On CHALLENGING universalism

 

Galatians 1:8-9

King James Version

8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, 

preach any other gospel unto you 

than that which we have preached unto you, 

let him be accursed.

9 As we said before, so say I now again, 

if any man preach any other gospel unto you 

than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Funny how the HOLY SPIRIT led my studies the other day.

First, He led me to the Bank of International Settlements (BIS), because of an article we wrote, on "The TRUE deficit".

From that, He alerted me to American banker, Owen D. Young, who "played a central role in the conception and establishment of the BIS in 1929–1930".

Why particularly him, and not to the other two BIS personalities, such as French economist, Raphaël-Georges Lévy, and Belgian statesman, Léon Delacroix?

(Although, perhaps, we shall look into them, too.)

But looking into Young, GOD made me take note that he was into universalism -- ESPECIALLY Christian universalism:

"The fundamental idea of Christian universalism is universal reconciliation – that all humans will ultimately receive salvation and be reconciled to God."

-- Wikipedia

Was there such a thing?

Wasn't that incongruous?

Could you be Christian, and universalist, at the same time?

Well, challenging the tenets of universalism started for me when SPIRIT made me take note of some Bible verses Thomas Whittmore quoted, in reference to universalist theology.

He called his book, "100 Scriptural Proofs That Jesus Christ Will Save All Mankind".

Will all really be saved?

Didn't JESUS say:

Matthew 7:21-23

King James Version

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, 

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; 

but he that doeth the will of my Father 

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, 

have we not prophesied in thy name? 

and in thy name have cast out devils? 

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, 

I never knew you: 

depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 19:16-26

King James Version

16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, 

Good Master, what good thing shall I do, 

that I may have eternal life?

17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? 

there is none good but one, that is, God: 

but if thou wilt enter into life, 

keep the commandments.

18 He saith unto him, Which? 

Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, 

Thou shalt not commit adultery, 

Thou shalt not steal, 

Thou shalt not bear false witness,

19 Honour thy father and thy mother: 

and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

20 The young man saith unto him, 

All these things have I kept from my youth up: 

what lack I yet?

21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, 

go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, 

and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: 

and come and follow me.

22 But when the young man heard that saying, 

he went away sorrowful: 

for he had great possessions.

23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, 

Verily I say unto you, That a rich man 

shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel 

to go through the eye of a needle, 

than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

25 When his disciples heard it, 

they were exceedingly amazed, saying, 

Who then can be saved?

26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, 

With men this is impossible; 

but with God all things are possible.

Yes, it is GOD's desire that ALL men be saved:

John 3:16-17

King James Version

16 For God so loved the world, 

that he gave his only begotten Son, 

that whosoever believeth in him 

should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world 

to condemn the world; 

but that the world through him 

might be saved.

And that He has mercy on all:

Romans 11:32

King James Version

32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, 

that he might have mercy upon all.

JESUS also said:

John 12:32

King James Version

32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, 

will draw all men unto me.

Romans 5:19

King James Version

19 For as by one man's disobedience 

many were made sinners, 

so by the obedience of one 

shall many be made righteous.

SALVATION is a GIFT.

Romans 5:18

King James Version

18 Therefore as by the offence of one 

judgment came upon all men to condemnation; 

even so by the righteousness of one 

the free gift came upon all men 

unto justification of life.

Ephesians 2:8-9

King James Version

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; 

and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

A gift given to BOTH Jew, and Gentile, alike.

Romans 11:11

King James Version

11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? 

God forbid: but rather through their fall 

salvation is come unto the Gentiles, 

for to provoke them to jealousy.

But GOD also knows who are His.

2 Timothy 2:19

King James Version

19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, 

having this seal, 

The Lord knoweth them that are his. 

And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ 

depart from iniquity.

He gave those to be saved to His Son, JESUS.

John 6:37

King James Version

37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; 

and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

John 6:38-40

King James Version

38 For I came down from heaven, 

not to do mine own will, 

but the will of him that sent me.

39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, 

that of all which he hath given me 

I should lose nothing, 

but should raise it up again at the last day.

40 And this is the will of him that sent me, 

that every one which seeth the Son, 

and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: 

and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 17:1-2

King James Version

17 These words spake Jesus, 

and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, 

Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, 

that thy Son also may glorify thee:

2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, 

that he should give eternal life 

to as many as thou hast given him.

JESUS gave the INVITATION to each one of us.

Revelation 3:20-21

King James Version

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: 

if any man hear my voice, and open the door, 

I will come in to him, 

and will sup with him, and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh will I grant 

to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, 

and am set down with my Father in his throne.

