God’s own words, found in the Old Testament, declare His plan to replace the old covenant with A NEW COVENANT. Jesus FULFILLS ALL OF THESE PROPHECIES, and all of the symbolism found in the system of priests, the tabernacle, and animal sacrifices. Knowing that JESUS CHRIST IS, undoubtedly, GOD’S REMEDY FOR OUR SIN, we should be encouraged in holding on to our faith in the face of persecution. However, that same confidence means SEVERE SPIRITUAL CONSEQUENCES for those WHO KNOW CHRIST’S SALVATION but CHOOSE TO ACT IN DEFIANCE OF GOD’S WILL.
“So do not THROW AWAY this CONFIDENT TRUST in the Lord. Remember the GREAT REWARD it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will CONTINUE TO DO GOD’S WILL. Then you will receive ALL that He has promised. “For in just a little while, Jesus Christ will come and NOT DELAY. And my righteous ones will LIVE BY FAITH. But I will take NO PLEASURE in ANYONE who TURNS AWAY.” But we are not like those who TURN AWAY from God to their own destruction. We are THE FAITHFUL ONES, whose souls WILL BE SAVED.” (Hebrews 10:35-39)
How could someone turn away from being gloriously saved? Remember what Jesus taught us about the Kingdom of Heaven. “…the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN be LIKENED TO TEN VIRGINS, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. And FIVE of them WERE WISE, and FIVE WERE FOOLISH (1/2 of the Kingdom is wise and 1\2 is foolish). The foolish ones took their lamps but TOOK NO OIL with them (this oil represents our relationship with God, how can they have NO OIL, because to them the things of the world are more important than the things of God). “But the wise TOOK OIL in their VESSELS WITH THEIR LAMPS.” While waiting they all slept, the cry was made “here comes the bridegroom.” “Go out to meet Him. Then all those virgins (remember they were all virgins, all going to church but only half of them had salvation) “arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said, give us some of your oil…the wise answered…No, lest there be not enough for us and you…go and buy for yourselves. And while they went, the bridegroom came. And they who were ready went in…and the door was shut…the other virgins came also, saying, LORD, LORD, OPEN TO US. (“…why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46)) But Jesus answered, Truly I say to you, I DO NOT KNOW YOU.” (Matthew 25:1-12)
WE MUST BE “BORN AGAIN, SAVED, REDEEMED” TO BE TAKEN UP TO HEAVEN.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham