Author: Nathaniel

“So—you’ve received the Holy Spirit—amazing—praise God! But what does that mean for your everyday life? This article unpacks the functions of the Spirit and how to live empowered by Him. Therefore, this article takes a close look at Walking in the Spirit: What Happens After Salvation?

The Need to Walk in the Spirit

In the article, “All About The Holy Spirit,” I talked about how we receive the Holy Spirit when we accept Christ as Lord and Savior according to Ephesians 1:12-13. Let’s take a quick look at that:

12. that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

13. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, NKJV

As I mentioned the last time, by default, we are walking in the lust of our flesh. We are born with a sinful nature and a spirit of disobedience handed down to us by our parents, Adam and Eve. As the Scripture tells us in Ephesians 2:2 in part, “according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.” This prince is Satan himself. His influence is the power of the air—for now, and it is this spirit that works in us, causing us to be disobedient to God. We don’t have to look very hard to see the evidence of this spirit at work. We need to go no further than our televisions! When individuals say, “I was born this way,” they are telling the truth. But that’s not an excuse because there is a solution—right in the Scriptures. Let’s look at what it says in Gal. 5:16 

16. I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. NKJV

This verse highlights that following the Holy Spirit helps believers resist sinful desires.

Once we have the seal of the Holy Spirit—identified by it, and are empowered by it, [very important to be empowered], a transformation takes place, and that becomes the Spirit that works in us. Then, as the Scripture reassures us, if we “walk in the Spirit,” we “shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

That raises a critical question: What does it really mean to walk in the Spirit?

What Does Walking in the Spirit Mean?

To answer that, let’s start with the word “walk.” In Scripture, walking often represents our way of life. To walk in the Scriptures figuratively signifies life or living. The Greek word translated as walk is peripateo (per-ee-pat-eh’-o). Let’s look at this:

This definition is from the Strong’s Concordance.

NT:4043 peripateo (per-ee-pat-eh’-o); from NT:4012 and NT:3961; to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport [transfer] oneself, follow (as a companion or votary):

KJV – go, be occupied with, walk (about). So we see the meaning “be occupied with”—to be occupied with the Spirit.

To walk in the Spirit is to live in the Spirit—be guided by the Spirit. We must follow the Holy Spirit’s leading—be led by the Holy Spirit, which keeps us from fulfilling the lust of our flesh.

The Fruit of the Spirit

Now the question becomes, what happens when we walk in the Spirit? What is it like to walk in the Spirit, and how do we know that we’re walking in the Spirit?

Well, the Scripture has the answer to those questions found in Gal. 5:22-23. Let’s take a look. 

22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering [patience], kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23. gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. NKJV

Here again Scripture uses figurative language: fruit represents the visible result of the Spirit’s presence in our lives. The Scripture mentions the “fruit” of the Spirit. Fruit in this context represents a result. When a seed is fully ripened or mature, the result is a fruit. When the Holy Spirit is ripened in us, the result is fruit—Spiritual fruit. “Fruit” is considered a by-product that develops over time and necessitates careful attention and cultivation.

Now, let’s examine this fruit. There are nine ingredients in the fruit, which fall into groupings. The first three are internal and can come from God alone.

The first ingredient is” love.” This love is not the superficial love based solely on feelings. This love is an unconditional love—exemplified by God sending his Son to save sinners (Romans 5:5), and by the selfless and constant care of Jesus.

Love serves as the foundation for all the other fruit ingredients listed. Without love, all of the other ingredients of the fruit are simply meaningless—they are spiritually counterfeit. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:1, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” NKJV

The next ingredient is “joy.” This inner joy persists regardless of circumstances. Unlike happiness, it endures through unhappiness, providing deep satisfaction even in difficult times. The connection with God through Christ remains constant, even during life’s challenges. Happiness is based strictly on feelings. When we’re feeling good, we’re happy. But when we’re not feeling good, we’re not so happy.

But when we have joy, we are fulfilled even as the world around us is crumbling.

The next ingredient is “peace.” This ingredient fosters a sense of calm trust in God’s control and justice, especially during difficult times, and reflects the belief that it is not we, but God, who governs all; God is in control. This peace is a peace that only Christ and the Holy Spirit can give us.

Let’s look at what Jesus said about it in John 14:27

27. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The world can’t give us peace or joy, for that matter. Only the Spirit of God can give us true peace, and there is nothing like it. As Paul wrote to the Philippians in Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, WHICH PASSETH ALL UNDERSTANDING, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

The world doesn’t understand it, and neither can it supply it.

So, we’ve covered the first three ingredients. The next three ingredients relate to each Christian’s relationships with others:

The next ingredient is “Longsuffering” (patience). This ingredient gives us forbearance and fortitude, which enables us to patiently endure individuals who continually irritate us. It also enables us to be more patient with life’s circumstances in general. It helps us to, as the expression says—don’t sweat the small stuff! The Holy Spirit’s work in us can make the big stuff become small stuff, leading us not to sweat it, and increasing our endurance.

The next ingredient is “kindness.” Kindness means taking action to help others, just as God did for us, by meeting their needs practically and pragmatically.

The next ingredient is “goodness.” Goodness is exemplified by actions intended to benefit others, regardless of their actions or perceived merit. Rather than responding negatively to wrongdoing, it involves refraining from retaliation and choosing constructive responses. When we have goodness, we always look for good in a situation. It’s there, and the Holy Spirit attunes us to look for the good and make the best of it. It helps us to, as the expression goes, if someone hands you a lemon, make lemonade!

