John 3There 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.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?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. 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. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
The Apostle Peter reminds his fellow Jews of this truth: 1 Peter 1:23 Being bornagain, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
The Apostle Paul also reminds the Jews of this: Hebrews 5:12-13 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
And he also writes to the Churches they are babes after salvation: Romans 2:20An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 1 Corinthians 3:1-2And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
But we are NOT to remain babes, drinking milk. We are to grow, and eat the meat of the word. We are to become of full age.
Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
We can’t even imagine what HEAVEN
will be like as the Scripture does not tell us about it.
Isaiah 64:4For since the beginning of the world menhavenot heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. 1 Corinthians 2:9But 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.
But it appears music will be part of
Heaven.
Revelation 5:8-9 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sunga new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; Revelation 14:1-3 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new songbefore the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. Revelation 15:2-3 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Mosesthe servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
The song of Moses is found in Exodus 15. It was song after
the LORD delivered the children of Israel (Jews) from the Egyptians and they
were on their way to the promise land.
The song of the Lamb is found in the above verses and
is sung by the REDEEMED to praise the LORD JESUS.
The Bible teaches us that one day we will receive a new body.
Psalm 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 1 Corinthians 13:12 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 John 3:2 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. Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 1 Corinthians 15:49-52 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.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.
Although the word body does not appear in the following references, it is certainly implied.
Daniel 12:1-2 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. Revelation 21:24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
Do you think Peter, James, and John saw ghosts or real bodies?
Matthew 17:1-3 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
The scripture makes it clear, everyone will have a new body, some in honor (Heaven) and some in dishonor (Lake of Fire)! Which will it be for YOU?
YOUR PAST CONDITION:“ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you:” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11a) AND THEN A CHANGE:“but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11b) “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” (Ephesians 2:1) PRESENT IDENTITY:“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” (Ephesians 2:19)“That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:”(Ephesians 2:12) “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.”(Romans 3:10-11) We “walked according to the course of this world” (Ephesians 2:2), in bondage to the world (Galatians 4:3) and blinded by Satan (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). YOUR NEW POSITION: “He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” (Ephesians 1:4) “if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). predestined “to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). YOUR NEW PURPOSE: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” (Ephesians 4:1) YOUR NEW NATURE:“. . . that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” (Ephesians 1:4) Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 2:15 YOUR NEW AUTHORITY:I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.(1 Corinthians 1:4-8) Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22) YOUR NEW CAPABILITIES: “. . . that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened.” (Ephesians 1:17-18)
The hope of our calling Romans 15:13-14
The riches of the glory of our inheritance Romans 11:33-36
The exceeding greatness of His power exercised on our behalf Ephesians 3:20; 6:10
YOUR NEW EXPECTATIONS: “This I say . . . that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk.” Ephesians 4:17 Romans 1:21-32, 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 2:16.
The17 commands that follow in Ephesians 4:25–5:7 check them out! Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Seven Deadly Sins listed in the Bible are Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Lust, Anger, Greed, and Sloth. The Bible covers topics relating to sin, repentance, forgiveness, salvation, and others that help provide biblical guidance for Christians to follow to resist the temptation of sin.
Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: Hebrews 2:17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:17But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? Hebrews 4:15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 5:1For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Hebrews 5:3And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. Hebrews 7:26-27For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. Hebrews 8:12For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 9:26For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Hebrews 9:28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 10:2-4For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Hebrews 10:6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Hebrews 10:8Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Hebrews 10:11-2And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; Hebrews 10:17-18 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Hebrews 10:26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, Hebrews 11:25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
1 Thessalonians 2:16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
1 Corinthians 6:18Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 1 Corinthians 7:28But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. 1 Corinthians 7:36But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry. 1 Corinthians 8:12But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 1 Corinthians 15:17And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 1 Corinthians 15:34Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. 1 Corinthians 15:56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 12:21And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. 2 Corinthians 13:2I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
Galatians 1:4Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: Galatians 2:15We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Galatians 2:17But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. Galatians 3:22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Romans 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; Romans 3:7For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? Romans 3:9What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; Romans 3:20Therefore 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 3:23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Romans 4:7-8Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Romans 5:8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:12-14Wherefore, 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:For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. Romans 5:16And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. Romans 5:19-21For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:1-2 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? Romans 6:6-7Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.For he that is dead is freed from sin. Romans 6:10-14For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Ephesians 1:7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Ephesians 2:1And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Ephesians 2:5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) Ephesians 4:26Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Colossians 1:14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Colossians 2:11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Colossians 2:13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
1 Timothy 1:9Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 1 Timothy 1:15This 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 5:20Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 1 Timothy 5:22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. 1 Timothy 5:24Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 2 Timothy 3:6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Titus 3:11Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
A period of time that begins with God’s judgment on the World for rejecting Him. As the list of references below show, it is still in the future. It will begin AFTER the Church (True Believer’s have been removed from the earth). Read 2 Thessalonians 5:1-11.
Old Testament
References:
Isaiah 2:12 For the dayoftheLord of hosts shall be upon every one … Isaiah 13:6 Howl ye; for the dayoftheLord is at hand; it shall come as … Isaiah 13:9 Behold, the dayoftheLord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. Jeremiah 46:10 For this is the dayoftheLord God of hosts, a day of vengeance, … Ezekiel 13:5 Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the dayoftheLord. Ezekiel 30:3 For the day is near, even the dayoftheLord is near, a cloudy day; … Joel 1:15 Alas for the day! for the dayoftheLord is at hand, and as a destruction … Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the dayoftheLord cometh, … Joel 2:11 And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the dayoftheLord is great … Joel 2:31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible dayofthe Lord come. Joel 3:14 Multitudes, …dayoftheLord is near in the valley of decision. Amos 5:18 Woe unto you that desire the dayoftheLord! to what end is it for you? the dayoftheLord is darkness, and not light. Amos 5:20 Shall not the dayoftheLord be darkness, and not light? … Obadiah 1:15 For the dayoftheLord is near upon all the heathen: … Zephaniah 1:7 Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord God: for the dayoftheLord is at hand: … Zephaniah 1:14 The great dayoftheLord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the dayoftheLord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. Zechariah 14:1 Behold, the dayoftheLord cometh, and … Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful dayoftheLord:
New Testament
References:
Acts 2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable dayofthe Lord come: 1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the dayofthe Lord Jesus. 2 Corinthians 1:14 As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are our’s in the dayof theLord Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the dayoftheLordso cometh as a thief in the night. 2 Peter 3:10 But the dayoftheLord 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.
As can be seen, all the references are future and NOT for true believers.
Jesus said (John 14:1-6) Apostle Paul wrote (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
Jesus:Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1 Paul:But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 Jesus: 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. John 14:2 Paul:For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 Jesus: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 14:3 Paul: For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 1 Thessalonians 4:15 Jesus:And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. John 14:4 Paul: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 Jesus:Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? John 14:5 Paul: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 Jesus: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6 Paul:Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:18
The Lord Jesus was speaking to Jewish followers (Apostles) and promising them that He would take care of them. Apostle Paul was speaking to Gentile (Believers) and how all would be taken to Heaven to be with Him.
A search of the Scripture will not produce the word RAPTURE. It is not in the KJV or many other translations. It is in the Latin Vulgate as RAPIEMUR.It means “caught up together”.Now that phrase is in the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. There are three teachings about when this event takes place and IT WILL TAKE PLACE. The PreTrib, the MidTrib, and the PostTrib. A study of the scripture points to a PreTrib Rapture. Since the Apostle is the only one who reveled this mystery, its to his writings that we will search. But some will say “What about? Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21 (words of Jesus)” A careful study of these passages will see that the Lord Jesus was teaching about the seven-year Tribulation that unbelieving Jews and the rest of the world will have to pass through before He returns bodily to set up His Kingdom on Earth to rule and reign from Jerusalem. As we study the writings of the Apostle Paul we find mysteries he was given, by the Lord, to reveal to Believers. These mysteries are for us to know: 1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the … Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, … Romans 11:25 For I would not, …, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, … Romans 16:25 Now …, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, … Ephesians 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to … Ephesians 3:3-4 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (…) Ephesians 5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and … Ephesians 6:19 And for me, …, to make known the mystery of the gospel, Colossians 1:26-27 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and … Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, … understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; Colossians 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he … 1 Timothy 3:9 Holding the mysteryof the faith in a pure conscience. 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mysteryof 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. We shall escape the wrath (Tribulation) to come: Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all …. Romans 5:9 … justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.| 1 Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain … 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
“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
Revelation 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
For generations, most of the world’s people have longed for peace, but the world continues to be at war. Evolutionists attribute this to ages of violent evolutionary struggle; the Bible attributes it to sin!
But it is wonderfully possible to have real personal peace even in a world at war. This is what the Bible calls “the peace of God,” and it surpasses all human understanding because it is provided by the God of peace, for the writer continues, “The God of peace shall be with you” (v. 9).
The God of peace! There are some wonderful promises associated with this beautiful name of our Lord. For example: “The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly” (Romans 16:20). Also: “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
The provision of God’s perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3) is specifically invoked in 2 Thessalonians 3:16: “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.” Perhaps the greatest promise of all is implied in the concluding prayer of the book of Hebrews: “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21).
There is only one other reference to the peace of God: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Colossians 3:15). The peace of God, from the God of peace, can rule in our hearts if we let it rule in our hearts. Then, as promised in our text, it will also keep our hearts!
Peace of, with, from God Mankind, from the beginning has wanted peace and has used war to accomplish attaining it. And of course, peace has eluded them. And the apostle has written: 1 Thessalonians 5:3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
This, of course is written to be full filled during the Tribulation. But during the age of grace, individules who believe the Gospel; I Corinthians 15:1-4 and obey the admission of Romans 10:9-13, that individual can experience the PEACE OF, FROM, WITH GOD
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:14And 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 3:16-18For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 12:28Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. Matthew 17:5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. 1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
OMNISCIENT – All Knowing Matthew 9:4And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? John 2:24-25 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
OMNIPOTENT – All Power John 1:12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Philippians 3:20-21For 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. Colossians 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Hebrews 1:8-10But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
OMNIPRESENT – Everywhere Matthew 18:20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 28:20Teaching 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.
Part of the God Head – Trinity John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:14And 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. 2 Corinthians 5:19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Colossians 2:8-9 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 1 Timothy 3:16And 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.
One with the Father (He is the Father Isaiah 9:6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.)
John 10:30 I and my Father are one. John 10:38But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. John 12:45And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. John 14:7If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Equal to God John 5:17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. John 5:23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. John 16:15All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. Philippians 2:6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 1 Thessalonians 3:11Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
Creator, Supporter, Preserver John 1:3, All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Colossians 1:16-17, 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: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Hebrews 1:1-3God, 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; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
LORD of All Acts 10:36,The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) Romans 10:11-13 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Jehovah God speaking Isaiah 43:3For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Isaiah 43:7Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Isaiah 43:10-11Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. Isaiah 44:6Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. Isaiah 48:12Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.
Jesus Christ speaking Revelation 1:8I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:11Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. Revelation 1:17-18And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 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 22:13I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Revelation 22:18-19For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Hebrews 1:7-11And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; John 20:28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. John 20:31But 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.
