As Bob Dylan sang in the 1960s, “The Times, They Are A-Changin!” Sadly for many, the changes are causing great anxiety, fear and unrest worldwide. For others, the times are signaling that this world has reached the end of this age, and the next two periods are about to start. That would be the Tribulation/Wrath and then the Millennial Reign of our Jesus. Though we are not pleased to see all the evil, violence and hatred, our Lord and Savior will be coming soon to keep one of our Father’s major covenants with us. That is to keep all true believers in Jesus from going through the coming Wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 and Revelation 3:10 – all emphasis mine).
It is oh so close! Once Israel goes through the Ezekiel 38/39 war, there will be a treaty signed between them and all their surrounding nations. Through this treaty, the lawless one will be introduced. (2 Thessalonians 2:3). He will become the new world leader; however, right now, he can’t appear as there is a “Restrainer” (Holy Spirit) present that keeps him from making his entrance. Once the Restrainer is removed and all those He indwells are taken up to meet Jesus in the air at the Rapture, the 7-year Tribulation will begin.
During the Tribulation, there will be more and more persecution of new Christians and all Jews. From mid-tribulation to the end, it will be like hell on earth for anyone who will not commit themselves to the antichrist. Martyrdom will be an everyday event, yet God will save a remnant at a location where they will be protected by Him. Many believe this will be at Petra in Jordan.
For all that take an identifying mark and worship the beast (antichrist), there will be no forgiveness (Revelation 13:16-17; Revelation 14:9-11). Their eternal destination will be the Lake of Fire that was made for Satan and all his followers of fallen angels (demons) as given in Matthew 25:41. The first two occupants will be the antichrist and false prophet (Revelation 19:20). Then, a thousand years later, the final judgment on Satan and all the lost from the beginning of the creation of this earth will take place (Revelation 20:10-15).
Every living, breathing person on this earth deserves to be cast into hell, as all of us have fallen short and are sinners (Romans 3:23). The wages of our sin is death, yet God, in His infinite mercy through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus, offers eternity in Heaven (Romans 6:23). It’s a free gift, yet it must be received and accepted for it to apply (Romans 10:9-13).
The gospel group, The Cathedrals, made famous a song written by a Norwegian immigrant, Haldor Lillenas (1885-1959). Haldor wrote “Wonderful Grace of Jesus” in 1918, and it gives us a perspective of the sacrifice made by our Savior for us.
(1) Wonderful Grace of Jesus, greater than all my sin. How shall my tongue describe it; where shall its praise begin? Taking away my burdens; setting my Spirit free. O the Wonderful Grace of Jesus reaches me.
(ref) Wonderful the matchless Grace of Jesus; deeper than the mighty rolling sea. Higher than the mountains, sparkling like a fountain; all-sufficient Grace for even me. Broader than the scope of my transgressions; greater far than all my sin and shame – my sin and shame. O magnify the precious name of Jesus; Praise His Name!
(2) Wonderful Grace of Jesus, reaching to all the lost. By it I have been pardoned; saved to the uttermost. Chains have been torn asunder, giving me liberty; O the Wonderful Grace of Jesus reaches me. (ref)
(3) Wonderful Grace of Jesus, reaching the most defiled. By its transforming power, making me God’s dear child. Purchasing peace and Heaven, for all eternity; and the Wonderful Grace of Jesus reaches me. (ref)
Some verses about “Grace are:
Romans 5:15: “But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the Grace of God, and the free gift by the Grace of that one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded for many.”
Ephesians 2:8-9; “For by Grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Titus 1:11; “For the Grace of God has appeared bringing Salvation for all people.”
Revelation 22:21; “The Grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”
Some verses about Grace and Mercy:
1 Timothy 1:13-14; “though formerly, I was a blasphemer, persecutor and insolent opponent. But I received Mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the Grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” This is a good lesson from Paul that tells us that all can be forgiven if we turn from our sinful ways and call out to Jesus to be saved. Even though Jesus “selected” Paul, he readily admitted his previous beliefs were wrong, and he totally repented.
Hebrews 4:16; “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of Grace, that we may receive Mercy and find Grace in time of need.”
And verses on Mercy:
Titus 3:5; “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own Mercy by the washing, regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”
1 Peter 1:3; “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great Mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
James 2:13 tells us we must show Mercy, to receive Mercy; “For judgment is without Mercy to one who has shown no Mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
Luke 6:36; “Be Merciful, even as your Father is Merciful.”
There are more verses throughout the Bible that show our Heavenly Father is not an overbearing deity, as most of the manmade gods supposedly are. Just telling of the love of God would be a message that would have an abundance of verses that would describe this.
Our Jesus, one third of the Holy Trinity, deserves all of our worship, praise and glory. His purpose to come to this sin-filled earth was to suffer and die a cruel death so that His creation could be offered eternal life with Him. Our fall from grace was first recorded in Genesis 3 in the Garden of Eden, and the Old Testament is a prelude to the arrival of our Messiah.
Jesus knew full well what He was to endure, yet as John 10:18 states, He came willingly. His pure blood was the only sacrifice that would be acceptable to rescue us all. As the song’s first line states, “Wonderful Grace of Jesus; greater than all my sin.” Do I deserve this? Definitely not, but knowing that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2), I am assured eternal life with my Savior because I have received and accepted His gift of Grace and Mercy.
This is not just for me, but everyone on this planet who will do the same. Jesus knows that more will accept the lies of Satan and the so-called pleasures of this earth than will truly accept Him (Matthew 7:13-14). He knows false prophets and antichrist will deceive many and lead them to destruction.
Today would not be too early to really consider your options. It is a good time to make your choice of either Jesus and eternal life in Heaven, or Satan and eternal punishment in hell. It is totally your decision to make, and there are no other options. Jesus will force no one but will accept all who call on Him (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13).
The wonderful Grace of Jesus will “take away your burden, and set your spirit free.” He could be back at any moment to take His flock Home. You can know for certain that you will be with Him when He calls by accepting His gift right now.
Hope to see you there – Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus!