The Things of the Kingdom and the Things of the Name

[Resource Manager]

RESURRECTION AND JUDGEMENT

 

Gather Together My Saints to Me!

 

God intends to resurrect the dead and gather them together with the living, so as to bring all who are amenable to judgment before Christ to dispense justice:

 

1 Thessalonians 4:15 - Dead and living together meet Christ.

 

2 Thessalonians 2:1 - Gathered together to Christ

 

Psalm 50:1-5 - Saints gathered by one and same call

 

Matthew 25:32 - “All nations” gathered together before Christ

 

Luke 17:24-37 - Gathering within one 24 hour period.

 

Romans 14:10-12 - One judgement seat before which all bow.

 

Hebrews 11:39 - Dead and living perfected at one time.

 

The First Resurrection

 

Hebrews 6:2 - FOUNDATION FIRST PRINCIPLE

 

Resurrection “anastasis” = “a standing again” of the dead, alive and vigorous. “Anistemi” shows this = “stand up” Acts 1:15; 10:26; 11:28; 13:16; 14:10; Mark 14:60; Luke 4:16; 10:25

 

THERE SHALL BE A RESURRECTION of the righteous Acts 24:15 As pledged by promises to Abraham (Matthew 22:30-32) in which some surely obtain immortality (Luke 20:35-38). Christ himself preached it. (Matthew 22:30-32, Mark 12:25-26; Luke 20:35) So did the apostles (Acts 4:2; 17:18; 23:6; 24:21; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4,11-12)

Denial of the Aionion Resurrection is Error

 

This denies fundamental truth (1 Corinthians 15:12-18), which testifies to ignorance (Matthew 22:29). Claim it is past will overthrow faith (2 Timothy 2:18)

[Resource Manager]

God Demonstrated in Christ Both Resurrection and His Power:

 

Christ raised dead girl by touch (Mark 5:41)

Christ raised dead man by word alone (Luke 7:14, John 11:43)

God raised Christ in evidence of might (Ephesians.1:19-20)

Christ first to rise, as prophets and apostles testify (Acts 26:22-23)

Christ firstfruits, implying harvest (1 Corinthians 15:20; Colossians 1:18, Revelation 1:5)

God’s dead awakened (Isaiah 26:19)

Former bodily existence restored (Job 19:25-27)

Reasons for the Resurrection of Those Sleeping in Christ

 

Ransomed in foretaste of death’s own destruction (Hosea 13:14)

Their dead reckoned sleep (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

Made alive because in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)

Made alive forever because of faith (John 11:25-26)

Given life because they have done good (John 5:28-29)

Raised to receive recompense (Luke 14:14)

 

Both just and unjust raised (Daniel 12:2; John 5:29; Acts 24:15)

Resurrection object of desire to faithful (Philippians 3:10-11)

Is bettered by suffering (Hebrews 11:35)

This resurrection at Christ’s coming (1 Corinthians.15:23)

At last day (John 11:23-26; 6:39, 40, 44, 54)

This is the “first resurrection” (Revelation 20:5-6)

God, the Judge of All

 

A judgement of all responsible to obey Gospel, will take place immediately before millennium begins. This is fundamental of Gospel (Hebrews 6:2)

God Himself is Judge of All

 

He will judge world in righteousness (Psalm 9:7-8; 96:10; 1 Samuel 2:10, 1 Chronicles 16:33, Hebrews 12:23)

God has Appointed Christ to Judge over Men

 

In day when world judged by him (Acts 17:31)

To son of Man all judgement given (John 5:22,27)

As judge of living and dead (Acts 10:42, 2 Timothy 4:1)

To expose secrets of hearts (1 Corinthians 4:5; Romans 2:16)

We all stand before Christ’s judgment (Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10)

This judgment integral to preaching Gospel (Romans 2:16)

[Resource Manager]

The Time of Judgement

 

All who have undergone probation, or known Truth from creation to 2nd advent are related to AIONION Judgment (Hebrews 6:2), so called because it will determine who enters Aionion blessings, and because it immediately precedes Millennial AION.

Time of Aionion Judgement Fixed as:

 

At Christ’s 2nd advent (Matthew 24:42-51; Luke 12:42-46; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Jude 14; 2 Timothy 4:1; Matthew 25:1-13; 19-30; Luke 13:24-30; Matthew 7:21-23; 13:24-29; 22:1-14; Luke 19:12-26; Matthew 16:24-27) At the last days (John 12:48)

 

When the dead are raised (Acts 17:31; John 5:25-29; Revelation 11:18)

 

When righteous are rewarded (Matthew 7:22; 24:50; Luke 12:46; John 12:48; Acts 17:31-32; Romans 2:5-16; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:7; Jude 6,14)

 

The day of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:8)

Those Who are to be Judged

 

Both living and dead, both obedient and disobedient participate jointly:-

 

Both living and dead to be judged (Acts 10:42; 2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Peter 4:5) jointly (Acts 24:15; Luke 13:27-30)

 

Righteous and Wicked Appear Together:

 

Virgins converse together (Matthew 25:1-13)

Good and wicked servants examined in sight of each other, and before Christ (Matthew 25:19-30; Luke 19:12-26)

“Sheep” and “Goats” separated out of one company (Matthew 25:31-46)

Well-doers and evil-doers judged in one “day” (Romans 2:15-16; Luke 10:12-14; 11:31-32; Jude 15)

Wicked protest as righteous enter kingdom (Matthew 22:1-14)

Both “just” and “unjust” judged at 2nd advent (Matthew 12:36-42)

All Responsible by Knowledge are Arraigned:

 

God, a great king, whose commands are law to all (1 Timothy 6:15) Gospel message command to obey (Acts 17:30, 1 Peter 4:5; Psalm 105:7-9)

 

Refusal to obey Gospel in repentance and baptism is sin-

 

Unrepentant Romans 2:1-5

Felix trembled Acts 24:25

Disobey Gospel 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9

Rejecters judged John 12:48

Unbelievers condemned Mark 16:15-16

Sin remains John 9:39-41

Sin manifest John 15:21-24

Caiaphas raised Matthew 26:64

Caiaphas raised Mark 14:62

Unrepentant judged Acts 17:30-32

Baptism commanded Acts 10:48

[Resource Manager]

What God Will Bring into Judgement

 

We will be judged for deeds, good or bad - Romans 2:1-11; John 5:25-29; Matthew 25:19-30; 25:31-46; 7:21-23; 13:24-42; Matthew 19:12-26; 24:42-51; Jude 6,15; Luke 12:40-46; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

 

Judged for belief or rejection of Word of God - John 12:42-48; Matthew 12:36-42; Luke 10:12-14; 11:13-32; John 5:22-24; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26; 8:16-18.

 

Judged for repentance or refusal to repent - Acts 17:30-32; Romans 2:4-5; Matthew 12:41; Luke 10:12-13;11:32

 

Judged for our words - Matthew 12:36-37; 2 Timothy 2:17; James 1:22-26; Luke 12:1-3; 2 Peter 2:1-3,9.

 

By judgment secrets brought to light - 1 Corinthians 4:5; Romans 2:5-16; 1 Timothy 5:24-25; Luke 8:16-18; 12:1-3; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

 

We will exact give an account of our deeds - 1 Peter 1:5; Romans 14:12; Matthew 12:36; Hebrews 13:7; Luke 16:2; Matthew 25:19-30; Luke 19:12-26

 

Children of Christadelphian Parents

 

Reckoned “holy” 1 Corinthians 7:14

 

In both 1st Exodus (Exodus 12:37) and 2nd (Isaiah 49:22; 60:4) children accompany parents to judgment. So in Christ’s exodus (Luke 9:31) of which 1st exodus is model (1 Corinthians 10:6,11; Hebrews 12:18-25)

 

Principles of God’s care of our children - not condemned for parents’ sins (Deuteronomy 24:12-22; Ezekiel 18:1-4,20) unless children also hate God (Deuteronomy 5:9)

 

Yah cares for children of rebel parents Numbers 14:29-31; Deuteronomy 1:39

 

Children of rebel Israelites perish only when they refuse to flee from parents to Yah (Numbers 16:23-33; Ezekiel 9:6 cf. 18:1-4,20,23; 2 Chronicles 36:14-17; Ezra 9:6-9; Nehemiah 9:30-35; Isaiah 9:13-17)

 

Children of rebel parents who flee to Yah are saved (Numbers 16:23-33; 26:9-11)

 

Yah is father to fatherless Psalm 68:5; 10:14 and their protector Psalm 72:4; 146:9, commanding Israel to protect them Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 10:18; 14:29; 16:11,14; 24:17,19,20,21; 27:19; Psalm 82:3

 

Able to do above all we ask or think Ephesians 3:20

[Resource Manager]

CHRIST’S RETURN AND OUR RESPONSIBILITY

 

The Second Coming of Christ

 

There are literally hundreds of references in the Bible to the second coming of Jesus Christ. This shows that it is a vital part of God’s plan which we cannot overlook.

 

After Christ’s resurrection, he was seen by the disciples for “forty days and was speaking of the things pertaining of the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:5)

 

They asked him in v.6: “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

 

They hadn’t grasped that he was to go into heaven in order to receive title to the kingdom and then return. He therefore tells them in v.7. that only God knows the time for the establishment of the kingdom.

 

They then watched him being taken from their sight into heaven. Though they did not know how long he would be away, two angels assured them of his return:

 

“Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven,

This same Jesus

, which is taken up from you into heaven,

SHALL SO COME

in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11)

 

The last book of the Bible confirms his return:

 

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him...” (Revelation 1:7)

 

Peter declared:

 

“...the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

and he shall send Jesus Christ

...whom the heaven must receive

UNTIL

the times of restitution of all things” (i.e. the kingdom of God) (Acts 3:19-21)

 

In 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 we see that when Christ returns he will firstly raise the dead in Christ.

[Resource Manager]

Resurrection the Gateway to Life

 

Jesus Christ died, was buried and rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). He declares:

 

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am

alive for evermore

and have the keys of death and hell”

(Revelation 1:18)

 

All men sin and die and were it not for Jesus Christ they would remain forever dead without hope (read 1 Corinthians 15:16-21). There is an order of resurrection:

 

(i) Christ

 

(ii) those who are Christ’s at his coming (1 Corinthians 15:23)

 

The doctrine of the resurrection is clearly taught in both Testaments. The prophet Daniel states:

 

“

Many

of then that sleep in the dust of the earth

shall awake

, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2)

 

Also look at Isaiah 26:14 and contrast it with v.19. Resurrection for some is clearly taught.

 

Jesus spoke of a coming day of resurrection:

 

“The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live...all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and

shall come forth

; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:25,28,29)

 

Resurrection was the hope of both Abraham and David, and will be the only way they can receive the promise God made to them. In John 11 we have a moving account of the resurrection of Lazarus. In v11;13 Lazarus is spoken of “as sleeping” - this is the Scriptural term for those who die having the hope of resurrection. Martha, a sister of Lazarus, confesses her faith in Jesus (vv21-22). Jesus tells her Lazarus will rise again (v23). Her response is a confession of her understanding of the resurrection “at the last day” (v25). Jesus tells Martha (vv25-26) that HE IS THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE - those who die believing in him will not remain dead eternally. As a demonstration of this he raised Lazarus from death (vv43-44). Truly he holds “The keys of death and hell” (Revelation 1:18).

[Resource Manager]

Judgement and Reward

 

When Christ returns he firstly raises the responsible dead and judges them. (2 Timothy 4:1-2)

 

We already saw in Isaiah 26 and Daniel 12 that not all the dead are raised. Those who are responsible (i.e. answerable) to God’s judgment are raised. (see Romans 2:6-16) Verse 16 points out they are judged according to the gospel. Both 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4 speak of “the dead in Christ” being raised. Why?

 

God will not judge someone as being unworthy of something he knew nothing about. That judgment is on the basis of the gospel, is again clearly shown in John 12:47-48 - they will be judged according to the word.

 

Christ is the Judge (John 5:22) because being son of man he knows that which tempts man (John 2:25).

 

There will be a bar of judgement before which the accountable must stand. The secrets of their hearts will be revealed (Romans 2:16, see also 1 Timothy 5:24). We must give a personal account before the Judge. (Romans 14:12)

 

Having been bodily raised (there is no other type of resurrection) they will receive through the body (“in body” 2 Corinthians 5:10) according to their deeds. (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 2:2,6) This means that sentence, or acquittal, will be the result.

 

The reward for the acquitted is eternal life. (Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:52-54; 2 Timothy 4:6-8) These will be united with the Lord Jesus Christ. (Revelation 19:7)

 

The rejected will be sent from the presence of Jesus Christ in anguish (“weeping and gnashing of teeth” - see Luke 13:28). For them is reserved the second death. (Revelation 20:6)

 

All of these passages relate to a personal judgement, but God will also judge the world because of its wickedness:

 

“God has appointed a day in which he will

judge the world in righteousness

by that man whom he has ordained, whereof he has given assurance unto all men in that he has raised him from the dead.” (Acts 17:31)

 

“...for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 26:9)

 

This global judgement will follow the personal judgement. Peter says:

 

“Judgement must begin at the house of God.” (1 Peter 4:17-19)

[Resource Manager]

The Kingdom of God

 

God’s purpose with the earth is to fill it with His glory. (Numbers 14:21) The return of Jesus Christ is essential to achieve this result.

 

He is to be the King on the throne of David. (Luke 1:32; Isaiah 9:7) Those judged worthy will rule with him. (Matthew 19:28; Revelation 5:9-10)

 

The nations, unaware of his return (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3), prepare for war. (Joel 3:9) The Bible speaks of Russia’s moves for world conquest in Ezekiel 38. The great battle of Armageddon will be God’s means of disciplining the nations. (Revelation 16:14-16)

 

The ownership of Jerusalem will be a key factor in initiating this war. (Zechariah 12:2-3) All nations will be drawn into the land of Israel to settle the issue. (Zechariah 14:2) The result will be the outpouring of God’s fury (Ezekiel 38:18) and his exaltation in the eyes of the nations. (Ezekiel 38:16,25; Revelation 19:15)

 

God will destroy those who would destroy the earth (read carefully Revelation 11:18). This is described as a sacrifice in which the justice of God in His vengeance upon the nations is acknowledged. (Ezekiel 39:17,19)

 

Daniel spoke of the overthrow of a great image by a stone as representing the overthrow of the kingdoms of men by the kingdom of God:

 

“In the days… shall the God of heaven

set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed

… it shall… consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.” (Daniel 2:44)

 

“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and His Christ.” (Revelation 11:15)

[Resource Manager]

The duration of the kingdom is spoken of as a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4,6) Jerusalem will be the governmental centre of the world. (Micah 4:2)

 

A temple will be built at Jerusalem for the nations to worship there (“a house of prayer for all people” - Isaiah 56:7) and the nations will be called to come up and worship. (Zechariah 14:16) If they do not respond to this decree they will be punished. (Zechariah 14:17-19) Most will willingly respond:

 

“Come let us go up ... to the house of the God of Jacob; and

He will teach us of His ways

, and we will walk in His paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Micah 4:2)

 

The economies of the nations will be adjusted to a rural basis

 

“They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruninghooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (Micah 4:3-4)

 

In that day God will remove the ignorance of the nations.(Isaiah 25:7-9) The same prophet tells us that wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of his times. (Isaiah 33:6)

 

The scriptures abound with a picture of the conditions that will exist in the kingdom. Note the following points:

 

(i) a rejoicing in Jerusalem and being joyful in the Jews (Isaiah 65:18)

 

(ii) a just and equitable rule for all classes of society (Psalm 72:2,12,13)

 

(iii) lasting and true peace (Psalm 72:3,7)

 

(iv) increased life expectancy (Isaiah 65:20)

 

(v) a secure inheritance (Isaiah 65:21-22; Micah 4:4)

 

(vi) an abundance of food (Psalm 72:16)

 

(vii) godly reverence and continual prayer (Psalm 72:5,16)

 

(viii) these conditions are summarised

as all nations being blessed in Christ

(Psalm 72:17)

 

(ix) the result is the purpose for which the kingdom was established - “the earth filled with God’s glory.” (Psalm 72:19)

 

A glorious picture of the results of the kingdom is seen in Revelation 21. Just a few of its expressions are listed below:

 

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow or crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4, read also vv23-27)

 

What a glorious hope the Scriptures offer! What a wonderful privilege to inherit the Kingdom with Abraham’s and David’s seed, even the Lord Jesus Christ!

[Resource Manager]

The Kingdom Restored

 

The Kingdom of God was established in the past in Israel - and will be established again in fulfillment of God’s promise to David, 2 Samuel 7:10-16.

 

This promise guarantees:

 

To establish both kingdom and throne of David and his “seed” for ever

(vv 12,13,16)

 

Bible testimony is clear that the Kingdom of God existed in the past on this earth. In fact, the Kingdom of Israel was the Kingdom of God:

 

• David says that God “hath chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the Kingdom of the Lord over Israel” - 1 Chronicles 28:5; 29:23
   
  
• God warns Zedekiah, King of Judah, “Thou profane wicked prince of Israel… remove the diadem, and take off the crown… exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high... I will overturn, overturn, overturn it; and it shall be no more, until he come, whose right it is; and I will give it him” - Ezekiel 21:25-27
   
  
• Jesus “shewed himself alive… speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God… the apostles… asked of him, saying, Lord wilt thou at this time restore again the Kingdom to Israel?” - Acts 1:3,6

[Resource Manager]

When Christ returns and restores the Kingdom of God:

 

• Immortalised disciples of Christ reign as King-Priests with Christ - Revelation 5:9-10; 2 Timothy 2:12
   
  
• Christ blesses all nations - Psalm 72; Isaiah 65:16-25; Galatians 3:8
   
  
• All mankind willingly serves God - Micah 4:1-4; Zechariah 8:20-23
   
  
• The objective of Kingdom to bring all mankind to God - 1 Corinthians 15:22-28, will be achieved, so that -
   
  
• After the millennium, God dwells with men - Revelation 21:1-5

 

It is clear that Christ’s coming Kingdom is on this earth because:

 

• God pledges Himself to establish for ever David’s throne and Kingdom of Israel in the hands of a descendant of David who is also son of God - 2 Samuel 7:10-16
   
  
• Jesus Christ is that descendant of David and son of God Luke 1:30-35

 

As a result of the establishing of the Kingdom of God by Christ:

 

• In the last days, all nations will worship at the Temple of God in Jerusalem and receive God’s law and word from there - Micah 4:1-4
   
  
• The inhabitants of many cities and strong nations will go up to Jerusalem to pray, and will ally with Israel, God’s people - Zechariah 8:20-23
   
  
• The kingdoms of this world become the Kingdom of God and Christ - Revelation 11:15 “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed... and it shall stand for ever” - Daniel 2:44
   
  
• In these ways, the Bible constantly emphasises that God’s Kingdom is in the future to be located here on this earth, just as it was in the past.

[Resource Manager]

The Condition of Mankind in the New World Order under Christ

 

Isaiah 65:16-25 describes the blessings of mankind under Christ:

 

• v16 Former troubles forgotten
   
  
• vv17-19 A new world order centred on Jerusalem a source of happiness to all
   
  
• v20 Sickness and death held at bay
   
  
• vv21-23 War and rapine will not rob God’s people of God’s blessings
   
  
• v24 God will hasten to respond to His people’s appeals for help
   
  
• v25 All nature will be pacified. Hurt and destruction will cease.
  

[Resource Manager]

Christ’s Return and Your Responsibility

 

Mankind perplexed, in anguish, with no way out - death - Luke 21:25-36

 

Christ will return to punish wickedness and rescue the world from itself - Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7; Acts 17:31

 

This hope comforts true disciples of Christ - 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 5:2, 23. 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 2:1,8; 3:5

Summary of Judgement

 

Christ will raise his disciples from death - John 5:25,28; John 11:23-26; Daniel 12:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:22-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

 

All, good and bad, disciples judged by Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:12; 1 Timothy 5:24-25; Romans 2:6-16

 

Faithful rewarded eternal life; wicked punished with eternal death - Daniel 12:2; Romans 2:6-10; Matthew 25:31-46

God Shall Judge in Righteousness

 

God the judge of all - Hebrews 12:23

 

Christ, judge of men appointed by God - Acts 17:31; John 5:27

 

The criterion for assessment of behaviour - the Word of God - John 12:48. The ecclesia first to be judged - 1 Peter 4:17. All responsible, both living and resurrected, are judged - Romans 2:6-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Both righteous and wicked are arraigned - Matthew 25:31.

 

All give a personal account of their deeds - Romans 14:12.

 

Secret thoughts and deeds are then brought to light - Romans 2:16; 1 Timothy 5:24; 1 Corinthians 4:5. Christ judges according to our deeds - 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 2:2,6. Rewards and retribution affect us bodily - 2 Corinthians 5:10.

 

The righteous rewarded with eternal life - Romans 2:7; Matthew 25:46. The disobedient rejected and cast back into the world Matthew 25:44-46; 22:13 to perish in World War III then raging - Matthew 25:41 cf. Revelation 19:20.

 

The likely place of Christ’s judgment seat - Sinai – Habakkuk 3:3; Deuteronomy 33:2; Psalm 68:17. A specific place appointed - Romans 14:10. Concealed from the world - Isaiah 26:20.

 

Believers are not to judge each other - Romans 14:10; Matthew 7:1. But, each believer should judge himself - 1 Corinthians 11:31-32.

[Resource Manager]

The Kingdom of God is Among You:

 

Does the Bible support the view that the Kingdom of God is not geopolitical, but “spiritual” or in believers’ hearts?

 

• Luke 17:21 says that “The Kingdom of God is within you” and is cited at times to suggest that the Kingdom of God is within believers’ hearts

 

BUT CONSIDER:

 

The margin: The Kingdom of God is among you

 

The people addressed were Pharisees (17:20), of whom Jesus said: “WITHIN ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity” Matthew 23:28

 

As being the king, nucleus and founder of the kingdom, Jesus is himself referred to as the kingdom that has come nigh Luke 11:20. Compare Mark 11:9,10 with Luke 19:38

 

The kingdom is a geopolitical realm on this earth, over which Christ will rule Daniel 7:27

 

Christ Will Return from Heaven Personally – Bodily - Visibly

 

• “While they (the apostles) beheld, he (Jesus) was taken up and a cloud received him out of their sight... ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” - Acts 1:9-11
   
  
• Behold, he (Jesus Christ) cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him Revelation 1:7

 

Christ’s Return and the Kingdom of God

 

• Immortalised disciples reign as king-priests with Christ - Revelation 5:9-10; 2 Timothy 2:12
   
  
• Christ blesses all nations - Psalm 72; Isaiah 65:16-25
   
  
• All mankind willingly serves God - Micah 4:1-4; Zechariah 8:20-23
   
  
• Objective of kingdom to bring all mankind to God - 1 Corinthians 15:22-28
   
  
• After Millennium, God dwells with men - Revelation 21:1-5

[Resource Manager]

Our Hope, but not Our Home, in Heaven

 

John 3:13 No man hath ascended up to heaven, but... the Son of Man ...

 

Acts 2:34 David (a man after God’s own heart - Acts 13:22) is not ascended into the heavens

 

Psalm 115:16 The heaven, even the heavens, are Yahweh’s: but the earth hath He given to the children of men

 

John 13:33 Whither I (Jesus) go, ye cannot come… and if I go… I will come again… that where I am, there ye may be also - John 14:3-4

 

• Great is your reward in heaven - Matthew 5:12 - the son of Man shall come... then shall he reward every man - Matthew 16:27
   
  
• An inheritance incorruptible… reserved in heaven for you - 1 Peter 1:4 - …ready to be revealed in the last time - 1:5 … at the appearing of Christ - 1:7
   
  
• Our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour... who shall change our vile bodies - Philippians 3:20

The Essential Steps to Salvation

 

God’s call by the gospel - 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

 

Belief of the gospel - Romans 1:16-17

 

Baptism into Christ - Mark 16:15-16

 

A life of faithful obedience - Romans 6:1,11-19

 

Gracious bestowal by God of immortality on all whom Christ judges to have fulfilled the first four steps - 2 Peter 1:2-11

[Resource Manager]

Personal Responsibility

 

The God who calls us is our Creator, Owner and Master - 1 Timothy 6:15. His command is law and absolutely binding on us - 2 Peter 2:21; Psalm 105:7-10; Acts 17:30. God’s command is to believe the Gospel and be baptised - Mark 16:15-16; Acts 10:47-48.

