True History
True health includes true cosmic/world history. (Dt 32:7 remember the days of old, Ps 78:4-6 show His wonderful works that He has done, Php 4:8 think about what is true)
Our historical cosmic/worldview impacts our core beliefs, our individual and collective identities, our attitudes, our plans, our behaviors, and our relationships. (Ecc 1:9 history repeats itself, Ro 15:4 learn from the past, 1Co 10:6,11 our examples, living in the end times, we have the benefit of many centuries of history, Heb 12:1 so great a cloud of witnesses)
Our past, present, and future history is substantially revealed in the Bible. (Ge 1:1 past, 1Co 10:31 present, Am 3:7 future)
In particular, note that Jesus verified many ancient Biblical/historical persons/events. (Mk 10:6-8 indirect reference to Adam and Eve, Mt 23:35 Abel, Mt 24:37 Noah, Mt 24:38,39 the flood, Jn 8:56-58 Abraham, Lk 17:28,29 Lot, Mt 10:15 Sodom and Gomorrha, Mt 8:11 Isaac and Jacob, Mk 12:26 Moses and the burning bush, Jn 6:31,32 manna, Jn 3:14 the bronze serpent, Mt 12:3,4 David and the temple, Mt 12:42 Solomon and the queen of Sheba, Lk 4:25,26 Elijah and the widow, Lk 4:27 Elisha and Naaman, Mt 12:39-41 Jonah, the whale, and Nineveh)
The following sections highlight major cosmic/world historical events:
(Under Construction)
The Past
The Eternal Triune God
God is an eternal triune family comprised of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (Mt 28:19, Eph 2:19-22, 1Jn 5:7 compare Jn 1:1,14)
As a united family, each member of the triune God has always existed. (Ex 3:14 God says I AM, Dt 6:4 God is one LORD, Ps 90:2 God is from everlasting to everlasting, Ps 93:1,2 the LORD is from everlasting, Mic 5:2 the Son from everlasting, Jn 8:58,59 Jesus says I AM, Heb 9:14 the eternal Spirit)
God sometimes spoke of Himself in the plural. (Ge 1:26 in our image, after our likeness, Ge 3:22 as one of us, Ge 11:7 let us go down, Isa 6:8 who will go for us?)
God alone is inherently immortal. (1Ti 6:13-16)
The Creation of Heavenly Beings
The heavenly realm, in the sense of God's dwelling place, is a reality beyond or transcending our physical universe. (1Ki 8:27)
Heavenly beings existed before the creation of the earth. (Job 38:4-7)
All these heavenly beings were created by Jesus Christ. (Col 1:13-16)
In particular, note that Lucifer is a created being. (Eze 28:15 was created)
The Creation of our Universe and World
God created our universe and world in 6 literal days. (Ge 1:1-31, Ge 2:1,2, Ex 20:11, Ex 31:17)
According to Bible timelines, this creation occured around 6000 years ago. (Ge 5:1-32, Ge 11:10-32, Mt 1:1-17, Lk 3:23-38)
On each day, God instantaneously spoke its objects into existence. (Ps 33:6-9)
Biblical days start and end at sundown. (Ge 1:5,8,13,19,23,31)
God made nothing from preexisting matter. (Heb 11:3)
Exception: God used the dust of the ground to form Adam (the first man). (Ge 2:7)
Exception: God used one of Adam's ribs to form Eve (the first woman). (Ge 2:21,22)
God created humans in His own image. (Ge 1:27)
God created humans as male and female. (Ge 1:27)
God gave humans dominion over the Earth--to be its caretakers. (Ge 1:28)
The ideal diet God designed for humans was plant-based. (Ge 1:29,31)
The ideal diet God designed for animals was based on green plants. (Ge 1:30,31)
The work God gave to humans was to work outdoors in a lush, beautiful garden with many nutritious fruit trees. (Ge 2:8-15)
In particular, note the implied definition of a living soul:
living soul = material body + immaterial spirit (breath of life) (Ge 2:7)
Qualifying it as a living soul implies that a soul can die. (compare Eze 18:4,20, Mt 10:28)
God alone has inherent immortality. (1Ti 6:16)
The Great War in Heaven
The great cosmic war started in heaven. (Rev 12:7 war in heaven)
Lucifer's pride led him to sinfully covet God's position. (Isa 14:12-14 I will be like the most High, Eze 28:12-17 pride, sin, violence, profane)
He deceived 1/3 of the angels into joining him in rebellion. (Rev 12:3,4,9 third part of the stars of heaven--compare Rev 1:20 stars represent angels)
Lucifer (the Shining One) was later called the dragon, the Devil, and Satan (the Accuser) (Rev 12:3,4,7,9,10).
His rebellious/fallen angels were later called devils (modern term demons). (1Ti 4:1 doctrines of devils)
The unfallen angelic hosts number around 100 million (ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands). (Da 7:10, Rev 5:11)
The Great War Moves to Earth
Satan and his demons were cast out of Heaven and sent to the earth. (Rev 12:7-9)
The ongoing, great, cosmic/world war is between good and evil. (Isa 5:20, Am 5:14,15, Ro 12:21, 3Jn 1:11)
It is a war between truth and falsehood. (Jn 8:44, Jn 14:6, Ro 1:25, 2Th 2:10-12, 2Ti 4:3,4, 1Jn 4:6)
It is a war that transcends our physical realm. (Eph 6:12)
The leader of the unfallen angelic hosts was/is Michael the Archangel (Christ's name and position before His incarnation as Jesus). (Rev 12:7 Michael and his angels)
An archangel (arch-angel) is clearly one over the angels.
Compare the only two occurrences of "archangel" in the Bible:
in the context of the second coming of Jesus (1Th 4:16 the voice of the archangel)
in the context of the resurrection of Moses (Jude 1:9 Michael the archangel)
There are two opposing heavenly commanders-in-chief, also called princes: Christ and Satan.
