According to Jesus, Who cannot lie (John 14:6; Titus 1:2), hell and heaven are real places to which people will go some day. For us to be saved from hell to heaven, we must know what the Gospel is and respond to it as God has commanded us. Sadly, most people won’t do this (John 3:16, 18, 36).
A person could know and believe the facts of the Gospel and still not be saved. Knowledge and mental/intellectual assent aren’t enough. There also must be a transfer of trust from our good works over to the Christ of the Scriptures (not the cults) and what He did for us. Learn more here –
Correct Formula – Grace + Faith = Salvation + Good Works
Incorrect Formula – Grace + Faith + Good Works = Salvation
Help. We’re here to assist those who are faithful, available, teachable, and willing to change and grow spiritually for the glory of God and the good of others. If you have questions and/or comments, we can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com or through our FB page (Messenger).
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Some subjects are very unpleasant to discuss with others. Death and dying are in this group. Most people fear death and dying. They’d rather talk about how to live happy and productive lives. But when we have a proper, Biblical understanding of what is involved in death and life, and that there is a bright future awaiting those who are true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we can endure the hardships of life.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).
On the other hand, if we believe that there is a place of eternal suffering for those who die physically as unbelievers, true Christians can/should be motivated to share the clear Gospel with them before they die so they can be saved. There are no second opportunities to be saved after they die.
Jesus said, There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth…in this awful place of torment in fire that was prepared for the devil and his angels/demons into which all unbelievers will be cast one day (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; Revelation 20:15).
No human being has to go there. Christ died for the sins of the whole world and will save any and all who put their faith and trust in Him exclusively (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8, 9; 1 John 2:2). Only a living Savior can help us.
Those of us who have been saved by God’s grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ through the message of the Gospel, and who truly appreciate our salvation want to do our part in rescuing them from this place.
Consider
A General Statement – “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,…” (Hebrews 9:27).
An Absolute Statement – “For the wages of sin isdeath, but the gift of God iseternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
The Keys Of Death – The devil held them in Old Testament times and up until Christ rose again bodily from the dead after dying for our sins (Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 1:18).
The Sting Of Death – It has been removed by Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:55, 56).
The Mystery Unveiled – The Believer’s Final Victory
“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell 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 trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘ODeath, whereisyour sting?O Hades, whereisyour victory?‘ The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:50-58).
12 Biblical Facts
1. All of us deserve to die. Romans 3:10-23; 6:23; Genesis 2:17
2. Not everyone will die physically. Genesis 5:24; 2 Kings 2:11; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; Rev. 19:20
3. Death = Separation, not annihilation or reincarnation. Luke 16:19-31; 2 Corinthians 5:1-8
4. Spiritual death & physical death are reversible. Ephesians 2:1; 1 Corinthians 15:24-26, 54
5. Second death is irreversible. Revelation 20:14; 21:18 (No purgatory – AD 1274, 1438)
6. No physical death on earth until Adam sinned. Romans 5:12 (No evolution)
7. Resuscitations vs resurrections. John 11:43, 44; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4
8. Several orders of resurrections for all who died. 1 Corinthians 15:24-26, 51, 52
9. No universal salvation. Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 20:15; 21:8
10. Everlasting existence vs eternal life. Rom. 1:20; Jude 1:6; John 3:16, 18, 36; 5:24
11. Our potential years vs actual years. 1 Cor. 11:30; James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16
12. Future Residences: Jewish believers – new earth. Matt. 5:5; Rom. 4:13; Christians – New Jerusalem. Phil. 3:20; Rev. 21:9 ff; All unbelievers – lake of fire. Matt. 25:41, 46; Rev. 21:8
Where will you spend eternity? Are you sure? Why should God let you into His heaven? If you believe that you are saved, is there anything you could do or fail to do that you believe would cause you to lose your salvation? If so, what?
Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to study, change, and grow spiritually, so they can serve God and others, and reproduce themselves. If you have questions and/or comments, contact us through our website: http://www.kelseypeach.com or through our FB page.
Friend, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for all our sins (once and for all) …and rose again bodily on the third day, and you will be saved from hell to heaven (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).
If you’ve never done this before, do it NOW! Once you’ve done this, contact us for more information so we can help you grow spiritually.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version
Copyright c. 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission. All rights reserved
As the Apostle Paul lingered in the Mamertine Prison (?) in Rome, awaiting his imminent death, he wrote an encouraging letter to his son-in-the-faith, Timothy with these words, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
He wanted Timothy to share “…the things that [he had] heard from [Paul] among many witnesses, [and to] commit [the Word of God] to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). Not everyone is faithful, or teachable and willing to change and grow spiritually.
By the grace and mercy of God, I have lived more years here on earth (81) than my father, or both of my grandfathers have. “As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years” (Psalm 90:10 NASB20).
As my father set an example for me, it is my desire to “finish my race in life well.” I can’t change my past. But I can do something about today and tomorrow if God grants the time to me.
I try to treat each day as though it might be my last day on earth. I want the Lord’s approval when He evaluates the works I did on this earth (2 Corinthians 5:9, 10). I want to leave a “legacy of faith” for my children and my grandchildren.
Over the years I’ve written many articles, made some video messages, and have had the privilege of sharing the Word of God with people in the local churches I’ve pastored.
I want the people whom I encounter in life to hear or read the Good News (Gospel) about the Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the dead so they too can be saved from eternal condemnation in hell to everlasting life with God in heaven. Then I want to assist believers so they can grow and become spiritually mature and reproduce themselves.
Below are some links that I hope will help you so you can help and encourage others too (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).
If you have questions and/or comments, we can be reached through our website or through our FB page.
Friend, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for all our sins (once and for all) …and rose again bodily on the third day, and you will be saved from hell to heaven (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).
If you’ve never done this before, do it NOW! Once you’ve done this, contact us for more information so we can help you grow spiritually.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version
Copyright c. 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission. All rights reserved
Judgment Day is coming. “…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Contrary to what some people think, there will be several future judgments that are mentioned in Scripture, not just one at the end of time. [1]
These future judgments will not be to determine one’s eternal destiny (in heaven or hell), but to determine the degree of pleasure a believer will have in heaven or the degree of suffering that an unbeliever will have in the lake of fire for eternity (Matthew 10:15). Our works and our attitudes / motivations will be evaluated by Judge Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:9, 10; Revelation 20:11-15; John 5:22).
Our Motives [2]
We all are motivated by various things. Fame, fortune, power, and pleasure motivate some people. We don’t always know why we do what we do. But God is omniscient and knows everything we think, say, do, and why we do what we do (1 Corinthians 4:5; John 2:25; Isaiah 46:10; Psalm 139).
Lollipop. Dr. Howard Hendricks points out that – “One form of [improper motivation] is what I call lollipop motivation: ‘Son, behave yourself in church this morning, and I’ll buy you an ice-cream cone.’ Or, ‘Memorize two hundred verses of Scripture, and we’ll send you to camp for a week.’ Now those sound good, and they can make students do good things. But it’s altogether possible that those good things will not have good results.”
Guilt. “Another improper motivation is guilt. That is another reason many people memorize Scripture: ‘I can’t be a first-class Christian if I don’t memorize these verses.’ In fact, this is probably one of the most common motivations some Christian communicators use. They keep piling the guilt higher and higher, and the people keep making the formations and salivating when you ring the bell. But all for the wrong reasons.”
