Tag: Advice

The Coming of the Lord – Part 2

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1Thessalonians 4:15 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.

Scriptures on the Rapture – Christ’s coming FOR the Saints: Pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things … and to stand before the Son of man (Luke 21:34). In My Father’s house are many mansions … I go to prepare a place for you … I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:1-3). We shall not all sleep (die physically), but we shall all be changed. In a moment … at the last trump … the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we (the living) shall be changed … put on immortality … then … death is swallowed up in victory (1Cor. 15:51-56). Christ loved the church [congregation of believers]… that He might present it to Himself (Eph. 5:25-27). From whence (heaven) also we look for … Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body (Php. 3:11, 20-21; 2Cor. 5:1-9). For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven … the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air (not on earth, to go back to heaven with Him; 1Thess. 4:13-18; 2:19; 3:13; 5:9, 23). We beseech you … by our gathering together unto Him … until he be taken out of the way (2Thess. 2:1, 7-8). When Christ … shall appear, then shall you also appear with Him in glory (Col. 3:4; 1Jn. 2:28; 3:2; 1Pet. 5:4). Be patient … unto the coming of the Lord… until He receives the early and latter rain (Jas. 5:7-8).

The Coming of the Lord – Part 1

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1Thessalonians 4:15 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. 

‘By the word of the Lord.’ This means by revelation (Gal. 1:12).

‘Coming of the Lord.’ The coming in the air (4:17), not His second coming to the earth of Zechariah 14:1-21; Revelation 19:1-21; Matthew 24:29-31; 25:31-46 and Jude 1:14.

These two comings should not be confused. The scriptures that apply to one do not apply to the other. Not one passage refers to both events as if they were one. These two distinct comings are separated by several years, so they aren’t two stages or phases of one coming.

The rapture is the first of the two comings, not a coming to earth but in the air. It could not be the second coming because Christ does not come to the earth to live here and fulfil a mission as He did at the first coming. When Christ meets the saints in the air He takes them to heaven with Him and presents them before the Father’s throne where they remain during the time the tribulation is running its course on the earth (3:13; John 14:1-3). Christ does not remain in the air with the saints when they meet Him as in 1Thessalonians 4:13-17. The marriage supper and the judgment of saints take place in heaven, then at the second coming after the tribulation, Christ and the saints leave heaven together to come down to the earth (2Cor. 5:10; Rev. 19:1-21). The rapture is the time Christ comes for the saints to take them to heaven.

The second coming is the time He comes to the earth to live here and fulfil a mission. This is the time He comes from heaven with the saints, having raptured them at least seven years before. The second coming cannot take place until all of Revelation 1:1-19:21 is fulfilled while the rapture can take place any moment without anything being fulfilled.

Died and Rose Again

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1Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 

‘Died and rose again.’ The death of Jesus Christ is the assurance of salvation for all who will believe (Matt. 26:28; Rom. 5:6-11; 1Pet. 2:24). The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the assurance of resurrection for all men (5:10; John 14:19; Rom. 5:10; 6:5-8; 1Cor. 15:4-23; 2Tim. 2:11).

‘Sleep in Jesus’ – Body-sleep, is not soul-sleep: Sleep means the death of the body (4:14-16; 5:10; Deut. 31:16; 2Sam. 7:12; 1Kin. 1:21; Job 7:21; Ps. 13:3; Dan. 12:2; Mark 5:39; Luke 8:52; John 11:11-14; Acts 13:36; 1Cor. 11:30; 15:51; Jas. 2:26). These are all the passages where the word “sleep” is found in connection with the death. The word “slept” is used in Matthew 27:52 and 1Corinthians 15:20 of death, and the phrase “slept with his fathers” is used 36 times of death in the Old Testament. Not one time is it stated that the soul sleeps. The soul is immortal (1Pet. 3:4). The term “sleep in Jesus” simply refers to those who were in Christ at their death (4:14, 16).

‘Bring with him.’ Christians at death go immediately to paradise to await the resurrection of their sleeping bodies (2Cor. 5:8; Php. 1:21-24; Heb. 12:22-23; Rev. 6:9-11). When Christ leaves heaven to come down in the air of the earth (4:17), the saints who are in paradise will come back with Him and be reunited with their bodies which will be resurrected in a moment (1Cor. 15:51-58).

Them Which are Asleep

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1Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 

‘But I would not have you to be ignorant.’ Six things not to be ignorant of: God’s faithfulness in trouble (2Cor. 1:8-10). Gospel responsibility (Rom. 1:11-18). Spiritual gifts (1Cor. 12:1-31). God’s purpose for Israel (Rom. 11:25-32). The resurrection and future life (4:13-18). God’s judgments on backsliders (1Cor. 10:1-13).

‘Concerning them which are asleep …’ This is the 4th New Testament prophecy in 1 Thessalonians and it is unfulfilled.

