Participants: John Lomacang (Host), John Stanton
Series Code: HCL
Program Code: HCL100025
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00:01 Hello friends. Grab your Bible and a friend
00:03 and sit back as we explore God's word 00:05 together on this edition of House calls. 00:22 Welcome back to House calls. 00:24 We plan on being in your house for the next hour. 00:27 So don't do anything that's gonna distract you 00:30 from the most important hour of your day. 00:33 This is it so John and John has a message. 00:36 And by the way it's good to see you again John. 00:38 It's good to be here. 00:40 I tell you whenever we get this program 00:42 and both Johns are in the house, 00:44 we're gonna be shooting on both barrels 00:46 probably not a good term shooting. 00:48 But we're gonna be fired from both directions. 00:52 Inspired. Inspired from both directions. 00:55 And I'm always glad to have my good friend John with me. 00:57 Amen. And, uh, so hit the record 01:00 if you have that opportunity 01:01 because you're gonna maybe hear something 01:03 that you wanna replay and, uh, 01:06 stay with us for the next hour. 01:07 Invite your friends and family 01:08 to sit down and enjoy this program 01:10 because it's going to be a doozie its something 01:12 that we have been looking forward to share with you 01:14 about the millennium, the thousand years. 01:17 How it winds up-- We'll finish it up today. 01:19 We're gonna finish it up today, 01:20 but before we do any of that John 01:22 is going to have prayer for us. 01:23 So bow your heads with us. Let's do this. 01:25 Dear heavenly Father, what a blessing today 01:27 to be alive and to see all these things 01:30 that you are doing for Your people, for your church, 01:32 and how much you love and care for each one of us. 01:35 Lord, guide us and teach us today. 01:38 We just put this program in your hands 01:40 and we ask you'd lead it. 01:41 And that you would be the one that is glorified 01:44 and always same to you in Jesus name, amen. Amen. 01:49 As you also know, friends, 01:50 this program has a lot of do with your Bible questions. 01:54 Many of you have sent questions before. 01:56 We have some people that all they do is send questions. 01:59 It seems like everyday. 02:01 And that's good too because they wanna make sure 02:02 that we have some questions to answer. 02:04 Some people send books. 02:06 And it's hard to get through that, 02:07 so try to make it is concise as you can. 02:09 And when you do that we go to the internet website 02:12 and download those questions. 02:14 And so if you have any questions 02:16 that you want to send to us before we address them today, 02:18 you can send those questions to housecalls@3abn.org. 02:22 That's housecalls@3abn.org 02:26 and that's where we go to get our questions. 02:28 If any of you still have the method 02:31 of sending them by mail, 02:33 you gotta remember this, PO Box 220, 02:37 West Frankfort, Illinois, 62896. 02:40 And just address them to House calls, 02:42 and we'll get those questions also. 02:44 But, John, what do we have for today? 02:46 Yeah, we've got a question today from Glenn in New York. 02:50 And we appreciate you sending 02:52 this question in Glenn, thank you. 02:54 He says, "Hi, John and John, 02:55 I believe in the Bible teachings of justification, 02:58 sanctification, and glorification." Okay. 03:01 "How can a person be justified and sanctified 03:04 or can a person be justified and sanctified more than once 03:07 or is it a one time event? 03:10 Can a person's sin after he or she is justified? 03:13 Please give some Biblical answers. Thank you." 03:17 Well, let's start here with a scripture 03:20 because he's asking for a Biblical reference. 03:22 So let's turn to Romans chapter 3 03:25 and I can pick a ton of different angles to go with this 03:28 because the Bible has a lot to say 03:30 about being justified in Christ and to being sanctified 03:34 also as part of the spiritual growth of the Christian life. 03:40 Let's see here Romans 3:23. 03:46 It says here, "For all have sinned 03:48 and fall short of the glory of God, 03:52 being justified freely by his grace 03:55 through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." 03:58 You see that we all have been-- we all are sinners. 04:02 "And we fall short of God's glory. 04:04 But those who believe in Christ are justified freely 04:07 by His grace through the redemption 04:09 that is in Christ Jesus whom God set forth 04:12 as a propitiation by his blood through faith 04:16 to demonstrate his righteousness, 04:18 because in his forbearance God had passed over the sins 04:22 that were previously committed 04:24 to demonstrate at the present time, 04:26 his righteousness that he might be just 04:29 and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." 04:34 So this is speaking of a justification process here 04:38 that once you are sinner or you are born a sinner 04:42 and prior to faith in Jesus, 04:44 you have fallen short of the glory of God 04:47 and there is no opportunity, no chance, a redemption. 04:50 However through faith in Jesus, 04:52 we find our redemption and we are justified. 04:56 Justified it says, uh, of the one 05:02 or we are just and the justifier 05:04 that is Jesus of the one who has faith in Jesus. 05:08 So in other words, once we declare 05:12 or proclaim our faith in Christ, 05:14 He justifies us by His blood. 05:16 The sacrifice on the cross and at that moment we are-- 05:20 we pass from being a sinner to being a one 05:25 who is righteous in the merits of Christ. 05:28 The filthy rags that we had on as a sinner 05:31 are then taken away from us. 05:32 And we are given the garment of righteousness by Christ 05:36 because of what He has done 05:37 not what we've done which that passage goes on 05:40 to talk about in verses 27 and 28. 05:43 Nothing we've done but what Jesus has done, 05:45 He justifies us by faith. 05:47 Now that is the process of putting us 05:50 on a platform of righteousness. 05:53 Right living, right doing, right being in Christ, 05:57 to then living a life that is sanctified. 06:00 And this is where sanctification comes in 06:02 that we life alive, dedicated, devoted, 06:04 committed to Christ, and He changes us. 06:07 He puts us first of all. 06:09 He makes us or declares us holy. 06:11 And then we live a righteous and holy life by faith in Him. 06:14 So it was all by faith being justified 06:17 and being sanctified living that life of righteousness. 06:20 Now the question then is can a person be justified 06:25 and sanctified more than once? 06:29 The answer is yes, however you are justified 06:34 or sanctified more than once unless you back slide 06:39 and fall out of salvation in Christ. 06:43 That is you no longer believe in Him 06:45 or you've walked away from Him 06:46 whether be by conscious decision 06:48 or by neglect of your relationship with Him 06:51 that you step out of that relationship with Christ 06:53 and you're no longer justified and sanctified. 06:56 Then in that case, you would need to be justified again. 06:59 You need to become sanctified in Christ 07:01 to be able to receive salvation. 07:04 And then that eternal life 07:06 that He promises to everyone who believes in Him. 07:08 So in that case, you would be. 07:10 But let me distinguish something here, 07:12 justification happens at a moment. 07:15 It's the moment you believe 07:16 and declare faith your belief in Christ. 07:20 Sanctification although it sets you apart as holy, 07:23 it is a process of holy and right living. 