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
Anticipatory Anxiety. It’s the fear of what might happen in the future. Many people suffer from this. “While some level of concern about the future is quite common and may be acceptable to help us make better decisions, anticipatory anxiety involves an excessive or debilitating level of worry that tends to focus on negative outcomes.” There is a Christian antidote to this found in Philippians 4:6-8.
Christ’s disciples were filled with confusion and fear when He told them that He was going to be leaving them, and that He would die on a cross instead of setting up His universal kingdom on/over the earth at that time (Matthew 16:20 ff).
The Olivet Discourse. Toward the end of His earthly ministry, after most of the Jews had rejected Him (John 1:11; 18:40; 19:15), Jesus told His disciples what they should expect to happen in the future (Matthew 24; 25).
The Upper Room Discourse. And then on the night just before He was to be betrayed by Judas, and then hung on a cross the next day to die for the sins of mankind, He told His disciples not to be troubled. Why? He said that He would go away for awhile but He would come back for them after preparing a place for them (John 14:1 ff; Revelation 21:9 ff). Had we been there, we would have been worried and fearful of dying too.
Thanatophobia. Most people fear death and what might lead up to it, and what might happen after they die. Are you curious and possibly fearful? The Scriptures tell us that “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). This is a “general rule” rather than an “absolute statement.”
Secular Humanists. Many“atheists” are anti-God “globalists.” They believe that they are “the captains of their own ships, and the masters of their own fate.” They are trying desperately to live forever on earth in perfect health without God (Psalm 2).
An Impossibility. Jesus said, “Without Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The Apostle Paul wrote, “for in Him [God] we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). And yet, these people believe that with their advanced technologies and AI they will be able to accomplish these things in the very new future in their New World Order by placing brain chips and machines in people.
ACyborg. It is a living being whose powers are enhanced by computer implants or mechanical body parts. This is happening more and more in our day. (Example: “The Six Million Dollar Man” TV series.)
Genetic Modifications. Believe it or not, this happened before the universal flood of Noah’s day (about 4,500 years ago), when the devil tried to pollute the human race, from which God’s Deliverer, the Messiah was to come (Genesis 3:15).
Mutations. He directed some of the fallen angels (demons) to take on humanoid form and cohabit with women. This union produced giants in the earth(Genesis 6:1-7). For doing this, these fallen angels/demons were/are confined in “Tartarus” (2 Peter 2:4). Other fallen angels/demons are free to roam the earth and possess the bodies of unbelievers, and afflict, and periodically tempt Christians to sin – act lawlessly (Mark 5:1-13; 1 Samuel 16:23; 1 Kings 22:22, 23; Ephesians 6:12-17).
Victorious Living. Thankfully, God has made it possible so that Christians don’t have to keep on habitually sinning (1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 John 2:1). Those Christians who keep on sinning can expect severe discipline from God and possibly a premature physical death (1 Corinthians 11:30; Hebrews 10:31; 12:5 ff).
Wickedness. We’re told that before the flood of Noah’s day “…the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually…So [God] said, “I will destroy man whom I havecreated from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them…But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:5-8).
A Universal Flood. It took place when God wiped out all mankind except Noah and his family who survived it. They were in the ark for about one year (Genesis 6-8).
The Rainbow. Then God placed a rainbow in the sky as His way of saying to mankind that He would never again destroy the earth with a universal flood (Genesis 9). But, at the end of time, He will destroy and dissolve the present, polluted heavens and the earth with fire and will create new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness will finally settle down and feel at ease for all eternity (2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1). Where will you spend eternity? Are you absolutely sure?
Lawlessness. Today it reigns on the earth and it will get worse and worse until Christ returns to reign on/over the whole earth for 1,000 years after the seven year tribulation (1 Timothy 4:1 ff; 2 Timothy 3:1 ff; Revelation 11:15; 20:1-7; 22:5). The unsaved people of this world are in revolt against God (Psalm 2). This is why He will have to come back and take it back by force in the future (Revelation 19). Are you a friend or an enemy of God?
Scatter. God told the survivors of the flood (Noah and his three sons) to reproduce themselves and scatter out over the whole earth (Genesis 9:1). Defiantly, their descendants chose to disobey God and gathered together. Nimrod and others started building the “Tower of Babel” on a plain in the land of Shinar (Genesis 11:2).
Languages. Consequently, God came down and changed their common language into many languages. This caused them to halt their building project and scatter out over the whole earth (Genesis 11:5-9).
People Groups. “After the scattering of people from the Tower of Babel, genetic information was sorted and isolated into many geographic areas.” [1] The Scriptures teach us that we all came from Adam and Eve, and then from Noah and his family (Genesis 10). There is only one human race (Acts 17:26). Evolution is a “Big Lie” that the devil promotes. [2]
Evolution. Consider the full title of Charles Darwin’s book. It is “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life.” He introduced the theory that populations evolve over the course of generations through a process of natural selection. He was a eugenicist as are many people today who want to reduce the human population down to about 500 million. (See Georgia Guidestones) Are you a eugenicist yourself without actually knowing it? Do you think that some “races” are inferior to others?
