A REVELATION, TRIBULATION AND RAPTURE PRESENTATION – 2026 version

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The Revelation Presentation 2026

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NEXT: If you have remaining questions or argumentative-doubts, please review these next 4 presentations before writing me. (And, yes, I would very much like to come to know you and discuss these matters).

#1. A Mystery Solved – The End Times

#2. Could This Be The Beginning of The End?

#3. Is This The End of The Age?

#4. Eschatological Timeline – Not so simple but “Simplified”

Finally, This Presentation follows the End Times from the Book of The Revelation. It is broken into separate episodes, each with its own audio.

My we be edified and God be glorified!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

Eschatological Timeline – Not so simple but “Simplified”

You probably have seen other End Times (eschatological) timelines. This one is similar to the “dispensational pre-tribulation view”. Beside that, this timeline is different from the dozens of other views. This is the “Pre-Tribulation-Pre-Wrath view”, and it is important. It is important not because it is ‘the right view’, although that is justifiably so, but because it reveals the urgency of being ready for what is coming.

It removes the fallacy that all one needs to do is ‘confess Jesus with thier mouth’ in order to be saved and to avoid the great distress of the coming Great Tribulation period. It is important becuase it removes the excuse of huddling in churches, serving oneself, thinking you are free from the coming troubles and soon to be raptured. It removes the complancy that has settled over the post modern twenty-first century church.

So I have simplified this timeline as much as possible and still convey it’s urgency and its meaning.

You can see from the chart  that (1), we address the date the prophecies were written and spoken, (2), the key event of the prophecy, (3), the scriptural references of the prophecy, (4), the broad outcome of the prophecy or scriptural name(s) of the prophecy and (5), some details surrounding the historical outcome of the prophecies. Read each column as a seperate but comparative view of this eschatalogical timeline, Read from top to bottom to get the summary and and comparison of  this simplified prophetic timeline. (It is color coded for your convenience.)

God has given us a picture and a description of what is to come upon the world in the Last Days (also known as the End of the Age or the Last Times); He has also described when the Last Days are to begin, the progression of and key details of those events, how they will end and what follows.

First, Daniel chapters 7 through 12 give us an extended panorama of eschatological history (the End Times) through Daniel’s visions and dreams. They are coded but become clearer in their meaning from chapter 9 through 12. (see the first column of the chart).

(There are several other Old Testament books which allude or refer to these same days, such as Ezekiel, Amos, Zedekiah, Joel and others. But we will focus on the three Books named in the chart above).

Next, Jesus, from the book of Matthew 24:4-31, and the book of the Revelation chapters 6 – 8 and 9-22 gives an outline of the eschatological events we find in the book of Daniel, and in greater detail. (See the second and third columns of the chart).

Additionally, and although the Apostles Paul, Peter and John and the disciple Timothy are not shown in the chart, they give testimonies corroborating the details of Daniel and the Words of Jesus in these matters. (See Acts 2:14-17, 1 Peter 1:20,  1 Peter 4:7, 2 Peter 3:3. 1 Corinthians 10:11, Hebrews 1:2, Hebrews 9:26,  2 Timothy 3:1,  1 John 2:18, and  Revelation 1:9.

Finally, the Apostle Paul, gives a defining key to these mysteries in Ephesians 1:9, which reveals the mystery of God’s will regarding His plan and the time for the fullness or the completion of time – bringing all things in the heavens and for the earth together – in Christ. Jesus’ Birth is the defining moment for the Final Days. His birth starts the final countdown where time leaves the Age of Grace and enters the Birth Pains period of the tribulation, which leads to the Great Tribulation period of the final Seven Years.

KEY VERSE linking all the above: Ephesians 1, verses 9-10, “He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him, (verse 10), regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.

RECAP: with captions: (Ephesians 1:9-10), He, (God the Father),

made known to us the mystery of His will (God the Father’s will),

according to His, (God the Father’s),

good pleasure which He, (God the Father),

set forth in Him (Jesus – God the Son),

regarding His, (God the Father’s),

plan of the fullness of the times, —–> (the “Plan of the fullness of the times” is another way of saying THE LAST DAYS or THE END OF THE AGE or THE CONSUMATION OF THE AGE)

to bring all things together in Christ, —–> (is another way of saying that Jesus is bringing the culmination of the Age. “Jesus did not come to abolish the law and the prophets, but to fulfill it”  and “”These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come),

things in the heavens and things on the earth. —–> (This is another way of saying that God has put all things in subjection to Jesus). (This is the Word of God through the Apostle Paul).

God said He would reveal and has revealed the mystery of Daniel’s Prophetic dream and vision, (Daniel 10 – 12), which is about the End of Days, His Plan of Salvation and of Judgment, which was to be kept secret until it would be revealed as “His plan of the fullness of the times” to bring all things together “in Christ” – things in the heavens and on the earth. I.e., Jesus IS THE REVELATION of God’s plan of the fullness of times.

His Birth marks the beginning of the final days – The End of Days – which lead to the End of All Things and the Rebirth or Recreation of all things. And Ephesians 1:9-10 is the “key” that unlocks the mystery!

This is why Jesus said “these are but the beginnings of the birth pains”, when referring to the tribulation in Matthew 24 and specifically in verse 8; and again in The Book of The Revelation chapters 6, 7 and 8.

(1). For a more comphrehesive view of Daniel’s Vision and Dream and the interpretation, please go here:

DANIEL’S 70 WEEKS – THE END OF DAYS – THE TRIBULATION PROPHECIES (Part 1)

DANIEL’S 70 WEEKS – THE END OF DAYS – THE TRIBULATION PROPHECIES (Part 2)

DANIEL’S 70 WEEKS – THE END OF DAYS – THE TRIBULATION PROPHECIES (Part 3)

(2). For a more comphrensive view of Jesus describing and The Apostle’s tesifying to the Last Days, the End of The Age.

And THE BEGINNING OF THE END“.

(3). For a more comphrehensive view of The Great Tribulation, The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, The Wrath of the Lamb The Battle of Armageddon, and the End of The Age from the Book of The Revelation:

The Book of The Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

Below here are all the supporting Scriptures. This is extensive and is color coded to the image above:

The Book of Daniel, (Sixth century B.C.). And this is where things get interesting and the clues to our mystery become clearer.

Reading in Daniel 10:1, In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the message was true, and it concerned great conflict, but he understood the message and had an understanding of the vision.

 Daniel 12:1, “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. And, those who have insight will shine like the glow of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But as for you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal up the book until the end of time; many will roam about, and knowledge will increase.”

Daniel 12:8, But as for me, I heard but did not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words will be kept secret and sealed up until the end time.

Mathew 24:1-45 Jesus left the temple area and was going on His way when His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him. But He responded and said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down.”

And as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many people. And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.

“Then they will hand you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. And at that time many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will rise up and mislead many people. And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold. But the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

“Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place—let the reader understand— then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get things out of his house. And whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. But woe to those women who are pregnant, and to those who are nursing babies in those days! Moreover, pray that when you flee, it will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath. For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will again. And if those days had not been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘He is over here,’ do not believe him. For false christs and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you in advance. So if they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Behold, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe them. For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.

“But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET BLAST, and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

“Now learn the parable from the fig tree: as soon as its branch has become tender and sprouts its leaves, you know that summer is near; so you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

“But about that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. At that time there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.

“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you must be ready as well; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.

Revelation 6-8

New American Standard Bible – The First Seal: Conqueror on a White Horse

Revelation 6:1-17 Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come!” I looked, and behold, a white horse, and the one who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

The Second Seal: War

When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come!” And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that people would kill one another; and a large sword was given to him.

The Third Seal: Famine

When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come!” I looked, and behold, a black horse, and the one who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.”

The Fourth Seal: Death

When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come]!” I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and the one who sat on it had the name Death, and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, and famine, and plague, and by the wild animals of the earth.

The Fifth Seal: Martyrs

When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who live on the earth?” And a white robe was given to each of them; and they were told that they were to rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers and sisters who were to be killed even as they had been, was completed also.

The Sixth Seal: Terror

And I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became as black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the eminent people, and the commanders and the wealthy and the strong, and every slave and free person hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; and they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the sight of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

An Interlude

Revelation 7:1-17, After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth so that no wind would blow on the earth, or on the sea, or on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, holding the seal of the living God; and he called out with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth, or the sea, or the trees until we have sealed the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads.”

The 144,000

And I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:

from the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand, from the tribe of Gad twelve thousand, from the tribe of Asher twelve thousand, from the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand, from the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand, from the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand, from the tribe of Levi twelve thousand, from the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand, from the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand, from the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand, and from the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand were sealed.

A Multitude from the Tribulation

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they *cried out with a loud voice, saying,

“Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying,

“Amen, blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might belong to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

Then one of the elders responded, saying to me, “These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?” I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason they are before the throne of God, and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. They will no longer hunger nor thirst, nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

The Seventh Seal: Trumpets

Revelation 8:1-13, When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.

Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense ascended from the angel’s hand with the prayers of the saints before God. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and hurled it to the earth; and there were peals of thunder and sounds, and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound them.

The first sounded, and there was hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.

The second angel sounded, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was hurled into the sea; and a third of the sea became blood, and a third of the creatures which were in the sea and had life, died; and a third of the ships were destroyed.

The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of waters. The star is named Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the waters because they were made bitter.

The fourth angel sounded, and a third of the sun, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way.

Then I looked, and I heard an eagle flying in midheaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to those who live on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!”

Revelation 9

The Fifth Trumpet: Shaft of the Abyss

9:1-19 Then the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from heaven which had fallen to the earth; and the key to the shaft of the abyss was given to him. He opened the shaft of the abyss, and smoke ascended out of the shaft like the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened from the smoke of the shaft. Then out of the smoke came locusts upon the earth, and power was given them, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They were told not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but only the people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. And they were not permitted to kill anyone, but to torment for five months; and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings a person. And in those days people will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, and death will flee from them!

The appearance of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle; and on their heads appeared to be crowns like gold, and their faces were like human faces. They had hair like the hair of women, and their teeth were like the teeth of lions.They had breastplates like breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots, of many horses rushing to battle. They have tails like scorpions, and stings; and in their tails is their power to hurt people for five months. They have as king over them, the angel of the abyss; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in the Greek he has the name Apollyon.

The first woe has passed; behold, two woes are still coming after these things.

The Sixth Trumpet: Army from the East

Then the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” And the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released, so that they would kill a third of mankind. The number of the armies of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. And this is how I saw in my vision the horses and those who sat on them: the riders had breastplates the color of fire, of hyacinth, and of brimstone; and the heads of the horses are like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths *came fire and smoke and brimstone. A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire, the smoke, and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents and have heads, and with them they do harm.

The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands so as not to worship demons and the idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk; and they did not repent of their murders, nor of their witchcraft, nor of their sexual immorality, nor of their thefts.

The Angel and the Little Scroll

Revelation 10:1, I saw another strong angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was on his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire; and he had in his hand a little scroll, which was open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left on the land; and he cried out with a loud voice, as when a lion roars; and when he had cried out, the seven peals of thunder uttered their voices. When the seven peals of thunder had spoken, I was about to write; and I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Seal up the things which the seven peals of thunder have spoken, and do not write them.” Then the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things in it, and the earth and the things in it, and the sea and the things in it, that there will no longer be a delay, but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as He announced to His servants the prophets.

Then the voice which I heard from heaven, I heard again speaking with me, and saying, “Go, take the scroll which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the land.” And I went to the angel, telling him to give me the little scroll. And he *said to me, “Take it and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.” I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it, and in my mouth it was sweet as honey; and when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter. And they said to me, “You must prophesy again concerning many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.”

The Two Witnesses

Revelation 11:1-19,Then there was given to me a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, “Get up and measure the temple of God and the altar, and those who worship in it. Leave out the courtyard which is outside the temple and do not measure it, because it has been given to the nations; and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months. And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. And if anyone wants to harm them, fire flows out of their mouth and devours their enemies; and so if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this way. These have the power to shut up the sky, so that rain will not fall during the days of their prophesying; and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire.

When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie on the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified.Those from the peoples, tribes, languages, and nations will look at their dead [u]bodies for three and a half days, and will not allow their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb. And those who live on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate; and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who live on the earth.

And after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God came into them, and they stood on their feet; and great fear fell upon those who were watching them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies watched them. And at that time there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell; seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.

The second woe has passed; behold, the third woe is coming quickly.

The Seventh Trumpet: Christ’s Reign Foreseen

Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying,

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying,

“We give You thanks, Lord God, the Almighty, the One who is and who was, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. And the nations were enraged, and Your wrath came, and the time came for the dead to be judged, and the time to reward Your bond-servants the prophets and the saints and those who fear Your name, the small and the great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”

And the temple of God which is in heaven was opened; and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple, and there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder, and an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.

The Woman, Israel

Revelation 12:1-17, A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; and she was pregnant and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth.

The Red Dragon, Satan

Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven crowns. And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and hurled them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her Child.

The Male Child, Christ

And she gave birth to a Son, a male, who is going to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her Child was caught up to God and to His throne. Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for 1,260 days.

The Angel, Michael

And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war, and they did not prevail, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying,

“Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down, the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. For this reason, rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you with great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.”

And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she *was nourished for a time, times, and half a time, away from the presence of the serpent. And the serpent hurled water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon had hurled out of his mouth. So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

The Beast from the Sea

13:1-18, And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore.

Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads were blasphemous names.And the beast that I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne, and great authority. I saw one of his heads as if it had been fatally wounded, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?” A mouth was given to him speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven.

It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority was given to him over every tribe, people, language, and nation. All who live on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written since the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slaughtered. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.

The Beast from the Earth

11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. 12 He exercises all the authority of the first beast [at]in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who live on it worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. 13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of the sky to the earth in the presence of people. 14 And he deceives those who live on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform [au]in the presence of the beast, telling those who live on the earth to make an image to the beast who *had the wound of the sword and has come to life. 15 And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even [av]speak and cause all who do not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 And he causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves, [aw]to be given a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, 17 and he decrees that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a [ax]man; and his number is [ay]six hundred and sixty-six.

The Lamb and the 144,000 on Mount Zion

14 Then I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. And they *sang [az]a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one was able to learn the song except the 144,000 who had been purchased from the earth. These are the ones who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are celibate. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from mankind as first fruits to God and to the Lamb. And no lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.

Vision of the Angel with the Gospel

And I saw another angel flying in midheaven with an eternal gospel to preach to those who [ba]live on the earth, and to every nation, tribe, language, and people; and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth, and sea and springs of waters.”

And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, “[bb]Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the [bc]passion of her sexual immorality.”

Doom for Worshipers of the Beast

Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed [bd]in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and [be]brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and [bf]whoever receives the mark of his name.” 12 Here is the [bg]perseverance of the [bh]saints who keep the commandments of God and [bi]their faith in Jesus.

13 And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.”

The Harvest

14 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was one like [bj]a son of man, with a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand. 15 And another angel came out of the [bk]temple, calling out with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “[bl]Put in Your sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth [bm]is ripe.” 16 Then He who sat on the cloud [bn]swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped.

17 And another angel came out of the [bo]temple which is in heaven, and he also had a sharp sickle. 18 Then another angel, the one who has power over fire, came out from the altar; and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “[bp]Put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters [bq]from the vine of the earth, because her grapes are ripe.” 19 So the angel [br]swung his sickle to the earth and gathered the clusters from the vine of the earth, and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God. 20 And the wine press was trampled outside the city, and blood came out from the wine press, up to the horses’ bridles, [bs]for a distance of [bt]1,600 stadia.

A Scene of Heaven

15 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels who had seven plagues, which are the last, because in them the wrath of God is finished.

And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who were victorious [bu]over the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God. And they *sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,

“Great and marvelous are Your works,
Lord God, the Almighty;
Righteous and true are Your ways,
King of the [bv]nations!
Who will not fear You, Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy;
For all the nations will come and worship before You,
For Your [bw]righteous acts have been revealed.”

After these things I looked, and the [bx]temple of the tabernacle of testimony in heaven was opened, and the seven angels who had the seven plagues came out of the [by]temple, clothed in [bz]linen, clean and bright, and their chests wrapped with golden sashes. And one of the four living creatures gave the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. And the [ca]temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power; and no one was able to enter the [cb]temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.

The Bowls of Wrath

16 Then I heard a loud voice from the [cc]temple, saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.”

So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth; and a harmful and painful sore [cd]afflicted the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image.

The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became blood like that of a dead man; and every living [ce]thing in the sea died.

Then the third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of waters; and they became blood. And I heard the angel of the waters saying, “Righteous are You, the One who is and who was, O Holy One, because You judged these things; for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. They [cf]deserve it.” And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.”

And the fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun, and it was given power to scorch people with fire. And the people were scorched with [cg]fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory.

10 And the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues because of pain, 11 and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pain and their sores; and they did not repent of their deeds.

12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the [ch]east.

Har-Magedon (Armageddon)

13 And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; 14 for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the entire [ci]world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. 15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and people will not see his shame.”) 16 And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon.

The Seventh Bowl of Wrath

17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl upon the air, and a loud voice came out of the [cj]temple from the throne, saying, “It is done.” 18 And there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder; and there was a great earthquake, such as there had not been since mankind came to be upon the earth, so great an earthquake was it, and so mighty. 19 The great city [ck]was split into three parts, and the cities of the [cl]nations fell. Babylon the great was remembered in the sight of God, to give her the cup of the wine of [cm]His fierce wrath. 20 And every island fled, and no mountains were found. 21 And huge [cn]hailstones, weighing about [co]a talent each, *came down from heaven upon people; and people blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, because [cp]the hailstone plague *was extremely [cq]severe.

The Doom of Babylon

17 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed acts of sexual immorality, and those who live on the earth became drunk with the wine of her sexual immorality.” And he carried me away [cr]in the Spirit into a wilderness; and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and [cs]adorned with gold, precious [ct]stones, and pearls, holding in her hand a gold cup full of abominations and of the unclean things of her sexual immorality, and on her forehead a name was written, [cu]a mystery: “BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the [cv]saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered [cw]greatly. And the angel said to me, “Why [cx]do you wonder? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns.

“The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and [cy]go to destruction. And those who live on the earth, whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will wonder when they see the beast, that he was, and is not, and will [cz]come. Here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains upon which the woman sits, 10 and they are seven kings; five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; and when he comes, he must remain a little while. 11 The beast which was, and is not, is himself also an eighth and is one of the seven, and he goes to destruction. 12 The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour. 13 These have one [da]purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast.

Victory for the Lamb

14 These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.”

15 And he *said to me, “The waters which you saw where the prostitute sits are peoples and multitudes, and nations and languages. 16 And the ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the prostitute and will make her desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and will burn her up with fire. 17 For God has put it in their hearts to execute His [db]purpose [dc]by having a common purpose, and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God will be fulfilled. 18 The woman whom you saw is the great city, which [dd]reigns over the kings of the earth.”

Babylon Is Fallen

18 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated from his glory. And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, “[de]Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a [df]prison of every unclean spirit, and a [dg]prison of every unclean and hateful bird. For all the nations have fallen because of the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed acts of sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich from the [dh]excessive wealth of her [di]luxury.”

I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive any of her plagues; for her sins have [dj]piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her offenses. Pay her back even as she has paid, and [dk]give back to her double according to her deeds; in the cup which she has mixed, mix twice as much for her. To the extent that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, to the same extent give her torment and mourning; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as a queen and I am not a widow, and will never see mourning.’ For this reason in one day her plagues will come, [dl]plague and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for the Lord God who judges her is strong.