07:27 It's a day to day process of Christ filling you 07:30 with His righteousness and you living out that life, 07:34 uh, based upon His work. 07:36 His work through you, uh, until that day of glorification 07:40 which is that last step that you mentioned here. 07:42 So there is a process to sanctification 07:46 just as there is an instantaneous, 07:48 uh, crediting to your account the merits of Christ 07:52 in the justification process, the moment you believe in Him. 07:55 Now the last question here is, 07:57 uh, can a person sin after he or she is justified? 08:05 Yes, now here's one of the things 08:07 that I think is a common misconception of some, 08:10 that once you believe or proclaim your faith in Christ 08:14 and are justified that the moment 08:16 you commit any sin, you are then unjustified, 08:20 then you are out of Christ and lost. And that is not true. 08:25 That at the Bible does not teach that. 08:27 What the Bible teaches is that when once you are justified 08:31 and you begin to live that life in Christ 08:33 as He is sanctifying you, you will make some mistakes. 08:36 You may just commit some sins. 08:39 But immediately and here's where the devil comes in 08:41 and he tries and do this so subtly, 08:43 he tries to convince you that you have done 08:45 something beyond the reach of Christ 08:47 that the merits of Christ, 08:48 the blood that He has given for you in your behalf 08:51 His intercession in heaven for you right now is not sufficient. 08:55 You are lost, give it up. 08:58 But we find this wonderful passage from 1 John 2:1, 09:04 that gives us confidence that even though 09:06 you have made a mistake, you have committed a sin, 09:08 don't loose your grip on Christ. 09:10 He will work with you. 09:11 He will intercede in your behalf, 09:13 His blood is applied for you in the heavenly sanctuary. 09:17 And as your advocate, He makes sure that, that sin is covered. 09:22 Here it is from 1 John 2:1, "My little children, 09:27 these things I write to you so that you may not sin. 09:32 And if anyone sins, we have an advocate 09:35 with the Father Jesus Christ, the Righteous." 09:36 In other words if you do sin, God will is that you don't. 09:39 But if you do commit a sin, Jesus, your advocate, 09:42 your intercessor pleads His blood, 09:45 applies his blood on your behalf to cover your sin 09:48 so that you are not uncovered. 09:49 That you are not naked and you are not lost. 09:53 Let me ask you this question, John. 09:55 Cause' I know you want to weigh in on this subject. Okay. 09:58 If you have a child and they are growing up, 10:01 they're gonna make some mistakes, 10:03 But when they make a mistake, 10:04 you don't kick 'em out of the house. 10:06 You don't say, "Sorry, 10:08 you're not a part of this family anymore." 10:10 And that's not the way that God works either. 10:13 But I would also add this that once a child gets to that age 10:17 where they begin to make their decisions 10:18 and they become destructive or maybe do things 10:21 that are clearly hurting the family, 10:24 and are causing dissension in the family, 10:27 you may at the time see that, 10:28 listen that course they are taking 10:30 is clearly not for the family, it's against it. 10:32 You would allow that person to leave 10:34 or you may even kick them out of the house 10:37 to avoid that passing onto the rest of your children. 10:40 And in that case the sinner, a sinner that falls back 10:43 into the practice of sin is as John talks about here. 10:47 Not the occasional deed and misdeed, 10:49 the sin that we commit-- oh, wish I hadn't done that, 10:52 I just-- I didn't intend to-- 10:56 to disobey God like that, not that, 10:58 but one who consciously walks away from God 11:00 and falls back in to the life of sin, to that person 11:03 they maybe then in need of justification and sanctification 11:07 of being welcome back into the family of God. 11:10 But great repentance and confession 11:12 and then turn from that life 11:14 is needed to precipitate that occuring again. 11:17 Yeah, this is a wonderful question in that's individuals. 11:21 It is a question that is based on affirming hope. 11:26 That's something that people need to have. 11:28 If they feel that they could fall out of God's grace 11:31 and by falling out of God's grace and die 11:34 as they fall out of the God's grace. 11:35 It brings more of a fear. And the Bible says, 11:38 "Perfect love casts out fear, for fear involves torment." 11:43 So there's some individuals that are tormented over the idea 11:46 that they're struggling and is it-- 11:49 am I gonna loose my salvation here? 11:51 Can I be justified more than once? 11:53 Can I be sanctified more than once? 11:54 So I'm hearing what the person 11:56 was asking the question is not saying. 11:58 I'm struggling with something here, 12:00 I used to be a Christian, but I left the church. 12:03 I may have been out for many, many years. 12:05 I remember a prayer meeting. 12:07 We have a wonderful prayer meeting here Wednesday nights. 12:09 We were talking about revelation and one of the gentleman said, 12:12 "Well, how long do we have to be out of the church 12:14 before you need to come back 12:16 and give your life to Christ again?" 12:17 And he said, "Well, do you need to be baptized again 12:20 if you've left the church, 12:21 if you've left the Lord, you've gone on?" 12:22 I said, "Yes." He said then schedule it. 12:25 And he had been out of the church 12:26 for 25 years at that particular point. 12:29 He had confessed he had done so many things 12:31 that have wronged the Lord 12:32 and he had walked away from the grace of God. 12:34 But you know the beautiful thing 12:35 about that is God's grace is greater than our failure. 12:39 God doesn't say, well, you know, you've blown it 12:42 I don't want anything to do with you any longer. 12:44 But he points out the fact that even 12:47 if you've messed up, He is continuing to work in your life. 12:51 And for those who have just clearly 12:53 cut the lines between them and the Lord, 12:56 I want you to hear this passage in the Bible. 12:59 And I'm gonna read a few verses. 13:00 First of all the question about justification. 13:02 Here is one other ways to remember it, 13:04 justification and sanctification and glorification, 13:07 all three stages in the process of salvation. 13:10 Justification is salvation from the penalty of sin. 13:15 Sanctification is salvation from the power of sin. 13:19 And glorification is salvation from the presence of sin. 13:22 So when you come to the Lord, 13:24 you are justified and get this, and sanctified instantly. 13:30 Day by day you're being sanctified continually. 13:33 And what do I mean by that? 13:34 Let me read a couple of passages 13:35 and then tell you what I mean. 13:38 Acts 26:18, talking about the mission of Jesus 13:43 to open their eyes in order 13:45 to turn them from darkness to light. 13:47 And from the power of satan to God 13:50 that they may receive forgiveness of sins 13:53 and an inheritance among those 13:55 who are sanctified by faith in me. 13:58 Notice, present tense are sanctified. 14:02 But then Hebrews now 2:11, "For both He who sanctifies 14:07 and those who are being sanctified are all of one." 14:13 In other words, the one who sanctifies is Jesus. 14:15 The one who has being sanctified is us. 14:18 So you have that being and are. 14:22 Jesus sanctified the Sabbath instantly. 14:25 When we live in the life of Christ everyday, 14:27 we are being sanctified. 14:29 We are as Paul says, growing in grace. 14:32 But I want you to get this now. 14:34 We have to keep in mind and John pointed this out 14:36 and I want to reiterate this. 14:38 Is it possible to sin? Is it possible to fall away 14:42 after we have been justified 14:44 and after we have been sanctified? 14:45 And the answer is yes. 14:46 That's why Paul in Roman 6 says to us verse 12, 14:50 "Do not let sin reign in your mortal body 14:54 that you should obey it in its lusts." 