"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and
is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished
unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness:" 2 Timothy 3:16
How does God talk to the prophets?
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy
men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter
1:21
What three parts of the Old Testament did Jesus refer
to in His teachings?
"And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while
I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were
written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms,
concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand
the scriptures," Luke 24:44, 45
Note: When Jesus was referring to the
scriptures He was referring to the Old Testament since the New Testament
was not written yet
According to Jesus to whom does the Old Testament
refer?
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have life: and they
are they which testify of me." John 5:39
"Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that
the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things,
and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets,
he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself."
Luke
24:25-27
Why are the experiences of men and women recorded
in the Bible?
"Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they
are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world
are come." 1 Corinthians 10:11
Why were the experiences of Jesus recorded in the
Bible?
"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ,
the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his
name." John 20:31
What can be the results of bible study?
"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which
are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is
in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:15
What are the benefits of scripture?
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good
works." 2 Timothy 3:16
According to Jesus where do men find Truth?
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John
17:17
What mistake did the Sadducees (a sect of the Jews)
make concerning the scriptures.
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures,
nor the power of God." Matthew 22:29
Why can't man, in his sinful nature, understand spiritual
things?
"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which
is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of
God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth,
but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But
the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:
for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because
they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:12-14
Who only can guide us into all Truth?
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you
into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever
he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."
John 16:13
Why should we study the Bible?
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy
2:15
How often should we study and search the Bible?
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received
the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily,
whether those things were so." Acts 17:11
Thought Promises.
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light
unto my path." Psalm 119:105
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against
thee." Psalm 119:11
WHO
IS
GOD?
How does the Bible introduce God?
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
Genesis 1:1
How long has God Been in existence?
"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the
earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art
God." Psalm 90:2
Where is God's dwelling place?
"And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people
Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in
heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive." 1 Kings
8:30
What evidence of God's existence are we able to see
or perceive?
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament
sheweth his handiwork." Psalm 19:1
"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous
are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalm 139:14
"But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of
the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall
teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who
knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?"
Job
12:7-9
How does the true God of heaven differ from the other
gods man has worshiped?
"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none
else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the
beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done,
saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:" Isaiah
46:9, 10
"For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made
the heavens." Psalm 96:5
"For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that
formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not
in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is
none else." Isaiah 45:18
Scripture declarations about God:
A. "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and
power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure
they are and were created." Revelation 4:11
B. "for great is our God above all gods ." 2 Chronicles
2:5
C. "And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but
not with God: for with God all things are possible." Mark
10:27
D. "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He
telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. Great
is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite."
Ps 147:3-5
E. "For I am the LORD, I change not." Malachi 3:6a
F. "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
1 John 4:8
What description did god give of Himself to Moses?
"And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The
LORD God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness
and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and
transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting
the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's
children, unto the third and to the fourth generation." Ex 34:6, 7
What is the relationship that God wants with all
of us?
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that
we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth
us not, because it knew him not." 1 John 3:1
"The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over
all his works." Psalm 145:9
"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven:
for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth
rain on the just and on the unjust." Matthew 5:45
WHY
IS
THERE
SIN
AND
SUFFERING?
Who was the first sinner?
"He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from
the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested,
that he might destroy the works of the devil." 1 John 3:8
How did the Devil (Satan) come to this world?
"And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven."
Luke
10:18
"What kind of being was Satan? Thou art the anointed cherub that
covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain
of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.
Thou
wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity
was found in thee." Ezekiel 28:14, 15
Note: "The cherub that
covereth is a description of the angel that stood next to the throne of
god in heaven" (Psalm 80:.1). This angel was created perfect and was the
most honoured of all the created beings, until he made himself into a devil
by trying to set his own will above the will of god.
What contributed to Satan's fall and rebellion in
heaven?
"Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast
corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will
cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold
thee." Ezekiel 28:17
What was Lucifer's ambition?
"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art
thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast
said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne
above
the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation,
in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the
clouds; I will be like the most High."
Isaiah 14:12-14
Note: Lucifer was Satan's name before
his fall.
What happened in heaven after Satan rebelled?
"And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought
against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed
not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great
dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan,
which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and
his angels were cast out with him." Revelation 12:7-9
To whom did Satan turn with deception after he was
expelled from heaven?
"Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the
LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath
God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said
unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But
of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath
said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And
the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall
be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the
woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to
the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit
thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did
eat." Genesis 3:1-6
What territory does Satan now claim as a result of
man's fall?
"And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto
him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil
said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them:
for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it." Luke
4:5, 6
How does Satan exercise tyranny over mankind?
"So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and
smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown."
Job 2:7
"And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan
hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond
on the sabbath day?" Luke 13:16
Why is Satan increasing his efforts to ruin mankind?
"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and
strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ:
for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them
before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the
Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives
unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them.
Woe
to the inhabitors of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down
unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short
time." Revelation 12:10-12
How did Jesus earn the right to finally destroy Satan?
"He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the
beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he
might destroy the works of the devil." 1 John 3:8
"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he
also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he
might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;" Hebrews
2:14
How will God ultimately destroy the Devil?
"By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee
with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as
profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering
cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted
up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy
brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before
kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries
by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick;
therefore
will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee,
and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them
that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall
be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be
any more." Ezekiel 28:16-19
SIN ENTERS
THE
HUMAN
FAMILY
What were God's instructions to Adam
in the Garden of Eden?
"And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to
dress it and to keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying,
Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of
the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in
the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."
Genesis 2:15-17
But Adam and Eve disobeyed God. . .
"And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God
doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened,
and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman
saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes,
and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof,
and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."
Genesis
3:4-6
What resulted from there disobedience?
"And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know
good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also
of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God
sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from
whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed
at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubim's, and a flaming sword which
turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." Genesis 3:22-24
How did sin affect the relationship between man and
God?
"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and
your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." Isaiah
59:2
What has been the result of Adam's
sin upon all of mankind?
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by
sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"
Romans 5:12
Besides Jesus, are there any other
people that have not sinned?
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
Romans 3:23
Can a sinful man do anything to change
his fallen condition?
"Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then
may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil." Jeremiah
13:23
How do we obtain eternal life?
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23
How many people is God willing to save?
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness;
but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish,
but
that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9
Though God is love, He is also just. God does not
overlook guilt. . .
"And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed
the name of the LORD. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed,
The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and
abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving
iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear
the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children,
and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation."
Exodus 34:5-7
In what way did God find a way to save sinful man?
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life." John 3:16
Why did Jesus come to earth?
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."
Luke
19:10
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21
What did God the Father lay on Jesus as he lay on
the cross?
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own
way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah
53:6
What do we have to do to receive God's grace?
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:
it
is the gift of God:" Ephesians 2:8
What did Paul tell the jailer to do in order to be
saved?
"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou
shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31
When should we decide to receive the free gift of
salvation?
"For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of
salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time;
behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2
The Bible tells us that Jesus is knocking on the
doors of our harts. What does He invite us to do?
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and
open
the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he
with me." Revelation 3:20
"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God
hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the
name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and
that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." 1 John
5:12, 13
What do we become as we accept Christ as our Saviour
and Lord?
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" John 1:12
JESUS,
THE
MAN
WHO
IS
GOD
How long has Jesus, the Son of God, been in existence?
"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands
of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler
in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."
Micah
5:2
"And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory
which I had with thee before the world was." John 17:5
Who is Jesus, the Word, according the the Bible?
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his
glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace
and truth." John 1:1, 14
What does paul say about Jesus?
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was
manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels,
preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into
glory." 1 Timothy 3:16
What did other witnesses say about Jesus?
A. "And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son
of the living God." Matthew 16:16
B. "Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus,
saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly,
saying, Truly this was the Son of God." Matthew 27:54
C. "And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God."
John 20:28
What part did Jesus play in the creation of this
world?
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word
was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were
made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 14.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
John 1:1-3,14
"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven,
and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones,
or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by
him, and for him:" Colotians 1:16
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto
the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by
his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also
he made the worlds;" Hebrews 1:1, 2
What did Jesus do to become our Saviour?
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who,
being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with
God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of
a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being
found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient
unto death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2:5
Why did Jesus leave heaven and come to this earth
to die?
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."
1 Timothy 1:15
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which
was lost." Luke 19:10
What was Mary told about Jesus?
"And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon
thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also
that
holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."
Luke
1:35
What did peter say about the life of Jesus?
"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with
power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed
of the devil; for God was with him." Ac 10:38
When the Disciples asked Jesus to show them the Father,
what did Jesus tell them:.
"Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet
hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father;
and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?" John 14:8
What kind of life did Jesus live on this earth?
"Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who,
when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened
not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:" 1 Peter 2:22,
23
What demonstration did God make by the death of His
Son?
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
Thought Promises:
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other
name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts
4:12
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowedupon
us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the
world knoweth us not, because it knew him not." 1 John 3:1
THE
WAY
TO
ETERNAL
LIFE
How many "good" people are there on earth?
