Question about mat 24 fig tree

[Rev T.S.Perkins]

IMHO..we are rubber neckin Christians as we concenterate on the disasters to come ..our nature is to stare at disaster ..if you dont belive me look at the amt. of disaster movies and shows that make the high numbers for hollywood types..the word says not to get caught up in worring about such things ..as we get closer to the coming of our risen Lord i emplore us all to concentrate on the lost and hurting and let God worry about the rest..well Know when our shepard returns to call us home if we know His voice .in the mean time make haste to be a wittness for Christ and not a tour guide of things to come....\0/ Rev

 

[Brother Mike]

The fig tree.

David:

Yes, I believe all scriptures (including those penned by Paul) and there are 12 apostles and no more.

Is that statement correct or what?

There are still Apostles....... pastors, teachers...... Just not anymore like the ones Jesus picked. Those 12 are set apart.

1Co 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
1Co 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
1Co 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

Paul separated the 12 that did see Jesus, then Paul said the rest of the Apostles seen him. This would indicate that others had been given the same type of Work that an apostle would do.

Paul said he seen him last, and did not consider himself to be an apostle.

Act 14:14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

Barnabas not part of the 12 that started the Church, was also given the same anointing and calling as an Apostle......

The Apostle Job was to start the Work of the Lord where no work had been yet started.

Paul included Apollos 1 Cor 4:1,6,9.

We where warned about false apostles......... and if everyone knew who the 12 where, then no warning would be given.

Jesus Is Lord.

 

[jari]

Everything I have said is supported by multiple scriptures. Everything that Christ taught to the masses was a type of parable whether or not He said it was a parable. The scripture says He only taught the masses in parables and His Word cannot be broken

yes but in matt 24 the disciples asked Jesus about end times. and since Jesus spoke directly to the disciples (he explained parables to them only) then matt 24 was most likely a direct talk as well.

Also, so that you don't misunderstand me, the Kingdom of Heaven is Jesus Christ living within us by the Spirit of the Father. He is the Kingdom of Heaven (Mat 3:2). We are in the Kingdom of Heaven when we are walking by the Spirit. It is not a location or place, it is Christ in us. When we become "one" with Christ and with the Father, bound together by His Spirit, we are in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Yes this is true, kingdom of heaven is within us.

 

[Joe in Arkansas]

This sounds like a song "Hey Joe".

You said,

Yes, I believe all scriptures (including those penned by Paul) and there are 12 apostles and no more.

Is that statement correct or what?

Hello David,
Good to hear from an Aussie. I visited Perth for a week while I was in the U.S. Navy back in 1987. It was September with exceptionally beautiful weather those few days. I've always wanted to visit again but life's issues have made it too difficult.

I assume from your comment that you are agreeing with the statement of mine that you quoted. All the scriptures are true, but in reality, only a "few" believe them. Most Christians twist and torture the scriptures until they can get them to agree with their own particular "idols of the heart" (Hell doctrine, Trinity, Tithing, End times, and on & on). As a result, contradictions with other scriptures occur thus resulting in the hundreds of different denominational churches, each one believing that they are correct. Mainstream church doctrines are not scriptural but are pleasing to the carnal mind of man, making them readily acceptable to most. As in the parable of the fig tree, when its branches are tender and leaves have formed, then is the time to look for Christ to come again so that He can cause the tree to start producing fruit. But Christ chooses the trees that He will prune (pruning is judgment). Most Christians will remain barren unto their physical death and will be cut down & thrown into the fire of God's judgment. But from that judgment, a new tree will form which will produce fruit. Judgment is a necessary part of salvation; the church is judged first in this life and all others during the Lake of Fire age. That is why Christ calls His church the first fruits of the harvest - they are first but are certainly not the last.

May the Lord Bless you,
Joe

 

[Joe in Arkansas]

parable of the fig tree

yes but in matt 24 the disciples asked Jesus about end times. and since Jesus spoke directly to the disciples (he explained parables to them only) then matt 24 was most likely a direct talk as well.