Now, as we reflect on these qualities—patience, kindness, and goodness—we see that they are not simply abstract virtues, but tangible evidence of the Spirit at work in our character and conduct. They transform our daily interactions, guiding us to respond to frustration with patience, to reach out to those in need with kindness, and to seek the good in every circumstance. Such fruit cannot be manufactured by sheer willpower; it is cultivated as we surrender more fully to the Spirit’s leading. Walking in the Spirit!

The remaining ingredients round out this spiritual portrait and present more general character traits that should guide a Christian’s life:

The next ingredient is “Faithfulness.” This ingredient embodies qualities of steadfastness and reliability, illustrating a consistent and dependable commitment that emulates God’s unwavering commitment to us. A Christian should be reliable and trustworthy, speaking the truth. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:37, “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. NKJV, and we know who that is!

The next ingredient is “Gentleness.” Gentleness is strength under control. It gives one the ability to respond to others with humility rather than harshness. An individual who exercises gentleness is humble, considerate of others, and submissive to God and His Word. Even when anger is the appropriate response, as when Jesus cleared the temple, gentleness keeps the expression of anger on the right track. Gentleness even correctly applies force. It allows us to apply strength with precision and restraint, exactly as needed.

The last ingredient is “self-control.” Self-control empowers us to resist our impulses and live disciplined lives that are pleasing to God.

The management of personal desires and the exercise of restraint are critical components of individual growth. Ironically, unregulated desires that seem to promise satisfaction and empowerment may ultimately undermine self-reliance. By choosing to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we may initially experience a diminished sense of self-sufficiency or independence. On the other hand, this approach can expedite the development of self-control more effectively than relying solely on one’s personal efforts.

For example, imagine someone who struggles with impatience in daily life—perhaps they become frustrated during a long wait in traffic or when a colleague is slow to respond. They may initially feel that expressing their frustration is the best course of action.

But rather than allowing irritation to dictate their reaction, they can pause, turn inward, and ask the Holy Spirit for patience and self-control. Over time, rather than simply forcing themselves to remain calm, they will discover an inner reservoir of peace taking root. This calmness would not have been possible by willpower alone. This outcome illustrates how surrendering to the Spirit’s guidance can foster genuine transformation and proficiency or control over one’s impulses. Reacting to our impulses may offer short-term relief, but can hurt us in the long run, making us poor representatives of Christ and taking us out of God’s favor.

All nine ingredients of the Fruit of the Spirit have been covered. It is important to note that “Fruit,” however, is singular, indicating that all the ingredients exist as a unit, as opposed to many different pieces of fruit, and that all of them are imperative to all Christians. We can’t exhibit one or two virtues and call ourselves Christians; alternatively, we are to exhibit all of the fruit of the Spirit.

Think of it as a cake. You can’t have a cake with just flour, or only eggs, or even eggs and flour. It requires sugar, milk, and flavoring—a host of ingredients to make a complete, wholesome, and tasty cake. And so it is with a Christian. Just like a cake is incomplete with missing ingredients, so too is a believer who lacks one or more aspects of the Spirit’s fruit. We need the full recipe. We need all the ingredients of the Spirit to be fit for the Kingdom of God.

 All these ingredients form the tapestry of the “fruit” of the Spirit: a singular, unified work that shapes us into the likeness of Christ.

Individuals demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit not through personal effort, but as a result of being filled with the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit sets Christians apart from a godless, evil world, reveals a power within them, and helps them become more Christ-like in their daily lives.

This transformation is the result of walking in the Spirit—we become more like Christ as the days pass.

So after we accept Christ and receive the Spirit, we must “walk” in it. Walk is a verb—a word of action.

Let’s take another look at Galatians 5:16:

16. I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

In order not to fulfill the lust of the flesh, we must “walk in the Spirit.” That means if we’re not walking in the Spirit—being led by the Spirit, empowered by the Spirit —we’re walking in the flesh. That means we are fulfilling our base desires, doing whatever our flesh—our sinful nature, leads us to do.

The Spirit vs the Flesh

Let’s look at verse 17:

17. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. NKJV

Now here is where the rubber meets the road. When the flesh wars against the Spirit.

This verse discusses the spiritual condition of two opposing influences within Christians—the Holy Spirit and what is referred to as the sinful nature, understood as desires or inclinations associated with human tendencies (see also 5:16, 19, 24). According to the text, these forces are not considered equal, with the Holy Spirit described as significantly stronger, as it states, “so that you do not the things that you wish.“ The Holy Spirit prevents us from doing what we may wish—if we listen to it and obey it. 

These two verses together suggest that relying solely on our own personal judgment may lead to poor decisions, and that attempts to follow spiritual guidance through individual effort alone are insufficient. They advise that overcoming these internal conflicts is possible through the assistance of the Holy Spirit (see Romans 8:9; Eph. 4:23-24; Colossians 3:3-8).

Let’s look at verse 18:

18. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. NKJV

This Scripture counters the idea of legalism and brings to mind another passage of Scripture in 1 Timothy 1:9-10, which says: 

9. knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

10. for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, NKJV

The point? The Law is for sinners, but if we are walking in the Spirit, we are not under this Law; it doesn’t pertain to us. We are free from the curse of the Law because if we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

The Law condemns and convicts, it does not give the power to obey, but praise God because His Word says in Rom. 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” NO CONDEMNATION!

Verses 19-21 give us details of the works of the flesh:

19. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,

20. idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,

21. envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. NKJV

This passage repeats the sins mentioned in 1st Timothy, as well as in other passages. It also states the demise of those who are walking on this side of the equation: “they will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Because of time, I’m not going to elaborate on the works of the flesh as I did the fruit of the Spirit. They are also fairly self-explanatory, anyway.

Now, I would like to direct your attention to verse 17 again. It states, “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another,” Now what I want you to notice and pay close attention to is that these and only these are the two forces that exist to humanity: the flesh (the sinful nature), and the Spirit.

There is no third force; there is no in between. Understand that we are either walking in the Spirit or we are walking in the flesh. A faithful Christian is not walking in the Spirit on the day of worship, and walking in the flesh the rest of the week. Walking in the Spirit is not a part-time job, and attaining the fruit of the Spirit is not a one-day affair, but a 24/7 365 day affair.

Jesus made this very clear in Matthew 6:24: NKJV

24. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.   

There are only two, and we can only serve one, while despising the other. We cannot serve God and the world—walking in our flesh.

As we have seen in Scripture, those who walk in the flesh will not inherit the Kingdom of God. So let us not be deceived into thinking that once we are saved, we will always be saved. If an individual chooses to remain or return to walking in the flesh, that individual is lost—unless they repent.

Anyone who thinks they can live a life of compromise between these two forces is only fooling themselves.

As Jesus said in Matt. 12:30, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” The fact of the matter is, it is impossible to be neutral about Christ. Anyone who is not actively following him has chosen to reject him.

As Paul wrote in Rom. 8:9, “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” NKJV

Any person who tries to remain neutral in the struggle of good against evil is choosing to be separated from God, who alone is good. To refuse to follow Christ is to choose to be on Satan’s team. After all, we are born with his spirit.

Therefore, as the Scripture tells us in Rom. 8:8, “So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” So if we want to have a relationship with God and continue to please Him, we must walk in the Spirit.

It is Satan’s job to make sure that we “walk in the flesh”—that he will remain and always be the master that we serve.

From the time we accept Christ, he will be nipping at our heels. Therefore, we must be cautious and exercise wisdom, for the Scripture warns us in 1 Corinthians 10:12 NIV, which says, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”

But praise God—we are not alone in this walk. He has given us His Spirit to guide us, empower us, and complete the work He began in us.

But the choice is ours. We must make up our minds—are we going to walk in the Spirit or are we going to walk in the flesh—amen!

Please feel free to leave any questions, comments, or concerns below.

For a short and full YouTube video on this topic, click below.

Blessings!

All of the events that are occurring around the world are signs of the end time. They are manifestations of prophecies proclaimed thousands of years ago. This article will illuminate the parallels between those prophecies and the events of today as we look at the signs of the end time.

The Signs of the End Times

In Matthew 24, Jesus foretold the signs to look for that would indicate His soon return. During the latter portion of His discourse, Jesus illustrated what the world will be like as His return approaches.

In Matthew 24:35-39, Jesus said: 

35. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. No One Knows the Day or Hour (Mark 13:32-37; Luke 17:26,27,34,35; 21:34-36)

36. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.

37. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

38. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,

39. and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. NKJV

In this passage, Jesus gave a specific example, “but as the days of Noah were.” In other words, as it was in the days of Noah, during the times of Noah.

When considering the approaching end time, we often address earthquakes, wars, famine, pestilences, crime, and violence. However, we fail to address the social behavior that Jesus addresses, which will occur when His return occurs. There tends to be an insidious undercurrent regarding this aspect of Christ’s message that is often overlooked.

During the days of Noah, there was a communal apathy regarding the message Noah was conveying. This period was a time of probation. As we see in verses 37-38, the citizens were going on with life as usual, as they knew it, not considering the warnings of the oncoming destruction about to come upon them. This could have been avoided had they entered the ark.

However, when Noah and his family entered the ark, and the door was closed by the angel of the Lord, probation was terminated.

Once probation was closed, there was no more probability of being saved. We are living in a situation today that is parallel to the days of Noah. We are living in a period of probation—a time of grace. For the most part, the world is going on with life, and people are unaware of the situation and what lies ahead, just as it was during the days of Noah. Those of us who are followers of Christ must do all to be ready for His return. However, prior to His return will be the close of probation. Moreover, it is essential that we are ready—to be in a good relationship with God at the close of probation.

The Days of Noah

To get a deeper look at what the days of Noah were like, one needs to go to the Scriptures in Genesis to observe the Biblical record of the days of Noah.

Genesis 6:5, 11-13 Reads: 

5. Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

11. The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

12. So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.

13. And God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. NKJV

Verse 5 states that the “wickedness of man” was “only evil continually.” Now, this condition was some grave evil! In the days of Noah, the citizens’ mentality was so evil and wicked that it was a perpetual part of their thinking. It was a continuous thought pursuit.

 Verse 11 states that “the earth was filled with violence.” Murder, war, crime, and all sorts of violence were predominant in society. Does this sound familiar? We need to look no further than our televisions to see just how much violence fills the earth today.

Verse 12 says that God observed when looking at the earth that “indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.” Again, the media informs us of the corruption surrounding us today.

In verse 13, God made it clear to Noah that the world had reached a point of no return because of the evil and violence, and it was time for Him to act. Jesus said in Luke 17:26 NIV, “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. Once again, the world is reaching the point of no return with the ongoing evil and violence that is occurring. However, just as in the days of Noah, the general stance of the population is one of insignificance. Individuals continue to do what they have always done without any consideration of what is going on around them. As Jesus said, “They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage…” and this occurred right up until the flood arrived.

Furthermore, they were opposed to the truth. There was much scorn against Noah. While the Scriptures don’t reference the scorn, rocket science isn’t required to know it existed. He was building an ark where it had never rained, and he was a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5). Therefore, he undoubtedly faced much scorn. They must have mocked him unmercifully.