Deception-Intentional Or Unintentional. “If I told you I knew a success formula and convinced you that if you tried it immediately it would totally revolutionize your life, you probably would give it a shot, but only once…Stop promising people more than…the Scriptures promise them. Don’t say, ‘If you come to Christ, all your problems will be solved.’ That is how people get disillusioned. Sure, Christ will meet their needs, but not according to your script, or your time, or in your way.” [2]
Other Motivations Include: [3]
Brotherly “Phileo” Love. “Philia refers to brotherly love and is most often exhibited in a close friendship. Best friends will display this generous and affectionate love for each other as each seeks to make the other happy. The Scriptural account of David and Jonathan is an excellent illustration of phileo love: “After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. . . . And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself” (1 Samuel 18:1-3).”
Family “Storge” Love.“Storge is an affectionate love, the type of love one might have for family or a spouse. It is a naturally occurring, unforced type of love. Some examples of storge love can be found in the stories of Noah, Jacob, and siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.” This kind of love will be lacking in the last days (2 Timothy 3:3).
Erotic “Eros” Love. “As its name indicates, eros is passionate or sexual love (eros is the source of the English word erotic). While eros is important within a marriage relationship and is created by God (see Song of Solomon), it can also be abused or mistaken for storge love. The Bible is clear that sexual immorality (out-of-control eros) is a sin (1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3). Unsaved people can have brotherly love, family love, and erotic love, but not God’s “agape” love.
God’s “Agape” Love. “Agape speaks of the most powerful, noblest type of love: sacrificial love. Agape love is more than a feeling—it is an act of the will. This is the love that God has for His people and that prompted the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus, for our sins [John 3:16]. Jesus was agape love personified.” [3]
“Fruit Of The Spirit” – “Agape” love is produced by God the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23) in Spirit filled Christians (Ephesians 5:18), and can/should be demonstrated before others. It needs to be directed toward the right objects, at the right time, and for the right reasons. Yes, it’s possible for a maturing Christian to misdirect God’s love (1 John 2:15-17). We can use the present world system, but we are not to abuse it (1 Corinthians 7:31).
Sacrificial Love. Spirit filled Christians need to be ready and willing, if necessary, to lay down our lives for the brethren by sharing our material things with those who are in genuine need (1 John 3:16, 17; Note: 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). Consider the Christian’s priority: “Therefore, as we (i.e., Christians) have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). [4]
Crowns. There are five crowns that Christians can /should earn for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). The “Incorruptible Crown” (1 Corinthians 9:25), the “Crown of Rejoicing” (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20), the “Crown of Righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8), the “Crown of Life” (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10), and the “Crown of Glory” (1 Peter 5:4). Do you know how to earn them? Those who earn them will cast them at Christ’s feet when we see Him as an expression of our love and appreciation to Him (Revelation 4:10). [5]
Motives. At the “Bema Seat Judgment” for New Testament Christians, the righteous and omniscient Judge Jesus (John 5:22; 2 Timothy 4:8), will evaluate not only our works, but also our motives and reveal why we did what we did (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10). (1) Were they done in keeping with the Holy Spirit’s leading in our lives (Romans 8:14), (2) and with His power (Philippians 3:10; 4:13)? (3) Were they done according to the rules that God set forth in His Word (2 Timothy 2:5; See Romans 3:8; 6:1)? (4) Were they done according to the will of God (Acts 21:4-14)? (5) Did they bring glory to God or to us (1 Corinthians 10:31)? [6]
Future. Most of our rewards for faithful service to God and others are yet to come (Romans 8:18). “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that you labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). So “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9). Use the spiritual gift that God gave to you at the time of your salvation with love (1 Corinthians 13; Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 4:10).
Questions. What motivates you to do what you do? What needs to change or be continued? Do you have assurance of your salvation? Why should God let you into His heaven? Are you “believing in vain” (1 Corinthians15:2; Matthew 7:21 -23)?
Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change and grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2,15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). If you have questions and/or comments, contact us through our website: www.kelseypeach.com or through our FB page.
[2] Motives. The Law Of Encouragement, Dr. Howard Hendricks, Almost Every Answer For Practically Any Teacher, The 7 Laws of the Learner, Multnomah, Portland, OR. p. 63. Click here –
Friend, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for all our sins (once and for all) …and rose again bodily on the third day, and you will be saved from hell to heaven (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).
If you’ve never done this before, do it NOW! Once you’ve done this, contact us for more information so we can help you grow spiritually.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version
Copyright c. 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission. All rights reserved
Everyone has faith in someone or in something. Some believe in themselves as the “master of their own fate, and the captain of their own souls.” Others have confidence in a person with a strong personality, in a church, in one of the Christs of the cults, or in a pagan god or goddess. Many people place their faith and trust in the government which has the power to take from the rich and give to the poor. The religions of man and the cults not only have faith as a requirement of entrance into heaven, but also require that good works be added to faith. Not so with true Christianity (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). Our deliverance from hell to heaven is a gift from God that must be received gratefully by simple faith alone in the Christ of the Scriptures alone.
SINCERITY. One can be sincerely wrong when he goes to the medicine cabinet at night and takes the wrong medicine for his ailment. Getting on the wrong train, even though sincere, could end up in one’s arriving at the wrong destination. We’ve done this before. Many people are sincerely wrong and don’t even know it. Satan has blinded their spiritual eyes (2 Corinthians 4:4). How sad! What about you? How confident are you that you would go immediately to heaven if you were to die today? Do you believe that you’d have a go to Purgatory first? Why do you believe God should let you into His heaven?
POWER OF THE GOSPEL. The Apostle Paul wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek [non-Jew] (Romans 1:16). He also wrote, “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:1, 2).
“BELIEVE IN VAIN.” Whenever a person adds the words “and…” or “but…” he is changing the Gospel message. A person is saved today by God’s grace alone (unmerited favor), through faith alone (not faith plus good works), in the Christ of the Scriptures alone (not in the Christ of the cults).
THEGOSPEL FOR OUR DELIVERANCE FROM HELL TO HEAVEN. It involves two facts: Christ died for our sins…and rose againbodily from the dead. It provides two proofs: He was buried, and after His bodily resurrection He was seen by over 500 witnesses, over a 40 day period of time, before He ascended back to heaven. His ascension into heaven was not in secret at night on a horse as one religion teaches, but it was gradual, literal, and in the presence of His disciples (1 Corinthians 15:3-5; See Luke 24:36-43; Acts 1:9-11).
WHAT’S REQUIRED FOR OUR SALVATION? Sadly, many who say they know and believe the facts of the Gospel (James 2:19) have never transferred their faith over to Christ alone to be saved. What about you? Consider this carefully – “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8, 9; See Titus 3:5).
ADDITIONS: Some preachers and teachers add other requirements for salvation. What have you been told? “Say the sinner’s prayer,” “Come forward and confess Christ publicly,” “Repent and be baptized,” “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Christ,” “Put Christ on the throne of your life,” “Turn from your sins to God,” “Pray to receive Christ,” etc. I used to be confused by such invitations. What about you?
LORDSHIP SALVATION. Do you know the difference between “Lordship in exchange for salvation,” and “Lordship because of salvation”? Sadly, the conditions for spiritual growth and maturity are often erroneously made the conditions for one to be saved instead of because one has been saved (Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Peter 3:15). Don’t make this mistake.
HELP. Having been confused myself for many years, I want to help you gain assurance of your salvation as I now have so you can effectively SHARE the Gospel with others and have the joy of leading others to Christ so they too can be saved (1 John 5:13; Romans 8:16).
CROWN. The “Crown of Rejoicing” awaits believers who lead others to Christ for salvation (1 Thessalonians 1:19, 20). But the greatest joy in life comes when we take those whom we have led to Christ and help them grow spiritually (3 John 4).
CONTACT. We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. Contact us if you have questions and/or comments. To receive future articles as they come out, click on follow.
Friend, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for all our sins (once and for all) …and rose again bodily on the third day, and you will be saved from hell to heaven (Acts 16:31; 1 Cor. 15;3, 4).
If you’ve never done this before, do it NOW! Once you’ve done this, contact us for more information so we can help you grow spiritually.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version
Copyright c. 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission. All rights reserved
Heather came from a dysfunctional home where her parents fought often and where she was abused as a child. Needless to say, like a lot of other children, she didn’t grow up in a healthy or happy environment. But one day, when she was 10 years old, a friend invited her to a Bible Club for kids at her church. With her parents permission, she went to it. She had a great time with the other kids and the group leader was very friendly to her.
Not long after attending this club, she heard “The Story of Hope” and put her faith and trust in Jesus as her personal Savior. Her life began to change dramatically and her parents noticed it. Not long after that her parents came to trust in Jesus as their Savior too. This made Heather very happy.
Shortly after she was saved, God began to work in Heather’s life and placed a burden on her heart to be a missionary teacher in Africa. Fast forward. The day finally came when she finished college. She had been approved by her church and a mission board, and had raised her support to go to Africa. Now she was on her way to be a fourth grade teacher. She had “high hopes” of making a significant difference in the lives of her students. She was there to teach them the basics, but her primary goal was to share God’s love and “The Story Of Hope” with her students so they could be saved. Once saved, she wanted to challenge them to be and do their best for God and follow His leading in their lives.
As might be expected, she was a little nervous about meeting her students for the first time. They were curious, but friendly. She began by telling them some things about herself and the dysfunctional home in which she grew up, and what had happened in her life. Some of them were able to identify with her in this area. She told them how she came to know Jesus as her Savior and shared how God had been working in her life and why she wanted to become a school teacher.
To learn more about them, she asked for volunteers to share with her and the others what their hopes and dreams were. One boy enthusiastically said, “I want to be a Doctor someday if my family can afford for me to go to college and medical school.” A little girl said, “I want to be a chemist like my dad.” Another student said, “I want and hope to be a politician someday to help people out of poverty.” A few others shared their dreams and hopes with the rest of the class. Heather was excited to see their enthusiasm.
But she noticed that there were a few students who didn’t respond. So she went over to one of them and said, “Would you like to share with us what your dreams and hopes are?” Reluctantly, one boy said with tears in his eyes, “I hope when I get home today that my dad won’t be drunk and start beating me and my mother again.” Somewhat surprised, Heather was taken off guard. Another student chimed in to say, “I hope my older brother won’t end up in prison for a long time for using illegal drugs.” Still another one said, “I hope I won’t have to go to bed hungry again tonight like I usually do.” Heather’s heart was broken. She didn’t realize the hurt that some of her students were feeling at the time.
While many young people today seem to be excited about life and living, there are others who are very depressed, and even suicidal. Some children, whose parents can afford it, are taking medically prescribed drugs to keep them calm so they don’t hurt themselves and others. Other young people are killing their pain with illegal drugs and alcohol or acting up to gain attention.
When young people or older people lose hope, bad things begin to happen. Dreams are shattered. Husbands and/or wives often give up on their marriages. Some parents give up and abandon their children. Millions of babies are aborted every year. Pastors and missionaries have been known to quit the ministry and leave the people that were entrusted to them. Disappointment, discouragement, and doubt (questioning God and His Word) have destroyed many people’s lives. [2]
Perhaps you are a relatively happy person right now. Or maybe you’re pretending to be alright on the outside, but deep down inside you are really hurting. Do you feel like your life is falling apart? Do you feel hopeless? Be honest.
If you feel this way, could it be because you don’t know (1) where you came from (your past), (2) why you’re here on earth (your present), or (3) where you will go when you die (your future)? Maybe you’ve been taught in school and led to believe in the theory of evolution [3] and that you’re nothing more than an animal. Does your race (skin color), your face (bodily features), or your place (status) in life make you feel inferior, or perhaps superior to others? If you could change some things, what would you change? Think about this – “What do you have that you didn’t receive” (1 Corinthians 4:7)? We have no reason to be proud. Furthermore, God hates it (Proverbs 6:17).
Maybe you feel hopeless at times because you have no clear purpose in life, and you aren’t sure if there is life after death. If you, like many other people, lack hope, I’d like to tell you another story. Unlike the fictitious story about Heather, the following story is a true story. It’s called –
“The Story Of Hope”
If you’ll come with me, I’d like to take you across a bridge. It’s been called “The Chronological Bridge To Life.” [1] It’s a true story that is found in the Bible. As we cross this bridge, I’d like for us to focus briefly on 8 topics: God-Man-Sin-Death-Christ-Cross-Faith-Life.
God. In the first verse of the Bible (God’s Word) we read,“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1; See John 1:3; Colossians 1:16, 17). God has always existed. He refers to Himself as the eternal “I AM” (Exodus 3:14). He created three heavens: the atmospheric heaven where the birds fly (Genesis 1:21; Revelation 19:17), the starry heaven where the angels dwell (Ephesians 6:12), and the third heaven where He currently resides (2 Corinthians 12:2). And, of course, we dwell on the earth that God created out of nothing. It is just at the right distance from the sun so we don’t burn up or freeze to death.
Man. On the sixth day of creation, God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. This involved physical life and spiritual life. He instructed Adam (who probably was “red skinned”) [4] to take care of the fruit and vegetable garden that was located eastward in Eden. He told him not to eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. His disobedience to this command would result in death (separation) – in the spiritual and physical realm. On the same day God also took a rib from Adam’s side and formed a woman to be his helper (See Genesis 1; 2).
Sin. After Adam and Eve had been in the garden for some time, God’s enemy (the devil) used the serpent to deceive Eve into believing that if she ate the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that she would become like God (in one area), knowing the difference between good (what was beneficial) and evil (not beneficial). This part was true. But he lied when he said that she wouldn’t die. He is a liar and is called the father of lies (John 8:44). Being deceived by him, she ate the forbidden fruit and invited Adam to eat it too. Adam wasn’t deceived, but he ate the fruit anyway (1 Timothy 2:13, 14; See Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9). Sin is lawlessness – when we act like there are no laws/rules from God for us to obey (1 John 3:4).
Death. Adam’s disobedience resulted in both spiritual and physical death. As soon as they ate the forbidden fruit, they immediately became aware of the fact that their close and intimate relationship with God had been broken and they began to die physically (Genesis 5). They foolishly tried to hide from God Who knows everything. Their nature (disposition – natural tendency) became corrupted. They also realized that they were naked or had been stripped of something. So they sewed fig leaves to cover themselves (Genesis 3:7). But God graciously gave them animal skins instead to cover their nakedness. This is when sin (lawlessness) and death entered into the world (Romans 5:12; Hebrews 9:27) and why the theory of evolution [3] isn’t true. There was no physical death until Adam sinned.