Grief over Babylon

“And the kings of the earth, who committed acts of sexual immorality and lived luxuriously with her, will weep and mourn over her when they see the smoke of her burning, 10 standing at a distance because of the fear of her torment, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’

11 “And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, because no one buys their cargo any more— 12 cargo of gold, silver, precious [dm]stones, and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; every kind of citron wood, every article of ivory, and every article made from very valuable wood, [dn]bronze, iron, and marble; 13 cinnamon, [do]spice, incense, perfume, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle, sheep, and cargo of horses, carriages, [dp]slaves, and human lives. 14 The fruit [dq]you long for has left you, and all things that were luxurious and splendid have passed away from you and people will no longer find them. 15 The merchants of these things, who became rich from her, will stand at a distance because of the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning, 16 saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, she who was clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and [dr]adorned with gold, precious [ds]stones, and pearls; 17 for in one hour such great wealth has been laid waste!’ And every shipmaster and every [dt]passenger and sailor, and all who [du]make their living by the sea, stood at a distance, 18 and were crying out as they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What city is like the great city?’ 19 And they threw dust on their heads and were crying out, weeping and mourning, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had ships at sea became rich from her prosperity, for in one hour she has been laid waste!’ 20 Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you [dv]saints and apostles and prophets, because God has [dw]pronounced judgment for you against her.”

21 Then [dx]a strong angel picked up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “So will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down with violence, and will never be found again. 22 And the sound of harpists, musicians, flute players, and trumpeters will never be heard in you again; and no craftsman of any craft will ever be found in you again; and the sound of a mill will never be heard in you again; 23 and the light of a lamp will never shine in you again; and the voice of the groom and bride will never be heard in you again; for your merchants were the powerful people of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your witchcraft. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and of [dy]saints, and of all who have been slaughtered on the earth.”

The Fourfold Hallelujah

19 After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying,

“Hallelujah! Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God, because His judgments are true and righteous; for He has judged the great prostitute who was corrupting the earth with her sexual immorality, and He has avenged the blood of His bond-servants [dz]on her.” And a second time they said, “Hallelujah! Her smoke rises forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” And a voice came from the throne, saying,

“Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great.” Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters, and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying,

“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.

Marriage of the Lamb

Let’s rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His [ea]bride has prepared herself.” It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the [eb]saints.

Then he *said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.’” And he *said to me, “These are the true words of God.” 10 Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he *said to me, “[ec]Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brothers and sisters who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

The Coming of Christ

11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. 13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. 15 From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will [ed]rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the [ee]wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. 16 And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

17 Then I saw [ef]an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in midheaven, “Come, assemble for the great feast of God, 18 so that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of commanders, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, both free and slaves, and small and great.”

19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies, assembled to make war against Him who sat on the horse, and against His army.

Doom of the Beast and False Prophet

20 And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs [eg]in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire, which burns with [eh]brimstone. 21 And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh.

Satan Bound

20 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain [ei]in his hand. And he took hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he threw him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time.

Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of [ej]their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their foreheads and on their hands; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years.

Satan Freed and Doomed

When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, and will come out to deceive the nations which are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the [ek]seashore. And they came up on the [el]broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the [em]saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them. 10 And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and [en]brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Judgment at the Throne of God

11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose [eo]presence earth and heaven fled, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and [ep]books were opened; and another [eq]book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the [er]books, according to their deeds. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them; and they were judged, each one of them according to their deeds. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if [es]anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

The New Heaven and Earth

21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His [et]people, and God Himself will be among them[eu], and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He *said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” Then He said to me, “[ev]It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give water to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life, without cost. The one who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. But for the cowardly, and [ew]unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and sexually immoral persons, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and [ex]brimstone, which is the second death.”

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls, [ey]full of the seven last plagues, came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”

The New Jerusalem

10 And he carried me away [ez]in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God. Her [fa]brilliance was like a very valuable stone, like a stone of crystal-clear jasper. 12 [fb]It had a great and high wall, [fc]with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written on the gates, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. 13 There were three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

15 The one who spoke with me had a [fd]gold measuring rod to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. 16 The city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as the width; and he measured the city with the [fe]rod, [ff]twelve thousand stadia; its length, width, and height are equal. 17 And he measured its wall, [fg]144 cubits, by human [fh]measurements, which are also angelic measurements. 18 The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like [fi]clear glass. 19 The foundation stones of the city wall were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; 20 the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

22 I saw no [fj]temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its [fk]temple. 23 And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth [fl]will bring their glory into it. 25 In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; 26 and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; 27 and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those [fm]whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

The River and the Tree of Life

22 And he showed me a river of the water of life, [fn]clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of [fo]the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve [fp]kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. And there will no longer be any night; and they [fq]will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illuminate them; and they will reign forever and ever.

And he said to me, “These words are faithful and true”; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show His bond-servants the things which must soon take place.

“And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is the one who [fr]keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. And he *said to me, “[fs]Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brothers the prophets, and of those who [ft]keep the words of this book. Worship God!”

The Final Message

10 And he *said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the one who does wrong still do wrong, and the one who is filthy still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous still practice righteousness, and the one who is holy still keep himself holy.”

12 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to reward each one as his work [fu]deserves. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life, and may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral persons, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.

16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you of these things [fv]for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires, take the water of life without cost.

18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and [fw]from the holy city, which are written in this book.

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with [fx]all. Amen.

 

THE BOOK OF ROMANS, Chapter 3, All the World Guilty, Justification by Faith

 

THE BOOK OF ROMANS,

Chapter 3

All the World Guilty, Justification by Faith

The Book of Romans – that is, Paul’s letters to the Church in Rome, has been called “The Constitution of Christianity,” “The Christian Manifesto,” and “The Cathedral of the Christian Faith.” It is noteworthy for being the most complete compendium of Christian doctrine. The King James Study Bible says the apostle Paul had three objectives in writing this epistle: (1) to teach the fundamental doctrine of salvation to fortify believers against their enemies; (2) to explain the unbelief of Israel and vindicate the faithfulness of God in his dealings with Israel; and (3) to give practical instruction concerning Christian living in the society of his day. Romans, rich in theology and teaching, communicates the details of how a person is redeemed, transformed, sealed, and sanctified for that day when we will all stand before the Lord. It explains that salvation is received by grace through faith. It articulates the foundation of Christian belief, explaining how the good news of salvation has been made available through Jesus’ death on the cross and is actualized through the Holy Spirit’s work in us.

The Apostle Paul’s style of preaching and teaching is characterized by a profound commitment to Christ, a structured approach to instruction, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and a pastoral heart aimed at guiding believers in their faith journey. His epistles serve as both theological foundations and practical guides for Christian living. I will try to explain the theological but I will focus on the practical.

(NOTE: Because of Paul’s extensive knowledge and nuance of the Jewish law, history, culture, politics and societal development, it can be difficult to grasp the entire of the meaning of his words and phrases. So I will restate some of the verses and give some context for clarity)

Verse one of this chapter is a continuation of chapter 2 verses 25 through 29, paraphrased, “The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile. And if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God declare them to be his own people? In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God’s law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God’s law but don’t obey it”.

 Romans 3:1, Then what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? Verse 2. Great in every respect. First, that they were entrusted with the actual words of God.

(Commentary Break): Paul asks what sounds like a rhetorical question about the advantage of being a Jew and of circumcision in what some might consider a mocking tone. He then answers his question with great clarity and in all seriousness: “They were entrusted with the actual words of God”. And that, dear ones, is the ultimate advantage of being a Jew and the sign or mark of circumcision (the visible mark that a male belonged to the covenant people of God, for the descendants of Abraham through whom God promised blessing, land, and ultimately redemption).

(1). We, Christians, now have also been entrusted with the actual words of God.

 Paul raises this idea most directly in Romans 3:1–2, where he says the Jews were “entrusted with the oracles of God.” In the Old Testament era, Israel uniquely received God’s covenant, Law, prophets, promises, and written revelation.

But Christians also become entrusted with the words of God in several connected ways.

1. Christians receive and preserve God’s revealed Word

Jesus entrusted His teaching to the apostles:

      • “The words that You gave Me I have given to them” (John 17:8)
      • The apostles then preached and wrote the New Testament under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

So the church became the steward of:

      • the gospel,
      • apostolic doctrine,
      • and the completed Scriptures.

Paul describes the church as:

“the pillar and support of the truth”
in 1 Timothy 3:15.

That does not mean the church created truth, but that it was entrusted to guard, proclaim, and preserve it.

2. Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit to understand and proclaim God’s Word

Under the New Covenant, God’s Word is not merely external law written on stone, but internalized.

Jeremiah prophesied: “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it.”

This is fulfilled in Christ through the Spirit:

      • Hebrews 8
      • 2 Corinthians 3

Christians therefore become:

      • hearers of the Word,
      • carriers of the gospel,
      • and ambassadors of divine truth.

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:19:

God “has committed to us the word of reconciliation.”

3. The church inherits the prophetic Scriptures through union with Christ

The early Christians did not discard the Hebrew Scriptures. They believed:

      • the Law,
      • the Prophets,
      • and the Psalms

all pointed ultimately to Christ.

Jesus said in Luke 24:27:

beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.

So Christians became stewards not only of the New Testament writings, but also of the Old Testament revelation fulfilled in Christ.

4. Christians are commanded to faithfully transmit God’s Word to future generations

Just as Israel was commanded to teach God’s words diligently to their children (Deuteronomy 6), Christians are also charged to preserve and pass on sound doctrine.

Paul told Timothy:

“The things which you have heard from me… entrust these to faithful men.”

(2 Timothy 2:2)

This stewardship includes:

      • teaching,
      • guarding against false doctrine,
      • preserving Scripture,
      • preaching the gospel,
      • and living obediently under God’s Word.

Through Christ, Gentile believers are “grafted in” (Romans 11) and become fellow heirs of God’s promises.

So Christians do not replace Israel as if Israel never mattered; rather, believing Jews and Gentiles together become custodians of God’s revealed truth in the New Covenant community.

In that sense, Christians — like the Jew before them — are entrusted with the words of God:

      • to preserve them,
      • believe them,
      • obey them,
      • and proclaim them to the nations.

(2). The sign of circumcision was given to Abraham in Genesis 17 as:

      • the sign of the Abrahamic covenant,
      • marking entrance into the covenant people Israel,
      • applied to male infants on the eighth day.

It symbolized:

      • covenant membership,
      • separation unto God,
      • and ultimately the need for inner heart cleansing.

Even the Old Testament said physical circumcision alone was insufficient:

      • “Circumcise your heart” (Deut. 10:16)
      • “The LORD will circumcise your heart” (Deut. 30:6)

So physical circumcision pointed toward a deeper spiritual reality.

(3). Baptism, under the New Covenant:

      • entry is through faith in Christ,
      • union with Christ,
      • and regeneration by the Spirit.

Baptism outwardly signifies:

      • cleansing from sin,
      • union with Christ in death and resurrection,
      • entrance into the visible covenant community.

Paul ties baptism to participation in Christ:

      • buried with Him,
      • raised with Him,
      • identified with Him.

So, many theologians see baptism functioning covenantally where circumcision once did. (Calvinist/Reformed churches hold that baptism replaced the sign of circumcision).

The New Testament ultimately shifts attention away from physical circumcision altogether: Paul says, “Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but a new creation.” (Galatians 6:15). And: “We are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God.” (Philippians 3:3). So the deepest fulfillment is not merely exchanging one ritual for another, but:

      • moving from external sign to inward transformation,
      • from ethnic covenant marker to union with Christ,
      • from the flesh to the Spirit.

Baptism therefore symbolizes:

      • participation in Christ’s death and resurrection,
      • cleansing,
      • covenant belonging,
      • and life in the New Covenant community. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 3. What then? If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it? Verse 4. Far from it! Rather, God must prove to be true, though every person be found a liar, as it is written:

“SO THAT YOU ARE JUSTIFIED IN YOUR WORDS,

AND PREVAIL WHEN YOU ARE JUDGED.” Verse 5. But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is He? (I am speaking from a human viewpoint.) Verse 6. Far from it! For otherwise, how will God judge the world? Verse 7. But if through my lie the truth of God abounded to His glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner? Verse 8. And why not say (just as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), “Let’s do evil that good may come of it”? Their condemnation is deserved.

(Commentary Break): Paul is dealing with illogical questions that are circulating in the Church in Rome. (It is hard to believe that so many would twist the word of God to conform to their former life and belief systems). So, once again, Paul answers another question saying, “What then? It is true that some were unfaithful; but just because some were unfaithful does that mean God will be unfaithful? Of course not! Even if everyone else (Jews and Gentiles alike) is a liar, God is true!

And yet another question answered: “But,” some might say, “our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn’t it unfair, then, for him to punish us?” (This is merely a human point of view.) Of course not! If God were not entirely fair, how would he be qualified to judge the world?

 “But,” someone might still argue, “how can God condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty highlights his truthfulness and brings him more glory?” And some people even slander us by claiming that we say, “The more we sin, the better it is!” Paul concludes here saying, “Those who say such things deserve to be condemned”.

Why is any of this important for us to know since it concerned the Church in Rome about 2,000 years ago? It is important for us because some of these same questions (and other similar questions) persist in the Church and among Christians to this day.

Please read and consider God’s words and as it is said, ‘be Berean’ on these matters. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 9. What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; verse 10, as it is written:

“THERE IS NO RIGHTEOUS PERSON, NOT EVEN ONE;

verse 11, THERE IS NO ONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,

THERE IS NO ONE WHO SEEKS OUT GOD;

verse 12, THEY HAVE ALL TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME CORRUPT;

THERE IS NO ONE WHO DOES GOOD,

THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”

Verse 13. “THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE,

WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING,”

“THE VENOM OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS”;

verse 14, “THEIR MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS”;

verse 15, “THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD,

verse 16, DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS,

verse 17, AND THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN THE WAY OF PEACE.”

18“THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES.”

Verse 19. Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; verse 20, because by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin.

(Commentary Break): The verse “THERE IS NO RIGHTEOUS PERSON, NOT EVEN ONE” has been popularized and used in a plethora of ways and meanings. The context, however, is that neither the Jew (i.e., the Law) nor the Greek (nor the Gentile with their own religious views and systems) are righteous (dikaios – moral uprightness, judicial equity, covenant fidelity) in character and in standing with God. This verse can be said to describe the total depravity of humankind; 

(1). THERE IS NO RIGHTEOUS PERSON, NOT EVEN ONE;

(2). THERE IS NO ONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,

(3). THERE IS NO ONE WHO SEEKS OUT GOD;

(4). THEY HAVE ALL TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME CORRUPT;

(5). THERE IS NO ONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”

(6). “THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE,

(7). WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING,”

(8). “THE VENOM OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS”;

(9).  “THEIR MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS”;

(10). “THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD,

(11). DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS,

(12). AND THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN THE WAY OF PEACE.”

(13). THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES.”

This is our condition before Christ, and sadly, as Paul laments (in Chapter seven and eight) that “sin is (still) present within me, waging war against the law of my mind” making me a prisoner and a wretch”; but joyfully and thankfully there is no longer any condemnation for us who are in Christ Jesus, for the law of the Spirit of life sin and death has set me free from the law (the sentence and the penalty) of sin and death! (End Commentary Break).

Justification by Faith

Verse 21. But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, verse 22, but it is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction, verse 23, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, verse 24, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, verse 25, whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in God’s merciful restraint He let the sins previously committed go unpunished; verse 26, for the demonstration, that is, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Verse 27. Where then is boasting? It has been excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. Verse 28. For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Verse 29. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, verse 30, since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.

Verse 31. Do we then nullify the Law through faith? Far from it! On the contrary, we establish the Law.

(Commentary Break): Verses 21 through 30 speak clearly. But verse 31 may need some clarification.

“The Law and the Prophets bear witness” to God’s righteousness. The Law was never merely a list of rules; it anticipated:

      • sacrifice,
      • atonement,
      • holiness,
      • and ultimately the Messiah.

Christ fulfills:

      • the sacrificial system,
      • the righteous demands of the Law,
      • and the prophetic expectations of the covenant.

So faith in Christ confirms the true purpose of the Law rather than abolishing it.

Jesus similarly said in Matthew 5:17:

“I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.”

Romans 3:31 means:

      • the gospel does not overthrow God’s Law,
      • faith does not make holiness irrelevant,
      • and Christ fulfills what the Law pointed toward.

Faith establishes the Law because:

      • the Law reveals humanity’s need for Christ,
      • Christ fulfills the Law’s demands,
      • and believers, transformed by the Spirit, begin to live out the righteousness the Law intended. (End Commentary Break).

(End Chapter 3).

Romans 3 declares that humanity cannot save itself; religious privilege cannot justify us; good works cannot erase guilt or provide salvation; but God has provided His righteousness to us through Jesus Christ.

You and I have stood before God, guilty of sin, worthy of eternal separation from Him, and of becoming a perpetual prisoner of darkness and the torment of an eternal fire, and the sentence of eternal spiritual death. However, because of God’s great mercies, His amazing grace and unending and indescribable love toward us, He removed the curse and the penalty of sin from us who receive and believe in His Son as our savior and redeemer – The One Who paid the awful price in our stead. Praise, praise, and praise to God.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

PS: I am honestly humbled by this study and realize how short I come of providing the best commentaries possible. But God has place this and similar matters on my heart as my mission in life. So, please accept what I offer knowing that I fall short. If this does nothing more than encourage you to seek God and study His Word on your own, then that at least would be some comfort to me).

Next: (Coming Soon), The Book of Romans, Chapter 4, Abraham’s Justification by Faith.

(Previous): The Book of Romans, Chapter 2, The Impartiality of God, The Jews Under the Law.

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THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, Chapter 2, Made Alive in Christ

 

THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, Chapter 2

Made Alive in Christ

Paul is speaking to the early Church at Ephesus, made up of both Jews and Gentiles. This chapter could be considered a primer of sorts, explaining the fundamentals of the shift from the Old Covenant of the Law to the New Covenant in Christ, and what it means to the believer. (This is practical as our guide in thought, speech and conduct, and should be a lexicon for all followers of Jesus).

Made Alive in Christ

Ephesians 2:1, And you were dead in your offenses and sins, verse 2, in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.

(Commentary Break): This marks a monumental shift in paradigm for both the Jew and the Gentile then and now. Paul correctly identifies the ‘course of this world’ being in accord with the ‘prince of the power of the air’, which identifies Satan as the “ruler” or “prince” of the power of the air. (In Jewish and early Christian thought, ‘the air’ was considered the realm of demonic spirits. Satan is depicted as having authority over this domain, influencing the world and its systems (John 12:31, 2 Corinthians 4:4). This highlights the spiritual warfare that believers are engaged in, as they are called to resist the devil and his schemes (Ephesians 6:12) – see BibleHub.com). The sons of disobedience are the unbelievers – the unregenerate who willfully engage in the deeds of the flesh which are sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these (see Galatians 5:18-21).

Please note, that some who call yourself ‘Christian’, having claimed and confessed the name of Jesus for salvation, still participate in these desperate and despicable acts. Some ignorantly, some helplessly. The first step to freedom is confession. This may sound like a horrifying admission of guilt, but it is the act that disarms and begins to neutralize this weapon of the enemy. Confess first to God. Then confess to a qualified confidant, someone you can trust to walk with you, such as your pastor. Then, as God leads, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another that you may be healed – for the prayer of a righteous man or woman, when it is brought about, will accomplish much and has great power in its workings. (This should be done with great care, but having done so, God will remove your awful burden of guilt and shame.) (End Commentary Break).

Verse 3. Among them, we to all previously lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the rest. Verse 4. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, verse 5, even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), verse 6, and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, verse 7, so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Verse 8. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; verse 9, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Verse 10. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

(Commentary Break): Now the very Good News: For all who repent, confess Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (sozo: made safe, made well, made whole; rescued from the penalty and power of sin and from destruction and Messianic judgment. God will remove the guilt and shame.) But it does not end here. God, being rich in mercy, has not only made you alive with Christ, but you have been raised up with Him, seated in the heavenly places in Christ. (As we read in chapter one, the implications of being seated with Christ include:

      • Spiritual Authority: Believers are granted authority through their connection with Christ.
      • Access to Blessings: This position allows believers to access spiritual blessings and grace.
      • Eternal Perspective: It encourages believers to live with a heavenly perspective, influencing their actions and decisions on earth.)

Give thanks and praise to God and now let’s ‘walk this out’ in our life today. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 11. Therefore, remember that previously you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— verse 12, remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the people of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. Verse 13. But now in Christ Jesus you who previously were far away have been brought near, by the blood of Christ. Verse 14. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, verse 15, by abolishing in His flesh the hostility, which is the Law composed of commandments expressed in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two one new person, in this way establishing peace; verse 16, and that He might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the hostility. Verse 17. And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; verse 18, for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.

(Commentary Break): Paul is explaining and describing what just a short time ago was considered impossible. The Gentile world being drawn and offered reconciliation with God along with the Jew, united as the household of God. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 19. So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, verse 20, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, verse 21, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, verse 22, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. (End Chapter 2).

The imagery given in these final verses is glorious – the Holy Temple of the Lord raised up. A dwelling of God in the Spirit. The Apostle Peter also said, “you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

It is time to put our past life away – to do away with the childish things and to crave the pure milk of the word so we may grow in respect to our salvation.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

Next: (coming soon) – THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, Chapter 3, Paul’s Stewardship.

Previous: THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, Chapter 1, The Blessings of Redemption.

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A Mystery Solved – The End Times – Say What?!?

 

When solving a mystery or looking for clues to a mystery, it is best to start by looking for the threads from the beginnings. Be pragmatic, watch for facts versus assumptions. Glean the who, what, when and where then sort what is inferred from what is known.

Take Biblical eschatology (the study of End Times or final things) for example: How can we be certain about what is being assumed? For example (in no particular order):

(1). what about the tribulation period?

(2). What about the rapture?

(3). What about the second coming of Jesus?

(4). What about the antichrist?

Where did these ideas come from, and if they are true, what should I know about them? What can I know about them?

The best place to start when unravelling a mystery is at the beginning. Where can we find the threads of the idea that the world, as we know it, will end?

The first hint can be found “in the beginning” of creation, in the Bible. God created the heavens and the earth, then something went horribly wrong. (Or so we assume). God’s created ones, Adam and Eve, it is said, rebelled against God by defying His command found in Genesis 2:16. “From any tree of the garden you may freely eat; verse 17, but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat”.

It is usually assumed that this is ‘where things went wrong,’ but since God is omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipotent (all-powerful) then He knew what He had created, and He knew how things would go – He created it, after all. So, this was His plan all along. (Otherwise you deny God’s sovereignty).

This was the first example of the End of an Age. The Age of “and it was very good” had come to an end? Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden and condemned to “hard labor” and to “return to the dust” from whence they came. This was an end of all things and a new beginning. A harbinger of sorts? (before 4,000 B.C.)

The next example is found in the Biblical narrative of Noah and the flood. God announced that “The end of humanity has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of people; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth.”

 

Things had gone terribly wrong, again – or had it? Once again, God knew. He has known all things. It was part of His plan. And end of all things and a new beginning. (before 2,500 B.C.)

Then there was the incident of the Tower of Babel. (2,100 B.C.). A united humanity, in the generations following the Great Flood, speaking a single language and migrating eastward, comes to the land of Shinar. There they agree to build a city and a tower tall enough to reach heaven.(NOTE: “tall enough to reach to heaven” can be a metaphor for “man reaching to heaven, making himself god, to accomplish his own desires) Whereupon, God confused thier language and scatter these people all over the face of the earth.

Then we come to the Book of Daniel, (Sixth century B.C.). And this is where things get interesting and the clues to our mystery become clearer.

Reading in Daniel 10:1, In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the message was true, and it concerned great conflict, but he understood the message and had an understanding of the vision.

 Daniel 12:1, “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. And, those who have insight will shine like the glow of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But as for you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal up the book until the end of time; many will roam about, and knowledge will increase.”

Daniel 12:8, But as for me, I heard but did not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words will be kept secret and sealed up until the end time.

A key to our puzzle and it is rightly called a ‘mystery’ – found in Ephesians 1, verse 9, “He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him, verse 10, regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth”.

This is the revealing of the mystery of God’s will – His plan of the fullness of the timesto bring all things together (from Strong’s concordance #346, anakephalaíomai, to “bring to a head, recapitulate” – properly, summing up all the parts as a comprehensive (organized) whole.)

Daniel’s vision is God revealing the course of events of creation to the End. Here are the prophecies as proclaimed in Daniel and affirmed in following scriptures.

 

(Daniel 12:1), And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, (The Word of God through Daniel).

Which has been affirmed and confirmed by Jesus…

 

(Matthew 24:21), For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will again. (The Word of God through Jesus).

 

NEXT:

(Daniel 12:2), everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. (The Word of God through Daniel).

Which has been affirmed and confirmed by Jesus:

 

(Revelation 20:12-15), And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them; and they were judged, each one of them according to their deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (The Word of God through Jesus).

 

NEXT:

(Daniel 12:3), And, those who have insight will shine like the glow of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” (The Word of God through Daniel).

Which, has been affirmed and confirmed by Jesus:

 

(Matthew 13:43), “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” (The Word of God through Jesus).

Which, also has been affirmed and confirmed by Jesus:

 

NEXT:

(Daniel 12:4), “But as for you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal up the book until the end of time; many will roam about, and knowledge will increase.” (The Word of God through Daniel).

PLUS,

Daniel 12:8, But as for me, I heard but did not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words will be kept secret and sealed up until the end time. (The Word of God through Daniel).

Which, also has been affirmed and confirmed by Jesus:

 

(Ephesians 1:9), He, (God the Father), made known to us the mystery of His will (God the Father’s will), according to His, (God the Father), good pleasure which He, (God the Father), set forth in Him (Jesus – God the Son), regarding His, (God the Father’s), plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. (The Word of God through the Apostle Paul).

RECAP:

Daniel 12 gives the compressed blueprint.
Matthew 24 gives the teaching expansion.
Revelation 19–22 gives the apocalyptic detail.

 This is why Jesus, Paul, Peter, John and Timothy said what they said:

Matthew 24:4-31, (Jesus), describing a panorama of the tribulation and the Last Days. Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them, (see Matthew 24:3-4),

(1). “In the Last Days, there will be a rise of false Christs and false prophets. (This was an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35. See Matthew 24:4-5).

(2). In the Last Days, there will be famines and earthquakes. (This has been a regular occurrence since as early as A.D. 35 or earlier. See Matthew 24:7 and the 4th Tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:5-8).

(3). In the Last Days, there are wars and rumors of wars. (Wars and rumors of war have been occurring since as early as A.D. 35 or earlier. See Matthew 24:6 and the 2nd Tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:3-4).

(4). In the Last Days, there will be a persecution and martyrdom of Christians. (This has been an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35. See Matthew 24:9 and the 5th tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:9-11).

(5). In the Last Days, there will be a falling away from the faith. (This has been an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35, and has been increasing to this very day. See Matthew 24:10).

These things, false Christs, wars and rumors of war, famines, earthquakes and plagues, persecutions, martyrs, which Jesus calls the ‘Birth Pangs’ of the tribulation, are nothing new; and from these cited verses, we can plainly see that the first 5 tribulation Seals have been broken, and the effects had begun between the time of the birth of Jesus and A.D 95, and have been overlapping and increasing in their intensity since those early days.

Jesus calls the 1st phase of the tribulation the ‘Birth Pangs’ (Matthew 24:8). Jesus then calls the 2nd phase of the tribulation, the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21), also known as the 6th Tribulation Seal (Revelation 6:12-14), and the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord (Joel 2:31), and the Wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:16).. (Please click these links for verification and understanding).

Acts 2:14-17, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:And in the last days it shall be…(Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

1 Peter 1:20, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “He, (Jesus), was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

 1 Peter 4:7, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “The end of all things is at hand.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

 2 Peter 3:3. (the Apostle Peter), saying, “knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

These verses say all these things began occurring in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60, and Peter called those days the LAST TIMES, THE LAST DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS.

1 Corinthians 10:11, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “Now these things happened to them as an example and warning [to us]; they were written for our instruction [to admonish and equip us], upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

Hebrews 1:2, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

Hebrews 9:26, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “But as it is, Jesus has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

These verses say all these things began occurring in the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS.

 2 Timothy 3:1, (Timothy), saying, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

These verses say all these things began occurring in the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS.

 

 

 1 John 2:18. (the Apostle John), saying, “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore, we know that it is the last hour.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

 Revelation 1:9, (The Apostle John), saying, “I, John, your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 95 to A.D. 100).

RECAP:

The Book of Revelation  –  The Book of Matthew

 the 1st Tribulation Seal  –  Global conquest and political intrigue

the 2nd Tribulation Seal –  Wars and Rumors of War

the 3rd Tribulation Seal  –  Famine

the 4th Tribulation Seal  –  Death

the 5th Tribulation Seal  –  Martyrs, persecution,Anti-Christ, falling away

By all appearances in scriptures, the first Five Tribulation Seals (the Birth Pains seals) have been broken and we are now standing at the precipice of the breaking of the Sixth Tribulation Seal . 

(PS: One last matter. The dispensational view says Jesus’ Return is IMMINENT, but 2 Thessalonians 2:3 says Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and (#2), the man of lawlessness is revealed,the son of destruction”; that being the rise of the Antichrist.

After the church is taken out of the way (2 Thessalonians 2:7–8), a satanically empowered man will gain worldwide control with promises of peace (Revelation 13:1; Daniel 9:27). He will be aided by another man, called the false prophet, who heads up a religious system that requires worship of the Antichrist. (Revelation 19:20).

There are two events that must take place before the day of the Lord comes. First, the apostasy must come. Second, the man of lawlessness must be revealed. So, knowing when the Birth Pains of the tribulation began, and when the Great Tribulation, The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb begins or important time-markers.

(To be fair, this can be confusing and the facts are seeminly contradictory. Beside that, there are honest attempts but varying views on this matter. One can fairly say these men “did the best they could with the knowledge and information they had”, but that would be too generous. They had an idea that has created inaccuracies and has led to complacency in the Body of Christ concerning the End Days, His return and the tribulation, the Great and Terrible day of the Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb. Poor exegesis and awful hermeneutics).

 So, the code is broken. The mystery is being solved. The inaccuracies of John Darby’ (inventor and perpetuator of the dispensational pretribulation rapture theory in which he assumed the entire tribulation period is seven years), and Cyrus I. Scofield, (1843-1921), creator and author of the Scofield Reference Bible, 1909-1917) and perpetuator of dispensational pretribulation rapture in which he incorrectly taught, published and assumed that the entire Tribulation period was for Seven Years, are now debunked.

Regardless – get ready, stay ready, be found doing what He has instructed and commanded, and endure to the end.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

 

THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, Chapter 1 – The Blessings of Redemption

 

THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, Chapter 1

The Blessings of Redemption

Please let me say ahead of time that I know that I cannot and do not “hold a candle” in light of the brilliant Bible scholars and teaching pastors who can, with great wisdom, understanding and articulation, write exacting commentaries. Commentaries that encompass faithful exegesis, historical and cultural context, canonical and cultural integration, clarity and structure, engagement with original languages, awareness of interpretive views, theological soundness, application, humility and restraint, and devotional depth.

Nonetheless, my commentary on various scriptures, some have said, is a gift. A gift and an ability to simply explain and apply scriptures and their meaning so they become practical for daily use. Simple but powerful and powerfully effective.

There are both minor and major doctrinal differences found in most of the major protestant and evangelical denominations which becomes evident, first in doctrinal statements, then within the Body of Christ. Differences that have led to disagreements, divisions, church splits, hostilities and schisms – all of which is discouraged in scriptures for the “Bible believing, Bible adhering” Church.

Therefore, my efforts are to ask “What do the scriptures – verse, chapter, and book of both the Old and the New Testaments say?”, “What do they mean?”, “What do they mean to me?”, and “How can and should I respond?”.

The foundation of all of this is based on faith. A believing and knowing faith that God Is, and that His Word is without error, and is complete. I believe that His Word is supremely instructional, prophetic and causative by its nature, and creative in all it says, and that His Word is meant for my ultimate good.

By it I can find forgiveness of my sins – the errors of my ways – both of thought and actions in life. I find the salvation of my soul and spirit, and I will inherit the Kingdom of God and to exists eternally in the presence of God and all the children of God.

So, with this in mind, let’s study the Book of Ephesians – The Word of God.

Ephesians 1:1, Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus: verse 2, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, verse 4, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love, verse 5, He predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, verse 6, to the praise of the glory of His grace, with which He favored us in the Beloved. Verse 7. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace, verse 8, which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight,

(Commentary Break): The Apostle Paul begins by expressing his position in Christ, which by inference is to be our position as believers and the grace and peace that brings to all who believe.

Next, Paul reminds and instructs that God has chosen His elect before the foundation of the world – predestined you as a believer, as holy and blameless ‘according to the good pleasure of His will.

The two major differences in how these words as viewed in Evangelicalism and Protestant Christianity were expressed by John Calvin (1509-1564), and Jacob Arminian (1560-1609). At the risk of oversimplifying, Calvinism and Arminianism aren’t just two labels—they’re two different ways of explaining how God’s sovereignty and human responsibility work together in salvation.

 Important Clarifications

      • Both sides affirm:
        • The authority of Scripture
        • Salvation by grace
        • The necessity of faith in Christ
      • The debate is really about how grace and faith interact, not whether they matter.
      • There are also variations within each camp:
        • “4-point Calvinists,” “Provisionists,” “Wesleyan Arminians,” etc. So it’s not just two rigid boxes.

A Simple Comparison

Issue

Calvinism

Arminianism

Who initiates salvation?

God alone

God initiates, humans respond

Free will

Bound by sin

Enabled by grace

Election

Unconditional

Conditional (based on foreknowledge)

Atonement

Limited to elect

Universal provision

Grace

Irresistible

Resistible

Security

Cannot lose salvation

Can fall away (in many views)

Bottom Line

      • Calvinism emphasizes God’s sovereignty in salvation
      • Arminianism emphasizes human responsibility in responding to grace

(Most Christians land somewhere along that spectrum, even if they don’t use the labels.)

However, and in either case, we have been lavished with redemption and forgiveness of our sins. And we are called to be unified as the Body of Christ. (Later we will study, in Ephesians 4:3, which urges believers to “make every effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”) (End Commentary Break).

verse 9, He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him, verse 10, regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.

(Commentary Break): And just what is the ‘mystery of His Will”? Let’s step back to Daniel chapters 10 through 12.

 Reading in Daniel 10:1, In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the message was true and it concerned great conflict, but he understood the message and had an understanding of the vision.

 Daniel 12:1, Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. And, those who have insight will shine like the glow of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But as for you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal up the book until the end of time; many will roam about, and knowledge will increase.”

Daniel 12:8, But as for me, I heard but did not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words will be kept secret and sealed up until the end time.

These prophetic words and verses are repeated by and announced by Jesus in Matthew chapter 24 and Revelation chapters six, seven and eight and beyond.

This mystery is revealed by the coming and by the birth of Jesus. That event marked those words having been kept secret and sealed up until the end time. Jesus birth marks the beginning of the Last Days, the End of Time and the initiation of the breaking of the Seals of the Birth Pains of the tribulation – which is to be followed by the Sixth Seal and the Great Tribulation, the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb. (Please see  “Did Jesus and the Apostles Really Say These are the End of Days?” and “When are the final Seven Years”.)

This is describing the breaking of the Birth Pain tribulation seals, and the rapture.  (End Commentary Break).

Verse 11. In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will, verse 12, to the end that we who were the first to hope in the Christ would be to the praise of His glory.

(Commentary Break): “Having bee predestined according to the purpose of Him Who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will”. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 13. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise, verse 14, Who is a first installment of our inheritance, in regard to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

(Commentary Break): The Holy Spirit is God’s guarantee that He will fully redeem His people in the future, completing their salvation—so that His glory is eternally praised.

Just for our information: This is one of those passages where theological systems don’t disagree on the words, but on what those words guarantee.

We’re working from Ephesians 1:13–14, especially:

      • “Sealed with the Holy Spirit”
      • “The guarantee (pledge) of our inheritance”
      • “Until the redemption of God’s own possession”

 1. Calvinism interpretation, Core idea:

The guarantee is absolute and cannot fail.

How they read the passage:

        1. The “seal” = irreversible ownership
      • God marks believers as His permanently
      • The sealing is an act of God alone, not dependent on human continuation
      1. The “guarantee” (Greek: arrabōn) = binding down payment
      • Like a legal contract that must be completed
      • If God gives the Spirit, He is obligated (by His own nature) to finish salvation
      1. “Until redemption” = certainty of perseverance
      • All who are truly saved will reach final glorification
      • This supports the doctrine often called:
        • “Perseverance of the saints”

Supporting cross-texts they emphasize:

      • John 10:28 — no one can snatch them out of His hand
      • Romans 8:30 — those justified will be glorified

Bottom line (Calvinism):

The Spirit guarantees that every true believer will certainly reach final redemption. Falling away proves someone was never truly saved.

2. Arminianism interpretation

Core idea:

The guarantee is real—but conditionally applied to those who continue in faith.

How they read the passage:

      1. The “seal” = relational, not coercive
      • God truly marks believers as His
      • But the relationship can be abandoned through unbelief
      1. The “guarantee” = genuine provision, not unconditional inevitability
      • God fully intends to complete salvation
      • But He does not override human free will
      1. “Until redemption” = God’s intention, not forced outcome
      • The Spirit leads believers toward final redemption
      • But believers can:
        • resist
        • grieve
        • ultimately reject

Supporting cross-texts they emphasize:

      • Hebrews 6:4–6 — warning about falling away
      • 2 Peter 2:20–22 — returning to corruption

Bottom line (Arminianism):

The Spirit is a true guarantee—but only for those who continue in faith. Apostasy is possible.

 3. Provisionism interpretation

(This view is similar to Arminianism in outcome but differs in emphasis.)

Core idea:

The guarantee is fully sufficient, but not irresistibly applied.

How they read the passage:

      1. The “seal” = covenantal identification
      • Believers are genuinely placed “in Christ”
      • The Spirit marks them as belonging to God
      1. The “guarantee” = God’s faithfulness, not human inevitability
      • God will absolutely keep His promise
      • But the promise applies to those who remain “in Christ”
      1. “Until redemption” = corporate and conditional
      • The inheritance belongs to the people of God as a whole
      • Individuals participate by continuing in faith

Key distinction from Arminianism:

      • Stronger emphasis on:
        • human responsibility
        • resistible grace
        • corporate identity “in Christ”

Bottom line (Provisionism):

The Spirit guarantees that all who remain in Christ will be redeemed—but individuals can forfeit that position through unbelief.

