New Creation - An Introduction

Holy Spirit says through Paul that "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." II Cor 5:17. I wondered many times in my life, what is expected out of myself as a Christian? What God wants out of me? or How to please Him? It has been my desire from my childhood to become a powerful minister for God. I wanted to be a true prophet. To be honest, I have the desire deep within, but my ways were not very focused on God. I was a lukewarm for a long time. I wanted both. I wanted worldly pleasures as well as God. But, I know God is looking over me, caring over me and He will turn my ways at some point of time when He wills. Once I was touched by God, my inward spiritual thought process took a big turn (but, outside was still the same - more on this later). Then, I realized the answer for that question.

During my college days, I had attended a 3 day Christian youth conference. In one of the sermons, the preacher said that all Christians are called to do the will of God and the will of God differs for person to person. How true? The Lord appointed Peter, who was a fisherman to become a preacher for conventional jews but identified Paul, who mastered the doctrine and law as a minister for gentiles. Paul explains this in his letter to the church of Corinth as there could be different organs in the body, but each of them serves it purpose and cannot ignore the other one. If one suffers, the entire body suffers. I Cor 12:14-26. So, the apostle cannot say that prophet is not required and vice versa. It applies to the way we want to serve God too. I may wanted to become a prophet but God may have chosen me as a preacher. The other one may want to be a preacher but God may want him to do a healing ministry. So, God's will differs from person to person with respect to ministry.

But, the preacher said one more thing which is the actual answer. The answer is whether a persona is a prophet or a preacher or evangelist, there is a basic thing that God expects a Christian to do and that is to live his everyday life in Christ's way. This is what a definition of a Christian. A true Christian is one who has Christ living in Him. Having Christ make him a Christian. Christ lives through Him by Holy Spirit and he reflects Jesus Christ to the world. This is the basic requirement of every Christian irrespective of anything else. He may be a lutheran, presbyterian, anglican or any other denomination, but the above thing must be satisfied. Not all Christians are called for ministry but every Christian is called to live life in Christ's way. I can quote many scriptural verses for this but just want to show one of them. I John 2:6 says "He that saith he abide in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."

To live this true Christian life, one must die to his old worldly habits and become what is called a "New Creation". Like a normal life, which starts as a baby, grows to a child then to an youth and a matured man, this new creation too has its own phases. One can never live this Christian life to full extent by him alone. It is impossible. Like how water is essential to the growth of a plant, Holy Spirit is essential to the growth of this New creation.

We will see more about this new creation in the subsequent articles. From now on, I plan to make my articles short enough so that reading won't be a burden. If it takes more content, I will split them to 2 or 3 smaller articles. May God be exalted in everything we do. All honor, glory and praise to the one who hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. I Tim 6:16 Praise the Lord, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

News in numbers January 2017

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Just wanted to highlight some interesting numbers that I observed in news in the month of January 2017 before writing my next spiritual article.

1. We know that there are 70 nations met in Paris on Janury 15, 2017 and the decision is to have a 2 state solution for Israel and Palestine as expected. But, there is no immediate action for that and the nations will work towards that goal gradually. You may read the article at http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.765207 . But, the interesting thing here is the jewish Psalms reading portion for the same day is Psalms 83-87. You can verify that here. http://www.chabad.org/calendar/view/day.asp?tdate=1/15/2017 . Psalms 83 is 17 from 100 and interestingly the day is 17 of the hebrew month of Tevet, 5777. More than coincidence, right? These are divine indictations.

2. Israel plans to build 153 homes in restricted area. Again, the number 153 (John 21:11) has specific meaning as explained in my previous article. The news article is at http://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-okays-153-homes-in-east-jerusalem-neighborhood-gilo/ , http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/01/green-light-153-east-jersualem-settler-homes-170126150258620.html , https://www.yahoo.com/news/israel-approves-153-more-east-jerusalem-settler-homes-150624657.html . News dated on 26 January 2017.