Jesus Christ / Jesus (formerly Michael) leads the forces of good. (Isa 9:6 Prince of Peace, Da 9:25 Messiah the Prince, Da 10:13,21, Da 12:1 the great prince, Mt 28:18, Ac 3:15 Prince of life, Ac 5:31 Prince and Saviour, Rev 12:7)
Satan / the Devil (formerly Lucifer) leads the forces of evil. (Da 10:13,20, Mt 12:24, Jn 12:31 prince of this world, Jn 14:30, Jn 16:11, Eph 2:2 prince of the power of the air, Rev 12:7,9)
The Fall
In the garden of Eden, God warned our first parents (Adam and Eve) not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, clearly stating that doing so would result in their death. (Ge 2:16,17)
Satan used a talking serpent as his medium to deceive Eve. (Ge 3:1, Re 12:9)
The original, created serpent was not like the cursed, crawling snake it later became. (Ge 3:14)
Eve was deceived by Satan's false insinuations/accusations about God. (Ge 3:1-6, 1Ti 2:14)
She believed and trusted the sly serpent rather than her loving Creator. (Ge 3:6)
She ate of the forbidden fruit. (Ge 3:6)
She then encouraged her husband Adam to also eat of the forbidden fruit. (Ge 3:6)
Although Adam was not deceived, he also entered into the same rebellion. (Ge 3:6, 1Ti 2:14)
There were many, far reaching, yet purposeful (Ps 145:9, Ro 8:28), consequences of the fall:
As God had said, death became a personal and global reality. (Ge 2:17, Ge 3:19, Ro 5:12)
The entire creation was cursed by our progenitors' act of mistrust/disloyalty/betrayal/rebellion. (Ge 3:17,18, Ro 8:20-22)
For the woman, a struggle in childbearing became purposeful. (Ge 3:16)
For the man, a struggle of hard work became purposeful. (Ge 3:17-19 "for thy sake")
The marriage relationship would become a power struggle, rather than a harmonious, loving unity. (Ge 3:16)
The first family forfeited their Eden home. (Ge 3:22-24)
Satan effectively became the first murderer. (Jn 8:44)
Satan also claimed ownership of the Earth's dominion that he usurped/stole. (Job 2:1,2, Jn 10:10, Ro 6:16)
To redeem/save/restore humanity, God the Son was now destined to incarnate, suffer, and die. (Ge 3:14,15, Ac 2:23, Rev 13:8)
God clothed Adam and Eve with animal skins, symbolically foreshadowing the sacrificial death of Jesus and His example/provision of righteousness for sinful humanity. (Ge 3:21)
Murder in the First Family
The first human-initiated murder ocurred in the first human family. (Ge 4:1-16)
Two brothers made different kinds of offerings to God.
Cain gave a works-based offering from his harvest. (Ge 4:3)
Abel gave a sacrifical offering from his flocks. (Ge 4:4)
Cain's offering was an example of attempted self-righteousness by works. (compare Eph 2:8,9)
Abel's offering was an example of righteousness by faith in the future Messiah. (Heb 9:22, Heb 11:4)
God respected the sacrifice-based offering but not the works-based offering. (Ge 4:4,5)
Cain became very angry. (Ge 4:5)
God warned him to overcome his temptation to sin. (Ge 4:6,7)
Instead, he succumbed to sin and murdered his brother. (Ge 4:8)
When God confronted him, Cain tried to deny his act. (Ge 4:9,10)
God allowed Cain to live, apparently to demonstrate the widespread consequences of a single life of unrestrained, violent evil. (Ge 4:10-15 compare Mt 7:17,18)
Cain went out to wander across the earth. (Ge 4:12 compare Job 1:7)
He was now separated from the presence of God. (Ge 4:16)
This first-family murder foreshadows an ongoing theme in the great war: persecution of the righteous by the unrighteous.
Examples: Ishmael and Isaac (Gal 4:29)
Examples: Saul and David (1Sa 18:9-11,29)
Examples: Persian advisors and Daniel (Da 6:4-9)
Examples: Haman and Mordecai (Est 3:5,6)
Examples: The Pharisees and Jesus (Jn 11:47-53)
Examples: Nero and Paul (2Ti 4:6-8,16-18)
Examples: Even members of your own family. (Mt 10:21,36)
The Flood
Cain's mobile example eventually spread throughout the earth, which became filled with violence and corruption. (Ge 6:5,12,13 compare Gal 5:9)
God finally intervened via a world-wide flood, with only Noah and his family choosing to be saved. (Ge 7:23, 1Pe 3:20)
The Dispersion
National Israel
Abraham was promised that his descendants would become a great nation. (Ge 12:1,2)
Jacob was Abraham's grandson. (Ge 21:1-3 Abraham's son Isaac, Ge 25:19-26 Isaac's son Jacob)
God gave Jacob the new name Israel. (Ge 32:28, Ge 35:10)
Jacob (Israel) had twelve sons, who became the ancestors of the twelve tribes of the nation of Israel. (Ge 49:1-28)
God planned for Israel to be a kingdom of priests. (Ex 19:6)
God planned for Israel to be a blessing to all nations. (Ge 12:3, Ge 22:18)
God planned for Israel to share what he gave them. (Lev 24:22 same laws for strangers/foreigners, Dt 26:11 the stranger/foreigner that is among you, Isa 56:3-7 bring the stranger/foreigner to God's holy mountain)
God gave Israel the Ten Commandments (His moral law). (Ex 20:1-17)
God gave Israel civil laws. (Ex 21:1-36, Ex 22:1-31, Ex 23:1-33)
God gave Israel health laws. (Lev 11:1-47, Lev 13:1-59, Lev 15:1-33, Dt 23:9-14)
God gave Israel His words (His oracles). (Ro 3:1,2)
God gave Israel His prophets. (2Ki 17:13, Jer 7:25)
Instead of being a witness to the other nations, national Israel frequently adopted their pagan practices:
They began to have their own human kings. (1Sa 8:5-7 God claims they rejected Him)
They intermarried with pagan wives. (Ezr 9:1-3)
They worshipped the pagan gods of their neighbors. (Jdg 2:11-13 they served Baal and Ashtaroth)
They practiced idolatry. (2Ki 17:7-12)
They continually oscillated between between faith and apostacy. (Jdg 2:16-19, Ne 9:26-31)
The Old Covenant
Covenant - "A mutual consent or agreement of two or more persons, to do or to forbear some act or thing." (Webster's Dictionary 1828)
The first/old covenant was faulty. (Heb 8:7 needed a second/new covenant)
The fault was with the people. (Heb 8:8 God found fault with them)
The old covenant was made during the exodus from Egypt. (Heb 8:9 when God lead them out of the land of Egypt)
The people quickly (and repeatedly) broke the old covenant. (Ex 32:1-8)
The people had made presumptive promises. (Heb 8:6 better promises were needed)
The people had said they would obey God. (Ex 19:8 All that the LORD hath spoken we will do.)