14:56 So what happens after we're justified 14:58 and while we're being sanctified? 15:00 We still have something call this mortal body. 15:03 And because we don't forget everything we did, 15:06 there is a tendency when we do not yield 15:08 our lives to Christ in a day by day basis 15:09 that we could fall back into sin. 15:11 But Paul says, "Don't let it happen. 15:13 Don't let sin reign in your mortal bodies." 15:16 That's why in Roman 7, he says, "I die daily." 15:21 So you have to keep that in mind the daily death 15:23 to self keeps you in that justified condition, 15:26 keeps you in that sanctifying relationship 15:28 which is the saving walk with Christ. 15:30 You wanna add something before we end it. 15:31 Yeah, I think it's good to share this 15:34 because you just a little to with, 15:36 this possible to walk away from God 15:40 and to fall back into that life of sin. 15:43 It says in Ezekiel chapter 18. That's right. 15:47 Verse 24, "But when a righteous man 15:50 turns away from his righteousness 15:52 and commits iniquity and does according 15:55 to all the abominations that the wicked man does, 15:58 shall he live? All the righteousness 16:01 which he has done shall not be remembered. 16:04 Because of the unfaithfulness of which he is guilty 16:07 and the sin which has committed, 16:09 because of them he shall die." 16:12 So you see when you turn away from the righteous life, 16:14 from being sanctified in Christ. 16:16 You also not only reject the sanctification Christ offers 16:20 but you fall out of being justified to the point 16:23 where now you the only thing remaining is death. 16:26 And so this is very clear throughout scripture. 16:28 It talks about how-- once you're saved, 16:31 you're not always saved as many will teach. 16:34 And I know what they're trying to do. 16:35 They're trying to teach that there's security in Christ 16:37 but that's not the proper way to it because that's error. 16:40 The security we have in Christ, 16:42 is knowing that when we make a mistake, 16:44 God does not cast us out. That's right. 16:46 You have an advocate with a father, 16:48 Jesus Christ the righteous who in heaven 16:50 is interceding on our behalf. 16:53 Now let me paint a picture here John. 16:55 He has a dear child that is, 16:58 that is walking with Him and commits a sin. 17:01 And Jesus as He intercedes in man's behalf by His own blood. 17:04 The moment that sin goes on the record books 17:07 because all sins are recorded. 17:08 Jesus is there to cover it by His blood. 17:12 Apply His blood. He applies His blood. 17:14 He intercedes so that when the record view is-- 17:18 the record is reviewed, all they see 17:20 is the blood of Jesus not the sin. 17:22 And that's what intersession is all about. 17:24 That's what Jesus applying the blood 17:27 that He shed for us on the cross is all about. 17:30 And that is your security. Jesus is your security. 17:34 Walk with Him. Never give up. 17:36 Run the race within endurance. 17:37 Finish in the end and you will be-- 17:40 you will find that Jesus has carried you all the way through. 17:43 And that you are saved in Christ. 17:45 You know, one other things I wanna-- 17:46 one other things we wanted to spell on this particular 17:49 topic is this, that there're some individuals 17:52 that believe somehow that Jesus cannot save us if we sin. 18:00 Well, you know, the beauty of this is 18:02 if any man sins and I believe you said this a moment ago. 18:06 If anyone sins, no matter what it is. 18:09 If anyone sins, he has an advocate with the Father, 18:12 Jesus Christ, the righteous. 18:14 The promises, if we confess our sins, 18:17 He is faithful and just to forgive of our sins 18:21 and cleanse us from all on unrighteousness. 18:23 And if you think that temptation is too great, 18:25 remember 1 Corinthians 10:13, 18:28 "No temptation has overtaken you 18:30 but such as is common to man, but God is faithful, 18:34 who will not allow you to be tempted 18:36 beyond which you are able. 18:38 But will with the temptation make the way of escape." 18:41 So don't be discouraged. God has an answer to that. 18:44 And justification prays the Lord for, sanctification thank God 18:49 that what becoming more like Him everyday. 18:51 And one day we will know glorification 18:53 when we are finally like Him. 18:55 You know and honestly the sealing process 18:58 which occurs the end of time is about the glorification. 19:02 It's the precursor to glorification. 19:05 It's sealing you in to salvation. 19:08 And when you are sealed and Christ finishes 19:11 His intersession in the heavenly sanctuary, 19:15 there is no more sin. You will not sin anymore. 19:17 You are sealed in. And not only that consider 19:20 even the time, the end that is very short. 19:23 You will not feel during this time 19:25 when great calamity is falling, 19:27 any temptation to walk away from God 19:29 because your decision is solid. 19:31 You've already been tested, 19:32 you've already passed that test 19:34 and God has sealed you in. 19:36 Because I know some people are thinking, 19:37 "Oh, but wait when the intercession stops, 19:39 when probation closes, you know, 19:41 then without intercessor you have to be perfect." 19:43 It's not about perfection. 19:45 That's about God's sealing you, 19:47 securing you in His love, in His care, 19:49 and making sure that He carries you 19:51 through to the glorification all the way. 19:54 You know, the beauty of it is the Lord looks at us, 19:56 in our stumblings each day and He doesn't caste us away. 20:00 You know, like John said a moment ago, 20:02 if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, 20:05 Jesus Christ, the righteous. 20:06 All we've got to do is confess our sins. 20:09 He's faithful and just to forgive us of our sins 20:11 and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 20:14 And if you ever feel that temptation is too great, 20:16 don't forget 1 Corinthians 10:13, 20:19 "No temptation has overtaken 20:21 you but such as is common to man, 20:24 in other words you're not alone. 20:25 But God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted 20:29 beyond which you are able. 20:30 But will with the temptation, even when the walls closing in, 20:34 he will make the way of escape that, 20:35 you maybe able to bear it. 20:37 So God has not allowed anything to come your way 20:39 except, except He measures it. 20:42 He measures the trial but He never measures His grace 20:46 and praise the Lord for that. 20:48 You know, I have a question, John, 20:49 that seems quite out of the ordinary and because, 20:52 you know, people don't often ask these questions. 20:55 But somebody asked the question that's kind of technical. 20:58 And I really mean technical. 21:00 "Hello, I just purchased an Apple Computer." 21:04 Is that technical? "And my question to you 21:07 is what Bible program 21:09 do you recommend for this Apple Computer? 21:12 I see you use Apple Laptops 21:15 which they provided it free of charge. 21:18 But that's not the case. 21:19 Any advice you can give would be appreciated." 21:22 Well, at the present time, 21:24 we're both using a program called accordance, 21:27 A-C-C-O-R-D-A-N-C-E. 21:31 A wonderful program designed 21:33 for the Mac Laptop for the Apple Computer. 21:36 So if you go to the internet, 21:38 you can find that program and you'll enjoy it. 21:41 It's quite extensive, John. 21:42 Quite deep. Quite deep program. 21:44 It's a little bit of a learning curve 21:45 because it's not as intuitive 21:47 as you may like to be but it's a great program. 21:49 It's a very program. And it also has on the website 21:52 where you get the program. 