3. On 26 January 2017, India celebrated its 68th republic day. The number of police personnels who had been awarded medals is 777. http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-republic-day-777-personnel-to-be-awarded-police-medals-100-for-gallantry-2295935

4. In tennis, the world number 2, Novak Djokovic, who won 6 Australian opens lost to world number 117, Denis Istomin, who entered the tournament through wild card.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-4135060/Novak-Djokovic-beaten-world-No-117-Denis-Istomin.html

5. The dooms day clock advanced 30 seconds to midnight (which symbolizes world's destruction) and this is the closest it has been since 1953. Scientists maintain this clock and move it based on various factors happening in and around the world. More information on, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/26/science/doomsday-clock-countdown-2017.html?_r=0

So, the numbers speak of themselves as we are getting into exciting times ahead as we watch and pray and wait for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Tit 2:13). Hang on, whatever the tribulations that come on your way, keep your eyes focused on the one who said "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33. To Him be the glory, honor, majesty and praise. Amen.

Happy New Year 2017

I wish you a very happy new year 2017. Finally, we have stepped into the prophetic and the significant year 2017. On a personal note, the new year started with a tragedy for me as my grandmother who was ailing for close to 8 months passed away on January 6, 2017. She was of 93 years of age when she gave up her spirit. I thanked God for giving her such a long life. On the other hand, I had been released from my project the very first day when I was in office and it has been a shocker. I am out of project right now. Now, it is a question mark on what is next for me. But, I know for sure my God will change the question mark to exclamation mark in His time. By faith, the righteous will live and we are ought to follow those who inherit the promises and blessings through faith and patience. Heb 10:38, 6:12. In short, I wanted to say the New year welcomed me with tragedy but my heart said to the Lord, "my heart is ready". When I look at the past year, I couldn't stop thanking the Lord for bringing me through the year 2016. He clothed me with His holiness and righteousness. He made me to grow spiritually, promised me with many blessings. He kept me and my family safe. The Lord is sufficient to lead me through this year too and for the rest of my life.

Regarding the revelations I got about the year 2017 last year, God is assuring that this year is going to be the year of great change in spiritual realms. I believe the world might move from the age of dispensation of grace to dispensation of judgement this year. I have been assured by a specific sign. The time right now is 11:00 AM GMT 15 Jan 2017 At the time of writing this, the middle east peace conference is going on in Paris concerning the 2 state solution of Israel and Palestine. I am yet to know the outcome but the conference itself is a sign and fulfillment of many Biblical prophecies. There are 70 nations participating. Remember that the leaders from 70 nations assembled in Jerusalem on the eve of Jewish new year 5777 on 1 Oct 2016 for the funeral of Shimon Perez. I have already written about the importance of number 70 in my previous article.

Further to this, I have the Holy Spirit whispering me the versus of Isaiah 60:2 specifically saying "For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee". So, though the darkness comes upon the earth, the Lord's glory will shine upon His people. The second promise that the Lord made me felt is Haggai 2:6 and 7 that says "For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it  is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.". Oh, Yes, God is going to shake everything starting this year. The word yet once is referred to in Hebrews 12:26 and 27. I have associated that the first shaking came in the days of Pentecost where the Holy Spirit was anointed through the disciples and believers and the church age began. Now, when the church age is going to end and the church is going to be taken up with the Lord, the second time shaking is going to come. But, this time with judgement as well as pouring down of the spirit to bring a mass revival. God will build His church and He moves and lives among His people.

So, be watchful, be sober and keep praying. Pray that the Lord touch and transform many lives. Pray that each one of us should walk with the Lord each and everyday, fulfil His will, reflect Jesus Christ in our daily activities and be a true Christian in every aspect and we are specifically called for that, to live in holiness and righteousness. Let's make bible reading and prayer a habit of our day to day life so that in every circumstance we should be able to follow that. If we don't abide in Christ, we will not prosper in our spiritual life and we will not be able to bear fruits for Him. God will do great things and we will see wonders this year. Keep me in your prayers. Once again, I wish you a very happy New year 2017.