Christ. For about the next 4,000 years men and women were given different “rules for living” to test their obedience to God. They were not different ways of salvation. [4] (Think about the different rules that govern sports – football, baseball, basketball, etc.) But, no matter what rules God gave to them, they kept failing to do what He told them to do. To demonstrate His love for the people who had rebelled (sinned) against Him, God the Father sent God the Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) down from heaven to earth to live among us for about 33 years (John 1:11, 12; 3:16; Hebrews 10:7, 9). His primary purpose was to make God known to us and to the angels (John 1:14; 17:3-5; 1 Peter 1:12). Jesus offered Himself as the promised Deliverer, the Messiah, and the rightful King of the Jews. He also came to seek and save lost sinners like you and me (Genesis 3:15; Matthew 2:2; 16:16; 27:11; John 1:29; See also Romans 3:10-23; 6:23; 5:8).
Cross. God doesn’t want (desire) that any of us, no matter how bad we’ve been, to end up forever in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels/demons (1 Timothy 2:4; Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 21:8). So Jesus Christ (the God-man), Who was born or the virgin, Mary, and Who never sinned (Hebrews 4:15), offered to die in our place for our sins to pay the debt that we owed to God (Romans 6:23; See Psalm 22:1; Matthew 27:46; John 19:30). When Jesus did this for us, God the Father was satisfied (1 John 2:2; 4:10). This made it possible for Him to save those who would believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior (Acts 16:31).
Faith. True Christians can know (be absolutely sure) that God has forgiven their sins and that they are no longer condemned (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 5:13; Romans 8:1). We know this is true because God the Father raised Jesus from the dead on the third day with a glorified body. It has flesh and bones, but no blood (Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4, 50; Luke 24:33-43; 1 John 3:2).
NOTE: The Gospel (Good News) that we must believe in order to be saved is that Christ died for our sins (once for all – Hebrews 10:10), was buried for three days and nights, and then rose again bodily on the third day (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). We are not saved by our good works, or by faith plus our good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5).
Life. When we place our faith and trust in Christ alone to save us, we receive eternal life (John 3:16, 18, 36; 5:24; Acts 16:31). It is God’s kind of life. We also receive a new nature from Him that is capable of pleasing God (2 Peter 1:2-4; Romans 8:8). But He also wants us to enjoy an abundant life as we think about our spiritual blessings and riches that He has given to us (John 10:10; Ephesians 1:3 ff).
Decision. You alone must decide whether you will believe on Him as your personal Savior, or reject Him and His offer of salvation. Your decision will determine whether you spend eternity with God or apart from Him in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels/demons (John 3:18; 14:1-3; Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 21:8). It’s not enough to just know and believe the facts of the Gospel; you must transfer your faith and trust from yourself and your good works over to the Christ of the Scriptures [5] alone if you are to be saved? Have you done this yet? If not, why not now?
Help. We’re here to help you if you want/need additional information to make a decision to become a “true Christian.” We want you to be assured of your salvation (1 John 5:13; Romans 8:16), to grow spiritually (2 Peter 3:18), so you can serve God and others effectively (1 Peter 4:10; Galatians 5:13). God also wants all Christins to reproduce themselves while they are here on earth (Matthew 28:19, 20). We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If this has helped you, please let us know how it has. And then would you please share this information with others so they can be helped too?
God’s Purpose – God’s primary purpose is to glorify Himself by making Himself known to His creatures – both to spirit beings and to human beings. He wants them to know that He alone is the true and living God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things (Jeremiah 10:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-3; Ephesians 3:10; Colossians 1:16, 17). He also wants us to know what He has done for us, is doing, and will do for believers and unbelievers in the future. Our eternal destiny will depend on how we respond to His offer of deliverance from hell to heaven (See John 3:18, 36).
Christ’s Prayer. In His high priestly prayer, just before He went to the cross, Jesus said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You…I [Jesus] have glorified You [made You known] on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (See John 17:1-8).
My Servant. To the Jews in the Old Testament, God said, “You are My servant, O Israel, In whom I will be glorified” (Isaiah 49:3). God also wants to be glorified through New Testament believers. To the Christians in the city of Corinth the Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
The Test. Let’s see how the Jews in the Old Testament did, and how the Christians have done so far. How will the true “Jehovah’s Witnesses” glorify God in the future?
The Old Testament Jews were placed by God in the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe to be His witnesses to the ungodly people of the world (Isaiah 43:10-12; 44:8). God gave this land to them as a permanent possession (Genesis 15:18-21). Contrary to what some religious groups are saying, the Jews in Israel today are NOT unlawful occupiers of the land. Furthermore, the Church has NOT replaced the Jews. [1] God is NOT finished with the Jewish nation even though they rejected their promised Messiah (John 1:11, 12), and had the Romans kill Him on a cruel cross (Acts 2:36; 4:10, 27; Romans 11:1 ff). God holds all men guilty of the death of Christ, not just the Jews.
Set Aside. The Jewish nation has been temporarily set aside until the “fullness of the Gentiles has come in” and been saved (Romans 11:25; See John 6:37).The Jewish nation cannot be annihilated even though there have been many attempts to do so in the past. Sadly, there will be another greater holocaust in the future because the Jews (as a whole) will refuse to bow down and worship the image of the “Man of Sin – Antichrist” even after he rescues them from Russia and her allies in the middle of the Tribulation (Matthew 24:34; Revelation 12:13 ff; 13:1-18; Ezekiel 38, 39). [2]
Failure. It’s true. The Old Testament Jews failed to glorify God as they were supposed to do and became like the heathen nations around them. They worshipped their grotesque and sensuous idols instead of the true and living God (Exodus 20:3). This was one of the reasons why they were taken out of their “Promised Land” into Babylon (Jeremiah 25:5, 6, 11, 12; Daniel 1:2; 9:2). They also failed to let the land that God gave to them rest every seventh year. This went on for 490 years and so God sent them out of it for 70 years (Leviticus 25:4, 5; 26:34; 2 Chronicles 36:21).
Another Failure. After His death and bodily resurrection, New Testament Christians were commanded by Jesus to be His witnesses to all the nations of the world (Matthew 28:19, 20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8). Most Christians have not done this and have left this job to “Clerical George” (the professionals) to do it for them. Thus the Gospel of God’s power to save people has not yet reached the entire world.
Gospel. The Good News that Christians are supposed to share with lost people today is that Christ died for the sins of Jews and Gentiles…and rose again bodily from the dead on the third day. Any and all those today, who place their faith and trust in Him alone, will be saved from hell to heaven (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Acts16:31; Romans 1:16, 17). No one is ever saved by his/her good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). Sadly, this message has been garbled (i.e. confused and distorted) by many believers, including Evangelists and Pastor-teachers (2 Corinthians 11:3, 4, 13-15; Galatians 1:8, 9). If you attend a church, what message are you hearing? Are you confused? Need help? Contact us.
A Success Story. But (perhaps very soon) the true 144,000 Jewish Witnesses from the 12 tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:4-8) will carry the “Gospel of the Kingdom” (i.e. the rule of the kingdom of the heavens over the earth) to all the people of the earth during the last 3 ½ years of the “Seven Year Tribulation” (Daniel 9:27). During this time, these 144,000 evangelists will be persecuted severely, (since they won’t take the “Mark of the Beast” – Revelation 13:17), but the Devil or the “Man of Sin” (Antichrist) won’t be able to kill them.
