I recently came across these verses in Romans that prove the following two points I often try to make on this blog.
1. You can lose your salvation
2. There is a Pre-Trib rapture
In Romans 11, Paul is talking about how God has put a temporary veil over the eyes of the Jews so that they would not receive Jesus as their Messiah. He goes on to say how this blindness of the Jews led to the Gospel being preached to the Gentiles and how we should be grateful to them because if they had not fallen, we may never have had the opportunity to be saved! Israel is the Olive Tree and we are the Wild Branches who have been grafted in.
Do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. Romans 11:19-22
This reminded me of the verse in Matthew 3:10
And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
I really don't think most Christians have a reverential fear of God. They treat God like some benevolent Father sitting in heaven ready to answer their prayers and provide for all their needs. Most believe that once you "get saved" and as it says above, are grafted into the Olive Tree, that you're good to go and God doesn't require anything else. So many Christians have been taught you just have to believe. But what is belief? In the above verses where it says "unbelief" that is the Greek Word apistia, which means Unfaithfulness! Notice there's a condition for remaining on the Olive tree! IF YOU continue in His goodness. People think they just have to believe in their minds, but God does require something of us when we get saved. We must continue in relationship with Him. We must be faithful to Him and to His Word.
Why do I keep harping on this? I'm not trying to scare anyone or make you think you have to do good works to please God or be saved. That's not true. What does faithful mean?
When someone says about a husband: "He is faithful to his wife" Does that only mean that he believes he has a wife? or that he believes she is his wife? NO. It means he is loyal to her, loves her, doesn't cheat on her, has a close relationship with her.
I really don't want anyone left behind. It breaks my heart when I think about the absolute horror of it. Especially if you thought you were going.
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28
He's not talking about Satan in the above verse. He's talking about God. Yes, God is love and He is full of grace and mercy, but there's another side to Him too. He will give you every chance to believe in Him and follow Him, but at some point, it will be too late.
Now, onto a more cheerful topic: Pre-Trib?
Further down in Romans 11:25, Paul makes the encouraging statement that one day the veil will be lifted from Israel and they, too, will have a chance to be saved.
For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
For many years I believed that the statement "the fullness of the Gentiles has come in" meant that every last person whom God knows will get saved, gets saved. And then God can focus on saving the Jews.
Let's look at what the phrase "has come in" actually means. It's the Greek word eiserchomai
If we go with what I thought it meant, this word should mean something like Come into Salvation, Enter into Faith, etc. But this is what it really means
to go out or come in: to enter; of men or animals, as into a house or a city
So, what city do you think all the saved Gentiles have to go into for God to switch His focus onto the Jews and remove their blindness. How about Heavenly Jerusalem?? And how do all the saved Gentiles get there? The Rapture!
Greetings beloved of the Lord,
ReplyDeleteAmen Sister. I use Rom 11 often when I talk with OSAS people. But in their defense I would just say that in my encounters with the OSAS, not all believe that they are saved just because they said the prayer. Many in this belief think the same as we do, in daily repentance, walking daily with the Lord and studying His word daily. I must say, some walk more closely with the Lord than I do. So I dont know why they hold to this. They have a couple of scripts they hold to if one wants to interpret them, im my view incorrectly, and one is in Rom 11:29 for God'sgifts and His call are irrevocable. And I believe many of them are saved, just like I believe many Catholics will be saved. Yet I know there is a more sinister plot to the OSAS.
But we see some steadfast and some lazy Christians in on both sides of the isle.
Amen to a cheerful Rapture. Not sure if I just mentioned this the other day. But the heading in my Bible to Rev 12 states; A woman, a child and a dragon.
The Pastor went on to issuatrate how the "woman" was Israel. How she gave birth to the child who was immediately caught up to God, and how the woman was protected in the cliffs.
He went on to bring out the many verses where God delivered Israel over and over. How the Lord kept them delivered the from Egypt, parted the waters etc, all the way back to God, promise to Abraham, and how the Messiah was brought to us through the lineage of the Jews.. How the devil persues her, And she is preserved in the dessert for 1260 days. Amazing study, and i had never seen it like that before.
And this makes perfect sense in what you are saying about the "Heavenly Jerusalem" ! It blends right in with Rev 12. The woman will be safe for the 3 and a half years, the first half of the Trib. While Moses and Elijah are prophesying, and then, later, the 144000, which according to the Pastor will be witnessing during the trib. And yes, the church is already gone before any of this.
The word eiserchomai, is the same word used in the story of Noah, entering into the Arc.
I played that short video at the end of the saints ascending into the New Jerusalem, though it had no sound I heard the millions upon millions of Angels and Elders giving glory to God in the Highest !
Maranatha !
That's a very good point, Brother Joe. Yes, there are many OSAS believers who are true followers of Jesus. Absolutely.. I guess I've just met too many of them who are living sinful lives because they believe that. And it irks me like nothing else!
DeleteI'm so glad you are studying Revelation... one of my favorite books, which may seem odd to some. Revelation 12 is one of my favorite chapters too!
I didn't know that about eiserchomai! Wow.. that's just more confirmation to me. :-)
Yes, I tried to copy that video from Pinterest, but it didn't quite come through right.
Blessings!
This is an interesting topic and one that I struggle with sometimes. I have family members who do things like go to concerts with Christian singers and pastors like Louis Giglio. But then the next week they will go to Disney World and celebrate their Halloween parade. They also love Halloween and dress up and do all sorts of Halloween things.
ReplyDeleteTwo of these family members are also worship leaders at their church. I often say to my spouse that I just don’t get it, why do they not see the evil of Halloween and even Disney? Of course, they also “worship” Trump. We are praying their eyes will be opened soon!
I still think that people who “lose their salvation“ were never really saved and surrendered to the Lord. To be surrendered means you give up things that may bring your flesh pleasure. Things like celebrating Halloween and worshiping politics!
Thanks for the encouragement!
Blessings, BevH
Hi Bev! I do agree with you that most people who "lose their salvation" were most likely never truly saved. Yes, to be truly saved involves a surrendering to the Lord to do His will. That's the problem I have with these OSAS people. They don't believe in surrendering. Blows my mind. Anyway, I think it's hard to lose one's salvation but it can be done. God does not remove our free will when we get saved, and notice that the vines that were grafted in, were GRAFTED IN... so they were a part of the Body of Christ... but when they didn't bear fruit, they were cut down. However, I do believe it takes a specific rejection of Jesus and all belief in Him and to walk away and back into the sinful world to actually lose your salvation. God is so merciful! He never gives up on us! Blessings!
DeleteHello Sister in Christ,
ReplyDeleteI used to wonder about the possibility of losing salvation, and thanks for supporting and proving it in this post.
Given the current state of the world, I wonder if those who have wronged me in the past have matured mentally enough to know that simply believing is insufficient - if someone treats 99 people like family but one like absolute dirt, plus being proud and unrepentant on the inside despite showing no “symptoms” on the outside, is that still displeasing to God? Even if I were to inadvertently do that, I would acknowledge it, confess it, and repent before God when a convenient opportunity permits. I am sure God would say “Forgive them, for it is I who will bring about justice.” The point is, I should not dwell too much on if they are truly saved, for if I see them in Heaven, then I would immediately know they did the right thing: true repentance, and I will warmly treat them like family then. I believe this is why Jesus meant in Revelation 22:11 to just let people continue to be as they are. What are your thoughts Sister?
I have come to acknowledge this salvation fact even though it was a bit later in life, but I have now understood it once point where I am observing my own conduct and thoughts carefully, and if I ever get led astray into temptation to sin, confession and repentance are the important steps to take right after. This is a cycle I found myself doing since being transformed further in Christ.
I also found that despite temptations & sin, past suffering & mistreatment, and failed Rapture predictions, I have not fallen away from the Lord and am continuing to praise, pray, and thank Him daily.
About the Pre-Tribulation Rapture, I am very hopeful of this for I have literally become fed up with this world and its unholy ways. However, I am still living one day at time enjoying and recollecting memories from long time ago while still here, for if I were to travel back to better times, I would definitely have lived life differently in terms of appreciating it more than just simply living. Do you sometimes reflect on this too?
Also, do you think that once we hear the Trumpet, we would instantly disappear and see ourselves in the clouds, or it may happen with us being levitated slowly into the skies?
I remember from one of your past posts that “it will be just an ordinary day,” so that is why we should always keep watch. I like to bring up the post I recently read about saying today and tomorrow could potential start dates of the Tribulation since adding 2520 days from today leads to Yom Kippur 2032; however, I have come to disbelieve that considering that date-setting is a disservice to God, but I thought about bringing it up.
You may have heard that Israel still exchanged fire with Hamas claiming that the latter violated the ceasefire deal by assaulting Israeli troops - this proves that the deal is not only fragile, but very likely to fall apart since it is only the beginning of what we know is coming. I heard the next phase of the Plan might be commencing very soon this week, so we are moving even closer to going home, hopefully.
Another thing I heard is that “NASA claimed the asteroid (3I/Atlas) is not an alien probe.” Do they think for one second that we watch people would be fooled? Just another attempt at diversion? Just like how we were told that COViD was not purposefully unleashed on the world and that the jabs were not designed to be bioweapons? This makes me really hope, in addition to war potentially breaking out at any time, that we leave before the year ends, hopefully sooner, but even if it may have to be next year, I am hoping it would not be too far into the year, as in going for another Spring Harvest, Pentecost, New Wine, or Feast of Trumpets as we went though this year?
Have a blessed week Sister and Peace and Blessings from a Brother in Christ.
Dear Brother, the Apostle John says that if we don't love our fellow brother and sister in Christ then the love of God is not in us. These people who hurt you were not treating you with love. Whether or not they are saved, is up to the Lord. Forgive them and pray for them because if they don't repent and submit to Jesus, they may find themselves in hell. Which I wouldn't wish on anyone. If you see them in heaven, then you'll know they repented and turned back to God. I bet you they will run and hug you and ask your forgiveness!!
DeleteYes, Brother.. keep doing what you're doing. Spend time with Jesus.. talk to Him, worship Him, keep in repentance and ask Him to change your heart. Keep reading the Bible, and remember to sit quietly in His presence as that is often when He speaks. He is pleased with you!
The world is growing worse and worse... and we keep looking up. Jesus is coming, but yes, I think setting dates is not pleasing to Him. We are told we would know the season, which we do. We are in it. So, don't be discouraged.
And yes, I often wish I could go back in time and do things better! I have even asked the Lord to send me back, but that's not how He works. Everything has a purpose and all of it will be used for our good and His Glory!
I do think that they are deceiving us about this Atlas comet! But time will tell. And yes, I expect war to break out in Israel any moment. We are close to leaving. I still believe it's this year, but if not, it won't be much past it. Hang in there
Blessings!
Greetings Holy Messenger of God,
ReplyDeleteI was one of those who thought that as long as you believed in Jesus, you would go to Heaven. I did not know much about the Rapture and Tribulation then, but thankfully I know both of them well enough to not one day go by without anticipating both of them to come. Much gratitude for educating on both through your posts.
Since Jesus would be taking only those who are truly loyal and faithful in Him via the Rapture, would this be a rude awakening / difficult lesson for the lukewarm and false believers? I am pretty sure this will cause an amount to disown Him forever, and unlike Peter, without regret. This is why we need to be cautious towards anyone who claims to be a Christian, for their actions and words can 100% define their standing, and I can assess based on conversations with them (body language, facial expression, reaction, interest in topic, etc). Regardless, I will not have to worry about any of that in Heaven since it will only be true peace and love forever there.
