

### HELL, NO!

An Alternative View of Hell

Revised and Expanded

### Jack Marshall

### Hell, No!

An Alternative View of Hell

Revised and Expanded

### Jack Marshall

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2016 Grain of Wheat Publishing

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This free ebook may be copied, distributed, reposted, reprinted and shared, provided it

appears in its entirety without alteration, and the reader is not charged to access it.

The dedication below is from my last book, "Times and Seasons – An Alternative View of the Day of the Lord." I chose to put it in this study as well because it so accurately reflects my heart.

This study is dedicated, first of all, to Sandi, my precious wife and soulmate and my gift from God, whose loving heart has changed me in so many ways. Without a doubt, she is daily proof of the grace of God in my life.

I also cannot write any study without acknowledging my three closest friends—Jackie, Steve, and Mark. Our many hours of discussion over the years have been a strong source of encouragement and enlightenment. They, too, are proof of the grace of God in my life.

Finally, I must acknowledge my brother, Allen, who has been the best "big" brother that any "little" brother could hope for. Thank you for all the help you've so freely given me over the years. Your giving spirit has always been a source of inspiration for me.

And last, but certainly not least, I thank God for my two beautiful daughters, Lashauna and Marietta (and my six grandkids). I am so thankful that their lives have been blessed by the grace of God.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter One: Definitions

Chapter Two: Hades

Chapter Three: Gehenna

Chapter Four: Fire

Chapter Five: The Hell of Fire

Chapter Six: The Rich Man and Lazarus

Chapter Seven: Falling Away

Chapter Eight: More on the Rich Man and Lazarus

Chapter Nine: The Parable of the Rich Fool

Chapter Ten: The Parable of the Unfaithful Steward

Chapter Eleven: The Left Hand of God

Bibliography

Introduction

I believe in heaven and hell, _but not in the traditional sense_.

Jesus said, "You have made the _commandment_ of God of _no effect_ by your _tradition_ " (Matt. 15:6; KJV). The strength of tradition often stands on the fact that none of us are willing to question what we have heard or dig deeper into spiritual matters. So if errors exist in what we think, they remain because of our lack of due diligence. But Paul wrote, "Test all things; hold fast what is good" (I Thess. 5:21; NKJV).

I believe that the longstanding idea of hell as being a place of eternal torment has caused many to reject the message of hope that is found in scripture. After all, how can anyone equate the ultimate sacrifice of Christ with the idea of eternal torment and separation from our heavenly Father? If God is truly our Father, and we are all His children, how could He allow even one of us to burn or suffer _for an eternity_? Would you wish that for your children?

It is my hope in this study to present you with an alternative view of the concept of hell. Does it exist? Yes, but it is not what we have been led to believe.

There are mistakes in this presentation, not by intention, but out of ignorance. I am still and always will be learning. It has been difficult to put aside what I have inherited in order to see from a fresh perspective.

In His Grace,

Jack Marshall

Please note: All Hebrew and Greek definitions are taken from the Strong's Greek and Hebrew Dictionary unless otherwise noted. All scripture notations are taken from the New King James Version unless otherwise noted.

Revelation 6:8 (KJV)  
And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

### Chapter One

DEFINITIONS

Who hasn't heard about hell?

What is hell? Where is hell? Is it really a place of _eternal_ damnation and torment, of untold misery and suffering that _lasts forever_? If so, who goes there and why? Will Christians avoid hell and everyone else be cast into it because they have not received Jesus Christ as their personal savior? Is that all it really takes to avoid hell? Who is deserving of hell? Who isn't? How do we really know?

Hell is, perhaps, the most misunderstood subject that one could consider in the Bible. So here is the first problem. Though I will be the first to admit that I love the scripture, God is _not restricted by_ or _limited to,_ our interpretations of what we believe to be right. My faith, your faith, anyone's faith, is null and void when it is based on something that is simply a product of long-standing tradition established in error. And let's be honest. Despite our ignorance of this and many other teachings, how many of us have ever taken the time to delve into the matter at hand? How many of us have ever stopped to question why we believe something that seems so contrary to the very essence of Christianity as pictured in the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

Revelation 1:18 (KJV)  
18 I _am_ he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of **hell** and of death.

Let's consider the Strong's Definition of the Greek word used for "hell" in this passage. It is the Greek word "Hadēs" and reads, "From G1 (a) (as a negative particle) and G1492 (eido); properly _unseen_ , i.e. " _Hades_ " or the place (state) of departed souls." Notice how this definition reads. First, we are told it is the product of two other words, G1 and G1492. The word from G1 is "a" or "alpha" and simply refers to the first letter of the Greek alphabet. The second word is "eidō" which means, "Properly to _see_ (literal or figurative)." When the second word is used in conjunction with the first as "a negative particle," it changes "to _see_ " to " _unseen_." And from there, can we leave out the "i.e." that follows? We should, for _it is just an opinion_ , not a fact, inserted into the concordance by the author, James Strong. So to put it plainly, this word "hell" or _Hades_ in Revelation 1:18 means " _unseen_ ," nothing else.

Matthew 5:29 (NKJV)  
29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast _it_ from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into **hell**.

Our next definition comes from the first mention of the word "hell" in the King James New Testament. The Strong's Concordance reads, "Of Hebrew origin [H1516 (gay') and H2011 (Hinnom)]; _valley of_ (the son of) _Hinnom; gehenna_ (or _Ge-Hinnom_ ), a valley of Jerusalem, used (figurative) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment." So this definition means "the valley of Hinnom" or "the son of Hinnom." Again we must put aside Strong's opinion of "a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment."

Our third and final definition of hell is found in II Peter 2:4.

2 Peter 2:4 (KJV)  
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast _them_ down to **hell** , and delivered _them_ into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment...

The definition given in the following passage is actually the phrase, "cast down to hell." The word "them" was inserted by the translators. The Greek word for this phrase is "tartaroō" and reads, "From Tartaros (the deepest _abyss_ of Hades); to _incarcerate_ in eternal torment." Consider this treatment from Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament.

**Cast them down to hell** (ταρταρώσας)

Only here in New Testament. From Τάρταρος _, Tartarus._ It is strange to find Peter using this Pagan term, which represents the Greek hell, though treated here not as equivalent to _Gehenna,_ but as the place of detention until the judgment.

This word deserves a little more attention. Consider the following from The Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary.

Classical Greek

_Tartaroō_ is a word of Christian origin based on the term _Tartarus_ (Turner, _Christian Words_ , p. 210). In Greek mythology Tartarus was the place of punishment for the wicked. Homer described it as "a black hole, a bottomless pit" with iron gates and bronze walls; it was as far below Hades as heaven was above the earth (Iliad 8:13). Thus, Greeks believed Tartarus lay under the earth.

According to mythology, Tartarus was the place in which the Titans, the children of the gods Ouranos and Gaia (Sky and Earth), were confined after they rebelled against the Olympian gods (Zeus, Poseidon, etc.) (Hesiod _Theogony_ 715-722). There they supposedly are kept, bound with chains and hidden in "misty gloom." Tartarus was also the place in which the wicked dead were confined and was the opposite of the Elysian Fields. In earlier mythology those in Tartarus were punished solely for having offended the gods, not necessarily for ethical, moral reasons (Rose, _Handbook of Greek Mythology_ , p. 80). Later, however, people were cast into Tartarus for moral misdeeds—treason, abuse of power, offenses against close blood relations, as well as offenses against the gods (ibid., p. 90). Plato described Tartarus as a place under the earth, which was both the origin and goal of all subterranean rivers (Phaed. 112a). Here all sinners were kept, those who committed moral or ethical crimes (Gorgias 523b).

Septuagint Usage

The verb _tartaroō_ does not appear in the Septuagint. The noun _tartaros_ appears a few times. In Job 40:15 (LXX) and 41:23 it is not a deep place under the earth, but the "deep," i.e., the sea. In Job 41:23 it is synonymous with _abussos_ (12), "the deep." In some manuscripts _tartaros_ appears in Proverbs 24:51 (LXX 30:16). In this passage, it is synonymous with _hadēs_ (85), "hell."

The concept of Tartarus as a place of imprisonment appears in noncanonical Jewish literature. Pseudo-philo 60:3 refers to Tartarus as the place where evil spirits walk. The book of First Enoch (Greek text) states that Tartarus is ruled by the archangel Uriel (20:2).

New Testament Usage

This verb is used only in 2 Peter 2:4 in the New Testament. Peter wrote: "God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell ( _tartarōsas_ ), and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment." This passage was written to Jews of the Diaspora who would have been very familiar with the term _Tartarus_. They would have understood Peter to say that these fallen angels received the gravest punishment imaginable. This is not to say that the New Testament teaches the existence of the literal "Tartarus" described in Greek mythology. Rather, the writer used a concept that was meaningful to those who received his epistle.

Adam Clarke states that God cast the apostate angels out of His presence into that _zophos tou skotous_ , blackness of darkness (2 Peter 2:17; Jude 13) where they will be forever banished from the light of His countenance ( _Clarke's Commentaries_ , 6:885).

As we can see, there is a lot of speculation here about the meaning of this word. For this reason, I don't believe we need to consider it much at all. There is a lot of imagination wrapped around this word, but be sure to note the following:

The verb _tartaroō_ does not appear in the Septuagint. The noun _tartaros_ appears a few times. In Job 40:15 (LXX) and 41:23 it is not a deep place under the earth, but the "deep," i.e., the sea. In Job 41:23 it is synonymous with _abussos_ (12), "the deep." In some manuscripts _tartaros_ appears in Proverbs 24:51 (LXX 30:16). In this passage, it is synonymous with _hadēs_ (85), "hell."

I think it would be safe to say that our two main areas of concern are the first two definitions, since, with our one exception, they were used by Christ and the apostles in various passages.

In the New Testament, our word "hell" is used a total of twenty-two times, twelve of these referring to the "valley of the son of Hinnom" (Gehenna) and ten to "unseen" (Hades). Once, Hades is translated as the word "grave" in the King James (I Cor. 15:55), but removed from other versions.

In the Old Testament, the word "hell" is used sixty-five times, and comes from the same Hebrew word every time ( _Sheol_ ). This definition reads, " _She'ol_ , sheh-ole'; from H7592 (sha'al); _hades_ or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean _retreat_ ), including its accessories and inmates." Note that this definition is from H7592 which reads, " **Sha'el** , shaw-ale'; a primitive root; to _inquire_ ; by implication to _request_ ; by extension to _demand_." The word _She'ol_ is translated as "grave" thirty-one times, "hell" thirty one times, and "pit" three times. The idea of "inquire," "request," and "demand" brings us to the next chapter.

# Chapter Two

# HADES

Revelation 1:17-18 (KJV)  
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I _am_ he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have **the keys of hell and of death**.

Consider this treatment of "the keys of hell and death" from Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament.

The keys of Hell and Death

Rev., correctly, _of Death and of Hades_. Conceived as a prison-house or a walled city. See on Matthew 16:18. The keys are the symbol of authority. See Matthew 16:19; Revelation 3:7; 9:1; 20:1.

Vincent tells us that the correct interpretation of our passage from Revelation should be "of Death and of Hades." As we have found, Hades means "unseen." This word corresponds to our word _Sheol_ , translated "grave," "hell," and "pit" in the Old Testament. The New International Version reads as follows.

Revelation 1:18 (NIV)  
18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold **the keys of death and Hades**.

Now, notice that the phrase is reversed. Instead of "hell and death," we have "death and Hades." Please consider.

Revelation 6:8 (KJV)  
8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was **Death** , and **Hell** (Hades) followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

If we reverse "hell and death" in Revelation 1:18, it agrees with the order seen in the fourth seal of the book of the Revelation. Death _first_ , followed by Hades.

As mentioned, our word _Hades_ in the New Testament is _Sheol_ in the Old Testament, taken from the word which means, "inquire," "request," or "demand." Inquire simply means to seek information or ask a question. So, oddly enough, how does this relate to the idea of Hades? First of all, consider that the Greek word means "unseen." Then think about the idea of inquiry, of seeking information or asking a question of someone. Why do we inquire or ask? To _gain understanding_ of something in order to "see" or _perceive_ what is meant. Now, look at the following.

Matthew 13:10-17 (NKJV)  
10 And the disciples came and said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?" 11 He answered and said to them, "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because **seeing they do not see** , and **hearing they do not hear** , **nor do they understand**. 14 And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: _'Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,_ _and seeing you will see and not perceive_ _;_ 15 _For the hearts of this people have grown dull._ _Their ears are hard of hearing,_ _and their eyes they have closed_ _,_ _lest_ _they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,_ _lest they should understand with their hearts and turn_ _,_ _So that I should heal them.'_ 16 "But **blessed** _are_ **your eyes for they see** , and **your ears for they hear** ; 17 for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous _men_ desired **to see what you see** , and **did not see** _it_ _,_ and to **hear what you hear** , and **did not hear** _it_ _._

Do you see it (no pun intended)? When the disciples of the Lord asked Him why He spoke in parables, He said, "Because it has been given to you _to know_ the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given." "Therefore I speak to them in parables, because _seeing they do not see_ , and hearing they do not hear, _nor do they understand._ " Also, "Their ears are hard of hearing _, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see_ (eidō) _with their eyes_ and hear with their ears _, lest they should understand with their hearts_ and turn, so that I should heal them. But _blessed are your eyes for they see_ , and your ears for they hear." It should be apparent that Christ is not being literal about seeing with our eyes nor hearing with our ears. Rather, He is talking about "knowing" and "understanding" the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. So, if seeing and hearing equates to knowing and understanding, " _unseen"_ would denote our inability to know or understand due to ignorance or unbelief.

John 3:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "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." 3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, **he cannot see** the kingdom of God."

What did Jesus mean when He told Nicodemus, "He _cannot see_ the kingdom of God?" This was certainly not a literal statement. Our word "see" above is again _eidō_ , the same word used in our definition of Hades. Please consider.

Luke 17:20-21 (NKJV)  
Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, " **The kingdom of God does not come with observation** ; nor will they say, ' **See** here!' or ' **See** there!' **For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you**."

Our word "observation" means, " _inspection_ , i.e. _ocular evidence_." I like Vincent's treatment of this passage.

With observation (μετὰ παρατηρήσεως)

Only here in New Testament. The progress of the kingdom cannot be defined by visible marks like that of an earthly kingdom. Its growth in the world is a process of pervasion, like the working of the leaven through the lump.

The Free Dictionary by Farlex online defines "pervasion" as, "The process of permeating or infusing something with a substance." I immediately think of what Paul said in Acts 17:28. "For _in him_ we _live_ , and _move_ , and _have our being_ ; as certain also of your poets have said, 'For we are also his offspring.'" You see, my friend, the kingdom of God is not at all a physical kingdom, but consists of the dynamic working of God's Spirit and Word in and through humankind. The Lord's teaching of the Parable of the Sower demonstrates this idea very well. Like a "seed" sown in the ground, the vibrant essence of the Word of our Maker has been infused within all that he has created, especially humankind, and incorporated within this process is the knowledge and understanding necessary to His purpose. And what is the essence and purpose of the kingdom of God?

Romans 14:17 (NIV)  
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of **righteousness** , peace and joy in the Holy Spirit...

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)  
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His **righteousness** , and all these things shall be added to you.

Matthew 5:6 (NKJV)  
6 Blessed _are_ those who hunger and thirst for **righteousness** , For they shall be filled.

For further study, consider Matthew 3:15, 5:20, 21:32, Luke 1:75, John 16:8-10, Acts 10:35, 17:31, Romans 1:17, 2:26, 3:5, 21-26, 6:18, 8:4, 9:28, 10:4, Galatians 5:5, Ephesians 4:24.

As these passages show, the kingdom of God is about "righteousness," which can be defined as _a right relationship with all things_ ; our heavenly Father, our Lord, our family, our brother and sister, our neighbor, and our planet. _It is this which we are failing to know and understand_ , for the insanity which pervades our planet can be explained and linked to the excessive self-absorption and unrighteousness that exists at every level of our society. The reason for lack in every area is not because we don't have enough to go around, but _because we have constructed a society built on excess_. In many countries, including America, we have been cultured to live far beyond our needs, creating a scarcity that is completely unnecessary.

To better understand the concept of Hades, we must consider death, for as we see in Revelation 1:18 and 6:8, _death is first_ , followed by Hades.

Ephesians 2:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 And you _He made alive,_ **who were dead** in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked **according to the course of this world** , according **to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience** , 3 among whom also **we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind** , and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

Consider carefully Paul's explanation concerning " _dead_ in trespasses and sins." Sin is simply _the transgression or breaking of the law of God_ (I John 3:4). The transgression of the law of God is _the manifestation of our love for self_ over our love for God or others, for " _love_ is the _fulfilling_ of the law" (Rom. 13:10; KJV). This is what Paul meant by conducting "ourselves in _the lusts of our flesh_ , _fulfilling_ (filling to the full) _the desires_ of the flesh and of the mind." When we live like this, we are " _dead_ in trespasses and sins." Death then, can be defined as _a state of being_ , a _present existence_ where our minds are completely absorbed in the visible realm, on temporary things, and as a result, we seek for happiness and peace in those things which are seen (II Cor. 4:18). So death could also be defined as _the temporary nature of all form_.

Not surprisingly, our passage in Revelation 6:8 is the opening of the _fourth_ seal where John sees "a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death." Four is the number of _material creation_ (Bullinger). This emphasizes our understanding of death as being the _temporary nature_ of all that is _visible_ and designed to _pass away_ (I John 2:17).

In direct contrast to the visible realm is the realm of spirit, those things which are "not seen" (II Cor. 4:18), or, we could say "unseen," couldn't we? So we arrive at our first definition of hell or Hades. To put it plainly, Hades, like death, is _a present state of existence_ or being where we are unable to "see" or comprehend the _knowledge_ and _understanding_ of the mysteries of the invisible and spiritual kingdom of God. As a result, we struggle with our unrighteous nature from day to day, incapable of the unconditional love of His Spirit and so bring harm to our neighbors (Rom. 13:10). Look once more at Revelation 6:8.

Revelation 6:8 (NKJV)  
8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and **Hades followed with him**. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.

The Greek definition for "followed" reads, "From G1 (a) (as a particle of union) and **keleuthos** (a _road_ ); properly, to _be in the same way with_ , i.e. to _accompany_ (especially as a disciple)." So Hades accompanies death, it is "in the same way with" death. When you see death, Hades is there. When you see Hades, death is there. _One is never without the other_.

I find it interesting that we also read " _accompany_ ( _especially as a disciple_ )." And what is a disciple? It is "a _learner_ , i.e. _pupil_." This gives credence to our understanding of "see" and "unseen," _know_ or _not know_ , does it not? Our failure to understand the spiritual realm keeps us in the darkness of the mind of the flesh, which _is_ death (Rom. 8:5-6), thus the reason we need "the _light_ of the _knowledge_ of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (II Cor. 4:6; KJV).

Following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, Peter stood up and preached to those who were mocking the disciples who came out of the upper room. Consider what he said.

Acts 2:22-28 (NKJV)  
22 "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know-- 23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 **whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it**. 25 For David says concerning Him: _'I foresaw the Lord always before my face,_ _For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken._ 26 _Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad;_ _Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope._ 27 _For You will not leave my soul in Hades,_ _nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption_ _._ 28 _You have made known to me the ways of life_ _;_ _You will make me full of joy in Your presence.'_

First of all, note that Peter is speaking of the crucifixion and death of Christ. He then told them, "Whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, _because it was not possible that He should be held by it_." Not possible to be held by death? Why not? Peter then goes on to quote a passage from Psalms 16, verses 8 through 11, telling them what David said—"For you will not leave my _soul_ in _Hades_ , nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. _You have made known to me the ways of life_." You have done what? "Made _known_ to me _the ways of life_." Doesn't this agree with our idea of "see" or "know?" Now, look at what Peter says a few verses later.

Acts 2:29-32 (NKJV)  
29 "Men _and_ brethren, let _me_ speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 31 he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that **His soul was not left in Hades** , **nor did His flesh see corruption**. 32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.

Continuing his thought from Psalms, Peter clarifies what is meant. "He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that _His soul was not left in Hades_ , nor _did His flesh see corruption_. This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses." Whose soul and flesh is Peter referring to? The Lord's. Now, both aspects of hell, Hades and Gehenna, are contained in this passage, Hades plainly mentioned while Gehenna is typified by the word "corruption" (we'll look more into this in the next chapter).

Now, here's an important question. When did God resurrect Christ to sit on His throne? Most would answer when He died on the cross and was buried, but allow me to present an alternative idea. Please consider.

Matthew 3:13-17 (NKJV)  
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John _tried to_ prevent Him, saying, "I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?" 15 But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit _it to be so_ now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed Him. 16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, **the heavens were opened to Him** , and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice _came_ from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

What did the Psalm say? The Lord's "soul was not left in Hades," i.e. the realm of spiritual ignorance, for God made known to Him " _the ways of life_." And what does Matthew record after the Lord was baptized by John? "Behold, _the heavens_ (more than one; see II Cor. 12:2) _were opened to Him_ , and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him." In John 1:32-34, we read, "And John (the Baptist) bore witness, saying, 'I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and _He remained upon Him_. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'Upon whom you see the Spirit _descending_ , _and remaining on Him_ , this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.'"

