Personal From... Christ's Kingdom Come!

EVERY NIGHT ── just beyond our locked windows and doors ── lurks, rapists, murderers, terrorists, and assassins! Not actors, but REAL people, who murder in cold blood. Such as Aiden Zellmer in 2017, who was 15 years-old at the time, sentenced to life with the possibility of parole after 40 years for the rape and brutal murder of 10-year-old Kiaya Campbell. It certainly makes you wonder what kind of world we are living in! 

What about July 13, 2024 ── the then former President of the United States and Republican Party nominee in 2024 for the presidential election, Donald Trump’s attempted assassination? What about April 15, 1865? What about November 22, 1963? In this present evil age, presidents, kings, prime ministers, heads of state ── and even those running for office are often assassinated. In Christ’s Kingdom to Come, this will stop! That is one huge difference between this evil and horrid world today and the kingdom to come ── when peace, world prosperity, and well-being for all people will come. 

What is the real cause behind all the violence, mayhem, cruelty, and crime ── the stench of our moral decay ── in a world in which 692 million people globally live in extreme poverty and squalor? 1

After the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan, and lying on a gurney in the trauma bay, a chest tube draining blood from his side, Reagan sought to calm down his wife, Nancy, with a quip. “Honey, I forgot to duck.” And just before he was put under for surgery, he cracked to his surgeons: “I hope you are all Republicans.”  Dr. Joseph Giordano, a liberal Democrat, replied: “Today, Mr. President, we are all Republicans.”

Today, my friends, “We should all be followers of Jesus Christ!” But, we should all also be in reverent fear of falling “into the hands” of an angry living God! (Hebrews 10:31). 

“You, Yourself, are to be feared; And who may stand in Your presence When once You are angry?” – Psalm 76:7.

What about the would-be assassin of President Ronald Reagan ── John Hinckley Jr.? He had an unhealthy fixation on an underage actress who was playing a 12-year-old prostitute! In 2016, a federal judge ruled that Hinckley could be released from psychiatric care as he was no longer considered a threat to himself or others. After his release, a person wrote on Instagram, “We do believe that ex-cons and people with mental illness can recover, and that we should want them to maintain hope that they can better themselves and earn a chance to rejoin society... but we are living in dangerous times.”

Yes. We are living in dangerous times! Our sick and violent societies, with their out-of-control immoralities, their permissiveness, their spirit of rebellion against authority, their pride, greed, envy, jealousy, and hate ── are producing mass murderers.

A 2025 report by USA Today headlined, “2025 is already on track for an increase in deaths from extremist violence.” A new report from the Anti-Defamation League shows the number of extremist murders this year has already exceeded 2024. 2 

Studies suggest that many mass murderers have experienced childhood trauma, personal crises, or grievances. They may also exhibit warning signs like social isolation, a history of violence, or suicidal tendencies. Access to firearms and exposure to violent ideologies can also play a role. 3 Also, the stereotype of a mass shooter is a white male with a history of mental illness or domestic violence. 

Lee Harvey Oswald, the supposed assassin of President John F. Kennedy, was described as withdrawn and temperamental by several people who knew him.

Giuseppe Zangara, who attempted to assassinate President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933, observers at the time and following his execution have discussed his mental state. Arguments have been made that Zangara was mentally ill, incapable of distinguishing right from wrong. 4 

What about ── Charles Guiteau, who shot President James Garfield in the back July 2, 1881 ── As Garfield entered the station, looking forward to a vacation with his wife in Long Branch, Guiteau stepped forward and shot Garfield twice from behind, the second shot piercing the first lumbar vertebra but missing the spinal cord. Guiteau announcing, “I am a Stalwart of the Stalwarts.” According to Brian Resnick of The Atlantic, Guiteau “worshiped” the Oneida Communities founder John Humphrey Noyes, with Guiteau once writing that he had “perfect, entire and absolute confidence in [Noyes] in all things.” 5 Guiteau’s own father believed him to have been irresponsible and insane. And, if you’ve ever seen a photograph of him, he had a wild-eyed, crazy look about him. 

Then ── Leon Czolgosz. The American laborer and anarchist who assassinated United States President William McKinley on September 6, 1901. While McKinley innocently extended his hand to Czolgosz, he slapped it aside and shot McKinley twice in the stomach at point-blank range. While many members of the crowd began beating Czolgosz, the gravely wounded McKinley said to them, “Take it easy, boys.” He died 8 days later of gangrene caused by the wounds. Czolgosz was a recluse. He had become impressed after hearing a speech by the anarchist Emma Goldman. 

Also, there was John N. Schrank, who was hallucinating and was obsessed with Theodore Roosevelt in 1912. He ended up shooting Roosevelt at point-blank range. Doctors at the time diagnosed Schrank as having paranoid schizophrenia.

Each of these men possessed a fancied but wrong cause, having emotional feelings of some personal animosity, feeling as if they were a man of destiny ── an instrument of God. Truly, how twisted and perverted in thinking a man can get regarding the LORD God!