Key Differences at a Glance:

Phrase Calvinism Arminianism Provisionism
Seal Permanent, unconditional Real but resistible Covenantal, relational
Guarantee Cannot fail Conditional on faith Certain in Christ, not forced
Redemption Guaranteed for all true believers Guaranteed if one continues Guaranteed for those remaining in Christ
Apostasy Not possible (if truly saved) Possible Possible

The Real Point of Tension – Everything turns on one question:

Does “guarantee” mean inevitable outcome, or assured provision that must be received and retained by faith?

Calvinism: inevitable outcome

Arminianism: assured provision, conditionally experienced.

(Additionally, people cannot respond to God unless God first enables them).

      • Humanity is deeply fallen and unable to believe on its own,
      • God gives prevenient grace (enabling grace to all),
      • This grace restores the ability to respond—but can still be resisted.

Provisionism: assured provision, conditionally experienced.

(Additionally, People are able to respond to God through revelation itself.

      • Humanity is fallen, but not morally incapable of responding,
      • The gospel itself is sufficient to enable a response,
      • No separate “prevenient grace” is required).

A final observation:

They differ on whether the Spirit’s presence guarantees arrival regardless of human response.

All three views agree on something crucial:

      • The inheritance is real,
      • The Spirit is truly given,
      • Final redemption is the goal,

(End Commentary Break).

Verse 15. For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, verse 16, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; verse 17, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.

Verse 18, I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, verse 19, and what is the boundless greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might, verse 20, which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, verse 21, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

(Commentary Break): Paul prays that we

      1. know the hope of His calling and the riches of the glory of this inheritance, and
      2. the boundless greatness (Megethos – great, without limit) of His power (Dunimas – (dynamite), unmatched miraculous power) toward us who believe.

Please note: This ‘Hope and the Greatness of His Power’ toward us who believe, are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might – which He brought about in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at the right Hand of God the Father in the heavenly places. Also know that we are seated with Christ in the heavenlies! (see Ephesians 2:6). And the implications of being seated with Christ include:

      • Spiritual Authority: Believers are granted authority through their connection with Christ.
      • Access to Blessings: This position allows believers to access spiritual blessings and grace.
      • Eternal Perspective: It encourages believers to live with a heavenly perspective, influencing their actions and decisions on earth.

Biblical Foundation

The idea of being seated with Christ is rooted in several key biblical passages:

Verse

Key Message

Ephesians 2:6

   God raised us up with Christ and seated us in heavenly realms.

Colossians3:1

   Believers are raised with Christ and should seek things above.

Romans 8:30

   Those predestined by God are also glorified with Christ.

This spiritual seating is not merely symbolic; it reflects your identity as a believer and position in relation to Christ, affirming your place in God’s eternal plan. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 22. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and made Him head over all things to the church, verse 23, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (End Ephesians chapter 1).

These final verses are among the most spiritually profound in all the Bible. Dwell on them and make them part of your experience with Christ.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

Next: (coming soon) – THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, Chapter 2, Made Alive in Christ.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes).

HAVE WE ENTERED THE LAST DAYS? (And, The Purpose of the Biblical Tribulation Period).

 

THE PURPOSE OF THE BIBLICAL TRIBULATION

Originally written September 21, 2023 — Michael Young, Sr.

(This is an introduction to that article)

Introduction

Have we entered a time described in the Bible as The Last Days? A time of global distress and tribulations? We are hearing and seeing, as the Bible says of the Last Days, great deceptions, false and distorted teachings about Christ; wars and rumors of war, rising episodes of famines, earthquakes, persecutions, new and terrible diseases.

2 Timothy 3:1-7 says, “But understand this, that in The Last Days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.”

The purpose, duration, and ultimate outcome of the Tribulation

The purpose, duration, and ultimate outcome of the Tribulation are clearly revealed in Scripture, especially in Daniel chapter 12. This passage provides a prophetic framework that helps us understand not only the severity of what is to come, but also God’s intention behind it.

Daniel describes a future time of unparalleled distress—greater than anything humanity has ever experienced. Yet even within this sobering prophecy, there is hope: deliverance for those whose names are written in the book of life, resurrection unto eternal life for the righteous, and everlasting glory for those who lead others to righteousness.

At the same time, we are told that these truths would remain sealed until the end, when understanding would increase and God’s purposes would become clearer to those with spiritual insight.

The Nature and Timing of the Tribulation

Daniel’s vision introduces a defined period of suffering described as “a time, times, and half a time,” along with additional markers of 1,290 and 1,335 days. These timeframes point to a structured and purposeful season—not random chaos, but divinely measured judgment.

This period includes:

  • The breaking of worldly power opposing God’s people
  • A final separation between the righteous and the wicked
  • A refining process for those who belong to God

The Tribulation is not merely destruction—it is both judgment and preparation.

The Book of Revelation and the Progression of Events

The unfolding of these end-time events is further revealed in the New Testament, particularly in the opening chapters of Revelation. These events correspond closely with Jesus’ teaching about the end of the age.

The early stages of the Tribulation include:

  • Global conquest and political upheaval
  • Wars and escalating conflict
  • Famines, natural disasters, and disease
  • Widespread death
  • Persecution and martyrdom of believers

These are not isolated events but interconnected signs pointing toward the culmination of God’s redemptive plan.

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

One of the most common and difficult questions people ask is: If God is loving, why does He allow suffering?

Scripture offers several important insights:

  1. The Influence of a Fallen World
    The world is under the temporary influence of evil. Human sin and spiritual rebellion have introduced suffering into creation.
  2. The Reality of a Broken Creation
    God allows both good and evil to exist in this present age. Blessings and hardships fall on all people, reflecting the fallen condition of the world.
  3. The Purpose of Divine Judgment and Preparation
    God uses suffering not only as judgment against evil but also as a means of preparing His people for eternity.

This last point is crucial: suffering is not meaningless. It serves a redemptive purpose.

Divine Deliverance: More Than Rescue

God promises deliverance—but not always in the way we expect.

Scripture teaches that:

  • The righteous will face affliction
  • God is near to the brokenhearted
  • Deliverance is ultimately spiritual, not merely physical

This is not simply rescue from hardship—it is the redemption of the soul.

True deliverance is eternal.

The Purpose of the Tribulation for Believers

Daniel makes it clear: many will be “purged, purified, and refined.”

The Tribulation serves to:

  • Strengthen faith
  • Expose true allegiance
  • Prepare believers as the Bride of Christ

The early church understood this well. They taught that entering the kingdom of God requires perseverance through hardship. Trials are not obstacles to faith—they are instruments that shape and prove it.

Faith refined through suffering becomes more precious than gold.

The Call to Endurance

The consistent message of Scripture is this: believers are called to endure.

Endurance means:

  • Remaining faithful under pressure
  • Holding firmly to hope in Christ
  • Trusting in the promise of eternal glory

The sufferings of this present time, as Scripture reminds us, are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed.

Conclusion

The Tribulation is not an accident of history. It is a divinely appointed season with a clear purpose:

  • To judge evil
  • To refine God’s people
  • To prepare believers for eternity
  • To bring about final redemption

While our natural instinct is to avoid suffering, God’s Word teaches that He uses it for our ultimate good and His eternal purposes.

The message is clear:

Be ready.
Stay ready.
Endure faithfully.
Overcome through Christ.

And in the end, those who remain steadfast will share in eternal life.

Your brother and friend,
Mike Young.

(Click the following link For the original and complete article of “The Purpose of The Biblical Tribulation”)

THE BOOK OF ROMANS, Chapter 2, The Impartiality of God, The Jews Under the Law

 

THE BOOK OF ROMANS

Chapter 2

The Impartiality of God, The Jews Under the Law

BibleHub.com titles the following verses as “the impartiality of God”, whereas it could be titled “wake up hypocrites – you aren’t fooling anyone, especially not God”! The Apostle Paul described himself as a Pharisee among Pharisees; This expression emphasizes Paul’s pure Hebrew ancestry and cultural heritage. It suggests that he was not only ethnically Hebrew but also fully immersed in Hebrew culture and traditions. The Pharisees were a Jewish sect known for their strict observance of the Law and traditions. By identifying as a Pharisee, Paul highlights his rigorous adherence to the Mosaic Law and his commitment to living a life of religious purity. The Pharisees were respected for their knowledge of the Scriptures and their role in preserving Jewish identity. Paul’s background as a Pharisee is significant in understanding his initial opposition to the Christian movement and his later transformation, as seen in Acts 23:6 and Galatians 1:14. He is uniquely qualified to call out the hypocrisy, the arrogance and the foolishness of the religious leaders who violate their own teaching and preaching which leads to God’s judgement and punishment.

It could also be said that Paul is laying the foundation to explain the New Covenant in Jesus Christ.

(PLEASE NOTE: I have said on various occasions that the “Commentary Breaks” in these series of Bible studies are meant to help us practically apply what we are reading by asking “what does this say? What does this mean? What does this mean to me and what am I to do (with it or about it)?” My commentaries are not meant to be in-depth exegetical or theological commentaries. Please refer to BibleBum.com, Bible Gateway or the Blue Letter Bible for more in-depth studies and theological studies and commentaries.)

The Impartiality of God

Romans 2:1,Therefore you have no excuse, you (foolish) person, every one (of you) who passes judgment; for in that (matter in) which you judge someone else, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. Verse 2. And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. Verse 3. But do you suppose this, you (foolish) person who passes judgment on those who practice such things, and (yet) does them (as well), that you will escape the judgment of God?

(Commentary Break): A proper understanding of a scripture verse or passage is best found by comparing it first to the surrounding verses and chapters and then by searching out other contextual verses in the Bible. In simpler terms, any interpretation of scripture must be interpreted by the context of the entire Word of God. Paul’s words are in context with the words of Matthew 7:1-5, “Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye!” But these biting words of the Apostle Paul cut off any escape route from God’s judgment for any religious person, (church) leader, teacher, (Pharisee), who stands in judgment on others – particularly those who would be in a position of guiding, teaching and helping others in the matters of faith. If they (or you and I) preach and teach a Truth or Commandment from God, and we then violate that very thing, we are guilty not only of violating the Law, we will be judged. James 3:1 admonishes that “Not many [of you] should become teachers [serving in an official teaching capacity], my brothers and sisters, for you know that we [who are teachers] will be judged by a higher standard [because we have assumed greater accountability and more condemnation if we teach incorrectly]”.

It seems that the desire for the recognition that comes from such a valued position can override a person’s need for humility and their intention to be a servant of God. Sadly, today’s church is rife with this arrogance and these false teachers and wolves. Beware, dear friends. Beware. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 4. Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? Verse 5. But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, verse 6, who WILL REPAY EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS: verse 7, to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life; verse 8, but to those who are self-serving and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, He will give wrath and indignation.

(Commentary Break): Paul is reminding us that it is God’s kindness and restraint and patience that leads a true believer to repentance. Jesus’s first and shortest sermon is about repentance and is found in Matthew 4:17. “From that time Jesus began to preach (kerusso – to proclaim with authority; not a simple request but a command that must be obeyed, referring to preaching the Gospel as the authoritative (binding) word of God, bringing eternal accountability to all who hear it; stresses the victory of God’s Gospel-message in the totality of His “good news.”]) and say, “Repent (metanoeó – “think differently after,” “after a change of mind for the better”; a wholehearted response to divine truth that issues in faith, obedience, and fruit worthy of repentance), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (eggizó – come near, at hand – as close as the wrist is from the hand; within you; with great force so as to knock you to the ground as the Light of God did to Saul of Tarsus, afterward known as Paul the Apostle on the road to Damascus, see Acts 9:3-5).

It is worth repeating that a “stubborn and unrepentant heart” will lead to wrath for yourself on the day of wrath; to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life; but to those who are self-serving and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, He will give wrath and indignation (a fierce and passionate anger of God, yet without sin).

We can escape from God’s indignation only through voluntary, humble, obedient repentance, which comes with the price of personal diligence and practice. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 9. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of mankind who does evil, for the Jew first and also for the Greek, verse 10, but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who does what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Verse 11. For there is no partiality with God.

(Commentary Break): Interesting choice of Words: “There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of mankind”. First, the Greek word for tribulation is ‘thlipsis’ (affliction, persecution, tribulation), from the root word ‘thlibo’ – pressure (literally or figuratively); affliction, anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble; which is the same word used when referring to the ‘Tribulation’ and the ‘distress’ of the Last Days (see Matthew 24, Daniel 12:1 and Zephaniah 1:15). This describes the varied pressures that press upon God’s people: external persecution, internal anguish, material hardship, and eschatological distress. Although the contexts differ, the theme is consistent—God’s people encounter constriction yet are sustained and refined by His sovereign grace. DO NOT BE FOOLED – the evidence is clear for those who are willing to wade through the swamp of denominationalism and the fog of biased eschatology. The world discernably entered the beginnings of the Last Days at the time of the Birth of Jesus; and those days (the first five tribulation seal periods called by Jesus as “the birth pains” of the tribulation (see Matthew 24:6-8), which have been overlapping and intensifying and will culminate with the breaking of the Sixth Tribulation Seal, the beginning of the Great Tribulation, the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb (the final seven years of the Tribulation period). The reason this is important – even urgent – is that most Christians are woefully unprepared for what is upon them and may be found like the unprepared servant (see Matthew 24:36-51) who is “cut into pieces and put with the hypocrites” or the Ten Virgins (see Matthew 25) who are left out of the Marriage Feast of Jesus and His Bride, the Church, or the servants cast into outer darkness for their unpreparedness – “for there is no partiality with God”! (End Commentary Break).

Verse 12. For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; verse 13, for it is not the hearers of the Law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the Law who will be justified. Verse 14. For when Gentiles who do not have the Law instinctively perform the requirements of the Law, these, though not having the Law, are a law to themselves, verse 15, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, verse 16, on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of mankind through Christ Jesus.

The Jews under the Law

Verse 17. But if you call yourself a Jew and rely upon the Law and boast in God, verse 18, and know His will and distinguish the things that matter, being instructed from the Law, verse 19, and are confident that you yourself are a guide to people who are blind, a light to those in darkness, verse 20, a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, possessing in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth— verse 21, you, therefore, who teach someone else, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one is not to steal, do you steal? Verse 22. You who say that one is not to commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who loathe idols, do you rob temples? Verse 23. You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? Verse 24. For “THE NAME OF GOD IS BLASPHEMED AMONG THE GENTILES BECAUSE OF YOU,” just as it is written.

Verse 25. For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a violator of the Law, your circumcision has turned into uncircumcision. Verse 26. So if the uncircumcised man keeps the requirements of the Law, will his uncircumcision not be regarded as circumcision? Verse 27. And he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not judge you who though having the letter of the Law and circumcision are a violator of the Law? Verse 28. For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. Verse 29. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from people, but from God.

(Commentary Break): This book of Romans is sometimes called “The Constitution of Christianity,” “The Christian Manifesto,” and “The Cathedral of the Christian Faith”, can read like a legal portfolio and can be hard to decipher.

Summary of Romans 2:12–29:

In this passage, the Apostle Paul the Apostle argues that God judges all people impartially, whether they have the Law (the Jews) or not (the Gentiles).

      1. Judgment is based on obedience, not mere knowledge (verses 12–16).
      • Those without the Law (Gentiles) are judged apart from it, while those under the Law (Jews) are judged by it.
      • Simply hearing the Law doesn’t make someone righteous—doing it does.
      • Even Gentiles, who don’t have the written Law, sometimes follow it by nature, showing that God’s moral law is written on their hearts.
      • God will judge people’s secrets through Christ.
      1. The Jews’ reliance on the Law is exposed (verses 17–24).
      • Jews boast in having the Law and see themselves as guides to others.
      • Yet Paul confronts their inconsistency: they teach others but fail to obey the Law themselves.
      • Because of this hypocrisy, God’s name is dishonored among the Gentiles.
      1. True circumcision is inward, not outward (verses 25–29).
      • Physical circumcision (the outward sign of being a Jew) is only valuable if one obeys the Law.
      • A Gentile who obeys God is, in effect, “circumcised,” while a disobedient Jew is not.
      • True identity as God’s people is not external but internal—a matter of the heart, transformed by the Spirit, not merely by written code.

Paul dismantles religious complacency. Being part of a religious group or having God’s law isn’t enough—what matters is a transformed heart and genuine obedience. (End Commentary Break).

Listen dear friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus provides us safety and sanctuary. He is our provider and our supply, and He is the dependable Source of our supply. And the bottom line is that you and I must develop the habit of walking with Jesus, daily, moment by moment. We must set our minds, constantly and consistently on Him and His Word. This is the ‘connection’ with Him that we must develop.

The Bible says it this way, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. And that we are to “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law”. This must become our reality.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

PS: If you desire a deeper theological line-by-line commentary, I recommend BibleHub.com.

Next: The Book of Romans, Chapter 3, All the World Guilty, Justification by Faith.

(Previous): The Book of Romans Chapter 1, The Gospel Exalted, Unbelief and Its Consequences

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INSIGHTS INTO THE COMING RAPTURE – The ‘rapturo’, ‘harpazo’, ‘the seizing’, ‘the snatching away’

 

INSIGHTS INTO THE COMING

“Rapturo,” which translates the Greek word “harpazo,” meaning “to seize” or “to snatch away”

(A contextual comparison from Isaiah 26, Matthew 24 and The Book of The Revelation).

Dear Friends:

I have written extensively on eschatological matters in a humble and feeble attempt to warn what is coming and has come upon us and to prepare as the tribulations of The Last Days escalate. This article is another attempt to give context and timing of the coming Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and what we, the Church (Christians) can expect and what we should expect.

The difference this time is that I have garnered this information from various “online” resources.

Book of Isaiah 26, verse 20 says:

“Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the indignation is past.”

First, let’s define some of these words from the Hebrew language for a clearer understanding:

chambers – chedar = inner chamber, innermost (-ward) part, parlor, + south, within
NASB: inner room, room, chambers, rooms, bedroom, innermost parts, chamber
Word Origin: [from H2314 (חָדַר – surrounds)].

Isaiah 26:20 employs cheder to call God’s people to safety during judgment: “Go, My people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until wrath has passed.” The imagery recalls Israel’s Passover houses and foreshadows Christ, the ultimate refuge from wrath. In pastoral ministry, this verse assures saints of divine preservation amid tribulation.

Christological and Ecclesiological Insights

The bridegroom leads His bride “into his chambers” in Song of Songs 1:4, a love song that echoes the covenant’s ultimate consummation. Christ secures His church in the eternal cheder—the place He prepares (John 14:2–3). Until then, every gathered assembly forms a temporary cheder, where believers experience foretastes of heavenly intimacy.

Indignation Core Idea of abar, ( עָבַר):

The root of ‘abar’ conveys movement from one side to another—whether spatial, moral, relational, or covenantal. From Genesis to Malachi the verb shapes narratives of pilgrimage, judgment, mercy, and disobedience, binding together the motifs of crossing, passing, and overstepping that run throughout the Old Testament.

Foundational Crossings in Salvation History

      • Abraham the “Hebrew” (Genesis 14:13) bears a name rooted in עָבַר, marking him as the one who “crossed over” the Euphrates to follow the call of God (Genesis 12:1-5).
        • The Exodus climaxes when Israel “passed through the midst of the sea on dry ground” (Exodus 14:22). The physical crossing anticipates a spiritual deliverance later echoed in the Prophets.
        • The Jordan crossing under Joshua (Joshua 3:14-17) completes the patriarchal promise, making עָבַר the verb that frames entrance into covenant land.
        • Each pivotal act of redemption is literally a passage from bondage to blessing, embedding עָבַר at the center of Israel’s collective memory.

