Great Signs in the Heavens for 2013: Asteroid 2012 DA14, Comet PanSTARRS C/2011 L4, Comet ISON C/2012 S1; Planet Ceres, Astra, Rahab

There will be a few fun space related events coming this year, 2013. An asteroid called “2012 DA14” will pass by earth this week, as well as two comets that we should be able to view with our naked eyes. The great thing about the age we live in is that we have the technology to be able to see near earth objects on our computers when we can’t see the night sky due to weather systems.  When the ancients finished eating supper, they did not have distractions, such as television, to occupy their time.  They spent a lot of time outside, watching and observing the night sky, and they understood the messages God recorded for them.  Today our creator, God, points out reminders to encourage and bless us. And whether we can physically see the messages, or use our computers to look at them, they encourage and inspire us to live better, and look up, as our redemption is getting closer.  Also unlike the houses of the mazzaroth, where the sun moves around a circuit, into each constellation predictably, with no variation, asteroids and comets move in any direction, so they tell a different story. A story that can be told with different characters and ideas, in different orders, to make the mystery of God’s awesome foreknowledge come alive to us.

Jer 10:2 thus saith Jehovah, Learn not the way of the nations, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the nations are dismayed at them.ASV

Jer 10:2 Thus saith the Lord: Learn not according to the ways of the Gentiles: and be not afraid of the signs of heaven, which the heathens fear Douay-Rheims

The nations, or Gentile nations, are fearful, and upset by signs in the heavens.   Today there are long lists of people who try to inspire fear into the populace regarding comets and asteroids.  Fear sells.  However, the Lord Jehovah said we should not fear the signs in the heavens. Why?  Because the heavens bring us a message of hope.  While we looked at the five enemies of Pisces, we know the ancient gentile nations hated that constellation because of the five monsters that were visible in the sky at that time.  Geneva Notes, from the Geneva Study Bible, just point out the crooked serpent without explanation.

Job 26:13 By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked l serpent.(l) Which is a figure of stars shaped like a serpent, because of the crookedness. (from Geneva Notes, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2003, 2005, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

There are a few “monsters” in the heavens that inspired fear into the hearts of many Gentile nations.  As we have seen, there are several serpents, hydra, hydrus, serpens, cetus, and draco.  With such a vague explanation of Job 26:13, the saved could easily become fearful.  This is why we have to do the research to understand some of these issues.

 Job 38:31-33 Can you bind the chains of [the cluster of stars called] Pleiades, or loose the cords of [the constellation] Orion? 32 Can you lead forth the signs of the zodiac in their season? Or can you guide [the stars of] the Bear with her young? 33 Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? Can you establish their rule upon the earth? AMP

As God says to Job, we cannot establish the authority of the heavens on the earth.  The constellations do not rule over us, and they do not have “powers” over us.  But they do tell a story.  And, it would seem, that God can show a wonderful story to us and direct our attention back to Him.

On February 14^th, 2013, approximately 1:00 Mountain Time, asteroid 2012 DA14 will enter the constellation of Argo. It will pass through Argo and leave on February 15^th, 2013, around 7:30 AM.  On the 15^th the asteroid will be closest to earth. Within two hours it quickly passes through Hydra and Leo and into Ursa Major. It then crosses Draco and into Ursa Minor by 6:15 pm Mountain Time.  By 11:00pm it moves back into Draco. By 10:00PM on the 16^th 2012 DA14 moves out of Draco and into Cephus where it remains while it moves away from us.

What this asteroid says to us is a reminder that Jesus is coming to take the redeemed, the righteous weary travelers, home. Argo, the celebrated ship of the Argonauts, is the ship Isaiah writes will bring God’s son’s home from afar. As a decan in the constellation of Cancer, we can understand the meaning of Cancer as the Messiah’s redeemed possessions held fast.  We also have Ursa Major and Ursa minor, the sheepfolds. The complete story of Cancer is redemption and as we have previously seen regarding the redeemed, and they shall all be present as the seals are opened by the Lamb.  As 2012 DA14 continues to be in view, on the 15^th it quickly moves through Hydra, the long crooked serpent, the devil, which is being trampled by Leo, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. This reminds us that the devil is under the foot of Jesus, held down.  DA14 quickly moves through Leo, the Messiah’s consummated triumph; reminding us that a day comes when He will be King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus the Messiah will reign for one thousand years, and then wrap up all evil in the Lake of Fire.  We then see this asteroid move onto Ursa Major, the sheepfold and the flock, with star names speaking of the multitude assembled, and the herd or flock.  Also other star names mean the sheepfold, set or appointed, and the company of travelers.  This all speaks of the gathering of the church.  This asteroid reminds us of our hope in Jesus calling us from the clouds. DA14 moves across Draco the dragon, and then into Ursa Minor, the lesser sheepfold.  The star names tell us we are waiting on he who comes, and the redeemed assembly.  Also, another star name is the stronghold of the saved. The asteroid moves back into draco and then into Cephus the King, the redeemer coming to rule. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2012/06/sheep-fold-constellation-of-cancer.html

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2012/07/insight-into-congregation-and-sheepfold.html

While 2012 DA14 tells us a beautiful story of redemption and our coming Redeemer, we see two evil beings that we are reminded of.  Instead of a steady story of happiness and bliss, waiting for our redeemers call, we get interrupted by the enemy.  We often forget to keep our eyes, hearts, and minds fixed on our coming King.  Yet our redemption gets closer every day.  If the pattern of this asteroid is telling us a story, it surely tells a magnificent one.  This would be our night sky television show if we spent our time outside observing the heavens. Why would our God want us to be reminded of these things? It may be that we set our minds on the things of the world too often; politics, wars, media hype, the latest pop losers living large and behaving badly to entice an audience.    Jesus our Messiah would rather us have our eyes on the constellations, as it is a comfort to our heart as we live in “hell on earth”. 

Comet “PanSTARRS” may become visible in the beginning of March. On March 5^th, 2013 PanSTARRS moves into Cetus the sea monster. This is the day it will be closest to earth.  On the 10^th it will be closest to the sun and just moving into Pisces. It may be visible on the 12^th when it moves back into Cetus, and then on the 13^th when it is again in Pisces. The Vernal Equinox is March 20^th, where Pan STARRS is still in Pisces.  By the 22^nd, PanSTARRS moves out through Andromeda, and by April 9^th into Cassiopeia.

Cetus is the sea monster that is a decan of Pisces.  If we remember our previous studies on these two constellations, the fish, Pisces are the redeemed and they are holding back the sea monster with the band.  The redeemed are the ones who hold back evil here and now.  PanSTARRS moves into Pisces and at that time the tail of this comet may be visible to the naked eye.  This reminds us of who we are and what we are doing here.  Another decan of Pisces, Andromeda, reminds us of the redeemed, bound to this earth.  Remembering our recent study of Andromeda, we saw that although she is bound, her voice is not silenced.  While we are on earth, we have a voice for prayer, praise, worship, and spiritual warfare. What is interesting is that PanSTARRS then moves into Cassiopeia, the captive delivered and preparing for her husband the redeemer.  What a great encouragement; the bound are set free.  That is the story of us. Cassiopia, the daughter of splendor, the enthroned, the beautiful; this is the exact way the Messiah sees us.  Cassiopia is the bride on the throne, ready for the coming King, the redeemer. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-age-of-pisces-not-aquarius.html  http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2012/08/enemy-of-church-monsters-trying-to.html

PanSTARRS tells us a great story of who we are; the redeemed who hold back the enemy, are bound and are soon to be the Bride. But it also moves between the sea monster and the fish, twice.  What we see is our struggle; the redeemed fighting the monster and yet reminded of who we are and who we are called to be.  If our Messiah would remind us of our future as His Bride, he must want us to believe and act as he has made us.  What if we take our eyes off the world and put them on our calling, utilizing our God given potential to rise above the circumstances we live under and ignore the smoke screen that plagues our worldly vision.  Could it be we have been so wrapped up in a false reality and forgot the true destiny of the redeemed?

Meanwhile Comet “ISON” is moving through Gemini as it comes closer to earth. As we have looked at previously, ISON moves and encircles Gemini, the constellation that teaches us of the bride and bridegroom until late in the summer and during the fall feasts starts to become visible, with unassisted viewing  on earth. It also has a powerful story that I detailed last fall. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2012/11/ison-new-sign-in-heavens.html 

As we continue to study the heavens, we can see some ideas from commentaries that can teach us to look at the Bible in a slightly different way.  While the Magi knew about the heavens, taught by Daniel, they understood they were to follow one particular “star”. Jude makes a point regarding wandering stars.  First let’s read a general description of stars from Easton’s Bible Dictionary.

Stars — The eleven stars (Gen 37:9); the seven (Amos 5:8); wandering (Jude 13); seen in the east at the birth of Christ, probably some luminous meteors miraculously formed for this specific purpose (Matt 2:2-10); stars worshipped (Deut 4:19; 2 Kings 17:16; 21:3; Jer 19:13); spoken of symbolically (Num 24:17; Rev 1:16,20; 12:1). (See ASTROLOGER.) (from Easton's Bible Dictionary, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Wandering stars, in short, are meteors, they come and go quickly.  The Magi would never have followed a meteor as meteors do not track in the sky long enough to follow.   The journey the Magi took lasted at least a year, possibly longer. 

Raging waves (v. 13 a) Wandering stars (v. 13 b). Jude was not referring to fixed stars, planets, or comets, because they have definite positions and orbits. He was referring to meteors, falling stars that suddenly appear and then vanish into the darkness, never to be seen again. Our Lord is compared to a star (Rev 2:28; 22:16), and Christians are to shine as stars in this dark world (Phil 2:15). Fixed stars can be depended on to guide the traveler through the darkness, but wandering stars can only lead him astray. (from The Bible Exposition Commentary. Copyright © 1989 by Chariot Victor Publishing, and imprint of Cook Communication Ministries. All rights reserved. Used by permission.)

This last statement should be explored.  Comets and asteroids usually pass by earth on a regular basis, every so many years.  Sometimes we find a new comet or asteroid like PanSTARRS, and DA14. Comets have a tail, or an atmosphere around it, usually due to ice or gases as the comet moves across the sky.  Asteroids can be made of carbon, stone, or metal, usually with no tail.  Meteors are known as shooting stars, as they enter our atmosphere they heat up and typically burn out, which is the streaking we see in the sky.  They have a short life span as they streak across our sky. Meteor showers are a group of debris coming into our atmosphere at one time, usually noted as coming from a constellation.  They are not actually “from” a constellation, but one can observe the meteors coming from the direction of a particular constellation. 

Let’s take a look at the star of Bethlehem.

Matt 2:1-12 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.KJV

And as we have explored previously, there was probably close to one thousand people, not just three men.  There would have been three men and their entire households, servants, and livestock. Again Easton’s tells us about Astronomy.

Astronomy — The Hebrews were devout students of the wonders of the starry firmament (Amos 5:8; Psa 19:1). In the Book of Job, which is the oldest book of the Bible in all probability, the constellations are distinguished and named. Mention is made of the "morning star" (Rev 2:28; comp. Isa 14:12), the "seven stars" and "Pleiades," "Orion," "Arcturus," the "Great Bear" (Amos 5:8; Job 9:9; 38:31), "the crooked serpent," Draco (Job 26:13), the Dioscuri, or Gemini, "Castor and Pollux" (Acts 28:11). The stars were called "the host of heaven" (Isa 40:26; Jer 33:22).

The oldest divisions of time were mainly based on the observation of the movements of the heavenly bodies, the "ordinances of heaven" (Gen 1:14-18; Job 38:33; Jer 31:35; 33:25). Such observations led to the division of the year into months and the mapping out of the appearances of the stars into twelve portions, which received from the Greeks the name of the "zodiac." The word "Mazzaroth" (Job 38:32) means, as the margin notes, "the twelve signs" of the zodiac. Astronomical observations were also necessary among the Jews in order to the fixing of the proper time for sacred ceremonies, the "new moons," the "passover," etc. Many allusions are found to the display of God's wisdom and power as seen in the starry heavens (Ps 8; 19:1-6; Isa 51:6, etc.)

(from Easton's Bible Dictionary, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

There is a reason for all the comets, asteroids, and meteors.  They are the remnant of a planet that broke into pieces.  All the space debris, other than the man made stuff, is due to a planet breaking apart.  This planet did not break apart from the inside, such as an internal explosion, but from the outside.  When this happened, it pushed Mars out of its orbit into a more elliptical or egg shaped orbit. This is what gave Mars such a bad reputation among the ancients.  People were terrified every time Mars came for a close pass by.  As the moon affects our tides, Mars caused more disturbances on the earth such as earthquakes and volcanoes.  As our earth’s crust is in continuous motion, as with plate tectonics, Mars caused greater motion when it came close.  In 701BC Mars came for a close pass by and then bounced into the orbit we see it in today.   http://www.creationism.org/patten/PattenMarsEarthWars/index.htm

Job 26:11-13 The pillars of the heavens tremble and are astonished at His rebuke. 12 He stills or stirs up the sea by His power, and by His understanding He smites proud Rahab. 13 By His breath the heavens are garnished; His hand pierced the [swiftly] fleeing serpent. [Ps 33:6.] AMP

Here we have mention of Rahab, which was once a planet that resided between Mars and Jupiter, where today we see an asteroid belt. Today it is known as Ceres or Astra.  As we have studied prior, it is suspected that Rahab was satan’s planet before the fall.  It was not a desolate place but a place where satan had sanctuaries, and where he used the inhabitants, and where he ruled.  http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2012/02/rahab-gods-circled-picture-in-heavens.html

Ps 89:8-11 O Jehovah God of hosts, who is a mighty one, like unto thee, O Jehovah? And thy faithfulness is round about thee.9 Thou rulest the pride of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.10 Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; Thou hast scattered thine enemies with the arm of thy strength.11 The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.ASV

As we see today, evidenced by all the space rocks, the remnant of a planet that was broken into pieces. God’s enemies are scattered, as the devil and some angels are now wandering earth, after stealing rulership from Adam, the fallen ones have repurposed their mission. It is their goal to destroy as many men as possible, fooling people into joining the devil and his angels which eventually leads to the lake of fire.