The Days of Lot

There is another parallel Jesus referred to to make His point found in Luke 17:28-37, which reads: 

28. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;

29. But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

30. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

31. In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.

32. Remember Lot’s wife.

33. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

34. I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.

35. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

36. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

37. And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.

In verse 28, we see that the days of Lot were a time of economic fortune: building, planting, buying, and selling. It was a time of prosperity and acute materialism. And they ate and drank to their satisfaction.

However, in verse 29, we see that the party was over when Lot departed from Sodom, and judgment fell and destroyed them all.

In verse 30, Jesus made clear that it will be the same when He returns.

In verse 31, we find a prompt to have our priorities in order. When the Lord returns, we must not worry about our, as the Scripture reads, “stuff.” Wherever we may be, “the housetop” or the field.” When the Lord returns, we can’t go back for our “stuff,” and we must be willing to depart with our worldly goods.

In verse 32, Jesus refers to a past example: Lot’s wife. In Genesis 19, the angel that bought Lot and his family out of Sodom gave them specific instructions. In Genesis 19:17 it reads: 

17. And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.

They were not to look back, but Lot’s wife did (Genesis 19:26), and she was destroyed. It is essential to obey all of the Lord’s instructions.

Lot had his own issues about leaving Sodom. Genesis 19:15-16 reads:

15. And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

16. And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.

In verse 16, we see that Lot hesitated, so the angel grabbed him by his hand and hurried him out of harm’s way to a path of safety. Lot obviously did not want to abandon the comfort, position, and wealth he enjoyed in Sodom. So, his heart, which is where his treasure was, made his movements from Sodom slow. Jesus warns in Matthew 6:19-21, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

What a strong warning about the peril of having one’s heart set on the cares and riches of the world!

God was merciful. Observe how God’s mercy toward Abraham extended to his nephew Lot and his family. It is because Abraham pleaded for Sodom (Genesis 18:16-33), God said that He would not destroy the righteous with the wicked (vs. 26). Although there weren’t fifty righteous people in the city, God was merciful and saved his nephew Lot and his family from the destruction of Sodom. As it reads in Genesis 19:29. “And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.” Here we see how God’s mercy toward Abraham extended to Lot and his family. Because Abraham pleaded for Lot, God kept His promise, was merciful, and saved Lot from the fiery destruction of Sodom.

It is easy to pass judgment on Lot for being paralyzed by Sodom when the choice seems so clear to us. However, for us to not make the mistake of Lot, we must see that our hesitation to obey stems from the false attractions of our culture’s pleasures.

Today’s world is steeped in materialism, just as in the days of Lot. Many are so immersed in the things of this world that they are unaware of what is going on around them spiritually and what is to come, thus placing themselves in imminent danger.

The majority are not preparing for the Second coming of Jesus, even among those professing Christianity. Among the most significant origins of the crises of the modern world are an anesthetized human conscience, a detaching from religious values, and a prevailing individuality emboldened by materialistic philosophies.

The Apostles, Peter and Paul, foretold what to look out for and expect prior to the imminent return of Christ.

·         Scoffers

·         Seducers

·         Intensifying wickedness

2 Peter 3:3-7 reads:

3. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

4. And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

5. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

6. Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: [the flood]

7. But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

The last days mentioned in verse 3 is the period between the first and second comings of Jesus—probation. Therefore, we are living in the last days.

Verse 6 parallels the last days to the days of Noah. In Noah’s day, the earth was judged by water. However, God’s covenant with Noah included a promise that the world would not be destroyed by flooded waters again (Genesis 9:11).

But take note in verse 7 that at the Second Coming, it will be judged by fire. This fire is described in 2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 19:20, 20:10-15. The same Word that created the world and destroyed it by flood has reserved it for “the day of judgment.” This judgment will be against the scoffers, seducers, and the intensifiers of wickedness.

In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul wrote: 

1. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3. Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4. Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Conclusion

We are living in times analogous to the days of Noah and Lot. In both occurrences, God judged the wicked following His call to come out. There is a call to come out given to us today. It is the call to come out of Babylon. Rev 18:1-5 reads: 

1. And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

2. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

3. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

4. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

5. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

Babylon represents the mark of the beast. It is spiritual Babylon. While it may not be to embark on the arc-a physical unit, or to leave Sodom-a literal place, but a spiritual place, to leave the worldly conviction, and enter the safety of making our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). This is our sole responsibility. We must keep our convictions on heavenly things.

Unfortunately, we are regularly distracted and, as a result, unable to comprehend the deceptions of staying in this world as though it will exist forever. This distraction is one of Satan’s devices in his toolbox.

 We are guilty of being nearsighted (2 Peter 1:9), focusing only on the present and disregarding the reality of the impending judgment of the world.

We are undoubtedly approaching the time of the sealing (Revelation 7:3). Since we exist at the sealing time, the only thing we have now is the close of probation.

This close of probation is expressed in Revelation 22:10-12 which reads: 

10. And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

11. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

12. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 

Here, we see a final proclamation against the wicked of the world and an approbation to the righteous. This decree is the close of probation.

Verse 12 are the words of Christ. He will return with the rewards to give to mankind according to his works—good and evil. As Christ’s return becomes imminent, there is greater polarity between God’s followers and Satan’s followers. We must study the book of Revelation, hear its message, and be prepared for Christ’s imminent return.

We must follow the words of Christ as He said in Matthew 24:44, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” NIV

The signs are upon us, so let us heed the warnings of Christ.

When God’s kingdom comes, will you be included? You can be sure of it by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior if you haven’t already. In a prayer, confess your need, ask for pardon from your sins, and thank God for welcoming you into His family.

Live for your Lord now. Help someone deal with a problem. Give someone a positive message from the Bible. Pray for someone in distress.

Amen

Please leave your questions,  comments, and concerns below.

 Blessings!

Jesus said we should be perfect. How can we, as fallible human beings, be perfect? This article looks at Jesus and perfection.

Are we Perfect?

Ps. 51:5 reads, “For I was born a sinner— yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. NLT In this verse, David acknowledges the origin of his sin, which led to his sinful actions. He acknowledged the fact that because of the sin of Adam, sin fell upon all of mankind (Romans 5:12). Therefore, from the time we are conceived, we are born sinners.

 1 Tim. 1:15 reads, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” NKJV In the previous verses (1 Tim. 1:1-14), Paul acknowledges his sinful behavior. In verse 15, he declared himself the chief of all sinners.

Rom. 7:14 reads, “So the trouble is not with the Law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin.” This Scripture is part of a passage (Rom. 7:7-25) where Paul describes his struggle with sin, which applies to all of us. While we agree with God’s Commands—the Law, we can’t obey them completely, being slaves to sin. The Law condemns and convicts; it does not give the power to obey them.

In the lives of Christians, there is a constant struggle against the sinful nature embedded in our flesh. It is a struggle between the Holy Spirit’s leading and the flesh (the sinful nature). Gal. 5:17 reads, “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” NIV

Although Christians have a new life in Christ, they nonetheless have a mind and a body susceptible to defying the Spirit’s leading and being enticed by sinful desires. However, we must resist those desires. This consequence is the spiritual warfare Christians are engaged in.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:48, “But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” We are born with this sinful nature embedded in us that gives us the propensity to sin and struggle against righteousness. Yet, Jesus says we are to be perfect!

What Does it Mean to be Perfect According to the Bible?

To get a complete picture of what Jesus was saying in Matthew 5:48, it is helpful to look at the full context of the verse contained in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5:43-48 reads:

43. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

44. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

45. that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

46. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

47. And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?

48. Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. NKJV

The word translated as “perfect” is teleios. It can also be translated as “mature” or “full-grown” (as in Eph. 4:13; Hebrews 5:14-6:1). Christians can be perfect if their behavior is appropriate for their maturity. In that way, they are perfect, with much room for growth.

Considering all that Jesus had said in this passage, the perfection Jesus required of His followers did not include strict and flawless obedience to the Law. It required an understanding of how the Law pointed to the perfect heavenly Father. The Law is not the standard of perfection; however, God is.

Those who genuinely love God and desire to follow Him will keep his Law as he requires. We do this not in our own strength, or to put ourselves over others, or because we are already perfect. We do it because we are striving to be perfect.

As followers of Christ, we can be perfect in the following ways. 

In character — In this life, we can never be flawless—sin-free. However, we can seek to be as much like Christ as possible. Eph. 5:1 reads, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.” NKJV

Children imitate their fathers. We must imitate God our Father and His Son.

In holiness — We are to separate ourselves from the world’s sinful values. At the same time, we are to assign ourselves to God’s desires instead of our own and carry His love and mercy into the world.

In maturity — We cannot immediately attain Christlike character, holiness, and righteous living. Still, we must grow toward maturity and wholeness. As we expect distinctive behavior from an infant, a child, a teenager, and ultimately an adult, God expects different behavior from us, depending on our stage of spiritual development. This maturity is a perpetual growth process (2 Pet. 1:2-10).

When studying the Hebrew and Greek words translated as perfect, they mean something such as: entire, growth—maturity, integrity, truth, without blemish, full, sincerely sound, without spot, undefiled, upright, and whole.

These terms indicate something either in the progress of growing excellent and complete or the exact and complete standard itself. While we cannot live in a state of sinlessness, we can live in a state of moral integrity by being consistently surrendered to Christ and obedient amongst the abundance of the iniquity in the world.

Philippians 3:15-16 reads:

15. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.

16. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. NIV

 The King James translation uses “perfect” instead of “mature.”

 Attempting to live a perfect Christian life is problematic because it leaves one drained and discouraged. They may feel so far from perfect that they think they can never please God with their lives. Paul used perfection (3:12) to mean mature or complete instead of flawless in every detail. Mature individuals must press on in the Holy Spirit’s power, knowing Christ will reveal and complete any difference between what they are and what they should be. However, Christ’s provision is no excuse for lagging devotion, but it provides relief and assurance for those who feel driven.

Further, verse 16 informs us that Christian maturity involves acting on the guidance we have formerly received. While we can acknowledge that we still have so much to learn, the instruction is to live up to what we already know and live out what we have already learned. May we not be distracted by a relentless search for truth.

God sets the divine standard high. He must ask for perfection from us because He is perfect. High standards protect us from low-quality experiences. Individuals who are not reaching for perfection are not maturing. Therefore, we are to strive for perfection continually.

In love — We can pursue to love others as completely as God loves us.

In reality, the fact of the matter is—no one’s perfect. Furthermore, no one does the best they can do either (Rom. 3:9-20). Rom. 3:10 reads, “As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one.”

A common expression is that no one is perfect, and God understands. However, that is remissive thinking. If we give credibility to our feeble efforts at righteousness, we will never recognize our desperate need for a Savior.

We will never be sin-free. We will continue to sin on occasion. There is a considerable difference between perpetrating a sin and persisting in sin. The most faithful Christians occasionally commit sins but do not cherish a specific sin or persistently choose to practice it.

The key is not to live a life of sin, have iniquity in our hearts, or have a sinful lifestyle. Our lives should not be characterized as sinful. Sin in the life of a Christian should be a mishap, not an active, leading force.

For example, we can accidentally say something that offends another, sometimes without our knowledge. We can lose our temper and sin. We can also sin unknowingly. We may struggle with a particular sin, and while winning the battle most of the time, we capitulate at one time or another. The point is that it’s a struggle, but not something that is part of our lifestyle. Negative, evil thoughts are sins we struggle with. The point that one is struggling shows that that individual desires to live with Christ.