Continents. Not long after the universal flood, the single continent began to split apart into several continents during the days of a man named Peleg (Genesis 10:25). Continental shifts are still going on today, but at a much slower rate. This is why we have earthquakes. (BTW – Two of our children were living in Japan when the 9.0 earthquake occurred there in 2011. I watched the tsunami happening on TV.)
Death. God had told Adam that if he ate the fruit from “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,” he would die physically and spiritually (Genesis 2:17). Deceived by the devil, Eve and then Adam ate it. This is why there is so much suffering and death in the world today (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). The people living before the flood of Noah’s day lived much longer than we do today (See Genesis 5.). This may have been due to the atmospheric conditions on earth, but eventually they died too (Genesis 5).
Exceptions. There were two men in the Old Testament times who didn’t die physically: Enoch (Genesis 5:24), and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11). They were transferred into another realm, and placed in the Paradise section of Sheol/Hades, which was located, at that time, in the heart of the earth (Luke 16:19-31; 23:43; Matthew 12:40).
Intermediate Bodies. The bodies they had on earth were changed temporarily to accommodate their new environment. [3] Not until Christ’s bodily resurrection from the dead, and His ascension back into heaven, were Old Testament believers allowed into the Paradise section of the third heaven where God resides (John 3:13; Ephesians 4:8-10; 2 Corinthians 12:4).
Another Exception. There will be another group of people who won’t die physically: The New Testament Christianswho will be alive at the time of Christ’s return for them in the Rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). If you are an unbeliever at the time this takes place, you will be left behind to enter “The Seven Years Of Tribulation” (Revelation 6-19; See Daniel 9:27).
The First Resurrection. While there are several resuscitations back to life which are recorded for us in the Bible, and they even happen today, Jesus Christ is the only One thus far Who has risen from the dead with a glorified body never to die again. His bodily resurrection guarantees the bodily resurrection of all human beings who have died. There will be several other resurrections that will take place at different times in the future (1 Corinthians 15:20-24, 51, 52; Daniel 12:1-3, 12; Jeremiah 30:9; Revelation 11:11, 12). In which one will you participate? [4]
The Rapture. It will occur after “all whom the Father has given to the Son” have come to Him and been saved (John 6:37), by believing in/on the Lord Jesus Christ through the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Acts 16:31). They will also need to do some praiseworthy works which Jesus, the righteous Judge can/will reward (1 Corinthians 4:5; 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). If you’re saved, are you doing the good works that God planned for you to do (Ephesians 2:10: 1 Peter 4:10)?
Good Works. There are no good works that an unsaved person can do to be saved (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). Salvation is a free gift from God that Christ purchased for us by dying for our sins…and rising from the dead (1 Peter 1:19). Have you received by faith the gift of eternal life yet (John 3:16, 18, 36)? If not, why not now?
The Body & Bride Of Christ. The spiritual “Body Of Christ – The True Church” (1 Corinthians 12:12, 13) is made up of true believers from the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) until the Rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52). It becomes the “Bride of Christ” at the time of the Rapture (Ephesians 5:32).
Crowns. While salvation and eternal life are given to all believers freely at Christ’s expense, each of the five crowns must be earned by Christians. (1) The “Incorruptible Crown” will be given out to those Christians who discipline themselves properly (1 Corinthians 9:25-27). (2) The “Crown of Rejoicing” will be given to believers who have had a part in the salvation of other people (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20). (3) The “Crown of Righteousness” will be given to Christians who love Christ’s imminent return (2 Timothy 4:8). (4) The “Crown of Life” will be given out to Christians who resist temptations even if it means physical death (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10). (5) The “Crown of Glory” will be given to faithful under-shepherds (not false shepherds) who cared for the Lord’s sheep (1 Peter 5:4). If you’re saved, how many of these crowns do you anticipate receiving?
Worthy Is The Lamb. Believers who receive these crowns can/will show their gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ for working in and through them (Philippians 2:13; 4:13). We will cast our crowns before His throne while we’re saying, “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for You created all things, and for Your pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:10, 11; 5:12).
Motives. At the “Bema Seat Judgment” for New Testament Christians, Jesus, the righteous and omniscient Judge (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)? Review these often?
Anticipation. If you’re a true Christian, are eagerly waiting for the Lord’s imminent return? Perhaps Today! Are you living a life that is well pleasing to Him (2 Corinthians 5:9)? Consider the possibility that you might be among those Christians who won’t die physically.
Degrees. We may or may not experience death, but everyone, believers and non-believers will stand one day before Judge Jesus to have our works evaluated to determine our degree of pleasure throughout eternity, or our degree of suffering in the next life in the lake of fire (Matthew 10:15; 11:22; 25:21, 23, 41, 46). There is no annihilation of the wicked dead, or reincarnation mentioned in the holy Scriptures.
Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to study, and who want to grow spiritually, and reproduce themselves (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). If you’re not sure that you will go to heaven immediately when you die (2 Corinthians 5:8), and would like to settle the matter once and for all (Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:13), contact us through our website: www.kelseypeach.com or through our FB page. We welcome your questions and/or comments about this article. If this has helped you, please SHARE it with others. To receive future articles as they come out in the future, click on “Follow.”
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[1]Noah, a Global Flood, and the Case Against Racism
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 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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
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.
If you’d like 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
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
* * * * * *
[1] The Comforting Hope Of An Intermediate Body, by Richard Schafer
Thanatology is fast becoming a very popular course in many colleges and universities across the country. In fact, more and more of them are offering a “Master of Science” degree in this field. We’ve read that there is a three year waiting period before students can take one professor’s class that deals with this subject.
What is “thanatology?” One source describes it as “the scientific study of death and the practices associated with it, including the study of the needs of the terminally ill and their families. Thanatologists are supposed to be specialists in a multi-disciplinary field dedicated to better understanding death, dying, grief, loss, and bereavement. They utilize a wide variety of theory and applied practice to support and educate groups and individuals who are navigating end of life issues.”
However, those professors who disregard the Biblical truth (John 17:17) about death and dying are not providing a full and accurate picture for those whom they teach and counsel. Scripture warns us, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Furthermore, “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19).
Most people, including children, fear death and the unknown. You’ve probably asked some of these questions: What happens to us when we die? Does our soul go to sleep? Do we get reincarnated and live in another body? Do the wicked dead get a second chance to be saved from hell or are they simply annihilated? What is universalism? Do Christians go immediately to heaven or do they have to go to Purgatory first? Are heaven and hell real places? Why do some people actually prefer hell over heaven? Why is the word “hell” used in vulgar conversations? What about “out of body experiences” (OBE)? Do the Scriptures teach that everyone receives a temporary body at death until they get a permanent body sometime later when they are raised from the dead? How many resurrections are there? What is the last enemy that Christ defeats? How does He do this?
Are these some of the questions that you have? Would you like some answers from the Scriptures? Do you believe Jesus and that all 66 Booksof the Bibleare true and trustworthy sources of information (John 14:6; 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17)? If so, please keep reading. Otherwise, don’t.
In an article entitled “THE COMFORTING HOPE OF AN INTERMEDIATE BODY” Richard L. Schafer wrote the following:
“One of the things Christ accomplished on the cross was to nullify the power that Satan had over the death of believers. This work of Christ made it possible for a Christian to be unafraid of death. (Heb. 2:14-15; Rev. 1:18) In spite of Christ’s accomplishments on behalf of saints of the dispensation of Grace [in which we now live], [1]some believers still harbor the fear of death. This fear occurs because of a lack of understanding about what happens when we leave this body on earth. The Bible contains an abundant amount of revelation [information] concerning the process we call death and describes an existence after we leave this body on earth.
“What really happens when a Christian dies before the Rapture? We know that at the Rapture all the dead church saints [i.e., all true Christians] will be raised and all the living saints will be changed. Both groups will be caught up together to meet the Lord [in the air]. At that time all the church/bride of Christ will have [permanent] glorified bodies like that of the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 15:51; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Phil. 3:20-21; 1 John 3:1-3)
“Many think the dead Christian exists in the state of a disembodied spirit. In this condition the dead saint is thought to be in a blissful, semiconscious state: a state of inactivity or floating aroundas a spirit. Others picture death as a state of complete unconsciousness.
“Non-Christians [in the cults] have other fanciful imagined concepts of conditions after death. Jehovah’s Witnesses and Seventh Day Adventists hold to soul-sleep, a belief that the disembodied soul is unconscious until a resurrection. Mormons maintain there are seven levels of heaven that the dead enjoy. Others consider the soul to be extinct after death. Many think humans “return” in another form–reincarnation. All of these views are contrary to what is revealed in Scripture.
“The Bible teaches that the believer can have the hope of an intermediate, or temporary, body after physical death; death is when a person is separated from this present body on earth. To understand and to fully appreciate the concept of an intermediate body, it is necessary first to have a foundation of other important Biblical concepts such as the composition of man, what constitutes death and where both saved and lost go after leaving the surface of earth. [2]
CONCLUSION
“It is evident [from Scripture] that when humans die they do not go into any kind of soul sleep. After physical death, both saved and unsaved are able to express their personalities. At death saints [all believers] are housed in an intermediate body awaiting glorification. For church saints [but not for Old Testament believers] this change takes place at the Rapture. The hope [confident expectation] we have for an intermediate body, which is based on a promise from God, is comforting since we will never have to worry about being a naked disembodied sleeping spirit.
