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When we get a new piece of equipment such as a new vehicle, a new appliance or whatever, it is logical that we would read the manual that comes with it. At the very least, we would refer to the sections we need to be efficient in its operation. Therefore, wouldn’t it make sense that we check our ‘life manual’ for proper directions that would guide our immortal souls to our Heavenly Home with Jesus? (ESV – all emphasis is mine)
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we read: “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
One word of caution: be sure you read true translations of God’s word to us, not those that have been “tweaked” to soothe people’s “itching ears” to suit their own passions (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Remember 1 Corinthians 1:18: “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”
One suggestion for getting the most value from reading the Bible is to pick a time each day that you will be able to read a few chapters without interruption. Also, having a “study Bible” would be of great benefit. Reputable Bible businesses can provide helpful information in getting a true translation, no matter what version you may choose. The key is to have one that is easy for you to read and comprehend.
At about age 40, I was inspired to read the Bible for the first time from Genesis 1:1 through Revelation 22:21. I had a King James Version (KJV) study Bible. Next, I purchased a New King James Version (NKJV), and followed this with the New American Standard Version (NASB). Finally, I have the English Standard Version (ESV) study Bible. That is the one I have personally found to be easiest for me to follow. Also having developed a daily reading schedule, I truly feel it if I happen to miss a day’s reading.
By using a reputable study Bible, when a question arises about content, you can usually get a good explanation in the “study” area about what a particular inspired writer was referring to. Our Heavenly Father did not provide His Holy Word to us to try to confuse us, but that we would be inspired to follow the “instructions” that will lead us Home.
For example, one key purpose of the entire Bible is given by our Savior in John 14:6. “Jesus said to him, I am the Way, and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” This knocks out the “many ways” without Jesus, folks.
Going to John 14:15-17: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another “Helper” to be with you forever, even the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him for He dwells with you and will be in you.”
These three verses give us the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Also, when Jesus refers to the “world,” it would be those who have chosen the “broad path that leads to destruction” (Matthew 7:13-14).
After Jesus was Raptured back to Heaven (Acts 1:9), the apostles were gathered in one place on Pentecost, which is the 50th day after Passover. The Holy Spirit came to them to be within them as the Savior promised.
Not long after this, the apostles were being questioned by the religious leaders about their proclamations, and Peter told them in Acts 4:12: “And there is Salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Further studies will reveal we’re all sinners and only through the grace and mercy of our Heavenly Father can we be forgiven and saved. Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, and Romans 10:9-13 cover this.
We cannot earn or buy our way into Heaven, as given in Ephesians 2:8-9. In fact, to believe that we can do this ourselves without Jesus is an insult to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Our goal is to become a member of our Savior’s precious flock and have an appointment to appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ, as given in 2 Corinthians 5:10. This Judgment is to receive or lose rewards for what we did in this life, but the outcome for everyone here is eternity in Heaven with Jesus.
Where there are pros, there will also be cons. The Judgment Seat of Christ is definitely a pro. The con is the Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation 20:11-15.
Revelation 19:20 tells of the ultimate antichrist and false prophet of the seven-year tribulation being thrown into the lake of fire forever. Then, a thousand years later, Satan is thrown into that lake with them (Revelation 20:10).
After this, the Great White Throne Judgment takes place, and everyone at this event will be thrown into that lake of fire forever. There are no reduced sentences at this judgment. It’s forever. For those who make jokes about being there to “party” with their friends, there will be nothing but total darkness and continued punishment for all in that terrible place, and there will not be any interaction with anyone else.
With all this in mind, my strong recommendation is to read our “Words of Life” every day. Also, for anyone who has not yet received and accepted Jesus as their Savior, this would be a good time to do so. To delay your decision could just be the biggest mistake you could ever make.
We are not guaranteed another day here. Once all true believers are taken up to meet Jesus in the air in the Rapture, the next seven years will be at the mercy of the antichrist and false prophet. It will still be possible to call out and be saved, but the cost will most likely be martyrdom for anyone who does so.
The decision is up to you, as the Father will force no one either way. Satan will do everything he can to turn you away from the Savior. We’re already hearing false prophets that are basically saying, “Did God Really Say?” It worked in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:1, and it’s still effective today for those without Jesus as their Savior.
We do not know the day or hour, but if you are prepared and are a part of the Savior’s flock, it won’t matter. If it is today or tomorrow, you will be ready and forever grateful that you are a part of that flock.
Then, you will gladly join me in saying: “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”
The post Keep Reading the Instruction Manual :: By Dennis Huebshman appeared first on Rapture Ready.
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