Q&A: Bible Prophecy & End Times

Bible Study Videos By JD Farag

Don Gerrity All Videos, GO: Bible Study Videos, Q&A: Bible Prophecy & End Times, Q&A: Uncategorized List
Seek Knock Find Christian Resource | Gospel of Jesus Christ

JD FARAGJD Farag started his first Bible Study in 2004. As a strong supporter of Israel, JD’s focus is on Bible Prophecy, oftentimes pertaining to the Middle East. In addition to weekly Prophecy Updates, Pastor JD teaches through the bible Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings at his church in Kaneohe, HI. JD and Kellie currently live on the windward side of Oahu with their three children Elias, Levi, and Sabia.

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Bible Prophecy That’s Now Happening, Ezekiel 38 – January 25th, 2024

 

New Hope New Life, Ezekiel 37 – January 11th, 2024

 

How God Does What God Does, Ezekiel 35-36 – December 7th, 2023

 

Bible Prophecy Update, An Urgent Last Days Warning – Sunday, January 28th, 2024

 

The Agonizing Contending For The Faith And The Truth, Jude 1:3-4 – January 28th, 2024

 

God Multiplies Blessings Upon Us, Jude 1:2 – January 21st, 2024

 

Bible Prophecy Update, Are We There Yet? – Sunday, January 21st, 2024

Bible Prophecy Update, Profound Last Days Confusion – Sunday, January 14th, 2024

 

1 John Bible Study Playlist – 11 Video Playlist

⇒ View more of JD Farag Bible Prophecy Update videos at the JDfarag.org.

Rev 3:10: Is This Referring To The Pre-Tribulation Rapture Of Church Age Believers?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Bible Prophecy & End Times, Rev 3, Revelation, The Rapture (Harpazo)
The Blessed Hope

“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” (Rev. 3:10 KJV)

Is this Rev. 3:10 a proof of the Pre-Tribulation Harpazo/Rapture of Church Age believers? Or is this showing a post Tribulation Rapture of Church Age believers view shown in Rev. 3:10?

Some who hold a Post Tribulation belief say it is not Pre-tribulation timing shown. They believe the word KEEP (Greek word G5083 ‘Tereo’) shows this. They believe that the meaning of this Greek word is defined as ‘take care of’ is why they believe this.  Therefore, it shows God will take care of believers living THROUGH the Tribulation Period. Some also refer to the use of the Greek word ‘Tereo’ in Jesus’ prayer for the disciples (and us today) in John 17,

“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest KEEP them from the evil.” (John 17:15 KJV)

But what about the next verse 16?

“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” (John 17:16 KJV)

A born again believer may live on Earth but we dwell in Christ and Christ in us. This is abiding, where we dwell as believers in the Spirit.

In John 17, this is Jesus referring to His early church and is a prayer that God will keep believers after His soon to happen event of the Passion of Christ and the cross. It shows the intention that Christ will work through believers as He did Paul, as ambassadors on Earth, to build His Church. How? Because of the union born again believers have with Christ which we also read in John 17:21-22.

However, in Rev 3:10, it is a different timing view of context.

“Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;” (Rev 1:9 KJV)

In Rev. 3:10, the view is ‘things which are’. It is the Church Age time period we now live in. The ‘…time of testing which will come upon THEM that dwell in Earth’ is the time period once the Church Age ENDS, “…things which shall be hereafter”. We see a pivotal change point in time. A distinct different time period. The Church Age will end and then the Tribulation Period will begin. The wrath of God will start in Rev. 6.

Looking at this in Strongs Greek concordance we see the definition of the word KEEP is ‘to guard from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon;’.

And when we read on in Rev 3:10 we see a strong pivoting word FROM, which in Strongs Greek concordance (Greek G1537 word ‘ek’) which is defined as,

‘a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote):—after, among, × are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, × hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, × thenceforth, through, × unto, × vehemently, with(-out).’

The English translated word FROM (EK in Greek it was written) literally means OUT OF the time as well as the location of an event. We see the truth when we realize this pivotal point and see how the word KEEP (Tero) is being used. Church Age saints will be ‘taken care of’ (kept) and will be taken OUT OF the time as well as the location of the time of testing on THEM that dwell on the Earth at that time, Daniel’s 70th week, The Tribulation Period.

Who will endure this time of testing in Rev. 3:10? The verses reads, “…to try THEM that dwell upon the earth.”

The Church is removed, snatched off Earth and it is those left on Earth, not born again believers, but -THEM- that dwell upon the Earth.

Also, there are many other passages that point to a Pre-Tribulation Harpazo/Rapture that cannot be ignored on this topic event. Scriptures such as Romans 11:25, Acts 15:13-18, Romans 5:9, 1 Thes. 1:10, and 1 Thes. 5:9 . These are just some such passages. These cannot be ignored either as part of context about the Harpazo/Rapture event timing, and as examples of Church Age believers being snatched by force off of the Earth (Harpazo in Greek)  before God’s wrath upon -THEM- that DWELL ON THE EARTH.

Apostle Paul wrote,

“And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which DELIVERED US  FROM the wrath to come.” (1 Thes. 1:10 KJV)

‘Delivered’ is past tense. Christ made sure of this on the cross for all who believes on Him (John 3:14-18, 1 Cor. 15:1-4, Eph. 1:13-14, Colossians 2). Church Age believers are promised to be kept OUT OF the time as well as the location of the Tribulation Period which is God’s wrath to come.

All such passages certainly do make a strong case for the rapture taking place before Daniel’s 70th Week, The Tribulation Period on Earth. And Rev 3:10 is also one of the Scriptures in support of a Pre-Tribulation Rapture of Church Age believers.

And what is next? Read Rev 4:1 ! The Harpazo!

“After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” (Rev 4:1 KJV)

AMEN!!

The Pre-Tribulation Rapture, The Tribulation Period To Come, Judgment On The World & Noah

Don Gerrity Genesis 6, Q&A: Bible Prophecy & End Times
The Pre-Tribulation Rapture, The Tribulation Period To Come, Judgment On The World & Noah

The Pre-Tribulation Rapture, The Tribulation Period To Come, Judgment On The World & Noah

I always looked at Noah and the Ark as a foreshadowing of the Rapture. Where Noah and his family, the believers are TAKEN and protected from the judgment in the Ark and the unbelievers who died in the flood. I have seen some believers saying that the church will go through the Tribulation because Noah and his family got a protected ride IN THE ARK, ON THE EARTH, through the flood. And they use that as a proof that the Pre-tribulation Rapture is a false teaching.

Now I am seeing this in a different light! Why is Enoch mentioned in the Bible? That question has brought me a huge light bulb about this foreshadowing and has brought me to a place where the Pre-Tribulation Rapture is even more convincing.

. : : First a few points

1. We see in the story of Noah that before the flood was this guy called Enoch who believed in God. This guy was actually Raptured off the planet by God and was seen no more.

2. In Genesis 6, we see that the ‘sons of God’ had children with the human women. Where ever in the Bible we see the phrase ‘sons of God’ it is talking about a being that was CREATED by God at some point as eternal from the moment of their creation. This describes angels perfectly. They were at some point CREATED by God but created to live forever. This caused a hybrid race of beings called the Nephilim. They were not born as pure humans. They were a hybrid and this combining of genes from two different types of beings caused severe evil in the world at that time (Genesis 6:5).