"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:"
Romans 3:10
The Apostle Paul expresses the human dilemma:
"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing:
for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I
find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which
I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no
more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me." Romans 7:18-20
Why did Paul say that man in his natural condition
cannot please god?
"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject
to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they
that are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:7
What happens if we allow our sinful nature to control
us
"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually
minded is life and peace." Romans 8:6
Did Paul find deliverance from his sinful nature?
"O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of
this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then
with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law
of sin." Romans 7:24
Faith in Christ allowed Paul to live a successful
Christian life:
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ
liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by
the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for
me." Galatians 2:20
How did Jesus describe the conversion experience?
" There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that
thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that
thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily,
verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see
the kingdom of God." John 3:1-3
Did Nicodemus (a prominent jew) understand what Jesus
told him?
"Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old?
can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" John
3:4
How did Jesus explain to Nicodemus could be born
again?
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except
a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into
the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that
which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto
thee, Ye must be born again." John 3:5-7
How does God accomplish this change ( conversion
) in our lives?
"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof,
but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is
every one that is born of the Spirit." John 3:8
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are
the sons of God." Romans 8:14
How does Paul describe the "Born Again" experience?
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2
Corintians 5:17
How does God give us the knowledge and desire to
obey Him?
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do
of his good pleasure." Philippians 2:13
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith
the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will
I write them;" Hebrews 10:16
Will the new Christian continue to live a life of
sin?
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may
abound?God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to
sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized
into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried
with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up
from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in
newness of life." Romans 6:1-4
Can we expect forgiveness if we sin after we have
been born again?
"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.
And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the
righteous:" 1 John 2:1
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9
Thought Promises:
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth
me." Philippians 4:13
HEAVEN
WILL
BE
A
REAL
PLACE
Just before His death and resurrection, what promise
did Jesus make to His followers?
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye 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 unto myself; that where
I am, there ye may be also." John 14:1-3
How does the Bible describe the "Father's House"?
"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down
from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." Revelation
21:2
What description does the Bible give us of this Holy
City, New Jerusalem?
A." And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large
as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand
furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal."
Revelation
21:16
Note: A furlong is an 1/8th of an English
mile. Which would mean that this city, forming a perfect square is at least
375 miles (600 Km) width/length/hight on each side!
B. "And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the
city was pure gold, like unto clear glass." Revelation 21:18
C. "And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished
with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper;
the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;"
Revelation 21:19
D. "And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates,
and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the
names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: Revelation 21:21
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several
gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it
were transparent glass." Revelation 21:12
E. "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon,
to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb
is the light thereof." Revelation 21:23
What very special tree will be growing in the middle
of the New Jerusalem which was also in the Garden of Eden?
A "In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river,
was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded
her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the
healing of the nations." Revelation 22:2
B "Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to
till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and
he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword
which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." Genesis
3:23, 24
God intends to make this earth the eternal home for
thoughts that are saved:
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Matthew
5:5
Note: This will occur at the end of the 1,000
year period the redeemed spend with God in heaven. A more complete explanation
will be found in a succeeding study." 1,000 years of peace"
God will re-create the earth:
A "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens
and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13
B "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first
heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."
Revelation
21:1
God will transport His capital city, the New Jerusalem,
to earth!
"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out
of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great
voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men,
and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself
shall be with them, and be their God." Revelation 21:2, 3
The earth made new, will be perfect!
A "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the
deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and
the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters
break out, and streams in the desert." Isaiah 35:5
B "The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall
eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat.
They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD."
Isaiah 65:25
C "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more;
neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat." Revelation 7:16
D "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there
shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there
be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation
21:4
God's redeemed people will be satisfied!
"And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they
shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build,
and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the
days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long
enjoy the work of their hands." Isaiah 65:21. 22
They will worship and praise God:
"And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another,
and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship
before me, saith the LORD." Isaiah 66:23
According to Jesus, in heaven we will become acquainted
with other Bible characters:
"And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west,
and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of
heaven."
Matthew 8:11
According to the apostle Paul friends will meet and
recognize each other in heaven:
"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now
I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." 1
Corinthians 13:12
Thought Promise
"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither
have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared
for them that love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9
JESUS
WILL
COME
AGAIN!
Under oath, what declaration did Jesus give to the
High Priest at his trial?
"Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you,
Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power,
and coming in the clouds of heaven." Matthew 26:64
Why will Jesus return?
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye 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 unto myself; that where
I am, there ye may be also." John 14:1-3
Is there another reason for His second coming?
A "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels;
and
then he shall reward every man according to his works."
Matthew
16:27
B "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give
every man according as his work shall be." Revelation 22:12
His coming will be literal!
According to the heavenly angels, how will Christ
return to this earth?
"And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken
up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they
looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by
them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye
gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you
into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
Acts
1:9-11
His coming will be visible!
Everyone living at the time of Jesus' return will
see Him coming:
A "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him,
and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail
because of him. Even so, Amen." Revelation 1:7
B "And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men,
and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every
free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
And
said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face
of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
For
the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" Revelation
6:15-17
His coming will be Audible!
What triumphal sounds shake the earth as Jesus comes?
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,
with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump
of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:" 1 Thessalonians
4:16
How does Peter describe the deafening sound of that
momentous day when Jesus returns?
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night;
in
the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the
elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that
are therein shall be burned up."'
2 Peter 3:10
Immediate, dramatic changes will
occur At His Coming!
What thrilling change takes place as Jesus returns?
"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall
all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at
the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be
raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." 1 Corinthians 15:51
What instructions will Jesus give to the angels when
He appears?
"And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall
all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming
in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall
send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather
together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."
Matthew
24:30, 31
What happens to the living, righteous saints when
Christ appears?
"Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with
them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we
ever be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonian 4:17
There will will be a mighty earthquake :
"And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was
a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair,
and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth,
even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty
wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and
every mountain and island were moved out of their places."
Revelation
6:12-14
His Coming Will Be Glorious!
To what can we compare the glory and brightness of
Christ's coming?
"For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth
even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."
Matthew 24:27
Whose glory will add to the splendour of Christ's
coming?
"For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the
Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in
his Father's, and of the holy angels." Luke 9:26
A Warning Of Counterfeit Christ's!
What specific warning did Jesus give so His followers
would not be deceived?
A "Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert;
go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the
west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matthew 24:26, 27
B "For there shall arise false Christ's, and false prophets,
and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were
possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Matthew 24:24
His Coming Will Be Unexpected!
Who only knows the day and the hour of Second Coming
of Jesus?
"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels
of heaven, but my Father only." Matthew 24:36
Why should we be always ready for Jesus' return?
A "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not
the Son of man cometh." Matthew 24:44
B "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your
hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this
life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall
it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye
therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all
these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."
Luke
21:34-36
Thought Promises:
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet
appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall
be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that
hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." John 3:2,
3
"And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God;
we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD;
we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."
Isaiah 25:9
TIME IS
RUNNING
OUT
What question did the disciples ask Jesus concerning
the end of the world?
"And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto
him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall
be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" Matthew
24:3
Here are some of signs Jesus said would
occur at the end of the world:
War And Bloodshed
"And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that
ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end
is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom
against kingdom"
Natural Disasters And Calamities
"and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes,
in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows."
Religious Persecution
"Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you:
and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then
shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one
another."
False Prophetes And Teachers, Immorality And Divorce
"And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
And
because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."
Matthew 24:6-12
Additional signs of the end times:
Economic Woes
"Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall
come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are
motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall
be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye
have heaped treasure together for the last days." James 5:1-3
A Selfish And Proud Generation At The End....
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,
blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural
affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers
of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures
more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying
the power thereof: from such turn away." 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Two prophetic writings are to be given special attention
at the time of the end:
A "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book,
even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge
shall be increased." Daniel 12:4
B "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto
him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to
pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant
John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus
Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and
they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which
are written therein: for the time is at hand." Revelation 1:1,3
Note: The prophetic writings are widely recognized
as apocalyptic ( That is having to do with the end of time ); the book
of Daniel In the Old Testament and the book of Revelation in the New Testament.
What did Jesus say about Daniel's prophesy and event
at the end of time?
"When
ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel
the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him
understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
For
then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning
of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. Then if any man shall
say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall
arise false Christ's, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and
wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very
elect." Matthew 24:15, 16, 21, 23, 24
What special message will be preached to the whole
world just before Christ returns?
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting
gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation,
and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God,
and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come:
and
worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains
of waters." Revelation 14:6,7
What events will mark the climax of earths final
crisis?
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the
stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the
sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for
looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the
powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man
coming in a cloud with power and great glory." Luke 21:25-27
What should all God's redeemed do when all these
signs come to pass?
"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift
up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21:28
What final admonition did Jesus offer His followers?
"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts
be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life,
and so that day come upon you unawares. Watch ye therefore, and pray
always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that
shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Luke 21:34,
36
WHAT ABOUT
GOD'S
LAW?