John Wilkes Booth had written in his red leather diary, “Our Country owed all her troubles to him, and God simply made me the instrument of his punishment. The country is not what it was.” Booth was, unknowingly, referring to the wrong god ── he was referring to the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4).

On the day Garfield died, Guiteau wrote to President Chester A. Arthur, “My inspiration is a godsend to you, and I presume that you appreciate it. . . . Never think of Garfield's removal as murder. It was an act of God.”

Each of these assassins mentioned was a stereotypical “white” male with a history of mental illness or domestic violence. Each was a little man ── seized with a spirit of a satanic force, with illusions of a perverted sense of destiny. How can any nation protect us from such people? In this world ── they cannot.

But in Christ’s Kingdom to Come, it will be completely different! The physical men who will be in governmental office and authority will have the LORD God’s Law in their minds, and written on their hearts. “’ No more shall every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,’ says the LORD.” – Jeremiah 31:31-34. 

Let’s go over a quick study of what we mean by Christ’s Kingdom to Come. God’s living word speaks of three separate ages ── 

1.  The world, or rather the age, prior to Patriarch Noah and the Great Flood ── also known as the antediluvian period ── was the age that the Apostle Peter referred to as “the world that then existed” – 2 Peter 3:6.
2. The world after the Great Flood up to now is referred to by the Apostle Paul as “this present evil age” – Galatians 1:4. 
3. The world to come, or rather the age to come, our Lord Jesus Christ spoke concerning – “ ’── and in the age to come.’” – Mark 10:30; see also Matthew 12:32. And, He makes it clear what age He is speaking of ── “’ But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36) nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.’” ── Luke 20:35-36. The Millennial Rule of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Certainly, you’ve read Matthew 24:3, “ … And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” – NKJV. The disciples asked Him this two-part question some 1,992 years ago! It is referring not to the end of Earth’s existence like the false prophetess Ellen G. White taught, but rather to the end of this “present evil age.”

In this Personal From… let me give you a very short outline of what this glorious best-selling Book of books says concerning Christ’s Kingdom to Come. 

There is a most wonderful and awesome prophecy that foretold the birth of our Savior ──

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7) Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time FORWARD, EVEN FOREVER. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” – Isaiah 9:6-7. 

The same thing was announced to Mary, the mother of Jesus ──

“ …’ Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31) And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32) He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33) And He will reign over the house of Jacob FOREVER, and of His kingdom THERE SHALL BE NO END.’” – Luke 1:30-33.

Our Lord Jesus announced, “’ My kingdom is not of this world. …’” – John 18:36. His gospel message was His Kingdom to Come, of which He was born to be the King ── 

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2) As it is written in the Prophets: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ 3) The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.’” – Mark 1:1-3.

“ … Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15) and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.’” – Mark 1:14, 15. 

And truly ── the definition of a kingdom, “1 archaic: KINGSHIP. 2: a politically organized community or major TERRITORIAL unit having a monarchial form of GOVERNMENT headed by a king or queen.” 6 

1. A government.
2. A family unit that grows into a nation with its own government – i.e., the Turkish nation that is primarily composed of the descendants of Esau.

The children of Jacob ── whose name was changed to Israel ── would also grow into a kingdom. The kingdom of Israel.

Millions of people erroneously believe that the Church is the Kingdom of God. Yet, in 1st Corinthians 15:50-53, we clearly read “that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51) Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed ── 52) in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead [the dead in Christ] will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53) For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality, …”  

Sadly, the Mormons twist this into their belief ── “he means the works of the flesh and blood,” 7 ── even though this is not at all what the Apostle Paul was speaking about. “Flesh and blood” of the physical body as our present (note vs. 44) – cannot inherit the kingdom of God.

Notice the promise from our Lord Jesus to those who are converted, who have received the gift of the Holy Spirit in this “present evil age.” That when they are resurrected, they will be immortal spirit beings ── in His Kingdom to Come ──

“’ And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations ── 27) ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’ ── as I also have received from My Father.’” – Revelation 2:26-27.

Also ── 

“’ To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.’” – Revelation 3:21. 

Let us forever praise our God Most High, and our Lord Jesus Christ ── God’s living word teaches us that this “present evil age” is soon to come to an end when the SEVENTH ANGEL SOUNDS THE TRUMPET ──

“ … And there were loud voices in [the atmosphere], saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord [God the Father] and of His Christ, and He shall reign FOREVER AND EVER!’” – Revelation 11:15.

This is the MOST GLORIOUS AND WONDERFUL GOOD NEWS that has ever been announced! □

Bibliography

1 https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/opendata/september-2024-global-poverty-update-from-the-world-bank-revise.

2 Carless, W., 2025 is already on track for an increase in deaths from extremist violence: Exclusive, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2025. 

3 Noriega, D. and Owen, T., Nearly All Mass Shooters Since 1966 Have Had 4 Things in Common, Vice, 19 Nov. 2019. Gillett, T.M., New database compiles common traits of US mass shooters, Jurist news, 5 Feb. 2022.

4 Possley, M., AN INTRIGUING LOOK AT THE MAN WHO TRIED TO KILL FDR, Chicago Tribune archive.today, 18 Oct. 1998. Retrieved 30 April 2025. 

5 Resnick, B., This Is the Brain that Shot President James Garfield, The Atlantic, 4 Oct. 2015. Retrieved 30 April 2025.

6 Webster, M. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary Tenth Edition, Merriam-Webster’s Incorporated, 1996, pg. 643.

7. Ante-Nicene Fathers 3 §451, Tertullian 207 AD. See also:

https://fairlatterdaysaints.org/answers/Plan_of_salvation/Resurrection/Mormon_views_regarding.   

Some World News In Relation to Biblical Prophecy – April 29

Europe is considering spending even more funds to develop space aspects of its military (See Euronews—Europe's defence sector bets on space amid growing geopolitical threats). 

Certainly, the growing political divide between the United States of America and the European Union is continuing to push Europe to develop more of its own military technologies. Europe has the world’s largest physics project and is continuing to expand it! (‘CERN Wants to Build a Bigger, Badder Particle Collider’). Much of it does have military potential.

This, of course, is a grave risk to the United States of America and her Anglo-Saxon allies. 

Let us consider the LORD God’s living, immutable words ── 

“’ He [an end-time final European civic and military leader] shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South [an end-time final Islamic Confederation of Nations] with a great army. And the king of the South shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand, for they shall devise plans against him.’” – Daniel 11:25.

Yes. This is a two-fold, or dual, prophecy.

It was originally speaking of Antiochus Epiphanes. Verse 25 was originally speaking of another war with Egypt, this time at Pelusium, and Egypt lost. And it tells you why: because the counselors of the Egyptian king himself betrayed him. In fact, his trusted counselors turned against him. It says his own men plotted against him.

“’ At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through.’” – Daniel 11:40. 

The Trump/Vance Administration would not be able to stop this final end-time prophecy from occurring ── yet, it has given Europe pause to encourage its unification militarily. 

Let us notice in these two-fold prophecies, what a United States of Europe military will do ──  

“’ Thus he [an end-time final European civic and military leader] shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain.’” – Daniel 11:39. 

“’ Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger And the staff in whose hand is My indignation. 6) I will send him against an ungodly nation, And against the people of My wrath I will give him charge, To seize the spoil, to take the prey, And to tread them down like the mire of the streets. 7) Yet he does not mean so, Nor does his heart think so; But it is in his heart to destroy, And cut off not a few nations.

12) Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Lord has performed all His work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, that He will say, ‘I will punish the fruit of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his haughty looks.’” – Isaiah 10:5-7, 12. 

This, too, is a two-fold prophecy. Originally, the Assyrians under the later king Sennacherib invaded Judah around 20 years after the fall of Samaria. Sennacherib is successful in destroying and plundering a major portion of Judah. He actually besieges Jerusalem, but in the end the LORD God miraculously devastates his army.

Now, here we are getting ever closer to the ‘time of the end’ prophesied ── and certainly, the United States of America and her Anglo-Saxon allies have “the strongest fortresses.” The powerful nations with the strongest fortresses will be drastically weakened by an end-time powerful European “beast” power. And military technology (“a foreign god”), as well as deception, will be the major factors which contributes to this weakening of powers. This will cause the whole world to marvel. 

The Apostle John also saw this risen end-time final European “beast” power in vision ── 

“And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4) So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?’” – Revelation 13:3-4.

With a newly formed United States of Europe, people around the world will be in awe of its great military technologies and power. Europe is currently taking great strides that will lead to the final fulfillment of various two-fold prophecies.

And, for the last 6 years, we’ve been warning that advanced technologies will be a major factor in a United States of Europe being able to weaken the U.S. and her Anglo-Saxon allies.

God’s living word shows us that this final European “beast” power will have help from THREE UNCLEAN SPIRITS  ── 

“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon [a reference to Satan the Devil], out of the mouth of the beast [a final end-time European civic and military leader], and out of the mouth of the false prophet [a final Catholic religious leader]. 14) For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” – Revelation 16:13-14.

Notice that “all the world marveled, and followed the beast.” Why? Notice  ──     

“But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things.” – Daniel 11:38.

(See: Forbes - Moving Towards A Doomsday Weapon?).

This verse is dual. Spanning from the time of the Maccabees until the glorious and powerful return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

No one is going to think or imagine that a United States of Europe will have the military strength to weaken the U.S.A. along with its Anglo-Saxon allies.  

Also in the news concerning Europe ── it is frustrated with the United States (See: Euronews - 'The West as we knew it no longer exists,' von der Leyen says amid Trump tensions).

Of course, the European Union is interested in trade deals with the United States. But also, many nations want to make trade deals with the European Union. 

The EU is looking less and less favorably towards the U.S. ── and clearly feels that the U.S. is no longer leading the West. 

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is ── in essence ── saying that the U.S. is no longer the West’s leader. And that the U.S. is no longer a true ally, and that the world is beginning to look to Europe.

This alone is a very big deal. 

