Bible Truths
Core Concepts
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The following Bible Truth cards are intended to help us grow in our faith and go with our faith to others. They are not intended to pass judgment on anyone’s faith, rather their purpose is to point us to Scripture for our answers, trusting that God says what he means. The questions and answers are focused on topics that are essential to our understanding of God’s love for us. As you read each of the Bible passages, think about all that God has done for you. Count all your blessings; family, friends, food, freedom, etc., but most of all the blessing of realizing you are a sinner whose sins are forgiven by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Think about his abundant love for you as he provides all these blessings by his grace and not because you have done anything to earn them. When we understand God’s word and trust that what he says is true, our hearts and minds will be changed, wanting to follow him and his commandments rather than our own selfish desires.
It is in God’s inerrant Word where we find all our answers, so it is very important to open our Bibles and read the referenced passages and others that you find relevant to the topic. Share your cards with others and ask for more at any time. They will also be located on our church website. If you would like an additional binder for someone else, please contact Pastor or an Elder. It is hoped that you will find these Bible Truths both inspiring and uplifting. May God bless you and keep you in the one true faith.
John 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Is the Bible completely true?
How can we believe the Bible is completely true when it was written thousands of years ago and for the people of that period?
Creating heaven, earth, and life requires a power and intelligence beyond our understanding. Since our Creator has this superior intelligence and power to create, wouldn’t we expect that he could create a document (the Bible) and know exactly what to write in it to give us saving faith? Wouldn’t we also expect that God would write it in such a way that it would apply not only to societies before us, but for all societies for all time? Absolutely! Why would we think that God would allow any message in his Word to not be for our good? Why would we interpret his Word based on when it was written rather than why it was written? Our sinful human nature wants to interpret the Word so we do not offend the secular world and risk being criticized as being too conservative or out of touch with reality.
The Bible is an amazing book. Even though it includes many different writers over thousands of years, it has but one author, God. God says what he means and means what he says in his Word. He tells us that what is written is sufficient for our salvation; we should not add to it nor take away from it. God reveals his plan through Prophets, Priests, and Kings in the Old Testament and through Jesus and the Apostles in the New Testament. Everything in the Bible took place and was written for the purpose of bringing salvation to all people and therefore is for the good of all people.
It brings great joy to Christians to know that God’s Word is without error and that God himself has not and will never change. He will always love us more than we can ever imagine and freely gives all believers eternal life with him in heaven.
God’s Word on the inerrancy of the Bible:
2 Timothy 3:16: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
2 Timothy 4:3: For a time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
Deuteronomy 12:32: See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it.
Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
2 Peter 1:21: For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
What is meant by God’s grace?
We’ve all heard of a “grace period” when we have extra time to complete a task or make a payment. Grace is also like someone doing you a favor without you asking them to do it. In love, God redeemed everyone through the death of Jesus on the cross. We did not ask for salvation in this way, but it was the way that God chose to save us and it is called grace. God did us a favor that we didn’t deserve! Can this favor ever be repaid? Never! Can we do anything greater than what Jesus has done for us? No way! He gave up his glory in heaven to become fully human like us, to live like us, to die like we will, and then raised himself from the dead so we could also rise from the dead to live eternally with him. He could have stayed in heaven and left us to our destiny of eternal damnation, but he didn’t. The reason is that he loves us too much to let us suffer eternally. Is there anyone who could love you more than this? Absolutely not! This is Amazing Grace. Christians thank God for his Amazing Grace and trust him when he tells us that we are saved by grace alone through faith and not by our own doing. What peace and joy Christians have knowing that they cannot earn heaven; it is a gift from God!
God’s Word on Grace:
Ephesians 2:8-9: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
John 1:16: From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
Romans 3:23-24: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Galatians 2:21: I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!
What is True Repentance?
True repentance is when a person recognizes that he/she has sinned against God, is sorry for his/her sin and turns to God for full and free forgiveness in Christ with the help of God the Holy Spirit. Being sorry about a sin is often very difficult for sinners since they often do not believe some of their sins are as harmful as others. They have rated their sins on a scale from “not that bad” to “worse”. For example, they may think that murder is worse than swearing or lying, thereby they conclude that they are not bad people based on their own or the secular world’s opinion. But, God says otherwise. All sins are viewed the same in his sight, any sin earns eternal death regardless of what it is. Our lives as Christians are lives of continual repentance not just for the sins we readily recognize. Sexual immorality, homosexuality, gossiping, drunkenness, greediness, selfishness, among others are all the same in God’s eyes. If a person says they are sorry but continues to sin, it indicates that they are not truly sorry, have a weak faith, and prefer to continue in their “not so bad” sins rather than to change their ways.
Adam and Eve sinned by just eating fruit they weren’t supposed to eat. This sin, though we may think it was not a “bad” sin, earned them and us eternal death. As with all sin, it began in their hearts and they did not follow God’s will. If we continue to justify our sins and remain unrepentant, our sins will cause us to become unbelievers, and finally lead us to eternal damnation. In grasping this truth, that all sins are equal in God’s eyes, that each and every sin has earned us eternal death, that God has forgiven all our sins through Jesus, God himself changes our hearts and minds to continually be sorry for our sins and trust in him for complete forgiveness. Therefore it is God who gives us the strength, through faith in him, to quit sinning and obey his will instead of ours. What joy and peace Christians have, knowing that as we repent of all our sins day after day and cling in trust to Jesus for the forgiveness of them all, Jesus welcomes us as his dearly loved children and remembers our sins no more!
God’s Word on true repentance:
Hebrews 8:12: For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.
Luke 13:3: I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.
Acts 3:19: Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord
1 Cor 6:9-11: Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
James 2:10: For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
Romans 3:12: All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.
2 Cor 5:15: And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
1 John 1:8-10: If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
Proverbs 28:13: He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
How are we saved?
