True Bible Teaching - Gods Word Explained

Will the Earth ever be Destroyed?

As the prophet Daniel foretold, there is a time of trouble coming on earth that will bring it to the brink of destruction.

At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt (Daniel 12:1–2).

Survival or Destruction?

Will the earth survive or will it, and every living thing upon it, be destroyed? Some people think that the earth’s days are numbered and fear for its future survival, but they need have no such concerns.

Although there is a time of judgement coming on this earth, the Bible is quite definite that the earth itself will not be destroyed; that it will survive. And as this is a promise that God has made in His Word, the Bible, we can be absolutely sure about it. Here are some of those promises:

·       One generation passes away, and  another generation comes; but the earth abides 

·       For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens, who is God, who formed the earth and made it, who has established it, who did not create it in vain, who   formed it to be inhabited: “I am the Lord, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:18);

·       The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s; but the earth He has given to the children of men (Psalm 115:16);

·       Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).

Notice the last passage in particular, for it is a promise made by the Lord Jesus to all faithful believers. This is the promise of an everlasting inheritance here on earth, not a promise of life in heaven.

Saved How?

It is God’s intention to stop the present decline which now affects most aspects of human existence, before it goes too far. He will send His Son to save His people from destruction and to set up His kingdom on this earth.

The establishment of that Kingdom will, in time, restore this earth to the condition it was at the time of creation. This is what the apostle Peter said on the day of Pentecost to those Jews who were willing to listen:

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world  began (Acts 3:19–21).

Glorious Future

The physical earth will survive the time of trouble that is coming on this world and will yet have a glorious future. There are many descriptions of this time which is spoken about by God’s prophets and they are written to give us great hope and encouragement. For example, God says through His

prophet Isaiah:

Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of

the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2–3).

God’s Gracious Purpose

See this article for the beautiful future God has Planned for the Earth.

A new temple is to be built in Jerusalem when the “restoration of all things” takes place

For now, we can satisfy ourselves with the knowledge that, even though the earth will yet experience a "time of trouble such as never has been known before", God has a plan for this earth and He will surely bring it to pass. For it is God’s ultimate and declared purpose to fill this earth with His glory.

But truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord… (Numbers 14:21);

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9);

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).

By John Shepley

God's Purpose with the EARTH

What God wanted to do with the earth is made clear:

“And God blessed them: and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:28 ASV)

“For thus saith The LORD that created the heavens, the God that formed the earth and made it, that established it and created it not a waste, that formed it to be inhabited: I am The LORD; and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45:18 ASV)

“For evil–doers shall be cut off; But those that wait for The LORD, they shall inherit the land. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: Yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and he shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the land, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” (Psalm 37:9-11 ASV)

“The righteous shall inherit the land, And dwell therein forever.” (Psalm 37:29 ASV)

“For the upright shall dwell in the land, And the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the land, And the treacherous shall be rooted out of it.” (Proverbs 2:21-22 ASV)

“After this manner therefore pray ye. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.” (Matthew 6:9-10 ASV)

Literal earth stays in existence.

“Who laid the foundations of the earth, That it should not be moved for ever.” (Psalm 104:5 ASV)

“Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.” (Psalm 119:90 ASV)

“One generation goeth, and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth for ever.” (Ecclesiastes 1:4 ASV)

Men can not change Gods intention.

“And the nations were wroth, and thy wrath came, and the time of the dead to be judged, and [the time] to give their reward to thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and to them that fear thy name, the small and the great; and to destroy them that destroy the earth.” (Revelation 11:18 ASV)

“so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11 ASV)

“For The LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall annul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?” (Isaiah 14:27 ASV)

BIBLE TRUTH ABOUT THE ANTI-CHRIST

Prophecy Is A Popular Topic Today

Bible prophecy is becoming an extremely popular subject for discussion in today's

Christian world. Ten or fifteen years ago it was difficult to find any books on prophecy in Bible book stores, but now entire shelves are stocked with them. Furthermore, we find in today's Christian television and radio programs that prophecy is becoming an increasingly popular subject, and as time goes on, it seems to be gaining a wider audience than ever before.

Many people have now realized that the return of the Jews to their land and the rebirth of the nation of Israel is an example of Bible prophecy being fulfilled in our day. They further have seen that prophecy indicates Jesus Christ will soon return and Russia will eventually attack and temporarily defeat Israel. However, when we examine in more detail the events which will occur at the time of the end, we find there are many interpretations as to when Jesus will return and how the end of this age will come about.

Our Interpretation Of Prophecy Does Matter

It may appear that it does not matter how we interpret prophecy, for how can prophetic events affect our way of life and our salvation? If we look carefully into the Bible, however, we find examples indicating that it does matter how we view Bible prophecy.

One clear example is found in Matthew 24 where Jesus warned the Jews about the

coming invasion of the Romans into Jerusalem. Jesus said:

"So when you see the desolating sacrilege spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains; let him who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house; and let him who is in the field not turn back to take his mantle." (Matthew 24:15-18)

To the Jews that were living at that time, this was a very important prophecy because the Roman army later surrounded Jerusalem and the Jews who understood the words of Jesus fled from the city and were saved. Those who did not correctly understand this prophecy stayed in the city to be trapped by the Roman army and die in the siege that followed.

Another clear example is found in the Jews' rejection of Jesus. If the Jewish people had correctly understood the Old Testament prophecies which indicated that their Messiah would have to suffer and even die before he could reign as king, then they would not have rejected Jesus as the Messiah. Tragically, most of the Jews did not understand Bible prophecy correctly, since they expected the Messiah to overthrow the Romans in their day and then establish the kingdom in Israel. Their wrong understanding of prophecy caused them to reject Jesus Christ!

