Menorah Image used to show the Feasts As Prophecy

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Pentecost

Peter addresses the crowd in Jerusalem on Day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the believers. They were able to speak the Good News to everyone - in their own language.

So everyone was surprised, and some even said “these men have been drinking!” So Peter addressed the crowd. And what He said in these verses is the description of a whole time. An entire thing is described,’ from the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, to the end of the age at the Lord’s return. Which is the beginning of “the thousand years” and the Lord’s long second advent.

And then at the very end, we are given a glimpse into that advent(?!)

Peter saying that day, quoting Old Testament prophet, Joel,
      “It shall come to pass in the last days, says God - I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy. I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before - the coming of the great and awesome day (age) of the LORD. And, it shall come to pass, that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved”. (Acts 2:17-21)

The great “day of the LORD” extends from the fiery judgment/results at the time of the Lord’s return - through “the thousand years” and “the judgment” - to when “the Son hands all things subdued - the kingdom - over to the Father”. (Who IS a consuming/purifying fire). — 1Cor.15:22-28; Rev.21:1-5; and 2Pet.3:13 (10-13 being another such projection, encompassing the whole of the Lord’s second advent, two fiery “events” acting as bookends of that advent. Events - Jude 7!)

“And it shall come to pass that all who call upon the Lord shall be saved.” And all will call. For the Lord DID say He will “draw ALL to Himself”. (Jn.12:32)

And consider this! When? Did the Lord say the tares will be gathered to be burned? (Mt.13:36-43; 24:29-31; 2Thess.1:7-8)

And why? Does the moon turn red? (Rev.6:12; Note: the Seals are described in the same way, describing their full range, and full effects, from their first, to very last at maturity. Described in this way, at the beginning of the revelation vision, serves to cloak the vision.)

In conclusion, Peter’s quoting Joel describes the whole time, from that Pentecost and the gifting of the Holy Spirit to believers (the wheat) - to the Lord’s return, and beyond.

....“And it shall come to pass, that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” from that Pentecost to the ultimate Tabernacles, when “all ..is made new”.

What Is Judgment Day?

"Penal substitution" so the most dense malefactor can understand it? I don't understand what people believe judgment day is. It seems to me like the most prevalent view is that judgment day is at one's death. At death, the 'good'/the believers in Jesus float up into heaven or are escorted there by angels. And a nonbeliever is sucked into 'hell'.

OR, all souls are held in a holding place until judgment day, when en masse, all unsaved are stamped "guilty"... Perhaps I am a 13 year old girl, and I find myself awakened from my grave, and  I find myself beside and receiving the same sentence as the worst despot, torturer and rapist of small children. It's simply unavoidable and God can do nothing about it.

OR, I have been conscious since, perhaps 1000 B.C. but now standing before God's throne, I am declared guilty. There is no trial, defense nor advocate. It's unavoidable, the means of my redemption was during my lifetime. I missed it, and God can do nothing about it. I will be tormented forever and ever, perhaps at the center of the earth, while there is great rejoicing going on above me, where everyone's joy is complete. I am forgotten by all including God. Or perhaps I perish and am no more. Not mourned, for all's joy is complete.

Then why the dramatic image of Jesus hanging upon the cross as a penal substitute? When living during 1000 B.C. I never heard about that, nor was ever exposed to the image.

I've been studying the bible for almost 40 years. I used to use the big Strong's books, but now of course there's great bible study aids and interlinear version (with links to the original words used) at my very fingertips. These have always impacted me far more than any teachings or long held doctrines. The Word itself, above, what others say the Word says.

So why 'penal substitute'/redemption if I am never exposed to it, but am simply stamped guilty and off I go? Some will say, nature/creation was your witness, you should have figured it out. Ba-bye.

Here's what I've come to believe.. Jesus is the Passover Lamb, belief equals obedience, His blood on the doorposts of my awareness saves me from (the angel of) death. He is the un-leavened (pristine) bread of life / the Truth. With no dilution/corruption. And He is "the Firstfruits of God". - 1 Cor 15:22-23 "..in Christ made alive, but each in their own order, Christ the firstfruits.."

His first advent perfectly fulfilled ancient Israel's Spring Holy Days (see Lev 23; Numbers 28,29) of Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits.