“Christ has the only immortal or glorified body, prior to the Rapture. (1 Tim. 6:16) However, if we are not the generation alive at the Rapture, our hope is of a smooth transition from life on earth to a conscious awareness, allowing us to perceive and participate in the action around us in heaven with Christ. This intermediate body will be replaced at the Rapture with a [permanent] glorified one.” [2]
These Biblical truths won’t be taught in a course on thanatology at a secular college or university. They will probably approach the subject from a philosophical and humanistic viewpoint which could leave a student in greater confusion.
The devil doesn’t want people to know the absolute truth that is found in Scripture (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17). “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44). He wants people (including Christians) to be kept in the dark and lulled to sleep (1 John 5:19).
So, wake up! “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17). If you’re a Christian, you can/should ask God for His wisdom (James 1:5).
Everyone needs to know “The Bad News & The Good News” so he/she can be delivered from eternal separation from God in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels/demons (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46). [3]
If you’d like to learn more about this important subject, we encourage you to read and study (2 Timothy 2:15) the entire article by Richard Schafer, where he develops many more thoughts from the Scriptures.
But, even before you read it, if you haven’t yet placed your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for your sins…and rose again bodily from the dead on the third day, why not believe on Him right now? Assurance of your deliverance from the lake of fire (hell) to heaven can be yours today. (See Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:13; John 3:16, 18, 36; 5:24; 10:28, 29). Furthermore, God the Holy Spirit will be in a position to illuminate your mind to Biblical truth (John 14:16, 26).
We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and who want to grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16; 2 Peter 3:18). We can be reached here, or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.
Please SHARE this with others to help them gain Biblical information about death and dying. Remember this – “…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). This is a general rule. There have been and there will be exceptions (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52). Click on “Follow” to receive future articles as they come out.
To read the entire article by Richard Schafer, which answers many more questions, go to link # [2] –
“Life Is Short, So Make It Count – Zoe. Thanatos. Deo Volente.”
“Our life (zoe) is like a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Death (thanatos) is certain and judgment day follows (Hebrews 9:27). Every decision we make in life should include the words or at least the thought, “God willing (Deo Volente), I will do this or that” (James 4:15). https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2014/09/16/lifes-a-vapor-make-it-count/
Scripture taken from the New King James Version
Copyright c. 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission. All rights reserved.
Most of us know a lot more people than we realize. We may not know their names, but we are acquainted with some of them. God has brought these people into our lives for a reason. Many of them are struggling physically, financially, emotionally, and spiritually. They are people for whose sins Christ died and rose again so they can be saved from hell to heaven. Ask God to make you a blessing to someone today.
As Christians, our main purpose in life is / should be to glorify God by making Him known to others (1 Corinthians 10:31). We should desire the salvation of all mankind (1 Timothy 2:1-4), help new believers growspiritually (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18), encourage them to use their spiritual gift with love (1 Corinthians 13; Galatians 5:13). Then help them reproduce themselves (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8).
Think about what your life would be like if you went to a store to purchase something and the people who worked there didn’t show up for work to serve you? It has happened to us. It’s sad when people are paid more (by the government) not to work, than for them to work? Did you know that we can / should intercede for or against others, including our politicians (1 Timothy 2:1-4; Romans 11:2).
When I go to a store, I try to thank the people for their service, and share a “Gospel tract” with them if I can. (It’s usually the tract I wrote about “Our Son’s Death.”) Many of them identify with a loss of a loved one or a friend. I ask them to read it when they get home or are on their lunch break. The Gospel is the power of God unto people’s salvation (Romans 1:16). It’s the same message for Jews and non-Jews.
Here is a list of some of the people who serve us:
Mailman/UPS Driver – Paperboy/Editor – Physician/Nurse – Chiropractor – Optometrist – Pharmacist – Mortician/Funeral Director – Insurance Agent – Stock Broker – Barber/Beautician – Salesman/Clerk – Tax Advisor – Babysitter – President of PTA – Banker/Credit Manager – T.V. Repair Man – Plumber/Electrician – Heating/AC Man – Florist/Gardener – Painter/Welder – Pet Shop Owner – Real Estate Broker – Policeman/Fireman – Dry Cleaner – Auto Mechanic – Travel Agent – Pilot/Flight Attendant – Bus Driver – Piano Teacher – Carpenter – Lab Technician – Computer Programer – Chef/Waitress – Social Worker – Secretary/Librarian – Air Traffic Controller – Grocery Store Clerk – Others.
All of these people have an eternal destiny. Their lives and your life on earth could end today. Make every day count. Don’t boast about tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1; James 4;14).
If they are wearing a name tag say, “Thank you ________. I appreciate your service today.”