Food/Water. Anyone who believes in/on Christ (Messiah) through their message and gives one of the 144,000 Jewish witnesses some food and/or water to demonstrate their faith outwardly, will receive a reward from God (and if they survive to the end of the Tribulation physically), they will enter Christ’s millennial Kingdom to help repopulate the earth (Matthew 10:42; 24:13; 25:31-46).
Tongues. Apparently the true 144,000 “Jehovah’s Witnesses” will be able to “speak in tongues” (other known languages) without having previously studied them as some of the early Christians were able to do (Acts 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12-14). We do NOT believe that this spiritual gift is being given to New Testament Christians today since we have what God wanted us to have for now (1 Corinthians 13:8; See Ephesians 2:7). [3] We have all we need for life and godliness within the 66 books of the Scriptures (2 Peter 1:3, 4; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Titus 1:9).
Depopulation. The last 3 ½ years of the “Seven Year Tribulation” (Daniel 9:27) are known as “The Great Tribulation” (Matthew 24:21 ff) and “The Time of Jacob’s (Israel’s) Trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7). During this time over ½ of the world’s population will die (Revelation 6:8; 9:15), and 2/3 of the Jews will die under the “Trumpet Judgments” (Zechariah 13:8, 9; Revelation 8-11) because of their rebellion against the true and living God Who will miraculously and graciously provide for their needs while they are in Sela/Petra in the land of Jordan (Isaiah 16:1; Matthew 24:16).
Message. It is our understanding that the future content of the “Gospel of the Kingdom” will include Christ’s death for our sins and His bodily resurrection, but it also will include the fact that Jesus is the Christ (Promised Messiah – See Matthew 16:16) Who will return to this earth, after the Tribulation, to rule and reign over it for 1,000 years. (See Daniel 2:44, 45; Matthew 3:2; 4:17, 23; Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11 ff; 20:1-7)
Dates. While we don’t set dates for the imminent return of the Lord as He promised (John 14:1-3), it sure seems like His return for His Church is very near. There are many indicators (not sign miracles) suggesting that the stage is being set for the coming of the “Seven Year Tribulation” which follows the “Rapture” of the True Church (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). [4]
The “Big Question.” It is, Have you placed your faith and trust in the only One (the Lord Jesus Christ) who can save you from hell to heaven (John 14:6; Acts 4:12)? If not, why not do so today? [5]
Beautiful Feet. You, as a Christian, can have them if you take the pure Gospel to others even though most Christians won’t do this (Romans 10:15). You also can earn the “Crown of Rejoicing” to place at Jesus’ feet when you meet Him (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 29; Revelation 4:10, 11).
Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. Please Like and Share this, and click on “Follow” to receive future articles as they come out.
“Beam me up, Scotty” can be a way of literally saying“get me out of this place” or expressing frustration with the world around you and having a desire for escape from it. One song writer of yesteryear suggested that they stop the world and let him off of it. In science fiction stories it meant to transport someone to or from a spaceship using special electronic equipment as it was in the television series Star Trek.
Transportation. It’s still a big business and millions of people are traveling to other places for business and/or for pleasure. “People movers” today include planes, trains, and automobiles. But moving sidewalks or automated driverless vehicles, are being used more and more for transporting people along limited, fixed routes, as around airports or congested urban areas. The “15 minute cities” being planned by the Luciferian globalists are not far away. What will they be like? Should you be concerned? [1] [2]
Teleportation. We’re told that this involves the act or process of moving an object or person by psychokinesis. In fiction it is the instantaneous travel between two locations without crossing the intervening space. It is a common subject in science fiction literature and in other popular culture. Will it ever happen, and if so, when?
Angelic Transportation. There are some Bible scholars who believe that good angels might be used by God to transport some of the earthly Jewish residents, who could take with them ten non-Jewish believers (Zechariah 8:23), up to the heavenly New Jerusalem during the millennium, and then bring them back down after visiting there, to live on earth again (Genesis 28:12). Some people think it will be a satellite city to lighten half the earth at a time, as the sun currently does. This will be necessary because the sun will go out completely at the end of the seven year Tribulation (Revelation 21:9ff; Matthew 24:29). Christ will be the source of light for those who live on the earth during the millennium (1 Timothy 6:16).
The Heavenly New Jerusalem. Some mathematicians have calculated that this city could be about 27,000 miles up from the surface of the earth as it circles it every day. Apparently the people living on earth will be able to see Christ in His garment of light. Some believe that He will be at the apex of this city of transparent gold (Revelation 21:18), which could be in the shape of a pyramid instead of a cube. It’s 1,500 miles square at the base, and 1,500 miles high. It also has a high wall around it and 12 gates with the names of the 12 Jewish tribes on them (Revelation 21). Why?
Webcams. Let’s come back to earth again. Since travel is getting very expensive, another option, although not the same as being in a place, is to travel by projecting yourself in your mind to another place through live TV or by means of your cell phone or webcams. Such devices could be used for good purposes but also for spying on others and gathering information to use against them. [3]
BTW. When the 2011 earthquake (9.0) and tsunami hit Japan, while two of our children were living there, and I was in California, I watched by means of live TV the tsunami pouring across the land and destroying virtually everything in its path. Thankfully, our children survived this incident. Greater earthquakes are yet to come during the Tribulation which seems to be “just around the corner” (Revelation 6:12; 11:13, 19; 16:18). My friend, where will you be when they happen?
AI. Artificial intelligence is becoming more and more popular these days. It’s nice to get information quickly by asking “Siri” a question. But this technology can be misused. The coming “Man of Sin – Anti-christ” (Revelation 13) will have access to it and will be able to use it for his own devious purposes in an effort to try to thwart “God’s Plan for the Ages.”
Transhumanism. “… [it] encourages the use of artificial enhancements to push mankind towards something ‘more than’ human. Fundamentally, it is a form of Utopianism, the belief that human beings can change themselves and create a heaven on earth. The basic idea of improving the human condition is perfectly compatible with the Bible. In fact, it’s one of the purposes of a Christian lifestyle (John 10:10). But transhumanism contradicts the Bible when it assumes that humanity is completely sovereign and capable of self-directed change without the need for God (Jeremiah 17:9).” [4] (See also Genesis 3:15; 6:1-8; 2 Peter 2:4, 5; Jude 1:6 to learn more about Satan’s attempt to thwart God’s plan of redemption for mankind through transhumanism.)
Resuscitated. After the Anti-christ is killed in a battle with Russia, which some Bible scholars believe will take place in the middle of the Tribulation (Ezekiel 38:39), [5] he will be brought back to life (resuscitated) and demand that everyone worship him as god and take his “Mark of the Beast” (Revelation 13:17). [6] The Jews will refuse to do this. They will be told to escape to Sela / Petra in Jordan (Isaiah 16:1; Matthew 24:15-22) for the last 3 1/2 years, known as “The time of Jacob’s (Israel’s) Trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7).
FalsePeace On Earth. After signing a 7 year peace agreement with the Jews (Daniel 9:27), the Anti-christ will try to bring peace to the earth and a Paradise on earthwithout the true “Prince of Peace” – the Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 6:2; Isaiah 9:6, 7). At the end of the seven year Tribulation, after causing havoc on the earth, he and the false prophet, who deceived the nations (Matthew 24:5, 11), will be teleported to the lake of fire to suffer forever (Revelation 20:10; See Matthew 25:41, 46).