Notice Lamentations 1 ── 

“How lonely sits the city That was full of people! How like a window is she, Who was great among The nations! The princess among the provinces Has become a slave! 2) She weeps bitterly in the night, Her tears are on her cheeks; Among all her lovers She has none to comfort her. All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; They have become her enemies.” ─ verses 1-2. 

A once great and powerful nation that will be subjugated and weakened by her allies, who have become her enemies.

Notice this from Spiegel back in 2016 ── 

America Has Abdicated Its Leadership of the West 

14 November 2016 

For 100 years, the United States was the leader of the free world. With the election of Donald Trump, America has now abdicated that role. It is time for Europe, and Angela Merkel, to step into the void. 

Even history sometimes leans toward pathos. In January 2017, when Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th president of the United States, the American Age will celebrate its 100th birthday — and its funeral.

The West was constituted in its modern form in January 1917. World War I was raging in Europe at the time and in Washington, D.C., President Woodrow Wilson told his country that it was time for Americans to take responsibility for “peace and justice.” In April he said: “The world must be made safe for democracy.” He declared war on Germany and sent soldiers to Europe to secure victory for the Western democracies — and the United States assumed the leadership of the Western world. It was an early phase of political globalization.

One hundred years later: Trump. …

What will happen to the West, to Europe, to Germany without the United States as its leading power? Germany is a child of the West, particularly of the United States, brought to life with American generosity, long spoon-fed and now in a deep state of shock. The American president was always simultaneously our president, at least a little, and Barack Obama was a worthy president of the West. Now, though, we must come to terms with a lack of Western leadership. … 

America was long the benchmark for the West. But if Trump governs as he promised he would during the campaign, the land of the free will abdicate its role as leader of the free world. Then, it will be Europe’s turn.

(https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/trump-election-means-europe-must-now-lead-west-a-1120929.html).

Trump’s threats gave Europe the political will to spend more on defense. 

It is far worse now than his first administration. 

President Donald Trump has inadvertently accelerated the process of this happening,  as the President of the EU Commission has stated, “Everyone is asking for more trade with Europe.” 

Note: (Business Times - Europe and China must unite against Trump’s trade assault).

Truly, according to biblical prophecies, Europe will greatly benefit from trading more around the world.

Are you paying attention?  □ 

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Why Death?

by Leonard V Johnson

Why do people die?

God’s living word gives us the answer. 

The first mention of death is in the first Book of the Holy Bible ── 

“ …’ Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17) but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’” – Genesis 2:16-17. 

Both Adam and Eve ended up eating from the ‘tree of the knowledge of good and evil’ (Genesis 3:6). But, was it our first death that the LORD God was warning about? 

No.

The LORD God was not speaking of a first death ── our physical death caused by the second law of thermodynamics, also known as the law of increasing decay. Because, and I’ve mentioned this several times now ── that even if Adam had taken of the tree of life, he would die anyway, no matter if they were to choose the tree of life or the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Had they chosen the tree of life, they would still have lived out their days and died. But, like what the apostle Paul wrote, “at the twinkling of an eye,” they would have been resurrected wholly spiritual beings. Have you ever thought of this before? The LORD God was speaking of a second death ── a death in which you are not resurrected again. A permanent death (cf. Revelation 20:14; 21:8). 

Indeed, both Adam and Eve ended up dying (Genesis 5:5).

Now ── let’s ponder on this a moment. We certainly know that plants were able to die before Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden tree. Because they were to serve as food for humans and animals throughout the Earth ── 

“’ Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food’; and it was so.” – Genesis 1:30. 

Certainly, you would not dispute this truth. However, many will argue that plants are not thought to be “alive” in the same sense as humans and animals. Unlike humans and animals, plants are not described in God’s living word as being a “living being” – nephesh chayyah. However, plants do die in some sense (cf. Job 14:7-12; John 12:24), and this tells us that death is a process that was created by the LORD God.

Originally ── and I have spoken of this several times ── Adam, Eve, the land animals, the birds of the air, and every creeping thing were only to eat plants (cf. Genesis 1:29-30). Again, some will want to argue that the LORD God’s creation could not have been “very good” (Genesis 1:31) if there was death. Yet, we see that creation can still be deemed “very good” by the LORD God, even with death (speaking of our first death).

Logically, if there were no death and decay, there would have been rapid overpopulation ── without death, the population would grow exponentially, potentially straining Earth's resources like food, water, and living space. 

God’s living word teaches us ──  

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: 2) A time to be born, And a time to die; ... ” - Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2.

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23) But each one in his own order …” – 1st Corinthians 15:22, 23. 

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23. 

Now, a great many continue to teach that the Apostle Paul (the above-quoted passage) was speaking of a first death ── that, because of sin, men die. However, the Apostle Paul ── under divine inspiration ── is speaking of the second death. The wages of sin is DEATH. Remember, there was sin before the creation of Adam and Eve. Some angels sinned (2 Peter 2:4). 

And here is a crystal-clear passage that teaches that death (the first death) would eventually come to man ──

“And as IT IS APPOINTED FOR MEN TO DIE ONCE, but after this the judgment.” – Hebrews 9:27.

So, God’s living word teaches us that our God Most High, and our Lord Jesus Christ,  has a Master Plan for a gift of eternal life through our Lord Jesus!

While death and decay do happen to all flesh ── death is not the finality. 

Death itself is like deep unconsciousness. A deep state of unconsciousness is where a person is completely unaware of their surroundings or the passage of time. So, the dead are NOT SUFFERING AT ALL! God’s living word speaks of death ──

“For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, …” – Ecclesiastes 9:5. 

The understanding that death is likened to sleep is exactly what our Lord Jesus teaches us ──

“While He [our Lord Jesus] spoke these things to them, behold a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.’ 19) So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples.

23) When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, 24) He said to them, ‘Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.’ And they ridiculed Him.” – Matthew 9:18-19, 23-24; see also Luke 8:49, 55.

These things He [our Lord Jesus] said, and after that He said to them, ‘Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.’ 12) Then His disciples said, ‘Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.’ 13) However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep. 14) Then Jesus said to them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead.’” – John 11:11-14. 

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, uses the term “sleep” to describe their condition ── which is a euphemism for death that is found elsewhere in God’s living word (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).

Everyone knows what sleep is ── “a condition of body and mind that typically recurs for several hours every night, in which the eyes are closed, the postural muscles relaxed, the activity of the brain altered, and consciousness of the surroundings practically suspended.” We lose a sense of time during sleep. Seven to eight hours go poof! One main factor: Consciousness Shutdown. When we sleep, especially during deep stages like REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, our conscious awareness of the passage of time is essentially “turned off.” 

So, our Lord Jesus was speaking about death ── but He likened it to sleep because it was NOT the permanent, eternal death. Our Lord Jesus said that they were merely  “sleeping.” All who “sleep” in their grave will be resurrected unto life and hear His voice (John 5:28). He showed a foretaste of this by resurrecting those people.

The Apostle Paul also likened death to sleep ── 

“For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30) For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.” – 1 Corinthians 11:29-30. 

“Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.” – 1 Corinthians 15:18. 

“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed ── 52) in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet [the SEVENTH TRUMPET BLAST!]. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” – 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. 

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:13.

Brethren, we are comforted by the LORD God’s Master Plan ── which includes “the creation itself also will be delivered from the BONDAGE OF CORRUPTION into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. … 24) For we were saved in this hope, …” – Romans 8:20-25.

The CERTAINTY OF DEATH   

Throughout my five and a half decades of life, dozens and dozens of people I’ve known have died. Most were very close to me ── and I have cherished memories ── remembering the way they were, the things they said and did, their personality and character. Yet, they all died. 

In this modern world, for the most part, death is kept at arm’s length ── often ignored by most people. Sadly, people become immune to death ── it happens in video games, i.e., player characters (PC’s) when they are shot and “die.” ── and then the next time you play the game, that p.c. is “alive” again. Then, there is psychological distancing. People tend to push uncomfortable realities, like mortality, to the back of their minds unless directly confronted by them. It’s a form of self-preservation. DEATH HAS BECOME INDIFFERENT.  

“Only a humanity to whom death has become as indifferent as its members, that has itself died, can inflict it administratively on innumerable people” – Theodor Adorno.

However, as Benjamin Franklin was known to have said, “Nothing is certain but death and taxes.” 

Well… death is the subject. It’s time we admit that there is such a thing. And, it’s time we know the truth about it.

Contrary to a growing number of people, there is no “dead” person you can conjure up to talk to about this subject. Science cannot give you the truth. Many self-proclaimed “experts” say they know ── because, as they claim, they have died and come back. Yet, there is only ONE SOURCE from which you can receive the truth concerning death ── and that is God’s living word!

 God’s People Also Died

Both John the Baptist and James ( a brother of our Lord Jesus) were murdered. The LORD God allowed it.

The Prophet Elisha, who was one of the greatest of the LORD God’s faithful servants ── who even had raised many dead back to life again ── eventually became sick and died. 

“Elisha had become sick with the illness of which he would die. …” – 2 Kings 13:14.

Yet, he died in faith – “So it was, as they were burying a man, that suddenly they spied a band of raiders; and they put the man in the tomb of Elisha; and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet.” – vs. 21. The LORD God wanted no one to reason amongst themselves that the Prophet Elisha had lost faith, so He inspired this to have been written. 

The point is ── the LORD God’s servants do die.

It was merely time for the Prophet Elisha to die. He had served the LORD God faithfully. Elisha became sick, and the LORD God simply allowed him to die. In a sense, God took him from the evil that was to come. 

LIFE AFTER DEATH 

One cannot truly speak of death without speaking of life. Death (our first death) is linked to life.

Let us recall what the Prophet Job was inspired to say concerning life after death ── 

“’ Oh, that You would hide me in the grave, That You would conceal me until Your wrath is past [speaking of the prophesied Day of the LORD!], That You would appoint me a set time, and remember me! 14) If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, Till my change comes.’” – Job 14:13-14. 