Then between Spring and Fall, Pentecost, when the promised (great) gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out (ultimately?) upon all flesh.

What about the Fall Holy Days? (Lev 23; Numbers 28,29) -- Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Tabernacles? Are they fulfilled by His long second advent? The pattern of them is Trumpets, upon the first day of the new month/moon, and 10 days later is Day Of Atonement. And 5 days after that is Tabernacles, which lasts a whole week, Lev 23:34.

If Trumpets - surely(?) is His return and the Trumps of apocalypse, then 10 days/1000 years(?) later is Judgment 'Day'. And 5 days/500 years after that begins Tabernacles, when the Almighty Father says - Rev 21 - He will now Tabernacle with mankind upon Earth made new!

Note: "...the rest of the dead come not back to life until the thousand years are ended.." Rev 20:5

Doesn't this sound like 1 Cor 15? - 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: [1]Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming[2]. 24 Then comes the end, when [3]He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27 For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

Rev 21:5 - "Behold I make all things new".

Matthew 13:33 - “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in 3 measures of meal till it was all leavened.”

I guess I should do a google search, see if there's anyone else in all the world who believes this - that the Ancient fall holy days are a shadow and pattern of Jesus' long second advent, from last days and His return, to when God says "behold I make all things new.. I will now tabernacle with mankind upon Earth.." He will be "all in all". [Glory!]

Isaiah 11:7 - "The cows will graze among bears; cubs and calves will lie down together, and lions will eat grass like the ox."

Note: It's DOA for the doa?! 1 Tim 4:10, Jn 12:32, Philippians 2:10-11, &tc..

Breaking Out Of The Mental Box

Acts 3:23 -
"And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people."

?

Most verses like this, I believe, are easily explained by knowing the difference between aion, etc, and 'forever'.. And some of course, is in the Greek in other ways.

But this one, I'm wondering if it might not be that it is truly the very real potential. In the 'end' if there's a soul (psyche) "who will not hear that Prophet" they shall indeed "be utterly destroyed from among the people". 

But! ....All will come to believe and "hear".. Once one is free to take into account all pertaining scriptures and the overall BiG picture, this seems to be the logical meaning.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

John 12:32 - "And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself."

1 Timothy 4:10 - "For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those that believe."

Etc., etc., etc....

Versus Verses

I came across these verses as a list, believed, some for, some against, the idea of Christian Universalism (the belief that God will draw all to Himself and all to repentance). So of course I had to look them up, and do a rebuttal of the against verses.

For CU - Seem to Support 

Romans 5:18; 1 Corinthians 15:22; Colossians 1:20; Philippians 2:11

Against?:

Matthew 25:46; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9; Revelations 14:11; 20:10-15
---------------------

FOR:

Romans 5:18 (NIV)
"Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people."

1 Corinthians 15:22 (NKJV)
"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive."

Colossians 1:20 (NKJV)
"and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross."

Philippians 2:11 (NKJV)

"and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
AGAINST?

Matthew 25:46 (NKJV)
"And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." {"everlasting" is the Greek word #166 - aiṓnios (an adjective, derived from 165 /aiṓn  - an age, properly, "age-like"} -- This verse is "the goats and sheep at His return"; The "tares" being "gathered" to Armageddon.

2 Thessalonians 1:6-9 (NKJV)
"6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power." {aiṓnios (destruction/ruin) from aiṓn -- The tares are gathered to Armageddon and the wheat into His barn - at His return.}


Revelation 14:11 (NKJV)
11 "And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

Revelation 14:11 (Young's Literal Translation, YLT)

11 and the smoke of their torment doth go up to ages of ages; and they have no rest day and night, who are bowing before the beast and his image, also if any doth receive the mark of his name.

Previous Verse:

Revelation 14:10 (YLT)

10 he also shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, that hath been mingled unmixed in the cup of His anger, and he shall be tormented in fire and brimstone before the holy messengers, and before the Lamb,

This occurs when Jesus returns. It's an earthly event, and actually is the culmination of man's doings, of which "wrath of God" is metaphor. And in the same spirit of symbolism, it's the smoke that rises (forever?) not the torment. As in, the memory of..

