George M. Logsdon
10/01/99
Our Hope
1 Thes. 1:10
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
This is our Hope. To be gathered together when Jesus Christ returns forever to live with the Lord; and we know that this gathering together will occur before the wrath to come. Some teach that we must go through the wrath; that we must experience the great tribulation which is to befall the planet. God�s Word declares that we have been spared from the wrath.
Romans 5:9
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
We are the lights of the World and when we are gone the world will be left with only darkness.
Philip. 2:15
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
We are to walk in the light of the hope as our fathers before us walked. David walked in light of his hope which was the first coming of the Messiah.
Psalm 16:8
I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
In Acts this verse is revealed in even more detail
Acts 2:25
For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
The Hope of Christ�s first coming was always before David�s face...he kept it alive in his mind�s eye. His decisions were made in light of the Hope. His troubles were shed because he believed in the Hope. David�s hope was the coming of the Messiah.
Most people then and most now do not look to the hope they do not believe Christ will come back.
1 Thes. 5:2
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
It�ll be as a thief in the night to them...not to us because we are waiting and watching. For those who won�t believe, the Lord will return as a thief in the night. It will be too late to do anything about it. They will miss out on the �gathering together� and destined to suffer through the wrath to come.
Why a return?
Many are taught today that when you die you go straight to heaven. That God calls His loved ones home. The sayings very from there loved ones have become angels to God has another little rose peddle in heaven. What a sad sad lie they speak. God never kills, God does not destroy and God does not steal away life from His people. God has made available to us a more than abundant life through His son Jesus Christ.
John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
The thief is Satan. Get the story straight... The devil steals, kills and destroys, Jesus Christ came to make available life more abundantly.
Teaching that when you die you go straight to heaven may promote some people to commit suicide. To combat this thinking some churches further compound the lie by teaching that those who commit suicide go to hell. That's a shame for if they taught the truth of God�s Word and people really understood the heart of God they would want to live for God. .
God is not the God of the dead but of the living!
Matthew 22:32
I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
. The consolation given to people in this time of great sadness is that their loved ones are in heaven looking down upon them. This has given rise to the spiritualist and to movies such as the e Sixth Sense, Ghost, Poltergeist, etc. that promote the dead being alive and able to communicate with the living.
This of coarse is a lie. The dead are not alive they are dead and are waiting for the Return of the Lord or the Resurrection of the Just or the Unjust.
1Thes 4:16 speaks of the dead being raised at the Return of the Lord.
1 Thes. 4:16
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
The following verses in Luke, Acts and 1 Corinthians speak of the resurrections of the Just and the unjust. These resurrections occur after the Apokalupsis (Greek for revelation, revealing or unveiling).
Luke 14:14
And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
Acts 24:15
And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
1 Cor. 15:12-13
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? [13] But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
There is no consciousness in death... where there is no consciousness there is no remembrance...There at the moment of death for that individual is the moment of the return... Time passes without knowledge for the dead.
Psalm 6:5
For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
Psalm 146:4
His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.
Eccles. 9:5,6,10
. [5] For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. [6] Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.
[10] Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
The dead are dead until the return (for those who love the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ between the day of Pentecost and the Gathering together they will be raised). Those who died before Pentecost or after the Gathering together will either be resurrected in the Resurrection of the Just or the Resurrection of the Unjust.
The Return
Before proceeding we have to look at the difference between the words resurrection and rise. The word resurrection applies to all believers before the day of Pentecost and after the Gathering Together and all unbelievers before and after the day of Pentecost. The reason the word resurrection doesn�t apply to the Church of the Body, the born again to which you and I belong, is because with the return of Jesus Christ not everyone is going to be dead. To have a resurrection you have to be dead... The dead in Christ shall rise first and then we which are alive.
Spiritual man is a three fold being. He consists of body soul and spirit. Natural man (the unbeliever is two fold being consisting of only body and soul.
The body is made of dust and to dust it goes back. The soul is breath life... Its that thing that makes you, you. Dogs have it, chickens have it and you have it. That's why some Eastern Religions teach of animal heavens. When you breathe your last breath you become a dead soul. ... The life of the soul is in the blood and you pass it on to your children. The spirit goes back to God from which it came.
God the Holy Spirit gave what He is on the day of Pentecost which was the gift of holy spirit God teaches His creation inside you which is the gift of holy spirit and then this spirit teaches your mind then it becomes manifested in the senses realm as you act. These are called the nine manifestations of the gift of holy spirit ( Faith (which is believing to see the impossible come to pass at your command), gifts of healing (its a gift every time your healed) working of miracles, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, discerning of spirits, prophecy, speaking in tongues (which is praying in the spirit), interpretation of tongues). This is the great principle of manifesting holy spirit in your life. The gift of holy spirit is God in Christ in you which is the Hope of glory.
