of us that touches this world, does need to be
washed. It is a sort of spiritual foot washing that allows for the maintenance of sensitivity to the Lord.
There is a kind of thinking in the church world that leaves people relying on their original washing. They rarely
consider how polluted their feet have become because of being in this world. The contaminants of worldly
thought, ambitions, and assessments do not seem apparent to them. Their reasoning and their speech has been
infected with the virus of carnality, yet they seem blissfully unaware of the condition. Their feet need washing!
This is a circumstance that occurs to all believers.
The words of Jesus must not escape our attention. If He does not personally cleanse us of these defilements, we
can have no part with Him. Men may argue against this, but this IS what Jesus said. Furthermore, He will not do
this without our consent, anymore than He would wash Peters feet without His consent. Here is an area where
improvement can be realized. It is something Jesus desires to do. Let Him do it!
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus I thank You for continued cleansing.

Are Rewards Important?

Eric Summers
The idea of God rewarding us for faithful service has come up several times during our weekly home Bible study.
This idea has been in my mind for some time, so The Lord has touched me via the Holy Spirit to discuss rewards
in a website article. Here are some thoughts about rewards that came about by reading the Holy Bible and by
praying to our Heavenly Father for guidance and understanding.
I don't recall a sermon from the pulpit where the pastor discussed rewards for faithful service to God or had the
idea discussed in our Sunday school materials. I had even heard in a recent Church Bible study of the Book of
Galatians that several members of the class even downgraded the idea of rewards for faithful service to God. They
didn't want to hear about any verses from the Holy Bible that discussed rewards even though I opened up the Bible
and was willing to read to them several verses that discussed rewards. In a recent gospel music concert, one of the
singers even sang a song with the words "I don't care about rewards". Several members of the audience were
nodding their heads "yes." Apparently they also believed that rewards have no value to them.
What's really important is: Does God attach any importance to rewards? The Lord always provides answers to our
questions, if we earnestly seek the answers from Him, so I looked through my Strong's Concordance for the words
reward, rewarded, rewards, rewarder, and rewarders, and came up with many Bible verses that discuss the subject
for positive rewards for any good works and negative rewards for any evil works. I found over 100 verses in both
the Old and New Testaments and I suggest that you look them up in your Bible after you finish reading this article.
I'll discuss specific cases for positive rewards for the faithful and specific cases for negative rewards for the
unfaithful.

Let's first define reward, taken from the Free Dictionary:

Noun:
1. Something given or received in recompense for worthy behavior or in retribution for evil acts.
2. Money offered or given for some special service, such as the return of a lost article or the capture of a criminal.
3. A satisfying return or result; profit.
4. Psychology. The return for performance of a desired behavior; positive reinforcement.
Verb:
1. To give a reward to or for.
2. To satisfy or gratify; recompense.
I'll use the noun definition: Something given or received in recompense for worthy behavior or in retribution for
evil acts.
Questions about Rewards
I will attempt to provide in this article the answers to the following questions:

Does God ascribe any importance to rewards?

Should rewards be important to the Christian?

If they are important, what must I do to earn rewards?

Are there any negative rewards?

What will happen to me if I don't think that awards are important?

I will answer these above questions in this article and will draw the answers from the Holy Bible, not from
tradition. If we can agree that its what's in the Holy Bible that is important regarding rewards, then let's analyze
scripture. I'll use several verses from both Old and New Testaments and try to explain to you what I think they
mean. In this article, scripture is taken from the American Standard Version (ASV) 1901 version of the Holy Bible.
Types of works
Are good works important? Didn't Isaiah in verse 64:6 say that our works were as filthy rags to God?
The verse is Isaiah 64:6: For we are all become as one that is unclean, and all our righteousnesses are as a
polluted garment: and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. If our works are
done for our own personal glory (our righteousnesses), then yes, our works are as filthy rags in the sight of God
and we will receive no reward for these works.
However, note the following verse, Ephesians 2:10: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good
works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them. Paul says that good works accomplished through us
by the power of the Holy Spirit are expected. These works are planned in advance by God and should be
accomplished for the glory of God and not for our glory. We will receive a reward for any good works that we
accomplish when following the Holy Spirit's direction.

Old Testament
Abraham
Let's begin examining verses about rewards in the Old Testament, starting with:
Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of Jehovah came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am
thy shield, [and] thy exceeding great reward.

Abraham and his men had several days earlier rescued his nephew Lot from several kings that had taken he and his
family captive. In rescuing Lot, Abraham showed that he loved his nephew Lot and thought only about his safety.
After the battle, Melchizedek, the high priest at Salem brought Abraham bread and wine and blessed him and told
him that God had given him the victory. Because of his righteous work of rescuing Lot, God rewarded Abraham.
Note that the reward in this verse is The Lord God Himself. This has to be the highest reward that a human can
receive from Jehovah. I believe that this is a walk with Jehovah and fellowship that far surpasses any close
relationship that we might have with any other people. A second reward is that God would be his shield. This
could be protection from adversaries and it could also be protection when he is tempted to wander from God. I
believe that this was a two part reward. The first part is that God was with Abram while he was sill walking the
earth. This reward of the Lord God Himself will also continue into the Millennial Kingdom and into Eternity.
Abraham will be very close to God in Heaven and experience a sinless, beautiful and exciting relationship that will
last forever.
I believe that a close walk with God is the reward that faithful Old Testament saints and faithful Christians of the
Church Age will also experience. In the Book of Revelation, chapter four, I believe that the Four Living Creatures
that share Christ's throne are the Bride of Christ and will have a somewhat deeper relation with Him than the 24
Elders that are sitting on their own thrones around His grand throne. The Elders will experience a deeper relation
with Christ than the faithful Main Harvest Christians that are a little further away from His throne. Further away
from Christ's throne are those Christians that have some good and some evil works. The unfaithful Christians of
the Church Age, those that have few good works and many evil works, will be even further away from His throne
and will still experience a wonderful relationship with Him, but it will not be as close as the relationship as the
Bride of Christ and the twenty four Elders will have. I believe that the more faithful you are Jesus will want you
closer to Him.
King David
2 Samuel 22:21 Jehovah rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands
hath he recompensed me.'
Psalms 18:20 Jehovah hath rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands
hath he recompensed me.
This must be a very important verse, since it is recorded twice in the Old Testament. David walked very close to
God and because of this relationship David was inspired by God to live a righteous life for Him. We find out that
in 2 Sam 22:23 that David obeyed all of God's commandments and in 2 Sam 22:24 David resisted doing evil
deeds. We know that David did falter in his faith because of his adultery with Bathsheba and then allowed her
husband, Urriah, to be purposely slaughtered during a battle. However, in Psalm 51 David humbled himself, and
admitted his sin and God forgave him and restored him to fellowship. David's righteousness is his love for God
and his delight in his daily walk with The Lord. He was also cleansed daily by admitting his shortcomings in
prayers to The Lord and are recorded in the Psalms (Psalm 51). After reading some of these prayers, is anyone
closer to God than David in the Old Testament?
King Asa
2 Chronicles 15:7 But be ye strong, and let not your hands be slack; for your work shall be rewarded.
King Asa had been given the victory in battle over the Ethiopians by God and was told this by Obed the prophet.
King Asa destroyed many idols in the land and Jehovah blessed him for his faithfulness. Asa did not just sit back
and enjoy the privileges that as king he would have; he instead stepped up to the plate and worked for The Lord by
battling and defeating one of Israel's enemies. The larger enemy were the idols of stone, gold and wood and he had
these destroyed and God was very pleased. We are not given the details of King Asa's rewards but we do know that
his faithful works were recognized by God and since it is recorded in scripture, his fame will last forever.
Ruth
Ruth 2:12 Jehovah recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of Jehovah, the God of Israel, under
whose wings thou art come to take refuge.

Ruth lovingly followed her mother-in-law back to Israel and worked for Boaz, a rich man of the day. Ruth's reward
was to be great because of her faith. A prophetic interpretation of the Book of Ruth describes how the most faithful
Christians of the Church age will receive the highest reward of being the Bride of Christ. Jesus' most faithful
followers will miss all of the Tribulation and be with Him in Heaven during this time of testing. This is the refuge
they will have by being with Jesus and serving Him in Heaven. We also know that a thousand years later, Jesus
Christ would be born and be the Savior for mankind. Ruth was an ancestor to Jesus, the Savior. This is a great
honor for her.
Esau
Genesis 27:32-37 And Isaac his father said unto him, Who art thou? And he said, I am thy son, thy first-born,
Esau. And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who then is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me,
and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? Yea, [and] he shall be blessed. When Esau
heard the words of his father, he cried with an exceeding great and bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me,
even me also, O my father. And he said, Thy brother came with guile, and hath taken away thy blessing. And he
said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two time. He took away my birthright. And,
behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me? And Isaac
answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for
servants. And with grain and new wine have I sustained him. And what then shall I do for thee, my son?
Esau was Isaac's favorite son because he hunted wild animals and brought his father meat that he enjoyed eating
very much. Esau was also the first born (by a few minutes) and was in line to be the patriarch of the family. He
would enjoy a double portion of the inheritance from his father, Isaac. Esau would also enjoy leading his clan and
to receive glory and honor from the other members of the extended family.
Think on this: if Esau had not forfeited the blessing from his father to his brother Jacob, then the Old Testament
would be talking about the twelve tribes of Esau instead of the twelve tribes of Israel. An even greater loss would
be missing out on the glory and honor of being an ancestor of the Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm quite sure that Esau will
forever regret his fatal decision of giving up his inheritance for the bowl of red stew. This is a huge negative
reward for Esau. His sin was that he thought more of quenching his momentary hunger for food and hence gave up
a monumental inheritance. At that moment, he did not think highly of his inheritance and in effect, he despised his
inheritance.
Here is how God feels about Esau: Esau despised his inheritance and now God despises him. We can learn from
Esau's mistake. If God wants to give us an inheritance of some kind, then we should joyfully want to receive the
inheritance. In Esau's case it was to be lord over his father's cattle, servants and riches. Even more, he was to be
remembered and honored by his descendants. Unfortunately for him, his attitude towards his inheritance will be
remembered always because his rejection of the inheritance is recorded forever in the holy scripture. Here is the
verse:
Malachi 1:3 but Esau I hated, and made his mountains a desolation, and [gave] his heritage to the jackals of the
wilderness.
Esau's rejection is also recorded in the New Testament:
Hebrews 12:16 lest [there be] any fornication, or profane person, as Esau, who for one mess of meat sold his own
birthright.
Hebrews 12:17 For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he
found no place for a change of mind [in his father,] though he sought is diligently with tears.
Since the Old Testament lessons are also for us as Christians, we need to learn something from Esau's failure: we
also need to think highly of the rewards God would like to give us. If we don't want to receive rewards from God
and because good rewards are possible only if we live a righteous life and accomplish good works for the glory of
God, then we show that we don't think much of the rewards God wants to give us. This is also despising our
inheritance and it has eternal consequences for us in the Millennial Kingdom and in Eternity.

Keeping the Commandments

Psalms 19:11 Moreover by them (the Ten Commandments) is thy servant warned: In keeping them there is great
reward.
To God, keeping all of His commandments is very important. For Christians this is keeping the Ten
Commandments and the two great love commandments: loving the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind
and strength and our neighbor as our self. We should also keep all of the words spoken by Jesus in the New
Testament. Note what Jesus said about keeping His commandments--those things He told us to accomplish while
He walked this planet earth and are detailed in the Gospels:
John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

New Testament
Rewards are mentioned several times in the New Testament.
Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the
prophets that were before you.
Those Christians that are persecuted for Christ's sake will receive a great reward from God when they go to
Heaven. This persecution has happened during the entire 2,000 year Church Age and is happening in the world
today. In the USA there is little persecution except being made fun of by the media. This will change quickly in
these last days of the Church Age. Persecution of Christians will escalate quickly when the Tribulation begins, and
most Christians will be left behind to be persecuted during the first half of the Tribulation by Antichrist. Jesus will
reward those Christians who are persecuted and He will be pleased with most of them.
Peter
Matthew 19:27-29 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee; what then
shall we have? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have followed me, in the regeneration
when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve
tribes of Israel. And every one that hath left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or
lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit eternal life.
Peter and the other apostles had left everything including their families, their lands, their boats and whatever else
they had to follow Jesus and be His disciples. Note that Jesus did not reprimand Peter for asking Him about the
rewards that they would receive. Jesus was very glad to prepare rewards for His most faithful and to let them know
that they would receive a great more in rewards than they had given up for service to God. They would also inherit
eternal life because they are judged by Jesus as being mature sons in the faith. Here is Paul's definition of Eternal
Life:
Romans 2:1 Wherefore thou art without excuse, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judges
another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest dost practise the same things.
Romans 2:2 And we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against them that practise such things.
Romans 2:3 And reckonest thou this, O man, who judgest them that practise such things, and doest the same, that
thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the
goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
Romans 2:5 but after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up for thyself wrath in the day of wrath and
revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

Romans 2:6 who will render to every man according to his works:
Romans 2:7 to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life:
Romans 2:8 but unto them that are factious, and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, [shall be] wrath
and indignation,
Romans 2:9 tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that worketh evil, of the Jew first, and also of the
Greek;
Romans 2:10 but glory and honor and peace to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the
Greek:
Romans 2:11 for there is no respect of persons with God.
Note that there are consequences for not having good works (V2:8): there would be tribulation (3 1/2 years of
persecution by Antichrist) for those Christians of the last days that are not faithful to Jesus--those that have
committed mainly evil works during their stay on the earth. Paul is addressing Christians during this passage of
scripture and not the unsaved.
The most faithful receive the highest awards
The highest award. In Revelation, chapter 4, the Four Living Creatures, the Bride of Christ, will have the highest
award, because they will be sharing the grand throne of Christ in Heaven and will reign and rule with Him in the
Millennial Kingdom and in Eternity. So, this has to be the greatest award that Jesus will give to us. They have
many eyes that represent their insight into the mind of God; somehow the mind of Christ will be intimately
connected to the minds of His Bride and they will be able to know intimately the thoughts and plans of God and to
be able to understand things that only God Himself can understand. For example, this could include why He elects
some humans for salvation and does not elect others (Doctrine of Election); how He designed and created the
Universe and the Earth; and His plans for Eternity. God will permit them to co-plan with Christ any actions or
adventures that residents of Heaven and of Earth will experience in the future. Since we will have the mind of
Christ, any decisions we make will be perfect and in complete accord with any of God's plans for believers in
heaven and those dwelling on the earth in the Millennial Kingdom and in Eternity.
I can envision a heavenly choir and orchestra of millions of old and New Testament saints singing with perfect
pitch. God will allow us to write songs of worship and love that will involve all of the heavenly saints and even
perhaps the holy angels. The songs will be both grand like Handel's Messiah and simple as In the Garden. The
words of the songs will be taken from Holy Scripture and from any words that God the Father and God the Son
will speak during eternity.
The four living creatures will be the worship leaders in Heaven and on the Earth (Revelation chapter four). God
will not ever have to tell anyone the time or place to worship Him; they will somehow know and give the
adoration, love, praise and worship, and songs and music to God that He deserves whenever they think
appropriate. This will be the most lofty mission that the Bride of Christ will have. This will be a reward for their
faithful service to Him during the Church Age.
The next highest award. The 24 Elders sitting on their own thrones in the Book of Revelation will be the next
closest to Christ in Heaven. Their thrones will encircle Christ's grand throne and they will experience a very
intimate connection to Him. They will assist the Bride of Christ whenever they determine that God should be
praised. The elders will carry out any commands that Christ has given. The elders will assist the Bride of Christ
and Jesus when they rule over all the kingdoms of the earth.
Questions answered
Q. Does God ascribe any importance to rewards? Yes He does. Just read the "rewards" verses identified in any
concordance of the Bible.

Q. Should rewards be important to the Christian? Yes they should. Wouldn't you rather receive good rewards
because you are faithful rather than condemnation for your evil works?
Q. If rewards are important what must I do to earn rewards? You need to be faithful. To learn what faith is
you need to read ALL verses in the Holy Bible.
Q. Are there any negative rewards? What will happen to me if I don't think that awards are important? If
your works are mainly evil, you will receive condemnation from Jesus at judgment time. Just re-read the section
on Esau when he thought lightly of receiving the reward as the firstborn of Isaac. You will see that you will be
disinherited of a high position in the Kingdom if you despise rewards from Jesus.
Q. Since rewards are discussed in many verses in the Holy Bible, why do so few Christians think that
rewards have any importance? In sermons and in Sunday School materials rewards either positive or negative
are almost never discussed, hence the average church member that only reads these materials will not even know
that rewards are discussed in-depth in the Holy Bible. You have to read ALL verses to see that rewards from God
are indeed important to Him and should be to us.
Memories of worldly achievements will vanish
In this world you may be rich and have great achievements, fame and fortune. You may have your statue in a hall
of fame. You may have achieved international acclaim as a great speaker. You may have attained high political
office. You may be an owner or be in a high office in a corporation. You may have achieved great goals and the
highest awards as an athlete. You may have won prizes and international recognition for your academic
achievements. I could go on and on about the great wealth, fame and fortune that has been achieved by various
humans. You may be now riding high on your achievements, but in terms of eternity all efforts at fame and fortune
will go away forever. When Jesus returns to rule the earth at the end of the Tribulation, all human-effort
achievements will pass away because Jesus will destroy them. None of these efforts will be remembered or
recalled by anyone. Your worldly self-effort achievements will vanish as a puff of smoke in the wind.
Good deeds will be remembered forever
Only those efforts that God deems worthy will remain--and they will remain forever. You may have been
persecuted as a believer in Christ, but remain faithful to God. You participate in local and contribute to foreign
mission work. You pray for others and yourself. You have fellowship with God by praying to and praising Him.
You help other believers in Christ to walk closer to Him. You say no when tempted to do an evil deed. You have
humility--you recognize that you sometimes fail God and are sorry for any evil deeds you may do and are sorry for
any righteous works you should have accomplished but did not. You are watching and praying for Jesus' return for
the Rapture. You are reading the Bible, even daily and applying the verses to the way you live your life. These are
some of the righteous works that God will remember that you accomplish by allowing the Holy Spirit to rule in
your life--they will last forever.
The Final Word from Jesus
In Revelation 22:12 Jesus tells us: Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to each man
according as his work is. The idea of good rewards for the faithful and bad rewards for the unfaithful is one of the
last thoughts in the New Testament so we should enthusiastically want to receive these good rewards from Jesus if
He wants to bring them to us. We should also be very nervous to know that if we are unfaithful and have few good
works to show Him during our life on this planet that He will bring condemnation and we will be embarrassed at
His appearing.

How to Crucify Self

Eric Summers
Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12)

If you selected the How to Crucify Self article from the Salvation article list, there is hope for you, since you are at
least curious to know what you must do to be part of the First Fruits Rapture. You are here now to find out about
the details of the self preparation required by God. If you believe the Bible teaches more than spirit salvation, then
that is the open door for removing yourself from the throne of your life and placing Jesus on that throne. At this
point, you are reaching out to open that door to your soul, so Jesus can rule in your life and make you part of His
small, special group called the Bride of Christ. Whether you open that door fully and keep it open is up to you.
Jesus is right now pleading with you to say yes to Him. He wants all Christians to be part of His bride, but few will
actually commit themselves to this effort. Will you be one of His disciples? Will you be part of that elite group of
His that will rule with Him in His millennium Kingdom?
This article will help you get started crucifying your sinful nature and having your life transformed by God into
the person that He really wants you to be. This is not going to be easy; you will probably fail many times,
however, the Holy Spirit will help you if you ask Him. As you mature in the faith, you will gradually discover that
you can't stand the old selfish person that you used to be. You will feel anguish and grief at having committed all
of the sins in your life. Even though you feel bad about your sins, you will feel even worse about all of those
wasted years when you may have ignored God. You outwardly confessed that you were a Christian, but you did
not take your faith home with you or to your place of employment. However, God is infinitely greater than our
sins. He has provided a way to wipe away all tears of regret over our wasted lives. You can't go back and live your
life all over from the beginning days of your Christian life, but you can start today to walk in the ways of Jesus.
If you do decide to walk with Jesus and follow His ways you will find that not only will you escape the
humiliation of having most of your works burnt up at the Judgment Seat of Christ, you will also enjoy living life
here and now! It is my belief that if you are a faithful follower of His now, that the review of and the burning of
your sins will take place quickly, and that He will take more time reviewing your Bible study, your prayer and
fellowship time with Him, your glorification of God, your service to God and to others and your humility.
My Fear of the Judgment Seat of Christ
When I first understood about the terror that will be felt by self-centered Christians at the Judgment Seat of Christ,
I also had great fear. Did I really want all of my life's works opened to God and all believers and the angels to
know what I have done during my life? I would be standing in the very presence of Jesus, sitting on His judgment
seat. I thought this must be the way the children of Israel felt at Mt. Sinai when God's presence in a cloud of
smoke was at the top of the mountain when He gave the ten commandments to Moses (Exodus 20:18-21). They
were all terrified! I would actually see the eyes of Jesus flaming with fire as my lies, envy, lust, complacency,
laziness and other sins were made known and were burnt up in a large fireball. For me, there must be a way to
reduce my embarrassment. Well there is. I can serve God now. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I can crucify my
selfish and sinful personality and let Jesus' righteous works be part of my life. I needed to turn 180 degrees in my
life; I needed to move straight towards Jesus.
The Holy Bible is the Key
I will describe how I am moving now to be the man that Jesus wants me to be. I am not there yet, but I am seeking
to please Him. First, I am reading the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. As I read the verses I then ask myself,
"what does that mean?" If I do not understand, I find other sources that explain the verses to me, such as books,
articles on the Internet, and simply asking God by prayer. If there is a mature elder that knows the Bible well in
your church, that person should be relied upon to explain scripture to you. Next, I try to apply the verses in my day
to day contact with people. If I am driving to work and another driver cuts me off, do I grumble under my breath
and swear at the guy, or do I pray for that person? Guess what Jesus said to do: "to pray for those who despitefully
use you". The important idea about scripture is that it is to be used in our daily routines, not just read and put back
on the shelf. If I have pride and say to myself, "I really am a good Christian" and see an act of terrorism on the
evening news, and judge that person, I am wrong. If I say "look at that Muslim terrorist killing all those people in a
suicide bombing. I would never do that." Instead of patting myself on the back, I should be praying for the radical
elements of the Islamic people that they may have an opportunity to learn about the gentle loving ways of Jesus.
Wouldn't that be more what Jesus would want me to do? I could give you many more examples drawn from the
Bible, but you need to actually read it and to follow what God says for you to do. Finally, I am attending a bible
study of the book of Revelation held each week. There the scripture is read, explained and discussed by about 1520 people at each session.

Talking to and Walking with God

Prayer is now an important part of my life. For me, the example of Daniel is an excellent way to pray. He decided
to pray to God three times a day. He lived in the city of Babylon and bowed toward Jerusalem when he prayed. He
was very humble and relied completely upon God to carry him through the day. Daily Daniel prayed and confessed
his sins to God. He also gave God the glory when God helped him interpret the King's dreams described in the
book of Daniel. Later in the book of Daniel an angel of God told him that he was "highly esteemed" by God. Note
that his prayers to God and confession of his sins were the key factors in Daniel's keeping his faith in God under
very trying circumstances. It is so important to pray several times during the day, because God very much desires
your prayers. He already knows your needs, but you show your faith and trust in Him by lifting up your needs to
Him. Prayer should be more than just asking God for things you need and for healings of body and mind. It should
also be to thank Him for the many good things He has given you and to let Him know that you desire His company
and appreciate the honor of being able to talk directly to Him. This is part of the fellowship that we have with God.
You should also give praise to God for the wonderful things He does in your lives and in the lives of other
believers. Praise is simply recognizing God's extraordinary character, His wonderful creation of the universe and
sending His son, Jesus, to take on our sins on the cross. This is the way we walk with God. We let Him know that
He is very special to us and that our ability to pray and praise Him directly is a top joy and priority in our lives.
Please pray to God and just lift up your needs to Him. Also let Him know how special He is in your life. Finally,
don't forget to describe your faults to God and that you are truly sorry for having committed sins during the day.
Enoch walked with God as was described in Genesis (Genesis 5:22-24). No details were given of this walk other
than "Enoch walked with God." At the time before the flood, little scripture was available. Enoch probably heard
from his parents and grandparents about God creating the universe, the earth, plants, animals and mankind. He
also heard about the fall of Adam, Eve and the rest of their descendants. Enoch surely heard about the story of
Cain and Abel and the first murder, as well as God making Cain a wanderer. In addition, God reached out to and
talked to Enoch several times during his lifetime and Enoch apparently responded to God's overtures of love and
forgiveness. I believe that God looked into Enoch's heart and saw that he would be open to a much more
substantial relationship than had been before with any other human. If you read the early Genesis scriptures, most
verses just said who begat who. Wasn't that sad? Especially when you see later when true believers such as
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Daniel and David respond to God's overtures of fellowship and love. Well, Enoch did fully
respond to God and God appreciated his fellowship very much. Note that Enoch did not die. God simply took him
to heaven. That type of relation is what God wants with you. He wants that relationship right now. You just have to
respond to His calling you to walk with Him. You listen to His calling by reading the Holy Bible. He will also call
you by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is in your life from day one as a believer. What you do with the Holy Spirit
determines whether you have this walk or not. If you decide in your heart that you desire to have this walk, it will
happen. God will gladly come in the open door of your heart and be with you the rest of your life. Once this
fellowship starts, you will find that it is the high point of your life. When I get on my knees and bow to God's
presence, my life is so lifted up that I almost feel high. You can have this relationship if you want it. All you have
to do is to ask Him and He will respond. Just believe that He will do His part (James 1:5-8). Don't wait. Pray your
own prayer to God right now! He greatly desires to have fellowship with you.
Lord God almighty, I want to walk with you and to crucify my carnal human nature. I want evil in my life to now
cease and to gain my soul salvation by doing Your will. I want my life to reflect the power and love of Jesus by
greatly resisting sin and to accomplishing the righteousness that you want me to pursue. By faith I will walk with
You for the rest of my life. My life I commit to you for I am not my own for I belong to You. Use me to glorify
Your name, for Your ways are perfect. Thank You for saving my soul. Through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.
What this living for God is showing Him is that you really appreciate and are grateful to Jesus for dying on the
cross for you, for paying for and washing away all your sins. You let God know by your righteous and holy living
that you recognize that He has the right to be the King of your life. You recognize that by dying to self (by
refraining from sinning and being righteous) you are being prepared for great honors as a leader in the Kingdom.
Remember that all leaders of industry and government need and receive a great amount of training, and they will
be better leaders because of sound, thorough training. It is the same for believers. Just consider that living for Jesus
is a form of training for you so you can rule with Him in the Kingdom. God is doing you a great favor by giving
you the opportunity to serve Him now. Wouldn't it be much better to volunteer to serve Him now, to get that Godly

experience you need now, instead of having to go through part of the tribulation and receiving substantial
harassment, torture and possibly death at the hands of Antichrist?
My Failures
I fail God. I am ashamed to let you know that I sin several times a day, and I really regret it. Wouldn't it be
wonderful that if God would take away our sinful human nature and replace it with a sinless human nature? Well,
He doesn't do that when you become a Christian (ie, the day your spirit is saved). It would be too easy. God has
allowed my sinless spirit to reside alongside my carnal human nature. What a mess, what a turmoil I am in at
times. I make wrong decisions at times. I do sin against God and against my fellow man. I am disgusted with
myself at times during the day. What a miserable creature I am. Some days I have to confess to God that I have
sinned because I judge another person, by thinking "how stupid is that person"; by admiring myself and thinking
how smart I am. When I get back on track by listening to Jesus and by admitting my sin, my guilt is taken away by
the Holy Spirit. I then see that that person I was looking down on was really quite valuable.
I have asked God to reach into His treasury and to give me humility, holiness and righteousness so that I will not
have any desire to sin. I do believe that I will sin less because of this prayer to God. However, I will sin (all sin,
see 1 John 1:8) in the future even when God does give me some of His holiness and righteousness. I have to
moment by moment effect the power of the Holy Spirit to not sin. I must decide between self gratification and
acting the way Jesus would want me to act. It's a constant struggle. Praise be to God the Father, God the Son and
God the Holy Spirit for helping me fight the good fight that I might come out victorious over my depraved human
character! I do see some improvement in my life. I want to be a better person and to walk even closer to Jesus. It
will happen because I greatly desire a more righteous life. God has placed this desire into my life. Thanks be to
Him! If you also have this desire to fulfill righteousness and humility, you can also be a disciple of Jesus.
A Commitment to God
You must find the resolve in your life to admit to yourself and to God that you are a sinner and that you will fail
Jesus at times in your life. You must also resolve to confess your sins every day to God and to ask Him to give you
the strength to resist sinning when the temptations/challenges happen again in the future, for they will arise. You
must resolve to totally rely upon God for forgiveness and to refresh your soul, mind and spirit when you do sin. To
God be the glory, for He will help you, He will lift you up and put you back on the straight and narrow path of
righteousness. But you must be willing and resolved to have this attitude of relying on God the rest of your life. Be
honest with God. You can't ever deceive Him. He knows everything, period!
God expects your reasonable service (Romans 12:1). If you are walking with Him, He will let you know somehow
that He has a job of service right here and now for you. He will prepare you for any opportunity for service that He
might present to you. We don't know how long before Jesus returns, but we know it has to be soon. But as long as
you are living on the face of the earth, God expects, even demands that you serve Him:
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable to God, [which is] your reasonable service.
Avoid Judgment
Paul shows us how to avoid being condemned at the Judgment seat of Christ:
If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. (1 Cor 11:31).
We should review with God in humble prayer that we are wrong when we sin and that we have absolutely no
excuse that we committed the sin. Now this is my judgment of my sins and is expressed as a prayer to God:
Eric's Repentance Prayer. Lord I have sinned against you and that I know that my sin has hurt You, and has made
you ashamed of me. I do not deserve to be a part of Your family. I deserve to be cast into the lake of fire and to be
punished forever; I deserve nothing but contempt from You. I am sorry for sinning against you. Please have mercy
on me and forgive me of my sin. Please accept my deepest apology. Please redeem me from my sin and restore me
in right relationship to You. Through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

Note that if we judge ourselves, when we sin, that Jesus will not judge us at the Judgment seat of Christ. If we are
not judged, then we will receive no sentence from Jesus, i.e., we will not be condemned. I counsel you to judge
your actions, your attitude, the way you think, the way you respect and follow God and the way you treat other
people. At this moment pray to our God and tell Him that you are judging yourself for your sins and your failings.
Ask Him to help you change your attitude and let Him know that you will be following Him from now on.
Want to know why David had such a deep and faithful walk with God? Just read Psalm 51. David was willing to
admit that he sinned against God and that he was willing to judge himself. Note that part of David's prayer was for
restoration back to fellowship with God. David was then given an invitation to serve God after he recognized that
he had failed Him.
The Path to Righteousness
I've put together several steps to show you what you must do to crucify your carnal nature and walk with Jesus.
This will insure the salvation of your soul. Before you start the walk on the "straight and narrow", you need a
vision of what is to come. If you have a good idea of the blessings of living forever with God, you can make up
your mind if you really want to follow Him in this life.
The vision. This life is the testing ground for your faith in Jesus. However, it is not the end. The pain we have
crucifying the carnal self is extremely difficult, but by doing so we can partake of the rich blessings of an eternity
sitting with Christ on His throne in perfect peace and joy. When you are experiencing temptation and pain in this
life keep in mind that you will inherit a sinless holy and righteous nature for eternity. There will be no sickness, no
sorrow, no pain of any kind, no self-centeredness, no one will make fun of you or want to hurt you. You will walk
on streets of gold in the New Jerusalem. You will experience an environment that will be perfect. You will never
get cold or hot. You will be walking with God and seeing His face. You will never sin! You will be able to ask
questions of God and He will gladly respond to you. Just read the last few chapters of Revelation. Finally, you will
escape the terrors and trials of the first 3 1/2 years of the tribulation because you will already have been tested by
God and prove worthy to be part of His kingdom. We praise and thank God for His mercies.
Remember that if you have placed your faith in Jesus as Savior, your spirit is already saved and cannot be lost.
There is no sin you can commit to take away your place in heaven with Christ. However, if you want more, if you
want glory, honor and rewards in the millennium kingdom of Christ, you will need to show Him that you are
committed to living for and serving Him. If you want to be close to Jesus in eternity, you will want to show Him
now that He is the most important person in your life. You will want to do everything He has commanded in the
scripture, because this will show that you believe in and are committed to Him.
Here are eleven steps I am using to work out the salvation of my soul. Perhaps the ideas that God has shown me
can be helpful to you in crucifying your carnal nature.
1. You should start your walk on the "straight and narrow" by lifting up prayers to God for His help. By showing
that you are serious about this journey, and want Him walking beside you, God will help you. This is a prayer that
God earnestly seeks from you. I ask Him several times a day to help me. You cannot succeed without God's help:
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for
apart from me ye can do nothing.
2. Confession of your sins each day of your life will show God that you are truly sorry for any evil that you
commit during the day. This is showing your humility and thus recognizing that God is the source of your
salvation, not yourself. There should be anguish in your heart for the sins you commit and a longing to not sin and
to go forward to behave with a Christian attitude. Don't wait several days, weeks or years before you confess a sin.
Confess your sin to God immediately! Go back in the past and remember as many of the sins you have committed
as you can. Then confess to God that you were wrong, that you committed each sin and to ask Him to forgive you.
For sins you can't remember or weren't aware of, simply confess that you committed sins you have since forgotten.
If you do this confession, God will remove your guilt. He will help you to have more resistance when you are
tempted to sin. After you confess all sins, don't continue to think about them or let them fill you with guilt. God

will forget that you have committed sins in the past and so should you. The starting point is that we must recognize
that we sin and that we are willing to judge ourselves for the sins we commit. Here is the scripture:
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I
John 1:9)
3. Prayers of forgiveness of others is also very important. You may have been hurt by one or more people in the
past, or you may experience pain from someone right now, today. When you forgive others of their sins against
you, you are walking very close to God. If you have great hurts from someone, please lift this pain in the form of a
prayer up to God. Let Him know that you are forgiving this person of their sin against you. For sins of the past that
have been committed against you, lift each one up to prayer to God and just tell Him that the sin hurt you so badly
that you are having a tough time letting it go. Ask for God to help you forgive. To forgive sins against you,
especially very painful ones is one of the most difficult things you will ever do in this life. However, Jesus forgives
us of all sins we commit, so should we also forgive all sins against us.
4. Read the Holy Bible daily. In the scripture, God speaks and we listen. This is how He shows us how He hates
evil and loves righteousness. The Bible describes God's love for us and the weapons we have available for us in
pursuing righteousness. It will take several readings of the Bible to more fully understand God's ways, but
perseverance is just one of the Godly characteristics that He will give you as you walk further down the straight
and narrow path. Start by reading Genesis. This book shows us how sin got started and how God dealt with it in
the early history of mankind. Then go on to the New Testament and read the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and
John. Next, go back and read Exodus in the Old Testament. After this start, let the Lord lead you as to the order of
the books you will read. You should also be part of a Bible study at your church and/or in your home. Don't be
afraid to ask questions about particular verses. Others in the study group will be glad to help you understand the
Holy Scripture. The Holy Scriptures increase our faith (2 Tim 3:15). Faith in God is so important, because if you
believe that God will answer your prayers, it will happen:
Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and
ye shall have them.
5. Begin a fellowship with God. As you read and understand the Bible more and more, you should start to sense
the presence of God in your life. God simply wants to be appreciated by you and walk beside you in quiet
moments away from all distractions. During these times of fellowship I simply let Him know how important He is
to me. I recognize His infinite power and might and that He has a specific plan for redeeming me. God is showing
me His loving holy character, and because of this, I can absolutely trust Him in guiding me. God is not only
infinitely powerful, but also infinitely sensitive and patiently listens to every word of prayer I lift up to Him. These
quiet times with God are when I praise Him and give thanks to Him for His presence in my life. Finally, I tell Him
that I love Him and recognize that He is the most important person in my life. This is my walk with God. Here are
some suggestions for improving your prayer life and your fellowship with God: Prayer: a hands-on Workbook.
6. Prayers of petition to God are very important. Although God knows everything, He expects believers to lift up
every need to Him. Be persistent. Keep mentioning the needs of yourself, friends and family. God will come
through if your prayers are in line with His will.
7. Fellowship with other believers is energizing to the believer. This can be as part of a Bible study at church or in
your home. Make sure that you let your brothers and sisters in Christ know that you care for them.
8. Your enthusiastic service to God and others is very important. You should enjoy the job that God has given you
to do. Whether it is as a pastor or deacon, or as a person that simply mows the church lawn, or works in the
kitchen, do your job with joy and love. God will recognize this and bless you. Remember that the servant of all
will be the person that rules with Christ in His kingdom (Mark 10:43-45).
9. Make friends with your neighbors and co-workers. Be supportive when your neighbors have sorrows or
difficulties and be joyful when they have successes. They will be observing your character first before they are
willing to listen to your testimony of faith. Be patient. Wait for them to ask you why you are so supportive to them
and why your life has peace in it. Of course, your loving character is a result of being a child of God.

10. Be watching and praying for Jesus' return. You will be constantly praying that Jesus will count you worthy to
be a member of the First Fruits Rapture. Because you are watching, your attitude and actions will reflect that your
mind is on walking the righteous walk so that you will be part of the millennium kingdom of Christ.
11. Don't waste time. Time is very short until the Return of Jesus Christ for His Bride, the Church of Philadelphia.
All Christians should be listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit and be doing those things that God wants us to do.
We should not fill our lives with unproductive activities, especially television.
Scripture to Read and Obey
Are you willing to learn more about God and will you consider obeying the commands from Him in the Holy
Bible? Here are several verses that should encourage you to walk with Jesus. If you read and meditate on these
verses from scripture, Jesus will be pleased and you will start the walk with God. If you take the next step and
obey these scriptures, you will be crucifying self and receiving blessings from God that will be priceless in this life
and the life to come.
Verse

Summary

Matthew 16:24- To be a follower of Jesus, you must deny self.

28
Colossians 3:1- Seek the things from above where Christ is.
11
Galatians 3:26- You are sons of God and have clothed yourself with Christ.
4:7
James 1:2-4

Trials in this life produce the ability to endure.

James 1:5-8

Ask God for wisdom.

Matthew 7:7-12 Ask God for the spiritual strength to obey the scripture.
Matthew 8:18- The cost of following Jesus.
22
Matthew 11:25- Jesus provides strength when you are weary.
30
Matthew 12:33- The words you speak identify if you are a good person or an evil person. For every idle word we
37
speak we will give an account at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
Matthew 22:34- The greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbor as yourself.
40
Romans
Chapter 3

Righteousness comes from faith.

Romans
Chapter 7

We die to the sinful nature and are raised to a new life in Jesus Christ.

Romans 7:7-25 We will struggle with our sinful nature.

Romans
Chapter 8

The Holy Spirit helps us in our struggle against sin.

Romans
Chapter 12

Offer yourself as a living sacrifice to Jesus.

Romans 13:814

Love one another, for the day of Jesus' return is near.

Galatians 5:13- Do not indulge the sinful nature.

15
Galatians 5:16- Live by the Holy Spirit. Do not gratify the sinful nature.
26

Ephesians 4:1- Practical righteousness. Specific situtations are commanded by God to be followed by the reader
6:23
in this letter from Paul to the Ephesians.
The best way to read and understand scripture is to read the complete chapter. Even better is to read and re-read
the complete book from beginning to end. The above verses are given as starting points to putting off the old self,
putting on the new self and to walking with Jesus. There are many chapters in the New Testament that encourage
us to live righteously for God. If there are so many, shouldn't this be an indicator from God that living for Him is
very important?
When You are Alone
One thing God requires in a faithful believer is consistency. He wants you to be faithful when you are around other
believers, your fellow workers at your job, around your family, when you are out shopping, when you are mowing
the lawn and even when you are alone, by yourself. He wants you to be faithful 24 hours a day, seven days a week,
365/366 days a year.
Sometimes you are alone. You may be on a business trip, driving to work or at home or in a motel room by
yourself. This is the time that your true character shows itself. When you think no one will see, you may be
tempted to rebel against God and to sin against Him. You may be tempted to view pornography on the Internet, to
curse if one of your projects goes wrong, to open up that alcohol bottle, or to just sit down and watch television all
day. You may have a strong urge to sin when you are by yourself, when no one will see you, but remember, God
knows every action you do, think or say.
When you have time alone, you should be worshipping God and strengthening your ties to Him. Here are some
suggestions for avoiding sinning against our Heavenly Father and God:

Turn off the television.

Pray and ask God for His help in overcoming any temptation that may appear.

Open up the Holy Bible and read the stories of God's saints and how He helped them in their walks. The
stories of Joseph (Genesis), Moses (Exodus) and Joshua (Joshua) come to mind.

Confess your sins to God. David was tempted and he did sin, but he confessed his sin and was forgiven by
God. Read Psalm 51.

Praise God by giving thanks for the many blessings that He has given you. Remember each one.

Go outside and take a walk with God to observe the beauty of nature. During this time, simply recognize
that God is the Creator of all these wonderful things. Fill your mind with beautiful and holy thoughts:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be
any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Phil 4:8 KJV)

Be humble. One way that I show my humility to God is to go on my knees before Him. Sometimes you
don't even need to say anything, but simply offer yourself to Him when you are tempted to sin.

A Warning about Serious and Addictive Sins

Living the righteous life for Jesus is so important. To be a ruler with Christ in His millennium Kingdom you have
no choice but to avoid evil. Below, I have included verses from Galatians and I Corinthians that describe in detail
sins that you must not commit. If you are committing any of these sins, you will not be included as a member of
the First Fruits rapture or rule with Jesus in His Kingdom. If you are committing any of these sins, it is a strong
indicator that you have not fully committed yourself to crucifying your carnal nature and turning your life over to
Jesus for His service.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders,
drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they
which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-2)
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor
idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor
drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are
washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (I
Corinthians 6:9-11)
In the Book of Galatians Paul states the works of the flesh nature:
1. Adultery: The figurative meaning is given here, since the literal meaning of adultery and fornication is the same.
Figuratively, adultery means idolatry, which is placing anything before God.
2. Fornication: Literally fornication refers to illicit sex and includes adultery, incest and homosexuality.
3. Uncleanness: Physical or moral impurity. It refers to Christians who are not confessing their sins regularly.
4. Lasciviousness: Rebellious or resistant to authority. It refers to Christians who are not living in obedience to the
Word of God.
5. Idolatry: Image worship or the worshipping of other gods.
6. Witchcraft: The use or sale of drugs. Also, refers to giving heed to seducing demons.
7. Hatred: Enmity or hatred of fellow Christians.
8. Variance: Contentious or quarrelsome with fellow Christians.
9. Emulations: Being envious or jealous of fellow Christians.
10. Wrath: To be angry or have wrath toward fellow Christians.
11. Strife: To provoke or strive against fellow Christians. To be uncooperative.
12. Seditions: To create divisions or dissensions among fellow believers. To be a divisive Christian.
13. Heresies: To follow ones own tenets or traditions that are opposed to the Word of God.
14. Envyings: To have ill-will or to be spiteful towards fellow Christians.
15. Murders: Literally means to slay or murder someone else. Murder sometime happens when ill-will, anger or
spitefulness are carried to the extreme.
16. Drunkenness: To be intoxicated or controlled by alcohol. The Christian is to be controlled by the Holy Spirit
and not by alcohol.
17. Revellings: Loud and noisy partying without restraint or discipline (i.e., revelry).
If you have been committing any of the above sins mentioned in the above verses, my advice is to repent right
now. You must turn away from these sins and completely turn your life over to Jesus Christ. Remember, you
cannot live the righteous life without the Holy Spirit of God ruling in your life. By turning to Jesus Christ in faith,
you can overcome any addictions that might be a part of your life. You must ask God for His forgiveness of the
sins you are committing. You must then ask Him to give you the strength to overcome your sins and you must
believe that God will say "yes" to your request for righteousness.

Repentance Prayer of a Pastor. Lord God Almighty, I have been willfully committing one of the sins mentioned in
Galatians: heresy. I have included in my sermons ideas about humanism. I have told my congregation that they are
so important and that they need to feel good all the time about themselves. I have not discussed that they need to
repent of their self-centered ways and follow Jesus in their home life and at their work place. I need to prepare
them for Jesus' second coming and how to start and finish the walk of righteousness. Lord forgive me of this sin
and help me to understand and to lead my flock in the ways of Jesus. Give me the strength and courage to do Your
will. Thank you Heavenly Father for your forgiveness and help. Through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.
Repentance Prayer of a Church Member. God the Father and Jesus my Savior--I have been reading the Bible very
little and have not prayed for the strength to follow You. However, after You have called me to read about the
failings of the Churches in the Book of Revelation, I realize that I am guilty of arrogance and self-deception by
actually believing that I am exactly the Christian that God the Father wants me to be. Although I have a wonderful
family, an abundance of the world's goods, live in a nice house, drive a nice car, have a good paying job and attend
a large, beautiful church, I am spiritually bankrupt because I have very few good works to show You. I am sorry
for my sins and now repent and humbly turn to You for forgiveness and would like to follow You now and for the
rest of my life. Please have mercy on me, forgive me of my sins and guide me in accomplishing all the
righteousness You want me to start and finish. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I will remove from my life all
arrogance, hypocrisy, greed and self indulgence. I now greatly desire to have a humble spirit and a close, personal
walk with You and want to enthusiastically praise and love You forever. I will read and meditate on the Holy
Scripture and show enthusiasm for all of Your commandments and will confess my sins and my failings to You
every day. With joy, I will follow through with all righteousness that You have prepared for me to accomplish. I
will continually be praying and watching for the Return of Jesus. I open my heart, mind and soul to You. Through
Christ Jesus my Lord, Amen.
Repentance Prayer of a Deacon. I come before you O Lord in Heaven and admit that I have not encouraged my
flock members to follow You in righteousness. I have been involved mainly in church administration and meetings
that decide whether our church should purchase more property, expand the sanctuary and what color paint should
go in the church offices. I should be regularly visiting my flock and fellowshipping with and encouraging them to
live their lives in submission to You. I should be praying daily for my flock, my Pastor and the rest of the church
members. I should also be following You in my personal worship including reading the Bible, praising You and
walking with You at my work and when I am at home with my family. Forgive me of my sin and help me to
become a deacon that puts service to You first in my life. Through Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen.
The above prayers are given as examples for you. You know if you are commiting any serious and addictive sins
and if you are, you should confess them to Almighty God today, at this very moment. Do not delay, because it will
be easier for you right now than it will be in the future. If you do repent, when tempted later to return to your sin,
the Holy Spirit will prick your conscience to let you know that He expects you to say no to committing the sin.
The Holy Spirit does not force you to say no to sin or to say yes to righteousness. He speaks to you in a very lowkey and gentle loving voice. Be sure to listen carefully to His direction and to do what God commands you to do.
God is very patient with His children. However, when He has had enough of our rebellion He will discipline us
and we may not like what happens to us. You have been warned.
Here is the scripture from Hebrews 12:5-6 (KJV):
5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the
chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Now, all sin should be avoided by Christians and any sin of any kind is extremely bad for us. However, Paul has
placed an emphasis on avoiding the sins listed in the above scripture, so let us follow the admonition God has
inspired him to write.
The fear of The Lord is extremely important to the believer in Christ. I suggest that you read: The Judgment Seat
of Christ to more fully understand the judgment and censure that you will experience if you are not following
Jesus and the praise, peace, joy and reward you will receive if you are following Him in every phase of your life.

You Reap What You Sow

We will have to stand before Jesus at the Judgment Seat of Christ and give an account of our life's works. This
accounting will include any good deeds you may have performed for God. For these righteous works, Jesus will
praise you and give you a reward.
This judgment will also include accounting for any sins we may have committed while in this life. These are two
kinds of sins: 1) Sins of commission, such as adultery, lying and complaining. 2) Sins of omission, such as avoiding
a righteous work you know that God wants you to perform.
As discussed earlier in this article, any sins that you confess to God during this life will not be judged by Him.
These confessed sins will still be destroyed in the fire of Christ's righteous judgment. However, you will not have
to admit to Him that you committed these sins, because you have already confessed them to Him while in this life
(I John 1:9). Any unconfessed sins will be brought up by Christ in your judgment and you will have to admit to
Him that you committed these sins and admit that you were wrong. This will be very embarassing if we do not
daily confess all of our sins to God.
Confession of sins is a righteous work that God expects out of us. However, it would be much better for us, even
in this life, if we would expend a great effort in avoiding sin in our lives because our sin can cause great
difficulties in our life, even if we confess all of our sins to God. Here is the verse:
(Gal 6:7-8 KJV) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For
he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap
life everlasting.
God wants us to avoid sin in our life because He knows that sin can tear us apart, physically or mentally. Here are
some examples:
You know that drinking alcoholic beverages can make you drunk, can break up a martial relationship, and can
even make you sick. If you confess to God that you drink alcohol, He will forgive you but you might still have to
live with the results of your obsessive alcohol consumption such as cirrhosis of the liver.
Viewing pornography or having an extra-marital affair can lure you away from a normal, healthy relationship with
your spouse. It can even break up a marriage. Again, confession of this sin will be forgiven by Jesus. However,
you will still have guilt because of this unrighteous work. You may or may not be able to resume a holy
relationship with your spouse, even after confession of your sin.
If God wants you to do some kind of service for Him and you simply refuse or ignore Him, He may decide to
strike you with a disease or injury, or you may lose your job or He may even take your life. If you confess this sin
and then decide to follow Him from then on, He may restore you to a close walk with Him. However, He may not,
because God does what He wants to do. You could miss out on rewards and the fruit of the Spirit because you have
not done a righteous work He commanded you to do. Read the Book of Jonah to see what happened to Jonah when
he disobeyed God after He commanded him to go and preach the message of repentance to the residents of
Nineveh.
If we serve God, we will reap rewards both in this life and in eternity. This is crucifying self and living for God.
This is NOT MOCKING God, since this is being obedient to Him. This is pleasing Him and we are so much better
off by simply following Him with love and enthusiasm.
God's scripture never fails. If we commit sin we are disobeying or mocking God, and it will always come back to
effect us, sometimes in a destructive manner. We need to constantly be on guard to avoid sin and to joyfully serve
God by performing any righteous works He prepares for us to accomplish.
With the help of the Holy Spirit a faithful Christian can produce a harvest of rewards from the good works that he
sows. If you are reading and obeying the Holy Bible, praying and serving God with the best of your abilities, then
He will be pleased with you. These good works will produce holy fruit that will last forever. These works will be

the gold, silver and precious stones that will easily come through the fire at the Judgment Seat of Christ. If you are
faithful to Jesus in your thoughts, words and actions, you will be praised by Him and you will then reap the
salvation of your soul. You will have a position of honor in the millennium Kingdom and in eternity, ruling with
Jesus in both Heaven and on the earth.
The Conscience can be Seared
(James 1:15 KJV) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth
death.
The unpardonable sin is discussed in detail in the article The Unpardonable Sin. Briefly, a mature Christian can
serve God, be filled with the Holy Spirit and do good works in the power of the Holy Spirit. If for some reason,
this faithful Christian then turns his back on Christ and wants nothing to do with Him, this person has committed
the unpardonable sin and cannot be brought back into service and fellowship with God in this life. His conscience
is then seared and God will not even attempt to bring him back by allowing him to repent of his sins.
If you are a faithful Christian and are worried that you have committed the "unpardonable sin", then you most
certainly have not committed this sin and it is still possible that you can resume a righteous walk with God. You
should first repent of your sin and confess it to God (I John 1:9: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to
forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.) and then resume praying, reading the Holy Bible,
having a fellowship with other Christians and then resume doing righteous works for God.
If you have committed the unpardonable sin, then you won't even think about Jesus, prayer, reading the Holy Bible
or doing any righteous work. Your conscience has been seared and God will not bring you back into fellowship
with Him in this life. At the Judgment Seat of Christ, you will have to account to Him for your failures and it will
be a most painful time viewing His holy face and hearing that He is most displeased with your works during your
time on the earth. You will still go to Heaven and have fellowship with God, but you will lose all rewards in the
Millennium Kingdom and in Eternity.
If you are still involved with many sins in your life and want to renew your fellowship and walk with Jesus, I
encourage you to reread this article and follow the suggestions that I have presented to you and make the effort to
repent and turn your life over to Christ for service for Him. God will restore you if you are sorry for your sins and
want to live for Jesus and not for yourself.
If you continue to commit the same serious and addictive sins over and over and if you do not confess these sins to
God and ask His forgiveness, there is a possibility that your conscience can become seared. This is such a serious
condition that you may not even care if you sin and your conscience may not tell you when you do something
wrong. It is then too late to repent and return to fellowship with God. Let me say that if you understand what I am
saying right now, and care about being faithful to God then your conscience has not been seared. In fact, if your
conscience has been seared, you will not have any interest at all in reading articles such as this one, praying,
reading the Holy Bible or accomplishing good works.
I am giving you these warnings so that you will be aware that constantly sinning without being cleansed by
confession of sin (I John 1:9) and by failing to read and apply the Holy Scripture to the way you live your life can
eventually break down your will to repent. This could leave you spiritually weaker, and weaker and could
possibly lead to a seared conscience.
Suffering Brings Glory
Jesus suffered, all of the apostles and disciples suffered, the faithful prophets, priests, kings and shepherds of the
Old Testament era suffered because they were faithful to God. Christ lets us know by 2Timothy 2:12 that suffering
is something that we should expect:
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: (KJV)
If we endure, we shall also reign with him: if we shall deny him, he also will deny us: (ASV)

These tests listed below are certainly not all we could come up with if we thought about it for awhile, but here are
some sufferings that you could possibly endure during your lifetime:
Suffering or Enduring for Jesus
Saying no to a temptation. Our bodies may appear to suffer because we said no to something like smoking or
drinking alcohol.
Giving money to a good cause before buying that large screen TV.
Our lives are filled with prayer for ourselves and for others.
We daily deny our carnal nature by reading/studying and apply the verses in the Holy Bible to the way we live
our lives.
As we improve in our walk, our sinful nature becomes more apparent to us. If we are faithful to Christ, we will
detest our sinful human nature and the times that we give in to our sin.
Listening to others put us down because they know we are living for Christ.
Missing out on a promotion or raise because we refused to compromise our Christian principles.
You have a serious disease or life threatning injury. You don't complain, but give thanks to God for any trial or
tribulation that arises in your life.
Not responding in an unkind way to someone that might be irritating you. This irritation could also be from such
as from another driver that cuts you off in traffic. This irritation could even be from a fellow Christian such as an
inappropropriate or demeaning comment by them during a Sunday School lesson in church.
In some countries you might have to enduring beatings or imprisonment because you are a Christian and refuse to
be unfaithful to Christ.
In some countries you might be murdered because you are a follower of Jesus.
Daily we beckon for the return of Jesus for the First Fruits rapture. We never give up watching for His return.
We suffer because we see the sinful paths that the people and leaders of our country are following.
Any Christians that are not participating in some kinds of suffering for Jesus will not be taken to Heaven in the
First Fruits Rapture. The denial mentioned in 2 Tim 2:12 is the denying of being obedient to any commandments
from the Holy Bible or righteous deeds that Jesus prepares for us to accomplish. The denying by Jesus will be the
denying of any unfaithful Christian to be taken to Heaven in the First Fruits Rapture. This is the unfaithful
Christian that will be required to undergo 3 1/2 years of persecution by the Antichrist during the first half of the
Tribulation. Jesus could also deny any rewards that He would like to give us. He can't because we said no to the
righteous works we know that we should have done. We will be required to account to Jesus at the Judgment Seat
of Christ for any righteous works that were assigned to us, but we did not accomplish.
These sufferings are different for each Christian. God is so wise, He places in your path exactly the sufferings and
testing that He knows you need to experience to become a more faithful follower of His. When these tests come
up, just remember that you need to respond to the tests just like Jesus would respond. To know how to respond,
you need to read the four Gospels and see what Jesus did when his trials came up. You should also read the Book
of Acts and the epistles of Paul to see what he did when encountering his trials and how he responded to them.
When you are experiencing this suffering, remember to ask for God's help and then thank Him for the test and the
victory you have over this trial. You have this victory because the Holy Spirit is in your life and encouraging you
while underdoing this test.
We should be denying our sinful nature by avoiding sin and by accomplishing righteous works for Christ. This is a
form of suffering for God. If you are allowing the Holy Spirit to help you deny the cravings of the flesh nature, you
will be taken to Heaven in the First Fruits Rapture.
Some Indicators You are Crucifying Self
In Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit:

