The Unrepentant

THE UNREPENTANT

 Malachi 4:1, 3:  “‘Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace.  All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire.’ Says the LORD Almighty.  ‘Not a root or branch will be left to them.’ … ‘Then you will go trample down the wicked, they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I do these things,’ says the LORD Almighty.”

            Hell is not permanent.  However, eternal death is. 

            Do you understand repentance?   The series Commanded Holy Days Importance Today just finished.  Finishing touches need to be added that make all the difference whether the reader gets the point.   2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.”  Emphasis added for this devotion.

            The Lord is very patient.  WHEN He fulfills the opening scripture, many will cry out, “Give me another chance!”  Make no mistake what the opening Scripture says:  the unrepentant will cease to exist.  They will not suffer eternal torment.  They will burn up.  And then, YOU will walk over their ashes, trampling down the wicked under the soles of their feet! 

            Truly?

            Revelation 20:14 says, “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire.  The lake of fire is the second [and final] death.  If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”  This is final judgment, the end for the unrepentant in The Eighth Day.

            Yes, the LORD is plenty patient.

            He resurrects every person.  He teaches each person His righteous ways.  He introduces each one to His Son Jesus Christ.  He offers each one eternal life who submits to Christ—who took our place and died on the cross for us—specifically to offer us salvation, eternal life with God. 

            Then Satan is released for a short time to tempt people into sin again.  People’s rebellion determines their own fate. 

Take Home Nugget

            So, what is so important about repentance?  Repentance is agreeing with God.  Repentance is stopping the sin.  Repentance is changing one’s mind.  Repentance is giving up rebellion.  Revelation 21:8 lists the rebellious:  “The cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters, and all liars—their place will be in the lake of burning sulfur.

            If you recognize yourself among the rebellious, maybe repentance is your ticket to eternal life.  

Holy Father, help me to repent of my sins and be named in Your Book of Life.  I ask this with thanks, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.    

Adapted from God’s Holy Day Plan, The Promise of Hope for All Mankind.  ©1966, 1998, 2001, 2010, 2013 by the United Church of Christ.  Ohio.  Pg. 51.

J.D. Griffith

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The Eighth Day

THE EIGHTH DAY

ETERNAL LIFE OFFERED TO ALL

Part fourteen of fourteen in Commanded Holy Days Importance Today series

 Leviticus 23:39:  “So beginning with the fifteenth day of the seventh month, after you have gathered the crops of the land, celebrate the festival to the LORD for seven days [feast of Tabernacles]; the first day is a day of rest, and the eighth day is also a day of rest.”

            October 12, 2017, is the current date for The Eighth Day.

            Acts 4:12 is clear: “Salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men [Jesus Christ of Nazareth] by which we must be saved.”

            When we point to millions of people who died without hearing the name “Jesus”, the conclusion might be that God must be a liar and Jesus failed.  What is those peoples’ fate?  After all, 1 Timothy 2:4 insists that God “wants all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.”

            2 Peter 3:9 adds that God is not wanting “anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” 

            So, what’s the deal?  John 7:37 gives Jesus’ speech on the last and greatest day of the Feast of Tabernacles.  “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.  Whoever believes in Me as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”

            This living water of God’s Holy Spirit will be available to all on the Eighth Day, the last of God’s commanded annual festivals.  Jesus described a time in Matthew 11:21-34 when long-dead people from ancient cities will be raised back to life. 

    

            Within six months of that speech, Jewish leaders would pressure the Roman authorities to execute Him.  People still hunger and thirst for the bread of life and living water.  When will we all be refreshed by the life-giving power of God’s Spirit?

Take Home Nugget

            Ezekiel 37 shows a physical resurrection of bones which the lesson linked below covers.  Verses 12, 14 say, “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves…I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live.”  God will make His Spirit freely available, the life-giving Spiritual water of His Holy Spirit. 

            Those have never had a chance to drink of God’s Living Waters will at last be able to do so (Romans 9:22-26).  John says that the first resurrection which leads to eternal life would come at Jesus’ second coming (Revelation 20:4, 6). 

            The second resurrection comes at the end of Christ’s millennial reign.   This resurrection raises people to physical flesh and blood, but does not lead to eternal life.   John covers the great white throne judgment in Revelation 20:11-13 which judges works done while people were alive. 

            God won’t give up on anyone!  Those from by-gone generations and ancient civilizations will be raised to life and taught God’s ways.  From the least to the greatest, all will know Christ and learn from whom their salvation comes (Hebrews 8:11). 

            God’s plan of salvation for the world, a time of love and unsearchable mercy, will flow with life-giving waters of His Holy Spirit.  Those billions who died without knowing the Son of God will be raised from the dead and given an opportunity for eternal life as spirit beings in God’s kingdom. 

            God will see this marvelous plan through, bringing many sons to glory (Hebrews 2:10).  How wonderful these Biblical Festivals are that reveal His plan to us!  

Come soon, Lord Jesus!  

  

Adapted from God’s Holy Day Plan, The Promise of Hope for All Mankind.  ©1966, 1998, 2001, 2010, 2013 by the United Church of Christ.  Ohio.  Pgs. 46-51.

