Well I believe the seals are open because John whrot revelation andAnd Revelation was written around ad in Bible times so and that happened in the past and it's God's love letter to us so God wrote it a long time ago and it's still getting ridden in other translations so yeah so the seals are open cuz John had the vision and it already happened the Bible already happened but around the end in Revelation 22:22 says I am coming quickly and then John says yes Lord be them there it's just my belief cuz maybe you might be correct but maybe not I yeah wait, I just had this thought maybe it didn't happen yet Revelation was just a vision John had and all of rev revelation could be soon but John did write to those churches to the places where Paul started speaking of posted the first church and probably last Church in Bible times so yeah adios amigos
"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."
Revelation 20:11
"And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them."
Revelation 20:12
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."
Revelation 20:13
"And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works."
Matthew 19:17
"And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
We read in Jesus's longest prayer in John 17. For the reason Jesus was sent, He says, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
There is one people of God, as stated in Ephesians 2:15-16.
Scripture does not teach that Israel and the Church are two peoples of God with two destinies. Our final destiny is Revelation 21:1-7. There is not one verse in the Bible that outright says we go or are taken to heaven. From Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, the entire Bible is about the Plan of God and the grace of God. From the beginning of creation. Revelation 3:14 to the end, Revelation 22:12-13.
Genesis 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. Galatians 3:28-29 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
The mystery is that the blessings of Abraham might come on all believers, Jew or Gentile, through Jesus Christ, Galatians 3:14. Jesus had to fulfill the covenant of the law to bring in the new covenant that was prophesied in Daniel 9:27.
The Bible has one theme, one covenant of grace, with one Church united in Christ, with Gentile salvation in view from the beginning. Jews were being saved back then, and today, in God's plan for ethnic Jews, not by giving them a separate destiny as a separate people of God, but by bringing them back to Jesus Christ through faith.
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;"
John 15:10
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
John 14:21
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
John 14:15
"If ye love me, keep my commandments."
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Matthew 24:35
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
If your "battle" is with believing that Jesus is God, may I suggest the following scriptures for your consideration:
Genesis 1:1 along with John 1:1-3, Revelation 19:13, Colossians 1:15-17, Matthew 1:23, John 10:30, John 14:9, Mark 2:5-7, John 8:58, John 20:28, Isaiah 9:6, Philippians 2:5-7, Colossians 2:9, 1 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 1:8, 2 Peter 1:1, Revelation 1:8, John 5:18, 1 John 5:20, Luke 24:52, John 9:38, Acts 10:25-26, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 1:3, Revelation 22:13, Micah 5:2, John 17:5, John 1:14. There are more, but these should suffice.
You mention that "Christians say that there is no separation between Christ and God," and that the bible shows otherwise. Jesus said I and my Father are one, and He also said that if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father. This may not mean anything to you, but in the book of Hebrews, Jesus is described as the APOUGASMA (the out beam) of God's glory, God projecting Himself through the time/space factor in the person of Christ. Jesus Christ, being God, was never separated from the source. This is why Jesus can say if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.
The best example I can give would be taking a flashlight in a dark room and shining it on a wall. The flashlight is the source, and the light is projected on the wall from the source. There is no separation unless the flashlight is turned off. Now, imagine the flashlight being God, and the light shining on the wall is Jesus, again, no separation. Jesus is said to be the true light which came down from heaven, the APOUGASMA of God.
If you are sincerely struggling with the deity of Jesus Christ (Him being God), I hope these scriptures I've provided might help. Also, if you would like, I can share my personal understanding on Matthew 26:39 and Luke 22:42 and why Christ would ask this.
If I may ask, are you a Christian? If so, who do you say Jesus is?
Deuteronomy 4:2: "You shall not add to the word that I am commanding you, nor take away from it, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you."
Proverbs 30:5-6: "Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar."
Revelation 22:18-19: "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll."
These verses serve as a safeguard against human interference that could distort divine truth. They underscore the importance of preserving the integrity of God's Word and the consequences of tampering with its messages.
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last."
Revelation 22:14 "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
That is a very good question. And of great importance in our Day when many people want some message from God in a sign or a wonder.
The only place we will "hear" the voice of God in the Bible itself. When we read or listen to the Bible we are sitting at the feet of God Himself as He speaks to us. We should never be looking for an audible voice or a dream or a vision or a tongue as being the articulated Word of God.
Once God completed writing the Bible in its original languages, God ceased speaking directly to mankind outside of the Bible itself. He made this crystal clear in Revelation 22:18-19
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.
My advice to you and anyone is: Read the Bible, Read the Bible, Read, the Bible. That is God speaking directly to you.
There are those who doesn't think so. They believe that "BELIEVING' is an act of works.
However, throughout scripture it suggests otherwise.
John 5:40 And ye will not COME TO ME, that ye might have life.
John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him COME UNTO ME, and drink.
HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Revelation 22:17. And the Spirit and the bride say, COME. And let him that heareth say, COME. And let HIM THA ATHIRST COME. (AND WHOSOEVER WILL), let him take the water of life freely.
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
That if thou shalt CONFESS WITH THY MOUTH THE LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:8-9
The invitation also went out to Israel!
BUT THEY HAVENOT ALL OBEYED THE GOSPEL. For Esaias saith, Lord, WHO HATH BELIEVED OUR REPORT?
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. Romans 10:16-18.
It amazes me that some say God is done with Israel because they didn't respond to the call, but they say there is NO response necessary for the Church.
Paul answers that in Romans 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
There is another group that believe that God only gave ears to hear to a few. "the elect" and the rest of those God loves is left to enter everlasting fire. Makes sense?
Romans 8:28-29 reads, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
FOR WHOM HE DID FOREKNOW, HE ALSO DID PREDESTINATE to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17.
God knows all things and he knew who would come to him and he predestinated them to be conformed to the image of his Son!
Matthew 7:19 "Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire."
Romans 2:13 "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified."
John 5:29 "And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."
Romans 11:22 "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off."
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Revelation 22:14 "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Brother, my memory could be failing me, but I thought you didn't believe in a rapture so I was sort of taken aback by your statement saying, "The Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming of Christ must be the same event."
I agree that there will be angels coming with the power of God, and they will accompany Christ when He comes back to the earth at His second coming. The scriptures you provided show that, although I'm not sure how Matthew 26:53 fits in there. However, I'm not sure if angels accompanying Christ would rule out the church from coming with Him also.
We have the description of the events of the Second Coming of Christ beginning at Revelation 19:1 and ending at Revelation 22:5. In Chapter 19, we see a marriage feast taking place. Revelation 19:7 says, Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
We know who the Lamb is. But who's His wife that is arrayed in fine linen, clean and white? I say it is the church. We are His bride. Verse 8 says that she (His bride) should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Whoever it is, we are told in Verse 14 that the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. If you are saying that the armies mentioned in Revelation 19:14 are angels, why would they be clothed in fine linen white and clean, the same apparel as the bride in in Revelation 19:8?
We know that angels will be accompanying Christ, but are these angels the ones who are clothed in fine linen, white and clean, or is it the bride that we see up in Verses 7 and 8? Whoever it is, they will be the ones coming with Him and they are the armies we see in Verse 14.
Revelation 22:19 - And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Please notice that it doesn't say the book of the Lamb.
God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. You don't want to take away from the book of Revelation and make it be something else rather than what it is. It is the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
We are given the benediction in Verses 20 and 21:
Revelation 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Then he says the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. And again, as with all the letters, notice the word (be) in your bible is in italics. It's because it's not in the original text. It's not a wish, or a prayer. It is a statement of fact.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is with you all. And then the final Amen!
Revelation 22:15 - For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
For without, that is, outside are dogs, and sorcerers, PHARMAKEA, meaning drug users, and whoremongers, which is PORNEA, the word pornography, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loves and makes, or does a lie.
A lot of things that we're involved with in life is dependent upon the lie. A good salesman knows how to work the lie to make it seem true. We've got to be careful!
Revelation 22:16 - I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
First of all, He is the fulfillment of the Messiah who is to come through David, as we see in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. He is the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant.
And He says He is the bright and morning star.
It was prophesied in the Old Testament that Messiah would be as a star in Numbers 24:17. And also, when we were in 2 Peter Chapter 1 Verse 19, we also saw this where Peter alluded to Jesus as that morning star.
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
And whosoever is willing, desiring, let him take the water of life freely. It's an invitation from Christ!
Revelation 22:18 - For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
There are no more "new prophecies" after the book of Revelation. Anyone adding more is adding to the book.
I am going to push through and plan on finishing this out tonight.
Revelation 22:11 - He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
After all of this, basically John says what we said earlier. If a person is going to be corrupt, they're still going to be corrupt no matter what.
A person who has a heart for the Lord, they may be involved in sin and corruption, but when they hear the gospel, when they have a heart response to God's Spirit convicting them of their need of Christ, they'll be righteous, and they'll be holy.
So, it's basically just a statement right across the board. Whatever you're going to be is what you're going to be, corrupt, unbelieving, or righteous and holy!
Revelation 22:12 - And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
We studied this in 1 Corinthians 3:11-17, a very important piece of scripture. This is where Paul says that we will all stand before the BEMA seat of Christ. It's not the White Throne Judgment that we just read in Chapter 20. It is the BEMA seat, where our works will be tested as to what sort it is.
We're going to be tested with fire. It won't be the lake of fire, but we're going to pass through fire, and our reward will be whatever is left over after the fire burns everything else. Paul says we will suffer loss. Things will be burned that are human and fleshy and not the Spirit of God at all. And our reward will be as we come through the fire.
Revelation 22:13 - I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
You see, here's the Lord. He says I'm coming quickly. And He takes the titles that God gives to Himself from the Old Testament ( Isaiah 41:4).
Revelation 22:8 - And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
This was probably a natural response. After going through all of this, and getting to see and experience all of this in the spirit, he falls down to worship before the feet of the angel.
Revelation 22:9 - Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
Then he says unto me, See thou do it not: for I am your fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book:
And then he gives a command: worship God. Why would an angel say this? At the end of Hebrews Chapter 1, it says the angels are ministering spirits to those who belong to Christ, to those who are saved. So, the angels see themselves as part of God's work among us. He says don't worship me. I'm just a messenger like you are. But rather worship God.
It's kind of interesting because even from the Old Testament, you cannot worship anyone but God. It is blasphemy to give worship to anybody but God. But yet after the resurrection of Christ in John Chapter 20, when Jesus appeared to the disciples behind closed doors, and Thomas was with them, Thomas sees Him and says, "My Lord, and my God."
Well, if He's not Lord, and God, it's blasphemy! Jesus didn't tell him "Hey, you shouldn't say that, Thomas. I'm just the Son. I'm not God." No, He received Thomas' worship because He is God. Worship Him!
Revelation 22:3 - And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
And there shall be no more curse:
In Genesis Chapter 3, Adam and Eve were chased out of the garden because of their sin, so that they would not eat of the tree of life and live forever. So, the curse is removed. But the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
Revelation 22:6 - And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
This is a repeat of Revelation 1:1. The Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. The word shortly in the Greek text (TACHEI) means that when it happens, it happens in a short amount of time. It doesn't mean it's going to happen soon. But when it does happen, it will happen in quickness, a short amount of time.
Revelation 22:7 - Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
The word keeps, and as I have mentioned before, there are several words for to keep. This is not the word to do, or to make. This is the word (TEREO) that is used for to be on guard. And this particular word specifically is to be on guard from being invaded from the outside.
And so, to keep the words of this prophecy is to be on guard, and don't let anything, any influence in this earthly life take you away from the book of Revelation and what its message is. Please keep in mind that the book of Revelation is God's final message to His church. And we'll see that warning in a moment. But the book is called prophecy.
Verses 8 to 11 gives the instructions of the angel:
Revelation 21:27 - And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
And there shall in no wise, literally a Double Negative in the Greek text. It's impossible to enter into it any thing that is defiled, neither any thing that works abomination, or lives a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Notice the two differences. The people who are saved are in the Lamb's book of life. And the people who are not saved, they are not in the Lamb's book of life. Their names were recorded in the book of life (registry of everyone who has been born), but never were they found in the Lamb's book of life!