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness,
temperance: against such there is no law.
If the Holy Spirit is producing in you all of the the wonderful Godly characteristics listed above, this is strong
evidence that you are following Jesus at home, at church and at your work. The fruit of the Spirit is explained in
more detail in the article: The Philadelphia Christian.
What Will You Do With This Message?
You've heard my story about following God. Your trials and temptations will undoubtedly be different from mine.
However, God knows your character and will not place a test that is greater than you can overcome with His help
(I Cor 10:13).
If you have read this article and say to yourself "That's fine, it makes sense, but I just don't want to take the time to
follow God fully at this point in my life. I've got too much on my plate, or my job is demanding me work 60 hours
a week, or I belong to the golf club and need to get on the green at least twice a week, etc.". Or perhaps you think
to yourself, "the writer doesn't know what he is talking about. My minister says that all Christians will be raptured
before the tribulation starts. So I can just continue living my life as I always have. I go to church once a week, hear
an uplifting sermon of encouragement, then go home. That's all I need to do. The tribulation will not effect me at
all."
Remember what God says: "you can be tested now voluntarily, or I will test you in the tribulation." If you are an
unenthusiastic, lazy Christian you will be tested in the tribulation. If this happens, try to remember the Bible verses
and ideas presented to you in articles on this website. He will help you through that very difficult time of testing in
your life. Here's an article that describes the testing you will experience during the first half of the Tribulation and
suggestions for improving your faith in Jesus Christ: Christians Left Behind.
Amen
The thoughts in this article are simply my own. They are how I am working out the salvation of my soul. I am not
doing this work by myself, rather the Holy Spirit of God is helping me to accomplish whatever righteousness God
has commanded. By faith in Jesus, by believing that He will provide the strength to overcome my sinful nature I
am improving in my walk with Him. I am continuing to watch for His return and praying that I will be counted as
worthy to be a member of the Church of Philadelphia and to be taken to Heaven when Jesus initiates the First
Fruits Rapture. I am praying that I will be worthy to stand before Jesus and to be judged as a wise and faithful
servant of His. I counsel you to also have this desire in your heart so you can also rule and reign with Him!
Galatians 2:20 - I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which
I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

The Unfaithful Christian

Eric Summers
In this article I will be presenting some opinions on the fate of a One-Talent Christian (OTC) during their
judgment time, during the Millennial Kingdom and in Eternity. The OTC is not an unsaved person, but is instead a
Christian that has not repented of his sinful ways and has not become a disciple of Jesus Christ. In other words, he
has not become sanctified. To the outsider, this Christian looks like the unsaved people of the world--living only
for themself and not living for God.
The Book of Life
The reasons for The Book of Life are covered in detail in the article: The Book of Life. It contains the names of
every Christian that Jesus has or will save by grace through faith. This book contains a list of the names of
believers that Christ expects to be His disciples and thus avoiding evil and performing righteous works during

their time on this earth. If the believer has been found faithful by Jesus, his name will remain in the book and Jesus
will not blot his name out of the Book of Life:
Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name
out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (ASV 1901)
This verse is addressed to the Church at Sardis, the Protestant Church of today. This verse is not an admonishment
for only the Protestant church, but it applies to all Christians. It states that the Christian that overcomes or removes
his spiritual deficiencies will continue to have his name written in the Book of Life but those that do not overcome
their spiritual weaknesses will have their name removed from this book that is in the care of Jesus Christ. This is a
very serious condition for the unfaithful. Jesus would very much like to give many rewards (Are Rewards
Important?) to His disciples, but if they are not being faithful disciples, then they will not receive any rewards
from Him. Instead, they will receive condemnation from Christ at their judgment. During the Millennium
Kingdom they will be on the sidelines during the Wedding Feast and any other events that involves recognition by
Jesus of His faithful saints; the unfaithful will be cast into Outer Darkness. Another very serious negative reward
they will receive at their judgment will be discussed later in this article.
Heaven or New Jerusalem
Jesus said to His disciples:
John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a
place for you.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I
am, [there] ye may be also. (ASV 1901)
Right now Jesus is preparing the New Jerusalem for His disciples and His work is nearly finished. This great city
will be the primary residence for faithful saints of the Old Testament era and for Christians saved during the 2,000
year church age. This great city is referred to as Heaven, My Father's House or New Jerusalem. A detailed
description is given in: New Jerusalem and The New Heaven and the New Earth, so I'll just give an overview here.
The great city is 1400 miles high by 1400 miles wide by 1400 miles deep, which is about 2.7 billion cubic miles of
space. Looking from the top down, there are three gates on each side, each gate consisting of a great pearl and on
each is the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Their names are listed in Revelation, chapter seven. Each
gate has an angel escorting the faithful in and out of the great city. At the very top of the city is a great worship
room that contains the grand thrones of God the Father and Jesus Christ. Their thrones are sitting on a platform
which is in the middle of the room and is raised a man's height from the rest of the room. The Bride of Christ will
share Christ's throne and there will be 24 thrones with faithful Christian elders sitting on them around the thrones
of God the Father and Jesus Christ. The Bride of Christ--the four living beings and the 24 elders mentioned in the
Book of Revelation are representative of the most faithful of Christ's disciples and will likely number in the
millions. The next most faithful of Christ's followers will be a little further from the thrones of The Father and The
Son; they are the five and two talent Christians that prove their faithfulness during the first half of the Tribulation.
All are faithful and Jesus Christ will often praise them before God the Father.
Above the great room is a ceiling of diamond that will allow a clear vision into the sky above:
Rev 21:10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city
Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
Rev 21:11 having the glory of God: her light was like unto a stone most precious, as it were a jasper stone, clear
as crystal:
From the great worship room you will be able to look up and see the gospel in the stars, called the Mazzaroth,
which via star constellations displays the Gospel message in picture form. Just do a search on Mazzaroth for
details. At night if you look straight up towards the North Star (Polaris), you will see the general area in space
where New Jerusalem is located. It is very far out, several light years away, so even the most powerful telescopes
will not be able to see it now. After the thousand year Millennial Kingdom is completed, New Jerusalem will come

down out of Heaven and orbit the earth. Residents of earth will be able to see New Jerusalem and send up their
praise to God from the earth. Here is a verse that describes where Heaven is:
Psalms 48:2 ASV 1901: Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, Is mount Zion, [on] the sides of the
north, The city of the great King.
Garments
Note that in the Rev. 3:5 verse, Jesus mentions white garments. White in the Bible represents purity so anyone that
wears white shows that they have repented of evil works and have accomplished good works for the glory of God.
In Rev 3:5 Christ is admonishing the members of the Sardis or Protestant church to overcome their spiritual
weaknesses and thus be counted as faithful disciples of His. This is not an admonishment for just the Protestant
church, but it applies to all Christians. Those spiritual weaknesses that Jesus mentions in Revelation chapter two
and three to the Churches of Revelation need to be worked on by the individual Christians and if they are
overcome, then Jesus counts them as His disciples. If we are faithful to Jesus, we will be wearing white garments
and thus He will not blot out our name from the Book of Life. The spiritual weaknesses that Jesus describes in the
Book of Revelation to the Protestant church is not watching for His return for the First Fruits Rapture and having
works that are done for the individual's glory and not for the glory of God. Thus, their works are dead or
incomplete. For more on the Protestant Church read: The Church at Sardis.
In the Bible, the garments worn by the Christian are an outward indicator of the faithfulness of the person (See
Revelation 19:8 below). I've listed in order of devotion to God the Father those called by Him to be believers in
Jesus Christ. The faith of the various types of churches during the 2,000 year church age are described in detail in
the Book of Revelation: The Seven Churches.
The Four living creatures: the Bride of Christ
These are the individuals that have been the most faithful to Christ during their stay on Earth:
And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright [and] pure: for the fine linen is the
righteous acts of the saints (ASV 1901 Rev. 19:8)
The Bride of Christ is the most faithful of the disciples of Jesus. They have crucified self (How to Crucify Self)
and have performed good works that glorify God and have daily cleansed themselves of their sins by confessing
them to God (I John 1:9) and are currently watching and beckoning for His return for the First Fruits Rapture.
They have suffered insults from the world of the unsaved as well as from members of the church that don't want to
hear about watching for the return of Jesus for the First Fruits Rapture and the encouragement from Jesus to be
obeying all the commands He told His disciples to accomplish. They have read and studied scripture from the
Holy Bible and applied it to the way they live their lives. They have prayed daily for their needs and the needs of
others and they have had daily praise and communion with God. He is the most important person in their lives.
Because of the walk with The Lord as mentioned above, He will glorify them at the First Fruits Rapture.
Revelation Chapter Four describes them, the four living creatures: they look just like Jesus Christ:
Revelation 4:7 And the first creature [was] like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature
had a face as of a man, and the fourth creature [was] like a flying eagle.
The Bride of Christ is described as being like the four creatures depicting Jesus according to the four gospels. In
Matthew, Jesus is portrayed as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the King of the Jews. This pertains to his reigning
and ruling in the kingdom. The four living creatures will share in this. Mark pictures Jesus as the suffering servant
(i.e., the calf or the ox). Jesus came to suffer and die as a servant. Jesus had to suffer before he reigns as king, and
this is applicable to his disciples also, especially from persecution from some members of their own churches.
Luke depicts Jesus as the Son of Man and this pertains to his human nature. The four living creatures also have a
human nature. The book of John delineates the divine nature of Jesus Christ, and the eagle is a symbol for this
nature. The four living creatures have become Christlike in their character. They have suffered with Christ, and
they will now reign with Christ in the highest level of the kingdom. They are able to share with Christ in his
throne.

The Twenty Four Elders: the court of the Bride

And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting,
clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
Around the throne of Jesus will be 24 other thrones (the Greek word thronos) and 24 elders or mature believers
were seated on these thrones. The white raiment represent the righteous deeds or acts of the saints, and the crowns
of gold are the stephanos (i.e., crowns) that Christians earn by their faithfulness to the Lord.
These 24 elders represent believers who have qualified to reign and rule with Jesus Christ in the kingdom of the
heavens. Twelve is the number of earthly government and 24 is twice twelve and represents heavenly government
or the government of the heavens over the earth.
Resurrection time is coronation time, and no one can be crowned until he has been resurrected, or translated if
living. Therefore, this is proof that there is a resurrection/translation at the beginning of the seven-year tribulation
period. It is equally certain that everyone in this resurrection/translation is an overcomer because of the crowns
and regal thrones. These are the saints that are the second most faithful to Jesus Christ during their time on the
earth.
The Five and Two Talent Christians: The Good and Faithful
These are those Christians left behind after the First Fruits Rapture (The Separation). The pastors, deacons,
teachers and leaders of the church will be given five talents (resources) to lead the Main Harvest congregation
members during the first half of the Tribulation. Those given two talents will be those church members that
regularly attend church and Sunday school. During the first half of the Tribulation, both of these groups of
Christians will prove very faithful to Jesus Christ and as a reward for their faithfulness He will give them many
cities to rule over during the Millennial Kingdom. He will be very pleased with them and call them His "good and
faithful servants".
Revelation 7:9 After these things I saw, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every
nation and of [all] tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, arrayed in
white robes, and palms in their hands;
Revelation 7:10 and they cry with a great voice, saying, Salvation unto our God who sitteth on the throne, and
unto the Lamb.
Revelation 7:11 And all the angels were standing round about the throne, and [about] the elders and the four
living creatures; and they fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
Revelation 7:12 saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and
might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 7:13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, These that are arrayed in white robes, who are
they, and whence came they?
Revelation 7:14 And I say unto him, My lord, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they that come of the
great tribulation, and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Revelation 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve him day and night in his temple: and
he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them.
Revelation 7:16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun strike upon them, nor
any heat:
Revelation 7:17 for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto
fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Notice that they are now wearing white robes, which are indicative of avoiding evil and accomplishing good
works. However, they wear no crowns, because their faith is not as strong as the Bride of Christ or the twenty-four
elders. Jesus recognizes their faith during the Tribulation and gives them white robes to wear for eternity. They
have obtained eternal life and God will remember their good deeds forever. Jesus is very pleased with their
faithfulness during their persecution during the Tribulation. The OTC will not be in this group of Christians
because they did not accomplish good works that glorify God during their 3 1/2 years in the Tribulation.
The Unfaithful: The One Talent Christian

The next verses pertains to those Christians that were unfaithful during their time upon the earth and were left
behind to be tested for the first 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation and they will be tested by Antichrist during this time.
Unfortunately for them during this time of testing, the OTC was not faithful and did not improve with their faith.
Their judgment is given:
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping
where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy
talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and
slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou
oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine
own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto
every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away
even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and
gnashing of teeth.
In these verses, Jesus is not questioning their salvation, but He finds that they have not performed righteous works
during the Tribulation; thus they are unprofitable. The resources that God gave them, the one talent, was not used
at all during the 3 1/2 years they were in the Tribulation. They did not pray, they did not read their Bible, they did
not attempt to accomplish any good works for the glory of God, and they were afraid because of the persecution
they saw inflicted by Antichrist on the five and two talent Christians (for details of the five, two and one talent
Christians read: The Parable of the Talents). They were spiritual failures. If they had even assisted them, Jesus
would have some praise for them. However, they accomplished absolutely nothing righteous during the
Tribulation. Their one talent is given to the faithful person with ten talents and the OTC receives no recognition
from Jesus. This is their Outer Darkness.
During their judgment (The Judgment Seat of Christ), they even complain to Jesus about their testing during the
Tribulation. They did not even take responsibility for their lack of faith during their time on the earth before the
start of and during the Tribulation. They are disrespectful and even complain to Jesus for even allowing them to be
left behind and to be tested. This is a very serious statement for them to make to our Lord, Savior and King when
He judges their works.
The Most Unfaithful Christian
The most unfaithful One Talent Christian I will now describe is a believer that at one time in their life was very
faithful to Jesus Christ. He prayed often to God, confessed his sins to God, resisted evil and accomplished good
works that glorify God. God considered him very mature in the faith. Because of some event in his life, such as a
child dying of cancer or getting into trouble with the law, or his business failed, or some other catastrophic event
occurred in his life, he blamed God for his troubles. This Christian could also have been very successful at
business, sports or music and because of this, his focus was on these things and eventually forgot God. The cares
of the world then became first in his life.
Because of success or suffering in his life, he then turned his back on God and said to himself and perhaps others
that he wanted nothing to do with God and did not want a relationship with Him. This is The Unpardonable Sin,
the only one that God will not forgive and this Christian will have the most severe condemnation at the Judgment
Seat of Christ. This person will be in Heaven after the Main Harvest Rapture, but will be further from God than
any other Christian will be. We should be very careful when complaining (God Hates Complaining) about serious
and difficult tests that appear in our lives. We should recognize that the testing that God allows in our lives is given
so we will mature in the faith and be able to handle leadership roles in the Millennium Kingdom and in Eternity.
We should only love and praise God and give Him thanks for guiding us through any testing we may go through in
this life.
A Serious Negative Reward: New Jerusalem -- Who Shall Not Enter
All Christians will go to Heaven whether they have been faithful to Jesus Christ or not. However, there is a
possibility that unfaithful Christians will not be allowed entrance into New Jerusalem because of their lack of faith.
Here is the verse that describes what happens to the unfaithful Christian regarding their place in Heaven:

(ASV 1901) Revelation 21:27 and there shall in no wise enter into it (New Jerusalem) anything unclean, or he that
maketh an abomination and a lie: but only they that are written in the Lamb's book of life.
This is quite a difficult verse because it says that those Christians that have their name blotted out of the Book of
Life because of their unfaithfulness will not be able to enter into Heaven--the New Jerusalem. The question is,
where will the unfaithful, One Talent Christians reside after the Main Harvest Rapture?
The OTC will not reside on the earth, because it will be the residence of the twelve tribes of Israel, plus those
gentiles that God saves during the Tribulation. They will reside in bodies like Adam and Eve had before the fall.
So if the OTC does not reside on the earth or inside New Jerusalem, where will they be judged at and where will
they reside after their judgment?
Here is my opinion. In Revelation, chapter 21 there are 12 gates, each made out of a giant pearl, that allow
entrance into Heaven: three each on the North, South, East and West sides of the city. At each gate, there will be a
holy angel to guard entrance into the city. Here's one possibility for the OTC--they could be judged outside and
then reside somewhere outside the great worship room which is at the very top of New Jerusalem, where the
thrones of God the Father and Jesus Christ reside. They could possibly reside somewhere on the outside surface of
New Jerusalem. They would be required to stay somewhere below the level of the great worship room, which is at
the very top of New Jerusalem. Jesus might choose to come outside and visit them at times.
Another possibility is: can a OTC enter Heaven or New Jerusalem, but not through the pearly gates?
Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right [to come] to the tree of life,
and may enter in by the gates into the city.
There could be rooms somewhere below the main worship room (which is at the very top of New Jerusalem)
where the OTC could possibly reside. Since the city of New Jerusalem is transparent gold (and the city was pure
gold, like unto clear glass. Rev 21:18b ASV 1901), they would be able to look up into the worship room. They will
be given resurrection bodies like Jesus has, completely free of sin. They will be able to worship God from there
and Jesus may visit them from time to time. In this case, the OTC would enter Heaven though the "backdoor", i.e.,
to silently enter to the city without any acknowledgement or honor given to them by Jesus Christ.
All Tears are Wiped Away
Some time after New Jerusalem comes down from Heaven, the tears that the One Talent Christian shed during
their judgment and during the Millennium Kingdom will be wiped away by God:
And 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. (Rev 21:4 KJV).
The question I now raise is: does the former things are passed away mean that the One Talent Christian will then
be able to enter and reside in the great worship room at the top of New Jerusalem, just like the Old Testament
saints, the Bride of Christ, the Faithful Elders and the Good and Faithful believers? Will being cast into outer
darkness be lifted for them? If one of the former things means not entering New Jerusalem, they would then be
allowed entrance. Thus, not entering New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:27) would not be for eternity, but only for a
limited amount of time. For their sakes, I hope that this is the correct understanding of the above verse.
Why this article?
I wrote this article with the hope that a few one-talent Christians might be warned about their unfaithfulness by
those that love them and take to heart the need to be more faithful to Jesus Christ and then repent and to turn to
Him for faithful service. They would then become Philadelphia Christians and thus be found faithful by Jesus at
their judgment. This needed repentance is covered in detail in: Will there be a Revival of the Church?

Repercussions of being a One Talent Christian

The One Talent Christian will not be arrayed in glorious robes of white during the Millennial Kingdom or
during Eternity.

The OTC will not be able to attend the Marriage Feast of Jesus Christ and His bride, the Bride of Christ.
This feast will be held sometime near the beginning of the Millennial Kingdom. Only the faithful
believers of both the Old Testament and the 2,000 church age, faithful Jews and those faithful Gentiles
that God saves during the Tribulation will be invited to attend the Marriage Feast. This will be a
wonderful time that Jesus will be with us. We will be able to converse with Him and tell Him how much
we love Him; we will be able to perhaps even hug Him and share a wonderful meal with Him; and
perhaps even enjoy holy music performed by the saints and/or the holy angels. This wonderful feast may
last for days, weeks or even months.

The OTC will not be able to attend any festivities where Jesus recognizes the faithful of His saints. The
OTC can see the festivities from a distance, but will not be able to participate.

The OTC will not be recognized as faithful by Jesus at Judgment time and He will be silent regarding the
unfaithful believer before the Throne of God the Father. Christ will praise His faithful saints before God
the Father.

The Judgment Seat of Christ will be a very embarrassing time for the unfaithful believer. He will see his
bad works burnt up in front of all OT and NT believers. The unfaithful Christian will shed many tears for
his lack of faith.

The unfaithful believer will not be able to enter New Jerusalem through the gates. He will instead be
relegated to being outside the city on the surface of New Jerusalem or perhaps relegated to being inside
the city at a lower level. He might have to enter Heaven through the "back door" and not through one of
the pearly gates. The very top level inside New Jerusalem, the great worship room, where the thrones of
God the Father and Jesus Christ reside will be off limits to the unfaithful believer. Faith followed by good
works is the necessary ingredient to be invited to the Holy of Holies, the residence in Heaven of God the
Father and God the Son. Some believers have more faith than others, so they will be closer to Jesus Christ
and God the Father. Being restricted to being outside New Jerusalem may be lifted sometime after it
comes down from Heaven and orbits the Earth.

The Unfaithful Christian is Unappreciative of what God has done for Him
The embarrassment of the unfaithful believer will be total and devastating. Except for God electing the unfaithful
believer for salvation, there seems to be little difference when comparing their works to the works of the
unbeliever.
Here is some of what God has done for us: He sent Jesus Christ to this earth to teach us how to really live. He told
us about attitudes that we should avoid, such as not judging others. He told us to love God and one another. He
told us that this life is only a testing ground; it is preparation for us so we can serve God in the Millennium
Kingdom and in Heaven. Jesus was scourged and persecuted by the Romans, He was rejected and mocked by
many of His countrymen, He suffered physical pain on the cross and shed His blood so our sins can be forgiven,
He suffered the highest embarrassment by being hung on the cross, He was rejected by God the Father because
He took on Himself our sins, by staying 3 days and 3 nights in Sheol. But He conquered sin, death, hell and the
grave. He arose from the dead and will provide for us to arise from our sinful condition. He gave us the Holy
Bible which if followed can direct us to live a holy and righteous life for God. He gave us the Holy Spirit to
gently encourage us to follow Jesus Christ. We as Christians should be so appreciative for His blessings to us; we
should want to please Him by loving Him, serving Him and obeying all of His commandments:

If you love me, you will keep my commandments (John 14:15 ASV 1901)
God the Father has elected all Christians to salvation and will give us residence in Heaven. He has provided the
Holy Bible for us to read, study and to apply to the way we live our lives. He has provided the Holy Spirit to
gently encourage us to be faithful to Him. He has provided for the testing of our character so we can become
more like His Son, Jesus. He will make us truly alive at the First Fruits or Main Harvest Rapture and provide
salvation and regeneration of our bodies and completely remove our sinful nature. Shouldn't we be very grateful
for the wonderful things that God has done for us and will do for us? Shouldn't we reject sin in our lives and live
for Him and to be faithful to Him? Because of what Jesus has done for us, we are not our own, we belong to Him.

Can a One Talent Christian change his ways?

I wouldn't be writing this article if I didn't think that perhaps some of the least faithful of Christ's saints, the one
talent Christians (OTC) could repent and turn to Him and be more faithful. I believe that it is possible but I don't
believe that it will be easy for them to change their ways. The OTC will need to be approached most likely by a
friend or relative and then somehow have explained to them that they don't appear to be walking faithfully with
Jesus. The onus is possibly on you, the reader of this article. I'm sure that you don't want your spouse, parent or
grandparent, child, grandchild, friend or loved one to be left behind to be persecuted by Antichrist during the
Tribulation or to suffer humiliation at the Judgment Seat of Christ or be left out of being honored by Jesus during
the millennial kingdom on this earth or eternity in Heaven.
To approach them you will need to do the following:
You will need to show that you live the faithful life that is pleasing to God. You will then need to pray to God for
direction. Studying the Holy Bible will give you the spiritual energy to talk to those that are not walking faithfully
with God. It won't be easy, and you will probably fail at the beginning. Just keep talking to them, but don't be too
pushy. Be kind and don't react to them possibly telling you to "get lost or leave me alone." Discuss your concerns
for this person by expressing your concern for them with faithful friends of yours; they might be able to give you
some helpful suggestions on how to approach the OTC. Your effort might not show fruit until the Tribulation,
when they are left behind to be tested. At the very least, you need to pray often for them.

The Doctrine of Election

Lyn Mize
There are numerous Scriptures that address the doctrine of election, yet the doctrine is very unpopular in the
Church, which is the body of Christ. The largest or greatest division or split in the Church is along the line of this
doctrine, and whole denominations line up against other denominations over their beliefs about this doctrine. The
doctrine of election was taught and believed long before John Calvin, but he enunciated the doctrine and brought
great attention to it. The doctrine of election has been reduced to an acronym called TULIP, and this acronym
provides a brief synopsis of what has been called the Five Points of Calvinism. The opposing viewpoint has been
called the Five Points of Arminianism after Jacobus Arminius, the Dutch theologian. Therefore, most, if not all
Christians can be classified as Arminian or Calvinist. Most have no idea what they are, but they can still be
classified under one of these headings based on their beliefs.
The following are some definitions out of the American Heritage Dictionary for the purpose of historical
background:
Arminius, Jacobus. 1560-1609. Dutch theologian and founder of Arminianism, which opposed the absolute
predestinarianism of John Calvin and was influential throughout Europe.
Arminian. adj. Of or relating to the theology of Jacobus Arminius and his followers, who believed that
predestination was conditioned by God's foreknowledge of human free choices. --Arminian n. --Arminianism

n.
Calvin, John. 1509-1564. French-born Swiss Protestant theologian who broke with the Roman Catholic Church
(1533) and set forth the tenets of his theology, known today as Presbyterianism, in Institutes of the Christian
Religion (1536).
Calvinism. n. The religious doctrines of John Calvin, emphasizing the omnipotence of God and the salvation of
the elect by God's grace alone. --Calvinist adj. & n. --Calvinistic adj. --Calvinistically adv.
It is important to note that both Calvinism and Arminianism teach predestination. Both teach predestination
because the Bible emphatically states the predestination of Christians. The person who states that he does not
believe in predestination is revealing his lack of knowledge of the Bible, very likely his churchs profession of
faith and theology in general. Unfortunately, there are many Christians unknowledgeable about the Bible, and it is
to their shame to remain this way. God himself rebukes them for their lack of knowledge:
(Hosea 4:6 KJV) My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also
reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy
children.
It is important to note that it is Gods people who are destroyed. The above verse is in reference to Israel, but it is
applicable to the Church also. The following Scripture confirms the same for the Church:
(2 Tim 2:15 KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth.
If we are to be approved by God in regard to our works, we must study the Bible and be able to understand it.
Please note that I said in regard to our works for we are all approved unto God in regard to our salvation by faith
alone, but the approving of our works is an entirely different matter.
Foreknowledge
As noted above, the split among the denominations along the line of Calvinism versus Arminianism does not
pertain to the belief or unbelief in predestination, but the reason for the predestination by God. Basically, and very
simplistically, the Arminian believes that God looked down the corridors of time and knew ahead of time who was
going to believe in Jesus, and based on this knowledge, God chose or elected these people to salvation. The
Calvinist believes that God looked down the corridors of time, determined beforehand the ones that He loved, and
elected them to salvation. The following passage of Scripture establishes predestination without question:
(Eph 1:1 KJV) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the
faithful in Christ Jesus:
(Eph 1:2 KJV) Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Eph 1:3 KJV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual
blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
(Eph 1:4 KJV) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy
and without blame before him in love:
(Eph 1:5 KJV) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the
good pleasure of his will,
(Eph 1:6 KJV) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
(Eph 1:7 KJV) In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of
his grace;

(Eph 1:8 KJV) Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
(Eph 1:9 KJV) Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath
purposed in himself:
(Eph 1:10 KJV) That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in
Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
(Eph 1:11 KJV) In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of
him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
(Eph 1:12 KJV) That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Two things should be very clear in the above passage of Scripture. The first is that God chose us for salvation
before the foundation of the world. The second is that He chose us according to the good pleasure of His willnot
ours. It is stated three times in this brief passage that God chose us on account of His will and good pleasure and
not ours. In addition, the following verses expressly state that we are not saved by our own will or choice:
(John 15:16 KJV) Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring
forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give
it you.
(John 1:12 KJV) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them
that believe on his name:
(John 1:13 KJV) Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
(Rom 9:14 KJV) What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
(Rom 9:15 KJV) For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion
on whom I will have compassion.
(Rom 9:16 KJV) So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.
As stated briefly already, the Arminian believes that God elected or chose Christians before the foundation of the
world based on his foreknowledge of facts about Christians in the exercise of their will to believe in Jesus Christ.
The verses above discredit this common belief, but the following verses are the ones used by the Arminians to
support this belief:
(1 Pet 1:1 KJV) Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia,
Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
(1 Pet 1:2 KJV) Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto
obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
(Rom 8:28 KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the
called according to his purpose.
(Rom 8:29 KJV) For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that
he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
(Rom 8:30 KJV) Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also
justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
The above passages simply state that God foreknew us as persons and elected us for salvation. The election is
based on knowing us and loving us, and not facts about us. God chose to love us and save us in spite of our
depravity, and not because he saw something good in us. If God chose us because He saw us exercising our will to

believe in Jesus, then we are not saved by grace and grace alone, but by the exercise of our will to believe in Jesus
Christ. This is totally contrary to all of the Scriptures on salvation by grace and grace alone. The following
Scripture confirms that it is grace that saves us, and even the faith is given to us to believe in Jesus:
(Eph 2:5 KJV) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
(Eph 2:6 KJV) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
(Eph 2:7 KJV) That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us
through Christ Jesus.
(Eph 2:8 KJV) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
(Eph 2:9 KJV) Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Verse 5 above confirms that we were all spiritually dead in trespasses and sins, but God made us alive spiritually.
He revived us spiritually, raised us from spiritual death, and placed us in heaven in Christ Jesus. Verse 7 declares
that he did all of this to show the exceeding abundance of his grace and kindness in the ages to come. Verse 8 sums
it up by saying that we are saved by his grace through faith. The last half of verse 8 emphatically states that the
grace and the faith did not come from us. It was a gift from God. If the faith that saved us came from us, then our
salvation would be of ourselves, and we would have something to boast about. Of course, verse 9 demolishes this
tenet. The faith itself was Gods provision and not ours.
The order of our spiritual rebirth and spirit salvation is as follows: (1) God knew us and loved us before He created
the earth. (2) God chose or elected us to be saved at some point in time. (3) When that time came, He brought our
dead spirits to life. (4) He gave us the faith to believe in Jesus Christ and his atoning work on Calvary. (5) We
heard about Jesus dying for us, and we believed it. The faith with which we believed came from God and not
ourselves. Consequently, the whole work of spirit salvation is of God.

TULIP
Calvinism is best known by the acronym that highlights the five points of Calvinism. It has been lightheartedly
suggested that Arminianism has the daisy as its flower, since the daisy stands for He loves me. He loves me not.
He loves me. He loves me not. The basis for this humor is that the Arminian believes a Christian can lose his
spiritual salvation, be saved again, lose it again and be saved again. This salvation has been likened to a revolving
door salvation where the individual is saved, lost, saved, lost, saved, lost.
Note: I would like to preface this section on the five points of Calvinism with a brief statement of my beliefs about
the five points of Calvinism and the five points of Arminianism. Scripture teaches very clearly that man is a
tripartite being consisting of spirit, soul, and body. Both Calvinists and Arminians incorrectly teach the spirit and
soul are synonymous in the Scriptures. Consequently, there is violent disagreement and animosity between
Calvinists and Arminians, and the arguments have gone on for centuries with no resolution in sight. The resolution
is really very simple for those who are open to the truths of Scripture. The Calvinists are partially correct in that all
five points of Calvinism are true and accurate in regard to the spirit of man. Conversely, the Arminians are
partially correct in that all five points of Arminianism are true and accurate in regard to the soul of man.
Consequently, I believe the five points of Calvinism in regard to the spirit of man and spiritual rebirth, but I
believe a slightly modified version of the five points of Arminianism in regard to the soul of man.
This section is not intended to be an exhaustive argument for the truths of the five points of Calvinism. It is only a
brief outline and explanation of the five points, and what they entail. For a detailed and exhaustive study of the
five points of Calvinism, please read the book The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Lorraine Boettner. This
book is the classic on predestination, and it presents one of the best arguments in print for the truths of all five
points. This book should be read by anyone who doubts the eternal security of the believers spirit salvation.
The acronym TULIP stands for (1) Total Depravity or Inability, (2) Unconditional Election, (3) Limited
Atonement, (4) Irresistible Grace, and (5) Perseverance of the Saints. The one that most Christians have difficulty
believing is Limited Atonement, and the one that most Christians misunderstandeven Calvinistsis

Perseverance of the Saints. These will be explained in more detail in the explanation of each one.
Point OneTotal Depravity or Inability
Total depravity or inability states that man is spiritually dead in trespasses and sin, and is totally incapable of
exercising his free will to believe in Christ. Arminianism states that the fall of man was not total, but that there is
enough good left in man to will to believe on Jesus Christ unto salvation. The dividing issue between Calvinism
and Arminianism on this point is the bondage versus the freedom of the will to believe in Christ. The Arminian
states that mans will is free to choose either the Word of God or the word of Satan. This makes spirit salvation
dependent upon mans work of faith.
The Calvinist states that unregenerate man is in absolute bondage to Satan and is completely unable to exercise his
free will to believe in Christ. Salvation is, therefore, dependent upon God to regenerate man spiritually before he
can believe in Christ. The Scriptures are clear that mans will is in bondage prior to spiritual regeneration by the
Holy Spirit. The new birth experience is entirely dependent upon the work of the Holy Spirit, and the will of man
plays no part in this spiritual birth. Jesus compared spiritual regeneration to the physical birth of a child to make a
strong point that man plays no more part in his spiritual birth than he does in his physical birth. No where in the
Scriptures is anyone ever exhorted to get born again. Following is the passage that addresses spiritual birth.
Jesus Himself describes the new birth experience as something that happens to a person by the will of God:
(John 3:1 KJV) There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
(John 3:2 KJV) The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come
from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
(John 3:3 KJV) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God.
(John 3:4 KJV) Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time
into his mother's womb, and be born?
(John 3:5 KJV) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he
cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
(John 3:6 KJV) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
(John 3:7 KJV) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
(John 3:8 KJV) The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it
cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
The above is a detailed, complex and comprehensive passage of scripture describing spiritual birth as a
prerequisite for comprehending the kingdom of God (vs. 3). The passage also details in verse 5 the additional
requirement that a person must be born of water in order to enter into the kingdom of God. Entering the
kingdom pertains to soul salvation, and is not the same as spiritual rebirth. Of course, spiritual rebirth must occur
first, and the additional requirement of born of water refers to the sanctification process described in the
following passage:
(Eph 5:25 KJV) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
(Eph 5:26 KJV) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
(Eph 5:27 KJV) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such
thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Nicodemus asked Jesus about this spiritual rebirth in verse 4, and Jesus answers his question in verses 6-8. In
verse 6 Jesus compares spiritual rebirth to physical birth to emphasize the total inability of man to have anything

to do with this rebirth. Then in verse 7 Jesus tells Nicodemus not to wonder about it since it is something that
comes from above, meaning it is something that God does. Literally, this verse states Do not wonder that I said to
you that you must be born from above. Jesus continues his explanation in verse 8 by comparing the work of the
Holy Spirit in the new birth experience with the wind. The Greek word pneuma is the same word for wind and
spirit. Literally, pneuma means wind, and figuratively, it means spirit. Literally, Jesus states that the wind blows
wherever, and goes wherever it wants to, and we can only hear the sound or the effect of the wind. He then states
that it is the same with everyone who is regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Figuratively, the first half of this verse
states, The Holy Spirit breathes life into whomever he desires, and the result is faith through hearing, but we
cannot tell to whom it goes, or to whom it influences.
The following are some additional Scriptures that address the Total Inability of man to come to Christ without
spiritual rebirth via the Holy Spirit:
(John 6:44 KJV) No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up
at the last day.
(Rom 5:6 KJV) For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
(Rom 8:7 KJV) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither
indeed can be.
(Eph 2:1 KJV) And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:
(Eph 2:5 KJV) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
(Titus 3:5 KJV) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the
washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
(Phil 2:13 KJV) For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
(Col 1:13 KJV) Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his
dear Son:
Point 2Unconditional Election
The U in TULIP stands for unconditional election. The Baptist Confession of faith of 1689 states it in terms almost
identical to the Westminster Confession (Presbyterian) and the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England, as
well as the Heidelberg and Belgic Confessions and the Canons of Dort:
Those of mankind who are predestinated unto Life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, according
to His eternal and immutable Purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of His will, hath chosen in Christ
to everlasting glory, out of His will, hath chosen in Christ to everlasting glory, out of His mere free grace and love,
without any other thing in the creature as a condition or cause moving Him thereunto.
We have already seen that the Arminian view is that foreknowledge is based upon the positive act of mans as the
condition or cause that moved God to elect him to salvation. All of the great confessions of faith state that election
is unconditional, and this means that the foreknowledge of God is strictly based upon Gods decree, plan or
purpose and His will rather than mans will. The Scriptures confirm this as follows:
(Rom 8:28 KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the
called according to his purpose.
(Rom 8:29 KJV) For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that
he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
(Rom 9:11 KJV) (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of
God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

(1 Cor 1:26 KJV) For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty,
not many noble, are called:
(1 Cor 1:27 KJV) But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen
the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
(1 Cor 1:28 KJV) And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things
which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
(1 Cor 1:29 KJV) That no flesh should glory in his presence.
The following Scripture confirms that God chose his people Israel because he loved them:
(Deu 7:6-8 KJV) For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a
special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. {7} The LORD did not set his
love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all
people: {8} But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your
fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from
the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
If election were determined based on a foreseen act of mans will to choose Christ, then it would be the wise men
of the world, and the noble, who would be better able to make a decision to believe in Christ. Of course, this is not
the case as God chooses or elects the ones that He wants to after His own purpose and will, and not mans will or
purpose.
We repeat the following Scriptures for emphasis:
(John 1:12 KJV) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them
that believe on his name:
(John 1:13 KJV) Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
(John 15:16 KJV) Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring
forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give
it you.
There are too many Scriptures that confirm that election is based on Gods choice and not mans choice, but
following are some of the clearest:
(John 6:37 KJV) All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast
out.
Based on the Arminian position of election, the above Scripture would have to state:
The Father giveth to me all that shall come to me, and him that cometh to me and stayeth with me I will in no wise
cast out.
(2 Tim 1:9 KJV) Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according
to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
(John 5:21 KJV) For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he
will.
The doctrine of election is unpopular in the Church today, and it was unpopular when Jesus taught it also. When
Jesus had finished his discourse on the fact that He is the Bread come down from heaven, he said:

(John 6:65 KJV) And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto
him of my Father.
(John 6:66 KJV) From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
When Jesus told his disciples that election is based on the will of God and not the will of man, many ceased to
follow Him. Jesus deprived them of their ego-inflating notion that election is based on some condition of good that
existed in them.
Point 3Limited Atonement
Limited Atonement is the point in the Five Points of Calvinism that gives most Christians trouble. Christians who
state that they are Four Pointers are leaving this one out. The truth is that all five points either stand or fall together
and not one of the points can be removed without affecting the others. For example, if one believes Unconditional
Election, then it naturally follows that Christ died for the Elect. If He has not chosen them for salvation, then He
did not die for them. The following Scriptures are the ones that Arminians use in their attempts to rebut this point
and the point on Unconditional Election.
(2 Pet 3:8 KJV) But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years,
and a thousand years as one day.
(2 Pet 3:9 KJV) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering
to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
This verse is incorrectly understood as referring to every person in the whole world, but it has to be removed from
its context and severely twisted to arrive at this conclusion. Please note that Peter is writing to the following:
(2 Pet 1:1 KJV) Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious
faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
He confirms that in verse 8 above be calling them beloved. He then states that the Lord is longsuffering to
usward. Thus, the Lord is longsuffering to Christians, not willing that any Christian perish, but that all Christians
come to repentance. Peter is addressing Christians in regard to soul salvation, and not the world in regard to spirit
salvation. Soul salvation is conditional upon repentance and baptism. Consequently, he correctly writes to
Christians and not the unregenerate. God spiritually regenerates the ones He has elected, and then calls them to
repentance. Not all Christians will come to repentance in this life, but God prefers that they do come to repentance
so they will not lose their rewards in the lake of fire.
The following is also taken to mean that Jesus died for the whole world:
(John 3:14 KJV) And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
(John 3:15 KJV) That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
(John 3:16 KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The above verse is probably the most misunderstood verse in the whole Bible. It took me a long time before I was
able to comprehend its meaning because of my own paradigms or mental sets that came to me from hearing
numerous preachers and teachers misinterpret this passage.
It is important to note that the serpent was placed up for the elect Jews in the wilderness. In the same manner,
Jesus died for the elect, and the elect are revealed when they believe in Jesus Christ. The Greek word translated
world is kosmos and it means an organization or group of people identified in the passage, so the whosoever
believeth in him is the organization or group of people that John is referring to in the passage. Thus, the kosmos
refers to believers. The perishing pertains to the soul or life of man and not his spirit. God loved the Church and
gave his Son for it so that all believers could realize soul salvation, which is everlasting life. Christians should not

perish, but they might perish at the Judgment Seat of Christ. This is the reason for the conditional phrase should
not perish. Christians should not perish, but they might. The translators of the New International Version (NIV)
have corrupted the translation of this verse to say that believers shall not perish as shown below:
(John 3:16 NIV) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life.
The great Greek scholar Joseph H. Thayer confirms that kosmos is referring to believers in the above passage and
not to every person in the world. A student must always look at the context to determine the identity of those who
make up the kosmos since kosmos can refer to any particular group of people or organization. It is important to
note that the base word for kosmos is komizo, and it means ones provided for, cared for, and kept from harm. Jesus
died for the elect, so that if they identified with His death on the cross, they would not perish in the lake of fire.
It is very important to understand the whole analogy of Moses and the serpent. The Jews in the wilderness were
already the elect and the people of God. They had already come out of Egypt and been baptized into the Red Sea.
They were now perishing in the wilderness. The provision to keep them from perishing was the golden serpent on
the pole. That was a type of Jesus Christ who took upon Himself our sins. Gold is deity, and the serpent was cursed
just as Jesus was cursed upon the cross.
In order for the Christian to keep from perishing in the lake of fire, he must identify with Jesus on the cross. He
must keep looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Please note that the Jews in the wilderness could
be bitten by the serpents more than once, and Satan and his emissaries can attack us numerous times. Each time we
must identify with the cross and die to the old flesh nature and allow Christ to live His life in us.
It is important that the whole passage is speaking of perishing, and it is the soul that perishes.
The following verse also confirms that kosmos is referring to the elect:
(Mat 5:14 KJV) Ye are the light of the world (kosmos). A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
(Mat 5:15 KJV) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light
unto all that are in the house.
(Mat 5:16 KJV) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father
which is in heaven.
This passage is for the faithful to be a light unto those believers who are unfaithful. The light is unto all that are in
the house (i.e., the elect). It is important to note that the result of giving light is glorification of the Father and not
salvation.
(1 John 4:10 KJV) Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the
propitiation for our sins.
John is writing to believers, and he states that God sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins (i.e., the sins of
the elect). The following Scripture confirms that Christ died for many and not all. He died for all the elect but
not every single person on the earth.
(Heb 9:28 KJV) So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he
appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
The following Scripture confirms that many are called and not everyone is called to salvation.
(Mat 20:16 KJV) So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
The following is a passage of Scripture that Arminians use as a prooftext that God wants everyone to be saved:
(1 Tim 2:1 KJV) I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be

made for all men;

(1 Tim 2:2 KJV) For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all
godliness and honesty.
(1 Tim 2:3 KJV) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
(1 Tim 2:4 KJV) Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
(1 Tim 2:5 KJV) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
(1 Tim 2:6 KJV) Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
(1 Tim 2:7 KJV) Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a
teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
Paul is writing to Timothy in this epistle and in verse 1:12 Paul states that Jesus put him in the ministry to
demonstrate Gods longsuffering (i.e., patience) for Christians. Paul was a minister to the Gentiles, and in verse
2:1 above, he exhorts Timothy to pray for all men. The Greek word for all in this verse is pas and it means
collectively some of all types. Paul is telling Timothy not to just pray for the Jewish brethren, but to also pray for
all kinds of Gentiles. Paul follows through with this exhortation by saying that it is good and acceptable to pray for
Gentiles as well as Jews, since God will have all kinds of men to be saved, and to come to a knowledge of the
truth. Paul then states that Jesus Christ is the mediator between God and men, and Jesus gave himself a ransom for
all kinds of mennot just Jews. Paul confirms that he is referring to the salvation of the Gentiles as well as the
Jews in verse 7, when he says that Jesus giving himself as a ransom for all kinds of men is the reason that Paul was
ordained a minister (i.e., teacher) to the Gentiles.
The primary message in this passage is that God will have all kinds of Gentiles to be saved, in addition to Jews.
This is finally confirmed in Revelation when the Church is around the throne in heaven, and the Church consists of
men from every tribe and tongue among all kinds of Gentiles on the earth. God has elected for salvation some
Gentiles from every tribe and tongue throughout the whole world.
The use of the Greek word pas to refer collectively to all kinds is frequently used in the Scriptures. The following
is just one example where it means all kinds of Jews. This verse means that God will save Jews from every tribe of
Israel. When Jesus sets his feet down on the Mount of Olives, millions of Jews from every tribe of Israel will be
saved. We know that two-thirds of them will perish in the conflagration. We know that not every Jew will be saved
at the end, but God will save a remnant with some from all tribes. The same is true for all kinds of Gentiles.
(Rom 11:26 KJV) And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and
shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Thayers Greek Lexicon gives the definition of pas as follows:
3956 pas1) individually:
each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything
2) collectively:
some of all types
Point 4Irresistible or Efficacious
The Westminster Confession states the doctrine of irresistible or efficacious grace as follows:

All those whom God has predestinated unto life, and those only, He is pleased, in His appointed and accepted
time, effectually to call, by His Word and Spirit, out of that state of death, in which they are by nature, to grace and
salvation by Jesus Christ; enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly, to understand the things of God; taking
away their heart of stone, and giving them a heart of flesh; renewing their wills, and by His almighty power
determining them to that which is good; and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ, yet so as they come most
freely, being made willing by His grace.
This effectual call is of Gods free and special grace alone, not from any thing at all foreseen in man, who is
altogether passive therein, until, being quickened and renewed by the Holy Spirit, he is thereby enabled to answer
this call, and to embrace the grace offered and conveyed by it.
The Baptist confession of faith, The 1689A Faith to Confess states this point in almost identical words.
To put the above statement in laymans terms, everyone that God chose for salvation before the foundation of the
world is going to be born-again spiritually. No ones spirit salvation rests upon my faithfulness or any other
Christians faithfulness. The spirit salvation of each and every Christian rests solely upon the faithfulness of God.
No one is going to hell if I do not witness to that person. If I do not witness to someone to whom God has called
me to witness, then God will get someone else to do it, and I will lose my reward because of my unfaithfulness.
The Arminian believes that the will of God can be frustrated by the will of finite man on an individual basis. The
Arminian states that mans work of faith comes before Gods gift of spirit life. The Calvinist states that Gods gift
of spirit life comes before mans response of faith in Jesus Christ.
(John 6:37 KJV) All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast
out.
(John 6:38 KJV) For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
(John 6:39 KJV) And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose
nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
(John 6:40 KJV) And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him,
may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Verse 37 above establishes efficacious grace, and the second part of this compound sentence establishes the fifth
point, which is perseverance of the saints.
Even though verse 37 above establishes the certainty of spirit salvation and the eternal security of that salvation,
verses 39 and 40 raise a question about the certainty of eternal life (i.e, everlasting life). Jesus very clearly states
that it is the will or desire of the Father that all those who come to Jesus and who will not be cast out should not be
lost. In verse 40 Jesus states that those who seeth the Son and believeth on him, may have everlasting life, and
this will be the same person that will be exalted at the last day. Seeth means to perceive, experience or
acknowledge, and these are the ones who are born spiritually. Believeth on him means to entrust ones spiritual
well-being unto Christ. Everyone who comes to Jesus will not be cast out. That means they will be in heaven.
However, for one to realize eternal or everlasting life requires the additional criterion that one must entrust his
spiritual well-being unto Christ.
Every one of the elect will come to Jesus and will be in heaven, but many will be lost in regard to their soul
salvation. Eternal life pertains to soul salvation and not spirit salvation. This is the reason the conditional words
should and may are used in verses 39 and 40. God prefers that they remain faithful unto eternal life and
rewards, but they may not. They may suffer loss at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
Irresistible grace does not mean that God forcefully goes against mans desire in causing him to do something he
does not want to do. The regenerated living spirit of man finds God irresistible so he comes to Christ openly and
freely. It is the gift of the new spirit nature that makes Christians find Jesus Christ irresistible.
Point 5Perseverance of the Saints

The doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints is stated in the Westminster Confession as follows: They whom God
accepted in His Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by His Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall sway
from the state of grace: but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved.
This doctrine has been called the doctrine of eternal security, and it has been shortened to the phrase Once saved,
always saved. The doctrine does not stand alone, but it is a necessary part of Calvinism. The other points of
Calvinism called Unconditional Election and Irrisistible Grace imply that those who receive these blessings will
certainly continue as saved people, but this point states it directly. That is why the five points of Calvinism have
been compared to a glove with five fingers, which merge into the portion that covers the hand. Each finger is an
integral part of the glove, and cannot be removed without destroying the glove. A person who states that he is a
three point or a four point Calvinist reveals his ignorance of the points that he professes to believe, for they all
stand or fall together. For example, many Christians state that they believe four of the points, but they do not
believe Limited Atonement. If a person believes Unconditional Election, then a logical outcome of this point is
that Christ died for all of those elected, and not the rest. In addition, if a person has been elected to be saved, then
he will certainly persevere in his salvation. Otherwise, he would not been among those unconditionally elected.
Unfortunately, many Calvinists incorrectly think that Perseverance of the Saints pertains to perseverance in doing
good works. The perseverance of the Christian does not depend upon his good works, but upon Gods Grace.
Workseither before or after the new birth experienceare not a condition for salvation, so the failure to do good
works, or to continue in good works has no effect upon a persons spirit salvation. The truth is that many
Christians will get to the Judgment Seat of Christ with no good works to their credit. These Christians are the ones
saved in accordance with the following Scripture:
(1 Cor 3:10 KJV) According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the
foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
(1 Cor 3:11 KJV) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
(1 Cor 3:12 KJV) Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
(1 Cor 3:13 KJV) Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be
revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
(1 Cor 3:14 KJV) If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
(1 Cor 3:15 KJV) If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as
by fire.
Verse 15 above confirms that all of a Christians works can be burned, and he will still be saved spiritually. The
failure of numerous Calvinists to separate spirit and soul salvations is the reason for misunderstanding the doctrine
of perseverance. The primary difference between spirit salvation and soul salvation can be simply stated as
follows: Spirit salvation and entrance into heaven is by grace, but soul salvation and entrance into the kingdom of
heaven is by works.
The Arminian looks at all of the Scriptures that address the destruction or perishing of Christians, and he
erroneously assumes that these Christians have lost their spirit salvation. The truth is that the souls of many
Christians will perish in the Lake of Fire at the Judgment Seat of Christ, but they themselves will still be saved
yet so as by fire. The burning of a mans work in verse 15 above is the burning or loss of his soul. The soul is
his life and what kind of person he was as a Christian. Consequently, the Doctrine of Perseverance of Saints
applies to the spirit of man and not the soul. A person who is born-again spiritually will most certainly continue in
being spiritually alive, and he will most certainly enter into heaven. This is guaranteed, even if this persons life
(i.e., his soul) has been a total waste lived in riotous living and sin. His work (i.e., his soul) will perish at the
Judgment Seat of Christ, but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
The following Scripture confirms the doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints:

(John 6:37 KJV) All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast
out.
This verse confirms both Unconditional Election and Perseverance of the Saints. It is also in relation to spirit
salvation, but the following verses in the same context address the salvation of the soul and state as follows:
(John 6:38 KJV) For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
(John 6:39 KJV) And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose
nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
(John 6:40 KJV) And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him,
may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
It is important to note how verse 37 expresses certainty (i.e., will in no wise cast out), but verses 39-40 changes to
the conditional or uncertain words should lose nothing and should raise it up again. The difference between
the certainty of verse 37 and the uncertainty of verses 38-40 is the difference between spirit salvation and soul
salvation. The translators of the New International Version of the Bible recognized this difference, so instead of
seeking to understand the real meaning of the passage, they mistranslated verses 39 and 40 as follows:
(John 6:37 NIV) All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.
(John 6:38 NIV) For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.
(John 6:39 NIV) And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise
them up at the last day.
(John 6:40 NIV) For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal
life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
This is clear evidence that the NIV is a corrupted translation and should not be used for in depth Bible study. The
NIV was translated from the Nestle text, and the following is the American Standard 1901 translation of this same
passage from the Nestle text:
(John 6:37 ASV) All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no
wise cast out.
(John 6:38 ASV) For I am come down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
(John 6:39 ASV) And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he hath given me I should lose
nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.
(John 6:40 ASV) For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him,
should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
Eternal life pertains to the soul of man, and it is conditional. Will raise him up pertains to the body, and its
redemption is certain. Will in no wise cast out pertains to the spirit of man, and it is certain. This is exactly as the
KJV and the ASV translate this passage of Scripture. Spirit salvation is certain and cannot be lost. Soul salvation is
conditional upon works, and it can be lost at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Eternal life pertains to the salvation of
the soul, so it is conditional. The definition of eternal life is given in the Bible in the following verse:
(Rom 2:3 KJV) And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that
thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
(Rom 2:4 KJV) Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that
the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

(Rom 2:5 KJV) But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of
wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
(Rom 2:6 KJV) Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
(Rom 2:7 KJV) To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality,
eternal life:
(Rom 2:8 KJV) But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness,
indignation and wrath,
(Rom 2:9 KJV) Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the
Gentile;
(Rom 2:10 KJV) But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the
Gentile:
(Rom 2:11 KJV) For there is no respect of persons with God.
The above passage of Scripture is addressing the Judgment Seat of Christ (vs. 3), which is a judgment of works
(vs. 6), and it pertains to a Christian who seeks after glory, honor, and immortality of the soul, which is the
definition of eternal life (vs. 7). Verse 10 confirms that glory, honor, and peace (i.e., the peace of God as opposed
to peace with God) comes as a result of works. There are many other passages that confirm that eternal life
pertains to the soul, but this passage is the best. Spirit salvation cannot be lost, but soul salvation (i.e., eternal life)
can be lost. A better translation of eternal life is the literal translation of Age life or life for the ages. The life
or soul that passes through the Judgment Seat of Christ without being burned will continue throughout the ages. It
is both immortal (i.e., continues forever) and it will receive honor and glory as the just recompense of reward.
Many Christians are liars, thieves, murderers, drunkards, homosexuals, gossips, and hypocrites, and they live their
lives with the old flesh nature in control. The souls of these Christians will perish at the Judgment Seat of Christ,
so they are not immortal, and they will receive no honor and glory in the kingdom.
Please read my article To Perish or not to Perish for an in-depth look at the difference between spirit and soul
salvation.