Covenantal Rituals and Divine Presence

      • At the covenant-cutting of Genesis 15:17 “a smoking firepot and a flaming torch passed between the pieces,” signifying the Lord’s unilateral commitment.
        Ezekiel 16:8 describes God’s marital covenant: “I spread the corner of My garment over you and covered your nakedness…and entered into a covenant with you.” The verb underscores God Himself crossing the threshold into intimate relationship.
        • The annual Feast of Passover memorializes the night the Destroyer “passed over” the blood-marked houses (Exodus 12:12-13). Though a different Hebrew root lies behind “Passover,” the thematic overlap strengthens the redemptive resonance of עָבַר.

Deliverance and Judgment

      • Adversaries “pass through the land” as instruments of judgment (Isaiah 8:8; Nahum 1:15).
        • Conversely, the faithful “pass through the valley of Baca” and make it a place of springs (Psalm 84:6).
        Isaiah 43:2 offers the Lord’s assurance: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” Rescue and wrath both ride on the same verb, revealing divine sovereignty over every passage.

This is a compact but powerful verse, and its meaning becomes clearer when you look at the context and themes around it.

  1. Immediate context

Isaiah 26 is part of a larger section (Isaiah 24–27) often called “Isaiah’s Apocalypse.” It describes:

  • God’s judgment on the earth
  • The downfall of the wicked
  • The ultimate restoration of God’s people

Just before verse 20, verse 19 speaks about the resurrection of the dead:

“Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise.”

So verse 20 flows directly from:

  • resurrection hope
  • followed by a call to temporary hiding during judgment
  1. What “enter your chambers” means

“Enter your chambers” is symbolic language. It implies:

  • Seeking refuge in God
  • Withdrawal from coming judgment
  • Trusting God rather than trying to survive by human means

It echoes earlier biblical patterns:

  • During the Passover, Israel stayed inside their homes while judgment passed over Egypt
  • Psalm 91 speaks similarly about being hidden under God’s protection

So this is less about literal hiding places and more about spiritual security under God’s care.

  1. “Until the indignation is past”

“Indignation” refers to:

  • God’s righteous anger against sin
  • A period of divine judgment on the world

Key idea:

➡️ The judgment is real but temporary
➡️ God’s people are preserved through it, not destroyed by it

  1. Prophetic / theological interpretations
  2. General interpretation (most scholars)

This verse is a way of saying:

  • God will judge the world
  • His people should trust Him and remain faithful
  • He will protect them until judgment passes
  1. End-times / prophetic view

Some (especially in premillennial or dispensational circles) connect this verse to:

  • A future period of tribulation
  • Possibly the protection of believers during that time
  • Sometimes even linked to the concept of the rapture (though the verse itself doesn’t explicitly mention removal)
  1. Personal / spiritual application

On an individual level, it teaches:

  • When God’s judgment or turmoil is unfolding, don’t panic—seek Him
  • There are times when the faithful are called to:
    • wait
    • trust
    • remain hidden in God rather than fighting circumstances directly
  1. Key takeaway

Isaiah 26:20 is essentially a call to trust God’s protection during a time of judgment:

  • God’s wrath is temporary
  • His people are secure
  • The right response is quiet trust, not fear

Isaiah 26:20—“enter your chambers… hide yourselves for a little while until the indignation is past”—finds some striking echoes in the New Testament. The connections aren’t always one-to-one, but the pattern is very consistent:
God brings judgment → He preserves His people → they are called to endure or remain under His protection until it passes.

1. Direct parallel in Book of Revelation

Protection during judgment

In Revelation, God’s people are not removed from the earth immediately but are marked out and protected during divine wrath:

  • Revelation 7:3 — God’s servants are sealed on their foreheads before judgment unfolds
  • Revelation 9:4 — those with God’s seal are spared from certain plagues

👉 This mirrors Isaiah 26:20:

  • “Hide yourselves” = being set apart / protected
  • “Until indignation is past” = judgment unfolds in phases but does not consume God’s people

A very close thematic match:

Revelation 18:4 says:

“Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins…”

This is almost the same tone as Isaiah:

  • Isaiah: “Come… enter… shut your doors”
  • Revelation: “Come out… separate”

Both are:

➡️ Calls to separate from a judged world system
➡️ So as not to share in its punishment

  1. Jesus’ teaching in Gospel of Matthew 24:

End-times survival instructions

Jesus gives very practical instructions during coming tribulation:

  • Matthew 24:16 — “let those in Judea flee to the mountains
  • Matthew 24:21–22 — a period of great tribulation, but shortened for the elect

👉 Parallel to Isaiah 26:20:

  • Both describe a limited period of intense judgment
  • Both call for intentional withdrawal / protection
  • Both emphasize God preserving His people through it
  1. Jesus’ warning in Gospel of Luke 21:34–36

Watchfulness + escape

Jesus says:

“Stay awake… praying that you may have strength to escape all these things…”

This ties closely to Isaiah’s idea:

  • Not reckless exposure to judgment
  • But alert, prayerful positioning under God’s protection
  1. A powerful conceptual parallel: Gospel of John 17:15

“In the world, but protected”

Jesus prays:

“I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.”

This is key.

Isaiah 26:20 is not necessarily about removal—it’s about:

➡️ Protection within a time of danger

That lines up almost perfectly with Jesus’ prayer:

  • Not removed
  • But kept / guarded
  1. The “Noah and Lot” pattern (Jesus’ teaching)

In Luke 17:26–30, Jesus compares the end times to:

  • Noah → enters the ark before judgment
  • Lot → removed before destruction

👉 These are exact narrative parallels to Isaiah 26:20:

  • Entering a protected space
  • Judgment falling after God secures His people
  1. Wrath vs. salvation distinction

In First Thessalonians 5:9:

“God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation…”

This reinforces the same theological backbone:

  • “Indignation” (Isaiah) = God’s wrath
  • Believers = not objects of that wrath
  1. Big-picture synthesis

Across Isaiah, Jesus’ teachings, and Revelation, the same structure appears:

Pattern:

  1. Warning is given
  2. God’s people are told to prepare / withdraw / remain faithful
  3. Judgment falls on the world
  4. God preserves His people through or from it
  5. Judgment ends (“indignation is past”)

Final takeaway

Isaiah 26:20 isn’t an isolated poetic line—it’s an early expression of a consistent biblical theme that reaches its fullest clarity in the New Testament:

➡️ God does not leave His people exposed during judgment
➡️ He calls them to intentional trust, separation, and watchfulness
➡️ He limits the duration of wrath
➡️ And He preserves His people until it passes

NEXT connect Isaiah 26:20 directly with Gospel of Matthew 24:1–31, it helps to line up the sequence and logic in both passages. When you do that, they read almost like two perspectives on the same pattern of end-time events.

  1. The core statement in Isaiah

From Book of Isaiah 26:20:

“Enter your chambers… hide yourselves for a little while until the indignation is past.”

Key elements:

  • A coming period of divine wrath (“indignation”)
  • God’s people are told to withdraw / take refuge
  • The period is temporary
  • Protection is intentional and directed by God
  1. The structure of Matthew 24:1–31

Jesus lays out a clear timeline:

  1. Beginning of turmoil (vv. 4–14)
  • Deception, wars, famine, persecution
  • “The beginning of birth pains”
  1. Trigger event (v. 15)
  • “Abomination of desolation” (from Book of Daniel)
  1. Urgent command to withdraw (vv. 16–20)
  • “Let those in Judea flee to the mountains
  • Don’t go back for belongings
  • Immediate, decisive action

👉 This is the closest behavioral parallel to Isaiah 26:20.

  1. Direct connection: “Enter your chambers” = “Flee”

Isaiah says:

  • Enter… shut your doors… hide

Jesus says:

  • Flee… don’t turn back… escape immediately

Different imagery, same idea:

➡️ God gives instructions for survival during judgment

This is not passive—it’s obedient response to warning.

  1. “Until the indignation is past” = “those days will be cut short”

Matthew 24:21–22:

“For then there will be great tribulation… and if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.”

This matches Isaiah precisely:

  • Isaiah: “a little while”
  • Jesus: “days will be cut short”

➡️ The wrath is:

  • Real
  • Severe
  • But limited by God for His people’s sake
  1. Protection theme (implicit vs explicit)

Isaiah 26:20:

  • Sounds like hiding under protection

Matthew 24:

  • Doesn’t explicitly say “you’ll be safe”
  • But strongly implies:
    • Urgency is meaningful (God is giving a way of escape)
    • The elect are preserved (v. 22)

This lines up with the broader teaching of Gospel of Luke 21:18:

“Not a hair of your head will perish” (ultimate preservation, even through suffering)

  1. What happens after the “indignation”?

This is where the connection becomes very tight.

Isaiah 26:21 (next verse):

The Lord comes out to punish the inhabitants of the earth

Matthew 24:29–31:

  • Cosmic signs
  • The coming of the Son of Man
  • Angels gathering the elect

➡️ Same sequence:

  1. Judgment period
  2. God’s people preserved through it
  3. God visibly intervenes at the end
  4. Important theological implication

When you read them together, a strong pattern emerges:

Neither passage emphasizes immediate removal before trouble

Instead:

  • Believers are warned ahead of time
  • Told how to respond during the crisis
  • Preserved through a defined period of wrath
  • Then gathered/delivered at the end

That’s a key interpretive point many overlook.

  1. Big-picture synthesis

Putting Book of Isaiah 26:20 together with Gospel of Matthew 24:1–31:

Shared timeline:

  1. Warning is given
  2. A trigger event signals intensified judgment
  3. God’s people are told to withdraw / take refuge
  4. A short but intense period of wrath unfolds
  5. God limits its duration
  6. He then appears in power and delivers His people

Final takeaway

Isaiah 26:20 is essentially an Old Testament “preview” of what Jesus later describes in detail in Matthew 24.

  • “Enter your chambers” → “Flee immediately”
  • “Hide for a little while” → “Those days will be cut short”
  • “Until indignation is past” → Tribulation ends with Christ’s return

Together, they present a unified message:

➡️ God does not leave His people without instruction
➡️ He provides direction, limitation, and ultimate deliverance
➡️ The faithful response is alert obedience and trust, not complacency

Now we can lay all three side-by-side—Book of Isaiah 26, Gospel of Matthew 24, and The Book of the Revelation—and map them chronologically through the Book of The Revelation:

What you’ll see is that Revelation doesn’t contradict Isaiah or Jesus—it expands them into a detailed sequence.

🔷 OVERVIEW BEFORE THE CHAPTER MAP

Core shared pattern:

  1. Warning / early turmoil
  2. Trigger event
  3. Command to God’s people (hide / flee / separate)
  4. Intense but limited judgment
  5. Protection of the faithful
  6. God’s visible intervention
  7. Final restoration

📖 REVELATION CHAPTER-BY-CHAPTER ALIGNMENT

  1. Revelation 6 — Beginning of “birth pains”

(First 6 seals)

  • War, famine, death, martyrdom
  • Cosmic disturbance begins

👉 Matches:

  • Matthew 24:4–14 → “beginning of birth pains”
  • Isaiah 26 (context) → rising global judgment

⚠️ Key point:
This is not yet the full wrath, but the lead-up.

  1. Revelation 7 — Protection of God’s people
  • 144,000 are sealed
  • Great multitude preserved

👉 Direct parallel to:

  • Isaiah 26:20 → “hide yourselves”
  • The idea of being marked out before wrath intensifies

This is one of the clearest connections:
➡️ God identifies His people before the worst begins

  1. Revelation 8–9 — Escalation (Trumpet judgments)
  • Environmental destruction
  • Demonic torment
  • Massive suffering

👉 Matches:

  • Matthew 24:21 → “great tribulation”
  • Isaiah 26:20 → “indignation”

But notice:

  • Some are still protected (Rev 9:4)

➡️ Same pattern: judgment + selective protection

  1. Revelation 10–11 — Warning + witness
  • The “little scroll” (message of warning)
  • Two witnesses prophesy
  • Final calls to repentance

👉 Matches Jesus’ emphasis:

  • Matthew 24:14 → “gospel preached to all nations”

God is still:
➡️ Warning
➡️ Calling
➡️ Giving opportunity

  1. Revelation 12 — Spiritual perspective (why this is happening)
  • Satan cast down
  • Persecution of God’s people

👉 Critical connection to Isaiah:

  • Explains the source of the chaos
  • Shows why God’s people must “hide”

Also:

  • The woman (Israel) is protected in the wilderness

➡️ Another “Isaiah 26:20” moment:
Divinely prepared protection during wrath

  1. Revelation 13 — The trigger event fully visible
  • Rise of the Beast
  • Mark of the Beast system

👉 This aligns with:

  • Matthew 24:15 → “abomination of desolation”
  • The moment that triggers urgent flight

This is where Jesus says:
➡️ “Flee immediately”

  1. Revelation 14 — Separation of people
  • Two groups become clear:
    • Those who follow the Lamb
    • Those who follow the Beast

👉 Parallel:

  • Revelation 18:4 → “Come out of her, my people”
  • Isaiah 26:20 → separation before final wrath
  1. Revelation 15–16 — FULL “indignation” (wrath unleashed)

(Bowl judgments)

  • Final, concentrated wrath of God
  • No more delay

👉 This is the strongest fulfillment of:

  • Isaiah 26:20 → “until indignation is past”

Also matches:

  • Matthew 24:22 → “days will be cut short”

➡️ This period is:

  • Intense
  • Final
  • Shortened / limited
  1. Revelation 17–18 — Judgment of the world system
  • Fall of “Babylon” (corrupt global system)

👉 Direct echo:

  • “Come out of her, my people” (Rev 18:4)
  • Same command as:
    • “Enter your chambers” (Isaiah)
    • “Flee” (Jesus)
  1. Revelation 19 — The RETURN of Christ
  • Christ appears in glory
  • Defeats the Beast

👉 Matches perfectly:

  • Matthew 24:29–31 → Son of Man coming in the clouds
  • Isaiah 26:21 → God comes out to judge the earth

➡️ This is when:

  • “Indignation” is fully finished
  1. Revelation 20 — The Kingdom
  • Satan bound
  • 1,000-year reign

👉 Connects to your earlier beliefs (millennial kingdom):

  • The aftermath of preserved people + completed judgment
  1. Revelation 21–22 — Final restoration
  • New heaven and new earth
  • No more death, sin, or curse

👉 Final fulfillment of:

  • Isaiah’s broader vision of restoration (Isaiah 25–27)

 

FULL TIMELINE (ALL THREE COMBINED)

  1. Early turmoil
  • Revelation 6
  • Matthew 24:4–14
  1. Trigger event
  • Revelation 13
  • Matthew 24:15
  1. Command to act
  • Isaiah 26:20 → hide
  • Matthew 24:16 → flee
  • Revelation 18:4 → come out
  1. Protection of God’s people
  • Revelation 7, 12
  • Implied in Matthew 24:22
  1. Intense but limited wrath
  • Revelation 8–16
  • “Indignation” (Isaiah)
  • “Days cut short” (Jesus)
  1. Final judgment of the world
  • Revelation 17–18
  1. Return of Christ
  • Revelation 19
  • Matthew 24:29–31
  1. Kingdom and restoration
  • Revelation 20–22
  • Isaiah 25–27

🔥 Final insight

When you line them up carefully, Isaiah 26:20 is not vague at all—it’s actually a compressed prophetic snapshot of what:

  • Jesus expands in Matthew 24
  • Revelation unfolds in full detail

And the consistent message across all three is:

➡️ God warns before judgment
➡️ He gives clear instructions to His people
➡️ He limits the duration of wrath
➡️ He preserves His people through it
➡️ Then He personally intervenes and reigns

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(Any comments? Or if you just want to talk or discuss, please enter your remarks below)

“DO YOU ATTEND A CHRISTIAN BIBLE-BASED CHURCH”? And Is it really that complicated?

 

“DO YOU ATTENED A CHRISTIAN BIBLE-BASED CHURCH”

(Is it really that complicated?)

You may have heard that it is always a good idea to attend a church that is Bible-based; in other words, attend a church that teaches the Bible and intends to live by the teachings, instructions and commands of the Bible. (Sounds simple enough. Right? Well, maybe you should think again.)

If you live in America, or an English-speaking country, you can have access to over 900 English translations to the Bible and along with that there are over 450 different versions of the Bible in English. (Versions of the Bible refer to different translations and adaptations of the biblical texts into various languages and styles, reflecting diverse theological beliefs, cultural contexts, and translation philosophies.) BibleGateway.com offers a closer look at the versions and how some examples differ. But many good sources suggest that the New American Standard version, the English Standard version and the New King James version are the closest to the Greek and Hebrew languages in which it was written.

Okay. We have over 900 translations, over 450 versions and we also have over 200 denominations identifying as Christian in America (and over 45,000 worldwide). This leads to a wide (and wild) variation of what different translations say, differing versions further say, and denominations are saying what they think, and all of this is man-made or man-influenced!

Let me give you a few simpler examples:

The Presbyterian Church of America (the conservative side, and as opposed to the Presbyterian Church USA known as the liberal side, or the ECO, a covenant order of Evangelical Presbyterians, or the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, among a few others) has an additional book named the Westminster Confession of Faith, along with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms. These documents summarize the system of doctrine taught in the Bible and are foundational to PCA beliefs. This denomination also has the Book of Church Order which is commonly referred to as BCO, is part of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America, which is subject to and subordinate to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, the inerrant Word Of God. All of these additional helps explain how the fathers and leads of the Presbyterian Church PCA believe, live and govern.

The Southern Baptist Church, in addition to the Bible, use the Baptist Faith and Message, which is a statement of their beliefs and doctrines. They may also refer to various confessions of faith and other theological writings that align with their interpretations of Scripture, as opposed or compared to the other 26 Baptist denominations in America. These denominations encompass a wide range of beliefs and practices, reflecting the diversity within the Baptist tradition.

The Nazarene Church has The Manual of the Church of the Nazarene as its official sourcebook for church government, bylaws, history, doctrine, and policy. This manual is updated every four years during the General Assembly.

There are 24 different variations of Catholic Churches, which include the Roman Catholic Church and 23 other “sui iuris” churches that are governed separately but are in communion with Rome. These churches have their own traditions, history, and liturgical practices. The Catholic Church uses the Catechism of the Catholic Church as a key resource for its doctrines and teachings, alongside the Bible. This comprehensive manual outlines the faith, sacraments, and moral teachings of the Church.

And all of these ‘guiding documents’ which are meant to explain scriptures are man-made or man-inspired, which as we all know, make them suspect and explain the wide and wild variations.

Next, there are those calling themselves Christian but are generally identified as cults, such as Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Christian Science, which all have unique doctrines that differ significantly from traditional Christian teachings, but are luring hundreds, even thousands away from the true Gospel Message of Jesus Christ.

And finally, research studies show that someplace between 50 percent and 73 percent of mainline Christian pastors do not believe the Bible is totally accurate, so it begs the question ‘just what are they teaching’?

Now, who do you believe will accurately and rightly teach you the Bible? Who can you trust for the Gospel? And are you certain you are attending a Bible-based Christian Church? Believe me, it matters.

