Ang hurado mibalik human sa ilang pagpamalandong ug pagtimbang sa tanang ebidensya, ug mipahibalo sa ilang hukom: "Sad-an sa tanang sumbong, ug ang silot mao ang kamatayon." Unsa kaha ang imong bation kon maoy maong balita ang imong madungog? Tingali malumos ka sa kasubo, mawagtangan ug paglaum sa umaabot, ug wala nay bisan unsang angay paaboton.

Kon ang silot unta kay 50 ka tuig nga pagkabilanggo ug human niana makagawas ka, adunay pa unta paglaum. Apan ang silot mao ang kamatayon. Wala nay paagi aron makalingkawas. Mao kini ang kahimtang sa tanang lumulupyo sa kalibotan.

Ang atong unang mga ginikanan nga sila si Adan ug Eva mas misalig sa mga pulong sa bitin (ang Yawa) kaysa sa mga pulong sa ilang Magbubuhat nga Dios.

Sa dihang nakasala si Adan ug Eva batok sa ilang Magbubuhat, adunay duha ka mahinungdanong nahitabo:

1. Ang tibuok katawhan nahimong sakop sa kamatayon.
   "Kay maingon nga diha kang Adan ang tanan nangamatay..." (1 Corinto 15:22)
   "Kay ang tanan nakasala ug nakabsan sa himaya sa Dios." (Roma 3:23)
   "Kay ang bayad sa sala mao ang kamatayon..." (Roma 6:23)
   Ang natural nga sangputanan sa sala dili lamang ang pisikal nga kamatayon kondili usab ang walay katapusang kamatayon.

2. Ang lalaki ug babaye gibuhat sumala sa dagway (larawan o kinaiya) sa Dios, apan human sa pagpakasala, ang ilang mga kaliwatan natawo sumala sa dagway sa makasasala nga tawhanong kinaiya.
   (Tan-awa ang Genesis 5:3 ug Salmo 51:5.)

Sa tan-aw sa tawo, murag wala nay paglaum alang sa makasasala. Aduna siyay silot nga kamatayon nga naghulat kaniya ug usa ka makasasala nga kinaiya nga natural nga nagapadulong ngadto sa sala.

Apan hulat! Adunay dili matupngan nga Maayong Balita!

"Ug nakita ko ang laing manulonda nga naglupad sa taliwala sa langit, nga adunay WALAY KATAPUSANG MAAYONG BALITA aron iwali ngadto sa mga nagpuyo sa yuta, ug sa matag nasod, kaliwatan, pinulongan, ug katawhan." (Pinadayag 14:6)

Ang manulonda nagrepresentar sa usa ka mensahero. Nagdala siya ug mensahe gikan sa trono sa Dios ngadto sa tanang katawhan sa kalibotan. Kini nga mensahe mao ang Walay Katapusang Maayong Balita. Ang mga resulta niini walay katapusan!

Ang pulong nga Ebanghelyo o Maayong Balita nagpasabot gayod ug "Maayong Balita."

Unsa man kini nga Maayong Balita alang kanatong tanan nga nag-atubang sa walay katapusang kamatayon ug adunay makasasala nga kinaiya?

"Ug siya manganak ug usa ka anak nga lalaki, ug paganganlan mo siya JESUS; kay siya magaluwas sa iyang katawhan gikan sa ilang mga sala." (Mateo 1:21)

Ug usab:

"Apan gipakita sa Dios ang Iyang dakong gugma kanato pinaagi sa pagpadala kang Cristo aron mamatay alang kanato bisan pa sa panahon nga kita mga makasasala pa. Ug tungod kay gipakamatarong na kita sa atubangan sa Dios pinaagi sa dugo ni Cristo, labi pa gayod nga luwason kita Niya gikan sa silot sa Dios. Kay samtang kita mga kaaway pa sa Dios, gipahiuli na kita Niya ngadto Kaniya pinaagi sa kamatayon sa Iyang Anak; busa karon nga napahiuli na kita ngadto Kaniya, labi pa gayod nga maluwas kita pinaagi sa kinabuhi sa Iyang Anak." (Roma 5:8–10, NLT)

Bisan wala na kitay paglaum ug mga kaaway pa kita sa Dios, Iyang gipadala ang Iyang kaugalingong ug bugtong nga Anak (tan-awa ang Roma 8:32 ug Juan 3:16) aron magkinabuhi sa hingpit nga pagkamatarong diha sa unod sa tawo ug mamatay alang sa atong mga sala.

Mao kini ang Maayong Balita: Ang labing dakong tinguha ni Jesus mao ang paghatag kanato, isip walay bayad nga gasa, sa Iyang kamatayon ug sa Iyang hingpit nga matarong nga kinabuhi.

Mahimo natong dawaton kini nga gasa pinaagi sa pagtuo (tan-awa ang Efeso 2:8–10), makabaton ug suod nga relasyon kang Jesus, mamati sa Iyang tingog ug mosunod Kaniya bisan asa Siya moadto (tan-awa ang Juan 10:27–28), ug tugotan ang Dios nga ipasig-uli sa ato ang Iyang dagway—ang Iyang balaang kinaiya—aron magpuyo uban Kaniya hangtod sa kahangturan.

"Wala ako maulaw sa Maayong Balita, kay kini mao ang gahum sa Dios alang sa kaluwasan sa matag usa nga nagatuo..." (Roma 1:16)

Ang Ebanghelyo mao ang gahum sa Dios ngadto sa kaluwasan—dili ang gahum sa tawo.

Kitang tanan anaa sa linya sa mga gihukman sa kamatayon ug nag-atubang sa maong silot. Dawaton ba nimo karon ang Maayong Balita sa walay bayad nga gasa sa Dios? Ang mga panalangin sa pagdawat niini walay kinutuban—alang niining kinabuhia ug alang sa walay katapusang kinabuhi nga umaabot.

Niadtong 2009, usa ka talagsaon nga kaplag ang nahitabo panahon sa usa ka arkeolohikanhong pagpangkalot sa Temple Mount sa Jerusalem. Didto nakaplagan ang harianong selyo ni Haring Hezekias (727–698 BK).

Ang marka sa maong selyo nagpakita sa usa ka adlaw nga adunay duha ka pako, nga gilibotan sa mga simbolo sa ankh (Yawi sa Kinabuhi), ug adunay sinulat sa Hebreohanon nga nag-ingon:

"Kang Hezekias, anak ni Ahaz, hari sa Juda."

Sama sa usa ka rubber stamp nga adunay pirma, ang selyo nga gipilit sa talo (wax) gigamit sa panahon sa Biblia sa mga hari ug mga propeta alang sa opisyal nga mga dokumento aron ipakita ang tag-iya ug ang pagkatinuod niini. Kon ang selyo naipilit na sa dokumento, dili na kini mausab (tan-awa ang Ester 8:8).

Ang tanan nga mabuhi sa walay katapusan uban sa Amahan ug sa Iyang Anak nga si Jesu-Cristo adunay usa ka selyo sa ilang mga agtang. Ang pulong nga "signet" o "seal" sa Daang Tugon, sa Hebreohanon, nagpasabot ug "pirma." Ang mga pinili sa Dios adunay "ngalan sa Amahan nga nahisulat sa ilang mga agtang." (Pinadayag 14:1). Kini mao ang pirma sa Dios—ang Iyang kinaiya.

Niining katapusang mga adlaw sa kasaysayan sa kalibotan, adunay dakong pagkadinalian sa pagselyo sa katawhan sa Dios.

"Ug nakita ko ang laing manulonda nga misaka gikan sa sidlakan, nga nagdala sa Selyo sa Buhing Dios; ug misinggit siya sa makusog nga tingog ngadto sa upat ka mga manulonda nga gitugotan sa pagdaot sa yuta ug sa dagat, nga nagaingon: Ayaw una ninyo hilabti ang yuta, ni ang dagat, ni ang mga kahoy, hangtod nga among matimrihan ang mga ulipon sa atong Dios diha sa ilang mga agtang." (Pinadayag 7:2–3)

Ang matag tawo nga mabuhi sa wala pa ang ikaduhang pag-anhi ni Jesus kinahanglan mopili kon modawat ba siya sa "Selyo sa Buhing Dios" o sa "Timaan sa Mapintas nga Mananap" (tan-awa ang Pinadayag 13:14–17) sa iyang agtang.

Giunsa nato pagdawat ang "SELYO SA BUHING DIOS" sa atong mga agtang?

1. Paghinulsol

"Busa paghinulsol kamo ug magbalik sa Dios aron mapapas ang inyong mga sala, aron moabot ang mga panahon sa pagpabag-o gikan sa presensya sa Ginoo." (Mga Buhat 3:19)

2. Pasayloon ang mga sala

"Ang akong paglapas giselyohan sa usa ka puntil, ug Imong gitabonan ang akong kasal-anan." (Job 14:17)

3. Maselyohan pinaagi sa pagtuo ug pagdawat sa kamatuoran

"Nadungog ninyo ug gituohan ang mensahe sa kamatuoran, ang Maayong Balita nga nagluwas kaninyo. Diha Kaniya giselyohan kamo pinaagi sa Espiritu Santo nga Iyang gisaad." (Efeso 1:13, GW)

4. Iselyo ang Balaod sa atong mga kasingkasing

"Hipusa ang pagpamatuod, ug selyohi ang balaod taliwala sa akong mga tinun-an." (Isaias 8:16)

(Ang balaod nga gihisgutan mao ang Napulo ka Sugo.)

5. Pagpanghupaw ug paghilak tungod sa kadautan nga nahitabo sa kalibotan ug sa atong kaugalingong pagkamakasasala

"Ug ang Ginoo miingon kaniya: Lakaw sa taliwala sa siyudad, sa taliwala sa Jerusalem, ug butangi ug timaan (H8420: timaan, pirma) ang mga agtang sa mga tawo nga nanghupaw ug nanghilak tungod sa tanang mga dulumtanan nga ginabuhat sa taliwala niini." (Ezekiel 9:4)

6. Pagmadaogon pinaagi sa Espiritu sa Dios

"Sanglit inyong giputli ang inyong mga kalag pinaagi sa pagsugot sa kamatuoran pinaagi sa Espiritu..." (1 Pedro 1:22)

Ug miingon si Jesus:

"Ang magmadaogon himuon Ko nga haligi sa templo sa akong Dios, ug dili na siya mogawas pa. Isulat Ko kaniya ang ngalan sa akong Dios (ang Iyang pirma o kinaiya), ug ang ngalan sa siyudad sa akong Dios, ang bag-ong Jerusalem nga manaog gikan sa langit gikan sa akong Dios; ug isulat Ko usab kaniya ang Akong bag-ong ngalan." (Pinadayag 3:12)

Ang mga pulong sulod sa parentesis gidugang aron sa paghatag og dugang nga pagpasabot ug paghatag og gibug-aton.

Ang "SELYO SA BUHING DIOS" nagagikan sa Amahan, ang Tinubdan ug Magbubuhat sa kinabuhi, ug sa Iyang bugtong nga Anak nga si Jesu-Cristo, nga namatay alang sa atong mga sala ug nagkinabuhi sa hingpit nga kinabuhi diha sa tawhanong unod. Gihigugma nila kita pag-ayo ug nagatinguha nga ibutang ang maong selyo sa atong mga agtang aron magpuyo kita uban kanila sa walay katapusan.

Pilia ba nimo karon nga ang maong pagselyo mahitabo sa imong kinabuhi?

ANG PITONG MISTERYO SA DIOS

Sukad pa sa sinugdanan sa panahon, ang katawhan nahani sa mga misteryo—mga butang nga wala pa mailhi, natago, o labaw sa atong pagsabot. Gipahinumdoman kita sa Biblia nga adunay mga tinago nga butang nga iya sa Dios, apan tungod sa Iyang grasya, Iyang gipadayag ang tanan nga kinahanglan natong mahibaloan alang sa atong kaluwasan (Deuteronomio 29:29).

Ang Unang Misteryo: Si Jesus isip Tinagong Kaalam sa Dios

Sa wala pa mamugna ang kalibotan, ang kaalam sa Dios natago. Apan tungod sa Iyang gugma, Iyang gipadayag kini pinaagi sa Iyang Anak. Si Jesus "gipagula" o gianak (begotten) sa Amahan sukad pa sa walay katapusan. Naglungtad na Siya sa wala pa ang kabukiran, ang kadagatan, ug bisan ang yuta mismo (Panultihon 8:22–25; Mikas 5:2). Makapahupay ug makapaubos sa atong kasingkasing ang paghunahuna nga ang Usa nga milakaw taliwala sa mga tawo gitagana na sukad pa sa walay katapusan aron mahimong atong Manluluwas.

Ang Ikaduhang Misteryo: Ang Amahan ug ang Anak

Walay bisan kinsa nga nakakita sa Dios nga Amahan, apan Iyang gipadayag ang Iyang kaugalingon pinaagi ni Jesus (Juan 1:18; Juan 14:9; Efeso 3:9). Ang Amahan dili makita, apan si Jesus—ang Pulong nga nahimong unod—nahimong makita nga hulagway sa gugma, kalooy, ug kamatuoran sa Dios. Sa tibuok Kasulatan, si Jesus maoy nagrepresentar sa presensya sa Amahan ug nagpakita kanato kon unsa gayod ang Dios. Sa dihang makita nato si Jesus, makita nato ang pagpadayag sa Amahan.

Ang Ikatulong Misteryo: Ang Sinugdanan sa Sala

Si Lucifer, nga kaniadto usa ka hingpit nga kerubin, mipili sa pagrebelde kaysa pagtuman. Gidala niya ang ikatulong bahin sa mga anghel sa pagsukol batok sa Dios, ug adunay gubat sa langit (Ezekiel 28:14–15; Isaias 14:12–14; Pinadayag 12:7–9). Ang sala misulod sa usa ka hingpit nga uniberso, ug ang mga sangputanan niini miabot dili lamang sa langit kondili usab sa tibuok katawhan. Kini nga misteryo nagpahinumdom kanato sa kabug-at sa pagpili batok sa hingpit nga kabubut-on sa Dios.

Ang Ikaupat nga Misteryo: Ang Sala sa Tawo

Ang tawo gibuhat sumala sa dagway sa Dios, apan sila si Adan ug Eva nalimbongan ug misalig sa mga pulong ni Satanas labaw pa sa Pulong sa Dios. Ang ilang pagsupak nagdala ug kahadlok, kaulaw, ug pagkabulag gikan sa presensya sa ilang Magbubuhat. Sukad niadto, ang katawhan nakapanunod sa usa ka kinaiya nga daling madani ngadto sa sala (Genesis 1:26; 3:6–8; 5:3). Kini nga misteryo usa ka salamin sa atong kaugalingong kasingkasing: kapila ba kita maminaw sa kalibotan kaysa sa tingog sa Dios?

Ang Ikalimang Misteryo: Ang Kaluwasan Pinaagi kang Jesus

Milukop ang gugma sa Dios sa dihang Iyang gihatag ang Iyang bugtong nga Anak aron luwason ang katawhan. Si Jesus nagsul-ob sa tawhanong unod, nagkinabuhi nga walay sala, ug naghalad sa Iyang kinabuhi isip hingpit nga halad alang kanato. Karon Siya ang atong Labawng Sacerdote ug Tigpataliwala, nga nagaagda kanato sa pagbaylo sa atong kinabuhi nga nahugawan sa sala ngadto sa Iyang pagkamatarong (Pinadayag 13:8; 1 Timoteo 3:16; Lucas 1:31–35). Makasabut ba gayod kita sa giladmon sa maong dakong gasa?

Ang Ikaunom nga Misteryo: Ang Pagpasig-uli sa Dagway sa Dios Diha sa Tawo

Gitinguha ni Jesus ang pagpuyo sa atong mga kasingkasing aron mapasig-uli ang dagway sa Dios nga nawala sa Eden. Pinaagi sa Iyang Espiritu, kita mausab, maputli, ug mapalig-on sa pagkinabuhi nga matarong ug sa paglakaw subay sa Iyang balaod (Colosas 1:27; Roma 8:3–4). Dili lamang kini paglaum alang sa umaabot—usa kini ka imbitasyon ngadto sa usa ka buhing pakig-uban kang Cristo nga nagsugod karon.

Ang Ikapitong Misteryo: Ang Paghimaya ug ang Kinabuhing Walay Katapusan

Sa dihang hingpit nang mapasig-uli ang dagway sa Dios diha kanato, mobalik si Jesus aron kuhaon ang Iyang mga tinubos ngadto sa ilang puluy-anan. Ang atong lawas nga may kamatayon ilisan ug lawas nga walay kamatayon, ug magpuyo kita uban Kaniya sa walay katapusan sa hingpit nga kalipay ug kalinaw. Ang maong saad walay katapusan, apan nagsugod kini sa kasingkasing nga andam sa pagpangita Kaniya karon.

Kining mga misteryo dili gituyo nga magpabilin nga tinago o lisod sabton. Ang matag usa niini usa ka pagdapit—usa ka pagdapit sa pag-usisa pag-ayo sa Pulong sa Dios, sa pagpangita sa pagsabot, ug sa pagtugot nga kining mga kamatuoran makahikap sa atong personal nga kinabuhi.

Hinaut nga dili kita matagbaw sa mabaw nga kahibalo lamang, kondili mangita kita sa kadagaya sa pagpadayag sa Dios. Tugoti ang Espiritu Santo sa paglamdag sa atong hunahuna ug sa pag-usab sa atong kinabuhi. Tun-an nato kining mga misteryo uban sa kakugi, pamalandongi kini uban sa pag-ampo, ug tugoti kini nga modala kanato sa labi pang suod nga relasyon uban Kaniya nga mao ang tinubdan sa tanang kaalam, gugma, ug gahum—ang atong Magbubuhat ug Manunubos.

A loving God created humans to have the freedom of choice. Our first parents Adam and Eve had two choices that were in the center of the Garden of Eden. To eat from the Tree of Life and live forever OR eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and die. Unfortunately, they chose the later. The Good News is that the Father sent His only begotten Son (see John 3:16) into the world to live a perfect life and die for our sins to give us another opportunity to choose the Tree of Life (live for eternity). 

The final test is to come shortly to all that live on the earth. It is a choice over loyalty and who we will worship. Two choices: “worship him (God)that made HEAVEN and EARTH , and the SEA..” Revelation 14:7 which is the Seventh Day Sabbath (see Exodus 20:11). The end result will be to live for eternity and be in Fellowship with the Father and  His Son Jesus Christ, and the Angels. OR “causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast” Revelation 13:12 (Mark of the Beast). The end result is separation from Father and His Son Jesus Christ and never living again.

You can worship God on any day of the week but there is a day that is set aside from creation,  that is Holy, the Seventh Day.  What is the counterfeit for the Seventh Day Sabbath as an Holy day? The majority of professed Christians claim that the Holy Day has been changed to Sunday despite not one single direct verse in the Bible. It is impossible to change the Sabbath to the First day as an Holy day! Why? Because that was the First day of creation! God was working and not resting! 

Are we going to try to be saved by our own works like Cain who brought his best fruits and vegetables to worship God or like Able who rested and relied in the words of God by Faith and brought a lamb to sacrifice?

“Give glory to him” comes first before “worship him (God)that made HEAVEN and EARTH and the SEA, and the fountains of waters.” First, give your life fully over to Jesus and accept His perfect life and death on the cross. By beholding Him, thinking about him, following him all during the day, we become changed into His image (see 2 Corinthians 3:18).

Dear reader, I urge you to wholeheartedly be in an intimate relationship with Jesus in prayer and Bible study, experience resting and relying upon His words in the Holy Bible. Worship the living God who created HEAVEN and EARTH and the SEA. Who also sent all the resources of Heaven sending His only Begotten Son who lived a perfect life and paid the penalty for our sins that we may live forever with Him! Amen!

A person opened up an envelop that they received in the mail and the advertisement on the Life Insurance read," Time is Short". We do not know when it is our last day in this life. 

Friend, if you were to die today, would you have assurance of salvation and eternal life in Jesus? 

The “Last Call” message by a loving God is represented as Three Angels in the book of Revelation chapter 14. An Angel in the Bible represents “Messenger”. Angels receive the message from heaven and give this message to those whose hearts are open to receive it. 

The First Angel’s message  of Revelation 14:6,7  is to go “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” It is the “Everlasting Gospel” message. It is given with a “loud voice” which represents its vital importance.  Acceptance of this message as evidenced in the life determines whether the Second Angel’s  message is received and understood regarding “Babylon is fallen” referring to the false church with its false teachings. This in turn, determines the outcome of Third Angel’s message whether choosing the Mark of the Beast and never living again or living for eternity.

What is this message? It is, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made HEAVEN and EARTH , and the SEA , and the fountains of waters.” Revelation 14:7. Who is this God? Looking at the big picture from Genesis to Revelation there is God the Father who had an “only begotten Son” (see John 3:16). This is a literal Son not a symbolic or metaphorical Son. Jesus is God by nature “begotten” of the Father and the Father gave Him ALL authority and power (see Matthew 28:18, John 3:35;5:22,26,27;13:3).

This word “fear” in this context does not mean to be scared of God. This word,  “Fear” is defined in the Greek as: “Reverence” We are to reverence and respect our Creator. How? By “giving glory to Him.” That word glory represents character (see Exodus 33:18,19;34:1-7). As Jesus came to reveal to mankind the character of the Father we are to reveal the character of Jesus to the world. 

“For the hour of his judgment is come”. Notice it is present tense. It is going on right now. For the one dying  their decision has been made and it is final. Soon the living will have made their decision and it is final. The important point here is that it is urgent and need to make a decision today for we may not have tomorrow. 

“Worship him that made HEAVEN , and EARTH and the SEA, and the fountains of waters.” If you were to do a search in the Bible with an electronic Bible tool like E-Sword or a google search on “Bible verses that have the words, HEAVEN , EARTH , SEA you will find 12 verses. The first verse on the list comes right out of the Fourth commandment in Exodus 20:11. It is the only commandment that starts out as: “Remember”.  God would not have put the word “Remember” in the fourth commandment, if it was not to be forgotten. The Seventh Day Sabbath began at creation (see Genesis 2:2,3)and was not only for the Jews but for all mankind.

The real battle is over the human soul between Jesus Christ and Satan. Whose character will we reveal and who will we worship. The choice is TODAY!

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4:5,6

The Bible promises that before Jesus Second Coming that Elijah will come. Does this mean that Elijah who was translated to heaven without seeing death will literally come down out of heaven and reveal himself? Jesus answers this question from the disciples in response to their question of the scribes belief in a literal coming of Elijah. The Bible says, “ Then his disciples asked him, “Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?” Jesus replied, “Elijah is indeed coming first to get everything ready. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, but he wasn’t recognized, and they chose to abuse him. And in the same way they will also make the Son of Man suffer.” Then the disciples realized he was talking about John the Baptist.” Matthew 17:10-13 NLT.

Jesus was not talking so much about the individuals that were giving the message. He was referring to the message that would bring conviction leading people to a decision that would change their lives. We need to understand the context of the prevailing practices of the people who God chose to reveal His character through before we can understand the Elijah Message.

King Ahab and his wife Jezebel turned the people away from the TRUE GOD to worship many false gods that brought about confusion. By inheritance and nationality, Israel claimed to worship the LORD GOD JEHOVAH but in practice they were worshipping Baal the nature god which claimed to govern rain, crops, and fertility. They worshipped also the goddess Asherah that Queen Jezebel supported. God put on Elijah’s heart the burden of bringing the people back to the worship of the TRUE GOD. Elijah, a powerful man of prayer, boldly went into King Ahab’s palace and said, there will be no dew nor rain for the next few years. Let’s see if the nature god Baal that they worshipped would bring about rain. Drought, starvation, and death were the results of no rain for over three years. ‘During the third year that no rain fell, the LORD said to Elijah, "Go meet with King Ahab, and I will make it rain." Elijah went to meet with Ahab…When Ahab saw Elijah he said, "Is that really you, the troublemaker of Israel?" Elijah answered, "I have not made trouble for Israel. You and your father's family caused all the problems when you stopped obeying the LORD'S commands(ments) and began following the false gods. Now tell all the people of Israel to meet me at Mount Carmel. Also bring the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of the goddess Asherah that Queen Jezebel supports." So Ahab called all the Israelites and those prophets to Mount Carmel. 

(WHAT IS THE ELIJAH MESSAGE?) Elijah came to all the people and said, “You must decide what you are going to do. How long will you keep jumping from one side to the other? If the LORD is the TRUE GOD, follow him. But if Baal is the true God, then follow him!" The people said nothing. So Elijah said, "I am the only prophet of the LORD here, but there are 450 prophets of Baal.” (NOTE: NO WHERE IN HISTORY HAS THE MAJORITY BEEN ON THE SIDE OF TRUTH, ITS ALWAYS BEEN THE MINORITY)…” Prophets of Baal, pray to your god, and I will pray to the LORD. Whichever god answers the prayer and starts the fire (on the altar of sacrifice)is the TRUE GOD! All the people agreed that this was a good idea. 1 kings 18: 1,2;17-22,24 ERV. The God that answers by water which was severely needed now but answers by fire let him be God because the atonement was to be made by sacrifice.

What did Elijah do after the Baal prophets could not produce fire on the Altar to burn the sacrifice? The Bible says, “Then Elijah said to all the people, "Now come here." So they gathered around Elijah. The LORD'S altar had been torn down, so Elijah repaired it” Verse 30. The repairing of the Altar is at the very heart of the matter. It is the place where a relationship broken by sin is repaired.  Sin separates us from our creator. The Bible says, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2.  Someone had to die because of sin. In the Old Testament it was an animal sacrifice, looking forward by faith to the creator’s sacrifice Who became “ the Lamb of God (Jesus) which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. When we come to the altar of sacrifice with a repentant heart, our sin is taken away and restoration of our relationship with God takes place. It is interesting to note that Elijah felt it was necessary to repair the altar before calling on the name of the TRUE GOD. 

“..Elijah approached the altar and prayed, "LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, I ask you now to prove that you are the God of Israel and that I am your servant. Show these people that it was you who commanded me to do all these things. LORD, answer my prayer. Show these people that you, LORD, are God and that you are the one who is bringing them back to you." Then fire came down from the LORD and burned the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the ground around the altar. Then it dried up all the water in the ditch.

All the people saw this happen and bowed down to the ground and began saying, "The LORD is God! The LORD is God!" 1 Kings 18:36-39 ERV

Today,  before Jesus second coming the ELIJAH MESSAGE will go to all that “.. dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” Revelation 14:6

What is the ELIJAH MESSAGE for today? “Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Verse 7 ibid 

Respect, reverence, and worship the TRUE GOD. Who is this TRUE GOD? It is the “self Existent or eternal; Jehovah”  who had an “only begotten Son” (John 3:16)in the “express image of his person” (Hebrews 1:3). That is, Jesus came forth out of the Father and is an “exact copy” (see Strongs Concordance G5481)or likeness of the Father. 

In Elijah’s time there was worship of many gods. No different today. Most professing Christians actually worship three Gods in One or One in three with many other variations. That’s called confusion. There is an Elijah message in these last days calling us back to the worship of the TRUE GOD.

“But to us there is but ONE God, the FATHER of whom are all things, and we in him; and ONE LORD JESUS CHRIST, by whom are all things, and we by him.” 1 Corinthians 8:6

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee (FATHER JEHOVAH) the ONLY TRUE GOD and JESUS CHRIST whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3

“You must decide what you are going to do. How long will you keep jumping from one side to the other? If the LORD is the TRUE GOD follow him. But if Baal is the true God, then follow him!"..” 1 kings 18:21

WARNING: In these last days before Jesus second coming there will be fire coming down out of heaven to attempt to prove who is the TRUE GOD. This already has taken place. Do not fall for this deception! The Bible says, “It uses all the authority of the first beast on its behalf, and it makes the earth and those living on it worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. It performs spectacular signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people. It deceives those living on earth with the signs that it is allowed to do on behalf of the first beast, telling them to make an image for the beast who was wounded by a sword and yet lived..” Revelation 13:12-14 ISV

Remember years ago we use to play the game “Telephone” or “Whisper Down the Lane”? First,Line up 10 people. The first person whispers a couple of sentences to the next person and that is repeated down the line. The last person reveals what he or she heard. Typically, the words have changed, and the overall meaning from the original conversation. The game teaches us how stories can change over time and TRUTH changes into misleading and untrue teachings. There are many false narratives or stories on the origin of sin, humanity, our purpose, and the future. Let us look and rediscover the TRUTH in Gods word the Holy Bible that has withstood the test of times.