JESUS knows who are His, and who heed the CALL of GOD.

John 10:27-28

King James Version

27 My sheep hear my voice, 

and I know them, and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life; 

and they shall never perish, 

neither shall any man 

pluck them out of my hand.

But ALL need to REPENT, and BELIEVE in the Gospel, which happens to be JESUS:

Mark 1:15

King James Version

15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, 

and the kingdom of God is at hand: 

repent ye, 

and believe the gospel.

2 Peter 3:9

King James Version

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, 

as some men count slackness; 

but is longsuffering to us-ward, 

not willing that any should perish, 

but that all should come to repentance.

Revelation 3:19

King James Version

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: 

be zealous therefore, and repent.

Why do we need to repent?

Romans 3:23

King James Version

23 For all have sinned, 

and come short of the glory of God;

If universalist bankers held power in this world, then what's to become of men?

Are we being led to our doom, through ignorance of GOD's WORD?

Or through CHRIST's enemy twisting GOD's TRUTH once more?

Remember what happened the first time around, when the FIRST doubt, and confusion, were planted?

Genesis 3:1-7

King James Version

3 Now the serpent was more subtil 

than any beast of the field 

which the Lord God had made. 

And he said unto the woman, 

Yea, hath God said, 

Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

2 And the woman said unto the serpent, 

We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

3 But of the fruit of the tree 

which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, 

Ye shall not eat of it, 

neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

4 And the serpent said unto the woman, 

Ye shall not surely die:

5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, 

then your eyes shall be opened, 

and ye shall be as gods, 

knowing good and evil.

6 And when the woman saw that the tree 

was good for food, 

and that it was pleasant to the eyes, 

and a tree to be desired to make one wise, 

she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, 

and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

7 And the eyes of them both were opened, 

and they knew that they were naked; 

and they sewed fig leaves together, 

and made themselves aprons.

Chaos, confusion, corruption.

Deception, denial, destruction.

Satan's trademarks.

Please be careful.

Know GOD's WORD.

Pray to be born again.

So that SPIRIT will teach you.

And you will know more about JESUS.

And GOD's LAWS.

Those who conform will be saved.

Psalm 37:39-40

King James Version

39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: 

he is their strength in the time of trouble.

40 And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: 

he shall deliver them from the wicked, 

and save them, because they trust in him.

But the wicked shall perish.

Psalm 37:20

King James Version

20 But the wicked shall perish, 

and the enemies of the Lord shall be 

as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; 

into smoke shall they consume away.

Psalm 37:38

King James Version

38 But the transgressors 

shall be destroyed together: 

the end of the wicked shall be cut off.

Matthew 13:41-42

King James Version

41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, 

and they shall gather out of his kingdom 

all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: 

there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Revelation 21:7-8

King James Version

7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things;

 and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, 

and the abominable, and murderers, 

and whoremongers, and sorcerers, 

and idolaters, and all liars, 

shall have their part in the lake 

which burneth with fire and brimstone: 

which is the second death.

Lastly, universalism doesn't believe in eternal hell.

"Christian universalists hold that an everlasting hell does not exist (though most believe there is a temporary hell of some kind), and that unending torment was not what Jesus taught."

-- Wikipedia

Really?

Listen to what JESUS says:

Matthew 25:40-46

King James Version

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, 

Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye 

have done it unto one 

of the least of these my brethren, 

ye have done it unto me.

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, 

Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, 

prepared for the devil and his angels:

42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: 

I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: 

naked, and ye clothed me not: 

sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, 

Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, 

or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, 

and did not minister unto thee?

45 Then shall he answer them, saying, 

Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it 

not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

46 And these shall go away 

into everlasting punishment: 

but the righteous into life eternal.

Mark 9:43-44

King James Version

43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: 

it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, 

than having two hands to go into hell, 

into the fire that never shall be quenched:

44 Where their worm dieth not, 

and the fire is not quenched.

The Bible revealed these, too:

Jude 7

King James Version

7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, 

and the cities about them in like manner, 

giving themselves over to fornication, 

and going after strange flesh, 

are set forth for an example, 

suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Revelation 14:9-11

King James Version

9 And the third angel followed them, 

saying with a loud voice, 

If any man worship the beast and his image, 

and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

10 The same shall drink of the wine 

of the wrath of God, which is poured out 

without mixture into the cup of his indignation; 

and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone 

in the presence of the holy angels, 

and in the presence of the Lamb:

11 And the smoke of their torment 

ascendeth up for ever and ever: 

and they have no rest day nor night, 

who worship the beast and his image, 

and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

Revelation 20:10

King James Version

10 And the devil that deceived them 

was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, 

where the beast and the false prophet are, 

and shall be tormented day and night 

for ever and ever.