21:53 Lots of training modules about 39 videos 21:56 that you can download 21:58 or be instructed on the internet on how to use it. 22:00 But we recommend it very, very well. 22:03 And we get some questions just kind of let 22:06 you know that we do believe in mail. Hey, I have mail. 22:11 In other words if you look at me, 22:12 you could say you've got mail. 22:13 I've got mail, lot of questions here. 22:15 And some people write letters 22:20 and they send articles and we really, 22:24 really appreciate what you sent, 22:26 but let me see if I can find a question in this. 22:32 Okay, this is the one I wanna go ahead 22:35 and clear this up on the air 22:37 because this is a very good question. 22:38 "Somebody called me on this one and I appreciate it. 22:41 Want you to know that anytime we state something 22:46 that's probably not scripturally correct, 22:48 we'll correct ourselves. 22:49 Your comment that Jesus was a Nazarite, 22:52 I'm not sure I have the spelling correct. But He was a Nazarene. 22:58 But He was a Nazarene saying He was from Nazareth 23:03 and the yesterday commentary talks 23:04 about He was a person from Nazareth." 23:08 The definition between being a Nazarite 23:09 and being from Nazareth, 23:11 the Nazarite had a declaration that they made. 23:16 And which was not exactly the declaration that Jesus made. 23:21 All right, so He was from Nazareth, 23:23 but not necessarily a Nazarite. 23:27 If you would translate it that now-a-days 23:29 and say to somebody in New York, you're from Brooklyn, 23:32 but you're not a Brooklynite. 23:33 They will say, "Well, that can't be." 23:34 But in the Bible sense a Nazarite was one. 23:37 If you look at Samson, neither drink wine 23:42 or strong drink would never cut his hair 23:45 and if you look at that I don't believe that Jesus 23:48 drank wine nor strong drink. 23:50 And about the length of His hair, 23:52 I cannot attest to that. 23:54 But He was not necessarily a Nazarite by pledge. 23:57 But He was raised in the city of Nazareth. 24:00 Just want to clarify that. Good, good. 24:03 I have got a question here from Denise. 24:06 And she says, "She listens regularly the program 24:10 and very happy with the truth that we share." 24:12 Thank you. "I have one concern. 24:15 When I accepted the truth 24:16 taught by the Seventh-day Adventist church, 24:19 I was instructed that the church standards 24:21 as God's peculiar people prohibits 24:23 the wearing of make up and jewelry. 24:26 Why is it that so many women now pluck the eyebrows, 24:29 wear make up, and is so decked out in jewelry? 24:34 On 3ABN, the make up is highly featured on the females 24:37 who appear on the programs. 24:38 But I notice there is no jewelry. 24:40 What is the standard of the church on this matter? 24:42 Has it changed? Is it right or is it wrong? 24:45 What is the Bible have to say so I want to do what's right? 24:48 And I wanna pass that on to my children." 24:50 All right. A good question. 24:53 A couple of things, first of all the Adventist Church 24:56 doesn't teach that make up is wrong. 25:00 Now I think common sense tells us that if you wear 25:04 so much make up, it alters the way you look to the point 25:07 where it's just a bunch of painting all this-- 25:10 Cartoony, cartoony looking. That's not. 25:12 That's kind of--that's an extension of adornment, 25:15 you can say of yourself. 25:16 But genuinely make up to bring about a look of health 25:20 and vitality, is a good thing and I don't see any issue 25:23 with that nor does the Bible find--we don't find anything 25:25 in the scriptures with regard of that. 25:28 The painting of faces of the women of Egypt 25:30 was different than make up. 25:32 Some would try to translate that and say, 25:33 "Well, see they did that in Egypt." 25:35 But now if you look very carefully 25:37 especially it's a lot some of the literature of the past 25:41 and some of the pictures and stuff. 25:42 The women really-- I mean it was heavy paint. 25:46 Right, literally. And that's not what 25:47 we are finding with make up today. 25:48 So you can't equate that. 25:50 Now with subject of jewelry 25:52 what we see is nothing different than what churches-- 25:56 protestant churches have seen over the years 25:58 if you go back far enough, 26:00 you'll find that any of those churches 26:01 if you look at the congregations had no jewelry. 26:04 They understood the teaching of adornment 26:06 and not decking yourself out excessively. 26:10 And you know, piercing your ears and tattoos 26:12 all over the place and all those things. 26:14 They understood the principles of a simple Christian adornment. 26:19 And that was not to be the way of the world. 26:22 If you look at the world today, 26:23 it is really heavily back into body piercing. 26:27 And even new kinds of make up styles and other things 26:30 that are going on beyond normal way--make up wearing. 26:34 Jewelry put in places that it had not been put, 26:37 we had not seen in put at least in modern society. 26:40 So these things are coming back in 26:41 and I think the church does make a very clear distinction here 26:45 that as a rule of adornment that God would say 26:49 that we should be, you know, 26:52 not adorn with these outward things, 26:53 but the adornment really is about the heart and how it is, 26:56 is in Christ that we should not be decking 26:59 ourselves out in jewelry etcetera. 27:01 And we don't have time to go into a whole study on jewelry. 27:04 And matter of fact, we had already done one. 27:06 We have done one in the past. 27:08 And I suggest that you can even call in 27:09 and may be get that lesson, that program. 27:13 But for now, just you know suffice it to save 27:16 that usual make up, we don't have any issue with that. 27:19 The issue of jewelry then we do think 27:23 there're some principles at least in God's word 27:25 that explained that we shouldn't adorn ourselves 27:28 to go over the board with the way 27:31 the world is adoring itself in jewelry, and piercing, 27:35 and tattoos, and other things. 27:36 And you know, when you look at this 27:38 and just to capstone it here, 27:40 I hope you understand what we are saying is, 27:42 not that we can don excessive wearing of make up 27:46 because there're some individuals that truly-- 27:48 they may not make themselves up like people of Egypt 27:52 or like many natives have done on their own parts of the world. 27:56 You know, I have been to New Guinea. 27:57 I have been to Australia, 27:58 their practices among the aborigines, the aboriginals. 28:02 Their practices in parts of Asia, 28:05 parts of native Indians in America. 28:09 This is prevalent in parts of the Far East, in India, 28:12 you find certain things 28:14 and they all have symbolisms to them. 28:16 That's what the Bible talks about, 28:17 those are the things that we must abstain from period. 28:22 But in America we were talking more of cosmetic sense. 28:26 I like what H.M.S. Richards Senior said years ago. 28:31 And you may not know who that is, 28:32 but he's one of the pioneers in the early Adventist Church. 28:34 He said, "If the bar needs painting, paint it." 28:37 Now let me make some application to it. 28:40 There're some individuals that for whatever reason, 28:42 they are not pleasant to the camera. 28:43 Here 3ABN, we use powdered make up and matter of fact, 28:48 I'm just gonna go ahead 28:49 and stick my head in the chopping block. 28:52 We use that for television because we'll be glowing. 28:55 So to say we'll be shining not for the glory of God 28:59 but for the--we wouldn't be able to be used on air 29:03 because as the paint, quote unquote the cameras, 29:07 our skin would not be conducive to being 29:11 on the air in the proper sense. 29:12 So we use it and to keep down the shine for television 29:18 and make our skin nice and even in that sense, it's okay. 29:22 But there're some individuals that follow practices. 