The Prophet Job knew about the glorious resurrection of the dead! And so do those who know of the glorious promises of the LORD God! Your Holy Bible speaks of a RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD ── A RESURRECTION TO LIFE! 

The Prophet Daniel was inspired by God’s Spirit to write for us ── 

“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life [speaking of a FIRST RESURRECTION], Some to shame and everlasting contempt [speaking of a SECOND RESURRECTION].” – Daniel 12:2.

Later, when the time was fulfilled, our Lord Jesus quoted these same words ──

“’ For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. 22) For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23) that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. 

24) Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25) Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. …

28) Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice. 29) and come forth ── those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of [judgment].’” – John 5:21-29. 

So, our Lord Jesus Christ spoke of more than one resurrection. 

Let us also notice Revelation chapter 20, which I referenced above ── 

“And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls [the lives; the Greek word psuche] of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, … And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5) But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. …” – and then he finishes his thought concerning verse 4, “This is the first resurrection.” 

The RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD was the hope ── the whole heart and center of the glorious gospel message of our Lord Jesus’ early Church! It completely dominated the messages of the Apostles Peter and Paul ── i.e. 

“Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified and put to death; 24) whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, …” – Acts 2:23-24. 

God’s living word teaches us the RESURRECTIONS! It says nothing about the completely pagan doctrines of an “immortal soul,” or “going to heaven,” or “going to hell” when one dies.   

Be sure to watch our sermons, “'No One Has Ascended To Heaven'” and “Are the Dead In Heaven?” along with “Is There A Hell?”

The Apostle Peter goes on and emphasizes that even King David ── a man after God’s own heart ── that “he is both dead and buried” (Acts 2:29), and that “David did not ascend into the heavens” (Acts 2:34), but was rather waiting in his tomb, until the glorious RESURRECTION OF THE JUST!

The Apostle Paul was inspired to write a whole chapter concerning the subject of the RESURRECTIONS! The Apostle Paul ── again under the inspiration of God’s Spirit ── answered those questions that all people have since birth. 

“But someone will say, ‘How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?’”

And, again, his answer to this question ── a crystal-clear passage that teaches that death (the first death) would eventually come to man ── 

36) Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies.” – 1 Corinthians 15:35-36.

We would NEVER want eternal life living in these physical earthly bodies! As he says later, “For this corruptible MUST PUT ON INCORRUPTION, and this mortal MUST PUT ON IMMORTALITY.” – verse 53. 

And true to these questions, we all have since birth ── what about those nearly three thousand that died during the September 11 attacks? What about our sailors who died during the attack and sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis in 1945? What about our peoples who are cremated? WHAT ABOUT THEM? 

Is it IMPOSSIBLE for the LORD God because the original body no longer remains? 

Our Lord Jesus says, “’ Do not marvel at this!’” This is exactly what our Lord Jesus inspired the Apostle Paul to write, “ … The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 43) It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44) It is sown a natural [physical] body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. … 46) However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and AFTERWARD the spiritual.” – 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 46. 

Just as the Prophet Job taught, there is a complete CHANGE at the glorious resurrection! The resurrected person is given spirit life ── not any “zombie” body, maimed or mangled, shot or burnt, deformed or disabled physical body. 

“ … and we shall be changed.”   □ 

Additional Information:

The Two Resurrections (PDF online booklet)

What Happens After Death? (PDF online booklet)

Resist Satan, and stay steadfast in the faith

by Leonard V Johnson

Our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a commission ──

“ …’ Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16) He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be [judged]. 17) And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new [languages]; 18) they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.’” – Mark 16:15-18. 

Your loving support helps us in this commission of what our Lord wants.

Our Lord Jesus said, “’ Likewise, I say to you, THERE IS JOY in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’” – Luke 15:10.

Regarding demons ── ‘serpents and scorpions’ (slang terms, epithets. It’s like saying that a person is a “snake in the grass.” It's often used to describe someone who has betrayed your trust or acted dishonestly) ── notice what the seventy that our Lord Jesus had sent out to ‘heal the sick, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come to you’ reported back to Him ──

“Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.’” – Luke 10:17.

Yes! The demons are subject to the Name and Authority of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Certainly, demonic encounters are worldwide.

I, personally, have had several encounters with demons.

Once in 2006 ── After spending nearly two hours in prayer to Father God and our Lord Jesus in the truck, I went and had dinner in the truck stop restaurant. When I was finished eating, I was paying my bill at the register. A man came up behind me and suddenly stopped, backing away from me as if he’d seen a ghost. A frightened look came across his face! He wouldn’t come near me. After I paid my bill, I turned to move towards him, and he began shaking and looked as if he was ready to fall onto the floor. I just walked away from him without saying a word.