Revelation 20:10-15 (YLT)
10 and the Devil, who is leading them astray, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where [are] the beast and the false prophet, and they shall be tormented day and night -- to the ages of the ages. {"To the ages, of the ages (to a certain age?); The beast and false prophet are institutions of man 'active' at the time of His return.}

11 And I saw a great white throne, and Him who is sitting upon it, from whose face the earth and the heaven did flee away, and place was not found for them; {The second resurrection of all those not (yet) saved, one thousand years after the first resurrection, which was of all believers/followers.}

12 and I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and scrolls were opened, and another scroll was opened, which is that of the life, and the dead were judged out of the things written in the scrolls -- according to their works; {They rise "still in their sins" - "But I tell you it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” I.e. Judgment 'Day' lasts longer than a moment or two!}

13 and the sea did give up those dead in it, and death and hades did give up the dead in them, and they were judged, each one according to their works;

14 and death and hades were cast to the lake of the fire -- this [is] the second death; {"The last enemy to be abolished is death." - 1 Corinthians 15:26}

15 and if any one was not found written in the scroll of the life, he was cast to the lake of the fire. {By end of judgment 'Day'? what does it require for one's name to be written in the Book of Life? To believe, and thus repent and be reconciled.}

Todays Christian Universalism Lesson

[Romans 11:7-10]

7 This means that only a chosen few of the people of Israel found what all of them were searching for. And the rest of them were stubborn, 8 just as the Scriptures say, `God gave to them a spirit of deep sleep, eyes not to see, and ears not to hear,' -- unto this very day, 9 And David says: 'May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them. 10 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs beneath a burden that will never be lifted.'

Now let's look at verse 10 as it's written in the interlinear Greek to English (links included):

0   4654 [e] 10   skotisthētōsan 10   σκοτισθήτωσαν 10   let be darkened 10   V-AMP-3P

3588 [e] hoi οἱ the Art-NMP

3788 [e] ophthalmoi ὀφθαλμοὶ eyes N-NMP

846 [e] autōn αὐτῶν  , of them PPro-GM3P

3588 [e] tou τοῦ  -  Art-GNS

3361 [e] mē μὴ not Adv

991 [e] blepein βλέπειν  , to see V-PNA

2532 [e] kai καὶ and Conj

3588 [e] ton τὸν the Art-AMS

3577 [e] nōton νῶτον backs N-AMS

846 [e] autōn αὐτῶν  , of them PPro-GM3P

1223 [e] dia διὰ for Prep

3956 [e] pantos παντὸς ever? Adj-GMS

4781 [e] synkampson σύνκαμψον  . bow you downV-AMA-2S

Universalist Judgment Day Not A Cake Walk

It’s not that Christian Universalism believes Judgment ‘Day’ will be a cake walk! If one dies “still in their sins” then they will rise still in their sins - and, infirmities!

Just look at history! It’s a sad, pitiful, horrendous story! An intense day of its review is sure to include some weeping and gnashing of teeth, with plenty of outer darkness to go around.

It’s not like Hitler and Pol Pot, etc. will be welcomed into the bosom of God with open arms! “Our God is a consuming fire”!

But this does not nullify Jesus' words - "If I be lifted up from the Earth I will draw all to Me" -- "For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross". [John 12:32; Colossians 1:19-20]

"Having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth" -- "..that God may be all in all" -- "According to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will" -- "My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose" -- "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise.. not willing that any should perish but that all come to repentance." [Ephesians 1:9,10; 1 Corinthians 15:28; Ephesians 1:11; Isaiah 46:10; 2 Peter 3:9]

"Behold, I am the Lord.. is there any thing too hard for me?" - Jeremiah 32:27

The Logos

Studying under the Lord, via the Holy Spirit, is a fascinating, well rounded and fully satisfying thing!

Anybody who studies the Bible knows what an awesome book it is. And what a teacher our Heavenly Father is! The teaching, the Word “Logos” #G3056, “reasoning expressed by words” originates in and from the Father. Like ripples it WILL fill the universe.

“The lion will eat straw like the ox, the bear will graze with the cow.” (Is. 11:7)

He is creating a wonderful thing! “Logic” tells us to yield ourself fully to it.

[Note: the only way to avoid an imperfect world - for a time - would be to never endow self awareness and reasoning?]

French Toast and 3 R-s of Christian Universalism

As I was preparing French toast for hubby and I, I got to thinking of the process and how it reminded me of God’s great and wondrous creation and His Great Plan of Salvation.