True Peace On Earth. When the Lord Jesus Christ, Whom most of the Jews rejected 2,000 years ago (Matthew 27:21; John 1:11), returns to the earth (Acts 1:11) after this 7 year period, and destroys all His enemies at Armageddon in northern Israel (Revelation 16:16; 19:11-21; Zechariah 14:1-15), He will set up his 1,000 reign on/over the earth as “The Prince of Peace” and “The King of kings, and Lord of lords” (Psalm 2; Isaiah 9:6, 7; Revelation 19:16; 20:1-7). The devil will be bound in the Abyss for 1,000 years. It’s located in the heart of the earth. During the millennium man’s sin nature will be curbed and all his needs will be supplied in abundance (Isaiah 2:4; 9:6, 7; 11:1ff; 35:1ff).
Unbelievers. After the works of unbelievers are judged at the Great White Throne, (at the end of time) to determine their degree of suffering in the lake of fire, all these unsaved people will be teleported to the lake of fire to suffer forever with the devil and his angels/demons (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; Revelation 11:15; 20:11-15). We hope you won’t be among them. To learn how to avoid going there, see the link below. [7]
Death. If God were to allow the “Man of Sin – Antichrist” to have more than seven years to carry out his diabolical plan, no flesh on earth would survive (Matthew 24:22). As the Scriptures predict, over 1/2 of the world’s population will die during this time from 21 plagues (Revelation 6:8; 9:15). The 10 plagues in Egypt were literal, and so are these (Exodus 7-10; Revelation 6-19). Do you know that there are globalists who want to reduce the world’s population down to 500 million people? Think about this for a few moments. [8]
Rapture. Since God is omnipotent (Revelation 1:8), He can perform miracles which involve the circumvention of the normal laws of nature. When Christ comes back for the “True Church” (John 14:1-3), He will make true Christians “His Spiritual Bride” (Revelation 21:9). He will evaluate our works to determine which crowns, rewards, and praise we will receive, and perhaps our degree of pleasure in heaven (1 Corinthians 3:9-15; 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Then He will teleport us to the heavenly New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9ff) in the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52).
Travel. It also seems that glorified New Testament Christians will be able to travel at the speed of thought just like Jesus did after His bodily resurrection from the dead (John 20:7) since our new bodies will be made like His resurrected, glorified body with garments of light (1 John 3:2). They will consist of flesh and bones, but no blood (1 Corinthians 15:50; Luke 24:36-43). We will NOT become gods to repopulate other worlds as some cults teach.
God’s Glory. When Christ was here on earth He performed many signs, wonders, and miracles to prove to us that He was/is the God-man (Acts 2:22). He came to make the Godhead known to mankind (John 1:1-18; 17:4, 5) and to provide deliverance from the lake of fire (hell) for all mankind (John 3:16, 18, 36; 1 John 2:2). Those who place their faith and trust in the Christ of the Scriptures alone, [9] apart from their good works, will be saved from eternal condemnation (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Romans 8:1).
Gospel. The “Good News” that is the power of God unto our salvation (Romans 1:16, 17), which we must believe to be saved, is that Christ died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the dead on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Have you done this yet? If not, why not now?
Contact. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change and grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16 17; 2 Peter 3:18). If you have questions and/or comments, we can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” Please SHARE this with others who may find this information helpful and which may give them hope.
For your further consideration, we invite you to read these articles:
Do you believe in life after death and in the resurrection of your body, if you should die today? Would you want to come back to live in the same body you currently have with all its limitations and pains? Do you believe in second chances after you die, or in reincarnation, or in the annihilation of the wicked dead?
Why are some people so opposed to the idea of the resurrection of our human bodies? Why did the Epicurean (pleasure seeking) and Stoic (rationalistic) philosophers in Athens, Greece mock the Apostle Paul when he talked to them about Christ’s bodily resurrection out from among the dead ones (Acts 17:16-32)? [1] How does His bodily resurrection affect us? Does Jesus have the power to raise everyone who has died physically? If He does, when will He do this?
Could it be that some people strongly oppose the idea of being resurrected from the dead because, if they believed in it, they might be held accountable to God for their lawless behavior while they lived here on the earth? Does living a “good life” enable us to enter heaven, and does living a “sinful/lawless life” send us to hell? Can we get into heaven if our good deeds outweigh our bad deeds? What is the purpose of the different judgment days mentioned in the Bible?
Has John Lennon’s song “Imagine” (There’s No Heaven Or Hell) contributed to your philosophy of life which would allow you to live any way you wanted to live for today without any negative consequences that it might have on you or others, including your children and grandchildren?
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25). Since He is all powerful (Revelation 1:8), He will destroy death by raising up everyone who has died, each in his/her own order (1 Corinthians 15:26).
The bodies of the dead people that will be raised back to life will be everlasting. Believers in God/Christ through the Gospel message will receive bodies with flesh and bones, but without blood. These bodies will house their souls and spirits, and they will have garments of light (1 Corinthians 15:49; 1 Timothy 6:16; 1 John 3:2; Daniel 12:1-3). Unbelievers will be raised from the dead and their bodies will be changed so as never to die again physically. They will stand before Judge Jesus (John 5:22) at the Great White Throne where their works will be evaluated to determine their degree of suffering in the the lake of fire forever (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 21:8). [2] We don’t want this to happen to you or any other person. If you’re still alive physically, there is hope for you.
God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). The Lord Jesus Christ is the [only] way [to God], the [absolute] truth, and the [giver of eternal] life (John 14:16). He died for the sins [lawless behavior] of the whole world…and rose again bodily from the dead on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; John 3:16, 18, 36; 1 John 2:2). Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone (apart from your good works), and you will be saved from hell to heaven (Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8, 9). If you’ve never done this before, why not trust Him right now, wherever you are? [3]
If you’ve just done this, we’d like to help you so you can start living a life that pleases God. Contact us here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to learn, and grow spiritually.
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Scripture taken from the New King James Version
Copyright c. 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission. All rights reserved
Christ’s death for the sins of all mankind, His burial for three (not four) days and nights in the tomb, His bodily resurrection from the dead, which was validated by over 500 witnesses, on ten different occasions, over a 40 day period of time, before He ascended publicly, gradually, and literally into heaven, in the presence of His disciples, with a promise to return, are the most import events in human history.
They fulfill Bible prophecy, validate the Old and New Testament Scriptures, and guarantee the bodily resurrection of all human beings who have died. Some to everlasting life with God, and others who will be separated forever from Him in the lake of fire to suffer with the devil and his angels/demons.
The Scriptures teach, and we believe –
#1 –In Life After Death
Orthodox Jews and Christians believe in life after death (John 11:24). The Apostle Paul wrote, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). “For I am hard pressed between [life and death], having a desire to depart and be with Christ [in heaven], which is far better…” (Philippians 1:23).
As He was getting ready to go to the cross to die for our sins…and then rise from the dead, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions [dwellings]; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for [all of] you [believers]. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3). This beautiful place (the heavenly New Jerusalem, will be the home of Christ’s Bride, the glorified Church). It is described for us in Revelation 21:9 ff.
(Before you continue reading, may we suggest that you download our FREE “Bible Study Book Marker and Dispensations Chart” to help you see where we are and when things will happen. Get it from our website www.kelseypeach.com.)
The Old Testament patriarch Job said, “And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God.” (Job 19:26). Abraham believed that even if he had to actually kill his son, as God had ordered him to do to test his true devotion to God, God could and would raise Isaac from the dead (Hebrews 11:19) and fulfill His promises to him (Genesis 12, 15, 17).