Revelation 22:1 - And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, again, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal. Again, it's not blue but clear, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
Revelation 22:2 - In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
In the midst of the street of it, and on either side, so you can see that this is symbolic. The tree of life is on both sides of the city street, with the street going right through the middle. So, on either side of the river, there is a tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
The word healing is THERAPUO, which is where we get our word therapeutic from. It represents that in heaven, there will be no pain, no sorrow, no sickness, but it will be a very healthy place to be.
Revelation 21:2 - And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
This is one of the many instances where the New Jerusalem is compared to as a bride of Christ. This one would be the bride of Christ.
Revelation 21:5 - And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
These are the words believers are to hold to, not because the bible says so, but because God says they are true, and they are faithful, and they will come to pass.
Revelation 21:6 - And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
And he said unto me, It is done. Again, the same word for it is finished.
I am Alpha and Omega. That's the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. These are phrases that are attributed to be of God, also found in Isaiah 44:6, and Isaiah 48:12. He says I am Alpha and Omega, which means, as he says, the beginning and the end of everything, and everything in between. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
By the way, these phrases, these titles that God is giving from the throne, it's also referred to Jesus in Revelation 22:13, the same phrases, making reference to His deity.
So, God says I will give the one who is thirsting from the fountain of the water of life freely. That is the word DOREAN meaning without cost.
Revelation 2:26 - And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
And he who is overcoming, again that's a Present Participle. He who (is) overcoming, and keeps my works. The word keeps is not to do. It's TEREO, which means to guard against outside influence interfering with the Lord's works. Who keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Revelation 2:28 - And I will give him the morning star.
Beginning in the book of Numbers, there's a prophecy given to the Jews that the star represented the Messiah. In Revelation 22:16, we will see that Jesus says He is the morning star. It represents the Messianic rule of Christ.
Revelation 3:3 - Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. The phrase "hold fast" is the word TEREO which means to guard.
Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
"And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"
Matthew 19:17
"And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Blessings
"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."
Revelation 20:11
"And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them."
Revelation 20:12
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."
Revelation 20:13
"And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works."
Matthew 19:17
"And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Blessings
We read in Jesus's longest prayer in John 17. For the reason Jesus was sent, He says, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
There is one people of God, as stated in Ephesians 2:15-16.
Scripture does not teach that Israel and the Church are two peoples of God with two destinies. Our final destiny is Revelation 21:1-7. There is not one verse in the Bible that outright says we go or are taken to heaven. From Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, the entire Bible is about the Plan of God and the grace of God. From the beginning of creation. Revelation 3:14 to the end, Revelation 22:12-13.
Genesis 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. Galatians 3:28-29 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
The mystery is that the blessings of Abraham might come on all believers, Jew or Gentile, through Jesus Christ, Galatians 3:14. Jesus had to fulfill the covenant of the law to bring in the new covenant that was prophesied in Daniel 9:27.
The Bible has one theme, one covenant of grace, with one Church united in Christ, with Gentile salvation in view from the beginning. Jews were being saved back then, and today, in God's plan for ethnic Jews, not by giving them a separate destiny as a separate people of God, but by bringing them back to Jesus Christ through faith.
See part 2.
Exodus 20:8
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."
Hebrews 10:16
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;"
John 15:10
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
John 14:21
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
John 14:15
"If ye love me, keep my commandments."
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Matthew 24:35
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Blessings
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Blessings
Luke 13:23
"Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,"
Luke 13:24
"Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
John 10:14
"I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine."
Blessings
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Matthew 24:35
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Blessing's
If your "battle" is with believing that Jesus is God, may I suggest the following scriptures for your consideration:
Genesis 1:1 along with John 1:1-3, Revelation 19:13, Colossians 1:15-17, Matthew 1:23, John 10:30, John 14:9, Mark 2:5-7, John 8:58, John 20:28, Isaiah 9:6, Philippians 2:5-7, Colossians 2:9, 1 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 1:8, 2 Peter 1:1, Revelation 1:8, John 5:18, 1 John 5:20, Luke 24:52, John 9:38, Acts 10:25-26, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 1:3, Revelation 22:13, Micah 5:2, John 17:5, John 1:14. There are more, but these should suffice.
