Do True Christians Believe They Go To Heaven Upon Death?

PIRO4D

This, of course, is a subject that we’ve covered extensively throughout these fourteen years, but it’s a subject that has recently come up ── a doctrine that is at the heart of every worldly church. 

Do you know that you would be gobsmacked at what our Lord Jesus Christ would be preaching if He were to appear on Earth in human flesh and were to go on television for the whole world to see? His message would seem strange to you. Because it was odd to the people nearly 1,992 years ago when He was here on Earth. Because it was completely different from what they were being taught in their synagogues.

As it was today, the people had their synagogues, their mosques, their churches right there in Judea when our Lord Jesus Christ was on Earth. Yet, by that time, they had perverted the religion of ancient Israel, and they had completely warped His living word – the Torah. Besides, their teachings came completely from the Old Covenant, and here He was coming with a message of a New Covenant. They literally hated Him for what He was preaching. 

Well… my friend, we here at the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries preach and teach the very same doctrines as our Lord Jesus Christ preached ── and we too are shunned and hated for it. Our Lord Jesus had to give His life for you and me. And they murdered Him because they were scared of Him ── and they were afraid that they would lose their position and authority. They certainly didn’t like what He said, but they also didn’t like His personality; they didn’t like the fact that He hung around sinners ── with Him answering, “’ Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the [self] righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’” – Luke 5:31-32. And, they certainly didn’t believe a word He said. 

I just recently typed up a series of articles in relation to repentance and the glorious kingdom of God. And at the bottom of this article, I’ll leave you the six links to these articles. Read them and learn and grow in God’s grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But, indeed, you have to not only REPENT for salvation, but you have to BELIEVE! You’ve got to believe what our Lord Jesus says. And it’s not believe in Him ── many believed in Him at that time ── but we are to believe on Him; believe what He says. As we are aware from God’s living word, as well as secular world history, shows us that during the first century A.D., there were great uprisings, struggles, chaos, and strife, and a great many were murdered over the gospel message. Now… was it a gospel about Christ that He preached ── a gospel about Himself? And you know, my friend, this is the gospel you hear even today throughout all these worldly churches ── a gospel about Christ. How do I know this? Because, back in 2014, I was invited to attend a Sunday church in our local town. I went. And what they were teaching was a mixing bowl of this world’s politics and a message about Jesus Christ. A message of “communion,” and a “church with no sin.” I can show you my notes. You are hearing a gospel about the person of Jesus Christ, but not the gospel that Jesus Himself preached, and would preach if He were to be here speaking on Earth today as I am to you. And whatsoever is different ── well… that certainly seems strange. So strange, in fact, that ── and I’ve spoken of this story several times now - I was asked once by my sister-in-law why I didn’t believe in the “rapture.” And I began to slowly explain what God’s living word truly says and does not say concerning a “rapture” – along with the truth about death and what happens after death. She identifies herself as being a Baptist – she’s been baptized. But I proceeded to briefly explain what she needed to do to inherit eternal life. Her friend, who was with her visiting, began laughing loudly and mockingly at this gospel message. And she retorted, “We’re all saviors” ── whatever that meant. Sadly, her friend died two weeks later. Was that her last chance to hear the living truth of God in this life?

Do you ever stop and truly consider why you believe what you do? Because there are so many religions throughout the world, there are so many different denominations and sects even within what this world calls “Christianity.” But they all have one thing in common. Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and even Zoroastrianism all have different takes on what heaven is. And, religions like this world’s Christianity and Islam believe that heaven is their destination, while religions such as Hinduism believe in the circle of life ── hence the false doctrine of reincarnation. This world’s Christianity all teaches its own gospel about Jesus Christ, and in detail, they are all different from one another. And, of course, they all believe that they have the truth ── and that everyone else is wrong. 

Yet ── and here’s the kicker, pay attention ── your Bible says that all are deceived by that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan! – Revelation 12:9. And also, your Bible says that the LORD God would send a voice “of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Make straight the way of the LORD’” – cf. Malachi 4:4-6; Matthew 3:3; John 1:23, speaking of John the Baptist. To make straight the Way of the LORD God! Preaching ‘Repent, for the kingdom from heaven is at hand!’ Preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God.

Yes. The people didn’t want to hear this message then ── and they don’t want to hear this message today. With today’s generation of “I want it now, and I want it my way!” these worldly churches preach their gospel as “If you’re good, you go to heaven when you die. If you’re bad, you’re going to hell.” And this is what we’re getting into today. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ was as clear as a cloudless bright blue sky ── in John chapter 3 and verse 13 ── “’ No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.’” So, nobody else has gone to heaven! Yet, they preach that you’re going to heaven.

Our Lord Jesus Christ DID NOT preach ‘going to heaven,’ and He did not come preaching about Himself. He did not come saying, ‘Look at Me! Just believe in Me with all your heart and you will be saved.’ He didn’t preach this ── yet, this is what is being preached around the world today. 

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, did not preach ‘going to heaven.’ He preached, “’ The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe [and obey] in the gospel.’” – Mark 1:15. He preached repentance and the kingdom of God ── that His kingdom is coming to Earth, and that He would be King of kings and Lord of lords ruling. And He preached that His servants and His true saints that are converted ── that have properly repented, been baptized with hands laid upon them, and having received the glorious Holy Spirit ── will be born again in a glorious resurrection and will co-rule with Him on THE EARTH. 

Notice what He says in Matthew, the 19th chapter. Verses 27 & 28 ── “Then Peter answered and said to Him, ‘See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?’ So Jesus said to them, ‘Assuredly I say to you, that IN THE REGENERATION, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.’”  

So, notice the word “regeneration.” In Greek, the word is palingenesia, meaning “renewal; rebirth.” 1 It’s a rebirth – born again. When the Son of Man shall sit on the throne of His glory, you shall sit upon 12 thrones – the 12 apostles on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of the house of Israel.