#2 – In A Bodily Resurrection
The religious Pharisees (but not the Sadducees) believed in the resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6-8). Martha, the sister of Lazarus who had died, believed her brother would be resurrected on the last day (John 11:24). Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life…” (John 11:25).
#3 – We Don’t Need To Fear Death
Many people are fearful of death and rightfully should be if they are not true Christians. They don’t know what is on the other side of death. But true Christians need not be afraid of it. Jesus Christ took the sting out of death by dying for our sins and rising again bodily from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). True Christians have hope of a better life or their “Best Life” in the future, not now as one “preacher” tells others. This hope is not wishful thinking, but it is a confident expectation based on a promise from God.
In the Old Testament times the devil held the keys of death (Hebrews 2:14; Job 1:18, 19). But Jesus Christ took them from him when He rose again bodily from the grave (Revelation 1:18). Jesus is the One who turns the key and decides when we depart from this life and enter the next one (1 Thessalonians 4:14).
#4 – We Might Be The Exception To The Rule
Death is inevitable but there are some exceptions (Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23). This is a general rule: “…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Enoch and Elijah were two men who passed from this life into the next one without dying (Genesis 5:24; 2 Kings 2:11). The Scriptures teach us that there will be a whole generation of Christians who will pass from this life into the next life without dying (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). You could be in this group if you have placed your faith and trust in the Christ of the Scriptures alone (James 2:19). Don’t be one who believesin vain (1 Corinthians 15:2). This happens when a person puts his/her faith and trust in the wrong Christ (Mathew 24:5), or believes another Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:3, 4), or who tries to add his/her good works to faith alone in the Christ of the Scriptures alone (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5).
#5 – We Are Not The Most Pitiable People
If Jesus Christ didn’t really rise from the dead, as some false teachers are claiming, then Christians are of all people the most pitiable (1 Corinthians 15:19). But His bodily resurrection out from among the dead ones is a historical fact that was witnessed by over 500 people over a 40 day period of time. Then He ascended back to heaven in the presence of His disciples (1 Corinthians 15:1-8, Acts 1:1-11; Luke 24 33-43). He promised to return for them and us some day (John 14:1-6). Avoid false teachers who deny His incarnation and His bodily resurrection (1 John 4:3; 2 John 1:7).
#6 – We Shouldn’t Let The Scoffers Trouble Us
With God a day is like a thousand years (2 Peter 3:1-9). Relax! He’ll return for us when all whom the Father has given to Him have come to Him and been saved and they have done some praiseworthy works for Him to reward at the “Bema Seat Judgment” (John 6:37; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 4:5; Ephesians 2:10). We can’t save people but we can have a part in this work by leading people to Christ to so they can saved (Acts 1:8; John 1:41). We can even earn the crown of rejoicing for doing this (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20).
# 7 – Our Resurrection Is Assured
Christ’s bodily resurrection also assures us of our bodily resurrection from the dead (John 14:19; 1 Corinthians 15:26, 51, 52). Every human being who has ever lived and died will one day be resurrected “in his/her own order” (1 Corinthians 15:23, 24, 51-53). The last enemy Christ will destroy is physical death (1 Corinthians 15:26). He will do this by raising up everyone who has died physically. Do you know in which resurrection will you participate? Fourmajor resurrections are mentioned in these verses.
#8 – We Know Why People Die
Death is very ugly and brings sorrow to so many people. It all started in the Garden of Eden when Eve and then Adam ate the forbidden fruit that God had told them not to eat (Genesis 2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12; 6:23). Death (separation) took place in the physical and spiritual realms. At the time of physical death the immaterial soul and spirit are separated from the body. Spiritual death (separation from God) took place the moment they ate the forbidden fruit. Physical death happened later (Genesis 5). They had no idea of the suffering that would follow in the generations to come.
#9 – We Will Get A Garment Of Light
We believe that they also realized that they had been stripped of their garment of light (Genesis 3:7). When the Rapture occurs Christians will get a garment of light like Christ’s (1 Corinthians 15:49; 1 Timothy 6:16; 1 John 3:2). Old Testament Jewish believers will get their garments of light seven years later when they are raised from the dead to live on the refurbishedearth (Daniel 12:2, 12; Isaiah 40:4; Luke 3:5). After Christ’s 1,000 year rule of the heavens over the earth (Daniel 2:44, 45; Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Revelation 20:1-7), Jesus Christ, the God-man will destroy the present heavens and earth and create new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness will finally settle down and feel at ease (2 Peter 3:10-13). The Jewish believers are promised a new world (Matthew 5:5; Romans 4:13). Christians are citizens of heavens (Philippians 3:20).
#10 – We Should Expect Opposition
Some people believe that there is only one general resurrection at the end of time rather than several resurrections of the dead as the Scriptures teach (1 Corinthians 15:23, 24; Acts 4:1-5). The Apostle Paul insisted that the bodilyresurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead be included in the Gospel message (2 Timothy 2:8-10). The sensual philosophers of Athens mocked him when he spoke of the resurrection (Acts 17:23). Without a risen Savior, we all would be doomed to hell and be without hope (1 Corinthians 15:1-19).
Perhaps their hostility to Christ’s resurrection and to mankind’s resurrection from the dead stems from the fact that unbelievers don’t want to give an account of their behavior to the true and living God (Romans 12:14; Hebrews 9:27; 10:31). Most people love darkness rather than light (John 3:19).
#11 – We Received A New Heart/Nature By Faith
Man’s heart (nature) is deceitful and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10-23). We all need to be born again from above to receive a new one. God gives us one when we trust in Christ alone as our personal Savior (John 3:3; 2 Peter 1:4). But believers still retain their old heart (sin nature) until we die or are taken up in the Rapture (1 John 1:8; Romans 7:15-25). To be assured of victory over our sin nature, we must rely on God the Holy Spirit to kill the evil desires (lusts) that come from it (Galatians 5:16-25).
#12 – The Dead Are Not Annihilated Or Reincarnated
Some people choose to believe in the annihilation of the wicked or in reincarnation. Neither is taught in the Scriptures which are the authoritative Word of God. The Old Testament was authenticated by Jesus Christ Himself (John 17:17). He told His disciples that God the Holy Spirit would convey additional information to some of them after His death and resurrection (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:21; 3:15, 16; John 16:13). In addition to the 39 books of the Old Testament, we have Biblical truth in the 27 books of the New Testament. We don’t accept the Apocryphal books as authoritative or believe the spurious writings of false teachers in the cults. Nor do we believe that God is still giving new revelation (information) to people today (1 Corinthians 13:8-10).
#13 – The Dead Get Intermediate Bodies
According to the Scriptures, as soon as a person dies, he/she moves out of time into eternity (Hebrews 9:27). All human beings have a spirit, soul, and a body (1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12). By means of our bodies we express ourselves to others (James 2:18). Our soul seems to be most closely related to our emotions (Psalm 6:3; 7:5; 13:2; 23:3), and our spirit belongs to the mind (Ephesians 4:23). The spirit is the only part of the believer that is saved today (1 Corinthians 2:10, 11; 6:17). The Christian’s body and then the soul are the last parts of us Christians to be saved at the time of the Rapture (Romans 8:23; 1 Peter 1:9).
Incidentally, God the Holy Spirit can and does lead maturing believers to do those things He desires us to do (Romans 8:14; Philippians 2:13). But He will never lead us to do something that is contrary to the written, revealed Word of God to Christians.