I got out the grill and plugged it in so it would warm up and made my batter. And behold, thus far it was all good.

The grill will hold eight pieces of bread so I got eight pieces of (stale or toasted) bread, stacked them, and dipped each one in the batter, and then put each one on the grill.

I have applied just the right amount of heat to brown the bread. Though one half of the grill will brown more so than the other. But being a rational creature, hubby will have the darker, his preference, and me the lighter.

I then flip every piece over.

And brown the other side of each one.

Then I remove each piece from the grill.. when done.

Yes this reminded me of what I think of as 3 R’s of Christian Universalism.

All humans are born and are fully dipped into the Adam flawed nature and character.

Thus all persons die.

Revelation tells us that all persons will be resurrected (via the two resurrections).

Following that pattern of all, Christian Universalism (CU), also called Universal Reconciliation (UR), claims the plan outlined in the Bible, says all will ultimately repent and all be reconciled to God. He shall be “all in all”. “All things made new.” ...”All things in heaven and earth gathered into Jesus”, etc. etc..

3 R’s - all Resurrected, all will Repent, all will be Reconciled to God.

As cook, I knew enough to dip, cook and flip all pieces of bread. If I’d left some in the batter, and then I flipped only some.. what kind of cook would I be!? And what a mess I would make. There is no doubt in my mind that God is a far better God than I am cook (believe me! I have messed up plenty of French toast in my day!)

Epilogue - with my left over batter, I cube some bread, some ham slices, some pineapple and some onion and mix it all in the batter, pour it into an oiled baking dish and cover with cheese and aluminum foil and put it in the fridge or freezer for another breakfast.

Motto: waste not, want not! (batter or ppl)

I am an im-perfect cook, but I simply cannot fathom, that there is any possibility, that God could be an imperfect God.

The Apostle Peter and Christian Universalism

(Top o' the mornin'!)

I was thinking, after reading it this morning, that 2 Peter 1:1 - in the interlinear - is highly Christian Universalist.

Otherwise, it reads (NKJ for example):

- "Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.."

In the interlinear, it reads:

- "Simon Peter a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ to those who equally precious with ours having obtained a faith through [the] righteousness of the God of us and Savior Jesus Christ" - http://biblehub.com/interlinear/2_peter/1-1.htm

The words, "[the] righteousness" is from #G1343 - "dikaiosuné: righteousness, justice" and "(usually if not always in a Jewish atmosphere), justice, justness, righteousness, righteousness of which God is the source or author, but practically: a divine righteousness."

and "having obtained" is #G2975 - "lagchanó: to obtain by lot" (by a heavenly shake of the dice!)

- "Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness/justice of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.."

Now if "ones salvation is/was obtained by lot", and all others perish horribly forever and ever (as the mistranslation goes) how is that reflecting the justice and (utter) right-ness of God our heavenly Father?

Truth Sets Free

We are rational creatures. That we are "made in the image of God" is most usually thought to mean that very thing.

Sooner or later, with thinking ability, comes the ability to make choices. Can you see how this is a virtual Pandora's box of much trouble? Yet, what is the other option?

It surely seems like He has engineered things in such a way that all are taking this strange journey through the land of learning good from evil, all at once. An unavoidable journey and lesson. Surely? If there's to be thinking ability.

Why all at once? Perhaps to get it over with, lest one choose something in thought, word or deed that differs from what He chooses - stepping upon that roadway of imperfection which is long and wide - one now, another later, and each one later and later, taking almost forever!

A world (or person, nation, etc.) on the road of imperfection can only crash and burn. For surely He, Great God Almighty is also Life. Life itself, the very force, breath, and spark of life -- without which, there is no life.

"Surely in the day (age) that you eat from the forbidden tree, shalt thou be dying".

Truth! Like an all encompassing flashing light. Flashing neon throughout man's ages. Huge letters saying "Forever! Go not that way!"

Written, etched, engraved deeply upon the heart (psyche/soul) of every rational creature.

He, being Life, lives through, experiences and suffers all sufferings which ever occur in this twilight zone of imperfection.

When Jesus returns, eventually He brings 100% - so to speak - Heaven with Him, for the very Throne and Presence of God will come to dwell (Tabernacle) with mankind upon Earth! Earth made new, in a universe made new. (Revelation 21 and 22.)