Where will they be judging? In heaven? On earth? Let’s look at God’s living word to see. Revelation, chapter 2, verses 26 & 27 ── “’ 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’ ── …’” So, the nations ON EARTH shall be ruled with a rod of iron (meaning, with strict discipline). “’ 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. 

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is sitting on the throne of His Father in the upper heavenly realms. And we are told by Him that if we overcome, we’ll sit with Him on His throne (see: Daniel 7:13-14). We will then sit with our Lord Jesus on His throne when He comes.

Gabriel had told Mary in the 1st chapter of the Book of Luke, “ …’ 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.’” – Luke 1:30, 31. Notice this about our Lord Jesus, which Gabriel said to Mary, “’ 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.’” – vs. 32. 

That throne was in Palestine ── was in Jerusalem. The throne of His father David. “’ And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.’” – vs. 33.

Now… staying here in the Book of Luke, chapter 19, we see what our Lord Jesus was actually preaching ── 

“Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. 12) Therefore, He said: ‘A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. 13) So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’” – Luke 19:11-13.

This pictures our Lord Jesus Christ returning to the upper heavenly realms, receiving a kingdom, and then returning. “’ But his citizens hated him, …’” And, this pictures the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi. They hated Him “ …’ and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’” – vs. 14. They rejected our Lord Jesus as a Ruler, and they rejected His message – a message of His government. They rejected His New Covenant, His Commandments. 

“’ And so it was that when he returned, …’” – Of course, this pictures His glorious and powerful Second Coming! “ … ‘have received the kingdom, …’” – There will be a large coronation and crowning with His saints in low-earth-orbit just before His feet stand again upon the Mount of Olives (Daniel 7:13-14; Zechariah 14:1-4). “ … ‘he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, …’” – And the money represents merely the glorious Holy Spirit, that He has given to see how much more each has gained. (vs. 15).

Then came the first saying, “ …’ Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’” – vs. 16. This servant had multiplied what our Lord Jesus had given him. “’ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’” – vs. 17. Our Lord Jesus is talking about the glorious kingdom of God! Because that is the gospel He preached. And here, this servant, who had grown spiritually and who had multiplied the Spirit that was given to him, the gifts of the Spirit ── 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

• The Word of Wisdom
• The Word of knowledge 
• Faith
• Healings
• Working of Miracles
• Prophecy 
• Discerning of spirits
• Languages     

Then, the next one came, saying, “ …’ Master, your mina has earned five minas.’” – vs. 18. So, this servant had only gained half as much. “’ Likewise, he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.’” – vs. 19. But, then came one that said, “ …’ Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief.’” – vs. 20. He had gained nothing. He had just kept what was given to him ── he thought “Once Saved, Always Saved.” 

And our Lord Jesus said to those who stood by, “ …’ Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.’” – vs. 24. He didn’t even make it into the glorious kingdom of God! “’ But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.’” – vs. 27. 

So, we must grow spiritually, we must overcome. 

Turning to the 5th chapter of the Book of Revelation, we see that we’re going to reign with our Lord Jesus Christ! ──

“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10) And [will make] us [a kingdom] and priests to our God And we shall reign ON THE EARTH.’” – Revelation 5:9-10.

We (God-willing) shall reign ON THE EARTH, not in heaven. This alone shows us that we are not going to the upper heavenly realms ── what God’s living word calls the “Third Heaven” – see: 2 Corinthians 12:2. Heaven is not what our Lord Jesus Christ has promised. 

Turning back into the Old Testament, to the Book of Isaiah, we see the prophecy of the coming of our Lord Jesus ── “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And THE GOVERNMENT will be upon His shoulder.” Notice, “the government.” You don’t hear too much about “the government” – you hear more about how the ‘kingdom is set up in the heart of man.’ The kingdom of God shall be upon His shoulder. “And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 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, even forever. …” – Isaiah 9:6-7.

Notice also verse 14 of chapter 7. “Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”   

The name Immanuel means, “God with us.” And the name Jesus is Iēsous, meaning “Joshua, ‘Yahweh saves.’” Immanuel ── God in human flesh. And this shows Him as God as a Savior (see: John 1:14).

So, our Lord Iēsous came as a Savior to save us from our transgressions. And He also came to rule and reign in His kingdom. The two go hand-in-hand.

Now, a government has to have law. Have you ever heard of a government that had no law or a constitution? What is law? In Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, the definition is:   

1law \’lȯ \ n [ME, fr. OE lagu, of Scand origin; akin to ON lọg law; akin to OE licgan to lie ── more at LIE] (bef. 12c) 1 a (1): a binding custom or practice of a community: a rule of conduct or action prescribed or formally recognized as binding or enforced by a controlling authority. 

Our conduct ── not only with our neighbors, but also our conduct with our Lord God Almighty, our love toward God.

And what is the definition of sin according to the LORD God? “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and SIN IS LAWLESSNESS.” – 1 John 3:4. And, what is Law according to the LORD God? Well… there was a person who came to our Lord Jesus and asked, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” And our Lord Jesus answered, “ …’ if you want to enter into life, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS.’” And our Lord Jesus names a few of the spiritual commandments. The Law of God is spiritual. It defines our human relationships and our relationship with the LORD God.  

Our Lord Iēsous came because God the Father “’ so loved the world,’” having given His only begotten Son to a world that spat in His face, having placed a ‘crown of thorns’ upon His head, murdering Him by Roman crucifixion. He gave His life for all of us. A world that God the Father loves. It’s a love that we are not naturally born with. It’s a love that only the LORD God can gift us with. And our Lord Jesus Christ says that we must repent ── we must repent of our transgressions against the Law of God. Now… God’s Law doesn’t make rules on how to build an airplane, but it gives us the Law on how we are to conduct ourselves when building and distributing said airplane.