To Perish or not to Perish

Lyn Mize
This is a discourse on the difference between soul and spirit, as described in the Scriptures. The requirements for
salvation of each are different, and must be understood separately to properly understand the Bible. The warning
about perishing in the Scriptures always refers to the soul or the body, and never the spirit.
All of the warnings in Scripture are warnings to spiritually regenerated people. This includes all of the warnings
about dying or perishing. This is a difficult concept for Christians to understand due to the false paradigms
resulting from misinformation disseminated by many of the Churches. The primary reason for this misinformation
is the failure of preachers and teachers to understand the difference between soul and spirit.
Man is a tripartite being created in the image of the Living God, Who is a Trinity. The idea that the soul and the
spirit of man are one and the same is no more true than the idea that God the Father and God the Holy Spirit are
the same. God exists in Three Persons in union and so does man. The spirit of man is that which was born of God
in man. The regenerated spirit of the Christian is alive and in perfect submission to the Holy Spirit. It can never
perish any more than God the Father can perish. The spirit of man is analogous to God the Father as far as man
being created in the image of God. The spirit of a Christian is born of or comes from God, so it can never sin. The
following Scriptures are referring to this new spirit nature that is born of God:

(1 Pet 1:23 KJV) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth
and abideth for ever.
(1 John 2:29 KJV) If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
(1 John 3:9 KJV) Whosoever (i.e., whatsoever) is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him:
and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
(1 John 4:7 KJV) Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God,
and knoweth God.
(1 John 5:1 KJV) Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that
begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
(1 John 5:4 KJV) For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the
world, even our faith.
(1 John 5:18 KJV) We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth
himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
As stated above, the spirit of the Christian can never perish. Consequently, the spirit of the Christian is eternally
secure, and it would be absurd for the Word of God to warn us about a condition that cannot possibly happen.
In a similar vein, the spirit of the unregenerate person is already dead, so it can never perish or die either, since it is
already dead. The only way for a spiritually dead person to be made alive is for the Holy Spirit to regenerate that
person. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to regenerate people, and it is not by the will of man that this happens:
(John 1:12 KJV) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them
that believe on his name:
(John 1:13 KJV) Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Telling unregenerate people that they have just got to get born again spiritually is about as meaningless as going to
the morgue and attempting to convince one of the cadavers to exercise his will to come alive and stand up and
walk.
To place this in perspective, we must understand that we come into contact with numerous people. These people
are either spiritually alive or spiritually dead, and we do not know the living from the dead in most cases, and we
are even deceived in some cases where we think we do know. The Holy Spirit is constantly regenerating people
spiritually, and we do not know when this happens or to whom it happens. We think this happens when a person
has a spiritual experience, repents of his sin and starts following the Lord as a disciple. The truth is that this person
may have been spiritually regenerated as a child, and has just now been brought to repentance. The fact remains
that we do not know for sure when or who is spiritually regenerated. There are tares in the Church who pretend
and act just like Christians, but the fact is they are spiritually dead.
Every human being whether he is spiritually dead or spiritually alive is a soul. The soul is our identity as a person.
It is our will, emotions, personality, desires, intellect, and everything we are as a person. At birth, in addition to
being spiritually dead, we have a depraved soul or life that follows the old fallen nature. There is no one more
selfish or self-centered than the newborn babe. Everyone is born into sin so the soul, life or person is in a fallen
state. Consequently, when a person is born again spiritually, his soul or life is still in a depraved or fallen state, just
as the body is still in a fallen or depraved state. When we are born again spiritually our body continues to age, and
it will eventually die since it has not been redeemed.
The same is true for our souls. The soul of the person who has been born again spiritually is still in a fallen state,
and it is controlled by the old fallen nature that is still in the born-again individual. It is necessary that the soul be
renewed in accordance with the desires and wishes of our new spirit nature. Now here is where the will of the
spiritually regenerated man comes into play. Until a man is born again spiritually, his will is in bondage to the old

spirit nature, which is in a fallen or depraved state. This means his soul is in bondage to the old spirit nature, and
he cannot extricate himself from this bondage. Once the Holy Spirit regenerates a person spiritually, the will is
also released from bondage, and this person can choose to follow Christ. This means that the Christian has the
freedom of choice to follow the old soulical nature that is still within him, or he can follow the new spirit nature
that has been born in him. The decision to follow this new spirit nature is called repentance, which requires dying
to the old self (i.e., soul) and rising again in newness of life (i.e., a new soul or life that follows Christ). Water
baptism is a picture of dying to the old soul or old life, and rising again in a new soul or new life. Thus, the
commandment to the newly spirit-regenerated person is "Repent and be Baptized." The order in Scripture is
always believe, repent, and be baptized. Spiritual regeneration and the resulting belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior
is by grace and grace alone. It is the gift of God, and no man can claim credit. Repentance and Baptism are works
and our success in doing this in our Christian lives will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Our lives or
souls will either come through the testing fire intact or they will perish or be destroyed. The following passage of
Scripture depicts this judgment by fire:
(1 Cor 3:9 KJV) For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
(1 Cor 3:10 KJV) According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the
foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
(1 Cor 3:11 KJV) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
(1 Cor 3:12 KJV) Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
(1 Cor 3:13 KJV) Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be
revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
(1 Cor 3:14 KJV) If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
(1 Cor 3:15 KJV) If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself (i.e., the same one) shall
be saved; yet so as by fire.
(1 Cor 3:16 KJV) Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
(1 Cor 3:17 KJV) If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which
temple ye are.
I would like to state at this point that millions of Christians are totally confused on this point as to whether a
person has the ability or freedom of will to follow or choose Christ. This is the argument between the Calvinists
and the Arminians, the Freewill Baptists and the Hardshell or Primitive Baptists, Spurgeon and the Wesleys, and
the original doctrine of the Southern Baptists as opposed to the Methodists and present day Southern Baptists.
There is an element of truth in the doctrine of all of these groups of Christians, but there is also a great deal of
error in all of their teachings. This error is due to a misunderstanding of the difference between the soul and the
spirit of man, and the fact that the Bible is written to the people of God. Consequently, all warnings in Scripture
pertain to the souls of spiritually regenerated people, and not to the unregenerate. Therefore, all warnings about
perishing pertain to the souls of the regenerate, and not the spirits of the unregenerate. Likewise, all warnings
about destruction and death are to the regenerate, and not the unregenerate. Even the Scriptures used by Christians
to persuade people to get born again are for people who are already born again.
Since the idea that a Christians soul can perish is foreign to most, we will begin with some clear Scriptures that
should be easily understood, and progress to the Scriptures that will be difficult for Christians to understand
because of the existing paradigms, mental sets or models that Christians have already established in their minds.
This simply means that once a Christian has understood a Scripture one particular way, it is more difficult for him
to see the real meaning of the Scripture, than if he had never understood the Scripture at all.
An important concept to understand before we commence with the Scriptures on the perishing of the soul is the
concept that the souls of all Christians must perish at some point in time. We can either choose to lose our souls
now, or we can wait until the Judgment Seat of Christ and lose them then. However, there are severe consequences

for waiting until the Judgment Seat of Christ. Jesus Himself addressed this concept in the following Scripture:
(Mat 16:24 KJV) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take
up his cross, and follow me.
Please note that Jesus is talking to His disciples. The warning that Jesus is about to give is for the regenerate. He
states that they must deny or utterly disown themselves, and that they must take up the cross and follow Him. The
self is the soul, and Jesus is telling His disciples that they must reject the soul or person that they are, and to follow
or to come into union with Him. This means that they are to live in the same way as He lives. The only way they
can do this is to kill the old self, which is the soul, and to live the life of Christ. Numerous other Scriptures tell us
how to do this. The cross is an instrument of death, and we are to kill our old self or soul. He is telling us to kill the
old person or nature that is in us, and to allow Christ to live His life in us. If we do this now, the new souls or
persons that we are when we get to the Judgment Seat of Christ will not perish or die, and we will receive great
reward. This is the essence of the following verses:
(Mat 16:25 KJV) For whosoever will save his life (soul) shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life (soul) for my
sake shall find it.
If the regenerate person continues as the same person, life or soul that he now is, then his life, soul or person will
be lost when he gets to the Judgment Seat of Christ. However, if the person is willing to reject the soul or person
he now is by crucifying this old flesh nature, then the new person he becomes as a result of allowing Christ to live
in him will not be lost at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The word for lose in both instances in the above verse is
the Greek word for destroy or perish. Simply stated, this verse states that the soul or life of a regenerate person
must either perish now, or it will perish at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
(Mat 16:26 KJV) For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what
shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Jesus continues His explanation of the salvation or loss of the soul at the Judgment Seat of Christ. It is important to
understand that the Judgment Seat of Christ is not for the purpose of determining who enters into heaven. It is for
the purpose of judging the lives or souls of Christians for the purpose of reward or chastisement. In this verse,
Jesus states that the Christian who lives according to the old self or soul will lose his own soul when the time for
judgment comes. Jesus then makes the point through the use of a rhetorical question that there is no profit for a
person to gain the wealth of the whole world and lose his own soul at the Judgment Seat of Christ. He then brings
it down to a more realistic situation and asks what a man will give up or lose to save his own soul. Esau gave up
his soul or inheritance for a bowl of stew. Reuben gave up his soul or inheritance for sensual pleasure with his
fathers concubine. The parallel passage in Mark 8:36-38 is even more tragic.
(Mark 8:36-38 KJV) (36) For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
(37) Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (38) Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of
my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh
in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Many Christians will lose their souls (i.e., perish) at the Judgment Seat of Christ simply because they were
ashamed to be associated with Christ and His Words. These are the ones described in Rev. 21:8 as being fearful to
exercise their faith. They are Christians, but they are too embarrassed to speak up for Christ or the Word of God.
(Mat 16:27 KJV) For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall
reward every man according to his works.
This summation verse shows that the whole passage pertains to rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ, and not
whether a person goes to heaven or hell.
Now that we have seen that it is regenerated people whose souls will perish, and this simply means that they will
change from people of a depraved character and state into a people of a different state. The following passage of
Scripture confirms that the current heavens and earth will also perish, or be changed or transformed from one state
of being under the curse to a state of redemption and freedom from the curse. This verse also gives us the Biblical

definition of perish. It means to be changed from one state into another state.
(Heb 1:8-12 KJV) (8) But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of
righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. (9) Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God,
even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. (10) And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning
hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: (11) They shall perish; but
thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; (12) And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and
they shall be changed (i.e.,transformed or made different): but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
The above verse helps us to understand that the Biblical definition of the word perish means to be transformed.
Thus, the person who has been spiritually regenerated must allow his soul to be transformed into a person who is
controlled by the Holy Spirit. The following passage of Scripture speaks of this transformation:
(Rom 12:1-2 KJV) (1) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a
living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this
world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God.
Our body is what is used to manifest or display our lives. Our souls or lives are lived in our bodies, and other
people know what we are as persons by the actions of our bodies. What comes out of our mouths in the form of
speech manifests that which is in our hearts or minds. The work that we do is manifested by our hands, and our
walk in the flesh or the spirit is manifested by our legs and our feet. Our bodies are the mediums through which we
live our lives. The soul of a person is reflected in the actions of the body. Consequently, when we present our
bodies as a living sacrifice, we are losing our souls, and our selves are transformed by the renewing of our minds.
The mind is one aspect of the soul. Paul is explaining how we must devote our bodies to the service of the Lord in
order to save our souls at the Judgment Seat of Christ. If we do this now in our Christian life, then our souls will
not perish at the Judgment Seat of Christ. On the other hand, if we do not do this now, our souls will perish at the
Judgment Seat of Christ, and we will experience the death of the soul.
Please remember that the spirits of regenerates can never die or perish, and the spirits of unregenerates are already
dead, so the death or perishing of the spirit is never addressed in Scripture as a future event. The Scriptures only
address the perishing or death of the body or the soul. It must also be remembered that the Greek word for
perishing also means destruction. The following Scriptures confirm that destruction only pertains to the soul and
the body:
(Mat 10:28 ASV) And be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him
who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
In this verse Jesus is addressing his disciples and he tells his disciples not to fear Satan and his emissaries who are
able to destroy the body, but they should fear God, who is able to destroy both body and soul in the Lake of Fire.
Thus, Jesus is warning spiritually regenerated people that they need to fear the destruction of their souls in the
Lake of Fire. The loss of the soul in the Lake of Fire is confirmed in this same passage just a few verses down as
follows:
(Mat 10:37-39 ASV) (37) He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son
or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (38) And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not
worthy of me. (39) He that findeth his life (i.e., soul) shall lose it; and he that loseth his life (soul) for my sake
shall find it.
(Mat 5:28-30 ASV) (28) but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath
committed adultery with her already in his heart. (29) And if thy right eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out,
and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body be
cast into hell. (30) And if thy right hand causeth thee to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable
for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body go into hell.
In this Scripture, Jesus is using figurative language related to the body as the instrument acting on behalf of the
soul, life or personality. The right eye is the dominant eye and it determines the input into the mind, which is one

aspect of the soul. The eye has been described as the window to the soul. The right hand is the dominant member
of the body that pictures the works that a believer performs. In this figurative parallel between the body and the
soul, the failure of the mind to be renewed because of the input through the eye into the mind, the works
performed by the hand does not profit the believer. The end result is the whole body, as representative of the soul,
is cast into or destroyed by the Lake of Fire. This whole dissertation by Jesus on the works that believers should
perform after the new birth experience is summed up in verse 46 as follows:
(Mat 5:46 ASV) For if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
This summation verse confirms that Jesus is addressing the judgment of the works of believers for the purpose of
rewards, and not the eternal destiny of their spirits.
To Perish Or Not To Perish (Part II)
We have been talking about the Scriptural warnings about perishing or being destroyed, and how this warning
pertains to either the soul or the physical body of man. It is not speaking of the spirit of man, and it has nothing to
do with entering into heaven or hell. To perish or not to perish is in reference to believers, and it pertains to the
loss at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The only people who will be at the Judgment Seat of Christ are Christians.
We will now continue with some Scriptures that are clearly in reference to believers perishing, and then go on to
some more difficult ones that are thought by most to be in reference to unregenerates.
(1 Cor 8:11 KJV) And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
This verse is in reference to a strong believer causing a weaker Christian to stumble and perish. Please note that
this weaker brother is a brother and that Christ died for him. He is a Christian as confirmed in the following verse:
(1 Cor 8:12 KJV) But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against
Christ.
This verse reiterates the fact that this person is a brother, and he can perish because of his weakness in the faith.
The following passage of Scripture is addressing the perishing of our soul now so the life of Jesus may be
manifested in us.
(2 Cor 4:8 KJV) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
(2 Cor 4:9 KJV) Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
(2 Cor 4:10 KJV) Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be
made manifest in our body.
The above verses portray the persecution of Christians and the dying of self in these Christians so that the life of
Christ might be made manifest in our bodies. This is confirmation of the truth that our spirits are saved by the
death of Christ, but our souls are saved by our dying to self and allowing Christ to live his life in us. Please note
the conditional phrase might be made manifest.
(2 Cor 4:11 KJV) For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus
might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
This verse repeats the thought that we who are living the life of Christ must continue to die to the old nature. If we
are successful in this death of the old self, then the life of Jesus is made manifest in our bodies of flesh. The
conditional might be made is repeated for emphasis. The dying to self and living the life of Christ is not a
certainty, even though we have been saved spiritually.
(2 Cor 4:12 KJV) So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

(2 Cor 4:13 KJV) We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I
spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
(2 Cor 4:14 KJV) Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall
present us with you.
(2 Cor 4:15 KJV) For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of
many redound to the glory of God.
This passage continues the exhortation to die to self so that when we are resurrected, the abundant grace or divine
influence upon our hearts might result in the worship of many people superabounding (redound) to the glory of
God.
(2 Cor 4:16 KJV) For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is
renewed day by day.
The summation of this passage is that our dying (perishing) to the outward man (i.e., the old man or flesh nature)
must take place in order for the inward man to be renewed day by day. All of this passage is in reference to the
losing of the old soul or old man, so the new soul or new man will be manifested and saved at the Judgment Seat
of Christ.
(2 Cor 4:17 KJV) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory;
The end result of our work of dying to self is the receipt of a superabundance of glory for the eternal age. Simply
put, our bearing of light affliction now will result in a superabundance of glory for the ages. This light affliction is
to allow our old man to perish so the new man in us will result in a superabundance of glory to God. As a
consequence, we will share in this glory that Jesus will receive.
The Death of the Soul
The Scriptures use another word for the perishing of the soul, and that word is the Greek word thanatos, which is
translated death. Jesus Himself ties the word thanatos with the soul in the following Scripture:
(Mark 14:34 KJV) And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
In this verse Jesus is employing hyperbolea figure of speechto make a point that his soul was in such anguish
that it was near unto death, but Jesus establishes that the soul can die or perish. The word thanatos (i.e., death) is
most often employed in connection with the death of the body, but it is sometimes used in connection with the
death of the soul as in the above instance. The following Scriptures pertain to the death, or perishing of the soul,
and they are in reference to Christians, as the context of the verses establish.
(John 8:51 KJV) Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
Jesus is stating here that the believer who keeps His Word will never experience the death of the soul. Please note
that keeping the Word of Jesus is works, and it is works that will keep the soul from dying. This statement by Jesus
confused the Jews, cause they were thinking in terms of the body dying. This would be ludicrous, since everyone
will die physicallyif the Rapture does not occur firstwhether one keeps the sayings of Jesus or not.
(Rom 6:3 KJV) Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
(Rom 6:4 KJV) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the
dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
(Rom 6:5 KJV) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of

his resurrection:
The use of death in each of these three verses pertains to the death of the soul. This passage of Scripture is
referring to the death of self in order for Christ to live His life through us. The Christians soul must perish now in
order to have his soul saved at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
The following verse very clearly warns Christians against the possibility of soul death if they serve sin in their
lives:
(Rom 6:16 KJV) Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye
obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
If the Christian obeys the sin nature in his life, he will suffer soul death. If he is an obedient Christian, he will
experience righteousness of character, and his soul will not die.
(Rom 6:21 KJV) What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is
death.
This verse also speaks of soul death as the end of living a life in accordance with the sin nature. The fruit of such a
lifestyle is the death of the soul.
(Rom 6:23 KJV) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
This verse also reiterates that the payment for a life of sin is the death of the soul. The Christian has a choice to
make. He can live in accordance with the old nature and die, or he can live his life in accordance with the life of
Christ, and he will attain unto or lay hold onto eternal life. Eternal life pertains to the soul and not the spirit.
The fruit of death is also shown in the following verses:
(Rom 7:4 KJV) Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should
be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
(Rom 7:5 KJV) For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our
members to bring forth fruit unto death.
Please note that these verses are warnings to Christians about bringing forth fruit unto death, and the death is the
soul, and not the body or the spirit.
In the following verse, Paul even uses himself as an example where sin can work death in him:
(Rom 7:13 KJV) Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin,
working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
The following Scripture provides the option that a Christian has in that he can be carnally minded or spiritually
minded, but the result is either death or life, and this death or life is in reference to the soul.
(Rom 8:5 KJV) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the
things of the Spirit.
(Rom 8:6 KJV) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
An accurate paraphrase of the above passage is as follows:
(Rom 8:5-6 LMV) For Christians that live according to the flesh nature that is within them do strive after the
things that this flesh nature desires, but Christians that live according to the spirit nature that is within them strive
after the things that the spirit nature desires. For to be thinking on things of the flesh nature will result in the death
of the soul, but to be thinking on things of the spirit nature will result in the salvation of the soul and a tranquil

state of mind.
(Rom 8:7 KJV) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither
indeed can be.
Because the mind that is set on fleshly things is in opposition to God, for it does not obey the commandments of
God, for it is incapable of obeying God.
(Rom 8:8 KJV) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
So Christians that live according to their flesh nature cannot please God.
(Rom 8:9 KJV) But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any
man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
But ye Christians are not living according to the flesh naturebut the spirit natureif the Holy Spirit is actively
living in your life. Now if any Christian does not have the mind of Christ, he is not one with Christ.
(Rom 8:10 KJV) And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of
righteousness.
But if Christ is living His life in you, your body is dead because of sin, but your spirit produces life (i.e., soul life)
because of Righteousness.
(Rom 8:11 KJV) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ
from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
But if the Spirit of God that raised Jesus from the dead is alive and active in you, then God will also make your
mortal bodies alive by this same Spirit that is alive and active in you. (Remember that the body is that which
manifests soul life).
(Rom 8:12 KJV) Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
Therefore, Christian brothers, we are not obligated to the flesh nature to live according to the flesh nature. (Many
Christians do live according to this flesh nature, but they do not have to live according to it.)
(Rom 8:13 KJV) For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the
body, ye shall live.
For if you live according to the old flesh nature within you, then your soul will die (i.e., perish), but if you through
the power of the Holy Spirit put to death the deeds of the body (i.e., kill the soul or die to self), then your soul will
live and not perish at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
(Rom 8:14 KJV) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
For those who are guided by the Holy Spirit in their lives, they are the mature sons (i.e., huios) of God, and not the
immature children (i.e., teknon) of God.
We will look at two additional verses in James that speak of the death or perishing of the souls of Christians.
(James 1:15 KJV) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth
death.
This verse is addressing the Christian who allows lust to spring up in his life, and this lust brings forth sin. If this
sin is allowed to grow to maturity in this person, it will in the end cause the soul of this Christian to die or perish at
the Judgment Seat of Christ.

(James 5:19 KJV) Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
(James 5:20 KJV) Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul
from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Verse 19 above is needed to confirm that this is a Christian who is caught away into sin. If another Christian brings
him back into the correct path, then that Christian who brought him back saved his soul from death. This one
passage establishes without doubt that a Christian can perish or die at the Judgment Seat of Christ, and this death
is of the soul or life, and not the spirit. The spirit nature within the Christian can never die or perish, but the soul or
life of a Christian can perish. If a Christians soul perishes at the Judgment Seat of Christ, this results in the loss of
reward and glory in the coming kingdom. The Christian will still be in heaven, but without any authority in the
kingdom.
To Perish Or Not To Perish (Part 3)
Eternal LifeThe Opposite of Perishing
The phrase eternal life is probably the most misunderstood phrase in all of Scripture. It comes from the Greek
words aionios zoe or zoe aionios, and these Greek phrases are translated in the Scriptures as eternal life, life
eternal, or everlasting life. The phrase is used 44 times in the New Testament, and it has the same meaning every
time that it is used. Tradition has given several meanings to the phrase, but the most common meaning is that the
person who has eternal life will go to heaven, and not hell, when he dies. Part of the traditional meaning holds that
all Christians have eternal life, and they will never perish. The primary Scripture for this traditional belief is John
3:16 as follows:
(John 3:16 KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting life (i.e., aionios zoe, or eternal life).
It is important to note that the should is conditional. The Christian should not perish, but he might. The word
believeth is pisteuo, and the second definition of this Greek word is to entrust ones spiritual well-being to
Christ. This is more than believing and accepting that Jesus died for our sins. It means to allow Christ to live in us.
This is works. Eternal life requires works, and the Scriptures confirm this many times, but it must be remembered
that eternal life and going to heaven are not the same thing.
As is true with most of the traditional interpretations of Scripture, the traditional understanding of the definition of
eternal life is grossly in error. First, it should be made clear that a Christian is someone who has been regenerated
spiritually. The Christians spirit has been made alive by the work of the Holy Spirit. Repentance was not a
requirement for this regeneration to take place. It was the Holy Spirits work, and the individual had nothing to do
with it. Repentance is a work that a person can perform after he has been spiritually regenerated.
When a person is spiritually regenerated, he is given the gift of faith, and he believes in the Lord Jesus Christ. This
simply means that the person believes that Jesus death on the cross was the payment for that persons sin. In
addition, it means that this individual will most certainly be in heaven, and when he is in heaven, he will be like
Jesus Christ. This means that he will be a perfect individual who will be sinless, perfect and complete. This
individual will be in perfect health with a perfect body, and he will be totally and completely obedient to God. He
will be totally controlled by his new spirit nature, which was born of God when he was spiritually regenerated.
This is the final state of all Christians, but there is more. There is much more than most Christians realize.
It is very important for the reader to see the final state of all Christians. The following Scripture is true:
(Phil 1:6 KJV) Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it
until the day of Jesus Christ:
All of these things that represent the final state of the Christian are wonderful, but they are not part of the Biblical
promise of eternal life. Eternal life pertains to the soul of man, and not to his spirit. Eternal life also pertains to the
Christians behavior, and the rewards for that behavior. It does not mean going to heaven, and it does not mean
having a conscious existence forever. Every person, saved and unsaved, will have a conscious existence forever,
either in heaven or hell.

The opposite meaning of eternal life in the Scriptures is to perish. Since eternal life pertains to the soul and not the
spirit, to perish also has reference to the soul of man and not the spirit. It should be remembered that the soul is the
life of a person. It is his will, character, personality, intellect, and emotions. It is who the person is as an individual.
All Biblical references to eternal life pertain to this person and his life, and not to his spirit, which is perfect since
it comes from or is born of God.
Since eternal life and perishing pertain to the soul, it should not be difficult to understand that all Christians will
either have eternal life at the Judgment Seat of Christ or they will perish. The truth is that many Christians will
perish at the Judgment Seat of Christ. This truth will now be shown from the Scriptures.
As with all Scriptural terms, we must seek the definition of these terms in the Bible. The definition of eternal life is
clearly and unequivocally given in the following Scripture:
(Rom 2:7 KJV) To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality,
eternal life:
In this Scripture, eternal life is in apposition to the phrase glory and honour and immortality. In other words,
glory and honor and immortality is the Biblical definition of eternal life. This Scripture further confirms that
eternal life is something that the Christian seeks after by patient continuance in well doing. This is work.
Glory, honor and immortality are the reward for living a life that is under the control of the Holy Spirit. Eternal life
is something that the believer strives for in his life. It is attained by being filled with the spirit, and sowing to our
spirit nature rather than our flesh nature. This is confirmed in the following Scripture:
(Gal 6:8 KJV) For he (i.e., the Christian) that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption (i.e.,
destruction); but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting (i.e., eternal life or aiones zoe).
A quick reference to the context of the above verse confirms that the writer is warning Christians. Only Christians
have the ability to sow to their spirit natures. The Christian who sows to his flesh nature instead of his spirit nature
shall reap corruption. The transliterated Greek word for corruption is phthora, and it means that the Christian who
sows to his flesh nature will be destroyed, or that he will perish. The person who sows to his flesh nature will lose
his soul since he will be totally changed by Jesus Christ at the Judgment Seat of Christ, and he will be a totally
different person. He will not receive glory, honor or immortality. He will not share in the inheritance of Jesus
Christ, and he will not be honored in the kingdom. The person he was will cease to exist (i.e., perish), and he will
not have immortality. He will still be in heaven, and he will still be made perfect, but he will lose all of his
rewards. He will not receive a position in the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Since the individual did not attain to glory,
honor, and immortality, he will not have eternal life in the kingdom.
The following are a few Scriptures that further define the meaning of eternal life in the Scriptures:
(1 Tim 6:12 KJV) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast
professed a good profession before many witnesses.
This Scripture confirms that eternal life is something that we attain to by fighting the good fight of faith in order to
lay hold on eternal life. Fighting is working. This Scripture confirms that eternal life is according to works.
(1 Tim 6:18-19 KJV) That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to
communicate; (19) Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may
lay hold on eternal life.
This Scripture confirms that if we do good works and store up for ourselves a good foundation, we will attain to
eternal life. The only way we can lay up a good foundation is to have Jesus Christ live his life through us. The only
good foundation is that one built upon the Rock (Luke 6:48-49). The time to come is the Judgment Seat of
Christ. This Scripture confirms that eternal life is according to works.

(Titus 1:2 KJV) In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
This Scripture confirms that eternal life is something we hope for. It is not certain as it depends upon our good
works that are done in the power of the Spirit.
(Titus 3:7 KJV) That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
This Scripture confirms that it is Christians (i.e., those justified by his grace) that have the hope of the inheritance,
and the inheritance is the hope of eternal life. As a Christian, we should be made heirs, but we might not be made
heirs if we are disobedient. This Scripture reiterates the fact that eternal life is a hope, and not a certainty for the
Christian. The following Scripture also confirms that just because we are heirs of God does not mean that we will
actually receive the inheritance:
(Rom 8:16-18 KJV) (16) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (17) 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. (18) For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared
with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
All Christians are heirs of God, and we may be joint-heirs with Christ, if we suffer with him. This Scripture also
confirms that Christians who suffer with Christ may be also glorified with him. It should be remembered from
above that being glorified with Christ is part of the definition of receiving eternal life in Romans 2:7.
The following Scripture passage explains eternal life in detail, but it must be read and studied in context, since the
summation verse 23 is used as a proof text for spiritual rebirth. The passage is actually addressed to Christians
exhorting them to be faithful, so they will attain unto eternal life. The whole passage will be addressed verse by
verse in order to follow through with the purpose of the whole passage, which is to cause the ones being addressed
to crucify the old flesh nature and allow Christ to live in them. If these Christians are able to do this, then the end
result will be eternal life. If they are not able to do this, then they will perish at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
(Rom 5:20 KJV) Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did
much more abound:
When Gods moral precepts were given, transgression increased since man was now violating the law. He was
doing the same thing before the law was given, but there was no law to violate. Example: A 15 year-old who drove
a car before a license was required was not breaking the law. When the drivers license law was made, the 15 yearold was then transgressing the law.
Grace is the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life. When sin abounded, Gods divine
influence superabounded.
(Rom 5:21 KJV) That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto
eternal life by (i.e., through) Jesus Christ our Lord.
The reign of sin in a persons life leads unto death. This is the death of the soul and not the body, and it pertains to
the Christian. That is who Paul is addressing, so it would be foolish for him to be warning them about something
that could not happen to them.
Since sin in the life of the Christian causes death of the soul, Paul states that it is possible for the divine influence
of God to change this end result of the death of the soul into righteousness and eternal life. This comes about
through grace or the divine influence of God on our life. This divine influence causes us to live righteously, and
we do this through Jesus Christ who lives His life through us.
(Rom 6:1 KJV) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Should we continue in sin so we can receive more divine influence? Paul is asking a rhetorical question to make a
point. The following verses address the point.