Six new revelations: All who die in Jesus will be brought back from heaven to be given resurrected bodies (4:14; John 5:28-29; 1Cor. 15:20-23, 35-58; Php. 3:21). The living in Christ at this time will not die but be changed (4:15-17; 1Cor. 15:51-58; 2Cor. 5:1-10; Php. 3:21). This is the coming of the Lord in the air, not His coming to the earth (4:15-17; 2Thess. 2:7; Rev. 4:1). The Lord Himself, not some other one, shall descend from heaven to translate the saints (4:16; John 14:1-3; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-58; Php. 3:21). The dead in Christ shall rise first before the living are changed (4:16; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-58; Php. 3:21; John 5:28-29). All in Christ from Abel to this time will be changed from mortality to immortality in the body in a moment and will be caught up (raptured) with the dead in Christ to meet the Lord in the air (4:17; John 14:1-3; Luke 21:36; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-58; Php. 3:21; 2Cor. 5:1-10; Col. 3:4; 2Thess. 2:7; Eph. 5:27).

‘Sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.’ Eight Christian hopes: Salvation (5:8; Rom. 8:20-25; 15:4, 13; 2Thess. 2:16; 1Pet. 1:1-25). Righteousness (Gal. 5:5). God’s calling (Eph. 1:18; 4:4). Eternal inheritance (Col. 1:5; Eph. 1:11-18; Heb. 9:15; 1Pet. 1:4). God’s glory (Rom. 5:1-5; Col. 1:27). Resurrection (4:13; Acts 23:6; 24:15; Tit. 2:13; 1Jn. 3:3). Eternal life (1Cor. 13:13; 15:19; Eph. 2:12; Col. 1:23; Tit. 1:2; 3:7; Heb. 3:6; 6:11, 18, 19; 7:19; 1Pet. 1:3-13). Converts safe in heaven (2:19).

His Holy Spirit – Part 2

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1Thessalonians 4:8 He therefore that despises, despises not man, but God, who had also given unto us his holy Spirit. 

The Old Testament saints were filled with the Holy Spirit, but not baptized with the spirit – this only came to pass at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13); they had, however, many experiences and blessings, as we see as follows: They were filled (Ex. 28:3; 31:3; 35:31; Deut. 34:9; Mic. 3:8) and had the Spirit in them (Gen. 41:38; Num. 27:18; Dan. 4:8-9, 18; 5:11-14; 6:3); within [in union with] them (Ps. 51:10-11; Isa. 63:10-14; Ezek. 11:19); into them (Ezek. 2:2; 3:24; Acts 3:21); and upon them (Num. 11:17-29; Jdg. 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 14:6, 19; 15:14). He moved many (Jdg. 13:25; Acts 3:21; 2Pet. 1:21), but none were baptized in the Spirit. John the Baptist and others were filled with the Spirit, but not baptized (Luke 1:15-17, 41, 67; 2:25-38). Mary was filled about 35 years before she was baptized with the Spirit at Pentecost (Luke 1:45-56; Acts 1:13-15; 2:1-4). Jesus was filled about 30 years before He was baptized with the Spirit (Isa. 50:4-5; Luke 2:40-52; Matt. 3:16-17). The disciples were filled and had the Spirit in them 3 years before they were baptized with the Spirit (Matt. 10:1-8, 20; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4, 33).

The Old Testament saints had gifts [purpose always God’s glory] and the fruit [sign of salvation] of the Spirit (1Kin. 3:12; 17:1 – 2Kin. 13:25; Acts 3:21; Heb. 11:1-40); different measures of the Spirit (Num. 11:16-25; 2Kin. 2:9; Luke 1:17) but not the Spirit baptism or the Spirit “without measure” (John 3:34; 7:37-39). The disciples had gifts and great power years before the Spirit baptism (Matt. 10:1-8, 16-20; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 10:1-42), but were told to get the Spirit baptism before starting their ministry (Luke 24:49; John 7:37-39; 14:12; Acts 1:4-8).

To be continued…

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 8

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1Thessalonians 4:1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

There is also progressive sanctification and complete sanctification (continues).