“And there was war in Heaven. Michael and his angels warring against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels warred, but did not prevail. Nor was place found for them in Heaven any more. And the great dragon was cast out, the old serpent called Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world. He was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.. And his tail drew the third part of the stars (Angels see Rev. 1:20) of heaven, and cast them onto the earth…” Revelation 12:7-9,4

How did war start in heaven in a place of love, joy, and harmony? How did the war transfer to this earth, and battling over every soul for worship? Ultimately, how will the final battle bring an end to this GREAT CONFLICT?

“That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD (H3068: self Existent or eternal; Jehovah) and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:6

“From Everlasting” there was Jehovah the self-existent one who brought forth a SON. The first Bible translated into English says this: “When I was born, there were neither depths nor springs of water. Before the foundations of the mountains were laid, yea before all the hills was I born.” Proverbs 8:24,25 1535 Miles-Coverdale Bible. The 1599 Geneva Bible say, “Before the mountains were settled and before the hills, was I begotten.”Proverbs 8:25. 

“But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” 1 Corinthians 8:6

So there is one God who brought forth a SON NOT CREATED but BEGOTTEN (Strong’s Concordance: G3439-“ONLY BORN”). There is a big difference between created and begotten. Created came out of nothing and begotten means “to bear,” “bring forth,” “born”. It is coming out of someone that already exists. In Matthew 1:1-17  “The Genealogy of Jesus Christ” empathizes being born of a Father. The Father gave His Son Jesus Christ all authority and power to be equal with Him. 

Next to Christ in the heavenly order was Lucifer the highest of all created beings  and he was a covering cherub (see Ezekiel 28:15,16)The Bible says, “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground..For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars (angels) of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north.” Isaiah 14:12,13. 

The phrase in the verse, “I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation” gives us one of the clues of what this GREAT CONFLICT between good and evil between Jesus Christ and Lucifer is all about. “Mount of the congregation is symbolic of divine council and authority” (Biblehub). The other clue is when Jesus the divine Son of God came to this earth and took on humanity He was tempted by Lucifer. Two of the three temptations were regarding His Sonship. The devil said, “ If thou be the Son of God” (see Matthew 4:3,6). Lucifer coveted the position of the Son of God. He wanted to be in all the councils and purposes that the Father and Son had together. He started to whisper his dissatisfaction among the Angels. The Bible says that he drew one-third of the Angels to rebel against the government of God. “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth.” Revelation 12:8,9,4

The Father and Son created all things and the crowning act was creating Adam and Eve in their image (likeness). Some time after creation, Lucifer used a medium, that is a serpent to tempt Eve to distrust the words of God and eat from the forbidden Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Then Eve was the medium to cause Adam to sin (See Genesis 2:17;3:1-11). After creation and the fall of Adam and Eve into sin, God made this prophetic statement: “And I will put enmity (H342: hostility, hatred)thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15. Those that believe deceptions and lies of the devil will be on his side and those that believe and accept the truth will be on God’s side. Truth and error good and evil cannot be on the same side. Sin causes conflict and division. 

“thou shalt bruise his heel.” This phrase is prophetic of Jesus sacrifice for humanity. “God showed how much he loved us by sending HIS ONLY SON into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.” 1 John 4:9. Jesus, the Son of God took on humanity and lived a perfect life that the law demands and died on the cross paying the penalty for sin giving humanity another opportunity in a relationship with the loving creator of the universe. When a repentant sinner comes to Jesus and accepts the great sacrifice for sin and accepts His perfect life, His robe of righteousness he or she is looked at as perfect, as if they had never sinned before. Understanding and accepting that great love of Jesus has for us, we chose by the power of  GOD’s SPIRIT to live Christ-like lives. The devil doesn’t like that and will do everything possible to get you back on his side to worship him by deception, incentives, force, etc. Giving your life over to Jesus moment by moment connects you with the gift and power of the SPIRIT that resists temptation to sin. We can claim all the powerful promises in God’s word to ultimately reflect the character of Jesus.

Jesus is coming soon to take those to Heaven who:

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:12

“Look, I am coming soon, BRINGING MY REWARD WITH ME to repay all people according to their deeds.” Revelation 22:12 NLT

At Jesus second coming the righteous dead are raised up and the righteous living will be caught up in the clouds to meet “the Lord in the air” (see 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17), the wicked will be slain at the brightness of His glory (see 2 Thessalonians 2:8;1:7-9, Revelation 19:15,21, Jeremiah 25:33, & Isaiah 11:4), the wicked dead will stay in the graves until after the 1,000 years and they will be of the second resurrection (see Revelation 20:5,6). The devil and his angels will be in this dark earth for a 1,000 years with no one to tempt. That’s being in prison!

After the 1,000 year Millennium one last conflict occurs. 

“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. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Revelation 21:1,2

New Jerusalem, the holy city, will come down from Heaven and settle on this earth which will be the New Headquarters of the universe.

“And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.” Revelation 20:2,3

After the 1,000 years the wicked will be resurrected. Satan will be able to tempt again. 

“And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city..” Revelation 20:7-9

“Everything that is hidden will be shown, and everything that is secret will be made known.” Luke 12:2. ERV. The inhabitants that ever lived on the earth both the the righteous and wicked will be able to see the Great Conflict from the beginning with war in heaven to its completion. All will see the great sacrifice of Jesus made on the cross in contrast to the cruelty and wicked motivation of the devil. Everyone will see the Great Love of the Father who emptied all the resources of heaven in giving up His ONLY SON JESUS CHRIST so that men and women could be saved. Jesus gave all even willing to be permanently separated from the Father that we may live for eternity. (Read and meditate on Psalms 88 that is prophetic of Jesus). “.. who for the joy that was set before him (JESUS CHRIST) endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

The response of comprehending the everlasting love of the Father and His Son from all the inhabitants of the earth that ever lived both the righteous and the wicked:

“ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

Last scene:

“..and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them (wicked). And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone…” Revelation 20:9,10

God’s LAW of LOVE which is a transcript of His character is fully vindicated. Sin and sinners are no more and the GREAT CONFLICT is forever ended.

Sanctuary: An Invitation to God’s house

“Thy way (H1870: course of life) O God, is in the sanctuary (H6944: sacred place, Holy) who is sogreat a God as our God?” Psalms 77:13. This same Hebrew word appears in a miraculous story that demonstrates the power of God. In the wilderness, Moses saw a bush on fire and it was not burnt to ashes. God called Moses out of the burning bush and said, “Don't come any closer! Take off your sandals because this place where you are standing is holy (H6944: sanctuary) ground.” Exodus 3:5 GW. When we study the sanctuary it’s structure and most importantly of all its functions, it’s done with Holy awe and reverence. 

According to Jeremiah 17:12, the sanctuary existed, “from the beginning..”The original purpose of the sanctuary, the house of God, “the mount of the congregation” was a place of assembly, worship, a place of learning new insights into the wisdom of God the Father and His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, and for council meetings (1 Kings 22:19).

God is a relational God and wants to be in an intimate relationship with us. He is inviting the inhabitants of creation to His personal residence. The sanctuary on earth was built after the pattern of heavenly sanctuary (see Exodus 25:9, Hebrews 8:2,5). 

Let us take a look at the original sanctuary in heaven so that we can best understand the earthly sanctuary, it’s purposes and functions. 

Jeremiah 17:12 also says that God had “A glorious high throne..” in the sanctuary. Ezekiel the prophet was caught up in vision and describes what he saw in the sanctuary of heaven. He saw a throne made of sapphire, a beautiful blue color as the skies in the heavens(see Exodus 24:10 and Ezekiel 10:1). “.. On the throne was a figure that looked like a human. Then I saw what he looked like from the waist up. He looked like glowing bronze with fire all around it. From the waist down, he looked like fire. A bright light surrounded him. The brightness all around him looked like a rainbow in the clouds. It was like the LORD'S glory.” Ezekiel 1:26-28 GW. Leading up to the throne were stones of fire (Ezekiel 28:14). and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. (Ezekiel 1:13,14). 

Below the throne was a mercy seat with covering cherubs on each side symbolizing guarding and protecting it (see Ezekiel 28:14,16; Exodus 25:18-20,22, Hebrews 9:5). Ezekiel chapter 28 describes that one of the Cherubs, Lucifer, rebelled against God and His government and particularly jealous of God’s Son Jesus Christ supremacy (Isaiah 14:12-14, Ezekiel 28:14-18, Matthew 4:3,6). He is the enemy of souls and wants to destroy all of creation spreading lies, deception, incentives, and force. He desires everyone to worship him and not the SON. The Bible says he and a third of the angels that he deceived were kicked out of heaven and will eventually come to ashes (see Ezekiel 28:18, Matthew 25:41, Revelation 12:7-9,4; 20:7-10). 

God the Father sits on the throne. At His right hand is His “own” and “only begotten SON” (John 1:14,18; 3:16,18, 1 John 4:9; Matthew 26:64, Mark 16:19, Acts 2:33, Hebrews 12:2). The Father’s Son Jesus Christ was “brought forth” (Proverbs 8:22-30) “from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).Having the nature of His Father, He is God. “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.” John 5:26,27. 

The throne is surrounded with ministering Angels. “A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.” Daniel 7:9. “.. the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.” Ezekiel 1:13. The lightning is the movement of Angels responding to the assignments coming out from the throne room of God to create circumstances and guide in answers to prayers. 

Below the throne is the mercy seat. “And you shall put the mercy-seat (a lid used only of the coverof the sacred Ark) upon the ark of the testimony in the Holy of Holies.” Exodus 36:24. The ark of the covenant or Testament contains “the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant (10 commandments).” Hebrews 9:4. 

