Beliefs about the Afterlife (LXI)

"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel." (Heb. 12: 22-24)

"Have come" is often translated as "drawn near." So, if the city of God is yet future, how can believers be said to have drawn near to it in their conversions to and growth in Christ? Answer: They have drawn near to it by having been converted to Christ, the firstborn (Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15, 18; Hebrews 1:6; 12:23; Revelation 1:5), and by being "in Christ," that is, by being united to him and becoming one with him. However, though this is true, it does not mean that the above text affirms that the "city of the living God" is now on earth and in its present heavens, for that, as we have seen, is yet future, not coming down from God out of heaven until Christ comes and ushers in the Millennial kingdom and when saints occupy the New Jerusalem in the new heavens and earth.

Notice from the text the various groups who will be part of heavenly Zion, the New Jerusalem. It confirms much of what we previously observed about the various groups of persons who will become part of the coming Millennial kingdom. You have "an innumerable company of angels." The words "innumerable company" is from a single Greek word, the word "myrias" meaning "myriads" (it being plural). 

Next we have "the general assembly and church (eklesia) of the firstborn." The first thing we need to ascertain is whether the conjunction "and" (Greek "kai") means "in addition to" or "even," for both usages are evident in the new testament. In other words, is "general assembly" the same entity as "assembly of the firstborn"? Greek scholar and bible teacher, Kenneth Wuest, writes the following:

"The words “general assembly” are the translation of paneguris (πανεγυρις), “a festal gathering of the whole people to celebrate public games or other solemnities” (classical meaning). Here it refers to a festal gathering of the holy angels, and to the saints of God, living and dead." (as cited here)

"Church," however, is from the Greek word "ekklesia" and refers to a gathering or assembly of citizens for any purpose. It literally denotes, generally speaking, people who have been called out or summoned to assembly or gathering. In ancient Greece, the citizens of the democracies, such as in Athens, were called out by a town "crier" to come and assemble for conducting business affairs of state or to be addressed by a magistrate or other official. Further, by "the assembly or church" is meant the whole body of saved men and women. It is not only used of a local church, but may denote the church universal, taking in every redeemed soul from the beginning of the world until the second coming of Christ. This is that church which the Lord has "purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20: 28), being the wife of the Lord (Eph. 5: 25-27). Therefore, we conclude that the conjunction "and" means "in addition to" so that the "general assembly," or "festal gathering" of the angels is not the same entity as "church of the firstborn." Those who are members of this blessed group are "registered in heaven." This is no doubt a reference to "the book of life," also called "the Lamb's book of life." (Phil. 4: 3; Rev. 3: 5, 20: 12, 15; 13: 8; 21: 27)

In "church of the firstborn" the Greek word for "firstborn" (prototokon) is in the plural, a fact rarely pointed out by commentators. Literally it is "the assembly of the firstborn ones." That literally means "assembly of God's firstborn sons." But, if there is a firstborn, it suggests that there are other children who are not firstborn, but later born children. I agree with Dr. Seiss (cited earlier) who sees the "church of the firstborn ones" as denoting those who are saved prior to the coming of Christ and the rapture and resurrection of the saved while the church or assembly of the later born children refers to those who are saved afterward, in the beginning of the Millennium or during it, perhaps even those who are saved throughout the ages following.

In the bible, in Israel, the firstborn son was entitled to several privileges over and above what later born children were given. Wrote the brothers at Got Questions (See here):

"In biblical times, the firstborn was given certain unique rights, responsibilities, and privileges. A married couple’s firstborn male child was given priority and preeminence in the family, and the best of the inheritance. The nation of Israel is identified as God’s “firstborn” in the Bible (Exodus 4:22; Jeremiah 31:9); in other words, Israel held a special place of privilege and blessing among the nations...As a result, the firstborn son became the primary heir of the family. The firstborn’s birthright involved a double portion of the household estate and the leadership of the family if his father became incapacitated or was absent for some reason (Deuteronomy 21:17)."

The church, or body of Christ, includes every person chosen and called from the beginning until the second coming of Christ. These are the "assembly of the firstborn ones." Those saved after the coming of Christ would be children of the later or after born. 

What group is intended by "the spirits of just men made perfect"? I believe, as many others, that this is a reference to saints who have died and gone to Paradise to be with Christ. The family of God may be compared to a tree where part of it is visible (above ground) and part of it is invisible (below ground). That is why Paul, in speaking of "the whole family of God" says "in heaven and earth." (Eph. 3: 15) But, that interpretation raises other questions. How do Christians "draw near" in their lives to these spirits of the saved departed dead? The bible condemns necromancy, that is, any communication with the spirits of the departed dead, either those in heaven or those in hell. So then, how do believers "draw near" to those departed spirits of righteous persons? 

The text above also speaks of the several things that believers, in their conversions and Christian experience, draw near to, or come to. The word "to" is used several times in the verse. They have in some sense or degree "come to" the New Jerusalem, and have come to the festive gathering of a large assembly of angels, and have come to "the general assembly and church of the firstborn," and come to "God the judge of all," and come to "the spirits of just men made perfect," and come to "Jesus the mediator of the new covenant," and come to "the blood of sprinkling." 

In the text, each group is separate and distinct from the others. In other words, the "myriads of angels" is distinct from the "assembly of the firstborn ones." Also then, the assembly of the firstborn ones is not exactly the same group as "spirits of just (or righteous) spirits made perfect." If this is a reference to saved people who have died and who are now in heaven and perfected in spirit, then are they part of the church of the firstborn or not? I think so. At present the church of the saved has three smaller groups within the larger group of the church. First, there is that group who are now "spirits of just men made perfect," and second, there are those saved persons who are alive on earth, and third, there are those who are to be saved in the future but who have not yet been born. 

So, just how do living believers draw near to the departed spirits of saints in heaven? Is it by praying to them as the Catholics affirm? That is, however, not the meaning of the text. We have no example of Christ, his apostles, or other saints, praying to departed believers in the bible. Just as coming "to" the myriads of angels does not entail communicating with them, so coming "to" the spirits of just men made perfect does not entail it either. The basic idea is that believers, in becoming believers, become not only united with God the Father and with Jesus, the incarnate Son, but become united with the holy angels and with the whole church universal. As I stated earlier, the family of God, like a tree, has members below ground (as roots), as respects their bodies, and members above ground (as the visible part of the tree). In such a case, there is a union between branch and root. Further, by coming to the several things mentioned, the drawing near is by the thoughts of the heart and mind towards those things is intended. Notice how these texts in the context help us to understand how believers draw near to their departed dead's spirits. 

"39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. 1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb. 11: 29 - 12: 2)

By "these all" is meant the old testament saints, especially those who died as martyrs for the truth of God and for their faith. These form a "great cloud of witnesses" (or martyrs, per Greek). To draw near to them is to embrace them and their testimonies. We approach God in both thoughts and prayers, and even in moans and groans. We, however, approach holy angels and perfected spirits of the righteous dead only in our thoughts and meditations. When we study what the bible says about the angels of heaven or the spirits of the righteous who are in heaven, we are coming near in our thoughts respecting them, and joining with them in our meditations and contemplations of them. In doing this an affinity and kinship is seen and felt with the various groups and persons mentioned in the text.  

Can you imagine a gathering of the enormous size indicated by the above text? The logistics of such a gathering in itself is enormous. How will each hear and see what is said and done? Will there be megaphones or other devices or will God work miraculously to make it so? 

Consider also the greatness of the jubilant celebration, in that festive gathering, that such a large assembly of holy angels and redeemed men and women will involve. What an experience! 

In the next chapter we will continue to focus attention on the New Jerusalem and the eternal abodes of the righteous when they have been resurrected to immortality and are glorified and perfected in every way.

Will Few Be Saved? (Addendum)

This is a follow up to the previous posting (See here)

J.A. Seiss wrote, in his book "The Apocalypse," (See here - highlighting mine):

"It has ever been an anxious question to believing souls, what proportion of the people who have lived, or now live, are likely to reach this blessed city. Men came to the Saviour when on earth, inquiring, "Lord, are there few that be saved ?" It is a complex question which could not be made profitably clear to those who put it, and it has nowhere been directly answered. It is better that we should be about making our own salvation sure, than speculating about the number who finally get to heaven. But the picture here placed before us casts a light upon the inquiry, as exalting to the grace of God as it is encouraging to those who really wish to be saved. This golden city has not been built in all this amplitude and magnificence of proportions for mere empty show. God did not create the earth in vain; "he formed it to be inhabited." (Is. 45:18.) Much rather, then, would he not lavish all this glory and splendor upon the Eternal City, without knowing that enough out of the family of man would embrace his salvation to fill and people it. And the population to fill and occupy a city 1500 miles long, and broad, and high, allowing the amplest room and space for each individual, family, tribe, and tongue, and nation, would necessarily mount up to myriads on myriads, who sing the songs and taste the joys of the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Amplitude—amplitude of numbers, as well as glorious accommodations — is unmistakably signified, in whatever way we contemplate the astonishing picture." (pg. 410-11)

Dr. Seiss seems to say the same thing as did the bible teacher I cited in the previous posting. Of course, I do believe that Christ answered the question, affirming that "few" walk the narrow road that leads to life and the many walk the broad road that leads to death. Not only that, but I cited other texts that affirmed the same thing, as when Christ says "many are called but few are chosen." (Matt. 22: 14) Yes, the "few" are a large number of people, viewed in themselves. However, when compared to the number who are lost, they are a minority. I therefore affirm that it is not "speculation" to say that few will be saved and many will be lost, at least as respects adults. That is why the saved are also called a "remnant," which means small part of the whole. (Rom. 11: 5) 

Seiss does admit that the question is not a foolish question, but one which is an "anxious" question for all believing souls. I don't agree, however, that such question is "a complex question," but is rather a simple question, especially if we just let the scriptures speak and if we hear Christ' answer to the question. Seiss is wrong to say that it has "nowhere been directly answered." 

Yes, of course, we should all make sure that we are among the few, but that is beside the point, or not an answer to the question. 

Said one writer at the Gospel Coalition:

"In Luke 13:23 Jesus fields this question: “Lord, are there few who are saved?” But he doesn’t answer it." (See here)

But, I contended, in the previous posting, that Christ did in fact answer it. The same article, for those who want to read the whole article, attempts to show that only a few will go to Hell, a position that our Hardshell brothers also believe, and it is quasi Universalism. 

It is an historical fact, that only a few of the human race have heard the gospel. That in itself proves that only few will be saved (unless we want to say, as do the Hardshells, that people are saved whether they ever hear and believe the gospel).  

Beliefs about the Afterlife (LX)

The above picture shows the New Jerusalem, or city of God, on the new heavens and earth. Whether the city is a cube or pyramidal is a point we may address later. In this chapter we will begin to look closer at what the scriptures say about this city and its inhabitants. Also, we will perhaps discuss whether the city will have a foundation on earth or be a kind of satellite or moon that hovers in the heavens above the earth. 

In "The New Jerusalem: The Consummation of God's Work In Humanity" by David Yoon (See here), we have these good words on our subject (emphasis mine):

"Throughout church history, the mystery of God's purpose and that of man's destiny have been a continuous source for debate and discussion among Christians. According to the divine revelation in the Holy Scriptures, the ultimate answer to these two mysteries is presented in the final vision of the Bible--the vision of the New Jerusalem, the holy city. This vision, described in Revelation 21 and 22, concludes the entire Scriptures and completes the progression of the divine revelation concerning God and His interaction with humankind. As the consummating vision in the Bible, the New Jerusalem unveils the ultimate issue of God's work upon His elect, the final state of their perfection through their participation in His great salvation (Heb. 2:3). The accomplishment of God's purpose and the fulfillment of humanity's destiny culminate and converge in the New Jerusalem." 

The New Jerusalem is an eternal city, containing streets and buildings, and the mansions or abodes of the redeemed and resurrected believers from the beginning of the world until the return of Christ. It is, as Yoon says, "the final state" of "perfection" for the people of God. This is the eternal home for the family of God from among redeemed men and women. 

Said another writer (See here emphasis mine):

"God’s plan of salvation includes, as we have seen, three great renewals: the renewal of our souls in regeneration, the renewal of our bodies in a glorious resurrection, and the renewal of our world in the creation of a new heaven and a new earth; or, if we may combine the language of the two apostles, St Paul and St John, the building of a new and eternal city, New Jerusalem."

This is a great truth. The city, as previously stated, has two aspects. The work of making a people for this glorious city (the place) is begun in time when sinners are converted to Christ, and as they are thereafter renewed "day by day" (II Cor. 4: 16) as they grow up in Christ. This renewal will not be completed till the body is also renewed in the resurrection. The world will also one day be renewed as we have seen.

The City of God

A city or country has two parts. A city may be defined by the totality of its citizens. It may also be defined by the physical aspects of it, such as its land, streets, buildings, etc. In John's vision of the New Jerusalem, the eternal city of God, the description of that blessed world community focuses on both aspects, although the major focus is upon the material or physical aspects of that city. That city and country is the hope of the saints from all the ages. So we read this of Abraham:

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Heb. 11: 8-10 nkjv)

On God being both "builder" and "maker" of this glorious city, Clark's commentary says (emphasis mine):

"The word τεχνιτης signifies an architect, one who plans, calculates, and constructs a building. The word δημιουργος signifies the governor of a people; one who forms them by institutions and laws; the framer of a political constitution. God is here represented the Maker or Father of all the heavenly inhabitants, and the planner of their citizenship in that heavenly country."

The city that Abraham looked for was the one that was promised to him, and to all believers. This city is part of the "inheritance" to be received when Christ returns and resurrects believers. Though Abraham and his family "dwelt in the land of promise" (Palestine or land of Canaan), it was not the superior or antitypical land of promise, or city, which is well described by the apostle John in Revelation's closing chapters. The earthly Jerusalem, glorious as it was under king Solomon, was not the fulfillment of the promise. It became only a type of it, much like the church of Christ of the new covenant (testament), as an institution, is a miniature example of it, or partial realization of it.

Coffman in his commentary references Macknight, as did Clark, who is quoted as saying:

"Believers, after the judgment, shall all be joined in one society or community with the angels. It is called a city which has firm foundations, because it is a community which is never to be dissolved. James Macknight, op. cit., p. 562."

The New Jerusalem, described in the Apocalypse, is a literal city. It cannot be made to be merely symbolic, as some are desirous of doing, especially among Amillennialists. It is not a symbol of the church, though the church (saved people) are made citizens of it in their conversions to Christ and mirrors life in the age to come, as we will see. It is rather that city which Abraham waited for, a city and community whose architect and builder is God himself. In the same chapter in Hebrews we have these additional words of commentary on that glorious city:

"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them." (13-16)

The new heavens and earth, or kingdom of God on earth, is a country (realm) and a city, or "city state." That is defined by Britannica as "a political system consisting of an independent city having sovereignty over contiguous territory and serving as a political center." The word "city" is from the Greek word "polis" and which basically means such.

