Sometimes, the trials and struggles of this world are almost overwhelming. All the evil, hatred, and just pure meanness seem to be all there is, with nothing to look forward to. However, for all true believers in our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ, we have a special hope. In John 16:33, Jesus comforts us with, “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (ESV – all emphasis is mine)
After giving His disciples the above message, Jesus prayed a special prayer in John 17 to the Father about having come into the world, and that His mission was just about to be concluded. He prayed for special blessings for His disciples, but in verses 20-21, He included all who would receive and accept Him from then on. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.”
Our Jesus included everyone, regardless of where they were from and whatever their status was, as long as they would receive and accept Him as their eternal Shepherd (Joel 2:32, Acts 2:21, and Romans 10:13).
What is so sad is that Satan is still convincing people that the things of this world are most important and that Jesus doesn’t really exist. Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 6:9-10, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
The apostle John provided further teaching in 1 John 2:15-17; “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the desires of the eyes and the pride of life are not from the Father but from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”
John continues his teaching in 1 John 2:22-23; “Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.”
When we say “Jesus the Christ,” we should know that “Christ” was not originally a name but a title from the Greek word “Christos,” which translates the Hebrew term “Mashiach” (Messiah), meaning “the Anointed One.” Also, the Hebrew for Jesus is Yeshua.
There are many today who have the belief that just because they acknowledge that Jesus is real, they are bound for glory. One disclaimer here: James 2:19 states, “You believe that God is one, you do well. Even the demons believe and shudder.”
The demons are fallen angels who followed Satan, who was initially an archangel with a serious pride problem (Isaiah 14:12-16, Ezekiel 28:13-19, 2 Peter 2:4, and Jude 1:6).
Satan and the fallen angels do not have a pathway to forgiveness as all humans do. Jesus said the lake of fire was prepared specifically for them (Matthew 25:41). They have no other option available for them. After all, they had been in the presence of the Holy Father and still turned away from Him.
As humans, we have a choice only because our Father loves all of us so much that He personally provided a pathway to eternal life with Him. He is all-knowing and knows that no human could ever meet His standard of perfection. Therefore, He sent a part of Himself, Jesus, who was born as a human but without the sin-nature blood that we all have. Joseph’s and Mary’s blood never mixed with His blood after the Holy Spirit placed Him in Mary’s womb. Therefore, when the sacrifice for sins was made at Calvary, the blood our Savior shed was sin-free and acceptable to God the Father.
All who will receive and accept the free gift that Jesus gave will be able to be forgiven of all sins and spend eternity with Him. This is found in Romans 10:9-13. And before anyone tells you they are sin-free, please direct them to Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23, and Romans 6:23 for starters.
All from the creation to Calvary that were out of the will of God, and all from Calvary to the end of this earth who did not accept the Savior will join Satan in that lake of fire forever. That’s found in Revelation 20:11-15.
No matter what false prophets or others may say, there are only two ways a soul can go after leaving this earth. Heaven with Jesus forever; hell with Satan forever. No other outcome exists.
One good part is we have the right to choose which path we will travel. God forces no one but will accept all who call out to be forgiven and saved by His Son. Once we have Jesus as our Eternal Shepherd, we will look forward to our Home in Heaven with Him.
A song by Eliza Edmunds in 1898 is called “When We All Get To Heaven.” It is a positive outlook for all believers to look forward to when we leave this sin-filled earth.
1.) Sing the wondrous love of Jesus; sing His mercy and His grace. In the mansions bright and blessed, He’ll prepare for us a place.
Ref.) When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!
2.) While we walk the pilgrim pathway, clouds will overspread the sky. But when traveling days are over, not a shadow, not a sigh. (ref)
3.) Let us then be true and faithful, trusting, serving every day. Just one glimpse of Him in glory will the toils of life repay. (ref)
4.) Onward to the prize before us, soon His beauty we’ll behold. Soon the pearly gates will open – we shall tread the streets of gold. (ref)
With all the signs present that were given to us by the prophets and Jesus Himself, it becomes obvious that the end of this age is very near.
Today would not be too early to consider where you want to spend all of eternity, as the Trumpet of God and the shout from an archangel could take place at any moment (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, 1 Corinthians 15:51-53). God has provided a way for all true believers to avoid the tribulation/wrath period of seven years that will be the worst time this earth has ever experienced.
Jesus shed His blood for all who would accept His free gift. It is something that no one can ever earn or buy Ephesians 2:8-9). It is guaranteed for all who truly call out to Him to save them and to be their Precious Shepherd forever.
Jew or Gentile, His blood covers all of His precious flock of true believers. This world is not going to be here forever, and no matter what treasures one may have here, they will not make it into eternity. Only our love for Jesus will, and His gift is free.
Call on Him today, and you too will be saying, “Maranatha!” (Come, Lord Jesus!)
Also raptureforums.com
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