 

Any who do not believe will be held guilty and condemned - Mark 16:16; John 12:47-49; Romans 2:1-5,12; John 9:39-41; John 15:22,24; Amos 3:2; Luke 12:47-48; Acts 24:24-25.

 

Any who understand the Gospel yet refuse to obey it will be resurrected to face Christ’s judgment - John 12:48; Romans 2:1-5,12-16.

 

But those obedient to the Gospel will be rewarded with far exceeding blessing - Romans 2:6-7, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18.

 

God richly blesses us with strength to obey, persevere and overcome - Philippians 2:12-13 Ephesians 3:14-20; Romans 8:31-39.

Believing the Gospel

 

We were created to please God - Revelation 4:11

 

We please Him by hearing and obeying His Word - 1 Samuel 15:22-23

 

So belief of the Gospel is an indispensable condition for salvation - Romans 1:15-17; Hebrews 11:6; 1 Corinthians 15:1-2

Baptism is the Essential Consequence of Faith

 

Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:12; 2:38-41; 10:48; 8:38; 1 Peter 3:21

 

Baptism introduces us into Christ - Matthew 28:19; Galatians 3:27

 

By it our sins are “washed away” - Acts 22:16

 

Baptism is essential to righteousness - Matthew 3:15

 

The form of baptism is immersion - John 13:26; Luke 16:24

 

Hence it depends on “much water” - John 3:23

 

Baptism signifies death, burial and resurrection to a new way of life - Romans 6:1-7 And it demands a change in all who believe Ephesians 4:21-24

[Resource Manager]

BAPTISM

 

What is Baptism?

 

1. an act of obedience for remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
    
   
2. complete immersion in water (Acts 8:36-38; John 3:23)
    
   
3. an act essential for salvation (Mark 16:16; John 3:3-5)

 

The Word ‘Baptise’

 

1. The Greek word ‘BAPTO’ means “to dip or plunge”. It never means to sprinkle or to pour. The Greek word signifies not just immersion, but also a dyeing - the changing of the colour of a garment.
    
   
2. The first essential to a true baptism is an acceptance of the first principles of God’s revelation. (cp. Acts 8:36-37; John 3:16; 11:25; 17:3)

 

Baptism – A Symbol of Sacrifice

 

1. Baptism is a symbol of sacrifice. As Jesus gave up his life upon the cross, the true believer, by submitting to baptism, publicly declares that he will figuratively “crucify the flesh, with the affections and lusts.” (Galatians 5:24)
    
   The Lord Jesus Christ was himself baptised. (Matthew 3:13-15) His baptism prefigured His coming sacrifice on the cross, which he described as ‘a baptism’ (Luke 12:50)
    
   
2. Baptism a symbol of death, burial and resurrection.

 

(i) ROMANS 6

 

6:3 Baptised into Jesus Christ - 6:3 Baptised into his death

6:6 Crucified with Him - 6:6 Body of sin destroyed

6:4 Christ raised from dead - 6:4 Walk in newness of life

6:5 In the likeness of His death - 6:5 In the likeness of his resurrection

6:11 Dead unto sin - 6:11 Alive unto God

 

(ii) COLOSSIANS 2

 

2:12 Buried with him in baptism - 2:12 Risen with him

[Resource Manager]

Baptism – an Outward Symbol of Inward Washing

 

Ephesians 5:26

 

Baptism

 

1. Constitutes us as being ‘in Christ’ (Galatians 3:26-27)
    
   
2. Provides for the covering of our sins in Christ (Galatians 3:27)
    
   
3. Constitutes us as “Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29)
    
   
4. Is a symbolic sacrificial death (Romans 6:6)

 

An Unbaptised Person

 

Is not in Christ (Ephesians 2:12-13; John 3:3-5)

 

Steps to Salvation

 

The commission of Christ to his disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 was

 

1. Teach the people
    
   
2. Baptise them
    
   
3. Ensure obedience to the commandments

[Resource Manager]

The Christadelphian and the State

 

“Christianity was in its earliest days entirely unpolitical. The best representatives of the primitive tradition in our times are the Christadelphians, who believe the end of the world to be imminent and refuse to have any part or lot in secular affairs.”