We are saved only by the Grace of God.
God saved us by himself; there is nothing we can do. God’s plan was to send a substitute for us to take away all of our sins. This substitute would have to be human like us, die like us, and be raised from the dead so that we too can be raised from our death to be with him in heaven. God did this by sending Jesus. There is nothing more to do, God’s plan has been completed. Many do not believe this and think they need to earn their way to heaven. Unfortunately, this may lead to the belief that they must do good works or just be a good person in order to be saved. Thinking you have to be good or do good deeds to earn heaven is a complete rejection of God’s free gift of salvation. If you received a gift from someone who loves you, do you ask if you can give them some money to help pay for it? Absolutely not, because then it would not be a gift. It is offensive to God if we think our good works help us gain the eternal life that God has already purchased through the death of Jesus on the cross. All our righteous works, no matter how good we think they are, are like filthy rags to God and cannot be measured with what Jesus did on the cross for us. Christians believe that salvation is God’s free gift, joyfully do good works, and follow God’s commands as their way of thanking God. They trust that God alone has saved us. Therefore we thank him through regularly hearing and reading his Word, treasuring his sacraments, and sharing his Word. We thank God that he doesn’t require us to earn our way to heaven, we would never be able to know if we have done enough. What joy Christians have in Jesus who completely paid for all of our sins and alone earned our ticket, free of charge, to heaven when we die!
God’s Word on how we are saved:
Isaiah 64:6: All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags: we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
Acts 4:12: Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
2 Cor 5:15,21: 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 1God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
John 1:29: The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
Eph. 2:1-10: As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Romans 5:18: Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.
Matthew 20:1-16 (The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard)
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. “About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. “He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing. About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’ ” ‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered. “He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’
“When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’ “The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘These men who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’ “But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
John 14:6: Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
How are we justified?
What does it mean when God says we are justified through faith?
If we do a bad deed and by law we are to be punished for it, our punishment is justified according to our misdeed. In the courtroom this justification is a declaration by the judge what a person has to do to repay society for their misdeed. In God’s courtroom, he has said that the wages of sin is death; our punishment for sinning should be eternal death with the devil. However, God’s love for us is so great, he declared us “not guilty” because of his son Jesus who died on the cross to take away all of our sins. This is how God justifies our salvation. We enjoy God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. One way to think of “justification” is JUST as IF I hadn’t sinnED. This is how God sees us. There is nothing for us to do to secure our salvation, God has done it all. God does not save “really nice people” because they are nice, or those who justify themselves by their good deeds thinking that God would not send a good person to hell. Since we cannot do anything to save ourselves, the only way we can lose our salvation is to reject this truth that God alone has saved us through his Son Jesus Christ. Wow! What peace and joy Christians have knowing that God has justified us to have eternal life with him in heaven!
Gods Word on Justification: NIV
Romans 3:23,24: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Titus 3:7: So that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Also see: 1 Cor. 6:11; John 14:6; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; Gal. 2:16; Romans 5:1,6-8; Romans 4:4-5; John 3:16-18
Does God ask us to accept Jesus as our Savior?
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16: 16
The question is, “How does a sinner become a believer, is it our work or God’s?” If someone who loves you gave you a gift, do you have to accept it as your gift in order for it to be your gift? Absolutely not! It is your gift from someone who loves you. So is there anything wrong with stating that you accept Jesus as your Savior? One should ask oneself, “Do I feel that because I have accepted Jesus as my Savior, that I am now saved?” Do people think that Jesus will now be on their side and good things will follow? Do they think that Jesus is happier with them or love them more now that they have finally accepted him as their Savior? This is exactly what the Devil wants us to think. He wants us to think we had a part in saving ourselves. He wants us to think that Jesus does not have enough power to save us by himself. These types of thoughts keep us from understanding the totality of God’s power and love for us. If our salvation was done 99% by God and 1% was our responsibility, we’d always live in uncertainty and doubt whether we have done enough. Rather, God has completed salvation from a to z, not only did he live, die, and rise for our forgiveness, but he also worked faith in our hearts to believe it! God says in his word that all glory shall be given to him. We give glory to God for working faith in our hearts. If we believe we have to accept Jesus as our Savior when he already is our Savior, we rob glory from God unknowingly. What joy and peace this gives Christians knowing that God loves us so much that he doesn’t ask us to do anything to help ensure our salvation, he has done it all for us.
God’s Word on accepting Jesus. NIV:
1 Cor. 10:31: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
John 15:16: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
-Also see: Eph. 2:1,1Peter 4:11, 2 Tim. 4:18,1 Cor. 1:30-31, 1 Cor. 2:14, Ps. 65:3-4 ,
1 Cor. 12:3, Matthew 16: 16-17
By faith or good works.
Do good works cause faith or does faith cause good works?
Faith, as with all our salvation, is a free gift from God. We cannot obtain faith on our own, it comes from hearing the gospel. Some may think that if they do good works, they must have faith and therefore, God would have to save them. Nothing in the Bible leads to that conclusion. Those who think their good works will earn them a place in heaven actually don’t believe they need a Savior. If it were true that our good works could earn heaven, then Jesus’ death on the cross was in vain.
Regardless of how good we think we are, our destiny is hell because of our sins. So it is impossible for us to enter heaven through good works. God says we need to be sinless to enter heaven and that is exactly why Jesus lived a perfect life and died on the cross in our place. Now, our sins are gone and God sees us as perfect humans without any sins, heaven is our home. God has done everything perfectly for our salvation by himself.
