Just as in my previous blogs about heaven, many people - including evangelical preachers - have misconceptions about hell. They think that 'eternal death' is 'eternal life in hell', the lost and wicked will forever be 'burning and suffering but the fire will never be quenched'. But think for a moment, is this what the Bible teaches about the person and character of God? Many wrongly assumed that because God is both a loving Father and one who punishes sin and the wicked, He is one who will send the lost and wicked to 'roast in hell forever'. Is our God one Who burns people for all eternity without ever burning them up? To me, that is a serious misreprecentation of the Person and character of God. Let us explore scriptures to find out the truth.
Most people are ignorant that the concept of an ever-burning hell originates primarily from pagan authors and poets, particularly Dante Alighieri's (1265-1321) famous work on Divine Comedy. This famous poet depicts life in paradise, purgatory and hell which in many aspects run counter to the teachings of the Bible. His view was a carry forward of the famous Greek philospher Plato about the concept of the immortality of the soul, which again is unbiblical.
If hell is a place of eternal suffering, then those who go there must also have eternal life! But the scripture from Romans 6:23 is clear, "For the wages of sin is DEATH, but the gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord". Similarly, John 3:16 says ' that whoever believes in Jesus should not perish but have eternal life'. It does not say, 'Should not suffer eternal life in hell or torment'. Let truth be told, the punishment of the wicked is death, not eternal life in a place of suffering or torment! But what then is 'death' ? Simply put, it means the absence of life, period.
Such confusion arises because many wrongly believe in the immortality of the human soul. But the Bible teaches that only God has an immortal soul (1 Timothy 6:15-16). Genesis 2:7 (King James) tells us 'that God formed man of the dust of the ground ... and man became a living soul'. In other words, men are souls as our forebear, Adam became a soul - he was not given a soul. The prophet Ezekiel understood this well, "The soul who sins shall die" (Ezek 18:4,20). Solomon in Ecclesiastes penned thus, "For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing" (Eccl 9:5). Hence, death is like sleeping (more like in comatose) with no consciousness of the passage of time and events (Psalm 146:4). So death is the CESSATION of LIFE, not leaving this life for a life in another place, at least not yet!
Consider the words of our Lord Jesus in Matthew 10:28, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him (God) who is able to destroy both SOUL and body in hell'. Physical bodies can die and be destroyed in various ways, but souls are destroyed by God in hell!
Job knew this full well when he wrote under the inspiration of God's Spirit, "If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, till my change comes" (Job 14:14). He answered his own questions in Job 19:25-27, "For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me". Job knew that after death, he shall wait (sleeping/comatose) for his resurrection and then be born again into a new creation of spirit body (Job 14:14 ...till my CHANGE comes... see 1Corinthinas 15:51 & 52) to be forever with the Lord Jesus Christ ('my Redeemer' in Job 19:25) in the Kingdom of God on earth ('And He shall stand at last on the earth' Job 19:25) at His (Jesus Christ) call and I (Job) will answer (Job 14:15... see 1 Cor 15:52 -last trumpet). Similarly, in Daniel 12:13, the Angel Gabriel told prophet Daniel, "But you, go your way till the end ('end times' we are in right now), for you shall rest (sleep/comatose), and will arise (resurrect) to your inheritance (reward in the Kingdom of God - Super Government of God) at the end of the days (end of the church age).
We can also find such evidences in Psalm 6:5, "For in death there is No rememberance of You (God); In the grave who will give You thanks'. In Psalm 17:15 David wrote, 'as for me, I will see Your face in righteousness (only in the Kingdom of God is there righteousness - Romans 14:17); I shall be satisfied when I awake (resurrecttion) in Your likeness (born again new creation of spirit body that will live forever like our Lord Jesus Christ ... see 1 John 3:2). This is also echoed in Psalm 115:17, "The dead do not praise the Lord. Nor any one who go down into silence (death)". Such biblical evidences point to the truth contrary to popular misconceptions that the dead are either wailing or screaming in hell or praising God in heaven, as such scenarios cannot be considered as 'silence', these are absolutely false!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Heaven and Hell (3)
The idea that man has an immortal soul dates back thousands of years ago, and originates from the Babylonians, Egyptians and the Greeks, particularly Plato. The early Christian writer Origen was one whose writings was influenced by Plato who taught that the soul separates the body upon physical death and lives on 'somewhere' in consciousness. The old fable of the Egyptian god named Osiris was killed and taken to heaven. There he was miraculously resurrected to life and live on blissfully in heaven. Writers thoroughout the centuries had used this to justify that good people go the heaven and bad people go to hell upon death.
But this is contrary to what Jesus and His apostles taught in scriptures! In John 11:11-15, the Lord Jesus told His disciples that 'Lazarus sleeps' (verse 11), but His disciples misunderstood to think that Lazarus was indeed sleeping in the natural state which is good for recuperation when one is unwell. Look at what Jesus said in verse 14, 'Lazarus is dead'. Lazarus' sister Martha knew that her brother will rise again in the resurrection at the last day (verse 25). This goes to show that physical death is like sleep when one has no consciousness of time and events that passed by, for the dead know nothing (Eccl 9:5).
One of the least understood passages come from misquoting the Apostle Paul's statement in Philppians 1; 23-24, 'For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you'. Many assume that Paul was going to meet Christ at the moment of his death. But Paul knew that all the dead in Christ 'have fallen asleep' (1 Thessalonians 4:13), to be resurrected to eternal life at the first resurrection (1 Thess 4:16-17) upon the Return of Jesus Christ.
Later on when he knew of his imminent death (2 Timothy 4:6-8), Paul wrote of the 'crown of righteousness' which will await him when he shall be resurrected at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (verse 8). Paul preached faithfully the gospel of the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22, 19:8, 20:25, 28:23 & 31), and knew that his hope and reward will occur at 'His appearing on the day of His Coming' and not at the moment of death!
