For a PDF file of this article, see the very end.
F.Y.I. This article is 2 ½ pages long, with 5 ½ pages of examples, and 3 pages of footnotes.
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WHAT KIND OF BEING?
What kind of Being could speak and bring a universe into existence;[i] from atoms and galaxies to the earth and all its’ fullness?[ii] What kind of Being could speak and create incredibly complex living creatures; insects, birds, fish, animals, humans and angels?[iii] What kind of Being could establish all the systems and laws by which the earth and universe function; the functioning of the atoms, the rotation of the galaxies; interactions between the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere and hydrosphere; etc.?[iv] What kind of Being could sovereignly control everything which he would create?[v] What kind of Being would create humans in His image—with thoughts, will and emotions; intellectual and relational, with language, creativity, a sense of morality and a desire to be loved—so we could understand and have an intimate and eternal relationship with Him?[vi] What kind of Being would love us[vii] and give us free-will,[viii] so that accepting and loving Him back could be a choice—which would require that rejecting and hating Him also be an option?[ix] What kind of Being would create families[x] and establish moral laws—which He would embed into our souls[xi]—so that we could live successfully in community – ultimately His? What kind of Being would require and uphold justice for all of eternity[xii]– which means punishing every sin which would ever be committed?[xiii] What kind of Being would step into His creation—becoming a man—[xiv] to be ridiculed, scorned, spit upon, punched in the face, pierced with thorns, beat with a staff, shredded with a whip, and to be physically nailed to a cross—where He would hang until He died—to take the justly-required punishment for all that we would do wrong (as a result of having free-will)?[xv] What kind of being would do this—to purchase mankind from the penalty and power of sin[xvi]—forgive us completely and attribute to us His righteousness,[xvii] so He could make us His children and love and care for us for all of eternity in Paradise,[xviii] as opposed to punishing us for all of eternity in Hell?[xix] What kind of Being knows that without the fear of future punishment,[xx] no one would survive—mankind would utterly destroy itself[xxi]—and few, if any, would seek to be forgiven?[xxii] What kind of Being would desire that every human accept Him as Lord and Savior?[xxiii] What kind of Being would reach out to each one of us, first through general revelation—providing overwhelming evidence that He exists[xxiv] and that He is a gracious[xxv] and moral Being[xxvi] and—if we are receptive to this[xxvii]—through specific revelation (presenting His offer of lordship and forgiveness)—whether communicating with us directly[xxviii] or through one of His servants?[xxix] What kind of being knows everything there is to know about everything there is to know—past, present and future—including the future thoughts, deeds and motives of all angels and all mankind?[xxx] What kind of Being could give us free-will[xxxi] and—based upon His infinite and eternal knowledge—have already planned our entire lives before creating us?[xxxii] What kind of Being, after forgiving us and making us His children, would then use us to present His offer of salvation to others?[xxxiii] What kind of Being knows, that in spite of His incredible, mind-boggling, earth shaking love and sacrifice for humanity, most of the world’s population would reject Him, live rebellious and evil lives[xxxiv] and justly spend all of eternity burning in Hell?[xxxv] What kind of Being would weep over this reality?[xxxvi]
APPLES!
Earlier this week a man was selling apples which he had gathered from his family’s orchard. He sold the last few baskets to his neighbor—Mr. Cook—who was planning a great celebration. Upon taking them into his kitchen, Mr. Cook—a master chef and baker—laid them out on the counter and began to inspect each of them. Based upon their size, shape, color, firmness and scent, he determined when, where and how he would use each one. He would use some to make apple bourbon fried steak, some for a caramel apple pie, some for a spice cake, some for a fruit and nut salad, and some he would freeze and use later for muffins, apple crisps and cinnamon applesauce. Unfortunately, many of the apples were bad and would have to be thrown out. He would, however, use these to feed the birds that come to his yard to eat.
BEFORE TIME BEGAN!