29:24 They follow the trends of society. 29:26 One day they're painted strongly and some today just very dark 29:30 and tattooed eyebrows and very red and very green, 29:34 God doesn't want His people to appear that way 29:37 that they are really molded and directed by the world. 29:40 But when it comes to that here's the text 29:42 in 1 Peter 3:4, the Bible says, "Rather, 29:47 let it be the hidden man of the heart 29:51 in that which is not corruptible 29:54 even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit 29:58 which in the sight of God is a great prize." 30:01 There're some cultures that believe 30:02 in the wearing of the wedding band 30:04 while it's not a forced thing in America. 30:06 We are now a melting pot for cultures. 30:08 So it's not a test of faith in the Adventist Church 30:11 as to whether or not a person wears a wedding band. 30:14 But we do advocate modesty in that area. 30:16 But we do not advocate 30:17 and the Bible doesn't the wearing of jewelry, 30:20 earrings, necklaces, nose rings, piercing, 30:23 the body doesn't support that at all 30:25 and in that sense and it's a scripture basis. 30:29 But are there people that come to our church that wear it? 30:32 Yes, as a pastor John and I have adopted this. 30:36 I have this a number of years. 30:38 If a person comes into our fellowship 30:39 and has on jewelry, 30:41 there is no standards for fellowship. 30:43 But when they become a member, 30:44 they are aware of what the Bible teaches. 30:46 Standards for membership but as leaders, 30:49 we set the pace high standards for leadership. 30:52 And that's what the Lord has impressed 30:53 and convicted me to do as a pastor. 30:56 So they understand what the Bible teaches 30:57 and how to represent Christ. 30:59 Yeah and you know, in the Bible 31:01 there is a distinction when it comes to jewels and gold 31:08 and other things that when it serves a function. Right. 31:12 A God given function then it's permissible, 31:15 but when it purely acts as adornment to dress 31:18 oneself up to look good, 31:20 then it becomes ornamentary or ornamentation. 31:24 And that is the part of adornment 31:27 that we need to be very careful with. 31:28 And as John recommended a moment ago, contact 3ABN 31:31 and try to get that program on the topic of jewelry. 31:34 We've covered it in such detail. 31:37 It's ancient application, it's application to today 31:41 and you will find a great blessing. 31:42 If you just get that lesson 31:43 because we cannot cover it all in this one question. 31:46 Thank you so much for your question and comments. 31:48 And I think we need to transition now to our topic 31:51 as we wind up the topic of the thousand years, 31:53 but you know, we've touched a lot of things here 31:55 in our question today. 31:56 If you want to send them via internet 31:58 or if you wanna be a person that still deals with mail, 32:01 we do appreciate it. No matter how you get the question to us. 32:03 But if you want to send them by the internet, 32:05 send them to housecalls@3abn.org. 32:08 That's housecalls@3abn.org. 32:12 And we do appreciate everything you do to keep this ministry 32:16 going with your prayer, with your questions, 32:19 and even with your financial support. 32:21 Just wanted to put that in there. 32:22 But John, we are now segueing to finalize in this process 32:27 today and tell us where we left off 32:30 on our last discussion and how we could augment 32:34 that and finish it up for today. 32:37 Yeah, we finished last time by reading Revelation 20:1-3 32:43 and we talked about the chains of darkness 32:46 that Satan and his demons host are put in, 32:49 the restrictions placed on him that occurred 32:52 or began immediately and he always been restricted 32:55 from doing what he wants to do here in this earth fully. 32:58 But he really was cast down or put down at the time 33:01 of the cross reserved in chains of darkness 33:03 as it says in 2 Peter Chapter 2. 33:06 And then at some point here, released in the last stage, 33:09 the time of trouble for that great and final test 33:11 that comes upon the earth. 33:13 And then we read in Revelation 20:1-3 33:15 that he will be then again chained to the Abyss. 33:19 The bottomless pit the Abyss. 33:21 The desolate earth, the earth without form, void. 33:25 No one alive to stay or remain here, 33:28 restricted here to temp no one for a thousand years. 33:32 And now what we are doing is we are transitioning 33:35 to what are the saints doing. 33:37 You know, what's happening during the thousand years. 33:39 We know that during that time, 33:40 satan was here on the earth with His angels 33:42 and they've got no one attempt. 33:44 They're pretty much just bored. 33:45 They contemplate fruits of their doings. 33:49 But now what are the saints doing and so let's reread. 33:52 I know we read it a couple of times ago. 33:54 But let's reread verse 4. 33:56 Of? Of Revelation 20. 33:58 Okay, Revelation 20:4, okay, go there with us. 34:03 All right, verse 4, "And I saw thrones, 34:08 and they sat on them, 34:10 and judgment was committed to them." 34:12 Interesting, we'll talk about that in just a minute. 34:15 "Then I saw the souls of those 34:17 who have been beheaded for their witness to Jesus, 34:19 and for the word of God 34:21 who had not worshipped the beast or his image, 34:23 and had received his mark on their foreheads, 34:25 or on their hands." Notice here, 34:28 they had come through the tribulation 34:29 and they had passed the test. 34:31 They had not received the mark. 34:34 "And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." 34:39 And of course, verse 5 adds the rest of the dead, 34:42 "Did not live again until 34:43 the thousand years were finished." 34:45 And we're talking about now, 34:46 "This is the first resurrection." 34:49 So the first resurrection when Christ comes down 34:51 and calls the sleeping saints forth and then calls the saints 34:55 who are alive to meet Him in the air. 34:57 And then they all return to heaven. 34:59 They returned them-- there for a thousand years 35:02 to reign with Christ. 35:04 And they reign with Him on thrones. 35:07 It says, "Thrones that they sat on 35:10 and they were given the work of, John, judgment." 35:14 That's right. What is it talking about? 35:16 Here we're talking about judgment 35:18 committed to the saints. But you know, 35:20 John, this is interesting 35:22 because a lot of time we don't understand. 35:24 Saints are not just gonna go to heaven 35:25 and sit up there for thousand years and say 35:31 we portray heaven sometimes as this kind of ethereal place 35:34 where we have absolutely nothing to do. 35:36 And we're gonna be up there on harps of clouds 35:38 and it's just such a--such a-- just a the word 35:43 I'm looking for here it's a such a ridiculous picture of heaven 35:46 that almost makes you, 35:47 "Hey, why would I wanna go to heaven 35:49 and wear pampers and play a harp on the cloud." 35:52 Where pampers come from? 35:53 You know, but that's the way they often portray that. 35:56 You see these television commercials 35:57 where babies floating on a cloud 35:59 and they are playing a harp-- 36:01 I wonder how pampers came in to this thing. 36:03 You know, that may not be the picture 36:05 that you want in your head. 36:07 But often times heaven as seen as 36:09 this kind of ridiculously ethereal place 36:11 where we really won't have a whole lot to do. 36:13 And cherubim's I mean the way 36:15 they paint cherubim's these babies that not even-- 36:17 that's a myth as well. 36:18 While they got on white robes and they look so... 36:22 heaven is gonna be a place of constant activity. 