My friend, when we read, "Behold, _the heavens were opened to Him_ ," I don't believe it's speaking about a hole opening up in the sky. Rather, it is referring to the fact that once Jesus was baptized and rose up out of the water, that the divine revelation and presence of our Father descended upon Him in a measure unlike any one person has known before or since (John 3:34). When Jesus came to John and was baptized, He showed that He had surrendered His life completely and utterly to the will of His Father. Inwardly He became the ultimate sacrifice, dying to every vestige of self-will or purpose. When He came to the cross approximately three and half years later, He laid down His physical being as well, but His first death and resurrection took place at the Jordan River.

Not surprisingly, Jordan means, "A _descender_ ," taken from the word which means, "To _descend_ (literal to _go downwards_ ; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figurative to _fall_ ); causative to _bring down_ (in all the above applications)." Now look at what Jesus told Nicodemus in John, Chapter 3.

John 3:10-13 (NKJV)  
10 Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not **know** these things? 11 Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, **how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things**? 13 **No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven,** _that is,_ **the Son of Man who is in heaven**.

"If I have told you _earthly_ things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you _heavenly_ things?" Jesus said to Nicodemus, a "ruler of the Jews" (John 3:2; NKJV). And what was it that Nicodemus desired? Was it not _understanding_ and a reason for his faith? Look closely at what Jesus then says to him. "No one _has ascended_ to heaven but He who _came down_ (Jordan; a _descender_ ) from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who _is in heaven_ (heavens were opened to Him)." When Jesus was baptized by John, it showed that God had made known to Him "the ways of life" and made Him "full of joy" in His presence. The Lord's soul was no longer "in Hades," for He was more than able to "see" the kingdom of His Father. When He had fulfilled all righteousness (Matt. 3:15; KJV), an inward transition took place. The Spirit of God _descended_ on Jesus and Jesus _ascended_ into the kingdom of God. No longer was Jesus a soul in Hades, bound by the veil of His flesh, for He had been tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). He became _a life-giving Spirit_ (I Cor. 15:45). So it is that we also read, "Nor will You allow Your Holy One _to see corruption_ " (Gehenna) which Peter then described as, "Nor did His flesh _see corruption_ " (Gehenna). Compare this with the following.

Acts 13:34-37 (NKJV)  
34 And that He raised Him from the dead, **no more to return to corruption** , He has spoken thus: _'I will give you the sure mercies of David.'_ 35 Therefore He also says in another _Psalm:_ _'You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.'_ 36 "For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; 37 but **He whom God raised up saw no corruption**.

"He whom God raised up saw no corruption," Paul said to those in Antioch. When did God "raise up" the Lord? Was it not at the Jordan as we have considered? Was it not also after His death on the cross?

Romans 8:19-21 (NKJV)  
19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for **the revealing of the sons of God**. 20 _For the creation was subjected to futility_ , not willingly, but because of Him who subjected _it_ in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from **the bondage of corruption** into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

1 Corinthians 15:41-47 (NKJV)  
41 _There is_ one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for _one_ star differs from _another_ star in glory. 42 So also _is_ the resurrection of the dead. _The body_ is sown in corruption, **it is raised in incorruption**. 43 It is sown in dishonor, **it is raised in glory**. It is sown in weakness, **it is raised in power**. 44 It is sown a natural body, **it is raised a spiritual body**. There is a natural body, **and there is a spiritual body**. 45 And so it is written, _"The first man Adam became a living being."_ The last Adam _became_ a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man _was_ of the earth, _made_ of dust; the second Man _is_ the Lord from heaven.

If we closely examine our passages from Romans, Chapter 8, and I Corinthians, Chapter 15, we will find that _resurrection_ is not just about a physical rising, but a spiritual one, a lifting up of our souls out of our spiritual ignorance (Hades) and corruptible state of being (Gehenna). As Paul states in I Corinthians, "There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another in glory." What do the sun, moon, and stars have in common? _Light_. So then Paul states, " _So also is the resurrection of the dead_. The body is sown in corruption, _it is raised_ in incorruption." This, my friend, is what happened at the Jordan River. When the Spirit of God descended on Jesus and remained, _He became the Christ, the Son of the living God_ (Matt. 16:16; John 6:69), and the "earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for _the revealing of the sons of God_ ," said Paul. The Lord was delivered from the "bondage of _corruption_ " (Gehenna) into the glorious liberty of a child of God, for what did God say to Him at Jordan? " _This is my beloved Son_ , in whom I am well pleased" (Matt. 3:17; KJV). For approximately thirty years, Jesus had known the realm of the flesh, cloaked in corruption, dishonor, weakness, and a natural body. But at the Jordan River He received incorruption, glory, power, and a spiritual body. "The first man was of the earth, made of dust," but "the second man" is "out of heaven" (Interlinear translation). No wonder Jesus told Nicodemus that "except a man be born again ( _from above_ ; Strong's), he cannot _see_ the kingdom of God" (John 3:3; KJV). And no wonder Jesus told Martha in John 11:25, " _I am_ (not will be) _the resurrection_ , and _the life_."

You see, my friend, to know corruption (Gehenna) is to experience the passing nature of this human form in which we dwell. The "bondage of corruption" speaks of the weaknesses of our flesh and the mind set on it. Our word "corruption" in Acts 13:35 means, " _Decay_ ," taken from the word which means, "To _rot thoroughly_ , i.e. (by implication) to _ruin_ (passive _decay_ utterly, figurative _pervert_ )." Paul uses a different word in I Corinthians 15:42, which the Strong's Concordance also defines as, " _Decay_ , i.e. _ruin_ (spontaneous or inflicted, literal or figurative), and is taken from the word which means, "To _pine_ or _waste_ ; properly to _shrivel_ or _wither_ , i.e. to _spoil_ (by any process) or (genitive) to _ruin_ (especially figurative by moral influences, to _deprave_ )." As we can see, both definitions agree and confirm that _corruption_ is not only something that happens to the physical body after we pass from this planet, but is _a state of existence_ while we live on it. To put it simply, the bondage of corruption speaks of _the mind set on the temporary nature and existence of this visible world of form_ as opposed to the eternal nature and existence of the invisible world of that which is formless (II Cor. 4:18). Allow me to give you another example of all that we are considering.

Matthew 17:1-8 (NKJV)  
1 Now after **six days** Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, **led them up on a high mountain** by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and **His clothes became as white as the light**. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, " **This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!** " 6 And when the disciples heard _it,_ they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, "Arise, and do not be afraid." 8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

What an amazing experience this must have been for Peter, James, and John. Notice that we read, "Now after _six_ days." The spiritual meaning of _six_ speaks of man's enmity with His Maker (Bullinger), so we read, " _after_ six days." The Lord then " _led them up_ on a high mountain," indicative of a spiritual ascension. There He was "transfigured before them. His _face shone like the sun_ , and His clothes became _as white as the light_." Doesn't this agree with the _glory_ of the sun, moon, and stars which Paul spoke about in I Corinthians, Chapter 15, and the resurrection of the dead?

The appearance of Moses and Elijah typifies the "law" and the "prophets," incorporated into the Two Covenants (Matt. 7:12; 22:40; Gal. 4:22-31). So we should realize that resurrection is not about our physical bodies flying up into the air, but of an inward, spiritual ascension that lifts us up into the glorious _liberty_ of the children of God (Rom. 8:21; II Cor. 3:17; Gal. 5:1, 13; James 1:25).

Now, let me say this. Nothing exists _outside_ of the present moment, therefore _it is the present moment which is eternal_. So to speak of "eternal" life is to speak of our state of being in the present moment. When someone is truly "born again" or "from above," the "old man" of the self-will has been "crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Rom. 6:6; KJV). Call me crazy if you will, but I believe in the baptism of unconditional love that takes away any and all attributes of the selfish nature of the flesh and endues us with the ability to "walk in the light, as He is in the light" (I John 1:7; KJV).

John 8:12 (NKJV)  
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me **shall not walk in darkness** , but have the light of life."

1 John 2:9-11 (NKJV)  
9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, **is in darkness until now**. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 **But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes**.

No doubt, there are many religions and ideologies, but the simple truth is given us above. When we hate one another, we are "in darkness until now," we cannot "see" where we are going; we are in fact unable to "see" His kingdom. This my friend, is the true meaning of _Hades_ , for "love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love" (I John 4:7-8). Consider what Pierre Teilhard de Chardin wrote in his book, The Phenomenon of Man.

Love alone is capable of uniting living beings in such a way as to complete and fulfill them, for it alone takes them and joins them by what is deepest in themselves. All we need is to imagine our ability to love developing until it embraces the totality of men and the earth.

# Chapter Three

# GEHENNA

Matthew 5:21-22 (NKJV)  
21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, _'You shall not murder,_ and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' (worthless) shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of **hell fire**.

We have looked at our word "hell" or Hades as meaning "unseen" and also touched a little on the idea of _Gehenna_ as signifying _corruption_. Now, let's look closer at this word which is the Greek contraction of the Hebrew word which means "valley of Hinnom" or "valley of the son of Hinnom."

2 Chronicles 28:1-5 (NKJV)  
1 **Ahaz** _was_ twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem; and he did not do _what was_ right in the sight of the Lord, as his father David _had done._ 2 For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made molded images for the Baals. 3 **He burned incense in the** Valley of the Son of Hinnom **, and** burned his children in the fire **, according to the** abominations **of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel**. 4 And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree. 5 Therefore the Lord his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria. They defeated him, and carried away a great multitude of them as captives, and brought _them_ to Damascus. Then he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who defeated him with a great slaughter.

Let's consider a little history about a couple of the kings of Israel, starting with Ahaz. As these passages show, Ahaz was guilty of idolatry, and we read, " _He burned incense in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and burned his children in the fire_ , according to the _abominations_ of the nations whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel." Here's some information from Easton's Illustrated Dictionary about Ahaz.

Possessor.

(1.) A grandson of Jonathan (1Ch 8:35; 1Ch 9:42).

(2.) The son and successor of Jotham, king of Judah (2Ki 16; Isa 7-9; 2Ch 28). He gave himself up to a life of wickedness and idolatry. Notwithstanding the remonstrances and warnings of Isaiah, Hosea, and Micah, he appealed for help against Rezin, king of Damascus, and Pekah, king of Israel, who threatened Jerusalem, to Tiglath-pileser, the king of Assyria, to the great injury of his kingdom and his own humiliating subjection to the Assyrians (2Ki 16:7, 9; 2Ki 15:29). He also introduced among his people many heathen and idolatrous customs (Isa 8:19; Isa 38:8; 2Ki 23:12). He died at the age of thirty-five years, after reigning sixteen years (B.C. 740-724), and was succeeded by his son Hezekiah. Because of his wickedness he was "not brought into the sepulcher of the kings."

2 Chronicles 33:1-6 (NKJV)  
1 **Manasseh** _was_ twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. 2 But **he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the** abominations **of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel**. 3 For he rebuilt the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down; he raised up altars for the Baals, and made wooden images; and he worshiped all the host of heaven and served them. 4 He also built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, "In Jerusalem shall My name be forever." 5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. 6 **Also** he caused his sons to pass through the fire in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom; he practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger.

Once more, let's look at some information concerning Manasseh from Easton's Illustrated Dictionary.

The only son and successor of Hezekiah on the throne of Judah. He was twelve years old when he began to reign (2Ki 21:1), and he reigned fifty-five years (B.C. 698-643). Though he reigned so long, yet comparatively little is known of this king. His reign was a continuation of that of Ahaz, both in religion and national polity. He early fell under the influence of the heathen court circle, and his reign was characterized by a sad relapse into idolatry with all its vices, showing that the reformation under his father had been to a large extent only superficial (Isa 7:10; 2Ki 21:10-15). A systematic and persistent attempt was made, and all too successfully, to banish the worship of Jehovah out of the land. Amid this wide-spread idolatry there were not wanting, however, faithful prophets (Isaiah, Micah) who lifted up their voice in reproof and in warning. But their fidelity only aroused bitter hatred, and a period of cruel persecution against all the friends of the old religion began. "The days of Alva in Holland, of Charles IX in France, or of the Covenanters under Charles II in Scotland, were anticipated in the Jewish capital. The streets were red with blood." There is an old Jewish tradition that Isaiah was put to death at this time (2Ki 21:16; 2Ki 24:3, 4; Jer 2:30), having been sawn asunder in the trunk of a tree. Ps 49; Ps 73; Ps 77; Ps 140, and Ps 141 seem to express the feelings of the pious amid the fiery trials of this great persecution. Manasseh has been called the "Nero of Palestine."

Esarhaddon, Sennacherib's successor on the Assyrian throne, who had his residence in Babylon for thirteen years (the only Assyrian monarch who ever reigned in Babylon), took Manasseh prisoner (B.C. 681) to Babylon. Such captive kings were usually treated with great cruelty. They were brought before the conqueror with a hook or ring passed through their lips or their jaws, having a cord attached to it, by which they were led. This is referred to in 2Ch 33:11, where the Authorized Version reads that Esarhaddon "took Manasseh among the thorns;" while the Revised Version renders the words, "took Manasseh in chains;" or literally, as in the margin, "with hooks." (Compare 2Ki 19:28)

The severity of Manasseh's imprisonment brought him to repentance. God heard his cry, and he was restored to his kingdom (2Ch 33:11-13). He abandoned his idolatrous ways, and enjoined the people to worship Jehovah; but there was no thorough reformation. After a lengthened reign extending through fifty-five years, the longest in the history of Judah, he died, and was buried in the garden of Uzza, the "garden of his own house" (2Ki 21:17, 18; 2Ch 33:20), and not in the city of David, among his ancestors. He was succeeded by his son Amon.

With Ahaz, we read, "He _burned incense in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and burned his children in the fire_ , according to the _abominations_ of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel." With Manasseh, we read, "Also _he caused his sons to pass through the fire in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom_." With both of these thoughts in mind, consider the following.

Jeremiah 7:29-31 (NKJV)  
29 Cut off your hair and cast _it_ away, and take up a lamentation on the desolate heights; for the Lord has rejected and forsaken the generation of His wrath.' 30 For the children of Judah have done evil in My sight," says the Lord. " _They have set their abominations in the house which is called by My name, to pollute it_. 31 **And they have built the high places of Tophet, which** _is_ **in the** Valley of the Son of Hinnom **, to** burn their sons and their daughters in the fire **, which I did not command,** nor did it come into My heart.

Jeremiah 32:31-35 (NKJV)  
31 'For this city has been to Me _a provocation of_ My anger and My fury from the day that they built it, even to this day; so I will remove it from before My face 32 because of all the evil of the children of Israel and the children of Judah, which they have done to provoke Me to anger--they, their kings, their princes, their priests, their prophets, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 33 And they have turned to Me the back, and not the face; though I taught them, rising up early and teaching _them,_ yet they have not listened to receive instruction. 34 _But they set their abominations in the house which is called by My name, to defile it_. 35 **And they built the high places of Baal which** _are_ **in** the Valley of the Son of Hinnom **, to cause** their sons and their daughters to pass through _the fire_ to Molech **, which I did not command them,** nor did it come into My mind **that they should do this** abomination **, to cause Judah to sin**.'

It is apparent by our references and passages that both of these kings of Israel committed what the prophet Jeremiah called "abominations." Furthermore, Jeremiah makes it clear that the act of burning or passing their "sons and daughters" "in" and "through the fire" _did not come into the heart or mind of the Lord God_. If this were the case then, what about now? Doesn't the idea of eternal and fiery torment seem contradictory to what Jeremiah spoke, especially when we consider that the idolatrous practices of these two kings involved only the temporary life of the flesh and not the idea of _never-ending_ torture after our physical demise? Let's look at the following from New Unger's Bible Dictionary (bolding mine).

HINNOM, VALLEY OF (hin´om). Otherwise called "the valley of the son of Hinnom," or "the valley of Benhinnom"; a deep and narrow ravine with steep, rocky sides to the S and W of Jerusalem, separating Mt. Zion to the N from the "Hill of Evil Counsel," and the sloping rocky plateau of the "valley of Rephaim" to the S. The earliest mention of the valley of Hinnom is in Joshua 15:8; Joshua 18:16, where the boundary line between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin is described as passing along the bed of the ravine. On the southern brow, overlooking the valley at its eastern extremity, Solomon erected high places for Molech (1 Kings 11:7), whose horrid rites were revived from time to time in the same vicinity by the later idolatrous kings. Ahaz and Manasseh made their children "pass through the fire" in this valley (2 Kings 16:3; 2 Chron. 28:3; 2 Chron. 33:6), and the fiendish custom of infant sacrifice to the fire-gods seems to have been kept up in Topheth at its southeast extremity for a considerable period (Jeremiah 7:31; 2 Kings 23:10). **To put an end to these abominations the place was polluted by Josiah, who rendered it ceremonially unclean by spreading over it human bones and other corruptions** (2 Kings 23:10, 13-14; 2 Chron. 34:3-5). **From that time it appears to have become the common cesspool of the city, into which its sewage was conducted to be carried off by the waters of the Kidron, as well as a laystall, where all its solid filth was collected**. From its ceremonial defilement and from the detested and abominable fire of Molech, if not from the supposed everburning funeral piles, the later Jews applied the name of this valley Ge Hinnom, "Gehenna," to denote the place of eternal torment. The name by which it is now known is Wâdi Jehennam, or Wâdi er Rubêb.

Here is the description of _Gehenna_ from Easton's Illustrated Dictionary (bolding mine).

Gehenna

(Originally Ge bene Hinnom; i.e., "the valley of the sons of Hinnom"), a deep, narrow glen to the south of Jerusalem, where the idolatrous Jews offered their children in sacrifice to Molech (2Ch 28:3; 2Ch 33:6; Jer 7:31; Jer 19:2-6). **This valley afterwards became the common receptacle for all the refuse of the city. Here the dead bodies of animals and of criminals, and all kinds of filth, were cast and consumed by fire kept always burning**. It thus in process of time became the image of the place of everlasting destruction. In this sense it is used by our Lord in Mat 5:22, 29, 30; Mat 10:28; Mat 18:9; Mat 23:15, 33; Mark 9:43, 45, 47; Luke 12:5. In these passages, and also in Jas 3:6, the word is uniformly rendered "hell," the Revised Version placing "Gehenna" in the margin.

What do both of these descriptions of _Gehenna_ have in common? To sum it up in one word, _corruption_. After all, isn't that the main characteristic of a garbage dump? So in essence, what does that mean to you and me? Please consider.

Romans 8:19-21 (NIV)  
19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its **bondage to decay** and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

Galatians 6:7-8 (NKJV)  
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For **he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption** , but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

Remember that our word "corruption" is defined by the Strong's Concordance as, " _Decay_ (NIV), i.e. _ruin_ (spontaneous or inflicted, literal or figurative)," taken from the word which means, "To _pine_ or _waste_ ; properly to _shrivel_ or _wither_ , i.e. to _spoil_ (by any process) or (genitive) to _ruin_ (especially figurative by moral influences, to _deprave_ )." We considered these definitions earlier and suggested that _corruption_ speaks of the realm of the flesh or temporal things.

When we bring both of our definitions of hell together (Hades and Gehenna), we find that they enhance each other. When we cannot "see" the kingdom of God (unseen), then we are subject to the "bondage of decay (corruption)" as stated in Romans 8:21. And what is this bondage? "For he who sows (plants and nurtures) to his flesh (the soul or self) will of the flesh reap (harvest; receive) _corruption_."

Matthew 5:21-22 (NKJV)  
21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, _'You shall not murder,_ and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And **whoever says** to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of **hell fire**.

In these passages, note that Jesus referred to one of the Ten Commandments and expounded on its meaning. Notice the phrase, "Whoever says."

Matthew 5:27-30 (NKJV)  
27 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, _'You shall not commit adultery.'_ 28 But I say to you that **whoever looks** at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your **right eye** causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast _it_ from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into **hell**. 30 And if your **right hand** causes you to sin, cut it off and cast _it_ from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into **hell**.

A few verses later, the Lord continues His discourse and again refers to one of the Ten Commandments. Now, notice the phrase, "Whoever looks" and the reference to the "right eye" and "right hand." Together, these passages address _what we see_ or _understand_ and _what we do_ (hands signify our works or deeds), the "right" eye and hand denoting the "authority" by which we conduct ourselves (Matt. 26:64; Mark 12:36; 14:62; 16:19; Acts 2:33; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; I Peter 3:22). Furthermore, the definition of "right" reads, "The _right_ side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually _takes_ )." This definition is from another word which means, "To _receive_." So our passages refer to the knowledge and understanding we receive which leads to and manifests as those things we do. Please consider.

Mark 4:24 (NKJV)  
24 Then He said to them, " **Take heed what you hear**. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.

Luke 8:18 (NKJV)  
18 Therefore **take heed how you hear**. For whoever has, to him _more_ will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him."

In Mark we read, "Take heed _what_ you hear." In Luke we read, "Take heed _how_ you hear." In other words, "what" we hear or _receive_ is determined by "how" we hear and _receive_. So if we are sowing to our own flesh, we will in kind, _reap_ or _receive_ corruption, but if we are sowing to the Spirit, we will _reap_ or _receive_ everlasting life.

Our phrase, "For whoever has, to him more will be given," refers back to what Jesus said in Mark 4:23. "If any man _have ears_ to hear, let him hear" (KJV). This points to the Parable of the Sower, where Jesus said, "For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables, _because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand_. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: _'Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,_ _and seeing you will see and not perceive_ ; For _the hearts of this people have grown dull_. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.'" Friend, when we do not have ears to hear due to our stubbornness and pride, _even what we have will be taken from us_! _This brings us full circle back to our first definition of hell_ meaning "unseen" (Hades). Our lack of understanding, our inability to perceive, is because we let our hearts become "dull" (render callous or hard) by the influence of society and others around us (Matt. 13:22). So again, Jesus said take heed what and how we hear. Do we listen from a position of self-love and importance or of humility and servitude? Is what we hear received from a position of love and acceptance or of hate and prejudice? Do we not realize that this second position is due to a genuine lack of spiritual understanding?

So take a moment to think about all of us in general. How much do any of us really know? How much effort do we really spend seeking to understand anything, especially those things which relate to the kingdom of God? Isn't it true that most of us simply attend church a couple of times a week, accept what we hear, and never really question whether it's true or not?

I am reminded of the saying that "ignorance is bliss." Here is what the Urban Dictionary says about this phrase. "It is a term used to falsely justify apathy on the given subject in the form of a catchy cliché." Ah my friend, do you get it? Ignorance is not necessarily bliss, and when it comes down to spiritual matters, it most definitely is not.

So what is my point? In a recent discussion with a close friend, he said to me that people fight to keep their ignorance. What a profound statement! And the moment he said it I had to agree! To be raw and honest about it, we have to admit that there are many today who are quick to stand up and declare to you what they believe, but when they are pressed to prove it, they cannot do it! And why is this? Because of _pride_. Far too often we are unwilling to admit we are wrong or that we don't know, and because of this, much of our society has lost their ability to reason.

Matthew 7:7-11 (NKJV)  
7 " **Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.** 8 **For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened**. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, **how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him**!

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)  
33 But **seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness** , and all these things shall be added to you.

Do we wish to understand and enter His kingdom? Then we must _inquire_ ; we must ask, seek, and knock. If we do this, our heavenly Father will give us "good things." Ah, but if we let our apathy or busy lives override our desire for His kingdom, we will not understand and we will remain in the state of Gehenna and Hades.

To emphasize, corruption speaks of that which decays or ruins, of those things which perish. And the truth is, all that is in the world of form does eventually perish, for _it is designed to pass away_. There is nothing wrong or evil about this, but it is imperative to realize it in this world in which we live. Everything in the world of form was designed to be temporary so we are not to "love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (I John 2:15; NKJV). Understand, it is our attachments to the "things in the world" that leads to so much suffering, for we place _far too much value_ on these temporary things (II Cor. 4:18). Proof? Simply consider the reasons why we fight and war and contend with one another. More often than not, it is about money and those things which money provides, and no one can dispute the fact that this world of which all of us are part is deeply entrenched in this system. At this present time, we cannot do away with this system, but we can, like Christ, be delivered from the spirit and mind of it while we are in it.

# Chapter Four

# FIRE

1 John 1:5 (NKJV)  
5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that **God is light and in Him is no darkness at all**.

If there is any chapter in this study which is the most important, it would be this one.

Take a moment to consider what John wrote. " _This is the message which we have heard from Him_ and _declare_ to you." John, along with the other apostles all "heard" this message "from Him," Christ Jesus, who spoke the words of _God Himself_ (John 6:63; 7:17; 8:26, 28, 38; 12:50; 14:10). And what was this message which they declared? "That God is light and in Him is no darkness at all." If this is the message which they declared, should it not be the message which we declare?

"God is light" and _only_ light.

John 1:4, 9 (NKJV)  
4 In Him was life, and **the life** was the **light** of men... 9 **That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world**.

God is _light_ and _light_ denotes _life_.

Hebrews 12:29 (NKJV)  
29 For our God _is_ **a consuming** fire.

God is _light_. Fire is _light_. Light is _life_ ; therefore, the "consuming fire" of God _is_ life, with no death in it.

If light or fire denotes _life_ , then _darkness_ denotes _the absence of light_ or _life_ , which would be _death_. This being true, then there is no death in God, none whatsoever. This shows that if "our God is a consuming fire," _then all of us are being consumed by His life_ , for as Paul wrote, "For we who are in this tent (earthly house: II Cor. 5:1; our soul) groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that _mortality may be swallowed up by life_ " (II Cor. 5:4). This my friend, is His eternal purpose and process; to give light or life to the death and darkness of His creation.

Understand that as a fire gives light and warmth, it also burns and consumes something in the process. This shows the purifying power of God's immutable nature and unchanging Word.

Jesus said, " _It is the Spirit who gives life_ ; the flesh profits nothing. The _words_ that I speak to you _are spirit_ , and they are _life_ " (John 6:63). John wrote, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word _was_ God" (John 1:1). Friend, the Word _became_ God after He said it and this Word "became flesh and dwelt among us" as Christ Jesus, the Son of God (John 1:14).

Romans 1:20 (NIV)  
20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-- **his eternal power and divine nature** \-- **have been clearly seen** , _being understood from what has been made_ , so that men are without excuse.

God's eternal power and divine nature is fire, light, and life, and is clearly reflected in God's Word, which is also fire, light, and life. Since fire _is_ light, God's fire _is always light and life and never darkness and death_. So in regard to the "fire" found in scripture, _it always refers to life_.

Consider the following from the National Fire Protection Association about _fire_ (bolding mine).

**What is fire?  
** The ancient Greeks believed that fire was one the four basic elements that composed all things in the universe. In the mythology of virtually every culture, **fire is a sacred substance that gives life or power**. **Fire is not, in fact, a substance**. When you gaze at the leaping flames of a campfire, you're observing not an object, **but a process – a chemical reaction**. It's the same chemical reaction that occurs when a cut apple left on the counter turns brown, when silver tarnishes or when an iron nail rusts.

That process is oxidation: combining oxygen with another substance. The defining difference between a fire and your half-eaten apple is speed: **fire is an oxidation process that happens very fast, so that light, heat and sound are released** — often with enough force and majesty to justify the ancients' reverence. The sudden release of energy causes temperatures to rise, sometimes by thousands of degrees. And it also results in smoke, the toxic waste of fire's leftovers.

Of all the created things we could consider that may be indicative of our Creator, the Bible uses fire. As our information shows, fire is not "a substance," "but a _process_ —a chemical reaction" that happens so quickly "that _light_ , _heat_ , and _sound_ are released." The fact that fire is a _process_ perfectly symbolizes the _work_ of God's Spirit and Word in humankind (John 4:34). Note that our process is _threefold_ , so further confirmation is found in the spiritual meaning of _three_. Consider Ed F. Vallowe's explanation from Biblical Mathematics.

When a man found in his primitive home the divinest thing that life had to offer—a father's love, a mother's love and a child's love—he found God reflected in the interplay of love and kindness and affection in his own household and began to think of the number THREE as a symbol of the Divine. The divinest thing in life was "THREE" and the divine origin of life was THREE. Here in the ultimate world were father's love, mother's love and child's love. Here, too, were the glimpses of the great mysteries which we express in the terms of "Father," "Son," and "Holy Spirit." THREE came to carry the thought of the Divine. It means, "GOD IS IN IT". It is the number of DIVINE COMPLETENESS AND PERFECTION.

Fire being a _threefold_ process shows that "God is in it" and His "divine completeness" is evidenced by it.

In the King James Version of scripture, the word "fire" is used a total of 466 times in the Old Testament and 83 times in the New Testament. Our passage from Hebrews 12:29 is taken from Deuteronomy 4:24.

Deuteronomy 4:23-24 (NKJV)  
23 Take heed to yourselves, **lest you forget the covenant** of the Lord your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of anything which the Lord your God has forbidden you. 24 For **the Lord your God** _is_ **a consuming fire** , a jealous God.

No doubt, the greatest fire we could consider is that of the sun which gives light and life to everything on this planet. Consider the following.

Matthew 5:45 (NKJV)  
45... that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for **He makes His sun rise** on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Matthew 13:43 (NKJV)  
43 Then **the righteous will shine forth as the sun** in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Matthew 17:1-2 (NKJV)  
1 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. **His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light**.

Revelation 12:1 (NKJV)  
1 Now a great sign appeared in heaven: **a woman clothed with the sun** , with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars.

As these passages show, the light of the sun is plainly indicative of the "eternal power and divine nature" of our Creator (Rom. 1:20), of His _righteousness_ , _goodness_ , _light_ , and _life_. On a side note, the "woman clothed with the sun" speaks of "Jerusalem that is above" who is "free, and she is our mother" (Gal. 4:26; NIV). The fact that she is "clothed with the sun" speaks of the "greater light" of our Father which _rules_ the "day" (Gen. 1:16; I Thess. 5:5), _symbolic of the New Covenant_ (Gal. 4:24-31) and those who embrace it (spiritual Jerusalem; Rom. 2:28-29; Rev. 21:2). Compare this with Deuteronomy 4:23 and 24 above.

So again, what is fire? "An _oxidation_ process that happens very fast, so that _light_ , _heat_ and _sound_ are released." Chemistry.about.com tells us, "Oxidation is the loss of electrons during a reaction by a molecule, atom, or ion. Oxidation occurs when the oxidation state of a molecule, atom or ion is increased." Also, "An older meaning of oxidation was when oxygen was added to a compound. This was because oxygen gas (O2) was the first known oxidizing agent. While the addition of oxygen to a compound typically meets the criteria of electron loss and an increase in the oxidation state, the definition of oxidation was expanded to include other types of chemical reactions." I immediately think of Genesis 2:7 where we read, "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and _breathed_ into his nostrils _the breath of life_ ; and man became a living being (soul)." I cannot help but think too of the opening of the seals in Revelation. Please consider.

Revelation 6:1 (KJV)  
1 And I **saw** when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I **heard** , as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts **saying** , Come and see.

What produces "thunder?" Is it not lightning? And isn't lightning a _fire_ which generates great _heat_? So first John " _saw_ (lightning) when the Lamb opened one of the seals," then "heard (sound), as it were _the noise of thunder_." This shows that the revelation of God through Christ is a dynamic process that generates "light, heat and sound."

Now, consider these passages in regard to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 3:11 (NKJV)  
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with **the Holy Spirit and fire**.

Luke 12:49 (NKJV)  
49 " **I came to send fire on the earth** , and how I wish it were already kindled!

First we read that Christ will baptize us "with the Holy Spirit _and_ fire." Would this be indicative of the light of life (John 8:12)? Secondly, Christ Himself states, "I came to send _fire_ on the earth." He came to send fire? Yes! The _fire_ of the _light_ of _life_ of our Father in order to advance the kingdom of God on earth!

Hebrews 1:7 (NKJV)  
7 And of the angels He says: "Who makes His angels spirits and **His ministers a flame of fire**."

Revelation 1:14-15 (KJV)  
14 His head and _his_ hairs _were_ white like wool, as white as snow; and **his eyes** _were_ **as a flame of fire** ; 15 And **his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace** ; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

Revelation 19:12-13 (KJV)  
12 **His eyes** _were_ **as a flame of fire** , and on his head _were_ many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he _was_ clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and **his name is called The Word of God**.

Didn't Jesus say, "I and my Father are one"? (John 10:30; KJV). So, like our heavenly Father, fire is associated with and indicative of Christ Jesus, the Son of God, who was "anointed" (Christ) by God's Holy Spirit to exemplify the _light_ of _life_ of our Father. No wonder Jesus said, "I am the _light_ of the world. He who follows Me _shall not walk in darkness_ , but have the _light_ of _life_ " (John 8:12) and John wrote, "His eyes were a _flame of fire_ ; and His feet like unto fine brass, _as if they burned in a furnace_."

So again, consider the sun and its light, which is vital to the existence of everything on this planet. Unlike the other planets in our solar system, the earth is exactly where it needs to be from the sun; not too close or too far. And the light and heat which emanates from this great ball of fire is essential to the well-being of everything on earth. Can we not say the same concerning our Father and His Son, who was the "Word" or Truth made flesh (John 1:14)?

So, let's consider how many phrases in regard to "fire" are found in the New Testament (King James Version). We'll exclude those which speak of natural fire and begin with "fire" itself.

Fire (Matt. 3:10-11; 7:19; 13:40; Luke 3:9, 16; John 15:6; Acts 2:19; I Cor. 3:13, 15; Heb. 12:18; James 5:3; I Peter 1:7; II Peter 3:7, 12; Jude 1:23; Rev. 3:18; 9:18; 14:18; 16:8; 17:16; 18:8)

Hell fire (Matt. 5:22; 18:9; Mark 9:47)

Salted with fire (Mark 9:49)

Fire of hell (James 3:6)

The fire that never shall be quenched (Mark 9:43, 45)

Fire is not quenched (Mark 9:44, 46, 48)

Unquenchable fire (Matt. 3:12)

Fire unquenchable (Luke 3:17)

Fire to come down from heaven (Luke 9:54; Rev. 13:13)

Fire on the earth (Luke 12:49)

Everlasting fire (Matt. 18:8; 25:41)

Eternal fire (Jude 1:7)

Furnace of fire (Matt. 13:42, 50)

Fire and brimstone (Luke 17:29; Rev. 14:10)

Flame of fire (Acts 7:30; Heb. 1:7; Rev. 1:14; 2:18; 19:12)

Flaming fire (II Thess. 1:8)

Coals of fire (Rom. 12:20)

Consuming fire (Heb. 12:29)

Cloven tongues like as of fire (Acts 2:3)

Tongue is a fire (James 3:6)

Seven lamps of fire (Rev. 4:5)

Fire of the altar (Rev. 8:5)

Hail and fire mingled with blood (Rev. 8:7)

Great mountain burning with fire (Rev. 8:8)

Breastplates of fire (Rev. 9:17)

Fire and smoke and brimstone (Rev. 9:17)

Feet as pillars of fire (Rev. 10:1)

Fire proceedeth out of their mouth (Rev. 11:5)

Sea of glass mingled with fire (Rev. 15:2)

Lake of fire burning with brimstone (Rev. 19:20)

Fire came down from God out of heaven (Rev. 20:9)

Lake of fire and brimstone (Rev. 20:10)

Lake of fire (Rev. 20:14, 15)

Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone (Rev. 21:8).

As you can see, there are quite a few passages pertaining to fire. And what do all of these passages have in common? _Every single one of them is speaking in regard to the eternal power and divine nature of God as evidenced by His living Word_ , yes, even "hell fire" and the "fire of hell" (which is better rendered "hell of fire"). Despite the traditional take, hell is not a place where sinners go to be tormented for eternity. Rather, it speaks of the remedial process of God's judgment _now_ via His living Word (Heb. 4:12). All of the fire spoken of in the New Testament _is indicative of God's righteousness as expressed through His Living Word_.

Mark 9:43-44 (KJV)  
43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, **into the fire that never shall be quenched** : 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Remember, His Word _is_ God (John 1:1), therefore, the judgment that is based in His Word is "the _fire_ that never shall be quenched," the "eternal _fire_ ," the "everlasting _fire_ " or " _fire_ of the ages" (Weymouth New Testament), the same "fire" or _judgment which proceeds from His Word of truth in every age_ (Mal. 3:6). The "fire" which all of us experience in our lives is due to the eternal principles of His truth which stand in direct contrast to our resistance to it. And understand my friend that there is more than one way to "burn." Consider the following from Better Health Channel online concerning the physical affects of anger (bolding mine).

Anger triggers the body's 'fight or flight' response. Other emotions that trigger this response include fear, excitement and anxiety. The adrenal glands flood the body with stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.

The brain shunts blood away from the gut and towards the muscles, in preparation for physical exertion. Heart rate, blood pressure and respiration increase, **the body temperature rises** and the skin perspires. The mind is sharpened and focused.

Not only does the emotion of anger create a rise of temperature in our bodies, but so too "fear, excitement and anxiety," along with other emotions such as jealousy and greed. In all of these instances, doesn't our face become flushed, indicating this rise in temperature?

Psalms 2:12 (KJV)  
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish _from_ the way, when **his wrath is kindled but a little**. Blessed _are_ all they that put their trust in him.

Psalms 7:11 (KJV)  
11 God judgeth the righteous, and **God is angry** _with the wicked_ every day.

Not for a moment do I believe that God's anger is anything like ours, nor does He react like we do. Instead, He has placed His living Word in the earth to accomplish His anger. Consider.

Romans 4:15 (KJV)  
15 Because **the law worketh wrath** : for where no law is, _there is_ no transgression.

The definition of our word "wrath" in the preceding passage is defined by the Strong's Concordance as, " _Desire_ (as a _reaching_ forth or _excitement_ of the mind), i.e. (by analogy) violent _passion_ ( _ire_ , or [justifiable] _abhorrence_ ); by implication _punishment_." As noted, the "wrath" of God "worketh" or is _accomplished_ through the "law" of God. The moral aspects of His law set the standard by which we are continually judged, for it incorporates _the righteous nature_ of the Giver Himself. This is why John wrote, "The _Word was God_ " (John 1:1; KJV).

Romans 7:12-14 (NKJV)  
12 Therefore **the law** _is_ **holy, and the commandment holy and just and good**. 13 Has then **what is good** become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through **what is good** , so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. 14 For we know that **the law is spiritual** , but I am carnal, sold under sin.

There should be no doubt. "The law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good." And that "which is good," His _light_ and _life_ is that which exposes the darkness or "death" in us, not the death of the body but the death which we know in our soul (Ezek. 18:4). Understand that _it is appointed for us to die once_ but _after this to face judgment_ (Heb. 9:27). And what did Paul say about this? "For since _by man came death_ , by man came also _the resurrection of the dead_. For _as in Adam all die_ ," our _first_ death, "even so in Christ _shall all be made alive_ " our _second_ death (which is the result of His judgment in our lives; I Cor. 15:21-22; KJV).

So think about this. Did Adam pass from this planet after he sinned? No, he did not, and neither do we. However, once sin arises in our lives, we "die." For this reason, Paul also wrote, "And you He made alive, _who were dead in trespasses and sins_ " (Eph. 2:1). This is what is meant by the "death" of our soul (Ezek. 18:4). As we have found, it is a _state of being_ where we conduct ourselves solely by the mind of the flesh, our human form, which _is_ death (Rom. 8:6).

As an example of the goodness of the law, let's consider the Surgeon General's warning on a pack of cigarettes.

SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING: Smoking Causes Lung Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema, and May Complicate Pregnancy.

SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING: Quitting Smoking Now Greatly Reduces Serious Risks to Your Health.

Are cigarettes bad for us? Yes they are. So when we read the warnings above, is it offensive because they are letting us know? Of course not. Is it wrong for them to warn us? Certainly not. And the law of God is the same way; _it was given for our good_ , and when we resist "what is good" and _light_ , we remain in "death" and _darkness_. In the same way that our disregard for the Surgeon General's warning leads to harming our health, so too does our disregard for God's goodness and truth harm us as well. And contained within this simple explanation is the understanding that _it is our resistance and disobedience to what is good_ that is the "fire" that consumes us. Because we continue to resist, question, and yes, even discard His law, we are suffering the consequences by _remaining in our darkness_ (John 1:5; 3:19). What was intended to bring us _light_ and _life_ is causing death and destruction instead, for our resistance has become _a continual looping_ in this generation. The Psalmist wrote, "The Lord is known by the judgment He executes; _the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands_ " (Psalms 9:16).

The late German physicist Albert Einstein said, "Insanity" is "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." Despite the consequences of our rebellion against the law of God that is so sorely evident among us, _we keep doing the same things_ , not realizing that the results will always be what they have been. Everything has a beginning and our suffering starts with our opposition to His divine principles. But rest assured my friend, the "fire" of truth will not change no matter how much we try to ignore it or explain it away. If we ignore the warning on the pack of cigarettes, it doesn't change the fact that they will still be harmful to our health. And because "God is love," He is obligated to judge us according to the truth until we humbly submit ourselves to it.

Psalms 9:7-8 (KJV)  
7 But the Lord shall endure for ever: **he hath prepared his throne for judgment**. 8 And **he shall judge the world in righteousness** , he shall **minister judgment** to the people in uprightness.

Psalms 94:14-15 (NIV)  
14 For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance. 15 **Judgment will again be founded on righteousness** , and all the upright in heart will follow it.

Psalms 119:142 (NKJV)  
142 Your righteousness _is_ an everlasting righteousness, and **Your law** _is_ **truth**.

Isaiah 26:9 (NKJV)  
9 With my soul I have desired You in the night, Yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early; **For when Your judgments** _are_ **in the earth, The inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness**.

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 (NKJV)  
13 When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 14 **if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways** , then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Romans 1:20 (NIV)  
20 For since the creation of the world **God's invisible qualities** \-- **his eternal power and divine nature** \-- **have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made** , so that men are without excuse.