May all glory, honor and praise to the almight God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

Tabernacle - God's dwelling place

During my college days, when I was telling about Jesus to my friend, he asked me back why God had to create humans. I remembered the verse in Isaiah 43:21 "This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise" and told him that He created humans so that we have to praise Him. Then, he asked me back, is it not silly? and then I went out of answer. I too had the same question coming in my mind. Much later I got the answer revealed through Holy Spirit. In one of my messages I shared in our prayer fellowship, I explained the members why God had to create the human beings. The answer is God created humans out of divine love. God is love and He wanted to show, share and experience His love with someone who could understand and reciprocate the love. So, He created man in His own image, in His own form of Body, Soul and Spirit but one difference was human was made out of clay. I threw a question to the members asking whom do you love more? your child or puppy dog. Though it is a silly question, it explains a lot about God's love towards humans. He considers us as His own children and show love and compassion towards us. Psalms 103:13

God's longing from the start was to live among humans, share His love with them. But, as Adam and Eve sinned, the had fallen short of glory and a Holy God cannot live together with His wonderful creation anymore. So, God planned a long term resolution plan and promised a Savior to the mankind. To execute the long term plan, He needed the support and coordination of humans and He has planned and raised up appropriate people throughout the history to accomplish His will. The very next person after Adam and Eve whom God walked closely was Enoch, the 7th from Adam. Enoch walked with God for 300 years and He was not, for God has taken Him. It looks like God cannot live without Enoch in heavens after walking so closely with Him and God just cancelled the natural death of Enoch and took Enoch to Him. Such is the love of God. But, after Enoch, again God wanted to share His love and plan to some human and He identified Noah. Noah was a just man and he walked with God in such a fashion that the entire wicked world was destroyed by great floods except for the family of Noah as per proverbs 14:26 that says "In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge."

Later on, He had chosen Abraham and promised to be with him. As Abraham walked with God through faith, God made covenant with Him that through His seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed and later on God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when He redeemed Israelites from the slavery of Egypt through Moses. God told Moses in Exodus 25:8, "And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them". The tabernacle is a reflection and shadow of heavenly things and figurative. Heb 8:5, 9:9. It reflects the trinity with Most Holy place, Holy place and Courts. The courts is a place where the sacrifices were made. It is a shadow of those who gets washed by the blood of the Lamb of God and the water pool which is present next where the priests wash their hands and feet is a direct representation of Baptism. Once they washed their hands and feet, they enter the Holy Place where there is a show bread and lampstand. This symbolizes the word of God and the Holy Spirit guiding the one who accepted Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior. There is an altar of incense which represents the prayer life of a truthful and sincere Christian. There is Holy of Holies inside where the High priest could enter only once in a year with the blood of the offering. This is a representation that Jesus died once on cross and finished the works once forever. When the author of Hebrews wrote, He says every year the High priest has to offer the blood and stand. He stands because the work is not completed yet. But, Jesus was crucified on cross and then entered the Father's presence and sat on His right handside to show that the work of salvation has been completed perfectly. Hebrews 10:11-13.

High Priest entering Most Holy place once in year could also represent that we have to die once and enter the presence of God. The ark of covenant represents Jesus Christ Himself as through His flesh and blood created the new covenant. The ark of covenant contains the tablet stones that contains 10 commandments. They were made into two tablets representing that further they can be divident into 2 main commandments, one is to love the Lord God with full heart, soul, mind and strength and the other one is to love every other human as one love himself. For the end of the commandments is love says Paul in I Timothy 1:5. Not only that, the tabernacle also represent the body, soul and spirit of the man where the courts as outer place and visible to everyone refers to the body, the holy place refers the soul and the most holy place corresponds to the spirit. All these things were specific and Moses was given the exact model of the tabernacle because God is going to live in that place. Exodus 25:8

Later on, when Solomon build the temple of the Lord, He received the models from David and in turn David received that from Lord Himself as per I Chronicles 28:11-19 and Solomon executed the plan. One more thing to note is the temple mount at Jerusalem is built at specific place. It was built on specific place on Mount Moriah as specified in II Chronicles 3:1. It is the same mount where God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac as per Gen 22:2 and in fact it should be the same place. So, God has a clear plan of the crucifixion of Jesus at Jerusalem. He was also crucified on a Mount named Golgotha, the name Gol has a connection to Gilgal where Lord told Israelites that the reproach of Egypt was rolled away at this place when they were lead by Joshua into the land of Canaan. Joshua 5:9. So, Golgotha also means some rolling away, the rolling away of the sins of those who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. When Jesus was crucified and gave away His spirit, an earthquake happened, the veil in the church was torn two. Praise God, Holy to Lord, He left the heavens and started living with humans again through the Holy Spirit. He no longer confines Himself to the Most Holy place. When the Priests, Levites and Singers sang in one voice with the same sound with praise and thanksgiving saying Praise God, He is good, for His mercy endureth forever, God's presence and glory filled the Solomon's built temple. II Chronicles 5:13 and 14. Same way, when the disciples came together at the top room in Jerusalem with one mindedness on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit with a rushing mighty wind entered there. Acts 2:1-4.

Thus, Paul writes "But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit." I Cor 6:17. He has the same mind and thinking like God because they are one in spirit. Note the husband and wife are mentioned as one in flesh as in Gen 2:24 but one who is united with Lord in love is one with Him on spirit. So, He cannot live in the same worldly way anymore. Later on, the authors wrote about the true meaning of tabernacle. The author of Hebrews pointed out that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived in tabernacles, they didn't have any permanent building or house just to symbolize they are just strangers to this world and it is not their permanent place of residence and someday they will be united in the heavens with the Lord. God has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:9-16. Thus, this body itself is a tabernacle and when we die we leave this tabernacle and go to Lord's tabernacle. This is revealed by Paul in II Cor 5:1-10 as "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens....  We are confident,  I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." Apostle Peter too remembered the day of transfiguration where he bluffed saying that lets put tabernacles one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah realized the meaning of tabernacles and writes "Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting  you in remembrance;" II Pet 1:13.

Jesus also promised His true disciples that He is going to prepare a place and then will come and receive us unto Him. John 14:2-3. Finally, we see a picture in heaven, where God again restores everything back as in original Garden of Eden and live among His people. It is explained as "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God  is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." in Rev 21:3. Bible says Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. We cannot change God and He always love people and live among them. The question is are we longing to make ourselves a tabernacle for Him. Are we living with Him in spirit? God is going to restore everything soon. He will live closely with the people in heaven whom he knows closely in earth. Are we really one among them? Let's ask the question ourselves and not keep our focus on things or materials or desires of this world. Let's not put our trust on just this earthly tabernacle. Instead, let's look forward for the heavenly tabernacle. Paul wrote that our citizenship is in heaven and from there we expect our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to return and He will give us a heavenly body in Philipians 3:20,21 and we are in the days of restoration.

Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him  be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Jesus and Praise at the center

I have written a lot about rapture of the church and second coming of Christ in my previous articles. So, I thought of writing about something different, something that I recently found about the chapters and verses of the Bible. I have found the center versus speak about praising God and no wonder the center of the Bible falls in Psalms. Found them in wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapters_and_verses_of_the_Bible)

1. There are 929 chapters in the old testament and 260 chapters in the old testament. So, there are totally 1189 chapters in the Bible. The middle chapter is the 595th chapter which is Psalm 117. Just wondered how the smallest of chapters in the Bible that contains just 2 versus becomes the center chapter of the entire Bible. In that the first verse praises God saying "O Praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people." and the second verse speaks "For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endures for ever. Praise ye the LORD." This speaks about Grace (merciful kindness) and Truth which refers to Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:17 Grace and Truth came by Lord Jesus Christ). Praise God for everything. Praise God for His wonderful word.

2. There are 23145 verses in the old testament and 7957 verses in the new testament. In total, there are 31102 verses in the Bible leading to two middle verses. The two middle verses are Psalm 103:1,2 "Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:", the start of the famous Praise Psalm. These two verses are spoken at the end of every prayer as closing praise verses in Tamil and I believe in many other languages as well. Again, I wondered how the central verses are the most repeated ones by being prayed as closing versus of every prayer. The beautiful award winning song 10000 reasons written and sung by Matt Redman start with these verses.

3. One of the very important Psalms is Psalm 118 that speaks the important prophecy of headstone (cornerstone) in verse 22. This is in between the smallest and longest Psalms (117 and 119). This Psalms start and end with the praise verse "Praise God, He is good, His mercy endures forever".

4. The middle verse of Psalm 118 is v15 says "The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly." The voice of rejoicing of righteous is again Praising the Lord.

5. Israelites pass through the center of red sea and Jordan when waters stood at both sides. Moses stretched out his hands in the mountain when Joshua fought with Amalekites symbolizing Jesus would stretch out His arms in cross for salvation. During that, Aaron and Hur stood at both side of Moses to uplift His arms. Exodus 17:8-16. Our Lord is Jehovah Nissi. When God's wrath was burning among Israelites, Aaron, the High Priest (who symbolized the Great High Priest Jesus) stood between the living and the dead. Numbers 16:47 and 48.

6. Jesus was crucified and hung between two thieves separating the two of them and then eventually one turn to be landing in Paradise. He was hung between heavens and earth symbolizing standing between sinful man and holy God. Psalms 103 v 11 says for as high as heavens and earth, His grace is that great. Next verse 12 says As far as east and west, he removed our transgressions, again representing His two stretched out arms so that we can become children of heavenly Father as verse 13 says Like as Father pitieth His children, Lord pitieth them that fear Him. In Matthew 25, versus 32-34, Jesus splits the goat and sheep for judgement. He stands at centre. Bible scholars say Jesus was crucified in the middle of seven jubilee cycle. (for more information, http://www.markbeast.com/70jubilees/middle.htm)

7. In between the Old Testament and New Testament, we see the center page says, The New Testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who just is the centerpiece of everything and He stoods between man and God, the Father as our representative. He stood between jews and the gentiles. Though He is equivalent to God, He stood in the right hand side of Father as a Man representing us. How much privileged we are? Paul writes in Colossians 1:17 By Him all things consist.

So, we saw Jesus and Praise are at the center. Lets think whether we keep Praise at the center of our lives. We might have plenty of problems everyday and it looks like the problems are never ending. But, we should praise God that we are alive this day and God has not marked for condemnation but for salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thess 5:9. Sometimes, He leads us through rough and difficult paths to make us strong, teach us some important spiritual lesson. But, at the end it will all turn for good as the famous verse in Romans 8:28 says "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to  his purpose." So, Lets all praise God for He is good and His mercy endures forever.

Before closing, I just thought of saying my favorite verse, chapter and book of the Bible. My favorite and the most important core verse of the Bible as everyone knows is John 3:16,
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The most important chapter for me in the Bible is Romans 8 which is key to understand many important things past, present and future. The most important book for me in the Bible is Isaiah as the core theme of the book is Salvation. The name Isaiah means God is Salvation. It contains 66 chapters, first 39 focus on Israel representing old testament and next 27 on the Lord Himself, reflection of New Testament.

All Praise, Honor and Glory to God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us praise God with psalmist by quoting verse in Psalms 18:46, "The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted. Amen."

More about 2017, 17 and others

Last few posts, I wrote a lot about rapture, second coming and end times. Hope that would have given more clarity about end times with respect to old testament foreshadowing events.
I had been contacted by a brother from Sweden named Bo Stark and he gave few more points about 2017, number 17 and Hebrew year 5777. I would just like to post few of them here. You may read my previous article "Why 2017 could be the beginning of end times" to get a complete context.

1. 2017 marks 500 years from reformation since it was started in 1517.

2. The sign of sun clothed woman with moon under her feet and twelve crowns on her head appears in stars on 23-Sep-2017.

3. After Noah was born, he lived for 595 years and at Noah's 600th year was the great floods. So, Lamech died 5 years before the floods at the age of 777 (Gen 5:28-31) pointing a direct reference to hebrew year 5777.

4. Jesus left His parents in temple when He was 12 years of age Luke 2:42 and after that we don't have record for 17 years. But, around 30 years, Jesus Himself began to be about 30 years (not 30 years completed but during 30 years which make the difference as 17 and not 18) when he took baptism. Luke 3:23. Jesus rose from dead on the 17th day of the month. (Will do a separate chapter on this one).

5. Jacob lived his last 17 years in Egypt and died at the age of 147. Gen 47:28 Wondered why Jacob didn't reach the age nearer to Abraham who lived 175 and Isaac who lived for 180 years and now I believe just to leave the sign of final 17 years in Egypt his age was shrunk to 147 and he was a sign himself.