THE HISTORY:

First, let’s recognize that the Bible didn’t appear all at once—it’s the result of a long, layered process spanning many centuries. To understand how and why it came to exist, it helps to think of it in three stages: (1), events, (2), writings, (3), collection (canon).

Number 1. Why the Bible came to exist.

At its core, the Bible exists because people believed God was revealing Himself in history and wanted to preserve, explain, and pass on that revelation.

In the Old Testament:

  • Ancient Israel believed God acted in real events—like the Exodus from Egypt.
  • These events shaped their identity as God’s people.
  • They wrote them down to:
    • Preserve their history,
    • Record God’s laws (like in Leviticus),
    • Call people back to faithfulness (through prophets like Isaiah),

In short: the Old Testament exists to document God’s covenant relationship with Israel.

In the New Testament:

  • Early Christians believed God had acted decisively through Jesus Christ.
  • After His life, death, and resurrection, His followers needed to:
    • Record what He said and did,
    • Teach new believers,
    • Defend against false teachings,

So the New Testament exists to preserve the message about Jesus and guide the early Church.

Number 2. How the Bible was written

The Bible was written over about 1,000 to 1,500 years by many different authors.

Old Testament writing

  • Written roughly between 1400 B.C. and 400 B.C.
  • In Hebrew (with some Aramaic).
  • Includes:
    • Law (Torah),
    • History,
    • Poetry (like Psalms),
    • Prophecy.

Some material started as oral tradition before being written down.

New Testament writing:

  • Written between A.D. 50 and 100,
  • In Greek,
  • Includes:
    • Gospels (accounts of Jesus’ life, Gospel of Matthew),
    • Letters (like those of Paul the Apostle),
    • Apocalyptic writing (like Book of Revelation).

 

Number 3. How the Bible was collected (the “canon”):

Not every religious writing was accepted as Scripture. Over time, communities recognized certain books as authoritative.

Old Testament canon.

  • Gradually recognized by the Jewish people.
  • Largely settled by around the time of Second Temple period.

New Testament canon.

  • Early Christians used many writings, but only some were widely accepted.
  • Criteria included:
    • Connection to apostles,
    • Consistency with known teaching,
    • Widespread use in churches

By the 4th century (councils like Council of Carthage), the 27-book New Testament list was formally recognized.

The Bottom Line:

From a Christian viewpoint, the Bible is not just human writing, it’s inspired by God. It is a good saying. Take for example that

the odds against – yes, AGAINST – Jesus Christ having fulfilled just 48 of the over 450 prophecies written about Him. But, facts show that the odds are 1 to 100, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, (or 1 to 10 to the 157th power), in favor of something coming to pass, would you bet against it?

In order to give you some perspective, electrons are very small objects. They’re smaller than atoms. It would take 2.5 TIMES 10 to the 15th power of them, laid side by side, to make one inch. Even if we counted 250 of these electrons each minute, and counted day and night, it would still take 19 million years just to count a line of electrons one-inch long.  19 MILLION YEARS!

Read that again, please.  Why is that significant? It is significant because it gives us evidence that the Bible is true and correct when it says that Christ Jesus came to earth and is the Savior of the world.

A key idea comes from Second Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is God-breathed.” That means, that human authors wrote in their own styles, but believers hold that God guided the process

The Bible is the infallible, indestructible, inerrant Breathed Word of God; It has been breathed into the hearts, minds and souls of men which inspired them to report and record what they had seen, heard and thought over thousands of years, through trials, tribulations and even under the threats of death, as it came together as a concise and comprehensive Book revealing the Mind of God for all humankind and all of existence. Now we have the final and complete Bible which is prophetic, instructional, creative and causative in all matters pertaining to life, death, the present reality and all of eternity. It concerns you and it pertains specifically to your life presently, your death and your eternity.

HOW CAN I BE CERTAIN?

You cannot necessarily be absolutely certain that a church is actually Bible-based, but you can make a very strong, evidence-based judgment if the church you have chosen or would choose to attend is Bible-based by testing what they teach and how they operate against Scripture.

Here’s a grounded way to evaluate it.

1. Start with the message: What do they teach about the Gospel?

A truly Bible-based church will be clear and consistent on the core message:

  • Salvation is by grace through faith (see Ephesians 2:8–9),
  • Christ’s substitutionary death is central,
  • Repentance and faith are necessary,
  • Jesus is fully God and fully man (see John 1).

If a church minimizes sin, avoids repentance, or replaces the gospel with self-improvement or prosperity themes, that’s a red flag.

2. Examine how they use the Bible (this is huge).

It is not just that they quote Scripture—but how they handle it.

A healthy church will:

  • Teach through passages in context (not cherry-picked verses),
  • Explain meaning before application,
  • Let Scripture shape the message—not the other way around.

A key model is Acts 17:11, where the Bereans examined the Scriptures daily to verify teaching.

If sermons feel like motivational talks with a few Bible verses attached, be cautious.

3. Look at their view of authority.

A Bible-based church treats Scripture as the final authority, not:

  • A pastor’s personal revelations,
  • Church traditions above Scripture,
  • Cultural trends.

A guiding principle comes from Second Timothy 3:16–17: Scripture is sufficient for teaching, correction, and training.

4. Check their doctrine statement (don’t skip this).

Most churches publish a “statement of faith.” Read it carefully.

Look for clarity on:

  • Salvation (grace vs works),
  • The nature of Christ,
  • The authority of Scripture,
  • Eternal security vs apostasy.

If it’s vague or avoids specifics, that often signals compromise or internal disagreement.

5. Evaluate the leadership

Biblical churches take leadership seriously.

Compare their pastors/elders with qualifications in First Timothy 3 and Titus 1:

  • Character over charisma,
  • Integrity, self-control, faithfulness,
  • Not domineering or money-driven,

A dynamic speaker is not the same as a qualified shepherd.

6. Observe the fruit (over time).

Jesus’ principle in Gospel of Matthew 7:16: “You will recognize them by their fruits.”

Look for:

  • Spiritual growth in members,
  • Seriousness about sin and holiness,
  • Love that is more than surface-level,
  • Commitment to truth, even when unpopular.
  • Do people come to ‘get’ or do they balance that with what they can give or contribute to the life and mission of the church?

7. Watch for common warning signs

Be cautious if you see:

  • Constant focus on money or “blessings”,
  • Claims of exclusive truth (“we alone have it right”),
  • Little emphasis on sin, judgment, or repentance,
  • Leadership that is unaccountable,
  • Be certain the church is not ‘pastor led’,
  • Scripture used out of context to support agendas.

8. Test it personally

Don’t outsource discernment.

  • Read Scripture yourself daily,
  • Compare what you hear to the text,
  • Ask questions—good churches welcome them.

This is exactly the Berean model again (Acts 17:11).

Bottom line:

You gain confidence a church is truly Bible-based when:

  • The Gospel is clear and central,
  • The Bible is taught in context and with authority,
  • The leaders meet biblical qualifications,
  • The fruit matches the message.

Some of what I have written is from my own words. Much of this is gleaned from other respected and thoroughly vetted resources. All of this is done out of respect and the desire to help us all find the base line and ‘true north’ in our desire to know God and to serve Him with the Holy Scriptures and pray as our compass.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(If you have any questions or comments, please post them below).

THE BOOK OF ROMANS, Chapter 1, The Gospel Exalted, Unbelief and its Consequences

 

THE BOOK OF ROMANS

Chapter 1

Warning: The following text is of a graphic nature. It is uncompromising in its confrontation and condemnation of the sin that is rampant among us, even in the Church; and it is vigorous in its defense of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

There are many who were and will be deeply offended and angered by the words of the Apostle Paul (for which he was murdered). But don’t misunderstand the value and intention of his words. He is not being unnecessarily harsh. His words, in the end, are kind words of warning. He is warning the Gentile world (and anyone who is listening) of the consequences of sin and the coming wrath upon those who reject God and the Gospel message, and upon those who practice debauchery and wantonly pursue sins of the flesh. He is offering a way out of their condemnation into an eternal sanctuary of forgiveness and a purposeful life and peace.

The Gospel Exalted

Romans 1:1, Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, verse 2, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, verse 3, concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, verse 4, who was declared the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, verse 5, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles in behalf of His name, verse 6, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; verse 7, to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Commentary Break): The opening verses of Romans chapter one are both a greeting and a synopsis of the prophetic coming of the Christ in Jesus and His glorious works of atonement, the scriptural calling of Paul’s ministry to the Gentile world. (I would suggest you re-read these verses in the Amplified version of the Bible for deeper clarity). (End Commentary Break).

Verse 8. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the world. Verse 9. For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you, verse 10, always in my prayers requesting if perhaps now, at last by the will of God, I will succeed in coming to you. Verse 11. For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; verse 12, that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine. Verse 13. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also just as among the rest of the Gentiles. Verse 14. I am under obligation both to Greeks and to the uncultured, both to the wise and to the foolish. Verse 15. So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

(Commentary Break): Paul’s delay in reaching Rome was for good reasons. Paul was unable to visit Rome before his arrest primarily due to his commitment to evangelize unreached areas first and fulfill his obligations in Jerusalem. His missionary work in other regions and the guidance of the Holy Spirit delayed his plans to travel to Rome. (see Bible Hub).

Reasons for Paul’s Delay in Visiting Rome

Commitment to Evangelism

      • Paul prioritized preaching the gospel in areas where Christ was not known. His ambition was to reach unreached regions before visiting established churches like the one in Rome.
      • He focused on missionary work in regions from Jerusalem to Illyricum, which consumed much of his time and resources.

Obligations in Jerusalem

      • Paul had a significant responsibility to deliver a charitable offering to the church in Jerusalem. This task was crucial for maintaining unity among the early Christian communities.
      • He did not want to pass through Rome on his way west until he had fulfilled this obligation.

Divine Guidance

      • The Holy Spirit played a key role in directing Paul’s travels. He experienced several instances where he was prevented from entering certain regions, indicating that his itinerary was influenced by divine intervention.
      • Paul acknowledged that his plans were subject to God’s sovereignty, which often meant delays for broader kingdom purposes.

Summary of Paul’s Circumstances

Factor

Description

Evangelism Priority

Focused on unreached areas before established churches.

Jerusalem Obligations

Needed to deliver a charitable offering to the Jerusalem church.

Divine Guidance

Experienced delays due to the Holy Spirit’s direction.

These factors combined to prevent Paul from visiting Rome until after his arrest, when he ultimately arrived as a prisoner rather than as a missionary.

 One lesson to be taken from this explanation by Paul and his reasoning, is that his prioritization is what we, today in America, should consider. We, the Church in America, is spending hundreds of millions of dollars and an incalculable amount of time and human resources to reach far away lands while our own nation and its churches are drifting from our Christ-centered foundation and a majority are falling into apostasy.

Seventy-two percent of churches and senior pastors in the USA do not agree with the Bible and its teachings, indicating a significant trend towards apostasy within American Christianity. (livingeternal.net and themoorings.org).

Apostasy in American Churches – Current Trends

Recent research indicates that a significant percentage of American churches are experiencing a form of apostasy. Specifically, 72% of churches and senior pastors do not agree with the Bible and its teachings. This statistic highlights a troubling trend within the Christian community in the United States.

Implications of Apostasy

The implications of this trend are profound, as it suggests a departure from traditional biblical teachings and beliefs. The following points summarize the key aspects of this phenomenon:

      • Disagreement with Biblical Teachings: A majority of church leaders are not aligned with the core tenets of Christianity as outlined in the Bible.
      • Impact on Congregations: This disconnect may lead to a decline in church attendance and engagement among congregants who seek a more biblically grounded faith.
      • Cultural Shift: The findings reflect a broader cultural shift away from traditional Christian values, contributing to a more secular society.

Conclusion

The statistic of 72% serves as a stark indicator of the challenges facing American Christianity today, suggesting a need for reflection and potential reform within many congregations. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Verse 17. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written: “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS ONE WILL LIVE BY FAITH.”

(Commentary Break): If only. If only each and every Christian could confirm these words of Paul for their own lives, one could only imagine the state of the world today. Of course that is not the case and there are as many reasons as there are people who call themselves Christian. The phrase “from faith to faith” could be stated as “from beginning to the end”. Thus, the righteousness of God is revealed in the Gospel message and through your faith, from beginning to the end. As I have said so many times, the Word of God is instructional, creative, causative and prophetic by its very nature, and so it is when It says “THE RIGHTEOUS ONE WILL LIVE BY FAITH”, for the fully surrender, fully devoted follower of Jesus, it is made possible and is the visible proof and fruit of a Christian. (End Commentary Break).

Unbelief and Its Consequences

Verse 18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, verse 19, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. Verse 20. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse. Verse 21. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened. Verse 22. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, verse 23, and they exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible mankind, of birds, four-footed animals, and crawling creatures.

Verse 24. Therefore God gave them up to vile impurity in the lusts of their hearts, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. Verse 25. For they exchanged the truth of God for falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Verse 26. For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged natural relations for that which is contrary to nature, verse 27, and likewise the men, too, abandoned natural relations with women and burned in their desire toward one another, males with males committing shameful acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. Verse 28. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a depraved mind, to do those things that are not proper, verse 29, people having been filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, and evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice; they are gossips, verse 30, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, verse 31, without understanding, untrustworthy, unfeeling, and unmerciful; verse 32, and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.

(Commentary Break): Rather than assigning specific peoples or people groups who are identified as described in these foregoing verses, I will leave that to the reader. You see them plainly and everywhere. Their end is judgment and the severest punishment leads to their destruction – at which they scoff. They, in fact, celebrate and demand more and more rights to parade their indecencies and vile hatred of all that is good.

Live your life as a testimony and a witness of the Gospel before them, but do no entangle yourself with them or their lifestyles – for the scriptures warn that “bad company corrupts good morals”. (End Commentary Break).

(End Romans chapter one).

If the Apostle Paul was running for a popularity contest he would likely fail. I also suspect that if Paul were to preach this way in the contemporary twenty-first century Church, he would not be invited back to very many churches. Yet this is the way and the pattern to which we must return and practice – in love, peace and reverence for all. This must be our testimony and witness to the world. We must not pander hoping we can attract people with false charity and entice them through entertaining methods that do not lead to repentance and holiness.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: If you desire a deeper theological line-by-line commentary, I recommend BibleHub.com.

Next: The Book of Romans, Chapter 2, The Impartiality of God, The Jews Under the Law.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes)

WHEN DOCTRINAL VIEWS COLLIDE

WHAT ARE CHRISTIANS TO DO WHEN DOCTRINAL VIEWS COLLIDE?

My wife and I were hosting neighborhood Bible studies. One particular evening the neighbor across the street from us accepted our invitation to attend. They brought some food and the husband asked if he could play some gospel music on his guitar. (We are excited at their response, especially since the did not go to church and had stepped away from their Catholic beliefs – although they said they believed in God).

The evening was going very well. Great interaction between guests. We at a meal, chatted for a while then went into a time for songs and Bible study. The focus verses were from John 1:1-13. Things were going well and the discussion was lively until we reach verse 12 which reads, “But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name”, whereupon the neighbor from across the street erupted in protest. “You Christians are all the same! Exclusive bigots”. All in the room were stunned by his sudden outburst. I politely asked him, “Why would you say that?” He angrily responded, “Because you have to believe your way or you can’t be a child of God!” One of the others explained to him that, first of all, it wasn’t our view, it is what the Bible says. And secondly, It is not an exclusive invitation. Everyone is invited to come to Christ Jesus, although you have to believe in Him to become a child of God. But this man was having nothing more to do with it. He grabbed his guitar and stormed out of our house. Wow!

The rest of us began a discussion about what had just occurred. We all agreed that this man got it! He understood, at least partially, that he would have to give up his current worldly views, and surrender his life to Jesus to become a Christian and a child of God. It seemed to enrage him. He apparently wanted the benefits of being a Christian but without the cost.

The discussion that ensued centered around the questions about the inclusiveness and the exclusivity of the Gospel and we ended the evening talking about the doctrines of Election and Predestination, (are some Elected and others not, and are some predestined and other not?)

So, I ask you to take a self-evaluation by review these questions:

Is the Church INCLUSIVE or EXCLUSIVE?

(Your answer goes here)                                                                                                     .

Why do you say that?                                                                                                           .

 

Should the Church be INCLUSIVE or EXCLUSIVE?

(Your answer goes here)                                                                                                     .

Why do you say that?                                                                                                           .

 

Based on your first two answers, Is God INCLUSIVE or EXCLUSIVE?

(Your answer goes here)                                                                                                     .

Why do you say that?                                                                                                           .

Based on your last answer, Do you still feel the Church is or should be INCLUSIVE OR EXCLUSIVE?

Why do you say that?                                                                                                           .

 

What do you believe is the reason that the Church is either INCLUSIVE or EXCLUSIVE?

Please explain                                                                                                                        .

DOCTRINES

Doctrines are official teachings or systems of beliefs established by religious traditions that guide the practices and beliefs of their followers. Each religious denomination has its own unique doctrines.

Doctrines are the codified beliefs or teachings of a religious denomination, outlining their principles and positions on various aspects of faith and practice. Each denomination may have unique doctrines that distinguish them from others, such as the nature of Jesus, salvation, and authority within the church.

Doctrines are theologian’s and Church leader’s codified views derived from the Bible’s teachings outlining their principles and positions on various aspect of faith and practice and the governance of the Church body. Religious (Church) doctrines are man’s interpretations of the Bible’s intent; hence there are approximately two hundred Christian denominations in America alone, and over forty-five thousand worldwide. I.e., there are as many denominations as there are opinions and interpretations of the Bible by men, which has led to schisms, divisions, disagreements and even hostilities within the Body of Christ, which in turn has led to a chaotic weakening and reduced effectiveness of the Word of God in people’s lives.

The most divisive of doctrines are about Election, Predestination, and Eschatology (the study of the End Times); followed by doctrines on baptism, hell, spiritual gifts, complementarianism (women in the pulpit and / or pastoring over men).

Now, to the question, “what should you do when doctrinal views collide”?

Let me give you a prime example: ELECTION. According to the Reformed or Calvinist view (Presbyterians, Congregationalists, some Baptists), the Bible teaches that God chooses some people, that is those who He will save, and will not choose others, based on His own purposes and His desire to show grace to undeserving sinners. Ephesians 1:4–6 says, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” He chose in love, in accordance with His pleasure and will, so that He would be glorified. God’s election has nothing to do with what the elect would or would not do. According to this view, God’s grace is irresistible to the chosen. (I.e., an individual cannot choose, on their own volition, to be saved. This says that even if I wanted to be saved, unless I have been Elected by God to be saved, I would have no choice in the matter of salvation. I would be sentenced to Hell.)

Overview of the Calvinist acronym, T.U.L.I.P.

TULIP is an acronym that represents the five key points of Calvinism, a theological framework within Reformed Christianity. Each letter stands for a specific doctrine related to salvation and God’s sovereignty.

The Five Points of TULIP

Letter Point Description
T Total Depravity Humanity is completely affected by sin, rendering individuals unable to choose God without divine intervention.
U Unconditional Election God’s choice to save certain individuals is not based on any foreseen merit or action on their part.
L Limited Atonement Christ’s atonement is specifically intended for the elect, meaning His sacrifice effectively saves only those chosen by God.
I Irresistible Grace The grace of God to save individuals cannot be resisted; those whom God calls will inevitably come to faith.
P Perseverance of the Saints Those who are truly saved will remain in faith until the end; they cannot lose their salvation.