Some will inevitably ask, then what is the message of the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man in Luke 16:19-31, isn't it talking about going to heaven and hell? In the context of the passage preceding this, Christ was telling the Pharisees about serving God and mammon (money), that what is esteemed highly by men is despicable in the sight of God (Luke 16:15). Hence, this parable is an allegory on a lesson about handling worldly wealth in this life in the light of the resurrection since the Pharisees were unconvinced about what Jesus had taught them earlier.
Notice that this parable about Lazarus and the Rich Man says nothing about heaven and an ever-burning hell, but rather teaches about the resurrection of the dead. It teaches that the righteous like Lazarus, will one day be resurrected with Abraham to sit in the Kingdom of God (Matthew 8:11) - in Abraham's bosom (verse 22). The great gulf or chasm that separates Abraham and the Rich Man (verse 26) could refer to sin that cuts the Rich Man off from God and time that separate them since Abraham and Lazarus will be in the first resurrection to eternal life but not the Rich Man in the parable. The Rich Man was buried and resurrected to physical life (he lifted up his eyes - verse 23) probably in the third resurrection to face the prospect of a second death in the Lake of Fire (Rev 20:14). That could account for his torment - probably mental torture - after realising his destiny. If the Rich Man had gone into hellfire shortly after death, would Abraham used the phrase, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime' (verse 25). Note that hell is nothing more than the grave and is not hellfire as no amount of water droplets will cool such a fire (verse 24)!
In Revelation 4:8, it was recorded that there are twenty-four elders worshipping God and cast their crowns before the throne. Some mistaken them to be the saved souls living in heaven. Truth is, they are the angels numbering in the 'ten thousand times ten thousands' (Rev 5:11) ruling in heaven with God. The casting of their crowns is symbolic of the angelic beings relinquishing their positions of authority to the Lord Jesus Christ who will then establish His Millennial Kingdom on earth with His saints (Rev 3:21, 5:10, 11:15).
But this is contrary to what Jesus and His apostles taught in scriptures! In John 11:11-15, the Lord Jesus told His disciples that 'Lazarus sleeps' (verse 11), but His disciples misunderstood to think that Lazarus was indeed sleeping in the natural state which is good for recuperation when one is unwell. Look at what Jesus said in verse 14, 'Lazarus is dead'. Lazarus' sister Martha knew that her brother will rise again in the resurrection at the last day (verse 25). This goes to show that physical death is like sleep when one has no consciousness of time and events that passed by, for the dead know nothing (Eccl 9:5).
One of the least understood passages come from misquoting the Apostle Paul's statement in Philppians 1; 23-24, 'For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you'. Many assume that Paul was going to meet Christ at the moment of his death. But Paul knew that all the dead in Christ 'have fallen asleep' (1 Thessalonians 4:13), to be resurrected to eternal life at the first resurrection (1 Thess 4:16-17) upon the Return of Jesus Christ.
Later on when he knew of his imminent death (2 Timothy 4:6-8), Paul wrote of the 'crown of righteousness' which will await him when he shall be resurrected at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (verse 8). Paul preached faithfully the gospel of the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22, 19:8, 20:25, 28:23 & 31), and knew that his hope and reward will occur at 'His appearing on the day of His Coming' and not at the moment of death!
Some will inevitably ask, then what is the message of the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man in Luke 16:19-31, isn't it talking about going to heaven and hell? In the context of the passage preceding this, Christ was telling the Pharisees about serving God and mammon (money), that what is esteemed highly by men is despicable in the sight of God (Luke 16:15). Hence, this parable is an allegory on a lesson about handling worldly wealth in this life in the light of the resurrection since the Pharisees were unconvinced about what Jesus had taught them earlier.
Notice that this parable about Lazarus and the Rich Man says nothing about heaven and an ever-burning hell, but rather teaches about the resurrection of the dead. It teaches that the righteous like Lazarus, will one day be resurrected with Abraham to sit in the Kingdom of God (Matthew 8:11) - in Abraham's bosom (verse 22). The great gulf or chasm that separates Abraham and the Rich Man (verse 26) could refer to sin that cuts the Rich Man off from God and time that separate them since Abraham and Lazarus will be in the first resurrection to eternal life but not the Rich Man in the parable. The Rich Man was buried and resurrected to physical life (he lifted up his eyes - verse 23) probably in the third resurrection to face the prospect of a second death in the Lake of Fire (Rev 20:14). That could account for his torment - probably mental torture - after realising his destiny. If the Rich Man had gone into hellfire shortly after death, would Abraham used the phrase, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime' (verse 25). Note that hell is nothing more than the grave and is not hellfire as no amount of water droplets will cool such a fire (verse 24)!
In Revelation 4:8, it was recorded that there are twenty-four elders worshipping God and cast their crowns before the throne. Some mistaken them to be the saved souls living in heaven. Truth is, they are the angels numbering in the 'ten thousand times ten thousands' (Rev 5:11) ruling in heaven with God. The casting of their crowns is symbolic of the angelic beings relinquishing their positions of authority to the Lord Jesus Christ who will then establish His Millennial Kingdom on earth with His saints (Rev 3:21, 5:10, 11:15).
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Heaven and Hell (2)
As a young Christian during my Sunday School days, I was intrigued by the story of Elijah 'ascending up into heaven by a whirlwind' as recorded in 2 Kings 2:11.How then do we reconcile the statement as spoken by the Lord Jesus in John 3:13, 'No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of man who is in heaven' recorded some 900 years after Elijah's era?
In order to do that we need to understand which heaven Elijah was transported to, as there are three heavens recorded in scriptures. The third heaven is where God the Father dwells and our Lord Jesus Christ is now 'seated at the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens' (Hebrews 8:1). The third heaven is 'God's holy habitation' (Deut 26:15). The second heaven is where the planets, sun and stars are located as David described in Psalm 8:3. Also, in Genesis 26:4, God promised Isaac that his descendants will multiply as the 'stars of heaven'. The first heaven is the atmosphere surrounding the earth - Genesis 7:11-12 describes the 'windows of heaven were opened' that rain for forty days and forty nights during the Great Flood of Noah's days, and Job 35:11 speaks of the 'birds of heaven' that fly overhead.
A careful study of the passage in the context reveals that it was in the first heaven that Elijah was transported to. God told Elijah to look for a successor as he will be taken away (1 Kings 19:16; 2 Kings 2:9). When God took him away, the fifty disciples of the prophet knew that he was merely transported to somewhere as they were determined to search for him, but in vain (2 Kings 2:17).
Some years later, Elijah wrote a letter to wicked king Jehoram, the son of righteous king Jehoshaphat, warning him of a disease that will strike him as a judgment from God (2 Chronicles 21:12-15). Since Jesus said no one has been to heaven and mortal man cannot survive unaided in space, Elijah must be still on planet earth when he was taken away. Besides, heavenly beings do not write letters to mortal beings on earth! Elijah, like all the men of faith died and are still 'sleeping awaiting the resurrection', since they all have yet to receive the promise of eternal life (Hebrews 11:39) but are waiting for the fullness of the church age saints to come in (Heb 11:40).
Another common misunderstanding arise from the passage in Luke 23:43, when Jesus said to the thief that was crucified beside Him, 'Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise'. The word, 'Paradise' is used only in two other instances in the bible - 2 Corinthians 12:1-4 where Paul shared that he was caught up in a vision of Paradise and Revelation 2:7 tells us that 'the tree of life is in the midst of the Paradise' which will be in the New Jerusalem (Rev 22:2) where 'God will come to dwell with men there' (Rev 21:1-3). Hence, this 'Paradise' the Lord was talking about is something of the future - in the age to come.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 tells us that 'Christ died for our sins...and that He rose again on the THIRD DAY according to the scriptures'. Notice that Jesus Himself told Mary in John 20:17, 'Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father'. This shows that Jesus Himself was not even in Paradise three days after He died, as He has yet to ascend into heaven. So how can the thief be in heaven before Him!
So what was the Lord Jesus talking about? The thief was repentant and said to Jesus, 'Lord remember me when You come into Your kingdom' - meaning he understood that the Lord Jesus Christ will return some day to establish His kingdom on earth as the King of kings and Lord of lords. As the thief was not baptised and never receive the gift of God's Spirit, he will probably be resurrected in the second resurrection after the close of the millennila age. By then,planet earth would have been a Paradise with the New Jerusalem coming down from Heaven with God dwelling among His creation (Rev 21:1-3). Since the original Bible comes with no punctuation, it was centuries later that translators added in the punctuation marks. A more probable translation would have been, 'Assuredly, I say to you today, you will be with Me in Paradise'. What Christ was telling him was that a day will come in the future age, when he will be resurrected to see the Kingdom of God on Paradise earth!
In order to do that we need to understand which heaven Elijah was transported to, as there are three heavens recorded in scriptures. The third heaven is where God the Father dwells and our Lord Jesus Christ is now 'seated at the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens' (Hebrews 8:1). The third heaven is 'God's holy habitation' (Deut 26:15). The second heaven is where the planets, sun and stars are located as David described in Psalm 8:3. Also, in Genesis 26:4, God promised Isaac that his descendants will multiply as the 'stars of heaven'. The first heaven is the atmosphere surrounding the earth - Genesis 7:11-12 describes the 'windows of heaven were opened' that rain for forty days and forty nights during the Great Flood of Noah's days, and Job 35:11 speaks of the 'birds of heaven' that fly overhead.
A careful study of the passage in the context reveals that it was in the first heaven that Elijah was transported to. God told Elijah to look for a successor as he will be taken away (1 Kings 19:16; 2 Kings 2:9). When God took him away, the fifty disciples of the prophet knew that he was merely transported to somewhere as they were determined to search for him, but in vain (2 Kings 2:17).
Some years later, Elijah wrote a letter to wicked king Jehoram, the son of righteous king Jehoshaphat, warning him of a disease that will strike him as a judgment from God (2 Chronicles 21:12-15). Since Jesus said no one has been to heaven and mortal man cannot survive unaided in space, Elijah must be still on planet earth when he was taken away. Besides, heavenly beings do not write letters to mortal beings on earth! Elijah, like all the men of faith died and are still 'sleeping awaiting the resurrection', since they all have yet to receive the promise of eternal life (Hebrews 11:39) but are waiting for the fullness of the church age saints to come in (Heb 11:40).
Another common misunderstanding arise from the passage in Luke 23:43, when Jesus said to the thief that was crucified beside Him, 'Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise'. The word, 'Paradise' is used only in two other instances in the bible - 2 Corinthians 12:1-4 where Paul shared that he was caught up in a vision of Paradise and Revelation 2:7 tells us that 'the tree of life is in the midst of the Paradise' which will be in the New Jerusalem (Rev 22:2) where 'God will come to dwell with men there' (Rev 21:1-3). Hence, this 'Paradise' the Lord was talking about is something of the future - in the age to come.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 tells us that 'Christ died for our sins...and that He rose again on the THIRD DAY according to the scriptures'. Notice that Jesus Himself told Mary in John 20:17, 'Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father'. This shows that Jesus Himself was not even in Paradise three days after He died, as He has yet to ascend into heaven. So how can the thief be in heaven before Him!