Isa 51:9 Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of Jehovah; awake, as in the days of old, the generations of ancient times. Is it not thou that didst cut Rahab in pieces, that didst pierce the monster? ASV

When Rahab was cut into pieces, the monster, or dragon, was pierced. How was the dragon pierced?  The plan was put in place to destroy the devil and those angels who followed him, so that one day they would be cast into the lake of fire for eternity.  We also have a few other small bodies, or dwarf planets that we find in our solar system; Pluto being one of them.  Pluto has changed status from being a planet to being a non-planet.  The reason is because there are other objects that are larger than Pluto that orbit our sun and we would then have to add them as planets. Therefore, it seemed easier to change the status of Pluto.  Pluto as well as the other dwarf bodies holding an orbit, are the remains of Ceres, or Rahab.  By definition Pluto, means Hades, as well as “god of the underworld”, and while it was named in the 1920’s, the name has an interesting connection to what was once satan’s planet.

God broke Rahab, but he was also the one who made the stars, and he knows how many there are as 2 Ezra says.

2 Esd 16:54-63 Behold, the Lord knoweth all the works of men, their imaginations, their thoughts, and their hearts:55 Which spake but the word, Let the earth be made; and it was made: Let the heaven be made; and it was created.56 In his word were the stars made, and he knoweth the number of them.57 He searcheth the deep, and the treasures thereof; he hath measured the sea, and what it containeth.58 He hath shut the sea in the midst of the waters, and with his word hath he hanged the earth upon the waters.59 He spreadeth out the heavens like a vault; upon the waters hath he founded it.60 In the desert hath he made springs of water, and pools upon the tops of the mountains, that the floods might pour down from the high rocks to water the earth.61 He made man, and put his heart in the midst of the body, and gave him breath, life, and understanding.62 Yea and the Spirit of Almighty God, which made all things, and searcheth out all hidden things in the secrets of the earth,63 Surely he knoweth your inventions, and what ye think in your hearts, even them that sin, and would hide their sin.KJV

Humans have a common problem in thinking we know everything, yet Solomon points out how simple minded we humans may be.

Wisdom 13:1-3 Surely vain are all men by nature, who are ignorant of God, and could not out of the good things that are seen know him that is: neither by considering the works did they acknowledge the workmaster;2 But deemed either fire, or wind, or the swift air, or the circle of the stars, or the violent water, or the lights of heaven, to be the gods which govern the world.3 With whose beauty if they being delighted took them to be gods; let them know how much better the Lord of them is: for the first author of beauty hath created them.KJV

Jesus told us that when we see certain things come to pass, we are to look up because our redemption draws near.  Firstly, I have to point out that comets and asteroids are not the sign of His coming, as he comes in the clouds.  So even if they were to “signal” something, we would not see it as the clouds would be covering the earth.  I would say it would be more practical to look for a cloudy day all over the earth for Jesus’ coming.

Luke 21:7-28 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.

As we know from Josephus, there were other people of the time that claimed to be the Messiah.  One man thought he could part the Jordan River, but he couldn’t and was killed by the Romans. 

9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

But before…..

12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish.19 In your patience possess ye your souls.

Before the earthquakes, famines pestilences, sights, and signs from heaven, his disciples were murdered. Then in 70 AD Jerusalem was conquered and destroyed. 

20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Some people remembered Jesus’ words and left the city for Petra.  They were spared.  The Jews were sold into slavery, as well as scattered into all Gentile nations. Paul tells us in Romans 11 about the time of the Gentiles.

25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.KJV

When these things come to pass, signs in the heavens, Gentile nations in distress, coastal flooding, humanity becoming fearful; then we should understand the spiritual powers of heaven are shaken.  I would say Jesus coming in the clouds will cause quite a “heavenly” commotion. Then, then, then, look up, because redemption, and the redeemer are coming. Remember, when Jesus comes for the church, he comes in the clouds, not to Earth.   Jesus comes to Earth with His armies on the Day of the Lord.

Here are a few more thoughts.

Ecclus 43:1-13 The pride of the height, the clear firmament, the beauty of heaven, with his glorious shew;2 The sun when it appeareth, declaring at his rising a marvellous instrument, the work of the most High:3 At noon it parcheth the country, and who can abide the burning heat thereof?4 A man blowing a furnace is in works of heat, but the sun burneth the mountains three times more; breathing out fiery vapours, and sending forth bright beams, it dimmeth the eyes.5 Great is the Lord that made it; and at his commandment runneth hastily.6 He made the moon also to serve in her season for a declaration of times, and a sign of the world.7 From the moon is the sign of feasts, a light that decreaseth in her perfection.8 The month is called after her name, increasing wonderfully in her changing, being an instrument of the armies above, shining in the firmament of heaven;9 The beauty of heaven, the glory of the stars, an ornament giving light in the highest places of the Lord.10 At the commandment of the Holy One they will stand in their order, and never faint in their watches.11 Look upon the rainbow, and praise him that made it; very beautiful it is in the brightness thereof.12 It compasseth the heaven about with a glorious circle, and the hands of the most High have bended it.KJV

Ps 19:1-6 THE HEAVENS declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows and proclaims His handiwork. [Rom 1:20,21.] 2 Day after day pours forth speech, and night after night shows forth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor spoken word [from the stars]; their voice is not heard. 4 Yet their voice [in evidence] goes out through all the earth, their sayings to the end of the world. Of the heavens has God made a tent for the sun, [Rom 10:18.] 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; and it rejoices as a strong man to run his course. 6 Its going forth is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the ends of it; and nothing [yes, no one] is hidden from the heat of it. AMP

The signs coming this year tell a wonderful story of a Redeemer coming, and a Bridegroom coming, and of a beautiful Bride. These signs are not to be feared unless one does not know the Lord.  Therefore it is time for us, the Church, to pray for the unsaved to receive Jesus as Lord.  The great work of redemption and justification has been done already once we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we will explore redemption next week.

Sanctified and Not Judged Yet, Nations, and Breaking Belief Bias

As we have discussed before, belief bias is a name for the way one thinks regarding a subject which is influenced by one’s circumstances and surroundings.  It is a limited understanding that grows into a deep belief, but which can be incomplete or wrong due to a lack of knowledge.  For example, one may have accepted certain stereotypes as truth regarding people of a different race or ethnicity.  People passionate regarding their beliefs proclaim their ideas to be true, but many times their limited scope on the subject causes them to be wrong.  In order to gain a better balance in perspective on a matter, we have to explore all sides and arguments.  We also have to be willing to make the time to do so. Of supreme importance to us is to accurately communicate what is written in the Bible. We have to take the entire book, rather than pieces of it, and put subjects in a time line so that we understand the difference between our time of people with the Holy Spirit indwelling, and previous times before the Holy Spirit came.

If one does not look at opposing views, one cannot truly make a balanced judgment.  For example, someone once insisted I read a book as it would change my life.  Knowing the individual who passionately promoted this particular book was not someone who actually researched facts and had an issue with naiveté, I decided to look into it.  I read both the good book reviews, and the bad book reviews.  While my friend was waving palm branches at the “new prophet”, I found the naysayers not to be slanderous but instead pointing out some of the authors’ biases and flawed judgments, as well as the authors’ scripture bias.  Again, my friend told me of another book I must read, and got out the palm branches once more, and I, once again, read both good and bad reviews, and was quite surprised at what I found.  As most books have a large number of cheerleaders, and this one was no different, I found a review by an author, a PhD, whose books I have read.  This PhD pointed out a better book along the same lines, and added a “by the way” to the review.  The writer of the book my friend was promoting was a rabbi polygamist.  As Solomon wrote:

Prov 14:15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.KJV

Prov 14:18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.KJV

Abraham was favored because of his relationship with God.  Abraham, as we have previously studied, had a very close relationship with Jehovah, and obeyed Him; moving several times and trusting that he would be a father of many nations.  Abraham had to trust Jehovah when asked to sacrifice Isaac, but because of Abraham’s confidence in God, all nations of the earth would be blessed.

Gen 22:16-18 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [3173] son [9999 inserted word]:17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;18 And in thy seed shall all the nations [1471]of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.KJV

OT:3173 yachiyd (yaw-kheed'); from OT:3161; properly, united, i.e. sole; by implication, beloved; also lonely; (feminine) the life (as not to be replaced): KJV - darling, desolate, only (child, son), solitary.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

I want to point out the words used for “thine only” and the word “son”. Son was added and does not exist in the Hebrew text.  Thine only is by definition united or beloved.  Isaac was Abraham’s second son, of eight sons in total.

Gen 25:1-4 Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah.2 And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.3 And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim.4 And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah KJV

As we have studied Abraham’s sons, the sons by Keutrah were sent south to live in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as Sudan and Egypt, while Ishmael had ten sons and they moved into Persia, Assyria and also into Egypt.  Genesis 22:18 says all nations of the earth shall be blessed.  We have to look at the word nations, as it may not mean what we think it does.

Ex 19:4-6 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation [1471]. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.KJV

OT:1471 gowy (go'-ee); rarely (shortened) goy (go'-ee); apparently from the same root as OT:1465 (in the sense of massing); a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts: KJV - Gentile, heathen, nation, people.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

OT:1471 gowy rarely (shortened) goy —as a noun, masculine: nation, people  a) nation, people 1) usually of non-Hebrew people 2) used of descendants of Abraham  3) used of Israel  b) used of a swarm of locusts or other animals (figurative)as a proper noun, masculine: c) Goyim? = "nations"(from The Online Bible Thayer's Greek Lexicon and Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon, Copyright © 1993, Woodside Bible Fellowship, Ontario, Canada. Licensed from the Institute for Creation Research.)

As we see, Brown Driver & Briggs’ third usage for nation is Israel, which is the word Moses was instructed to use for holy nation; however its primary usage is Gentile nation or Abraham’s seed.  What we can see from this word is there seems to be a funneling because Peter also uses this word but in regard to believers in Jesus Christ. Just a side note, as the Hebrew reads in verse 3, Moses went up to The Elohim (Ha Elohim), and Jehovah called to him out of the mountain.  Again, this is another insight into the trinity as to why Hebrew and Aramaic are plural for Elohim and singular for Lord. 

1 Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation [1484], a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.KJV

NT:1484 ethnos (eth'-nos); probably from NT:1486; a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually by implication, pagan):KJV - Gentile, heathen, nation, people.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

The condition of becoming a holy nation for Israel was if they obeyed God’s voice and kept His covenants.  Peter declares those who make Jesus their Lord are now a people, a tribe, a gentile nation to God.  Abraham’s seed was blessed, all eight sons, and however many daughters he might have had.  Before Moses came on the scene writing everything down, people had the same relationship with God that Abraham had. We see many people who knew God and were godly in the Bible before Israel came out of Egypt, that were not from Isaac or Jacob.  As a tribe or group, Israel was given the written law, but Jehovah said they had to obey His voice.  This is where we get into trouble today; instead of listening to His voice like Abraham did we tend to listen to human voices, prophets and self promoters who do not always speak for God.  However, by Jesus’ death and resurrection, and the coming of the Hoy Spirit, we now have access to the voice of God once again, but sometimes we rely on people, fallible humans rather than the Almighty God.

Gen 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.KJV

Gal 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations [1484] be blessed.KJV

Abraham was told that the Lord would bless “them” or curse “him”.  I am pointing these two words out as they are not technically in the text but implied through the context of the word families. Jehovah will bless or curse accordingly, but all families of the earth will be blessed because of Abraham.  Paul points out why all families will be blessed because of faith that was preached to Abraham, all the Gentile nations will be blessed.  We have to ask, why that is?  Gentile nations are blessed because Jesus came from Abraham’s line, and then told his disciples to go out and teach all nations, and baptize them.

Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations [1484], baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.KJV

Really, this idea of being a nation is not specific to location; instead it is specific to the power of the Hoy Spirit. This is why there are believers of every tribe, tongue, and language in heaven at the time the seals are opened. The more believers a nation has the more blessed it is.

Luke 24:46-51 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations [1484], beginning at Jerusalem.48 And ye are witnesses of these things.49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.KJV

People everywhere can now be saved, this does not mean that every location will have a majority of believers, but there will be some from each Gentile nation.  The more believers a nation, has the more prosperous that nation is.  The more believers, the more presence of the Holy Spirit there is in any city, town or country. Paul makes a speech on Mars Hill to the Greeks, and says some interesting things about nations as well as judgment coming.

Acts 17:24-31 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;26 And hath made of one blood all nations [1484] of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge [2919] the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.KJV

Paul very specifically points out that God made nations of one blood and determined the times and the boundaries so that we could seek and find Him. God determined the length of time each gentile nation would “live”. God also determined the size of each Gentile nation.  God commands repentance because one day, one specific day, he will judge the world.  It is interesting that Paul is talking to the Greeks here.  The Greeks used to be a superpower in the world. If we remember the book of Daniel, it was told to Daniel about all the upcoming kingdoms, including Greece.  Greece was taken over by the Romans, and as we now know from hindsight, the Roman roads allowed for the preaching of the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. At this time, Greece was no longer a superpower, but here Paul is preaching Christ to the Greeks.  Next we see the conclusion of the book of Acts, where Paul is pointing out that salvation came to the Gentiles; the word Gentiles is the same word as nations.  

Acts 28:28-31 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles [1484], and that they will hear it.29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.KJV

Again, we see the redeemed nations in heaven watching the Lamb opening the seals.  This means that the holy nation Peter spoke of, those who are redeemed, are one in the same and are gathered before the wrath of the Lamb and the wrath of God are poured out.

Rev 5:8-12 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation [1484];10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.KJV

Christianity may have forgotten a word/concept from the Bible, which is the reason the redeemed are not counted among the non-believers during the tribulation.  The idea of sanctification is one that the devil would like to keep hidden for as long as he can.  Sanctify and sanctification are derivatives of the word holy.  This is where the understanding of “set apart” comes from. What we find is that the sanctified are the holy, set apart, nation.