“And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, IT WAS CORRUPT; FOR ALL FLESH HAD CORRUPTED HIS WAY upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end OF ALL FLESH is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence –THROUGH THEM–; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.” (Genesis 6:12-13 KJV)

Extreme violence and evil through who? Noah and his family? No. Through “THEM”, through the Nephilim hybrid humans. They kept procreating and the pure humans kept dying off until only Noah and his family were left as pure humans. All the rest were just evil doers continually with extreme violent intent and works. They were no longer human.

God created all creatures on Earth to mate only with their own kind. But satan tried to corrupt all humans to destroy us and to stop the blood line to the Messiah who would save the world from it’s sin problem.

3. Noah and his family is said to be the only humans left on Earth because they were ‘perfect in their generations’ (Genesis 6:9). It reads in Genesis 6 that all flesh had been corrupted (This word generations is actually where we get the word Genetics from today! A light bulb went off. The Bible tells us that during the Tribulation Period that the Antichrist will demand to be worshipped as God and mandate that all receive the Mark Of The Beast or be hunted down, imprisoned and put to death. The Bible shows that this Mark will be required to be able to buy and sell (new global economic system) in the Tribulation Period and hints that it will also be a medical device. A deception upon the whole world which they will be judged for and will end in disaster.

The English translated word “sorceries” from the following passages about the Tribulation Period is the Greek word “pharmakeia” and is Strongs concordance G5331. This Greek word is where today we get the word “Pharmacy” from!

“Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their SORCERIES G5331, nor of their fornication, nor of their THEFTS.” (Rev.9:21 KJV)

Speaking about the destruction of End Time Babylon being destroyed by an asteroid that will strike the ocean near it, we read that it is a judgment on that nation. Why? Because of their deceptive “pharmekeia”. All the nations were deceived and affected by this medical technology which today we would know as an injected material that will reside in the hand/forearm or head. We can already see today that we are headed for this technology. I believe now more than ever that this Mark of The Beast that Antichrist will mandate world wide, will be a medical injection technology or perhaps a medical tattoo technology (which is already being created today – search it out on youtube).

“And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy SORCERIES G5331 WERE ALL NATIONS DECEIVED.” (Rev. 18:21 KJV)

We also see that those who take this mark at one point will be attacked by locust looking creatures that will sting them and cause boils on their body. We also read that those who take this Mark of the Beast will SEEK DEATH but not find it! (Rev. 9:4-6).

Could this Mark of the Beast technology be something that ALTERS THEIR DNA? In Matthew 24, Jesus spoke of the Tribulation Period to come stating that as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be when He returns at the Second coming event (Matthew 24:36-39). We see that during the Tribulation, those who refuse the Mark will be persecuted and put to death. They will refuse an done day the people who took the Mark will be judged and condemned. I also think this is even more significant than that folks! Is there a foreshadowing from Noah’s story that include the Tribulation Period and also the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of Church Age Believers? I think this goes beyond just evil abounding in the world.

4. After the judgment on the unbelieving world is complete, God makes the waters recess and Noah and his family walk off the Ark onto a new cleansed Earth.

I still think the story of what happened with Noah is a foreshadowing of future events in the End Times but now I see it more clearly and in support of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of Church Age believers.

. : : A thought….

  1. First Enoch was TAKEN by God. He was Raptured. Gone! Never to be found by anyone back in those days! (He is likely one of the 2 Witnesses that God will send in the Tribulation Period as seen in Rev. 11)
  2. Years and years later, Noah and His family were sealed in the Ark and protected through the judgment flood on Earth. 
  3. The unbelieving world was judged and perished in the flood.

. : : Look At The Foreshadowing!

Enoch represents the Church Age believers Raptured before the Tribulation Period judgment falls. They are taken off Earth before satan indwells the Antichrist and starts changing peoples genetics with the Mark of the Beast medical technology, making them a hybrid human race, no longer pure humans. Evil will abound.

Noah and his family represents Israel in the Tribulation Period. The Unbelieving world in the tribulation period is judged. The survivors are who? The ones that refused the Mark of the Beast medical technology. They will be the only pure humans left.

Christ returns to Earth and His feet land on the Earth, He judges the goats (all who took the Mark of the beast) and puts them to death. The sheep (believers who refused the Mark under great persecution of Antichrist) that survived will now enter the Kingdom Age promised to the Jewish believers in Christ from Old Testament times. This new age on Earth is where we see Christ restore all things, the Earth was cleansed by fire and is renewed and the surviving believers in Christ who refused the mark will have been seen as ‘perfect in their generations’ and refused to worship the Antichrist as god but instead believed on Christ to come.

So Noah’s story does fit a foreshadowing of End Time Events perfectly and in depth, as signs for us that Jesus gave Israel in Matthew 24 when He foretold what will happen in the Tribulation Period and it being as the time of Noah.

When we see Enoch in part of this story who was Raptured off Earth and went with God, That INCLUDES the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of Church Age Saints.

A Personal Note:
I am not an expert in End Time Bible Prophecy. There are those that dedicate their ministry to just the topic of End Time Bible Prophecy. My personal ministry’s main focus is teaching against the false ‘works for salvation’ gospel running rampant in these end times. That said, with 2/3 of Scripture on the topic of Bible Prophecy, I believe it is an important topic that most pulpits are just ignoring. I have learned a lot over the years and still am open to learning more and more on End Time Prophecy.

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Brief Overview Of Two Groups Of Believers

Don Gerrity Q&A: Bible Prophecy & End Times, Q&A: Law of Moses, Q&A: The Truth About...
Brief Overview Of Two Groups Of Believers

The Pre-Tribulation Harpazo (Rapture) Of Church Age Believers.

Jesus The Christ is coming back to Earth TWICE. (John 14:1-3, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Titus 2:13. ) First at the Pre-Tribulation Rapture, for His Bride; the saved in our current dispensation of grace, where believers are taken off Earth in a twinkling of an eye, to meet Him in the air, to be with the Lord forever (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Titus 2:13). Second at His Second Coming when He places His foot on Earth when those previously Raptured return with Him to Earth to setup His Earthly 1000 rule of Earth in the Kingdom Age to come. The Kingdom Age of Christ is predicted to be a 1000-year time of peace when Jesus himself will rule over all the nations in perfect righteousness. (Revelation 1:7, Isaiah 11:4-5, Psalm 46:9, Isaiah 2:4)

The Second Coming Of Jesus, The Christ, To Earth

Our Lord Jesus Christ will bodily return to rescue Israel at Armageddon and to establish His 1000 year Kingdom Age on Earth. This future time period we see Christ reigning over this earth from David’s throne in Jerusalem. Old Testament Saints and those martyred during the Tribulation Period for their belief on Christ and refusal of the Antichrist Mark of the Beast, will be bodily resurrected at the Second Coming event of Christ and will be Priests on Earth. Survivors of the Tribulation Period who refused the Mark in belief on Christ (The Sheep in Matthew 25) will repopulate the Earth during the Kingdom Age in mortal bodies.

Matthew 24 and 25 Is Not About Church Age Believers (The Bride Of Christ). It is about the Tribulation Period and After Until The Second Coming Event.

Matthew 24 and 25 is Jesus answering the disciples question about when the Kingdom Age and Christ’s Second Coming will be. The disciples only understood the 1000 year Kingdom Age on Earth after Messiah took control of the world. This is the prophecies they knew and what they looked forward to; The Kingdom Age on Earth with Christ ruling and reigning on the Earth in the future.

The disciples at that time in Matthew 24 and 25, knew nothing about an event called the Harpazo nor what we refer to as The Pre-Tribulation Rapture of Church Age believers. We know this because Paul was given this information from the risen Christ and he described the Harpazo Rapture as a mystery, not yet revealed to humankind. It was new information not known!

Paul describes the Pre-Tribulation Rapture in 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Titus 2:13. So the disciples were not asking Jesus when the Rapture, the great snatching off Earth of believers, would be. They were asking about only what they knew which was The Kingdom Age to come on the Earth. In fact, Old Testament Saints have a destination at their resurrection at Second Coming of being on Earth as PRIESTS. Church Age believers will be returning to Earth with Christ at the Second Coming. Their destination and eternal home at their bodily resurrection at the Rapture Event is the HEAVENLY New Jerusalem, the place Jesus went to prepare for us (John 14) which will be in space hovering at a distance above the Earth (Scripture tells us it will be the light for the world as the sun was darkened.)

Old Testament Saints & those martyred during the Tribulation Period on Earth are bodily resurrected as The Second Coming of Christ to Earth occurs and will reside on the Earth as priests. The Bride Of Christ, Church Age Believers, will reside in the Heavenly New Jerusalem, not on Earth. These will go too and from Earth during the 1000 year Kingdom Age as Kings and Priests.) Old Testament saints are not mentioned as Kings during the time period of the Kingdom Age on Earth.

The survivors of the Great Tribulation (last 3 1/2 years of 7 year Tribulation Period) are the Sheep and Goats of Matthew 25. This is not about Church Age believers nor the Bride Of Christ. The sheep helped others in need because they refused the Mark Of the Beast and refused to worship him or his image. They visited those imprisoned. Help feed each other etc. The goats were the ones that took the Mark of the Beast and worshipped him. They turned in those who refuse the mark. They persecuted the sheep believers. They imprisoned them. They refused to sell the sheep goods and food etc.

At the Second coming we see the Sheep and Goats Judgment of the survivors of the Tribulation Period. The sheep will repopulate the Earth in mortal bodies. The goats will be killed by Christ and will one day be found at The Great White Throne Judgment of the unbelieving, wicked.

Matthew 24 and 25 is all about Israel and those living during the Tribulation Period and after (Matthew 24:29). Even the Parable of the Ten Virgins is NOT about the Bride of Christ, nor the Rapture. The very first word in Matthew 25 is the English word ‘THEN’. So when… is the then? We go backward into Matthew 24 to verse 29, ‘after the tribulation of those days’. It is about the Virgins (always referred too as Israel in the Bible) and Bridesmaids (not the Bride of Christ). The Five wise virgins remained in belief of Christ to come, refusing the Antichrist and his mark to buy and sell. They have to endure Antichrist persecution until the end and remain in belief or be lost. The other five virgins fell and worshipped the beast and took the Mark to buy and sell. They did not endure in belief and will end up taking the Mark of Antichrist and will be refused entry to the 1000 year Kingdom Age on Earth.

The Second Coming Of Jesus, The Christ, To Earth

Our Lord Jesus Christ will bodily return to rescue Israel at Armageddon and to establish His 1000 year Kingdom Age on Earth. This future time period we see Christ reigning over this earth from David’s throne in Jerusalem. Old Testament Saints and those martyred during the Tribulation Period for their belief on Christ and refusal of the Antichrist Mark of the Beast, will be bodily resurrected at the Second Coming event of Christ and will be Priests on Earth. Satan and his fallen angels will be locked up in chains of darkness in the Abyss (Rev. 20), no longer able to interfere with human civilization for 1000 years. Survivors of the Tribulation Period who refused the Mark of the beast  on their hand or forehead, in belief on Christ (The Sheep in Matthew 25) will repopulate the Earth during the Kingdom Age in mortal bodies. Christ will rule and reign on Earth and restore the Earth to the conditions before the fall of humankind. Peace will reign supreme under Christ’s rule.

The End Of The 1000 Year Kingdom Age To Come In The Future

At the end of the Kingdom Age in the future, there will be a final rebellion as Satan and his fallen angels are released from the Abyss for a short while (Rev. 20:7). All who oppose Christ will be killed and the Great White Throne Judgment of all unbelievers from all of time who rejected Christ will take place. Those found at this judgment seat will be found guilty because they never trusted in Christ by faith for salvation and are not found in the Lamb’s Book Of Life. During their life, they refused the free gift of salvation and choose to pay for their sins themselves and will be judged by their works (Rev. 20:12) and found guilty and thrown into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:15), prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). God will create a new heavens and new earth.

Two Groups Of Believers and Two Destinations Of Believers When Resurrected

Old Testament Saints looked forward to the time when Messiah would one day come and be the final payment for sins. This belief kept them saved and animal sacrifices in the Temple, year after year, covered their sins until the Messiah would come and be that final blood sacrifice for sins. The animal sacrifices never paid for their sins, but only covered them as a remembrance of how terrible sin is. It was a foreshadowing of what the Messiah, the Christ would one day accomplish on the cross (Hebrews 10). It was their belief in the foretold Messiah coming that kept them saved until their physical death. They had to remain in belief to remain saved. The Holy Spirit did not permanently indwell Old Testament Saints as we see David show in Psalm 51:11. After the Harpazo Rapture of Church Age believers, the dispensation of grace will end and a new dispensation time period will begin. God will turn back to Israel to save them. During the Tribulation Period the temple will be rebuilt and the animal sacrifices will start up again (all preparations for this are ready today in Israel!). The Holy Spirit will work as in Old Testament times and no one will be permanently saved and born again in the Spirit from the moment of their belief (Eph 1:13-14) as is the case in The Church Age dispensation of grace that we live in. That is why we see the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25, the 5 unwise are Tribulation believers who fail to remain in belief that Christ is coming again, who will instead take the Mark of the Beast.  They will become goats and be judged (Matthew 25).

The Body Of Christ membership is anyone who, during the Church Age, from Pentecost to the Pre-Tribulation Rapture event, that believes on Christ for salvation apart from our works but by trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross . This is by grace through faith and not of ourselves nor our good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). A person who believes the Gospel of Grace Salvation is from that very moment of belief, indwelt by the Holy Spirit and SEALED in salvation until the Pre-Tribulation Rapture (the day of our bodily resurrection), and that means forever (Eph. 1:13-14). God MADE such a person a NEW CREATED BEING in the Spirit that was MADE by God the righteousness of God, in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-21). A truth that even many believers do not understand! The most amazing truth!

God Has Something Special In Mind For Each Group Of Believers

Old Testament Saints were promised by God and were looking forward to what God promised them; an Earthly Kingdom with Messiah ruling and reigning in Earth. This is the destination when they are bodily resurrected at the Second Coming of Christ. This is what we refer to today as the future 1000 year Millennium Kingdom on Earth. The Temple animal sacrifices will take place during the 1000 year Kingdom Age on Earth (Ezekiel 45:13 – 46:15). The Law of Moses never ended but was only paused for the Church Age we now live in. This Church Age was a mystery not known until Jesus sent Paul on that road to Damascus. That is why the Disciples were shocked when Jesus said He was going to leave so the Holy Spirit would come and be the comforter (John 16:1-7) as they thought He would setup the Kingdom Age right then. The truth by Scripture is that The Law of Moses will continue in the Kingdom Age on Earth. Remember that the people will be mortal on Earth except for the Old Testament Saints and Martyred Tribulation Saints who are to be priests on Earth (Rev. 20:6) when they are resurrected at the Second Coming Of Christ, as He places His feet on the Earth on the Mount of Olives in Israel (Zechariah 14:4). Life in the Kingdom Age is described with animal sacrifices in place in the rebuilt cleansed Temple, as a remembrance and acknowledgement of their sin, which they will still have in mortal bodies. The purpose of the Law remains  even today, as a mirror showing us our sins (1 Timothy 1:8-10) and how we cannot perfectly keep all the Law (James 2:10). Those born during this time period will have Christ ruling on Earth and an amazing peaceful environment, untouched by Satan and his angels who will be locked in the Abyss. They will be taught what Christ did on the cross. What many believers today fail to understand is that The Law of Moses will be in place in the Kingdom Age and Jesus will rule with a “rod of iron” (Rev. 19:15).