So what was the Lord Jesus talking about? The thief was repentant and said to Jesus, 'Lord remember me when You come into Your kingdom' - meaning he understood that the Lord Jesus Christ will return some day to establish His kingdom on earth as the King of kings and Lord of lords. As the thief was not baptised and never receive the gift of God's Spirit, he will probably be resurrected in the second resurrection after the close of the millennila age. By then,planet earth would have been a Paradise with the New Jerusalem coming down from Heaven with God dwelling among His creation (Rev 21:1-3). Since the original Bible comes with no punctuation, it was centuries later that translators added in the punctuation marks. A more probable translation would have been, 'Assuredly, I say to you today, you will be with Me in Paradise'. What Christ was telling him was that a day will come in the future age, when he will be resurrected to see the Kingdom of God on Paradise earth!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Heaven And Hell (1)
As a Christian for over three decades, I have had been to many Chriatian funeral wakes and memorial services. Invariably, as I sat there, I would hear testimonials , sermons and eulogies of the departed believer 'now in the presence of our Lord Jesus in heaven'. Similarly, when I scanned the obituary section of the local newspapers, many would state directly or indirectly that the departed loved one is presently with Jesus in heaven. Several years ago, when I had yet to be enlightened about the truth, I bought into such belief 'hook, line and sinker'. Such misconception was due to the fables of man and preachers who were long on rhetoric, but short on the truth, to frighten audiences into accepting the Christian faith - albeit with good intentions!
Most professing Christians believe that the saved go to heaven upon death. Sometimes, I just wonder how many of the millions of Christians who hold on to such belief thoroughly searched the scriptures to find out the validity of their belief.
The Lord Jesus in John 3:13 said, 'No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.' Luke recorded for us in Acts 2:29 that 'the patriarch David is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day'. Following on in verse 34, it states, 'For David did not ascend into the heavens'. So where is David now? He is still 'sleeping in the grave' awaiting the resurrection of the dead, when the righteous shall receive their reward of eternal inheritance. David expressed this hope of a future resurrection in Psalm 16:9-10, 'My flesh also will rest in hope. For You shall not leave my soul in Sheol (grave)'. That is why Solomon penned in Ecclesiastes 3 about 3,000 years ago that there is a time for everything under the sun - including resurrection, judgment and reward!
Do you begin to understand why the Lord Jesus uttered these words in John 8:21, 'Where I go you cannot come', and these same words again in John 13:33. The Jews seemed to understand this concept, as recorded in John 8: 53, 'Abraham is dead and the prophets are dead'. Dead means no life regardless of whether they are believer or not, unless resurrected!
The keen reader may ask, so what is this all about? Well, the confusion arises mainly because theologians mistaken man to have an immortal soul. The truth is that man is a living mortal soul which will die with the body at death. Only God has an immortal soul (1 Tim 6: 15-16) that is eternal and will never die. Only the spirit in man (Job 32:8; Zech 12:1; 1 Cor 2: 11) returns to God upon death (Eccl 12:7; Ps 31:5; Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59). I believe that the spiritual DNA of all the saved who ever lived are presently kept in heaven (Hebrews: 12:23) to be released at the time of resurrection of the dead!
The patriarchs of old (many of them will be greatkly rewarded in the Kingdom of God) fully understood these concepts. Job asked the obvious question in Job 14:14, 'If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, till my change comes'. Job answered his own question in 19:25-27, that he shall be resurrected to see God and that is when 'his change comes' (14:14) for by then he will be born again into a new spirit body being that is immortal. Following on in Job 14:15, it states 'You shall call and I shall answer You'. Job knew that at the resurrection the last trumpet call shall come from the Lord Jesus Christ at His return (1 Cor 15:52). All the saints who were and are led of the Spirit of God will recognise His voice for He shall raised them up on the last day (John 6:39-40). Remember, only those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God (Rom 8:14). Otherwise, they are none of His (Rom 8:9).
Make no mistake, heaven is NOT the reward of the saved, inheriting rulership over the earth is. In Psalm 37, David reminded the readers FIVE TIMES that the righteous shall inherit the earth. The Lord Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 5:5 as the first beatitude, which is consistent with Psalm 37:11.
Let's take a look at Daniel 12 13, the closing chapter and closing verse of this great prophetic book. Apparently, an 'Angel of the Lord' told him in verse 13, 'But you (Daniel), go your way till the end (the last days); for you shall rest (sleeping in peace without any consciousness of the passage of time), and will arise (resurrection when the last trumpet calls) to your inheritance (reward of the saint in the Kingdom of God) at the end of the days'. Can anything be more explicit than that?
The book of Isaiah dwells quite extensively about life in the Millennial Age. Yet he lamented in Isaish 53:1, 'Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?' Looks like it has gone one full circle, the last days of this current church age is upon us, and few people believe the Lord's message of the coming Kingdom (Mark 1:14), let alone take appropriate actions to live out His commandments. Little wonder He warned in Matthew 7:21, ' Not everyone who says to Me "Lord, Lord" shall enter the kingdom of heaven (God), but he who does the will of my Father in heaven. But what is actually the will of the Father in heaven? That will be the subject of a future blog.
Most professing Christians believe that the saved go to heaven upon death. Sometimes, I just wonder how many of the millions of Christians who hold on to such belief thoroughly searched the scriptures to find out the validity of their belief.
The Lord Jesus in John 3:13 said, 'No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.' Luke recorded for us in Acts 2:29 that 'the patriarch David is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day'. Following on in verse 34, it states, 'For David did not ascend into the heavens'. So where is David now? He is still 'sleeping in the grave' awaiting the resurrection of the dead, when the righteous shall receive their reward of eternal inheritance. David expressed this hope of a future resurrection in Psalm 16:9-10, 'My flesh also will rest in hope. For You shall not leave my soul in Sheol (grave)'. That is why Solomon penned in Ecclesiastes 3 about 3,000 years ago that there is a time for everything under the sun - including resurrection, judgment and reward!
Do you begin to understand why the Lord Jesus uttered these words in John 8:21, 'Where I go you cannot come', and these same words again in John 13:33. The Jews seemed to understand this concept, as recorded in John 8: 53, 'Abraham is dead and the prophets are dead'. Dead means no life regardless of whether they are believer or not, unless resurrected!
The keen reader may ask, so what is this all about? Well, the confusion arises mainly because theologians mistaken man to have an immortal soul. The truth is that man is a living mortal soul which will die with the body at death. Only God has an immortal soul (1 Tim 6: 15-16) that is eternal and will never die. Only the spirit in man (Job 32:8; Zech 12:1; 1 Cor 2: 11) returns to God upon death (Eccl 12:7; Ps 31:5; Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59). I believe that the spiritual DNA of all the saved who ever lived are presently kept in heaven (Hebrews: 12:23) to be released at the time of resurrection of the dead!