What was Christ's attitude toward God's law?
"I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is
within my heart." Psalm 40:8
How did Jesus address God's law in His most famous
sermon?
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets:
I
am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you,
Till
heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from
the law, till all be fulfilled." Matthew 5:17,18
How did God make His law known?
"And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him
upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written
with the finger of God." Exodus 31:18
Note these facts about God's law
A. No human was found
in the formulating of the Ten Commandments as found in Exodus 20:1-17.
Everything else in the Bible was written by the prophets. Not so with
the Ten Commandments! If some parts of the Bible were purer than others,
this would be the ultimate! Government cannot exist without law and order.
Society cannot function without rules. Men cannot do business without certain
guidelines. Children cannot play games without rules. Even Nature has her
laws! Should we be surprised then that God governs His Universe by law?
B. The Ten Commandment
law, written on stone by God's own finger, was placed INSIDE
the
ark.
"At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like
unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark
of wood. And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first
tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark. And I made
an ark of shittim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first,
and went up into the mount, having the two tables in mine hand. And he
wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments,
which the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire
in the day of the assembly: and the LORD gave them unto me. And I turned
myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which
I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me." Deuteronomy 10:1-5
C. A second "law"
was written by Moses in a book (instead of on stone), and placed in
the side of the ark.
"And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words
of this law in a book, until they were finished,
That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant
of the LORD, saying, Take this book of the law, and put it in the
side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may
be there for a witness against thee". Deuteronomy 31:24-26
A Comparison of
God's Law and Moses' Law
God's Law
Moses' Law
Called "The Law of the Lord" Isaiah 5:24
Called "the law of Moses Luke 2:22
1 Corinthians 9:9
Written by God on stone Exodus 31:18; 32:16
Written by Moses in a book 2 Chronicles 35:12
Deuteronomy 31:24
Placed inside the ark Deuteronomy 10:2, 5
Placed in the side of the ark Deuteronomy 31:26
Points out sin Romans 7:7; 3:21
Added because of sin Galations 3:19
Not grievous 1 John 5:3
Contrary to us Collosians 2:14
Called "The Royal Law" James 2:8
Called "The law contained in ordinances" Ephesians 2:15
Judges all men James 2:10-12
Judges no man Collosians 2:14-16
Spiritual Romans 7:14
Carnal Hebrews 7:16
Perfect Psalm 19: 7
Made nothing perfect Hebrews 7:19
What is the purpose of the the law of God?
"What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not
known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law
had said, Thou shalt not covet." Romans 7:7
What is the purpose of the law of Moses?
"Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions,
till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained
by angels in the hand of a mediator." Gal 3:19
Note: Unfortunately Paul does not differentiate
between the two laws, but refers only to the "law". As a result many have
concluded that God's law (Ten Commandments) has been done away with. However,
as we read the context, we can readily discern which law Paul was referring
since he states that it was "written in the book of the law" and not on
stone (see Galations 3:10)
Those who love God and their fellow man, fulfil (keep)
the law of God!
Jesus said:
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and
great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the
law and the prophets." Matthew 22:37-40
Note: Some theorize that the Ten Commandments
are the Father's, while Christ's commandments are just two, totally unrelated
to the Ten Commandments of the Old Testament. A careful study of the Ten
Commandments however, reveals that the first four deal with our love toward
God, while the last six deal with our relationship with to our neighbour.
This is why Jesus said, on these two commandments and Christ's commandments
are one and the same!
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even
as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." John 15:10
"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments,
and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of
heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called
great in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:19
"And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good
but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the
commandments." Matthew 19:17
Paul wrote:
"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth
another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit
adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear
false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment,
it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore
love is the fulfilling of the law."
Romans 13:8-10
The Bible Conclusion:
Old Testament
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep
his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes
12:13
New Testament
"For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in
one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit
adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if
thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and
so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty." James 2:10-12
LAW AND
GRACE
What is the bible definition of sin?
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is
the transgression of the law." 1 John 3:4
How many have sinned?
"For all have sinned, and come short
of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23
What have all sinners earned?
"For the wages of sin is death;" Romans 6:23a
How then does God save sinners?
A. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal
life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23
B "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not
of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man
should boast." Ephesians 2:8,9
According to Paul, what does our faith in Christ
do to the law?
"Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we
establish the law." Romans 3:31
If we keep the law does this save us?
"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified
in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." Romans 3:20
Then what purpose does the law have?
"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in
his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." Romans
3:20
If the law only points out sin, how is it then, that
we can be cleansed and saved from our sins?
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have
fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son
cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7
Note: The law can only point out sin in our
lives. It cannot forgive us for that sin. Forgiveness can only come through
the sacrifice of Jesus. James 1:23-25 tells that while a mirror may show
us what we look like, the mirror will not remove any dirt that is on our
face! We need to wash our face with soap and water in order to be clean.
When it comes to sin, God's law is the mirror that reveals it, and Jesus'
cleansing blood removes it!
Does grace give us a license to break God's law
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may
abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live
any longer therein? For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are
not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because
we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid." Romans
6:1,2,14,15
Note: Sin is defined as the transgression
of God's law. Jesus came to save us from our sins, not in them. Grace is
not a license to sin; it is the power that God gives to stop sinning.
What has our Heavenly Father promised regarding his
law?
"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after
those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and
write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they
shall be to me a people:" Hebrews 8:10
What special blessing is pronounced in the last chapter
of the bible?
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right
to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Revelation 22:14
Thought Promises
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall
enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father
which is in heaven". Matthew 7:21
A DAY TO
REMEMBER
God created the heavens and the earth in six days.
What did He do on the seventh day to make it his special day?
A. "And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had
made;"
B. "he rested on the seventh day from all his work which
he had made."
C. "God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it:"
Genesis 2:2,3a
Which day is the seventh day?
The dictionary answer:
"Seventh day, Saturday, the seventh day of the week"
(Webster's New Twentieth Century Dictionary, Unabridged Second Edition,
1973)
Throughout the Bible, what unique expression or name
is given to the seventh day?
"For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that
in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed
the sabbath day, and hallowed it." Exodus 20:11
According to scripture, to whom does this day belong?
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt
thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath
of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor
thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy
cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:" Exodus 20:8-10
Note: In a previous lesson, the importance
of God's Ten Commandments has been noted. A simple reading of the Ten Commandments
will reveal how many words God devoted to the Sabbath Commandments (4th
commandment) as compared with the other nine.
Think It Through:
THE LAW
OF GOD
COMPARE
Commandment
Words Used
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
1
8
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness
of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath,
or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself
to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting
the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth
generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them
that love me, and keep my commandments.
2
91
Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for
the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
3
27
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou
labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the
LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor
thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor
thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven
and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day:
wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
4
94
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be
long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
5
22
Thou shalt not kill.
6
4
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
7
5
Thou shalt not steal.
8
4
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
9
9
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet
thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his
ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. Exodus 20:3-17
10
33
What three specific commands are encompassed in the
fourth commandment?
1. "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy" Exodus 20:8
2. "Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:"
Exodus 20:9
3. "But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in
it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter,
thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that
is within thy gates:" Exodus 20:10
Think It Through:
Jesus' Words:
A. "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as
I
have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." John
15:10
Jesus' Example:
B. "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as
his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day,
and stood up for to read." Luke 4:16
C. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
Hebrews 13:8
According to the New Testament, who created everything?
A. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto
the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto
us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things,
by
whom also he made the worlds;" Hebrews 1:1,2
B. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God. All things were made by him; and without him
was not any thing made that was made. He was in the world, and the world
was made by him, and the world knew him not. And the Word was made
flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory
as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John
1:1,3,10,14
Note: Jesus created the world. The Creator
Himself came to die for us. One who is equal with God, because He is God.
By remembering to keep the sabbath holy, we acknowledge our faith in Jesus,
not only as our Saviour, bat also as our creator.
Which day of the week did the Apostle Paul keep holy?
"And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath
days reasoned with them out of the scriptures," Acts 17:2
Did Paul teach both Jews and Gentiles on the Sabbath?
"And he (Paul) reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded
the Jews and the Greeks....And he continued there a year and six
months, teaching the word of God among them." Acts 18:4,11
According to the book of Acts, when did the Gentiles
request that the truth of Christ be presented to them?
"And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought
that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. And the next
sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God."
Acts 13:42,44
So many centuries have passed, can Christians be
certain just which day the seventh day of the week is?
The Bible answer:
A. "This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took
it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn
in stone, wherein never man before was laid. And that day was the
preparation, and the sabbath drew on." Luke 23:52-54
Note: Christ died on "Good Friday." Friday,
the sixth day of the week was called the preparation by the Jews. They
were to prepare for the Sabbath which would begin at sundown on friday.
God's creation days with the evenings or the dark part first; the daylight
portion followed. (Genesis 3:5-31). Hence God's instructions to observe
Sabbath from "'even (evening) unto even." (See Levites 23:32; also Mark
1:21, 32).