"The lion will eat straw like the ox, the bear will graze with the cow" Isaiah 11:7.

Yet, it's not we who make the choice for Him, or that is when the choice is made available - "each one in their own order/time, first 1-Christ the firstfruits, then 2-those that are His at His coming, then 3-comes the end when He delivers up the Kingdom to God the Father.. that God may be all in all" 1 Corinthians 15:23,24,28.

He chooses when for each one of us, and not because of merit "lest any should boast". If we are saved, it's a lucky shake of the cosmic dice?

"God is the savior of all" 1 Timothy 4:10.

"All the ends of the Earth will turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nation's will worship and rejoice before Him" Psalm 22:27.

This sets us free. We are free to plant seeds of truth where and when His Spirit leads. It's not something one must do upon the arm of the flesh and self 'strength', because people are in dire risk of forever perishing.

No, Jesus is "savior of the world". And God has done all things perfectly and the outcome can be nothing but -  perfect. "Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" Matthew 5:48.

"Wait.." for the mounting up on wings like an eagle.. [Not that we are anything.. HE is all. It's ALL about HIM.]

Love Does Not Ever Fail

1 Timothy 2: 3 - ...God our Savior, 4 Who will have all men to be saved..

Isaiah 46:10 - I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure and purpose.. 11 ...I have purposed it, and I will do it.
   
Matthew 19:26 - with God all things are possible.

1 Corinthians 13:8 - Love never fails.

Psalm 22 Prophecy To Be Fufilled

Verse one of Psalm 22, opens with the verse Jesus quoted when He was on the cross - "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?!"

And we've likely heard these following verses as fulfilled,
6 But I am a worm and not a man,
    scorned by everyone, despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me;
    they hurl insults, shaking their heads.
8 “He trusts in the Lord,” they say,
    “let the Lord rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
    since he delights in him.”

12 Many bulls surround me;
    strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13 Roaring lions that tear their prey
    open their mouths wide against me.
14 I am poured out like water,
    and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax;
    it has melted within me.
15 My mouth is dried up like a potsherd,
    and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;
    you lay me in the dust of death.
16 Dogs surround me,
    a pack of villains encircles me;
    they pierce my hands and my feet.
17 All my bones are on display;
    people stare and gloat over me.
18 They divide my clothes among them
    and cast lots for my garment.

Hebrews chapter 2 quotes verse 22, 11 ..Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. 12 He says, I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praise. (Psalm 22:22 I will declare Your name to My brethren;
In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.)

And the verses (same psalm) to be yet fulfilled -

27 All the ends of the earth
    will remember and turn to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations
    will worship before him..

29 ..all who go down to the dust will kneel before him —

Tracing Hell

Is it in the Scroll of God? The Bibles we read come from a long line. What once were scrolls written in Hebrew, and words spoken in Aramaic (the gospels) went through the Greek language and were likely Hellenized like most other things. Then there was the Latin. So the Hebrew "sheol" where there was "neither doing nor thought" became first "hades" (Greek) a "place of the dead" and then "inferno" (Roman). Then came Signor Dante with his entertaining tales (in the 1300's). This was after some Norse tribes had brought into the lands their slant on an afterlife, named Helheim, shortened to Hel. And then of course came along (1600's) good King James, whose heart was likely in the right place, it's just by then the culture was saturated with these other (nonbiblical) ideas.

Once Upon A Time

Once upon a time and long ago, in a day when the people languished, there came a Prince, from another place and from another time. He came to save his people, and to save the world.
   
"Savior of the World" was one of the many things which was written about him.
   
But the world knew him not! And executed him on a tree called a cross.
   
"Pick up your cross and follow me" he said, "I make you fishers of men, throughout all the world, until I come again. The lion will eat straw like the ox, the bear will graze with the cow. The Father who sent me is greater than I."
   
"If I be lifted up from the Earth (on that tree) I will draw all to me. But each one in their own time, like three measures of meal. I being the Firstfruits, the first one of my Father, then those who rise and are vivified at my return.. Then the end, when I hand all things into the hands of my Father, and He shall be all, and in all." (see 1 Corinthians 15:22-28!)
   
"Yet once more shall the Earth be shaken and what will fall will fall. It's then to look up, for Earth's redemption draws nigh."
   