Once, as I was walking out of a truck stop, an exquisitely dressed black man began calling after me, “Hey, can I get a ride?” As I turned around, I saw that this well-groomed man was dressed in the finest dark suit I had ever seen, with gold cufflinks, a gold chain, a gold wristwatch, and shiny black dress shoes. A chill ran up my spine. As I kept walking, he began following me and called out again, “Hey, can I get a ride? I just got off the bus.” I had assumed that he meant a Greyhound Bus, although he didn’t have any bags or luggage, and I had hardly seen anyone in the truck stop, so I knew he wasn’t telling the truth. “No, I’m not going to give you a ride!” I said sternly as I continued walking away from him. He began to follow more briskly, “I’m just going down the road.” Then he stopped suddenly and yelled, “You’re not going to give me a ride!” – which was more of a statement than a question. Friends, this was a demon trying to trick me! I just turned and walked away from him. Did he recognize me and know that I would soon belong to Jesus Christ? Well, they certainly did recognize Jesus Christ when they said, “’ What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?’” – Matthew 8:29. 

Now mind you ── not all evil spirits try and confront us as directly as the sorcerer Bar-Jesus (Elymas; for so his name is translated) did with the apostles Barnabas and Paul (Acts 13:1-12). 

God’s living word tells a story about Simon, who had been practicing sorcery, and the people from the least to the greatest believed that he was a man of God. But he was not! ── Acts 8:9-24. 

Notice that Simon had been baptized ── without receiving the Holy Spirit. “And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money.” (vs. 18). And the Apostle Peter rebuked him sharply! This same Simon ── also known as Simon Magus ── would go on to deceive many, founding Roman Catholicism, usurping Simon Peter’s name, and declaring himself God on Earth and the first Catholic pope. 

This “exquisitely dressed black man” who tried to approach me, however, reminds me of an incident that the Apostle Paul encountered ──

“Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17) This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaims to us the Way of salvation.’ 18) And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’ And he came out that very hour.” – Acts 16:16-18.

Notice that this slave girl even says the truth concerning these men, who are true servants of the Most High God ── just as this “exquisitely dressed black man” said to me as a statement, “You’re not going to give me a ride!” 

Of course, that was not the only time that I believe a demon was sent to confront me ── Our next-door neighbor, upon moving into our home, I soon discovered he was being attacked by at least a couple of demons. There was a time when he came to our front door and knocked. Upon opening the door, he says, “Can I come in?” I invited him in, and we were having a good visit ── until I began to praise our Most High God and our Lord Jesus Christ. He suddenly became quiet, stared at me, and said, “If you mention God one more time, I’ll kill you!” I politely said, “You need to leave now.” After that ── when I would take a walk around our block, he would “finger gun” shoot me. I have since spoken at length to Almighty God and our Lord Jesus, that he would cease any interaction with me. Now he won’t even speak to me. I believe that he was (and or is) being tormented by at least two evil spirits. 

Truly, demons know who true Christians are ── as Acts 19:13-16 indicates ──

“Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, ‘We exercise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.’ 14) Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. 15) And the evil spirit answered and said, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?’ 16) Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” 

The very first time that I suspected an evil presence was about 1976. I experienced,  for nearly two weeks, every time that I began to drift off to sleep, I was struck on the head with something (or by someone) that wasn’t there. It would hurt something fierce.

In our societies worldwide, it appears that demonic influence is growing. Sadly, a great many people communicate with “angels.” Which is most likely demons. And, I was told by my wife just last night, that she often speaks to her favorite aunt, who died in 2010. I did not argue with her ── I just simply said, “Whatever comforts you.”

However, God’s living word warns us against this ──   

“’ When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. 10) THERE SHALL NOT BE found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11) or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or ONE WHO CALLS UP THE DEAD. 12) For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you.’” – Deuteronomy 18:10-12.

“ ’They provoked Him to jealousy with foreign gods; With abominations they provoked Him to anger. 17) They sacrificed to demons, not to God, To gods they did not know, To new gods, new arrivals That your fathers did not fear.’” – Deuteronomy 32:16-17.

“Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, …” – Colossians 2:18. 

“And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! …’” – Revelation 19:10.

Sadly, a great many television shows and movies directed at children encourage demonism. 

Certainly, while parents should truly worry about explicit sex scenes and outright vulgar language on television, there is also a danger ── that is blatantly out front for all to see ── witchcraft and demonism. One blockbuster movie that comes to mind ── the 1991 Addams Family Movie – in which Uncle Fester reunites with his family, and they entertain guests during a Halloween party by playing the “wake the dead” game! Many modern so-called family movies are encouraging children to talk to the dead. This is encouraging demonism. And, with Satan the Devil becoming ever more angry in his wrath, knowing that his time is growing shorter ── this will continue to increase until the glorious and powerful return of our Lord Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God! Because, as our Lord Jesus asks, “ …’ Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?’” – Luke 18:8. And, it’s not just faith in our Lord Jesus, but faith even in a Creator! 

YOU ARE NEVER TO CALL OUT OR WORSHIP THOSE IN THE DEMONIC REALM! 

Notice what the Apostles Peter and James ── under divine inspiration ── have written ──  

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walk about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9) Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” – 1 Peter 5:8-9. 

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. …” – James 4:7, 8. 

We are to resist Satan the Devil, and his demons ── not to ever call out to them! 