The Manna represents Jesus who is the bread of life. Aaron's rod that budded pointed to the confirmation of the priesthood through the tribe of Levi by God to eliminate murmurings and rebellion (see Numbers 17). This symbolizes Jesus Christ having an unchangeable priesthood  and is the only mediator between God the Father and man (see Hebrews 7:24 and 1 Timothy 2:5). The tables of the covenant, the 10 commandments is what governs the Kingdom of Heaven. 

In Eternity past, the law that governed God’s kingdom was “THE LAW OF LOVE”. Loving the Lord God with all your heart, mind, and soul and loving your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). When Humans were created God defined what  “THE LAW OF LOVE” looked like by giving them 10 commandments. 

In front of the throne were three pieces of furniture. The table of showbread like the manna pointed to Christ, the living Bread. It represented man’s dependence upon God for both physical and spiritual food. The candlestick represented Jesus as the light of the world, divine presence and guidance, and the oil represents the Holy Spirit that emanates (Definition: to flow out, issue or proceed from a source) from the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. The Alter of incense represents the merits and intercession of Christ and prayers of the saints (see Revelation 8:3,4). 

After creation and the fall of Adam and Eve into sin, the function of the sanctuary changed. Why? “It is your sins that separate you from your God. He turns away from you when he sees them.” Isaiah 59:2 ERV AND “When people sin, they earn what sin pays—death.” Romans 6:23 ERV. The answer to broken relationships due to sin is the perfect life and shed blood of the creator. By faith those before the death of Jesus on the cross brought a lamb to sacrifice. The sins of the sinner were transferred to the lamb. The throat of the lamb without blemish that was raised in the family was slit. Some of the blood was drained into a cup. The lamb was burnt up on the altar of sacrifice and the priest dipped their fingers into the cup and sprinkled it seven times before the veil separating the Holy place from the Most Holy Place and sprinkled blood on the horns of the golden altar of incense  (Leviticus 22:19,27;4:6,7).

The lamb sacrifices, pointed to the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. When Jesus died on the cross Matthew 27:54 records that “The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” MKJV. That veil or curtain separated the Holy place from the Most Holy Place. This symbolizes that the daily sacrificial system met its fulfillment. We do not need to offer lamb sacrifices anymore but to go before Him and ask him for the forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 4:15,16).

The sacrifices and transferring of the blood to the Holy place occurred every day. “Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience.” Hebrews 9:9. 

By the ceremonial gifts and sacrifices, sin could not be totally blotted out therefore bringing peace to the conscience and reconciliation with God. The blood for the forgiveness of sin accumulated in the Holy Place over the year. Thus a cleansing of the sanctuary occurred every year. It was called the Day of Atonement. 

The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was the most important day of the year. In it the people were to “afflict” their souls by deep searching of their hearts, confession, repentance, and forsaking of sin. It’s a time of investigation. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try (H974: to test, investigate) me, and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”Psalms 139:23,24. 

Those that did not participate in the “Day of Atonement “ were “cut off from among his people.” (Leviticus 23:29). During that time, the High Priest would pick two goats, one for sacrifice and sprinkling the blood around the mercy seat making an atonement (H3722: to cover, cleanse, forgive, be merciful, pardon, purge away) sin. The other called the scapegoat “. Aaron (High Priest) shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.” Leviticus 16:23

Today, we are living in the antitypical “Day of Atonement”. It is a time of individual soul-searching, sincere repentance, and putting away of sin. Not all who profess to be Christians will have eternal life. As it was in the typical Day of Atonement those who did not participate were “cutoff”. “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 AND “ The LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.” Exodus 32:33. 

After completion of the Day of Atonement with every person having decided and sealed in their decision, Jesus leaves His priestly garments in the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary and returns to the earth in Kingly garments. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17. 

The wicked are slain by the brightness of His coming. “For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:29. To those who hold onto unrepentant sin will be consumed. The wicked that were already dead from the beginning to the present will remain in the graves until the second resurrection after the 1,000 years (Revelation chapter 20). 

After the millennium (1,000 years), New Jerusalem including the sanctuary will come down from heaven and appear on the earth. God’s residence will permanently reside on this earth. This will be the new headquarters of the universe. The functions of the heavenly sanctuary will be as it were before sin came into existence. The wicked will come up in the second resurrection and along with Satan and his angels who have been bound to this earth with nobody to tempt surrounded the New Jerusalem in an apparent attempt to take it over (Revelation chapter 20.) Some event is going to take place that will cause “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” 

Philippians 2:10,11. Would like to suggest that the event that will cause this to take place is a panoramic view with a movie showing the events from the existence of sin, creation, fall of man, and Jesus dying on the cross, etc. After seeing these events in history, everyone who has ever lived on this earth will realize that God is Love and Just. 

“And they (Satan, his angels, and the wicked) 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. As the earthly sanctuary was cleansed and purified every year and the sins placed of the scapegoat, so the originator of sin and tempter Satan that caused the sins of the people and the death of the Son of God will meet final punishment. “… I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee (Lucifer, the fallen angel, the Devil, and Satan) , it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.” Ezekiel 28:18

The sanctuary is restored to its original purpose to be the central meeting place of relationships and connections. A place to praise and worship the creator of all things. A place of love, joy, and peace. A meeting place for council. Finally, a place to grow in the knowledge and understanding of Father and His only begotten Son Jesus Christ throughout eternity. 

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3

7 False Teachings that Indirectly do away with Jesus

The great conflict is between Jesus Christ the “only begotten Son” and Lucifer the covering cherub who rebelled against the government of heaven and drew away a third of the angels. He wanted to be on the throne. He is doing everything he can to confuse sincere believers from fully understanding Jesus nature, position, mission, mediator, High Priest, and King. He has created false teachings that sincere Christians believe who not fully knowing what they believe are actually doing away with Jesus.

The way we believe actually forms the course of life and ultimately our eternal destiny. This study is for those who have sincerely believed these false teachings and need greater understanding so they can make informed decisions. They will test and prove all things by the big picture of the Bible and receive the love of the truth.

1. The Gospel

False Teachings: Because I am a good person I will have eternal life. As long as I repent and are forgiven, I will be saved. Lastly, that being saved means eternal life. These teachings do away with Jesus perfect life, His perfect sacrifice for our sins, and getting to know Him intimately by following Him wherever He goes.

TRUTH: “.. all our righteousnesses (being a good person) are as filthy rags..” Isaiah 64:6. “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3 “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people FROM THEIR SINS.” Matthew 1:21. “And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.” John 17:3. NLT “Jesus saith unto him, I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6. In repentance, forgiveness of sin, and giving our life over to Jesus, God credits, Christ’s perfect righteousness to the believers “account”through faith, declaring him righteous. Eternal life is more then repentance and forgiveness of sin but to know Jesus intimately in a relationship with Him and allowing the Spirit of the Father and His Son to transform us into the image (likeness) of God as it was in the beginning of creation.

Implications: Many sincere believers will be lost for eternity due holding onto a belief that there is even a hint of human devising that will save us. Also, we are saved by Faith and judge by works. Not everyone professing to know Jesus will be saved. It’s not knowing facts about Jesus or a superficial relationship with Him. It’s about a deep intimate relationship. “I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit. But separated from me you won't be able to do anything.” John 15:5 ERV

2. Jesus Humanity as “ Son of Man” and His Divinity as “Son of God”.

False teachings:

“Son of man”: Jesus did not have a human nature like us. Mary needed to be perfectly pure, set apart and without sin to bear the Son of God, making her a fitting tabernacle for the incarnation.

“Son of God”: There are three co-equal co-eternal Gods who in eternity past roll-played on who was going to be the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. That means that Jesus is a metaphoric or symbolic Son. Jesus was not “Son of God” before coming to this earth being born of Mary.

TRUTH:

“Son of man”: “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh (G4561: human nature) is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist..” 1 John 4:3. “…God sending his own Son in the LIKENESS OF SINFUL FLESH and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh..” Romans 8:3 “was “…made in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:7. “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 Corinthians 5:21

“Son of God”: King Nebuchadnezzar confessed that the fourth being in the fire was “the form of the fourth is like the SON OF GOD.” Daniel 3:25. “Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his SON’S name, if thou canst tell? Proverbs 30:4. “The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was…When there were no depths, I was brought forth.“ Proverbs 8:22-24. Speaking of Jesus “whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting (H5769: vanishing point; generally time out of mind (past or future), that is, (practically) eternity)” Micah 5:2 “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16. “She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.” John 11:27 “But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” 1 Corinthians 8:6

Implications: Denying Jesus human and divine sonship actually denies His name and mission statement, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people FROM THEIR SINS.”Matthew 1:21. How can He save us from Sin if He is not the literal Divine Son of God? How can He saves us if He did not become human and “touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15?

3. Sanctuary, investigative Judgment, and atonement

False teachings: The sanctuary and its services were only for the Jews in the Old Testament and tied to the Old Covenant and not relevant today. There are no such teachings that there is an investigative judgment in the Bible. When Jesus was resurrected, the Bible says, He went up into heaven to sit at the right hand of God not entering in the Holy Place. Everything regarding our salvation was finished at the cross. This teaching does away with Jesus as our High Priest as mediator between God and man and forever blotting out of sin.

TRUTH: The earthly sanctuary, its furniture, and rituals are a shadow or copy of the heavenly sanctuary(Hebrews 8:1-5;9:1-15). The main point of the sanctuary is that God desires to meet with us (Exodus 25:8). Sin separated our relationship with God (Isaiah 59:2) and the sacrifice of Jesus shedding His blood and mediation as High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary is completely doing away with sin and restoring relationships. Lambs were sacrificed in the outer court daily which symbolizes Jesus “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. When Jesus cried out on the cross “It is Finished” the veil of the temple was spilt in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51. No longer were animal sacrifices needed. This part of the sanctuary service was fulfilled.