Even though Jesus had to die in order to save us, God wants us to be joyful with his free gift of eternal life. This is priceless! It is in this understanding that our hearts and minds are changed and our faith grows. Now we desire to thank God. Following his commandments, repenting of our sins, praying regularly, serving our neighbors, helping the poor, sharing his Word, are some ways we can daily thank God. He knows and sees what’s in our hearts and minds; we cannot hide our motives from him. He says that those who do “good works” and do not have faith, are condemned. This means that God will not save “really nice people” who justify themselves through their good works. He saves the sinners who repent and believe they need a Savior. God tells us in his Word that we are justified through faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior from sin. What joy Christians have knowing that God alone gives a saving faith and justifies believers through this faith to enter heaven!
God’s Word on Faith: NIV:
Romans 5:1,2: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace……
Romans 10:17: Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, …..
Also see: James 2:14-18, John 15:5, Eph. 2:10, Heb. 11:6, Ps. 119:32, Gal. 2:20,
Phil. 2:13, 2 Cor. 5:14-15, Titus 2:14
Why should we be baptized?
In the Bible, God instituted baptism for our benefit as his means of grace to give us faith that comes from him and is not the result of our doing. Through Baptism, God uses water, connected with his Word, to wash away our sins and adopt us into his family forever. What a blessing! Jesus told his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God tells us in his Word that through baptism, he works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal life. There are no age or spiritual maturity requirements for baptism in God’s Word.
Some believe that baptism is a choice that individuals should make for themselves and rationalize that it is reasonable to allow children to mature spiritually in order for them to make this choice. One can be assured that the devil is constantly working on everyone’s hearts and minds at any age to reject God’s Word, so why wouldn’t we want God to be working in our hearts and minds instead of Satan. If a person stubbornly refuses to be baptized, would it be a rejection of God? Absolutely. Through baptism, God lives in us, forgives our sins, overpowers death and the devil, and works faith in our hearts so that we do not lose our inheritance of eternal life. So, it is not the water by itself or the act of baptism that connects us with God. Rather, it is the word of God which is in and with the water when the words, “baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” are said, that God adopts us and gives us faith through this sacrament. This is difficult to comprehend for humans, however, nothing is impossible for God. What joy it is for Christians to know that God wants all people, regardless of age, to be baptized! Through our baptism He promises to adopt us into his family and take care of us forever.
God’s Word on Baptism: NIV:
Mathew 28:19: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Mark 16:16: Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
-Also see: 2 Timothy 3:15, Acts 2:38,39, Titus 3:5-7, 1 Cor. 12:3, Gal. 3:26-27, Eph. 5: 25-26,
1 Peter 3:20-21, Romans 6:3, Luke 18: 15-17 , Psalm 51:5
Are all my problems due to past sins?
Absolutely not! God has forgiven them all through the death of Jesus. It is when we become impenitent that causes problems in our lives. God does not punish us for past sins. As God says in the Bible, he wants us to prosper rather than harm us. When bad things happen to us our first thought might be to ask, “What past sins am I being punished for now?” Instead, it is better for us and our soul to pray to God for help and understanding. He states in his Word that all things will work for the good of those that put their trust in him. God does not “punish” his children for their sins – he punished Jesus on the cross for all of our sins. We have been cleansed of all our sins.
However, God does “discipline” his children. God allows us to experience pain when we sin against him, but his purpose is not to punish. His purpose is to train us. For example, if I touch a hot stove burner, I get burned. If there wasn’t any pain, I might do it again and soon lose my hand. But since there was pain, when I see that hot burner, I don’t put my hand on it because I remember the pain. God disciplines us for our good to keep us from running headlong into sin and losing our salvation. Isn’t this truth amazing? It is hard for us to fathom, but, for God, this is his unconditional love for us. The unbeliever does not have this comfort. Now, without fear, we can be looking forward to the day we leave this world and meet the one who loves us unconditionally. What peace and joy this brings to Christians every day! Thanks be to the one true and faithful God! He is ours and we belong to him. What a wonderful truth!
God’s Word on past sins. NIV
Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Also see: Isaiah 53:5; John 9:1-3; Luke 13: 1-5; Genesis 50:15-20
What is significant about communion?
Communion [also called the Lord’s Supper] is one of God’s means of grace for Christians where he gives them himself for the forgiveness of sins, new life, and salvation. Receiving the Lord’s Supper strengthens their faith and empowers them to resist the daily sinful temptations of the devil, the world, and their own sinful flesh. God knows that the devil is constantly working like a roaring lion to devour anyone he can. God also knows that we need nourishment to fend off the devil. We get this nourishment through the Lord’s Supper as we remember what Jesus went through in order to complete the work of salvation for all people. Christians receive the forgiveness of their sins when the Lord’s Supper is given and received according to Jesus’ directions. This is why communion is so important for Christians. When Christian’s prepare for communion, they confess all their sins- the sins they are aware of and the sins they are not aware of. These are sins of thought, word, and deed. When Christians approach the table to receive the Lord’s Supper they remember the great sacrifice Jesus made when he left his glory in heaven to die a gruesome death on the cross to give them the gift of eternal life unconditionally. Jesus then gives them his own body and blood together with bread and wine with his words “given for you for the forgiveness of your sins.” How can it be that God gives us himself in his Supper? Human reason cannot explain it. Christians simply trust Jesus when he says, “This is my body…this is my blood.” They believe him because he has the power to do anything. What an awesome blessing the Lord’s Supper is! Christians want to take it as directed by Jesus and treat it sacred; rather than something viewed as just an activity done in church. In the Lord’s Supper sins are forgiven, souls receive incredible nourishment, and one’s heart is uplifted knowing that eternal life has been won. Thank God for this wonderful blessing!
God’s Word on Communion: NIV:
Matthew 26: 26-28 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant,
which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Why do we practice close communion?
The Lord’s Supper is an amazing miracle of our God. In a miraculous way God tells us that in his Supper we receive Jesus’ true body and blood together with bread and wine for the forgiveness of our sins. There are really two communions that take place in the Lord’s Supper: a vertical one with God and a horizontal one with fellow partakers. In a wonderful way, God comes to each communicant with his gifts of forgiveness of sins, new life, and salvation. God also tells us, “Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf” (1 Corinthians 10:17). God tells us that when people commune in a congregation they are confessing that the full truths of God’s Word are taught in that congregation and they are also saying, “We are all one in faith.” Once someone has been instructed in the teachings of a congregation he/she is able to publicly confess this conviction of faith which is unseen in his/her heart. Therefore, by joining a congregation, a person publicly says, “All the teachings of this congregation are accurate according to God’s Word” and “I agree with the teachings of this congregation and am ‘one’ in faith with all the members.”
Additionally, God warns that if someone takes the Lord’s Supper not knowing what he/she is doing, that person is sinning against the body and blood of the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:27). Out of love for God and for people’s souls the Lord’s Supper is not to be offered in a way that would make it easy for someone who doesn’t understand it properly to sin. In practicing close communion it is not a person’s faith that is being judged, it is that person’s confession of faith. Close communion is a way for Christians to ensure the Lord’s Supper remains something awesome and precious, not ordinary and blasé!
God’s Word on Close Communion: NIV:
1 Cor. 10:17: “Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.”
Also see: 1 Cor 10:21, 11:24-26, Romans 16:17, 2 John 1: 10-11
When does life begin?
Who should decide when life begins, God or man? God made man in the beginning from the dust of the earth. Man was lifeless. God breathed the breath of life into man. God’s breath was all it took to start life. God began human life through his breath in the beginning and now life begins at the time of conception. Some think that life cannot start at conception because babies could not live on their own outside their mother. Thankfully, God has more compassion for the unborn. Humans try to rationalize ending an unborn life by making it seem like the baby is not a real life from the time of conception. Is this really how God wants us to treat life that he gives us? No, he wants us to treat life just like he does, precious and holy. Life is a blessing from God and he not only gives us life on earth but eternal life with him. What amazing love this is! How can one even consider ending the precious lives of babies before they are born and not give them the opportunity to live a life full of blessings from God just as we were given by our mothers. Christians trust that every life is a blessing from God and honor him through the birth of all babies. Thanks be to God for the gift of life!
God’s word on life: NIV: Gen. 2:7: the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
Psalms 100:3: Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
-Also see: Jn 3:16: Proverbs 23:22, Acts 3:15, 1 John 2:25 Ps.: 139: 13-16, Jer. 1:5
What does God say about marriage?
God instituted marriage with Adam and Eve before the fall into sin. He recognizes marriage as one man and one woman. When God created man, he said, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18), so he made a helper fit for him. Adam called her “woman” since she was taken out of man. Because we know that God is all powerful, intelligent and he is loving and merciful, we trust that he has done everything perfectly and for our benefit. The marriage of one man and one woman brings blessings from God. These include: the ability to bear and raise children, teaching them to follow God’s will, his promise that the two will become one, blessings that come at Christmas, Easter, weddings, funerals, and other happy or sad occasions where families come together to support one another and to rejoice in God’s promises. Christians are blessed when they put their trust in God and follow his will to recognize marriage as God’s institution and not “a human product.”
God’s Word on Marriage: NIV:
Ephesians 5: 22-32: Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord….Husbands , love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her……In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies……For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.
Matt. 19:6: So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Psalm 127:1: Unless the LORD builds the house, its builder labor in vain.
-Also see: Gen. 2:18-24, Hebrews 13:4, Col. 3:19, 1 Cor. 6: 1,9-10, Romans 1: 26-27, 1 Peter 3: 1,3,4,7
What does God say about homosexuality?
God is very clear in his Word. Unrepentant homosexuals are listed along with the unrepentant sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who have sex with men, thieves, greedy, drunkards, slanderers, and swindlers (1 Corinthians 6:9-10) as those who will not inherit eternal life in heaven. Those who continue to openly sin against God justify their sins through their own reasoning and the world’s approval. This does not change God’s view of homosexuality. Sins that are tolerated by the world are still destructive to one’s spiritual health. However, think about those who have a serious illness. Don’t they seek someone to cure their illness immediately? Absolutely! In the same way, believers recognize the serious effect all sin has on their spiritual health; so they go to God for healing before sin overpowers their soul. God calls all sinners, including homosexuals, to repentance. One needs to understand that the homosexual lifestyle is leading that person away from God and has no real lasting joy. But God desires that they have everlasting joy with him. God leads sinners to recognize that all sexual immorality is a sin. More importantly he teaches them that “the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies [them] from all sin” (1 John 1:9). Through the gospel he strengthens them to reject all urges to act out on sexual sins. The joy that Christians have is the same joy all sinners can have. That is, knowing God loves us all and forgives us in Christ. As we repent of our sins he grants us help in overcoming them.
God’s Word on Homosexuality: NIV:
1 Cor. 6: 9 – 11 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
-also see: 1 Tim. 1:10, Rm. 1:24, 1 Cor. 6:15, Matt. 10:28, Rm. 8:13
What does it mean to love and fear God?
For many people the word “fear” is associated with being scared of something or someone who could hurt them. We associate fear with people or things that are much stronger and/or meaner than we are; with the expectation of getting hurt if they become upset. Therefore, we are scared or coerced into treating them the way in which they demand. However, this is not the fear of God that Christians have. Christians understand that God has awesome power. He can send devastating disasters or withhold his blessings to change people’s ways. It is not his desire to force anyone into doing his will; rather, he desires to change people’s hearts by his love instead of his power. This leaves one in awe of God with deep respect since he will not use his power to scare his people but to save them. By holding back his judgment and power, God reveals just how much he loves mankind and wants all to love him freely. God’s people understand that this is God’s love. They want to be closer to him in the same way people want to be closer to those whom they know will help them in time of need. What joy Christians have to know God’s love and that they can go to him freely to ask forgiveness without being scared of being punished for not obeying him! This is how Christians fear God, it is because they know that he will not do anything to hurt the ones he loves.
God’s Word on Fear and Love: NIV:
Luke 1:50: His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
Luke 12:32: Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
1 John 4:18: There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love
-Also see: Genesis 26:24, Psalm 25:14, Proverbs 9:10, Luke 1:74, Luke 12: 1-7, 2 Timothy 1:7
What will it be like when a person dies?
For believers, those who believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose again to save them from hell, their souls will leave their bodies, rejoice in heaven with Jesus, and will be reunited with their resurrected and perfect bodies on the Last Day. There will be no more pain, sin, or sadness. Joy will fill their hearts forever, everything will be awesome. Jesus will be there to welcome them home. All problems are gone; no more debts to pay; no more death; no more taxes; no more stress; no more sin; they will be awestruck with joy. Those who trusted in God and all his promises now will enjoy the fruits of heaven forever.
For unbelievers it will be quite different. Think about the times where one has looked back and wished one had done something differently. For instance, had one invested in gold 30 years ago, one would likely be much wealthier; or had one taken a different job, one might have been more successful. For each of these instances a person might say, “If only I’d done that back when I had the chance.” When unbelievers die, their souls will also be taken from their bodies, but will go to hell. There they will experience continuous torment and agony forever. They will be separated from God’s blessings forever. They will think, “If only I had believed in Jesus when I was on earth. If only I had grown in God’s Word instead of following the world’s desires. If only I had listened to God’s Word instead of my selfish wants. If only…” But it’s too late. This time there are no second chances; this is the unbeliever’s fate forever.
What joy for believers to know for certain that when they die they go to heaven to live forever with Jesus! They know that Jesus died for their sins and rose again so that his victory over death has opened the door to heaven for them when they die.
God’s Word on Death: NIV:
John 20: 31; But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Hebrews 3:19; So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.
-Also see; Luke 16: 20-31, Ecclesiastes 12:7, Ecclesiastes 3:1, Ecclesiastes 9: 5-6, 1Peter 1:13
Conclusion
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1).
In this verse, God tells us that he has given us the law of the spirit of life through Jesus’ death and that, in and of itself, guarantees our salvation through Christ Jesus. So what does this mean to “be in Christ Jesus”? It means that we feed the spirit of life that God gave us and grow in his Word. God feeds our spirit of life through our baptism, by receiving the Lord’s Supper regularly, by regularly attending church to hear his Word, by regularly reading and understanding his Word, etc. God needs to be a priority in our lives. He tells us in Romans 8 that if we are not in Christ and live by our sinful nature, we will die. But, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!” Therefore, let us daily be in Christ Jesus and do those things that please God instead of our own sinful desires.
Read Romans Chapter 8 in its entirety for further understanding of this blessing.
Now go to others with the knowledge you have gained from God’s Word. Do not keep these truths to yourself, but share the good news that it is God who saves us. It is God who gives us faith. It is God who gives us grace and it is God who has done everything for our salvation. Tell them God does all these things because he loves us unconditionally.
May God bless you and grant you his peace, especially the peace he gives you in Romans 8:1!
Revelation
Revelation, a study of the end times
It is vital for a reader of Revelation to keep in mind the theme “Jesus Wins”. Why should we remember this? Because God wrote the book of Revelation to give believers encouragement and comfort for the last days. People often misinterpret the figurative language God uses as literal events that must happen before the Last Day such as, Armageddon, the Rapture, and1000 year reign of Jesus. God warns in scripture of false teachers from the beginning to the end of time. God also warns believers of the Antichrist who will deceive many. Therefore it is vital to grow in God’s Word so that one can easily recognize false teachers.
Revelation is written in figurative language to show believers the true spiritual devastation and suffering the devil intends for mankind. The Devil is like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He does not want His true intentions known. False teachers are recognized because they add to or subtract from God’s Word in addition to denying that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior.
As you read Revelation remember that Jesus has won the war. Keep focused on Jesus and your heavenly home. Jesus will strengthen you in the face of all persecution. We are living in the end times by God’s grace. Believers do not fear the end times, they look forward to the eternal life God promised them.
What a blessing Revelation is for believers! God assures them that Jesus has defeated Satan once and for all. Since Jesus wins, so do all believers!
7 Letters to 7 Churches
The first 3 chapters in Revelation are letters to 7 churches. Often the number 7 in the Bible represents completeness. In Revelation the 7 churches are real historical churches with applications to every Christian church on earth. Christ’s letters to each one reveal the good and bad things they are doing. The churches were in danger of compromising the true teaching of God’s Word. In these letters, Jesus tells us He walks among His congregations. He holds open heaven’s door for us and remains faithful for our sake forever.
Jesus warns all Christian churches on the consequences of their sins if they don’t repent, but those, who through faith, hold onto Jesus’ promises will be rewarded with eternal life. Jesus warns churches not to compromise their teachings. Listening to false prophets, idolatry, sexual immorality, and being lukewarm to the pure word of God will put them on Satan’s wide road to hell. These warnings are for all believers for all time emphasizing that it is possible for one to lose one’s faith by letting sin take control of them. Jesus says there are many sins that cause one to fall away, but those who remain faithful will reap the joys of heaven He won for all.
God tells us that his church on earth will be persecuted continuously and that it is going to be very difficult to persevere. But, those who hold on to God’s pure word will receive rewards in heaven greater than anything the world could give them. What joy for Christians to know that Jesus is continuously watching over them promising them the rich rewards of heaven!
-Also see: Deut. 4:2; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 30:5; John 8:31; John 14:23-24; Heb 4:12-13; 1 Peter 2:8; Rev 1:1-3
What is the binding of Satan for 1,000 years?