There is a good reason why truth is written into the created things (such as fire). When we consider God's eternal power and divine nature by means of those things He has created, we have a standard in which all of us can agree. We can argue with hypotheticals, but we cannot argue with the laws of nature which reveal God's handiwork all around us. As an example, the principle of sowing and reaping surrounds us at all times (plant, insect, animal, human), giving testimony of His living truth and revealing to us this "law of nature." Ah, but what man calls laws of nature are simply evidence of His intelligent design and give testimony of His spiritual kingdom. No wonder Jesus used nature to typify so many things about God's kingdom. You may be able to explain the process of sowing and reaping, but you cannot explain how that process originated. And of course, despite what some evolutionists might wish to otherwise believe, it originated from our wonderful Creator (Col. 1:16).

# Chapter Five

# THE HELL OF FIRE

Matthew 5:22 (KJV)  
22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of **hell fire**.

In our passage from Matthew, Chapter 5, we read in the King James version, "hell fire," but consider Vincent's treatment of this phrase.

**Hell-fire** (τήν γέενναν τοῦ πυρός)

Rev., more accurately, _the hell of fire._ The word _Gehenna_ _,_ rendered _hell,_ occurs outside of the Gospels only at James 3:6. It is the Greek representative of the Hebrew _Ge-Hinnom_ _,_ or Valley of Hinnom, a deep, narrow glen to the south of Jerusalem, where, after the introduction of the worship of the fire-gods by Ahaz, the idolatrous Jews sacrificed their children to Molech. Josiah formally desecrated it, "that no man might make his son or his daughter pass through the fire to Molech" (2 Kings 23:10). After this it became the common refuse-place of the city, into which the bodies of criminals, carcasses of animals, and all sorts of filth were cast.

As we see, it is more accurate to define "hell fire" as "the hell _of_ fire" or the _Gehenna_ of fire. This changes it a bit, doesn't it?

Matthew 18:7-9 (NKJV)  
7 Woe to the world because of **offenses**! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! 8 If your **hand** or **foot** causes you to sin, cut it off and cast _it_ from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the **everlasting fire**. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast _it_ from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into **hell fire** (hell of fire).

Consider the first verse of these passages—" _Woe_ to the world because of _offenses_!" Our word "woe" means, "A primary exclamation of grief." Our word "offenses" means, "A _trap-stick_ ( _bent_ sapling), i.e. _snare_ (figurative _cause_ of displeasure or sin)."

Note that the Lord speaks of the "hand or foot," once again denoting our "deeds" (we _work_ with our hands) which defines our "conduct" or _walk_ in life (Mark 7:5, John 8:12; 11:9-10; 12:35). He again mentions the "eye," which is indicative of our understanding (Eph. 1:18). All of this aligns with what we have considered up to this point.

"Offenses must come," Jesus said, "but woe to that man by _whom_ the offense comes!" Our word "whom" reads, "A primary preposition denoting the _channel_ of an act; _through_ (in very wide applications, local, causal or occasional)." In other words, woe to that person who becomes a _channel_ of offense. An offense is something that causes a person to be hurt, angry, or upset. So whether we offend or are offended, we are a channel.

Has there ever been a time on this planet and in any society where the idea of "political correctness" has ever been so emphasized? In this country, much is changing due to the fact that we are now so easily offended at every turn. We have become sensitive about everything. Sadly, and in most cases, those offended are as offensive as those who offended them, reacting in ways that only inflame the situations further. Through television and social media, it appears that everyone is angry and upset about something on a regular basis. When society is inundated in such fashion, it reveals just how deeply entrenched we are in the mind of temporal things, for most of our offense comes because of our attachments to and love for the things of _this_ world. They are most often due to pride and our attitude of self-entitlement. No wonder the Lord taught so much against our insatiable desires to have and possess so much (Matt. 6:19-34).

To put it simply, we are creations that "say" and "do" (although we could say that speaking is a form of "doing" as well). Through this amazing human form and all that it encompasses, we have managed to move and continue to move our societies into technological marvels that would have boggled the minds of our earliest ancestors. Just our methods of communication and travel is enough to cause us to step back and wonder how we got here.

So think about this. All that has been accomplished began first in the mind of humankind. We are "thinkers." We were created to think, to ponder, to imagine the possibilities of things that we might achieve. So we could easily say that what we believe or seek to believe leads us to do what we do, thus, we can say _we are creatures of faith_ and every act of humankind proceeds from this element. Whether faith in man or in a higher intelligence, we never perform one thing apart from faith.

"Faith is _the substance of things hoped for_ " which hope leads to "the _evidence of things not seen_ " (Heb. 11:1; KJV). Paul wrote, "For _we are saved by hope_ : but hope _that is seen_ is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for" (Rom. 8:24; KJV)? So much of what we have imagined or hoped for has concluded in the reality of that which we see today. No wonder Paul also wrote, "And now abideth (remains) _faith_ , _hope_ , _charity_ , these _three_ " (I Cor. 13:13; KJV).

Now, take a moment to think about the mind and thinking itself. Amazingly, without ever speaking a word, you can speak to yourself inwardly, your thought processes moving through the confines of your own mind, forming understanding and often motivating you to hope for things you cannot yet see. Eventually, this finds its way through the expression of what you say, not just to yourself, but to others. And so it is that what we say becomes so very important.

James 3:1-5 (KJV)  
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For **in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same** _is_ **a perfect man,** _and_ **able also to bridle the whole body**. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though _they be_ so great, and _are_ driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so **the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth**!

The impact of words cannot be over emphasized, for they are the foundation and expression of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. No wonder John wrote, "In the beginning was the _Word_ , and the _Word_ was with God, and the _Word_ _was_ God" (John 1:1; KJV). So powerful were the words of our Maker that what He said _became_ God once He said it, the ultimate wisdom, power, and authority over all that exists, both visible and invisible.

Having been made in the "image of God," we too possess the ability through words in our minds to impart wisdom, knowledge, and understanding inwardly and outwardly. So James writes, "My brethren, be not many masters (instructor; teacher), knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." Our word "offend" means, "To _trip_ , i.e. (figurative) to _err_ , _sin_ , _fail_ (of salvation)."

Notice too how James compares our tongue or speaking with a bit in a horse's mouth or rudder on a ship. He then states, "Even so the tongue is a _little member_ and _boasts great things_." This aligns with I John 2:16, where we read, "For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and _the boasting of what he has and does_ — _comes not_ from the Father but _from the world_ " (NIV). Now, look at what follows in the very next line.

James 3:5 (NKJV)  
5... See how great a forest **a little fire** kindles!

James compares the tongue to "a little fire," which is all that is needed to start a large fire in a "great forest."

James 3:6 (NKJV)  
6 And **the tongue** _is_ **a fire, a world of iniquity**. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and **sets on fire the course of nature** ; and **it is set on fire by hell**.

Continuing his thought, James clearly states, "And the tongue _is a fire_ , a world of iniquity (lawlessness)." It "defiles the whole body, and _sets on fire_ the course of nature." Strong's defines "course" as, "A _wheel_ (as a _runner_ ), i.e. (figurative) a _circuit_ of physical effects." I immediately think of how rumors start, then make a full circle (a circuit) through a group to become completely and utterly distorted. The effects are often quite emotional, laced with anger, bitterness, and judgmentalism.

The tongue "is a fire," _because words can inflame_. Through the power of what we say, countless millions have been led down a deceptive path that has ended in destruction and misery.

The tongue "is set on fire _by hell_ (Gehenna)," our words too often motivated by the _corruptible_ nature of the self (Rom. 1:23; I Cor. 15:53). No wonder Paul wrote, "So when this _corruptible_ has put on incorruption, and this _mortal_ has put on immortality, _then shall be brought to pass_ the saying that is written: ' _Death_ is swallowed up in victory.' 'O Death, where is your sting? O _Hades_ , where is your victory'" (I Cor. 15:54-55; NKJV)?

Once again, our two definitions are brought together with the words "corruptible" and "Hades," for when we live with our hearts completely absorbed in the realm of form (Gehenna), we cannot "see" (Hades) the kingdom of God and discover the path that leads to unconditional love and peace which sets us free from "the law of sin and death" (Rom. 8:2). And once again, we find "death" with "Hades," one is not without the other.

Just as our words are likened to "fire," we know the same can be said about the Word or words of our Creator. Paul wrote, "For our God is a _consuming fire_ " (Heb. 12:29; KJV), and He "makes His angels spirits and His ministers _a flame of fire_ " (Heb. 1:7; NKJV). How did God first appear to Moses? As a " _flame of fire_ in a bush" (Acts 7:30; KJV). And how did God descend upon Mount Sinai to the people of Israel? He "descended upon it _in fire_. Its smoke ascended like the smoke _of a furnace_ , and the whole mountain quaked greatly" (Exod. 19:18; KJV). How did John see Christ in the first chapter of Revelation? His eyes were "like _a flame of fire_ ; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined _in a furnace_ " (Rev. 1:14; NKJV). You see, my friend, the truth and its Spirit, _are the fire of life_ , _burning_ against the corruptible nature under which we labor, and _shining_ a light on our path when we surrender to its essence.

John 5:35 (NKJV)  
35 He was the **burning** and **shining** lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light.

Notice how Jesus spoke of John the Baptist as "a _burning_ and a _shining_ lamp." This confirms our understanding that light _is_ fire, even in our present time, for light bulbs simply harness the _heat_ of electricity to make it glow. Furthermore, the characteristics of fire are "burning" and "shining" as mentioned. So, to speak of the "hell _of_ fire" means that "hell" is not the fire itself, _but a separate element_. "Hell" or _Gehenna_ refers to our _corruptible nature_ which resists and distorts the _truth_ and _life_ of the righteous "fire" of God, thus the reason we read that the tongue is "a world of _iniquity_ " (lawlessness). When we resist the "light" or "fire" of God's truth by adding to it, taking from it, or simply disregarding it, the "fire" of it will burn against us, tormenting us _because we have sought to challenge it_. But when we humble ourselves and _surrender_ to the living Word of our Maker as it stands, it becomes a _light_ that "shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises" in our hearts (II Peter 1:19; NKJV).

John 1:1-5 (KJV)  
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him (the Word); and without him (the Word) was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him (the Word) was life; **and the life was the light of men**. 5 And **the light shineth in darkness** ; and the darkness comprehended it not.

When the light of truth shines in our darkness and we fail to comprehend it, we exist in the _state of being_ known as _Hades_ or "unseen." What _veils_ us from understanding the kingdom of heaven is our "flesh," more specifically our mind set on the flesh (Rom. 8:5-6; II Cor. 3:14-16; Heb. 10:20), which denotes our state of _corruptibility_ or _Gehenna_. And again, the fires that burned in the valley of the son of Hinnom were _separate_ from the corruptible elements which they consumed. In the same fashion, the "fire" that burns us in our corrupt state denotes the light of truth that continually judges and condemns our works when we disregard and act against it.

Matthew 3:7-12 (NKJV)  
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, 9 and do not think to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as _our_ father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. **Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire**. 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit **and fire**. 12 His winnowing fan _is_ in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but **He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire**."

What happens to a tree when it is placed in a fire? What happens to chaff (dry, scaly protective casings of the seeds of cereal grain) when thrown into a fire? They are completely consumed, brought to ashes, are they not? And Jesus did not say "every person" but "every tree." And when we consider that Jesus taught that the "seed" is the Word of God (Luke 8:11) and our heart is the "ground," then it is safe to assume that he is not speaking of casting people into a fire, but of casting that which has been "sown" in us into the fire, the knowledge and understanding of this world (I Cor. 1:20; II Cor. 2:6) that often stands in conflict with the principles of the kingdom of God.

Does fire burn? Of course it does. And if your child tries to place his or her hand in it, what do you do? Do you not stop them and tell them that the fire will hurt them? Sure you do. And haven't you just told your child the truth? Of course. So what happens when your child doesn't believe you and behind your back, puts their hand in the fire? They get burned, right? Ah, but it is then that they discover the truth of what you said, is it not? So, do you hate your child after they have disobeyed? Of course not! You may be angry and upset because your child has suffered pain due to their disobedience, but you don't disown your child for it do you?

Now, let me ask you---what happens if your child sticks their hand in the fire again? Will it burn them a second time? Of course it will! And no matter how many times they do it, they will get burned every single time because the truth always burns against our disobedience! Regardless of how many times or how often your child thinks that the fire won't burn, it always will and the truth of this will prevail. The child's ignorance, disbelief, or resistance will never change this fact. And so goes the righteous essence of the truth of our Creator.

When our children fail to listen and heed our warning not to stick their hand in the fire and they do and get burned, does this make the fire evil? Not at all! Isn't it true that the fire that burns the child is the same fire that gives light and warms the child? Of course, but the difference lies in what we believe in regard to the fire. When we realize that our corruptible nature or state of Gehenna is resisting the good of His fire or life, then we begin to see that our suffering is due to our own resistance to it.

Matthew 5:21-22 (ESV)  
21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the **hell of fire**.

In our passages from Matthew above and in the light of the commandment, "You shall not murder," Jesus is addressing our anger which often leads to insult and accusation. So first He sets up the understanding that we must not let our anger lead to false assumptions and accusations against others, especially considering the fact that we don't know their heart. Ah, but when we act in disobedience to this understanding we are "liable to the hell of fire." When we act in the manner which Jesus outlined, calling someone "You fool!" we act against what is right. When we do, we do what the child did. We place our hand in the fire despite the fact that we were told not to! Due to our resistance, we are then "burned" by the righteous nature and essence of the one who placed that truth before us. You see my friend, righteousness only torments us when we disobey out of ignorance or self-will. What is good only causes suffering when we wish to act against it. And such is the "hell of fire."

All of us know that fire is used to purify many things such as gold or silver. So it is used in scripture to denote this purifying process. Consider the following.

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (NKJV)  
11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation _with_ gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for **the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire** ; and **the fire** will test **each one's work** , of what sort it is. 14 If **anyone's work** which he has built on _it_ endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If **anyone's work** is burned, he will suffer loss; but **he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire**.

When "gold, silver," and "precious stones" are placed in a fire, they are purified by the process. When "wood, hay," and "straw" are placed in a fire, they are burned to ashes. Either way, the "Day" (sunlight) or "fire" of God " _will test each one's work_ , of what sort it is." What is tested? Our "work" or deeds (acts). And what is burned? Our "work" or deeds (acts). And yet, "If anyone's _work is burned_ , he will suffer loss; but _he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire_." Consider Vincent's treatment.

**By fire** (διὰ πυρός)

Better, Rev., _through_ fire. He will escape as through the fire that consumes his work, as one does through the flames which destroy his house.

Now, consider what Jesus said following His dissertation on hell or _Gehenna_ in Mark, Chapter 9, verses 41 through 48 (the Amplified version is especially good).

Mark 9:49-50 (AMP)  
49 For **everyone shall be salted with fire**. 50 Salt is good (beneficial), but if salt has lost its saltness, how will you restore [the saltness to] it? **Have salt within yourselves** , and be at peace _and_ live in harmony with one another.

"Everyone" means "all," doesn't it? So " _everyone_ shall be salted with fire." Just as the sun continually shines, bringing light (and burning) to this planet, so too the eternal virtues of the dynamic working of the righteous nature of our Creator and His Word are always present in this age, have been so in ages past, and will be in the ages to come. That is what makes the fire "everlasting" and "unquenchable." No wonder Jesus said, "Heaven and earth _shall pass away_ , but my words _shall not pass away_ " (Matt. 24:35; KJV). Why? Because He always spoke the indisputable truth of our Father.

Now, what creates darkness on this planet? Does the sun stop shining? Of course not! Rather, the earth turns and then blocks the light of the sun for a time. And the same is true of you and me. When _we_ turn from the light, _we_ experience the darkness _we_ have created. Ah, but understand my friend that it doesn't matter how far we stray from our love for God and one another, the burning and shining light of truth will always be there to correct us, even when we don't see or acknowledge it. The _unquenchable fire_ of God's living truth will never stop shining.

So let's come back to what James said concerning the tongue.

James 3:6-18 (NKJV)  
6 And **the tongue** _is_ **a fire** , a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and **sets on fire the course of nature** ; and **it is set on fire by hell**. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 **But no man can tame the tongue**. _It is_ an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 **With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.** 10 **Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so**. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh _water_ and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. 13 **Who** _is_ **wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct** _that_ **his works** _are done_ **in the meekness of wisdom**. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but _is_ earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking _exist,_ confusion and every evil thing _are_ there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

As we have read, "the tongue is a fire." With the same mouth we can inflame someone by distorting the truth, or we can bring light to their mind and heart by speaking the truth as it stands.

We cannot "tame the tongue," so it takes something higher than ourselves, which _incorporates a necessary process_ that brings suffering when our actions stand in opposition to the sacrificial nature as exemplified in Christ (Gal. 6:7-10). Note that our tongue is a fire when we "boast and lie _against_ the truth," seeking to disregard and justify our lawless actions. So it is that Paul states, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show _by good conduct_ that _his works_ are done in _meekness of wisdom_." You see, the more wisdom we gain, the more peaceable, gentler, and merciful we become. The wisdom of this world is laced with "envy" and "self-seeking," but "the wisdom that is from above is first pure," _with no darkness in it_ , "then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." You see my friend, this the _nature_ of our Father and the Son and the transforming qualities of His divine Word (Rom. 12:1-2).

Acts 17:27-28 (NKJV)  
27... so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 **for in Him we live and move and have our being** , as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'

These passages are some of my favorites. Just as the light of the sun never ceases, so the light of life that is the eternal essence of our heavenly Father is always present, "for in Him we live and move and have our being." Regardless of how we may feel, "He is not far from each one of us." Though we often condemn and wish for someone to be tormented eternally, I believe it is because we do not truly grasp the intricacies of His purpose in humankind.

I would never, for even one second, criticize anyone for how they feel when they lose someone due to evil and tragic circumstances, but we must always keep in mind that this is not the _will of God_ for us, but the _will of man_ which provokes such darkness and disaster. In our present time, there is a veritable flood of death and destruction in every form imaginable, and it seems we are incapable of stopping ourselves, of turning from those things which cause us to continually hurt and destroy. And it's especially baffling to think that all of it is simply because of what dwells within our minds and hearts and our resistance to His truth. No doubt there are many who are _so lost within their own mind_ that they cannot even begin to conceive what it means to impart goodness and grace to others. _This my friend, is a true hell_ , a state and depth of corruptibility that only our God can address in its finality.

Psalms 139:7-12 (ESV)  
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! **If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there**! 9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night," 12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.

# Chapter Six

# THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS

Luke 16:19-20 (NKJV)  
19 "There was **a** **certain rich man** who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. 20 But there was **a** **certain beggar** named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate...

One of the most confusing teachings concerning Hades is found in Luke, Chapter 16, beginning with verse 19. Let me first show you something that leads me to believe that this is a parable. Please consider.

Luke 12:16 (KJV)  
16 And he spake a **parable** unto them, saying, The ground of **a certain rich man** brought forth plentifully...

Luke 16:1 (KJV)  
1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was **a certain rich man** , which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

Notice in Luke 12:16 how Luke wrote, "And he spake a _parable_ unto them" about " _a certain rich man_." Four chapters later, we read, "And he said also unto his disciples, 'There was _a certain rich man_.'" Just eighteen verses later, we read again, "There was _a certain rich man_." Our first passage with the phrase "a certain rich man" is defined _as a parable_ , and I believe from that point forward, whenever the Lord referred to "a certain rich man," He was again speaking a parable; _it is implied by the first instance_. Further confirmation can be seen in the teachings themselves, for I don't believe the Lord was referring to someone He knew. When you consider each reference to "a certain rich man," they read _as a_ parable and not an experience which the Lord encountered.

The next thing which I wish to point out is, _this is not a parable about hell or Hades_. But Hades plays a part in it and we'll have a better understanding of what Hades represents once we examine this teaching.

So what is this parable about? Basically, it's a contrast between "a certain rich man" and "a certain beggar named Lazarus," showing us what goes on in _our_ heart and mind and the difference between _arrogance_ and _humility_ and _selfishness_ and _charity_.

Our word "certain" indicates that it's not just any "rich man" or any "beggar," but in both cases _someone specific_ to whom the Lord is referring. Now, with this in mind, consider the following.

Revelation 3:14-17 (NKJV)  
14 "And to the angel of the church of the **Laodiceans** write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because **you** say, **'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing** '--and **do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked**...

Look closely at these passages pertaining to the Laodicean church in Revelation. Do we not see our "certain rich man" in the fact that we "say, 'I am _rich_ , have become _wealthy_ , and _have need of nothing_ '"? Do we not also see our "certain beggar named Lazarus" when the Lord states that we "do not know that" we "are _wretched_ , _miserable_ , _poor_ , _blind_ , and _naked_ "? So I am inclined to believe that this parable relates to the Laodicean church and its message.

Revelation 3:14 (NKJV)  
14 "And **to the angel** of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God...

Now, let's lay some groundwork. In regard to the Laodicean church (as well as all seven churches) we read, "And to the _angel_ of the church." Our word "angel" means, "To _bring tidings_ ; a _messenger_." Hebrews 1:7 tells us He "makes His angels _spirits_." So an "angel" speaks of the _spirit_ and _message_ which relates to each church. That being said, the spirit and message _together_ define the "works" of each church, for everything proceeds from our heart or spirit (Matt. 15:19) and is made evident by what we _say_ or _do_ (keep in mind that actions speak louder than words; we are more than able to say many things without ever vocalizing them). So with Laodicea, as well as the other churches, the Lord is telling John to "write" or address _the collective spirit and message_ or "works" of each. For this reason, each message begins with "I know your _works_ " (Rev. 2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15).