B. "And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed
after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they
returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day
according to the commandment." Luke 23 55-56
Note: The closest followers of Christ observed
the Sabbath hours, keeping God's Commandments even in His death!
C. "And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and
rested the sabbath day according to the commandment." Luke 23:56;
"Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the
morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had
prepared, and certain others with them. And they entered in, and found
not the body of the Lord Jesus." Luke 24:1,3
Note: This scripture passage is very helpful
in establishing the fact that the seventh day of the week mentioned in
the Bible, the day called "The Sabbath" (see Mark 16:1, 2)
Sabbath Facts:
The Sabbath was given to be a blessing to mankind:
"And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man
for the sabbath:" Mark 2:27
The Sabbath is the Lord's day:
"Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath." Mark
2:28
The Sabbath is not for work or business:
"In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath,
and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs,
and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath
day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.
There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner
of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah,
and in Jerusalem. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto
them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath
day?" Nehamiah 13:15-17
The Sabbath is not a day for secular pleasure seeking
but a day for spiritual pursuits
"If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure
on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable;
and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure,
nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD;
and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed
thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath
spoken it." Isaiah 58:13, 14
When Jesus creates the new earth, what will we do
on the Sabbath?
"For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain
before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.
And
it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one
sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me,
saith
the LORD." Isaiah 66:22, 23
What did Jesus say is lawful to do on the Sabbath?
"And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: And, behold,
there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying,
Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. And
he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one
sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold
on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep?
Wherefore
it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days." Matt 12:9-13
Thought Promises
"But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of
God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth
in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." 1 John
2:5, 6
"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and
his commandments are not grievous." 1 John 5:3
HOW DID
SUNDAY
BECOME
THE
POPULAR
DAY?
What vow did God make?
"My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out
of my lips." Psalm 89:34
What is God's unbreakable covenant?
"And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to
perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables
of stone." Deuteronomy 4:13
Note: God vowed that He would never alter
or change His covenant law. If any change has been attempted, it it certainly
was not done by Jesus, for He Himself said, "Think not that I am
come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy,
but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass,
one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till
all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments,
and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of
heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called
great in the kingdom of heaven." Matt 5:17-19
Eight New Testament texts
Note: In the Bible sunday is always referred
to as the first day of the week, and there are only eight
scripture references in the New Testament which mention the first day of
the week. If there is a command to keep sunday holy then it should be found
in one of these passages.
Below are five New Testament first day texts. Do
any of these texts suggest that sunday, the first day of the week, is to
be considered holy?
1. "In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first
day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see
the sepulchre." Matt 28:1
2. "And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother
of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and
anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week,
they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun". Mark 16:1,2
3. "Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week,
he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils."
Mark 16:9
4. "Now upon the first day of the week, very early in
the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they
had prepared, and certain others with them." Luke 24:1
5. "The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early,
when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away
from the sepulchre." John 20:1
The sixth first day text involves a gathering of
the disciples on the evening of the resurrection day. According to the
passage why were the assembled there?
6. "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week,
when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear
of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto
them, Peace be unto you." John 20:19
Note: Some claim the disciples had gathered
to keep holy the first day of the week in honor of the resurrection . However
Mark explains that the disciples did not even believe that Jesus had been
raised from the dead until He appeared in there midst that evening! "Afterward
he appeared unto the eleven .... and upbraided them with their unbelief
and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him
after he was risen." Mark 16:14
The seventh first day text involves contributions
requested by Paul for the poor:
7 "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order
to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day
of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath
prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come."
1 Corinthians 16:1,2
Note: Paul was not suggesting sabbath in order
to receive a public collection at a Sunday service. Rather, Paul's desire
was that collections be done during the week so that he could devote more
time to teaching and preaching on the Sabbath!
The eighth and final first day text, deals with a
farewell meeting Paul had on the first day of the week:
8. "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together
to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow;
and continued his speech until midnight. And there were many lights
in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together." Acts 20:7, 8
Note: The fact that disciples broke bread
at this meeting does not indicate that the day was holy, since the early
believers "broke bread every day of the week:" Acts 2:46.
Notice to that the meeting took place at night since verse 8 says, "There
were many lights in the upper chamber." In the previous lesson, it was
noted that a day, according to the Bible, is measured from sundown to sundown.
the dark part of the day, or evening, comes first in the Bible, then comes
the light part, (Genesis 1:5, 8, 13). Paul called this meeting for the
dark part of sunday, which is what we call today Saturday night.
The Good News Bible translates this text as follows: "On Saturday evening
we gathered together for the fellowship meal. Paul spoke to the people
and kept speaking until mid night, Saturday night, since he planed to leave
the next day". The book of acts records eighty-four sabbath meetings,
but only one Saturday night meeting. Should this be considered
a command to change the day of worship?
But most christians observe Sunday rather than Sabbath;
when did the change take place?
Note: Early in the fourth century A.D., the
Emperor Constantine issued a decree making Sunday a public festival throughout
the Roman Empire. The day of the sun (SUNday) was reverenced by his pagan
subjects and was honoured by some Christians. "It was the emperor's policy
to unite the conflicting interests of heathenism and Christianity. He was
urged to do this by the bishops of the church, who, inspired by ambition
and thirst for power, perceived that if the same day was observed by both
Christians and heathen, it would preserve the nominal acceptance
of Christianity by pagans and thus advance the power and glory of the church."
Afterward, in the year 364 A.D., at the Council of Leodicea, the Catholic
Church approved the change of the day of worship and commanded to keep
Sunday as the holy day instead of Saturday.
Question: What challenge do the Catholics give to Protestants
concerning Sunday?
Answer: "The Church changed the observance of the Sabbath
to Sunday by the rite of divine, infallible authority given to her founder,
Jesus Christ. The Protestant, claiming the Bible to be the only guide of
faith, has no warrant for observing Sunday." The Catholic Universe Bulletin,
August 14, 1942
Question: Have you any other way of proving that the Church has
power institute festivals of precept?
Answer: "Had she not such power, she could not have done
that in which all modern religionists agree with her ---- she could not
have substituted the observance of Sunday, the first day of the week, for
the observance of Saturday, the Seventh day, a change for which there is
no Scriptural authority." Rev. Stephen Keenan, A Doctrinal Catechism, page
174.
"Catholicism Speaks"
"Sunday is a Catholic institution,
and its claims to observance can be defended only on Catholic principles.
From beginning to end of scripture there is not a single passage that warrants
the transfer of weekly public worship from the last day of the week to
the first." - Catholic Press, Sydney, Australia, August, 1900
"Protestantism in discarding
the authority of the (Roman Catholic) Church, has no good reason for its
Sunday theory, and ought logically to keep Saturday as the Sabbath." -
John
Gilmary Shes, in the American Catholic Quarterly Review,' January 1883
"It is well to remind
the Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, and all other Christians, that
the Bible does not support them anywhere in there observance of
Sunday. Sunday is an institution of the Roman Catholic Church, and those
that observe the day observe a commandment of the Catholic Church." - Priest
Brady, in an address reported in the Elizabeth, N.J. `News' of March 18,
1903
"Question -- Have you any other way of proving
that the (Catholic) Church has power to institute festivals of precept
(to command hole days)?"
"Answer -- Had she not such power she could
not have done that in which all modern religionists agree with her; She
could not have substituted the observance of Sunday, the first day of the
week, for the observance of Saturday the seventh day, a change for which
there is no Scriptural authority." - Steven Keenan, `A Doctrinal Catechism.'
p. 176
"Reason and common sense demand the acceptance
of one or the other of these alternatives: either Protestantism and the
keeping of Saturday, or Catholicity and the keeping of Sunday. Compromise
is impossible." - The Catholic Mirror' December 23, 1893
"God simply gave His (Catholic Church the
power to set aside whatever day or days, she would deem fit as Holy Days.
The Church chose Sunday, the fist day of the week, and in the course of
time added other days, as holy days. - Vincent J. Kelly, `Forbidden
Sunday and Feast-day Occupations,' p.2
"Protestants . . Accept Sunday rather than
Saturday as the day for public worship after the Catholic Church made the
change . . But the Protestant mind does not seem to realize that . . in
observing the Sunday, they are accepting the authority of the spokesman
for the church, the Pope." - `Our Sunday Visitor,' Friday 5, 1950
"We hold upon this earth the place of God
Almighty." - Pope Leo XIII, in an Encyclical Letter, dated June 20,
1894
"Not the Creator of the Universe, in Genesis
2:1-3, - but the Catholic Church "can claim the honor of having granted
man a pause to his work every seven days." - S.O. Mosna, `Storia delfa
Dominica,' 1969, pp. 366-367
"The Pope is not only the representative of
Jesus Christ, but he is Jesus Christ Himself, hidden under veil of flesh."