The Bride Of Christ, The Body Of Christ, is promised by God and are looking forward to a different destination called The Heavenly New Jerusalem (Rev. 21). This is a real physical place in our universe as it has physical dimensions of 1500 miles cubed. This place is the place Jesus promised us believers in Christ,

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:2-3 KJV)

This amazing physical and Spiritual place is the permanent home of the Bride Of Christ which will be hovering above the Earth in the Heavens (space) somewhere above the Earth as it gives light to the Earth at that time (Rev. 21:23-24). It is described in Revelation 21. There will be no TEMPLE IN IT (Rev. 21:22). No temple means no animal sacrifices because those residing in this place are the redeemed. We will be going back and forth to the camp on Earth, the Earthly Jerusalem and will be Kings and Priests. Old Testament Saints resurrected will be priests but the Body of Christ will be Kings and Priests. Two separate groups.

Why Will There Be Animal Sacrifices In The Kingdom Age On Earth?

Those on Earth will still have a sinful nature and will be mortal beings that can sin and can die. In the Old Testament times, God had showed the perfection of His character and Law. A Law no one could keep perfectly and kept them looking forward to the Messiah to save them from this. In the Church Age we now live in, God is showing us the ultimate goodness of His Grace, not under the Law but under eternal salvation by belief on Christ and His finished work on the cross and his rising again (1 Cor. 15:1-4). Scripture shows that in the 1000 Year Kingdom Age, the people on Earth at that time will have both simultaneously. Both the Law and animal sacrifices showing those born in the Millennium Kingdom how terrible sin is and their need to believe on Christ’s payment for sin and will receive God’s amazing grace.

 

Revelation 3:5: Need more works or lose salvation?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Bible Prophecy & End Times, Rev 3, Revelation
Revelation 3:5: Need more works or lose salvation?

Revelation 3:5

“5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (Revelation 3:5 KJV)

Some read this one verse and then decide it means that a person needs more works and better works in order to remain saved, otherwise their name will be blotted out of the Book Of Life. THIS IS A VERY WRONG BELIEF! The Context makes this verse actually to mean the very opposite of this false belief. First off, the very same person who wrote down Rev. , Apostle John, also penned this in 1 John 5,

“4 For whatsoever IS BORN OF GOD OVERCOMETH the world: and this is the victory that OVERCOMETH the world, even OUR FAITH. 5 Who is he that OVERCOMETH the world, but he that BELIEVETH THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD?” (1 John 5 KJV)

The English translated word FAITH in this passage is not an action verb, it is a NOUN and in the Greek from Strongs Concordance is:

“πίστις pístis, pis’-tis; from G3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:—assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.”

It is simply defined as BELIEVE and in context to belief on Christ for salvation. This Verse 5 of Revelation is a promise for a believer on Christ and also an encouragement to believe on Christ for a person not believing on Christ, to become born again by belief on Christ alone. Read the entire pass and it becomes clearer:

“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, AND REPENT. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (Rev. 3:1-5 KJV)

We read here a warning to believe on Christ alone for salvation. Why does Jesus find fault with their WORKS? Well, Jesus taught that the way to bear good fruit for God is by abiding in Him and Him abiding is us. In John 15, Jesus taught,

“3 Now YE ARE CLEAN through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As THE BRANCH CANNOT BEAR FRUIT OF ITSELF, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I AM THE VINE, YE ARE THE BRANCHES: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: FOR WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING.” (John 15 KJV)

In Matthew 7 Jesus taught that people who are focusing on ‘their many wonderful works’ to save them, are not even born again. Christ will on their judgment day tell them that He ‘NEVER KNEW THEM’. Christ was not abiding in them because they never believed on Christ alone for our righteousness (John 3:14-18, 36, 6:37-40). Do you see this truth Jesus taught clearly? No works we do are good enough to save us. The wages for our sins is not good works. The wages for our sin is DEATH (Romans 6:23). In fact all our own righteousnesses are as FILTHY RAGS to God if we are not yet born again. (Isaiah 64:6) Trusting in our own ‘goodness’ in works does not erase our sin debt and that is needed for the Holy Spirit to indwell a born again believer. That is why Jesus said it was important that He die so that the Holy Spirit could come. Jesus paid the sin debt of the whole world on the cross (1 John 2:2) and all who believe on Him has their sin debt eradicated as HIS payment was placed on the believer’s account in belief (2 Cor. 5:21).

Ephesians 1:13-14 and Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us a person is born again and indwelt by the Holy Spirit from the very moment they BELIEVE ON CHRIST ; nothing to do with our goodness nor works. And 2 Cor. 5:17-21 and Ephesians 2:10 states that AFTER we believe on Christ for righteousness, we became a new creation IN CHRIST UNTO good works. We became the very righteousness of God, IN CHRIST. This is because once the Holy Spirit indwells, Christ in IN US, abiding in us as we are abiding in Him (John 15). And so, NOW, once born again, we can bear good fruit for God. My point is a person’s Good Works is as filthy rags before believing on Christ and HIS finished work on the cross. Churches have both saved born again people attending and also unsaved attending. And some of the unsaved THINK they are saved by their good works (Matthew 7:15-23) because they see believers doing good works for God.

Yet, they are not born again by trusting in Christ alone for salvation as a GIFT. A GIFT is never EARNED nor worked to attain nor keep. Otherwise it is not a GIFT. So why is Jesus not happy with the works of the church in Sardis? They fell away from the true Gospel of salvation by belief on Christ and HIS finished work for righteousness and started relying on their good works. It was a progression from a believing Church in the Gospel of Grace to slowly becoming a false Gospel church based on works and not Christ. Jesus wants them to REPENT (change their mind) because that is the road to where the Pharisees in Jesus time on Earth were wrongly believing. It is the sin of Pride. It is Apostate. Jesus warns the Church to get back to the true Gospel of salvation and strengthen the true Gospel belief that still is remaining, as some in the church of Sardis were born again in right belief on Christ alone for salvation and righteousness. Jesus is warning the Church as a whole, before their lamp stand would be taken away completely and they would no longer be a Christian church! The Church false belief in works was taking over the Gospel of Grace for salvation. The church was about to die.

“2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things WHICH REMAIN, THAT ARE READY TO DIE: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” So this warning is to encourage the unsaved in the Church who were relying on good works for righteousness, to repent and believe the true Gospel of Grace through Christ crucified died and risen. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (Rev 3:4-5 KJV)

Many many churches in these End Times are just the same. Many have completely fallen, using the name of Christ but teaching against the true Gospel of Christ and focusing on ‘works for salvation’ or ‘works required from salvation to remain saved’. Others, focus on their works more and more and such Churches are about to die as well from God’s perspective. Good works are good! But they have nothing to do with Salvation other than once born again in the Spirit, Christ is abiding in us and we in Him, and the Holy Spirit indwells us. Good works flow outwardly from our new Spirit.

