Predestiny

                A major problem that I’ve been hearing lately is the idea of predestination. So many people I know, including Christians, believe that people are chosen before they are born to go to heaven or hell. This keeps people from having a relationship with God because they feel that no matter what, they can’t help where they end up after death. They believe that salvation is given only to chosen people and that the elect will come to have faith and believe until the end.

“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan

of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order

 that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.”

-Ephesians 1:11-12

                A lot of people take this verse as confirmation that there is undoubtedly predestination. However, what God means is that He chose them to have certain spiritual gifts. He chose the disciples and He chose the apostles. He has a plan for each and every one of us to do His works; we just need to accept the duty and responsibility. Also, the next verse contradicts the idea of predestination.

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word

of the truth, the gospel of your salvation.”

-Ephesians 1:13

                This verse declares that those who hear the Word and believe in it will receive salvation and a place in heaven. Deuteronomy 7:6-8 talks about the people of Israel being the chosen people. This doesn’t mean that they are the only ones permitted in heaven. What this means is that they have a special ranking in Heaven (see Revelation 7).

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever

believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God

did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does

not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed

in the name of God’s one and only Son.”

John 3:16-18

                No one is excluded from having everlasting life in heaven. All who believe will see the kingdom and reside in it! God loves each and every person that has ever walked this earth. He does not choose to send anyone to hell; He did everything to save us. He sent His only Son to perish for us. He became like us to be a sacrifice for us. He remained compassionate while Israel was arrogant and judgmental. The Bible tells us that whoever confesses with their mouth that Jesus is Christ and commits their life to God will receive life in heaven. We are told that we have our own will. Therefore, we are not predestined.

                Don’t be convinced that you can’t help set the way for where you will end up after death. One thing is, you are on a predetermined course. But you don’t have a predetermined destination. The course that you take, can have detours based on your decisions and if you stray from God's will, and so does your destination. Satan is not omnipotent or omnipresent. He can only attack you every now and then, putting thoughts in your head for short moments, hoping that those thoughts will turn you from God. So don’t let him convince you that you’re either set to go to heaven or hell. YOU make your own decisions and if you love God and live by His word than you are going to heaven. If you disobey God, then you are on a wide path to the lake of fire. You are not Satan’s to have-you are God’s. So live your life for Him and know that your destination is not predestined.

Illegal Immigration

     

                Unless you live in Amish country or don’t tune in to news on a somewhat regular basis then you know about the millions of illegal immigrants pouring into our country. About a month ago, the President gave amnesty to approximately 1,000,000 illegal immigrants. When I was younger, immigration was a big joke to me. In the summer of 2005 my family and I took a trip to South Padre Island, Texas. While we were visiting, we decided to take a trip into Mexico. While walking past customs and border patrol over the bridge we saw about five Mexicans backstroking across the Rio Grande River. You may think I’m making a joke or telling a lie. But I’m not. We stopped on the bridge and were just looking down at the river when we saw the Mexicans swimming and climbing onto United States soil. They saw us watching, and they must’ve had a guilty conscience because they proceeded to shout up at us, “This is just a hobby of ours! We no cross border!” I laughed. After all, I was only twelve. But that opened my eyes to realize that immigration is a major and controversial issue.

               

                To date, there are well over 11,000,000 illegal immigrants that we know of. Imagine how many more there are that are in hiding and we don’t know about. I’d like to remind you not to just focus on Latino immigrants because a lot of these immigrants are also of Asian, European, and Canadian descent. These aliens hurt the country and the taxpayer. There is an estimated $113 billion drain on American taxpayers annually. Our funds are going to pay for their healthcare and education. They are given permanent jobs while many Americans are forced into welfare and unemployment or trying to get money out on the streets. This in turn leads to more crime because poverty is increased. Also, many businesses that refuse to put illegals to work are put out of business because they can’t compete with the cheap rates of other businesses. Illegals accept lower wages and harsh work condition and American workers suffer because of that. They are required to take pay cuts and poor work environments.

                So what am I getting at? Why should we allow illegal immigrants into our country if God doesn’t allow illegals in Heaven? That’s right: You must have the right documentation to get into Heaven.

                Some people have the wrong idea that there is a welcoming committee once they pass away from this life. That’s a falsity. First, we are to wait in a holding place until Christ’s second coming (Luke 16:22-24). Then we are to face judgment before God.

“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before

the throne, and books were opened. Another

book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead

were judged according to what they had done as

recorded in the books.”

-Revelation 20:12

                So, you think you’ll enter Heaven just because you do good deeds or feel you have good morals? Wrong. For it is not by good deeds that you are saved but by faith. You can’t just read the bible. You have to act it out in your life (James 1:22-24). How do we know God does not allow illegals into Heaven? Revelation 21 tells us so.

“On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there

will be no night there. The glory and

honor of the nations will be brought unto it.

Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will

anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but

only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

-Revelations 21:25-26

                Our robes must be washed clean by the blood of Christ. How do we get our name in the Lamb’s book of life? By inviting Christ into our life and doing God’s will. That is, we must declare Christ as our savior. How can We relate this to our immigration problem here in America? Immigrants must go through customs to be declared a citizen! They must go through a background check (much like God’s judgment) and then receive verification and forms. What is the verification we receive in Heaven? A white robe. It signifies our righteousness and place in Heaven.

                How is the kingdom of Heaven protected? There are pearly gates and high walls. A person can’t climb over the walls of Heaven or slip through the gates unnoticed. There are angels constantly keeping watch. We too must keep a constant watch and increase our border patrol. God doesn’t play favorites or base a person’s admittance on skin color or nationality. So why do we play favorites to people just based on skin color and give them amnesty? We are no less compassionate or ungodly if we deny access to our country. How do we know this? There are certain laws that were set in place years ago that forbid illegal immigrants from remaining in the country. Therefore, if someone doesn’t get granted citizenship then they are breaking a law. And God despises law breaking.

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority

instituted among men: whether to the king, as the

supreme authority, or to the governors, who are sent by him to

punish those who do wrong and to commend those

who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing

good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.

Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as

a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.”

-1 Peter 2:1-16

                This brings me to another situation. The governor of Arizona wanted to put new laws into effect to increase border protection. Arizona wanted to make it a crime for an illegal to obtain a job and to make warrantless arrests for those suspected to be deportable. These laws were rejected. Another issue? The Department of Homeland Security is only focusing on those illegal immigrants who have criminal records while halting those who have no record. Why is this an issue? Because the majority of illegals don’t pay taxes! This hurts our country. We keep putting out money for the benefits of the immigrants while there is an increase in our national debt. We are supposed to pay taxes and while CEOs and politicians are being targeted for tax evasion, these immigrants get away with residing here and not paying a red penny.

“This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities

are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.

Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe

taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue;

if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”

-Romans 13:6-7

                I just want to let you know, this doesn't make me an uncompassionate person. I don't hate illegal immigrants nor will I treat them any differently than a natural born citizen. I just want to point out that what is happening is wrong. But I will continue to keep this nation and these controversial issues in my prayers. 

                It really is a kick in the teeth to those who came legally, for the illegals to be handed rights. Everyone else did their job to become legal. All of our families somewhere down the line were immigrants. The thing is though they came legally and went through the process. American rights are for Americans and that’s the great thing about our country. Everyone has that right as long as they become a citizen. Asking them to become naturalized is in no way the same thing as kicking them out. They have the choice to become naturalized or leave. We need to stand firm in this or continue to look like a weak nation.

                Everyone says that illegals do the jobs that no Americans want to do. Were legal citizens given the choice to do those jobs, or is everyone just assuming no one wants to? Just because some people won’t do the jobs doesn’t mean someone else won’t who’s in desperate need of a job. On the other hand maybe it's the lower pay they'll settle for that we can't live on, which I guess would be the fault of whoever decides the salary combined with whether or not they're actually living here versus using the money across the border somehow. Most illegals send their money back to families across borders which hurt our economy. If we give these jobs to American citizens who are on unemployment or welfare than we will once again be a prosperous country!

                We need to bring our concerns over this topic to our state legislature. We are constantly keeping our mouths shut when we need to have our voices be heard. Bring God back into the country and we will again be a great nation full of prosperity. Ronald Reagan once said, “If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be one nation gone under.” Where do you want America to head?

Understanding the Book of Revelation: The River of Life

                Now we will look at the final chapter of Revelation: The River of Life and the Coming of Jesus.