Before time began, the Omnipotent Creator of the universe was planning a great celebration.[xxxvii] Capitalizing on His infinite knowledge—regarding the future thoughts, deeds and motives of each person whom He would create—He determined when, where, how, and how long He would use each one of them. In His initial world, He would appoint most as husbands, wives, brothers, sisters and parents and some only as children; some as priests, prophets, preachers, teachers and missionaries; some as farmers, shepherds, ranchers and hunters; some as inventors, authors, artists and builders; some as doctors, counselors and caregivers; some as servants, workers, warriors, generals and kings. Regarding eternity, He would appoint all of those who would accept Him in His initial world—as Lord and Savior—according to how they would serve Him here.[xxxviii]
Sadly, however, most of the people whom He would create would reject Him. Even though creation would declare His existence (as a cake declares the existence of a baker) and He would write His laws on their hearts, they would suppress this knowledge and choose to live foolish, evil and rebellious lives. They would, therefore, remain unforgiven for the sins which they (like all of mankind) would commit,[xxxix] and have to be thrown out [xl]– like a bunch of bad apples. He would, however, still use them to accomplish His will, even feeding some of them to the birds.[xli]
CLARIFICATION!
God, being ‘sovereign,’ does not mean that He controls all things, but rather, that all things are within His ability to control. Even though He regularly exercises control over creation (beyond the natural order and functions which He built into it), and—probably countless times an hour—exercises control over angels, demons and people,[xlii] He will not extinguish our wills or make someone sin.[xliii] (God allows many things to go on in this world which against His will.[xliv]) In addition to this, He has made the running of this world a collaborative effort with His children. He chooses quite often, to intervene (or not to intervene) in response to our lives and requests.[xlv] God wants and needs the prayers of His righteous children![xlvi]
*** If you would like to read of many occasions where God exercised supernatural control over me – my thoughts, gaze, movements, location, activities, etc. (which I didn’t recognize until after He had), read the section, “God Obvious” on this website.
WHAT GOD WOULD DECIDE!
Here is what God would decide regarding a few of the beings which He would create:
Top Angel:
This angel, out of outrageous pride, will rebel against me. Even though I will create him perfect, he will become conceited and seek to exalt himself. He will be an extremely charismatic, clever and deceptive individual. I have the perfect place for him: I will give him great power and assign him the highest position in my kingdom—second only to me. I will then let him instigate a rebellion among the rest of the angels. In this way, each of them will be presented with the option of following or rejecting me. I will then let him do the same thing to the human race. I will allow him—and the angels who follow him—to present mankind with alternatives to accepting, obeying and following me. It must be this way, because in order for people to become my children—to be able to accept and love me back—they must have free-will. In order for them to have free-will, there must be other options; and these options must be presented. I will use this angelic rebellion to serve me in this way. Sadly, the first two humans will succumb to this temptation and the entire human race will become infected with sin. I, therefore, will step into my creation to suffer and die for the sin of mankind. At this time, I will use this angel to incite the religious and civil leaders to turn against Me and put Me to death. In this way, I—being sinless—can take the justly required punishment for all that they will do wrong, so I can forgive them and attribute to them my righteousness. Therefore, all who will turn from their sin—to accept me as Lord and Savior—can become my children and live forever with me in Paradise. Sadly, once my plan is accomplished, justice will require that I consign these angels to eternal punishment in Hell (along with all humans who refuse to repent). This angels’ name will be Lucifer, but he will be called Satan (adversary) or the devil (slanderer).
Intellectual Rebel:
This human—out of utter pride—will never accept me. Even though he will have a very high intellect and understand clearly—by creation and conscience—that I exist, he will suppress this knowledge and choose a very sinful and rebellious life.[xlvii] I have the perfect place for him: I will let Satan deceive him into his service.[xlviii] He will be fooled into thinking that these rebellious angels can overcome My omniscience, omnipotence and sovereignty. He will, therefore, speak for them to the people around him.[xlix] He will claim that I do not exist[l] (that life is an accident), that My Word is false (the Bible cannot be trusted), that I am a liar (that I am not the true and living God), that I am insignificant (that I died on the cross for their sins, yet there are other ways to get to Heaven), or that I am cruel (that I would send people to Hell without giving them the opportunity to have a relationship with Me). Sadly, it must be this way, because in order for people to have the freedom to love and accept Me, they must have the freedom to hate and reject Me; and this option must be presented. I will use Satan’s deception and this man’s rebellion to serve me in this way. (His name is only important to Me. I will weep for him—and for the people who follow him—when I send them to Hell).
Ship Builder / Preacher:
This human—out of fear and humility—will accept me. I will show him that I exist—by creation and conscience—and when he responds to this, I will call him to repentance. When he repents, I will bring him into my family and into my service. He will be extremely industrious and persistent and will put me first in his life. He will trust and obey me regardless of the people around him. I have the perfect place for him. I will use him during the most evil of times to preach repentance to the rest of the world.[li] Sadly, they will refuse to listen. I will then flood the earth, but will use him to save his family and each of the land species which I will create—by building a giant ship. I will then use them to repopulate the earth. (His name will be Noah. I will rejoice over him in Heaven.)