6. There were 17 judges in Israel's History from Othniel to Samuel.

7. People from 17 nations were present during Penticost. Acts 2:7-11

8. The ten commandments were given in 17 verses in 20th chapter of Exodus.

9. Psalms 83:6-11 mentions 17 enemies of Israel.

10. Beast specified in Daniel 7 and Rev 13 has 7 heads and 10 horns making a total of 17.

11. Romans 8:35 - 39 speaks about 17 different things that cannot separate us from the love of Christ.

12. UN Agenda 2030 has 17 sustainable development goals. (https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/post2015/transformingourworld)

13. Pope appointed 17 cardinals in a recent ceremony on 20-Nov. (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38038501)

14. In a bizarre accident in China on 22-Nov, 56 vehicles crashed on to each other and 17 people were killed. I think 56 (7 x 8 - Completion x Salvation) marks completion of salvation and 17 could be 2017. (http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/pile-up-on-chinese-motorway-kills-17-xinhua-1628565), Israel planning to buy 17 fighter jets from US. (https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201611281047906269-israel-17-f35/).

The number 17 pops out everywhere to me. I may sound silly but it looks like there are more and more concrete signs and evidences.

There are few more reasons to believe why we are near. There were two numbers of dates (1290 and 1335) given at Daniel chapter for the range of days during great tribulation period. The difference is 45. Psalms 45 is the messianic psalm which refers to bride, groom and bride maids pointing to anointing of Christ and the rapture event and Donald Trump has been selected as the 45th president of United States. His name is Trumps and may indicate feast of Trumpets (which is directly pointing to rapture). India has demonetized the higher value denomination notes of 500 and 1000 as of Nov 8, 2016 to fight the black money, money laundering and terrorism (The date is exactly as that of US election date). You may google and check wiki to know more details. But, the entire country is in difficulty where people are really finding it difficult to get their own cash. People are standing in long queues at tellers and banks to withdraw and exchange money respectively everyday. It would take another 50 days to get back to normalcy. As written in Luke 21:25, "Upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity", it looks more and more near. One more sign which I saw as start of new era was the death and funeral of Shimon Perez, former Israeli president just before the eve of 5777 year and leaders from 70 nations participated in the funeral service. I believe indeed the Hebrew year 5777 marks the start of beginning of end times.

With all the above points, one would strongly believe that rapture would occur in 2017. But, it could happen any time. One of the important verses with respect to rapture in Old testament is Hosea 6:2 where the prophet says "After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight." Jesus rose up on third day to fulfill this prophecy but it will be completely fulfilled when Jesus comes back and revive His church (dead and alive) after 2 days (2000 years). Jesus was dead, buried and rose up somewhere around 27 - 33 AD. So, I too believe the longest time frame would be 2033 but really won't think that long. My point is Jesus could come to rapture His church any time from now to next 15 - 20 years or I could be wrong and it could take another 30 - 40 years. All I am saying with all these things and specific signs happening throughout the world, it looks near. A truthful and sincere Christian would wait His lifetime for Jesus to come.

Many people through internet, forums and youtube just try predicting the rapture date and keeps failing over and over again. This is inappropriate and not correct. Because, setting a particular date or a small range say 3 days or a week makes Jesus a liar as He said "No one knows the day or the hour". What he exactly meant is the rapture date no one knows or cannot find based on past occurrences, old testament timelines or derived through some calculation or arbitration. Our Lord does everything in order but no human can find that as the word of God says "Who hath known the mind of the Lord?" Rom 11:34 and I Cor 2:16. Ecc 3:11 says "so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end." But these date setters help in fulfilling the word of God that whenever they fail, other people would mock and say "Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as  they were from the beginning of the creation." 2 Pet 3:4. Let us wait and not astrayed by following date setters.

It is important to expect the rapture of the bride every day with eagerness from here on. But, we should have the patience and should hold on to our faith while watching and praying. More important is to bear spiritual fruits for glorification of the name of Lord Jesus. I am planning to close the end time events discussion with this post. At a later point of time, God willing I would write more about end time events with the perspective of Book of Revelation. Please pray for me that may God give more revelations concerning end times through His Holy Word. As I said bearing fruits through our day to day Christian life and being living witnesses for Jesus is more important and I hope to make subsequent articles in such areas. By living and abiding in Christ, we know we will not be ashamed during His coming. I John 2:28

Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. Rev 7:12

Rapture, a mystery too

In my last post, I explained how the church was a mystery in Old testament but there were just fore shadows. Actually, I wanted to write about rapture in the same article and gave title as "Church, a mystery and rapture too". But, as the content was large, I just kept it for Church alone. Let's see about rapture of the church (bride of Christ) in this article.