In the above text we see how the city that has been "prepared" for believers is not connected with the present heavens and earth but with the new heavens and earth. While occupying the present world, believers are strangers and pilgrims in it. So the writer of Hebrews says further: "For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come." (13: 14) By "here" he means in this present age, in the present earth. In the age to come and in the new heavens and earth, we will be no strangers or pilgrims there. Notice also that by the above text (13: 14) we see that the church is not the city foretold, for the church is what is now present, but the city under consideration is "the one to come."

The city of God will come when Christ comes. Whether it comes strictly at the end of the millennium, or at the start, is a point we will address further later.

That celestial city, country, or homeland is "better" in every way than any city on earth. It is a "heavenly country," which word "heavenly" does not mean it is merely fictional or symbolic, for it is literal and heavenly. When we read of the angels praising the birth of Christ (Luke 2: 13) being a "heavenly host," we see this truth. Notice this text:

"The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly." (I Cor. 15: 47-49 KJV)

The Lord Jesus, "the second man," is a heavenly man and bears the image of a heavenly man. So too will the city of God, whether of the physical city or of its occupants, be both literal and heavenly.

Wrote the apostle Paul:

"And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (II Cor. 4: 18)

Notice the mention of "heavenly kingdom." The adjective "heavenly" does not mean non-literal. Notice also how again the apostle sees his participation in that kingdom as something that was future and not a present reality for him. In another verse in Hebrews, which we will look at shortly, the writer mentions "heavenly Jerusalem." (12: 22)

For the present time there are of course what are called "the example and shadow of heavenly things" (Heb. 8: 5) or "the patterns of things in the heavens" (9: 23). The Hebrew tabernacle and temple were examples of the heavenly temple and house of God, and so too is the new testament church. 

It is interesting and a fact noted by many commentators on the Apocalypse that in the Book of Revelation the earthly Jerusalem is described as a city which "spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt," and the place where Christ was crucified (Rev. 11: 8), which shows it is not the heavenly Jerusalem. Also, the New Jerusalem is the antithesis of end times Babylon, that commercial city (and city state) of the end time global apostasy. (Rev. chapter 18) So, to borrow from the title of one of Charles Dicken's books, we may say that we have examples of a "tale of two cities." Another famous book in the Christian community was written by Augustine (5th century), contrasting the history of two cities, the city of God (people of God) versus the city of man. 

Every man is either a citizen of Babylon (representing the group of all unsaved peoples, who are therefore part of false religion) or a citizen of heavenly Jerusalem (representing the group of all saved peoples, who are therefore part of true religion). 

The New Jerusalem or heavenly kingdom is the believer's fatherland or motherland. It is essentially connected with the age to come and with the new heavens and earth and this truth is seen in texts such as we see again in Isaiah 65: 17-19, which we have cited in previous chapters, which reads as follows:

“Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people.”

Not only is the new Jerusalem connected with the new heavens and earth, but in the above text the city is distinguished from the people or citizens who reside therein. About this citizenship, the apostle Paul wrote the following: "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Phil. 3: 20 NIV)

The KJV uses the word "conversation" rather than "citizenship" but the latter is the best and is what most English translations give for the Greek word politeuma. It denotes the life of a citizen. It may also signify a "commonwealth." The fact that this citizenship is "in heaven" reminds us of Paul's speaking of "Jerusalem which is above." He wrote: "But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all." (Gal. 4: 26) Heavenly Jerusalem is contrasted with earthly Jerusalem in the context, with "present day Jerusalem which is in bondage with her children." (vs. 25) Again, notice the two aspects of Jerusalem. There is the physical entity (such as we see described by the apostle John in the closing chapters of the Apocalypse) and then there are the citizens, or "her children." 

The earthly Jerusalem was to be a miniature representation of the heavenly Jerusalem (although it often failed to be such). In the same way is the new testament church also a miniature of it, as we will further see shortly. Those who are believers in the God of the Bible and in Christ Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, are children of Zion. (See Joel 2: 23; Psalm 87: 3-6) In the following posting of mine, in the series titled "God's Elect Or World's Elite?", I wrote extensively on this subject (see here). In that same series I dealt extensively with this text, also from Hebrews, on what it means to be a part of this eternal city of God. 

In the next chapter we will continue our close study of the New Jerusalem or city of God. There is still much to contemplate on this part of our study.

Beliefs about the Afterlife (LIX)

In this part of our study, we will look even closer at what life will be like in the age(s) to come, in the new heavens and earth, for all its occupants. Who are those beings who will be present? 

First, redeemed and resurrected believers from the time of Adam to the time of Christ's return will be present. They will have glorified bodies and will no longer marry, nor have conjugal relations, nor have children. About the nature of these glorified bodies we will have much to say later. What has been said about that nature has been preliminary to a larger discussion. Since I am, and I hope the reader is, among this number of people, I want to know all about what life will be like in the Millennial Age, and in the ceaseless ages that follow. 

Second, the meek, and they of the surviving nations, the sheep nations, who become believers in Christ when they see him descend to heaven and assemble all the nations so he can divide them, and who are thus of the saved nations. These new believers, who Seiss well called "the church of the after or later born" (in contradistinction to "the church of the firstborn ones"), are designated as "the sheep nations." Upon that we hope to expand later or to include it in an appendix to this series. These people will not become immortal or immutable in a glorified and immortal state, at least not in the millennial age. They will live a thousand years or more and have children. But, that raises a number of questions, some difficult to answer.

 

How many children can a woman have who lives a thousand years and whose youth is in the hundreds of years? And, how many births in view of the fact that there will no longer be pain in childbirth? For, travailing in birth is part of the curse on women because of sin. (Gen. 3: 17-19) How will life be like for them? How will it be different than the lives of the resurrected saints of the church of the firstborn ones? 

Third, there will be those meek unsaved souls who 1) survived the day of destruction (Apocalypse), and who 2) see Christ destroy the Antichrist and his followers and submit to his authority (though not with all the heart, not loving or adoring him, but feigning allegiance so as to remain) until the end of the thousand years when this group will align in rebellion with Satan when he is released and goes out to the nations of the world to once again deceive them. This group will in large part be made up of those born during the Millennium and who do not unite in heart with Christ the King. 

Fourth, there will be angels mingling with glorified saints and with the meek sheep nations. 

Fifth, there will of course be God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit who will specially dwell with the new inhabitants of the new heavens and earth. 

We have also raised the question that is often discussed by those who study these things deeply, i.e. "how will these groups and individuals interact with each other?" Is this a society with several social classes of beings? In fact, though the bible gives a lot of information about life in eternity, in the new heavens and earth, yet it does not reveal many things, so much so that we often end up with far more questions needing answers than when we started. 

Questions Raised

1. Where on earth will each believer live? 

2. What will each do?

3. Will there be private property? 

4. Will there still be male and female?

5. Does the inheritance of resurrected saints include a private estate on earth?

6. Will the resurrected bodies eat and drink, and need to go to the toilet?

7. What is entailed in resurrected believers acting as kings, priests, judges, and lords?

8. Will they regret having no longer certain pleasures, as sexual intercourse?

9. How will they travel?

10. Will they have a daily, weekly, monthly, schedule?

11. How much of their time and pursuits will be left to free choice?

12. How will glorified believers choose to occupy their free time?

13. How will they relate to "the nations" who are not of the resurrected class?

14. Will they watch over the human race in much the same way angels do now?

15. How will they interact with the myriads of holy angels?

16. Will they have their circles of interpersonal groups?

17. If they live on earth, why not in the New Jerusalem?

18. Will they be able to spend lots of time with a prophet or apostle?

19. How can I spend time with Christ, or get close to him, if all want to do so?

20. What abilities will glorified saints possess?

21. What insures that they cannot sin?

22. Will they be increasing in wisdom and knowledge?

23. Will they regret the fun things of former lives, such as through sports?

24. Will they ever get bored?

25. Will they feel pity for the lost, for those in hell or who are struck dead?

26. Will they enjoy watching the expansion of the human race?

27. Will they be anticipating the end of the Millennium?

28. Etc.

First, let us think about what the scriptures say of the eternal residence of the resurrected and glorified believers. We have already seen that resurrected believers will enter the Millennial Kingdom in immortal bodies and receive their eternal inheritance and have contended that they will then become immutably holy in their eternal state (a point we plan to enlarge upon once we discuss the nature of the resurrection body).

Of course, the scriptures also speak of "new heavens and new earth." Our home will always be on earth and in its heavens. The destiny of the earth is connected with the destiny of redeemed mankind. In the next chapter we will look more closely at the New Jerusalem and of the mansions and abodes of the resurrected believers within its boundaries.

Misc. News

I continue to have several medical problems being addressed by my several doctors. My oxygen levels drop into the 80s when I exert myself. We are trying to find out whether it is long covid or a rapid change in my pulmonary fibrosis. I still have bad chest pains and we don't know exactly why yet.

On a different note, the several blogs I have created over the years have been seeing a dramatic increase in readership over the past several months. This blog two months ago had over 35,000 visits and last month had over 23,000. I thank God and all who visit. I also thank my brothers Ken Mann and Kevin Fralick.

An Oft Misunderstood Text

This is one of the most misinterpreted texts in all the bible. Part of the problem is with the above translation. This verse is not saying that if godly parents raise their children in the way of the Lord, then they will not depart from it, even when they are old. But, it does not reflect reality and cannot therefore be the right interpretation. The fact is, many godly people in the bible who trained up their children in the right way, still had children who did not follow in that way throughout their lives and died in that state. 

Josh Niemi, in a recent Internet article (see here) wrote the following on this oft misinterpreted text (emphasis mine):

"Proverbs 22:6 is not a promise that your children will return to the Lord if you raise them right. It's a warning that if you coddle your child's sinful tendencies, you will raise a financial fool."

I totally agree with this proposition.

He says further:

"Proverbs 22:6 stands as perhaps one of the most beloved of all parenting verses in Scripture, stating, “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” This verse has been used to provide hope for an untold number of parents who find themselves grieving over a wayward son or daughter, as it is understood to be a promise that their child will ultimately return to the Lord. And who wouldn’t want such encouragement? The grief of seeing anyone far from the Lord is heartbreaking enough; it’s compounded when it’s your own son or daughter. 

 

But here’s the truth: Proverbs 22:6 also stands as one of the most misunderstood and misused verses in Scripture, right up there with Matthew 7:1 (“Judge not!”) and Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things!”). With so much emotional and spiritual weight hanging on this one proverb, it’s worth setting the record straight. After all, not only should we strive to glorify God in our handling of His Word, but we also want to make sure that our lives can profit from this verse—which means we need to get it right. 

 

So, what is this passage actually telling us? And how should we train up our children in light of it?"

Agreed.

He says further:

"The question then becomes, What kind of instruction is given to the child? This is where most of the misunderstanding is.

Survey most English translations and you’ll see the phrase “…in the way he should go” as the basis or standard of instruction. But, as Dan Phillips points out, a literal translation would actually say “on the mouth of his way,” which is a Hebrew way of saying “according to his will.” That’s because the dictates of the mouth express the desires of the will (cf. Matt. 12:34, Luke 6:45). In fact, if you check the footnotes of the New American Standard Bible, you’ll see the translators note that the phrase could be rendered “according to his way.”

In addition, though, we see that a vast majority of English versions put the modifier “should” in front of the word “go,” which implies a moral quality to the instruction. Here again is a problem.

Dan Phillips addresses this:

This flaw is nearly fatal, all by itself. It is simply this: Solomon provided no modifier beyond the pronoun. That’s right. There is nothing in the Hebrew text—not one word, syllable, jot or tittle—that corresponds to or justifies the “should go” that most translations insert. The only word that modifies “way” is the pronominal suffix meaning “his” (darko). This is a simple fact of reading, not an interpretive assertion.[6]

In other words, this passage isn’t about raising a child according to the way he “should” go. Solomon wasn’t talking about the way a child ought to be trained up (which would obviously be in accordance with God’s Law). It’s unfortunate that the translators felt comfortable inserting that word when it weighs so heavily on the interpretation. With that in mind, the next question you might be thinking is, Then according to whose way was Solomon speaking? With only one person preceding the pronoun “his,” we can conclude that Solomon was speaking of training up a child according to the child’s way (in grammatical terms, “child” is the nearest referent/antecedent).

So, what does it look like to train up a child according to the child’s way? Truth be told, it doesn’t take much searching of Scripture to determine what a child’s way is like. In fact, in the exact same section—only nine verses later—Solomon said this: “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child” (Prov. 22:15). Using the same Hebrew word na’ar, he described a child’s heart just as we would expect it to be as a result of the Fall: depraved, sinful, naive, and ultimately… foolish.

Taken together then, Solomon essentially said, “Train up a child according to his own foolish way…” From that phrasing alone, what’s clear is that this is not intended to be a heartwarming proverb, but a heart-warning proverb. Rather than soul-settling, it’s soul-sobering. The conditional clause makes it clear that this is the beginning of a caution, not a comfort. Whereas the biblical parent raises his child according to God’s way, the negligent parent goes along with his child’s way."

Well, I couldn't have said it better myself. This is what I am sure is the right interpretation of the text.

He says further:

"So, how does Solomon’s warning end? What will happen if a parent raises a child according to the child’s own sinful tendencies? 

 

“…Even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

The phrase “even when” represents a hypothetical situation, better understood as “even if…”[7] According to Solomon, since fools often die young, it’s rare that one manages to live to old age (cf. Prov. 10:21, 11:19, et. al.). Next, the pronoun “he” once again refers back to the child, indicating the same subject is in view. Finally, the “it” (a neuter feminine pronoun) refers to the situation in the first clause: living according to his own foolishness.[8] 

Putting it all together: Even if the child manages to grow old, he will not depart from his own foolish way.

If a child is trained up according to his way (raised how he wants, a way that coincides with his natural fallenness), Solomon warns us that the child will not simply “grow out of it,” but will instead maintain his futile thinking on into adulthood. (Prov. 29: 15)" 

Well, amen. People need to know that this is the right interpretation of the text.

Our author concludes:

"In any area of life, if you let your child’s immature heart pilot the ship, don’t be surprised when it capsizes."

What think ye?

When Stones Speak

 As we come to a most solemn time of year, the time of year when Jesus would carry the largest burden anyone has ever carried, I was reading in Luke 19:40, where Jesus had entered Jerusalem, in what we call Palm Sunday. For some reason, I had never connected the dots as to the literality of Jesus' words.