"Until then, come apart from the crowd, regularly, and through Me, enter the magic and miracle of My Father's Presence for strength, guidance and renewal. And always, for the light of love to guide you through each day."
   
Until love be the ruling force, each one convinced.. and every little thing, forever, on its right course. A happily ever after that surpasses any fondest dream.
   
It will be a brand new day.
   
For one day soon, we will come to you, and with you we will stay.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A Riddle

If the nonbeliever's 1st death is the believer's 2nd,

is the believer's 1st, the nonbeliever's 2nd? - Ps 12

Mercy For All

Today's Universal Reconciliation Affirmation
['Universalism', Universal Redemption (Repentance), Universal Salvation]

From Luke 4:18

.."to preach deliverance to the captives.."

with

Hebrews 2:14,15

"..Since the children have flesh and blood, he too.. so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death.. and free all those who through fear of death were held in bondage.."

and

Romans 11:32

"For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on all."

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See this post (image) - http://gospel-truth4all.blogspot.com/2016/01/his-great-plan-of-salvation.html

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He Is The Rock - His Work Is Perfect

 

I was pondering about the word "aionian" (used in conjunction with punishment) and how yes, it does include in its possible meaning and uses such things as "perpetual" ..and "without an end in sight" when I opened a King James version bible, and happened to open at the concordance and the word "perish". And I thought 'now here's a description of perish' so I read the references. And I thought they turned out very interesting.

Numbers 17:12 - ..."we die, we perish, we all perish."

Job 34:15 - "All flesh shall perish together.."

Psalm 1:6 - .."the way of the ungodly shall perish."

Matthew 8:25 - .."Lord, save us, we perish."

Matthew 18:14 - "...that one of these little ones should perish." ("Not the will of the Father")

2 Peter 3:9 - .."not willing that any should perish.."

Next I noticed, "perfect"

Deuteronomy 32:4 - "He is the Rock, his work is perfect.."

Psalm 19:7 - "The law of the Lord is perfect.." (Ultimately, His Law is Love.)

Matthew 5:48 - "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

1 Corinthians 13:10 - "when that which is perfect is come.."

2 Corinthians 12:9 - "..strength.. perfect in weakness.."

James 1:4 - "Let patience have her perfect work.."

James 1:25 - .."perfect law of liberty.."

1 John 4:17 - .."our love made perfect.."

Then the word "musick" caught my attention - the k just does not look right! And I noticed "he heard music and dancing.." Who heard music and dancing? I thought.

It was Luke 15:25, the parable of the prodigal son. The other son came in from the field and heard music and dancing.. Instead of thinking "wow a party!" and later "thank Yahweh my brother's home", he was angry. This brother to my mind became the devout 'hell' believer. And he was under a false gospel! Instead of rejoicing in the day and giving thanks, he had been ruminating on all he'd lost.. All he had given up for Jesus.. We need pray for such a brother!

And at conclusion, I noticed the word "promise"! ..as in I give you my word..

"He is the Rock, His work is perfect!.."

Three Harvests

Matthew 24:29-31 - “And immediately after the tribulation of those days.. they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

A MIraculous Catch Of Fish

Luke 5:6 - “they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.” Another miraculous harvest of fish occurred again later, after His resurrection - John 21:1,6 -  “After these things Jesus showed Himself to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias.. He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat.. and they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.”

Matthew 13:47-50 -  “The kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire..”

Revelation 16:14-16 - using/allowing the (14)“spirits of demons to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. (15)‘Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments..’ (16)And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.” (Gathered to hatred of Israel, Rev 12:17 & 7:4.)

Obadiah 1:15 - “The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.”

Joel 3:14 - “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.”

Matthew 25:31-34 & 41 -  “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him.. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the reign prepared for you from the foundation of the world”.. And from the Concordant Literal Version, “then shall He be declaring to those also at His left, 'Go from Me, you cursed, into the fire eonian, made ready for the Adversary and his messengers."

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - “..the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” (“At His coming”)

 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8 - “..when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire, giving vengeance to those not knowing God..”

Romans 2:5 - “..storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.”

Revelation 14:17-18,20 - “another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire... And the winepress was trampled outside the city..”