1Corinthians 15 is the basic Scripture in understanding the resurrections and the return of Christ. The chapter starts with telling of Christ�s being raised by God after Christ was in Hades (the grave) for 3 days and nights The Word then proves the resurrection by presenting the many witnesses who testified to having seen the risen Saviour with their own eyes. .. The Word then asks that with such proofs how can you not believe?
1 Cor. 15:3-8
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: [5] And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: [6] After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. [7] After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. [8] And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
So you might say, well I wasn�t there I didn�t see it. How do I know? We have a more certain proof then looking upon the open empty sepulchre... we have Christ in us the Hope of Glory and we can speak in tongues. This is proof that Christ did raise up from the dead and He is seated on the right hand of God. It is proof that we have been justified sanctified and redeemed, We are righteous and our sins our forgiven. We are born again and adopted sons of God. We can speak in tongues the wonderful works of God.
Rom8:16-17
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: [17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
1 Cor. 12:3
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Speaking by the spirit of God is speaking in tongues.
The hope of mankind is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In order for the ascended Christ to return, He has to have risen.
1 Cor. 15:12-19
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? [13] But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: [14] And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. [15] Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. [16] For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: [17] And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. [18] Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. [19] If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ our believing is in vain., our teaching false and we are wretched men for we have no hope for a future life. Praise God Christ did arise and is now seated on the right hand of God. Praise God Jesus Christ is coming back!
There are two phases to the second coming of Christ
The first phase is Christ�s coming FOR his saints
1Cor15:51-54
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep (die), but we shall all be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1Thess4:13--16
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
That is the first phase of the 2nd coming when he comes for his saints. Those who have died since the day of Pentecost as believers their bodies have corrupted. They�ll be raised incorruptible. Then those who are alive and remain at that moment of the return have to be changed.
So the first phase is Christ coming for his saints or the Church of the Body , called the Gathering Together. Its also called the Rapture; The Second Coming and the Return. The second phase is Christ�s coming with his saints. This time is referred to as the �Day of Christ�
1 Cor. 1:8
Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thes. 2:1
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2Thess2:1 :Coming is the Greek word parousia which is used in reference to the return of Jesus Christ when he comes for his saints and when he comes with the saints... (We who have confessed Romans 10:9, 10 (made Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour)are the saints).
2 Thes. 2:2
That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
2Thes2:2 :The day of Christ is the day of the Lord. Is at hand means is �set in�
2 Thes. 2:3
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2Thess2:3 That day of the return of Christ upon the earth shall not come except there come a falling away first... That falling away first is a departure. Before 1611 King James it was commonly translated a departure. That departure is the first phase of the 2nd coming. The gathering together when Christ returns for his saints (the believers, those who believed since the day of Pentecost). He never steps foot on the ground. We �rise�to meet him in the air. We depart.
This second part, the coming of Christ with the saints, can not occur unless there be the departure the gathering together of those saints and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition...
2 Thes. 2:7-9
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. [8] And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: [9] Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
1 Cor. 15:22-26
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. [23] But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. [24] Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. [25] For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. [26] The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
In the first part he comes for his saints and the second part he comes with his saints.... so how much time is there between the first part and the second part? I don�t know you tell me. Some say its a thousand years others say other things. It doesn�t really matter to us since we�ll be reigning with Christ on high. Then He comes with his saints (us who believe Rom 10:9&10) upon the earth and that is the �Day of the Lord� The day of the Lord is when we kick butt and take names. Its when he comes as King of Kings and Lord of Lord and we�ll be riding with him. The day of the Lord is when all the judgments start, that's when you have the first and second resurrections The first resurrection is called the resurrection of the just and the second resurrection is called the resurrection of the unjust.
John 5:28-29
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, [29] And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Revelations records in greater detail the events of the coming of the end.
Rev. 20:1-15
And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. [2] And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, [3] And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. [4] And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. [5] But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. [6] Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. [7] And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, [8] And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. [9] And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. [10] And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
[11] And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. [12] And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. [13] And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. [14] And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Won�t that be an awesome time? I can hardly wait to see it! It gets better... read on.
Rev. 21:4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
If only it were today. What a wonderful time that will be. Don�t you feel your heart longing for that moment? I sure do. Until then we must stand faithful and for our faithfulness we�ll receive rewards.
2 Tim. 4:1-8
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; [2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. [3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; [4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. [5] But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. [6] For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. [7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
There are many rewards that we can earn now while awaiting the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Stay faithful to the Word that God has given you. Remember, when you accepted Christ as your Lord and Saviour you became born again. The devil can�t take that away from you now. You are heaven bound and all hell can�t stop you from rising at the return. Stand faithful to reap those rewards and live with fullness of the more than abundant life that God through Christ has given you. You are the best! Ephesians 2:8-10