- `The Catholic National.' July 1895
"If Protestants would follow the Bible, they
would worship God on the Sabbath Day. In keeping the Sunday they are following
a law of the Catholic Church." - Albert Smith, Chancellor of the Archdiocese
of Baltimore, replying for the Cardinal in a letter dated February 10,
1920
"We define that the Holy Apostolic See (the
Vatican) and the Roman Pontiff holds the primacy over the whole word."
-
A Decree of the Council of Trent, Quoted in Philippe Labbe and Gabriat
Cosaart, `The Most Holy Councils,' Vol. 13 col. 1167
"It was the Catholic Church which, by the
authority of Jesus Christ, has transferred this rest (from the Bible Sabbath)
to the Sunday . . . Thus the observance of Sunday by the Protestants is
an homage they pay, in spite of themselves, to the authority of the (Catholic)
Church." - Monsignor Louis Segur, `Plain Talk about the Protestantism
of Today,' p. 213
"We observe Sunday instead of Saturday because
the Catholic Church transferred the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday,"
- Peter Geiermann, CSSR, `A Doctrinal Catechism,' 1957 edition, p. 50
"We Catholics, then have precisely the same
authority for keeping Sunday instead of Saturday as we have for every other
article of our creed, namely, the authority of the Church . . . you who
are Protestants have really have no authority for it whatever; for there
is no authority for it (Sunday sacredness) in the Bible, and you will not
allow that there can be authority for it anywhere else. Both you and we
do, in fact, follow tradition in this manner; but we follow it, believing
it to be a part of God's word, and the (Catholic) Church to be its divinely
appointed guardian and interpreter; you follow it (the Catholic Church),
denouncing it al the time as a fallible and treacherous guide, which often
"makes the commandments of God of none effect' quoting Matthew 15:6." -
The
Brotherhood of St. Paul, `The Clifton Tracts,' Vol. 4, tract 4 p. 15
"The Church changed the observance of the
Sabbath to Sunday by right of the divine, infallible authority given to
her by her founder, Jesus Christ. The Protestant claiming the Bible as
the only guide of faith, has no warrant for the observing Sunday. In this
matter the Seventh-Day Adventist is the only consistent Protestant." -
`The Catholic Universe Bulletin.' August 19, 1942 p. 4
"Protestantism Speaks"
Baptist: "there was and is a commandment
to keep holy the Sabbath day, but the Sabbath day was not Sunday. It will
however be readily said, and with some show of triumph, that the Sabbath
was transferred to the first day of the week, with all its duties, privileges
and sanctions. Earnestly desiring information on this subject, which I
have studied for many years, I ask, were can the record of such a transaction
be found? Not in the New Testament - absolutely not. There is no Scriptural
evidence of the change of the Sabbath instituting from the seventh to the
first day of the week." - Dr. E.T. Hiscox, author of the `Baptist Manual'
Congregationalist: "It is quite clear
that however rigidly or or devotedly we may spend Sunday, we are not keeping
the Sabbath . . The Sabbath was founded on specific, divine commandment.
We can plead no such commandment for the observance of Sunday . . There
is not a single line in the New Testament to suggest that we incur any
penalty by violating the sanctity of Sunday." - Dr. R. W. Date, `The
Ten Commandments,' pp. 105-107
Lutheran Free Church: "For when there
could not be produced one solitary place in the Holy Scriptures which testified
that either the Lord Himself or the apostles had ordered such a transfer
of the Sabbath to Sunday, then it was not easy to answer the question:
Who has transferred the Sabbath, and who has had the right to do it?" -
George
Sverdrup, `A New Day'
Protestant Episcopal: "The day is now
changed from the seventh to the first day . . but as we meet with no Scriptural
direction for the change, we may conclude it was done by the authority
of the church." - Explanation of Catechism'
Baptist "The Scriptures nowhere cal
for the first day of the week the Sabbath . . There is no Scriptural authority
for doing, nor of course, any Scriptural obligation." - `The Watchman'
Presbyterian: "There is no word, no
hint in the New Testament about abstaining from work on Sunday. The observance
of Ash Wednesday, or Lent, stands exactly on the same footing as the observance
of Sunday. Into the rest on Sunday no Divine Law enters." - Canon Eyton,
in `The Ten Commandments'
Anglican: "And where are we told in
Scripture that we are to keep the first day at all? We are commanded to
keep the seventh; but we are nowhere commanded to keep the first day."
- Isaac Williams, `Plain Sermons On The Catechism,' pp. 334-335
Disciples of Christ: "There is no direct
Scriptural authority for designating the first day "the Lord's Day." -
Dr.
D.H. Lucas, `Christian Oracle,' January, 1890
Methodist: "It is true that there is
no positive command for infant baptism. Nor is there any for keeping holy
the first day of the week. Many believe that Christ changed the Sabbath.
But, from His own words we see the He came for no such purpose. Those who
believe that Jesus changed the Sabbath base it only on supposition." -
Amos
Binney, Theological Compendium,' pp. 180-181
Episcopalian: "We have made the change
from the seventh day to the first day, from Saturday to Sunday, on the
authority of the one holy, Catholic, apostolic church of Christ." - Bishop
Symour, `Why We Keep Sunday'
Southern Baptist: "The second name
of the Seventh day is the Sabbath. This fact is to clear to require argument
(Exodus 20:10) . . . On this point the plain teaching of the Word has been
admitted in all ages . . Not once did the disciples apply the Sabbath law
to the first day of the week - that folly was left for a later age, nor
did they pretend that the first day supplanted the seventh." - Joseph
Judson Taylor, `The Sabbath Question,' pp.14-17, 41
American Congregationalist: "The current
notion that Christ and His Apostles authoritatively substituted the first
day for the seventh, is absolutely without any authority in the New Testament,"
- Dr. Layman Abbot, in the `Christian Union.' June 28, 1890
Christian Church: "Now there is no
testimony in all the oracles of that the Sabbath has changed, or that the
Lord's Day came in the room of it." - Alexander Campbell, in `The Reporter,'
October 8, 1921
Baptist: "To me it seems unaccountable
that Jesus, during three years discussion with His disciples, often conversing
with them upon the Sabbath question, discussing it in some of its various
aspects, freeing it from its false (Jewish traditional) glosses, never
alluded to any transference of the day; also, that during the forty days
of His resurrection life, no such thing was intimated. Nor, so far as we
know, did the spirit, which was given to bring to their remembrance all
things whatsoever that He had said unto them, deal with this question.
Nor yet did the inspired apostles, in reaching the gospel, founding churches,
counselling and instructing those founded, discuss or approach the subject.
"Of course I quite well know that Sunday did
come into use in the early Christian history as a religious day, as we
learn from the Christian Fathers and other sources. But what a pity it
comes branded with the mark of Paganism, and christened with the name of
the sun-god, that adopted and sanctified by the Papal apostasy, and bequeathed
as a sacred legacy to Protestantism." - Dr. E.T. Hiscox, report of his
sermon at the Baptist Minister's Convention, in `New York Examiner,' November
16, 1893
"You may read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and you will not
find a single line authorizing the sanctification of Sunday. The Scriptures
enforce the religious observance of Saturday a day which we (Catholics)
never sanctify." Cardinal Gibbons, The Faith of Our Fathers, page 111
Think it Through:
"Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines
the commandments of men. For lying aside the commandments of God,
ye hold the tradition of men as the washing of pots and cups: and many
other such things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject
the commandments of God, that ye may keep your own traditions." Mark
7:7-9
WHY
BAPTISM
Note: The English word baptize is from
the Greek "baptizo" meaning "to immerse." In the Bible "to bury beneath
the water."
According to Jesus, how important is baptism?
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be
born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
John 3:5
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that
believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16
Who was first to administer baptism in the New
Testament?
"In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness
of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is
at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying,
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair,
and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild
honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region
round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing
their sins." Matthew 3:1-6
Why was John baptizing in the wilderness?
"And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there
was much water there: and they came, and were baptized." John 3:23
Note: John needed "much water" to baptize,
The practice of sprinkling or pouring crept into the church during the
12th century AD. History preserves this record: "For several centuries
after the establishment of Christianity, baptism was usually conferred
by immersion; but since the twelfth century, the practice of baptism by
infusion (pouring) has prevailed in the Catholic Church, as this manner
is attended with less inconvenience than baptism by immersion. The Church
exercises her discretion in adapting the most convenient modes, according
to the circumstances of time and place. "James Cardinal Gibbins, Faith
of Our Fathers, 94 edition, pg. 277 (emphasis added)
How do we know that Jesus was baptized by immersion?
"And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens
opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:" Mark 1:10
Why is it necessary for Jesus to be baptized?
"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized
of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized
of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him,
Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.
Then he suffered him." Matthew 3:13-15
Note: Jesus did not receive baptism as a confession
of gilt on His own account. He identified Himself with other sinners, taking
the steps we are to take, and doing the work we must do. His life of suffering
and patient endurance after His baptism was also an example to us.