NT:37 hagiazoo; render or declare sacred or holy, consecrate.  1.  to render or acknowledge to be venerable, to hallow  2.  to separate from things profane and dedicate to God, to consecrate things 2 Tim 2:21. persons. So Christ is said by undergoing death to consecrate himself to God, whose will he in that way fulfills, John 17:19;  3.  to purify to cleanse externally Heb 9:13; 1 Tim 4:5. to purify by expiation, free from the guilt of sin: 1 Cor 6:11; Eph 5:26; Heb 10:10,14,29; 13:12; 2:11 to purify internally by reformation of soul: John 17:17,19 (from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

NT:37 hagiazo (hag-ee-ad'-zo); from NT:40; to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate:KJV - hallow, be holy, sanctify.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:38 hagiasmos, hagiasmou, ho, 1 consecration, purification,  2.  the effect of consecration: sanctification of heart and life, 1 Cor 1:30  (from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

NT:38 hagiasmos (hag-ee-as-mos'); from NT:37; properly, purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concretely (by Hebraism) a purifier: KJV - holiness, sanctification(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

The Holy Spirit dwells within us and he sanctifies us, makes us holy and separate from the world.

2 Thess 2:13-14 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification[38] of the Spirit and belief of the truth:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.KJV

Rom 15:15-16 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified [37] by the Holy Ghost.KJV

1 Cor 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified [37], but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.KJV

In the days before the Holy Spirit came to indwell humans, people had to be sanctified by the Lord or the Priests, but they weren’t sanctified once, for all time.  Also the elements in the temple and tabernacle had to be sanctified.  Things that were used in service to the Lord or sacrificed to the Lord had to be cleansed as well.  Jesus made us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.

1 Cor 1:30-31 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification [38], and redemption:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.KJV

Jesus taught us to pray to the Father, hallowed or holy or sanctified be thy name.

Matt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed [37] be thy name.KJV

Jesus specifically asked the Father not to take his people out of the world, but instead, that his followers would be sanctified through what he will do; die for us. Using His blood as the sacrifice, just as bulls and goats cleansed people before, now Jesus’ blood would set us apart in the world. 

John 17:13-21 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.17 Sanctify [37]them through thy truth: thy word is truth.18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.19 And for their sakes I sanctify [37] myself, that they also might be sanctified [37]through the truth.20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.KJV

Now here is the importance of Jesus’ blood, we should never make a joke of it by accepting it, and then profaning it and the Holy Spirit.

Heb 10:28-31 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified [37], an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge [2919] his people[2992].31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.KJV

In the Amplified and in the Message verse 29 sounds stronger.

Heb 10:29 How much worse (sterner and heavier) punishment do you suppose he will be judged to deserve who has spurned and [thus] trampled underfoot the Son of God, and who has considered the covenant blood by which he was consecrated common and unhallowed, thus profaning it and insulting and outraging the [Holy] Spirit [Who imparts] grace (the unmerited favor and blessing of God)? [Ex 24:8.] AMP

Heb 10:29 what do you think will happen if you turn on God's Son, spit on the sacrifice that made you whole, and insult this most gracious Spirit? (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

We may know some people who do not fully accept the blood sacrifice Jesus made for us.  Some people may not believe that Jesus accomplished anything very important, thereby making an excuse to go back to practicing the law or their previous evil ways after confessing Him as Lord.  We notice that Hebrews 10:30 says the Lord will Judge his people. The word for people means a tribe or nation, not the general population as #1218 means.  Since those who make Jesus their Lord are considered a holy nation, and set apart, we can see that if you were of this tribe, and left it or turned away from it, it will be fearsome.

NT:2992laos (lah-os'); apparently a primary word; a people (in general; thus differing from NT:1218, which denotes one's own populace):KJV - people.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:2992 laos, laou, ho People  1. a people, tribe, nation, all those who are of the same stock and language: Rev 5:9  2. indefinitely, of a great part of the population gathered together anywhere: Matt 27:25 (from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The next questions we need to review are, how, and when will the sanctified ones be judged.  What we see is that judgment is set for a specific time and the sanctified ones are not judged with the unbelievers. As we noticed from Hebrews there is a confirmation of judging those who turn away, we should look at the words for judgement. #2919 is a singular form of #2920 which we will look at.

John 5:20-27 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment [2920] unto the Son:23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.KJV

NT:2920 krisis (kree'-sis); decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law):KJV - accustion, condemnation, damnation, judgment.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Let’s look at the Amplified.

John 5:22-23 Even the Father judges no one, for He has given all judgment (the last judgment and the whole business of judging) entirely into the hands of the Son, 23 So that all men may give honor (reverence, homage) to the Son just as they give honor to the Father. [In fact] whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, Who has sent Him. AMP

First thing we notice is that Jesus does all the judging.  When people say things such as “God is judging____” they usually mean the Father, however it is the Son, Jesus, who does the judging. If we keep this in perspective we will save ourselves so much confusion. Secondly, we notice that judging does not take place now.  All people will be judged, but not now.

2 Thess 1:4-10 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment[2920] of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.KJV

Going through persecutions now is a manifest token of righteous judgment. We know the set apart ones suffer persecutions directly from the devil because we are set apart.  When does judgment come? It comes when Jesus comes.  Not now, he’s not here now with angels and flames of fire.

2 Peter 2:1-9 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment [2917]now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment [2920];5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment [2920]to be punished: KJV

False prophets and false teachers of our time seem to want to teach that the Father is judging everyone all the same, here and now. But that is not so.  The sanctified are not judged with the unsanctified.  Therefore hurricanes, tornadoes, or terrorist acts are not judgment against anyone.  The devil would love you to believe it is God Almighty, a big mean God who you can’t trust, that is judging everyone, but it is not true. If the sanctified lose their home in a flood, it is simply the god of the age, the devil who manipulated the elements to behave that way; he is after all the prince of the power of the air.  Look what Peter goes on to tell us, the believers, the sanctified, were taken out of ”judgment”  in the old testament. God saved Noah and his family, Lot and his daughters, but he also took Enoch out of the world and Elijah out of the world.  And Peter says God knows how to rescue the righteous and judge the evil. Let’s look at the Message.

2 Peter 2:9 So God knows how to rescue the godly from evil trials. And he knows how to hold the feet of the wicked to the fire until Judgment Day. (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

Here are a few more ideas about judgment.

1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment [2920]: because as he is, so are we in this world.KJV

Jude 14-15 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,15 To execute judgment [2920]upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.KJV

Rev 14:6-7 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment [2920] is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.KJV

We can have boldness in the Day of Judgment, and as Enoch said and Jude reiterated, Jesus is coming back with the saints to execute judgment.  Not only that, but during the tribulation, the angel goes out to preach to the whole earth. The question is, is Jesus judging us now? The Holy Spirit is actually judging now.

John 16:8-11 And when He comes, He will convict and convince the world and bring demonstration to it about sin and about righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God) and about judgment [2920]: 9 About sin, because they do not believe in Me [trust in, rely on, and adhere to Me]; 10 About righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God), because I go to My Father, and you will see Me no longer; 11 About judgment [2920], because the ruler (evil genius, prince) of this world [Satan] is judged [2919] and condemned and sentence already is passed upon him. AMP

The Holy Spirit is passing sentence on those who don’t believe.  When those people stand before the judge, the prosecutor, the Holy Spirit will reveal the list of charges against them. Satan has already been judged, but his sentence has not been carried out yet.  First, he will be thrown out of heaven, then he will be chained for one thousand years, and then he will be cast in the lake of fire.  He has been judged, but punishment has not been carried out yet.  We might remember exploring the idea that we are just a small part of a bigger story when we studied Lucifer.