                In the Garden of Eden man became like God knowing good and evil, but he was cut off from the tree of life. He became his own God and his source of life was within himself rather than coming from God resulting in futility and emptiness. As a result of this emptiness people fill their lives with things, pleasures and idols. Here in Rev 22 we now find God and the Lamb as the source of life for man, man is no longer cut off from the life of God as Adam and Eve were. Man could eat from the tree of life and live forever because God lives forever.

                There is so much life in this one river. The water of life is a symbol of the Spirit flowing into the redeemed people to be their life supply. Instead of water being used for judgment it is used as a source of life. The water saturates the city, filling it with the divine power of God. The water purifies us since it is bright as crystal, having no dimness. It’s a source of nourishment and is similar to the river that was in the Garden of Eden mentioned in Genesis 2:10. In verse 2 we see the tree of life mentioned, the same tree that was in the Garden of Eden. In saying that the tree of life was on both sides of the river indicates that it spreads for all of God’s people to enjoy. The redeemed can have access to this tree now, unlike pre-Christ. 

                There will be no more Adamic curse on God’s people. The curse is now revoked so that mankind can take hold of the fruit of the tree of life and live forever. The throne of God and of the Lamb is not remote in heaven but on earth in the New Jerusalem, God's dwelling place is with man, heaven has moved to the earth. Instead of painful toil His servants will serve him as they also served him on the former earth. To have His name on their forehead in verse 4 means that they will be His people, loyal to Him. We will reap the benefits of following the prophecies of Revelation. 

                John uses the phrase 'I John' also at the start of the book, in Revelation 1:9. John once again emphasizes the fact that he heard and saw these things; he did not make them up. The first time that John fell at the angel’s feet to worship him was after the scene of the great multitude singing Hallelujah to God, and blessing on those invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb and the angels confirmation that these are the true words of God (Revelation 19:1-10). Again John sees stunning visions of heaven and again the angel confirms that these words are trustworthy and true, Jesus announces that he is coming soon and John is so overwhelmed by these visions that he attempts to worship the angel who brought the visions to him. On both occasions he is rebuked because the angel is a fellow servant and John is told to worship God. 

                Verse 10 warns John to not keep the prophecies of Revelation a secret. Although some parts of the book may be hard to understand, we are meant to know these words because the time is near. Compare to Daniel 12:4 where he is told to keep the words of the scroll hidden because the time is distant. At the point that the New Heaven, Earth, and Jerusalem are completed, everything is set into eternity. That is why verse 11 says to let everything stay as it is. There is no room for repentance or change now. In verse 12, Jesus once again announces his coming himself. His reward for believers is everlasting life and the rewards that are foretold in Isaiah 40:10 and 62:11-12. This expresses personal responsibility. 

                The only answer to man's sin is to find forgiveness through the blood, which is through the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross. Each person who wants to enter the city must enter through the gate (Jesus) and have eternal life must first wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb. The robes symbolize the conduct of the believers. To wash their robes is to keep their conduct clean through the washing of the blood of the Lamb. When verse 15 says outside, it means outside of the kingdom and the New Jerusalem of God. Both the Spirit and the church are involved in the gospel invitation, the Church speaks and the Spirit makes it effective. This is a final offer of salvation.

                Verses 18-19 warn us not to tamper with these words. The words of the book are of God and we have no place in altering them. Jesus once again announces His coming which indicates that the coming is near and we need to heed the warnings. Verse 21 is a final reminder to us that it is only by grace that we are able to have eternal life with Jesus and God.

Understanding the Book of Revelation: The New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem

                Chapter 21 discusses the New Heaven, the New Earth, and the New Jerusalem. God has perfected and completed His final kingdom and people. There is no blemish or flaw. The sea no longer exists because it was a place for demons (Revelation 20:13) and is no longer needed. It played a major role in the judgment of the world. Therefore, no sea creature will exist nor will any serpent exist in the New Heaven and Earth. The New Heaven and Earth were first promised in Isaiah 65:17-25. 2 Peter 3:10-12 mentions the destruction of the heaven and the earth and the creation of new ones where righteousness dwells. This current earth is not our permanent dwelling place but it is just something we pass through. We must look forward to the reward we will receive once this life ends.