Recently, I have attended a Revelation exposition session organized by our church. The pastor who took it said there is no concept of rapture to the astonishment of many. The reason he quoted was if some of the members of church are removed, others would feel bad being left out as they have to go through the tribulation alone and Jesus would never do such thing. As I heard that, some church members asked then why Jesus said one person would be accepted and other would left behind. After hearing that question, the pastor explained something like post tribulation rapture. I have asked him back a question then why it is written that Jesus would come as a thief. For that he said, after tribulation, he will come like thief which doesn't make sense.

Now, if you could observe the above questions, one thing is clear. There is indeed a rapture event based on the Bible and it is going to be either pre tribulation or mid tribulation. I just wanted to explain that based on my understanding and some common sense. The rapture is a mystery because it will never catch the eye of a casual reader. This is purposefully hidden by God as how He kept the Church itself as a secret during old testament timeline. Let's look into the details. It would be good if you open Matthew 24 so that we can look through the different portions.

Jesus explained the end time events in Matthew 24 and if you observe there were two different types of events explained. There is a contradiction between two. First one, there will be overall tribulation first till verse 14, then from verse 15, He explained about the abomination of desolation (marks AntiChrist rule) and during that there will be great tribulation that is mentioned in verse 21 and final second coming of Jesus at verse 30 that marks it complete. This specific event is accurately marked by relative events in Daniel 12:11 that it will take 1290 (3.5 years + 30 days) days from setting up of abomination of desolation and it is not a mystery at all. Jesus still continued and quoted the Fig tree prophecy that marks the blossoming of state of Israel. But, there is a sudden change in verse 36, that says "the day and hour" no man knoweth. Hence, I believe verse 35 marks the completion of first set of events (Both general tribulation that we are going through now earthquakes, pestilences, famines, floods and wars + great tribulation which is yet to come during AntiChrist's duration) with the assertion that "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away".

Jesus continued further saying in verse 38, "For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark". Now, a question to the astute reader is, is it possible to be not aware of events happening around during great tribulation? Can they lead a normal life of eat, drink and usual business during great tribulation? Definitely NO. So, this marks a different event. Then, if you go through further 40 and 41, the verses denote accepting one person and leaving behind another one. If Jesus comes out as visible to everyone as explained in verse 21, then why He has to accept someone and leave other one? He should call out everyone and assemble them for judgement instead. What are the benefits of getting accepted and what are the dangers of being left behind?

So, this event of coming of son of man as per "No man knowing the day or the hour" is something different and not a public event as mentioned in verse 21. Paul says in I Thess 5:2 that "the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night" and Jesus Himself says that in Rev 16:15. So, this event is called rapture or His secret coming. As per Heb 9:28, He will just appear to all His holy saints and sincere truthful believers (True Church which is the bride of Christ) and transfigure them and took them out in air. Just before that all the dead in Christ will rise first. This is explained in two places, one in I Thess 4:17-21 and I Cor 15:51-53. Paul call this as a mystery as not many will know this. This event is supposed to happen in near future and this marks the end of troubles for the true believers and judgement times for others in the world.

Paul further calls this a blessed hope in Titus 2:13 and it doesn't make sense if it is a post tribulation rapture after all the worst troubles mankind could ever go through. As the public second coming of Jesus is scheduled after the great tribulation as per versus 29 and 30 of Matt 24, no need for a post tribulational rapture as well as no point in Jesus coming like thief post tribulation. It doesn't serve any purpose. So, to answer the pastor's reasoning, caught up away with Jesus in rapture is the best thing that could ever happen. It is the reward for being faithful and sincere, also for being watchful and praying and keeping oneself holy and pure virgin bride for the groom. God said in Malachi 3:17 and 18 that He will gather His people and then other will see the difference between His ones and others. What is the chaff to the wheat? Jeremiah 23:28. So, not all christians will be part of rapture, only those who reached measure of the stature of fullness of Christ Eph 4:11 and and those who were selected by Lord Himself would be part of the bride.