You mention that "Christians say that there is no separation between Christ and God," and that the bible shows otherwise. Jesus said I and my Father are one, and He also said that if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father. This may not mean anything to you, but in the book of Hebrews, Jesus is described as the APOUGASMA (the out beam) of God's glory, God projecting Himself through the time/space factor in the person of Christ. Jesus Christ, being God, was never separated from the source. This is why Jesus can say if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.
The best example I can give would be taking a flashlight in a dark room and shining it on a wall. The flashlight is the source, and the light is projected on the wall from the source. There is no separation unless the flashlight is turned off. Now, imagine the flashlight being God, and the light shining on the wall is Jesus, again, no separation. Jesus is said to be the true light which came down from heaven, the APOUGASMA of God.
If you are sincerely struggling with the deity of Jesus Christ (Him being God), I hope these scriptures I've provided might help. Also, if you would like, I can share my personal understanding on Matthew 26:39 and Luke 22:42 and why Christ would ask this.
If I may ask, are you a Christian? If so, who do you say Jesus is?
Proverbs 30:5-6: "Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar."
Revelation 22:18-19: "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll."
These verses serve as a safeguard against human interference that could distort divine truth. They underscore the importance of preserving the integrity of God's Word and the consequences of tampering with its messages.
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last."
Revelation 22:14 "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Blessings
That is a very good question. And of great importance in our Day when many people want some message from God in a sign or a wonder.
The only place we will "hear" the voice of God in the Bible itself. When we read or listen to the Bible we are sitting at the feet of God Himself as He speaks to us. We should never be looking for an audible voice or a dream or a vision or a tongue as being the articulated Word of God.
Once God completed writing the Bible in its original languages, God ceased speaking directly to mankind outside of the Bible itself. He made this crystal clear in Revelation 22:18-19
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.
My advice to you and anyone is: Read the Bible, Read the Bible, Read, the Bible. That is God speaking directly to you.
May God richly bless you.
Part 1
There are those who doesn't think so. They believe that "BELIEVING' is an act of works.
However, throughout scripture it suggests otherwise.
John 5:40 And ye will not COME TO ME, that ye might have life.
John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him COME UNTO ME, and drink.
HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Revelation 22:17. And the Spirit and the bride say, COME. And let him that heareth say, COME. And let HIM THA ATHIRST COME. (AND WHOSOEVER WILL), let him take the water of life freely.
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
That if thou shalt CONFESS WITH THY MOUTH THE LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:8-9
The invitation also went out to Israel!
BUT THEY HAVENOT ALL OBEYED THE GOSPEL. For Esaias saith, Lord, WHO HATH BELIEVED OUR REPORT?
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. Romans 10:16-18.
It amazes me that some say God is done with Israel because they didn't respond to the call, but they say there is NO response necessary for the Church.
Paul answers that in Romans 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
There is another group that believe that God only gave ears to hear to a few. "the elect" and the rest of those God loves is left to enter everlasting fire. Makes sense?
See part 2.
Romans 8:28-29 reads, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
FOR WHOM HE DID FOREKNOW, HE ALSO DID PREDESTINATE to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17.
God knows all things and he knew who would come to him and he predestinated them to be conformed to the image of his Son!
Blessings.
Romans 2:13 "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified."
John 5:29 "And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."
Romans 11:22 "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off."
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Revelation 22:14 "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Blessings
(Part 1):
Brother, my memory could be failing me, but I thought you didn't believe in a rapture so I was sort of taken aback by your statement saying, "The Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming of Christ must be the same event."
I agree that there will be angels coming with the power of God, and they will accompany Christ when He comes back to the earth at His second coming. The scriptures you provided show that, although I'm not sure how Matthew 26:53 fits in there. However, I'm not sure if angels accompanying Christ would rule out the church from coming with Him also.
We have the description of the events of the Second Coming of Christ beginning at Revelation 19:1 and ending at Revelation 22:5. In Chapter 19, we see a marriage feast taking place. Revelation 19:7 says, Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
We know who the Lamb is. But who's His wife that is arrayed in fine linen, clean and white? I say it is the church. We are His bride. Verse 8 says that she (His bride) should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Whoever it is, we are told in Verse 14 that the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. If you are saying that the armies mentioned in Revelation 19:14 are angels, why would they be clothed in fine linen white and clean, the same apparel as the bride in in Revelation 19:8?
We know that angels will be accompanying Christ, but are these angels the ones who are clothed in fine linen, white and clean, or is it the bride that we see up in Verses 7 and 8? Whoever it is, they will be the ones coming with Him and they are the armies we see in Verse 14.
"And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."
Matthew 24:14
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
Matthew 19:17
"And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Matthew 24:35
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Blessings
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."
Matthew 5:18
"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."
Proverbs 7:2
"Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Blessings
Matthew 5:17
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."
Matthew 5:18
"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."
Proverbs 7:2
"Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Blessings
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."
Matthew 5:18
"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."
Proverbs 7:2
"Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Revelation 22:19 - And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Please notice that it doesn't say the book of the Lamb.
God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. You don't want to take away from the book of Revelation and make it be something else rather than what it is. It is the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
We are given the benediction in Verses 20 and 21:
Revelation 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Then he says the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. And again, as with all the letters, notice the word (be) in your bible is in italics. It's because it's not in the original text. It's not a wish, or a prayer. It is a statement of fact.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is with you all. And then the final Amen!
Revelation 22:15 - For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
For without, that is, outside are dogs, and sorcerers, PHARMAKEA, meaning drug users, and whoremongers, which is PORNEA, the word pornography, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loves and makes, or does a lie.
A lot of things that we're involved with in life is dependent upon the lie. A good salesman knows how to work the lie to make it seem true. We've got to be careful!
Revelation 22:16 - I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
First of all, He is the fulfillment of the Messiah who is to come through David, as we see in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. He is the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant.
And He says He is the bright and morning star.
It was prophesied in the Old Testament that Messiah would be as a star in Numbers 24:17. And also, when we were in 2 Peter Chapter 1 Verse 19, we also saw this where Peter alluded to Jesus as that morning star.
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
And whosoever is willing, desiring, let him take the water of life freely. It's an invitation from Christ!
Revelation 22:18 - For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
There are no more "new prophecies" after the book of Revelation. Anyone adding more is adding to the book.
I am going to push through and plan on finishing this out tonight.
Blessings!!!
Revelation 22:11 - He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
After all of this, basically John says what we said earlier. If a person is going to be corrupt, they're still going to be corrupt no matter what.
A person who has a heart for the Lord, they may be involved in sin and corruption, but when they hear the gospel, when they have a heart response to God's Spirit convicting them of their need of Christ, they'll be righteous, and they'll be holy.
So, it's basically just a statement right across the board. Whatever you're going to be is what you're going to be, corrupt, unbelieving, or righteous and holy!
Revelation 22:12 - And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
We studied this in 1 Corinthians 3:11-17, a very important piece of scripture. This is where Paul says that we will all stand before the BEMA seat of Christ. It's not the White Throne Judgment that we just read in Chapter 20. It is the BEMA seat, where our works will be tested as to what sort it is.
We're going to be tested with fire. It won't be the lake of fire, but we're going to pass through fire, and our reward will be whatever is left over after the fire burns everything else. Paul says we will suffer loss. Things will be burned that are human and fleshy and not the Spirit of God at all. And our reward will be as we come through the fire.
Revelation 22:13 - I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
You see, here's the Lord. He says I'm coming quickly. And He takes the titles that God gives to Himself from the Old Testament ( Isaiah 41:4).
Revelation 22:8 - And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
This was probably a natural response. After going through all of this, and getting to see and experience all of this in the spirit, he falls down to worship before the feet of the angel.
Revelation 22:9 - Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
Then he says unto me, See thou do it not: for I am your fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book:
And then he gives a command: worship God. Why would an angel say this? At the end of Hebrews Chapter 1, it says the angels are ministering spirits to those who belong to Christ, to those who are saved. So, the angels see themselves as part of God's work among us. He says don't worship me. I'm just a messenger like you are. But rather worship God.
It's kind of interesting because even from the Old Testament, you cannot worship anyone but God. It is blasphemy to give worship to anybody but God. But yet after the resurrection of Christ in John Chapter 20, when Jesus appeared to the disciples behind closed doors, and Thomas was with them, Thomas sees Him and says, "My Lord, and my God."