Proof of progressive sanctification: Statements of Jesus (Luke 9:23; John 8:31; 14:26; 15:3; 16:13-16). Statements of Luke (Acts 13:43; 14:22; 15:41; 16:5; 18:26). Statements of Paul (Rom. 1:11, 17; 2:7; 4:12; 6:3-22; 7:4-6; 8:1-13; 11:20-22; 12:1-21; 14:19; 1Cor. 1:7-10; 11:31-34; 15:58; 16:13; 2Cor. 3:18; 5:9; 7:1; 10:4-6; 13:11; Gal. 5:1, 13, 16-26; Eph. 3:16-21;4:1-32; 5:1-18; 6:1-18; Php. 1:6, 9, 25-27; 2:12-15; 3:7-15; 4:8-9; Col. 1:9-29; 2:3-9; 3:1-17; 4:12; 1Thess. 2:2-13; 3:1-12; 5:11-23; 2Thess. 1:3-5; 2:13-17; 3:3; 1Tim. 1:18; 4:12-16; 5:21-22; 6:12-14; 2Tim. 1:13-14; 2:4, 19-26; Tit. 2:7-14; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 4:11; 5:11-14; 6:1-2, 11-12; 10:23-39; 12:12; 13:20-21). Statements of James (Jas. 1:3-4, 12, 22-27; 2:14-26; 3:2; 4:4-10; 5:1-12). Statements of Peter (1Pet. 1:5-16; 2:1-12; 3:8-12; 4:1-19; 5:1-10; 2Pet. 1:4-10; 3:14-18). Statements of John (1Jn. 1:6-9; 2:1-6, 24-29; 3:1-10; 5:1-18; 2Jn. 1:1, 6, 8; 3Jn. 1:4, 11). Statements of Jude (Jude 1:3, 20-24).

Proof of complete sanctification: Statements of Jesus (Matt. 10:22; 19:27-29; 25:46; Mark 10:29-30; Luke 21:36; John 4:36; 6:27; 12:25; 14:1-3). Statements of Paul (Acts 26:18; Rom. 2:7-10; 5:21; 6:22-23; 8:17-18, 23-25; 13:11; 1Cor. 1:7-8; 15:1-6, 23, 51-58; 2Cor. 4:16-18; 5:9; Gal. 6:7-8; Eph. 1:4, 13-14; 4:13-16; 5:26-27; Php. 1:6; 3:7-14, 20-21; Col. 3:4; 1Thess. 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:23; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 6:1-12, 18-19; 10:23, 35-39). Statements of others (Jas. 5:7; 1Pet. 1:3-13; 4:13; 5:10; 2Pet. 3:14; John 3:1-3; Jude 1:24).

‘Vessel in sanctification and honour.’ This refers to one of two things: To man’s own body which he is to keep from fornication (4:3; 2Cor. 4:7; 2Tim. 2:21). To the wife, whom a man is privileged to possess in a marriage relationship (4:4; 1Pet. 3:7).

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 6

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1Thessalonians 4:1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

Thirty proofs of when sanctification begins: it began in God’s plan before Adam (Eph. 1:4), but in experience, it begins: When one gets salvation through sanctification (2Thess. 2:13; Rom. 1:16). When he receives Christ (2Cor. 1:1-24). When born again (1Jn. 2:29; 3:7-10; 4:7, 17; 5:1-5, 18; 1Pet. 1:15-23). When one becomes God’s elect through sanctification (1Pet. 1:2-4; Eph. 1:4). When made righteous (1Cor. 1:30; 1Jn. 1:1-10; 3:7-10; 5:1-5, 18). When created in holiness (Eph. 4:24). When the old man (satan, 2Cor. 5:17) is put off (Rom. 6:1-23; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:8-10; 2Cor. 5:17-18). When one becomes dead to sin (Rom. 6:1-23). When baptized into Christ by the Spirit (Rom. 6:1-23; 8:12-13; 1Jn. 3:7-10; 5:1-5, 18). When one ceases to live in sin (Rom. 6:1-23; 8:12-13; 1Jn. 3:7-10; 5:1-5, 5:18). When he turns from satan to God at the forgiveness of sins (Acts 26:18). When accepted by God (Rom. 15:16). When one gets into Christ and is made a new creature (2Cor. 5:17-18). When one becomes Christ’s and crucifies the flesh (Gal. 5:24; Eph. 4:24). When washed from sin and justified (1Cor. 6:11; Eph. 5:25-26; Rev. 1:5). When he becomes one with Christ (Heb. 2:11; 2Cor. 5:17-19; Rom. 8:1-13). When he accepts Christ as the offering for sin (Heb. 10:4-14; 1Cor. 1:30).

To be continued…

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 5

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1Thessalonians 4:1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

Seven personal agents are used in sanctifying: God (Gen. 2:3; Lev. 21:15, 23; 22:9; John 10:36; 1Thess. 5:23; Jude 1:1). Jesus Christ (1Cor. 1:30; Eph. 5:26; Heb. 2:11; 10:10, 14; 13:12). Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:16; 1Cor. 6:11; 2Thess. 2:13; 1Pet. 1:2). Moses (Ex. 19:10, 14; 40:13; Lev. 8:10-15, 30; 21:8; Num. 7:1). Joshua (Jos. 7:13). Priests (1Chron. 15:14; 2Chron. 30:24; Ex. 19:22). Laymen (Lev. 11:44; 20:7).