However, their hearts had not been changed. (Dt 5:29, Dt 10:16, Dt 30:6)
Their sinful desires were contrary to God's better ways. (Ps 78:36,37, Jer 7:23,24)
They agreed to the letter of the law but were missing the spirit of the law. (2Co 3:6, Ro 2:28,29, Mt 23:23-28)
A new covenant would come. (Heb 8:8,13 a new covenant will replace the old)
Jesus' Incarnation
Jesus came in the flesh. (Jn 1:14, Ro 8:3, Gal 4:4, Php 2:7,8, Heb 2:14, 1Jn 4:2, 2Jn 1:7)
Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. (Ge 3:15 her seed, Mt 1:23, Lk 1:34,35)
Jesus was God with us. (Mt 1:23, Jn 1:1,14, 1Ti 3:16)
Many prophecies foretold His birth. (Ge 22:16-18 compare Mt 1:1, Isa 7:14, Isa 9:6, Mic 5:2)
Jesus came to save people from their sins. (Mt 1:21, Jn 11:49-52)
Jesus came to reveal God's character. (Jn 14:7-9)
Jesus came to restore the truth. (Mt 10:34 compare Eph 6:17)
Jesus' Baptism
Jesus was baptized, setting an example for all who would follow Him. (Mt 3:13-15)
God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit were all involved in Jesus' baptism. (Mt 3:16,17)
In particular, note that immediately after His baptism, Jesus was sent into the wilderness for 40 days to be tempted by Satan. (Mk 1:9-13)
Jesus used Scripture to expose and defeat Satan's deceptions. (Mt 4:1-11)
After successfully resisting and defeating Satan's temptations, Jesus began His public ministry. (Mk 1:13-15)
Jesus' Life
Jesus lived the only ever sinless life. (2Co 5:21, Heb 4:15, 1Pe 2:21,22)
He had compassion on the people and healed them. (Mt 14:14)
He went around doing good. (Ac 10:38)
He spoke with true authority. (Mt 7:28,29)
He knew that His purpose was to lay down His life as a sacrifice for humanity. (Mt 20:28)
Jesus fulfilled every Old Testament Messianic prophecy. (2Co 1:19,20)
Examples of Messianic prophecies fulfilled by Jesus include:
The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. (Mic 5:2) (Mt 2:1-6)
The Messiah would minister in Galilee. (Isa 9:1,2) (Mt 4:12-16)
The Messiah would perform miraculous works. (Isa 35:5,6) (Mt 11:2-5)
The Messiah would speak in parables. (Ps 78:2) (Mt 13:34,35)
The Messiah would enter Jerusalem on a donkey. (Zec 9:9) (Mt 21:1-11)
The Messiah would come to the temple. (Mal 3:1) (Jn 2:13-16)
The Messiah would be rejected by His own people. (Isa 53:3) (Jn 1:11)
The Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles. (Isa 42:6, Isa 49:6) (Mt 15:21-28, Mk 5:1-20)
The Messiah would suffer and bear our sins. (Isa 53:4-6,10-12) (1Pe 2:24, 1Co 15:3, 2Co 5:21)
The Messiah would be crucified/pierced. (Ps 22:16, Zec 12:10) (Jn 19:18,34-37)
During Jesus' time, national Israel's religious leaders had drifted away from their calling:
They added burdensome traditions beyond what God had prescribed. (Mt 23:4, Lk 11:45,46)
They added traditions that circumvented God's commandments. (Mt 15:2-9, Mk 7:7-13)
They majored in the minors. (Mt 23:23)
They became proud. (Mt 23:5-7, Jn 5:44)
They built a wall of separation between Jews and non-Jews. (Ac 10:28 social/religious, Eph 2:14 physical)
They became hypocrites. (Mt 23:13,14,15,23,25,27,29)
Jesus reviewed the historical stubborness of national Israel. (Mt 23:37)
He announced the coming spiritual and physical desolation of their house/temple. (Mt 23:38,39, Mt 24:1,2, Lk 19:41-44)
Jesus' Miracles
Jesus performed many miracles that were observed by many eye witnesses. (Mt 4:23-25)
His miracles were instantaneous in nature, immediately taking effect. (Mt 8:1-3 immediately)
His miracles mirrored His divine creative work. (Jn 1:1-3,10,14, 1Co 8:6, Eph 3:9, Col 1:15-17, Heb 1:2,10)
He spoke/commanded and His words immediately became the new reality. (Ps 33:9)
Examples of Jesus' miracles include:
He changed water to "wine". (Jn 2:1-11 beginning of miracles)
He healed leprosy. (Lk 17:12-14 as they went, they were cleansed)
He healed a withered hand. (Mt 12:9-13 stretched it forth, and it was restored whole)
He healed the lame. (Mt 15:30,31 multitudes saw the lame to walk)