Historical Context

The TULIP acronym emerged in the early 20th century but is rooted in the theological debates of the 17th century, particularly the Synod of Dort (1618-1619). This synod was convened to address the challenges posed by Arminian theology, which presented alternative views on predestination and grace. The five points of TULIP serve to contrast Reformed theology with these Arminian perspectives.

Significance

Understanding TULIP is essential for grasping the core beliefs of Calvinism, particularly regarding the nature of salvation and God’s sovereignty. These doctrines emphasize that salvation is entirely the work of God, highlighting His grace and the assurance of salvation for the elect.

God did not choose everyone. If He had, then everyone would come to faith in Christ. He chose some, and He left others to their own desires. Left to ourselves, all of us would continue in our rebellion and reject Christ. God chose to pursue some, convict them of their need, and lead them to faith. It is because of God’s choice that anyone comes to faith in Christ. Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day” (John 6:44).

Conversely, the Armenian view, (Methodist, Nazarene, Wesleyan, Free Will Baptist), believe in an interplay between divine grace and human choice, asserting that God desires all to be saved while allowing individuals the freedom to accept or reject His offer of salvation. This theological framework stands in contrast to Calvinism, which emphasizes God’s sovereign choice in electing individuals to salvation.

Key Tenets of Arminian Salvation

Conditional Election

  • Definition: Arminianism posits that God’s election is conditional upon an individual’s faith in Jesus Christ.
  • Implication: This means that while God’s grace is universally available, individuals must choose to accept it to be saved.

Universal Grace

  • Prevenient Grace: Arminians believe that God’s grace precedes human action, enabling individuals to respond to the gospel.
  • Resistible Grace: Unlike Calvinism, which teaches that God’s grace is irresistible, Arminianism holds that individuals can resist God’s grace.

Atonement for All

  • Scope of Atonement: Arminian theology asserts that Christ’s atonement is available to all people, not just the elect.
  • Faith Requirement: Salvation is contingent upon faith in Jesus, meaning that individuals must actively choose to believe.

And finally, Provisionism, a more recent development, asserts that God’s grace is available to all, allowing anyone to respond to His call for salvation. This view holds a generally Arminian view of free will and salvation, with notable differences such as positive belief in eternal security. The main gist of Provisionism is the idea that the gospel is the Word of God, which is sufficient in itself, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to enable a response in all who hear God’s appeal to be reconciled to Him (John 6:63; Hebrews 4:12).

The main use of the term Provisionism comes from the writings of theologian Leighton Flowers. The term is also meant to describe the general approach to salvation held by most Southern and Independent Baptists. So far as Reformed doctrine is concerned, this means narrow disagreement on the subjects of total depravity and limited atonement, as well as the exact meaning of words like predestined and elect.

Christians have often debated (and sometime vehemently) the finer points of how human will and God’s sovereignty interact when it comes to salvation. Though the nuances of Provisionism may not be accepted by particular believers, its tenets are well within the realm of orthodox Christian theology.

Similar to the TULIP in Calvinism, Provisionism can be summarized with the acrostic P.R.O.V.I.D.E. (see Statement-of-faith for more information):
People sin: Which separated all from fellowship with God.
Responsible: Able-to-respond to God’s appeals for reconciliation.
Open door: For anyone to enter by faith. Whosoever will may come to His open arms.
Vicarious atonement: Provides a way for anyone to be saved by Christ’s blood.
Illuminating grace: Provides clearly revealed truth so that all can know and respond in faith.
Destroyed: For unbelief and resisting the Holy Spirit.
Eternal security: For all true believers.

CONCLUSION:

Comparison Table

Attribute Calvinism Arminianism Provisionism
View on Predestination Predetermined by God Based on foreseen faith Grace available to all
Human Responsibility Limited by God’s sovereignty Emphasizes free will Individuals can respond
Atonement Limited to the elect Universal for all Vicarious atonement for everyone
Key Proponents John Calvin Jacob Arminius Leighton Flowers

These theological frameworks shape the beliefs and practices of various Christian denominations, influencing how they understand salvation and God’s role in the lives of believers.

So, why all the debating and all the rhetorical heat between belief system? After all, we are all considered Christians. Right? It is all due to man-devised views of Biblical teachings, their meanings and intents.

What can you do (at least for now) to avoid doctrinal divisiveness within the Body of Christ?

  • Draw near to God in prayer and Bible reading and study.
  • Follow the core teachings of Jesus – the ones that are the easiest to understand (even though some may be hard to do because of the sin nature present in all people).
  • Treat all people, most particularly, other Christians, as you would like to be treated.

The Apostle John explained how to be saved this way: “For God so loved the world (you), that He gave His only Son, so that anyone who would believe on Him would be saved”.

The Apostle Paul said it this way, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”

Jesus clearly taught how to be saved and demonstrated what it means to follow Him and to be His disciple. Sometime, we as humans, just have differing highly educated albeit personal interpreative opinions.

Just do what Jesus says and does and leave all the difficult and divisive ‘other things’ to the theologians to debate for now. You and I must just follow Him obediently.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

All of and to which Peter is referring in Second Peter, chapter 3, verse 2

Peter’s statement comes from Second Epistle of Peter 3:2, and it’s a compact but powerful summary of two streams of divine authority that believers were to hold onto.

Let’s break it down (collected from ChatGpt):

  1. “The words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets”

This refers to the Old Testament prophetic Scriptures.

Peter is pointing back to:

  • The writings of prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel
  • Their predictions about:
    • The coming Day of the Lord
    • Judgment on the ungodly
    • The promise of God’s intervention in history

👉 In context (2 Peter 3), Peter is warning about scoffers denying Christ’s return, so he reminds them:
“This isn’t new—the prophets already spoke about these things.”

  1. “The commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles”

This refers to the teachings of Jesus, passed on through the apostles.

  • The “Lord and Savior” is Jesus Christ
  • The “apostles” include figures like Peter the Apostle, John the Apostle, and Paul the Apostle

This includes teachings such as:

  • Christ’s promise to return (e.g., Matthew 24)
  • Calls to holy living and readiness
  • Warnings about judgment

👉 Peter is emphasizing that:

  • The apostles are not inventing new doctrine
  • They are faithfully transmitting Christ’s own commands
  1. The Big Idea: A Unified Authority

Peter is putting Old Testament prophecy and apostolic teaching side by side.

He’s essentially saying:

“Remember what God said before (through the prophets) and what Christ has now said (through His apostles).”

This shows:

  • Continuity between Old and New Testament revelation
  • That apostolic teaching carries divine authority, not just human opinion
  1. Why Peter Says This (Context)

In the surrounding passage, Peter warns about:

  • False teachers
  • Scoffers denying the Second Coming

So this verse is a call to:

  • Anchor yourself in revealed truth
  • Not be shaken by new, skeptical ideas

Bottom Line

Peter is urging believers to hold fast to:

  • The prophetic Scriptures (Old Testament)
  • The teachings of Christ delivered by the apostles (New Testament)

Together, these form a complete, trustworthy witness about God’s plan—especially concerning Christ’s return and final judgment.

 

Great question—this verse opens the door to both specific prophetic texts and a broader doctrine of how God speaks authoritatively.

1) Old Testament passages Peter likely has in mind

In Second Epistle of Peter 3, Peter is addressing scoffers who deny the future judgment and return of Christ. So the “holy prophets” he refers to are especially those who spoke about:

A. The Day of the Lord (judgment + cosmic upheaval)

Book of Isaiah

  • Isaiah 13:9–11
  • Isaiah 34:4

These passages describe:

  • The heavens dissolving
  • Stars falling
  • God judging the world

👉 This closely parallels 2 Peter 3:10 (“the heavens will pass away with a roar…”).

Book of Joel

  • Joel 2:30–31
  • Joel 3:14

Themes:

  • Cosmic signs (sun darkened, moon turned to blood)
  • “The great and terrible Day of the Lord”

Book of Zephaniah

  • Zephaniah 1:14–18

Themes:

  • A day of wrath, distress, and destruction
  • Universal judgment—not just Israel

B. The destruction of the ungodly

Book of Malachi

  • Malachi 4:1

“The day is coming, burning like an oven…”

This matches Peter’s imagery of fire consuming the present world (2 Peter 3:7).

C. Creation, Flood, and God’s past judgments

Peter explicitly mentions the Flood (2 Peter 3:5–6), pointing back to:

Book of Genesis

  • Genesis 1 (creation by God’s word)
  • Genesis 6–9 (the Flood)

👉 His argument:

  • God judged the world once (by water)
  • He will judge it again (by fire)

D. Promise of a new heavens and new earth

Book of Isaiah

  • Isaiah 65:17
  • Isaiah 66:22

“New heavens and a new earth”

Peter directly echoes this in 2 Peter 3:13.

Summary of OT themes Peter is invoking

Peter isn’t quoting just one passage—he’s drawing from a well-known prophetic framework:

  • God created the world by His word
  • God judged it in the past (Flood)
  • God will judge it again (Day of the Lord, fire)
  • God will renew it (new creation)

2) How this relates to apostolic authority and inspiration

Now to the second half of the verse:

“the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles”

This is theologically very important.

A. Apostles as authorized representatives of Christ

Peter places:

  • “holy prophets” (OT)
    alongside
  • “your apostles” (NT)

This implies equal divine authority in their message.

The apostles speak not independently, but as commissioned by:

  • Jesus Christ

Compare:

  • John 14:26 — the Spirit will bring Christ’s words to remembrance
  • Matthew 28:20 — teach “all that I commanded you”

👉 So their teaching = Christ’s commandment

B. Apostolic teaching is already viewed as Scripture

Later in the same chapter:

  • 2 Peter 3:15–16 refers to the writings of Paul the Apostle
  • Peter says they are counted among “the Scriptures”

This is huge:

  • Within the New Testament itself
  • Apostolic writings are already being recognized as inspired Scripture

C. Continuity of revelation (not contradiction)

Peter’s structure shows:

Source Content Authority
Prophets OT revelation God’s word
Apostles Christ’s teaching God’s word

👉 This supports the doctrine that:

  • The New Testament doesn’t replace the Old
  • It fulfills and completes it

D. Inspiration: God speaks through both

Earlier in the letter, Peter defines prophecy:

  • 2 Peter 1:21

“Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit”

This applies to:

  • OT prophets
  • And, by extension, apostolic teaching

3) The Big Theological Takeaway

Peter is making a bold claim:

👉 To reject apostolic teaching is to reject Christ
👉 To ignore the prophets is to ignore God’s prior revelation

So he anchors believers in a twofold authority:

  1. Prophetic Scripture (Old Testament)
  2. Apostolic teaching (New Testament)

Together, they form the foundation of what we now recognize as the Bible.

Bottom line

Peter likely has in mind a network of prophetic passages—especially from Isaiah, Joel, Zephaniah, Malachi, and Genesis—that describe:

  • The Day of the Lord
  • Final judgment
  • Cosmic renewal

And he uses them to affirm that:

The message of the apostles is not new—it is the divinely authorized continuation and fulfillment of everything God already revealed.

IS THERE A MENTAL ILLNESS PANDEMIC IN AMERICA?

 

WHAT IS DRIVING THIS SPREADING MENTAL ILLNESS PANDEMIC IN AMERICA?

Media headlines report daily on the insane criminal behavior spreading across America, penetrating all social spectrums. (see FBI and other recent crime reports here). I would ask why, and what is going on here?

I asked Chatgpt and Google Search this question, and they similarly reported:

The primary drivers of the mental health crisis and crime in America heading into 2026 are a combination of long-standing socioeconomic stressors and evolving modern pressures. While crime rates actually showed a significant decline in 2025—with homicides down roughly 21% from the previous year—experts remain concerned about underlying factors like economic instability and inadequate access to mental health care. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Key Drivers of the Mental Health Crisis

 The United States is currently experiencing a mental health crisis affecting all ages, but particularly youth. [1]

  • Economic Distress: Personal finances are the top source of anxiety for Americans in 2026, with 59% reporting significant stress over their financial situation.
  • Technological Pressures: Rapid AI integration is causing job-related anxiety for 47% of adults, while the “always-on” nature of digital communication contributes to chronic burnout.
  • Systemic Gaps in Care: Despite record demand, over 122 million Americans live in areas with severe shortages of mental health providers. High costs and insurance barriers prevent nearly half of those with mental illness from receiving treatment.
  • Social Isolation: The erosion of in-person social connections, often replaced by algorithm-driven digital interactions, has increased feelings of loneliness and “dread,” especially among younger generations. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Factors Influencing Crime Rates

 Although overall violent crime decreased in 2025, several structural issues remain highly correlated with criminal activity and community safety. [1, 2]

  • Socioeconomic Disadvantage: Poverty, unemployment, and housing instability remain the strongest predictors of crime. Communities with high rates of housing instability also report the highest mental health crisis rates (9%).
  • The “Handcuffs Instead of Help” Cycle: Jails have become de facto mental health facilities. Approximately two in five incarcerated individuals have a history of mental illness, often arrested for non-violent offenses related to untreated symptoms.
  • Substance Abuse: The ongoing opioid epidemic continues to fuel both public health and public safety challenges, though many states increased investments in 2025 to combat drug trafficking and expand recovery services.
  • Youth Vulnerability: Disruption in education and limited entry-level career pathways due to automation have increased the risk of youth involvement in crime. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]

NPR, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pyschiatry.Org, the Bureau of Health Workforce, CSG Justice Center, and the Behavioral Health News all report on and blame the symptoms of and the sad to disastrous results of mental illness on people and society, but completely fail – or refuse – to address the cause: The absence of traditional standards of morality and ethics. (And by ‘traditional standards’, I am referring to the long-held and thoroughly tested Christian Biblical standards).

I am speaking of a “Traditional Christian ethos” which refers to a set of moral values, habits, and ways of living that developed from the teachings of Jesus Christ and the long history of the Christianity. While it varies across denominations, there are some widely shared core elements:

(From ChatGPT)

  1. Love as the Central Command

At the heart is the idea of love:

  • Love of God
  • Love of neighbor

This comes from teachings like “love your neighbor as yourself,” which shape how believers are expected to treat others—with compassion, forgiveness, and goodwill.

  1. Moral Responsibility & Sin

Traditional Christianity teaches that:

  • Humans are morally accountable for their actions
  • Sin (wrongdoing) separates people from God

Ethical life involves recognizing faults, seeking forgiveness, and striving to live rightly.

  1. Humility & Self-Denial

Humility is a major virtue:

  • Avoid pride and arrogance
  • Put others before yourself
  • Practice self-control and restraint

This often includes the idea of sacrificing short-term desires for higher moral or spiritual goals.

  1. Charity & Service

Helping others—especially the poor and vulnerable—is essential:

  • Giving (charity, almsgiving)
  • Acts of service
  • Hospitality

This reflects the belief that serving others is a way of serving God.

  1. Sanctity of Life & Human Dignity

Human life is seen as sacred because it is created by God:

  • Emphasis on the inherent worth of every person
  • Moral concern for issues involving life, suffering, and justice
  1. Family, Sexual Ethics, and Order

Traditionally:

  • Marriage is viewed as a lifelong union
  • Sexual activity is expected within marriage
  • Family is a central unit of moral and social life

Different denominations interpret these principles with varying strictness today.

  1. Faith, Obedience, and Authority

Believers are encouraged to:

  • Have faith in God
  • Follow divine commandments
  • Respect religious teachings and traditions (such as those found in the Bible)
  1. Redemption & Grace

A key idea is that people are not expected to be perfect:

  • Forgiveness is always possible
  • Salvation comes through God’s grace, not just moral effort
  1. Eternal Perspective

Life is viewed in light of eternity:

  • Earthly life is temporary
  • Actions have spiritual consequences
  • Hope in eternal life shapes moral priorities

Big Picture

Traditional Christian ethos emphasizes:

  • Love balanced with moral discipline
  • Personal responsibility alongside forgiveness
  • Individual conduct tied to a larger spiritual purpose

(From Google Search ai)

The phrase “traditional Christian ethos” generally refers to a set of core values and a “way of being” rooted in the teachings of Jesus and historical church doctrine. It’s less about a specific political stance and more about a foundational moral framework. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Key Pillars of the Christian Ethos

  • Sacrificial Love (Agape): The central idea is putting others before oneself. This isn’t just “liking” people, but a commitment to their well-being, even at a personal cost.
  • Human Dignity (Imago Dei): The belief that every person is created in the “image of God.” This creates an ethical baseline that every life—regardless of status, age, or ability—has inherent, infinite value.
  • The “Golden Rule”: A proactive commitment to treating others as you would want to be treated, which traditionally translates into charity, hospitality, and service to the marginalized.
  • Humility and Repentance: A recognition of human imperfection (sin) and the need for grace. This often manifests as a “spirit of meekness”—not weakness, but power under control.
  • Stewardship: The view that talents, time, and the earth itself are not “owned” but are gifts on loan from God, to be used responsibly for the common good. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

The Internal “Moral Compass”

In a traditional sense, this ethos emphasizes virtue over autonomy. While modern culture often prioritizes “living your truth,” the Christian ethos prioritizes aligning your life with a higher, objective Truth through discipline and faith.

Would you like to explore how these values contrast with modern secular ethics, or perhaps how they apply to specific social issues?

In a June 2006 speech at the Call to Renewal conference, then president Barak Obama said, “Whatever we once were, we are no longer just a Christian nation; we are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, and a Hindu nation, and a nation of nonbelievers.”

He did not declare that Christianity was dead in America but that America would no longer be known solely as a Christian Nation – as she had long been known. It was at that defining moment that Barak Obama gleefully announced that the syncretizing (reconciliation or fusion of differing systems of belief, as in philosophy or religion, especially when success is partial or the result is heterogeneous) of America was now complete.

And the American psyche was shattered. As described in Isaiah 5:20, Good became evil and evil became what is good. Read what the the Bible says is the outcome of this defiance of God:

Isaiah 5:20, 
Woe (judgment is coming) to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness;
Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
Verse 21.
Woe (judgment is coming) to those who are wise in their own eyes
And clever and shrewd in their own sight!
Verse 22. 
Woe (judgment is coming) to those who are heroes at drinking wine
And men of strength in mixing intoxicating drinks,
Verse 23. 
Who justify the wicked and acquit the guilty for a bribe,
And take away the rights of those who are in the right!

Verse 24. 
Therefore, as the tongue of fire consumes the stubble [from straw]
And the dry grass collapses into the flame,
So their root will become like rot and their blossom blow away like fine dust;
Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts
And despised and discarded the word of the Holy One of Israel.
Verse 25. 
Therefore the anger of the Lord has burned against His people,
And He has stretched out His hand against them and has struck them down.
And the mountains trembled, and their dead bodies lay like rubbish in the middle of the streets.
In spite of all this God’s anger is not turned away,
But His hand is still stretched out [in judgment].

Verse 26. 
He will lift up a flag to [call] the distant nations [to bring His judgment on Judah],
And will whistle for them from the ends of the earth;
And indeed, they will come with great speed swiftly.
Verse 27. 
No one among them is weary or stumbles,
No one slumbers or sleeps;
Nor is the belt at their waist undone [as if unprepared for action],
Nor is the strap of their sandal broken.
Verse 28. 
Their arrows are sharp and all their bows are strung and bent;
Their horses’ hoofs seem like flint and their chariot wheels like a whirlwind.
Verse 29. 
Their roaring is like a lioness, they roar like young lions;
They growl and seize their prey
And carry it off and there is no one to save it.
Verse 30. 
And in that day they will roar against them like the roaring of the sea.
And if one looks to the land, in fact, there is darkness and distress;
Even the light will be darkened by its clouds.

And finally, here is a prime example of allowing false gods taint and influence our belief in and obedience of the One True Living God:

In the Bible, King Nebuchadnezzar and King Saul are the most prominent examples of leaders who experienced significant mental instability or “madness” following their drift from God.

  1. King Nebuchadnezzar: The King Who Became a Beast [1, 2]

Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon is the clearest example of a powerful leader being struck with a specific form of insanity as a direct consequence of pride and turning away from God’s authority. [1]

  • The Drift: Despite witnessing God’s power through Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar’s pride grew until he boasted, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built… by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”.
  • The Insanity: Immediately, a voice from heaven declared his authority was taken. He was driven from human society and lived like a wild animal for seven years (often referred to as “seven times”).
  • The Condition: Biblical descriptions say he ate grass like an ox, his hair grew like eagles’ feathers, and his nails became like birds’ claws. Modern scholars sometimes link this to boanthropy, a rare psychological disorder where a person believes they are a bovine.
  • Restoration: His sanity was restored only when he humbled himself and acknowledged that the “Most High” rules over all earthly kingdoms. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
  1. King Saul: The Tormented First King of Israel [King Nebuchadnezzar]

Saul, the first king of Israel, suffered from a gradual mental decline characterized by paranoia and deep depression after he repeatedly disobeyed God’s commands. [1]

  • The Drift: Saul drifted from God through several acts of direct disobedience, including offering an unauthorized sacrifice and failing to follow divine instructions during battle.
  • The Insanity: The Bible states that the “Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul,” and he was subsequently tormented by an “evil spirit”.
  • The Symptoms: Saul experienced extreme paranoia—convinced that David was a threat to his throne—which led to violent outbursts, including multiple attempts to kill David with a javelin. Modern psychiatric analyses often suggest his behavior fits the profile of Bipolar I disorder or severe clinical depression with psychotic features.
  • The Outcome: Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, Saul never fully repented or regained his mental and spiritual peace, ultimately leading to his tragic death in battle. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]

Modern psychiatric analyses often interpret these biblical accounts as early descriptions of severe mental health conditions, using the “medical file” of scripture to apply contemporary diagnostic criteria.

  1. King Nebuchadnezzar: Boanthropy and Clinical Lycanthropy [1]

The transformation of Nebuchadnezzar into an animal-like state is frequently cited as a case of Boanthropy, a rare form of monomania or clinical zoanthropy where the sufferer believes they are a bovine (cow or ox). [1, 2]

  • Clinical Lycanthropy: Modern psychiatrists often classify boanthropy under the broader umbrella of clinical lycanthropy—a rare subtype of schizophrenia or a psychotic manifestation of a mood disorder where an individual believes they are transforming into an animal.
  • Alternative Medical Theories: Some researchers suggest the symptoms could also align with Porphyria, a group of metabolic disorders that can cause acute neurological symptoms, including hallucinations, anxiety, and paranoia. Others have proposed paralytic dementia caused by late-stage syphilis, which can lead to severe behavioral changes. [1, 2, 3, 4]
  1. King Saul: Bipolar I and Combat Trauma [1]

Saul’s erratic behavior, shifting between deep affection for David and murderous rages, is often viewed through the lens of mood and personality disorders. [1]

  • Bipolar I Disorder: Many psychiatric studies conclude that Bipolar I Disorder is the most likely diagnosis. Saul exhibited clear cycles: manic-like “hyperactive and aggressive” interpersonal reactions followed by periods of “morbid melancholy” and withdrawal.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Recent interpretations emphasize the “combat trauma” Saul would have experienced as a lifelong warrior-king. His paranoia and violent outbursts are analyzed as symptoms of chronic anxiety or PTSD, exacerbated by the extreme moral stress of ancient warfare.
  • Neurological Theories: Some scholars speculate that Saul may have suffered from epileptic-like fits or even a brain tumor. The description of him falling down and lying naked for a day and night (1 Samuel 19:24) is sometimes interpreted as a “postictal state”—the recovery period following a major seizure. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
  1. The Theological vs. Medical Lens

Modern scholarship also notes a “two-way street” in how these stories are interpreted. [1]

  • Ancient Context: In the ancient Near East, behaviors like Saul’s were sometimes diagnosed as ghost-induced illnesses or “evil winds,” often treated with musical therapy.
  • Socio-Cultural Factors: Some argue that medicalizing these accounts removes the cultural and ethical nuances of the original text. For example, Saul’s “paranoia” toward David could be viewed as a rational response to a genuine political threat (a successor already anointed to take his throne) rather than a purely clinical delusion. [1, 2, 3, 4]

(Sadly and alarmingly, we are seeing these same afflictions and maladies in our soceity today – and they are a growing problem).

There is truly only way back from this abyss and that is by way of The One True and Living God. Turn to (or turn back to) Jesus and obediently put yourself under His care. Follow Him, obey Him, serve Him and live.

Your Brother and Friend in Christ Jesus,

Mike Young.

God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”

2 Timothy 1:7.

 

 

 

The Apostle Paul – vs – pastor John Hagee: Women pastoring over men in the Church

 

The Apostle Paul – vs – pastor John Hagee

“Women pastoring over men in the Church”

     VS 

1 Corinthians 14:33(b), As in all the churches of the saints, verse 34, the women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. Verse 35. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. Verse 36. Or was it from you that the word of God first went out? Or has it come to you only?

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1281694657193540

Pastor John Hagee excuses and dismisses these plain teachings in scriptures when they do not fit his religious-secular worldview. Let me say that it would appear that John Hagee is now teaching heresy. He understands scriptures, but has decided to go his own way. He has now shown himself to be an arrogant blasphemer and sadly looks the fool. But, sadly, most of Pentecostalism and The Assemblies of God have gone this way – choosing man’s ways over the clear teaching of God. (Hagee says the sanctuary was divided by a curtain was by CUSTOM and TRADTITION, is a lie. Women were segregated to maintain purity, safety and order).

Read 1 Corinthians 14:33-26 again: As in all the churches of the saints, verse 34, the women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. Verse 35. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. Verse 36. Or was it from you (John Hagee) that the word of God first went out? Or has it come to you only, (John Hagee)?

If Hagee denies and twists these particular scriptures for no good reason except to express and impose his own opinions, then how much more of God’s Word has he distorted?

This edict or teaching about women pastor and women being pastors over men actually begins with “subjection”, one to another in the Body of Christ and specifically about women wives being subject to their own husbands. (see Ephesians 5:21).

  1. Part One – Here what and why the Bible says what it says about women pastoring over men:

Come, Let us Reason

“TIP OF THE SPEAR”

What does that phrase mean to you?

The “Urban Dictionary” puts it this way: “An American idiom commonly used in military operations to mean the first soldiers to go into a war zone. In common usage, it means the first to venture into a new endeavor. A trailblazer.”

The Bible uses a similar term to describe relationships between Christians in general and between husbands and wives in particular. The word is Hupotasso“.

You will never find that word spelled, as such, in your Bible, though. It is the Greek word ‘hupotasso’ used for “Submit to” or “be subject to”.

The King James uses the word “submit” but, it reads this way in the New American Standard version of the Bible:

Ephesians 5:21“and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.”

Verse 22. Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Verse 23. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. Verse 24. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

The word Hupotasso” literally means:

1) to arrange under, to subordinate;

2) to subject, put in subjection

3) to subject one’s self, obey

4) to submit to one’s control

5) to yield to one’s admonition or advice

6) to obey, be subject.

HUPO – arrange under; TASSOmutually agree upon

The intention of “submission or subjection” is found in the CONTEXT of the words in this chapter of Ephesians, which encourages us to be wise and moral, kind and pure, gentle and forgiving.

The context is also found in the meaning of the words in these verses.

Specifically, “Hupotasso” comes from a Greek military term meaning “to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader”.

These troop formations were called a Phalanx. The Phalanx was the formation, usually in triangular form, in which The hoplite phalanx of the Archaic and Classical periods in Greece (c. 800–350 BC) was the formation in which the hoplites would line up in ranks in close order.

Hoplites were citizen-soldiers of Ancient Greek city-states who were primarily armed with spears and shields. Hoplite soldiers utilized the phalanx formation in order to be effective in war with fewer soldiers. The formation discouraged the soldiers from acting alone, for this would compromise the formation and minimize its strengths.

The hoplites would lock their shields together, and the first few ranks of soldiers would project their spears out over the first rank of shields.

Those at the front were, what we would call today, THE TIP OF THE SPEAR or the POINT MAN. They presented the first defense against the enemy and were the first to engage the enemy and the first to take casualties.

The phalanx therefore presented a shield wall and a mass of spear points to the enemy. Making frontal assaults against it very difficult.

It also allowed a higher proportion of the soldiers to be actively engaged in combat at a given time, rather than just those in the front rank.

This word, “Hupotasso”, in non-military use, is “a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden”.

The Bible gives this as an example for husbands and wives to cooperate and to successfully navigate life and in waging wars against ‘their common enemy’, Satan.

The wife is fully engaged in the marriage relationship, but, God says the husband is to be the Tip of the Spear in order to protect and preserve and, if necessary, the first to fall.

Interestingly, Ephesians 5:22, “be subject to your own” uses the word “idios” which means, uniquely one’s own, peculiar to the individual. It is “stronger than the simple possessive pronoun (‘own’). This emphatic adjective means ‘private, personal’ “.

God gives each husband a wife, designed by God, Himself, to fulfill a role specifically for that husband. God gives the wife gifts, talents, abilities and a calling uniquely designed to serve God and to compliment and to complete the husband.

This is why the Bible says “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

“So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself”.

It is also why God says “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord”.

Neither, the husband nor the wife, can be made complete as persons when finding refuge, protection and provision. But as a God given ability, you can mature and sustain one another, until you understand this Spiritual principal and follow it.

Marriage has mutual strength through commitment and cooperation with one another under God’s Steady Hand.

Please take this to heart, dear ones. This message is so important.

The world and the Devil are deceiving the family in to thinking ‘what works for you is OK”. It is NOT OK. God’s design, His plan and His Word is what gives life, and life more abundant. Stop following the world and REASON through God’s Word. Understand it and live!

So, how does this apply to women in the church, and specifically women as pastors in a church? In this instance, it is much simpler to explain from Scriptures and even easier to understand than the first half of this article. Allow me to lay the groundwork:

First, all Scripture is the Breathed-out Word of God, according to 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Bible tells us that the Word of God is without any error, is dependable, revealing, powerful, piercing, and eternal. It is the lamp unto our feet and the light upon our path. John 14:14-18 tells us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and that Jesus is the Word! Additionally, Jesus tells us that He came to tell the truth (John 18:37), and that He in fact is The Truth (John 14:6). So, it is safe and wise to believe and to do whatever the Bible says – especially the plain things!

Therefore, when the Bible says, “As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.”

I have read the numerous opinions and commentaries on this matter of women being ordained as a pastor. Reading the pros and cons doesn’t take one long to determine what the varying authors believed before they wrote their opinion. One such opinion, found on Bible.Org, written by a Sandra Glahn, who holds a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) and a PhD in The Humanities, Aesthetic Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas, tries to frame the Apostle Paul’s words in the context of spiritual gifts, specifically prophecy and speaking in tongues. I find her attempt clumsy and severely biased at best, and the use of eisegesis, a deliberate distortion of scriptures, at worst, connecting dots that don’t align, so to speak.

The context of Paul’s remarks are about orderly worship but come under the heading of submission to authority as a protective covering as described throughout the Bible

1 Corinithians 11:2-3, “Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.”

The rebellious and feeble attempts to change the meaning and the context of this matter and these verses, should cause the rebel to remember these words: “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman,Did God actually say…?

His Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. God sent His Son to seek and to save – to make safe, to make whole, to make healthy and sound, with a great purpose and direction in life! And to as many as received Him by faith, He has given them the right to be the children of God.

For your own sake and safety, don’t change even one letter or iota of His Word! Believe and Live!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

https://whitestone2020.com/2024/11/18/about-submission-and-women-pastors/

PART 2

  1. Now for part 2 – Submission and Women as pastors – It isn’t what you think

(This is an addendum to the original article “About Submission and Women Pastors”)

I have recently been challenged by someone suggesting that “since the Bible cites women who prophesied in the Bible, and since prophecy can be defined as both ‘forth telling’ and as ‘foretelling’, and since ‘forth telling’ is the same as preaching, the women can be pastors.”

Wow! Wow, wow, wow. Okay. Since A equals B and B equals C and C equals D, there really is no A because it is really a D; or a B or a C?

Seriously, let’s begin by being reminded that Jesus fulfilled the old covenant and thereby has established the New Covenant in His Blood. For one (big) example, there is no longer any need for repeated animal sacrifices to atone for sin. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was and is the final sacrifice for atonement (made “at one”, reconciled) with God.

Next, the Apostle Paul explains that the law (the Torah, also known as the “Halakha” which translates as “the path that one walks”, also referred to as the “Mitzvot”, “Mishna” and the “Talmud”, was codified into what we call the Old Testament around 400 to 200 B.C.). Paul was clear when He said, “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.”

This is important to remember when it comes to properly interpreting, reading and understanding Scriptures. We are to consider Scriptures in their original text and context, with the Old Testament as background and the New Testament as its fulfillment.

(Another example is found in Matthew 5: 21-26, “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be answerable to the court.’ But I (Jesus) say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be answerable to the court; and whoever says to his brother, You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Come to good terms with your accuser quickly, while you are with him on the way to court, so that your accuser will not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will not be thrown into prison. Truly, I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up every last cent.”

The New Testament (the New Covenant) is built upon the Old Testament (the Law and the Old Covenants), and the New Covenant has fulfilled the Law. That Law is now written upon our hearts and minds (see Jeremiah 31:33 and Hebrews 10:16), and we have the Holy Spirit as our guide.

This should lead us to consider some misconceptions held by some who would co-mingle or syncretize the old and the new Covenants. Remembering that Jesus warned,“neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”

Some say it is okay for a woman to hold the office of pastor and to preach in a general assembly of believers, over both men and women. They say the Old Testament says that women prophesied, and since prophesying is a form of preaching, they can be pastors. I am not certain how a person could or even would link those two thoughts, but let me be clear. Number one, the role of a prophet or prophesying has absolutely no direct tie or effect upon the role of a pastor. A pastor might prophesy, whether preaching or foretelling, and a prophet might preach, but the roles are distinctively separate.

FACTS:

  1. Nowhere in the Old Testament do we find a woman as a pastor (although she may have been a teacher. Some say men in leadership was just a cultural norm, and that custom has changed in the modern world. That  allegation is never mentioned in scriptures. What is mentioned is that God (and His Word) are the same yesterday, today and forever.
  2. As mentioned above, we live under the New Covenant.
  3. The Apostle Paul and the New Testament teaches that The Spiritual Gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are offices but only the office / gift of pastor is restricted to men.
    1. Jesus and the Apostle Paul taught on differences between the role and office of prophet and gift of prophecy.
    2. The word Pastor is a term derived from a Greek word for “shepherd”, and is reserved for the male in the Bible – a role for men. Pastoral Gifts include integrity and compassion. A shepherd (i.e., a pastor), is the feeder, protector, and ruler of a flock of men. Figuratively, a pastor is someone who the Lord raises up to care for the total well-being of His flock (the people of the Lord).  (Strong’s Concordance). Pastor:   This term derives from a Greek word for “shepherd”.  Pastoral Gifts include integrity and compassion.

The term “poimén” primarily refers to a shepherd, one who tends, leads, and cares for a flock of sheep. In the New Testament, it is used both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it describes those who care for sheep, while metaphorically, it refers to leaders or pastors who guide and nurture a community of believers, akin to a shepherd with his flock.

The image of a shepherd was deeply embedded in the cultural and religious consciousness of the Israelites, often symbolizing leadership, provision, and protection. This imagery is prevalent throughout the Bible, where God is depicted as the ultimate Shepherd of His people, and leaders are often called to emulate this role.

(The tasks of a Near Eastern shepherd were to watch for enemies trying to attack the sheep to defend the sheep from attackers to heal the wounded and sick sheep to find and save lost or trapped sheep to love them, sharing their lives and so earning their trust.

​During World War II, a shepherd was a pilot who guided another pilot whose plane was partially disabled back to the base or carrier by flying alongside him to maintain visual contact.)

4. In the New Testament, the office of prophet is to equip the saints for the work of service through exhortation, edification, and consolation (1 Corinthians 12:28; 1 Corinthians 14:3 Ephesians 4:11).  The prophet’s corresponding gift is prophecy. Prophecy is “reporting something from God’s Word that God brings to your mind”. Prophecy is addressed to the human understanding “he who prophesies speaks to men,” Corinthians 14:1-25. The prophet “edifies the church” (14:4).

5. Preaching is a role of an Apostle, Apostle: The title apostle comes from the Greek word apostolos which means “a messenger, one sent forth with orders”.  It refers to one who has been delegated authority by another in a foreign land.  Apostles were the first leaders of the Church; they were commissioned by Jesus to initiate and direct the preaching of the gospel , andthey were all men. No woman has even been assigned as an Apostle in the Bible. And although the OFFICE of Apostle is closed, the gift of bringing the message of the Gospel is still active.

7. Preaching is a role of an Evangelist. Evangelist:   An evangelist is one who devotes himself to preaching the gospel. In the New Testament, evangelists preached from city to city, church to church.

8. Preaching is a role of a Teacher:  Someone who devotes his or her life to preaching and teaching the Christian faith. When teaching is provided for the Church by God, two gifts are actually given—to the Church is given a teacher and along with the teacher comes a divine capacity to teach.

9. Finally, the Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 14:33- 38, speaks to the matter of women speaking in Churches. “As in all the churches of the saints, verse 34, the women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. Verse 35. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. Verse 36. Or was it from you that the word of God first went out? Or has it come to you only?“

Verse 37. If anyone thinks that he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. Verse 38. But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.”

This is a matter of authority-covering, protection and authority over God’s Church. There are so many roles and only one is absolutely, by scriptural authority, reserved for men – that of the office of Pastor, his roles, duties and responsibilities.

If someone knowingly links or lumps these offices together, it is both a misrepresentation of scriptures and a claim that the Word of God in incomplete and is malleable, open to personal interpretation. (However, 2 Peter 1:20 clearly mandates, But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture becomes a matter of someone’s own interpretation.)

Next, this is also using the method of Eisegesis to make a personal interpretation of scriptures, an interpretation of a text, especially a biblical text, by reading one’s own ideas or biases into it, rather than drawing out its original meaning. This approach is often subjective and can distort the intended message of the text. And although eisegesis itself is not classified as a heresy, it can lead to heretical interpretations of Scripture by imposing personal biases rather than drawing out the text’s original meaning. This practice is often criticized in theological discussions for distorting the intended message of the Bible.

When a church or a pastor decides to do these things, he (and she?) are operating “in the flesh” and outside the boundaries of clearly defined Scriptural mandates. And there really is no need nor a good reason to add one’s opinion to scriptures to achieve a personal result or to suit a personal view – and besides, there would be consequences in the Body.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

https://whitestone2020.com/2025/10/28/submission-and-women-as-pastors-it-isnt-what-you-think-an-addendum/

“The serpent said to the woman, “You certainly will not die!” Yet they died – all of them and trillions more.

Scriptures, from the beginning, have said to wives, “Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” Yet, like Eve and like Sarah, when things did not go their way quickly enough, the acted on their own impulses. And the curse and consequences of sin ensued. And we suffer those consequences to this day.

“And men, you are to love you wives as Christ loves the Church”.