It is Christ living through us and those good works – they are the ones that matter most.

Apostle Paul,

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20 KJV)

Is The Partial Rapture Belief Correct Based On Hebrews 9:28?

admin Hebrews, Q&A: Bible Prophecy & End Times
Is The Partial Rapture Belief Correct Based On Hebrews 9:28?

“28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:28 KJV)

Some are teaching a partial Rapture based on this one verse. Is the writer of Hebrews stating that only those believers in Christ who are actually looking for Him to return at the Pre-Tribulation Rapture will be Raptured, while other believers in Christ will be left to face the Tribulation Period?

It does sound like that but if we look closer I do not believe a partial Rapture is correct based on this one verse. Why?

1. LIFE IN TRIBULATION PERIOD VERSES THE CHURCH AGE; TWO GROUPS OF BELIEVERS

In the Tribulation Period, those living on Earth will have a big decision to make and that decision is to take the Mark of the Antichrist and worship him, or reject the Mark and not be able to buy nor sell anything and undergo great persecution, jail and/or death by beheading. This is what the Bible teaches will happen during the Tribulation Period.

So from this perspective, those who become believers that Christ is still to come, and before the Second Coming Event, living in the Tribulation Period, this verse does fit. In the Tribulation Period Israel will begin animal sacrifices again. They do not believe that the sins of the whole world were paid already by Jesus on the cross 2000 years ago (John 3:14-18, Colossians 2, 2 Cor. 5:17-21, 1 John 2:2 etc.). They will still be all about their sins having to be paid for.

Hence the ‘without sin unto salvation’ of this verse. When Christ comes at the Second Coming, it will have nothing to do with paying for sins again. The unbelieving Jewish people in the Tribulation will think otherwise. Many will have decided the Antichrist is Messiah come again. Jesus warned the Jews about this stating,

” I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” (John 5:43 KJV)

CHURCH AGE BELIEVERS

For us now living in the CHURCH AGE today, we have the promise that of we believe the Gospel of our salvation (Jesus is God in human form (John 1) who never sinned (2 Cor 5:21) and who died on the cross and paid for the sins of the whole world (John 3:14-18, 1 John 2:2) on the cross by His shed blood as the “once for all” sacrifice for all sins (Hebrews 10:10) and rose again on the third day, that person was reborn in their Spirit eternally. For ever sealed and saved in Christ (Colossians 2, Eph. 1:13-14, 4:30). All sins of the whole world (for believers and unbelievers) was PAID IN FULL on that cross and are already fully judged by God. Jesus’ sacrifice was 100% sufficient to the Father. Now this payment for all sins is provided as a GIFT that a person can receive and accept through belief on Christ, or reject in unbelief. To all who BELIEVE, in God’s foreknowledge of all who would accept the gift of salvation (Romans 5, Eph. 2:8-9, Eph. 1), they have gained all that believing predesitinated them to receive (eternal life, eternal union with Christ, becoming a child of God etc.).

TRIBULATION SAINTS

For those who come to belief on Christ in the Tribulation, they are not seen as sealed at the moment of belief on Christ. Instead what we see in Scripture is that they will have to endure in their belief on Christ by rejecting the Mark of Antichrist and instead choosing great persecution. We see this in Matthew 24. And in Matthew 25, we see that some who believe will give up their belief because of the great persecution, take the mark and not be permitted entry to the Kingdom Age with Christ ruling on Earth for one thousand years. Just as in the Old Testament, their belief on Christ (The Messiah) had to be kept until they died, or the Messiah came and paid for the sins of the world. The CHURCH AGE believers is a separate group of people God has prepared. There eternal destination is the HEAVENLY New Jerusalem. They will be KINGS and priests on Earth in the Kingdom Age on Earth, but they will reside in the New Jerusalem in space hovering Earth. OT Saints look forward to the Kingdom Age on Earth, which is their destination at resurrection at the Second Coming Event. Scripture says these OT Saints and those martyred for faith in the Tribulation Period will be Priests in the Kingdom Age on Earth; not kings, priests. We see here, two separate groups of believers.

The point is, the Pre-Tribulation Rapture is for ALL and ANYONE that believes 1 Cor. 15:1-4,

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1 Cor. 15:1-4 KJV)

To such who believe on Christ Jesus stated,

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in NO WISE CAST OUT. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of ALL which he hath given me I should lose NOTHING, but should raise it up again at the last day.” (John 6:37-39 KJV)

BUT HEBREWS WAS WRITTEN TO HEBREW BELIEVERS. DOESN’T THAT MEAN HEBREWS 9:28 IS FOR CHURCH AGE BELIEVERS?

As I have shown, there are two basic groups of believers:

1. Church Age Believers. All who come to salvation through belief of what Jesus already did on the cross (Penetcost to Rapture). These are SEALED the moment they believe.

2. OT Believers, Tribulation Believers (Martyred in faith or alive at Christ’s Second Coming. These are not sealed from the moment of belief on Christ as that is only for the Church Age Believers. The sealing from the moment of belief on Christ, was the Gospel Paul preached (Eph 1:13-14, 4:30).

Both groups are saved by their BELIEF either way. Well, once again we have to read the verse,

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him
shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28 KJV)

This is an overview statement for –ALL– who will believe on Christ for righteousness. That is for both groups. For all who believe Jesus is God. And so it must include the Tribulation Believers right? And because of this full salvation completion for all believers (either at pre-tribulation Rapture or at the Second Coming) will receive their resurrected perfected glorified bodies. Salvation for all believers will not happen in completion until the Second Coming of Christ Event. That is when salvation is COMPLETE in full for all. And because it must include the second group of saints, that is what the verse points toward I believe.

Also, the context in Hebrews 9 is very clear and if we just read verse 27 with verse 28 it becomes clearer.

“27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:27-28 KJV)

Hebrews 9 is all about how Christ became the final payment for our sin debt and that continues into Hebrews 10. Make sure you read both chapters for the correct context instead of seeing a one line verse (28) and making a Rapture doctrine about it which is totally false. The writer is using a comparison of an unbeliever to a believer. Verse 28 is for ALL BELIEVERS. Verse 27 is a warning to unbelievers so they will consider believing and be saved eternally, just as the previous Chapter Hebrews 10 reads. To ignore this context is a grave error.

The Partial Rapture belief is wrong. So many other Scriptures clearly state the opposite and to believe the Rapture is only for those believers with more or better works, goes directly against the heart of the Gospel truth. How does a person become righteous with God? by our works? Not according to the Bible! Not according to the New Covenant through Jesus Christ Crucified , died and risen!

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Cor. 5:21 KJV)

Are we righteous by our works? Absolutely not. We are only righteous by the work of Christ on that cross and by believing on Him for our justification and righteousness. These verses in context fly against the false partial Rapture teaching.