#14 – There Are Different Groups Of People
We believe that as soon as a New Testament Christian dies he/she receives a temporary body from God to house his/her soul and spirit in the Paradise section of heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1-8; 12:4; Ephesians 4:8-10). [1] Christians will have these temporary, heavenly bodies until they return with Christ at the Rapture to reclaim their bodies that died and which were placed in the ground or in the sea to rest in sleep (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:15). It is only the body that sleeps until it is raised. Our souls and spirits don’t sleep.
When Christ comes back at the Rapture to meet us in the air (John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), He will raise up the bodies of the New Testament believers and change them and make them like His resurrected, glorified human body which has flesh and bones, but no blood (1 Corinthians 15:49-53; 1 John 3:2; Luke 24:36-43). We don’t become little gods and reproduce children (Matthew 22:30). Those living at the time of His return in the Rapture will have their bodies changed to be like His glorified body.
The resurrection of the Old Testament believers will take place seven years after the rapture (Daniel 12:2, 12). They will live among the residents of the earth who physicallysurvived the Tribulation and who enter into the millennium. The resurrected believers will not be able to reproduce themselves (Matthew 22:30). But the believers who lived during and who survived the tribulation will repopulate the earth during the millennial reign of Christ on/over the earth (Matthew 10:22).
We also believe that during Christ’s millennium reign on/over the whole earth, the undefiled Jewish and Gentile believers will have access to the heavenly New Jerusalem. They will enter it through the gate with the name of the Jewish person’s tribe above it (Revelation 21:12, 27). It appears that the angels will accompany them up and down (Genesis 28:12; Zechariah 8:23).
King David will be resurrected from the dead and will be the topking on the earth over other Gentile kings, but under Christ, the King of kings, and His Bride, the true Church. Together they will rule from the satellite city which will circle the earth during the millennium (Jeremiah 30:9; Revelation 19:16; 21:10-27). It is about 1,5000 miles square at the base and 1,500 miles high either in the shape of a cube or more probably in the shape of a pyramid (Revelation 21:16). It will be the source of light for the earth during the millennium (Revelation 21:24). The sun will go out completely towards the end of the tribulation (Revelation 16:8-10; Matthew 24:29).
The believers who physically survive the seven year tribulation will enter the millennium and have children. But not all of their descendants will believe in the true and living God, Jesus Christ, in spite of the ideal conditions on earth at that time. The devil will be bound in the sides of the abyss for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:2; Isaiah 14:15), all man’s needs will be met (Isaiah 11:1-10; 35:1), and the sin nature of man will be curbed (Jeremiah 31:31-34). The present, diabolical world system, that was devised by the devil in the days of Cain, to curb the sinful nature of man (Luke 11:50, 51; Genesis 4:16-24), will also not exist during the millennium (1 John 2:15-17).
In spite of all this, a rebellion will break out at the end of the millennium when Satan is released from the abyss, which is in the heart of the earth, to deceive the nations (Revelation 20:7-10). This rebellion will be crushed and the devil along with all the rebels will be cast into the Lake of Fire where the beast (man of sin) and the false prophet were cast 1,000 years earlier (Revelation 19:20; 20:10-15). The fact that they are still there when the devil gets there disproves the annihilation of the wicked.
The resurrection of unbelievers will take place at the Great White Throne judgment at the end of time (Revelation 20:11-15). Currently the unsaved dead are confined to the “jail house” (Sheol / Hades) in the heart of the earth (Numbers 16:30; Deuteronomy 32:22; Luke 16:19-31) where they are suffering in great pain.
At the Great White Throne judgment, the unsaved people will have their works judged to determine their degree of torment in the lake of fire (Matthew 10:15; 11:22; Revelation 20:11-15). It was designed for the devil and his angels (demons), but those who reject God’s offer of salvation will end up there with them (Mathew 25:41, 46). We need Christ’s righteousness to get into heaven (John 16:10). It is imputed to those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ through the Gospel (Romans 4:22-25). Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6).
#15 – There Are Different Orders Of Resurrections
Review. Four major resurrections are mentioned in 1 Corinthians chapter 15. There is Christ’s bodily resurrection that insures other resurrections (15:23). Then the Apostle Paul mentions a resurrection of those who are Christ’s at His [second] coming (15:23) after the seven years of tribulation (Daniel 9:24-27). This resurrection was anticipated by the Jewish believers (John 11:24). The resurrection of unbelievers will take place 1,000 years later at the end of time (15:24).
But the Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, revealed still another resurrection that was a mystery in the Old Testament times (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; Romans 16:25, 26). It will be for the dead New Testament believers who are part of the Body of Christ that becomes His bride (John 14:1-3; Ephesians 5:32; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
The Apostle Paul wanted to be alive when the Rapture took place (Philippians 3:11). But God had another plan for him. God wants all His children to live each day anticipating Christ’s return.
If a Christian truly loves Christ’s imminent return, he/she will be more likely to live a righteous life and earn the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8). If you’re a Christian, are you living in the light of His any moment return? It will help purify you (1 John 3:3), and bring comfort to you when Jesus calls believers home to be with Him in heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:18). It is also called the blessed hope (Titus 2:13) and will bring happiness into the lives of those who believe it will occur at any moment.
#16 – We All Exist Forever Somewhere. Where Will You Spend Eternity?
Those who have placed their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, through the message of the Gospel, will spend eternity with God where there is joy evermore (Psalm 16:11). God will wipe away every tear from [the believers’] eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, and no crying. There will be no more pain and the former things will have passed away (Revelation 21:4; Isaiah 65:17).
But those unbelievers who lack Christ’s righteousness will suffer forever in the lake of fire (John 16:8-11; Revelation 20:15). When we place our faith in Christ alone, Who died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day, God puts Christ’s righteousness to our account and He will accept us into heaven (Romans 4:22-25).
You might ask, “What about those who have never heard about Jesus and the Gospel?” God has provided natural revelation for all of us. We can look at nature and know that there is a God and that He is powerful (Romans 1:20; Psalm 19:1). If one will accept this much light and desires more, God will see to it that he/she will gets the additional information about Christ (the Gospel) so he/she can believe and be saved.
The Gospel is the power of God for the salvation of the Jews and non-Jews (Romans 1:16, 17). God could send a missionary to that person (Acts 10). He could use a voice over the air waves, or a printed page to get the Gospel to that person so he/she can be saved.
#17 – We All Have A Choice To Make. How Will You Respond?
God desires that all men and women, boys and girls be saved (1Timothy 2:4). He made a way of escape from hell to heaven for all of us humans, but not for the fallen angels. If you place your faith and trust in Him alone you will be saved from eternal condemnation (Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1). If you’ve never done so before, will you trust Him now? You can know you have eternal life (God’s quality of life) even before you die (Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:13).
If the Lord Jesus Christ is your personal Savior, will you help us get this message out to others who aren’t saved yet? We get to go home to heaven when our work on earth is done. [2] Until then let’s be faithful to Him who called us to salvation (1 Corinthians 4:2; 15:58). He wants all Christians to be faithful, available, teachable, flexible, resilient, evangelistic, and enthusiastic (F.A.T.F.R.E.E.) [3]
Help
We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and grow spiritually, and reproduce themselves (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18; Matthew 28:19, 20). If you need additional help or have questions, contact us through our website: www.kelseypeach.com or our FB page. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version
Copyright c. 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission. All rights reserved
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[1] The Comforting Hope Of An Intermediate Body, by Richard Schafer
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