(Rom 6:2 KJV) God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
The answer to Pauls rhetorical question is absolutely not. If we have died to our old natures, then how can we
continue in sin. It is the old nature that causes us to sin. The new spirit nature does not sin and cannot commit sin
(1 John 3:9).
(Rom 6:3 KJV) Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Paul is addressing Christians, and he makes the point that not all Christians have been baptized into the death of
Christ. Paul is talking about the Christians who have repented, which water baptism is a picture of this repentance
or death unto the old nature. Even though baptism is an act that pictures our death unto the old self, actually dying
to the old self is an hour-by-hour minute-by-minute continuous action that we must perform.
(Rom 6:4 KJV) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the
dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
If we have died to our old selves, and we were serious about this death, then we should also walk in newness of
life. This walking in newness of life is the salvation of the soul, and it is the eternal life that this passage of
Scripture is addressing. The Greek word aionios zoe (eternal life) is used twice in this passage in Rom. 5:21 and
Rom 6:22.
(Rom 6:5 KJV) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of
his resurrection:
Paul is saying that if we have really died to the old self, then our lives will reflect the life of Jesus Christ. The if
is very big since many Christians do not crucify the old nature. Crucifying the old nature is a lot of work, and it is
very painful. It requires suffering on the part of the Christian.
(Rom 6:6 KJV) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that
henceforth we should not serve sin.
Paul calls the old nature the old man and he states that crucifying the old man is able to destroy the body of
sin. The body of sin is that which is in us (i.e., the old nature) that causes us to sin. The Greek word for body
here means that which casts the shadow rather than the shadow itself. In other words we crucify the old man to
destroy that which is in us that causes us to sin. This is more than just getting cleansed from our sin. It means that
we dont sin when we have crucified the old man. Of course, we still sin since we are never 100% in crucifying the
old nature, but it is a progressive spiritual growth where we sin less and less. The ironic part of this is even though
we sin less and less, the more we have Christ living is us, the more we will discern the depravity of the old nature
that lives within us, and we are humbled more and more by this spiritual growth. This is why the Christian who
sees himself as being a wonderful Christian is probably not doing so well in his spiritual walk with the Lord, and
the Christian who agonizes over his sin is probably very spiritual in his walk with the Lord.
(Rom 6:7 KJV) For he that is dead is freed from sin.
The Christian who has died to his old nature is no longer a slave to this old nature, and he is no longer subject to
doing what this old nature wants to do. He that is dead would be the Christian who has purposed in his heart to
serve the Lord with all of his heart, mind and soul. He sins less and less as he grows spiritually, and he constantly
calls upon the Lord to cleanse him from the sins that he does commit. It is because of this continuous cleansing
action by the Lord that a Christian can walk spotless and blameless before the Lord. It is the attitude of the heart
that matters.
(Rom 6:8 KJV) Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
Paul states here that if we have died to self, then we can live a new life that is in union with Christ (i.e., live with
him). It is the same as the following Scripture:
(Col 1:27 KJV) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the

Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

(Col 1:28 KJV) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present
every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
(Col 1:29 KJV) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
Christ in us is the hope of glory. This glory is the glory received with the laying hold on eternal life. All Christians
are in Christ, but not all Christians have Christ in them.
(Rom 6:9 KJV) Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over
him.
Paul is using the analogy of Christ who has been raised from the dead and he will die no more. If the Christian has
died to self and Christ lives in him, then he will not perish or die at the judgment seat of Christ. The analogy
pertains to the soul or life and not the spirit that was regenerated in us when we were born again spiritually. There
is a big if in the previous verse (Rom 6:8). The majority of Christians do not die to the old self even though they
have been born again or regenerated spiritually.
(Rom 6:10 KJV) For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
This passage is using Christ as an example to follow for the Christians being addressed. It states that Christ
became sin and died, but now He lives, and He lives as God.
(Rom 6:11 KJV) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus
Christ our Lord.
These Christians are told to do likewise. They are to reckon, consider or judge themselves as dead to their old
sinful nature, and to live for God by allowing Jesus Christ to live His life through them. This is a work that these
Christians must do. It is not something that happens automatically.
(Rom 6:12 KJV) Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
These Christians are exhorted not to let sin reign in their bodies. He tells them not to yield to the lusts in their
bodies. Christians are tempted by the same lusts that tempt the unsaved person, but Christians do not have to yield
to these lusts. The unsaved person has no choice. If sin could not reign in these Christians lives, then Paul would
not be exhorting them to prevent it from happening.
(Rom 6:13 KJV) Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves
unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
These Christians are exhorted to not yield the members of their bodies as instruments of unrighteousness. Instead,
they are to yield their bodies unto God as instruments of righteousness. A Christian has the choice in this matter.
He can either live a life of unrighteousness or he can live a life of righteousness. As a spiritually alive individual,
he can have power over sin, but he must choose to exercise this power by crucifying the old flesh nature, and
allowing the new spirit nature to take control. The person who has not been spiritually regenerated does not have
the new spirit nature from God, and it is impossible for him to live in righteousness.
(Rom 6:14 KJV) For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
The Christian who has been spiritually regenerated under grace does not have to be dominated by sin. The law has
been fulfilled by the death of Jesus in atoning for sin, so the law has no control over the Christian.
(Rom 6:15 KJV) What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
Since the law has been fulfilled by Jesus, does this give the Christian the freedom to sin without consequence.
Absolutely not! The following verse gives the consequence of sinning by those Christians who have been born
again under grace.

(Rom 6:16 KJV) Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye
obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Paul is still addressing Christians, and he states that if these Christians yield themselves to sin, then they are the
servants of sin, and they will die (i.e., perish). They may also choose to be obedient unto righteousness, which also
has a consequence, which is eternal life or glory, honor, and immortality (i.e., soul salvation).
(Rom 6:17 KJV) But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form
of doctrine which was delivered you.
Paul is thankful to God that these Christians he is addressing were servants of sin, but they have now obeyed
from the heart the doctrine that they had been taught. It is important to note that these Christians had not only
believed in Jesus Christ, but they had become obedient to Biblical doctrine. They cannot become obedient to
Biblical doctrine until they learn what this doctrine is. A Christian must study the Bible to become obedient to it.
Most Christians today do not study their Bibles. They pick and choose certain verses that pertain to faithful
Christians, and take them out of context to apply them to all Christians.. For example, most Christians take this
passage of Romans and say that all Christians have died to self. This is simply not true.
(Rom 6:18 KJV) Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
By becoming obedient to Biblical doctrine, these Christians had been made free from sin, and had become servants
of righteousness. They had become faithful Christians, by studying the Bible and obeying it. This is confirmed as
being the method to save the soul in the following verse:
(James 1:21 KJV) Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the
engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
(James 1:21 ASV 1901) Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with
meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
(Rom 6:19 KJV) I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your
members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to
righteousness unto holiness.
Paul continues to exhort them to yield themselves as servants to righteousness just as they had yielded themselves
as servants to uncleanness and iniquity unto iniquity. If they do this, they will continue in righteousness unto
holiness or sanctification, or soul salvation. If Christians could not yield themselves to unrighteousness, then Paul
would not be warning them against doing it.
(Rom 6:20 KJV) For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
When they were servants to sin, they had no righteousness. This is true of numerous Christians today. They have
been born again spiritually, but they are servants to sin. They have not the righteousness or righteous character that
this passage is addressing, and they are not progressing in sanctification or holiness. They do have the imputed
righteousness of Christ, but the practical righteousness in the life of the Christian has not yet been realized. If they
continue without this practical righteousness, they will perish at the judgment seat of Christ, and the practical
righteousness will then be established in them by Christ. Unfortunately, they will have lost the glory, honor and
immortality that define eternal life. This is confirmed in verse 22 below.
(Rom 6:21 KJV) What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is
death.
Paul says that when they were servants to sin, they did not have any fruit. The fruit is in reference to the fruit of
the spirit. The end for those Christians who are servants to sin is death. This is the destruction or the perishing of
the soul that the Bible warns Christians about.

(Rom 6:22 KJV) But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness,
and the end everlasting life (i.e., eternal life).
This verse confirms that the Christian must not only believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, but he must be made free
from sin by becoming servants of God. This results in fruit bearing unto holiness, and the end result is eternal life
(i.e., aiones zoe or everlasting life).
(Rom 6:23 KJV) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Paul sums up the discourse by saying that the wages of sin for the Christian is death (i.e., destruction or perishing),
but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Thus, eternal life is realized by the life of Jesus
Christ living in the Christian, who has yielded himself as a servant of God. The Christian is spiritually saved when
he believes in the atoning death of Jesus Christ. He attains unto eternal life by the life of Christ. Our spirits are
saved by the death of Christ, but our souls are saved by the life of Christ. Soul salvation and eternal life are one
and the same. Spirit salvation is the same as the new birth experience. Spirit salvation depends strictly upon the
grace of God. Soul salvation depends upon the Christians life after he is born again spiritually. Soul salvation is a
gift from God through His Son Jesus Christ, but the Christian must lay hold onto it by how he lives his life.
Verse 23 is a warning to Christians and not to the unsaved as so many people think. Eternal life is something that
the Christian must lay hold onto, and it does not happen automatically.

The Church at Sardis, the Protestant Church

Lyn Mize
Rev 3:1-6 (KJV) And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits
of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful,
and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch,
I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names
even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of
life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what
the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The Church Age of Thyatira does not end with the beginning of the Church Age of Sardis, since Thyatira continues
until the Lord returns (vs. 2:35). The word Sardis means "escaping one," "remnant" or those who "come out," so it
is an accurate picture of the Protestant churches, which came out of the reformation. The word Protestant means
one who protested against the false teachings of the Catholic Church. The Reformation began with Luther in
A.D.1517 when he nailed his 95 theses to the Church door in Wittenberg Germany.
The cry of the Reformation was "Sola Fide" (i.e., faith alone), and it is amazing how many evangelists and pastors
tack on the work of repentance as a prerequisite for spirit salvation. This is a result of the failure to understand the
difference between spiritual rebirth and soul salvation, or the difference between "seeing the kingdom" and
"entering the kingdom" (John 3:3,5). The failure to understand the coming kingdom of Jesus Christ and the
Judgment Seat of Christ has caused the entire Church to not understand even the basic doctrines of spirit salvation.
The works of repentance, baptism and obedience have been set forth as necessary for spiritual rebirth. The gospel
of John was written as a testimony so that people would believe and be saved (John 20:31) and the word repent
cannot be found in this gospel. Repentance is a condition for entrance into the kingdom, but this is not the same as
spiritual rebirth.
The Sardis church was called a "dead church" even though it had a reputation for being alive. This does not mean
that they were not truly born again, but that they were barren or unfruitful in their works. Their works were in the
power of the flesh and not the power of the spirit.
1. And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and

the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
The address, sublime characteristic of Christ, statement of omniscience regarding works and the spiritual condition
of the church are in this one verse.
The seven spirits of God represent the totality or sevenfold ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Isa 11:2 (KJV) And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit
of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
(1) Spirit of the Lord-Member of the Trinity
(2) Spirit of Wisdom-Intelligence or right use of knowledge.
(3) Spirit of Understanding-Insight, perception, able to discern
(4) Spirit of Counsel-Prudence or ability to give good advice
(5) Spirit of Might-Force, power or strength (esp., spiritual warfare)
(6) Spirit of Knowledge-to personally experience or to know God
(7) Spirit of Fear-Reverence, profound awe or respect for God
c. The seven stars are the pastors of the seven churches (1:20).
Jesus knows all about the works of Sardis.
Sardis has a reputation for being alive, but she is spiritually dead. This means she is barren or unfruitful in the
works of the spirit. Sardis works in the power of the flesh rather than the power of the spirit. The servant who hid
his pound in a napkin or sweat cloth of self-effort is descriptive of the Sardis Christian (Luke 19:20).
2. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works
perfect before God.
The Sardis church is not watchful for the return of the Lord.
The works they are doing need to be improved or made complete before God. The works are lacking.
3. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not
watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Christ cautions them on how much they have received (i.e., the inheritance) and heard. "Hold fast" means to guard
against losing their inheritance by repenting.
Sardis is warned that if they do not become alert, Jesus will come on them as a thief (i.e., stealer), and they will not
be aware (i.e., know) the hour that he comes. This is the same as the "goodman" whose house was broken into just
like a thief (Mat. 24:43). He was not alert and he was separated from the servant who was alert. The unfaithful
servant was not watchful and the following Scripture describes the separation that he experiences:
Mat 24:50-51 (KJV) The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that
he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, (i.e., separate him) and appoint him his portion (i.e., measured
amount) with the hypocrites (i.e., those who pretend to be more spiritual than they are): there shall be weeping
and gnashing of teeth.
4. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in
white: for they are worthy.

Apparently, there will be some Sardis Christians who will be taken in the Firstfruits Rapture, since their works
(i.e., garments) are complete and undefiled. They "are worthy" (i.e., deserving or due reward) even though they are
not alert to the return of the Lord.
5. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book
of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
This has reference to those who were defiled, but they become overcomers during the tribulation period. They will
be clothed in the "white raiment" that is a symbol for their good works. The following Scripture describes these
Christians:
Rev 6:9-11 (KJV) And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for
the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:.. And white robes were given unto every one of them; and
it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren,
that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
The "book of life" has reference to the salvation of the soul and not spiritual rebirth. It would be ludicrous for
Jesus to be warning Christians about having their names blotted out of the book of life if it were impossible.
Jesus will confess the names of the overcomers before the Father. The name has reference to the character of an
individual. Thus, to confess the name means to acknowledge or approve of the character of the person who was an
overcomer. These Christians will not be disapproved or disqualified for their inheritance.
6. Rev 3:6 (KJV) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
This epistle ends as all do with an admonition to the Church to listen and heed the warnings of these letters to the
Church.

The Separation
Lyn Mize
There is one Bible doctrine that Satan hates more than he hates the doctrine of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
This hated doctrine is the separation of Christians who are watching, prepared and ready for the return of Jesus
Christ from Christians who are earth-dwellers. The earth-dwellers are those Christians who have settled down and
gotten comfortable in this world and its system, and they are neither anxious for, nor looking forward to the return
of Jesus Christ. The majority of the Church today is either unaware of this coming separation, or they reject it as a
valid Bible doctrinein spite of numerous Scriptures.
The Scriptures address this coming separation between prepared and unprepared Christians many times in type in
the Old and New Testaments, and in doctrinal statements in the New Testament. Jesus warned of this coming
separation three times in the Church section of the Olivet Discourse, and Paul addressed it in his epistles to the
churches. In the book of Revelation, John gives minute details of this separation. In the seven epistles to the seven
churches, he describes the criteria for inclusion as a member of the group of Christians that is taken to be with the
Lord, while the remainder are left on the earth to be tried in great tribulation. The importance of this doctrine
probably has its greatest emphasis in The Lord's Prayer as follows:
(Mat 6:13 KJV) And lead (i.e., bring) us not into temptation (i.e., tribulation or the hour of temptation), but
deliver us from (the) evil (one) (i.e., the Antichrist): For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for
ever. Amen.
In The Lord's Prayer we are instructed to pray for the Lord's kingdom to come, and we are to pray that He will not
bring us into the tribulation period or the "hour of temptation". The transliterated Greek word for bring is eisphero,
and it means to "bring in" or "lead into" something. God will not lead us into sin or evil (James 1:13-14), but he
will bring us into the hour of temptation, if we are unfaithful to Him. The Philadelphia Church was promised an

escape from this hour of temptation in Revelation 3:10. The transliterated Greek word for temptation is peirasmos
in both instances, and the context of both verses is the coming kingdom and the tribulation period. The American
Standard Version 1901 has the best translation as follows:
(Mat 6:13 ASV) And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
The evil one is the Antichrist. The New International Version also has it correctly translated as the evil one. There
are numerous other verses that explain the importance of being kept out of the tribulation period (i.e., the hour of
temptation), but the most important one after the Lord's Prayer is as follows:
(Luke 21:36 KJV) Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things
(i.e., the tribulation Period) that shall come to pass, and to stand before (i.e., in the presence of) the Son of man.
The context of this verse is the separation and the coming tribulation period. Jesus warned the disciples to pray
always for deliverance at the coming separation, and He also included it in the model prayer called the Lord's
Prayer. Even with so much emphasis on this coming separation, the majority of the Church is unaware of this
separation between worthy and unworthy Christians, as God ordained it to be. It is in God's plan that the
separation will take place before the majority of the Church awakens to its spiritual poverty, and begins to serve
the Lord faithfully. This is simply a matter of prophetic fulfillment in choosing a bride for His Son, and selecting
those who will be in the highest positions in the kingdom.
With the understanding that only a small percentage of Christians will understand and receive the doctrine of "The
Separation," this portion of dissertation will now attempt to explain some of the more salient Scriptures that warn
the Church of this coming separation between watchful and unwatchful Christians. The three warnings by Jesus in
the Church section of the Olivet Discourse will be discussed first.
The Olivet Discourse is a connected discourse by Jesus Christ answering the primary question about the signs of
His return. Since God has three elect groups of people, Jesus answered the question in regard to each of these three
groups of people. These elect groups of people are the Jews saved outside of the Church Age, the Church, and the
Gentiles saved outside of the Church Age. The first part of the Olivet Discourse is to elect Jews who will be saved
during the seven-year tribulation period. This section of the discourse is located in Matthew 24:4-31. This entire
passage of Scripture takes place during the seven-year tribulation period, and nothing in this passage of Scripture
takes place before the Antichrist is revealed.
The third section is located in Matthew 25:31-46, and is addressed to the nations or the Gentiles, so it pertains to
those Gentiles who become believers during the seven year tribulation period. All of this section takes place during
the seven-year tribulation period.
The second part of the Olivet Discourse is addressed to the Church, which consists of Christians, or all believers
who are saved during the Church Age. The Church section of the Olivet Discourse pertains to the current Age of
Grace, and the Church section of the Olivet Discourse ends with the Main Harvest Rapture that takes place in the
middle of the tribulation period. This is the same time that the Judgment Seat of Christ takes place for the main
body of the Church. The Church Age actually ends with the separation described three times in Matthew 24:3225:13 The three servants who are given 5 talents, 2 talents and 1 talent in Matthew 25:14-30 represent those
Christians who miss the separation, but they are given an additional opportunity to be faithful with the Lord's
goods. Two of them are faithful during the time of the Lord's absence during the first half of the tribulation period.
These three servants represent three groups of Christians that comprise the three churches of Thyatira, Sardis and
Laodicea. They also represent the same three groups of Christians described in the parable of the sower: those that
were sown by the wayside, on shallow soil and among thorns. None of these groups of Christians produce fruit
during the Church Age, but two out of three will produce fruit during the "hour of temptation" in the first half of
the tribulation period.
The faithful and wise servant described in Matthew 24:45 represents that group of Christians in the Philadelphia
Church. He also represents that group of Christians sown on good soil (Matthew 13). These Christians are the ones
who produce fruit during the Church Age, and are taken to heaven in the separation at the beginning of the
tribulation. These Christians are made ruler over all of the Lord's goods, in stark contrast to the most faithful of the
three servants (Mat. 25:14-30), who is called a good and faithful servant. The good and faithful servant will be

made ruler over many things instead of all things.

It is of utmost importance to note that the very best of the three servants in Matthew 25:14-30 was only found
"faithful over a few things". It is also extremely important to note that the "wicked and slothful servant" of the
three servants is not separated (i.e., cut asunder) like the "evil servant" of Matthew 24:48, but is cast into outer
darkness instead. Outer darkness is a position outside of the kingdom, and is an action taken at the Judgment Seat
of Christ in the middle of the tribulation period. The only Christians taken in the separation are the "faithful and
wise," so there is no negative reward meted out at the separation other than being cast "into great tribulation" (Rev.
2:22), being caught unawares and missing the separation (Rev. 3:3), or being rejected when the separation takes
place (Rev. 3:16). Separation is an action taken when Jesus removes his bride and her court from the earth, and
rejects or disqualifies the main body of the Church.
It is important to remember that the last promise Jesus made to the Church was that he would not leave it until the
end of the Church Age. This is confirmed in the following Scripture:
(Mat 28:19-20 KJV) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost: {20} Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo,
I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (i.e., age). Amen.
It is also important to note the conditional promise in the following Scripture:
(John 14:2-3 KJV) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to
prepare a place for you. {3} And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto
myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Jesus will remove His hand of protection from the main body of the Church when He takes His bride and her court
to heaven. The main body of the Church will be turned over to Antichrist who will have unchecked authority
during the first 3 1/2 years of the tribulation period. This is explicitly stated in the following Scripture:
(Dan 7:25 KJV) And he (i.e., Antichrist) shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the
saints of the most High (i.e., Christians), and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand
until a time and times and the dividing of time. (i.e., 3 1/2 Years)
All Christians will be in heaven, but only a small minority of Christians will dwell in the same household as Jesus.
These will be the ones who qualify as his bride by their faithfulness during the present age. This group is
represented by the faithful and wise servant of Matthew 24:45-47 who is made ruler over "all His goods". These
Christians are the ones who will be taken in the separation as the bride of Christ. They are also represented by the
five wise virgins described in Matthew 25:1-13.
The five foolish virgins represent the same Christians as the evil servant in Matthew 24:48-51. Both are separated
from their counterparts who were found faithful. Only the bride and her court are taken to heaven at this time.
The Church section of the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24:32-25:30 contains three warnings from Jesus about the
coming separation of faithful and unfaithful Christians. This separation is only temporary, and ends with the
rapture of the Church in the middle of the tribulation. The four living creatures and the 24 elders represent the
faithful Christians who are taken in the separation. The 24 elders have crowns and thrones of their own, and the
four living creatures share the crown and throne of Jesus Christ. The rapture of the remainder of the Church is
described in Revelation 7:9-17. The following passage contains the first warning in the Olivet Discourse about the
coming separation:
Mat 24:38-44 (KJV) For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and
giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took
them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be
taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43 But know this, that if the goodman of the
house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his
house to be broken up. 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

This warning is addressed to believers before the seven-year tribulation period begins. Jesus is warning them about
the coming separation, and He tells them that watchfulness is the prerequisite to be one of those who are taken.
Jesus also cautions that the "goodman of the house" will be taken by surprise, and his house will be "broken up" or
split up. The "goodman of the house" is the master of the house (i.e., leaders of the Church), and the house is the
household of faith (i.e., the Church). The house will be "broken up" or split up, and that which is valuable (i.e., the
Bride and her court) will be taken away. Thus, the leaders of the Church will not be aware of the time when Jesus
comes, and they will not be watching.
Jesus will come like a thief, and part of the household of faith will be taken. The passage ends with another caution
to be ready, since Jesus will come at a time that will not be obvious to the Church. This caution is appropriate,
since the time for Jesus to come is very near, and the great majority of the Church is completely unaware of the
signs of the time. The Church will be greatly surprised when the separation occurs, and those faithful Christians
who are watching, ready and prepared are taken to be with the Lord.
The following passage of Scripture contains the second warning to Christians about the coming separation of
faithful and unfaithful Christians:
Mat 24:45-51 (KJV) Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to
give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47
Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But and if that evil servant shall say in
his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with
the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is
not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be
weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Please note that the "faithful and wise servant" is knowledgeable about the Lord's return and, he provides "meat in
due season." This means that this servant has watched and prepared himself for the return of the Lord, and he
provides strong Biblical teaching at the appropriate time about the Lord's return. If he has done what he is
supposed to, this servant will be greatly blessed at the time of the separation. He will be taken, and he will be made
"ruler over all his goods." This means that the faithful servant will be placed in the highest level of rule in the
kingdom.
Unfortunately, this same servant can neglect his duties, and can become an evil servant instead of a faithful and
wise servant. It is very important to note that the one thing that could change this faithful and wise servant into an
evil servant is his attitude about the Lord's coming. His attitude changes from that of eagerly watching for the
Lord's return, to that of delaying the Lord's return in his own thoughts. This means that he thinks that the Lord is
tarrying, and it is a while before He comes. The evil servant then begins to "smite his fellowservants." This means
that he punishes or offends the faithful and wise servants who are doing what they are supposed to be doing. The
evil servant also begins "to eat and drink with the drunken." This means that the evil servant gets caught up in the
affairs of the world. He is more interested in worldly activities, material possessions, and his position and status in
the Church than he is in the coming kingdom. In summary, the evil servant is more interested in the things of the
earth than he is in the future kingdom, and he is callous, rude, and insulting to the "faithful and wise servant."
The evil servant is not aware that his Lord "shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he
is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping
and gnashing of teeth." This passage means exactly what it says. The Lord will come at a time that the evil servant
is not aware of, and he will be separated (i.e., cut him asunder) from the "faithful and wise servant." The evil
servant will be appointed his portion in the tribulation period with the other hypocrites, where there will be
weeping and gnashing of teeth. A hypocrite is someone who outwardly pretends to be more spiritual than he really
is. The evil servant will have an opportunity during the tribulation period to repent, and wash his defiled garments.
This is described in Revelation 7:9-17 where the main harvest rapture of the Church is described in detail.
The following passage of Scripture in the Olivet Discourse contains the third warning about the coming separation
of faithful and unfaithful Christians:
Mat 25:1-13 (KJV) Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and

went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish
took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the
bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom
cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said
unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out (i.e., going out). 9 But the wise answered, saying,
Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And
while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the
door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and
said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein
the Son of man cometh.
The parable of the ten virgins concerns the same topic as the previous two parables. The five wise virgins represent
those in the Church who are prepared for the return of the Lord, and the foolish virgins represent those who are not
prepared. Therefore, there is a separation of the foolish from the wise, and the wise virgins enter through the
"Open Door" (See Rev. 4:1) into heaven, since they are prepared. The foolish virgins will call upon the Lord to let
them through the door that has been closed to them, but the Lord will deny that He knows them. The Lord ends the
parable by warning the believers to "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day not the hour wherein the Son of
man cometh." Again, watching is the criterion for being among the group that is taken to be with the Lord.
The above three parables spoken by the Lord Himself clearly warn Christians about the coming separation of
faithful and unfaithful believers, and the criteria for being among the faithful is to be watching, prepared and ready
for the Lord to return. Christians who are sincerely watching for the Lord's return will not be caught unawares on
that day, and they will be ready and prepared for His return. They are represented in the above parables by the one
taken, the faithful and wise servant, and the five wise virgins.
A very important and comprehensive type in the Old Testament for the separation is Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach
and Abednego. A significant theological mystery in the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego concerns the
whereabouts of Daniel at the time of their persecution, when they are cast into the fiery furnace. The following
Scripture is an Old Testament type that provides the same information as the faithful and wise servant and the
other three servants described in Matthew 24:45-51 and Matthew 25:14-30.
(Dan 2:48-49 KJV) Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler
over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon. {49} Then
Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of
Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.
Daniel is a type of the faithful and wise servant who is separated from the other three servants. He is made ruler
over the whole province of Babylon, which is a type of the world. Daniel has already been glorified, just as the
four living creatures and the 24 elders in Revelation are, and he is now sitting "in the gate of the king". Shadrach,
Meshach and Abednego are set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, just as the three servants in Matthew
25:14-30. However, they are subjected to persecution by the world just as Christians will be persecuted during the
first half of the tribulation period. Just as the three churches of Thyatira, Sardis and Laodicea are cast into
tribulation and the fiery trials of the tribulation period, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are cast into the fiery
furnace. Because of their faithfulness, they come out of the fiery trial with their garments unsinged and intact. The
only thing that burned from them was their bonds. Their garments are typical of a believer's works, and the bonds
are typical of the old flesh nature. The fiery trials and tribulations have gained them rewards for their faithfulness,
and purged them of their old flesh natures.
The entire time that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were being tried, Daniel was sitting in the gate of the king.
The king is a type of Jesus Christ. The gate of the king is the seat of authority or the place of rulership. It is the
throne room of the king. Therefore, Daniel is a type of the Philadelphia church that is taken in the separation to be
with the Lord Jesus Christ. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are types of the churches of Thyatira, Sardis and
Laodicea who are required to go through the fiery ordeal of the tribulation period.
The difference between Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is given in the following verse:
(Dan 1:8 KJV) But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's

meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not
defile himself.
It was Daniel who purposed in his heart that he would not become caught up in the things of the world just as the
faithful and wise servant did not eat and drink with the drunken (Matt. 24:49). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
followed the example of Daniel, but there is no mention of them purposing in their heart to remain undefiled.
Another distinction between Daniel and these three is found in the following Scripture:
(Dan 1:17 KJV) As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and
Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
All four are children of God just as all the Church are the children of God, and all four had "knowledge and skill in
all learning and wisdom," just as the whole church has understanding in the basic doctrines of salvation. However,
"Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams." Daniel is typical of those Christians who understand the
deeper truths of Scripture in regard to the coming kingdom and the prophetic interpretation of Scripture.
Therefore, Daniel is a type of those Christians who are knowledgeable of coming events, especially the return of
the Lord Jesus Christ for His bride. Consequently, those Christians typified by Daniel will be sitting in the gate of
the king (i.e., gathered around the throne in heaven) at the same time that the remainder of the Church typified by
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego will be undergoing the fiery trials of the tribulation period.
Another Old Testament passage of Scripture that addresses the separation is more obscure than most, and is
located in the Song of Solomon. The passage of Scripture is as follows:
(Song 6:10-13 KJV) Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible
as an army with banners? {11} I went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley, and to see
whether the vine flourished, and the pomegranates budded. {12} Or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the
chariots of Amminadib. {13} Return, return, O Shulamite; return, return, that we may look upon thee. What will ye
see in the Shulamite? As it were the company of two armies.
A more accurate translation of this passage of Scripture with the help of Keil and Delitzsch is as follows:
Who is this who looks down like the dawn, beautiful as the moon, pure as the sun, set up as the chief one?
"I had gone down to the orchard of nut trees to see the blossoms of the valley to see whether the vine had budded
or the pomegranites had budded. Before I knew what was happening, my soul set me upon the lead chariot of the
princely people." "Return, return, O Shulamite! Return, return, that we may gaze upon you. What is so special
about the Shulamite? To be placed in the company of the sacred courts."
The meaning of Song of Solomon 6:10-13 is an enigma to Bible scholars. It should be well-known that it is the
bride referred to in verse 10, and it is she that is talking in verses 11-12, after she has been separated and taken to
be with her "Beloved". In verses 11-12, the Bride is reminiscing about when she was taken by the Bridegroom and
set up in the lead chariot of the King. She remembers that she had gone down to the garden to see how the fruits of
the valley were doing. This is very important since it is the Bride who tends, feeds and nourishes the flock of the
Bridegroom. In an instant she was set upon the King's chariot and whisked away before she knew what had
happened. Four times she was beckoned by the people to return so they could look upon her to see what was so
special about her. Of course, she could not and would not return, since she was with the King among the sacred
courts in the heavenlies.
The primary theme in the Song of Solomon is the bride and the Bridegroom, and their love for each other. The
book goes into great detail describing the bride's beauty, which is an internal beauty that springs from her
faithfulness to the Bridegroom. Her skin had become darkened because she had worked in the vineyard as keeper
(Song of Solomon 1:5-6). The bride of Christ is faithful in her works as well as her worship, and in her longing for
the return of the Bridegroom. The bride will be separated out of the Church before the main body of the Church is
raptured. Song of Solomon 2:8-13 describes in detail when the bride of Christ will be removed from the earth. It is
in the springtime that the bride will be taken away to be with the Bridegroom. It is not until the fall three years
later that the main body of the Church will be taken.