                Revelation is full of symbols. Here, in verse 2, the New Jerusalem signifies the totality of God’s works and the redeemed throughout the ages, who have been restored and transformed. The church is Christ’s bride. Jesus was once God’s tabernacle, a bridge to close the gap between mankind and God so that we may have a relationship with Him. Now, God will be able to reside with them always, as He did with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. There will be no presence of Satan so there won’t be a possibility of another fall. Full satisfaction and rest will be found here because Death, and all other demons, have been cast out by life (1 Corinthians 15:5) and sent to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14). 

                God make all things new. In Revelation 19:11 Jesus is referred to as Faithful and True. Here in verse 5 Gods words are referred to as faithful and true. Isaiah 65:17 lets us know that there will be a new heaven and a new earth and no one will remember the old. Those who go to God will receive His free grace, everlasting life. All believers will be able to participate in the new earth and the new heaven. All those who don’t believe and never repent of their sins will be burned in the lake of fire, to suffer torment and a second death. They won’t be able to experience the same joy that all of the believers will. During the thousand years, the believers will be the bride, which is temporary, meant for the wedding day. They will be the wife once all things new are brought about, which will last eternity. 

                Verse 10 is in contrast to John being brought to the wilderness to see the great harlot. Here, is lifted up to see the wife of Jesus, the Lamb. Today, we are to be a light to the world (Matthew 5:14), but the New Jerusalem will be the light to all the nations. In Revelation 4:3 God’s appearance is compared to that of jasper. Here, the New Jerusalem is compared to jasper so therefore, she bears the appearance of God. The wall in verse 12 is for her protection. She will defend all that is good and of God. The number twelve is the number of God’s completion. The New Jerusalem is eternally complete and perfect. The angels help protect our possessions and all that we consider dear to us while we enjoy the everlasting life. The names of the tribes represent the Old Testament, the law. With the gate facing all four cardinal directions it signifies that the city is open to all believers. With three gates on each side, it indicates that the triune of God guides everyone here. There will be no more need for prophets in Heaven, so the apostles will represent that grace that God has and the grace that the city is built upon. 

                In Revelation 11:1, John was given a measuring rod to count the saints and believers. He was told only to measure the inner temple, not the outer. Here in verse 15 he is told to measure to show the perfection of the city and what God has made. Gold represents the divine nature of God. Therefore, the city is measured according to God’s divine plan and nature. In saying that the city is square, it is saying that it is perfect in every way. The repetition of 12,000 in the measurements emphasizes completeness. One hundred and forty-four is twelve times twelve, which signifies total completion. The Old Testament times the New Testament. Gold, in verse 17, represents the purity and holiness of the Church. It’s clear like glass so that God’s light can shine through the whole city. It lacks imperfection and flaws. 

                The New Jerusalem is a city of foundations (Hebrews 11:10). Each of the apostles is represented by a type of stone. The apostles were all once clay but have been transformed into stones, as Peter’s name suggests. He came to Christ as Simon but Christ called him Peter, meaning a stone (John 1:42). The colors of the twelve foundations are as follows: the first stone is green, the second and third are blue, the fourth is green, the fifth and sixth are red, the seventh is yellow, the eighth is bluish green, the ninth is yellow, the tenth is apple-green, and the eleventh and twelfth are purple. I’d like to note that the 12 birthstones and signs of the zodiac have the exact same precious stones, excepted listed in reverse order. Pearls are objects of great price but they are also made through the suffering of the mollusk. The idea is that the only way into the city is through the suffering of Christ on the cross. He was wounded by us and secreted his life around us to make us precious, just as an oyster does when a grain of sand wounds it. The New Jerusalem is built of three kinds of precious materials, signifying that she is built with the Triune God. 

                Verse 22 lets us know that there is no need for a temple or tabernacle now because God will dwell among His people and walk amongst them (2 Corinthians 6:16). This is the fulfillment of Ephesians 2:22 where it says that we are being built together as a dwelling place of God. The sun and moon will still exist in the new heaven and new earth but they will not be needed in the New Jerusalem. God will shine so much brighter there, with Jesus as the lamp. Nothing unclean will enter the city and only righteousness will surround her. At night, people usually close their gates. Here, however, there are angels who guard the gates so that no evil shall enter. Isaiah 60:11 and Zechariah 14:11 tells us that there will be perfect security.