Isaiah 30:25 - “On every lofty mountain and on every high hill there will be streams of water on the day of the great slaughter (the day of the Lord), when the towers fall..”

Acts 2:21 - “And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

John 6:37 - “..and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”

Revelation 20:4-6 - “And they will live and reign with Christ a thousand years. (But the rest of the dead live not again until the thousand years are finished.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed are they  who have part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.”

Revelation 20:7,12 - “When the thousand years are completed.. ..I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened..”

Daniel 7:9-10 - “I kept looking until thrones were set up, and the Ancient of Days (God) took His seat ..and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.”

Luke 11:31 - “The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them..”

Matthew 11:22 - “...it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.”

Matthew 11:24 - “But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

Matthew 12:36 - “...everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”

Mark 6:11 - “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.”

Acts 2:21 - “And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 

John 6:37 - “..and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”

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1 Corinthians 15:22-24 - Young's Literal Translation with New King James

“For even as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive, but each in his proper order, [#1 harvest] (the all important) “first-fruit Christ, afterwards [#2] those who are Christ's, at His coming,  then -- [#3] the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father." ("So that He will be all in all", verse 28.) 

For Whom Does The Bell Toll?

When Paul tried to tell the synagogue of Thessalonica the good news that Messiah had come, they "contradicted and blasphemed". Heck, they caused a riot and "attacked the house of Jason"!

They were unable to believe the good news of Messiah.

Now when Paul got to the next town he preached in, at the synagogue of Berea, "they were more noble, for they searched the scriptures daily to see if those things were so".

Is it too good to be true that God wishes all to be saved? Is it too hard to believe that His Word will return to Him fully accomplishing all which He desires and intends? Is it possible for a person, or persons, to conceive of a better outcome than God Almighty does? Is it possible for Him to be less than perfect? Does perfect lose anything? Make mistakes? Paul wrote to Timothy (1 Tim 4:10) "..to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe". And Jesus Himself said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth" (on the cross!) "will draw all men unto me". Is it really too good to be true? Is it truly easier to believe He will lose the majority of mankind? Will consign to annihilation, or worse, forever, even those who never heard the "good news"?

"Love never fails" - 1 Corinthians 13:8. Never, fails. All, should at least "search the scriptures" to see if it is really so. But! We need go back to the original words. The King's men (and others) have had a couple of preconceived notions. What does it hurt to search the scriptures to see what is so?

Quintus Roscious Gallus

Quintis Roscious Gallus, later called simply Roscious, lived in the years of 134 - 61 B.C. (or B.C.E). He was a slave who became an actor "for his master's profit". But he was able to buy his freedom and became a famous "tragedian and comedian".

I was looking something up in my 1952 edition of "The New Modern Encyclopedia" and noticed his name and read the small two sentence paragraph about him. He lived before the days of Jesus. How would he have ever heard the gospel message and believed on Jesus in order to be saved?

The idea that nature somehow communicates the gospel to all those who've never heard it? ...Just doesn't hold water. There should be no going beyond the Word of God! The translators (men) have erred in some ways from the original languages of God's Word to us.

We can find Strong's numbers here, for the original words:
www.scripture4all.org/download/download_ISA3.php

And their meanings here - may have to scroll past the translations:
http://studybible.info/strongs/

Acts 17:11 - "These were more noble ..in that they searched the scriptures daily.. whether those things were so."

His Great Plan Of Salvation

C L I C K   I M A G E   T O   E N L A R G E

How Curious!

Acts 13:48 - New International Version (NIV)

"When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed."

Acts 13:48 - Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

"And the nations hearing were glad, and were glorifying the word of the Lord, and did believe -- as many as were appointed to life age-during."

from - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%2013:48&version=NIV;NKJV;KJV;AMPC;YLT
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The original word which was translated "eternal" in the NIV and "age-during" in the Young's Literal is:

"aionios - G166 - from 165 - aion - an age"

The Strong's Concordance (the book) adds "by extension perpetuity.. by implication the world.. age, course, eternal, (for) ever (more)..." all the way to "began, without end" 

And an online version (of Strong's) says this - 

G166
αἰώνιος 
aiōnios 
ahee-o'-nee-os 
From G165; perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
KJV Usage: eternal, for ever, everlasting, world (began).

Totally leaving out "age" from the Greek word "aion".