He calmed a stormy sea. (Mt 8:24-27 rebuked the elements, and there was a great calm)
He fed 4,000 people. (Mt 15:32-39 using only seven loaves and a few little fishes, seven baskets full left over)
He was transfigured into the appearance of radiant white light. (Mt 17:1,2)
He restored sight to the blind. (Mt 9:27-31 their eyes were opened)
He restored a cut-off ear. (Lk 22:50,51 touched his ear, and healed him)
He raised the dead. (Jn 11:1-45 he that was dead came forth)
He walked on water. (Mt 14:22-33 walking on the sea)
He came back, in bodily form, from the grave/death. (Lk 24:39)
He ascended, in bodily form, up from the earth and beyond the clouds to heaven. (Lk 24:50,51, Ac 1:9-11)
Jesus' Transfiguration
Jesus was transfigured into the appearance of radiant white light. (Mt 17:1,2, Mk 9:2,3)
Moses and Elijah then suddenly appeared and talked with Him about His coming death at Jerusalem. (Lk 9:30,31)
Moses is a type for those who are resurrected from the dead. (Jude 1:9)
Elijah is a type for those who are translated without experiencing death. (2Ki 2:9-12)
Together, they represent the two groups of the righteous saved at Jesus' second coming. (1Co 15:51,52, 1Th 4:15-17)
In particular, note that God the Father tells us to listen to Jesus. (Mk 9:4-7)
Jesus' Death
National Israel's religious leaders did not recognize/accept Jesus as God's promised Messiah. (Jn 1:11)
They schemed to discredit Jesus. (Mt 12:24, Jn 8:48,49)
They sought to kill Jesus. (Jn 11:53,54)
Finally, they crucified Jesus (indirectly through their Roman rulers). (Jn 19:14-18)
In particular, note that Satan entered Judas to betray Jesus. (Lk 22:3, Jn 13:27)
Thus, again, history reveals Satan as an accomplice to murder. (Jn 8:44)
Jesus was beaten. (Mt 26:67, Jn 19:3)
He was forced to wear a painful crown of thorns. (Mt 27:29)
He was painfully scourged (whipped). (Jn 19:1)
He was painfully crucified (nailing of hands and feet on a wooden cross). (Mt 27:35, Mk 15:24, Lk 23:33, Jn 19:18)
On the cross, He was mocked. (Lk 23:35-37)
On the cross, He was derided. (Lk 23:39)
On the cross, He died. (Mt 27:50, Mk 15:37, Lk 23:46, Jn 19:30)
On the cross, after He died, a spear was thrust in His side. (Jn 19:33,34)
During the crucifixion, there was darkness throughout the earth. (Lk 23:44,45)
When Jesus died, the veil of the temple was torn vertically down the middle. (Mt 27:50,51)
The cross demonstrates God's love more than any other historical event! (Jn 3:16, Jn 15:13)
Accordingly, the cross is the power of God. (1Co 1:18,23,24)
The cross has the power to save. (Jn 12:32,33, Ro 5:9, 1Pe 2:24)
The cross has the power to transform. (Gal 6:14, Ro 6:6)
Jesus' Resurrection
Jesus was resurrected from death to life. (Ac 2:22-24, Ro 6:4,9, 1Co 15:20)
After His resurrection, many witnesses saw Him alive. (Ac 10:40,41, 1Co 15:5-8)
Jesus suddenly appeared to His disciples while they were gathered in a room with the doors shut. (Lk 24:33-49, Jn 20:19-24)
He showed them His injured hands and feet. (Lk 24:39,40)
He ate broiled fish and honeycomb. (Lk 24:41-43)
He thus demonstrated that He was not a ghostly apparition. (Lk 24:39 flesh and bones)
Thomas was not present and refused to believe. (Jn 20:24,25)
Therefore, eight days later, Jesus again appeared to the same group with Thomas present. (Jn 20:26-28)
Jesus advised Thomas that we should believe the reports of multiple trustworthy eyewitnesses. (Jn 20:29, Jn 20:25 We have seen the LORD.)
National Israel's religious leaders spread false reports about Jesus' resurrection. (Mt 28:11-15)
After Jesus' resurrection, certain saints were raised from the dead and came out of their opened graves. (Mt 27:52,53)
In particular, note that all power in heaven and earth was given unto Jesus. (Mt 28:18)
Jesus' Ascension
Jesus ascended, in bodily form, up from the earth and beyond the clouds to heaven. (Lk 24:50,51, Ac 1:9-11)
In particular, note that the same Jesus will return in the same way He ascended. (Ac 1:11 this same Jesus, Heb 13:8 Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.)