Revelation 20:1-3 states that an angel came down from heaven, seized the dragon who is Satan and bound him with a great chain for 1000 years. Some think Satan will be bound for 1000 years when Jesus returns for his 1,000 year reign prior to the Last Day. They suppose this will be a time when many people will believe in Jesus now that he is reigning visibly on the earth. This is false. Jesus is coming only one more time visibly and that will be on the Last Day.
The great chain that binds Satan is Jesus’ death on the cross, resurrection on the third day, and ascension into heaven. Jesus overcame the power of death which is the wages of sin. Believers no longer fear dying because Jesus’ death on the cross removed all their sins. Believers do not need to see Jesus to know that He is with them always.
The 1000 years Satan is bound is symbolic and not literal. God uses 1000 to symbolize completeness of a most perfect era. It is derived by cubing the number 10 which is the number of perfection and completion. This era began with Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection and will continue until the Last Day. It is also described as the End Times. Only God knows when the Last Day will come.
Believers must always be prepared for the Last Day and not let false teachings lead them away from clinging to God’s word. Believers are sure of their salvation and eagerly look forward to the last day with the assurance of their eternal life. It will be a joy to hear Jesus say to all believers on the last day, “Come, see your new home I have prepared for you.”
-Also see: Psalm 90:4, Joel 2:28-32, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:1-21, Rev. 20:1-3
What is Armageddon?
In the Bible, Armageddon is described as a war waged between God and his
enemies signaling the end of the world. Some think Armageddon is a physical battle that will take place to signal the end, some think it will be many record breaking natural disasters, some think asteroids will destroy the world and yet some think it will be an elevated persecution of Christians. This is not what God says in His Word. God says that the last day will be like the days of Noah. People were marrying and giving in marriage, eating and drinking until Noah entered the ark. Armageddon is the spiritual war that God fights for us. This war began whensin entered the world and will continue to intensify as the last day approaches. Believers will constantly be tempted to reject God. In Revelation, God describes these temptations as beasts. The beasts represent governments, false teachings within his church, and our own sinful desires.
Prior to the culmination of Armageddon, Satan is released to gather his followers to prepare for battle. God says that Satan’s numbers are as the sand of the sea. They surround God’s people preparing to attack and kill them. God’s people will think that they are defeated just like the Israelites at the Red Sea. To them death was imminent. This is what it will be like for believers on the last day, and God will then save them just like He saved the Israelites. God has proven to us in the Old Testament that he keeps all His promises. For this reason, believers do not fear the last day. They hope for it because of God’s promise that at the coming of the Lord they will be caught up in the clouds with Him and those who have risen from their sleep.
-Also see: Matthew 24:1-51, Acts 2:17-21, Eph. 6:10-18, II Tim. 3:1-6, Rev. 15&16
What is the Rapture?
In 1 Thessalonians, Jesus tells us that he will only return on the last day. On that day those who have died in Christ will be raised first with those yet alive being caught up with Him in the clouds. Being caught up in the clouds means that believers will be snatched by Jesus and brought up into the clouds quickly. Some think otherwise. They think Revelation describes a timeline of events that must occur before the last day so they can prepare for the last day. Their timeline is that Jesus will come secretly a second time before the last day to take all the Christians out of the world before a 7 year tribulation. Two people will be in the field, one taken the other left behind. Two people will be riding in a train, one taken, the other left behind. This, they say, is the rapture. They believe that after the 7 year tribulation, the millennium (1000 years) begins. Then at the end of the millennium, Satan is released for a short time. They believe that Jesus comes a third time, on the last day for the final judgment.
This is contrary to the true interpretation of Revelation. Chapters 6 – 8 is a series of visionary scenes depicting devastating tribulations during the end times, not the very end of the world. These scenes started when Jesus rose from the dead; the beginning of the end times described in Revelation. Some tribulations will increase as the last day approaches, but they may not be visible. In the book of Luke, Jesus told the Pharisees that the kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed. Rather, He says that it will be like the days of Noah and Lot. One day seemed like an ordinary day, the next was a day of destruction. Therefore, Jesus tells us to always be ready at any time for his return. Revelation’s figurative language shows us just how severe it is for those who fall away from God and how terrifying it will be for the unbeliever on the last day. It shows us that we should not rely on observing signs for the coming of God’s Kingdom, but rely on God’s Word alone.
Revelation gives comfort to believers as it shows that Jesus won the victory over death. He will only come a second time, and bring them home to heaven forever.
-Also see: 1 Thess. 4:17, Luke 17:20-35
What is the Apocalypse?
Apocalypse is defined in the dictionary as the last book in the Bible, Revelation. It comes from the Greek word (apocalupsis) which means a revealing, a disclosure. Some think the apocalypse is a series of massive destructive events that signal the coming of the last day when the earth is finally destroyed. For Christians, the book of Revelation is the apocalypse in which God reveals to His people what it will be like to live during the end times including the destruction of the earth on the last day. Revelation’s figurative language portrays Satan’s relentless fight for everyone’s soul during the end times.
The Beasts of land (false teachers and preachers) and Beasts of the sea (Government’s anti-Christian policies) are deceivers manipulated by Satan to steal as many souls as possible before the last day occurs. God warns us to be aware of these beasts and to not let the pressures from the beasts fool us into losing our faith. God wants all people to know that Satan cannot harm them as they hold onto God’s promises.
The theme of Revelation is that Jesus won the battle with Satan and believers have nothing to fear on the last day. Jesus will come to save us from all the destruction and take us to heaven forever. What joy and peace is revealed to us by God in Revelation.
God’s word on the Apocalypse: NIV, Rev. 1-22; Matthew 24: 3 – 51; Romans 8: 31-39.
Will Jesus reign on Earth for 1,000 years?