36:25 And something as a matter of fact to show you 36:27 that we don't really know much 36:28 about what we're gonna be doing there. 36:30 In the sense of what's gonna to be there. 36:32 We know what we're gonna be doing 36:33 but we don't know what's going to be there. 36:35 Paul says, "Eyes have not seen and ears have not heard." 36:37 Right. Okay, but when Revelation 20:4 says, 36:41 "I saw thrones and they sat on them 36:44 and judgment was committed to them." 36:48 What in fact does he mean? 36:49 Go with us to 1 Corinthians chapter 6 verse 2 and 3, 36:53 1 Corinthians chapter 6 verse 2 and 3 36:56 and as you're turning there, 36:57 just consider this for a brief moment. 36:59 Are they are those who won't be in heaven? 37:02 And the Bible talks about of the judgment was set. 37:06 This is in Daniel 7 and the books were opened. 37:10 And another book was opened which is the Book of Life. 37:14 And the dead was judged according to those things 37:17 that are written there in. 37:18 Okay, so when you look at that picture here, 37:20 the records of your life 37:22 and understand the courts setting 37:24 because the reason why we have a court setting 37:26 on earth is you have the accused, 37:29 you have the prosecuting attorney. 37:31 You have the lawyer, the defense attorney. 37:34 And you have this jury. 37:37 And so when Daniel 7 gives us the picture. 37:39 I don't know if you are in Daniel, 37:40 go there to just get us-- 37:41 I was going to make another comment, but-- 37:42 Okay, but right, I want to you-- 37:44 we can go there in just a moment. 37:45 But when you look at that setting, 37:47 the saints are going to vindicate 37:51 the righteousness of Jesus. 37:54 They are going to say just and true are your ways, 37:57 Lord, God, Almighty, king of saints. 38:00 They're going to vindicate Him as righteous and just, 38:04 but how will they vindicate Him as righteous 38:06 and just unless they review the records of those 38:08 who are not in heaven to see that every opportunity, 38:12 every decision made for or against that person 38:15 has been done so in a just manner. 38:18 What's that we're reviewing the evidence? 38:21 And so 1 Corinthians chapter 6 verse 2 and 3 says, 38:24 "Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? 38:29 And if the world will be judged by you, 38:32 are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 38:35 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? 38:39 How much more things that pertain to this life?" 38:44 So what angels? The angels that were cast out. 38:47 Did God have the right to do it? 38:48 We'll get the records. We'll see. 38:50 We'll also judge the saints. 38:53 The saints will judge the world. 38:54 Has God made the right decision about those saved and lost? 38:57 Those are the records that we will be reviewed 39:00 during the thousand years. 39:02 And the record books that will be reviewed by us 39:05 of those lives who are not in the kingdom is described 39:10 also in Revelation Chapter 20 because if you-- 39:14 and may be I just break this down little bit here. 39:16 When you'll talking about a judge, a courtroom 39:18 and I'm glad you introduced this. 39:20 You're talking about a judge, 39:21 you were talking about an advocate or a lawyer 39:24 and in this case, Christ is our advocate 39:26 we've already read that. 39:27 He is our defense attorney, but He's also our judge 39:30 because John 5:22 says, 39:31 "The Judgment was committed to the son." 39:34 So anyway we've this when it comes to believing in Christ, 39:38 the jury is going to see everything in our favor. 39:41 The investigation is very clear 39:42 because the investigation is not of our sinful life. 39:45 It's about Christ in His life, 39:47 His merits because we've been written to the Book of Life. 39:50 If they look at our record books, 39:52 they have been covered by the blood of Christ. 39:54 Our sin is not uncovered, it's not exposed. 39:56 There's no evidence there of unrighteousness. 39:58 It's all about Jesus 40:00 and what He has done in and through us now. 40:04 That being said if you think about a courtroom, 40:07 after you examine the evidence 40:09 when someone says, "I am not guilty." 40:12 Okay and here's a thing when you enter, 40:13 when you're in charged with a crime, 40:15 you enter into the arraignment to-- 40:18 you come to the arraignment to enter a plea. 40:21 And you either plead guilty or not guilty. That's right. 40:26 And the saints enter the plea not guilty by the blood 40:29 of Christ and the evidence there is all about Christ. 40:32 There is no evidence against them. So they are acquitted. 40:36 And when you are acquitted in the court of law 40:39 after the investigation process occurs, you are set free. 40:43 But now notice this without Christ thinking of this 40:47 spiritually when your name comes up in the heavenly 40:50 courtroom the-- at the arraignment, 40:52 you have entered the plea of guilty 40:55 because you are not in Christ. 40:56 You are not declaring yourself not guilty. 40:59 That in the Bible says pretty clear that people 41:01 will profess or confess the name of Jesus even though 41:03 they have not believed in Him that He is righteous. 41:05 He is true. They will bow their knee before Him. 41:09 And so they have entered a plea of guilty 41:12 and when you enter a plea of guilty, 41:13 you don't even pass through the investigation at all. 41:16 You'll go straight to the sentencing phase 41:18 and what we're talking about here 41:20 with the sentencing phase is the lake of fire issue, 41:24 the time of the end of the thousand years. 41:27 After the judgments of the saints 41:29 has already been done if they've sat on their thrones. 41:32 And it says in Revelation 20:12, "That the dead, 41:36 small and great, standing before God, 41:38 the books were opened. 41:40 And another book was opened which was the book of life. 41:43 And the dead were judged according to their works 41:46 by the things that were written in the books." 41:48 Plural, their name is written in the book of life. 41:52 Their names are only written in the books 41:55 as far as their deeds 41:56 what they have done, both good and bad. 42:00 And without Christ, the judgment that comes up 42:03 that the saints are doing that they are part of this, 42:05 to see the evidence of those books. 42:06 What is written in them to see that God was fair? 42:10 He was right. He was just. 42:12 So that when He's sentencing comes up-- 42:14 their sentencing comes up of their life 42:17 and the lake of fire comes out 42:18 of heaven and devours them. 42:20 They will see that it is absolutely fair. 42:24 And so that's what we're talking about here in this judgment 42:27 that the saints whose names were in the Book of Life, 42:30 they are acquitted after the investigation 42:32 or during the investigation phase. 42:34 They're then acquitted and set free where the guilty 42:37 who entered that guilty plea go straight to sentencing 42:40 and we will see evidence in their books, 42:43 their record books that what is written about them 42:46 and their sentences a result of that is absolutely fair. 42:49 Yes, matter of fact, let me share a few passages here. 42:52 I've to show that there is a lot of reviewing 42:56 that's going to take place 42:57 because we've read in Revelation 20:4 here. 43:00 But if you look at verse 12 in Revelation chapter 20, 43:03 you see another component here. 43:04 Well, an additional component of Revelation 20:12, 43:08 "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God. 43:15 And the books were opened. 43:18 And another book was opened which is the book of life." 43:24 Now get this. You have the Book of Life, 43:26 but you also have the books were opened. Right. 43:29 Those are the record books, 43:31 but then you have those of the records of their lives, 43:34 the books were opened. 