WHO ARE THE 144,000?

If God's Word indicates more than one time potential for the Rapture on the "end times" timetable, which references or passages are right, and which ones are wrong? Without getting into apologetics, it is the belief of this ministry that God's Word is 100% accurate and inspired, thus "wrong" must be ruled out here, and this apparent discrepancy must be reconcilable.

Therefore, let's work with the premise that there is more than one rapture, which could allow all such references to be correct. Under this premise we continue. If the Lord returned for His "church" but His "church" was not all "ready to go", a split rapture may occur. This would occur just prior to the onset of the Tribulation Period, explaining Revelation 3:10-11. Throughout the New Testament we are warned repeatedly to "be ready" for His return, but this passage gives us a specific condition:

Could change of focus from keeping God's Word to walking according to "man" (becoming conformed to the world) rob a Believer of the escape from the Tribulation that should have been his?

I Thessalonians 5:9 tells us that Believers were not "appointed" to wrath, but does that exempt us from it? The "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13) appears in numerous passages to be contingent upon the Believer's readiness! Fourteen times in the New Testament we were admonished to watch, and Revelation 3:3 warns us that if we do not (Note: He's talking to the "church" here), that He'll come upon us as a thief. Believers are told in I Thessalonians 5:4 that He should not surprise us as a thief, but Luke 12:39-40 suggests extreme peril if we are not watching and He does catch us unaware!

Some would say that a split rapture is not practical that it would split the "body of Christ". For almost 2,000 years now the "body of Christ" has been split through death, so that reasoning is simply not valid. Others would say that the Holy Spirit has to be removed. That is an impossibility. The Spirit of God is omnipresent (everywhere at once), and cannot just be removed. We will see later in our study that there may be another meaning entirely for the word "he" in II Thessalonians 2:7. God's Word seems to put emphasis upon our "worthiness" when He returns for His church. If all who claim His name are automatically "worthy", why would Yeshua have told Believers in Luke 21:36 to:

(The latter portion of this verse is crucial too, but we'll deal with it a bit later.) The emphasis now is that in order to escape the Tribulation, God's Word here says that we must pray that He find us "worthy" to escape it! This is supported in numerous other passages, but often put aside because it doesn't line up with the traditional views on the Rapture. Can we really afford to ignore ANY of God's Word? The consequences may be VERY unpleasant!

It is the view of this ministry that though we are in the Laodicean period of history and the Laodicean church traits are prominent in a majority of our churches today, there will be a significant number of individuals who represent each of the seven churches spoken to in Chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation within the "church" at large when He comes! Thus, we find significance as well in the condition of "worthiness" spoken of in Revelation 3:4. He says here that even a few in the church of Sardis had not defiled their garments, and would walk with Him in white: "for they "are worthy"! Does it not sound conditional here that in order to walk with Him in white, (be His Bride) we must be found "worthy" upon His coming? Could it be that the "Bride" of Christ is not the entire "church"?

Let's look for a moment at the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:113. All of the ten were looking for the Bridegroom, but only five were wise and prepared with sufficient oil for the journey. Note that all of them had oil, but that some had filled their vessels, while others had not. I Thessalonians 4:4 shows us that our vessel is our body, and oil is often used in correlation with the Holy Spirit. We are commanded in Ephesians 5:18 to "be filled with the Spirit", or totally controlled by Him. Thus we might surmise that those who choose to continually yield to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to fill their vessels (in spite of the pull and seduction of the world around (them) are ready when He comes for His Bride. Those who do not, are not.

Note that in Ephesians 5:27 the "church" Christ will present to Himself will be a church "not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing", but that it should be "holy and without blemish", and that Titus 2:14 specifies a "peculiar people, zealous of good works". How can we ever measure up to these standards? Only if we take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23), denying self and submitting fully to the Holy Spirit can we meet these standards. As He is manifested THROUGH us (based upon our submission and His filling), HIS righteousness is evident, and HIS purity is seen, thus we are seen as "worthy". If we have NOT submitted to Him, we walk in "self", and defile the garments He washed white as snow upon our belief. These defiled garments must be cleansed (Revelation 3:4). We can cleanse our garments daily through confession, repentance, and yielding "self" to God (overcoming the world even now as we await our Bridegroom), or we can cleanse them during the Tribulation (enduring frightful trials to overcome the world). Death may even be required at that time (Revelation 7:14)!

Too often we conveniently forget God's holiness. His patience is unsurpassed, but the day will come when man will have to answer to Him. Enough said of the woes for now though, let's shift to Revelation 14:1-5 where we see a joyous gathering. Here we have a group of 144,000 (significant in Scripture as a closure). These are often said to be the same 144,000 that we find in Revelation 7:14, but close reading of these two passages suggests otherwise. Those in Chapter 7 were of the twelve tribes of Israel, and those of Chapter 14 followed the Lamb wherever He went. Those in Chapter 7 had been "sealed" in their foreheads, but those in Chapter 14 had the Father's name "written" in their foreheads. (Isn't it amusing that we find that those raptured in Revelation 3:10-12 have the Father's name written upon them by Yeshua?) The 144,000 in Chapter 7 were left upon the Earth to witness, while those in Chapter 14 were "redeemed from the earth". They were the "First Fruits unto God and the Lamb".

"Hold it!", you say. "Christ is the first fruit per I Corinthians 15:23!" That is true, but Revelation 14:4 says that these 144,000 are the First Fruits. Again because God's Word is 100% accurate and inspired, both must be correct. So let's reconcile the confusion. I Corinthians 15:20 fills in a large gap here. It explains that Christ is the First Fruits "of them that slept"! His role to the dead is to rise first so they can rise at His coming! Now, let's look at His role to the living. Hebrews 6:20 says He became the high priest to the living. Then in Hebrews 8:3 we find something very interesting. In His role as high priest to the living, even "this man" must have something to "offer", as EVERY high priest must do so! What better offering could He give than the "First Fruits" of the harvest of the church He planted during His walk here on Earth, this 144,000 of Revelation 14:4? It would be the very same ones He gathered to Himself when He came for His Bride. Whether the figure 144,000 is literal or figurative, wouldn't it be wonderful to be among these chosen ones?

Close scrutiny to God's Word will begin to reveal the vast intellect that has miraculously achieved a delicately woven "layer effect" in this masterpiece of literature. Much as a map overlay functions, we find this "overlaying" repeatedly in His work. As we mentioned earlier, for instance, the letters in Revelation to the churches indicate seven different characters, which seem to be representative both of historical periods of time for the church itself, AND of individuals within the church at large during the end times. We also see countless examples of "types of ... " throughout His Word. Just as Moses was a "type of" Christ (or a prototype that depicted certain traits or occurrences later to be revealed in the life of Christ), the harvest festival appears to be a prototype for the harvest of Heaven that occurs during the Tribulation Period. Indeed God seems to intertwine the effects of this layering and prototyping to depict a very detailed timetable for this duration of Tribulation.

If we take a look at Exodus 23:16, we see that in the feast of the spring harvest the "first fruits of thy labors" are given, THEN we have the "feast of in gathering which is in the end of the year when thou hast gathered in thy labors out of the field". In Revelation, we see the 144,000 of Chapter 14 as being the "first fruits of His labor", then in verses 15 and 16 we see the in gathering of the harvest. The angel is given a sickle and told that "the time is come to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe". He proceeded to "thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped". Notice that in Exodus 23:16, we see that this happens at the "end" of the year. Thus the second rapture to "in gather" the harvest is at the "end" of the Tribulation Period.

There is some confusion here between the "Midtribulationist", and the "Posttribulationist". They seem to be seeing basically the same thing, only from different perspectives. Again, with patience and close observation, this is reconcilable! Let's take a look now at Revelation 11:15. The seventh angel sounded; and we hear:

Now take note here that the Millennial reign of Christ cannot come until He returns to Earth to claim it for Himself. For the seventh trump here to be the start of the reign of Christ, the vials must all be distributed DURING the blast of this trump. Indeed, it seems that they are. The seventh trump in and of itself has no apparent consequence other than to announce the beginning of the end of the Tribulation. The sound of this trump, proclaiming the awesome transference of power and circumstance that it does, may well be sustained throughout the entire distribution of the seven vials!

I Corinthians 15:52 indicates that the Rapture occurs at the last trump. Many have speculated that this is a different trumpet, and does not relate to the trumpets of Revelation at all. Indeed, it is possible that with God's awesome intertwining of Scripture, and layering techniques that it could man another trumpet AS WELL, but in view of the premise we are pursuing, it would be entirely valid to say that the last trump in I Corinthians 15:52 is indeed the seventh trump of Revelation 11:15! To the "Midtribulationalist", this time may be seen as the middle of the Tribulation Period, as he sees the last half of the seven year period as the time when the vials will be distributed. The "Posttribulationalist" sees the Rapture as being delayed until the return of Christ, but may not see that the sounding of this trumpet indicates exactly that. Indeed it could be this trump that is referenced in I Corinthians 15:52 to signal the second rapture, when all Believers who have died in Christ will be raised, and all Believers still alive on Earth will be "caught up". ALL Believers of ALL times will then at last be together. Believers will now get acquainted with their Lord on a VERY PERSONAL BASIS!

Before Christ can return to the Earth and reign, those who will rule with Him must be selected. Now that the "body of Christ" has been united, the judgment must take place. An in-depth view of this judgment is soon to follow, but before we pursue it further, we need to make a few more side trips. First, let's take a look at the "Bride" of Christ.

Revelation 19:79 gives us a glimpse of her, and reminds us that she has "made herself ready". Note that He has not made her ready; she has made HERSELF ready! Verse 8 says that the fine linen of her gown is the righteousness of these saints. As this righteousness could only be manifested through these saints by the power of the Holy Spirit within them, it is further evident here, that these are the Believers who had CHOSEN to yield to Christ. (The wife's submission to the husband in Ephesians 5:24 is clearly seen to be the prototype for the INTENDED role of the "church" toward Christ in verse 32. Thus, we may find that the PORTION of the "church" that has CHOSEN to HONOR this role of submission to Christ "in everything", as they wait for His return, are indeed this righteous Bride of Christ!) As we CHOOSE to submit to Him, we enable Him to CHOOSE us! Revelation 19:9 tells us that those called unto the marriage supper are blessed, but Matthew 22:14 clarifies that though many are called, FEW are CHOSEN! We can't earn this privilege through works of "self", but only by allowing God to work through us. Are we yielded to Him or is our focus on the world? Will we be "ripe unto harvest" when He comes so He can "catch us up" as His "First Fruits" offering and make us His "Bride"?

The "church" and its relationship to Christ seems to be the Gentile "elect" counterpart for Israel and its "elect" relationship to God the Father. Likewise in Revelation, the 144,000 of Chapter 14 seems to be the Gentile counterpart for the Jewish 144,000 of Chapter 7. Will we be a part of it? The wedding dinner of Matthew 22 is prepared, and His servants are calling to the guests. Are we too preoccupied to respond? A close look at Revelation 12:19 will reveal another example of the "layering" within this fascinating and powerful book of God's Word. It is known, acknowledged, and understood that Israel is the woman in verses 14, and that Christ is the man child in verses 5-6. Close observation, however, reveals some specific wording that unveils another layer of meaning here. You will see that the wording in verse 5 says that the man child was "caught up"  unto God and to His throne. Now, to be raptured IS to be "caught up" unto God. Isn't that interesting!

Again we begin to see the secondary (or the Gentile counterpart to the Jewish) interpretation of this passage. In the same manner as the twelve stars are the tribes of Israel, they are likewise the twelve disciples of the "church", and the "church" gives birth to the First Fruits offering of Christ's harvest that will be "caught up" much as Israel gives birth to Christ who was taken up as the First Fruit of the dead. Indeed this man child born of the church that is "caught up" here could be the "he" of II Thessalonians 2:7, for he must be taken out of the picture before the Tribulation can begin, per Revelation 3:10-21! Please note the importance of the specific wording "caught up" in revealing to mankind the important parallel meaning of this passage. Yeshua actually DIED and then was RESURRECTED from the dead. The specific reference to being "caught up" here seems to INTENTIONALLY DRAW US INTO the parallel meaning of the First Fruits Rapture! It is an "interlocking" piece to the symbolic puzzle of this book. (It is for this reason, among many that the author EMPHATICALLY recommends the King James version of the Bible with the use of a good Greek interlinear supplement taken from the Textus Receptus text. Man's wording in the other versions is STEALING AWAY the intricately worded phrasing that can be the very KEY to the increase of knowledge and impartation of His wisdom that He has for us in thee end days!) Note that Revelation 2:26-27 says that those who overcome shall rule with Christ "with a rod of iron", another confirmation of this parallel meaning.