Spiritual Israel
Spiritual Israel consists of all those who have genuinely accepted Jesus as their Saviour and Lord. (Jn 4:23,24 worship in spirit and in truth, Gal 3:26-29 all one in Christ Jesus, Gal 6:14-16 the Israel of God, Php 3:3 which worship God in the spirit, have no confidence in the flesh)
Spiritual Israel is a spiritual community/family/nation of believers. (Gal 3:7 children of Abraham, Gal 6:10 the household of faith, Eph 2:19 fellowcitizens of the household of God, Eph 3:14-19 the whole family in heaven and earth, his Spirit in the inner man, Col 3:11 Christ is all, and in all, 1Ti 3:15 the house of God, which is the church of the living God, 1Pe 2:9,10 an holy nation)
Spiritual Israel crosses traditional Jewish/Gentile boundaries. (Ge 17:4-6 many nations, Ro 2:28,29 he is a Jew, which is one inwardly, Ro 9:6-8 they are not all Israel, which are of Israel)
Spiritual Israel is a kingdom where all its citizens are priests. (2Co 5:18-20 has given to us the ministry of reconciliation, 1Pe 2:9,10 a royal priesthood)
By stoning Stephen, national Israel's leaders demonstrated their continued rejection of God's Messiah and His witnesses. (Ac 7:51-60)
No longer could God use the nation of Israel as a witness for Him. (Mt 21:43)
This was a national, not an individual, change in role/status. (Ro 2:10,11)
Individual Jews could still become Christians, thus becoming citizens of Spiritual Israel. (Ac 6:7, Ro 11:23,24)
The New Covenant
Under the new covenant, God transforms your heart: (Heb 8:10,12, Heb 10:16,17)
Following God is no longer a matter of what you have to do. (Heb 8:10, Heb 10:16)
Following God is now what you want to do! (Ps 40:8, Ro 7:22)
Under the new covenant, God transforms your mind: (Heb 8:10, Heb 10:16)
Your mind is renewed to think like Jesus thinks. (Ro 12:2, 1Co 2:16, Php 2:5)
You identify with and agree with all God says in the Bible. (Ps 119:105,128)
Under the new covenant, the Ten Commandments are magnified: (Isa 42:21)
The Ten Commandments are called the tables of the covenant. (Dt 9:9)
The Ten Commandments were directly inscribed by God Himself. (Ex 31:18)
The Ten Commandments are a reflection of God's loving character. (Mt 22:37-40, Ro 13:8-10)
The Ten Commandments define love for God. (Ex 20:3-11 first four commandments)
The Ten Commandments define love for others. (Ex 20:12-17 last six commandments)
Jesus kept the Ten Commandments. (Jn 15:10)
Jesus asks us to keep the Ten Commandments. (Mt 19:17-19, Jn 14:15)
Under the new covenant, the Ten Commandments are internalized. (Heb 8:10, Heb 10:16)
Receiving/embracing the new covenant is an individual, freewill choice: (Rev 3:20)
God does not predestinate people to be lost. (Eze 18:23, 2Pe 3:9)
God has elected that all may be saved if they so choose. (Jn 3:16 whosoever believeth in him, Ro 8:29,30 whom he foreknew, he elected/predestinated to be conformed to the image of his Son, Rev 22:17 whosoever will)
Note on Ro 8:29,30: Since God creates us, He also foreknows us. (Ps 139:13-16, Jer 1:5)
Through the cross, Jesus draws all people to Himself. (Jn 12:32,33)
The new covenant is new only for those who receive/embrace it: (Heb 8:10, Heb 10:16)
The new covenant has always been God's plan for humanity. (Dt 5:29 a heart to keep all My commandments always, Heb 13:20 the blood of the everlasting covenant)
Faith/trust through grace, looking forward to a coming Messiah, is the theme of the Bible's old testament. (Ge 15:6, Isa 53:5,6, Hab 2:4, Zec 4:7, Jn 5:39, Lk 24:44, Gal 3:8,16)
Faith/trust through grace, looking at/back to a crucified and risen Saviour is the theme of the Bible's new testament. (Ro 3:24-26, 1Co 15:1-4, Eph 2:8,9, 1Pe 1:18-21)
The new covenant involves an ongoing, personal relationship with God through Jesus: (Jn 17:3)
God wants us to know Him. (Heb 8:11)
God wants us to walk with Him. (Mic 6:8)
God wants to adopt us as His children. (Jn 1:12,13)
God wants to lead us as His people. (Isa 58:11)
God wants us to love and help others. (Mt 25:34-40, Heb 10:24)
The new covenant empowers us: (Eze 36:26,27, Jn 15:5,7, 2Co 3:6)
We no longer have an external, powerless form of religion. (2Ti 3:5)
We no longer worship God only with our lips. (Mt 15:8)
Our new relationship with Jesus gives us power to overcome sin. (1Jn 3:6)
Our new relationship with Jesus gives us power to effectively introduce others to Him. (2Co 5:18-20)
The Dark Ages
During the Dark Ages, the Bible was taken away from the common people. (Isa 29:11,12, Hos 4:6, Am 8:11)
During the Dark Ages, God's people were greatly persecuted/martyred. (Da 7:21,25, Rev 13:7)
During the Dark Ages, the ministry of Christ was obscured by intermediaries. (Da 8:11,12, 1Ti 2:5, Heb 12:24)
The unbroken (first) reign of the offending power was 1,260 years, using the day/year principle of prophetic interpretation and a 360-day prophetic year. (Da 7:25 a time and times and the dividing of time, Da 12:7 a time, times, and an half, Rev 11:2,3, 42 months, 1,260 days, Rev 12:6,14 1,260 days, a time, and times, and half a time, Rev 13:5 42 months)
Blasphemy - "An indignity offered to God by words or writing; reproachful, contemptuous or irreverent words uttered impiously against Jehovah." (Webster's Dictionary 1828)
During the Dark Ages, this power (depicted in the Bible as the Little Horn) proudly elevated itself with blasphemies. (Da 7:8,11,25 speak great words against the most High, compare Rev 13:5,6 opened his mouth in blasphemy against God)
This power claimed to be as God on the earth. (compare Jn 10:33, 2Th 2:4)
This power claimed it could forgive sins. (compare Mk 2:7)
This power elevated its own traditions above God's word. (compare Mt 15:3-9, Mk 7:6-13)
This power thought it had the authority to make changes to God's Ten Commandments. (Da 7:25 think to change times and laws)
One target of change (and practice) was the making of graven images. (compare Ex 20:4,5)
Another target of change (and practice) was the weekly day of worship (the Sabbath). (compare Ex 20:8-11)
The cry of the many martyrs tortured/killed by this power continues symbolically to call for vindication/justice. (Rev 6:9-11)
This power received a deadly wound but was later revived to continue to war against God and His people in the final scenes of earth's history. (Rev 13:3,12)
The Reformation
The Reformation was a time of discarding false teachings/practices. (Jer 16:19)
Some prominent examples of false teachings/practices detected by the reformers include:
Indulgences and the commercialization of forgiveness. (compare Isa 55:1, Ac 8:18-20, 1Pe 1:18,19)
Justification by works rather than faith. (compare Ro 3:20,28, Gal 2:16)
The authority of church tradition over Scripture. (compare Mk 7:7-13)
A human head of the entire Christian church. (compare Eph 1:22,23, Eph 5:23, Col 1:18)
Prayers to "saints" and reliance on their intercession. (compare 1Ti 2:5, Heb 7:25)
Veneration of images and relics. (compare Ex 20:4,5, Dt 4:15-19)
Prayers/intercessions for the dead. (compare Heb 9:27, Heb 10:12-14)
Using force to punish/"correct" "heretics". (compare Mt 26:52, Lk 9:54-56, Ro 12:17-21, 2Ti 2:24,25)
The reformers looked to the Bible for truth and correction. (Jn 17:17, 2Ti 3:16)
Their motto was "sola Scriptura" (Scripture alone). (Isa 8:20)
Jesus is the Example of refuting falsehood with Scripture. (Mt 4:1-11 It is written ..., Mt 19:4 Have you not read?, Lk 10:26 What is written?)