When Jesus explained things to the apostles, most times he spoke in "spiritual" language which they did not understand until after Pentecost. Matthew 24 is an excellent example of Christ's spiritual language:

Matt 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

The one taken will be destroyed and the one left will be saved. This is speaking of what happens to each of us during the process of our salvation. Our "man of sin" is taken away and destroyed, leaving only the New Man in Christ. This is demonstrated again in the parable of the tares. The field is us as unbelievers (the world). Christ plants His seed in us but Satan comes and plants tares in us, too (deceives us and we enter his church, not Christ's). The field (us) now contains good seed and tares which makes us into an even worse person than an unbeliever (Remember Rev 3:16). Scripture calls this Harlot Christian a "man of sin". At the time of the harvest, Christ will take away the man of sin and destroy him (with the brightness of His appearing; the second coming to us personally), leaving only the New Man in Christ (fruit of the good seed) which will be brought into the barn (Kingdom of God). VERY IMPORTANT: the tares are taken away first and destroyed. If this was speaking of Christ's return to resurrect His elect, they would be the ones "taken away" first but they are not taken away first, the tares are. The disciples later asks Christ to explain this parable. He does so to them but He does so with another parable! As a result, it's true meaning is still concealed to the masses.

Just as in Matthew 24:40, it is shows the same thing as what happens in the parable of the tares. The man of sin is taken away first, leaving the New Man in Christ. Can't you see that Christ's words in Matt 24:40 are spirit and must be understood with spiritual understanding. All of Matthew 24 is this way. It is a type of parable. The whole bible is one big parable. Even all the real historical events that happened in the Old Testament have spiritual meaning for His Elect to understand. The Old Testament is not simply a history lesson.

1Cor 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come.

All the things that "happened unto them" were written for a purpose and for a select group of people to understand. They happened and were written down for those "whom the ends of the ages are come" during this church age. Those people are the Chosen, the Elect... His Church.

Did the end of the ages come upon Paul? Yes, it did. Did the end of the ages come upon Peter? Yes, it did. Were they not of the generation that Christ was speaking to when He said:

Matt 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

YES THEY WERE!

All these things were fulfilled in the lives of Paul and Peter almost 2000 years ago. They were of the generation that would not pass away until all these things were fulfilled. The mainstream church is still waiting for "these things" to happen and their salvation is passing them by.

May the Lord bless you,
Joe

 

[jari]

When Jesus explained things to the apostles, most times he spoke in "spiritual" language which they did not understand until after Pentecost. Matthew 24 is an excellent example of Christ's spiritual language:

bible says that Jesus explained parables to the disciples. and that He only used parables because of the multitudes. So yes He let them understand.

it was no spiritual language. they understood.


only somethings was hidden from their understanding like Jesus crucifiction.

God bless you.

 

[David777]

Hello.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-9:

1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,

2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.

 

[jari]

1 Thessalonians 5:1-9:

1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,

2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.

Amen.

its not to surprise us.

seems to be talking about tribulation because it says "labor pains" . it also says day of the Lord, which implies single day.. but i think Paul was saying tribulation would precede. (" labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. ".)

 

[David777]

Hello Jari.

The key line,

4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.

Many do not understand this Jari.

 

[Joe in Arkansas]

bible says that Jesus explained parables to the disciples. and that He only used parables because of the multitudes. So yes He let them understand.

it was no spiritual language. they understood.


only somethings was hidden from their understanding like Jesus crucifiction.

God bless you.

Dear Jari,
The scripture says that Jesus' words are "spirit" and they are "life".

John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Just which words of Christ are not "spirit" that you claim? I know of none. The above scripture says that Christ's words are "spirit" - it leaves no room for carnal words. Christ, at all times, had the mind of the Spirit. He could only speak as the Spirit (the Father) spoke. Mankind has carnal minds from birth. Mankind CANNOT understand the things of the Spirit until Christ comes to us the second time to heal our blindness. It takes spiritual understanding to understand "spirit" words. The carnal mind cannot understand & accept spiritual things. That is why Christ frequently reminded us in scripture that His words are only for those who have "ears to hear" and "eyes to see". The mystery of God is concealed from the masses (which includes those in the Harlot church) and is only revealed to those whom Christ chooses. We do not get to choose, only Christ chooses. He is choosing His church during this age. It is a very limited and select group of His making. Christ is the Savior of all men. We do not save ourselves. We must wait on the Lord to act and save us. We have nothing inside us that is good or seeks God. God must draw us to Christ, we do not come on our own accord.