The patriarchs of old (many of them will be greatkly rewarded in the Kingdom of God) fully understood these concepts. Job asked the obvious question in Job 14:14, 'If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, till my change comes'. Job answered his own question in 19:25-27, that he shall be resurrected to see God and that is when 'his change comes' (14:14) for by then he will be born again into a new spirit body being that is immortal. Following on in Job 14:15, it states 'You shall call and I shall answer You'. Job knew that at the resurrection the last trumpet call shall come from the Lord Jesus Christ at His return (1 Cor 15:52). All the saints who were and are led of the Spirit of God will recognise His voice for He shall raised them up on the last day (John 6:39-40). Remember, only those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God (Rom 8:14). Otherwise, they are none of His (Rom 8:9).
Make no mistake, heaven is NOT the reward of the saved, inheriting rulership over the earth is. In Psalm 37, David reminded the readers FIVE TIMES that the righteous shall inherit the earth. The Lord Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 5:5 as the first beatitude, which is consistent with Psalm 37:11.
Let's take a look at Daniel 12 13, the closing chapter and closing verse of this great prophetic book. Apparently, an 'Angel of the Lord' told him in verse 13, 'But you (Daniel), go your way till the end (the last days); for you shall rest (sleeping in peace without any consciousness of the passage of time), and will arise (resurrection when the last trumpet calls) to your inheritance (reward of the saint in the Kingdom of God) at the end of the days'. Can anything be more explicit than that?
The book of Isaiah dwells quite extensively about life in the Millennial Age. Yet he lamented in Isaish 53:1, 'Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?' Looks like it has gone one full circle, the last days of this current church age is upon us, and few people believe the Lord's message of the coming Kingdom (Mark 1:14), let alone take appropriate actions to live out His commandments. Little wonder He warned in Matthew 7:21, ' Not everyone who says to Me "Lord, Lord" shall enter the kingdom of heaven (God), but he who does the will of my Father in heaven. But what is actually the will of the Father in heaven? That will be the subject of a future blog.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
You Must Be Born Again
As a young Christian, I often heard preachers and other more mature believers in the Lord uttered the cliche - 'born again' believers in the Lord. My understanding then was that every Christian who has placed their trust in Jesus Christ as personal Saviour is a 'born again' believer who will eventually enter heaven upon death. But as I study into the Word of Scripture, I discovered that that isn't what it means.
What then, does Jesus mean when He told the Pharisees named Nicodemus, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'? (John 3:3). It is absolutely crucial that you understand this truth because your destiny hinges on it. If a believer is being 'born again' at the point of conversion, then the Kingdom of God must be here now. But the Word of God clearly teaches otherwise - that the Kingdom of God will come after the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Revelation 11:15).
Colossians 1:18 tells us that 'Christ is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead'. This verse tells us that Jesus is the first to be resurrected from the dead. All other believers who are resurrected after Him are Christs' brethren (Rom 8:29) - born into God's family as sons of God. This will happen after Jesus Christ return to earth at His Second Coming. The only qualifying condition is that they must have the Spirit of Christ living in them and be led by the Spirit of God, otherwise they are none of His (Rom 8: 9-16). Because the same Spirit of God that raised Christ from the dead will also raised all true believers into spirit body at resurrection (verse 11). The account in 1 Cor 15:44-54 makes this absolutely clear. To be 'born again' is to be resurrected into spirit body of immortality, incorruptibility, having the 'divine nature'. That is why one who is born again of God does not sin, for His seed (Holy Spirit) remains in him, and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God (1 john 3:9). If a believer is 'born again' at conversion, this verse just does not make sense because all Christians still sin after conversion!
God's plan is to have 'many sons' - born after His firstborn Son Jesus Christ. If He intends to stop at only ONE SON, the word 'firstborn' and 'brethren' are superflous (Rom 8:29) and the phrase 'sons of God' - Rom 8:14 - quite misleading! But all these truths Satan and his demons are fighting tooth and nail to keep the church from understanding - otherwise he will cut short his reign into the pit (Rev 20:2-3). For when the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven (God) is being preached in all the world as a witness, the end of the church age will come to usher in the return of Christ (Matt 24:14).
So the truth being told, one is born again at the resurrection - then and only then, will he/she sees the Kingdom of God. For flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption (1 Cor 15:50). It has to be YOU with a new spirit body that will never die (1 Cor 15:54), one that is fully led by the Spirit of God, of which we are now experiencing only an earnest (a guarantee - Eph 1:14), the fulness of which after we are born again!
The Apostle Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 15:50 states that we are to become spirit in order to inherit the Kingdom of God. Since humans are made of flesh and blood - from the dust, Gen 2:7 - they must be born again into spirits before they can enter the Kingdom of God. Like in a physical birth, a child is being delivered from his/her physical mother, in a spiritual birth the believer is being delivered from his/her spiritual mother - the church. The Lord Jesus likens this to wind in John 3:8, indicating that born again believers in the spirit body will also be invisible! Perhaps, the Kingdom of God will also be invisible to the natural but only those born of spirit will be able to see and enter into it.
Note that Nicodemus understood who Christ was and His authority from God when he said in John 3:2 'Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him'. Why do you think that the Pharisees still resent Christ when they knew who He was? The most probable explanation was that they feared the loss of power and authority that was given to them by the Romans if the message of the Kingdom (Government) of God, which was preached by the Lord Jesus was accepted by the masses. Similarly, many today understood the teachings of Jesus Christ about the Kingdom of God, yet they prefer to cling on to their traditions and beliefs for fear of losing their positions, power and status. That is why the Lord Jesus emphasised strongly, 'YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN' (John 3:7).
What then, does Jesus mean when He told the Pharisees named Nicodemus, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'? (John 3:3). It is absolutely crucial that you understand this truth because your destiny hinges on it. If a believer is being 'born again' at the point of conversion, then the Kingdom of God must be here now. But the Word of God clearly teaches otherwise - that the Kingdom of God will come after the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Revelation 11:15).
Colossians 1:18 tells us that 'Christ is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead'. This verse tells us that Jesus is the first to be resurrected from the dead. All other believers who are resurrected after Him are Christs' brethren (Rom 8:29) - born into God's family as sons of God. This will happen after Jesus Christ return to earth at His Second Coming. The only qualifying condition is that they must have the Spirit of Christ living in them and be led by the Spirit of God, otherwise they are none of His (Rom 8: 9-16). Because the same Spirit of God that raised Christ from the dead will also raised all true believers into spirit body at resurrection (verse 11). The account in 1 Cor 15:44-54 makes this absolutely clear. To be 'born again' is to be resurrected into spirit body of immortality, incorruptibility, having the 'divine nature'. That is why one who is born again of God does not sin, for His seed (Holy Spirit) remains in him, and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God (1 john 3:9). If a believer is 'born again' at conversion, this verse just does not make sense because all Christians still sin after conversion!
God's plan is to have 'many sons' - born after His firstborn Son Jesus Christ. If He intends to stop at only ONE SON, the word 'firstborn' and 'brethren' are superflous (Rom 8:29) and the phrase 'sons of God' - Rom 8:14 - quite misleading! But all these truths Satan and his demons are fighting tooth and nail to keep the church from understanding - otherwise he will cut short his reign into the pit (Rev 20:2-3). For when the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven (God) is being preached in all the world as a witness, the end of the church age will come to usher in the return of Christ (Matt 24:14).
So the truth being told, one is born again at the resurrection - then and only then, will he/she sees the Kingdom of God. For flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption (1 Cor 15:50). It has to be YOU with a new spirit body that will never die (1 Cor 15:54), one that is fully led by the Spirit of God, of which we are now experiencing only an earnest (a guarantee - Eph 1:14), the fulness of which after we are born again!
The Apostle Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 15:50 states that we are to become spirit in order to inherit the Kingdom of God. Since humans are made of flesh and blood - from the dust, Gen 2:7 - they must be born again into spirits before they can enter the Kingdom of God. Like in a physical birth, a child is being delivered from his/her physical mother, in a spiritual birth the believer is being delivered from his/her spiritual mother - the church. The Lord Jesus likens this to wind in John 3:8, indicating that born again believers in the spirit body will also be invisible! Perhaps, the Kingdom of God will also be invisible to the natural but only those born of spirit will be able to see and enter into it.
Note that Nicodemus understood who Christ was and His authority from God when he said in John 3:2 'Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him'. Why do you think that the Pharisees still resent Christ when they knew who He was? The most probable explanation was that they feared the loss of power and authority that was given to them by the Romans if the message of the Kingdom (Government) of God, which was preached by the Lord Jesus was accepted by the masses. Similarly, many today understood the teachings of Jesus Christ about the Kingdom of God, yet they prefer to cling on to their traditions and beliefs for fear of losing their positions, power and status. That is why the Lord Jesus emphasised strongly, 'YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN' (John 3:7).
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Reward of the Saints
Many Christians know that they are 'destined for glory'. But what is it and what form it will take, most have no clue what it's all about. Some may hazard a guess, like 'riding in the clouds', 'walking through streets of gold in heaven', or 'just loiter around in heaven - free and easy - perhaps at the bosom of Jesus'. But none of these is what the bible teaches.
Before I dwell into reward, we need to be absolutely clear what is salvation. I used to think that I am saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. This is only half the truth. We are 'saved by His (Jesus Christ) life (Romans 5:10). While we are reconciled to God and justified by His blood (Rom 5:9) of all our past transgressions and sins, He saved us completely based on our repentance - turning from our evil past (kingdom of darkness) to FUTURE obedience on God's laws and commandments (Kingdom of Light).
This is made possible because God's Spirit dwells upon those who repent and obey Him (Acts 5:31-32). In other words, the authority and works (fruits) of the believer is dependent upon the power of the Holy Spirit which is conditional on repentance and obedience on the part of the Christian. And not dependent on some 'soaking meeting' or 'Holy Spirit meeting' to prop up dwindling spiritual power. This will NOT work and is unbiblical, but can cause confusion and deception in the body of Christ! Don't get me wrong, those who are not full of God's Holy Spirit but are nevertheless believer of Jesus Christ, will not lose their salvation, though they could lose their reward if their lives are found to be unfruitful - like being deceived into doing the wrong kind of work in the name of the Lord ( Matthew 15:13-14; Mark 7:7; 1 Cor 3:15).
Salvation is by grace through faith, even the saving faith itself is a gift. 'For by grace are you saved through faith, and that (faith) not of yourself; it (faith) is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast' (Ephesians 2:8-9). That is why there is another level of faith, 'For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith (the faith of Christ) (Rom 1:17). But that will be the subject of another blog.
Make no mistake, a Christian is one who has the Holy Spirit leading and guiding him/her. 'For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God' (Rom 8:14) - for we are not in the flesh but in the Spirit (verse 9). From these verses alone, we gather that God the father is building His divine family with Jesus as the Firstborn and born again believers (resurrected in the First Resurrection) are His brethren (Rom 8:29), being the church of the firstborn (Hebrews 12:23). Satan is absolutely mad that he was not offered as member of God's divine family but puny man can have it! You read it right, you and I can be part of God's divine family - literally - when Jesus Christ returns to rule and reign in the Kingdom of God during the Millennial Age. Not even the angels in heaven were given the privilege. This is clearly reveals in Hebrews, beginning with chapter 1 (more about that in future blog). David's writing in Psalm 8 shows his understanding of things to come (little wonder he is a man after God's own heart and will be resurrected - because he is stiil sleeping in the dust, Acts 2:34 - in the First Resurrection to rule and reign over Israel).