The silent video of Believers with glorified bodies is so blissful. Could this be the New Jerusalem where all officially saved and glorified Believers, including former non-Believers, enter into God’s kingdom? Since it will be the Earth transformed into Paradise, could time still pass as usual only that the peace and love are permanent and evil and sin are officially gone forever?
Thanks again and much blessings! Come Quickly Lord Jesus and Maranatha!
I'm so glad that what the Lord has led me to post here has blessed and helped you. When I first got saved, I started reading the Bible immediately and read through it over and over.. probably 20 times now... and it never once occurred to me that you couldn't walk away from Jesus and your faith. So, when I heard my pastor preaching that, I was astounded and confused, so I sought the Lord and His Word over and over. And He showed me the truth. Also when I first got saved, the Lord put on my heart that He was coming in my lifetime. That was 25 years ago, so I know He's coming soon!
DeleteYes, I do believe that the lukewarm left behind are going to really be shocked and horrified when the Bride leaves. It breaks my heart. Hopefully, it will be a wake up call for them and I do believe many many of them will fully commit to Jesus. Some, however, may get angry and walk away.
I also used to believe that anyone claiming to be a Christian was truly following Jesus. But after all these years of dealing with "Christians" I know that's usually not true. There are many tares among the wheat, so we have to be careful and ask for discernment. As you get to know someone, you can see if they are bearing any fruit at all.
Yes, I loved that video! This is all of us entering into God's Kingdom and yes, time passes different in Heaven, but peace and love last forever.. without any sin!
Blessings!
I would love to share a little bit of my story with you Bev, forgive me if I'm intruding.
ReplyDeleteSo when I was a small boy, I was timid, sickly, and often felt left out. I had 4 sisters, and Dad worked many long hours, so I didnt have much of a mans influence in my life. I used to sneak out to a little grotto between the school and church to stay away from the bullies. The groto was a little prayer station at the Catholic school I went to. I found Jesus there a 6 years old. I was a Little Crusader ! Despite the unsettled doctrine in the church, much of which I didnt understand, I found the Nuns to be true lovers of Jesus, and that rubbed off on me. Not even sure exactly what all the salvation things was about. But I knew the love of Jesus and the act of repentance. Looking back I believe I was saved way back then.
Then came the 1970's. And I was crazy ! You might say I had strongly out grown sickly and scrawny and fear. No details necessary, suffice to say I was about as far from God as one could get. Around the mid 80's, what I now know as a series of miraculous events, the Lord drew me back into His presence. I was re-Baptized, re-born and on fire for God. Now I'm not sure about all the "re" 's here. But the power of God was on me. I literally carried my Bible everywhere I went. People that knew me thought I was nuts, and sometimes so did I. But I preached the word without fear. My Sister is a very faithful Lady. She has been in the same church for over 40 years. A small baptist church. They believe in OSAS. We've had conversations about this over the years. She told me one day that I was the one to share the Gospel with her. I love that :)
I carried my Bible into work, and people were afraid to challenge me because of my bad guy reputation. But they were curious about the change they saw. And they would come to me with all kinds of questions. Eventually we set up what you might call a little church at break time under a huge machine. A few years past, and I was at another job, and I had drifted away from the Lord again. I was angry at God. Yet even though I was not faithful, our God if faithful to complete the interrupted work He began in me at 6 years old.
Now here I am, some 35+ years since that time following my Lord and Master.
Was I saved at 6 yrs ? was I "re-born" a third time ? I do not know. Was the prodigal son denied his sonship,? No His loving Father welcomed him back with open arms. I guess you could say I was a 2 time prodigal son. All I know is each time I turned to Jesus His arms were wide open.
Psalm 119: 67
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep and honor Your word [with loving obedience].
68
You are good and do good;
Teach me Your statutes.
69
The arrogant have forged a lie against me,
But I will keep Your precepts with all my heart.
70
Their heart is insensitive like fat [their minds are dull and brutal],
But I delight in Your law.
71
It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes.
72
The law from Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Blessings