The woman in this counterpart (being the church that is left behind) will go into hiding (just as Israel does), as the dragon in this passage will be seeking to kill her (just as he seeks to kill Israel) during the Tribulation. Some Believers who are left behind will realize their need to change, and will choose to yield to God, learning to follow His every whisper in order that they might receive supernatural assistance from Him at this time (even including a hiding place prepared for them, much as Petra is viewed now in relation to Israel). Some Believers who are left to endure the Tribulation, WILL still walk in blindness, not realizing their need to yield to Him, and will have to answer to Him FOR this very soon! Oh, how much better it would be to be caught up at His coming!

We want to note a reference in Matthew 24:37-38 here that indicates the importance of Noah's days in our focus upon the things to come. Genesis 6:8 says that Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, and he was given supernatural instruction, assistance, and protection during the time of wrath upon the Earth, but this experience would have been far from pleasant at best! How much better off was Enoch during the flood. He "WALKED WITH GOD and WAS NOT: for GOD TOOK HIM" (Genesis 5:24)! Here we see the difference between being raptured as First Fruit (Enoch being the prototype), and being super naturally assisted and protected while enduring the wrath upon the Earth because we are NOT raptured (Noah being the prototype).

Daniel 12:4 says that knowledge will increase in these days, and James 1:5 promises wisdom IF WE SEEK IT. Should we blindly accept MAN'S theology today, as he chooses just to "brush aside" all portions of Scripture that don't measure up with his traditional, preconceived mind set (adjusting God's Word to fit it, rather than adjusting it to fit God's Word)? Matthew 24:4; II Timothy 4:34; and Colossians 2:8 indicate otherwise! We are admonished in II Timothy 2:15 to "study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth"!

We are warned numerous times in God's Word that deceit would be rampant in the end times. Well, we're in them, and it is! Sermons today are designed to please the listener. (It is much more financially sound to do so, and it builds the "church")! Of what purpose, though, is building the "church" if the people we're bringing into it are not learning what God wants them to learn? Again, it falls back to the financial benefits of the church! Can this reasoning be pleasing to God? Now, in order to please the listener, there is an overemphasis upon God's love. Seldom if ever is it mentioned that His love is a HOLY love, and Proverbs 9:10 tells us:

The listener is often left with the impression that once he has received Christ, he's OK with God from then on; that he can do pretty much as he pleases, just as long as he stays MODERATELY moral, at least on the surface; APPEARANCE IS, after all, IMPORTANT! But is that GOD'S TRUTH?

In these days when seminaries teach soon to be pastors that Mary was not really a virgin, and pastors teach their congregations that there really is no hell, it is time to get back to what the Bible teaches! Not believing in hell doesn't make it any less real. We can experience God's Truth in the next life if we reject it in this one! We are forewarned that the traditional "theological bandwagon" scan be a dangerous place to ride (Colossians 2:8), and the consequences for doing so may be as devastating. It seems that we've become the Laodicean church, so let's pray for the "eyesalve" that God says in Revelation 3:18 that she needs!

Now let's open our spiritual eyes a bit wider, and explore some further gaps in the continuity of today's standard theology. Can we lose our salvation? Some portions of Scripture seem to indicate that we can, while others imply that we can't. Again, we are left with confusion, wondering if SOMETHING in God's Word might be WRONG! Could the problem here be that today's "church" has restricted God's Word to the view of our own narrow-visioned intellect? According to Isaiah 55:8-9 it is very wrong to do this, so let's expand our intellect!

Theologians today seem to LIMIT the use of the word "salvation" for their express purposes, thus the confusion as to whether our "salvation" is or is not secure! Salvation, however, is a concept that simply implies that one is being "saved from" something. Are we always "saved from" the same thing? Logic would tell us that we are not! In I Thessalonians 5:9, for instance (though it is almost never mentioned), the word salvation seems to indicate the "saving from" the wrath to come (the Tribulation), rather than from eternal damnation. So let's pursue another premise, that the theological limitation put upon the word "salvation" may be restricting the meaning of God's Word, and prohibiting the understanding that we so desperately need; that expansion upon this concept of "salvation" in God's Word may indeed resolve the endless debate over the "security" our "salvation"!

Now, let's proceed with this premise. We have a body, a soul (self-will [as influenced by the mind]), and a spirit. As we receive Christ as our Savior (through our belief and faith in the work of Yeshua on the cross to pay for our sins), the Holy Spirit comes into us to dwell within us (I Corinthians 3:16). The Bible indicates that God's indwelling Spirit transforms the Believer's By spirit (Romans 8:10), reconciles him to God the Father (John 1:12), and assures him of entrance to the Father's Kingdom (John 3:16; I Corinthians 25:24-28).

Romans 6:23 indicates that this salvation of the "spirit" is a gift of God. We don't work for it, we (simply receive it. Would a righteous God take back a gift He had given us? How could one who had been "born again" ever be unborn? As Believers, we receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 3:16), and God's Word promises us that this same Holy Spirit has sealed us unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). Is the Holy Spirit ABLE to do what God's Word says He will? If so, WILL He do as God's Word says He will? To deny that He is able OR willing to perform in accordance to the promises in God's Word would seem to be bordering blasphemy! How then, can the "security" of the spirit be at risk of loss?

It appears, however, that the "salvation" process does NOT ALWAYS refer to the "salvation" of the spirit. After salvation of the spirit occurs, the new Spirit within us apparently begins to prompt the salvation of the soul (self-will). This process of bringing the thoughts of our mind and the responses of our self-will into alignment with the new Spirit within us now begins. His intent for all of mankind is that we will develop the mind and attitudes of Christ (Romans 12:2; Romans 8:29; Romans 8:7; and II Corinthians 10:35). If God achieved this for us automatically, we would not be individuals; we might as well be robots. He wants us to WILLINGLY commit to Him the self-will He gave to us. He will NOT override it and MAKE us do as He asks. We must CHOOSE to do what pleases Him through submission to the promptings of His Spirit within us. We must CHOOSE to release our hold on the world and walk with God.

Whereas the salvation of the spirit seems to ensure the Believer entrance to the Father's Kingdom, salvation of the soul seems to be the key to entrance into the Millennial Kingdom of the Son. Salvation of the spirit seems to be secure upon belief, but how do we determine if the salvation of the soul has occurred, and is it secure from that moment on?

It is obvious that the salvation of the soul requires effort on our part. We must CHOOSE to walk with God, then we must TRAIN the mind and self-will to remain in subjection to the Holy Spirit. By doing so, we ALLOW God to work THROUGH us, and our soul can become aligned to His Spirit. Our active participation in this process would mean that salvation of the soul could NOT be considered a gift, and thus would not be "once and for all secured" in our earthly life. The determination of whether or not we have been successful in allowing God to work through us and save our soul can only be made by Christ. The fluctuation in our willingness to submit to this process would indicate that God's view toward our success might be different one day than another! Perhaps we can't find evidence of the security of the soul in God's Word because it is a judgment call, HIS call to make at the time of his coming and again at the Bema Judgment Seat!

If we are chosen to be a part of the First Fruits Rapture, we could surely presume that He has found our souls to be saved upon His coming. Soon we may realize that it is an EXTENSION OF HIS GRACE to allow mankind to endure the intense trials of the Tribulation, giving him yet a few more years to bring his soul into alignment with the Spirit of God within him! The graphic terror of the Tribulation should prompt any Believer to seek and walk with God. Even some hardhearted Believers though, will undoubtedly curse the God whose very Spirit is within them, and will NOT submit to Him!

One surely cannot read Romans 14:10 without the conviction that ALL BELIEVERS must stand in judgment before Christ! Even if most of the "church" endures the horrors of the Tribulation in order to be given more time to purify and save the "soul", eventually EVERY living Believer will be raptured! Then comes the judgment! Whether we are taken in death, or as late as the final rapture, our soul will be tried as it is that very moment! So what will the judgment be like for the Believer? Well, that will depend on the previous life of that Believer!

Oh what blessings are in store for the faithful! Believers will be crowned for Christ's achievements in their lives. These achievements (works) result as Christ works THROUGH the Believer. (The Believer must yield his will to that of the Holy Spirit within him, for John 15:5 tells us that without Christ, we can do nothing!) As we abide in the vine of life (Christ) and allow Him to produce fruit through us, we produce gold, silver, and precious stones that will withstand the fiery judgment ahead and fit us for reward (I Corinthians 3:11-15).

We learn in II Timothy 2:56 that the one who seeks a crown (reward) unlawfully will not receive it! Only through yieldedness to the Holy Spirit within can we help others prepare for the judgment (reward being the crown of rejoicing of Philippians 4:1 and I Thessalonians 2:19); finish the course having kept the faith (reward being the crown of righteousness of II Timothy 4:8); enduring temptation and trial even unto death while loving the Lord (reward being the crown of life in James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10); care for and witness to fellow brethren through Godly motive (reward being crown of glory in I Peter 5:4). These crowns are incorruptible or not of this world (I Corinthians 9:25).

Crowns are representative of authority, and indeed the faithful will reign and rule with Christ for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:4), and the status of our reign will be determined by the level of our faithfulness in the stewardship of the power and resources He has given us to do the work that His Spirit prompts us to do (Matthew 25:14-30). Some will be given many kingdoms over which to rule, and some just a few. Some will lose all that they had. Again it should be emphasized that our praise and reward is simply based upon the results of our stewardship, making the best use of the Holy Spirit within us to further the Kingdom of God. Works achieved through "self" in an effort to earn His praise are not even a consideration here!

Another mention of a crown is found in Revelation 3:11. It is not named, and often ignored because it does not line up well with the more traditional views of the Rapture. Close reading indicates that it is granted to the Believer who is found to be faithful upon the Lord's return, and it appears to EXEMPT that one from the Tribulation! Also note that man (the world) can steal it away, implying that one may be worthy at OTHER times, but if not found worthy at THAT time, it , will not be awarded to him, and he will have to endure the Tribulation! This is a wake up call Believers!

Unlike the crown of Revelation 3:11, the rest of the crowns seem to be awarded at the judgment. Some say the "loss" mentioned in I Corinthians 3:11-15 is simply the loss of these crowns, but how can you lose something you never had? Some Believers at the judgment will never be awarded crowns, since the fiery trial will consume all of the wood, hay and stubble that represent their works of "self", and the "loss" these souls experience may be tragic! Going back to Luke 21:36 now, we see that we should pray to be accounted worthy to "stand before the Son of man". This implies some rather harsh consequences for the one who is not found worthy before Him! Our worthiness and the salvation of our soul appear to correlate here. Paul seems to be referring to the salvation of the soul in Philippians 2:12, when we are told to work out our salvation with "fear and trembling"! Some will hesitate here, remembering Romans 8:1, but we must look at the entire verse! It tells us:

(So often Believers want it to mean "to those with Christ Jesus in them", but the last part of the verse clarifies what is meant by the Believer who is in Christ Jesus!) So why does God's Word say "with fear and trembling" in Philippians 2:12, and what kind of condemnation is ahead for the Believer who faces the judgment while still walking "after the flesh" rather than "after the Spirit"?

In I Corinthians 3:11-15 we are told that the one who suffers loss (soul) shall be saved (spirit) "yet so as by fire"! Now that is a frightening concept, but let's go on. What is meant by "outer darkness" in Matthew 8:12, Matthew 22:13, and Matthew 25:30? Notice that in 8:12 children of the kingdom shall be cast into it; in 22:11 it is a guest at the wedding dinner; in 25:26 it is a servant! Regardless of common theological explanation, it appears that God's Word is stressing that these are BELIEVERS! It seems to be a place of darkness isolation and possibly torment where Believers may be sentenced to remain for a while until the self-will of the soul is killed and this individual's will comes into alignment with the quickened spirit. Leviticus 13 and 14 foreshadow this event, and suggest a seven day interval prior to rechecking the leprous condition. Leprosy corresponds here to sinful condition, (garments to the soul, and house to the body). God determines if repentance has occurred and penalty can end or whether soul and body will not align and will have to be destroyed.

