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WHY MANY PROFESSING CHRISTIANS LACK ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

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By Ken Blue

 

  • The love of sin. One of  the reasons religious people lack assurance of salvation is because of their love of sin. God will not give anyone assurance who chooses to live in sin. “19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” John      3:19-20.

 

  • Blind as to how to be saved. Most of the human race is blind as to how to be saved. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-6.

 

  • A lack of character and conviction. Many, who have responded to some altar call, or a tragedy, forget it within a week. This is called “foxhole” or “jailhouse” religion. These have no depth of conviction, or understanding of true salvation. “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while:” Matthew 13:20-21.

 

  • They think you can’t know. Multitudes  are confident you can’t know for sure if you have eternal life. However, the Bible makes is clear that you can know. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life,      and this life is in his Son. 12  He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13  These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:11-13. What is there about those verses you do not understand?

 

  • Ignorance of what the Bible says. Of course, this is the number one reason men and women have no assurance of salvation. It is a matter of personal ignorance of what the Bible says. This was why the      nation of Israel was not saved when Jesus came to them. “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2  For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3  For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”  Romans 10:1-4.

 

  • Entrusting their salvation to their church or religion. Nothing blinds men and women to the truth of salvation, like religion. One cannot read the Gospels and early Acts without witnessing the blindness of religious people. Any church that teaches that you must belong to it, be baptized, take the sacraments, keep the Law, or maintain religious works is false, and blinds one to the true gospel of grace. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9. “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”  Romans 10:10. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13.

 

  • They love the praise of friends. “How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?” John 5:44. Is that why you are not saved?

 

  • Never saved in the firs place. “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:22-23. Salvation is not a profession; it is a present possession. Either you are saved now, or you are unsaved. There is no      middle ground.

I have included in this article the clear plan of salvation, if you are not sure how to be saved, you can find out by reading the above again. Don’t be deceived by the world, the church, or the Devil. You can and you must KNOW!

WILL JERUSALEM BE TAKEN OVER BY THEIR ENEMIES?

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By Ken Blue

“And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.” Daniel 11:45.

We have stated in recent articles that the nations surrounding Israel will consolidate into a ten nation alliance. Syria will be one, and from there the Antichrist will arise. He will take control of the alliance, and remove three of them. Through craft and policies he will deceive multitudes. Israel and the others sign a seven year peace agreement. This is the “white horse” aspect of the Tribulation. Israel will then have some security.

Other nations outside his kingdom will make war with the Antichrist. He will be busy fighting, and will handily defeat them. Egypt will come up against him, and he will come down from Syria against Egypt. “And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. 41 He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps. 44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. 45 And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.” Daniel 11:40-45.

Verse 45 states, at that time, Antichrist will set up his headquarters in Jerusalem. The next 3 ½   years Jerusalem will be ruled and crushed under foot of their enemies. “Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. 12 And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered. 13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? 14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” Daniel 8:11-14.

During that time, two thirds of the Jews in the land will be killed. “And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. 9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.” Zechariah 13:7-9.

Therefore, Jerusalem will be under the heel of Antichrist for the last half of the Tribulation. His objective will be total destruction of all Jews, and unless those days should be shortened, none would be left in the land. “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” Matthew 24:22.

How does God describe the sins of Jerusalem? “…the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.” Revelation 11:8.

However, God will deliver them. “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD’S hand double for all her sins.” Isaiah 40:1-2. This prophecy looks forward to the Second Advent of Christ. The hopelessness of their situation will bring true repentance and the New Birth of the remnant. The nation will be “born again.” Antichrist, who ruled over Jerusalem for 3 ½ years, will be destroyed by armies led by Jesus Christ, and Jerusalem will be delivered. Pray for Israel.

 

ARE THE DIVORCED WHO REMARRY LIVING IN SIN?

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By Ken Blue

“And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. 12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.” Mark 10:11-12.

Since this verse is the final answer on the matter of divorce and remarriage for most pastors, it might be a good time to check and see if their actions match their theology. If you believe these verses settle the matter, then the conclusion is simple.

One question we should ask first; if a couple is “shacking up” would you let them become members of your church. My guess is that 90% will answer no, and we agree with that decision.

However, if a married couple seeks membership and either one of them was previously married would you let them become members? If you take the Mark 10 position, how do you justify their membership? Doesn’t the text make it clear that they are living in adultery? Does the second marriage license remove their adultery status? What if they claim they were saved after the second marriage, does that settle the matter? There are Christians who deserve to know your answer to the question.

Another way some skirt the issue is to allow the remarried membership, but withhold certain privileges from them. You will hear pastors’ say, “We let them join, but they can’t teach, lead, or hold any office.” Of course you will let them serve as janitors, bring in new members, and tithe. Have you forgotten that you believe these have two spouses, and are living in adultery? Something is rotten in Denmark!

If you really believe they are living in adultery, how do you justify their membership? You cannot. If you allow them membership, how can you justify making them second-rate and inferior members? It looks like you have allowed tradition and faulty hermeneutics to paint you into the proverbial corner, and play the hypocrite.

I have a pastor friend who will not allow the remarried to join his church. He has about ten members. I completely disagree with his understanding of this issue, but he is true to his convictions, and we must respect him for that. Are you really true to yours?

Finally, let me throw a stink-bomb in the whole mess. The four gospels are not church epistles, and they deal with doctrines concerning the Jews, and their Kingdom ministry. The only place to find church doctrine on this subject is in the Church Epistles. These are Romans through Philemon. Pastors have taken a position on this subject that makes them appear foolish when they try to justify why they let remarried couples join their church. Shame on you, pastor.

WILL ISRAEL MAKE A PEACE AGREEMENT WITH THE ANTICHRIST?

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By Ken Blue

Once the ten (toes/horns) nations arise from the chaos in the Middle East, and the Antichrist emerges from Syria to takes control of the seven remaining nations, Israel will make a seven year peace agreement with him, and his allies. They do this for peace, and greed. This, no doubt, is the time spoken of by Daniel. “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.” Daniel 9:27. The “many” are the seven remaining nations under his control, and the nation of Israel. The week is seven years, not seven days. Another way the week is described is as a “time,” “times,” and “half a time.” “And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.” Daniel 12:7.

No doubt this first 31/2 years are symbolized by the “white horse.” This will give the semblance of peace, even though there will continue to uprisings and rumors of wars. This does not imply that the “red horse” is not active; it simply means that the white one is in the lead at that time. Dakes notes are helpful about the first half of the Tribulation.

• “A king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.” This reveals the character of the Antichrist, showing the type of person the little horn will be when he comes out of Greece, Turkey, Syria, or Egypt in the latter time of their existence (Dan. 8:23; 7:20-25; 9:27; 11:36-45; 2Th. 2:3-12; Rev. 13:1-18; 14:9-11; 15:2-4; 16:13-16; 19:20; 20:4-6).”

But, after 31/2 years, Antichrist will turn on Israel and seek to destroy them. He believes this is necessary in order to have peace in that part of the world, and for his kingdom to be established. Israel will discover that they have made a covenant with hell. Only 1/3 of the nation will survive. “And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. 9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.” Zechariah 13:8-9. That one third will be protected and fed by Edom, Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. Daniel 11:41. Pray for Israel.

THE BEGINNING OF SORROWS

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By Ken Blue

The first issue we must clear up is that nothing in the chapter has anything to do with the Church, the Body of Christ, of which all believers are members today. All is about Israel.

“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

 15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Matthew 24:3-31

The questions are three: “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? You will notice that he Lord does not answer the first question first, but rather gives them a list of signs that they should look for. In addition, the events in this chapter are the same events found in Revelation 6-19.

A list of signs for Bible believing Jews to note, are given. 1. False Messiahs and false Jewish prophets. 2. Wars. These are wars that would concern Israel. The Spanish American, the Civil War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Falkland War are not to be considered here. Only the wars that might trouble them are considered here. 3. The famine, pestilences, and earthquakes are found in the book of Revelation, and thus, within the Tribulation period. 4. Not only will the Jews be hated by all nations, they will also betray one another. The orthodox Jews will be hated and killed by the secular Jews. In addition, the religious Jews who do not believe their own Scriptures will persecute the righteous Jews. Note the indictment Stephen brings against his on nation. “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.” Acts 7:51-53. 5. The gospel of the KINGDOM will be preached to the whole world by saved Jews in the Tribulation. 6. Now the Lord answers the “when” question. When they see the Antichrist desecration of the temple at Jerusalem, it will be a sign for them to GET OUT OF JUDAEA! Paul speaks to this in his letter to the Thessalonians. “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12. 7.

This period will be the worst suffering for Israel since the world began. In addition, were it not for an elect remnant of Jews, all would be killed. 8. The battle of Armageddon will take place, and the birds will gather to eat the dead bodies. 9. Jesus returns to Israel and gathers the Jews from the surviving nations to come and enter the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. This is the kingdom found in the “Lord’s Prayer.” These events lead up to the end of the present “age.” It will not be the end of the world.