Now, would it surprise you to know that angels are always _male_? This being true, we see the _male_ counterpart to the body of Christ, His _female_. Now, it should be clear to us that the message of the Laodicean church is one of pride and the deception which comes as a result of that pride (Rev. 3:17). It is these "works" which define the "rich man" (male) of our parable.

It's very important to understand that the Laodicean church is the _seventh_ and _final_ church in the book of the Revelation and its message the _seventh_ and _final_ prophecy given. Remember, seven means "fullness," so it's appropriate to consider the seven messages _as a progressive unfolding of the purpose of Christ in the church which culminates in Laodicea_.

If we carefully consider the prophecies to each of the churches, we will find that they show a _progressive decline_ in the church which leads to a _falling away_ due to the conditions found in the first four churches. This leads to Jesus saying to the _fifth_ church, Sardis, "I know your _works_ , that you have a name that you are alive, _but you are dead_." Now, if my understanding is correct, then what follows after Sardis corresponds with the following and aligns with the church of Laodicea.

Matthew 25:31-33 (NKJV)  
31 "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 **All the nations** will be gathered before Him, and **He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides** _his_ **sheep from the goats**. 33 And **He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left**.

Following Sardis, we have the church in Philadelphia, which is clearly opposite of Sardis. When we examine their messages, we find that the Lord has nothing against Philadelphia, but with Sardis, there is rebuke and warning. In comparison with our passages from Matthew 25, I see Philadelphia as "the sheep on His right hand" while Sardis is "the goats on the left." We'll come back to this.

Now, note that there are three spiritual conditions mentioned concerning the Laodicean church; hot, cold, and lukewarm. Consider the following passages in the first prophecy to the church of Ephesus.

Revelation 2:1-2 (NKJV)  
1 "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, 'These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that **you cannot bear those who are evil**. And **you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars**...

In the first prophecy, we find "those who say they are apostles and are not," which are "tested" and found to be "liars," so right away we have a contrast between "hot" and "cold," between those who were true apostles (hot) and those who professed to be (cold). This agrees with the Lord's admonition to His disciples in Matthew 24, where He told them, "Take heed that no one deceives you. For _many will come in My name_ , saying, 'I am the Christ,' and _will deceive many_ " (Matt. 24:4-5; see also verses 9-11, 15-26).

Revelation 8:7 (KJV)  
7 The **first angel sounded** , and there followed **hail** and **fire** _mingled with blood_ , and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

I believe the seven trumpets in Revelation correlate with the seven messages to the churches. In other words, _each trumpet is the fulfillment of each prophecy_ , beginning shortly after the establishment of the church on the Day of Pentecost. So first we have the prophecies given to the churches by the Lord, followed by their fulfillment as evidenced by the trumpets.

Consider the first trumpet above. Once it sounds or _comes to pass_ , we see " _hail_ and _fire_ mingled with blood." The "hail" speaks of the _cold_ or false apostles while the "fire" speaks of the _hot_ or true apostles. "Mingled with blood" denotes _both in the church_ as described by the first message to Ephesus (Acts 20:28). This perspective agrees with the Lord's warnings to His disciples. His teachings on the Parable of the Tares (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43) and the Parable of the Net (Matt. 13:47-50) will also confirm what we are considering.

Our definition of "hail" reads, " _Hail_ ," taken from the word chalaō which means, "To lower (as into a void). The base of this word is chasma which is defined as, "A 'chasm' or vacancy (impassable interval)." In keeping with the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, the word chasma is found in the following.

Luke 16:26 (NKJV)  
26 And besides all this, _between us and you there is a great_ **gulf** _fixed_ , so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.'

Our word "gulf" is the word chasma, giving us an understanding of what is meant in our passage above. There is certainly a distinct difference or "gulf" between hot and cold.

Our hot and cold in the church of Ephesus shows that both true and false apostles were present in the New Testament church almost two thousand years ago. And what happens when you bring hot and cold together? It creates "lukewarm," does it not? This agrees with what John wrote in I John, Chapter 2.

1 John 2:18-19 (NKJV)  
18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the **Antichrist is coming** , **even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour**. 19 They went out from us, **but they were not of us** ; for **if they had been of us** , **they would have continued with us** ; but _they went out_ that they might be made manifest, **that none of them were of us**.

Can you see the "great gulf" in these passages? The "many antichrists" in John's day "were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us," but John makes it very clear "that none of them were of us."

When we understand the meaning of hot and cold, then we understand what is meant by "lukewarm." This shows that since the days of the apostles, the church has been struggling with this mixture of true and false which eventually leads to the seventh and final Laodicean condition of lukewarm. This explains why there is so much confusion in Christianity today and so many doctrines which have no true foundation in scripture.

The word, _Laodicea_ , is a compound word, taken from two words. The first means, "A _people_ ," and the second means, " _Right_ (as self- _evident_ ), i.e. _justice_ (the principle, a decision, or its execution)." Vincent tells us that it means "justice of the people." Consider J. Preston Eby's explanation of this word.

It is interesting to note that the name Laodicea is composed of _lao_ and _dika_ , meaning "the people's judgment" or "consensus of opinion as to what is right!" Other variations of rendering are: "power of the laity," "the voice of the people," "the people's rights," or "justice of the peoples." Its name designates it as the democratic church, in which everything is swayed and decided by popular opinion, clamor, and voting, either within the church, or by adapting to the opinions, standards, and pressures of society without. Hence, Laodicea is a carnal, compromising, pusillanimous, self-righteous, and self-sufficient church!

In agreement with the condition of the Laodicean church, consider what Paul wrote to Timothy.

2 Timothy 4:1-4 (NKJV)  
1 I charge _you_ therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the **living** and the **dead** _at His appearing and His kingdom_ : 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season _and_ out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 **For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires,** _because_ **they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;** 4 **and they will turn** _their_ **ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables**.

Paul made it clear. "The time will come," he said, "when they," _His people_ , "will not endure sound doctrine, _but according to their own desires_ , because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and _they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables_." Wouldn't this agree with the lukewarm condition of the Laodicean church? Consider Vincent's treatment from the King James Version (bolding mine).

Shall they heap to themselves teachers (ἑαυτοῖς ἐπισωρεύ σουσιν διδασκάλους)

A vigorous and graphic statement. Ἑπισωρεύειν _to heap up_ , N.T.o. Comp. σεσωρευμένα _laden_ , 3:6. The word is ironical; shall invite teachers _en masse_. In periods of unsettled faith, skepticism, and mere curious speculation in matters of religion, teachers of all kinds swarm like the flies in Egypt. The demand creates the supply. The hearers invite and shape their own preachers. If the people desire a calf to worship, a ministerial calf-maker is readily found. "The master of superstition is the people, and in all superstition wise men follow fools" (Bacon, _Ess_. 17).

Having itching ears (κνηθόμενοι τὴν ἀκοήν)

Or, _being tickled in their hearing_. Κνήθειν _to tickle_ , N.T.o. olxx. Κνηθόμενοι _itching_. Hesychius explains, "hearing for mere gratification." Clement of Alexandria describes certain teachers as "scratching and tickling, in no human way, the ears of those who eagerly desire to be scratched" (Strom. v.). Seneca says: "Some come to _hear_ , not to _learn_ , just as we go to the theater, for pleasure, to delight our ears with the speaking or the voice or the plays" ( _Ep_. 108). Ἁκοή, A.V. _ears_ , in N.T. _a report_ , as Matthew 4:24; 14:1; 24:6: in the plural, _ears_ (never _ear_ in singular), as Mark 7:35; Luke 7:1: _hearing_ , either _the act_ , as Acts 28:26; Romans 10:17, or _the sense_ , 1 Corinthians 12:17, here, and verse 4.

It should be evident by Vincent's treatment that the church of Laodicea reflects exactly what Paul told Timothy. It should also be evident that this reveals the reality of much of what we are seeing today in Christendom. How many today attend church, not to seek spiritual life, but to simply be entertained?

Would the "living" in II Timothy 4:1 refer to Philadelphia while the "dead" refer to Sardis? I am inclined to think so, confirmed by our fifth and sixth church. And when does the Lord "judge" them? "At His appearing and His kingdom." Doesn't this agree with "when the Son of Man _comes in His glory_ " to "sit on the throne of His glory?" (Matt. 25:31) Keep this in mind.

So again, think about Laodicea in light of the rich man and Lazarus. First we have our "rich man," in that we read, "Because _you_ say, ' _I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing_.'" (Christ addresses the spirit [male] of this church in _singular_ fashion because it is a _collective_ spirit).

Secondly, we have Lazarus the "beggar," for the Lord then states, "And _do not know_ that _you_ are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked." In stark contrast to what _we_ think, the Lord makes it very clear that we are _deceived_.

Luke 16:19 (NKJV)  
19 "There was **a certain rich man** who was clothed in **purple** and **fine linen** and **fared sumptuously** every day.

Consider that our certain rich man "was clothed in _purple_ and _fine linen_." Purple was one of the most precious colors in ancient times and denotes _royalty_ and _kingship_ (Judges 8:26; John 19:1-3). This, along with the phrase, "fared sumptuously," indicates that there was no lack as far as the rich man was concerned; he had more than he needed (Psalms 37:25; Eph. 3:20; Rev. 2:9). "Fine linen" speaks of "righteousness" (Matt. 15:46; Rev. 18:12, 16; 19:8, 14). These symbolisms show that our "certain rich man" agrees with our picture of the Laodicean church.

Luke 16:20-21 (NKJV)  
20 But there was **a certain beggar named Lazarus** , full of **sores** , who was laid at his gate, 21 desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. **Moreover** the **dogs** came and licked his **sores**.

In direct contrast to our "certain rich man," we see our "certain beggar named Lazarus, _full of sores_ , who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. _Moreover_ the _dogs_ came and _licked his sores_."

Our phrase "full of sores" is quite revealing. It is the word helkoō which reads, "From <G1668>; to cause to ulcerate, i.e. (passive) be ulcerous." G1668 is the word helkos and reads, "An ulcer (as if drawn together)." This word is used in verse 21 and only two other times in scripture, both found in Revelation. Please consider.

Revelation 16:1-2, 11 (KJV)  
1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out **the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth**. 2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell **a noisome and grievous** sore (helkos) upon the men **which had the mark of the beast, and** _upon_ **them which worshipped his image**... 11 And **blasphemed** the God of heaven **because of their pains and their** sores (helkos), and repented not of their deeds.

Is there a correlation between the "sore" and "sores" of Revelation, Chapter 16, and Lazarus? I believe so.

First remember that the "wrath of God" is accomplished by His law (Rom. 4:15). Secondly, understand that the "earth" denotes our _carnal nature_ , represented by the "first man Adam," who is carnal and "of the _earth_ , _earthy_ " (I Cor. 15:45-50). Paul makes it clear that "the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be" (Rom. 8:7), so it is necessary for him to be _kept under the law or "wrath" of God_ until such time as he is brought to Christ (Gal. 3:24-25).

Ulcers relate to the stomach (belly), so consider what Paul wrote in Philippians 3, verses 17 through 19. "Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears _, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ_. Their end is destruction, _their god is their belly_ , and they glory in their shame, _with minds set on earthly things_ " (ESV). When we "walk as enemies of the cross of Christ," then the law of God becomes a source of pain and suffering in our lives because it stands against our carnal "appetites" (belly; see also Rom. 16:18; I Cor. 6:13; Rev. 10:9-10).

Think about it. Jesus said to Laodicea that they did not know that they were "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked." Isn't this an accurate description of our spiritual lack as represented by Lazarus? And yet, "God is helper" (which is what Lazarus means), so we remain under His law (sowing and reaping) in hopes that we will turn from our "blasphemy" and repent of our deeds.

Now, consider Vine's treatment of the word "dogs" (bolding mine).

**Strong's Number:** G2965

**Original Word:** κύων, kyōn

**Usage Notes:** is used in two senses, (a) natural, Matt. 7:6; Luke 16:21; 2 Pet. 2:22; (b) metaphorical, Phil. 3:2; Rev. 22:15, of those whose moral impurity will exclude them from the New Jerusalem. The Jews used the term of Gentiles, under the idea of ceremonial impurity. Among the Greeks it was an epithet of impudence. Lat., canis, and Eng., "hound" are etymologically akin to it.

Now, consider Vincent's treatment of "moreover."

Moreover (ἀλλὰ καὶ)

Lit., but even. "But (instead of finding compassion), even the dogs," etc.

As shown, our word "dogs" refers to those considered "Gentiles" or unbelievers and thus exempt from the promises of God. So immediately we see how even the world in darkness labors to help those of us in need, often showing compassion more readily than God's own.

# Chapter Seven

# FALLING AWAY

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 (NKJV)  
1 Now, brethren, **concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him** , we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, **as though the day of Christ had come**. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; **for** _that Day will not come_ **unless the falling away comes first** , and the **man of sin** is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

It may seem that I have strayed from the concept of hell in this study, but I felt compelled to add these things we are considering in order to give a better understanding of where we are now and where we are heading. In doing so, it will clarify Gehenna and Hades even further. It will also help in our understanding of Laodicea.

As mentioned in the previous chapter, the messages to the churches show a spiritual decline which begins in the first church of Ephesus which eventually leads to Christ saying to the fifth church, Sardis, "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead" (Rev. 3:1).

It should be evident by what we have previously considered that the spiritual decline of the New Testament Church began as a result of false apostles rising up in the church almost two thousand years ago. And no wonder. It is the disposition of the carnal man to desire and possess all that he sees, even those things which are spiritual in nature (Lam. 1:10; Prov. 27:20).

In keeping with our understanding of this spiritual decline, Paul states very clearly in regard to "the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him" that "the day of Christ" "will not come unless the falling away comes first." This phrase "falling away" means exactly that, a defection from the truth. This is confirmed by Paul in II Thessalonians, Chapter 3, verses 1 through 9, as well as what we considered in II Thessalonians, Chapter 4, verses 1 through 4. And of course, the Lord made it very clear in His discourse in Matthew, Chapter 24.

So who is this "man of sin" of which Paul speaks? Many have sought to guess, labeling this man of sin as the Antichrist and leading many to believe that in the days ahead, he will rise up to take over the world and bring great destruction in his wake. But I don't believe this for even a second. First of all, it's not even logical. Secondly, our mistake is in thinking that Paul is speaking of a literal person when he isn't. Please consider.

1 John 2:18-19 (NIV)  
18 Dear children, this is the last hour; **and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come**. This is how we know it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.

1 John 4:1-3 (NIV)  
1 Dear friends, **do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits** to see whether they are from God, because **many false prophets have gone out into the world**. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: **Every spirit** that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but **every spirit** that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. **This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world**.

As these passages clearly show, antichrist was here in the days of the apostles. In fact, John said "many antichrists have come." A couple of chapters later we find John explaining what he meant by antichrist, calling them "false prophets" and warning us to "not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God." You see my friend, antichrist is not a literal person, but a spirit. When we realize this, it does away with the foolish idea that any one person will rise up at the end of the age to oppose God's people.

Paul wrote, "He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him" (I Cor. 6:17). Jesus said, "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30). Paul also wrote, "For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit" (I Cor. 12:12-13).

Just as the body of Christ is "one body" joined together by "one Spirit," so too antichrist. And it should come as no surprise that this defines the "man of sin" in II Thessalonians, Chapter 2. Careful examination of these passages show the obvious pride of this spirit of error (II Thess.2:4; I John 4:6).

So what rose up in the first church of Ephesus? False apostles. Would they not also be "false prophets"? They would. Now consider what the prophecy states in regard to the second church of Smyrna.

Revelation 2:8-9 (NKJV)  
8 "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, 'These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and _I know_ **the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but** _are_ **a synagogue of Satan**.

Do you see the connection between Ephesus and Smyrna? First, false apostles in Ephesus, followed by "the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan" (see Romans 2:28-29). A what? Synagogue. In other words, a collective group brought together by one spirit, the spirit of antichrist (Satan). And where is it found? Within the church.

Remember, lukewarm is the combination of hot and cold and this accurately describes what began in the New Testament Church almost two thousand years ago. Yes, these false apostles were tested in Ephesus, however, their influence among God's people became evident, for the Lord told Ephesus, "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place" (Rev. 2:4-5).

So very early in the New Testament Church, we find false apostles and false Jews (their followers). When we arrive at the third church of Pergamos we read, "I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is" (Rev. 2:13). When we get to Thyatira, Jesus then speaks of "the depths of Satan" (Rev. 2:24). It should be evident by all of this that the "cold" (II Tim. 3:13) most definitely began to infiltrate the body of Christ long ago and continued to create ongoing and increasing problems among His people. No wonder then that when we arrive at Sardis, we have a name that we live, but we are dead. Now, if you will, consider the following illustration.

In our illustration, we find our passages from II Thessalonians, Chapter 2, the Parable of the Sheep and Goats from Matthew, Chapter 25, and the Parable of the Tares from Matthew, Chapter 13. Together, they help define the _falling away_ of the church and what to expect as we near the end of the age.

The first thing I wish to emphasize is that all of the conditions which arise in the church and cause her to fall away are found in the first four churches. This is clearly shown in our illustration along with our passage from II Thessalonians, Chapter 2, on the left.

What is the result of this falling away? Sardis. Ah, but we must also realize that the Lord addresses each church and ends His message or prophecy to each with a reward for those who overcome (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). I believe this defines Philadelphia. The definition of this word means, " _Fond of brethren_ , i.e. _fraternal_ " (see I John 3:14). Let's now look at the Parable of the Tares.

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 (NKJV)  
24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?' 28 He said to them, **'An enemy has done this**.' The servants said to him, **'Do you want us then to go and gather them up**?' 29 But he said, **'No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them**. 30 **Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn**." ' "... 36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field." 37 He answered and said to them: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 **The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked** _one_ _._ 39 **The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels**. 40 **Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age**. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels **, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness,** 42 **and will cast them into the furnace of fire**. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 **Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father**. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

It should be easy enough to understand our parable. "The field is the world, the good seeds are the _sons of the kingdom_ , but the tares are the _sons of the wicked one_. The enemy who sowed them is the devil." This agrees with what we see in the first four churches.

Note that the servants said, "'Do you want us then to go and gather them (tares) up?' But he said, 'No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. _Let both grow together until the harvest_.'" And what is the harvest? The "end of the age." So at the end of the age "the Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out," _not in_ , "of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, _and will cast them into the furnace of fire_." Ah, but until then, they are to "grow together" until such time as they reach their _fullness_ (Rom. 11:12, 25).

Laodicea is the _seventh_ church, representing the "fullness" of which we speak. It is also the "lukewarm" church, representing the _mixture_ of _cold_ and _hot_. Sardis is cold while Philadelphia is hot, so Laodicea is both _growing together_ until the harvest. At the end of the age, He will "first gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them," but gather His wheat into the barn.

How are the tares burned? They are "cast" into "the furnace of fire." The tares are signified by the _fifth_ church of Sardis, so in perfect agreement, here is what we find in the _fifth_ trumpet.

Revelation 9:1-2 (NKJV)  
1 Then the **fifth** angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of **a great furnace**. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit.

As we can see, our _fifth_ trumpet agrees with our _fifth_ prophecy, the opening of the "bottomless pit" showing "the smoke of _a great furnace_."

Revelation 9:11 (NKJV)  
11 And **they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit** , whose name in Hebrew _is_ **Abaddon** , but in Greek he has the name **Apollyon**.

Our word "Abaddon" is defined as, "A destroying _angel_ ," taken from the word which means, "A _perishing_." The word "Apollyon" agrees, defined as, "A _destroyer_ (i.e. Satan)." It is the active participle of the word which means, "To _destroy_ fully (reflexive to _perish_ , or _lose_ ), literal or figurative." And what did Jesus say? "Whoever desires to save his life will _lose_ it" (Matt. 16:25).

What is the "king" of the "bottomless pit"? It is an "angel," i.e. the _spirit_ of _error_ (I John 4:6) or antichrist. Also consider the following.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 (KJV)  
1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then **sudden destruction** cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

Would our "sudden destruction" in these passages agree with our description of the fifth trumpet? I believe so.

Now, before I finish this chapter, let's look at one more thing.

Revelation 13:11 (NKJV)  
11 Then I saw _another beast coming up out of the earth_ , and **he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon**.

At first, I didn't see a connection between Laodicea and this passage, but as I pondered the idea of lukewarm, I realized it fit perfectly. Our "beast coming up out of the earth" shows "two horns like a lamb" but "spoke like a dragon." And what does this beast signify? Later in Revelation, we are given its meaning.

Revelation 16:13 (KJV)  
13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs _come_ out of the mouth of the **dragon** , and out of the mouth of the **beast** , and out of the mouth of the **false prophet**.

Revelation 19:19-20 (KJV)  
19 And I saw the **beast** , and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. 20 And the **beast** was taken, and with him the **false prophet** that wrought miracles before him...

In Revelation 16:13 we are given a certain order. First, we have the "dragon" seen in Revelation, Chapter 12. This is followed by the "beast" which rises up "out of the sea" in Revelation, Chapter 13. Then we see the "false prophet," which describes our other "beast coming up out of the earth" in Revelation, Chapter 13. Our passages in Revelation, Chapter 19, do not show the "dragon," however, they show the first "beast" of Revelation 13 followed by the second "beast" of Revelation 13.

The description of this "beast coming up out of the earth" clearly shows that it is a religious entity, having "two horns like a lamb," _Christ_ , but speaking "as a dragon," _antichrist_. Wouldn't this agree with the lukewarm of Sardis and Philadelphia as represented by Laodicea? It would. So the "two horns" point to these two churches and the fact that, collectively, they are a "false prophet" until such time that the Lord removes the "tares" from the "wheat."

As I conclude this chapter, let me emphasize that the trumpets of Revelation signify the unfolding of the Lord's purpose in His people. They are not at all literal, but speak of the "great voice" of the Lord Himself (Rev. 1:10; 4:1 [ESV]), of the words of prophecy given by Him to the seven churches. As each trumpet sounds, they unfold or _come to pass_ , and when they do so, they continue until they are fulfilled. They are not instantaneous by any means.

There is no doubt in my mind that Laodicea accurately describes our present reality. The wheat and tares are definitely growing together at this time, but as we approach the end of the age, He will separate the tares from the wheat and "the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father."

# Chapter Eight

# MORE ON THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS

Since the Lord desires that we be either cold or hot rather than lukewarm and states that, being lukewarm, He will "vomit" us out of His mouth, then it follows that there are only two conditions left afterward; _cold_ or _hot, dead_ or _alive_. This agrees with our previous illustration and with what the Lord said in Matthew 24 where we read, "And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved" (Matt. 24:11-13; ESV).

Now, we always think of death as the passing of this physical form, don't we? But consider what Jesus said to Sardis.

Revelation 3:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: " **I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead**. 2 **Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God**. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. **Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you**.

Jesus tells the church in Sardis, "You are _dead_." Is this a physical passing? Of course not. Vine's tells us that this word "dead" is used "of the death of the body, compare James 2:26, its most frequent sense." James 2:26 reads, "For as _the body without the spirit_ is dead, so _faith without works_ is dead also." Now, what happens to a body when someone dies and their spirit departs? _It grows cold_ (Matt. 24:12). Clearly, the Lord was telling Sardis that their "faith" was "without works," so they were to " _be watchful_ , and _strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die_ , for I have not found your _works_ perfect before God." More importantly He says, "Therefore _if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief_ , and you will not know what hour I will come upon you." Please consider.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 But concerning **the times and the seasons** , brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For **you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night**. 3 **For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape**.

Remember our passages from I Thessalonians? And to whom is he speaking? The church! And who was the Lord speaking to in Sardis? His people! And again, what was He addressing? Our works (Rev. 3:1-2). So if we, His people, don't "watch," _He will come upon us_ _as a thief_ and we _will not know what hour He will do so_. Doesn't this agree with the fact that we "do not know" that we are "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked"? In confirmation, Paul writes, "For you yourselves know perfectly that _the day of the Lord_ so comes as _a thief in the night_. For when they say, 'Peace and safety!' _then sudden destruction comes upon them_ , as _labor pains upon a pregnant woman_. And they shall not escape." Would this not correlate with the Lord's warning that He would vomit us out of His mouth? Wouldn't this agree with our illustration in the previous chapter and the separation of the tares from the wheat? It would. Now, in regard to "labor pains," consider the following.

Matthew 24:3-8 (NIV)  
3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming **and of the end of the age**?" 4 Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 **All these are the beginning of birth pains**.

Friend, we are edging ever closer to the end of this age, and as Jesus declared to His disciples, it begins and ends with "birth pains." As our passages show, "birth pains" are indicative of _tribulation_ , and like birth pains, _this tribulation will increase until the time of birth_ (Matt. 24:21-22). What produces this tribulation? Lawlessness (Matt. 24:12). And what is meant by the birth? Consider.

Revelation 12:1-5 (KJV)  
1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; **a woman clothed with the sun** , and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 2 And **she being with child cried** , **travailing in birth** , and **pained to be delivered**. 3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and **the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born**. 5 And **she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and** _to_ **his throne**.

Revelation 3:21-22 (KJV)  
21 **To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne** , even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

In our passages from Revelation, Chapter 12, we see "a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she _being with child_ cried, _travailing in birth_ , and _pained to be delivered_." Understand that this "woman" is none other than His people, the body of Christ, described to us as "Jerusalem which is above" (Gal. 4:26), the "holy city" (Rev. 21:2), the light of the "sun" which envelops Her indicative of His New Covenant promise (Gal. 4:24), the "greater light" which _rules_ the "day" (Gen. 1:16; I Thess. 5:5).

She is "with child," "travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered," and when she "brings forth a man child (male son)," He is "caught up to God, _and to His throne_." Would this not coincide with the Lord's promise to the overcomers that they will sit with Him in _His throne_? (Rev. 2:26-27; 3:21) And her "birth pains" and "travail" agree with our passages in I Thessalonians, Chapter 5.

Luke 16:22 (NKJV)  
22 So it was that **the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom**. The **rich man also died** **and was buried**.

Returning to our parable of the rich man and Lazarus we read, "The _beggar died_ , and was carried by the angels to _Abraham's bosom_." Would Lazarus' death correlate with Romans 6:3 and 4 where we read, "Or do you not know that _as many of us_ as were baptized into Christ Jesus _were baptized into His death_? Therefore _we were buried with Him through baptism into death_ , that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life"? Note the phrase "as many of us," indicating that this is not everyone, but only those who humble themselves under His divine process (Matt. 23:12).

Now, what is meant by "Abraham's bosom"? It represents the two wives of Abraham, _both Sarah and Hagar_ (Gen. 16:5), who symbolize the covenants of God, Old and New (Gal. 4:21-31), the Law and the Prophets (Promise; Heb. 8:8-13).

As believers, we should understand that the Two Covenants _are the focal point of the entire Bible_ , and reveal God's purpose in His people from Genesis to Revelation. Remember, the "rich man" represents what we think is true of ourselves, but Lazarus represents our true spiritual condition as witnessed by the Lord in the light of His covenants. Though we see ourselves as having need of nothing, He sees us in great spiritual need, and with the same measure that we have used, it is measured back to us (Luke 6:38).

The rich man "also died and was buried." Ah, but unlike Lazarus, this is not the death of the carnal man but the death of our righteousness in Him.

With this "death," we have "buried." We think of "buried" in a literal sense, but please consider.

Matthew 23:27-28 (NKJV)  
27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For **you are like whitewashed tombs** which indeed **appear beautiful outwardly,** but **inside are full of dead** _men's_ **bones and all uncleanness**. 28 Even so you also **outwardly** appear righteous to men, but **inside** you are **full of hypocrisy and lawlessness**.

Jesus speaks to the scribes and Pharisees, saying, "You are like _whitewashed tombs_ which indeed appear beautiful _outwardly_ , but _inside_ are _full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness_." He then clarifies what He means stating, " _Outwardly_ ," you "appear _righteous_ to men, but _inside_ you are full of _hypocrisy_ and _lawlessness_." Ah, when we believe we are "rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," the Lord sees us as "whitewashed tombs," "full of hypocrisy and lawlessness" within (see also Ezekiel 37:1-14). This is clarified by our "lukewarm" condition.

As for "dead men's bones"? This speaks to the fact that the Pharisees had made the Word of God of no effect through their traditions (Mark 7:9, 13).

Luke 16:22-23 (NKJV)  
22... The **rich man also died and was buried**. 23 And **being in torments in Hades**...

1 Samuel 2:6-9 (NKJV)  
6 " **The Lord kills** and **makes alive** ; **He brings down to the grave** (Sheol/Hades) and **brings up**. 7 The Lord **makes poor** and **makes rich** ; He **brings low** and **lifts up**. 8 He **raises the poor from the dust** _and_ **lifts the beggar from the ash heap** , _to set_ _them_ _among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory_. "For the pillars of the earth _are_ the Lord's, and He has set the world upon them. 9 **He will guard the feet of His saints** , but **the wicked shall be silent in darkness**. "For **by strength no man shall prevail**.

Matthew 23:12 (NKJV)  
12 And **whoever exalts himself will be humbled** , and **he who humbles himself will be exalted**.

Do you see in I Samuel that it is the Lord who "kills and makes alive," who "brings down to the grave" or _Hades_ and "brings up." It is the Lord who "makes poor and makes rich," who "brings low and lifts up." He "raises the poor from the dust and lifts the _beggar_ from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory." When we are in such spiritual need as indicated by Laodicea, believing in our own strength and exalting ourselves, He must bring us down to Hades to bring us back up again. When we exalt ourselves, we must be humbled so that He may exalt us.

Is the Lord surprised by Laodicea's condition? Not at all! After all, isn't that the point of prophecy? Doesn't prophecy show that the Lord _already knows_ what is to come? Doesn't prophecy bear witness of the Lord's will and purpose in His people, even before it happens? So it is that He has already determined an outcome, one which despite our lack of understanding, is an act of His merciful grace.

Matthew 6:1-4 (NKJV)  
1 " **Take heed** that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, **to be seen by them**. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, **do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward**. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your **left hand** know what your **right hand** is doing, 4 **that your charitable deed may be in secret** ; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

Our rich man had far more than he needed, did he not? And as Jesus taught in the preceding passages, our charitable deeds, when done for the glory of men, _is the only reward we receive_. So our story of the rich man and Lazarus, in light of the spiritual condition of the Laodicean church, reveals the true nature of our deception and our lack of love toward one another and the world.

Matthew 22:34-40 (NKJV)  
34 But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked _Him a question,_ testing Him, and saying, 36 "Teacher, which _is_ the great commandment in the law?" 37 Jesus said to him, " _'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'_ 38 This is _the_ first and great commandment. 39 And _the_ second _is_ like it: _'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'_ 40 **On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets**."

Matthew 7:12 (NKJV)  
12 Therefore, **whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them** , for **this is the Law and the Prophets**.

It is in these passages that we find the true essence of the Two Covenants of God as stipulated by "the Law and the Prophets" and it is very simple. "Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." This my friend, is the meaning of charity, the unconditional love of the Father and Son. And it is this from which the church has fallen and which is typified by the "cold" in Laodicea.

As the message to Laodicea shows, we are that "certain rich man" when we exalt ourselves and become unmindful of others and completely self-absorbed. But at the same time, the Lord sees us as that "certain beggar" and unaware of our need to be humbled. So He allows us to fall into Hades where we are _tormented_ by the _fire_ of His righteous nature and truth which stands against our self-absorption until we once again lift up our eyes to behold and embrace His sacrificial nature. So it is that we find the following after the Lord's rebuke to Laodicea.

Revelation 3:18-19 (NKJV)  
18 **I counsel you to buy from Me** gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, **that you may be clothed** , _that_ **the shame of your nakedness** may not be revealed; and **anoint your eyes** with eye salve, **that you may see**. 19 **As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent**.

Luke 16:23 (NKJV)  
23 And **being in torments in Hades** , _he lifted up his eyes_ and saw **Abraham** afar off, and **Lazarus in his bosom**.

"Torments in Hades" corresponds to the Lord's remark, "I counsel you to buy from Me gold _refined in the fire_." Wouldn't this be the "furnace" of fire seen in the fifth trumpet? It would. You see my friend, there is but one recourse when we are steeped in pride and self-righteousness and that is the "fire" of God's righteous judgment, and it is by means of His judgment that our religious pride as seen in the "rich man" is exposed and we see the true nature of our spiritual lack in the light of "Abraham's bosom," the covenants of God.

"As many as I love, I _rebuke_ and _chasten_ ," said the Lord. Though we have fallen into hypocrisy and lawlessness, the Lord does not cast us away. Rather, He rebukes and chastens until we "repent." And never has there been such a need for repentance as we see today.

1 John 4:18-21 (NKJV)  
18 **There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment**. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us. 20 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: **that he who loves God** _must_ **love his brother also**.

Here is the truth about _Gehenna_ and _Hades_ , our _corruptible state of mind_ which prevents us from _seeing_ the kingdom of God. "Fear involves torment," and there is no doubt that the "rich man" was filled with fear while in Hades. Ah, but that fear can move us _to lift up our eyes_ and turn from our unrighteousness _back to_ righteousness, to understand that our wealth and plenty, literal _or_ spiritual, _is the Lord's blessing on us for the sake of others_. Can there be any torment worse than not having a "perfect" or _complete_ love that knows no boundaries; a love that sees no color, no culture, no class, no conditions, and no divisions among us?

I cannot speak for other prosperous countries, but in regard to America it is evident that we have far more than we need. Yet, our country is filled with the homeless and hungry, the sick and the diseased, the poor and the destitute. As I mentioned before, it is not because we don't have enough to go around, but because of the fact that we have been cultured to live in great excess of our needs. Brother and sister, the world at large takes this for granted, but as believers in His Word, we should not agree with this.

Understand my friend that it is an _abomination_ to God for us to believe that He wishes for us to be prosperous and have great wealth apart from any true spiritual growth. And I do not hesitate to say that any so-called spiritual teacher who says otherwise is merely the blind leading the blind. John wrote, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, _just as your soul prospers_ " (III John 1:2). You see, health and well-being are proportional to the spiritual life which is found in our soul. And why is this? Because the one who is filled with the "true riches" will not be taken by the "unrighteous mammon" (Luke 16:11).

Luke 16:24 (NKJV)  
24 Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and **cool my tongue** ; for **I am tormented in this flame**.'

What is the fire of God if not the divine nature and living truth of our Creator that eternally stands against our resistance to it and torments us, provoking our conscience when we are steeped in self-love and self-absorption? We have not yet learned that our unhappiness is due to the fact that we are so blessed with abundance and yet "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked," when we disregard our God and our fellow man.

Why did the rich man wish for his "tongue" to be cooled? Because in the light of the covenants of God, he saw that his tongue had been a "fire," a "world of iniquity" ( _injustice_ ; James 3:6; KJV).

Luke 16:25 (NKJV)  
25 But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in **your** lifetime you received **your** good things, and **likewise** Lazarus evil things; but now **he is comforted and you are tormented**.

Matthew 16:24-27 (NKJV)  
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, **let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me**. 25 For **whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it**. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

"You will not leave my _soul_ in Hades," said the Psalmist. Ah, that God would raise us up from our corruptibility to dwell in "heavenly places" (Eph. 1:3; 2:6), our soul or self lifted into the higher realm of unconditional love and incorruptibility in the Spirit, our fear of death (Hades) eradicated from our hearts and minds and the love of God filling us with righteousness, peace, and joy.

Jesus said, "Whosoever will save his life shall lose it." When does this happen? In this present life. "Whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." When does this happen? Again, in this present life. So it is that Jesus taught, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself," _at this present time_ , "and take up his cross, and follow me." In other words, don't wait to die until you die. _Die now_. Let the self-love, self-righteousness, self-absorption, and self-will, be brought down by the process of God (fire) that is working presently in and around us at all times. Surrender to the fire.

Our word "life" is the same word translated as "soul" throughout the New Testament. We read in Ezekiel 18:4, "The soul that sinneth, _it shall die_ " (KJV). Friend, it is the soul or self which Christ is addressing and it is the soul or self that finds itself in Hades (Acts 2:27) when we walk according to the course of this world in ignorance or resistance to the will of God. We must come to realize that most of our suffering is due to our attempts to save our lives, to hold on to those things which have no true and lasting value, but when we learn to lay these things down, we will find peace.

Our word for "lifetime" is defined by the Strong's Concordance as " _life_ (literal or figurative)," and is translated as "life" 133 times and once, in this passage as "lifetime," so let's read it as, " _Son_ , _remember_ that in _your_ life." Notice first that Abraham called him "son," and then said, "Remember." In the same way, Jesus told the church of Sardis, " _Remember_ therefore how you have received and heard; _hold fast and repent_. Therefore _if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief_ , and you will not know what hour I will come upon you" (Rev. 3:3).

Abraham said "in _your_ life you received _your_ good things." Ah, but these "good things" given to us by the Father were not for us to keep to ourselves. They were given so we could bless others (Luke 6:38), and in not doing so, we lost something in the process. What did we give in exchange for our soul or self? We gave up our righteousness, our relationship to our Father and the Son, our brother, our sister, our planet. We became the "younger" son (us as opposed to natural Israel) who said to his father, "'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there _wasted his possessions with prodigal_ (riotous) _living_. But when he had spent all, there arose _a severe famine_ (Amos 8:11) in that land, and _he began to be in want_ " (Luke 15:12-14). This is the truth behind our "rich man" and "Lazarus."

Luke 16:26 (NKJV)  
26 And besides all this, between us and you **there is a great gulf fixed** , so that those who want to **pass** from here to you cannot, nor can those from there **pass** to us.'

As we have found, there is a "great gulf" between cold and hot, false and true. It is a "chasm" between the carnal and spiritual man, between the mind of the flesh and the mind of the Spirit. It is fixed in such a fashion that we cannot, in and of ourselves, pass over it. Only through the grace of God and Christ can we achieve its passing. And that is the purpose of His fire.

John 5:24 (KJV)  
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; **but is passed from death unto life**.

1 John 3:14 (KJV)  
14 We know that **we have passed from death unto life** , because we love the brethren. He that loveth not _his_ brother abideth in death.

The rich man's death and burial represents our fall from righteousness and life into unrighteousness and death, more specifically the fear of death and the self-will that produces condemnation, sin, and suffering (torment).

Our word "passed" in John 5:24 and I John 3:14 means, "To _change place_." In Luke 16:26, our first word "pass" is defined as "to _cross_." The second time it is used, it means, "To _cross entirely_." No wonder we read, "He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation (Hades); but is passed (to change place) from death to life." So it is necessary for us to be humbled that we might hear His Word. Our path to righteousness is _fixed_ by the process of God. _There are no shortcuts_.

Luke 16:27-31 (NKJV)  
27 Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, 28 for I have **five brothers** , that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' 29 Abraham said to him, **'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them**.' 30 And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' 31 But he said to him, **'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets** , _neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead_.' "

What did Jesus mean by "Moses and the prophets?" It was Moses, to whom the _law_ was delivered on Mount Sinai, so it speaks of "the _law_ and the prophets," again indicative of the two covenants, Old and New (Gal. 4:21-31), which correlates with "Abraham's bosom."

Is it just coincidence that the rich man tells Abraham, "I have _five_ brothers"? Would this align with the falling away seen in the first four churches which culminates in the _fifth_ church of Sardis? I believe it does.

So what did Abraham tell the rich man? "If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, _neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead_." Consider what Jesus said to the Jews who hated Him.

John 5:37-47 (NKJV)  
37 And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. 38 But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 39 **You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me**. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. 41 I do not receive honor from men. 42 **But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you**. 43 I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; **if another comes in his own name, him you will receive**. 44 **How can you believe, who receive honor from one another** , and do not seek the honor that _comes_ from the only God? 45 Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is _one_ who accuses you-- **Moses, in whom you trust.** 46 **For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me.** 47 **But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words**?"

Few understand in Christendom that the New Covenant or Testament _is the spiritual fulfillment of the Old Covenant or Testament_. Jesus said, "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. _I did not come to destroy but to fulfill_. For assuredly, I say to you, _till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled_ " (Matt. 5:17-18).

The Law of Moses incorporated many things including the book of the law, the three great feasts of Israel, and the Tabernacle of Witness. All of these served as a " _copy_ and _shadow_ of the heavenly things," therefore "Moses was divinely instructed" and told, "See that you make _all things_ according to the pattern shown you on the mountain (Sinai)" (Heb. 8:5). For this reason, Jesus told the Jews, "For _if you believed Moses, you would believe Me_ ; for _he wrote about Me_. But _if you do not believe his writings_ , how will you believe My words?"

Oddly, our situation is reversed. With the Jews, they professed Moses and the prophets, yet rejected the One who was clearly spoken of by that which they embraced. In this day and age, we profess the One who has risen from the dead but reject Moses and the prophets, believing that they are no longer relevant to us at this time. But this is not the case.

How many of us are ignorant of the law and the prophets? How many of us fail to understand that the two covenants are working together until every "jot" or "tittle" (smallest detail) has been spiritually _fulfilled_ (Heb. 8:13)? Isn't this the meaning of seven? It is, and it's for this reason that we find so many in the book of the Revelation, all representing the _spiritual fulfillment_ of every detail of the law. Once fulfilled, what Jesus said will come to pass and "heaven and earth" _will_ "pass away" (Rev. 21:1), the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ (Rev. 11:15).

It is the height of arrogance to think that we "have need of nothing" at this present time. And it is the height of ignorance when we fail to understand the law and the prophets. Friend, if we do not believe in Moses and the prophets, we will not have a clear understanding of Him who rose from the dead. We will walk in confusion and contrive "damnable heresies" that bring "swift destruction" (II Peter 2:1; see also I Thessalonians 5:3).

Matthew 22:34-40 (KJV)  
34 But when the **Pharisees** had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 35 Then one of them, _which was_ a lawyer, asked _him a question_ , tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which _is_ the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second _is_ like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 **On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets**.