And we’ve been living in a wrong relationship toward the LORD God and toward our neighbors. We all have ── and all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. That is what is wrong with this present evil age. I have sinned. You have sinned. Our Lord Jesus came to pay the penalty of our sins ── if we repent of them. And, repentance means to turn around and stop sinning, to begin obeying the LORD God’s holy and righteous commandments.

God’s commandments are the foundation upon which His government resides. Notice what our Lord Jesus says in Matthew 5th chapter ── “’ Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. …’” – which means the Old Testament. “ … ‘I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away [a reference to Revelation 21:1-2], one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.’” – verses 17 & 18.  

The word “fulfill” means to obey. That’s what it means by obedience. □

1) The Strongest Concordance of the Bible, 21st century ed. 2001. ISBN 978-0-310-23343-5 (hardcover), #3824, pg. 1633. 

Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries: Sign of the Times

Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries: Repent ── and Surrender to God!

Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries: What Are the Requirements For the Kingdom of God?

Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries: The Gift of God ── Eternal Life

Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries: The Kingdom of God is at hand

Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries: Tares Among the Wheat

 

Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries: Why Are We Here? ── Earth Is Unique In the Universe

Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries: Next Phase In God’s Master Plan… From the Beginning

What Happens After DEATH? PDF online booklet

'No One Has Ascended ── To Heaven' PDF article

What is the TRUE GOSPEL? PDF article

Do you understand Ezekiel 37?

by Leonard V Johnson

Greetings, Brethren and Friends. Welcome, Nakuru, Kenya, Ashburn, VA, Forest City, NC, and Madrid, Spain! Welcome! I’m so pleased to be with you today. 

Ezekiel 37 helps show us that people who were dead - and not in Christ Jesus - will indeed be resurrected to the flesh and live again, having a true opportunity for salvation unto immortality and eternal life. 

“The hand of the LORD came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. 2) Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. 3) And He said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ So I answered, ‘O Lord GOD, You know.’

4) Again He said to me, ‘Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5) Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: ‘Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. 6) I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the LORD.’

7) So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8) Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. 

9) Also He said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.’ 10) So I prophesied as He commanded, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. 

11) Then He said to me, ‘Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ 12) Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13) Then you shall know that I AM the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. 14) I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it,’ says the LORD” - Ezekiel 37:1-14; NKJV throughout, unless otherwise noted.

Now, will salvation be offered to all who have ever lived or will live?

Yes. 

Related to this, we made the following video sermon  ──

Let us notice just what the Old and New Testaments plainly teach us ──

“’ And all flesh shall see the salvation of God’” - Luke 3:6.

“ ... And all the ends of the earth shall see The salvation of our God” - Isaiah 52:10. 

The Prophet Micah ── under divine inspiration ── 

“Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea” - Micah 7:18-19.

So, with what we just read above, is the LORD God going to pardon sin (iniquity) for only a few or nearly all? The LORD God does not stay angry forever; He delights in mercy. And, as the Prophet Micah continued here, the LORD God will indeed give TRUTH to Jacob and MERCY to Abraham, which He swore to our fathers of old.

And, if you would turn to Ezekiel 11 and Ezekiel 36. They both record for us that the LORD God is going to convert many sinners and that they will walk in His statutes - His LAW ── 

“ ... ‘Although I have cast them far off among the Gentiles, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet I shall be a little sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.’ 17) Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘I will gather you from the peoples, assemble you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.’ 18) And they will go there, and they will take away all its detestable things and all its abominations from there. 19) Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, 20) that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God’” - Ezekiel 11:16-20. 

“’ For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all the countries, and bring you into your own land. 25) Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your IDOLS. 26) I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27) I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

28) Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people and I will be your God. 29) I will deliver you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and multiply it, and bring no famine upon you. 30) And I will multiply the fruit of your trees and the increase of your fields, so that you never again bear the reproach of famine among the nations. 31) Then you will remember your evil ways and your deeds that were not good; and you will loathe yourselves, in your own sight, for your iniquities and your abominations. 

32) Not for your sake do I do this,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘let it be known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel.’ 

33) ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will also enable you to dwell in the cities, and the ruins shall be rebuilt. 34) The desolate land shall be tilled instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass by. 35) So they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden; and the wasted, desolate, and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’ 36) Then the nations which are left all around you shall know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate. I, the LORD, have spoken it, and I will do it.” - Ezekiel 36:24-36.

Now, friends, this great and awesome prophecy has not been fulfilled by the Jews who have gone back to the nation called Israel in the Middle East. God has not given them a ‘new heart and a new spirit.’ The LORD God indeed has a Master Plan of salvation for all those who may feel lost.

The Prophet Daniel - under the great inspiration of God's Spirit ── 

“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3) Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever” - Daniel 12:2-3.

This shows us that DEATH IS LIKE SLEEP. It's also referring to a resurrection. As I wrote in our Letter to our Friends – November 12th, 2019 ──           

The Prophet Daniel foretold this grave time happening BEFORE the SEVENTH TRUMP OF GOD – “At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people [the spiritual saints of God] shall be delivered, Everyone who is found written in the Book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some [those who have committed the ‘unpardonable sin’] to shame and everlasting contempt” – Daniel 12:1-2.

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in John 5:28-29 emphatically said ── 

“’ 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 condemnation [or judgment].’” 

Sadly, this is something that mainstream “Christianity” ── which includes the MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH, the Roman Catholic Church ── does NOT properly understand! 