In particular, note that many of the reformers were persecuted/martyred for their stance. (2Ti 3:12)
New daughter churches were formed around various reformed understandings of truth/practice.
Unfortunately, these daughters retained some of the traditional falsehoods/practices of their mother church. (Rev 17:5)
Because of this, the Reformation was incomplete.
Your Birth
You did not get here on your own. (Ac 17:24-28)
Like every other human, you inherited a sinful nature. (Ps 51:5, Ro 5:12)
This nature predisposes you toward sinful choices. (Ro 7:21-23, Jas 1:14,15)
However, you are made in the image of God. (Ge 1:27)
And, there is a Saviour Who wants to rescue you. (Ro 7:24,25)
In God's plan, you are born into a family with caring parents who protect and nurture you. (Ps 127:3-5, Pr 22:6, Eph 6:4)
If you have no family now, God will seek to place you in one. (Ps 68:6)
The Present
Like a speedboat, the present moves forward through the ocean of time, leaving its experiences in its wake while steadily penetrating the future.
Jesus Now
Jesus is our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. (Heb 4:14, Heb 8:1,2)
He leads His followers from God Almighty's throne. (Mt 28:18, Heb 8:1, Heb 12:2)
He guides us individually through the Holy Spirit. (Jn 16:13, Jn 17:20-23, Ro 8:9)
He intercedes for us from the throne of grace. (Heb 4:15,16, Heb 7:25)
Jesus said he went to heaven to prepare a place for us. (Jn 14:2)
He said that heaven already has many mansions. (Jn 14:2)
For comparison, consider when Satan and his demons were cast out of heaven. (Rev 12:7-9)
No place was found for them in heaven anymore. (Rev 12:8)
This demonstrates that those who rebel against God cannot remain as residents of heaven.
Similarly, justice requires that any future citizens of heaven must be compatible with its holy environment.
Sin must/will not arise a second time. (Na 1:8-10)
However, people will enter heaven with their own free will, not as robots. (Job 19:25-27 and Job 42:7,8)
Only professing to have faith in Jesus does not make that faith genuine. (Jas 2:19)
We are not saved by works. (Eph 2:8,9)
Neither are we saved without works. (Jas 2:20-26, Mt 25:24-30)
We are not saved by our righteousness. (Tit 3:5)
We are saved by accepting/receiving Jesus' righteousness. (Ro 3:22, Ro 5:17, 2Co 5:21)
We are not saved apart from Jesus. (Jn 14:6, Ac 4:12)
We are saved in relationship with Jesus. (Jn 15:5,6, Jn 17:3)
God already knows everyone's heart. (Ac 1:24)
But heaven's angelic residents do not possess God's level of insight. (1Pe 1:12)
Therefore, they need an open, investigative judgment of the "righteous". (Da 7:9,10)
The Bible states that judgment begins with the house of God--the church. (1Pe 4:17 compare 1Ti 3:15)
Everyone who has made a profession of faith in Jesus is a candidate for this investigation. (2Co 5:10 and 1Pe 4:17)
Their professed faith will be examined in light of their recorded life--their earthly fruits. (Da 7:10 the books were opened, Mt 7:16-20, Jas 2:17,18)
All judgment has been given unto Jesus. (Jn 5:22,27, Ac 10:42, Ac 17:31, 2Co 5:10)
The "righteous" are being judged by Jesus along with His "jury" of angelic hosts. (Da 7:9,10,13)
(Note on Da 7:13: For "clouds" representing angels, compare Ps 68:17 and Ps 104:3)
The records of the dead are fixed. (Heb 9:27)
The records of the living are not yet complete. (Eze 18:21,22)
However, anyone living who commits an unpardonable sin will be blotted out from the book of life. (Mt 12:31,32, Rev 3:5)
An unpardonable sin is a defiant/permanent rejection of God. (Nu 15:30,31, Heb 10:26-29)
In particular, note that receiving the mark of the beast constitutes a final rejection of God. (Rev 14:9-11)
Your Second Birth
To become a genuine Christian, you must be born again of the Spirit. (Jn 3:3-8)
Being born of the Spirit results in the Holy Spirit coming to dwell in your heart. (Jn 14:17, Ro 8:9, 1Co 3:16, Gal 4:6)
This effectively results in Christ dwelling in your heart. (Jn 14:18-20, Jn 17:20-23, 2Co 13:5, Gal 2:20, Col 1:27)
Being born of the Spirit requires:
Repenting of your life of sin. (Ac 2:38, Ac 3:19)
Believing that Jesus paid the price for your sins through His death on the cross. (Isa 53:5,6, 1Co 15:3, 2Co 5:21, 1Pe 2:24)
Humbly receiving Jesus and believing in His name. (Jn 1:12,13, Jn 3:14-16)
Publicly acknowledging Jesus through baptism. (Mt 28:18-20, Mk 16:16, Ac 8:35-39, Ro 10:9,10)
Through Jesus' death you receive:
Forgiveness for confessed sins. (Ps 32:5, 1Jn 1:9)
Forgiveness for past sins. (Ro 3:23-25)
Forgiveness for unknown sins. (Lev 5:17,18, Ps 19:12)
Before being "born again", a person is spiritually dead. (Lk 15:24, Ro 6:13, Eph 2:1,4,5, Col 2:13)
spiritually dead + Jesus => born again (with indwelling Holy Spirit) = spiritually alive
Today is the day of salvation. (2Co 6:2)
Don't delay!