Future Evidence:
This human—out of pride and rebellion—will never accept me. Even though he will know that I exist—by creation and conscience—he will suppress this knowledge and, therefore, ignore any preaching that I send his way. He will grow increasingly violent and evil.[lii] I have the perfect place for him: I will use him when I flood the earth. After he is swept away, his body will become one of millions of fossils which will serve as evidence of the flood. This way, people whom I will create later will know that My word is true. (His name is only important to Me. I will weep for him when I send him to Hell).
Leader / Author:
This human—out of fear and humility—will accept me. I will show him that I exist—by creation and conscience—and when he responds to this, I will call him to repentance. When he repents, I will bring him into my family and into my service. He will be a hesitant, yet innate leader and will humble himself before me more than any other person on Earth.[liii] I can, therefore, use him greatly. I will use him to lead my people (Israel) out of bondage in Egypt – and to the land which I will give them. Through this exodus, I will demonstrate my power to the world. I will also use him to write part of My Holy Word. (His name will be Moses. I will rejoice over him in Heaven.)
Rebellious King:
This human—out of foolish pride—is going to reject me. Even though he will know that I exist—by creation and conscience—he will reject my right to be his Lord. He will be a strong leader and will grow very hard hearted in his rebellion against Me. I have the perfect place for him: I will make him Pharaoh (King of Egypt) when I bring my people out of bondage. I will let Satan deceive him into thinking he can withstand me and he will, therefore, harden his heart even more.[liv] In response to his stubborn rebellion, I will destroy the land of Egypt, displaying my power over my creation. (His name is only important to Me. I will weep for him when I send him to Hell.)
Leader / Warrior:
This human—out of fear and humility—will accept me. I will show him that I exist—by creation and conscience—and when he responds to this, I will call him to repentance. When he repents, I will bring him into my family and into my service. He will have the heart of a warrior and will trust and obey me well. I have the perfect place for him: I will use him to lead my people (Israel) into the land which I will give them, and to destroy the evil and unrepentant people who I will place there first—beginning with the city of Jericho. I will work on his behalf—performing miracles—so people will see My power and know that he is following Me. (His name will be Joshua. I will rejoice over him in Heaven.)
* * * I will later use other sinful nations to punish My people Israel when they rebel against Me[lv]—as I will do to all nations who refuse to serve Me.[lvi]
Prostitute:
This human—out of fear and humility—will accept me. I will show her that I exist—by creation and conscience—and when she responds to this, I will call her to repentance. She will repent from her sin—including prostitution—and when she does, I will bring her into my family and into my service. I have the perfect place for her. No one would be suspicious of men entering the house of a prostitute, so I will place her in Jericho just before I give the city to Joshua. I will use her to hide my spies—which I will send into the city—and then save her and her family from destruction. I will then put her in My lineage—before I step into Creation to die for their sins—to show the world that I will love, accept and forgive anyone who will call upon Me. (Her name will be Rahab. I will rejoice over her in Heaven.)[lvii]
Young girl:
This human—out of pride—is going to reject me. Even though she will know that I exist—by creation and conscience—and no matter how long I let her live—she will never accept My lordship. I have no better place for her than to put her in Jericho when I give the city to Joshua. I will only let her live a short time in My initial world, resulting in less time to store up judgement upon herself. (Her name is only important to Me. I will weep for her when I send her to Hell).
Lover / Warrior / Poet / Murderer / King:
This human—out of fear and humility—will accept me. I will show him that I exist—by creation and conscience—and when he responds to this, I will call him to repentance. When he repents, I will bring him into my family and into my service. This multifaceted individual will put me first in his life and will grow deeply in love with Me. I have the perfect place for him. After making him popular, by enabling him to defeat many opponents in battle—beginning with one who I will make very large and powerful—I will make him king over my people Israel, so they will grow to love Me too. He will then commit a terrible sin against Me—adultery and murder—but will repent when I confront him. I will forgive him and remove the eternal consequences—so people will see that I am a loving and forgiving Father—but will let the temporal consequences stand—so people will see the horrors of disobedience. I will also use him to write part of My holy Word. (His name will be David. I will rejoice over him in Heaven.)
Boisterous Rebel:
This human—out of out of foolish pride—is going to reject me. Even though he will know that I exist—by creation and conscience—he will reject my right to be his Lord. He will be loud and boisterous in his rebellion against me. I have the perfect place for him: I will make him very large and powerful and let Satan deceive him into thinking that there are other gods, so that he will be unafraid to oppose me openly. I will then use him to make one of my children popular – by enabling my child to kill him in battle. I will do this in order to make this child a king over my people Israel. (His name will be Goliath. I will weep for him when I send him to Hell).
Two Servants:
These two humans—out of fear and humility—will accept me. I will show them that I exist—by creation and conscience—and when they respond to this, I will call them to repentance. When they repent, I will call them into my family and into My service. I will make the first one an apostle—when I step into My creation—then after I have been crucified and resurrected and have returned here to my Father, I will send him to preach the gospel in India and to establish churches. (His name will be Thomas. I will rejoice over him in Heaven.)
Near the end of the church age, I will bring the second one out of his mother’s womb in India – 300 meters from where my apostle Thomas will have planted a church 2,000 years earlier. He will be utterly heartbroken over the millions of people who do not know Me and, therefore, I can use him greatly. I will use him to lead a ministry which will continue spreading My offer of forgiveness throughout Asia: Multitudes of people will be saved! (He will be called K. P. I will rejoice over him in Heaven.)
Billions of Rebels:
These humans—out of outrageous pride—will never accept Me.[lviii] Even though they will know that I exist—by creation and conscience—they will think far too much of themselves and far too little of Me. Reality will be repulsive to them: (They will abhor the fact that I am God and they are My creations; They owe their lives to Me; They are sinful and helpless to do anything about it; They must ask for My forgiveness; I am to be their Lord.) I have the perfect places for them. I will place them around the world, throughout time and let Satan deceive them into imagining that I do not exist, or that they are My equal (as he did to himself). He will promote this foolishness by suggesting that I am something as lowly as some part of my creation, or that they can be exalted as gods. He will then tell them that they can achieve ‘a glorious eternity’ by their own efforts – without forgiveness, humility or repentance; and apart from Me. Even though My offer of salvation will be available around the world, the message of the cross would be foolishness to them;[lix] therefore, having it presented will not be necessary for judgment. (Their names are only important to Me. I will weep for them when I send them to Hell.)
Hundreds of People:
These humans—out of self-absorption and pride—will never accept me. Even though they will know that I exist—by creation and conscience—they will disregard this knowledge and, therefore, dismiss any additional information which I send their way. I have the perfect place for them. I will put them in the life of one of My servants—near the end of the church age—who will live continually heartbroken and frustrated over their lack of interest in Me. This will fuel the evangelistic fervor which I will build into My servant and I will then use him to spread My offer of salvation to others over the internet. I will do it through his writing and poetry. (Their names are important to Me and to my servant. We will weep for them when I send them to Hell.)
Baby sister:
This human will not fare well in the temporary sinful world. I will, therefore, bring her to heaven while she is very young – to spare her from evil.[lx] I have the perfect place for her: I will put her in the lives of some of my servants, who will love and care for her greatly during the two years that she is with them. When I bring her home, the faith of my servants will be tested and strengthened, for they will know in their hearts—before they read it in My Word—that they will see her again.[lxi] This will make their aspirations of Heaven even more delightful as they live in expectation of this glorious day.