Man is the agent in sanctification 85 times; God 23 times; Christ 10 times; and the Holy Spirit 4 times. Man has as much to do with sanctification as God, for he is the one who decides to sanctify himself to God. Man and God work together in the setting apart process. Men are spoken of as being sanctified 75 times; material things are said to be sanctified 40 times; and God is referred to as being sanctified 14 times (Lev. 10:3; Num. 20:12-13; 27:14; Isa. 5:16; 8:13; 29:23; Ezek. 20:41; 28:22, 25; 36:23; 38:16; 39:27).

Fifteen commands to sanctify: Let priests sanctify themselves (Ex. 19:22; 1Chron. 15:14; 2Chron. 29:15, 34; 30:3, 5, 15, 24; 31:18). Sanctify them (Ex. 19:10; 28:41; 29:33; 30:29; Lev. 8:11; 21:23). Sanctify him (Lev. 8:12; 21:8, 15). Sanctify yourselves (Lev. 11:44; 20:7; Num. 11:18; Jos. 3:5; 1Sam. 16:5; 1Chron. 15:12; 2Chron. 29:5). Sanctify the people (Ex. 19:14; Jos. 7:13). Sanctify Aaron and his garments (Lev. 8:30). Sanctify unto Me all the firstborn (Ex. 13:2). Sanctify it (mountain, Ex. 19:23). Sanctify the breast (of the wave offering, Ex. 29:27). Sanctify the altar (Ex. 29:36-37; 40:10). Sanctify the Lord of Hosts (Isa. 8:13). Sanctify the Holy One of Jacob (Isa. 29:23). Sanctify a fast (Joel 1:14; 2:15). Sanctify the congregation (Joel 2:18). Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts (1Pet. 3:15). Not only are there commands for people to sanctify God, but complaints because they did not do so (Deut. 32:51; Num. 27:14).

To be continued…

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 4

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1Thessalonians 4:1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

If sin is not involved in the person or thing set apart, then no sin is cleansed in the process of setting apart (continues): [8] The same people were sanctified many times so sanctification cannot be limited to one act (Ex. 19:14, 22; 28:41; 29:33, 44; 30:29; Lev. 8:30). [9] People have sanctified themselves (Lev. 11:44; 20:7). Did they take an old man out of themselves? [10] The same people that sanctified themselves (Lev. 11:44; 20:7) were also sanctified by Moses (Ex. 19:10-14) and by God (Ex. 29:43-44; 31:13; Lev. 20:8; 21:8, 15, 23; 22:9, 16). Which ones took the old man out? [11] All the firstborns of Israel were sanctified at birth (Ex. 13:2; Num. 8:17). If the old man was taken out at this time, then none of them had an old man after that. [12] Sanctified disciples (John 13:10; 15:3) were further sanctified in the same sense that the sanctified Christ (John 10:36) further sanctified Himself (John 17:17-19). [13] The seventh day was sanctified without sin and cleaning being involved (Gen. 2:3-4).

However, if sin and filth are involved in a person or a material thing to be set apart unto God, then such must be dealt with to make it presentable to God.

To be continued…

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 3

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1Thessalonians 4: 1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

Sin is not necessarily involved in sanctification, because the word means ‘setting apart’. God has sanctified both people and material things, and even immaterial things. If sin is not involved in the person or thing set apart, then no sin is cleansed in the process of setting apart: [1] Material things have been sanctified without taking an old man (refers to satan) out of them: (1) Bread (1Sam. 21:5); (2) The tabernacle and its furniture (Ex. 29:43-30:29; Lev. 8:10-15); (3) Priests’ garments (Lev. 8:30); (4) Houses and lands (Lev. 27:9-29); (5) Meat (1Tim. 4:3-5); (6) Solomon’s temple and furniture (2Chron. 7:16-20; 29:17-19); (7) Gates (Neh. 3:1); (8) Mt. Sinai (Ex. 19:23); (9) The offerings (Ex. 29:27); (10) Herod’s temple (Matt. 23:17). [2] Holy persons have been sanctified who never had an old man in them: (1) God the Father (Lev. 10:3; Num. 20:13; Isa. 5:16; Ezek. 20:41; 28:22-25; 36:23; 38:16; 39:27; 1Pet. 3:15); (2) Christ (John 10:36; 17:17-19). [3] God’s name has been repeatedly sanctified without taking an old man out of it (Isa. 29:23; Ezek. 36:23). [4] Babies have been sanctified from birth before sinning (Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:15-17; Gal. 1:15) and one never did have an old man in Him (Luke 1:35; John 10:36). [5] Heathen soldiers and husbands have been sanctified who never were followers of Christ (Isa. 13:3, 17; 1Cor. 7:14). [6] Believers sanctify God and never take an old man out of Him (1Pet. 3:15). [7] Christ sanctified Himself though He never had an old man in Him (John 17:19).

To be continued…