Now, let's look at several passages regarding hell (Matthew 5:22, 5:29-30; 10:28; 18:9; 23:33: Mark 9:43-47; Luke 12:5; and James 3:6). When we see the word "hell" in each of these references, it is describing the same place, where "the worm dieth not" and the "fire is not quenched". We should note that the Greek word for "hell" in all of these passages is Gehenna. It is unrelated to and totally different than the other places often referred to as "hell" (Hades,  Tartaros, and the Lake of Fire). Whereas Hades is operational now, Gehenna will serve its function during the Son's Millennial Kingdom, and the Lake of Fire will be during the Father's Kingdom. Isaiah 66:23-24 indicates that those who come to worship in Jerusalem will look upon the place where the worm doesn't die and the fire isn't quenched (Gehenna) and see the carcasses of men who have transgressed against God, and they shall be an "abhorring unto all flesh"! Matthew 10:28 warns the BELIEVER to fear being cast into Gehenna, where both body and soul (Spirit is notably absent here) are destroyed. Note that we apparently have a metaphysical mortal body similar to this present earthly body after the Rapture, and it changes yet again just before the Father's Kingdom when some suffer their second death of this metaphysical mortal body (Revelation 21:8! In the meantime, this Believer's body seems to be at the Lord's disposal (I Corinthians 3:17; Proverbs 9:10; and Hosea 4:6) to preserve or destroy!

If the soul was never successfully saved before death or rapture, it may need to be "destroyed" (along with the abused temple of I Corinthians 3:17) in Gehenna during the Son's Millennial reign, in order to be purified for the immortal spiritual body that will enter the Father's Kingdom (Revelation 20:4 and I Corinthians 15:24-28). I Corinthians 15:40 indicates that there will be both celestial and terrestrial bodies. Yeshua's body looked much as his earthly body, (though it was inter dimensional). The transition from terrestrial to celestial may actually occur in stages. We will be partially transformed when we are raptured or resurrected from death. We will then have a body which is much less dense, somewhat like the body of Yeshua when He appeared inside a locked room. It will not be bound by matter. We will be changed again prior to the Father's Kingdom to a body which is even more celestial (light) in composition. Yeshua must be able to slay these Millennial bodies (Luke 19:27). Even Revelation 2:11 speaks of a second death. So -- the slain bodies of rebellious "citizens" would be thrown into Gehenna for the duration of the Millennial Kingdom, where God destroys the body and soul that would not be purified (Matthew 10:28) Our spirits do not require a body at all as we know it. Demons are spirits, and they don't have one, yet angels are spirits as well and they do. It appears that the body for a spirit being is expendable. Those whose bodies are destroyed in Gehenna may have to do without one in the Father's Kingdom, and be naked before God (Revelation 16:15). When we get to the Father's Kingdom, those of us who have a body will be clothed in the linen of righteousness (Revelation 19:8).

Careful reading of Luke 19:11-27 will reveal that both the citizens and the servants were HIS (Believers). Likewise, the parables in Matthew were written to BELIEVERS, to make us aware of the consequences of trampling underfoot the grace of God and grieving His Holy Spirit in our walk as Believers!

The parable of the unfaithful servant in Matthew 24:45-51 indicates that the servant was cut off from those who were raptured, and left behind to endure the Tribulation. (Note that the parallel passage in Luke 12:41-48 indicates that this servant will receive many stripe during this time!) This seems to have occurred prior to the judgment. Though the response to this condition is the same as the response in Matthew 8:12; 22:13; and 25:30 (weeping and gnashing of teeth), the circumstances were totally different. This servant was cut asunder and appointed his portion with the hypocrites, and a specific destination is not mentioned. In the other three Matthew parables which mention "weeping and gnashing of teeth", this response is the result of being "cast into" (implying a picking up and throwing into) a particular destination ("Outer Darkness"). This seems to be a consequence (occurring at the judgment) for still not getting the soul into right relationship to God, even during the Tribulation!