John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

The entire process of our salvation is caused by God, that is why it is certain that all men will be saved before the harvest is complete. The process of salvation is more that a simple statement of faith and a dunking in water. To be saved, we must "walk by the Spirit" and there are many steps for Christ to take to get us to that point. One of which is Christ's second coming to us personally to heal our spiritual blindness and to convert us. Even then our salvation into the church is not certain. Christ must empower us through the Spirit to walk by His commands. We must go on to maturity - we cannot come up short of that goal. We start as spiritual children and through time and chastisement, grow into mature sons of God. Only if we make it to the end of our physical lives can we now that Christ has chosen us. Even Paul new that the process takes a lifetime and knew that he could still be a "castaway".

1Cor 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Matt 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Being born into a Son of the Most High God is a long and painful experience; full of tribulation, judgment and death. However, scripture promises that all of mankind will make it - none will be lost. Don't be deceived into thinking that your salvation into the church is assured by a simple statement of faith or a water baptism. It is not. Your ultimate salvation into the Kingdom of Heaven is assured but entrance into the church is only for a very select group of people whom the Lord chose before the foundation of the world.

May the Lord bless you,
Joe

 

[Joe in Arkansas]

1 Thessalonians 5:1-9:

1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,

2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.

David,
Just a quick note on the scripture you quoted above. When people say "peace and safety", it is referring to the time we spend in the Harlot church and have based our salvation upon the lies of Satan. The "destruction" that is mentioned is the destruction of our "old man" or "man of sin". During that time we spent in the harlot church, we feel safe and secure because we have been told that we are "already" saved. No one is saved during their physical lives here on earth. Some are in the process of being saved, but none are already saved. Christ will come upon us suddenly, destroy our man of sin, heal our spiritual blindness and convert us. He comes suddenly, at a time you do not expect.

Christ came to me just over 6 years ago at a time when I was entrenched in the harlot church. I was not expecting Him. My whole world was turned upside down in just one day. The church I attended rejected me as was the case when Christ came to His church Israel. If they rejected & persecuted Him, they will reject & persecute us.

John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

The "brothers" in verse 4 above, are those who Paul has told that it happens this way. It should not surprise them when it does. They should be expecting Christ to come at any time. Those in darkness, do not expect it to happen nor realize that they are still spiritually lacking. The "brothers" above knew that they are still spiritually lacking and should not be surprised by His appearing.

May the Lord bless you,
Joe

 

[jari]

The scripture says that Jesus' words are "spirit" and they are "life".

yes they are spirit and life as it stands.

no hidden secret messages.

but i dont want to argue with you about it.

Mankind has carnal minds from birth. Mankind CANNOT understand the things of the Spirit until Christ comes to us the second time to heal our blindness

sounds to me your talking about being Born again. joh 3

1Cor 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Matt 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

wheter you can loose your salvation is another topic . i believe Paul was talking here about evagelism if you read the context.....

 

[David777]

Hello JiA.

You said,

It is not. Your ultimate salvation into the Kingdom of Heaven is assured but entrance
into the church is only for a very select group of people whom the Lord chose before
the foundation of the world.

You would need scripture to support this statement JiA.

It is a very powerful statement.

 

[Joe in Arkansas]

You said,

It is not. Your ultimate salvation into the Kingdom of Heaven is assured but entrance
into the church is only for a very select group of people whom the Lord chose before
the foundation of the world.

You would need scripture to support this statement JiA.

It is a very powerful statement.

David,
Here are a few verses:

John 3:35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Since "all things" have been given to Christ by the Father and all that the Father has given to Christ will come to Him, Christ says that He will in "no wise cast out".

John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Here again, since Christ was lifted up, the Father will draw all men unto Him and Christ will raise them up at the last day.

1John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. How can Christ then fail to save the world?

Col 1:16-20 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

No room here for anyone to be left out.

2 Cor 5:18-21 and all things are of the God who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and given to us the ministry of that conciliation, how that God was in Christ, reconciled the world to himself, not reckoning to them their offences; and putting in us the word of that reconciliation. We are ambassadors therefore for Christ, God as it were beseeching by us, we entreat for Christ, Be reconciled to God.
Isa 45:22-23 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

Phi 2:10-11 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

1 Cor 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

If all bow and proclaim Jesus Lord, who are the ones who are not saved?