All who are living for Christ will have a struggle and sometimes lose that struggle. The Scriptures allow for this. 1 John 1:9 reads, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Understand that sin is highly unacceptable, so God sent His Son Jesus to save us (1 John 3:8).

Confessing or acknowledging our sins is agreeing with God that an act or thought was wrong. To concede this to God, seek forgiveness, and commit not to repeat it (Repent) keeps our relationship with God favorable. Prov 28:13 reads, “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them [repent],  they will receive mercy. We can overcome the curse of sin through confession and repentance.

It is the constant, deliberate sin—iniquity, that separates us from God and will cause us to be judged harshly (Hebrews 10:26-27). Therefore, we must be guarded against taking God’s grace and mercy for granted. Paul made this clear in Rom. 6:1-2 where he wrote, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” The readiness of God’s mercy must not be used as an excuse for neglectful living and moral slackness.

There is great anxiety in the daily Christian experience. The struggle is that we agree with God’s commands but cannot do them flawlessly because of our sinful nature. Consequently, we are sorely aware of our sins. Nevertheless, we must resist those sinful desires.

When we feel confused and overwhelmed by sin’s appeal, let us claim the freedom Christ gave us. His power can lift us to victory.

Our propensity to sin must under no circumstances dissuade us from endeavoring to be more like Christ. Submission and conformity are the keys to discipleship. Perfection should be the aspiration of every true, faithful Christian.

The message of the Sermon on the Mount is about Christ’s call for His disciples to excel, rise above mediocrity, mature in every area, and become more like Him. Those who attempt to meet Christ’s demands cannot meet them on their own strength. Only through the Holy Spirit will the individuals who strive to become like Christ ultimately experience sinless perfection, even as Christ is perfect (1 John 3:2-3). The Law condemns and convicts, it does not give the power to obey. Salvation cannot be found by obeying the law alone. Only Jesus Christ can set us free. We must strive for perfection and be like Jesus. 

Closing Summary

The Christian life is a process of becoming more and more like Christ. This process will not be complete until we see Christ face to face. However, that being our ultimate destiny should inspire us to purify ourselves. To remain pure means to keep straight morally, free from the corruption of sin. God does purify us, but we must take action to remain morally fit and strive for perfection (1 Tim. 5:22; James 4:8).

Amen

Questions, comments, and concerns may be left below.

Blessings!

The Bible and sex are two words that aren’t usually used in the same sentence. However, the Bible addresses sex very profoundly from the beginning to the end. This article explores the Bible and sex.

The Biblical History of Sex

Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 NKJV reads:

9. That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun.

10. Is there anything of which it may be said, “See, this is new”? It has already been in ancient times before us.

“and there is nothing new under the sun.”The first point to make in the area of sex is that what we are seeing today is not new. All of the sexual immorality that is going on today has happened before during Biblical times. It was actually worse in Biblical times than it is today. We are well on our way to reaching that point, but we aren’t there yet.

In this article, we will look at the history of sex—from the beginning.

Genesis 1:26-28 NKJV reads:

26. Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

27. So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

28. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply;

Here, we see God as the creator defining gender—male and female. This principle carries through the balance of Scripture.

Genesis 2:24-25 NKJV

24. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

25. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

Here, we see a definition of sex and gender and a definition of marriage between a man and a woman. This definition is the Biblical perspective.

Let’s look at how the Bible acknowledges God as the creator found in The Three Angels Messages.

Rev 14:6-7 NKJV

6. Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth — to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people — 

7. saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

This first angel’s message is a call to fear God, to give glory to Him, and to worship Him. It also links God to the creation, as the creator of the earth, the seas, the fountains, and the waters. It also sheds light on the fact that God, as the creator, is the definer of reality—what is real and what is not, including sex, gender, and marriage. If we acknowledge God as the creator, we are not privileged to have Him conform to our reality, but to have Him relay His reality to us.

Today, God has been rejected and abandoned by a great many people. As a result, they have established their own reality. This reality goes against the sacred Scriptures.

However, this article explores God’s reality as He intended, which is reflected in the Scriptures, as shown in Genesis 1 and 2. As we continue, it will become clear how quickly this reality was broken down after the fall of man.

The Beginning of Polygamy

Genesis 4:19 NKJV

19. Then Lamech took for himself two wives: the name of one was Adah, and the name of the second was Zillah.

Remember that in Genesis 2:24- 25, marriage was to be between one man and one woman. But here we see that Lamech, a descendant of Cain, took two wives. He was the first polygamist. He was the first one to redefine God’s reality.

Today, in the media, we see depictions of men having more than one wife. There is a term known as thruples. Which is a man married to two women, and each of those women is married to the man and each other. These relationships are becoming more prevalent in society today.

Understand that these things are not new. While they may be new to us, they are not new in the history of time, nor in the history of Biblical sex, sexuality, gender, and marriage. For us to stay on track concerning the will of God concerning sex and gender, our focus must be on Genesis chapters one and two.

Genesis 29:28-30 NKJV:

28. Then Jacob did so and fulfilled her week. So he gave him his daughter Rachel as wife also.

29. And Laban gave his maid Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as a maid.

30. Then Jacob also went in to Rachel, and he also loved Rachel more than Leah. And he served with Laban still another seven years.

Genesis 30:3-4, 9 NKJV

3. So she [Rachel] said, “Here is my maid Bilhah; go in to her, and she will bear a child on my knees, that I also may have children by her.”