Jesus had entered the city with the crowds waving palms, welcoming Him as King as he rode on a donkey. The Pharisees rebuked Jesus and told him to rebuke his disciples for their adoration and praise of him. Jesus made a curious statement saying, "I tell you, that if they remain silent, these very stones would cry out". While Jesus was talking about the events of that specific day, I believe he was talking about the future as well. There was coming  another time later that week, where there would be silence from his disciples, and the crowds that had praised him, would also be silent. What began with praise would soon turn into condemnation. The next few days Jesus was where we have all been at one time, between great joy and on the way to great sorrow.

Behind him was his sermons, in front of him his suffering.

Behind him his parables, in front of him his passion.

Behind him his suppers of fellowship in front of him his supper of betrayal.

Behind him the delights of galilee, in front of him dark gethsemane.

Behind him raising of  palms, in front of him the ridicule of a purple robe.

Prophecy would now become practice.

But what about those stones Jesus spoke about? In Matthews Gospel in chapter 27, he tell us that when Christ died, the earth shook, the rocks split open, and the tombs of many saints were opened. Keep in mind that tombs were made of stone. So had Jesus actually predicted the earthquake that occurred when he died? I believe so! His disciples were silent and hidden. The cheering crowds had disappeared. The greatest miracle that had ever come to this planet had just happened, the miracle of God's overwhelming love, and undeserved grace  had just been shown to the world. The world rejected it, so the very stones had cried out! Some stones cried out in mourning as rocks were split, while other stones cried out in victory as tombs were split open, giving resurrection life to saints that had died. Three days later, another stone would cry out amid darkness and silence, the very stone that had sealed Jesus in the tomb, for it was rolled away like lightning, as the Roman guards fell down like dead men!

So do stones speak? I believe they do. The sad thing about that, is that when they speak, it's because we are silent. When they speak, it's because we have become hard in our heart. I am reminded of something Charles Spurgeon once said. When speaking of Christ's death he said "Yet they were rent at the sight of Christ's death. Men's hearts did not respond to the agonizing cries of the dying Redeemer, but the rocks responded. He did not die for rocks. Yet rocks were more tender than the hearts of men, for whom he shed His blood."

When that stone cried out in praise, as it was rolled away from the tomb, there were no disciples there to hear it. The only ones who heard, were the ones who were there to keep the stone in place, the Roman guards. What a shame that the only ones to hear that stone cry out and roll away, were there to keep it from crying out. This tells me, that I don't ever want to hear any stones crying out! For when they do, it means I have been silent!

                                                                                                   

Carry The Blessed Gospel

Recently I posted a link to a singing video of a good song by the Mylon Hayes family (see here). Well, here is another by them, one which I sent to a few others by email (as I regularly do), and one which my Hardshell brothers need to hear as respects the message. 

It is titled "Carry The Glorious Gospel" (listen to it here). I hope you practice what is preaches.

"How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, 

and bring glad tidings of good things!"

(Romans 10: 14)

Prayers Needed

My wife still needs your prayers since she came off ventilation in January. I also particularly need your prayers as I am in bad shape with enlarged heart and chest pains. The doctors are running many tests to find out what is going on. I am losing weight quickly, and I have no appetite. I stay in bed nearly all the time and is the reason for my not continuing my writing. More tests are ongoing. Pray that they find the cause. I had a heart stress test done and it shows low probability for another coronary blockage. My blood pressure is being addressed. Having some kidney problems (just like father). 

If I die of congestive heart failure, I want all to know that I will be waiting on the other side of Jordan for all of you, and I will be with Jesus. Hallelujah. 

NAGALAND : FROM HEADHUNTERS TO BAPTISTS

 Several years ago I heard about the nation of Nagaland. It is situated between India and Burma, and although a "protectorate" of India, it considers itself a sovereign nation, with its own constitution, laws, police and schools. The people are from more than 18 different tribes, with none of them being related to Indians ethnically and each having their own language. So what makes this place worth writing about?

In 1859 Edward Clark was ordained a Baptist minister, after marrying his wife, Mary in 1858. He had an encounter with Christ at age 14, received baptism at a Baptist church, declaring at an early age that he would follow wherever Christ would lead him. In 1871 he went to Nagaland with his wife, after losing their only child, a daughter. They would remain in Nagaland for the rest of their lives.

In 1872, Clark baptized 15 converts, the first Christians of any type in Nagaland. The country was made up of indigenous tribes, all of which practiced some sort of animist religion, and  practicing headhunters. So why was Clark the first Christian missionary to go to Nagaland? It is because he was the first brave enough to go! At that time Nagaland was technically a conquered territory of the British Empire, but the Anglicans declined to evangelize the area because of how remote and dangerous it was. Any foreigner ran the risk of losing his head, and the heads of a white person was prized above all others, as it was thought to give the warrior special power. Those 15 converts were marked for death by the local tribesmen, as they had abandoned the religion of their ancestors. God's providence prevailed, and Clark gained more and more converts, baptizing 190 in 1905. Headhunting was still practiced by some as late as the  1960's,  but after 1970 all 18 tribes had become more than 90% Christian. After the Baptists had made Nagaland safe, other groups filtered in, but none gained a strong foothold among the people. Today 90% of Nagaland is Christian, and more than 80% are Baptists. Think  of these statistics. The U.S. state Mississippi  is 55% "Baptist", while Nagaland is over 80%, and all this happened in a span of less than 100 years!

When Nagaland declared its independence, it  affirmed in the preamble to its Constitution, the sovereignty of God and the entrustment of the nation to Him. If by the grace of God, southeast Asia and China ever rids itself of communism, Nagaland is poised and praying to "conquer" the hearts of the people for Jesus! Nagaland has the largest Christian church of any kind , with a weekly attendance of over 10,000, the Sumi Baptist Church in Zunheboto. Many churches in the remote regions, still sing with no instruments, and sound amazingly like an old country Baptist church here in the USA. 

What do I want us to see in this? I want us to see what a truly Christian nation looks like. Not a theocracy by law, but a Monarchy of Grace! See this video made during the lockdown of COVID. The capitol city's police force stand in the streets singing, "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder I'll Be There" and "Are You Washed In the Blood"! See here,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYfFyUqn3Ak. In the next video, you can watch a news story of Easter celebrations in Nagaland. Notice how respectful the reporter is, even referring to the Savior as "the LORD Jesus Christ"! Also notice the woman who actually declares the Gospel in her prayer, without being censored. Do you think any newscast in the USA would ever show that kind of respect? Watch here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHrIMJejpDk

In closing, let us be reminded that God will always have a people. We are nothing special, and if we abandon God, as current trends suggest, He has "others not of this fold". Praise the Name of the Lord!

Beliefs about the Afterlife (LIII)

“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, 

and I will be his God and he shall be My son." 

(Rev. 21: 7)

"the promise of eternal inheritance" 

(Heb. 9: 15)

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" 

(Matt. 5: 5)

The kingdom is essentially connected with the new heavens and earth and with the time when the children of God receive their inheritance, which as we have seen, occurs after the rapture of living believers and the resurrection of the bodies of the saved dead. This is when saints receive their full inheritance and "inherit all things." This is also when the kingdom of God and heaven have fully come. Needless to say, these are fascinating things to muse upon! 

Not until the present heavens and earth are destroyed by fire, as previously focused upon in this series, will the new heavens and earth come into being. The fire is intended to purge the heavens and earth. The inheriting of the earth, mentioned in the above texts, is obviously yet future. Further, the new heavens and earth of the first age of the ages of the ages (i.e. the thousand years of Revelation chapter twenty) is not the new heavens and earth of Revelation chapter twenty one, but rather are the new heavens and earth of Isaiah and the prophets (as we have previously seen from scripture). 

When Christ comes he will end this age, and this earth and heavens, and make great changes to the environment, to nature and to the physics of things. It will be the time when the dead bodies of all the saved will come forth from the dust and be regenerated or made to live again, as we have seen and upon which we will have more to say. It is when they will become immortal in their entire being and be in an immutable and blessed holy state from which they will not be able nor desirous of changing. 

This kingdom of heaven on earth will be in many ways a magical kingdom in that many displays of supernatural power will be at work in the millennial age and in the ages that follow. But, more on that later.

Children of God will inherit everything? How great an exaltation for sinners is that? That has not yet occurred, as we will see. Believers in Christ do receive a "partial payment" or "deposit" in the receiving of the Holy Spirit, but it is only a small portion of the whole, as we will see.

The Inheritance of the Saints

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (I Peter 1: 3-5)

The Apostle Peter affirms a number of things about the inheritance of the children of God. 

First, he says that the inheritance is for those who have been born again, i.e. for people who are born to it. So Paul wrote, saying "the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children." (II Cor. 12: 14 kjv) God the Father likewise has laid up a great inheritance for his begotten children, begotten by being united to Christ by faith and repentance, or by evangelical conversion. This is in keeping with the teaching of Christ to Nicodemus, in John chapter three, who likewise taught that one must be born again of the Spirit in order to see or enter the kingdom of God, or inheriting it, together with the earth and heavens, yea, of all things, with which it is connected. (3: 1-7) 

Second, he affirms that the inheritance is "incorruptible" (not perishable) and "undefiled" (without pollution, either moral or physical; the Greek word is only used here), and "does not fade away" (Greek word only used here; the inheritance will not rust, erode, or in any way deteriorate). The inheritance is secure and cannot be lost. The idea is that the inheritance will last forever. It will not be able to be squandered as the Prodigal Son did his inheritance. (See Luke 15: 11-32)

Barnes in his commentary on the meaning of the inheritance being "undefiled" says: "it will not be such as will corrupt the soul, or tempt to extravagance, sensuality, and lust, as a rich inheritance often does here; it will be such that its eternal enjoyment will never tend in any manner to defile the heart." 

Third, the inheritance is viewed as not yet received, being viewed as yet future, the believer now having a down payment. The inheritance is "reserved in heaven." It will be "revealed in the last time." 

Fourth, the inheritance stored up in heaven is what is given equally to all those begotten of God. However, there are greater treasures and rewards for those believers who did "lay up treasures in heaven" (Matt. 6: 19-21) as they lived their lives for Christ. 

Fifth, the inheritance is "reserved in heaven"; The word "reserved" is from the Greek word "tēreō" and Vine says it means "to keep, to guard," is translated "to be kept in charge," in Act 24:23; 25:4, RV (AV, "kept")." The idea is that the inheritance is secure, protected, and cannot be lost. It is the same idea that Jesus had in mind when he said:

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matt. 6: 19-21KJV)

The Bank of Heaven is the safest place to put spiritual treasures. Direct your thoughts and longings toward heaven. All activities for Christ bring lasting reward, over and above the inheritance common to all God's children. If all the children receive the same inheritance, then no one has more reward than another? No, the rewards will be in addition to the common inheritance. They will add nothing to the inheritance, but will give those rewarded greater recognition and trophies. In earlier chapters we saw how each believer will receive his own reward according to his own labor, as the scriptures testify. (I Cor. 3: 8) 

In the following text, the apostle Paul speaks of reward in the same breath as inheritance.  

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." (Col. 3: 23-24)

So, is the inheritance a reward? Is it earned by serving the Lord as the context suggests? John Gill in his commentary wrote (emphasis mine):

"...and besides, there is no manner of proportion between: the best services of the saints, and eternal glory: to which may be added, that eternal life is the free gift of their heavenly Father to them, and is here called an inheritance, which never becomes the property of servants in a way of merit, but is the portion of children, from their Father's good pleasure. Wherefore the heavenly glory is such a reward as that it is an "inheritance"; or, as the Syriac version renders it, "in an inheritance"; it lies in an inheritance, an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, that fades not away, reserved in the heavens; and which is not got by industry, or obtained by the works of the law, nor bought with a price, but is a free bequest of God as a Father to his children; for an inheritance is peculiar to children, and this to the children of God, as these believing servants were; and which comes to them by and through the death of the testator; and it may be called an inheritance, because the heavenly glory is substantial, it is substance, a better and a more enduring substance than any inheritance in this world; and is a very plentiful possession and estate, it consists of all things, yea, God himself is the portion of his people, and they that are his children are heirs of God; there is not only a glory, but riches of glory, a plenty, a fulness of it in this inheritance; the way in which they come by it, is receiving it from Christ; "of the Lord ye shall receive it". It is in a way of receiving, and so by gift, as a man can receive nothing but what is given him; and as all grace is in a way of receiving, and therefore boasting in it is excluded, so glory is enjoyed in the same way, and from the same hands, even from Christ, the righteous Judge, that will give it; it is in him they obtain this inheritance, and are in him chosen and predestinated unto it; it is by his resurrection from the dead, and in consequence of it, that they through the power of his Spirit and grace are begotten unto it; it is his grace that makes them meet for it; and he has it in his hands for them; he is a feoffee in trust on their behalf, and is able to give it to them; and will at the last day introduce them into the full possession of it." 

Yes, it is a reward for being a child of God. It is a reward that Christ earned for his people and freely gives to them who believe in him. In one sense, it is reward, for it is given to those who are the servants of Christ, and is what makes all duty for Christ worth it all. However, in another sense, it is not reward, for it is all a result of God's gifting, workmanship, and grace. 

"Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14: 12-14 nkjv)

Heaven, and eternal life and bliss, makes all labors for Christ and for righteousness worth it all. So Paul reasoned with the persecuted Christians, saying: "for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven." (Heb. 10: 34 nkjv)

Though there is loss of reward, and of goods and possessions, in this life, yet not in the life to come. The Greek word for "substance" is "yparxis." It is used only two times, once translated as "goods" (Acts 2: 45) and as "substance" here. It denotes "possessions, goods, wealth, property." Strong says it means "existency or proprietorship, i.e. (concretely) property, wealth:—goods, substance." They represent the totality of "things which God has prepared for those who love him." (I Cor. 2: 9)

The texts at the heading of this chapter speak of the magnitude of the inheritance of the children of God. Everything belongs to them. They are "joint heirs with Christ" (Rom. 8: 17 kjv). Since he, as the Son of God incarnate, and as risen from the dead, is "the heir" (Matt. 21: 38, Mark 12: 7), "the heir of all things" (Heb. 1: 2), those who are his, by birth of the Spirit, are also "heirs of all things." 

So, we may conclude that eternal bliss and wealth comes from being united to Christ by a living faith, and which is symbolized in being married. When a wife marries her husband, all that he owns becomes her's by virtue of her betrothal. So they say to each other "With this ring, I thee wed, and all my worldly goods I thee endow." All the "goods" the believer will possess and enjoy throughout eternity are a result of this union and of the fact that Christ, the husband of every believer, is infinitely rich.

Questions

1. Does this mean that there will be no private property in the ages to come?

2. Will any have his or her own private domiciles or estates?

3. Will there be privacy of any kind? 

4. Being so rich, what will keep saints from being corrupted by heaven's treasures?

These are questions that deserved further investigation as we progress in this study.

Earnest of the Inheritance

"In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." (Eph. 1: 11-14 KJV)

Notice from these inspired words what is said about the future eternal inheritance of believers. First, it is viewed as future, although an "earnest" of it is received in the lives of believers. Second, the greater part of the inheritance waits "until the redemption of the purchased possession" (full inheritance and full redemption are received in the resurrection day).  

Other translations render "earnest" as:

"who is a first installment of our inheritance" (Nasb) 

"the down payment of our inheritance" (Holman) 

"who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it" (ESV) 

When people sign a contract to buy a piece of real estate, they will give to the seller a down payment, or earnest money, to be held by the seller as a guarantee that the buyer will complete the deal by paying the full amount at a future specified date. The buyer agrees that if he does not pay that amount at such time, then the earnest money is forfeited to the seller. In the text above, God is the one acting as a buyer, or guarantee (surety), in his promises made to believers. He promises the believer an eternal rich inheritance and to guarantee its fulfillment he gives the believer the Holy Spirit, as a pledge that the inheritance is safe and reserved for each believer.

In the same chapter Paul speaks of "the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" (vs. 18). In the ages to come, God's redeemed people will be rich lords, judges, priests, and kings. They will rule and they will enjoy. Elsewhere he also speaks of "the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." (Col. 1: 12-14)

People of Adam's fallen race partake of the inheritance of the saints in light by having been converted, saved, and born again. This is when they were initiated into the Kingdom, a kingdom which is mostly yet future. This is a description of the eternal state of those who have been fully redeemed in the day of redemption when Christ returns. 

What we have established is that "inheriting the kingdom" and obtaining "eternal inheritance" at the resurrection and return of Christ are bonded together. What we are investigating is what all is included in this great inheritance.

Everyone who enters the coming millennial age under Christ in the kingdom of heaven and of God will spend part of their time in worship of God and communing with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. No doubt there will be stated times for various groups to meet for time of praise and worship and for a time to learn more of the ways of the Lord. 

There will also no doubt be times when the redeemed are able to do whatever they want in pleasurable pursuits. Whether this involves enjoying the arts, sports, games, or physical pleasures, yet awaits further investigation and musing.

There will also be times for them to perform their duties to the nations as God ordained priests, kings, lords, and judges. They will be the rulers, and be served by the nations over whom they rule. They will serve and be served when they enter into the joy of eternity. Of these things we will have some more to say in upcoming chapters. 

In a recent chapter in this series, we began with a list of questions about the new heavens and earth. One of them, number nine, queried - "Where will the resurrected children of God live in the new heavens and earth?" Answer: In the new heavens and earth, but specially in the New Jerusalem. About that we will have more to say. We will also look further into the question already queried which asks "How will they be involved with the ongoing human race?" 

To answer these questions requires some amount of time to inquire deeply into the scriptures that are connected with the subjects of those fascinating questions. Stay tuned as we ascend higher in our contemplations of life in eternity for the redeemed.

An Inspiring Song

"When Morning Sweeps the Eastern Sky" as sung by the famous Mylon Hayes Family. (Listen here)

This song affirms what I have been affirming from scripture in my series on the afterlife and on life in eternity. Here are the words. 

Christ is coming back to reign upon the earth again,
The saints are looking forward to the morning by and by.
We will have no Satan and no sorrow, fear, or pain.
When morning sweeps across the eastern sky.

Oh happy day in glory when morning sweeps the sky.
I'll bid the world and its sorrow goodbye (Oh, hallelujah)
Saints that are here will be caught up in the air
When morning sweeps across the eastern sky.

I'll be in the rapture with the ones who are supreme (or set free)
The saints to the morning glory by and by
What a happy meeting, what a mighty jubilee,
When morning sweeps across the eastern sky.

Oh happy day in glory when morning sweeps the sky.
I'll bid the world and its sorrow goodbye (Oh, hallelujah)
Saints that are here will be caught up in the air
When morning sweeps across the eastern sky.

Friends, I hope you can rejoice in these things.

Beliefs about the Afterlife (LII)

In the preceding chapters we spoke of what it means for Christ to be here on earth and welcomed as king and when his kingdom is realized in new heavens and new earth in the ages to come, including the coming Millennial age of Revelation chapter twenty. We showed that the miracles and supernatural works that Christ performed while on earth, during the time of his public ministry, are miniature examples of what life will be like in the coming ages. 

The Kingdom's Presence On Earth, in the person of King Jesus, will effect the very things that Christ was doing through his many miracles. 

Some of the miracles of Christ involved healing of every sickness and disease. To the extent that people were healed to that extent the kingdom was realized. In the Millennial age, and in the ages that follow, healing and excellent health will be the norm. On that we will elaborate further as we study more on civilization in the Millennial time of the kingdom and in the ages following in John's vision of new heavens and earth, particularly on picturing the lives of the glorified redeemed in the city of God, New Jerusalem. 

Some other miracles involved raising the dead. This too is what awaits the coming of Christ when all the righteous dead will be raised and their bodies, made glorious, will be reunited with their spirits, and have bodies incapable of infirmity or weakness or death. On that extensive part of this study, in upcoming chapters, we will study how resurrected believers will have immortal bodies and supernatural gifts and powers. 

Other miracles of Christ involved wonderful manifestations of omnipotence in the physical world, turning water into wine, multiplying loaves and fishes, cursing a fig tree, walking on water, etc. These abilities will be at work in the ages to come. The natural and the supernatural will not be so separated then as now. 

Further, other miracles of Christ involved the casting out of demons, of rebuking them, and controlling their doings. In the cleansing of the heavens they will be rid of every evil spirit. To the extent this work of Christ was advancing while he was here on earth, to that extent the kingdom of God had literally come. Christ's miracles were demonstrations of what the kingdom of God being present on earth will mean for the earth and for its occupants. This we showed earlier in this series. 

J.A. Seiss in "The Apocalypse" (Lecture forty eight - see here; emphasis mine)

"The regeneration is the making of Christ’s miracles universal. The miracles of Christ were the preintimations and beginning of the great Regeneration to come, and the new creation is simply those miracles carried out into universal effect."

It is in the Millennial Age that the saved of all the nations (up to the time of Christ' return) will see such a renewed world, one being exemplified in the miracles of Christ. 

In upcoming chapters we will explore this fact even further, especially when focusing on the abilities of the glorified immortal bodies of the resurrected believers.

Just as there are old testament singular prophecies of the coming Messiah that have a dual fulfillment (1st and 2nd comings), so too of the prophecies of new heavens and earth (Millennial and the ages thereafter), and of the prophecies of the coming of Elijah (John the Baptist and Elijah personally).

Amillennialists will often cite scriptures from the new testament which state that believers are said to be in the kingdom, and the kingdom in them, by their being incorporated into the visible church, or body of Christ, or else enjoying in some way the kingdom now. But, as we will see further, there is both a present aspect, or initial fulfillment of the kingdom of God, in the lives of Christians and their assemblies, and a future aspect. But, to say that such a present limited enjoyment of the kingdom nullifies a larger future fulfillment of the prophecies being fully realized on earth and in the heavens when Christ comes and begins the Millennial Age is untenable. 