43:35 But then you have another singular book is opened. 43:39 Matter of fact, Luke 10:20, check that out for me. 43:45 Come on quickly and I'm gonna finish this passage. 43:47 But Luke 10:20, comes to my mind. 43:50 I believe the Lord brought that to my mind 43:51 because this has a lot to say 43:52 about what the reason for rejoicing is all about. 43:55 Read that very quickly. 43:56 What does it say there? 43:58 "Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, 43:59 that the spirits are subject to you, 44:01 but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." 44:04 Okay, there you go. 44:06 Your names are written there. 44:07 And we've had songs, some evangelist 44:09 have said this many years ago, 44:11 "Is your name written there on the page of bright and fair. 44:13 In the book of the kingdom is your name written there?" 44:16 And so when it talks about the rejoicing comes 44:18 because your name is written there 44:20 and I believe that rejoicing comes 44:22 because the name is written in the Book of Life. 44:24 But books were opened. And notice what it says 44:26 as it continues in verse 12 of chapter 20, 44:31 "And the dead were judged out of those things 44:33 which were written in the books." 44:35 And what's written there? According to their works. 44:39 Their works are recorded in the books. 44:41 That's what the saints 44:43 are going to be able to review during the years, 44:46 during the thousand years that we are there. 44:47 We were reviewing their works. 44:49 And so the reason why that's widely important 44:51 is because we've mentioned this on a few programs. 44:54 People are not gonna burn eternally. 44:57 People are gonna be judged according to their works. Right. 45:02 Okay. The punishment will fit the crime. 45:05 Okay, exactly. And so the works is significant to be reviewed 45:11 because a person will be judged 45:12 according to what they have done. 45:13 As a matter of fact Ecclesiastes Chapter 12 45:16 also comes to my mind. 45:17 But you wanna register 45:19 on that while I turn there as I point you want to make. 45:20 No, no, just turning. 45:21 Okay, let's go to Ecclesiastes Chapter 12, 45:25 uh, almost there, here it is. 45:29 Put on my glasses and we're gonna read verse, 45:32 the last verses of Ecclesiastes Chapter 12, here it is. 45:40 Matter of fact, will you read that for us 45:41 verse 13 to verse 14. 45:42 "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. 45:45 Fear God and keep his commandments, 45:48 for this is man's all. 45:50 For God will bring every work into judgment 45:53 including every secret thing, whether good or evil." 45:56 But I think King James Version says, 45:58 "This is the whole duty of man." 46:00 Yes, matter of fact my New King James says, 46:02 "This is the whole duty of man." 46:03 But notice what it says in verse 14, 46:05 "For God will bring every work into judgment." 46:08 So when a Bible says, "According to their works." 46:11 It stands perfectly clear that the works 46:14 that are talked about here in verse 12 46:16 of Revelation Chapter 20, 46:17 "Are the works that the dead 46:19 are going to be judged according to. 46:22 They will be judged according to their works 46:25 whether it's good or whether it's evil." 46:27 So when you think about that this passage 46:29 brings to us the knowledge that we need to be humble. 46:34 We need to be conscious because there is no such thing 46:37 as a secret thing when it comes to the judgment. 46:43 So somebody's gonna know about it. 46:44 So it's better to confess that secret thing 46:47 have it covered by the blood of the lamb 46:49 and it will be blotted out 46:51 when the judgment is over, ain't that wonderful? 46:54 Yes, amen. So now what we're talking about here 46:57 then is there is a judgment process that occurs, 47:00 the saints will be apart of 47:02 and then after that thousand years 47:03 or is finished with a saints residing in heaven 47:07 with Christ reigning with Him on thrones, 47:11 then what do we find happen, 47:12 John, because we need to get on here to finish this up. Okay. 47:15 Because there is a significant event then that occurs 47:19 and we find that event here written in Revelation 21. 47:25 Okay, just before you read that passage 47:28 let me throw this in there we have little bit of time 47:30 because I gave them 47:31 the encouragement of the hope that we need to have. 47:34 Revelation 3:5 and this is the beauty of confessing 47:37 whatever that sin may be. 47:39 Revelation 3:5, "He that overcomes, 47:43 the same shall be clothed in white raiment. 47:46 And I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, 47:51 but I will confess his name before my Father, 47:54 and before his angels." That's the assurance we have. 47:57 When we overcome, we will be clothed 47:59 in the purity of Christ's righteousness. 48:02 Our names will not be blotted out. 48:03 And whatever we have done, 48:05 we'll be confessed before the Father 48:06 and before our holy angels. So that's the encouragement. 48:10 We're now getting back to what you're talking about. 48:11 Yeah, the place God prepares for us. 48:14 Jesus is preparing for us, He says in John 14:1-3 48:19 is the New Jerusalem in heaven 48:22 and it says about the New Jerusalem 48:23 in Revelation 21:2, "That John saw the holy city, 48:28 New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 48:32 prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." 48:35 It also says in that same chapter, verse, 48:41 let's see here verse 10, 48:46 "He carried me away in the Spirit 48:48 to a great and high mountain, 48:51 and showed me the great city the holy Jerusalem 48:53 descending out of heaven from God." 48:55 So clearly the city at some point after the thousand years, 48:58 it's gonna descend out of heaven 49:00 and be set down here on the earth. That's right. 49:04 So this can't happen until after the thousand years 49:07 because the saints are in the New Jerusalem, 49:10 but the New Jerusalem carrying the saints, 49:12 carrying Jesus comes down out of heaven 49:15 and sets down on the earth. 49:19 And then the picture is picked up then 49:22 as that even occurs the picture 49:24 we pick up but what happens 49:25 after that is found in Revelation 20, back to 20:7 49:31 and this is not all and exact chronological order 49:33 that other pieces here that we have to add to this 49:36 that to until give it that explanation, 49:38 understanding of why the saints are actually here. 49:40 I'm glad you've mentioned that. 49:41 A lot of people think that it's chronological, 49:43 but the pictures so beautifully set 49:44 because if you notice the verse, 49:46 John's gonna read right now, it talks about now 49:49 when the thousands years have expired. Right. 49:52 See, go ahead and continue. 49:54 And it talks about those surround the camp of the saints. 49:56 The saints are already here again. Right. 49:58 So then the only way to get here is to come down with a city 50:00 that's what read about the city descending first. Okay. 50:03 So look at this verse 7 of Revelation 20, 50:06 "Now when the thousand years have expired, 50:08 satan will be released from his prison." 50:10 Those are the change that He put 50:11 into at the beginning of Revelation 20. 50:15 "And will go out to deceive the nations 50:17 which are in the four corners of the earth 50:19 Gog and Magog to gather them together to battle 50:23 whose number is as the sand of the sea." 50:26 Now it says, "There that he will be released 50:30 to gather these people together." 50:32 That means that there are wicked 50:34 have come alive again. 50:36 The wicked that will come alive 50:38 that I referred to here in verse 5, 50:40 "The rest of the dead, they didn't alive 50:42 until the thousands years were finished." 