Here are a few inaccurate views from some of the different denominations of this world ── 

• Certain Protestants and Evangelicals: God is trying to save everyone NOW through the name of Jesus Christ. However, since most have not heard the Message of Christ, most who have lived or will live are eternally lost.
• Universalists: God loves everyone and will save everyone.
• Calvinists: God isn't trying to save everyone now and never really plans on truly offering salvation to all because all humans are sinners and deserve eternal damnation. Yet, God is so merciful that He sent His Son to die for a few (roughly 1-3% of the total population) who were predestined to be called and saved, and this shows that God has love. Nearly all who have ever lived are eternally lost. 
• Mormons (a.k.a. the Latter Day Saints): God, since He will not condemn those who - for no fault of their own - have not accepted Christ, that He will save many through baptism for the dead, and their later, hoped-for acceptance of Jesus. So, they try to find the names of the dead through genealogical research and have people baptized by proxy for them. 
• Eastern Orthodox: They tend to believe that God's Plan of salvation is highly sacramental, and teach that His Plan is not one of terror, but that God may save people up through the time of the ‘Great White Throne Judgment.’ 
• Unitarians: God does not truly care what you believe or even if you do, but if you try and lead a decent life, He will save you. Now NOTE: This is not really the position of unitarian groups such as the Jehovah's Witnesses and many others, yet, the position of those generally known as Unitarians.
• Catholics: God wants to save everyone, yet most will not be saved. Despite never hearing the name Jesus Christ, God has a plan and will save some from the pagan religions who strive to live right, and will give salvation to Catholics who have gone through the right sacraments at the appropriate time. 

God's living and holy WORD teaches that God created all things and that ‘indeed it was very good’ (Genesis 1:31), and ‘whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this, we know that we love the children of God when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments ...’ (1 John 5:1-3). The LORD God made man upright (Ecclesiastes 7:29), but humans felt that they could decide what is right and what is wrong (Genesis 3:6) - yet, such disobedience leads to death (Romans 6:23). Eternal death. So, because of this transgression, the LORD God banned humans from having access to the tree of life (which represents His Holy Spirit) on their own (Genesis 3:22; John 6:44) - even though the Lord GOD had a Plan of redemption for all mankind “from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8).

The LORD God has allotted mankind 6,000 years of rulership over themselves to live how they want. However, mankind will come to the very brink of human extinction (Matthew 24:22; Daniel 12:1). 

And, because the LORD God’s mercy includes His Plan for the forgiveness of all sins (Acts 13:38) and that Almighty God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ are love (1 John 4:8, 16; John 3:16), They will intervene and send the living Jesus Christ to establish His Kingdom upon this earth (Revelation 11:15; 20:4).

After our soon-coming “King of kings and Lord of lords’” Millennial reign, all who ever lived will be resurrected (Revelation 20:5). And then ── 

“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God [Theos; God the Father], and books [the biblos; the Holy Bible] were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books [the Holy Bible]” - Revelation 20:12.

And God the Father and Jesus Christ will plead Their case (John 10:30) ── 

“The LORD stands up to plead, And stands to judge the people” - Isaiah 3:13. 

“’ A noise will come to the ends of the earth - For the LORD has a controversy with the nations; He will plead His case with all flesh. He will give those who are wicked to the sword,’ says the LORD” - Jeremiah 25:31. 

And friends, concerning WHY Satan the Devil and his demons are released for a “short season” immediately after the Millennial Reign - Revelation 20:3b … because immediately he goes out to the four corners of the world – to Gog and Magog (Siberia, China, Russia area) to gather them together to battle against the beloved city of God and of the saints. And dead bodies will be piled high when the “Great White Throne” resurrection occurs.

Nearly all who have ever lived will repent and accept Jesus Christ and will begin living the LORD God's Way of life.

GOD is love (1 John 4:16), it is crystal clear that He indeed has a Master Plan that takes into account EVERY human being (cf. 1 Peter 1:20-21). Almighty God and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ indeed developed a Plan that does not result in the vast majority of humanity suffering untold torture in the false doctrine of a hell. His ultimate Plan will result in nearly everyone who has ever lived, no matter what their religious background was, being saved. And there are literally hundreds of passages within His living word to this fact! THIS IS GOD’S WILL (2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16, 17).

Indeed, the LORD God’s holy days reveal to us a most merciful and loving plan for all mankind! The LORD God forever be praised! Yet, because the greater majority who profess Christ keep non-biblical holy days (or rather holidays) ── such as Easter, Christmas, Halloween, St. Valentine’s Day, and even New Year’s ── worldly holidays that do not teach you God’s Master Plan… From the Beginning, they simply do not understand that God indeed has a plan that will ultimately result in nearly everyone who has ever lived or will live being saved!

Our Master, Elder Brother – our Savior, Jesus Christ – was very clear that only a few will find the Way during this present evil age ── 

“’ Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life [eternal life], and there are few who find it.’” - Matthew 7:14. 

“’ Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.’” - Luke 12:32. 

“Then one said to Him, ‘Lord, are there few who are saved?’ And He said to them, 24) ‘Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.’” - Matthew 12:23-24. 

Many will be called, but few chosen in this age (Matthew 22:14). And, there is an age to come (Matthew 12:32), where even infamous sinners will indeed have an opportunity for salvation (cf. Matthew 10:15; 11:22).

Our Lord Jesus called His Church in this age, a ‘little flock’ which will be around until His return to this earth. 

So, God’s living and eternal word says ──  

“’ And all flesh shall see the salvation of God’” - Luke 3:6. 

So then those who do not truly see or hear what God's Spirit says in regards to His great Master Plan of salvation will have it explained to them. And this is part of what the Last Great Day pictures.

“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38) He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” - John 7:37-38.

The Last Great Day helps demonstrate that all who have ever lived will indeed have an opportunity for salvation. An opportunity that most will accept (John 7:37-39; Romans 11:25-26; Ezekiel 37:11-14; Hebrews 9:27-28).

This indeed is part of what Ezekiel 37 is about. □

Additional Related Items:

The Two Resurrections (PDF booklet)    

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DEATH? (PDF booklet)

The TRUTH Concerning New Year's (PDF booklet)

The LIE of HELL! (PDF booklet)

ChristMas... Its Origin (PDF booklet)

Is God Judging You ── Now?

by Leonard V Johnson

We’ve been seeing in the news about the untimely deaths of several celebrities. I’m sure you have thought about what has happened to your loved ones and friends who have died. Do you know what our Lord Jesus Christ said concerning this? Because most people don’t know the truth of God in this matter. Our Lord Jesus said in the Book of John, chapter 5, and verses 28 & 29, “’ 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 [which means, those who have not kept the holy and righteous commandments of God], to the resurrection of [judgment].’”

