The Most Amazing Day

The great day of the LORD is near; it is near and hastens quickly... Zephaniah 1:14

I've been reading a few articles about the world’s largest atom smasher (also known as the big bang machine). Now I don’t need to emphasize the fact that I’m not an astrophysicist or anything of the sort or even how limited my knowledge is on the subject. But from what I understand this machine accelerates atoms to extremely high speeds and smashes them against other atoms. Basically the objective is to replicate the moments after of the big bang which it theorized as being the source of our universe. The cost of this machine capable of producing such an extraordinary amount of energy is $10 billion.*1

Can you imagine that billions of years ago, out of nothing there was a surge of such great power that in order to begin to replicate it, the invention of a machine worth $10 billion, made by top scientists in the field is required?

As human beings we are extremely limited in knowledge. I will make observations and deductions (tools of the scientific process) to ask some questions before directing you to the Word of God.

Firstly, to form theories we are limited to observations of the cosmos and small scale experiments. Then we are limited by time. We cannot travel to the past much less the future. Our average lifespan is only about 80 years. Knowing that the human race has been around for about 6,000 years, how little we have learned. The significant technological advances that have occurred have only just occurred in the last few centuries.

We are further limited to what can see to make theories of what we cannot. This reminds me of a little word that is of such great importance, "faith"!

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

The existence of God cannot be verified by experiments because he simply cannot be seen. Nor can we see the angels both good and evil. This is a strict limit that was placed upon us as a result of sin. It would be impossible for us to know the origin of everything were it not for God who has revealed it to us.

We are also limited by space. The human race has not been able to travel further than the moon, much less outside our solar system. There is no single machine that can leave our galaxy. Therefore, I repeat that all we can do is make theories based on observations and mathematical calculations. As accurate and concrete as that may sound it is simply not sufficient.

Our planet is not more than a grain of sand in the vast universe. By this I dare say that we know less than 1% about the universe. Therefore, all we can do is trust that God Almighty created everything.

The existence of God has no human explanation. He is eternal, without beginning or end. He is the creator of the universe, this world and of mankind. He alone deserves all worship.

Interestingly, God makes a series of questions to Job. Job was a man who faced a terrible test. But he fully trusted in God. All of us will have to face what I call "the great test of faith." This test of faith is adapted to each individual. It aims to purify, to break us down and rebuild us to the image and character of God. Only in this way can we obtain salvation and enter heaven. To remind Job that He is in control of everything, God makes him a series of questions.

Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.

Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it?

To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Or who shut in the sea with doors, when it burst forth and issued from the womb; when I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band; when I fixed My limit for it, and set bars and doors; when I said, ‘This far you may come, but no farther, and here your proud waves must stop!’

Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it? It takes on form like clay under a seal, and stands out like a garment. From the wicked their light is withheld, and the upraised arm is broken.

Have you entered the springs of the sea? Or have you walked in search of the depths?

Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death?

Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this.
Where is the way to the dwelling of light? And darkness, where is its place, that you may take it to its territory, that you may know the paths to its home?

Do you know it, because you were born then, or because the number of your days is great?

Have you entered the treasury of snow, or have you seen the treasury of hail, which I have reserved for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war?

By what way is light diffused, or the east wind scattered over the earth?

Who has divided a channel for the overflowing water, or a path for the thunderbolt, to cause it to rain on a land where there is no one, a wilderness in which there is no man; to satisfy the desolate waste, and cause to spring forth the growth of tender grass?

Has the rain a father? Or who has begotten the drops of dew?

From whose womb comes the ice? And the frost of heaven, who gives it birth? The waters harden like stone, and the surface of the deep is frozen.

Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades, or loose the belt of Orion?

Can you bring out Mazzaroth in its season? Or can you guide the Great Bear with its cubs?

Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? Can you set their dominion over the earth?

Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, that an abundance of water may cover you?

Can you send out lightnings, that they may go, and say to you, ‘Here we are!’?
Who has put wisdom in the mind? Or who has given understanding to the heart?
Who can number the clouds by wisdom? Or who can pour out the bottles of heaven... Isaiah 38:4-37

There is nothing greater that we can do than to praise God our creator and sustainer. Let your imagination lead you to contemplate the power of God. Understanding a little of God's power and control over the universe, have you stopped to think how the great day of the Lord will be? How the second coming of Jesus will be when He comes with great power and glory and the elements of this earth will be consumed? What great power will He manifest? Have you ever stopped to think how the most amazing day will be?

JESUS IS COMING SOON, AMEN, YES COME LORD JESUS!

* 1 "Geneva Big Bang machine beats Chicago lab record" http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iFngOTfNSw21ce_26N1EzfTAXwRQD9C9RH882

Contemplating Jesus

So far every preacher of the third angel's message has been seen as a mere alarmist. The cunning enemy has raised many within the church ranks and led them to make hasty decisions about the coming of Jesus to discredit our messages today. As humans, we are exposed not only to arguments that appeal to reason but also to our emotions. On the one hand, if we depend simply on our reasoning it may lead us to a state of coldness and apathy. Our reasoning, eventually makes us rely only on our knowledge and our own capabilities. On the other hand, if we let ourselves be guided simply by our emotions we may make hasty decisions that are based on something that varies as often and unpredictably as the wind.

Jesus demonstrated his true character while in this world. It was a balanced character in terms of emotions and reasoning. At times, He wept, but when necessary He spoke in a straightforward and sometimes firm manner. Furthermore, in his character we not only see His love for the sinner but his disgust for sin.

What a privilege it must have been to have seen Christ face to face as he examined the heart of every man He encountered. We do not have a complete record of the conversations that Christ had with people but I can imagine a voice of compassion inviting the sinner to repent. Jesus supplied the needs of these people because of their faith. Then He invited them to a transformation of character, a transformation of life. "Your faith has healed you" *1 He would say while at the same time would invite them to "go, and sin no more". *2

A Christ-like character can only be obtained by contemplating Him each day. It requires an open and humble mind, with which after studying and not simply reading the Bible each day, we pray for the Holy Spirit. We cannot and should not place anyone else as an example other than Jesus.