50:43 So clearly they are alive again. That's right. 50:46 And then verse 9, what did they do is they gather together, 50:50 "They went up on the breadth of the earth 50:52 and surrounded the camp of saints and the beloved city." 50:55 See the city's here. That's right. 50:57 There always city there. The other verse, 50:58 "The city is here and fire came down from God 51:02 out of heaven and devoured them. 51:05 Thus the devil who deceived them, 51:07 was caste in the lake of fire and brimstone, 51:10 where the beast and the false prophet are. 51:13 And they will be tormented day and night for ever and ever." 51:15 So this fire comes out of heaven. 51:18 This is hellfire. That's right. 51:21 Please don't mistake this. Hell is not burning now. 51:24 This is the description of hellfire at the end of time. 51:27 It comes out of heaven. 51:29 It doesn't come from under the earth. 51:30 It comes out of heaven and devours those 51:33 who are attacking the saints in the city protected by the city. 51:38 And it will devour them right in the site of all 51:42 who are living at that time. 51:44 In fact, I would add to this. 51:45 This is the only time ever that any or everyone 51:49 that is ever lived on this earth 51:51 would be alive at the same time in the same place. 51:55 Very, very good point, John. You know, 51:57 the beauty of this is gonna be this is the end of sin. 51:59 And just to let you know that the for ever and ever, 52:01 a lot of time people stop at that and think, 52:04 "See there, they're gonna be burning for ever and ever." 52:06 But the book doesn't stop there. 52:09 It takes you back to the picture of the judgment. 52:11 It says, "Everyone will be judged 52:13 according to their works." Right. 52:15 Everyone is gonna judged according to his works. 52:18 So that shows you that this burning 52:20 for ever and ever is talking about a great conflagration. 52:23 That's gonna be huge and it expands the whole earth 52:27 wherever anybody is alive and because the Bible says, 52:31 "To gather them from the four corners of the earth." 52:34 So wherever the wicked are resurrected 52:36 from the one thing you have to keep in mind 52:39 is we talked about this last time. 52:41 There's going to be a second resurrection. 52:44 The second resurrection is the resurrection of damination 52:49 or condemnation as the New Kings James version says 52:52 which has found in John 5:29, 52:55 that second resurrection is the one 52:57 that sets up the all the wicked of all the ages now. 53:01 Sets them up for the second death. 53:03 Second--okay. Sets them up for the-- 53:06 what death? The second death. 53:08 Okay, you're gonna read about that second death? 53:09 This is the sentencing. Okay. 53:10 Yes, we're going here now. 53:12 Okay, because what happens is if you go down to verse 14 53:17 in Revelation Chapter 20, is that what you gonna read? 53:20 Yes, I wanna start 13, but go ahead, 53:21 start with 14 that looks good. 53:23 No, that's good. Good, start with 13. 53:25 It says, "The sea gave up the dead." 53:26 Because we've already read 12 by the way. 53:29 "The sea gave up the dead in verse 13 53:31 who are in it, and death and Hades 53:32 delivered up the dead who are in them." 53:34 This is the dead that have come back 53:35 now to life for judgment. That's right. 53:37 "And they were judged each one according to his works. 53:41 Then death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. 53:45 This is the second death. And anyone not found 53:48 written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." 53:52 That's right. All right, so this is now 53:54 another sequence of events. 53:56 These are snapshots in sequence. 53:58 And we have to have the whole picture to understand 54:00 what's going on from beginning to end 54:02 with regard of the thousand years 54:03 which is why we are doing a program on this subject 54:06 because it is very confusing to some 54:09 because it's been taught to be very confusing. 54:12 Even the Old Testament refers to the third coming of Christ. 54:16 We may be haven't used that term and we should at this point. 54:19 This is the second coming and the first resurrection. 54:21 This is third coming and the second resurrection 54:24 precipitating the second death 54:26 of the wicked and their judgment. 54:28 So this is the third coming of Christ. 54:30 And the Old Testament does the prophets 54:32 do allude also describe that third coming 54:37 one of them is Malachi 4:1-3 where talks about, 54:44 "All that behold the day is coming burning like an oven 54:48 and all the proud yes all who do wickedly will be stubble, 54:52 and the day which is coming shall burn them up, 54:55 says the Lord of Host that will leave them 54:57 neither root nor branch, but to you who fear my name, 55:01 the sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in his wings. 55:04 And you shall go out and grow fat like straw-fed calves. 55:08 You shall trample the wicked for they should be the ashes 55:10 under the soles of your feet on the day that I do this, 55:13 says the Lord of Host." Now why are the described 55:15 as being the ashes under the soles of their feet 55:18 because this fire not only destroys the wicked 55:23 and obliterates them from the earth? 55:27 It also purifies the earth and prepares it 55:30 for the new heavens and the new earth 55:33 that are created right before our eyes. That's right. 55:36 If you've ever wanted to see what creation is gonna be like, 55:40 be there because in Jesus at that moment 55:42 will then recreate the earth. 55:45 And set up a new heaven, a new earth 55:47 where God will reside with His people on this earth 55:50 and as sin is purified from it, 55:52 then it will leave room for then a new earth 55:55 untainted, unstained by sin. 55:57 And just saw that you remember 55:59 we talked about this in the prior program. 56:01 But Ezekiel 28:18 says that satan himself 56:06 will be destroyed by a fire 56:08 that the Lord brings forth from His midst. 56:11 And He will be devoured on the earth 56:14 and turned into ashes 56:16 in the sight of all of those who knew Him. 56:18 He's gonna be the midst of the subject here. 56:20 All of those who see what he has led them to do. 56:23 He has led them to transgress. 56:24 He will be turned to ashes in their presence. 56:26 And so if satan is gonna be destroyed, 56:29 his subjects are not gonna be tormented for ever and ever. 56:31 And John, right here I think it fits, 56:33 I talked about those who overcome 56:34 will not be blot out of the book of life. 56:37 But here is the second part of that Revelation 2:11, 56:40 "He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." 56:44 There you go. Ain't that beautiful? 56:45 Yeah, you know, and the last thing 56:47 I would say is can you imagine God keeping people alive 56:51 just to torment them for ever and ever on this earth? 56:54 Because that's where they are. 56:56 So can you imagine us living in a perfect world on the earth 57:00 just under our feet the saint, the lost people, 57:03 the sinners are burning 57:05 and crying out to God constantly. That's right. 57:07 I'm sorry, that's just not an accurate picture of God 57:10 nor is it an accurate description of the Bible 57:13 and what it says about this event. 57:15 Well, John, you're right. 57:16 The reason is right here Revelation 21:4, 57:18 "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. 57:20 There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, 57:22 nor crying, and there shall be no more pain 57:24 for the former things are passed away." 57:26 Friends, get ready for that event. 57:28 It's gonna come soon. May God bless you 57:30 and have a great day in Christ. |
Revised 2014-12-17