4. Then she gave him Bilhah her maid as wife, and Jacob went in to her.

9. When Leah saw that she had stopped bearing, she took Zilpah her maid and gave her to Jacob as wife.

Now at this point, Jacob has four wives. What we see here is that God’s people were also subjected to false ideas and a false understanding of marriage, gender, and sexuality. Society had reached a point where false ideas about marriage and relationships were ubiquitous in the land. These false ideas had turned out to be so prevalent that it was not regarded as sin.

As accepted as it was, this lifestyle caused much distress in family units. This deprivation of society regarding the family is part of what caused God to judge the earth and bring on the flood. 

Prostitution in the Bible

In Genesis 38:15-16, Judah, one of Jacob’s sons, a leader of one of the tribes of Israel, propositioned his daughter-in-law for sex because he mistakenly thought she was a prostitute. Hence, prostitution was prevalent in the land.

Sex in Worship

Let’s look at Numbers 25:1-3 NIV:

1. While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women,

2. who invited them to the sacrifices to their gods. The people ate and bowed down before these gods.

3. So Israel joined in worshiping the Baal of Peor. And the Lord’s anger burned against them.

This apostasy occurred while Israel was on the verge of entering the Promised Land. What this passage brings out is that there was a connection between sexuality and worship during this time. Most sexual sins that were committed in the Promised Land were connected to the worship of the false gods.

This sinful worship is the same plot that Satan is laying for us today to keep us from the heavenly Promised Land. One of His mediums is sexual immorality to turn individuals away from God. God created sex to be enjoyed, but Satan has intervened and perverted as he does with everything that God has created. However, most are blinded to the fact that what is happening today is related to worship. It is worship that is the final conflict that we will be judged on.

Sexual Law Established

God gave the Israelites many profound warnings before they entered the Promised Land in Leviticus 18. In Leviticus 18:5-20 NKJV, it reads:

5. You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.

6. ‘None of you shall approach anyone who is near of kin to him, to uncover his nakedness: I am the Lord.

7. The nakedness of your father or the nakedness of your mother you shall not uncover. She is your mother; you shall not uncover her nakedness.

8. The nakedness of your father’s wife you shall not uncover; it is your father’s nakedness.

9. The nakedness of your sister, the daughter of your father, or the daughter of your mother, whether born at home or elsewhere, their nakedness you shall not uncover.

10. The nakedness of your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter, their nakedness you shall not uncover; for theirs is your own nakedness.

11. The nakedness of your father’s wife’s daughter, begotten by your father — she is your sister — you shall not uncover her nakedness.

12. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s sister; she is near of kin to your father.

13. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother’s sister, for she is near of kin to your mother.

14. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s brother. You shall not approach his wife; she is your aunt.

15. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your daughter-in-law — she is your son’s wife — you shall not uncover her nakedness.

16. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother’s wife; it is your brother’s nakedness.

17. You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, nor shall you take her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness. They are near of kin to her. It is wickedness.

18. Nor shall you take a woman as a rival to her sister, to uncover her nakedness while the other is alive.

19. ‘Also you shall not approach a woman to uncover her nakedness as long as she is in her customary impurity.

20. Moreover you shall not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife, to defile yourself with her.

God warned and instructed against these behaviors because they existed in the Land (the Promised Land) they were about to occupy. In His wisdom, God understood that they would be subjected to this sinful culture. In verses 24 and 25 of Leviticus 18, God said, “Do not defile yourselves with any of these things; for by all these the nations are defiled, which I am casting out before you. For the land is defiled; therefore I visit the punishment of its iniquity upon it, and the land vomits out its inhabitants.”

Israel would experience pressure from the surrounding nations. Just as societal pressure existed then, it exists presently. Today, we call it peer pressure, which has expanded to every facet of society—including the church. Young adults in the church have false perceptions concerning sexuality. Many young adults in the church do not see homosexuality or transgenderism as an issue. Delaying sex until marriage is considered old-fashioned by most. For decades, premarital sex has been virtually pervasive among Americans.

It is damning enough for worldly individuals to have these views. However, for Christians in the church, including some members of the Clergy, to have these views is absolutely preposterous! The Scriptures are unambiguous on the issues of fornication, adultery, homosexuality, etc. We have no excuse for embracing and accepting these abominations. We see that these things occurred in the past and were wrong then. They are occurring today, and they are still wrong.

Transgender in the Bible

Transgender is not new. This behavior also occurred during Biblical times, and the Israelites were warned about it. Deuteronomy 22:5 NKJV reads, “A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an ABOMINATION to the Lord your God.”

This cross-dressing was passed down from Babylon and was part of ancient pagan worship to the goddess Ishtar of love, war, fertility, and sex. The apostate Israelites worshipped this goddess under Ashtoreth—The Queen of Heaven. In Deuteronomy 32:16-17, worshipping pagan deities is linked to worshipping demons.

Needless to say, this practice was not favorable worship with these pagan practices. God offered worship where people were respected and valued, and they had an idea of sexuality and gender that was in line with what is defined in Genesis chapters one and two.

Both the Old and New Testaments speak against these ungodly acts. Romans 1:18-32 addresses these behaviors and God’s wrath against them.

Conclusion

Again, remember what it says in Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 NKJV, “That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun. (10) Is there anything of which it may be said, “See, this is new”? It has already been in ancient times before us.”

What is being done today, has been done before. It was wrong then, and it is wrong today.

Amen

Questions, comments, and concerns may be left below.

Blessings!

The Rapture – Is it fact or myth? Many Christians are taught and believe in the mysterious actions of the Rapture. What does the Bible teach about the Rapture? This article will answer that question as it covers the Bible and the Rapture.

What is the Rapture? 