Can you see in these passages a "great gulf fixed" between Christ and the Pharisees? Don't the scriptures plainly show that their opposition and hatred of this man Jesus was a sign of their intense spiritual blindness? So again, we must realize that God through Christ alone can bring us through this fiery process which is necessary to purge us of all unrighteousness, hypocrisy, selfishness, and death.

# Chapter Nine

# THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL

Luke 12:13-21 (NKJV)  
13 Then one from the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." 14 But He said to him, "Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?" 15 And He said to them, " **Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses**." 16 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: " **The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully**. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?' 18 So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, " **Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink,** _and_ **be merry**." ' 20 But God said to him, **'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided**?' 21 **So** _is_ **he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God**."

In our passages above we find another parable about "a certain rich man" and I am inclined to believe that it also applies to the spiritual condition of Laodicea. After all, it fits perfectly.

Jesus said, "Take heed and _beware of covetousness_ , for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." Our word "covetousness" is defined as, " _Avarice_ , i.e. (by implication) _fraudulency_ , _extortion_." It is taken from the word which means, " _Holding_ ( _desiring_ ) _more_ , i.e. _eager for gain_ ( _avaricious_ , hence a _defrauder_ )."

What does Laodicea say? "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing." Ah, but "he who lays up treasure for himself" is not "rich toward God," and we have learned that such is the plight of Laodicea.

"Beware of covetousness," Jesus said. Have we avoided this or been taken by the same spirit of the world that is always "desiring more" and "eager for gain"? I must say that I believe _we have been taken_ by our desire for the things of this world, our churches boasting in their great numbers which undoubtedly brings so much wealth into their systems. But what good is this money doing us? While so much is being spent for elaborate sanctuaries and furnishings, the parsonages and salaries for the pastors, the radio and television programs and countless other expenses, the physical and spiritual needs of our own congregations are failing to be met. We are as sick and as miserable as the world around us and our own hearts and minds are as engrossed in the things of this world as the world themselves. Clearly, this is not the freedom which Christ promised us (John 8:32).

Consider the following from www.reference.com.

What is the Catholic Church's estimated net worth?

In 2013, NBC News published an article referring to the Catholic Church as an "$8 billion global institution," but the exact dollar amount of the Church's total net worth is extremely difficult to pin down. The Church's finances are decentralized, essentially meaning that the Catholic Church doesn't have a single checking account that people can look at to understand its total value. Because it is a religious institution, the Church isn't required to disclose its financial holdings, adding another layer of mystery to the issue. Additionally, most of the Church's most impressive physical holdings, including all of the literally priceless works of art and architecture in the Vatican, have never been formally valued.

In the Protestant arena and according to the website, etinside.com, here are the top 15 richest pastors in America.

Kenneth Copeland – Net Worth - $760 Million

Pat Robertson – Net Worth - $100 Million

Benny Hinn – Net Worth - $42 Million

Joel Osteen – Net Worth - $40 Million

Creflo Dollar – Net Worth - $27 Million

Billy Graham – Net Worth - $25 Million

Rick Warren – Net Worth - $25 Million

Bishop T.D. Jakes – Net Worth - $18 Million

Juanita Bynum – Net Worth - $10 Million

Joyce Meyer – Net Worth - $8 Million

Rev John Hagee – Net Worth - $5 Million

Paula White – Net Worth - $5 Million

Bishop Eddie Long – Net Worth - $5 Million

Bishop Noel Jones – Net Worth - $5 Million

Minister Louis Farrakhan – Net Worth - $3 Million (Nation of Islam movement)

Do I believe that one must be poor in order to be blessed of the Lord? Not by any means! Abraham, the father of faith, "was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold" (Gen. 13:2; KJV). And who hasn't heard of Solomon, king of Israel and Judah? There are many such examples throughout scripture, however, let it be said that it takes a great amount of grace and deep spirituality to avoid the pitfalls that come with such abundance. Consider our previous example Solomon, who when he was old, turned from the Lord God to idolatry (I Kings 11:1-13). And this was the man to whom God declared, "I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you" (I Kings 3:5-15; Matt. 12:42).

1 Timothy 6:3-10 (NIV)  
3 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, **who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain**. 6 **But godliness with contentment is great gain.** 7 **For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.** 8 **But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that**. 9 **People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.** 10 **For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.**

Could Paul make it any clearer? " _People who want to get rich_ fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction." How many today "think that godliness is a means to financial gain"? But what did Paul say? " _Godliness with contentment is great gain_. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." Just food and clothing, nothing more? Seems a little severe doesn't it? But that's exactly the point! What good is it to be so materially blessed if we are so spiritually destitute? Look again at the following passages from Matthew, Chapter 16.

Matthew 16:24-28 (NKJV)  
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, " **If anyone desires to come after Me** , let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For **whoever desires to save his life will lose it** , but **whoever loses his life for My sake will find it**. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 **For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works**. 28 Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom."

The fact that it begins with, "If anyone desires to come after Me" shows that the Lord is speaking to His people and not the world. Now, note the phrase, " _For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels_ , and then _He will reward each according to his works_." Please consider.

Revelation 1:16, 20 (KJV)  
16 And **he had in his right hand seven stars**... 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. **The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches** : and **the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches**.

What does John see in the "right hand" of the Lord? "Seven stars," which " _are the angels of the seven churches_." In Chapter 6 we learned that "to the angel" speaks of the collective spirit and message (mind) or "works" of each church, of its true spiritual condition as seen by the Lord.

Now in Matthew 16 we read that " _the Son of Man_ _will come in the glory of His Father with His angels_." Consider the following in light of what we are considering.

Revelation 2:1 (NKJV)  
1 "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, 'These things says **He who holds the seven stars in His right hand** , who **walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands**...

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

Revelation 3:21 (NKJV)  
21 To him who overcomes **I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne**.

Do you see what these passages show? Christ is not coming with His angels in some future event. Rather, almost two thousand years ago, after His death and resurrection, Christ sat down at the "right hand" of the Father in His throne (Matt. 26:64; Mark 16:19; Luke 20:42, 69), there to "reign till He has put all enemies under His feet" (I Cor. 15:25). So it was that when John saw the Lord in the Spirit so long ago, "He had in His right hand seven stars" which the Lord told John was "the angels of the seven churches" (Rev. 1:16, 20). Was the Lord referring to the "angels" of the churches when He said He would "come in the glory of His Father with His angels"? Understand that I am not suggesting that there are only seven angels, but I am suggesting that the ones to which Jesus referred in Matthew 16:27 are the angels of the seven churches.

Since His death and resurrection, the Lord has been "in the midst of the seven golden lampstands" or churches with the "seven stars" or angels of each church in His "right hand," His "right hand" denoting the power and authority of our Father's kingdom (Matt. 22:44; 25:33-34; 26:64). He has been among us since then, addressing each "angel" or works of each church. Since each message is a prophecy, this shows that the Lord's work in His body, the church, has been unfolding or coming to pass according to the Father's purpose through the last two thousand years. And when the last message and prophecy is fulfilled, we will arrive at the end of this age.

Further confirmation is found when we read Chapter 5 in Revelation and understand that the book or scroll "sealed with seven seals" also represents the work of the Father through Christ which has been taking place since He ascended to the throne (John 4:34). His "work," typified by this "scroll" (Rev. 5:1), is the fulfillment of the seven prophecies to the churches. Furthermore, our statements, "As I also have received from My Father" and "as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne" are past tense, speaking of the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ overcame and has been at the throne of God since He ascended to the Father almost two thousand years ago (John 20:17).

And again, what is the first thing the Lord says to the angel of each church? " _I know your works_ " (Rev. 2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15). Doesn't the context of each prophecy relate to the statement in Matthew 16, " _He will reward each according to his works_ "?

So let me emphasize that the messages or prophecies to the churches have been unfolding for the past two thousand years, bringing us to the _seventh_ and _final_ prophecy of Laodicea. But keep in mind that once each prophecy comes to pass, the conditions which the Lord warned us about remain up through the seventh church; they do not pass away. This shows that the Laodicean church represents the _fullness_ (7) of all the trials which began to arise in her ranks in the very first church. No wonder Jesus warned His disciples concerning false Christs' and deception (Matt. 24:4-5, 9-11, 15, 23-26). When we bring this understanding back to the Parable of the Rich Fool, it is easy enough to see that it correlates with the condition of the Laodicean church.

Luke 12:13-21 (NKJV)  
13 Then one from the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." 14 But He said to him, "Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?" 15 And He said to them, " **Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses**." 16 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: " **The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully**. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?' 18 So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, " **Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink,** _and_ **be merry**." ' 20 But God said to him, **'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided**?' 21 **So** _is_ **he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God**."

Reflected in the "certain rich man" of this parable is the spirit and message (works) of the Laodicean church which stands in its arrogance and self-absorption, believing they are still blessed of God and not knowing that they have become "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked," for as Jesus made so perfectly clear, "Beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."

What does God say to the rich man? "Fool! This _night_ your soul will be required of you" (Note the reference to "night"). Would this agree with being spewed out of the mouth of the Lord? I believe so. Please consider.

Matthew 24:37-44 (NKJV)  
37 But as the days of Noah _were,_ **so also will the coming of the Son of Man be**. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were **eating and drinking** , **marrying and giving in marriage** , until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and **did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be**. 40 Then two _men_ will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two _women will be_ grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42 **Watch therefore** , for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that **if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into**. 44 Therefore **you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect**.

Is the " _coming_ of the Son of Man" in these passages synonymous with our passages from Matthew 16 and Luke 12 where we read, "For the Son of Man _will come_ in the glory of His Father with His angels"? Consider the word "coming." The transliteration is _parousia_ and means, "A _being near_ , i.e. _advent_." It is taken from the word which means, "To _be near_ , i.e. _at hand_." If Christ has been "in the midst of the seven lampstands" since He ascended, then hasn't He "been near" (coming) this whole time? And doesn't "He will reward _each_ according to his works" agree with the fact that Lord has been addressing the angel of _each_ church as their prophecy comes to pass? I believe it does. If He _has been reigning_ ever since His fleshly ministry, doesn't it make sense that He has continued to do so over the past two thousand years as a life-giving Spirit? Of course.

Clearly, the Lord likens His "coming" to the "days of Noah," showing that as the prophecies unfold that we would reach the same conditions which would lead to a "flood" (Gen. 6:1-7, 11). And it should be apparent that Christ is speaking to His people, confirmed by the fact that He tells us to " _watch_ therefore, for you do not know what hour _your Lord is coming_." Does this agree with our previous understanding in I Thessalonians, Chapter 5, verses 1 through 3? It does.

In regard to the "days of Noah" the Lord says, "They were eating and drinking." This coincides with, "Take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry." When does this take place? "In the days _before the flood_." (Author's Note: Compare "marrying and giving in marriage" to Matthew 22:29-32; Mark 12:24-27; Luke 20:34-38). To what "flood" is Jesus referring? Consider.

Revelation 12:15 (NKJV)  
15 So **the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood** after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood.

Our passage from Revelation defines the "flood" of which Jesus speaks in Matthew 24. It is a _flood of deception_ , confirmed by the fact that it comes from the "mouth" of the "serpent." As we have found, the devil or Satan _rises up in the midst of the church_ , not outside of it, (Rev. 2:2, 9, 13, 24), beginning with false apostles in the first church (Rev. 2:2) and false "Jews" in the next (Rev. 2:9; see also Rev. 2:10, 13, 24)? This is confirmed by the Lord's teaching on the Parable of the Tares and the Parable of the Net (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43; 17:47-50). So where would we expect to find deception? In the midst of the church!

So in regard to Laodicea, if we "do not know" our spiritual poverty and instead believe we "have need of nothing," wouldn't this agree with " _did not know_ until the flood came and took them all away"? Look once more at the passages which follow.

Matthew 24:40-44 (NKJV)  
40 Then two _men_ will be in the field: **one will be taken** and the other left. 41 Two _women will be_ grinding at the mill: **one will be taken** and the other left. 42 **Watch therefore** , for you do not know what hour **your Lord is coming**. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 **Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect**.

Despite the fact that many believe these passages refer to a rapture, such is not the case. Consider the logic. Jesus said the flood in Noah's day "came and _took them all away_." So clearly the one "taken" _is carried away by the flood_. Wasn't it Noah and his family who were preserved in the ark? It was, so Noah and his family represent those who are "left."

John 10:1, 7-10 (ESV)  
1 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, **that man is a thief** and a robber... 7 So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 **All who came before me are thieves** and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 **The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy**. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Paul writes, "For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes _as a thief in the night_ (this _night_ your soul shall be required of you) (I Thess. 5:2). Matthew 24 reads, "If the master of the house had known _what hour the thief would come_ , he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, _for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect_." Peter wrote, "But the day of the Lord will come _as a thief in the night_ (this _night_ your soul shall be required of you), in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and _the elements will melt with fervent heat_ ; both the _earth_ and the _works_ that are in it _will be burned up_ " (II Peter 3:10). Jesus told Sardis, "Therefore if you will not watch, _I will come upon you as a thief_ , and you will not know what hour I will come upon you" (Rev. 3:3). In Revelation 16:15 the Lord says, "Behold, _I am coming as a thief_. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame." In John 10:10, the Lord tells us, "The _thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy_." Can you see in every one of these passages that His coming "as a thief" is always in regard to His people? Why and how does the Lord come as a thief? Consider.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (ESV)  
9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, **because they refused to love the truth and so be saved**. 11 **Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false,** 12 **in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness**.

As we have learned, the "lawless one" of these passages is not an individual destined to arise in the earth, but speaks of the "man of sin" in all of us, the carnal man, whose religious "works" are unacceptable to the Lord. It is the "works" of this carnal man which are the "tares" among the wheat (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43), the "sons of the wicked one" (Matt. 13:38) found in the midst of the church who preach and teach a "strong delusion" because they have no love for the truth. It is their presence which creates the "lukewarm" condition among us.

Matthew 13:37-43 (NKJV)  
37 He answered and said to them: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but **the tares are the sons of the wicked** _one_ _._ 39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, **the harvest is the end of the age** , and the reapers are the angels. 40 **Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age**. 41 **The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness,** 42 **and will cast them into the furnace of fire**. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Note that the Lord does not speak of casting the "tares" into a place of eternal torment and damnation but does say "the tares are gathered" and "burned in the fire." He will " _gather out of His kingdom_ all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the _furnace of fire_." And where do we find this "furnace of fire"? In the fifth trumpet.

Revelation 1:15 (KJV)  
15 And **his feet** like unto fine brass, **as if they burned in a furnace** ; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

Remember, the "feet" represent our walk or conduct in this life (Mark 7:5; Luke 13:33; John 8:12; 11:9-10; 12:35; Acts 14:16; 21:21; Rom. 4:12; 6:4; 8:1, 4), so it's interesting to see that the Lord's "feet" are "like unto fine brass, _as if they burned in a furnace_ " (compare the idea of "feet" with Romans 10:14-15).

As a matter of study, the word "furnace" is only used four times in the New Testament. Strong's definition reads, "Probably from <G2545> (kaio); a _furnace_." G2545 reads, "Apparently a primary verb; to _set on fire_ , i.e. _kindle_ or (by implication) _consume_." And what is it we are being consumed by? The eternal and righteous nature of His _life_ (II Cor. 5:4). For further study in regard to the "furnace of fire," I would recommend that you read the passages in Revelation, Chapter 9.

If the Lord's feet are "as if they burned in a furnace," then the "fire" of said furnace correlates with our understanding of the righteous nature and judgment of the Lord. And it is by means of His righteous judgment that our walk in life is made right, turning us from walking in darkness to walking in His light (John 8:12; 11:9-10).

Matthew 13:47-50 (NKJV)  
47 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, 48 which, **when it was full** , they drew to shore; and they sat down **and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away**. 49 **So it will be at the end of the age**. The angels will come forth, **separate the wicked from among the just,** 50 **and cast them into the furnace of fire**. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."

In perfect agreement with the Parable of the Tares, the Lord uses the analogy of "a dragnet that was cast into the sea" which "gathered _some_ of _every_ kind." This agrees with our mixture of cold and hot in the church. Note the reference to "when it was _full_." This speaks of our number _seven_ (fullness) and agrees with the _seventh_ and final prophecy to the churches. Aren't the feet at the _end_ of our body? (See John 20:12; I Cor. 12:14-25)

# Chapter Ten

# THE PARABLE OF THE UNFAITHFUL STEWARD

Luke 16:1-15 (NKJV)  
1 He also said to His disciples: "There was **a certain rich man** who had a **steward** , and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. 2 So he called him and said to him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.' 3 Then the steward said within himself, 'What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.' 5 So he called every one of his master's debtors to _him,_ and said to the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' 6 And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' So he said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' 7 Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' So he said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' And he said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.' 8 **So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly**. **For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light**. 9 And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. 10 **He who** _is_ **faithful in** _what is_ **least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in** _what is_ **least is unjust also in much**. 11 **Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true** _riches?_ 12 **And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?** 13 **No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon**." 14 Now the Pharisees, **who were lovers of money** , also heard all these things, **and they derided Him**. 15 And He said to them, " **You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God**."

In keeping with our other two parables about "a certain rich man," Jesus tells another one in our passages above. No doubt this parable can be somewhat confusing, so bear with me.

First understand that our "certain rich man" once again applies to the Laodicean church and its' corresponding arrogance. This would of course, make our "certain rich man" _unrighteous in the eyes of the Lord_ , which correlates with the spiritual condition and obvious rebuke by the Lord to this church.

The "certain rich man" had a "steward" who is also unrighteous because he is later called "unjust" in verse 8 (his unrighteousness is also made evident by his actions). This would agree with the following.

Matthew 23:15 (NIV)  
15 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, **and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hel** l (Gehenna) **as you are**.

How much money and effort is spent by each denomination and religious organization to convert others to our churches? Are we leading them to Christ or simply convincing them to accept what we believe without question? Are we like the Pharisees of old who went through so much to make one convert, yet when converted, made them "twice as much a son of hell" as themselves? As shown, our word "hell" is _Gehenna_ , referring to the corruptible nature of our carnal man.

A steward is someone who does not own what he manages but is accountable to the rich man at all times. As our story shows, an accusation is brought against the steward for "wasting his goods." He is then told by the rich man to give an account of his stewardship and that he will be taking it away. The steward's reaction is to _defraud_ the rich man by taking less than was owed by the rich man's "debtors" in order to obligate others to himself when he is released by the rich man. We then see the rich man commend the "unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly." Vincent tells us in regard to "commended," that the rich man admired his shrewdness, "though he himself was defrauded."

Luke 16:10-12 (NKJV)  
10 He who _is_ faithful **in** _what is_ **least** is faithful **also in much** ; and he who is unjust **in** _what is_ **least** is unjust **also in much**. 11 Therefore **if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon** , **who will commit to your trust the true** _riches_ _?_ 12 And **if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own**?

The end of the context defines the meaning of the parable. Note that "what is least" refers to "unrighteous mammon" while "much" refers to the "true riches" of His kingdom. In other words, trust, honesty, and integrity apply to both worldly wealth and spiritual riches. As one goes, so goes the other in the eyes of our Lord. "Therefore if you have not been faithful in the _unrighteous mammon_ , who will commit to your trust the _true riches_?"

Luke 16:13-15 (NKJV)  
13 **No servant can serve two masters** ; for either **he will hate the one and love the other** , or else **he will be loyal to the one and despise the other**. You **cannot** serve God and mammon." 14 Now the Pharisees, **who were lovers of money** , also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 15 And He said to them, " **You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God**."

Again, at the end of the Lord's discourse concerning the unjust steward, the Lord makes it very clear—"No servant can serve _two masters_ ; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. _You cannot serve God and mammon_."

No doubt, the Laodicean church is full of material gain but steeped in deception and in the spirit of the world. How can we tell? Because in our parable above, the Lord speaks of the "sons of _this_ world" in contrast to the "sons of light," and both are evident in Laodicea (which is why she is lukewarm).

Jesus made it clear. We cannot serve two masters. We cannot serve God and mammon. They are diametrically opposed to each other. Yet, Christendom places much more importance on money than they ever have. Does it even matter that Paul wrote, "For the love of money is the _root_ of _all_ evil" (I Tim. 6:10; KJV)?

As His people, can we honestly say that we are good stewards of His kingdom, both material and spiritual? If we are, then how do we justify the merchandising of His Name in the same fashion as the world? Can we imagine Paul, Peter, and John setting up a booth in the streets of Jerusalem to sell crosses, jewelry, clothing, pictures, books, CDs, coffee mugs, keychains, candles, caps, hats, scarves, wallets, purses, and bags? Do we honestly believe that any of this has any true spiritual value pertaining to His kingdom? And what is the profit used for? To prop up this continual merchandising, just like the retail venues of _this_ world.

Revelation 18:3-5 (NKJV)  
3 For **all the nations** have drunk of **the wine of the wrath of her fornication** , the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and **the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury**." 4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, " **Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.** 5 **For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities**.