Readers:
These humans—may or may not accept me. They will know that I exist—by creation and conscience—and I will sovereignly guide them to read this article. From it, they will learn that I am absolutely ‘just’ (I must punish all sin), yet, My love is so strong that I stepped into My creation to suffer and die for their sin. If they repent and accept Me as Lord and Savior, I will forgive them, make them My children, bring them to Heaven and love and care for them for all eternity. This is My hearts’ desire! If they do not, I will weep for them when I send them to Hell. And, as it will be for the devil and his angels, the smoke of their torment shall rise forever.[lxii]
Disobedient Christians:
These humans will accept me, but will fail to serve me. They will let people around them—even some of their loved ones—go to Hell without ever telling them about salvation. They will enter My eternal Heaven, but only as one escaping through the flames. They will have no eternal reward.[lxiii]
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[i] And God said, “Let there be . . . ” And it was so. Genesis 1:1-27
[ii] GE 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
[iii] So God created the . . . creatures of the sea. . . every winged bird . . . the wild animals . . . the livestock . . . the creatures that move along the ground . . . man . . . Genesis 1:20,25,27
[iv] For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth . . . and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17
[v] God controls: Earth, galaxies, constellations, etc. = JOB 38:31-33 /// Seasons & weather = Job 38:22-30 /// Wildlife = Job 38:39 thru Job 41:10 /// Angels = Matthew 26:53 /// People = Jeremiah 25:32-33
[vi] So God created man in his own image . . . Genesis 1:27 / / / How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1
[vii] We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19
[viii] And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.” Genesis 2:16-17
[ix] If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. John 15:18
[x] For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Genesis 2:24
[xi] Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law . . . since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts . . . Romans 2:14-15
[xii] He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and
just is he. Deuteronomy 32:4
[xiii] For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
[xiv] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . The Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us. John 1:1 & 14
[xv] Ridiculed, beaten with staff, spit, thorns (Matthew27:29,30) / Ridiculed, scorned (Matthew27:39-42) / Spit, punched, slapped (Matthew 26:67) /Whipped (Matthew 27:26) / Nailed to cross (John 20:25) / For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous . . . 1 Peter 3:18
[xvi] “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. Revelation 5:9
[xvii] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
[xviii] Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
[xix] Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew 25: 41
[xx] When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong. Ecclesiastes 8:11
[xxi] GE 6:5 The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. Genesis 6:5 /// So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. Genesis 6:13
[xxii] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10
[xxiii] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
[xxiv] The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:1-4 / / / But ask the animals, and they will teach you or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? Job 12:7-9
[xxv] GE 1:29 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground–everything that has the breath of life in it–I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. Genesis 1:29-30
[xxvi] Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them. Romans 2:14-15
[xxvii] Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Hebrews 4:6 /// Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13
[xxviii] For God does speak—now one way, now another—though man may not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men as they slumber in their beds, He may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings, to turn man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride, to preserve his soul from the pit, . . . Job 33:14-18
[xxix] He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Mark 16:15
[xxx] All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:16 /// . . . for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. 1 Chronicles 28:9 /// Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, Psalm 139.4 /// LK 22:34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” Luke 22:34
[xxxi] And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.” Genesis 2:16-17
[xxxii] From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. Acts 17:26 /// All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:16 /// In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will . . . Ephesians 1:4-5 /// For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
[xxxiii] He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:15-16
[xxxiv] The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 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. Romans 1:18-20
[xxxv] Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14 /// Then he will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’ Matthew 25:41/// He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. Revelation 14:10,11
[xxxvi] LK 19:41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it . . . because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” Luke 19:41,44
[xxxvii] Then the angel said to me, “Write: `Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ ” Revelation 19:9
[xxxviii] His master replied, `Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness! Matthew 25:21
[xxxix] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Romans 3:23 /// Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him. John 3:36
[xl] And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth Mathew 25:30.
[xli] And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and mighty men, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, small and great.” Revelation 19:17-18
[xlii] Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him. 1 Samuel 16:14 /// PR 21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. Proverbs 21:1
[xliii] For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone James 1:13
[xliv] ECC 12:13 Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13 / & / . . . for there is no one who does not sin . . . 1 Kings 8:46 /// He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 / & / Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14
[xlv] The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16 /// This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us–whatever we ask–we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15 /// Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11.24 /// You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. James 4:2-3
[xlvi] The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16 /// And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18
[xlvii] Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 1 Corinthians 1:20
[xlviii] . . . while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2 Timothy 3:12-13
[xlix] And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. [15] It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. 2 Corinthians 11:14
[l] The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” Psalm 14:1
[li] . . . if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 2 Peter 2:5
[lii] Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. Genesis 6:11
[liii] Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth. Numbers 12:3
[liv] But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said. Exodus 7:22
[lv] I will bring the most wicked of the nations to take possession of their houses; I will put an end to the pride of the mighty, and their sanctuaries will be desecrated. Ezekiel 7:24
[lvi] For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly ruined. Isaiah 60:12
[lvii] Joshua 2:1-21 / Matthew 1:5-6
[lviii] Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14
[lix] For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.1 Corinthians 1:18
[lx] The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Isaiah 57:1
[lxi] He answered, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, `Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.’ But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me. 2 Samuel 12:22-23
[lxii] Then he will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’ Matthew 25:41 /// He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. Revelation 14:10,11
[lxiii] It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. 2 Corinthians 3:13-15
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