1 Cor 15:20-28 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the consummation, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
Rom 5:15 But shall not the act of favour be as the offence? For if by the offence of one the many have died, much rather has the grace of God, and the free gift in grace, which is by the one man Jesus Christ, abounded unto the many. (Darby)

Rom 5:18-19 so then as it was by one offence towards all men to condemnation, so by one righteousness towards all men for justification of life. For as indeed by the disobedience of the one man the many have been constituted sinners, so also by the obedience of the one the many will be constituted righteous. (Darby)

1 Tim 2:4-6 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

1 Tim 4:10-11 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach.

I teach "these things" but who will listen, Lord? Only your chosen.
Matt 18:11-14 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

1 John 2:1-2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Rev 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Acts 3:20-21 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

The "restitution of all things". How can this statement above be understood to leave out most of mankind?

Your belief contradicts all these above scriptures. God will accomplished all that He said above. I have not doubts in His abilities. You should not either. God is ALMIGHTY. We are not.

Dan 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according to his will in the army of the heavens, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
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Is there any man that can stay the hand of God?

May the Lord bless you,
Joe

 

[David777]

Hello again Joe.

I agreed with all your statements and quotes except the following:

"Your belief contradicts all these above scriptures. God will accomplished all that He said above.
I have not doubts in His abilities. You should not either. God is ALMIGHTY. We are not.

Dan 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according
to his will in the army of the heavens, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and
none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Is there any man that can stay the hand of God? "

God is Sovereign, care to expand on the underlined sections Joe.

 

[Joe in Arkansas]

I agreed with all your statements and quotes except the following:

"Your belief contradicts all these above scriptures. God will accomplished all that He said above.
I have not doubts in His abilities. You should not either. God is ALMIGHTY. We are not.

Dan 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according
to his will in the army of the heavens, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and
none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Is there any man that can stay the hand of God? "

God is Sovereign, care to expand on the underlined sections Joe.

David,
I am sorry if I have misunderstood your beliefs. I assumed that your beliefs are in the line with mainstream Christianity, specifically, the doctrine of eternal hell for the lost. If this is not the case, I am deeply sorry for assuming this in error. If your beliefs are different, would you mind sharing them with me?

As for the underlined parts above "none can stay His hand", I refer to this scripture because the mainstream church does not believe God is truly in control of His creation. They believe man has a "free will" that can actually go against God's will and win. Remember, the "man of sin" in scripture says that he makes himself out to be god. That is what the church is doing with their doctrine of free will. Scripture DOES say that God will save all men but the church teaches that man's will of resisting God is so powerful that God will not actually be able to accomplish all that He has said He will do. Sure, they say that God "wants" or "desires" to save all men but most men won't allow God to save them. As the scripture in Daniel says, God views mankind as "nothing". We have no power whatsoever to resist God's will. We are that weak and He is that strong. If God's plan was to save all men into the church, it would happen. But that is not the plan. He will save all men, but only in accordance with the plan He laid out in scripture. He will harvest the first fruits and then use them to bring in the great harvest of mankind in the final age. Man has no "free will" that can stop God from accomplishing all that He has said. God will eventually draw all men to Christ - even the worst ones like A. Hitler. He too someday will be a child of God. Christ said those that are forgiven much, will love much.

What I said above was the point I was trying to make by quoting Daniel 4:35. God is sovereign but the church incorrectly gives man the same status.

May the Lord bless you,
Joe

 

[David777]

Hello Joe.

My view of hell can only be established from the scriptures.

There are two views it appears within the scriptures.

One destruction, and the other eternal suffering in the lake of fire.

At this stage I have not been able to come to a satisfactory conclusion.

That is one area within scripture that I have not been able to reconcile.

You have some unique views in your last post.

1) No freewill
2) All are saved in the end
3) God's will is sovereign
4) No lake of fire OR no human in it?

Have i summarized your views Joe?

 

[eddieb]

well today i was out looking at my trees. fig trees got little buds on em. just starting to green up. i thought of this scripture.

(i got celeste figs. those little sweet ones.)

 

[Joe in Arkansas]

Fig tree

My view of hell can only be established from the scriptures.

There are two views it appears within the scriptures.

One destruction, and the other eternal suffering in the lake of fire.

At this stage I have not been able to come to a satisfactory conclusion.

That is one area within scripture that I have not been able to reconcile.

You have some unique views in your last post.

1) No freewill
2) All are saved in the end
3) God's will is sovereign
4) No lake of fire OR no human in it?

Have i summarized your views Joe?

David,
You are mostly right in describing my understanding. I'll elaborate:

1). Mankind has no "free will" as taught in the church. Mankind has a will but it is not free to act as we please. God is behind all the choices we make. He directs our steps. I could easily list a dozen verses that shows this to be true. There is not one verse that says otherwise. Yes, we make choices but that is not free will.

2). Yes, all are saved in the end. If one person is lost, God would be a liar and a failure and of course, that is not true. You said you agreed with the scriptures I posted on this subject so why do you still have trouble believing God will save all of mankind?

3). God's will is sovereign. Man's will is not. God is in complete control. No one comes to Christ unless it is God's will for it to happen and no man rejects Christ unless God is the cause behind that rejection. God's sovereignty is closely linked with my understanding of free will in 1). above. Do you not know that:

Jer 10:23 I know, Jehovah, that the way of man is not his own; it is not in a man that walketh to direct his steps.

Prov 20:24 Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?

Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Eph 1:4-5 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

There are many, many other such verses that completely eliminate any idea that man has a free will; a will to make uncaused choices. God is the cause of our choices. Mankind has always done and will always "do of His good pleasure".

The reason the harlot church won't let go of her free will doctrine is because it is necessary so that God does not look evil in sending so much of His creation into a torture chamber of fire of all eternity. If man's supposed "free will" were untrue, then the hell doctrine would fall apart.

4). I do believe there is a Lake of Fire. It is just not the "hell" the church teaches. The LOF is a symbolic location on the new earth where the lost are sent to live and to receive their judgment. It is not literal fire nor is it for eternity (it is for an age of time). Fire in scripture means God's judgment. The seas in scripture represent the lost. But God chose to use the phrase "lake of fire" instead of "sea of fire" so show that the lost will not be able to escape their judgment - a lake has confined borders. All of Revelation is a book of spiritual symbols that represent a spiritual truth. It cannot be taken literally, just like the parables cannot be taken literally. God must heal a person's spiritual blindness before the book will open up to them. It was written for the Chosen of God to understand and no one else.

David, have you never considered all the contradictions that the mainstream church doctrines have with scripture? Those contradictions exist because the church is a harlot and is no different from the harlot nation of Israel that rejected Christ. God's truth has been replaced with the tradition's of man. Spiritually blind leaders within all the Harlot churches in the world have no clue as to what the Truth of Christ really says. Why do you think there are hundreds (if not thousands) of different denominations of churches in the world? It's because they are all spiritually blind and cannot see the Truth. Traditions of man have taken over the churches from everyone's own carnal view of scripture. Why do you think that Christ questioned whether He would find faith on earth upon His return?

Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

He says this because there won't be much. In the world today, there are over 1 billion supposed followers of Christ. How can that be true in light of Christ's statement above?

Acts 20:29-31 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Paul was in tears knowing what was going to happen to the church after He died. The flock was not going to be spared - none of them. The churches quickly became harlot after Paul's departure from this world. Christ told Him that this would happen. He warned the churches for three years. The churches quickly became harlot.

Christ tells His Elect in Revelation to come out of the harlot churches so that they won't partake of her sins or receive of her plaques.

Rev 18:4 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.

The sins and plaques of the harlot churches are great and many. I believe the worst of them are their doctrines of free will and Hell. They make God out to be the worse torturer and evil monster of all time. There is no redeeming value or purpose for torturing someone in fire for all eternity. Have you ever thought about how perverse and evil this doctrine of hell is? It's hard to even think about what it would be like to be in "hell" for more than a few seconds and yet the church teaches it will be for all eternity. Can you think of anything more evil? It is no wonder the harlot church is going to be spewed out of the mouth of Christ and go into judgment. Her sins are great. How's that for a powerful statement?

May the Lord bless you,
Joe

 

[David777]

Hello Joe.

I am not surprised by what you stated Joe.

For me you statements are not uncomfortable.

Thank you Joe.