Revelation 20:11-15

King James Version

11 And I saw a great white throne, 

and him that sat on it,  from whose face 

the earth and the heaven fled away; 

and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, 

stand before God; 

and the books were opened: 

and another book was opened, 

which is the book of life: 

and the dead were judged out of those things 

which were written in the books, 

according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; 

and death and hell delivered up the dead 

which were in them: 

and they were judged every man 

according to their works.

14 And death and hell 

were cast into the lake of fire. 

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found 

written in the book of life 

was cast into the lake of fire.

It is important to be born of the SPIRIT.

That He may teach us GOD's TRUTH.

And not be deceived by the enemy.

JESUS can come for His believers, any moment GOD chooses.

We are in the END times, thus BEWARE of these:

Colossians 2:8

King James Version

8 Beware lest any man spoil you 

through philosophy and vain deceit, 

after the tradition of men, 

after the rudiments of the world, 

and not after Christ.

1 Timothy 4:1-2

King James Version

4 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, 

that in the latter times 

some shall depart from the faith, 

giving heed to seducing spirits, 

and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; 

having their conscience seared 

with a hot iron;

1 Timothy 4:7

King James Version

7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, 

and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

1 John 2:16

King James Version

16 For all that is in the world, 

the lust of the flesh, 

and the lust of the eyes, 

and the pride of life, 

is not of the Father, 

but is of the world.

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Image: Clipart Library

FIRST church SERVICE

 1 Corinthians 1:9

King James Version

9 God is faithful, 

by whom ye were called 

unto the fellowship of his Son 

Jesus Christ our Lord.

GOD sounded the "bell".

Just one church bell ring, from a church below, and I "heard" it.

This, as I was brushing my teeth yesterday morning.

I immediately wanted to go to "church", but to a church in town.

Back to that simple, homey church I once visited, but was late for the service.

I've been born again nearly six years now, but never visited a born again church.

Only because I wanted to make sure SPIRIT led me to a church GOD approves of.

Well, that bell sounded, and I heeded the call.

I immediately dressed, and practically ran out of the house, commuted, and walked briskly by the side of the scenic park, where boaters donned life jackets, as they traversed the lake.

In times past, we never had such vests; we merely rowed, using the heavy, wooden oars -- one of which my child's hands dropped -- looked around, hoping no one saw it.

The oars must have been heavy alright, for it was not seen again.

Did people realize they needed JESUS' life-saving vest, for the storms to come?

But yesterday, all I could think of was getting to church fast.

No way was I going to be late again.

As it turned out, I was 30 minutes early, giving me time to get to know the pastor, and his wife.

As always, SPIRIT was right.

He brought me to the right place, 

at the right time, with the right people.

Lately, the pastor had been talking about the end times.

In fact, this was going to be his third talk on it.

As GOD would have it, my path was in tune with the pastor's path.

JESUS had alerted me to the end times on 14 January 2020, when He led me to a verse on the Rapture.

Like the bell that called to me yesterday, this was the particular verse that "called" to me in 2020:

Matthew 24:40

King James Version

40 Then shall two be in the field; 

the one shall be taken, and the other left.

That pretty much explained the Rapture for me then, owing to the Tim LaHaye "Left Behind" book I read once:

Interestingly, SPIRIT led me to the fact that book is celebrating its 25th anniversary this August.

The church He led me to will also be celebrating their 25th anniversary this December.

And I look to my "Scripture Numerics" book and discover the number 25 refers to "THE FORGIVENESS of SINS".

Well, today is the day for repentance.

JESUS warned us of the urgency of times:

Mark 1:15

King James Version

15 And saying, 

The time is fulfilled, 

and the kingdom of God is at hand: 

repent ye, and believe the gospel.

It also reminds me of commemorating wedding anniversaries, wherein the 25th pertains to "silver".

What does the Bible say about "silver"?

Psalm 12:6

King James Version

6 The words of the Lord are pure words: 

as silver tried in a furnace of earth, 

purified seven times.

From a single bell, to a born again church, to the end times, to the Rapture, to silver anniversaries, to Scripture on "silver".

That's the way the HOLY SPIRIT has been working in me, and through me.

That's why I'm enjoying my personal journey, despite its many early pitfalls.

All because GOD made me born again, and gave His SPIRIT to teach me.

Oh, and did I tell you that the church's songs were simple, heartfelt, and lovely?

And that one particular song -- just on JESUS -- brought tears to my eyes?