The Holy Spirit dwells in the minds of believers to renew and guide us into the truth - for only the truth will set us free (John 8:32). Free from what? - from the deceptions of Satan and his demons. God's plan for believers (potential sons) is not either faith or works, but FAITH AND WORKS - in order to qualify us for the Kingdom as part of His divine family which He is working now to expand to include all believers who will heed His calling and commandments.
In a sense, the church is currently being judged - 'For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God' (1 Peter 4:17). What is the purpose of God's judging His people now if our character, conduct and works make no difference to Him. God is sieving out His chosen ones - the overcomers - to be part of His 'A' team in His government! No one is fit to rule and reign in the Kingdom of God if he/she cannot be ruled or refuse to submit to the government of God which is based on the laws and commandments of God as stipulated in the holy scriptures. Do not be like the stubborn mules in the parable of Luke 19:14. Christians must learn to 'grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ' (2 Peter 3:18). For one's status, position, office, rank and glory will depend on your character building and works accomplished - assessed when you are resurrected or walk (transformed) into the Kingdom of God, whichever comes first. That is your destiny - for your future quality of life depends on what you do NOW!
John 15 records the words of our Lord Jesus Christ on the night before the betrayal. He kept the Passover with His disciples and taught them the importance of bearing fruit. However, the believer must understand God's role in the building of character, good works and righteousness (Rom 10:3). Doing our own thing or God's work in our own way will amount to nothing as far as reward in the life to come is concern. God is the potter and we are the clay. Let His Holy Spirit work in and through us to produce the Godly character (partakers of the divine nature) He desires of us first before we can be useful for the extension of His Kingdom both now and in the age to come. For we must seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (our current needs and future rewards) shall be added to you (Matt 6:33).
Before I dwell into reward, we need to be absolutely clear what is salvation. I used to think that I am saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. This is only half the truth. We are 'saved by His (Jesus Christ) life (Romans 5:10). While we are reconciled to God and justified by His blood (Rom 5:9) of all our past transgressions and sins, He saved us completely based on our repentance - turning from our evil past (kingdom of darkness) to FUTURE obedience on God's laws and commandments (Kingdom of Light).
This is made possible because God's Spirit dwells upon those who repent and obey Him (Acts 5:31-32). In other words, the authority and works (fruits) of the believer is dependent upon the power of the Holy Spirit which is conditional on repentance and obedience on the part of the Christian. And not dependent on some 'soaking meeting' or 'Holy Spirit meeting' to prop up dwindling spiritual power. This will NOT work and is unbiblical, but can cause confusion and deception in the body of Christ! Don't get me wrong, those who are not full of God's Holy Spirit but are nevertheless believer of Jesus Christ, will not lose their salvation, though they could lose their reward if their lives are found to be unfruitful - like being deceived into doing the wrong kind of work in the name of the Lord ( Matthew 15:13-14; Mark 7:7; 1 Cor 3:15).
Salvation is by grace through faith, even the saving faith itself is a gift. 'For by grace are you saved through faith, and that (faith) not of yourself; it (faith) is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast' (Ephesians 2:8-9). That is why there is another level of faith, 'For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith (the faith of Christ) (Rom 1:17). But that will be the subject of another blog.
Make no mistake, a Christian is one who has the Holy Spirit leading and guiding him/her. 'For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God' (Rom 8:14) - for we are not in the flesh but in the Spirit (verse 9). From these verses alone, we gather that God the father is building His divine family with Jesus as the Firstborn and born again believers (resurrected in the First Resurrection) are His brethren (Rom 8:29), being the church of the firstborn (Hebrews 12:23). Satan is absolutely mad that he was not offered as member of God's divine family but puny man can have it! You read it right, you and I can be part of God's divine family - literally - when Jesus Christ returns to rule and reign in the Kingdom of God during the Millennial Age. Not even the angels in heaven were given the privilege. This is clearly reveals in Hebrews, beginning with chapter 1 (more about that in future blog). David's writing in Psalm 8 shows his understanding of things to come (little wonder he is a man after God's own heart and will be resurrected - because he is stiil sleeping in the dust, Acts 2:34 - in the First Resurrection to rule and reign over Israel).
The Holy Spirit dwells in the minds of believers to renew and guide us into the truth - for only the truth will set us free (John 8:32). Free from what? - from the deceptions of Satan and his demons. God's plan for believers (potential sons) is not either faith or works, but FAITH AND WORKS - in order to qualify us for the Kingdom as part of His divine family which He is working now to expand to include all believers who will heed His calling and commandments.
In a sense, the church is currently being judged - 'For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God' (1 Peter 4:17). What is the purpose of God's judging His people now if our character, conduct and works make no difference to Him. God is sieving out His chosen ones - the overcomers - to be part of His 'A' team in His government! No one is fit to rule and reign in the Kingdom of God if he/she cannot be ruled or refuse to submit to the government of God which is based on the laws and commandments of God as stipulated in the holy scriptures. Do not be like the stubborn mules in the parable of Luke 19:14. Christians must learn to 'grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ' (2 Peter 3:18). For one's status, position, office, rank and glory will depend on your character building and works accomplished - assessed when you are resurrected or walk (transformed) into the Kingdom of God, whichever comes first. That is your destiny - for your future quality of life depends on what you do NOW!
John 15 records the words of our Lord Jesus Christ on the night before the betrayal. He kept the Passover with His disciples and taught them the importance of bearing fruit. However, the believer must understand God's role in the building of character, good works and righteousness (Rom 10:3). Doing our own thing or God's work in our own way will amount to nothing as far as reward in the life to come is concern. God is the potter and we are the clay. Let His Holy Spirit work in and through us to produce the Godly character (partakers of the divine nature) He desires of us first before we can be useful for the extension of His Kingdom both now and in the age to come. For we must seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (our current needs and future rewards) shall be added to you (Matt 6:33).