Notice these words of Christ: "But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you." (Matt. 12: 28 nkjv) Christ did not, however, cast out all the demons from our world, from the heavens, when he was here the first time. That will not happen till he comes the second time and binds the chief wicked spirit, Satan, the Old Serpent the Devil, as we saw from Revelation chapters nineteen and twenty. The "kingdom of God" was present with people in the person of the King, Jesus the Son of David and "the second Adam." 

Since the kingdom offer was rejected by the Messiah's covenant people, i.e. the Hebrews, in their rejection of him as their Messiah and King, the offer of the kingdom was withdrawn for the time and postponed until another time, to the time of Christ's return. The Jewish nation, by her leaders and by the majority of the people, said to their Messiah "We will not have this man to reign over us." (Luke 19: 14) Notice also these words of Christ:

"42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’? 43 “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. 44 And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” 45 Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they [h]perceived that He was speaking of them. 46 But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet." (Matt. 21: 42-46 nkjv)

The "nation" to whom it was given are described by the apostle Peter who wrote:

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." (I Peter 2: 9-10 nkjv)

This chosen generation, royal priesthood, is the same as "holy nation," and in this text does not refer to "Israel after the flesh." (I Cor. 10: 18) They are those who have believed in Christ and made their calling and election sure (II Peter 1: 10). They were not of the people of God before they were called to the Christian faith.

Israel's widespread national acceptance of Christ did not occur at Christ' first coming but will at his second coming. Many prophecies point to a mass conversion of the Jewish nation to Christ when he appears the second time.

"25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own [f]opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be [g]saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; 27 For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.” 28 Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, 31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy." (Romans 11: 25-31 nkjv)

This text clearly teaches that an end time conversion of the whole Jewish nation is to be expected, and that it will occur "when the fullness of the Gentiles" has been reached. So, Jesus said: "For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Matt. 23: 39 ESV)

Obviously then, there is a sense in which "the kingdom of God" (or "kingdom of heaven") was a present reality when 1) Christ the King was on earth, teaching, healing, etc., and 2) was a reality for individual Christians (Jew and Gentile) in the church or by the gospel. Christ declared the following things in support of this:

"And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force." (Matt. 11: 12)

"The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it." (Luke 16: 16)

These texts show that the kingdom of heaven or kingdom of God was in existence during the time of John's and Jesus' ministries. Certainly, as we have seen, it was truly present in the presence of King Jesus and present in the miracles and wonders he performed.

"Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Rom. 14: 16-17 nkjv) 

So, we can affirm, whether we be Amillennial, Postmillennial, or Premillennial, that since we have, to some degree, as believers in Christ, "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" we must therefore have also the kingdom within us and we within the kingdom. But, the error of some is to think that the present aspect or blessings of the promised kingdom of heaven in the lives of Christians and churches exhausts all that is promised to exist when the kingdom is fully come on earth. This is another case of dual fulfillment. Some kingdom blessings are enjoyed by believers in their lives on earth, in the assemblies of the saints, and in their private walk with the Lord. But, the kingdom blessings received in life by the child of God are only a foretaste, a sample, of what is to come. The best is yet to come when the kingdom of God is fully realized on earth in the lives of the redeemed. 

Future Kingdom

"And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth." (Rev. 5: 9-10 nkjv)

"And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." (20: 4) 

Amillennialists affirm that this reigning on earth with Christ as kings and judges by the saints is what is being fully experienced in the church or in the lives of believers. But, that is clearly a gross and false opinion. The reigning of the saints spoken of in these texts occurs after the resurrection of the bodies of the saints. That alone is enough to show that the idea of a present fulfillment of the reign of saints in the churches and lives of believers is all there is to it.

"25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, 26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I [k]shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” 27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we [l]may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire." (Heb. 12: 25-28 nkjv)

If one says that this prophecy of the saints "receiving a kingdom" is completely fulfilled in conversion, and in the present Christian life, the above text refutes it. The kingdom is not received till the time of the shaking of the heavens and earth, and that is future. 

The present tense verb of the words "are receiving" is a present tense participle. It is I believe what is called a "futuristic present tense." But, even if not, it is still true that believers do receive many things pertaining to the kingdom promised to the little flock in their lives for Christ, and yet will receive the greater part when they reign on earth a thousand years. 

Questions

1. So, what does it mean by the Lord "giving the kingdom"? 

2. Who is the "little flock"? 

3. Are they the only ones who are given the kingdom, or are there others? 

4. When is this kingdom given and when is it received and fully realized? 

5. Who will be the citizens of that kingdom?

6. How is the kingdom of God or Heaven related to the new heavens and earth?

7. How is the kingdom related to receiving the "eternal inheritance"?

8. Where will the resurrected believers live?

9. What will resurrected believers do?

10. What about their individual personas and unique identities?

11. How will glorified believers socialize and rule over the nations?

12. How will lust and natural depravity (original sin) be dealt with?

Some of these questions we have addressed already. Others will be answered in the next chapters.

End Time Prophecy of Human Trafficking

I believe that the ancient city of Babylon, in Iraq (now a suburb of Baghdad), will be rebuilt and be the center for world trade in the coming "new world order" of Antichrist. Babylon, in the Apocalypse, chapters seventeen and eighteen, has two aspects. One is symbolic representation of all false religion since the beginning of the human race ('mystery' Babylon), and the other is a literal city on earth, describing a physical city in Iraq that is the center of world trade in the last days of this present evil age, being commercial Babylon. This is a view shared by many, especially among Premillennialists and Dispensationalists. 

In this short posting, however, I want to focus on what is said about the global Babylonian godless commercial system that will exist in the very last days. Notice these words which describe it:

"1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies." (Rev. 18: 1-3 kjv)

"9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, 10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. 11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: 12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, 13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men." (9-13)  

"...for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth." (23-24)

Who is meant by "slaves and souls of men"? Who trades in slaves today? Why simply those who traffic in "sex slaves" and such like. Interestingly, the word "slaves" is from the Greek word σωμάτων (sōmatōn) meaning "of bodies." Also, "the word used and rendered "souls" - ψυχὰς psuchas - though commonly denoting the "soul" (properly the "breath" or "vital principle"), is also employed to denote the living thing - the animal - in which the soul or vital principle resides; and hence may denote a person or a man." (Barnes Commentary)

Friends, people are being traded today as chattel and it is so very sad. 

Bengel's Gnomen says:

"the bodies are slaves, used for carrying merchandise or their masters: the souls of men are slaves, in so far as they are in themselves counted as merchandise."

Writes Pulpit Commentary:

"And souls of men. The accusative again. Not in the ordinary acceptation of the word "souls," but rather "lives of men," as the Revised Version margin; that is, "living men." It is probable that the two expressions, "bodies" (vide supra) and "souls of men," refer to two classes of slaves." 

Could this be what we see today in illicit trading of body parts? In selling the DNA of others? Etc.? I think so. What think ye?

P.S. Read Revelation chapter eighteen and see it as a giant supermarket (far bigger than Walmart) on a world wide scale, being the one center of trade between the nations of the world. Notice how meticulously John lists all the products bought and sold. Notice also the merchants of the nations (who control the ships) are the ones who are enriched by this global Babylonian commercial system that is now materializing before our eyes in anticipation of the coming of Antichrist.