(Bertrand Russell: ‘POWER, a New Social Analysis’ 1938)

 

Christadelpians are Pilgrims here - Hebrews 11:13

 

• Citizens of God’s Kingdom to come - John 18:36
   
  
• Obeying God rather than man where there is a conflict of laws - Acts 5:29; 4:19
   
  
• Serving God not mammon - Luke 16:13
   
  
• Realising Christ will abrogate all human government - Daniel 2:44

 

Disciples of Christ are Harmless as Doves - Matthew 10:16

 

• Resist not evil - Matthew 5:39; 1 Thessalonians 5:15
   
  
• Love your enemies - Matthew 5:43-45; James 2:8
   
  
• Avenge not yourselves - Romans 12:19
   
  
• He who takes “the sword will perish by it” - Matthew 26:52
   
  
• Servants of Christ may not now war - John 18:36
   
  
• Judge not that ye be not judged - Matthew 7:1-5; 1 Corinthians 5:12
   
  
• Recompense no man evil for evil - Romans 12:17
   
  
• Do not go to law - 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
   
  
• Do not take an oath - Matthew 5:33-37; James 5:12

 

Christ’s Example - 1 Peter 2:21-23

 

• He came to save not to destroy lives - Luke 9:56
   
  
• Did no violence - Isaiah 53:9
   
  
• Holy, harmless, undefiled - Hebrews 7:26
   
  
• Not a judge or divider in this age - Luke 12:13-14

 

Hence Christadelphians, because of conscience toward God, abstain from occupation as:

 

soldiers, non-combatant auxiliaries to military forces, civil defence, judges, magistrates, justices of the peace, jurors, prison warders, police, lawyers; and employment in munitions manufacture or military-related occupations.

[Resource Manager]

Life in Christ

 

We exist for God’s pleasure - Revelation 4:11

 

Because God is love - 1 John 4:8

 

Reflecting God’s love commends us to God - 1 John 4:16

 

By Christ we receive authority to become sons of God - John 1:12-13

 

Born of incorruptible seed to reflect God’s virtues - 1 Peter 1:22 - 2:10

 

Remade in God’s moral image – Colossians 3:9-17

 

By dwelling on God’s virtues - Philippians 4:8-9

 

So we imitate God’s ways - Ephesians 5:1-16

 

God has given us the means to keep Him at the forefront of our minds

 

His Name of Purpose - Exodus 3:13-15

 

Our probation carried on amid trouble - Acts 14:22

 

To develop perseverance - Romans 5:3, and hope - Romans 8:16-25

God brings us close to Himself in prayer for encouragement - Hebrews 10:14-23

 

God Himself strengthens us to overcome sin - Ephesians 3:14-21

And to do His will and proclaim His Truth - Philippians 2:12-16

Being not forgetful hearers - James 1:22-25

 

Being constant preachers of the Word - 2 Timothy 4:1-5

 

And walking in the Truth till Christ comes - 3 John 1-4

[Resource Manager]

THE HOPE OF ISRAEL

 

Promises to Abraham

 

As those seeking God we look unto Abraham, the friend of God (Isaiah 41:8). He is a pattern of one who pleased God and was therefore blessed by God.

 

Abraham is styled in the Scriptures “the Father of the Faithful” (Galatians 3:7; Romans 4:16).

 

Look at Galatians 3:8-9:

 

“And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify (declare as righteous) the heathen (or nations) through faith,

preached before the gospel unto Abraham

, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham

”

 

The gospel, the means of being blessed by God, was preached to Abraham (Genesis 17:4-6). So vital then is it that we examine the promises God made to Abraham.

 

Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation and several other Arab nations. He was called to leave the pagan and idolatrous city of Ur where he lived and to journey, in faith (Hebrews 11:8), to the promised land.

 

The first promise God made to Abraham is given in Genesis 12:1-3.

 

Note the following points:

 

1. it concerned a land that God would show him (v1) - Israel (Genesis 17:8)
    
   
2. it spoke of him fathering a great nation - the Jews (v2)
    
   
3. Abraham personally to be blessed by God (v2)
    
   
4. God would deal with others, as they had dealt with Abraham and his seed (v3)
    
   
5. Abraham would be the means of blessing finally coming upon all nations (v3)

 

The promise is expanded in Genesis 12:7:

 

“Unto thy seed

will I give this land

”.

 

And further in Genesis 13:14-17:

 

“

All the land

which thou seest,

to thee will I give it

, and to thy seed forever... arise,

walk through the land

...

for I will give it unto thee

”.

 

Emphasis in these promises is on:

 

• a land God would give to Abraham and his descendants for an everlasting possession
   
  
• a multitude of descendants (Genesis 15:5).

 

The promises definitely relate to the land of Israel and the Jews, and are an important aspect of Bible teaching (see also Deuteronomy 30:20 and 2 Chronicles 20:7). They also clearly have a wider application.

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Genesis 13:14-17:

 

And Yahweh said unto Abraham:

 

Look from the place where thou art, NORTHWARD, SOUTWARD, EASTWARD AND WESTWARD

 

• All the land which thou seest TO THEE will give it, and TO THY SEED for ever
   
  
• I will make THY SEED as the dust of the earth, so that if a man can number the dust... then shall THY SEED also BE NUMBERED
   
  
• Arise, walk through THE LAND in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give IT unto thee.
   