Sunday, February 3, 2008
The Judgment Seat of Christ
In my last few blogs, I shared with readers about the Kingdom of God which is God's Government on earth during the Millennial Age - to be inaugurated after the Second Coming of Christ. In this blog I am going to share about the Judgment Seat of Christ which will precede Christ's rule. This Judgment is all about rewards or loss of rewards and has nothing to do with salvation - since only saved believers of the church age will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ. This is because all who appear there will have the same foundation, which is the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross (1 Cor 3 11).
Please note that salvation is not the end of the Christian race, but rather the beginning! The end will come at the Judgment Seat of Christ where every will, work and word will be judged through the 'baptism of fire'. This is precisely what John the Baptist meant in Matthew 3:11 when he said that the Lord Jesus will come to baptise His disciples will the Holy Spirit and fire. So Charismatics beware - you folks ought to know what you are singing and asking - otherwise you are unknowingly pronouncing curses upon yourselves !
Understand this, while salvation is secure (it cannot be easily lost except like when it is renounced or adopt another faith subsequently), reward can be easily lost if one is foolish enough and lack wisdom. When the Scriptures say that it is a gift not based on works, that something is salvation and cannot be easily lost (Ephesians 2:8-9). Conversely, when something needs to be attained through works, that is a reward which can be easily lost (2 John 8). As Christians we must learn to clearly divide the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
Make no mistake, not all believers will inherit the Kingdom of God. For many are called (unto salvation) but few are chosen (to rule and reign in the Kingdom of God) - Matthew 20:16b; 22:14. But only those who have received a reward, whose works are counted as gold, silver and precious stones (1 Cor 3: 12-15). Those whose works are wood, hay and straw will lose their reward though they themselves will be saved, even through the fire. This is consistent with what the Lord taught His disciples on numerous occasions, especially through the parable of the wedding feast in Matthew 22: 1-14 and the parable of the minas (talent) in Luke 19:12-27. Jesus also told His disciples that He (Son of Man) will come in the glory of His Father and reward each according to his works (Matt 16:27; Rev 22:12).
The Apostle Paul again in 2 Cor 5:10 reiterated that all Christians must appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Again in Hebrews 2:2, the writer (whom I believe is Paul) reminded us that everyone who appears there will receive exactly what he deserves. So there can be no miscarriage of judgment - unlike judgments handed out by leaders and governments of this world!
God is loving and gracious, sometimes He chastened us for our own good so that we will not lose our reward but rather 'yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it' (Hebrews 12:5-11). Hence, it is a very good idea to do our own soul searching periodically to cleanse out the 'skeleton in our closet' (2 Cor 11:31-32). Sadly, many failed to heed the example of Esau when he sold his birthright to his younger brother Jacob for a pottage (typology for the trinkets of this world) and found to his deep regret that there is no tears left for repentance. When we appear before Christ, it will be too late for any remedy, and those who lost their reward will be marginalised in the outer darkness with weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt 22:13)!
That is why chastisement and the fear (reverential) of the Lord will drive the foolishness out of believers into wisdom and right living (righteousness) - Proverbs 22:15. This is what kingdom living will be like in the Age to come under the government of the King of kings and Lord of lords - the kings and lords are the saints who will rule and reign with Him!
Please note that salvation is not the end of the Christian race, but rather the beginning! The end will come at the Judgment Seat of Christ where every will, work and word will be judged through the 'baptism of fire'. This is precisely what John the Baptist meant in Matthew 3:11 when he said that the Lord Jesus will come to baptise His disciples will the Holy Spirit and fire. So Charismatics beware - you folks ought to know what you are singing and asking - otherwise you are unknowingly pronouncing curses upon yourselves !
Understand this, while salvation is secure (it cannot be easily lost except like when it is renounced or adopt another faith subsequently), reward can be easily lost if one is foolish enough and lack wisdom. When the Scriptures say that it is a gift not based on works, that something is salvation and cannot be easily lost (Ephesians 2:8-9). Conversely, when something needs to be attained through works, that is a reward which can be easily lost (2 John 8). As Christians we must learn to clearly divide the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
Make no mistake, not all believers will inherit the Kingdom of God. For many are called (unto salvation) but few are chosen (to rule and reign in the Kingdom of God) - Matthew 20:16b; 22:14. But only those who have received a reward, whose works are counted as gold, silver and precious stones (1 Cor 3: 12-15). Those whose works are wood, hay and straw will lose their reward though they themselves will be saved, even through the fire. This is consistent with what the Lord taught His disciples on numerous occasions, especially through the parable of the wedding feast in Matthew 22: 1-14 and the parable of the minas (talent) in Luke 19:12-27. Jesus also told His disciples that He (Son of Man) will come in the glory of His Father and reward each according to his works (Matt 16:27; Rev 22:12).
The Apostle Paul again in 2 Cor 5:10 reiterated that all Christians must appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Again in Hebrews 2:2, the writer (whom I believe is Paul) reminded us that everyone who appears there will receive exactly what he deserves. So there can be no miscarriage of judgment - unlike judgments handed out by leaders and governments of this world!
God is loving and gracious, sometimes He chastened us for our own good so that we will not lose our reward but rather 'yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it' (Hebrews 12:5-11). Hence, it is a very good idea to do our own soul searching periodically to cleanse out the 'skeleton in our closet' (2 Cor 11:31-32). Sadly, many failed to heed the example of Esau when he sold his birthright to his younger brother Jacob for a pottage (typology for the trinkets of this world) and found to his deep regret that there is no tears left for repentance. When we appear before Christ, it will be too late for any remedy, and those who lost their reward will be marginalised in the outer darkness with weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt 22:13)!
That is why chastisement and the fear (reverential) of the Lord will drive the foolishness out of believers into wisdom and right living (righteousness) - Proverbs 22:15. This is what kingdom living will be like in the Age to come under the government of the King of kings and Lord of lords - the kings and lords are the saints who will rule and reign with Him!
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