Rom 2:3-8 And do you think or imagine, O man, when you judge[2917] and condemn those who practice such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape God's judgment [2917]and elude His sentence and adverse verdict? 4 Or are you [so blind as to] trifle with and presume upon and despise and underestimate the wealth of His kindness and forbearance and long-suffering patience? Are you unmindful or actually ignorant [of the fact] that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repent (to change your mind and inner man to accept God's will)? 5 But by your callous stubbornness and impenitence of heart you are storing up wrath and indignation for yourself on the day of wrath and indignation, when God's righteous judgment [1341] (just doom) will be revealed. 6 For He will render to every man according to his works [justly, as his deeds deserve]: [Ps 62:12.] 7 To those who by patient persistence in well-doing [springing from piety] seek [unseen but sure] glory and honor and [the eternal blessedness of] immortality, He will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and self-willed and disobedient to the Truth but responsive to wickedness, there will be indignation and wrath. AMP

NT:2917 krima (kree'-mah); from NT:2919; a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ["crime"]):KJV - avenge, condemned, condemnation, damnation,  go to law, judgment.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:1341 dikaiokrisia (dik-ah-yok-ris-ee'-ah); from NT:1342 and NT:2920; a just sentence: KJV - righteous judgment.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

This is the only place #1341 is used in the Bible, which makes it significant.  Again we cannot judge others and then do the same things; yet again, we are not judged now, but on that day, the day of wrath.  For the sanctified who live a holy life, there is a judgment coming in the future. This is the judgment seat of Christ.

Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment[968] seat of Christ.KJV

2 Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment [968]seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.KJV

NT:968 bema (bay'-ma); from the base of NT:939; a step, i.e. foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e. a tribunal:KJV - judgment-seat, set [foot] on, throne.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Rev 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged [2919], and that thou shouldest give reward [3408] unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.KJV

NT:3408 misthos (mis-thos'); apparently a primary word; pay for services (literally or figuratively), good or bad: KJV - hire, reward, wages.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

After the two witnesses die and are risen from the dead, and it is announced that the kingdoms of the world are now Jesus’, Jesus will then give the redeemed, the sanctified, rewards.  In light of these things, I would speculate that some people might be lazy with their faith.  That is what Jesus said when he mentioned that there were 30, 60 and 100-fold fruit individuals.  However, as the Bible plainly tells us, judgment is not for now, which is why 100 years ago people wrote that God’s judgment is in abeyance. While that phrase is not in the Bible, it is easy to see why so many wrote that. This is not to say that if you do something wrong that you won’t face man’s judgment, such as speeding in your car, or taking drugs.

The Holy Spirit created a new nation, a nation of Jews and Gentiles, a holy tribe, who by faith are blessed and have relationship with the Lord just like Abraham.  Those who make Jesus their Lord are set apart, made holy because of the Holy Spirit inside of them.  Judgment comes to everyone at a later time, on either the Day of Judgment, or at the bema, when the redeemed, sanctified ones, are watching the seals being opened and the trumpets sounding. If one were to trample the blood of Jesus, that one walks a very fine line. Compare Hebrews 10:29 to Jesus’ words of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Being set apart is a very special blessing to us as it is not dependent on how much we do, but comes by faith. Simply put, living poorly will allow the devil to attack us; holiness is a shield for us.

The friend that I spoke of earlier never cracks opens a concordance or a Bible study program and therefore can be easily led to believe almost anything.  The world was supposed to end in 2000 with the “Y2K” issue, then again the world was to end in 2012, and on it goes.  At some point, one has to give up flaky Christianity for a bit of research into the scriptures.  Therefore, before coming to a conclusion on a matter just because someone said something, we have to work to find out if what they are claiming is true according to the Bible.  Sometimes humans want to be leaders of something new, sometimes people just want to earn a living.  Whatever the case, if someone stands to make money on something we should be extra diligent in discernment.  I heard someone’s recent diatribe (whose hand happens to be “in the pot”) claim that our new prophet was being unfairly treated.  In other words, if someone were to disagree with the prophet because the Bible does not support the new prophet’s prophecies, they then are labeled “bad people”.  But if one were to follow the money trail, one would find the person that was lamenting, was making money on a film regarding said prophet’s so called prophecies.  Instead, I would have preferred to hear about supporting doctrine to the prophet’s prophecies, rather than hearing someone, who stands to make a lot of money on the matter, attempt to pull heart strings and arouse an emotionally defensive response from the audience to the prophet’s aid.  It’s time to stop being gullible.  Or in the words of the Apostle Paul:

Rom 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple KJV.

The Creator of All Spiritual Beings; Intelligent Spirits and Intentional Evil

Intelligence:Noun:1.capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, and similar forms of mental activity; aptitude ingrasping truths, relationships, facts, meanings, etc.2.manifestation of a high mental capacity: He writes with intelligence and wit.3.the faculty of understanding.4.knowledge of an event, circumstance, etc., received or imparted; news; information.5.the gathering or distribution of information, especially secret  information. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/intelligence

Sometimes we don’t think of spiritual beings as having intelligence.  We have simply been limited in our teaching of the heavenly beings.  The devil is an intelligent enemy.  He has had, according to our time frame, over six thousand years to plan and plot how he will work.  The serpent is said to be more subtle, cunning, crafty, or shrewd, than any other beast created.  Yet God wrote the entire plan of the devil in the Bible for us to learn about.  We know the end time military conflicts will be when the devil convinces the earth inhabitants to make war against the Lamb, Jesus.  Before that, the devil will raise up the beast and the false prophet to bring the world into a one world governmental system.  Before that, the beast will make a peace treaty with Israel and rebuild the temple.  Before that, the redeemed must leave earth so that the devil will have free reign on earth.  Looking at the present, we understand that the devil has a direction that he is moving towards.  But we Christians are so one dimensional that we cannot understand that the devil has multiple plans spinning in multiple directions to discourage you from wanting to worship Jesus as Lord. If you believe your Lord is doing things that are “mean” you will not enter into a relationship with him.  In other words, why would you worship and praise a God who may back hand you at any moment? We will come back to this thought.

The creator of spiritual beings is Jesus.  Jesus is one third of Elohim, along with the Father, and the Holy Spirit.  Sometimes fables have led us into wrong thinking regarding the nature of spiritual beings.  Fairy tales seem to indicate there are beings created good, and beings created evil, however that proves untrue according to scripture. Instead, all beings are created with freewill.  All beings have the ability to choose.  That initially sounds great, but it presents the opportunity to choose poorly.  It is the desire of the Godhead for people to make good choices, such as to serve the Creator, but a forced service is not a choice.  Therefore, the risk the Creator takes is to give all beings freewill to choose.  As we previously considered, spiritual beings knew the difference between good and evil, yet Adam did not until after he sinned.  Nonetheless, there are many created beings, spiritual and physical, created by Jesus, and all have a purpose. If we are to be successful in warring against the devil and his group, there are some things we have to understand.

The Father makes universal peace through the blood of Jesus, and all things in earth and heaven will be reconciled back to Jesus.  We have the written plan we simply have to study it.