Perhaps every person chooses their religion or their church for different reasons. Others simply try to do good without joining an organized religion. But we must first understand that we can do nothing for ourselves. Our nature is continually towards evil. No matter what explanation man wishes to come up, the reality is that it is impossible for us exist if it weren’t for God who created us. If you do not accept that God created us you will never find your purpose in life. The fact that He created us gives us the assurance that because Jesus died for us already, we now have hope of eternal life. Removing God from the equation puts the focus back on man whose nature is continuingly towards evil.

Note that the Bible speaks about things that are eternal. God is eternal, His word is eternal and His law is eternal. His law is eternal because it is based on the main point of God's character. The apostle Paul writes:

Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away... And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. * 3

Now we return to the question posed by Paul in his letter to the Romans,

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" * 4

and we can answer it.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. * 5

The third angel's message is one of admonition and warning for our time. But every preacher, absolutely every preacher of this message must do it for love of God’s people. The Lord revealed signs of the end and gave us a strong, direct and powerful message. But it is based on the love He has for humanity and His desire for us to be saved. This love can only be born in us by contemplating Jesus every day. There will be hard times. We shall pass through great tribulations but if we delight in the LORD He will grant the requests of our hearts.*6 May our theme each day be Jesus and heaven. That is where we find the purpose of life. That our greatest hope may be contemplating Jesus face to face along with everything He has in heaven where we will dwell with our loved ones forever.



JESUS IS COMING!


1 * Matt 9:22
2 * John 8:11
3 * 1 Corinthians 13:8, 13
4 * Romans 8:35
5 * Romans 8:38, 39
6 * Psalm 37:4

The Millennuim - (Part 5)

At the conclusion of the 1,000 years, when the holy city descends from heaven, the saints will descend to as well. It is at that time that the "lake of fire" is presented. The lake of fire more commonly known as “hell” has been described in various forms throughout history. The media presents hell as a place surrounded by walls of fire and home to the devil. Moreover, hell is presented as the place where the wicked are sent to suffer for all eternity. But this is not what Scripture tells us.

Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:6-10

First, I stress that the Bible often presents the same event in different ways. For example, chapters 2, 7, 8 and 11 of Daniel and Revelation chapter 13 present the same prophecies or parts of the same prophecy.

I mention this because the apostle John uses terms ways to describe the final destruction of Satan and the wicked. All whose names are not in found the book of life will face the second death.

What a contrast to those who were raised at the first resurrection! The righteous were clothed with immortal youth and beauty. The wicked bear the traces of disease and death.*

The wicked will surround the beloved city, but God will consume them with fire from heaven. Finally, the devil is cast into the lake of fire and brimstone along with the beast and the false prophet. Furthermore, they "will be tormented day and night forever and ever".

Parallel to the preceding verses the apostle John describes this event again.
Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:14-15

I ask, can death and Hades actually be cast into the lake of fire? The apostle John clarifies that the lake of fire is the second death! In other words all of the following descriptions are of the eternal death.

The second death

Devouring fire from heaven

Lake of fire and brimstone

Hell

Will Satan, the wicked, the false prophet, the beast, death and Hades burn forever and ever? In reality, the Bible tells us that they shall be destroyed completely, but its consequences will be eternal. The will cease to exists forever and ever! The Bible states this fact several times.

Who can stand before His indignation? And who can endure the fierceness of His anger? His fury is poured out like fire, And the rocks are thrown down by Him. The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him. But with an overflowing flood He will make an utter end of its place, and darkness will pursue His enemies. What do you conspire against the LORD? He will make an utter end of it. Affliction will not rise up a second time. Nahum 1:6-9

You defiled your sanctuaries by the multitude of your iniquities, by the iniquity of your trading; therefore I brought fire from your midst; it devoured you, and I turned you to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all who saw you… All who knew you among the peoples are astonished at you; you have become a horror, and shall be no more forever. Ezekiel 28:18, 19

For evildoers shall be cut off…For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; indeed, you will look carefully for his place, but it shall be no more. Psalm 37:9-10

But the wicked shall perish; and the enemies of the LORD, like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish. Into smoke they shall vanish away…But those cursed by Him shall be cut off... But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; the future of the wicked shall be cut off. Psalm 37:20-22, 38

For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. “And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” Says the LORD of hosts, that will leave them neither root nor branch. Malachi 4:1

Behold, they shall be as stubble, the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame; it shall not be a coal to be warmed by, nor a fire to sit before! Isaiah 47:14

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

The Lord does not want anyone to perish.
Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live... Ezekiel 33:11

But the wages of sin is death. In order for us to be eternally happy the Lord must destroy sin together with its results forever. There will not be an eternal fire, but the consequences of the second death will be eternal.

The righteous will receive the great reward. At the end of the 1,000 years after the holy city descends and the Lord destroys sin forever we will inherit the new heavens and new earth. Finally, we will live with Jesus and our loved ones in eternal happiness.

But those who wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth... But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace... The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever. Psalms 37:9, 11, 29

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. Revelation 21:1-7

The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love.*

JESUS IS COMING!

* For a more detailed description of this event read - The Great Controversy, "The Controversy Ended", Ellen g. White

The Origin Of Evil - Part 1 (Heaven)

The origin of Evil or sin was found in heaven. The concept if sin is dark and full of mysteries which our finite minds simply do not understand. But the Lord has revealed to us through His Word and the Spirit of Prophecy parts of this cosmic concept.

The law of love being the foundation of the government of God, the happiness of all intelligent beings depends upon their perfect accord with its great principles of righteousness. God desires from all His creatures the service of love--service that springs from an appreciation of His character. He takes no pleasure in a forced obedience; and to all He grants freedom of will, that they may render Him voluntary service. *1

Everything in heaven was perfect and so the beginning of sin is a mystery. We do not understand how sin emerged and trying to explain it implies justifying it. However, the Bible does in who sin first developed what his thought were.

In whom did it originate?

You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones.* 2

How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! * 3

What thoughts did he entertain?

You said in your heart, "I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High." *4

"Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre and say to him: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: " 'You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz and emerald, chrysolite, onyx and jasper, sapphire, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings. *5

Lucifer, model of perfection, mysteriously began to entertain thoughts of grandeur because of his perfection.

Not content with his position, though honored above the heavenly host, he ventured to covet homage due alone to the Creator. Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of all created beings, it was his endeavor to secure their service and loyalty to himself. And coveting the glory with which the infinite Father had invested His Son, this prince of angels aspired to power that was the prerogative of Christ alone…

In heavenly council the angels pleaded with Lucifer. The Son of God presented before him the greatness, the goodness, and the justice of the Creator, and the sacred, unchanging nature of His law…

To dispute the supremacy of the Son of God, thus impeaching the wisdom and love of the Creator, had become the purpose of this prince of angels…

The King of the universe summoned the heavenly hosts before Him, that in their presence He might set forth the true position of His Son and show the relation He sustained to all created beings... About the throne gathered the holy angels, a vast, unnumbered throng--"ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands" (Revelation 5:11.), the most exalted angels, as ministers and subjects, rejoicing in the light that fell upon them from the presence of the Deity. Before the assembled inhabitants of heaven the King declared that none but Christ, the Only Begotten of God, could fully enter into His purposes, and to Him it was committed to execute the mighty counsels of His will…

The high honors conferred upon Lucifer were not appreciated as God's special gift, and therefore, called forth no gratitude to his Creator. He glorified in his brightness and exaltation and aspired to be equal with God. He was beloved and reverenced by the heavenly host, angels delighted to execute his commands, and he was clothed with wisdom and glory above them all. Yet the Son of God was exalted above him, as one in power and authority with the Father…

He shared the Father's counsels, while Lucifer did not thus enter into the purposes of God. "Why," questioned this mighty angel, "should Christ have the supremacy? Why is He honored above Lucifer?"…

Leaving his place in the immediate presence of the Father, Lucifer went forth to diffuse the spirit of discontent among the angels. He worked with mysterious secrecy, and for a time concealed his real purpose under an appearance of reverence for God. He began to insinuate doubts concerning the laws that governed heavenly beings, intimating that though laws might be necessary for the inhabitants of the worlds, angels, being more exalted, needed no such restraint, for their own wisdom was a sufficient guide... The exaltation of the Son of God as equal with the Father was represented as an injustice to Lucifer, who, it was claimed, was also entitled to reverence and honor…

He cunningly drew his hearers on to give utterance to their feelings; then these expressions were repeated by him when it would serve his purpose, as evidence that the angels were not fully in harmony with the government of God. While claiming for himself perfect loyalty to God, he urged that changes in the order and laws of heaven were necessary for the stability of the divine government…* 1

Lucifer was not happy with the position that he had been given. He did not understand why God the father gave such a great honor to the Son. So in the behind closed doors, Lucifer began to cast doubt on the character and wisdom of God. His deception began with the angels to whom he convinced that because they had served God and had obtained great wisdom they did not need God's laws. The great deception was that Lucifer would "free" them because God's ways are too difficult and His law burdensome. What was God's answer? Later we will see. (For a more detailed overview see "Patriarchs and Prophets," Why was Sin Permitted?)

JESUS IS COMING!

1 * Patriarchs and Prophets, "Why was Sin Permitted?", Ellen White
2 * Ezekiel 28:14
3 * Isaiah 14:12
4 * Isaiah 14:13, 14
5 * Ezekiel 28:12-17

The Millennuim - (Part 4)

The Lord has provided everything necessary for the chosen to live eternally happy. God's judgments are just and fair. His great judgment will conclude at the end of 1,000 years.

The following graphic provides an overview of these events. We can see that the investigative judgment began in 1844 following the 2,300 year prophecy. (This subject will be covered in depth in the Sanctuary series). When the time of grace ends all cases have been determined. By this time only those whose names are in the book of life will be saved. Then the Lord returns on the clouds of heaven and the millennium begins.


During the 1,000 years something very interesting happens as part of this great judgment.

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. Revelation 20:11, 12

If we look at the graphic, God has already determined what the final sentence for the wicked will be. The fact that the wicked were not resurrected or taken to meet the Lord in the clouds indicates that they were found wanting in the trial. I underscore an aspect which was mentioned in the study concerning the investigative judgment. We are saved by the atoning blood of Christ, saved by His grace. But we are judged according to our works. Every word, every thought, every work is registered in the books of heaven.

Only Jesus has the authority to judge and determine whether an individual’s works are covered by His grace. During the 1,000 years, the books will be opened not so we can determine if the wicked will be saved because it was already determined during the investigative judgment.

First, it is the dead who are being judged. This sounds strange but all of the wicked are dead at this point. This includes those who are alive when the Lord returns because they will be destroyed by the brightness of His glory. On the other hand, the righteous who sleep in the Lord are resurrected with immortal bodies and the living are clothed with immortality in a blink of an eye. That is why during the millennium only Satan and his angels are alive on this earth.

Because the wicked are dead, the books are open to the entire universe to judge them according to what is written. Maybe some of us will ask why an individual is not in heaven. A father searching for his son, a wife searching for her husband or a friend searching for her friend whom they believed would be in heaven. Because God's purpose is to reveal Satan’s true character and the effects of sin, the books will show that despite all the opportunities these people were given they rejected Jesus and chose not to be saved.

The records in heaven are for us to see how our sins are forgiven by the Lord when we truly repent and surrender to Him. The also exist to clarify the fact that those who by their own choice reject the atoning blood of Christ will not be forgiven or saved.

At the conclusion of the 1,000 years when the holy city descends to this earth the second resurrection occurs.

Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:7-10

The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:13-15

We see the compassion and transparency that exist in God’s government. This process is in place so the entire universe may see the effects of sin as opposed to God’s government of love and justice. There is nothing more that can be done for the wicked. Once the door of grace is shut and even if other opportunities and more time were given the wicked would continue to choose the path of destruction. Even after seeing the glory of God, the devil will deceive the wicked and persuade them to take the holy city by force.

Finally, the sentence is executed. The wicked along with Satan and his angels are thrown into the lake of fire. In the following study we will see what see what the commonly misunderstood “lake of fire” or "hell", really is.

In the end however, the righteous will be safe within the city and will finally live with Jesus forever in the new heavens and earth.

JESUS IS COMING!

The Millennium - (Part 3)

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. Revelation 20:1-3

In this part we will see the “bottomless pit” (a better translation is “abyss”) into which Satan is cast into is this planet. During the period of 1,000 years earth will be dark and desolate as a great abyss. But we, the righteous shall dwell with the Father and Jesus in heaven!

The condition of this land after the Second Coming of Jesus and during the millennium:

But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men... But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:7, 10-13

Because the Bible always interprets itself, we go to the Old Testament to see what the condition of this planet (the abyss) into which Satan is cast out to will be.

The original condition of this earth, when Lucifer was cast on it is described at the time of creation.

The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:2

Perhaps a better translation of the phrase “face of the deep” would be “face of the abyss”. Either way they refer to the same concept.

That the expression "bottomless pit" represents the earth in a state of confusion and darkness is evident from other scriptures. Concerning the condition of the earth "in the beginning," the Bible record says that it "was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep." [THE HEBREW WORD HERE TRANSLATED "DEEP" IS RENDERED IN THE SEPTUAGINT (GREEK) TRANSLATION OF THE HEBREW OLD TESTAMENT BY THE SAME WORD RENDERED "BOTTOMLESS PIT" IN REVELATION 20:1-3.]*

Behold, the LORD makes the earth empty and makes it waste, Distorts its surface and scatters abroad its inhabitants…The land shall be entirely emptied and utterly plundered, For the LORD has spoken this word. The earth mourns and fades away, the world languishes and fades away; the haughty people of the earth languish. The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants, because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Isaiah 24:1-5

A lion has come out of his lair; a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his place to lay waste your land. Your towns will lie in ruins without inhabitant... Disaster follows disaster; the whole land lies in ruins. In an instant my tents are destroyed, my shelter in a moment… I looked at the earth, and it was formless and empty; and at the heavens, and their light was gone. I looked at the mountains, and they were quaking; all the hills were swaying. I looked, and there were no people; every bird in the sky had flown away. I looked, and the fruitful land was a desert; all its towns lay in ruins before the LORD, before his fierce anger. This is what the LORD says: "The whole land will be ruined, though I will not destroy it completely. Jeremiah 4:7, 20, 23-27

Earth will remain in complete desolation. If we recall the plagues that are released upon this world (the bowls with the wrath of God), and the judgment over Babylon described by the apostle John, are also described by the prophet Jeremiah.

This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: "Take from my hand this cup filled with the wine of my wrath and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it... and all the kings of the north, near and far, one after the other—all the kingdoms on the face of the earth. And after all of them, the king of Sheshach [Babylon] will drink it too…"Now prophesy all these words against them and say to them: " 'The LORD will roar from on high; he will thunder from his holy dwelling and roar mightily against his land. He will shout like those who tread the grapes, shout against all who live on the earth… This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Look! Disaster is spreading from nation to nation; a mighty storm is rising from the ends of the earth." At that time those slain by the LORD will be everywhere—from one end of the earth to the other. They will not be mourned or gathered up or buried, but will be like refuse lying on the ground. Jeremiah 25:15, 26, 30, 32, 33

What a terrible condition, the wicked will be destroyed and their corpses left on the face of the earth! That is the condition of this world for 1,000 years. That is the abyss into which Satan is cast out to. He is also chained because there is no one to deceive. The righteous are enjoying heaven with God the Father and Jesus our Redeemer. The wicked have been consumed so there is no one left to deceive.

At the coming of Christ the wicked are blotted from the face of the whole earth--consumed with the spirit of His mouth and destroyed by the brightness of His glory. Christ takes His people to the City of God, and the earth is emptied of its inhabitants.*

Why is Satan chained for 1,000 years? When we study the sanctuary we will see this ritual in greater detail.

Now the event takes place foreshadowed in the last solemn service of the Day of Atonement. When the ministration in the holy of holies had been completed, and the sins of Israel had been removed from the sanctuary by virtue of the blood of the sin offering, then the scapegoat was presented alive before the Lord; and in the presence of the congregation the high priest confessed over him "all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat." Leviticus 16:21. In like manner, when the work of atonement in the heavenly sanctuary has been completed, then in the presence of God and heavenly angels and the hosts of the redeemed the sins of God's people will be placed upon Satan; he will be declared guilty of all the evil which he has caused them to commit. And as the scapegoat was sent away into a land not inhabited, so Satan will be banished to the desolate earth, an uninhabited and dreary wilderness.*

Here is to be the home of Satan with his evil angels for a thousand years. Limited to the earth, he will not have access to other worlds to tempt and annoy those who have never fallen. It is in this sense that he is bound: there are none remaining, upon whom he can exercise his power. He is wholly cut off from the work of deception and ruin which for so many centuries has been his sole delight.*

Thanks to our Lord, our Redeemer, we have nothing to fear if we look to Jesus every day. We will dwell with Him and He will be our God forever!

JESUS IS COMING!

*The Great Controversy, “Desolation Of The Earth”, Ellen G. White

The Millennuim - (Part 2)

In this part we look at where the saints will be during the millennium and some of the things they will be doing during this time. As the millennium begins, after the second coming of Jesus, only the righteous (those who resurrected and the living) will be present. If we recall the study on the seven last plagues (God's wrath), both the wicked and the elements of this world are destroyed.

I stress a very important point which may bring confusion. The book of Daniel was sealed until the end time in order to be revealed through the book of Revelation. We must recognize that not all items concerning the end-time were revealed to the prophet Daniel. So the thousand-year period is only found in Revelation but is it complementary to Daniel.

You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth...And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold—the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.” Daniel 2:34, 35, 44, 45

God revealed to the prophet Daniel (in King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream) that he will finally establish His kingdom. This kingdom will destroy all other kingdoms and will last forever. God himself establishes this kingdom! We also see this prophecy in the dream that Daniel himself has.

‘But the court shall be seated, And they shall take away his dominion, To consume and destroy it forever. Then the kingdom and dominion, And the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, Shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And all dominions shall serve and obey Him.’ Daniel 7:26, 27

Lets compare these verses to clarify some points.

He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. Revelation 20:2-6

We can identify certain important aspects in these verses. The first is that the kingdom of God and of the saints begins with the 1,000 years (after the second coming). Then we can see that during the thousand years the saints "shall be priests of God and of Christ." It might seem like an insignificant point but it allows us to understand that during this time we will dwell with Jesus and God in heaven. We will be before the very throne of God.

Also note that the throne of Jesus in this world will be established after the 1,000 years. The prophet Daniel sees a stone not cut by human hand destroy all other kingdoms, all nations. Then the stone is made into a great mountain and fills the whole earth. But if you recall, during the period of the 1,000 years Satan is only bound but not yet fully destroyed. After the 1,000 years the wicked are resurrected (the second death), Satan is released and gathers them for the last great battle.

Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. Revelation 20:7-9

At the end of the 1,000 years the prophecy revealed to the prophet Daniel has not yet been completely fulfilled. The saints are safe inside the beloved city, the new Jerusalem, while Satan with all the nations are surrounding it. We will go into further detail about these events later on.

Let's look at the promise that Jesus makes.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:1-3

The place that Jesus is preparing for us is in our heavenly Father’s home in heaven. Jesus promises that he will come again and take us with him, take us to the house of our heavenly Father. How exciting to think that we will celebrate the marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven with our Heavenly Father!

At the conclusion of the 1,000 years after this great feast, after the judgment of the wicked the holy city of will desecend.

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:1-5

I emphasize that the new heavens and new earth will be created after the holy city descends. The Bible itself tells us this.

And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Revelation 20:12, 13

The judgment in which the saints will be a part of will be over the wicked and Satan himself. Again I turn to some details that seem insignificant. The apostle John mentions that the sea gave up the dead who were in it. After the holy city comes descends and the new heavens and new earth are created the sea ceases to exist. During the 1,000 years the earth is still in its terrible condition while the righteous are happy in heaven.

To summarize, the righteous resurrected and those who are alive at His coming are caught up in the clouds. Then the Lord leads us to heaven during the millennium to the house of our heavenly Father to celebrate the wedding of the lamb. At the end of this time the holy city descends to earth. The goal now is to eradicate sin forever, creating new heavens and new earth, and finally we inherit it forever.

JESUS IS COMING!

THE MILLENNIUM - (Part 1)

The millennium for many is of great mystery. The only record of this period of time is a short chapter in the book of Revelation. Because this book is hard to understand some have said that the thousand years is simply prophetic and that there is no clarity in terms of when it begins or ends. But the Bible is very clear, especially when interpreted in light of other biblical texts.

My objective is to answer the following questions:

When does it start?
Are the 1,000 years prophetic or literal?
Where are the saints during this time, on earth or heaven?
Is there a hell? If yes, where and is it eternal?
How will Satan be bound with a chain?
What will happen with the wicked?
What is the purpose of the thousand years?

In this part we will analyze the time when the thousand years begin and end. In the second part I will go into detail about the events that take place during the thousand years. Finally, I’ll present a theory which gives a little more light on this issue in order to summarize it.

¹ Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. ² He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; ³ and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. ⁴ And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. ⁵ But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. ⁶ Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. Revelation 20:1-6

The first question we need to answer is when the 1,000 years will begin. In the first three verses we see powerful images of what will happen just before the start of this period. But to put a time frame we need to compare some more texts from the Bible.

In verse 4 we find the fulfillment of the third angel's message (Revelation 14:9-13). They are given authority to judge all those who have not received the mark of the beast on their foreheads. Now this is a group that includes all the righteous throughout the ages, those who stood firm for the truth and preferred death rather than turning away from God.

Verses 5 and 6 tell us of two resurrections. Those who have the privilege of reigning with Christ a thousand years include the righteous living and all who will take part in the first resurrection but not the second resurrection! This is important because it helps us understand when the 1,000 years begin.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17

We have discussed before that Paul is referring to the great day when the Lord descends in the clouds of heaven and gives the reward to all the righteous. If we notice the words used, "the dead in Christ shall rise first." This phrase allows us to understand two things, the righteous (the dead in Christ) will be part of the first resurrection in which the apostle John refers to in Revelation 20. It also allows us to understand that before we, who are alive, are caught up in the clouds the dead shall rise first and receive Jesus in the clouds. What great hope!
Because the 1,000 years includes all who take part in the first resurrection but ends with the second resurrection it must necessarily begin when Jesus returns.
The Bible emphasizes this point once more!

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23

Those who sleep in Christ will rise at his coming, those who are part of the first resurrection, those which are raised at the beginning of the 1,000 years.
Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:30, 31

Again we see that when Jesus returns the righteous will meet him and the millennium begins. In conclusion, we have already answered some questions. The 1,000 years begin when Jesus returns a second time. All the righteous, living and dead will be with him during this time (later we will see where we will actually be). The wicked living will be destroyed as a result of the coming of the Lord and the dead will not rise until the second resurrection, at the end of the 1,000 years.

Our objective should be to be among the elect who are willing to give their lives if necessary to stand firm and faithful to God. Our suffering may be great but our reward will be beyond measure.

JESUS IS COMING!

The Perfect Plan Of Salvation

Speaking about the final events brings great fear for many. However, for God's chosen people it is not a subject of fear, but of great hope. We live in times in which we must be prepared to insure our salvation. The blessed hope must focus our eyes on heaven and in Jesus who has already conquered the world. He established a perfect plan of salvation in which everyone can be saved. Jesus makes no exceptions; salvation is extended to anyone who is willing to accept it.

Human beings were created in the image and likeness of God .*1 We were originally created to live eternally happy in this world. Unfortunately, sin destroyed the original purpose of God’s creation resulting in death .* 2

The Problem

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— *3

The reality is that just by being born into this world you automatically suffer the consequences of sin. We hate to think about it but from the moment a child is born, inevitably the child will die. Nonetheless, since the foundation of this world, God made a plan by which humans could have a chance to be saved.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.* 2

What a solemn thought, Jesus the prince of the universe, honored everyone in the universe, our creator, would become a man, suffer and die for his creation, for us! But what hope!

... For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.* 4

The Solution

For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. * 4

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have[a] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, * 5

Why do it?

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.* 6

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, * 7

What must we do to be saved?

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.* 8

Our Reward

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, * 9

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.* 10

Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”* 11

The Natural Result

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.* 12

We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. * 13

Here is the patience of the saints; here are those[a] who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. * 14

“If you love Me, keep[a] My commandments. * 15

Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.* 16

Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?* 17

Our Trust

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.* 18

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.*19

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. *20

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.* 21

Now we see the perfect plan of redemption in action. Jesus died for us to reconcile us with God .* 22 Through Jesus we are saved if we believe in Him, do His will and keep His commandments just because we love Him. Finally, we obtain the promise, to dwell forever in Heaven with Jesus!

We do not have to worry about anything if we come to Jesus with a contrite heart. As long as we allow Him to transform our hearts we can fully trust in his promises.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shalltribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.* 23

THE LORD IS COMING SOON, LOVE IS COME LORD JESUS!

1 * Genesis 1:27
2 * Romans 6:23
3 * Romans 5:12
4 * Romans 5:15, 17-19
5 * Romans 5:1
6 * John 3:16
7 * Ephesians 2:4-8
8 * John 3:17, 18
9 * Ephesians 2:19
10 * 1 John 3:1, 2
11 * Revelation 19:9
12 * 1 John 5:3
13 * 1 John 5:18
14 * Revelation 14:12
15 * John 14:15
16 * Revelation 22:14
17 * James 2:22
18 * 1 John 4:17
19 * John 14:1-3
20 * 1 John 5:4
21 * 1 John 5:13
22 * Colossians 1:20
23 * Romans 8:28-39

WHAT WILL HEAVEN REALLY BE LIKE - Part 3

There are many aspects of Heaven that need to be clarified. The enemy is employing all his power to deceive us concerning heaven and what it will really be like. Additionally, the Lord himself declares that a sign of end-times is that false prophets will rise.*1 The message found in Revelation 18 also emphasizes that in the last days the deception of spiritualism will increase to the point that if possible even the elect will be deceived.*2
The servant of the Lord in her vision saw what appeared to be most of the world in a train whose conductor was Satan.*3 Through false doctrines, including ones about heaven, the enemy has the world under his dominion.

It is important to highlight that the Lord has not revealed all the details of how heaven will be. In actuality the Lord has revealed just enough so that we may desire with every ounce of strength to be there.

There are many reasons why God chose to reveal so little about heaven. First, as sinful beings our mental faculties are severely limited.

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. *4

Even when we are clothed with immortality and perfection it will take all eternity to study and learn the great mysteries of God.*5

Not in vain the Scriptures tell us,

…Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. *6

Personally this verse excites me because Jesus has things prepared in heaven that not even the most creative mind can imagine. But what we can be certain of is that heaven is a place of incomparable happiness and love. On Saturdays we will analyze an aspect of heaven which the Lord has revealed with the objective of making heaven a place as real as this world is for us.

Keep in mind two points highlighted by the Spirit of Prophecy which we must balance on a scale when considering the topic of heaven. On the one hand we cannot speculate on things that God in his wisdom has not revealed to us. On the other hand, it is necessary to see heaven as a place so real that our greatest desire is to be there now. The enemy has done his best to turn heaven into a place where spirits are floating on top of clouds. But heaven is a place with many similarities to what we know here on earth such as our bodies, our homes, our labor and our food which will really prove to be "Eden restored," "new heaven and new earth"! We see this in the resurrection of Jesus himself.

Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in their presence…And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.*7

A fear of making the future inheritance seem too material has led many to spiritualize away the very truths which lead us to look upon it as our home. Christ assured His disciples that He went to prepare mansions for them in the Father's house. Those who accept the teachings of God's word will not be wholly ignorant concerning the heavenly abode. *8

Everything in heaven will be perfect but just as Jesus rose and ascended to heaven in a new flesh and bone body, our bodies will be transformed as well. Now clothed with immortality we will inherit the earth restored to what it once was but at the same time much better than ever imagined!

JESUS IS COMING!

1 * Matthew 24:
2 * Matthew 24:
3 * Early Writings, pg. 42, Elena G. White
4 * 1 Corinthians 13:12
5 * John 17:3
6* 2 Corinthians 2:9
7 * Luke 24:36-43, 50, 51
8 * The Great Controversy, "The Controversy Ended", Ellen White.

The Third Angel's Message - Part 3 (The Wrath of God)

The Book of Revelation tells us what the wrath of God found in the message of the third angel are the seven last plagues.

Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation...Revelation 14:9, 10

I must also mention that by this point the investigative judgment has concluded, Christ is no longer interceding for mankind and his work in the most holy place is complete. I also must mention that no one will reach heaven by luck or chance. Only those that have washed their robes with the blood of Christ and were found faithful during God’s judgment will be saved (Must have God’s seal on their foreheads).

Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete. And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested.” Revelation 15:1-4

And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement. Revelation 17:5, 6

And I heard another from the altar saying, “Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.” Revelation 16:7

After these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands. Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed. Revelation 15:5-8

Note that the seven angels who receive the cups containing the wrath of God are leaving the temple (the holiest place) where Christ is now. The temple was being filled with smoke, leads us to understand that Jesus finishes his work of intercession because no one can enter. “It is done” (Revelation 21:6)

The seven plagues

Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.”

1 - So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.

2 - Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man;and every living creature in the sea died.

3 - Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. And I heard the angel of the waters saying:

4 - Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.

5 - Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain. They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds.

6 - Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

7 - Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” 18 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. 19 Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. 20 Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great. *1

In a following study we will analyze the seven plagues in depth . But we understand that God's wrath, the seven plagues, are unleashed on those who have the mark of the beast and were found wanting in God’s just and perfect judgment.

Seek Jesus every day, and allow his Holy Spirit to transform us so we may receive the seal of God and be found faithful and just in the great judgment, fulfilling his holy law because we love him.

THE LORD IS COMING!

1* Revelation 16

The Third Angel's Message - (Part 2)

Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:9-12

In the first part we analyzed what the seal of God is (on Saturday) and what the mark of the beast is (Sunday). What are the consequences of receiving the mark of the beast? I stress that anyone who does not receive the seal of God automatically receives the mark of the beast. In addition, we are already at the time of sealing; therefore, we need to anchor our faith in Jesus. Notice that the apostle John warns,

Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” Revelation 7:2, 3

The four angels were ready to release the winds of destruction but the Lord stops them leaving a little more time to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to receive his seal. Here we see the love and mercy of God. Jesus died so that everyone had an opportunity to be saved. But each of us must make the decision to accept His salvation and if we decide not to then automatically we accept eternal loss. The third angel's message, our last warning, presents the life and death decision that all must make. All who choose to receive the mark of the beast will have to face the wrath of God and those who choose the seal of God face persecution from the dragon. Apparently, it’s a no win situation but those who face the wrath of God will have absolutely no protection while the saints will. Something important to note, the saints will be present at the time the winds are released and when God's wrath is poured over the nation because the last plague (in the following study we see that God's wrath are the 7 last plagues) is the coming of the Lord.

The Seal of God – persecuted by the dragon

And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17

The Mark of The Beast - God's Wrath

Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:9-11

The time of anguish never seen before is the time when the beast unleashes his deadliest attack against the Saints. But at midnight when all seems lost, the Lord will deliver us and we shall live in heaven forever. On the other hand, the wrath of God which are the seven plagues (will study later) will not have the same result for it end is eternal death.

Now I emphasize something very few or perhaps no one else preaches. The kingdom of heaven is a place of perfection and eternal joy. Salvation is 100% free simply because we are saved by the grace of God. But sin cannot enter heaven ever again. The Lord established his law from the beginning of the universe which governs everything. Lucifer in heaven decided not to keep this law and led Adam and Eve in Eden to break it as well. The plan of salvation is a perfect plan which aims to save the human race, to vindicate the character of God to the universe and return this world to its original state. No one will be saved and go to heaven by chance, by luck or by accident. The Lord said:

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. Matthew 16:24-27

The most important decision that a person can ever make is to follow Jesus. This means taking up his cross daily because Satan is in constant war with the righteous. In the end the reward is eternal life. There is nothing worse than the wrath of God because when God's wrath is unleashed there is no more hop for its result will be the second death, eternal death. The history of this world is coming to an end. The third angel's message is the last invitation to the world to decide for eternal life or eternal death. Today is the day of salvation, do not reject God's invitation because the door is about to close and the grace of God will soon come to an end, tomorrow may be too late.

JESUS IS COMING!

THE MILLENNIUM (Satan)

The millennium is a period of time that begins after the second coming of Jesus. The same chapter tells us that the saints are in heaven with Jesus during this time. We first start by seeing what happens with Satan.

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished…Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. *1

The apostle John in this vision sees an angel coming down with a chain in his hand to bind Satan for a thousand years.

Also, when the service finished atonement in the heavenly sanctuary, then, in the presence of God and the angels and the host of the redeemed, the sins of God's people will be put on Satan, he plead guilty to all evil that has made them commit. And as the scapegoat was released into a desert place, so Satan will be banished to the desolate land without people and turned into a hideous desert .* 2

Now the event takes place foreshadowed in the last solemn service of the Day of Atonement. When the ministration in the holy of holies had been completed, and the sins of Israel had been removed from the sanctuary by virtue of the blood of the sin offering, then the scapegoat was presented alive before the Lord; and in the presence of the congregation the high priest confessed over him "all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat." Leviticus 16:21. In like manner, when the work of atonement in the heavenly sanctuary has been completed, then in the presence of God and heavenly angels and the hosts of the redeemed the sins of God's people will be placed upon Satan; he will be declared guilty of all the evil which he has caused them to commit. And as the scapegoat was sent away into a land not inhabited, so Satan will be banished to the desolate earth, an uninhabited and dreary wilderness.*2

The revelator foretells the banishment of Satan and the condition of chaos and desolation to which the earth is to be reduced, and he declares that this condition will exist for a thousand years.*2

During this time the redeemed are in heaven, the plan of salvation is complete and the only thing that remains is the complete destruction of sin.