And, this is what I want to speak about today. Judgment. Is God judging you – now?

I saw a photo that had several dead celebrities who just died this year together as a group, floating on a cloud ── I guess they were all supposed to be in heaven. Is this where they are? Well… our Lord Jesus taught a resurrection from the dead. Why is it that most do not properly understand this resurrection from the dead?

As you change the channel on your television and search through all the televised church services this Sunday, in nearly all religious broadcasts, you will only hear preaching about this life. Yet, we are told in the likes of 1st Corinthians, chapter 15, and verse 19 ── “If IN THIS LIFE ONLY we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” Our Lord Jesus Christ’s gospel Message has a large portion to do with LIFE AFTER DEATH. 

Under the divine influence of God’s Spirit, the Apostle Paul wrote ──

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ, all shall be made alive.” – vs. 22. 

So, everyone we have ever known ── family members and friends ── who has died, they all died in Adam. And, in Christ Jesus shall all be made alive again! 

God’s living word teaches us of a resurrection from the dead. But, why is it that people preach that if a person lived a “good” life (or has been immediately “saved” before death), they immediately go to heaven or if the person has not lived a “good” life (by whatever standard is placed upon what their definition of “good” is), they immediately go to hell and are burned and burned and burned ── and burned some more ── for ever and ever?

God’s living word says ── and I was absolutely gobsmacked when I saw this back in the year 1981 ── that “the wages of sin is death, …” – Romans 6:23. And like our dear brother and friend, Leon Daniels, just recently asked ── What do the Sunday keepers do with these Scriptures? Because, apparently, they believe that the wages of sin is everlasting life. Now… wages are what you get paid for what you do. And if sin is what you did, then your wages is going to be death. It’s not going to be hell with burning everlasting. That is not true at all. Why do they not teach God’s living truth? 

Brethren, Friends, and Co-Workers in Christ ── we are living in a world with some amazing and astonishing technology and advancements! Like Elon Musk’s new Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot! And, SpaceX ── just to mention a couple. Yet, on the other hand, we are living in a world of evils that are unimaginable! This world is suffering with heartaches, evils, and troubles the likes of which I cannot imagine. This world is full to the brim with strife and violence and unhappiness and grave discontent. Observations indicate a rise in violence, lawlessness, and disagreements across all platforms.

Truly, this world started off on the wrong foot. Mankind ── which began with Adam ── the LORD God had decreed, as we read in Hebrews 9:27, “ … it is appointed for men to die once, but after this THE JUDGMENT.” So again, all who die in Adam shall be resurrected in Christ and brought back to life. 

This world began with Adam. And he chose poorly ── he chose the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. And because he disobeyed the LORD God ── he partook of what was forbidden and instead believed and obeyed Satan the Devil ── he was then forbidden to partake of the tree of life and live forever in a state of sin and disobedience (Genesis 3:22-24). Because of this decision from Adam, the LORD God closed access to the tree of life, and it was closed until our Lord Jesus Christ ── our second Adam ── came. And even then, access to the glorious tree of life has only been open to a relatively few, only to those that God the Father would call. Because ── and even our Lord Jesus Christ said it, and not very many take this into consideration, “’ No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; …’” – John 6:44.

So, there is no way, on our own, to come to the LORD God, unless our Father calls us. There is no way to get to Father God – who has eternal life – except through Jesus Christ. So, the overall majority of this world cannot get to God. No one can come except the Father who sent Him draws them. “’ For many are called, but few are chosen.’” – Matthew 22:14.

So, the tree of life, the Holy Spirit, remains closed to most of humanity. And, those of this world don’t understand or realize that it is good that the real judgment is not upon this world, as yet. The Apostle Peter writes that it is only the Church of God that is being judged at this time ── “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?” – 1 Peter 4:17. Those of this world have not come to being judged – yet.

So, again, “ … in Adam all die, even so in Christ, all shall be made alive.” “ … it is appointed for men to die once, but after this THE JUDGMENT.” When judgment will come on others. Judgment is now on the Church of God, but not on the world. So, a judgment has not yet been made on the majority of our loved ones, our relatives, our friends who have died. And, like what the Apostle Paul certainly desired us to do (1 Thessalonians 4:18 and 5:11), I want to give you some comforting truths.

Adam actually chose the way of Satan the Devil. Adam rejected the LORD God at the very beginning of this world. Adam made his decision. And as we read, “ … for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.” -2 Peter 2:19. So many people don’t take time to properly understand and realize this, but Satan the Devil, influenced Adam and has, throughout all generations, influenced all humanity ever since. Satan has deceived all nations. Now… people who are deceived don’t know that they’re deceived. Unless the person is woken up. Because if they knew that they were deceived, then they would no longer be deceived. 

So, it was decreed ── from the foundation of the world, at the very time when Adam had made his fateful decision, that the Lamb of God would come and be our sin-bearer, that He would die for our sins and pay the penalty of sin in our stead on condition of our repentance and our believing in the gospel – cf. Mark 1:15.

So this world is really Satan’s world. Yet, our Lord Jesus said, “ … ‘I will build My church, …’” – Matthew 16:18. And He said that the gates of the grave would not prevail against it. In other words, the church would never cease to exist. He also shows us that it would be but a little flock. 

Notice in 2nd Corinthians chapter 4, verses 3 & 4, we read, “But even if our gospel is veiled, …” the very gospel that our Lord Jesus preached, “ … it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4) whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, …” – and it’s not a gospel about the person of Christ, but rather the Message Christ brought. “ … who is the image of God, should shine on them.” 