Brethren, Friends, and Co-Workers in Christ ── this is what all parents are to do ──

“’ Hear O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! 5) You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6) And these words I command you TODAY shall be in your heart. 7) You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.’” – Deuteronomy 6:4-7.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6.  

Instead, sadly, children are ── as was my niece, who was only 11 years old at the time ── encouraged to watch the movie Bob Marley – One Love! With its Rastafari message. And its mention of Haile Selassie I – who, among adherents of Rastafari, Selassie is called the returned Jesus. 

We should be warning our children to stay clear of messages like that and to stay clear of demons!

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, says to us ── because His message is timeless ──

“ … ‘ If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32) And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” – John 8:31-32. 

Let us always stay in the Word of God! □

Additional Item of Interest:

Do You Know Your Enemy? 

Be Not Ignorant of Satan

Lucifer ── Became Satan the Adversary

Forgiving Others ── Even If They’re Not Sorry

As true Christians, are we to be merciful and forgiving?

Yes.

“The merciful man does good for his own soul, But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.” ── Proverbs 11:17.  

Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us, “’ Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offenses come!’” – Matthew 18:7. 

As far as having mercy and forgiveness for someone who is unremorseful, the Apostle Luke, under divine inspiration of God’s Spirit, wrote ── 

“There were also two others, criminals led with Him to be put to death. 33) And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34) Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’” – Luke 23:32-34. 

Our Lord and Savior looked down at the Roman soldiers who were gambling for His clothes; the criminals on the crosses on either side of Him were reviling Him; and the religious leaders were mocking Him. Surrounded by this unremorseful lot, our Lord Jesus speaks to Father, ‘Forgive them, for they know not what they do.’

Unmatched mercy and love.

Friends ── we are to imitate our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ ──

“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 11:1.

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” – 1 Peter 2:21.  

The LORD God (the Elohim; the family of God, which at this time consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ) is the most MERCIFUL ──

“The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.” – Psalm 103:8.

FORGIVENESS AND MERCY MIRROR THE VERY CHARACTER OF GOD. Our Heavenly Father is truly a forgiving Father. And, we must be His forgiving and merciful children.

Mercy is an integral part of God’s living and eternal word. Mercy and forgiveness are important to the LORD God ── and They want us to know this. And this is why God’s living word teaches about these two important traits of God’s character.  

Our Lord Jesus speaks of mercy ──

“’ But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36) THEREFORE be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.’” – Luke 6:35-36. 

 The Apostle Paul speaks of mercy ──

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us.” – Ephesians 2:4.

Let us notice that love and mercy are tied together. Because if you want to properly develop love towards others, you need to be merciful ──

“’ Blessed and the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.’” – Matthew 5:7.

Brethren, Friends, and Co-Workers in Christ ── in what is called the Beatitudes, notice that this promise doesn’t say that the unmerciful will obtain mercy.

Everyone needs mercy ── “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23.

Our Lord Jesus warns ──

“’ How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest part of your income, but you ignore the important things of the law ── justice, mercy, and faith. …’” – Matthew 23:23, NLT. 

Mercy is extremely important ── and sadly, a great many who believe that they are worshiping God have the wrong priorities.

Notice this from the Apostle Paul ──

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” – Colossians 1:9. 

I continue to pray daily for those that have wronged me ── asking our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus to fill them with the knowledge of Their will and wisdom, and for them to spiritually understand their error.

Continuing ── 

“that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11) strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12) giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.” – Colossians 1:10-12. 

Suffering long includes being able to forgive those who have wronged you. 

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13) bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14) But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” – Colossians 3:12-14. 

Sadly, so many ── including some true Christians ── don’t want to forgive and let go.

It is for our benefit, brethren, to forgive. We need to forgive and trust in the LORD God to properly punish those who have wronged us and have not repented. 

The LORD God is the ultimate Judge. 

The LORD God is merciful. And we need to thank Almighty God for this mercy ──

“ … Mercy triumphs over judgment.” – James 2:13.  

We, brethren, should be exercising the fruits of God’s Spirit to become more like the LORD God!  

And yes ── it is difficult to forgive someone who has committed the most heinous of crimes. But, we should remember that it is Satan the Devil, who has deceived the whole world ── Revelation 12:9. Some people might be possessed by an evil spirit who commits such atrocious crimes. I do indeed believe in evil spirits, but I also believe in the reality of mental illness. I don’t think that they are the same (cf. Mark 6:13). Some mental health symptoms appear to the untrained eye as demon possession. Distinguishing the difference is important. 

Again ── the living words of God, “ … forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32. 

Let us never forget ── God has a Master Plan from the beginning! And, do not ever think that people are “getting away” with such heinous crimes. Notice what our beloved Apostle Paul wrote ── 

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8) For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption [or rather, death], but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” – Galatians 6:7-8. 

Sowing to the Spirit of God includes forgiving and having mercy on those who have wronged us.

Consider that all people will be judged by the LORD God ──

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18) Now ‘If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?’ 19) Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” – 1 Peter 4:17-19. 

 As true Christians, we need to forgive one another ── again ──

“ … forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32. □