The bottomless pit

At the coming of Christ the wicked are removed from the surface of the earth, consumed with the spirit of His mouth and destroyed by the brightness of His glory.

All land looks desolate desert. The ruins of cities and villages destroyed by the earthquake, uprooted trees, ragged rocks thrown by the sea or torn from the earth itself, are scattered over its surface, whereas large caves mark the spot where the mountains were torn from the ground .
That the expression "bottomless pit" represents the earth in a state of confusion and darkness is evident from other scriptures. Concerning the condition of the earth "in the beginning," the Bible record says that it "was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep."*2

And the earth was a formless void and darkness was upon the face of the deep ...*3

I beheld the earth, and indeed it was without form, and void; And the heavens, they had no light. I beheld the mountains, and indeed they trembled, And all the hills moved back and forth. I beheld, and indeed there was no man, And all the birds of the heavens had fled. I beheld, and indeed the fruitful land was a wilderness, And all its cities were broken down At the presence of the LORD, By His fierce anger. *4

Limited to the earth, he will not have access to other worlds to tempt and annoy those who have never fallen. It is in this sense that he is bound: there are none remaining, upon whom he can exercise his power. He is wholly cut off from the work of deception and ruin which for so many centuries has been his sole delight.*2

Even the wicked are now placed beyond the power of Satan, and alone with his evil angels he remains to realize the effect of the curse which sin has brought. *2

And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day;* 5

For a thousand years, Satan will wander to and fro in the desolate earth to behold the results of his rebellion against the law of God. During this time his sufferings are intense. Since his fall his life of unceasing activity has banished reflection; but he is now deprived of his power and left to contemplate the part which he has acted since first he rebelled against the government of heaven, and to look forward with trembling and terror to the dreadful future when he must suffer for all the evil that he has done and be punished for the sins that he has caused to be committed. *2

JESUS IS COMING!

1 * Revelation 20:1-6
2 * The Great Controversy, "The Desolation Of The Earth", Ellen White
3 * Genesis 1:2
4 * Jeremiah 4:23-26
5 * Jude 1:6

IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD

I'm not too big on criticizing other religions or religious leaders. I have no authority to judge and; moreover, I am sure that many people in other denominations will be called out by the Lord before His second coming. But what I can do is examine a doctrine or teaching in light of Scripture to determine if it is acceptable or not. The prophet Isaiah tells us:

To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:20

In other words every teaching, every doctrine must conform to the Word of God and if does not, it automatically goes against it. The Bible is clear when it says that,

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

Specifically,

Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. Genesis 2:1-3

Not only are these verses important in terms of the true Sabbath but they also set creation as the beginning of this world and of human beings in a period of seven days. In a literal week the heavens and the earth were created and for this there can be no confusion. Any theory that tries to explain the origin of man aside from the creation in seven days is against the Word of God. Worse still, it removes the most important title of God, God our creator. There is no sin greater than to remove the title of God as our Creator because it completely separates you from God. Let us never forget that Lucifer wanted to be like Jesus, in power and knowledge leading to our current condition in this miserable, sin-filled world.

The big bang
In case you do not know about the big bang theory it is an explanation of the origin of the universe. Simplistically, the universe came about from an explosion of some particle, of which its size is smaller than the period at the end of this sentence. In other words the vast universe that now exists came from something so small that the naked eye could not see. Can you believe this theory as the origin of the universe if only our solar system is so immense that no man can reach the most distant planet from the sun?

Evolution
This theory, originally proposed by Charles Darwin and now accepted by the scientific community basically states that humans are a product of randomness. After millions of years of evolution, mutations and extreme luck, humans evolved to become the complex organism that it is now. Some even have mixed this theory with religion to declare that God made evolution. Either way these two theories are in complete disagreement with the Bible.

An arcticle that was published today stated that the Vatican is exploring the possibility of life on other worlds. Personally, I am sure that there is life in other worlds. I agree with the article that God in His infinite love and power has created many worlds which have never fallen. The servant of the Lord tells us that when we go to heaven we will travel to these places serving as ambassadors of Christ to tell the story of redemption. But the fact that these worlds have not fallen, indicates that they are out of our reach right now. Just as we cannot see angels or God because of our sinfulness, we cannot see these other worlds or other beings that God has created.

The underlying problem is when we try explaining the mysteries of God and even worse, take away His title of God our creator. In my opinion these are the sins that God does not tolerate and will lead to the destruction of this world along with all the wicked.

The article said in part,

"... the Vatican has called in experts to study the possibility of extraterrestrial alien life and its implications for the Catholic Church.

Today top Clergy, including Funes [Director of the Vatican Observatory], openly endorse scientific ideas like the big bang theory as a reasonable explanation for the creation of the universe. The theory says the universe began billions of years ago in the explosion of a single super-dense point that contained all matter.

Earlier this year, the Vatican sponsored a conference on evolution to mark the 150th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s, The Origin of Species"*

I ask, where is the Bible in all this? Perhaps they have forgotten that in six days God created the heavens and the earth and that He rested on the seventh. We cannot be deceived. If you recall, the serpent told Eve that she could be like God, having his knowledge. It is unfortunate that such theories can be accepted knowing that they are directly against the Bible and against God himself. Now we see the importance of the true Sabbath as a reminder of God's creation and how it sets the framework as a point of discussion in the last days. We must trust the Lord as being our Creator and our Savior and He will give us eternal life.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 1:1-4

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 1 John 1:1, 2

THE LORD IS COMING!

* “Vatican looks to heavens for signs of alien life” http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091111/ap_on_sc/eu_vatican_aliens;_ylt=AhY4JXgTnD6bIaVkok6ZPsCs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTJlcnNmdG9wBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDkxMTExL2V1X3ZhdGljYW5fYWxpZW5zBHBvcwM0BHNlYwN5bl9tb3N0X3BvcHVsYXIEc2xrA3ZhdGljYW5sb29rcw--