And so, right there, God’s living word shows us that Satan is the “god of this age” ── and sadly, the overall majority who preach do not understand this. Satan the Devil, appears as an angel of light, as a god of light. He claims to be the divine authority. He is a great archangel, a great and powerful spirit being ── who has deceived the whole world (Revelation 12:9). 

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, brought us the glorious gospel of the kingdom of God ── which is the government of God. Sadly, nothing has been more twisted and misunderstood than the living truth concerning the kingdom of God! Historically, Augustine of Hippo (whom we at the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries do not believe ever was a saint of our glorious LORD God) – Augustine and then later the Roman Catholic Church have identified the Church as the kingdom of God, viewing that Mother Church as the kingdom of God. And they claim that the kingdom of God has already been established, and that Christ came in the person of that Church, whom they call the Vicar of Christ. In other words, in place of Jesus Christ. So, they are claiming that the second coming of our Lord has already taken place – and this is the time of the Millennium.

The majority of Protestants throughout the world believe that the kingdom of God is something sentimental and is set up within men’s hearts. But, in truth, a kingdom is a literal government. And this is what our Lord Jesus came to proclaim. And, He did set up His kingdom on this earth – and it was our Lord Jesus who set it up. And, here’s another truth ── the LORD of the Old Testament, whom the Apostle John called “the Word,” and who was born of the virgin Mary (John 1:14), became our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Most of the churches of this world seemingly don’t know this. They believe that the God of the Old Testament was God the Father ── and sadly, who is betrayed by Hollywood as a ruddy boy called Malak! 

Our Lord Jesus came PROCLAIMING THE KINGDOM OF GOD! It was a prophecy. It is a kingdom ── a kingdom that will unite the world. A kingdom that will engulf all the kingdoms of the world (Revelation 11:15). Our King of kings and Lord of lords is coming to rule all nations! Recall that our Lord Jesus said, “ …’ If I go and prepare a place for you, I WILL COME AGAIN …’” He’s coming as Supreme Ruler over all nations, and will set up a literal kingdom. 

We continue to hear so many people who believe that the kingdom of God is merely set up in the hearts of men, claiming that they are “born again.” We can be begotten in this life, but only our Lord Jesus has been born again – so far. He is the firstborn among many brethren. 1st John 3:2 – “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” He is the firstborn of many brethren. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” – Romans 8:14. A begotten child in his mother’s womb is still a child of his mother and father. 

Let’s move along to 2nd Corinthians chapter 11, and verses 13 & 14, the Apostle Paul speaking concerning false apostles that would come along, “deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ” ── coming to you in His name. Our Lord Jesus warned that “ … ‘many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.’” And again, this world – as a whole – is deceived and doesn’t know it. “ … And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” So, he doesn’t portray himself as an evil red-horned goateed pitchfork-wielding creature ── he portrays himself as the authority of divinity. He is “the god of this present age.” “Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, …” – which, of course, they aren’t. They’re deceived. And they might be truly sincere, they could have the greatest of intentions and motives, but, “ … whose end will be according to their works.” 

Around the year 50 AD, there was a false Christianity that rose up and has deceived virtually the whole world. And, Satan the Devil has been deceiving the whole world by this counterfeit Christianity. In the 17th chapter of the Book of Revelation, and verse 5, we read of this apostate Church that is calling herself Christian ── “And on her forehead a name was written …” This is the name that the LORD God has labelled her with. “ … MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT …” In other words, this Babylonian mystery religion having become great and ruling over many different nations speaking many different languages. She’s also called “THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” In other words, daughters who have come out of her in protest.

Well… there are so many mysteries like that that our peoples just don’t properly understand, because the world, as a whole, is deceived. They don’t truly understand God’s living word. Nor do they read the Bible to truly understand it. They just pick out a verse here or there and apply their own ideas and ideals to it. But they don’t take the verse in its context and place it together with other verses in their context to get the whole picture ── like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. 

There appears to be no other worldly doctrine that is more prevalent than that of the “immortality of the soul.” God’s living word ── twice ── tells us “the soul who sins shall die.” – Ezekiel 18:4, 20. And the LORD God is speaking here of the second death – of eternal death (Revelation 20:14; 21:8).

Of course, God Most High ── our great Ancient of Days ── knows that this world is deceived. He knows that the real guilt lies with Satan the Devil, yet the LORD God is allowing it. Allowing humanity to live the wrong way, and whatever we sow, that we will reap. And we are reaping wars, famines, pestilences, violence, chaos, and every other evil known and unknown to man. We can send rovers and helicopters to Mars. The marvelous Perseverance that reminds you of Alive No. 5 of Short Circuit, yet the evils are increasing throughout the world at an alarming rate.

Again, the Church that is called “Babylon the Great” in God’s living word – notice the 18th chapter, and verse 4 ── “And I heard another voice from heaven [the atmosphere] saying, ‘COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE, …’” And, the LORD God’s people here are the founding stock of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand “ … ‘Come out of her my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.” Which is the Mother Church and her daughter churches. They are deceived churches. And, again, many of them may indeed be sincere, yet they are deceived. Their people have been brought up from childbirth being taught “as gospel” what those around them believe. Most parents pass on their religion and political affiliation to their children. And the majority of our peoples just assume those teachings as “gospel truth,” taking it all for granted ── including the existence of God in many cases. And most are dyed-in-the-wool advocates that will never change.

While we’re here in the Book of Revelation, take a look at chapter 12. “ … the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, WHO DECEIVES THE WHOLE WORLD; …” – vs. 9. So, this entire world is deceived. And, you may be sincere. But we’ve all been deceived. Now… the LORD God began to call me in the summer of ’81, and began to open my eyes and ears to what the world around me was teaching and preaching as “gospel truth.” What I am trying to proclaim to you is God’s Way. And it was our Lord Jesus Christ who brought His Message ── the gospel Message. Now, these churches proclaim a message about Christ. But our Lord Jesus was a Messenger who was sent from Father God, bearing an important Message concerning the kingdom of God and concerning salvation. 