J.D. Griffith

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Feast of Tabernacles

FEAST OF TABERNACLES

Part thirteen of fourteen in Commanded Holy Days Importance Today series

 Leviticus 23:34-35:  “Say to the Israelites: ‘On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the Lord’s Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it lasts seven days.’”

            October 5-11, 2017, are the current dates for this Feast.

            Apostle Peter’s sermon in Acts 3:19-21 summed up God’s instructions for every person: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sin may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, that He may send Jesus Christ, …  He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as He promised long ago … .”

            This Feast represents that restoration.  Jesus’ return to earth—(Feast of Trumpets), and banishment of Satan, (Day of Atonement)—sets the foundation for His millennium (1,000 year) reign.  Believers long for, and even pray for this time of peace and harmony of all creation with God every time we recite the Lord’s Prayer. (Your kingdom come, Matthew 6:10a). 

            People were created in God’s image so that He could have a two-way relationship with us (Genesis 1:26).  This relationship is characterized by obedience to His laws.  What Satan broke in our perfect relationship, Jesus patched up with His blood.  

            So everyone who believes in Jesus as Lord and Savior can come boldly before the Father (Hebrews 4:16).

            The lesson linked below adds Scriptural background.  Isaiah 11:7-9 tells of magnificent restoration of all creation, like the wolf living with the lamb.  The whole world will live in harmony.  All creation will be healed.

            Our Father will also provide spiritual restoration.  “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.  I will take out the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  I will pit My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statues, and you will keep My judgments and do them (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

            Isaiah 2:4 and 51:4-5 say this Feast offers universal opportunity for salvation.  Jesus will judge the people living on earth.  The firstfruits of God’s harvest from this age will reign with Christ on earth as a kingdom of priests (Revelation 5:10).

            Jesus promises in Revelation 2:26, “He who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over nations.”  They will lead many to God’s Kingdom and have the awesome privilege of working alongside Christ (Revelation 20:6).  Nations will learn a right relationship with God.    

Take Home Nugget

            The final conflict between God’s righteous living and His people will resolve when people finally choose.  Rebellion or righteousness?  Satan will be released for a short time after the millennium.  Revelation 20:7-10 describes how those who choose rebellion are identified.  Their tragic choice will earn them death by fire—along with Satan.  

Come, Lord Jesus!    

Adapted from God’s Holy Day Plan, The Promise of Hope for All Mankind.  ©1966, 1998, 2001, 2010, 2013 by the United Church of Christ.  Ohio.  Pgs. 40-45.

J.D. Griffith

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I               

Day of Atonement

DAY OF ATONEMENT

Part twelve of fourteen in Commanded Holy Days Importance Today series

 Leviticus 23:27:  “The tenth day of this seventh month [or September, 30, 2017] is the Day of Atonement.  Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves, and present an offering made to the Lord by fire.”

            Working on the Day of Atonement is forbidden.  But 24 hours of fasting is expected to create worshippers humble and meek before the Lord.  Atonement [a-TONE-ment] means reconciliation [rek-on-SIL-e-a-shon, or a loving reunion.  Thanks to Jesus for becoming our Passover Lamb so that the Father welcomes sinful kids before His throne!

            The week Feast of Unleavened Bread drove home how each person is drenched in sin.  Praise God for sending His Son into the world!  Jesus’ shed blood became our LAST Passover Lamb executed for forgiveness of human sin.  Christ’s sacrifice makes possible Believers approaching Almighty God’s throne room.  As forgiven kids, we’re allowed to climb up on His lap like kids adoring Dad.

            Why is a Day acknowledging Atonement critical to peace on earth?  Answer: Because sin has a cause.  Satan leads an army of demons that tempt people to disobey God.  (See the lesson linked below).

            The Day of Atonement focuses on removing Satan.  Many people are tricked that this threat even exists.  Christ and Apostle Paul warn people how deadly our battle is.  “For our battle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness” (Ephesians 6:12).

            Jesus offers victory in this spiritual battle by putting on the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6:13-18.  James 4:7 urges Believers’ active role: submitting to God wearing His armor while resisting the devil, so that “he will flee from you.”

            The Old Testament in the Bible uses a symbol of Atonement.  Leviticus 16:5, 7 commands the priest to select two goats.  Cast lots which one is “for the Lord” and kill him (verses 8-9).  He represents Jesus Christ—who paid the penalty for our sins.  On the other is placed atonement (the priest lays both hands on its head, confessing the sins of the people).  Then he’s released into the wilderness.   

            Azazel is the Hebrew name of the goat freed into the wild.  He represents Satan, who’s the cause for human sin (verses 21-22).    

  

Take Home Nugget

            Some Bibles name the Atonement goat “Scapegoat.”  But calling him that is   unfairly blaming him for people’s sin.  Green’s Literal Translation more accurately calls him “goat of departure.”  Jesus will hold Satan accountable for his historic deliberate actions tempting humans to sin. 

   

Come, Lord Jesus!  We praise You as our high priest.  Reign on earth, fulfilling Your promise in Revelation 20:2-3 of locking the devil away!  Amen. 