Well, if He's not Lord, and God, it's blasphemy! Jesus didn't tell him "Hey, you shouldn't say that, Thomas. I'm just the Son. I'm not God." No, He received Thomas' worship because He is God. Worship Him!
Revelation 22:3 - And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
And there shall be no more curse:
In Genesis Chapter 3, Adam and Eve were chased out of the garden because of their sin, so that they would not eat of the tree of life and live forever. So, the curse is removed. But the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
Revelation 22:6 - And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
This is a repeat of Revelation 1:1. The Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. The word shortly in the Greek text (TACHEI) means that when it happens, it happens in a short amount of time. It doesn't mean it's going to happen soon. But when it does happen, it will happen in quickness, a short amount of time.
Revelation 22:7 - Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
The word keeps, and as I have mentioned before, there are several words for to keep. This is not the word to do, or to make. This is the word (TEREO) that is used for to be on guard. And this particular word specifically is to be on guard from being invaded from the outside.
And so, to keep the words of this prophecy is to be on guard, and don't let anything, any influence in this earthly life take you away from the book of Revelation and what its message is. Please keep in mind that the book of Revelation is God's final message to His church. And we'll see that warning in a moment. But the book is called prophecy.
Verses 8 to 11 gives the instructions of the angel:
Revelation 21:27 - And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
And there shall in no wise, literally a Double Negative in the Greek text. It's impossible to enter into it any thing that is defiled, neither any thing that works abomination, or lives a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Notice the two differences. The people who are saved are in the Lamb's book of life. And the people who are not saved, they are not in the Lamb's book of life. Their names were recorded in the book of life (registry of everyone who has been born), but never were they found in the Lamb's book of life!
Revelation 22:1 - And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, again, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal. Again, it's not blue but clear, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
Revelation 22:2 - In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
In the midst of the street of it, and on either side, so you can see that this is symbolic. The tree of life is on both sides of the city street, with the street going right through the middle. So, on either side of the river, there is a tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
The word healing is THERAPUO, which is where we get our word therapeutic from. It represents that in heaven, there will be no pain, no sorrow, no sickness, but it will be a very healthy place to be.
Revelation 21:2 - And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
This is one of the many instances where the New Jerusalem is compared to as a bride of Christ. This one would be the bride of Christ.
Revelation 21:5 - And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
These are the words believers are to hold to, not because the bible says so, but because God says they are true, and they are faithful, and they will come to pass.
Revelation 21:6 - And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
And he said unto me, It is done. Again, the same word for it is finished.
I am Alpha and Omega. That's the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. These are phrases that are attributed to be of God, also found in Isaiah 44:6, and Isaiah 48:12. He says I am Alpha and Omega, which means, as he says, the beginning and the end of everything, and everything in between. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
By the way, these phrases, these titles that God is giving from the throne, it's also referred to Jesus in Revelation 22:13, the same phrases, making reference to His deity.
So, God says I will give the one who is thirsting from the fountain of the water of life freely. That is the word DOREAN meaning without cost.
All things are possible with GOD, but with man it's impossible... right?
Matthew 19:26
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Mark 10:27
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Luke 18:27
And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
MARANTHA...
Revelation 22:20-21
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
THANK YOU ***JESUS CHRIST***!!!
***YOUR CROSS & BLOOD***!!!
OUR ETERNAL SALVATION!!!
TO ***GOD ALMIGHTY*** BE ALL THE GLORY NOW AND FOREVER FOR ETERNITY!!!
AMEN!!!
Revelation 2:26 - And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
And he who is overcoming, again that's a Present Participle. He who (is) overcoming, and keeps my works. The word keeps is not to do. It's TEREO, which means to guard against outside influence interfering with the Lord's works. Who keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Revelation 2:28 - And I will give him the morning star.
Beginning in the book of Numbers, there's a prophecy given to the Jews that the star represented the Messiah. In Revelation 22:16, we will see that Jesus says He is the morning star. It represents the Messianic rule of Christ.
Revelation 3:3 - Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. The phrase "hold fast" is the word TEREO which means to guard.
Blessings