Col 1:11-20 [We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy, 12 Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God's holy people) in the Light. 13 [The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins. 15 [Now] He is the exact likeness of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]; He is the Firstborn of all creation. 16 For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him. 17 And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together). [Prov 8:22-31.] 18 He also is the Head of [His] body, the church; seeing He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from among the dead, so that He alone in everything and in every respect might occupy the chief place [stand first and be preeminent]. 19 For it has pleased [the Father] that all the divine fullness (the sum total of the divine perfection, powers, and attributes) should dwell in Him permanently. 20 And God purposed that through (by the service, the intervention of) Him [the Son] all things should be completely reconciled back to Himself, whether on earth or in heaven, as through Him, [the Father] made peace by means of the blood of His cross. AMP

Thrones NT:2362 thronos (thron'-os); from thrao (to sit); a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate: KJV - seat, throne.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Dominions NT:2963kuriotes (koo-ree-ot'-ace); from NT:2962; mastery, i.e. (concretely and collectively) rulers: KJV - dominion, government.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Principalities NT:746 arche (ar-khay'); from NT:756; (properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank):KJV - beginning, corner, (at the, the) first (estate), magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Powers NT:1849 exousia (ex-oo-see'-ah); from NT:1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence:KJV - authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Created NT:2936 ktizo (ktid'-zo); probably akin to NT:2932 (through the idea of proprietor-ship of the manufacturer); to fabricate, i.e. found (form originally):KJV - create, Creator, make.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

All these beings, in their offices, were manufactured by Jesus.  The Holy Spirit, also known as the Spirit of Wisdom, was formed before the creation of the earth. The Holy Spirit was a director or architect during the process of making the earth.

Prov 8:22-31 The Lord formed and brought me [Wisdom] forth at the beginning of His way, before His acts of old. 23 I [Wisdom] was inaugurated and ordained from everlasting, from the beginning, before ever the earth existed. [John 1:1; 1 Cor 1:24.] 24 When there were no deeps, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains laden with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth, [Job 15:7,8.] 26 While as yet He had not made the land or the fields or the first of the dust of the earth. 27 When He prepared the heavens, I [Wisdom] was there; when He drew a circle upon the face of the deep and stretched out the firmament over it, 28 When He made firm the skies above, when He established the fountains of the deep, 29 When He gave to the sea its limit and His decree that the waters should not transgress [across the boundaries set by] His command, when He appointed the foundations of the earth —  [Job 38:10,11; Ps 104:6-9; Jer 5:22.] 30 Then I [Wisdom] was beside Him as a master and director of the work; and I was daily His delight, rejoicing before Him always, [Matt 3:17; John 1:2,18.] 31 Rejoicing in His inhabited earth and delighting in the sons of men. [Ps 16:3.] AMP

We also see reiterated in John, that Jesus, the Word, the third part of Elohim, made everything.

John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 The same was in the beginning with God.3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.KJV

This begs the question; if we are at war with the devil and his group, did Elohim make him evil or good? The freewill choice of Lucifer to choose to want to put his throne in the sides of the north, to judge the sons of God, because of his prideful thoughts of being better than other created sons of God, is our answer.  Lucifer was an anointed Cherub, the one who was a protector, a coverer.  He looked beautiful when he reflected God, but not on his own.  He also had sanctuaries; not just one, but at least two or more.  He used the beings under him, merchandising, or employing those beings for profit.  The Bible also states that Lucifer destroyed his land and killed his people.  There was a series of actions that were not deemed acceptable to God, not just one.  Freewill can be dangerous if we keep making poor choices.  This is what happened to satan; not simply one mistake, but several infractions against other beings.

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning [746], and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.KJV

Here we see that Jesus tells the Jews (the ones who don’t believe on him) that they are of their father the devil.  People sometimes distort this verse to try and explain that God made the devil evil, but in context we see something different.  The word arche, as we studied last week, shows up here, and some would say that that word proves the devil was created evil, however the word murderer is manslayer.  One could not be a human killer until humans were created.  From the beginning of human kind the devil was a murderer, not the beginning of his own creation.  Lucifer was an anointed Cherub, allowed to walk among the fiery stones, a privilege not given to all the sons of God.  The devil was a murderer of man from the time man was placed in the garden.  The devil was not a brute murderer, killing by force, but by cunning and subtlety.  He was a manipulator.  This is why I have written about witchcraft and manipulation as not becoming a Christian.  The devil used trickery to deceive Adam and Eve; he did not run them over with a stampede of elephants.  

There comes a point when we continue down a destructive path that we may not want to turn back, and we find ways to justify our behavior. The spiritual beings are similar to us; if we remember, we are to judge angels, see 1 Cor 6:3.  In like manner, we will be similar to spiritual beings.  In Luke, Jesus is recorded as saying that if we attain to the next world, we will be like angels.  This is the only place this word is used, it does not mean we become angels; instead we are similar to angels. 

Luke 20:34-38 And Jesus said to them, The people of this world and present age marry and are given in marriage; 35 But those who are considered worthy to gain that other world and that future age and to attain to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36 For they cannot die again, but they are angel-like and equal to angels [2465]. And being sons of and sharers in the resurrection, they are sons of God. 37 But that the dead are raised [from death] — even Moses made known and showed in the passage concerning the [burning] bush, where he calls the Lord, The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. [Ex 3:6.] 38 Now He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all men are alive [whether in the body or out of it] and they are alive [not dead] unto Him [in definite relationship to Him]. AMP

Angels NT:2465 isaggelos (ee-sang'-el-los); from NT:2470 and NT:32; like an angel, i.e. angelic: KJV - equal unto the angels.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

The old fairy tales that tell us that we become angels when we die is not true.  We are like angels in that we don’t marry. This was something the angels of old saw and desired, causing many to come to earth and take earth women as wives, bearing offspring called the Nephilim.  Those angels are in prison awaiting judgment. But we have to think about this, why are we judging angels? Because they have free will, and make free will decisions.  In Job we see the sons of God meeting together, and satan comes as well.  Satan comes to accuse, but similar to a board meeting, the sons of God are asked what they have been doing, just as satan was asked.  All beings are under Jesus’ judgment and authority.

1 Peter 3:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.KJV

This is why the devil fights Jesus, and stirs up an end time battle to fight the Lamb; because all powers are under his leadership.  Jesus did not put the “world to come” under angelic authority.

Heb 2:5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.KJV

There are a good number of spiritual beings in the creation.  They are ministers to those people who will be the heirs of salvation, as Hebrews tells us. Heb 1:14. When we look at the word for hosts, we see it is “large group of beings”.  In this context it is an “army of angels”.