Bible Conditions For Baptism:
1. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,
and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38
2. "And the eunuch answered Philip, and said... what doth hinder
me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest
with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I
believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." Acts 8:34-37
3. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded
you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
Amen". Matthew 28:19, 20
Peter preached Jesus as "Christ" on the Day of
Penticost. How did the people respond"
"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and
the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." Acts
2:41
What instruction was given to Paul after he understood
the Plan of Salvation?
"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away
thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Acts 22:16
What spiritual lessons are experienced in baptism?
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ
were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him
by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead
by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we
shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this,
that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed,
that henceforth we should not serve sin." Romans 6:3-6
Note: By baptism we declare our faith in our
Saviour's death, burial, and resurrection. Being baptized into His death,
we die in our sins. Being buried with Him by baptism, we bury our past
sinful life. Finally, we are raised to new spiritual life "in the likeness
of His resurrection."
Thought Promise:
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ
have put on Christ." Galations 3:27
"To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and
power, both now and ever. Amen." Jude 24:25
WHAT
HAPPENS
AT
DEATH
For what good reason did Jesus reprove the Sadducees
and teachers of Hid day?
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures,
nor the power of God." Matthew 22:29
Then, if we want to know the truth about the subject
of death, to what reliable source should we turn?
"And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits,
and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people
seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law
and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because
there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:19, 20
What does the Bible say happens to a man at death?
"Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit
shall return unto God who gave it." Ecclesiastics 12:7
This simple statement of Scripture agrees fully with the Genesis record.
At man's creation, what two elements did God combine
to make man a living soul?
"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed
into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." Genesis
2:7
Note: Here are the same two elements mentioned
in Ecclesiastics 12:7. The "dust of the ground" is the body, and the "breath
of life" is the "spirit" that comes from God. God did not put a living
soul in Adam! Adam became a living soul after God breathed into his nostrils
the breath of life. A light bulb cannot turn on without electricity. The
light turns only when the light bulb and electricity unite. When the electricity
is turned off, the light ceases to exist. According to the Bible, when
the breath departs from the body, the soul ceases to exist. Here is the
simple equation:
DUST + SPIRIT = LIVING SOUL DUST - SPIRIT = DEAD PERSON
Can we be sure the Scripture expressions "breath
of life" and "spirit" mean the same?
"All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit
of God is in my nostrils;" Job 27:3
Note: Here is the equation once more:
DUST + BREATH (orSpirit) = LIVING SOUL DUST - BREATH (orSpirit) = DEAD SOUL
What the Bible says about man's condition in death
He has no thought: "His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very
day his thoughts perish." Psalm 146:4
He has no knowledge: "For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not
any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory
of them is forgotten." Ecclesiastics 9:5
He has no emotion: "Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished;
neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done
under the sun." Ecclesiastics 9:6
There is no activity: "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for
there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave,
whither thou goest." Ecclesiastics 9:10
He does not praise God: "The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down
into silence."' Psalm 115:17
"For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who
shall give thee thanks?" Psalm 6:5
How did Jesus explain "death" to his disciples?
" Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out
of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall
do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had
spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly,
Lazarus is dead." John 11:11-14
When did Martha expect her bother to live again?
"Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto
him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last
day." John 11:23, 24
Note: Martha was a close friend and follower
of Jesus. She had listened attentively to what He thought about the Resurrection
at the last day as Christ promised.
When can we expect the resurrection of all those
who have died believing in Jesus?
"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But
every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they
that are Christ's at his coming." 1 Corinthians 15:22, 23
According to the Bible, whose voice will the dead
here before there resurrection?
"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that
are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they
that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have
done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." John 5:28, 29
According to Paul, when are the saints resurrected
and taken to heaven?
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,
with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the
dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall
be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the
air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:16,
17
At the resurrection, how will our bodies be changed?
"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour,
the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may
be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working
whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." Philippians
3:20, 21
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His
disciples. Did He, as many suppose, have a "spirit body"?
"And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and
saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted,
and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are
ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands
and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit
hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have." Luke 24:36-39
Note: Even though the resurrected body of
Jesus was made up of "flesh and bones," the disciples still did not believe
Him. "And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto
them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled
fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them." Luke
24:41-43
Thought Promises:
"I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold,
I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."
Revelation
1:18
"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall
all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last
trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised
incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible
must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal
shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying
that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where
is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" 1 Corinthians 15:51-55
1,000 YEARS
OF
PEACE
Note: The phrase "one thousand years"
appears six times in Revelation Chapter 20. This "one thousand year" period
is often referred to as the
millennium from the Latin mille
and annus, meaning thousand years.
How many resurrections did Jesus say would take
place?
"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are
in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that
have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that
have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." John
5:28, 29
When will the resurrection of the righteous dead
take place?
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,
with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the
dead in Christ shall rise first:" 1 Thessalonians 4:16
Note: It is at the Second Coming of Jesus
that the resurrection of the righteous takes place.
What does the book of Revelation call this resurrection
of the righteous?
"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:
on
such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and
of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. And when the
thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison," Revelation
20:6,7
The Biblical Millennium
We live in the last days of history. The end of life as man know it is
nearly ended. Soon Jesus will return. We only have one period of probation--and
that during your present life. The Millennium will not be a thousand
years of glory and peace here on earth! And it will not be an age of
technological progress or a "second chance" for the wicked. All mankind
will not be converted before it, during it, or after it! And neither
Christ nor His redeemed ones will be on the earth during that thousand
years.
Here is the truth about the Millennium and
the events that mark its beginning and end:
1-Jesus is going to return for His people:
He promised us that he would (John14:1-3), and so we can know He will
2-There are four identifying marks of His Second
Coming that cannot be counterfeited by false Christs: (1) He
will come so that all that are alive at on the earth at that time can see
Him return (Rev 1:7; Ac 1:9; Matt 24:30, 23-27). (2) He will come
so that all can hear Him as He returns (Matt 24:31; 1 Thess 4:16). (3)
He
will come in majestic glory--His own glory, His Fathers glory, and the
glory of millions of angels that will come with Him (Lk 9:26; Matt 28:2-4;
Matt 25:31; Rev 6:17-17). (4) He will come unexpectedly (Matt 24:44;
24:36).
3-His Second coming will mark the beginning of
the Millennium. Six events will take place: (1) He will raise the righteous
dead (1 Thess 4:16). (2) He will catch up the righteous living together
with the resurrected righteous dead--to meet Him in the clouds (1 Thess
4:17). (3) He will change their vile bodies to be like unto His
glorious body (Phil 3:20-21)And translate them (1Cor 15:51-55; Isa 25:9).
(4)
Having gathered all the righteous (1 Thess 4:17-18; Matt 25:34-40; 24:30-31)
He will take His redeemed ones to heaven (Jn 14:1-3; 17:24; 1 Thess 4:16-18).
(5)
He will destroy the living wicked with the brightness of His coming (Lk
17:26-30; 2 Thess 2:8). (6) He will bind Satan to this earth for
a 1,000 years (Rev 20:2-3).
4-During the Millennium, the earth will be desolate
(Rev
20:3; Jer 4:23-26;Isa 24:1,3). The wicked are dead (2 Thess 2:8). There
is no man left (Isa 24:20-22; Jer 4:25-26; 25:31-33). Satan is bound on
a desolate earth (Rev 20:1-3). The righteous are in heaven (Rev 20:4,6;
Dan 7:22) engaged in a work of judgement (Rev 20:4; 1 Cor 6:1-3; Acts 24:25;
Jude 6).
5-At the close of the Millennium, the Holy City
descends from heaven (Rev 20:9;21:1-5; Zech 14:4,9) the wicked are
raised in the "second resurrection" (Rev 20:5). Satan is thus loosed to
deceive them again (Rev 20:7-8). Satan and the wicked surround the Holly
City to take it (Rev 20:8-9). All of the wicked are destroyed (Rev 20:9),
and this earth is made new (Rev 21:1-5; 2 Peter 3:10-14).
What happens to the "living righteous" when Jesus
comes?
"Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with
them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we
ever be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:17
What happens to the "living wicked" when Jesus
comes?
Old Testament Prophecy:
"And the slain of the LORD shall be at that day from one end of the
earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented,
neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground."
Jeremiah 25:33
New Testament Prophecy:
"And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume
with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of
his coming:" 2 Thessalonians 2:8
How do we know the "wicked dead" (the un-saved
of ages past) will not be disturbed or resurrected at the Second Coming
of Jesus
"But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years
were finished. This is the first resurrection." Revelation 20:5
Note: The 1,000 year period of peace begins
immediately following the Second Coming of Jesus. These 1,000 years are
bound by two resurrections: 1) the resurrection of the righteous which
occurs at the beginning of the 1,000 years when Jesus comes again, and
2) the resurrection of the wicked which occurs at the end of the 1,000
years. Examine the chart carefully. It will simplify these Bible events.
What will the righteous (the redeemed of all ages)
be doing in heaven during the 1,000 years?
"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgement was given
unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the
witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped
the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their
foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ
a thousand years. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in
the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but
they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a
thousand years." Revelation 20:4, 6
"Do ye not know that thesaints shall judge the
world?" 1 Corinthians 6:2
What will be the condition of the world during
the 1,000 years?