Again, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ, all shall be made alive.” And during that “Great White Throne Judgment,” it will be our Lord Jesus Christ who will be ruling in His kingdom as King of kings and Lord of lords! And then, all people are going to begin learning the living Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God ── with Satan the Devil and his minions having been bound and not around to deceive the nations anymore.

The Two Resurrections. □               

GOD – the GREAT LIFE GIVER!

by Leonard V Johnson

In this article, let’s go through some of the New Testament and see why it is that a great many people believe exactly opposite of what God’s living word truly says – and they are participating and practicing customs that are the very antithesis of the things that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, did. Because He said that we should do as He did, and that we should follow His example. 

Why are there people worldwide who believe things that were never believed by our Lord Jesus ── never taught by our Lord Jesus? And, for that matter, never believed or taught by the Church of God that He founded?

So, with your Bible in front of you, let’s go through some of the Books of the New Testament on what our Lord Jesus did teach, as well as what He did not teach. He certainly didn’t teach what so many people are taught and believe throughout the world. Turn to the 5th chapter of the Book of John ── 

“’ For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27) and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 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 …’” – John 5:26-28, 29. 

So, where will they be? Well… not up in the third heaven. They will be in their graves, their tombs, their catacombs. And, they shall “ …’ hear His voice and come forth──those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of [judgment]’” – vs 29. 

Notice: Two Resurrections mentioned. One, a resurrection unto life, and the other to judgment. Now, let’s grab our magnifying glass and look more closely at this. Our Lord Jesus DID NOT speak as if there were anyone up in the third heaven that is hearing His voice. In fact, He emphatically says, “’ No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, …’” – John 3:13.

Speaking in the third person, He Himself is the Son of Man. He has been with Father God from eternity. We read of this in the 1st chapter of the Book of John ── that He was the Logos, the Word (the Spokesman). And, the word Logos (λόγος) in Greek means the Word. It means the One who does the speaking, who delivers the word. So, our Lord Jesus speaks, and it is done. “’ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … 3) All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. … 14) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” – John 1, 3, 14; vs 14 KJV.

So, we see here that the Word became our Lord Jesus Christ, and the fact that He has been with Father God from eternity. 

GOD Is... the Life Giver

Now, in a sermon some years ago ── and I believe we have this in article and in audio ── we were looking into scientific proof of the existence of God. Here, let’s focus on whether God is life and has life inherent. Because, after all, where did life come from? Did it ── as so many dreamers proclaim ── arrive on Earth clinging to an asteroid from outer space? Did life originate from what the likes of Carl Sagan had argued? “That the early atmosphere of the Earth was hydrogen-rich, and that the origin of life occurred before the hydrogen was lost, and that such gases sparked, creating life. That life began in the ocean with temperatures that began to fall and the amino-acids, and the proteins and the nucleotides – and how these different chemicals and the different aspects of this old earth – which condensed out of interstellar gas and dust some 4.5 billion years ago – and how they came together to form the earliest stages of life – a kind of organic soup!?” 1

How is it that matter comes alive? And what we found is that science can prove that life cannot come from non-life. Life cannot be imparted from the absence of life. LIFE ONLY COMES FROM LIFE. And we have proved, beyond any shadow of doubt, that 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 ONLY SOURCE from whom all life has come. Our Lord and Savior says, “’ For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself.’” – John 5:26.

So, God is life, and has life inherent in Himself. What is “life inherent”? It literally means life that exists in someone as a permanent and inseparable element. And sadly, billions of our peoples worldwide have been deceived into believing that they have this life inherent. A life that will survive after this physical body dies, a life that will live for eternity. And I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but let me tell you point-blank. You have been trusting in people without any evidence. Kinda like the Russiagate ── but let’s not get into that. Because the LORD God’s living word says exactly the opposite. We have no life inherent in ourselves. Life comes from the LORD God. And God has not given eternal life to human beings. In fact ── and I’ve mentioned this several times ── that even if Adam had taken of the tree of life,  he was going to die anyway, no matter if they were to choose the tree of life or the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He did not impart eternal life to Adam. There is nowhere in Scripture that speaks about man having eternal life. 

God Personally Taught Adam 

The LORD God (the Elohim) taught Adam, whom They created, in the Way that would have made them much happier. The LORD God “took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it” – Genesis 2:15. It was literally Paradise on Earth. Well… There Were These Two Trees that were in the midst of the garden. One tree, the tree of life. The other, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. And, the LORD God had commanded Adam & Eve, saying, “’ 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, in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’” – Genesis 2:16 17.

So, there was eternal life available in the garden of Eden ── the tree of life. But, Adam & Eve never took of that tree, they did not gain eternal life. And, again, the LORD God did not create Adam & Eve with eternal life. And, if anyone reading, watching, or listening to this ── if you can find it within God’s living word, let me know! Show me Scripture that says that the LORD God did! But eternal life was available in the garden of Eden. 

The LORD God said, “ … ‘in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’”    

Then, the enchanting Whisperer came along. “ … that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; …” – Revelation 12:9 and said to the woman, ‘O, here, here now. God knows better. Listen Linda, God is lying to you! You can’t believe God! The LORD God is trying to deceive you. Believe me. It is I who has divine authority. Why… just look at that tree. It’s good for food. Isn’t it pleasant to the eyes?’ And indeed, “ … when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate.” – Genesis 3:6. 

And Satan, shrieking with glee, said to the woman, ‘Ah! Excellent! Now you’ll be just like the LORD God. You will not surely die! You now have life inherent ── you are now immortal.’ – Genesis 3:4, paraphrased. 

But what did the LORD God say to her? “ …’ in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’” – speaking of the second death. The eternal death (see: Revelation 20:14; 21:8). “ …’ The soul who sins shall die.’” – Ezekiel 18:4, 20.

Man’s FIRST Sin    

I was watching the old Hollywood Squares ── the one with the original host, Peter Marshall ── and the question of “What was the original sin?” came up. And I quickly answered. “Believing a lie!” But, the famous actor in the square answered, “Eating from the forbidden fruit.” And that’s the standard answer. But, in reality, it was when Adam & Eve believed that most diabolical of lies that spewed forth from Satan the Devil’s mouth, “’ You will not surely die.’” A lie that claims that you have an immortal soul and that you are just like God. Friends, are you continuing to believe this lie ── the Most Horrendous Lie Perpetrated Upon Mankind ── in this twenty-first century? Sadly, nearly everyone on this planet has come to believe this first lie.

Adolf Hitler wrote in his book Mein Kampf, “In the big lie there is always a certain force of credibility; because the broad masses of a nation are always more easily corrupted in the deeper strata of their emotional nature than consciously or voluntarily; and thus in the primitive simplicity of their minds they more readily fall victims to the big lie than the small lie.” His Minister of Propaganda, Joseph Goebbels, simplified this by saying, “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.”

And look what happened. Adam & Eve believed Satan the Devil, thinking that they could be like God ── knowing (or rather, determining for themselves) good and evil. For that is what they desired. That is what they lusted after. That one tree that belongs to God, and to God alone. The knowledge of good and evil. They reached out and stole what the LORD God had commanded them not to touch. Now… they had another god ── an angel of light ── and they obey him! 

The Apostle Paul – under divine inspiration – tells us, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” – Romans 6:16.  

They obeyed Satan. They disobeyed the LORD God. They dishonored their Father ── indeed, they were the children of God. In Apostle Luke’s version of the genealogy of our Lord Jesus, you’ll see that it ends with “the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.” – Luke 3:38. And so, Adam was a direct creation of God. Adam was the son of God. He was not born ── and he did not have a belly button. He was created.

Also ── and I won’t go deep into here in this article ── but, in chapter 3 of the Book of Genesis, the LORD God announced, “’ Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil.’ … 23) therefore the LORD God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken.” – Genesis 3:22, 23. 

The LORD God drove man out of the garden of Eden because they had sinned against Them. And, again, “ … sin is lawlessness.” – 1 John 3:4.

They broke the Law of God. They broke the TEN COMMANDMENTS. And, “ … He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the Way to the tree of life.” – vs. 24.

Lest… and focus on this… lest they go back into the garden of Eden, take of the tree of life, and gain eternal life upon their death. And how had they decided that they would live for all eternity? The same as Lucifer ── now known as Satan the Devil. An eternal life in rebellion against the LORD God! 

Adam Never Gained Eternal Life      

As I’ve been mentioning, had they chosen the tree of life, they would still have lived out their days and died; and indeed we find this did happen, “So all the days that Adam lived were 930 years; and he died” – Genesis 5:5 – but would have, after losing consciousness, “in the twinkling of an eye,” been resurrected unto eternal life! The LORD God never granted Adam eternal life. But rather, drove out the man from the garden of Eden lest he go back and eat of the tree of life, and gain eternal life. Why was man now forbidden to eat of the tree of life? Because man had chosen rebellion against the LORD God, of disobeying the Law of God. And, the LORD God had no desire for another being, IN DISOBEDIENCE, having eternal life ── as what had occurred with Lucifer. And, this is the way we’ve been living in this mortal life – in disobedience to the LORD God! You have been living in accordance with and in the customs of men. According to the way of this civilization, this society ── which was originally built upon the kingdom of Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar – see. Genesis 10:8-12. All build upon pagan reasoning, contrary to the holy and righteous Law of God. Just the way that Adam began living – under the spiritual influence of Satan the Devil.

So, man had chosen the way of life that was only going to bring ── in the end ── sorrows, sufferings, and unhappiness. As our Lord Jesus has said, “’ There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out.’” – Luke 13:28. What kind of God would They (cf. Genesis 1:26) have been if They had let Adam & Eve live ── in that state of rebellion ── for all eternity? It would have been a tragic outcome! Adam & Eve would have lived forever in sin and rebellion against the LORD God, without the possibility of salvation through the death of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, returning to this, our Lord Jesus said, “’ For as the Father has life-giving power in Himself, so has the Son, by the Father’s gift.” – John 5:26, NEB.

Yes. Life came from some place ── and it has come from the LORD God! God created matter. Matter is defined as a material substance that constitutes the observable universe. God has life inherent in Himself. God is the great LIFE GIVER.

So, the Word, who became our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, “emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men” – He divested Himself. And, contrary to the false doctrine of kenosis, which claims, and I quote: “In coming to earth, the Son of God did not cease to be God.” 2 Because, if that was true, He could have resurrected Himself. But He did not. It was God the Father who raised our Lord Jesus – cf. Acts 2:24. Our Lord Himself said, “’ I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. …’” – Revelation 1:18. Well… God cannot die, yet He did. Because He had divested Himself of His glory and power and came down to this earth as a human being to die for the sins of all mankind. He plainly said that He could of Himself do NOTHING. (John 5:30).

So, once again, by the glorious gift of Father God, our Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected unto life ── life inherent. 

“And this is the TESTIMONY: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12) He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God DOES NOT HAVE LIFE.” – 1 John 5:11-12.

So, here it is IN BLACK AND WHITE! If you have not the Son of God, you have no life ── no eternal life ── abiding in you! 

Again ── not only are you being taught that our Lord Jesus Christ didn’t really die, because “the Son of God did not cease to be God” ── but you’re also being taught the very first lie that Satan the Devil spewed forth from his mouth! “’ You will not surely die.’” And mankind has believed it ever since. But the LORD God has never taught you that! □   

1) Sagan, C., Cosmos, Random House, New York, 1980, pp. 30.

2) Theologians Galore, What is the kenosis? What does it mean that Jesus emptied Himself? Got Questions, Retrieved 25 July 2025.