Some believe that Jesus will return to earth in human form to rule for 1000 years and then the Last Day will occur. The Bible does not reveal when the Last Day will occur. Jesus told his Disciples that no one knows when the Last Day will come and to always be prepared for its’ coming. God uses figurative language in His Word often in order to help one focus on one’s faith rather than trying to interpret the Bible in a literalistic manner. If one knew exactly when the Last Day would occur, one could easily lose their salvation to living according to their sinful desires instead of God’s will. In Psalms, God says that a 1000 years are like a day. In Revelation Chapter 20, God says the souls of saints that were beheaded and those who believed in Jesus were reigning with him for a 1000 years before the end of the world.
In this chapter, Jesus also bound the Devil with a great chain. The great chain is figurative and represents Jesus’ resurrection when he defeated Satan and conquered death. The souls raised to life are people on earth who have come to faith through the gospel of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus’ ministry is when the figurative 1000 year reign began and will continue until the Last Day even though it has been over 2000 years since Jesus was crucified. The Bible says that Jesus will return only once after his resurrection and that will be on the Last Day. The saints reigning with Christ in Revelation symbolize the spreading of the pure Gospel to all the world through all believers in Christ from the beginning of his ministry until the Last Day. Believers rejoice, trusting that they are saved only by the grace of God. Believers look forward to the Last Day with anticipation of their final redemption and eternal life with Jesus.
God’s word on the 1000 years of Jesus reign on earth: NIV, Mathew 4: 12 – 17; Matthew 28:18, 19; Luke 4:16- 21; John 12: 31-33; John 18:36, 37; Romans 10:5-13; Rev.20:1-3; John 18:36; Colossians 3:2
Will only 144,000 be saved?
Will only 144,000 be saved as stated in Revelation 7? God tells us throughout the Bible that he wants all people to be saved. Jesus says he “came to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10), and “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4). These are only some of the many Bible verses that tell us about God’s love for us and His promise to save all believers.
God often uses numbers in His Word to indicate a number too large to count. He also says in verse 9 that there were too many believers to count. Here in Revelation 7, God uses the 12 tribes of Israel to represent all Old Testament believers and the 12 apostles to represent all New Testament believers. Multiplying the 12 tribes, 12 apostles, and 1000 (10x10x10 symbolizes completeness) is God’s way of showing us the number of people that will be saved is too large to count. God doesn’t limit the number of people that can be saved to 144,000 when he so loves the world.
In Revelation 7, the angel ascending with the rising of the sun with the seal of the living God is Jesus. Jesus is directing the other 4 angels not to cause harm on the earth or sea until all the servants of God have been sealed on their foreheads. This means that the destruction of the earth will not happen until the last believer has been identified. This time period of sealing believers started from the time sin entered the world and will continue until the last day. What a joy for believers to know that Jesus will not allow the last day to come until the last believer is known.
God’s word on 144,000: NIV, Mark 16:16; Luke 19:10; John 12:44 – 47; Rev. 7:9.
God’s throne in Heaven.
What is God saying in Revelation 4 & 5 through the description of His Throne?
In Revelation 4, the throne is described as a magnificent and beautiful place rich like the richest jewels of the earth. The 24 thrones encircling the throne with 24 elders represent the 12 tribes of Israel of the Old Testament and the 12 Apostles of the New Testament symbolizing the entire Holy Christian Church. The 7 lamps that are the 7 spirits of God symbolize the Holy Spirit. The sea of glass clear as a crystal represents the perfect peace that exists in the presence of God. The four creatures with eyes all around them symbolize the unending vigilance of the angels in heaven giving praise to God. In Chapter 5, the scroll represents the future and God’s plan for saving us. God is telling us in Revelation 5 that Jesus is worthy to take the scroll and open it. This indicates that the future is in Jesus’s control. This symbolism is another way of saying that Jesus sits at the right hand of God and that all developments in history are subject to His knowledge and control. Revelation 4 and 5 are written to show the purity of God and His throne, that He is everlasting, all powerful, and reveals that Jesus is worthy, righteous, and deserving of all glory given Him. There is no one more powerful than God and He is completely in control from the beginning to the end of the world.
God’s word on the throne: NIV, Isaiah 6:1-4; Ezekiel 1:4-18; Rev.4:1-11
Who is the Anti-Christ?
What defines an antichrist and how can one identify the great Antichrist? An antichrist is one who denies that Jesus is the Christ (one who saves). Antichrists also deny that Jesus has come in flesh and will come again in the flesh. Basically, an antichrist will deny the power of Jesus Christ and twist what God says in order to gain power. The Bible says that there will be many antichrists and one great Antichrist. In 2 Thessalonians, the Antichrist is described as a man of lawlessness. He leads a rebellion against God and will elevate himself above God. He will elevate himself in the church and even call himself God. When Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians, the Antichrist was active and hidden but would continue working to deceive people until Christ’s return. So, the great Antichrist is not a government or political position nor is he an individual since he continues to work from Jesus’ time till the last day. Paul also says in 2 Thessalonians that Satan will support the great Antichrist with counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders to deceive those who refuse to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Also, in Revelation 17, the great Antichrist is identified as the great prostitute who has great influence around the world (sits on many waters) and many kings agree with her which indicates false teaching of God’s Word. She is dressed in purple and scarlet which represents royalty. She is glittering with gold, precious stones, and pearls, she holds a golden cup filled with filth which represents earthly treasures, power, and prestige. Only the Papacy of the Roman Catholic Church fits this description of the great Antichrist.
For Christians, the end times will be one of perseverance as they will be persecuted for their faith, but God tells them through his word in Revelation that they will be saved by their faith in Him.
God’s word on the Antichrist: NIV, 2 Thess. 2: 3-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; 1 Jn 2:18 & 22; 1 Jn 4:3; 2 Jn 1:7; Rev. 17: 1-18.
Who does the Dragon represent?
The dragon is the devil. He is dangerous and the description in Revelation emphasizes that he is powerful, deceptive, and is constantly trying to steal everyone’s soul. There is but one life and God wants all to be aware of what is at stake for them by describing the devil as a great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and on his heads, seven diadems. The seven heads, ten horns, and seven diadems are a deception that the devil uses to pass himself off as divine in order to steal souls through false teachings. Chapter 12 explains that God has more power than the devil and believers are safe from the power of the devil through the blood of Jesus. Jesus defeated the devil so that all who believe in him have eternal life; the devil lost. God is giving believers both a warning and assurance during the end times. His warning is that there will be false teachings coming from within the church that might be overlooked as minor and do not affect our salvation. God describes the devil in Revelation in this figurative way so that one takes God’s word seriously, realizing that the devil is like a roaring lion looking constantly to devour believers.
The assurance God gives us is that as one follows His Word, the devil cannot harm us because Jesus paid the debt of sin when he died on the cross and rose again. What a wonderful blessing for believers!
God’s word on the devil: NIV, Mathew 13: 36-43; 1 Peter 5: 8-9; James 4:7; 2 Timothy 4: 3-5; Rev. 12: 7-17; Rev.20: 10.
Who do the beast of the sea and the Earth represent?
God uses the beast of the sea to describe civil governments opposed to Christ. God intended for governments to maintain civil order and protect people. The devil uses governments against Christ through the passage of laws that conflict with God’s laws. Laws that legalize abortion, require teaching evolution, etc. are some of the tools the Beast of the Sea uses to attack Christ. Also, defending non-Christian virtues and marginalizing Christian values such as marriage, creation, blocking the construction of churches, or obstructing the preaching of God’s word, are other means the devil uses governments to carry out his war against Christ.
God uses the beast of the earth to describe the devil using false prophets, teachers, or churches to persuade belief that God’s Word is not completely true or falsely interpreting His word to turn people away from Jesus as the Son of God. The devil is working every possible way to steal souls from God. Both beasts complement each other to persecute Christians throughout the world. Many Christians have been beheaded, lost jobs, jailed, or exiled from their country because of their faith.
God warns His believers of these persecutions not to scare them, but to remind them that the devil is always working to steal their soul. God reminds believers that Jesus has already won the battle with the devil resulting in the salvation of all those who believe in Jesus as their Savior. The devil has no power over us as we continue to follow God’s will. The book of Revelation is God’s message to believers to show how dangerous and cunning the devil is and to always be on guard for false teachings. Revelation also tells believers that Jesus won the battle and opened the door to heaven for all believers. The devil nor his persecution through governments, and the secular world can never shut that door. What joy Christians have knowing that Jesus won, they look forward to the last day and endure the end times because heaven is their home.
God’s word on the Beasts of the Sea and Earth. NIV, Matthew 5: 10-12; Matthew 7: 15-20, Matthew 24: 23-27, 2 Corinthians 11: 12-15; 2 Peter 2: 1-10; Rev. 13: 1-8 & 11-17; Rev. 19: 20
Who does the Great Prostitute represent?
The Great Prostitute in Revelation 17, is associated with Rome. The Great Prostitute will support false teachings within the Church. The Antichrist will lead a rebellion against God and elevate himself above God and in the Church. He will even call himself God. This is how the devil is subtly rebuking God. He creates doubt in the minds of many who do not grow in God’s word and blindly follow his teachings. God tells us in His word that during the end times there will be many false teachings, the great prostitute will have influence worldwide, and many governments will agree with her. She will have accumulated great wealth, power, and prestige; this means that many will believe what she falsely preaches. Do not be fooled, go to God’s word, read and understand it so that you are armed with God’s word to recognize and refute all false teachings. Someone may say the end is coming tomorrow or on a certain date, God doesn’t say that anywhere in His Word. If someone performs some miracle claiming to be God, don’t believe it as God is clear in His word that the coming of the antichrist will be displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, and evil deceptions.
Revelation seems to indicate that the end times will be like war where we will clearly see the great prostitute. This is not true. There will be continuous deception and evil that believers need to discern so that they do not lose their faith. God uses figurative language in Revelation to emphasize that false teachers will use subtle lies to lead one away from Christ. It may be years for false teachings to become accepted and little by little more false teachings creep into the church. God uses the term “Great Prostitute” as a picture to warn one that these false teachings are filthy in his eyes and are not to be tolerated. God reassures believers in Revelation that they will be saved by faith alone and can look forward to eternal life in heaven with him.
God’s word on the Great Prostitute: NIV, Psalms 119:104; Pr. 19: 5; Matthew 24: 11; 2 Cor. 11: 12-15; 2 Peter 2: 1-3; Jude 1: 1-7; Rev. 17:1-18.
Are you prepared for the last day?
What’s it like when you’re unprepared for something? Worried? Anxious? Upset? It is likely that most people would much rather be prepared than unprepared.
What about the Last Day? Are you prepared for that day? Most of the time people don’t know exactly how unprepared they are until the event comes upon them. Many people are not ready for Jesus’ return. Jesus makes it very clear that He’s coming and He could come at any time. Are you prepared?
Judgment Day is quite intimidating to think about, imagine standing before the all holy and perfect God. Me, a miserable sinner before God. I know what He should say to me: “Away from me you who do evil!”
But by God’s grace, you are ready. You see, Jesus already consumed all the fire of God’s wrath for your sins. He did so when He willingly died on the cross. God’s just judgment against you has been completely removed by Jesus. Now, because of Jesus, God gives you His love and grace and Jesus will say to you on the Last Day, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”
Are you ready? Jesus has made you perfectly prepared for His return.
All who believe Jesus is their Savior look forward to the Last Day with joy and anticipation!
God’s word on the Last Day: NIV, John 5:28-29 “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out – those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned”
Mathew 16:26,27; Mathew 25:31-46; Mathew 28:18, 19; John 18:36, 37; Romans 10:5-13;