“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” (Galatians 3 KJV)

“Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” (Gal. 5:4-5 KJV)

“For by GRACE are ye saved THOROUGH FAITH; and that NOT of yourselves: it is the GIFT of God: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should BOAST.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

“To declare, I say, at this time HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS: that HE MIGHT BE JUST, and the justifier of him WHICH BELIEVETH IN JESUS. Where is boasting then? IT IS EXCLUDED. By what law? OF WORKS? NAY: but by the LAW OF FAITH. Therefore we conclude that a man IS JUSTIFIED BY FAITH WITHOUT THE DEEDS OF THE LAW. ” (Romans 3:26-28 KJV)

“Now to him that worketh is the reward NOT reckoned of grace, but OF DEBT. But to him that worketh NOT, but BELIEVETH ON HIM (Jesus) that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (Romans 4:4-5 KJV)

So using Hebrews 9:28, and pulling it out of the context of Hebrews 9 and 10 and believing this one verse somehow means, that only the believers on Christ with more, or better, outward works is very very incorrect. Remember that we must ALL (as believers) stand before the judgment seat of Christ, in our resurrected glorified bodies, having just been raptured to receive rewards. There will be those at this event that will have no reward, no good works with the right motives, yet they are already seen in the New Heavenly Jerusalem (Heaven) but are saved ‘yet so as by fire‘ (1 Corinthians 3:15). If ALL believers from the Church Age must be there for this event, the partial Rapture is false.

The BRIDE OF CHRIST contains all members of Church Age believers on Christ. Whether a physically dead believer or a believer alive at the moment of the Rapture, we will –ALL–be there! Amen!

Go read the passages on salvation such as John 3, John 6, Romans, Ephesians etc. Even read through the Scripture son the Harpazo Rapture. I cannot find anywhere mentioned that a believer must be ‘looking for the rapture’ to be forgiven ALL SINS.  The Rapture teaching is important just as Paul taught it as our very blessed hope. It should be something taught in every pulpit, but unfortunately, it rarely is today in these end times.

Believers.. WATCH. HOPE. it is going to happen whether we are alive as believers, or physically dead! And we will ALL BE THERE as believers on Christ for our righteousness.

THIS IS OUR BLESSED HOPE!

Who “OVERCOMETH” in Revelation 2 and 3? Is it those who do more works or is it all believers from the Church Age?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Bible Prophecy & End Times, Q&A: The Truth About..., Revelation
Who “OVERCOMETH” in Revelation 2 and 3? Is it those who do more works or is it all believers from the Church Age?

First, to understand who ‘he that overcometh’ is in Revelation 2 and 3, we must be using the Biblical definition of who an overcomer actually is. The same John that penned Revelation (yes it is Jesus telling John what to write, but John penned it down) uses the word ‘overcometh’ clearly in 1 John. It is not about a difference of context between 1 John and Revelation 2-3 either as some teach. It is just the opposite I believe. John’s definition is correct and here in Revelation 2 and 3 those who ‘overcometh’ is indeed the believer in Christ and not just a special group of believers who have more works. Here are some context observations as to why I believe this is so.

OBSERVATION 1: REFERENCE TO THE SECOND DEATH

“11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” (Rev. 2:11 KJV)
Here we see who the person that ‘overcometh’. The one who overcometh is the one that will not see the Second Death. So what is the Second Death?
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death” (Rev. 20:14 KJV)
This is describing what will happen to those at the Great White Throne judgment of the wicked, unsaved, unborn again, who reject the GIFT of salvation. So the person that ‘overcometh’ is all who have accepted the free gift of salvation by belief on Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4, John 3:14-18, 37-40, Eph 1:13-14, etc.)
This is the Bible’s definition of ‘The Second Death’ which is where all unbelievers will end up, The Lake Of Fire. So this cannot be a correct interpretation and we must apply this truth as stated to Rev 2:11 as well. And when we do, in proper context, we see the meaning cannot be that ‘he that overcometh’ is a believer who has done over the top works. It is telling us that only the overcomer will not be found at the Second Death. Is that by works? If so, than that means this passage in Rev 2 and 3 is teaching the false ‘salvation by works’, or as we know it today as ‘lordship salvation’ and that just cannot be when we take all the passage on salvation. And I know that the person who preached this does not believe in the false ‘works for salvation’ teaching that is so rampant today. I believe he just has not seen the context I am showing that I see.
In Rev 2, avoiding the Second Death, is everyone that is saved. Not just a special group of believers. That is correct context right? Context found in the passage of Rev 2 and 3 itself. If this alone is not convincing enough there is more.

OBSERVATION 2: JOHN 1. WHO IS A SON OF GOD?

What is the definition of a person who are a ‘sons of God’ in the Bible? Is it any being created by God? Well, no it is not according to Scripture.
In the book of Genesis, we see Angels described as ‘sons of God’ who intermingled with human women and produced offspring called the Nephilim. Why were they called ‘sons of God’? Because a ‘son of God’ is any being that was created by God, as eternal. Not that they always existed, but that they were CREATED BY GOD into an eternal state of being. When Satan and the angels who sided with him in ride against God (their creator!), they fell and became the enemy of God and humankind. They are still eternal beings because that is how God created them. One day they will be cast into the Lake of Fire.
John wrote that,
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (John 1:12 KJV)
As a human, only those who BELIEVE on Christ for salvation and have received Him by being born again in the Spirit (John 3) have BECOME ‘sons of God’. Why? Because the VERY MOMENT a person believes on Christ alone (Eph 1:13-14, and not by our works Eph 2:8-9) for righteousness by faith and trust in His once for all sacrificial blood atonement on the cross (Hebrews 10:10) and His rising from the dead (1 Cor, 15:1-4), their Spirit has been RECREATED by God as a NEW CREATION which God MADE the very righteousness of God, IN CHRIST.
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might BE MADE the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Cor. 5:21)
This is not anything we work to achieve. Our Spirit is a new created BEING as a believer and it is now an ETERNAL being Heaven bound to be with God forever as a son or daughter in His family. In UNION with Christ and the Father and Holy Spirit (John 17).
Now let’s go back to the book of Revelation 21:7 where it reads clearly,
“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Rev. 21:7 KJV)
The one who ‘overcometh’ shall be His son. Not just a special group of believers who have more or better works on their belt. In Rev 21, it is all about the place Jesus went to prepare for ALL born again in the Spirit believers (John 14) and where all believers from the Church Age will end up. It is our blessed hope to be Raptured with glorified bodies as Jesus has and live in this place, the HEAVENLY New Jerusalem.
This is the definition of the ‘sons of God’ in Revelation as well then. Do you see what I mean? Not just some special believers who did more works.

OBSERVATION 3: 1 JOHN’S DEFINITION OF HE THAT OVERCOMETH

Some pulpits are teaching that because the context is different in Revelation 2 and 3,  1 John 5 does not apply. I strongly believe otherwise, especially when we see the context I have shown in observation 1 and 2 above.
Now going back to what I believe is the very definition the Bible is giving for ‘he that overcometh’, found in 1 John. Not just 1 John 5, which is where it is very clear to see what the definition is. But looking at the context just prior in 1 John as well. And we must remember that this is the same John that penned Revelation 2 and 3 we are discussing here. I feel that certainly holds much weight.
John tells us the very purpose of his writing 1 John and it is “so that your joy may be full”. He is refuting the Gnostics that did not believe Jesus is God and that we have been given a new born again recreated Spirit. The joy is knowing that as a born again believer, we are sealed in salvation. We have become the ‘sons of God’ as he wrote in John 1.
In 1 John 5 we see the clearest definition of what the New Testament defines ‘he that overcometh’ is referring too. And it is all believers from the Church Age, not just a special group of believers. John wrote these letter to the various churches in his time of writing as instructed by the risen Christ Jesus our Lord. First, do you think all members of churches are truly believers? Or are some using the lingo and seem to be believers but are not even born again. We find this true in today’s church organizations and it was also true back then when John wrote this. IN fact, he wrote 1 John to refute those teaching falsely among the church. That is how we also must be reading and interpreting Revelation 2 and 3 to see clearly what is being said by Jesus. The churches in Revelation 2 and 3 being discussed by Christ also have meaning of not just the churches of that time, but is a history of the Church of Jesus over time. And we are likely the last churches. Each church discussed have implications for individual believers as well right? So it is important to get the definition of who the overcomers are being discussed.
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that OVERCOMETH THE WORLD, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4-5 KJV)
What does the world view believe? They believe in false ‘works for salvation’ to have right standing with God. Even in non Christian religions, it is all about works works works. We are bombarded with this false teaching constantly. The one that overcometh the world is the one that knows the truth. They are overcoming the lies of the devil ruling our current world system. Our ‘many wonderful works’ will not save us (Matthew 15-23) nor will our works keeps us saved (Gal 3, 4:4-5). It is clear however, that as born again believers, we SHOULD have good works because we have been MADE a new creation in the Spirit, created in Christ UNTO good works (Eph 2:10).
HE THAT OVERCOMETH is all true born again believers in Jesus as the Messiah, The Christ, who is God in the flesh, never sinned, and took our sins and paid fro all sins of the whole world and then rose from the dead. By belief on Chris the believer surely has OVERCOME the world. They are Heaven bound. It is the ONLY way a person can overcome the world; trust and belief on Christ.

OBSERVATION 4: JOHN 16:33, WHO OVERCAME THE WORLD EXACTLY?

Jesus said that HE OVERCAME THE WORLD. He did not ever teach that by OUR WORKS WE can overcome the world. In fact, in Matthew 7 Jesus warned sternly that such people will find themselves at the Great White Throne judgment to be condemned because they were never born again in the Spirit by trusting in Him as the foretold Messiah who was to come and be the final payment for sin. In PRIDE they thought they were good enough. Jesus will tell them, “I NEVER KNEW YOU”. Scary words!
Jesus said,
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 KJV)
So who are the “he that overcometh”? Jesus or believers? We are only overcomers because we are in union with Christ! We are only

deemed HOLY and righteous (2 Cor. 5:17-21) because we are sealed in union with Christ (Eph. 1:13-14). We are only perfect in the Spirit because we are in union with Christ (Heb. 10:14). We are only complete in Christ because.. yeah, we are in union with Christ, and already risen with Christ (Colossians 2).

It Is Christ in us, the hope of glory you see?

OBSERVATION 5: REV. 2:26. IS OVERCOMING & GOOD WORKS THE SAME THING?

“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” (Rev 2:26 KJV)
See that word “AND”? This verse is the only one in Rev 2 and 3, where works will be given a special reward.
There is those who “overcometh”. How? by belief on the testimony of Christ and His death, having paid for our sins and His resurrection. BELIEVERS are all Church Age people who believed on Christ and received the FREE GIFT of being born again in the Spirit.
In this specific verse, it states the one that overcomes AND ALSO “keepth my works unto the end” will be given POWER over the nations on Earth during the 1000 year Kingdom age to come. This is a special reward for a select few exceptional believers.
Two different groups of believers in this one verse and only for a select group of believers – not all believers. The rest of Rev 2 and 3 promises for ‘he that overcometh’ is for ALL Church Age Believers.
This is how I see it with context. Rev 2 and 3 has always been a challenging passage. So many teaching differently about it as well. So far, this is how I see it and believe because of the context.

 

When Does The New Jerusalem Come Down Out Of Heaven To The Earth? Before Or After The 1000 Year Kingdom Age (Millennium)?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Bible Prophecy & End Times
When Does The New Jerusalem Come Down Out Of Heaven To The Earth? Before Or After The 1000 Year Kingdom Age (Millennium)?

“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Rev. 21:2-3 KJV)

Some are teaching that this does not happen until the end of the 1000 year Millennium reign of Christ on Earth. They believe this because of the previous chapter, Rev. 20 where it describes what will happen at the end of the Kingdom Age. The thing is, if you think about it, in Revelation 20, it is just discussing about Satan and His Angels and all those who rejected the great gift of salvation through belief on Christ, and where their final destination is going to be. It shows the Great White Throne Judgement of all the dead who rejected Christ. All at that final destination are going to be condemned because they are not found in the Book Of Life, which contains the names of every person who ever lived who was not blotted out because of unbelief on Christ at their death. It is not a chronological order between chapter 19 and 21. It is like an insert to discuss what will happen to the unredeemed and the devil and his angels and how it will take place. It is written as warning to people to repent and believe the Gospel of salvation.

Then John goes back to writing about the start of the Kingdom Age Millennium reign of Christ on Earth. This is written as a great encouragement for people to believe on Christ and get eternally saved by belief on Christ and His once for all blood atoning sacrifice (Hebrews 10) for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). This is how I see it and it makes sense by the Scriptures in Matthew 24 and Revelation 21 as well.

In Matthew 24:29 Jesus said that after the Tribulation period, the sun and moon will not give it’s light. They will be darkened. That could be the New Heavens of Revelation 21. We already know the Earth will be renewed during the Kingdom Age and become the utopia it once was before the fall of Adam and Eve. Maybe the Earth was taken off it’s axis giving it different stars? It is speculation on my part and we do not know the specifics, but we do know that it will happen.

In describing the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 it does read,

“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.” (Rev. 21:23-24 KJV)

The light of the New Jerusalem will be bright enough as the sun and all on the Earth will walk in it’s light! Jesus said He is the light of the world and this also gives new meaning to the enormity of the presence of God and the light He is.

And then there is another clue in Revelation 21 and that is how it starts right at the first verse.

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” (Revelation 21:1 KJV)

Now let’s compare this to the description Isaiah gave those in the Old Testament as an encouragement about the final destination of those who will believe which is not the New Jerusalem but the Earthly Jerusalem on Earth in the Kingdom Age promised by God to come,

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.” (Isaiah 65:17-20 KJV)

Sound familiar? This sure looks exactly the same as Rev. 21 and the timing is at the start of the 1000 year Kingdom Age where Christ is ruling on Earth, the New Jerusalem hovering a certain distance from the Earth in space.

That is how I see it, in any case by looking at the context closely.

Why Does The New Jerusalem Have The Tree Of Life In It When Believers Already Have Eternal Glorified Bodies Like Jesus?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Bible Prophecy & End Times
Why Does The New Jerusalem Have The Tree Of Life In It When Believers Already Have Eternal Glorified Bodies Like Jesus?

“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Rev. 22:1-2 KJV)

This passage is Jesus describing to us The New Jerusalem. This is the place Jesus referred too when He said,

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and 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 KJV)

I believe that Scripture shows that at the Rapture event, before the Tribulation Period begins, believers will be snatched off the Earth and find themselves in the place Jesus has been preparing for all who believe on Him for salvation; The Bride Of Christ (2 Cor. 11:2). This place is what many refer too as “Heaven”. Only Church Age believers, from the cross to the Rapture event to come, will reside in this Heavenly City.

During the 7 year Tribulation Period on Earth, the Bride of Christ will reside in this city located in the 3rd Heaven where God is. After the Tribulation Period, this physical 3 dimensional object/city will leave the 3rd Heaven and start it’s way toward Earth from space. The New Jerusalem is not on Earth during the 1000 year Millennium reign of Christ on Earth (The Kingdom Age). At the Second coming of Christ we see the New Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven (space). It will arrive hovering the Earth at some distance not mentioned, after the Second Coming. Why do I believe will it not land on the Earth?