Ps 24:10 Who is this King-Glory? God of the angel armies [6635]: he is King-Glory. (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

OT:6635 tsaba' (tsaw-baw'); or (feminine) tseba'ah (tseb-aw-aw'); from OT:6633; a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (specifically, hardship, worship): KJV - appointed time, (+)army, (+)battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war (-fare). (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

If we remember, Azazael, one of the fallen angels, came to earth and taught humans how to make weapons, as well as makeup and jewelry.  Therefore, there must have been the knowledge of warfare in whatever part of heaven Azazael came from.  We already understand that the spiritual beings all had the knowledge of good and evil.  If Jesus created spiritual beings such as, angels, cherubim, seraphim; and some of them used their free will to renounce His Lordship; he may have utilized His loyal spiritual beings to remove Lucifer from his place in the upper heavens.  We know that Lucifer still has some access to heaven to accuse humans before God, but he does not have full access any longer.  One day Lucifer will lose his access to all of heaven and will be cast out along with one third of those who changed their lord from Jesus to Lucifer. One day, those people who were not among the redeemed will be judged.  If found cursed, these people will enter eternal fire, the lake of fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

Matt 25:41-46 Then He will say to those at His left hand, Be gone from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels! 42 For I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me and entertain Me, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me with help and ministering care. 44 Then they also [in their turn] will answer, Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You? 45 And He will reply to them, Solemnly I declare to you, in so far as you failed to do it for the least [in the estimation of men] of these, you failed to do it for Me. [Prov 14:31; 17:5.] 46 Then they will go away into eternal punishment, but those who are just and upright and in right standing with God into eternal life. [Dan 12:2.] AMP

Angels who serve Jesus have responsibilities besides ministering to people who make Jesus Lord.  Angels will separate the people of the kingdom of God from those not allowed in.

Matt 13:38-44 The field is the world, and the good seed means the children of the kingdom; the darnel is the children of the evil one, 39 And the enemy who sowed it is the devil. The harvest is the close and consummation of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the darnel (weeds resembling wheat) is gathered and burned with fire, so it will be at the close of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all causes of offense [persons by whom others are drawn into error or sin] and all who do iniquity and act wickedly, 42 And will cast them into the furnace of fire; there will be weeping and wailing and grinding of teeth. 43 Then will the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God) shine forth like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let him who has ears [to hear] be listening, and let him consider and perceive and understand by hearing. [Dan 12:3.] AMP

Matt 13:49-51 So it will be at the close and consummation of the age. The angels will go forth and separate the wicked from the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God) 50 And cast them [the wicked] into the furnace of fire; there will be weeping and wailing and grinding of teeth. AMP

Just before the consummation of the age, the angels separate the people of the kingdom and the children of the evil one.  Angels are given the charge in several instances to mark the children of God, or to kill the ones who are not of God.  So far as we know there is no escaping the lake of fire. Once beings, whether human or spiritual, are thrown into the lake of fire there is no way out.  We have no further plan of redemption for those in the lake of fire, nor do we have a plan of salvation for them.  Therefore one day, all beings will be separated so that those who have turned to evil will be contained in a lake of fire while the children of God the Creator, are set to live in a new heaven and new earth.  What we see from the future of the two new places, heaven and earth, is that they will be without intentional evil.  Right now we have intentional evil on the earth.  Beings that scheme and plan evil against humans. 

Intelligent spiritual beings that know the truth, but have committed to make an allegiance with satan, are what we are continually dealing with. They use a smoke cloud against humans to make our heavenly Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, and our Holy Spirit, look like mean gods, that do not love us but instead may beat us at any moment.  If we were to understand that that is simply the opposite of reality, we would be further ahead in this game played against us.  There are schemes spinning in every direction, but Christians think very one dimensionally; seeing only “good” or “evil” rather than “evil” and “more evil”.  For example, people will say that the United States of America was established as a “Christian” nation.  That is not quite the truth, there were many people who were truly Christians who came here, but it is not a blanket statement of all good vs. all evil.  If 51 of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were known and registered freemasons, could we make a blanket statement that the USA was established as a Christian nation? Then we would have to say that freemasonry is a Christian religion, yet we know that is not true.  There are many great books written about secret societies where one can research freemasonry. 

Here is another example; people always like to compare the USA to Israel, and then attribute the punishment of Israel, especially the northern kingdom, to the USA.  We then have to ask a few simple questions.  Firstly, where is the United States of America talked about in the Bible?  We may be able to stretch the USA into the outer isles or the young merchants of Tar shish. But if that is all we have to go on that is pretty thin.  Then we have to ask where (if we use those examples or some other example) is it written that God made and established a covenant with the USA like he did with Israel?  I’ve heard people try to make a case that the USA’s borders were breached, for the first time, like the Northern Kingdom of Israel, on 9/11.  However we have simply forgotten history, such as Pearl Harbor, and the war of 1812.   Then we also have to ask the questions as to where are Canada, Brazil, Argentina, North Korea or South Korea, or Malaysia in the Bible; and is God punishing them, or just the USA?  This is called belief bias where something is either accepted or rejected according to one’s own every day knowledge and perspective.  If one does not have a world view, then a person’s world view centers on their small city or town.  Just like a toddler, who thinks the world revolves around him, so do many American Christian adults believe they are the center of the Bible. 

It is an ingenious being that can spin tales and stories, even using similar circumstances from the Bible, and make people look at Jesus and the Heavenly Father in a bad way. Does the devil know what is written in the Bible?  It is a being with intelligence that can make people think the Father is harming his own, and that there is no evil ruler here on earth.  An intelligent being makes people believe everything comes from the Creator God, good and bad, while there isn’t a devil, doing anything bad on earth. An example of one of the many deceptions the devil uses is how the devil inspired a religion in the 8^th century that has many tenets of the book of revelation, in opposite form, such as Islam.  Therefore, there are people who believe the anti Christ will come out of Islam.  At the same time, there are secret societies, such as the Illuminati, that control much of the wealth of the free world, and people are led to believe that they will be the world leaders and rulers.  Yet if one were to take out a world map and look at the areas both of these groups have control over, one would notice there is a large portion of the world that neither group control.  Some also believe the harlot of all religions is one that got its start from Constantine, three hundred years after Christ.  Another group ambitiously promotes visitors from other planets who are coming to either help or harm us.  Simply, this will be the cover story of the rapture; aliens came and took all the trouble makers away to be re-programmed.  All these groups truly exist, and all are just smoke screens, attempting to distract us from Christ. From the Bible, we can see that one day a world leader will come to power with the help of the dragon and the false prophet.  Therefore it hardly matters as to what story the devil spins now, we are simply to go out and make disciples, knowing that the Bible is our rule and guide for future events.  These smoke screens cause many people to be passionate about their knowledge, and again, it is intelligent spiritual beings that made an allegiance to the devil that continue to spin tales to keep Christians off balance.  But Jesus said something interesting to his disciples to set us apart.

Matt 5:43-48 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.KJV

Why would Jesus tell his disciples to love your enemies or pray for them that despitefully use you?  Love sets us apart from the devil.  If the enemy is trying to cause you to sin, and you simply love and pray for the people the devil is using, it keeps your heart light and happy.  This does not mean we should erase the imprecatory psalms, as we studied last week; but sometimes people are being used and they don’t even know it.  This is different from those who intentionally made an allegiance with the devil, and you will only know the difference by revelation from the Holy Spirit. I’ve heard many stories where a Christians’ kindness helped someone get saved, even when the non-believer knew they weren’t being nice, they were touched by love. This makes the devil crazy.  Paul also warns us to keep alert and intercede.

Eph 6:18-20 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people). 19 And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel), 20 For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do. AMP

Since we are to keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, it would seem that there could be a scheme or a trick at any turn in life.  Therefore, we are to keep sharp and vigilant. We are not dealing with stupid spirit beings, but beings who know more about the universe than we do.  We should be consistent in our prayer time, and ask the Holy Spirit to show us the way to pray.