“Remember that a person’s name is to that person
the sweetest sound in any language.” – Dale Carnegie
Gospel Tracts – Make sure, if you use them, that they clearly present the Good News of Christ’s death for our sins...and His bodily resurrection from the dead. And make sure that it makes faith (believing in/on Christ alone) as the only condition for salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Acts 16:31).
With each day that passes, we are one day closer to seeing one of Christ’s promises to His disciples being fulfilled. It should give every true Christian zest for living and cause us to live pure lives and anticipate His giving to some of us, who have earned it, the “Crown of Righteousness” (1 John 3:2; 2 Timothy 4:8).
Our salvation cost Jesus Christ His life, but it is freely offered to believers. But crowns, rewards, and praise are earned. If you’re a Christian, will you receive this and other crowns from Him? What will you do with them? (See Revelation 4:10, 11). [1]
This event was a mystery in the Old Testament but unveiled to believers during Christ’s earthly ministry just before He went to the cross to die for our sins…and rise again bodily from the dead on the third day (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 51, 52; Romans 16:25, 26).
His disciples were anxiously waiting for Him to set up the “Kingdom of the Heavens” where He would be the King and they would rule with Him (Daniel 2:44, 45; Matthew 3:2; 4:17; 20:21; Luke 19:15-19). [2]
But because the majority of the Jews rejected Him as their promised Messiah, and His claim to be God (John 5:16-18;10:30, 31), Jesus postponed the setting up of His Kingdom on/over the earth and told His disciples that He was going go to the cross and die for the sins of the whole world – both Jews and non-Jews, and then rise again bodily from the dead (Psalm 16:10; Luke 24:46). God is NOT finished with the Jewish nation (Romans 11). The Church has NOT replaced Israel. [3]
The Apostle Peter opposed and rebuked the Lord for talking about dying. In return, the Lord rebuked the devil for using Peter to try to thwart God’s plan for the salvation of mankind (Matthew 16:20-23; John 3:16).
This is the background to the words that Jesus said to His disciples on the night He was betrayed by one of His own disciples, Judas. Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions [dwelling places]; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you [i.e. one place for all of you]. 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). We understand that this place is described for us in Revelation 21:9 ff. [4]
These words of Jesus were spoken over 2,000 years ago and they cause many scoffers today to deny His promise to come again (2 Peter 3:3). Why the delay? Simply because not all whom God the Father has given to God the Son (Jesus) have come to Him and been saved through the proclamation of the Gospel (John 6:37; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). These saved people make up the “Body of Christ” which becomes His Bride (Ephesians 5:32, 33; Revelation 22:17). Are you sharing the clear Gospel with lost people?
“What kind of Christian do you need to be to lead someone to Jesus Christ? You don’t need to be a brilliant person with a clever mind, but a broken person with a clear message.” – Evangelist Dr. R. Larry Moyer.
If you’re rightly related to Christ, with your known sins confessed to God (Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18; 1 John 1:9), and not a carnal Christian, we encourage you to memorize and share this message with lost people: “Christ died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the dead. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, and you will be saved. Do it now.” (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Acts 15:31; Ephesians 2:8, 9). [5]
Sadly, most people won’t put their faith and trust in Christ alone to be saved. They love darkness rather than light and the passing pleasures of sin (John 3:19; Hebrews 11:25). Some people think Christ’s death wasn’t necessary because they aren’t that bad. Others think He didn’t do enough and so they try to add their good works to His. (See Romans 3:10-23; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Isaiah 64:6) Does this describe you?
The True Church – the spiritual “Body of Christ” is made up of true believers from the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) until the “Rapture” of the true Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). The “Rapture” is not to be confused with the “Second Coming of Christ” which happens after the “Seven Years of the Tribulation” (Daniel 9:27). Don’t confuse Israel with the Church (1 Corinthians 10:32). [6]
We believe that the true Church (not the apostate church) will be removed from the earth just before this “Seven Year Tribulation” period begins (Revelation 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9). This doesn’t mean that the true church won’t suffer persecution before Christ returns for His Church. “…all [Christians] who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
Some people, who claim to be Christians, believe that Christ arose in spirit only, not bodily (2 John 1:7). But the Apostle Paul insisted that the bodily resurrection of Christ be included in the Gospel message. For this he suffered and was put in chains (2 Timothy 2:8-10). Are you leaving out the bodily resurrection from your Gospel presentations to the lost? If so, start including it.
The Gospel is the power of God unto a person’s salvation (Romans 1:16). A dead person can’t help anyone. Christ’s resurrection guarantees other resurrections. Do you know in which one you will participate if you die? [7] Some Christians won’t die (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52).