The reason these four verses in the Song of Solomon are an enigma is that they are describing the separation of the
bride of Christ, and the reaction of those who see the bride taken away. The main body of the Church did not see
anything special about the bride, but the Bridegroom is able to look upon the heart, and He saw something very
special about the bride. In verse 11 it was her soul or her life that made her worthy to sit up in the chariot of the
King. In verse 12 the Hebrew word for armies has a figurative meaning of sacred court. When the remainder of the
Church was on the earth calling for her return, so they could look at her in order to see what was so special about
her, she was among the sacred court in the New Jerusalem with her Beloved.
The word Shulamite is simply the feminine form of the name Solomon. Thus, it means Solomoness or Mrs.
Solomon. Since Solomon is a picture or type of Christ the Bridegroom in the Song of Solomon, Shulamite is a
type or picture of the bride. She is the one who is most like Christ in behavior and character. She does not
represent all Christians or the whole Church, since all Christians are not conformed to the image of Christ in this
life. Only the bride knows Christ intimately and the power of His resurrection, since she has died to self and
renewed her mind to be like the mind of Christ. The leaders of the organized church on the earth do not see
anything special about Shulamite. They see her as being very plain and unworthy of any special favor. This is the
reason they call for her to return in verse 13, so they can look upon her and see what was so special about her to
the Bridegroom.
The primary Old Testament type for the Separation is Elijah and Elisha walking along together when they were
separated by a fiery chariota picture of discriminating judgmentand Elijah was taken up by a whirlwind into
heaven. It is important to note that Elisha immediately rent (i.e., tore) his clothes, which is a symbol of repentance.
It is also highly significant that Elisha refused to talk about the coming separation between Elijah and himself.
This is like a great majority of the Church today who refuse to talk about the fulfillment of prophecies and the
return of the Lord. Thus, they are failing to watch for the return of Jesus, and they will be left behind just like
Elisha.
The details of Elijah's translation contain very important truths about which Christians will be taken and which
will be left at the Separation. In Elijah, we have a model of readiness for the Lord's return. Step by step he walked
with God: "the Lord hath sent me to Bethel"; "the Lord hath sent me to Jericho"; "the Lord hath sent me to Jordan"
(2 Kings 2:2). In the midst of a decadent people, Elijah was creating nurseries of devotion and study in the schools
of the prophets. He was boldly witnessing for God without fear, and he was waiting for God without fainting.
Suddenly, in a moment of time, Elijah was separated from Elisha, the fledgling prophet, and he was carried into
heaven by a whirlwind. In the miracle of translation and the holiness that made that miracle possible, Elijah did
more for the maturation of Elisha and the sons of the prophets than he had done in his whole life.
It is important to note that the Lord told Elijah to anoint Elisha as his successor before Elijah was taken. When
Elijah found Elisha, he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen. Elisha was a very rich man, which is an indication
of where his heart was at the time of his commission as a prophet. It is also significant that the sons of the prophets
at both Bethel and Jericho attempted to talk to Elisha about the coming translation of Elijah, but Elisha said "Yea, I
know it; hold ye your peace" (2 Kings 2:3,5). Elisha is telling them not to speak about it. Both of these facts about
Elisha provide a picture of the Christian who will be left behind after the Separation. Numerous Christians have
spent their lives seeking after wealth and material possessions instead of the things of God. They are
uncomfortable about studying or talking about Bible prophecy, and especially the soon return of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
The refusal to speak about the return of the Lord is the norm in the Church today. Christians do not want to hear
about Bible prophecy and the return of Jesus Christ. Three and one-half years in great tribulation will likely
change this attitude among the majority of Christians. The hot summer sun will cause the wheat left for the main
harvest to die from the roots up, and the golden pods of grain will mature rapidly. Numerous Christians still have
their roots sunk deeply into the earth, and no pods of grain have yet appeared. The fires of the tribulation will
mature those Christians who are still babes in Christ, with the result that many will reign and rule with Jesus Christ
in His kingdom.
When Elijah was raptured, he and Elisha were walking along two together when "there appeared a chariot of fire,
and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven" (2 Kings 2:11).
It is not coincidental that the "evil servant" in the Olivet discourse who was not interested in, nor concerned about
the coming of the Lord was also "cut asunder" at the time of the Lord's return (Matt 24:50-51). The following

verses describe the difference between watchful Christians and unwatchful Christians at the time of the Separation.
The unwatchful Christians do not want to speak about the Separation just as Elisha did not want to speak about it:
There are many other Old Testament passages of Scripture that typify the coming Separation between faithful and
carnal Christians, but the New Testament contains the doctrinal statements about this soon-coming event in the
history of the Church.
In the New Testament Paul wrote a great deal about the coming separation, but most of what he wrote is taken
figuratively rather than literally. The figurative interpretation of a literal passage of Scripture is a violation of one
of the most basic hermeneutical principles of Bible study set forth by theologians. This principle states that a word,
phrase, sentence or passage of Scripture should always be taken literally unless the context clearly reveals that it
should be taken figuratively. The following passage of Scripture is one of these passages that is taken figuratively
when it should be taken literally:
(Phil 3:8-14 KJV) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus
my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, {9}
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of
Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: {10} That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection,
and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; {11} If by any means I might attain
unto the resurrection of the dead. {12} Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I
follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. {13} Brethren, I count
not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching
forth unto those things which are before, {14} I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus.
The Greek word for resurrection in verse 11 is exanastasis while the Greek word for resurrection in verse 10 is
anastasis. Both are talking about a literal resurrection from the dead. Verse 10 refers to the resurrection of Jesus,
but verse 11 is referring to a special resurrection or out-resurrection from among fellow Christians. It is a literal
resurrection, and it is "attained" by good works. All Christians will be resurrected from the dead whether they have
good works or not, but Paul wants to attain to this special resurrection that he calls the out-resurrection. It is a
violation of basic principles of Bible study to say that this out-resurrection is figurative, and that it takes place at
the Judgment Seat of Christ. The context leaves no doubt that Paul is talking about a literal resurrection, and this
resurrection can only be attained by great effort.
The book of Hebrewsprobably written by Paulalso speaks of a special resurrection that faithful saints of God
were striving to merit by their lives. The passage of Scripture is as follows:
(Heb 11:35 KJV) Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting
deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
This passage of Scripture has reference to a literal resurrection, but most Bible scholars interpret this resurrection
figuratively. The resurrection is literal, and it is the same as the out-resurrection that Paul wrote about in
Philippians.
Peter also wrote about this special resurrection, but he referred to it as an abundant entrance, according to the
following Scripture:
(2 Pet 1:10-11 KJV) Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye
do these things, ye shall never fall: {11} For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the
everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
This entrance that Peter referred to is a literal entrance into the kingdom, and it is attained by good works. Peter
probably got the abundant entrance analogy from the ancient Olympics as he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to
write about it. In the Olympics of ancient Greece, an athlete who was a winner would receive a grand welcome
back to his home town. The people of the city would literally cut a narrow door through the city wall for the
athlete to have his own special entrance into the city. After he had entered through the narrow door, the wall would
be rebuilt so no one else could enter in through the "narrow door." The rest of the athletes would have to enter into

the city through the wide gate of the city. It was the winning athlete that received the abundant entrance into the
city through the special door that was created just for the victor.
The same abundant entrance will be administered to those victorious Christians who are overcomers in living their
lives for Jesus Christ. The book of Revelation describes this abundant entrance as a special open door that will be
provided for overcoming Christians:
(Rev 3:8 KJV) I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast
a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Please note carefully that this special door is provided only for the faithful Philadelphia church. The following
Scripture is referring to this same narrow door that only a few will be able to enter:
(Luke 13:24-28 KJV) Strive to enter in at the strait gate (i.e., narrow door): for many, I say unto you, will seek to
enter in, and shall not be able. {25} When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and
ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say
unto you, I know you not whence ye are: {26} Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence,
and thou hast taught in our streets. {27} But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me,
all ye workers of iniquity. {28} There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and
Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
The out-resurrection, abundant entrance, and narrow door refer to the coming separation that will occur between
faithful Christians who are watching for the Lord's return, and unfaithful Christians who are caught up in the
affairs of this life. Paul also wrote about this coming separation when he was writing to the Thessalonians about
the coming rapture of the Church. The Scripture is as follows:
(2 Th 2:1-5 KJV) Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering
together unto him, {2} That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by
letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. {3} Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall
not come, except there come a falling away first (i.e., the apostasy), and that man of sin be revealed, the son of
perdition; {4} Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as
God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. {5} Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with
you, I told you these things?
The "day of Christ" in verse 2 is the Rapture of the Church. This is confirmed by verse 1 which gives the
definition of the "day of Christ". The meaning of a word or phrase in Scripture, as well as any writing, is
determined by the context. The Thessalonians had been told that the rapture had already occurred and they were in
the day of the Lord. Paul wrote to them to alleviate their fears and to explain when the rapture would occur. Paul
very clearly and succinctly told the Thessalonians that the day of Christ (i.e., the Rapture) would not occur until
three distinct and separate events occurred. These three events are the apostasy, the revealing of Antichrist, and
Antichrist establishing himself in the temple and claiming to be God. The rapture of the church is clearly and
definitively stated by Paul to be in the middle of the tribulation period, since this is the time that Antichrist will
establish himself in the temple and claim to be God. Of course, Antichrist will reveal himself at the beginning of
the tribulation, immediately after the "apostasy."
The apostasy is a definite, distinct and clearly identified event that will take place, and all Christians will recognize
the exact time that this event will transpire. The apostasy is not a process of something that transpires over a long
period of time, such as a falling away from the faith or a rebellion against God. The revealing of Antichrist and his
establishment in the temple are also events that will be clearly identified as taking place at a certain moment in
time. Paul gave the Thessalonians three distinct and recognizable events that would take place before the Rapture
would occur. It would be ludicrous for Paul to give the revealing of Antichrist as an event to watch for if the whole
Church were going to be in heaven at the time.
The apostasy is probably the most misunderstood event in the Bible, because of the gross mistranslation of the
transliterated Greek word apostasia as "falling away." This same Greek word is used five times in the New
Testament in Mark 10:4; Matt. 19:7; Matt. 5:31; Acts 21:21; and 2 Thess. 2:3. It is translated "divorcement" in the
first three, "departure" in the fourth, and "falling away" in the fifth. Divorcement or departure would be an

accurate translation, but falling away is completely without merit. A better translation according to the above
Scriptures would be "separation." The following is the definition of divorcement straight out of the American
Heritage Dictionary:
divorcement n. Complete separation.
Divorcement would also be a highly appropriate translation of apostasia, as in the first three instances, since it is a
time that Christ will "put away" those in the Church who have been unfaithful.
(2 Thess. 2:3-5 (Paraphrase) Let no man deceive you into thinking that the rapture has already occurred, for the
rapture will not occur until the separation takes place, the Antichrist is revealed, and Antichrist presents himself
as God by opposing God and exalting himself. Antichrist will even set himself up in the temple and present himself
as God. Don't you remember that I told you these things when I was with you.
Conclusion
The purpose of this dissertation is to confirm the Scriptural truth of the coming separation between faithful and
unfaithful Christians. It has also attempted to show the importance that God has attached to this doctrine, which
has been rejected by the great majority of the Church. This rejection is in perfect accord with Scripture. Jesus
spoke of this coming separation several times to his disciples, and He urged them to pray that they would be
accounted worthy to escape the coming tribulation period. Jesus even included it in the Lord's Prayer.
God the Holy Spirit has called numerous people like myself to teach and expound upon this doctrine, even though
it was prophesied that only a few would qualify for this out-resurrection.
Jesus is not only calling those who will qualify to reign and rule with Him, but He is calling those who will enter
into the highest level of reign and rule in the kingdom. Many will strive to enter this narrow door, but will not be
able.
I have heard many teachers and preachers assure other Christians that all Christians will go out in the Rapture of
the Church before the seven-year tribulation period begins, but none can give Scripture for this assurance.
There is one-half chapter in the book of Revelation that describes in detail, and places the Rapture of the Church in
the middle of the tribulation period (See Rev. 7:9-17), but these Christians are denied the status of being part of the
Church, and they are referred to as tribulation saints. It seems to matter not that all Christians are saints, and the
Christians who go through the first half of the tribulation period will be tribulation saints, as well as being
members of the Church.
Paul even confirmed to the Thessalonians that the Rapture of the Church would not occur until the separation takes
place, the Antichrist reveals himself, and establishes himself in the temple claiming to be God.
It is my prayer that this dissertation will awaken a few of those who have closed their hearts and minds to the
deeper truths of God's Word. It is still the eleventh hour, but it is only seconds until the midnight hour on God's
time clock. Once the midnight cry has taken place, it is too late to qualify for the separation.

Will there be a revival of the Church?

Eric Summers
I have heard several television and radio broadcasts and also read articles on the Internet that suggest a revival is
needed for Christians across the USA. It is my opinion that most, if not all Christians could use a revival so I put
down some thoughts regarding the possibility of a revival taking place in America and what we must do in order
to
make
it
successful.
Let's

first

define

revival

from

the

Free

dictionary:

Revival:
1.
a. The act or an instance of reviving.
b. The condition of being revived.
2. A restoration to use, acceptance, activity, or vigor after a period of obscurity or quiescence.
3. A new presentation of an old play, movie, opera, ballet, or similar vehicle.
4.
a. A time of reawakened interest in religion.
b. A meeting or series of meetings for the purpose of reawakening religious faith, often characterized by
impassioned preaching and public testimony.
5.
Law. Renewal
of
validity or
effect,
as
of
a
contract
or
judicial
decision.
Items 2 and 4b would be a good definition of revival: A meeting or series of meetings for the purpose of
reawakening religious faith, often characterized by impassioned preaching and public testimony and a restoration
to use, acceptance, activity, or vigor after a period of obscurity, quiescence or neglect.
I believe that a revival is desperately needed by myself and for most of the Christians in the USA. We need to
reawaken our enthusiasm for fellowship with and service to God and to turn from those things of the world that
would
lead
us
to
sin
against
Him.
Here's

what

we

need

to

do

to

have

Revival

Accomplishing a revival is not complicated, but it's not easy; here's the scripture from 2 Chronicles 7:14:
If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from
their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Some of the television programs say: "We should then elect Christian politicians into office so the nationwide
revival can then start". However, there's nothing in this verse that says we must introduce the right legislation or
to contribute money or time to elect a particular candidate to get the "right" legislation enacted in order to
promote revival. It does say that a revival occurs at the individual level. Any Christian should first recognize their
failings, because we all fail God daily. We should then get down on our knees and pray something like this: Lord,
have mercy on me a sinner (Luke 18:13b). This shows our humility and that from our own power we have no
spiritual strength. We should then confess our sins to God, asking for God's forgiveness for each specific sin we
are guilty of: If we confess our sins, He is just and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness (I John 1:9). Since we are sorry for and turn from our sins and ask for the forgiveness of God, we
will then be cleansed from them and we can then ready for the next step.
We should then "seek God's face". This means that we should think on the things of God: His holiness and
righteousness; His infinite power, such as His Creation of the Universe and the Earth and its inhabitants; His
goodness--how He is very kind towards us, giving us many chances to repent of our sins and to then seek to do
His will, (i.e., what He commands us to do written in the Holy Bible). We should praise Him in our prayers and
recognize the wonderful things He has done for us; and we should open our hearts to Him: Behold, I stand at the
door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he
with me (Rev 3:20). We should then begin a fellowship and a walk with Him. We should often tell Him that we
love Him and we should give thanks to Him for the many blessings that He lovingly bestows upon us. We should
then be aware of His holiness and praise Him for His goodness and the purity of His character.
We should then be aware of the good works that He will then prepare for us to accomplish: For we are his
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them
(Ephesians 2:10). Once we understand these directives from God for good works, we should go out and
accomplish them through the power of the Holy Spirit. We should then stop cheating in our businesses, stop
viewing pornography, stop having extramarital affairs, stop overeating, stop driving aggressively and disobeying
traffic laws, stop thinking evil thoughts (especially of violence to others and wanting to "get even" with others that
may have hurt us), stop gossiping, stop yelling at our spouses or children, start bringing up our children in the way
of the Lord, start reading and discussing the Holy Bible with our family, start praying daily (Prayer, a hands-on

Workbook ) for our needs and praising God, and start being kind to people rather than being disrespectful. Do you
get the idea--we should repent of our evil ways and begin a life of discipleship. The Holy Bible gives in great
detail how to become a disciple of Jesus Christ, so it must be studied daily to show us how to be faithful to Him.
If these actions were to be started by a majority of Christians in the USA there would be a tremendous revival in
this country. Crime rates would drop. Abortions would drop. Divorces would drop. Alcohol and drug abuse would
drop and so on. God would fix the unemployment problems in this country. He would stop the droughts,
tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and flooding. He would cure the diseases and depression. There are
tremendous advantages for us if most Christians would be disciples of Jesus Christ, while we are living in this
world.
Note that the 2 Chronicles verse says nothing about what God expects the unsaved to do--it says what we
Christians should do. If Christians were to obey this scripture, God would find a way to also reduce the crime and
sin that is committed and make the USA a safer place to live in. Nothing is too difficult for God to accomplish.
Will

there

be

Revival?

With these ideas in mind, will we see a church-wide revival in the Christian Church in America in these last days
of
the
church
age?
Yes, there will be a revival in the Christian churches across the USA and it will be the most successful revival in
all of the 2,000 year church history. Unfortunately, the revival will occur after the First Fruits Rapture and it will
then be too late for a majority of Christians to escape the Tribulation. The reason that the revival will occur later
rather than earlier, is because few Christians have read or heard and obeyed the verse in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
This revival will happen because Jesus will somehow appear to unfaithful Christians just before the start of the
Tribulation (Parable of the Five Wise and Five Foolish Virgins). He will tell most of the Christian congregations
that they have not been faithful to Him during their time on the earth but He loves them and has decided to
prepare them spiritually so they can become faithful during the Tribulation. Read The Letters to the Seven
Churches to see how the works of each of the seven churches are evaluated in the Book of Revelation. The only
two churches that Jesus praises is the Church at Smyrna--the persecuted church and the Church at Philadelphia-the faithful Christ-centered Bible church or home church. The Catholic Church and the Protestant Church are
given scant praise and much condemnation. The Mega or large TV church, the Laodicea Church is given no praise
at all, only condemnation. For these three "left behind" churches, He encourages them to overcome their failures
and to live for God and not themselves. If individual members would now participate in a revival, then they would
then become members of the Church at Philadelphia and be taken to Heaven in the First Fruits Rapture, just
before
the
beginning
of
the
Tribulation.
When Jesus appears at the very end of the church age, all Christians will somehow see him: Be ye also ready: for
in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh (Luke 12:40). They will be overwhelmed by the glory of His
presence and because of this they will listen intently to every word He speaks to them and most will
enthusiastically want to follow Him. Read The Last Days of the Church Age for details of this preparation given
by Jesus to His less faithful followers just before the beginning of the Tribulation.
What's

your

response?

We are in the final days of the Church Age just before the beginning of the Tribulation, so there's not much time to
begin a revival in our lives. We can start today to say no to evil and to pray and study and obey the truths found in
our Bibles and to watch and pray for the return of Jesus. Those Christians that do these things will be transformed
into Philadelphia Christians and thus be taken to Heaven when Jesus initiates the First Fruits Rapture. I suggest
that you read the following article that presents several ideas for becoming a faithful disciple of Jesus: How to
Crucify Self.
As a whole, the Christian church will not be revived before the start of the Tribulation. However, there can be a
revival at the individual level. If you want a revival for yourself, it will happen because God will see to it that you
are revived. You just need to ask God the Father to revive you: My Father in Heaven, I want a revival to begin in

my life and I want it to start right now. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to be more holy and more
faithful and to obey and walk daily with You. I can only do this through your power. Through Jesus Christ my
Lord, Amen.

The Last Days of the Church Age

Eric Summers
Lately I've been asking myself the question: What will be the events of the last days of the Church age? I have
been searching the scripture for verses that describe those events as well as asking our Heavenly Father for the
correct interpretation of scripture that will give us insight as to those events and the sequence of those events. I'll
first explain to you in order the events that I believe will happen, then I will give links to the articles and the
scripture that discuss these events later in this article.
If you have read many of the articles on this website, you probably have figured out that we believe that the end of
the Church age is near and that the last event of the Church Age will be the First Fruits Rapture of the most faithful
of Christ's saints--the Church of Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13).
The first event signaling the end of the Church age will be the destruction of the city of Damascus by nuclear
weapons. This destruction is described in detail in the article: The Burden of Damascus. Briefly, either the United
States or the Nation of Israel will destroy Damascus, the center of terrorism because of a terrorist attack on either
the USA or Israel. Damascus will then be leveled by nuclear missiles and the only remains of this city will be piles
of radioactive debris. The nuclear fallout will spread south and east and cause many residents of Jordan to flee
from the radiation. They will leave so quickly that they will leave their flocks and their belongings behind. Within
minutes of this destruction, the news will be announced over the TV and on the Internet.
Here are the verses:
(Isa 17:1-3 KJV) The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a
ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make
them afraid. The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of
Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.
The fortress are faithful Christians that support and pray for the nation of Israel--here mentioned as Ephraim, one
of the sons of Joseph. The "ceasing" means that they will no longer be on the earth and hence not be able to
directly support Israel. After Damascus is destroyed, the First Fruits Rapture will take place on the following
Pentecost, the Day of First Fruits, which is one of the seven Jewish Feasts. Thus, after Damascus is destroyed we
will know with certainty when the First Fruits Rapture will take place. After Damascus is destroyed, Philadelphia
Christians should encourage each other to be faithful to Jesus:
(Hebrews 10:23-25 KJV) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that
promised;) {24} And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: {25} Not forsaking the
assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as
ye see the day approaching.
The Day Approaching is the First Fruits Rapture.
Next, the Midnight Cry will sound: (Mat 25:6 KJV) And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the
Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him. This cry will possibly happen just before Resurrection Sunday
(Easter), and the only persons that can hear this cry are Christians across the world. This is a message that will

announce the immediate return of Jesus Christ for His betrothed wife, the Bride of Christ, the most faithful of His
disciples; they are members of he Church of Philadelphia--small Bible churches or home churches and they are
those disciples that are studying and obeying the Holy Bible and are watching and praying for Christ's return for
the First Fruits Rapture. Jesus will also return to include the court of the Bride. These are the second most faithful
of His saints. They are few in number and are the most faithful members of the churches of Sardis (Protestant),
Thyatira (Catholic) and Laodicea (mega-church, TV church). They will not be watching for Christ's return, but
they will be living a righteous life for Him and performing good works that glorify God. The Philadelphia
Christians are the most faithful Christians of today as well as the most faithful Christians of the 2,000 year church
age.
We believe that in the Book of Revelation, the Four Living creatures are the Bride of Christ and are sharing
Christ's throne in Revelation, chapter four. The twenty four elders sitting on their own thrones around Christ's
grand throne are the court of the Bride of Christ. These two groups of Christ's most faithful will miss all of the
Tribulation because they are faithful to Him in this age. When the Midnight cry is complete, all of the Church of
Philadelphia will receive their resurrection bodies and be completely holy, sinless and righteous. They will walk
around in robes of white and will be glorious in appearance. They will then be judged by Jesus at the Judgment
Seat of Christ and He will be very pleased with them and give them many rewards for their faithfulness.
Percentage wise, we think that the First Fruits Rapture will include about 10% of the Christians in the world. If
there are one billion Christians in the world, then 100,000,000 will be taken to Heaven in the First Fruits Rapture.
This is still a sizable number of people, and because most will be very trustworthy business owners and workers
and many will be from the United States, this will cause a severe disruption in the American economy. This is how
we work:
Colossians 3:22-24 ASV 1901) Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not
with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord: 3:23 whatsoever ye do, work
heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; 3:24 knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of
the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ.
The economy of the rest of the world including the European Union will also be severely effected and the
leadership of the USA and Europe will not know what to do to handle the ensuing chaos. This will allow the
Antichrist to step in and be given control over the USA and then over the European Union. Read FAQs about the
Antichrist for information about the Antichrist. An overview of the Book of Revelation is given: FAQs about the
Book of Revelation.
Those Christians that are not currently watching for Christ's return and are performing few good works are those
believers that will not be included in the First Fruits Rapture. They are so caught up in the cares of the world:
buying and selling, advancing their careers, seeking fame and fortune and even participating in some of the same
sinful activities as the unsaved that Jesus cannot distinguish them from the unsaved of the world. Because of their
current weak faith, Jesus determines that they will be given a second chance to be faithful so they will be left
behind to be persecuted during the first half of the Tribulation so they can demonstrate their faith in Him.
Jesus Prepares the Churches of Thyatira, Sardis and Laodicea for the Tribulation
Before they are cast into the Tribulation, Jesus has graciously decided that He will prepare them for His service.
The Midnight Cry will be a notification by Christ to His faithful saints that He will shortly take them to Heaven in
the First Fruits Rapture. It is also a warning to all unfaithful Christians that He is displeased with they way they
live their lives and for their lack of good works. The Midnight cry will most likely occur sometime during the
week just before Resurrection Sunday (Easter). He will somehow direct the less faithful Christians to go to their
churches and there they will receive instruction on what He expects them to accomplish during their 3 1/2 years in
the Tribulation. There is a possibility that some of the one talent Main Harvest Christians may not answer the
Midnight Cry: "The Bridegroom cometh" and hence will not go to their church, so Christ can prepare them for
faithful service during the Tribulation.
Main Harvest Christians know that He is not pleased with them and after He leaves, they will admit in prayer to
God that they have indeed not lived their lives for Him, but have instead lived unfruitful, sinful lives for
themselves. They will start trimming the sin out of their lives even before they set foot in their churches. When

they all arrive at their church, Jesus will describe their failures just as He describes their weaknesses to the
Churches of Sardis, Thyatira and Laodicea in the Book of Revelation. He will then tell them that He will allow
them a brief period of time to prepare themselves spiritually for their testing during the Tribulation. Since Jesus is
God and therefore has omnipresence, He will have no problem at all appearing at the same time to the thousands
of Christian churches across the world.
Because they rarely read the Bible and have no interest in the deeper truths of the holy scripture, including
prophecy, the unfaithful Christians will not have even a clue to what is coming up, of what kinds of testing that
they should expect during the Tribulation. Christ will let them know that they will lose their homes, their wealth,
their positions, any companies or stock they may own and then later will be rounded up and placed in detention
camps and some will even lose their lives. At mid-Tribulation all will be taken to Heaven in the Main Harvest
Rapture.
Jesus then tells the Main Harvest Christians, that He will be departing to Heaven and that He is leaving His
faithful disciples, the Church of Philadelphia to instruct them in the Holy Bible and in the path that He expects
them to follow. This instruction will happen over the next 50 days. After they have completed their mission, the
Philadelphia Church will then be taken to Heaven in the First Fruits Rapture at Pentecost. The Main Harvest
Christians will be very fearful of what will happen to them and they plead with Jesus to also take them to Heaven
and He responds with "I don't know you. You have not been faithful in your service to me during your time so far
on the earth." He then ascends directly into Heaven.
Jesus will then use the church of Philadelphia disciples to instruct the unfaithful believers. The issue that Jesus has
with the unfaithful Christian is not Spirit Salvation, but their works ("I know your works"). Jesus observes that
they have few good works and have many evil works, so they will be given serious instruction on avoiding evil
and accomplishing good works for God. It should be noted that there are equal numbers of wise and foolish
virgins. Thus, there is a strong possibility that Main Harvest Christians could be tutored one-on-one by
Philadelphia Christians. Those Christians that are sick and cannot travel will be given personal instruction by
Philadelphia Christians.
An Agenda for the Discipleship Training
They already know, but will be told again that Jesus has found their good works lacking during their time so far on
the earth but He has graciously decided that they will be given a second opportunity to show their faithfulness to
Him by being tested during the first half of the Tribulation. Their testing will begin after Pentecost.
God will give them abilities and resources to complete righteous works during the 3 1/2 years they will be left
behind on the earth. Some will be given more resources and abilities than others. These will be the current pastors,
deacons and teachers in the churches of today. Others in the churches will be given fewer abilities and resources. If
they perform all the righteous works that God gives them to do, they will show their faithfulness to Him and He
will thus be pleased with them and then count them as good and faithful servants of His. Those that are given more
resources and abilities will be expected to accomplish more than those that have fewer abilities and resources.
Those that are faithful will receive glory and honor in the Millineum Kingdom and be rulers over many cities.
They will also be told that some of them will not be faithful to God during the Tribulation. At the Main Harvest
Rapture at mid-Tribulation all Main Harvest Christians will be taken to Heaven whether they are faithful or not.
When they arrive in Heaven, their works will be evaluated at the Judgment Seat of Christ. If faithful, they will be
given rewards and if not faithful, they will receive the condemnation of Jesus. During the Tribulation, 2/3 of the
Main Harvest Christians will become faithful and 1/3 will not.
Biblical Doctrine
Shown below are several topics that the Philadelphia Christians could teach the Main Harvest Christians during
the grand feeding just before the First Fruits Rapture. Jesus will undoubtedly have more topics that He wants
covered, but I believe these are the main categories that will be discussed. Because they will also be empowered
by the Holy Spirit, all of the following lessons will be understood by Main Harvest Christians:

Overview. A summary of the discipleship of the next fifty days will be covered by Jesus before He departs to
Heaven. He then strongly encourages each to listen carefully and then to apply what they hear to the way they live
their lives during the first half of the Tribulation. His final encouragement will be to instill in them the desire to be
watching for His return at mid-Tribulation for the Main Harvest Rapture.
Grace. Our spirits are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. There is no work we can perform that will save
us. This is Spirit Salvation:
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NET): For by grace you are saved through faith; and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of
God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast.
Election of the Saints. God saves who He wants to save. I believe that there are many more people that God saves
than we may realize. Unfortunately, those Christians that are living a self-centered, sinful life are some times
identified as "unsaved" by some Christians in the church. However, God knows all He has called and we as
believers should not judge anyone as unsaved or not. If God wants to save someone, He will simply call them out
from the world to be His own. For more details read: Doctrine of Election.
Baptism. Baptism is a public expression of dying to self and the world and being raised to a new life in-Christ
Jesus: a life that is dedicated to God. Believers after Baptism are expected to begin a life of discipleship and
sanctification.
Each book of the Holy Bible will be explained verse by verse. Every Christian will be expected to ask questions
and members of the Five Wise Virgins, the Church of Philadelphia will answer these questions. Difficult chapters
will be given extra attention, especially those that are always ignored in Sunday School material and in sermons.
This would include The Judgment Seat of Christ, Soul Salvation, the Book of Revelation, watching for Jesus'
return and performing good works for rewards. Many chapters of the Bible will be explained prophetically in
addition to being explained literally.
Agape Love. God expects us to love Him, fellow believers, the Jews and others as He loves us. A close fellowship
with God will provide the hope to endure the Tribulation so the reward of the Main Harvest Rapture at midTribulation will be a day they will be joyously looking forward to. They should also love the unloveable--to love
those that may even hate them or want to hurt them.
Crucify Self. Each Christian will need to put Christ first in their lives and to not yield to selfish temptations.
During the Tribulation, sin will reign and extra care will need to be taken to avoid evil and to live for Jesus. Most
Main Harvest Christians will follow Jesus: "And he said unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23 ASV 1901)
Soul Salvation. The spirit is saved by grace through faith. The soul is saved by being faithful to God. For more
details read: Soul vs Spirit Salvation.
The Four Gospels. Each verse will be explained. Many verses of the Gospels are commands from Jesus for how
we should live our lives in service to God, how we should treat each other, end-times prophecy and to be watching
for His return.
The Meat of the Word. These are the more difficult passages in the Bible which include the prophecy books such
as Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation. Many passages in the Bible also have a prophetic interpretation, such as the
Book of Ruth and the Book of Genesis.
The Seven Feasts. The Book of Leviticus describes seven feasts that God has commanded Israel to observe. For
each feast there is also a prophetic interpretation that is applicable for Christians. For more details read: The Seven
Feasts.
Prayer. How we should approach God through the Holy of Holies (Prayer: a hands-on Workbook). The Lord's
Prayer and the prayers of David in the Psalms will be explained in detail. We should be praising God and giving
thanks to Him for His blessings and the testing of our faith, making us stronger in the faith. There will be ample
opportunity for prayer time during the discipleship training.

Watching. How they should be watching for Jesus' return for the Main Harvest Rapture and be beckoning for
Christ's return for this blessed event.
Service. How they should expect the 144,000 virgins (Revelation, chapter 7) members of the 12 Tribes of Israel to
be influenced by the Main Harvest believers and how they should also influence the Gentiles that are saved during
the first half of the Tribulation. During the Tribulation, good works will be difficult to achieve and Main Harvest
Christians will need to say yes when God prepares a righteous deed for them to accomplish.
False prophets. Even during the time of the apostles taking the gospel to the Gentiles, false prophets would
appear and attempt to lead Christians from the truth and wisdom found in the Holy Scripture. This deception has
happened during the whole 2,000 year church age. In the Tribulation, false prophets will also appear. By diligently
studying and applying scripture to the way Main Harvest Christians live their lives, false prophets can be identified
and not followed and asked to leave their congregation.
Persecution. How they should deal with persecution. Examples will be drawn from both Old and New
Testaments. The persecution that Main Harvest Christians will experience is discussed in Revelation, chapter 6,
and in the article The Book of Habakkuk.
Book of Revelation. This book of prophecy will first be read aloud by Main Harvest Christians and then explained
by Philadelphia Christians. The admonition is to listen and obey the verses in this book. The spiritual weaknesses
of the Thayatira, Sardis and Laodicea churches will be discussed and members of these churches will be
encouraged to remove these weaknesses and thus become faithful followers of Jesus. Finally, the events of the
Tribulation will be explained in detail.
Book of James. This is an easy to understand description of becoming a disciple of Christ. Several passages
describe how we should avoid sin and how to crucify self and live for Jesus. (Book of James)
Book of Romans. This is a difficult book of the Bible to understand and if we persevere in its study gives us the
verses to overcome our sinful nature and to use the power of the Holy Spirit to live our lives sanctified to Christ.
(Book of Romans Part One)
Rewards. Rewards for faithful service is very important in the mind of God and should be to us. He will reward us
for good works done in the power of the Holy Spirit. In the very last chapter in Revelation Jesus tells us: And,
behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Rev 22:12
KJV). The Main Harvest Christians will have opportunities to work for rewards during the first half of the
Tribulation: The Prudent Steward.
When Instruction is Complete
After the last discipleship session is given to Main Harvest Christians by Philadelphia Christians, both Main
Harvest and Philadelphia Christians will somehow see an open door to Heaven. At this point the Main Harvest
Christians will know that the Philadelphia Church will very shortly enter this door to Heaven. They then make a
desperate request to Philadelphia belivers: "Give us some of your oil." (being filled with the Holy Spirit).
However, the Philadelphia Christians reply "Go buy your own oil." (Go accomplish good works through the power
of the Holy Spirit.) The Philadelphia Christians then ascend immediately to Heaven through this open door. It will
then close and Main Harvest Christians will then return to their homes to start their testing. Jesus may give them a
few days before the beginning of the Tribulation to form Bible study and Prayer groups and to discuss what have
they have been instructed on by Jesus and the Church of Philadelphia.
Shortly after this, the Antichrist will then come to power and begin his persecution of Main Harvest Christians.
The next 3 1/2 years will be a time of severe testing for the Main Harvest believer. However, if they accomplish
the righteous works God prepares for them and remain faithful, they will grow in faith and then see that the
Tribulation is actually a blessing because they will then be able to grow in their faith in Jesus. The article
Christians Left Behind explains what will happen to the Main Harvest Christians during the Tribulation. The
persecution of Main Harvest Christians is described in the article: Book of Habakkuk.

Christ's evaluation of the faith of the end time churches is described in detail in Revelation Chapter Two and Three
and the separation of faithful from unfaithful Christians is discussed in detail in The Separation and The First
Fruits Rapture articles.
The Scripture
The Five Wise and the Five Foolish Virgins
In Matthew chapter 25, Jesus commands the ten virgins to go to their own church and to be ready there to hear His
message. This is a prophetic interpretation of the verse: (Mat 25:6 KJV) And at midnight there was a cry made,
Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him. The five wise virgins, the Church of Philadelphia know
that they will go to the churches that Jesus directs them to so they can instruct the five foolish virgins to perform
good works for Jesus; a major good work will be to read, study and apply Bible knowledge to the way they live
their lives. The five foolish virgins are convicted by the Holy Spirit and then go to their churches. They
immediately ask God for forgiveness of their sins (I John 1:9). This is the cutting away of the dead wick, which
allows the Holy Spirit to work in their lives: (Mat 25:7 KJV) Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their
lamps.
During their time on the earth, the five wise virgins have also had sin in their lives. A major difference between the
two groups of Christians is that the wise virgins have been daily confessing their sins (If we confess our sins, He is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9 KJV) to God, and
thus sin does not control their lives. With a daily cleansing from their sins, the Holy Spirit can effectively work in
their lives to produce good works for God. There is a lot of dead wick (sin) in the lives of the five foolish virgins
because they have neglected the daily confession of their sins to God and have also neglected the cleansing power
of the Word of God. (Eph 5:26-27 KJV That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the
word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that
it should be holy and without blemish.) The parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins is interpreted in detail
in the article The Parable of the Ten Virgins.
The Feeding of the 5,000
The miracle that is described in Matthew chapter 14 is very important and is easily understood by most. The
prophetic interpretation of the verses is difficult, but has great significance for the Main Harvest Christian, the less
faithful Christian that will be left behind at the First Fruits Rapture.
The miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 is also included in Mark's gospel (Mark 6:34-44):
34

And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they
were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.
35
When the day was now far spent, His disciples came to Him and said, This is a deserted place, and already the
hour is late.
36
Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves bread; for they
have nothing to eat.
37
But He answered and said to them, You give them something to eat. And they said to Him, Shall we go and
buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?
38
But He said to them, How many loaves do you have? Go and see. And when they found out they said, Five,
and two fish.
39
Then He commanded them to make them all sit down in groups on the green grass.
40
So they sat down in ranks, in hundreds and in fifties.
41
And when He had taken the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves,
and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and the two fish He divided among them all.
42
So they all ate and were filled.
43
And they took up twelve baskets full of fragments and of the fish.
44
Now those who had eaten the loaves were about five thousand men.
A detailed prophetic interpretation of this parable is given in the article The Feeding of the 5,000, so I'll not

explain every verse here. What I'll do is to explain why I think that Jesus will prepare the less faithful Christians
for being left behind to be tested for 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation right in their own churches.
The green grass is the comfortable environment that most church goers have across the world ("He maketh me to
lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths
of righteousness for His name's sake." KJV Ps 23:2-3). Their church sanctuary is a place that the Main Harvest
Christians will feel comfortable in. Jesus commands them to go there at the appropriate time and most will obey
Him. Groups of fifty are the small and medium-sized churches and groups of a hundred are the larger churches.
The numbers would be much larger than 50 and 100, because these numbers are of men only. The count of people
would increase several times when you include spouses and children and senior citizens. The sitting down in ranks
would be the orderly sitting in rows of seats which would occur in the chapels of the churches.
The five loaves of barley bread are the basics of Bible doctrine that Jesus gives to His disciples who pass out the
bread to those that are seated in the churches. The basics include repentance, living a sanctified life, doing good
works, confessing sin, reading and obeying the Holy Scripture and prayer. The two fish are the meat of the word
which are the deeper truths of the scripture and include prophecy and prophetic interpretation of scripture and
warnings about false prophets and warnings about not falling away. There is a possibility that Jesus will have the
Philadelphia Christians actually feed the Main Harvest Christians at their churches with barley bread and fish
during the teaching sessions. A Lord's Supper will also be held at each church.
Being filled with the scripture happens each day in the church from Resurrection Sunday until Pentecost. Jesus
also blesses the bread and the fish, hence all will have a full understanding of the scripture, their knowledge deeply
enhanced by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the Main Harvest Christians will be filled with the word of God
and be prepared to serve Jesus during the first half of the Tribulation. Because they will have seen the glorified
Savior, Jesus, they will be very open and teachable.
The twelve baskets of fragments of bread and fish will be the gospel message that Main Harvest Christians will
somehow give to the 144,000 faithful Israelite virgins that Jesus will call at mid-Tribulation (Revelation, chapter
7). Those gentiles that God saves during the first half of the Tribulation will also receive some kind of instruction
from Main Harvest Christians. The Israelites and the gentiles will also observe the faith of Main Harvest
Christians and they will see that most will be very faithful to God, even when persecuted by Antichrist.
The First will be Last and the Last will be First
(Mat 20:16 KJV) So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
This verse is included in the parable The Parable of the Laborers and it teaches two important truths. The first is
that those who are least important in the Church on the earth will be raptured in the Firstfruits, and those who are
most important will be raptured in the Main Harvest Rapture, at the middle of the Tribulation. These will include
most of the pastors, deacons, teachers and other church leaders.
This verse also teaches that many of those who held the most important positions of leadership and honor in the
Church on the earth will hold the least positions in the kingdom of heaven, and vice versa. Many Christians who
are virtually unknown in the Church on the earth will hold the most important positions in the heavenly kingdom.
The Parable of the Talents
Jesus will have the Philadelphia Christians explain the Parable of the Talents. Briefly, all Christians left behind
will be given resources, talents and abilities to accomplish righteous works for God during the Tribulation. The
pastors, deacons and teachers will be given five talents each and will be expected to lead the church members
during the Tribulation. They will be continuing the messages all will hear between Resurrection Sunday and
Pentecost. The Christian that currently attends church regularly will be given two talents and be expected to obey
the church leadership during the Tribulation. The Christian given one talent rarely attends church and will be
afraid of persecution and will not obey the church leadership during the Tribulation. Bible Study and prayer times
will be avoided by this unfaithful Christian.
Most (2/3) will be very faithful and be praised at the judgment of their works and 1/3 will not. Again, this latter

group of Christians will be fearful when they see the persecution that Christians will receive at the hands of
Antichrist and will accomplish no good works for Christ. Since they will have been warned during their training
that some would not be faithful, their evaluation at the Judgment Seat of Christ will be most severe. They will
have no excuse for their failure to be faithful during the first half of the Tribulation. Because of their lack of Bible
knowledge, the one talent Christians will be taken by surprise when Jesus returns at mid Tribulation for the Main
Harvest Rapture. The faithful 2/3 will be watching and praying for Jesus to return.
Dating the First Fruits Rapture: the Birth Pangs just before the Tribulation
We cannot predict an exact date for the First Fruits Rapture, but we can determine a general time when it will
transpire. Jesus tells us the events to expect before the First Fruits Rapture:
Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man lead you astray.
Matthew 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ; and shall lead many astray.
Matthew 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled: for [these things] must
needs come to pass; but the end is not yet.
Matthew 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines and
earthquakes in divers places.
Matthew 24:8 But all these things are the beginning of travail. (ASV 1901)
The 20th and 21st Centuries have fulfilled all of these signs with World War One and World War Two, the Korean
war, the Vietnam war, the two Gulf wars and many other smaller conflicts. There have been false messiahs appear
and seem to be from God at first, but they later turn out to have evil agendas, such as Jim Jones in the Guyana
tragedy of 1978. There have been many earthquakes across the planet. The huge 9 plus earthquakes in Alaska and
Chile in the 1960's, several earthquakes in southern California and San Francisco; the Mt St Helens eruption in
1980 and several other volcanic eruptions across the world. There have been many droughts and famines in Africa
and China. Countries such as Haiti have been devistated by both earthquakes and famine. The great Tsunami of
2004 killed many people in southeast Asia and India and the 9.0 earthquake and Tsunami of 2011 killed many
people and destroyed a great deal of infrastructure of eastern Japan.
The great series of tornadoes across Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama that happened in April 2011 and
the hundreds of people that were killed and the enormous destruction of property shows that the First Fruits
Rapture cannot be very far away into the future. We can most probably expect that more terrible events will soon
occur across North and South America, Africa, Europe, India, China, Australia and even in the polar regions. I
expect that we may soon see amazing events happen in the heavens including comets, meteor showers and even
supernovas (exploding stars). Finally, the Japanese earthquake and Tsunami that happened in 2011 may reoccur
and if another large earthquake and Tsunami strikes further south in the Tokyo area it may take down the economy
of Japan and later the economies of the rest of the world. Suppose also that many monster hurricanes slam into the
USA, China, and other parts of the world. If large hurricanes would hit Miami, Washington, Philadelphia, New
York and Boston at the same time and if a series of large hurricanes would hit the west coast, the economy of the
USA would crash and anarchy would probably reign.
If droughts and floods continue to strike the USA, the wheat, soy and corn production may suffer drastically. The
could cause severe food shortages across the world and potentially cause wars to be fought over dwindling food
supplies. The same can be said for those regions that have dwindling fresh water supplies. This will also cause
much suffering in those parts of the world. Following these terrible events will be disease pandemics and many
people will die.
Jesus gives us another insight to the general time that the First Fruits Rapture will happen:
Mat, 24:32-34 (KJV) Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves,
ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the
doors. 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
Matthew 24:32-34 above simply says that the generation that sees Israel reestablished as a nation will still be in
existence when all the prophecies about the return of Jesus have been fulfilled. Since Israel was established May
14, 1948 and man's years upon the earth are three score and ten (i.e., 70), then the beginning of the seven year

tribulation must be very close. The "all these things" are the events that lead up to and include the seven year
Tribulation. The "summer" is the time of the seven year Tribulation and the "heat" of the summer is the
uncomfortable and even painful events that will happen during the Tribulation. A generation should be understood
as about seventy years. Thus we have a general time period for the events leading up to and including the seven
year Tribulation to complete. A possibility for the end of the Tribulation could be in the 2018-2019-2020 era. God
is never late on the events that He plans, but seldom is He early either. The end-times events He has determined
will happen on exactly the day, hour and second He has planned for them to occur.
Verse 35-36 as follows is a special emphasis on the certainty of these prophecies coming to pass.
(Mat 24:35-36 KJV) Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. {36} But of that day
and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
We must be cautious when trying to specify a specific date for the First Fruits Rapture. But we must be watching
for that day and Jesus warns us:
(Luke 21:34 KJV) And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and
drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
and,
(Mark 13:33 KJV) Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
As the day approaches and if we understand the prophetic events that Jesus gives us in the Holy Scripture, we will
not be surprised when Jesus initiates the First Fruits Rapture, just before the start of the Tribulation. Jesus knows
His most faithful believers, because they will be watching and beckoning for His return: He which testifieth these
things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (Rev 22:20 KJV)
The 10% taken in the First Fruits Rapture
Leviticus 27:30, "A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to
the LORD; it is holy to the LORD." For the Feast of the Day of First Fruits, an offering of two loaves of bread
baked with leaven is offered to The Lord. There are two loaves baked with fine flour that came from the sheaves of
grain that mature early; the grain is most likely barley.
The two loaves of bread represent four types of faithful Christians: the Jew and the Gentile, male and female, the
Bride of Christ and her Court and the most faithful believers of today and of the 2,000 year Church age. Being
holy is the criteria; it means to be separate from the world and to be living a faithful life for Christ. Yes, these two
loaves initially have leaven in them, but when baked in the fire, they have been made into something that is
presentable to The Lord. So the lives of faithful Christians are changed from being sinful (this is the leaven) to
being acceptable to God. The fire used to bake the loaves is the testing of their character and their response is to
avoid evil and to accomplish good works for God.
The Day of First Fruits is celebrated fifty days after the Feast of First Fruits. For Christians, this is Pentecost, the
day of the First Fruits Rapture. A detailed prophetic interpretation of the Seven Feasts is given in the article The
Seven Feasts.
Questions and Answers
Q. What happens to the children of the Philadelphia Christians at the First Fruits Rapture?
Any Philadelphia Christians that have children will be teaching them the truth found in the Holy Bible and leading
them to follow Jesus in their daily walk. This is my opinion, but I believe that their children that are under the age
of accountability will also be taken to Heaven. The grown children of Philadelphia Christians will also be taken to
Heaven in the First Fruits Rapture if they are found faithful by Jesus. If they are not faithful, they will be left
behind to be tested during the first half of the Tribulation.

Q. What will Philadelphia Christians be doing during the last days of the Church Age?
They will be studying the Holy Bible in-depth and obeying the commandments from Jesus. They will be meeting
regularly to encourage each other to be faithful because these are the very last days of the Church Age:
Hebrews 10:23-25 ASV 1901. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that
promised: 10:24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; 10:25 not forsaking our
own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting [one another]; and so much the more, as ye see
the day drawing nigh.
The "day drawing nigh" is the First Fruits Rapture that we are so looking forward to. This is the "watching" that
Jesus commands us to observe in Matthew 24:42 where Jesus warns us: Watch therefore: for ye know not on what
day your Lord cometh. Because they will be reading the prophetic scripture, Philadelphia Christians will know the
events of the last days and will be observing these events as they happen and are broadcast in the news media and
over the Internet.
Because there will be so many temptations to fall away in the last days of the Church Age, even by Philadelphia
Christians, Jesus warns us in:
Revelation 3:11 (ASV 1901) I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown.
It is my prayer that if you are a Philadelphia Christian, that you will not waver in your faith and continue to be
serving Jesus and watching for His return for the First Fruits Rapture. There may be some Philadelphia Christians
that will fall away in these last days of the Church Age, otherwise, Jesus would not be warning us of this
possibility. If this happens, they will be left behind to endure the trials of the first half of The Tribulation. This is
one of the reasons that God inspired Paul to write the Book of Hebrews and especially verses 10:23-25. One of the
major reasons that will prevent a Philadelphia Christian from falling away is to now be obeying these verses.
Q. What is the difference between an unfaithful Christian and a member of the Church of Philadelphia?
For the churches of Sardis (Protestant), Thyatira (Catholic) and Laodicea (mega church, TV church) Jesus
observes that their good works are lacking as well as their doctrine (Rev. chapters 2 and 3). For the Church of
Philadelphia Jesus observes: I know thy works (behold, I have set before thee a door opened, which none can
shut), that thou hast a little power, and didst keep my word, and didst not deny my name. (Rev 3:8 ASV 1901). The
Philadelphia Christians read and obey the Holy Bible and do not deny the power of Jesus' name. Jesus' name is
representative of His power and authority. So Philadelphia Christians are constantly working in the power of the
Holy Spirit and not in their own power. The "little power" Jesus is talking about is the influence that Philadelphia
has on the less faithful Christians in the world. Only a few Main Harvest Christians are listening to the warnings
that Philadelphia Christians are giving. Only a small percentage of Christians across the world are even interested
in prophecy and the return of Jesus Christ and few are reading the warnings given in the holy scripture.
Q. Since half of the virgins are wise, does this mean that half of today's Christians will be taken to Heaven in the
First Fruits Rapture?
No, the five wise virgins are the most faithful of God's saints for the entire 2,000 year Church Age. I believe that
there are relatively few Philadelphia Christians of today. Most of the Philadelphia Christians at the First Fruits
Rapture will be from the Philadelphia Church Age which lasted from 1750-1900.
Q. Works are not important are they? Didn't Isaiah in verse 64:6 say that our works were as filthy rags to God?
The verse is: (Isaiah 64:6 KJV) But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;
and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. If our good works are done for
our own personal glory, then yes, our works are as filthy rags in the sight of God.
However, note the following verse: (Eph 2:10 NIV) For we are Gods handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do
good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Paul says that good works accomplished through us by

the power of the Holy Spirit are expected. These works are done for the glory of God and not for our glory.
Q. Even Jesus doesn't know the time of His second coming, so I don't need to even think about it do I?
The verse is: (Matt 24:36) But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the
Son, but the Father only. No one but God the Father knows when Jesus will return, but later in Matthew 24:42
Jesus warns us: Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh. We don't know the day or hour,
but we should be watching the headlines for events that match the prophecy that we study in the Holy Bible. Then
when Jesus appears for the First Fruits Rapture, we will not be surprised if we are watching. If Jesus commands us
to watch for His return, shouldn't we obey Him?
Q. Isn't the main mission of a Christian to get the lost saved?
This is a very important work that a Christian should accomplish if called by God to this mission. If God decides
to save a person (Doctrine of Election), He will empower one or more of His saints to reach this person with the
words needed to instill faith. (Rom 10:17 KJV So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.)
If you read the gospels, the epistles of Paul and others, you should understand that a major work that we can
accomplish is to disciple the saints that God has elected for salvation. In our opinion the main mission that we all
have is to first discipline ourselves by in-depth study of the holy scripture and obeying it through the power of the
Holy Spirit. We should then help disciple other Christians which includes supporting them when they fail in God's
service, prayer for each other and in-depth Bible study and discussion. Jesus gives us the following command in
The Great Commission:
(Mat 28:18-20 KJV) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in
earth. {19} Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost: {20} Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with
you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Will You Watch?
The Midnight cry "The Bridegroom cometh" has not yet sounded and there is still a small amount of time for you
to be watching for and beckoning for Christ's return and to begin a serious study of the Holy Bible and then to live
a righteous life for Jesus. If you do, you will become a member of the Church of Philadelphia and be invited
through the Open Door into Heaven at the First Fruits Rapture. Here are some suggestions for becoming a faithful
disciple of Jesus: How to Crucify Self.