Old Testament Prophecy:
"I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens,
and they had no light. I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled,
and all the hills moved lightly. I beheld, and, lo, there was
no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled. I
beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities
thereof were broken down at the presence of the LORD, and by his fierce
anger. For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate;
yet will I not make a full end." Jeremiah 4:23-27
New Testament Prophecy:
"And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came
a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It
is done. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and
there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth,
so mighty an earthquake, and so great. . . . . and the cities of the nations
fell:. . . .And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
Revelation" 16:17-20
What happens to Satan during the 1,000 years?
"And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless
pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon,
that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand
years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a
seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand
years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season."
Revelation 20:1-3
Note: "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
he has caused to be committed." The Great Controversy, pg. 660
When will the second resurrection (for the wicked)
take place?
"But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years
were finished. This is the first resurrection." Revelation 20:5
When will Satan be released from his prison?
"And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out
of his prison," Revelation 20:7
When Satan is released, what act will reveal he
has not changed but remains a rebel against God?
"And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out
of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are
in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them
together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea."
Revelation 20:7, 8
What will happen to Satan and his resurrected,
wicked followers, as they attempt to take the City of God?
"And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the
camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from
God out of heaven, and devoured them. And death and hell were cast into
the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found
written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation
20:9, 14, 15
When the fire from God has completed its cleansing
work, what has God promised to do for the redeemed?
"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens
and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
2 Peter 3:13
Who will inhabit the earth made new?
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:5
Thought Promise:
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle
of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his
people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And
God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more
death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon
the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write:
for these words are true and faithful." Revelation 21:3-5
WHAT
AND
WHERE
IS
HELL
When will a "harvest", or separation between the
wicked and the righteous take place?
"The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of
the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares
are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of
this world." Matthew 13:39, 40
Can we be certain that no person, righteous or
wicked, has received any reward or punishment before the Second Coming
of Jesus?
"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels;
and
then he shall reward every man according to his works." Matthew
16:27
Note: Bible statements regarding the judgement
and punishment of the wicked and the eternal reward of the righteous are
numerous and clear. They plainly reveal that the wicked are not now "burning
in hell" nor yet have the righteous received there reward! Notice these
typical scripture declarations:
"The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and
to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgement to be punished:"
2 Peter 2:9
"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give
every man according as his work shall be." Revelation 22:12
Will God find pleasure in the death of the wicked?
"Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure
in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live:
turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?"
Ezekiel 33:11
Is it God's plan that any man or woman should
perish?
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness;
but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish,
but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9
For whom did God prepare the final fire of judgement?
New Testament Prophecy:
"Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye
cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:"
Matthew 25:41
Old Testament Prophecy:
"Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities,
by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire
from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to
ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee."
Ezekiel 28:18
How utterly complete will the destruction of Satan
and those wicked who have refused salvation?
Of Satan:
"All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee:
thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more."
Ezekiel 28:19
Of The Wicked:
"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all
the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day
that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it
shall leave them neither root nor branch." Malachi 4:1
Note: See how plainly the Bible describes
the utter destruction of the wicked:
A. "The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked
will he destroy." Psalm 145:20
B. "But the wicked shall perish, . . . they shall consume; into
smoke shall they consume away." Psalm 37:20
C. "Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger:
the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour
them." Psalm 21:9
D. "They shall be as though they had not been." Obadiah
16:
After the destruction of the wicked is completed,
how much fire will remain?
"Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall
not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not
be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it." Isaiah 47:14
What does the Bible call the death that is the
final punishment of the wicked?
"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their
part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is
the second death." Revelation 21:8
How clearly did Jesus indicate that the "second
death" judgement would destroy both body and soul?
"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul:
but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in
hell." Matthew 10:28
Note: The expression "hell" is actually translated
from the original language meaning "grave". While some believe a soul cannot
die or be destroyed, the Bible plainly declares, "the soul that sinneth,
it shall die."
"Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the
soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die." Ezekiel
18:4
What kind of fire will God use to ultimately cleanse
the earth of sin?
"Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner,
giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are
set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." Jude
7
Note: This "eternal" fire is not burning today!
It is the effect of the fire, that is eternal, and not the fire itself.
Is there another example of "eternal" or "unquenchable"
fire in the Bible?
"But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not
to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath
day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall
devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched."
Jeremiah 17:27
Note: Ancient Jerusalem was buried with fire
that could not be quenched (Jeremiah 52:12, 13). It burned the city to
the ground, but it is not burning today!
Doesn't the Bible contradict itself? Doesn't
the Bible Judgement fire that burns for ever and ever? "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire
and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall
be tormented day and night for ever and ever." Revelation 20:10
Note: At first glance it may appear that the
Bible is contradicting itself. But Scripture must be compared with Scripture.
For example the previous verse in Revelation (20:19) declares:
"And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp
of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from
God out of heaven, and devoured them." Revelation 20:9
Note: "Fire from God devours them"! God does
not burn human beings for millions of years because they lived wickedly
for 60, 70 or 80 years hear on earth. This is not consistent with God's
love or the whole os Scripture on the subject. The results of the
fire are eternal not the fire itself!
Are there any other examples of "for ever" used
in Scripture that can clarify this mater?
A. "Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also
bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore
his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever."
Exodus 21:6
Note: "for ever" must necessarily mean for
as long the servant remained alive.
B. " I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with
her bars was about me for ever; yet hast thou brought up
my life from corruption, O LORD my God." Jonah 2:6
Note: here "for ever" can only
mean for as long Jonah remained
in the belly of the fish..
C. "But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not
go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that
he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever. For this
child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of
him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as
he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD
there." 1 Samuel 1:22, 27, 28
God's Promise To The Righteous:
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there
shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there
be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
Revelation 21:4
THE
BIBLE
AND
GOOD
HEALTH
What is God's wish for everyone?
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be
in health," 3 John 2
What was God's promise to do for His people if
they will obey Him?
"And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and
thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee."
Exodus 23:25
As our creator, what does God claim as His property?
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost
which
is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and
in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20
What warnings God issued regarding the care of
the body?
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall
God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."
1 Corinthians 3:16, 17
Note: The Christian should avoid any and all
harmful substances. Tobacco contains nicotine, a deadly poison. Recent
scientific findings establish the fact that the use of tobacco often shortens
the life span by as much as one-third. This violates God's commandment
against killing (Exodus 20:13). Most people are aware of the harmful effects
of tobacco, but what about debilitating beverages? "Tests clearly show
that the pharmacological effects coffee were due to its caffeine content....It
is reasonable to classify the coffee-drinking, or caffeine habit with other
drug habits -- opiates, alcohol, barbiturates, and nicotine....The popular
cola drinks get there appeal from their caffeine content; should not "cola"
addiction be classified with drug addiction? There are tea addicts, too."
New England Medical Journal, May 13, 1954.
What is man's responsible service toward God?
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present
your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service." Romans 12:1
Note: God wants us to be healthy. In the Bible
we find the guidelines for health and happiness. God will not force us
to follow His manual, but failure to follow it will result in poor heath.
His promise is, And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice
of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and
wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put
none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians:
for I am the LORD that healeth thee. Exodus 15:26
Does the Bible advise against the use of alcoholic
beverages?
A. "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived
thereby is not wise." Proverbs 20:1
B. "Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour
in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth
like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder." Proverbs 23:31, 32
C. "Nor thieves, . . .nor drunkards, . . .shall inherit the kingdom
of God." 1 Corinthians 6:10
What was God's original plan for man's diet?
"And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed,
which
is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is
the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat."
Genesis 1:29
Note: God's original diet for man included
grains, nuts, fruits and herbs (vegetables). Flesh food was not included
in man's diet until after the flood (Genesis 9:1-3). When flesh foods became
part of man's diet, his life span was greatly shortened!
What distinction or division did God make between
the animals when He sent them into Noah's ark?
"Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the
male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two,
the male and his female." Genesis 7:2
What is God's definition of a "clean" animal?
"And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them, Speak
unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye
shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth. Whatsoever
parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts,
that shall ye eat." Levites 11:1-3
What are some of the animals God lists as "unclean"
and unfit for food?
"Yet of those that chew the cud or have the hoof cloven you shall
not eat these: the camel, the hare, and the rock badger, because they chew
the cud but do not part the hoof, are unclean for you. And
the swine, because it parts the hoof but does not chew the cud, is unclean
for you. Their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not
touch." Deuteronomy 14:7, 8
Note: In other words, animals of the field
must pass these two tests. Evidently there is something about animals that
do not pass these these tests or God would not hold them from us, for "no
good thing will be withhold from them that walk uprightly" Psalm 84:11
What about seafood and fish?
"These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath
fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall
ye eat. And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and
in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing
which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you:"
Levites 11:9, 10
Are there "clean" and "unclean" fowl?