Scripture tells us that Christ’s resurrected, glorified body had flesh and bones, but no blood. It was/is capable of eating food, though not necessary to survive (Luke 24:36-43). Christians will receive a body like His resurrected, glorified body when we see Him face to face at the Rapture (1 John 3:2). It will include a garment of light similar to His (1 Timothy 6:16). What about intermediate bodies? [8]
“The Pre-tribuation Rapture of the True Church” is the result of a normal, historical, grammatical, contextual interpretation of the Bible, in contrast to the allegorical method of interpretation which allows one to interpret the Bible as he pleases. The devil and false teachers use the allegorical method of interpretation (particularly with Bible prophecy) to deceive and mislead people (Genesis 3:1-5; 2 Peter 3:16). You won’t want to spend eternity with them in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; 2 Peter 2:17; Jude 1:13).
While there are no “sign miracles” that precede the Rapture of the true Church, there seems to be many indicators (world events) that point to this imminent event. The devil’s counterfeitone worldgovernment, religion, and economic system, which seems to be in the making, will precede Christ’s rule over the earth for 1,000 years just as the Bible predicted. [9]
My friend, if you aren’t sure of your eternal destiny, and would like additional information, please contact us. If you’re a carnal Christian (1 Corinthians 3:1 ff; Galatians 5:19-21), you can get right with God by confessing your known sins to God and then claiming His forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Then go on to spiritual maturity for the glory of God and the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 6:10).
We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and who want to grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18).
We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a sycamore tree For the Lord he wanted to see. And when the Savior passed that way He looked up in the tree. And said, ‘Zacchaeus, you come down! For I’m going to your house today!
For I’m going to your house today!’”
Luke Chapter 19:1-10
Perhaps you sang this chorus when you were a small child in Sunday School. But you probably didn’t know that he was a despised Jewish tax collector whom the other Jews hated. He worked for the Roman government and often extracted from his own people much more than he was supposed to collect. Thus he became very rich.
(BTW – There are some Jewish people like Zacchaeus who are doing the same kind of thing in our day to their own Jewish people and to others.)
But don’t hate such people; pity them. They too can be savedfrom hell just as Zacchaeus was. We should never wish that awful place on anyone, no matter how bad they’ve been, or say “God d— you.” Where would you and I be today apart from the grace of God? It’s truly amazing.
Have you ever wondered what kind of people might be your neighbors in heaven, if you go there? To find out, click below. Which of these characteristics describe you? [1]
Jesus wept over the Jewish folks in Jerusalem who had rejected Him (Matthew 23:37-39). If you’ve been saved by God’s grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, do you ever weep over lost people as the Apostle did (Romans 9:1-3)?
Blind songwriter, Fanny Crosby wrote, “Rescue the perishing, Care for the dying, Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave, Weep o’er the erring one, Lift up the fallen, Tell them of Jesus the mighty to save.”
Although he probably wasn’t as rich as Zacchaeus was, Matthew (one of Christ’s 12 disciples) was also a converted Jewish tax collector (Matthew 9:9; 10:3). He wrote the first Gospel presenting Jesus Christ as the true Messiah and the rightful King of the Jews.
During the early part of His 3 ½ year ministry on earth, Jesus’ concern was for His own people, the Jews (Matthew 15:21-28). He said to His disciples, “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles [non-Jews], and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:5, 6). Note an exception Jesus made (John 4:1-42).
But after most of the Jewish people had rejected Him (John 1:11, 12) as their promised Messiah, He temporarily changed His focus from that of being their Messiah to His offering of Himself as the Savior of the whole world Who would go to die on a cross for the sins of all mankind (Matthew 16:20 ff; See John 3:16; 1 John 2:2; 4:10). Sadly, most people won’t come to Him and be saved because they lovedarkness rather than light (John 3:19). What about you?
After His death and resurrection, and just before He ascended back to heaven from where He had come, Jesus told His disciples that they were to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). They were witnesses of His death for our sins…and His bodily resurrection (Acts 1:22; 4:2, 33; 24:15, 21; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8). Without His bodily resurrection, we’d be hopeless and most miserable (1 Corinthians 15:17-19).
BTW – Merely knowing and agreeing with the facts of the Gospel won’t save us (James 2:19). We must transfer our faith and trustfrom ourselves and our good works over to Christ alone if we are to be saved (Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). Have you done this yet? If not, why not now?
Some years after the church began on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), a council meeting was held in Jerusalem. James, Christ’s half-brother said, “Simon [Peter] has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles (non-Jews) to take out of them a people for His name” (Acts 15:14). The non-Jews were/are also those whom God the Father loved, and the ones for whom Christ died and rose again so they could be saved from everlasting condemnation in the lake of fire (John 3:16, 18, 36; Matthew 25:41, 46).
Today God is creating from Jewish and non-Jewish believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, one new man known as “The Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:15). Jesus Christ is the Head of this new creation and true Christians make up the spiritual “Body of Christ” (Ephesians 1:22, 23; 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13).