  
• What are the meanings and implications of a promise such as this of eternal possession of the hub of the globe by ABRAHAM AND AN INNUMERABLE POSTERITY?

 

Interpretation

 

Look from the place where thou art northward… 13:14

Walk through the land in the length... breadth… 13:17

All the land which thou seest... I will give… 13:15

 

• Hebrews 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise
  
• Acts 7:4-5 This land wherein ye now dwell... He promised that He would give it to him
  
• Romans 4:13 The promise that he would be the heir the world…
  
• Proverbs 11:31 The righteous shall be recompensed in the earth
  
• Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth
  
• Revelation 5:10 We shall reign on the earth
  
• Psalm 37:22 Those blessed of him shall inherit the earth…
  
• Psalm 37:29 and dwell therein for ever

[Resource Manager]

The Abrahamic Promise not yet Fulfilled

 

Israel’s partial and temporary occupation of the Land of Canaan did not fulfil the promise of eternal possession of it given to Abraham -

 

JOSHUA led in the 12 tribes of Israel and established them and testified:

 

21:43 Yahweh gave unto Israel all the land which He sware to give to their fathers; and they possessed it and dwelt therein

21:45 There failed not ought of any good thing which Yahweh had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass

23:14 Not one thing hath failed of all the good things which Yahweh your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass to you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.

 

These statements of Joshua’s are sometimes cited as evidence that the ABRAHAMIC LAND PROMISE has already been fulfilled - IS THAT what they say?

 

The Abrahamic land promise was not, and could not be, fulfilled by Israel’s partial and temporary occupation of the Land of Canaan in the past - because:

 

• The territory promised was from the River (Hebrew = NAHAR) of Egypt, i.e. the Nile, to the River Euphrates - Genesis 15:18
   
  
• But the largest territory ever occupied (under Solomon) was from the Wadi (Hebrew = NACHAL) of Egypt, 180 miles east of the Nile, 2 Kings 24:7, which was the eastern border of Egypt - 2 Chronicles 9:26 - to the River Euphrates
   
  
• To both ABRAHAM and HIS SEED God promised possession of Canaan for ever - Genesis 13:15; 17:8
   
  
• But this has not yet been fulfilled to Abraham - Acts 7:5; Hebrews 11:8,13 - Nor to his seed, since the work of Joshua failed to give Israel that eternal rest promised - Hebrews 4:8-9
   
  
• The promise to the Fathers referred to in Joshua 21:43 was that of Deuteronomy 11:23-25 to the FATHERS WHO COMPRISED THE EXODUS GENERATION, as interpreted by Josh 1:3

[Resource Manager]

Israel’s Regathering – Sure Sign of Christ’s Imminent Return

 

• Do you understand the meaning of these times? Christ’s disciples must - Matthew 16:1-3
   
  
• The source of this knowledge, the Bible - Amos 3:7 Israel’s future history charted at the birth of the nation - Deuteronomy 28:25,32-34,37,41,43,49-57,63-64,65-66; 30:1-5,6-9
   
  
• Israel to be regathered from world-wide dispersion in the latter days - Jeremiah 30:10-16; 31:7-12,27-34; Ezekiel 28:24-26
   
  
• God guarantees Israel an eternal future - Jeremiah 31:35-37; Jeremiah 33:20-21,25-26; 30:11
   
  
• Israel’s regathering - prelude to Christ’s second coming - Ezekiel 38:1-23; Zechariah 14:1-9; Luke 21:22-31

 

Ezekiel 38: A Prophetic Miracle

 

V 1-7 Rise of Russia to dominance over Europe and North Africa

 

V8-12 Russian invasion of Israel, at time of Israel’s regathering from long dispersion

14-17

 

V13 Opposition to Russian invasion, from Britain America, British Commonwealth and Arabs

 

V18-23 Intervention of Christ to overthrow Russia and rescue Israel

[Resource Manager]

Luke 21: Prophecy Certain of Fulfillment – 21:33

 

V22-24 Divine vengeance on rebellious Israel - dispersion and captivity

 

V24 Jews regain Jerusalem, when times of gentiles end

 

V25-28 World-wide distress at end of gentile times – followed by Christ’s return and our redemption

 

V29-32 Israel and many gentile powers regain national independence then, God’s kingdom is near

 

V34-37 So, take heed not to be caught unprepared for Christ at that time

 

Psalm 102

 

A prophecy of David, for a far future day, to encourage the generation of the time of Christ’s return with the great sign of his coming: Israel’s latter day revival

 

V12 Yahweh lives for ever, so Israel’s future is secure in His hands

 

V13 God has determined A SET TIME to favour “Zion” and regather Israel there. Then, manifested in Christ, He arises to help them

 

V16 When Israel returns to Zion, then is the set time for Christ to return

 

V18 This is written for a far future age, and for gentiles