Rapture is a word used by Christians to express the belief that before Christ returns and before the Great Tribulation, Christians worldwide will be raptured into the air and taken to heaven by some secret and mysterious event. Those who are not Christians will be left on earth and see individuals disappear without any explanation, leaving loved ones in despondency.

Those who are left behind will face the Great Tribulation. Three to seven years afterward, Jesus begins His reign on earth.

The Bible and the Rapture

This doctrine is based on the passage found in 1 Thess. 4:16-17 NKJV, which reads:

16. For 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.

17. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

The word Rapture comes from the Latin Vulgate translation of the Scriptures that translates “shall be caught up” as rapiemur, which means “will be caught up” or “will be taken away.”

This passage is essential to those who believe in the Rapture. However, is Paul really talking about the Rapture or perhaps something else? There are three crucial questions to address.

When considering the doctrine of the Rapture:

1.      Will Christians disappear worldwide without explanation?

2.      Will Christians be caught up in the air years before Christ returns?

3.      Will Christians be in heaven during the tribulation?

To answer the first question, we again look at 1 Thessalonians 4, from verse 13. It reads:

13. But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

15. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Paul mentions that this is when those who died [sleep] in Christ will be resurrected. He additionally said, “the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God.” This does not appear to be a mysterious vanishing. It appears to be more of a triumph event announced to the world by Jesus Himself.

To address this issue accurately, it behooves one to look at other passages that address this event. Paul describes this same event in 1 Cor. 15:50-53 which reads:

50. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

51. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

52. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

Again, we see that this is not a secret event as a mighty “trumpet shall sound.” It also mentions the “last trump,” meaning that there will be a series of trumpets, and this event will occur at the “last trumpet.”

So, where are these trumpets? In the book of Revelation, we have a precise series of events leading up to the return of Jesus’ return and the beginning of God’s kingdom on earth. Chapter 6 of Revelation contains the seven prophetic seals John sees in his vision revealed by Jesus.

The first four seals represent the end-time events ahead. These first four seals represent the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, symbolizing global religious deception, warfare, famine, and disease. Verse 8 reads, “And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.”

The fifth seal continues by unfolding a martyrdom of Christians. Jesus describes this time in Matthew 24:21, where he said, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” This time will be so dreadful that no time before or after will ever equate.

After two and a half years of this tribulation, the sixth seal is opened, and the heavenly signs take place. Rev 6:12-14 reads:

12. And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

13. And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

14. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

These events indicate that God and Jesus Christ will soon intervene in world affairs. This time is described by Isiah the prophet as, “For it is the day of the Lord’s vengeance, The year of recompense for the cause of Zion.” NKJV

This year-long day of the Lord begins when the seventh seal of Revelation is opened in Rev 8:1-2

1. When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

2. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. NKJV

Here, we see the sequence of trumpets involved in end-time events as Paul described.

After the rides of the four horsemen, the Great Tribulation, and the heavenly signs, we arrive at the time of the series of trumpets indicated by   Paul. The first six trumpets initiate devastation: one-third of the earth’s vegetation is burned up, one-third of the seas become blood, one-third of ships and marine life are destroyed, and one-third of the earth’s waters become bitter, and one-third of the Sun, Moon, and stars cease to shine.

To follow, the most destructive military exchange in history will take place, and one-third of mankind will be eliminated. This event is described in Joel 2:11 NKJV, “For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; Who can endure it?” This description represents God’s wrath unleashed on unrepentant humanity. However, these are only the first six of the seven trumpets addressed in the Revelation passage. The seventh trumpet is addressed in verse 15, which reads, “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” This describes a significant change in world politics!

Going back to Paul’s passage in 1 Corinthians, he says that at this trumpet, the seventh, is when the resurrection will occur. This time is when the authentic Christians, past and present, will be gathered together, glorified with immortality to meet Christ in the air (1 Thess. 4:17) and be with Him forever.

These passages prove that this event is not a secret disappearance. Additionally, Jesus describes this moment to the disciples, illustrating this event’s public nature. Matthew 24:29-31 reads:

29. “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

30. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

31. 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. NKJV

These passages, describing the end-time events, are consistent and in perfect sequence concerning the Great Tribulation, the heavenly signs, the seven trumpets, and the appearing of Christ at the last trumpet, as well as the gathering and glorifying of the faithful Christians, and the commencing of God’s glorious “reign on the earth” (Rev. 5:10).

It is clear from Scripture that this event is not a vanquishing into thin air that will occur as the unsaved wonder where they went. All eyes will see, and all ears will hear. We also see that this event occurs after the tribulation. A day is coming when the faithful people of God will face persecution similar to that of the Dark Ages.

However, as God protected the faithful during that time, He will do the same during the Great Tribulation. He has promised to provide a way of escape for us from any temptation. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV reads, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” God is faithful and will protect His faithful servants (Matthew 24:21-22).

Another passage used for rapture advocates is Matt 24:36-41.

36. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39. And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

While this passage focuses on the return of Jesus, it is not the Rapture but the return on earth when Christ will set up His kingdom on earth. The action of this passage focuses on judgment, illustrating the separation of the wicked from the righteous. The ones taken in this passage are taken for judgment.

This focus is more evident in a parallel passage in Luke 17:34-37. In verse 37, the disciples asked where the ones taken up would go. In verse 37 NIV, His answer is clear, “Where, Lord?” they asked. He replied, “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.”  Jesus painted a dreadful picture of judgment that those taken up would meet death—vultures gather to devour the bodies of the dead.

The doctrine of the Rapture is a misinterpretation of Scripture. Still, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, truth will prevail. We must learn to lean on Him.

Amen!

Questions, comments, and concerns may be left below.

Blessings!