Certainly from these two examples we can see how necessary it is for us to have a correct understanding of Bible prophecies. We also live in an age when we are looking for the Messiah to come and establish his kingdom. No one desires to be in the position where he or she might reject Jesus when he comes because of an incorrect understanding of the prophetic events related to his second coming. Yet the framework has already been laid throughout Christianity for most Christians to do exactly that.

A sudden and rapid change has recently occurred within most Christian churches that has completely altered their prior understanding of the events at Jesus' second coming. Many of these churches and their leaders have abandoned the original teachings of their founders on this subject and have replaced them with the belief that a satanic man (the future Antichrist) will control the world for 7 years just prior to the return of Jesus. This false teaching is preparing millions of Christians throughout the earth to reject Jesus at his return because they will be convinced, by the things he will do, that he is "the Antichrist" and will oppose him.

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The Rapture Theory - True or False?

There are many books available today which state that the Bible speaks of a time when a certain group of people, will experience a removal from the planet earth to enjoy a blissful experience with Christ in heaven.  This period is known as the Rapture. While this is taking place the remainder of the world's population will undergo, it is stated, the 'Great Tribulation'.  The purpose of this leaflet is to demonstrate that best selling publications such as 'The Late Great Planet Earth', which advance such teaching, are astray from an understanding of the prophetic plan that God has revealed to man in the Bible.

THE RETURN OF CHRIST
In unmistakable and precise terms the Bible demonstrates that Jesus is to return to the earth, and with this we have no quarrel.  In Acts 1:11, the angel said to the disciples "...this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."  But for what purpose is he to return?  Before the birth of Jesus, the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that God would give unto him the throne of David, that he would reign over the house of Jacob for ever. Shortly before his death, Jesus in response to Pilate's question as to whether he was indeed the King of the Jews, explained "My kingdom is not of this world" (Greek kosmos - Order of things).  The Law of Moses, the order of things then in existence, was not the form of government over which Jesus is to rule.  However, implied in his answer nevertheless, was the teaching that he would be a king over a kingdom at a future period.  Other examples could be cited where the Bible confidently predicts that Jesus will return to earth to reign.

THE RAPTURE THEORY INCONSISTENT WITH THE RETURN OF CHRIST
The Bible promises men and women a reward if they are obedient to the commandments that are contained in its pages for their guidance.  This reward is eternal life, not in heaven but on earth, for example.  "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the EARTH". This being so, we would ask, how then will believers be "raptured"?  In fact nowhere in the Bible do we find the notion that believers go to heaven!  Furthermore, if Christ is to return to the earth, why should his followers go to heaven?  Ought they not to be with him on earth?  Jesus promised his disciples that they would sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  This points emphatically to the revealed will of God to restore the former kingdom of Israel, in a day when people will call "Jerusalem the throne of the Lord" (Jeremiah 3:17).

The True Identity of the Devil

The Bibles Teaching

The true Bible teaching of the devil and satan is very far removed from the popular idea that the devil is an immortal monster with a tail and a pitchfork, tempting man to rebel against God. We hope to show that the Bible teaches that the devil is actually sin which manifests itself in individuals and organisations.

The idea of a “fallen angel” is a idea which has is routes in paganism and was adopted in to Christian theology. The ancient Greeks and Roman pagan religions for example proclaimed the idea of good and evil Gods who would strive together over the souls of men.

These ideas find no real support in the Bible. A lot of assumption and “reading into” the wording has to be done to attempt to find support for this idea and in doing so many solid scriptural principles are broken.

Why is this subject important?

The mission of Jesus Christ was to save us from “the devil”:

“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8

“Forasmuch then as the children (mankind) are partakers of flesh and blood, he (Jesus) also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;” Hebrews 2:14

This subject then is one of upmost importance to understand because Jesus Christ came to destroy the devil.

God’s principles at stake

To believe in a fallen angel who tempts men to sin against God is to put a number of clear scriptural teachings in jeopardy. Consider the following reasons which clearly prove that the true identity of the Devil an Satan is not an immortal monster.

1. Sinners have to die

“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning…” 1 John 3:8

The Bible tells us that this Devil was a sinner.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

The Bibles clear teaching is that the wages of sin is death. It is impossible therefore to have an immortal being who can sin. If we attempted to suggest that the Devil was a mortal monster then how is it that he has supposably lived for thousands of years and possesses the powers of disease, deception, death, pain and torment and is permitted by Almighty God to challenge his authority.

2.There is no clear definition of the Devil

“Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets”. Amos 3:7

If the Devil does exist in the way proclaimed by popular Christian theology the why do we not have a clear scriptural description of who he is, what his character is like, what he is doing and why God is allowing him to exist.

3. No mention in the Old Testament

It is interesting to note that in the detailed record of God’s dealings with Israel in the Old Testament, nowhere is there given an indication of a personal devil who goes around tempting people.

The hebrew equivalent of the word devil is only used 4 times and is in connection with false worship and idols of wood and stone – not an immortal being.

4. God holds men accountable for their actions

The Bible teaches that we are all responsible to God for our own actions and tempted by our own lusts:

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15

“The heart is deceitful above all things , and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

“And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:20-23

Unlike the humanistic views of today, the Bible shows that man is inherently evil and that this comes from within himself. How is it therefore that this supposed external Devil is manipulating mankind to rebel against God? The Bible shows that this is a natural occurrence and that there is no need for this monster to do so. Sin originates form the mind of a man and therefore he is responsible for following it.

5. It is impossible for a rebellion to happen in Heaven

Jesus Christ himself proclaims that God’s will is done in heaven when he teaches his followers to pray for God’s coming Kingdom to be on earth in what has become known as “the Lords prayer”:

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10

If God’s will is done in heaven then how is it that a rebellion was supposed to of taken place by the angels, one of which became the so called monster the Devil.