If we look at Rev 20:9 it describes the final rebellion after Satan is released for a short time near the end of the 1000 year Reign of Christ on Earth.

“And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.” (Revelation 20:9 KJV)

Let us look at this verse as written in the Greek to gain a better understanding about this beloved city. It says that those rebelling against Christ and being led by Satan, “went UP on the BREADTH of the Earth”. The original Greek word for ‘UP’ is ‘anabainō’ and means ‘to climb…ascend’. The original Greek the word ‘BREADTH’ is ‘platos’ and means ‘a great extent’. The original Greek word for ‘EARTH’ is ‘gē’ and means ‘the earth as a whole, the earth as opposed to the heavens’.

This verse mentions two locations. One is the camp of the saints (City of Jerusalem in Israel on Earth) and the other  ‘the BELOVED city’ (The New Jerusalem hovering above the Earth in space). It does not state one place being attacked in this final rebellion led by the devil. It seems to indicate an attack on the camp of the saints on Earth and a Beloved City. I believe this beloved city is the New Jerusalem.

Because of the enormity of the size of the New Jerusalem which is 1500 miles x1500 miles x 1500 miles it does not seem plausible to land on Earth and that it has 3 dimensions and is within our 3D universe. It is so huge that the Earth would likely wobble if it was on the planet.

The survivors of the Tribulation Period in the future will see The New Jerusalem coming. Unlike the Rapture, which is in the twinkling of an eye, in an instant, the Tribulation survivors (both believers watching for it and unbelievers not watching for it) will have time as it approaches the Earth. The unbelievers will have great fear and hide themselves in caves in terror of it approaching. Believers will be getting very excited!

After Christ judges the survivors of the Tribulation Period (Sheep and Goats Judgement), surviving believers will start repopulating the Earth in mortal bodies. Old Testament saints will be bodily resurrected at that time and will reside on Earth in Israel. Israel is the camp where they will rule over the nations as Jesus has appointed tasks and positions for them to do and fulfill; they will rule as priests. They will live on the Earth. The Bride of Christ have glorified bodies and reside in The New Jerusalem forever, and will be Kings and Priests. And so, the 1000 year Kingdom Age will begin like this.

The Tree Of Life is mentioned in the Garden Of Edan and the fruit and leaves from it sustained Adam and Eve. It has properties giving immortality. Why would it be needed in the New Jerusalem when all who reside there already have eternal glorified bodies that can never become ill nor die? Well when we look at the words closely, it does not state that the residences of The New Jerusalem will be the ones needing it.

“…and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Rev. 22 KJV)

These are for the ‘healing of the nations’. They will be no nations in the New Jerusalem and so this means it is for the mortals living on Earth. The leaves and fruit will give them long life and healing. They will live very long lives, up to 1000 years even as did those before the flood. Remember, the Bride of Christ will reside in The New Jerusalem and be ‘kings and priests’. We will be going back and forth to Earth and the New Jerusalem in helping rule , reign and teach with Christ on the Earth.

Is The Book Of Life And The Lamb’s Book Of Life The Same Book?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Bible Prophecy & End Times
Is The Book Of Life And The Lamb’s Book Of Life The Same Book?

THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE

The Lamb’s Book of Life contains only the names of those who are part of the Church and who will reside in The New Jerusalem, the Heavenly city Jesus is preparing (John 14) for The Bride Of Christ (all believers from the cross to the Harpazo Rapture) (Rev. 21:27). It is not the Earthly Jerusalem in the Kingdom Age to come. This book is the registry of all believers from The Church Age who are indwelled by the Holy Spirit.  No one else will live in The New Jerusalem. It is the eternal residence of The Bride Of Christ who are in union with Christ with the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is important to note that Old Testament Saints are not indwelled by the Holy Spirit as believers in the Church Age are today. The Bride is set apart by God and are in UNION with Christ (John 17:21-26, Ephesians 1:13-14).

Old Testament saints were not indwelled by the Holy Spirit and SEALED in salvation. They had to continue in belief on the Messiah and Christ to come. As such, they will not be part of the Harpazo Rapture event which is reserved for Church Age believers only.  After the Rapture, the Holy Spirit will again not indwell anyone who comes to believe on Christ. They will have to keep believing and reject the Mark Of The Beast until death or The Second Coming of Christ event. Old Testament Saints and those believers who die and/or are beheaded during the coming Tribulation Period will not be bodily resurrected until The Second Coming Of Christ to Earth to setup His 1000 year Kingdom Age (Revelation 20:4, Daniel 12:1-2).

THE BOOK OF LIFE (THE BOOK OF THE LIVING)

The Book of Life contains the names of every person from the time they are born (Psalms 139:16). Once a person has made a decision of finality (God knows who will and who will not believe from before the foundation of the world – Ephesians 1 ) to not believe in the once for all final payment for all sins by the foretold Messiah, The Christ, their name is blotted out of  The Book Of Life.

For Old Testament believers, who looked forward to Messiah coming in belief, they are listed in the Book Of Life (sometimes referred to as The Book Of The Living). Their names are listed in The Book Of Life and they will be Bodily Resurrected at the Second Coming Event (Revelation 20:4, Daniel 12:1-2) and enter the 1000 year Kingdom Age on Earth. We see The Book Of Life again at the Great White Throne Judgement of all the unbelieving dead from all of time and it is where the names of all believers are found, including believers from the Kingdom Age Millennium with Christ ruling on the Earth. Believers from the Old Testament times and new testament times and from the Kingdom Age on Earth to come.

Since those at the Great White Throne have rejected salvation through belief on Christ crucified, their names were blotted out of The Book Of Life and are not found. They are all those who have decided to pay for their own sins through pride in self righteousness, thinking they are good enough, or those who outright just reject Christ. Because they rejected Christ’s full payment for their sins as a GIFT OFFERED, they have chosen to pay for their sins themselves. The wages of sin is eternal death in the Lake Of Fire (Romans 6:23) and all at this judgement seat will be condemned forever in the Lake of Fire. So sad! God did not want them to end up there. The Lake Of Fire was prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41) but they have sided with satan in pride and will end up where he is going. God sent His only begotten Son to pay their penalty in their place so that they could be with Him forever. Yet, they rejected this amazing gift! Unfortunately, they unbelieving will have an eternity regretting it.

Since The Bride Of Christ and both the Old Testament and Tribulation believers will have been resurrected by the 2nd Coming (Daniel 12:1-2, Rev. 20:4), the only other people whose names will be written in the Book of Life at the end of the Millennium are the children of believing Tribulation survivors who will be born and come to faith during the 1000 year Kingdom Age.  At the end of the 1000 year Kingdom Age to come, we see that many of the mortals will not be believers in Christ (even though He is on Earth with them!), satan will be released from the abyss and a final rebellion will occur. The end result is that Christ kills them all and defeats them quickly.

At some time after that, all the unbelieving spirits of dead are bodily resurrected, which is the Second Resurrection unto condemnation. All found at the Great White Throne Judgement Seat of Christ, are unredeemed and unbelievers. They are first shown that they are being condemned because they are not found in the Book Of Life where those who believe on Christ for righteousness are found. Their names were blotted out once they decided in finality to reject salvation by belief on Christ and His once for all blood atoning sacrifice on the cross (Hebrews 10:10).

So, we see that the Book of the Living (Book of Life) and the Lamb’s Book Of Life are not the same book as some are teaching.