The Jewish people must be saved the same way non-Jewish people are saved and acknowledge the full Deity of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16, 17; 10:9; Colossians 2:9). This is a problem for most of the Jews and those in some of the cults and other religions.
Once saved, Jewish believers become one “in Christ” with non-Jewish believers (1 Corinthians 12:12, 13; Ephesians 4:1-6). In God’s mind, there are no distinctions between these two groups (Galatians 3:26-29; 1 Corinthians 10:32).
The Apostle Paul, a converted Jew, wrote, “For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that [spiritual] blindness in part has happened to Israel [the Jewish people as a whole] until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in” (Romans 11:25).
This means that after all the non-Jews, whom God the Father has given to God the Son, have come to Him and been saved (John 6:37) during this era of the Church (i.e. the “Dispensation of Grace”), Christ will return for “His Body, the true Church” and make it His “Bride” (Ephesians 5: 32; Revelation 21:9 ff; 22:17). This will take place at the time of the “Rapture” when true Christians will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Then our works will be judged / evaluated to determine which ones can berewarded and which won’t be rewarded (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). At this same time, our future roles and service in heaven and our enjoyment of it will be determined, depending on the type of works we did while we were here on earth (1 Corinthians 4:5).
Once the true Church has been taken up to heaven, God’s “time clock” with the Jewish nation will resume (Romans 9-11). God is NOT finished with the Jewish nation. We do NOT believe in “Replacement Theology” that falsely teaches that the Church has replaced Israel and can claim the promises that were given to the Jews? [3] (Read Genesis 12:1-3 about the blessings and curses that come on those who treat or mistreat the Jews. See also Deuteronomy 28.)
Sadly, many churches in “Christendom” believe this heresy which will result in the worst holocaust in human history during the last half of the Tribulation (3 ½ years). It is known as “The Time of Jacob’s / Israel’s Trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7).
With the increase of anti-semitism (i.e. hatred for the Jews, particularly among the other nations in the United Nations), this event seems to be “just around the corner.”
After going through this seven yearholocaust (Daniel 9:27; Jeremiah 30:7), God will rescue a remnant (1/3) of the Jewish people (Isaiah 10:20-22; Zechariah 13:8, 9). Note: During this 7 year period over ½ of the world’s population will die (Revelation 6:8; 9:15). Some of the current, anti-God globalists want to reduce the population of the earth down to 500 million. That’s about a 95% reduction of the current world population. [3]
The Jewish remnant will be the ones who finally acknowledge that Jesus, whom their forefathers had rejected, was/is indeed their Promised Messiah (Matthew 23:37-39; Luke 19:14). [4] He will return as the “King of kings, and Lord of lords” and crush all His enemies with a sharp sword and a rod of iron (Psalm 2:9; Revelation 19:16).
He will come to rescue the believing Jews in “the nick of time” as the nations of the world gather at Armageddon to try to annihilate the Jews once and for all (Matthew 24:29 ff; Revelation 16:16; 19:11-21). God will not let this happen to the Jews. The devil would like to annihilate them so God can’t fulfill His unconditional promises to them. (See Revelation 12:15-17).
Then God will make the Jewish believers the head nation over the non-Jewish nations during Christ’s millennial (1,000) reign on/over the whole earth (Revelation 20:1-8), as foretold by the Jewish prophets (Deuteronomy 28:13; Daniel 2:44, 45; Isaiah 9:6, 7). Resurrected King David will be ruler on the earth under Christ and His Bride, the true Church (Jeremiah 30:9). Finally there will be true peace on earth (Isaiah 2:4; 9:6, 7).
It seems like we are approaching the end of this era, known as the “Dispensation of Grace” (Ephesians 3:1-7). [5] There are at least 1,007 years left before God wipes out this present universe that has been polluted by sin. Then He will create new heavens and a new earth where righteousness will finally settle down and feel at home (Revelation 21:1 ff; Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:10-13).
Where will you spend eternity – with God in heaven or in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels/demons (John 14:1-3; Matthew 25:41, 46)? Now, while you’re physically alive, is the only time you have to make your decision to believe or not believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior (2 Corinthians 6:2; John 3:16, 18, 36).
To learn more about God’s timeline for humanity, and where we are today, we invite you to get our FREE “Bible Study Book Marker” [5] on our website: www.kelseypeach.com
Having completed “fourscore” years on this earth, I believe that my days may be very limited. I want to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31) by making Him known to others who are teachable, willing to change, and who want to grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16-4:8; 2 Peter 3:18).
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Have you ever given much thought about who might be your “next door neighbors” in heaven (provided you’re a true Christian)? I hadn’t. But one author made an interesting observation about them. He pointed out that some of them might be those who once were fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, sodomites, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, extortioners, cowards, abominable, murderers, sorcerers, or liars. Be honest. Have you ever engaged in such sinful behavior yourself? We all have a dark side of us that we don’t want others to see. Right? [1]
Lawlessness. We’ve all sinned (acted lawlessly – 1 John 3:4) and deserve physical death and spiritual death – to be eternally separated from God in hell (Romans 3:10-23; 6:23). But there is hope for us sinners, if we’re still alive physically. We don’t pray for or to the dead as some cults and religions do. Read on.
Carnality. In his letter to the carnal Christians in the church of Corinth, the Apostle Paul wrote these words, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
Sinless Perfection? Does this mean that Christians, once saved, can’t engage in such sins anymore? No. But they can’t keep onpracticing such things without severe consequences in this life alone (1 John 3:9, 10). God the Father disciplines and chastens His own children (Hebrews 10:30; 31; 12:5 ff).
Because of their carnality, many of the Corinthians Christians were weak and sick, and many of them had died physically (1 Corinthians 11:30; See also James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16). “It is a fearful thing [for a carnal Christian] to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). Are you one of them? Beware! If you are, you could die prematurely and painfully.
Confession. When we sin as Christians, we need to quickly confess our sins to our heavenly Father and then claim His forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13). Being omniscient, He can’t / won’t forget our sins, but He won’t hold them against us (Ezekiel 33:16). Sometime in the days ahead He will allow us to be tempted in that same area again to give another opportunity to demonstrate our love for Him or our love for the passing pleasures we derive for engaging in sin (James 1:12; Hebrews 11:25; 1 John 2:15-17). Think about this. If sin weren’t pleasurable to us, we wouldn’t engage in it. Right?
Danger. “Sin (lawlessness) will take us farther than we want to go, keep us longer than we want to stay, and cost us more than we want to pay.” Discover how Christians can live victoriously over our three spiritual enemies: the devil, the present world system, and our own sin nature. [2]
How Bad? You and I haven’t been as bad as we could be. We could be a lot worse. Right? But every unbeliever is as “bad off” as he/she can be. Those who die physically without the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior will spend eternity with the devil and his angels in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 21:8).
Suffering. The unbeliever’s degree of suffering there will be determined at the Great White Throne Judgement by the RighteousJudge Jesus (John 5:22; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 20:11-15). What about the condition of those who die before that day? Click below. [3]
Righteousness / Love. God is not unjust even though He didn’t / doesn’t provide salvation for the fallen angels / demons. He didn’t have to provide salvation for us either. But God the Father wanted to show His love for sinful human beings who were His enemies (Romans 5:10). So He gave us His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16). He became the virgin born God-man (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Philippians 2:5-11). He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15), and then died as a Substitute for all our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19). But a dead Savior can’t help or save anyone.
Bodily Resurrection. To prove to us that God the Father was fullysatisfied with Christ’s death and payment for all our sins, He raised Him from the dead (Romans 4:25; 1 John 2:2; 4:10). His bodily resurrection guarantees other bodily resurrections of all those who have died (1 Corinthians 15:21-24; Daniel 12:2; Revelation 11:11; 20:11-15). The Scriptures teach the resurrections of the justified ones and the unjustified ones at different times. There is no annihilation of the wicked dead, or reincarnation taught in the Scriptures. “… it is appointed for men to die once, but [sometime] after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). In which one will you participate?
Forgiveness. We (Christians) are judicially forgiven of our sins when we place our faith and trust in Christ alone (Ephesians 1:7; 2:8, 9; Acts 16:31) through the message of the Gospel. Christians have been justified (Romans 5:1) and are no longer under condemnation (Romans 8:1). We are eternally secure in God’s hands (John 10:28, 29; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). These things are but a few of the benefits believer’s receive at the moment of salvation. (See Ephesians 1:3 ff) [4]
Questions: Be honest. Are you 100% certain that you will go to heaven the moment you die? Why should God let you into His heaven? If you believe you’re saved, is there any thing you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation? If so, what would that be? [5] If you are saved and know it (Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:13), how much spiritual growth has taken place in your life (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18)? How much “spiritual fruit” is evident in your life for others to see (John 15:1-8)? “Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18).
Fruit. “This fruitcan be seen in Christlike character(2 Peter 1:5-8; Galatians 5:22, 23),a life characterized by good works (Colossians 1:10), a faithful witness(1 Corinthians 16:15),a pair of lips that praise God(Hebrews 13:15), and throughgenerous giving of one’s money (Romans 15:28; Philippians 4:17). – Dr. Charles C. Ryrie “So Great Salvation” p. 50.
Limited. We’ll only be here for just a little while longer (2 Timothy 4:6; James 4:14; 2 Peter 1:12-15) to assist you and others who are teachable, willing to change, and who want to growspiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18).
Contact us if you have questions and/or comments. Please let us know if this or other articles or our talks have helped you. We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.
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