That the pastor and his wife prayed over me, welcoming me to their church?

That his wife, and a missionary, prayed over me again, as I said goodbye after the service?

That SPIRIT is now expanding this writing ministry we have?

And all because GOD made me born again six years ago.

My life has changed radically -- all for good.

Things of the world have been dropped.

Only a sincere love for CHRIST, and for others, remain.

Which SPIRIT continues to fine-tune each day.

I have so much more to learn, biblically.

I am no match for pastors who have been at it for decades.

But this much I know --

May your heart be childlike, open, and humble.

Pray to JESUS to make you born again.

Wait for GOD's call, for it will come.

SPIRIT will guide you what to do.

All for the GLORY of GOD.

And in JESUS' Name.

Amen.

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RIPE for CHANGE

Acts 26:18

King James Version

18 To open their eyes, 

and to turn them from darkness to light, 

and from the power of Satan unto God, 

that they may receive forgiveness of sins, 

and inheritance among them 

which are sanctified by faith 

that is in me.

Are you facing a dead end?

Facing a blank wall?

Nothing works?

Tired of the same stuff?

Jaded, to the core?

Bored?

Uninspired?

Broke?

Depleted?

Tired?

Lost?

Resigned?

What do you do next?

Pray?

Ask for help?

Hide?

Run?

Cry?

Rage?

Sink even deeper?

I went through many "dark nights" of the soul, too.

But April 2019 was different.

I just felt "rotten".

So sick of sin, and self.

Same sins, again and again.

I was digging a ditch for myself.

Satan provided the shovel.

He was about to dump me into it, too.

Surely, GOD opened my eyes.

I couldn't bear to sin anymore.

I turned my back on sin, and never looked back.

One thing you need to do with sin?

QUIT cold turkey.

With all the troubles I've had, I just prayed.

I didn't know how GOD would answer.

I didn't know what solutions He'd have for me.

All I know is I bared my heart to Him.

In five months' time, He made me born again.

He made me read the Bible.

Then, He led me to prophecy.

All in one morning.

I gobbled its truth.

He led me to prophet Zechariah.

Then we jumped to the four gospels.

I wanted to know EVERTHING about JESUS.

I wanted to know His EXACT words.

Then, an idea hit.

"Start from the beginning."

So I went to the FIRST book of the Bible.

Genesis 1:1-2

King James Version

1 In the beginning 

God created the heaven and the earth.

2 And the earth was without form, 

and void; and darkness 

was upon the face of the deep. 

And the Spirit of God 

moved upon the face of the waters.

FIRST two verses alone got me.

The second verse was my FIRST encounter with the "Spirit of God".

It's been over five years now, and we have not stopped writing.

All my material comes from SPIRIT.

We now have 111 blogs, and 24 e-books.

I perceive a 112th hovering.

It made its presence "known" this morning.

My days, and nights, are filled with SPIRIT, Scripture, snacks, and studies.

Apart from family tasks, and chores, of course.

I never run out of articles.

I am productive because of SPIRIT.

I just write, and write, and write.

And share, and share, and share.

And study, and study, and study.

I leave the rest to SPIRIT.

Have I found my answers?

Is my life better now?

Definitely.

It's all in JESUS.

He's my "model" for GODLY development.

My "pattern" for perfection, and simplicity.

My LORD for all things GOD.

The Answer to ALL the questions in this world.

Go ahead, ASK Him anything.

I compare the world's ways with His ways.

And I laugh, because there's no comparison.

I grieve, too, because I wish people would turn to Him.

If only the world would look to JESUS.

It would end ALL conflicts.

He is the PEACE you seek.

I live the simplest life of all.

Being born again is so fun!

It's the change you need.

I have no ambition.

No desire to rule the world.

No desire to dominate anything.

No desire to be "liked", "followed", or "honored".

A follower of JESUS looks to Him alone.

He is all that matters.

I am happy, peaceful, clear, content, and quiet.

Serving GOD; serving you; even looking after Trump.

I tell you of the Rapture, because JESUS alerted me to that.

SPIRIT and I have been preparing you five years now.

The Rapture is next in GOD's timeline.

That means GOD is giving us time to change.

He's giving us an opportunity to be with Him.

He wants us to acknowledge our sins, and repent.

He wants us to look to JESUS, for everything.

Every day we're still here is a chance to ask for forgiveness.

Every day is a chance to know more about the LORD's gospel.

We are given so many chances.

Let's not squander it.

Here's an important verse to ponder upon:

1 Thessalonians 5:18

King James Version

18 In every thing give thanks: 

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus 

concerning you.

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