Adapted from God’s Holy Day Plan, The Promise of Hope for All Mankind.  ©1966, 1998, 2001, 2010, 2013 by the United Church of Christ.  Ohio.  Pgs. 35-39.

J.D. Griffith

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Feast of Trumpets

FEAST OF TRUMPETS

Part eleven of fourteen in Commanded Holy Days Importance Today series

 Revelation 11:15:  “The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven which said:  ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.’”

                                                                                                                          

            This feast introduces autumn festivals, signifying the final four Holy Days.  Feast of Trumpets ends present-age human rule.  This blasts a dramatic turning point in world history.  Falling on September, 21, 2017, celebrate the Feast that describes a mind-blowing era when God intervenes globally into the affairs of humanity.

            The Feast of Trumpets paints Jesus Christ returning to earth to establish the Kingdom of God!  (See the lesson linked below).  After Christ’s resurrection—His apostles were excited—sure that Jesus’ promises would be filled now.  They knew messianic prophecies like Isaiah 9:6-7: “the government will be on His shoulder” and “the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.”

            When they realized that the prophecies weren’t to be filled imminently [IM-in-ent-lee] means today, they were disappointed.  Instead, Christ told them to focus on spreading the gospel.  This is on what Believers today must keep their focus.

             Apostle Paul obeyed Jesus and wrote: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).   And: “In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, the dead will raise imperishable, and we will change.”  (1 Corinthians 15:52).

            There’s no good excuse why this Holy Day should not be observed today. Keeping all God’s commanded Holy Days, Believers grasp His extraordinary plan for humanity.  “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the world will mourn.  They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.  And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”  (Matthew 24:30-31).

Take Home Nugget

            This feast fulfills Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah coming as king from the line of David.  Jesus Christ will rule from David’s throne in Jerusalem with power and authority over all nations on earth.  This is the most exciting news possible for this weary, sin-ravaged world!

Heavenly Father, not only the “whole creation”, but we “who have the firstfruits of the Spirit groan inwardly as we await eagerly for our adoption as sons, and the redemption of our bodies!”  Amen.  (Romans 8:22-23).

           

Adapted from God’s Holy Day Plan, The Promise of Hope for All Mankind.  ©1966, 1998, 2001, 2010, 2013 by the United Church of Christ.  Ohio.  Pgs. 28-34.

J.D. Griffith

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Firstfruits Church

FIRSTFRUITS CHURCH

Part ten of fourteen in Commanded Holy Days Importance Today series

Leviticus 23:11: “He is to wave the sheaf before the LORD so it will be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath.”

            The Israelites first planted barley in Canaan, their Promised Land.  This first harvest was the grain offering which the priest was to wave one sheaf, or bundle, before the LORD.

            Mary Magdalene wept outside Jesus’ empty tomb.

            “Woman, why are you crying?”  Mistaking Jesus for the gardener, Mary answered, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, ...”

            “Mary.”    

            Mary froze.  She knew that voice.  Crying out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” she started toward Him. 

            Backing away, Jesus warning her, “Do not hold onto Me, for I have not yet returned to the Father.”  (John 20:11-17).

            Jesus links the opening Old Testament Scripture to New Testament fulfillment.  As the newly-resurrected grain harvest wave-sheaf, Jesus presented Himself to the Father.  Yahweh accepted Christ’s sacrifice as payment-in-full for our sin the same day during spring harvest when the grain sheaf is waved before the LORD!  

            (Matthew 28:9 shows the “secret ascension.”  Jesus ascended to and was accepted by the Father.  Afterwards, He welcomed human contact).

            Christ is the firstborn over all creation AND the firstborn from the dead.  (See lesson linked below).  Romans 8:9 claims Jesus Christ is the firstborn of many brethren.  The New Testament Church is also considered firstfruits.  1 Corinthians 16:15 calls the first-century Christians the firstfruits of God’s calling.

            Firstfruits Church Paul calls Firstfruits of the Spirit in Romans 8:23.  How many—from that firstfruits Church and through the centuries—have truly accepted and followed Christ the way that He taught?  How many truly deny themselves, accepting the Father’s will over their own?  

            God’s Kingdom is represented in His Holy Days.  He longs to save all people by offering eternal life with Him forever!  We’re the beginning of the harvest for the Kingdom of God.

            Apostle Paul teaches, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep … For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”  (1 Corinthians 15:20, 22).

            Anyone called and chosen by God is included with Christ as God’s firstfruits.

Take Home Nugget

            Pentecost—God’s pouring out His Spirit on people expanded His spiritual harvest—also dramatically turned the world upside down. 

            Are you ready for another Pentecost blast turning the world upside down?

“I will pour out My Spirit on all people.  You sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.  Even My servants, both men and women, I will pour out My Spirit in those days.”  Joel 2:28-29

Adapted from God’s Holy Day Plan, The Promise of Hope for All Mankind.  ©1966, 1998, 2001, 2010, 2013 by the United Church of Christ.  Ohio.  Pgs. 25-27.

J.D. Griffith

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