Your Transformation
Genuine followers of Christ accept Him as both Saviour and Lord. (Lk 2:11, Jn 4:42, Jn 14:15, Ac 2:36, Php 2:11)
Through His life you receive power to overcome sin. (Pr 28:13 forsake sins, Isa 55:7, Jn 16:33, Ro 5:10, Ro 6:4-6, Gal 2:20, Php 4:13, 1Jn 3:6,9, 1Jn 5:18)
As you look to Him, you become more and more aligned with His character. (2Co 3:18, 2Pe 1:3,4 partakers of His divine nature)
Genuine conversion yields good character. (Mt 7:16-20 by their fruit you will know them, Gal 5:22,23 fruits of the Spirit)
Genuine conversion yields good works. (1Th 1:3 labour of love, Jas 2:14-26 faith without works is dead)
You overcome evil with good. (Ro 12:21)
You overcome falsehood with truth. (Jn 8:32, Jn 17:17, 2Co 13:8, Eph 5:11, Eph 6:14)
You help others in need. (Mt 25:35-40, Jas 1:27)
You tell others about Jesus. (2Co 5:18-20)
Let's hasten the Lord's return. (Mt 24:14 by sharing the gospel, 2Pe 3:10-12 by holy conversations and godliness)
Don't delay!
The Laodicean Church
The Laodicean Church represents multiple historical, church eras:
First, it represents a particular, past New Testament church. (Rev 1:11)
It also represents tendencies that all churches may experience throughout church history. (1Co 10:13)
However, being the last of Revelation's seven churches, it primarily represents the state of churches in the final/last days of world history, which is the present time.
This section focuses on Laodicea's final, end-times stage.
Unlike the other six churches, the Laodicean Church receives no commendation from Christ.
Instead, Christ expresses His love for them by rebuking and chastening them. (Rev 3:19)
A Laodicean church is lukewarm. (Rev 3:15,16)
This indicates compromise/hypocrisy. (1Ki 18:21, Tit 1:16)
Jesus wants them to be either cold or hot. (Rev 3:15)
If they were hot, their spiritual vitality would attract others.
If they were cold, they would not even be noticed as Christians.
Instead, their lukewarm compromise/hypocrisy repels others away from both the church and Jesus.
If they remain lukewarm, Jesus will have to purge them away. (Rev 3:16)
A Laodicean church is materialistic. (Rev 3:17 rich and increased with goods)
Because of this, they think they don't need anything. (Rev 3:17)
However, their hearts will follow their treasures. (Mt 6:21)
Their focus on material wealth will result in misery. (Lk 6:24, 1Ti 6:9,10, Jas 5:1, Rev 3:17 wretched and miserable)
In particular, note that the prevalence of anxiety and depression is increasing in many developed countries.
Jesus informs them they are (spiritually) poor. (Rev 3:17)
Jesus offers to sell them "gold tried in the fire". (Rev 3:18)
This gold will make them (spiritually) rich. (Mt 6:19,20 treasures in heaven, Col 2:3 Jesus is the source of all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge., Rev 3:18 that you may be rich)
The price of this gold is self-sacrifice. (Mt 19:21-23, Lk 9:23,24, Ro 12:1, 1Pe 1:7)
A Laodicean church is blind. (Rev 3:17)
Obviously, this is not physical blindness.
It is mental blindness to spiritual truths. (1Co 2:13, 2Co 4:4 blinded the minds)
It is spiritual blindness due to misinterpretations of Scripture. (2Ti 2:15, 2Pe 3:15-17)
It is propagated by selfish desires. (Isa 8:20, Jn 3:19,20, Jas 1:15)
It is maintained by false teachings. (2Ti 4:3,4)
Jesus prescribes "eyesalve" so they can see. (Rev 3:18)
This salve needs to be applied to their minds. (Ro 12:2)
This salve needs to be applied to their hearts. (Heb 8:10)
A Laodicean church is shamefully naked. (Rev 3:17,18)
Shameful nakedness indicates choosing selfish, sinful ways. (Ge 3:6-10, Ge 9:20-23, Ex 32:25-38, La 1:8, Eze 16:35-38, Na 3:4,5)
Jesus offers to sell them white clothes. (Rev 3:18)
White clothing represents Jesus' righteous character. (Isa 61:10, Zec 3:1-5, Mt 17:1,2, Rev 19:7,8)
Jesus tells them to be zealous and repent. (Rev 3:19)
A Laodicean church has Jesus outside, knocking on its door. (Rev 3:20)
Jesus appeals to each member to open the door of their heart to Him. (Rev 3:20 If anyone hears His voice, and opens the door, He will come in to that person.)