""You may eat all clean birds. But these are the ones which you shall not
eat: the eagle, the vulture, the osprey, the buzzard, the kite, after their
kinds; every raven after its kind; the ostrich, the nighthawk, the sea
gull, the hawk, after their kinds; the little owl and the great owl, the
water hen and the pelican, the carrion vulture and the cormorant, the stork,
the heron, after their kinds; the hoopoe and the bat " Deuteronomy
14:11-18
Years after Peter became a Christian, he received
a vision from God. In his vision, he saw a great sheet descend from heaven
filled with unclean and heard a voice saying to him, "Rise, Peter; kill,
and eat." What did Peter reveal about his diet?
"But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is
common or unclean." Acts 10:14
Note: Peter did NOT change his diet when he
became a Christian. He observed the dietry laws of the Old Testament.
What was not clear to Peter after he received
the vision?
"Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen
should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry
for Simon's house, and stood before the gate," Acts 10:17
Two days later, what did Peter understand was
the meaning of the strange vision?
"And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a
man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation;
but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean."
Acts 10:28
Note: In the eyes of a Jew, a Gentile was
an unclean human being, and the Jews were thought not to associate with
Gentiles. This vision was the means God used to convince Peter that it
was now time to take the gospel to the Gentiles. Some Christians use Chapter
10 of Acts, especially verse 15, "What God hath cleansed, that call not
thou common." as license for eating unclean animals. However, a careful
reading of the vision reveals that God told Peter not to treat any human
being as unclean or common. The human stomach is the same whether Jew or
Gentile! God's dietry laws have never changed.
A Summary Of Bible Principles For Good Health
1. Eat at regular intervals and avoid eating between
meals. "Eat in due season"
"Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy
princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!" Ecclesiastics
10:17
2. Eat to live and don't live to eat.
"And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite." Proverbs
23:2
"And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place,
and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no
leisure so much as to eat." Mark 6:31
"It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread
of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep." Psalm 127:2
4. Keep your body clean.
"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves
from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the
fear of God." 2 Corinthians 7:1
"Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing;
go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the
LORD." Isaiah 52:11
5. Control yourself.
"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.
Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible."
1 Corinthians 9:25
"Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand." Philippians
4:5
6. Put on a happy face.
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the
bones." Proverbs 17:22
7. Do not use animal fat or animal blood in any
form.
"It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your
dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood." Levites 3:17
8. Help those that are in need.
"Loose the bands of wickedness. . . .undo the heavy burdens. . . .deal
thy bread to the hungry. . . .bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.
. . .when thou seest the naked. . . cover him. . .Then. . . .thine
health shall spring forth speedily:" Isaiah 58:6-8
9. Trust and obey God.
"My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. For
they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh."
Proverbs 4:20, 22
10. Give God the glory in everything you do.
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the
glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
WHAT
THE
BIBLE
SAYS
ABOUT
MONEY
Who alone is the rightful owner of this world
and everything in it?
"The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world,
and they that dwell therein." Psalm 24:1
What else does God claim?
"For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon
a thousand hills." Psalm 50:10
"The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD
of hosts." Haggai 2:8
Who gives us the ability to obtain wealth?
"But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth
thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which
he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day." Deuteronomy 8:18
What great danger do we face as we prosper in
material goods?
"Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God,. . . lest when thou
hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses . . and when thy
herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied.
. .then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God
. . and thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath
gotten me this wealth." Deuteronomy 8:11-17
"The love of money is the root of all evil:" 1 Timothy
6:10
As God prospers us, what important question should
be foremost in our thoughts?
"What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward
me?" Psalm 116:12
God makes man a steward or manager of His goods
on earth. What part of these possessions does God claim are holy to Him?
"And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the
land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto
the LORD." Levites 27:30
Note: Here is an interesting point, God claims
as His, one-seventh of our time and one-tenth of our possessions. Tithe
means tenth. God does not need any of our wealth. He is the one who has
everything. However, He shares His wealth with us that we may give back
to Him, thus keeping open the springs of unselfishness., appreciation,
and gratitude toward Him. If we were to keep everything for ourselves,
greed would take over with all its tragic consequences.
The "tithing" system has been observed by God's
people from the earliest times.
Of Abraham, the scripture says:
"And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into
thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all." Genesis 14:20
And Jacob vowed to God:
"And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and
of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee."
Genesis 28:22
How does God appropriate the tithe?
"I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel
for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the
service of the tabernacle of the congregation." Numbers 18:21
Note: The Levites were the priests or full-time
ministers of those days.
Is tithe paying a valid New Testament principle
as well?
"Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of
the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are
partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they
which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." 1 Corinthians
9:13, 14
What special blessing does God promise to thoughts
who faithfully pay tithe?
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there
may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD
of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out
a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will
rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the
fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the
time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts." Malachi 3:10, 11
What warning is given regarding those who keep
the tithe for there own use?
"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein
have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me,
even this whole nation." Malachi 3:8, 9
Note: A tenth of all your increase belongs
to God. It is His holy tithe, to be used in the work of the ministry and
to spread the gospel of Christ. Those who return a faithful tithe to God
are not giving offerings. What we give above the tithe is an offering,
or gift to God.
Think it through:
Some reasons, "I cannot afford to give God tithes and offerings; I can
scarcely pay my bills now." But specific Bible promises are made to those
who trust God and put Him first!
A.. "And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider
the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet
I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and
tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men
of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall
we eat?' or' What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles
seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them
all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things
shall be yours as well. ." Matthew 6:28-33
B. "Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits
of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,
and thy presses shall burst out with new wine." Proverbs 3:9, 10
C. "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure,
pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into
your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall
be measured to you again." Luke 6:38
D. "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the
righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Psalm 37:25
SUCCESS
IN
THE
CHRISTIAN
WAY
Feed On Gods Word
What spiritual food, according to Jesus and Peter,
must the believer "eat" if he is to maintain a successful Christian
experience?
"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
Matthew 4:4
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye
may grow thereby:" 1 Peter 2:2
Why and how should the Scripture be studied?
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to
be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
2 Timothy 2:15
Ask God To Direct Your Life
What assurance belongs to those who pray?
"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask
any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know
that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions
that we desired of him." 1 John 5:14, 15
What exemplary prayer life is recorded of King
David, Daniel the Prophet, and Jesus?
David:
"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry
aloud: and he shall hear my voice. Psalms 55:17
Daniel:
"Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house;
and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled
upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his
God, as he did aforetime." Daniel 6:10
Jesus:
"And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went
out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." Mark
1:35
"And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain
to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." Luke
6:12
What conditions are necessary in order for our
Heavenly Father to answer our prayers?
1. Perseverance. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"
Ephesians 6:18
2. Faith. "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is
like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed." James 1:6
3. We need to forgive others. "Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled
to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." Matthew 5:24
4. We should not have unconfessed sins. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:" Psalms
66:18
5. We need to keep God's law. "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer
shall be abomination." Proverbs 28:9
6. Pray according to God's will. "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any
thing according to his will, he heareth us:" 1 John 5:14
Respect God's Property
Especially His Time
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt
thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath
of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor
thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy
cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the
LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested
the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and
hallowed it." Exodus 20:8-11
Especially His Tithe
"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein
have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed
with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all
the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and
prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you
the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not
be room enough to receive it." Malachi 3:8, 10
Put Others Before Yourself
Jesus said: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do
to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."
Matthew 7:12
The Apostle Paul said: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness
of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look
not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
Philippians 2:3, 4
Be Clean In Everything You Do
In Thought
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things
are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there
be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Philippians 4:8
In Conversation
"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner
of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,"
2 Peter 3:11
In Department (your behaviour)
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even
as he walked. . . . And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth
himself, even as he is pure. 1 John 2:6 & 3:3
In Your Body
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost
which
is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
If any
man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple
of God is holy, which temple ye are. For ye are bought with a price:
therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are
God's. 1 Corinthians 6:19; 3:17; 6:20
"For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and
the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all
the nations that are upon the earth. Thou shalt not eat any abominable
thing." Deuteronomy 14:2, 3
In Your Dress and Adornment
"Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put
away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change
your garments: And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were
in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and
Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem." Genesis 35:2, 4
"In the same way also, I desire that women adorn themselves in
decent clothing, with modesty and sensibleness, not adorned with braiding,
or gold, or pearls, or costly clothing, but with good works, which
becomes women professing godliness. " 1 Timothy 2:9
"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting
the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let
it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible,
even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of
God of great price." 1 Peter 3:3, 4
Be Prudent in Your Finances
"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that
loveth another hath fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8
Seek The Fellowship Of Believers
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging
one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. "
Hebrews 10:24,25
Surrender Everything To Christ
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him
deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke
9:23
"Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken
all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And every
one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother,
or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold,
and shall inherit everlasting life." Matthew 19:27, 29
Share Christ With Others
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I
am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:19,
20
Keep God's Commandments
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right
to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Revelation 22:14
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and
keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God
shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether
it be good, or whether it be evil." Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14