Some of the blood from the animal sacrifices were put in a basin and taken into the Holy place and sprinkled in front of the veil and placed on the horns of the alter of incense (Exodus 24:6-8; Leviticus 4:6,17.) This sprinkling of blood symbolized forgiveness of sin but not blotting out sin. The blood accumulated over the year and once a year a cleansing took place on the Day of Atonement.

Every day the priest went into the Holy place trimming the candles and oil to keep them burning(Exodus 25:31-40, Leviticus 24:1-4) putting live coals from the alter of sacrifice with incense ( Exodus 30:1-7) and once a week on the Sabbath bring in two stacks of 6 loaves of bread. Yearly the High Priest went in to the Most Holy Place. In the antitype the apostle John caught up in vision saw the resurrected Christ walking among the candlesticks ministering there in the Holy Place (Rev.1:12-15) and moved into the Most Holy Place as High Priest to fulfill the Day of Atonement and the completion of blotting out of sin forever (Daniel 8:14, Hebrews 9:7-9, Revelation 4:1). The Day of Atonement was a day of searching hearts and repentance( Leviticus 16 & 23). “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try(H974: test, to investigate, examine) me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalms 139:23,24. Those who did not participate were cast out of the camp. Today, those who do not participate will be blotted out of the lambs book of life (Exodus 32:32,33;Revelation 3:5;20:15;21:27;22:19).

Implications: The earthly sanctuary was a faint reflection of the Heavenly sanctuary. All of the furniture and activities pointed to Jesus. All of the activities were connected to each other in restoring a relationship with God due to sin. Our names will be blotted out of the Lambs book of life if only believing and participating in part of the sanctuary services and not the whole services with our Great High Priest Jesus.

4. Baptism

False Teachings: No need to be baptized but what matters most is to be “born again” or “saved” in your heart. Babies need to be baptized to remove the stain of “original sin”. (See false teaching #2).The “holy water” is blessed so all you need for Baptism is sprinkling or pouring water over the head. These teachings do away with the life, death, and resurrection of Christ symbolized by Baptism (Romans 6:4,5)

TRUTH: “Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water (Baptism) and the Spirit.” John 3:5. Requirements according to the Bible to be ready for Baptism: 1. Confess your sins(Matthew 3:5,6) 2. Repent of Sins (Acts 2:38) 3. Believe (Mark 16:16;Acts 8:37,38) 4. Commit to follow Jesus and His teachings (Matthew 28:19,20). A baby is not able confess, repent, and believe, and commit life to follow Jesus. A baby is under the parents until they are able to understand and make decisions. The Greek word for Baptize is baptizō which means “to make whelmed (that is, fully wet)”

Implications: Jesus said that we will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven if we are not born of water and spirit. Not fully immersed in water indicates not fully burying our old life of sin and starting a new life in Jesus. Many are buried alive and continue to live in the flesh-the old life of sin.

5. Sabbath Rest

False Teachings: The Sabbath was for the Jews. The Sabbath was part of the Old Covenant and was nailed to the cross. Sunday is the Lord’s Day. It doesn’t matter what day you worship on or call a holy day. Jesus came and did away with the Sabbath. Jesus gave us a new law to love God and our neighbor. Jesus is the Sabbath. Jesus is the end of the law. It doesn’t matter the day but to know Jesus. This does away with Jesus the Son of God’s changeless words as co-creator of the universe with the Father in the institution of the memorial of creation by resting on the Seventh day after working days 1-6.

TRUTH: The Sabbath is a memorial of creation and was instituted around 2,500 years before the law was given on Mt Sinai (Genesis 2:2,3). The Sabbath is for all people the Jews and Gentiles (Isaiah 56:1-7, Mark 2:27,28). Jesus came to magnify the law and taught by example honoring the Seventh day Sabbath of creation (Isaiah 42:21, Matthew 5:17,18, Luke 4:18, John 15:10). God’s law is His character of Love that cannot change. It is written in stone and is permanently in the ark of the covenant in the heavenly Sanctuary (Exodus 31:18, Hebrews 9:1-15.

Implications: Resting on the Seventh day Sabbath of creation is relying and depending on the promises and words of God. It’s not bringing your best fruits and vegetables (another day then the Seventh day as God said) to worship like Cain did but depending on the blood of the lamb-Jesus like Abel did. His worship was accepted and Cains was not therefore Cain killed Abel(Genesis 4:1-11).

6. Death and Hell

False teachings: When you come to the end of life and die you keep on living by going straight to heaven or hell. Like the cartoons, when you die a ghost like figure which is called the soul comes out of you and goes to its reward whether eternal life or eternal death. Some even have testified that when they have died, had visions of what heaven is like. They come back to life and have shared these experiences with others. If after death you go straight to heaven or hell that does away with a resurrection. If there is no resurrection then this does away with the resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:16-20).These false teachings do away with Jesus meditation as High priest and work of judgment. He only has the keys to hell and death having lived among us and dying on the cross for our sins.

TRUTH: God said to our first parents Adam and Eve, “But you must never eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil because when you eat from it, you will certainly die." Genesis 2:17 GW. The snake who is the devil and Satan said the opposite, “Did God really say, 'You must never eat the fruit of any tree in the garden'?".. You certainly won't die!" the snake told the woman. God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened. You'll be like God, knowing good and evil." Genesis 3:1,4,5 GW. Satan lied and said that you won’t die but keep on living. The Bible calls Death a sleep(1 Kings 2:10, Mark 5:39, John 11:11-14). When you die there is no conscious awareness (Ecclesiastes 9:5,6). Lazarus in the Bible was dead four days. Jesus who is the resurrection and life said, “Lazarus, come forth.” John 11:43. Notice, Jesus did not call him out of heaven. After the resurrection of Lazarus, no recorded testimony from Lazarus that he experienced heaven after he died. Death is the opposite of being created. Creation: Dust of the ground + breath of life = Soul. Death: The body goes back to dust and the breath of life the creative power of God goes back to Him that gave it (Genesis 2:7;3:19;Ecclesiastes 12:7). Lastly, the Bible says, “And, behold, I (Jesus) come quickly; and MY REWARD IS WITH ME to give every man according as his work shall be. Reward both good and bad does not take place at death but at Jesus Second Coming.

Implications: False teachings on the truth regarding the immorality of the soul will set the believer up from strong delusions of demons impersonating dead loved ones. They will say words that contradict the Bible and even making changes to it. “And no wonder, even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14

7. Tribulation and Rapture

False teachings: In the end times the chosen ones with will one day with no notice “be taken” that is raptured up into heaven therefore not going through the tribulation. Those that did not get their act together will have a Seven year period of trial and will be refined and be ready for the second coming of Jesus. The Seven year tribulation teaching carves out 1 week of a prophetic timeline in the past and putting it around 2,000 years into the future. That prophetic week in Daniel 9:24-27 does away with Jesus being anointed at His Baptism in AD 27, His 3 1/2 year ministry, and death (“cutoff” “in the midst of the week”)in AD 31.

TRUTH: The Bible references to Noah and the flood as an example of the events that will take place before Jesus second coming. “For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe (Noah) entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and TOOK THEM ALL AWAY;so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” Matthew 24:38-41. Notice closely, the ones “Taken” were the wicked not the righteous. The one taken and the other left emphasizes personal choice. Some will choose eternal life and some eternal death. No where in the Bible does it say plainly that there will be a Seven year Tribulation. The Children of Israel in the land of Goshen were protected in the 10 plagues that fell on Egypt. So in these last days, the righteous living will be protected in tribulation(John 16:33, Revelation 7:14, Psalms 91:9-11,15). “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12.

Implications: Believing the last week of the 70 weeks (490 years, a day for a year in Bible prophecy) is carved out and put into the future denies Jesus baptism, ministry, and death. Taken out of Tribulation denies the miraculous power of Jesus the Son of God to protect us in Tribulation.

Jesus said, I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

1Co 15:16  For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:

1Co 15:17  And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

1Co 15:18  Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

1Co 15:19  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

1Co 15:20  But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

Psa 73:12  Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

Psa 73:13  Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

Psa 73:14  For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.

Psa 73:15  If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.

Psa 73:16  When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

Psa 73:17  Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

Wounded but Not Defeated: 

How Do We Find True Mental Wellness?

We all have an enemy of souls who delights in destruction, misery, and death. His ultimate goal is to destroy what was fearfully and wonderfully made in the womb (Psalm 139:14). If he does not succeed in that, he creates circumstances to damage us during our character-forming years through physical, emotional, sexual, or spiritual abuse or neglect. Regardless of the age at which the damage occurs, we may grow physically, but we often remain emotionally stunted at that same age. For example, a child may be neglected by parents at age 6. Twenty years later, they are 26 physically, but emotionally, they are still 6 years old. They then spend the rest of their lives trying to medicate the wounds in their hearts through bad habits and addictions. How can we work through these childhood wounds and find freedom from the slavery of this damage-medicate cycle? 

There are also misunderstandings regarding mental health. Society often associates mental health issues exclusively with extreme, overt behaviors—such as crying out inappropriately, hearing voices, foaming at the mouth, or self-harm. However, mental struggles are frequently quiet and internal, manifesting in everyday life through chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. How can we respond in positive ways when stress comes our way? Stress is a part of life, and learning to handle it positively, overall, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, which causes heart attacks and strokes—the number one and two causes of death.

“We know that all creation has been groaning with the pains of childbirth up to the present time.” Romans 8:22 (NLT)

Mental health struggles rarely stem from a single source. They arise from a complex interplay of biological factors (such as genetics, brain chemistry, and gut health imbalances), psychological influences (including trauma and unhelpful coping mechanisms), and environmental stressors (like financial hardship, isolation, or chronic life pressures). Ultimately, all mental and physical brokenness originates from the fall of humanity into sin. 

“The man said, 'The woman you put here with me gave me fruit from that tree. So I ate it.' Then the LORD God said to the woman, 'What have you done?' She said, 'The snake tricked me, so I ate the fruit.'” Genesis 3:12-13 (ERV)

When God originally created humanity, He declared everything to be "very good" (Genesis 1:31). However, after being tempted by the serpent, Eve chose to rely on deception rather than trust God's word, partaking of the forbidden fruit and sharing it with Adam. Their mental state shifted instantly from pure happiness and contentment to intense fear, vulnerability, and shame. Rather than taking ownership, they immediately began deflecting guilt and blaming others for their choices.

Being mentally healthy is found in a new life in Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.

“Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ERV)

When anyone struggling with the following issues invites Jesus into their life, they become entirely new:

• Emotional & Mental: Anxiety, stress, fear, chronic worry, paranoia, obsession, perfectionism, despair, hopelessness, doubt, and unbelief.

• Relational & Behavioral: Bitterness, anger, selfishness, pride, impatience, gossip, being judgmental, presumption, and covetousness.

• Addictions & Deep-Seated Issues: Addiction, lust, greed, abuse, and self-harm.

• Trauma & Psychological: PTSD, borderline personality, multiple personalities, suicidal ideations, and hallucinations.

• Spiritual: Shame, guilt, and a lack of assurance of salvation.

The old way of living passes away. The destructive things you used to do and think about, you now hate. The spiritual things you used to find dull and boring become a burning fire in your bones.

Steps to Mental Well-being: Escaping Addictions and Negative Habits

1. Confess and Renounce Ancestral Patterns


Instead of remaining trapped in a legacy of defeat, take conscious responsibility to stop the cycle by identifying and renouncing the ungodly habits of your family line.

• Scriptural Principle: “But if they will confess their sins and the sins of their ancestors... then I will remember my covenant” (Leviticus 26:40-42)

• Action Steps: Pray and specifically target generational strongholds (such as explosive anger, addictive tendencies, deep-seated fear, or pride). Repent of these patterns, break their power over your life, and ask God to sever those spiritual ties completely in the authority of Jesus' name. 

2. Claim Your Freedom in Christ


Your identity is no longer defined by your past, your wounds, or your family lineage. You are a new creation. 

• Scriptural Principle: “Rise from the dust, O Jerusalem. Sit in a place of honor. Remove the chains of slavery from your neck, O captive daughter of Zion” (Isaiah 52:2)

• Action Steps: Breaking generational sins and healing childhood wounds requires recognizing a vital biblical balance: while families can pass down toxic, dysfunctional patterns, every individual is fully accountable before God for their own choices. God provides absolute liberation through the sacrifice of Christ, the clean slate of forgiveness, and the systematic renewal of the mind. 

3. Choose Radical Forgiveness


Childhood wounds often stem from deep hurts caused by others. Forgiveness is not excusing the offense; it is releasing the offender to God so that you can walk in freedom.

• Scriptural Principle: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). 

• Action Steps: Identify the specific wound, pray for the people who hurt you, and actively release your resentment.

4. Identifying and addressing biological factors that influence mental health. 

There is a mind-body connection

Scriptural Principle: “Don’t you know that your body is a temple that belongs to the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit, whom you received from God, lives in you. You don’t belong to yourselves.” (1 Corinthians 6:19 GW)

• Action Steps:

Biological factors can be actively managed, influenced, and, in many cases, permanently improved. While you cannot alter your inherited DNA sequence, medical science and lifestyle medicine offer powerful ways to modify how your genes express themselves.

The emerging field of epigenetics shows that simple lifestyle choices—like diet, regular exercise, and stress management—can actually turn specific genes “on” or “off.” Furthermore, brain chemistry can be balanced through proper nutrition, movement, and cognitive behavioral adjustments. Due to the constant communication along the gut-brain axis, an imbalanced gut ecosystem directly compromises brain health. Utilizing targeted prebiotics, probiotics, and whole foods can restore this balance and uplift your mental clarity.

5. Taking Thoughts Captive: Biblical Renewal and CBT

• Scriptural Principle: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NLT). 

• Action Steps: Psychological wounds from trauma and unhealthy coping mechanisms can be effectively addressed through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). When negative thoughts loop repeatedly like a broken record, intentionally counter them with positive, truth-based thoughts to rewire your neural pathways. Our old habits of thinking, coupled with the negative suggestions of the enemy, build destructive mental strongholds that dictate our actions, shape our character, and ultimately impact our eternal destiny. Remember: as a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7)

6. Manage Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

• Scriptural Principle: “Don't worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God's peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings... Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:6-8, ERV). 

• Action Steps: Actively trust in divine providence, remembering that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). Consider Joseph, who survived hatred, betrayal, wrongful imprisonment, and isolation in a foreign land. He endured consecutive, profound traumas, yet God elevated him to save many lives. Years later, he told his brothers, "You planned to do something bad to me. But really, God was planning good things" (Genesis 50:20). God can piece any broken past into a beautiful future. 

7. Overcome Environmental Stressors

• Scriptural Principle: “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Philippines 4:19). 

• Action Steps: Navigating environmental stressors requires a harmonious balance of practical stewardship and spiritual resilience. The Scriptures provide actionable blueprints—such as intentional community engagement, faithful financial stewardship, and restorative prayer—to overcome the weight of poverty, isolation, and chronic anxiety. By establishing healthy personal boundaries and focusing your mind on faith, you can rest securely in God’s promise of daily provision. 

8. Seek Wise Counsel

• Scriptural Principle: “For by wise guidance thou shalt make thy war: and in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverb 25:6 KJV)

• Action Steps: Recognize the immense value of seeking diverse, godly perspectives rather than relying solely on your own limited intuition. True safety relies on three key concepts:

• Overcoming Blind Spots: A team of mature, objective, and spiritually sound advisers helps uncover blind spots you might otherwise miss.

• Quality Over Quantity: The proverb emphasizes wise counsel. Seeking advice from dozens of unprincipled or untrained sources will not secure a good outcome.

• Seeking Truth Over Validation: Look for objective, biblical truth and professional insight rather than a cheering section that merely tells you what you want to hear.

9. Minister to Others Through Your Story

• Scriptural Principle: “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Corinthians 1:4, NLT). 

• Action Steps: Allow God to work through your past pain to minister to those facing the exact same conditions. People will naturally relate to your vulnerability. Having climbed the impossible "Mount Everest" of mental health recovery with God, your freedom brings tangible hope to others and positively impacts future generations. Furthermore, serving and helping others has been shown to actively accelerate your own ongoing healing process.

Original Sin Teaching Excuses Sin

I just finished preaching a sermon in the local church on how to have victory over sin and was stepping down off the platform. I was met with a couple who came up to me responding to what I preached. They said, we are all human and make mistakes and we will continue to make mistakes. I could not understand where this false belief comes from until recently being challenged on beliefs regarding the false theological belief on “Original Sin”.  I had never studied this before but my desire is to seek after truth with all my heart. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life..” John 14:6

The Catholic catechism asks the question: “What is original sin?” The answer given is: “Original sin is that guilt and stain which we inherit from Adam, who was the origin and head of all mankind.”

Is Sin an Inherited State or a Chosen Act?

Theological discussions often balance sections of Scripture to understand this topic:

* Passages on Hereditary Brokenness: Verses like Psalm 51:5 and Romans 5:12 emphasize the fallen, broken environment and weakened human nature into which every person is born due to Adam's fall.

* Passages on Personal Choice: Conversely, verses like Ezekiel 18:4 and James 4:17 frame sin strictly as a conscious choice or a deliberate violation of God’s law.

Part 1: The Traffic Accident (Consequence vs. Guilt)

Imagine a drunk driver crosses the center line and crashes into a family’s car, resulting in tragedy. The family in the oncoming vehicle experiences the devastating consequences of the drunk driver's recklessness. However, no logical court would hold that innocent family legally guilty or responsible for the drunk driver's crime.

In a spiritual sense, this reflects the reality of Adam’s fall. Adam crossed the "center line" of disobedience, and as the head of the human race, he brought the devastating consequences of sin—namely, separation from God and physical death—into the world. We are not held personally guilty for Adam's specific choice, but every human being is born experiencing its broken consequences.

“The person who sins will die. A son will not be punished for his father's sins, and a father will not be punished for his son's sins…” Ezekiel 18:20 GW. 

This verse declares that the soul who sins is the one who will die. A child does not bear the guilt of a parent's sin, nor does a parent bear the guilt of a child's sin. God’s justice requires personal accountability. While we face the consequences of a fallen world, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s judgment is fair and impartial.

The bottom line regarding “Original Sin” vs. “Actual Sin” 

And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” John 9:1-2

Ultimately, what matters most is manifesting the miraculous power of God through his Holy Spirit to radically restore humanity back into the divine image, physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.

The Christian experience is not an improvement on the old human nature but being born again and obtaining a spiritual nature. 

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” John 3:5-6

Summary: The Path to Victory

In summary, the Bible teaches that while we inherit a broken, fallen human nature as a consequence of Adam and Eve’s initial sin, true guilt is the result of an actual, personal choice rather than an inherited condition. Because of this fallen nature, we must be born again.

Once regenerated, the believer possesses two realities: the natural human flesh and the new spiritual nature. To live a victorious Christian life, we must continually feed the spiritual nature by remaining totally dependent on the Spirit of God. This mirrors the exact path Jesus walked while on earth, as He lived in total dependency on the Father at every single step of His life.

Who is this Son of man? 