His calling voice is the Bible. (1Th 2:13)
The Bible informs us that sin separates us from God--as does a closed door. (Ps 66:18, Isa 59:2, Jn 9:31 note: and doeth his will)
Sin (which separates us) is the transgression of God's law. (1Jn 3:4)
Jesus said that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments. (Jn 14:15)
His commandments are not burdensome/impossible. (Dt 30:10-14 you may do it, Ps 119:47,97, Mt 11:30)
Keeping God's commandments demonstrates our love for God and for other people. (1Jn 5:2,3)
Jesus wants to come in and eat with us. (Rev 3:20)
This shows He wants a close relationship with us. (Jn 17:3)
This eating is not only physical food, but also the Word of God. (Dt 8:3, Mt 4:4)
We ourselves must chew this spiritual food thoroughly. (Jer 15:16, Eze 3:1-4, 2Ti 2:15, Heb 5:12-14)
Laodicea is unique among the seven church messages in directly presenting Christ's overcoming as the pattern or basis for believers' overcoming. (Rev 3:21 compare Jn 16:33)
In general, "overcoming" refers to surmounting any barriers that block faithful following of Christ. (1Jn 5:4,5)
In Laodicea's case, its barriers include compromise/hypocrisy, materialism, self-deception, spiritual poverty/nakedness, and sin. (Rev 3:15-19)
The False Church
The Remnant Church
The Three Angels' Messages
The Future
Your Death
Death is the inevitable consequence of sin. (Ro 6:23, Jas 1:14,15)
We all have sinned and we all will die. (Ro 3:23, Ro 5:12, 1Jn 1:8)
Exceptions: Jesus died but never sinned. (Heb 4:15)
Exceptions: Enoch was translated without experiencing death. (Ge 5:24, Heb 11:5)
Exceptions: The saved who are alive at Christ's second coming will be translated without experiencing death. (1Co 15:51, 1Th 4:16,17)
Barring exceptional circumstances, our expected lifespan is 70 or 80 years. (Ps 90:10)
Some may live longer but then quality of life becomes an issue. (Ps 71:9 when my strength faileth, Ps 90:10 labour and sorrow, Ecc 12:1 no pleasure in them)
We die only one time. (Heb 9:27 appointed once to die)
After death comes our judgement. (Heb 9:27 next the judgment)
Our story is not over until we die. (Eze 18:27, Lk 23:39-43 the thief on the cross)
The state of the dead:
The dead sleep. (Dt 31:16 Moses, 1Ki 2:10 David, Jn 11:11-14 Lazarus, Ac 7:20 Stephen, Ac 13:36 David, 1Co 15:20 Christ, 1Th 4:13-15)
The dead do not think. (Ps 146:4, Ecc 9:5)
The dead do not work. (Ecc 9:10)
The dead do not worship. (Ps 115:17)
The dead play no role anymore in the events of the living. (Ecc 9:6)
The blueprint of our life is kept by God, awaiting the resurrection. (Ecc 12:7)
God preserves our spirit like "software" that will be loaded into our new body (our "hardware") at the resurrection of the saved.
After death, the next thing we will experience is awakinging at our resurrection. (1Th 4:13-16)
There are two resurrections: the first for salvation, the second for damnation. (Da 12:2, Jn 5:28,29, Rev 20:4-6)
Since we sleep during death, all elapsed time will be as only the "twinkling of an eye". (1Co 15:52)
Jesus will ultimately conquer all His/our enemies. (Ps 110:1, Heb 1:13, Heb 10:12,13)
The last enemy He will destroy is death. (1Co 15:26,54)
The Mark of the Beast
In particular, note that those who will worship the beast will also be worshipping the dragon (Satan). (Rev 13:4)
The Final Exodus
The Final Plagues
Jesus' Second Coming
Jesus' second coming will be a worldwide epic event:
Every eye will see Him. (Rev 1:7)
There will be a great, worldwide earthquake. (Isa 2:19-21, Rev 6:14-17, Rev 16:17-21)
There will be the sound of the trumpet. (Mt 24:31, 1Th 4:16)
He will descend with the voice of the Archangel. (1Th 4:16)
He will come as lightning from the east to the west. (Mt 24:27)
He will be accompanied by all the holy angels. (Mt 25:31)
All the lost will try to hide from Him. (Rev 6:15,16)
All the saved will joyfully welcome their God. (Isa 25:9, 2Ti 4:8)
At the second coming of Jesus, the saved will be changed from mortal to immortal and from corruptible to incorruptible. (1Co 15:52-54)
The righteous dead will be raised first. (1Th 4:16)
The righteous living will then be caught up with them to meet Jesus in the air/clouds. (1Th 4:17)
The wicked dead will remain in their graves. (Rev 20:5)
The wicked living will be slain by the brightness of His coming. (2Th 2:8)
In particular, note that Jesus will return after the gospel is preached in all the world. (Mt 24:14)
The Millennium
New Jerusalem
The Great White Throne Judgment
The Second Death
All the wicked shall be completely burned up and cease to exist. (Mal 4:1 neither root nor branch will remain)
In particular, note that Satan will no longer exist. (Eze 28:18,19 never shalt thou be any more, Heb 2:14 destroyed)
Heaven
God will create a new heaven and a new earth. (Isa 66:22, Rev 21:1)
Heaven will be like Eden restored (Isa 51:3, Eze 36:35):
In heaven, there will be no death, sorrow, crying, or pain. (Rev 21:4)
In heaven, there will be no harm. (Isa 11:6-9 not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain)
In heaven, there will be no night. (Rev 21:25, Rev 22:5)
In heaven, there will be no seas. (Rev 21:1 note that seas now separate the nations)
In heaven, there will be no curse of sin. (Rev 22:3)
Heaven's capital city, New Jerusalem, will reside on the new earth. (Rev 21:2)
Its citizens will build country homes and plant vineyards. (Isa 65:21,22)
The tree of life will be there. (Rev 22:2,14)
A river of life will be there. (Rev 22:1)
God will again dwell with His people. (Rev 21:3, Rev 22:4)
Heaven's citizens will be all those who are written in the Lamb's (Jesus') book of life. (Rev 21:27)
God's servants shall reign there for ever and ever. (Rev 22:5)
God is sovereign over history. (Isa 46:9,10)