Let's see some of the old testament shadows,

1. Isaac met Rebekka in fields where Rebekka was coming from a long distance and Isaac just had to enter the fields. Same manner, Jesus would just appear back and all dead would raise first and others who were alive would be transfigured and join Him in clouds. (I Thess 4 and I Cor 15).

2. Ruth came a long way from Moab to marry Boaz and met him in fields. But, Boaz disagreed for immediate relationship and once everything is legally completed in Ruth 4, he has taken her as a wife. Just symbolize how Jesus would wait for everything to be completed before taking the bride.

3. Abigail come and meet David and became her wife along with other maids. Psalms 45 gives this picture of rapture from verses 9 to 15.

4. In Song of Songs, the shepherd lover call out the Shulamite bride "My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away." Song of Songs 2:10

5. Noah and his family households were sealed in ark before the great floods. The bride would be sealed by Holy Spirit and captured away by Jesus before the great tribulation.

6. Lot was driven out just before fire and brimstones were brought on Sodom and Gomorrah, again a picture that righteous would be saved.

Before a nation declares war against another nation it takes out its ambassador and its nationals from that nation. Same way, before God's judgement happens in earth, His ambassadors will evacuate. As a sincere follower, I am willing to get martyred for Jesus Christ but no point in suffering God's wrath that would be poured out on earth during seven vials of judgement.

Just would like to summarize with the following points why rapture before great tribulation is genuine.

1. Jesus said in Luke 21:36 to watch and pray that we may be accounted worthy to escape. So, indeed there is an escape route from great tribulation and that should be through rapture.

2. It was prophecied that the Lord's feet will be standing on Mount Olives in Zeccharia 14:4. This must refer to the public second coming and totally different from the Lord's appearing explained in I Thess 4:17-21 where all the saints dead will rise and the living believers will get transfigured and meet the Lord in air. No need to meet Him in air if He stands in Mount Olives.

3. In the public second coming, Jesus will come back with His holy saints and believers as foretold by Enoch in Jude verse 14. The prophecy of Zeccharia also confirms this as "and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee." Zeccharia 14:5. But, if you observe in the event explained in I Thess 4:17-21, it is so obvious that the Lord Himself will come down with the shout of arch angel and with the voice of God's trumphet. So, there are two different events. The second one is His secret coming where He will take both the dead and living in Christ first and then those who were taken up will come back with Him in His second coming. Makes clear sense.

4. No need for the Lord to come as a thief if it is post tribulational as already explained.

5. I believe the important chapter Revelation 12 gives a picture of rapture events though I am not very clear about man-child, the sun clothed woman, war in heaven and the devil falling to earth and once those events are completed in chapter 12, the visions start to unfold the kingdom of beast (antichrist) in Rev 13. So, the final government of the world will be established post rapture or just imminent of rapture.

6. The important explanation given by Paul in II Thess 2 explains when the anti christ will be revealed and there is a term called "falling away" must occur first. The original word for "falling away" in greek was apostasia which means departing from. Bible scholars and preachers say this indeed represents the rapture event and many ancient English Bible translations have the word "departure" instead of "falling away". (a quick observation - Word "Rapture" is scrambled inside word "Departure"). There is another good explanation which states the event that occur first should be quantified (measurable to say that it has happened) where as falling away is very general and happens all the times so that we can't exactly say it has happened so it has to be rapture. I too believe this to some extent though the Holy Spirit didn't convince my heart 100% yet on this point.

7. It is written that "For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ." in I Thess 5:9. So, even though we have to go through tribulations of this world up to the extent of being martyred for our faith in Jesus Christ, definitely God is truthful to care for His Children so that they will not undergo His wrath and judgement as another verse in II Pet 2:9 - "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:".

I could think further through the scriptures and keep writing on other points as well. But, this article was already big enough to convey the point that rapture is a mystery event that many still won't find it or accept it and no one could know the day or the hour.

All praise, honor and glory to God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Maranatha!!! Amen.