The Son of God, the Messiah; who, though not as yet incarnate, yet was so in the counsel and purpose of God; had agreed in covenant to be man (Psalm 8:4,5;40:7, Hebrews 10:5), was promised and prophesied of as such; and now appeared in a human form, as he did before his incarnation, as a pledge of it, and showing his readiness to assume human nature: he appears in Daniel 10:5-6 "clothed in linen", in the habit of a priest; which office he sustains, and executes by the sacrifice of himself, and by his intercession. 

Who, being in the form of God (divinity as: Son of God) , thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant (Humanity as: son of man) and was made in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:6-7 (KJV)

Through Mary Jesus received the human nature. Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary, divine nature put in human nature. Jesus had a form of God and took on the form or likeness of servant (human nature). Two distinct natures in one person. When Jesus took on Human nature He clothed His divine nature in the human nature. “For such an high priest became us (human nature) who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.” Hebrews 7:26. As the divine Son of God, Jesus is the exact representation of His Father. To redeem fallen humanity, He veiled His divinity by humbling Himself and taking on human form. As one individual possessing two distinct natures—fully divine and fully human. He lived a completely sinless life. Conceived by the Holy Spirit overshadowing Mary, He demonstrated to mankind that a life completely dependent on faith and constantly connected to the Father can successfully navigate temptation.

While Jesus was here on this earth, he asked his disciples, saying, 'Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?' ... And Simon Peter answered and said, 'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.'” Matthew 16:13, 16 (KJV) Jesus favored the title "Son of Man," using it over 80 times to refer to Himself. While this idiom essentially means "a human being," it served a profound purpose: it demonstrated that He deeply understood the human struggle and walked beside us in everyday life. The phrase also carries rich Old Testament roots; for instance, God addressed the prophet Ezekiel as "son of man" 93 times to emphasize his human nature in contrast to divine glory.

“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.” Romans 8:3 (KJV) What does it mean for Jesus to enter the world in the "likeness of sinful flesh"? While various theological views exist, linguistic definitions clarify the text. Strong’s Concordance defines likeness(homoioma, G3667) as a resemblance or similitude. Sinful (hamartolos, G266) stems from missing the moral mark, and flesh (sarx, G4561) denotes human nature with its physical frailties and liabilities.

Therefore, Jesus took on our human nature after 4,000 years of physical deterioration, bearing all its natural infirmities, weariness, and hunger. Yet, He possessed absolutely no internal drive or inclination to sin. He was the Second Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45). Though entirely sinless, He endured our intense temptations and heavy spiritual assaults. By relying completely on the Father's power, Jesus proved that humanity can successfully resist temptation—overcoming in our nature so that we, by partaking of His divine nature, might also overcome.

Jesus ascended to Heaven after His death and resurrection and continued to not only be the “Son of God” but also the “son of man”.

“I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13–14 (KJV) 

Daniel’s vision outlines a profound prophetic sequence regarding the Messiah's status in heaven:

* The Arrival: "One like a Son of man" arrives on the clouds of heaven and is escorted directly to the Ancient of Days (God the Father).

* The Inauguration: He is granted universal dominion, glory, and an eternal, indestructible kingdom over all peoples.

* The Fulfillment: The New Testament connects this scene directly to Christ's ascension and enthronement at the right hand of God, fulfilling His declaration in Matthew 28:18: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."

There are Permanent Reminders of Jesus Taking on Humanity. “Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!'” John 20:27 (NLT). The scars on the resurrected Christ are the most tangible, permanent reminders of His humanity. When Jesus appeared to Thomas, He explicitly invited him to touch His hands and His side. These scars demonstrate that He did not leave His human experience behind; rather, He took His glorified human flesh into heaven as an everlasting testament to His While the Incarnation localizes Jesus’ physical, glorified body to a specific location in the heavenly sanctuary, He remains omnipresent through His divinity as the Son of God. The Scriptures frequently refer to this corporate presence as the "Spirit of Jesus" or the "Spirit of Christ" (Romans 8:9, Philippians 1:19). Through His Holy Spirit, His divine presence dwells intimately with believers everywhere across the globe. 

The Son of Man Coming in the Clouds: Jesus answered, 'Yes, that's right. But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right side of God. And you will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven.'” Matthew 26:64 (ERV). 

When the high priest put Jesus under oath to reveal if He was the Messiah, the Son of God, Jesus answered affirmatively. He prophesied that they would soon see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of power and returning on the clouds of heaven, declaring His dual nature as both fully human and fully divine. 

Summary: Jesus came to this earth and took on our human nature with all its frailties, yet He was without inbred sin. He lived a perfect life and served as a blameless sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sins. After His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven. Although His physical humanity means He is not omnipresent, His divinity—through the Holy Spirit—allows Him to be personally present with everyone who longs for Him. Ultimately, Jesus is not only our Substitute but also our Example.

The Eighth Day-Just the beginning of Eternity

Agate hunting on the beach is exhilarating and addicting. The agates wash up on the beach early in the morning can be discovered easily. Others may not be readily seen and require digging in the sand to discover them. At certain times of the day the sun shines just in the right way and causes a “translucent effect” which makes it easy to spot the bright shiny agates. Hidden “agates” are also waiting to be discovered in God’s word that will bring encouragement and hope for the challenging times ahead. In the Bible, there were seven feast days that the children of Israel observed each year, four in the Spring and three in the Fall.

These feasts pointed to Christ and outlined God’s redemptative plan for humanity. Each has met fulfillment except the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths. This Feast was observed for 7 days. The children of Israel were told to make small booths outside their home and to occupy them for seven days. This symbolized the temporary nature of their lives and reminded them that this was not their permanent home. On the EIGHTH DAY there was a holy assembly. Discovering the significance of the EIGHTH DAY can add some powerful insights.

To help us understand the significance of this day we need to take a look at the cleansing of a leper that happened on that day. When leprosy was discovered on an individual they had to leave their family, friends and home, and were not allowed to worship in the temple. They were declared unclean and were required to remain outside the camp. This represents sin and its consequences which is death.

“For the wages of sin is death…For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

Because of sin, we are outside of the heavenly camp. Romans 6:23 “but as the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord. This is very good news! A leper came to Jesus requesting to be healed. “And Jesus, moved with compassion, put out His hand and touched him (leper)and said to him, I will; be clean! And He having spoken, the leprosy instantly departed from him and he was cleansed.

“And He said to him, See that you say nothing to anyone. But go and show yourself to the priest, and offer those things which Moses commanded for your cleansing, for a testimony to them.” Mark 1:41,42,44

“This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest: And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper.” Leviticus 14:2,3.

After the priest investigated and determined that the leprosy was gone he was required to go through a cleansing ceremony. The leper was to bring two birds to the priest. One bird was killed and the blood was drained into a pot with fresh water. The remaining bird was then tied with scarlet thread to a piece of cedar wood and a branch of hyssop. The bird was dipped 7 times and then was released into an open field. Hyssop symbolizes purification, cleansing from sin, and spiritual renewal. David said, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalms 51:7.

After this ritual the leper could now return to his house but had to remain outside for seven days. On the seventh day, the leper again had to wash his body and all his clothes, shave off all his hair, including his head, beard and eyebrows, Leviticus 14:9. This represented the removal of any taint of leprosy (sin) which might be left. On the EIGHTH DAY He was to bring two lambs without blemish, flour, and olive oil. The lamb was then sacrificed.

After that “the priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering, and the priest shall put it upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot: And the priest shall take some of the log of oil, and pour it into the palm of his own left hand: And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD: And of the rest of the oil that is in his hand shall the priest put upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot, upon the blood of the trespass offering.” Leviticus 14:14-17.

A thorough cleansing of sin by the blood of the lamb Jesus Christ from sin and the anointing oil representing the Spirit of God took place from head to toe. He could now look forward to a new life. Another significant thing that happened on the EIGHTH DAY was the rite of circumcision. When a boy was circumcised it represented a heart change, cleansing of sin, and entering into a covenant relationship with Jesus forever. To summarize and to understand the impact of the “EIGHTH DAY ” Peter makes this startling statement: “

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” 2 Peter 3:8.

The cleansing ceremony of the leper took place in seven days and the “EIGHTH DAY ” was added. Looking at the weekly cycle from creation, we can understand that we have been outside the heavenly camp for 6,000 years due to sin. Jesus will come at the completion of 6,000 years ( “.. day and hour no one knows .. Matthew 24:36) to take us to heaven (see 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17, John 14:1-3).

At the end of the thousand year millennium (completes the 7,000 year [7 day cycle, one day as a 1,000 years] the Bible records these events; New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven to this earth (Revelation 21:1-2), the second resurrection of the wicked ( Revelation 20:1-10), the executive judgment of the wicked and completely eradicating every trace of sin forever by fire (Revelation 20:11-15, Malachi 4:1-3).

The EIGHTH DAY ” may be the beginning of eternity, a new life of love, joy, and peace without any trace of sin. ( Revelation 21:3-5, Nahum 1:9, Isaiah 65:17). The Bible says, “.. On the “EIGHTH DAY ” there will be a holy assembly…” Leviticus 23:36 GW. Redemption and final atonement will have been completed. All sin has been blotted out and there will be no more remembrance of it.

The Apostle John in vision saw a great worship service and celebration taking place: “..from every nation, tribe, people, and language.” No one was able to count how many people there were. They were standing in front of the throne and the lamb. They were wearing white robes, holding palm branches in their hands, and crying out in a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the lamb!"

All the angels stood around the throne with the leaders and the four living creatures. They bowed in front of the throne with their faces touching the ground and worshiped God, saying "Amen! Praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, and strength be to our God forever and ever! Amen!" Revelation 7:9-12 GW.