The passages above speak of "Mystery Babylon," found throughout the book of the Revelation. I am aware that there are those who believe that "Babylon" is a picture of the Catholic Church, while others believe it is a picture of America (and there are other interpretations as well). However, I believe that Babylon speaks of the Lord's people under the _bondage_ of _the spirit of the world_ (Rom. 8:21) as portrayed in the church of Laodicea (see my study on The Beasts of Revelation). It is you and me, having been cultured to believe in a powerless gospel and in the doctrines and traditions of men which have made the Word of God of no effect among the nations in which we dwell. No wonder a "voice from heaven" declares, "Come out of her, _my people_ , lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities."

Now, let's look at some passages from Matthew, Chapter 25.

Matthew 25:31-46 (NKJV)  
31 "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, **and all the holy angels with Him** , then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides _his_ sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 **Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world** : 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I _was_ naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed _You,_ or thirsty and give _You_ drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take _You_ in, or naked and clothe _You?_ 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' 40 **And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did** _it_ **to one of the least of these My brethren, you did** _it_ **to Me**.' 41 **Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels** : 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.' 44 Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' 45 Then He will answer them, saying, **'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do** _it_ **to one of the least of these, you did not do** _it_ **to Me**.' 46 And these will go away into **everlasting punishment** , but the righteous into **eternal life**."

It should be clear that these passages define charity, not just in the physical sense, but in the spiritual as well. And this is the simple difference between those who go to the "left hand" of God and those who go to the "right."

Note the Lord's punishment to "those on His left hand." " _Depart_ from Me, you cursed, into the _everlasting fire_ prepared for the devil and his angels." In verse 46, He defines this as "everlasting punishment." So, "everlasting fire" _is_ "everlasting punishment," which is prepared "for the devil and his angels." And where do we find the devil and his angels (messengers)? In the _midst_ of the seven churches (II Cor. 11:13-15; Rev. 2:2, 9, 13, 24).

Would "depart from me" agree with the Lord spewing us out of His mouth? It would. And the fact that it speaks of "His mouth" shows that once we are spewed out, we no longer speak as an "oracle" of God (Heb. 5:12; I Peter 4:11). We will, as reality shows, speak only traditions and commandments of men which make the Word of God of no effect (Matt. 15:6; Mark 7:9).

Note that our parable begins with, "When the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and _all_ the holy angels with Him." In contrast to our passages from Matthew 16:27, we have a difference. In Matthew 16, He doesn't say " _all_ the holy angels." This is because our parable in Matthew 25 is speaking of when all seven prophecies have come to fruition and _the end of the age is imminent_. This is also confirmed by the Lord's teaching in Matthew, Chapter 24, which connect to His parables in Matthew, Chapter 25.

Matthew 24:45-51 (NKJV)  
45 "Who then is **a faithful and wise servant** , whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed _is_ that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. 48 **But if that evil servant says in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,'** 49 **and begins to beat** _his_ **fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards,** 50 **the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for** _him_ **and at an hour that he is not aware of,** 51 **and will cut him in two and appoint** _him_ **his portion with the hypocrites**. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Like our passages from Matthew, Chapter 25, we see a contrast between "a faithful and wise servant" and an "evil servant." Note that it is the "faithful and wise servant" saying "in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,'" _which leads him to fall away from his faithfulness_ and become this "evil servant." And what is the result of this _falling away_? "The master of that servant will come on a _day_ when he is not looking for him and at an _hour_ that he is not aware of, and will _cut him in two_ and _appoint him his portion with the hypocrites_." Our phrase "cut him in two" is by no means literal but explained by the Lord's words, "He will _separate them_ one from another, as a shepherd _divides_ his sheep from the goats." And where does He separate us to? He appoints us a "portion with the _hypocrites_ ," the "goats," allowing us to continue our religious motions apart from the true spiritual work of the Lord!

Remember what Jesus said to the church in Sardis. "Therefore if you will not watch, _I will come upon you as a thief_ , and _you will not know what hour I will come upon you_." Doesn't this rebuke correspond with what Jesus said in our passages above, that He would "come on a _day_ when he is not looking for him and at an _hour_ that he is not aware of, and will _cut him in two_ and _appoint him his portion with the hypocrites_ "? Of course!

In light of the lukewarm condition of the Laodicean church, Jesus said He would spew us out of His mouth. Wouldn't this lead to becoming cold since the Lord prefers that we be either cold or hot and not lukewarm?

Matthew 7:15-23 (NKJV)  
15 " **Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves**. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, **every good tree bears good fruit** , but **a bad tree bears bad fruit**. 18 **A good tree cannot bear bad fruit** , nor _can_ **a bad tree bear good fruit**. 19 **Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the** fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. 21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, **but he who does the will of My Father in heaven**. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them, **'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness**!'

Remember, "cold" refers to "false prophets." In our passages above, Jesus likens them to "bad" trees which cannot "bear good fruit." And what does He do with these "trees"? They are "cut down _and thrown into the fire_." Is the "fire" synonymous with our "everlasting fire" of Matthew 25? Yes it is. For whom was this fire prepared? The "devil and his angels." And again, where are they found? In the midst of the seven churches.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-9 (NKJV)  
1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that **the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night**. 3 For when **they** say, "Peace and safety!" **then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman**. And they shall not escape. 4 **But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief**. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore **let us not sleep, as others** _do_ _,_ but **let us watch and be sober**. 7 For **those who sleep, sleep at night** , and **those who get drunk are drunk at night**. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and _as_ a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 **For God did not appoint us to wrath** , but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ...

Remember these passages? Wouldn't the reference to the Lord coming "as a thief in the night" correspond with our passage from Revelation 3:3? And what did Paul say? "Therefore _let us not sleep_ , as others do, but _let us watch and be sober_." Wouldn't this also correspond with Revelation 3:3 where Jesus said, "Therefore if you will not watch"? Wouldn't our phrase, "Peace and safety" correspond to, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing"?

Understand that "sleep" speaks of death, our physical passing, but also of our spiritual lethargy. How did Paul put it? "Therefore _let us not sleep, as others do_ , but _let us watch and be sober_. For those who sleep, _sleep at night_ , and those who get drunk _are drunk at night_." And to whom does the Lord come as a "thief in the _night_ "? To those who are asleep and drunk, void of spiritual discernment and unaware of His impending coming at the end of the age.

Romans 13:11 (KJV)  
11 And that, knowing the time, that **now** _it is_ **high time to awake out of sleep** : for **now** _is_ **our salvation nearer than when we believed**.

1 Corinthians 15:34 (KJV)  
34 **Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God** : I speak _this_ to your shame.

# Chapter Eleven

# THE LEFT HAND OF GOD

Matthew 25:31-34, 41 (KJV)  
31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And **before him shall be gathered all nations** : and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth _his_ sheep from the goats: 33 And **he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left**. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his **right hand** , Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world... 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the **left hand** , Depart from me, ye cursed, **into everlasting fire** , prepared for the devil and his angels...

We have learned that there is the "left hand" of God and there is the "right hand" of God. As our passages show, those on the right hand are the "sheep" while those on the left hand are the "goats." When we read this entire parable, we find that Christ is teaching charity. My definition of _charity_ is "unconditional love."

Matthew 25:35-40 (KJV)  
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the **righteous** answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed _thee_? or thirsty, and gave _thee_ drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took _thee_ in? or naked, and clothed _thee_? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, **Inasmuch as ye have done** _it_ **unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done** _it_ **unto me**.

Clearly, the "sheep" are "the righteous." This makes the "goats," the "unrighteous." And what is the difference? It should be obvious from the Lord's description. The "stranger," "naked," "sick," and "in prison," speaks of anyone and everyone in their physical and spiritual need, regardless of color, culture, language, or belief. You see, unconditional love is a love that doesn't see any boundaries, any labels, or any differences between us.

In direct contrast to the "sheep," we read this about the "goats."

Matthew 25:41-46 (KJV)  
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the **left hand** , Depart from me, ye cursed, **into everlasting fire** , prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, **Inasmuch as ye did** _it_ **not to one of the least of these, ye did** _it_ **not to me**. 46 And **these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal**.

Throughout the New Testament, our words "everlasting" and "eternal" are the same Greek word, _aiōnios_. This Greek word is used interchangeably, referring (as above), to "everlasting" punishment or fire, or "everlasting" life. The definition reads, " _Perpetual_ (also used of past time, or past and future as well)." In other words, what makes life _eternal_ and punishment _everlasting_ , is the fact that _it is the same in every age_ , for the Lord "is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb. 13:8).

Unlike our society and how we change our laws, there is no need for God to change His process of death and life, of punishment and grace. It was perfect in its design in the beginning, and it is the same for every generation of humankind that has evolved since. Whether we consider "everlasting" punishment or life, we are stating that both continue through each generation of humankind. What was given as punishment or life five thousand years ago, two thousand years ago, or even yesterday, stands just as firmly today. It is the two-sided principle of sowing and reaping defined in Galatians 6:7-10, and this principle is the _foundation_ of the law and the promise (prophets; Matt. 7:12; 22:40). When we transcend the corruption of our natural being and enter into the presence of His life, _we have entered into_ that which _is_ eternal. "At Your _right hand_ are pleasures forevermore" (Psalms 16:11).

Matthew 25:41 (NKJV)  
41 Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, **into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels**... 46 And **these will go away into everlasting punishment** , but the righteous into eternal life."

When brought together, we see that "everlasting fire" is "everlasting punishment," and we have learned that the "fire" speaks of the _light_ and _life_ of the righteous nature of our Creator, the "Father of lights" (James 1:17; see also Genesis 1:14-19). Again note that the Lord was very specific, stating that His punishment was "prepared for the devil and his angels."

Our word, "devil" is defined as, "A _traducer_." The Free Dictionary by Farlex online defines _traduce_ as, "To make false or malicious statements about (someone) in order to cause humiliation or disgrace." A traducer could also be called a backbiter, defamer, libeler, maligner, slanderer, or vilifier. So, to speak of "the devil and his angels" is to speak of the spirit of the world which leads us to act in such fashion (Eph. 2:2).

Keep in mind that the "goats" and "everlasting fire" and "everlasting punishment" are all linked to the "left hand" of God. So the "hell of fire" does not proceed from any wicked, horrible pit in some dark nether world somewhere, _but from the throne of God itself_. No wonder Jesus told John, "I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the _keys_ of _death_ and _Hades_ " (Rev. 1:18; NIV). "Keys" speak of the understanding of the truth which makes us _free_ (John 8:32). Free from what? From the corruptible nature (Gehenna) of our soulish, carnal self which leads to all manner of sin and blasphemy (Matt. 5:18-20).

Now, let me share an illustration with you that will help clarify what "hell" truly is. This will be a picture of the golden lampstand that was placed in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle of Moses as outlined in Exodus, Chapter 25, verses 31 through 40. I have used this illustration in other studies because it allows me the opportunity to give a visual presentation and simplify the differences between the Old Covenant or Testament and the New Covenant or Testament. Please consider.

As we can see, I have placed our passages about the "sheep" and the "goats" at the bottom of our illustration. First of all, note that there are _seven_ branches on the lampstand. As we know, seven is the number which stands for "spiritual perfection" or "fullness" (fill to the full; Bullinger). Remember, in the book of Revelation, there are _seven_ churches, _seven_ angels, _seven_ prophecies, a book sealed with _seven_ seals, _seven_ trumpets, and _seven_ bowls. For this reason, our illustration of the lampstand is definitely appropriate. Also remember that the Lord's reference to " _all_ the holy angels" speaks of all seven angels and their churches, thus denoting _the end of the age_. Now consider the following.

Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV)  
14 Ye are **the light of the world**. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and **it giveth light** unto all that are in the house. 16 **Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven**.

What is the purpose of a lampstand? To give light. And as Jesus taught, "Ye are the _light_ of the world," and, "Let your _light_ so shine before men, that they may see your _good works_ , and glorify your Father which is in heaven." So in our illustration of the lampstand, we see Christ as "the light of the world" (John 8:12), and ourselves as "the light of the world" when His love and truth shines through us. And what is the light on the lampstand? _Fire_.

So, to put this as plainly as I can, the "left" side of the lampstand is given as the "left hand of God," while the right side is given as the "right hand of God." On the left side, we have the "goats," and on the right side, the "sheep." On the left side, we see "everlasting" punishment and on the right side, "everlasting" life. Now, isn't the fire of the lampstand on the left the same fire on the right? It is, for each branch of the lampstand had a bowl which held olive oil and was lit to give fire or light (Lev. 24:2). This agrees with our understanding that the "fire" is the righteous nature and living Word of our heavenly Father in regard to both sides of the lampstand. Also note that "olive oil" always speaks of the anointing of His Holy Spirit (Matt. 25:4; Mark 6:13; Heb. 1:9; James 5:14).

So what is the basis for "everlasting" punishment? The Old Covenant out of which came the law. For this reason, Paul called the law, the "ministry of _death_ " and "the ministry of _condemnation_ " (II Cor. 3:7, 9; NKJV). What always accompanies "death?" It is _Hades_ (Rev. 1:18; 6:8). Why? Because "death" is a state of being where we walk after the carnal mind (Rom. 8:6). When we do so, we cannot "see" or perceive His kingdom (John 3:3). This keeps us in _Gehenna_ , referring to our _corruptibility_ which makes us "children of wrath," which we have learned is accomplished through His law (Eph. 2:1-3; Rom. 4:15).

In direct contrast to the ministry of death and condemnation, Paul spoke of "the ministry of the Spirit" and "righteousness" (II Cor. 3:8-9). When we understand that the purpose of the law is our necessary "tutor" to bring us to Christ (Gal. 3:24), then we better understand the reason for our suffering. Remember, it is our resistance to what is good. Ah, but once His law has accomplished His work in us, we discover that "the _law_ is _spiritual_ " (Rom. 7:14) and we no longer need the "tutor" (Gal. 3:25).

Please understand. There is a spiritual process in place that has been there since humankind's creation. It is the process of sowing and reaping, further emphasized and established in the covenants which God instituted with Abraham and brought to pass in its fullness through Moses first, then Christ (and again the reason why Lazarus was carried to _Abraham's_ bosom). Every person who has or ever will live on this planet, passes through this process. God's truth is relevant to everyone in every age!

Galatians 3:22-26 (NKJV)  
22 But **the Scripture has confined all under sin** , that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 **But before faith came** , _we were kept under guard by the law_ , **kept for the faith** which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore **the law was our tutor** _to bring us_ **to Christ, that we might be justified by faith**. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

What was the purpose of the ministry of death and condemnation? To keep us "under guard" (to _hem in_ , _protect_ ) "for the faith which would afterward be revealed." The law or ministry of death is "our _tutor_ to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith." So, think about what I just said. The law, the "ministry of death," is "our _tutor_." The ministry of _death_? Really? Our Lord uses death as a means of administration? Yes he does (Rev. 1:18). Ah, but this where we must be willing to lay aside the traditional thinking which has confused us for so long. You see, my friend, Adam's fall into death was not unexpected, _but rather by divine design_. Our Father was not surprised by what is pictured in the Garden of Eden in the book of Genesis. Instead, it illustrates a necessary step in implementing a process essential for all of humankind (John 12:24). The Garden of Eden, along with the two trees in the garden, exemplify the process of sowing and reaping as defined by Galatians 6, verses 7 through 10.

Do you see the cross in our illustration? This illustrates our "great gulf" or chasm that is seen in the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, symbolized by the central branch of the lampstand. This speaks of the selfless sacrifice of Christ on the cross and the baptism of the Holy Spirit which is needed for the law to become spiritual within.

Our "great gulf" or chasm also speaks to us of the need to deny ourselves, take up our "cross," and follow Him, to "die" to self before we pass from this world. Jesus said, "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. _Enter by the narrow gate_ ; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because _narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life_ , and there are _few who find it_ " (Matt. 7:12-14).

Now, let me say this. It doesn't matter if someone believes in Him or not. What Christ did on the cross was in complete obedience to the Father, _and it was between Him and the Father alone_. He fully satisfied everything it took to become the Savior of the world. Our faith in it is not required, for even if we die in complete rejection of Him, He is still the substitute, the acceptable sacrifice for _all_ sin, _including unbelief_. And remember, God's process (fire) assures this. No wonder Paul wrote to Timothy that the living God "is the savior of ALL men, especially of those who believe" (I Tim. 4:10; NKJV).

_Hades_ and _Gehenna_ are REMEDIAL, signifying the punishment or chastisement necessary for our carnal man, our corruptible nature, until we "see" or understand the purpose in it (Heb. 12:5-11). So it is that we _suffer_ under its tutorage until we are _awakened to righteousness_ (I Cor. 15:34). When the work of the _ministry of death_ and _condemnation_ leads us to the unconditional love of the _ministry of the Spirit and life_ (II Cor. 3:8-9), then we PASS from death _to_ life, from corruption _to_ incorruption, from mortality _to_ immortality, from cold _to_ hot, no longer bound under the fear which has torment (I John 4:18). You see, my friend, the "left hand of God" is the "left hand OF God," not Satan, not angels, not man, but of _God_. We are not "going to hell," but are currently passing through the ministry of death, Hades, and Gehenna _now_ , through His _purifying process_ of spiritual "fire" that will consume all and every vestige of self-will that is left in us if we will surrender to it.

Do we need further proof? Consider the "lake of fire" in Revelation. What is cast into it? First, the "beast," which denotes the _destructive_ and _untamed_ nature of the carnal man in all of us (Rev. 19:20; I Cor. 2:14). Then the "false prophet," which signifies the deceitfulness of our own heart (Rev. 19:20; Jer. 17:9). Then the "devil" (Rev. 20:10), which speaks of our spirit of pride and accusation (Rev. 12:10). Finally "death and Hades" (Rev. 20:14) itself are cast into it, representing our _transition_ through His divine process, from death _to_ life, for once the eyes of our understanding are truly enlightened, and our heart is lifted up into the presence of Christ, then " _death_ ," is " _swallowed up_ in victory" (I Cor. 15:54; KJV) and mortality is " _swallowed up of life_ " (II Cor. 5:4; KJV).

The "lake of fire" is called the " _second_ death" (Rev. 2:11; 20:6, 14; 21:8), and as the scriptures show, it is the passing away _of_ death, Hades, corruptibility, and mortality, the complete eradication of all once we truly enter into Christ. Our first death was "in Adam" (I Cor. 15:22), where we died to God's righteousness. Ah, but our second death is when we die to our own unrighteousness, and this is accomplished by the spiritual process through which we pass.

If Hades signifies a place of unending torment, then why is it cast into the lake of fire?

"This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, _and in Him is no darkness at all_ " (I John 1:5).

"The mind is its own place and in itself,

can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven."

John Milton

Thank you for reading my book. It is my sincere hope that it encouraged and enlightened you in your walk with Christ. If so, won't you please take a moment to leave me a review at your favorite retailer? Thank you!

Jack Marshall

**About the Author** :

Jack Marshall was born in California in 1957, but raised in Oklahoma, where his experience with Christianity began at the age of 19. After several years of attending various denominational and non-denominational churches, his love for the Bible and desire to understand the scriptures became a vital part of his life. Ordained in his twenties, he spent several years ministering in homes, jails, and churches. Through in-depth study for the past 38 years, Jack has discovered that the message of scripture is truly one of hope, love, and encouragement for the entire world.

Connect With Me:

**Friend me on Facebook** : <https://www.facebook.com/GrainOfWheatPublishing>

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Other books by Jack Marshall

The Dream – Through the Eyes of Sowing and Reaping

Times and Seasons – An Alternative View of the Day of the Lord

The Rapture – Yes or No?

Studies in Revelation – The Beasts of Revelation

The Parable of the Sower

Studies in Revelation – The Second Death

The Unpardonable Sin

Studies in Revelation – The Beast of the Earth

**Bibliography**

Reference:

E.W. Bullinger (1837-1913), Number in Scripture: Its Supernatural Design and Spiritual Significance, Public Domain, 1921

Dr. James Strong (1822-1894), Strong's Concordance, First Published 1890

Marvin R. Vincent (1834-1922), Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament, First Published 1887

The Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary, 1991 by Ralph W.; Gilbrant, Thoralf Harris (Author)

Easton's Illustrated Dictionary, Matthew George Easton (1823-1894)

New Unger's Bible Dictionary, Merrill F. Unger (Author), R.K. Harrison (Editor), May, 2006

W.E. Vine (1873-1949), Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, First Published 1940

Reference (Online):

The Free Dictionary by Farlex, www.thefreedictionary.com

Urban Dictionary, www.urbandictionary.com

Better Health Channel, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health

Kingdom Bible Studies, Preston and Lorain Eby, www.kingdombiblestudies.org

Reference, www.reference.com

Bible Translations Used:

KJV, King James Version, Public Domain, 1611

NKJV, New King James Version, Published by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Complete Bible 1982

NIV, New International Version, Biblica, Zondervan and Hodder & Stoughton (UK) (licensed commercial rights), 1973 (NT), 1978 (OT)

ESV, English Standard Version, 2001: Crossway Bibles, a ministry of the Good News Publishers of Wheaton, Illinois, U.S.; Apocrypha 2009 by Oxford University Press

WEY, Weymouth New Testament, Richard Francis Weymouth, Baker and Taylor Company (New York) 1903, James Clarke & Company (London) 1903

Quotes:

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, French Jesuit Priest, Mystic Philosopher, Paleontologist (1881-1955)

Albert Einstein, Physicist, March 14, 1879 – April 18, 1955

John Milton (1608-1674), English Poet