Whereas the servant in Matthew 25:30 was cast into "outer darkness" as a recompense for being unprofitable (not utilizing the power and resources available to him through the Holy Spirit) the fires of Gehenna seem to be a consequence of more grievous offenses to brethren and to God, and may even include leading astray the brethren with false beliefs and distortions of God's Word. In this sense, pastors must bear extra close witness to James 3:1, and be sure that they are in good standing with God in reference to the accountability of the congregations entrusted unto them. They have an awesome responsibility!

Because the saved spirit is to abide in the Father's Kingdom, the duration of "outer darkness" and Gehenna must be limited to roughly the 1,000 years of the Millennial Kingdom time frame (Revelation 20:4 and I Corinthians 15:24-28). We find death and hell giving up the dead that are in them at the transition to this Kingdom in Revelation 20:13. It is questionable, however, whether those who suffered the fate of Gehenna (though they will have some part in the Eternal Kingdom), will ever be allowed to enter the gates of the holy city of new Jerusalem ‹ (Revelation 22:14-15). There may be many consequences for a wasted life or fleshly focus while here on this Earth (throughout both the Millennial Kingdom of the Son AND the Father's Kingdom).

We serve an awesome, holy, and all-powerful God, and His holiness demands justice. Yes, He is God of "love". His "love" was PROFOUNDLY expressed through the intense sacrificial  suffering and death of Yeshua so we would not have to endure God's consuming flames! He has done HIS part. He sent His Son to live and die to provide a model for us, He left us His Word as our handbook, and He gave us His Spirit to teach us right from wrong. The rest is up to us! As we read His Word and commune with God in prayer, His Spirit speaks to our heart, and draws us into a closer and dearer walk with Him. Then we find that we begin to submit to Him. As we withdraw, we begin again to walk in "self". We must stay in close relationship with Him for Him to approve of the condition of our soul!

I Corinthians 6:20 says that we were "bought with a price" so we must "glorify God" in our "body" and our "spirit", "which are God's". It is the stated duty of the Believer (in response to God's salvation of the spirit) to let Him live through him! (Perhaps this reconciles the soul not yet mentioned here as belonging to God?)

I Corinthians 10:6 tells the Believer that we are to learn from the Hebrew nation's past, but have we? They suffered God's wrath because they chose to walk with the world rather than to walk With Him, so why should we be exempt from it? Hebrews 2:23 warns that "just recompense" WILL BE RECEIVED for transgression and disobedience. If we choose not to repent of it, our worldly blindness (Romans 12:2) may cause many of us to feel the full extent of His recompense! Chapters two through six of Hebrews tries to prepare us for the reality ahead, and Hebrews 10:31 warns us that "it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God"! The judgment for Believers (Bema in the Greek) will bring a wealth of gratitude and unfathomable blessing and reward to the faithful, but the "loss" of the unfaithful may be equally devastating and severe!

PLEASE UNDERSTAND: The message of prophecy is hope, BUT it is EMPHATICALLY a hope based upon purity, a purity obtained by yielding ourselves totally to God, wholeheartedly seeking to serve Him by the power of the Holy Spirit within us! I John 1:9 assures Believers that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive them, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, BUT we must confess them! We must then turn from them in repentance (Luke 13:3)!

Revelation 10:9-11 tells of John being given a little book to eat that was sweet in his mouth, but then bitter in his stomach. That is much the same feeling we all probably experience as we ‹consider EVERY aspect of the judgment ahead. Even the concept of the split rapture can create these powerfully mixed emotions! Oh we can taste the sweetness of the rewards. They will be so marvelous. The bitterness we sense, however, can almost overpower us as we picture so many friends and loved ones suffering for 1,000 years because they have allowed this materialistic, look out for "don't worry, just be happy" society to blind them to the NEED to "walk with" God! We are reminded in Matthew 6:24 that NO MAN can serve two masters, yet so often we try to! Isn't it time to let go of the world and really, totally commit to God?

Brothers and sisters in Christ, God loves us SO MUCH. He wants us to come to repentance (II Peter 3:9)! He wants the spirit of the non Believer to be "saved from" the Lake of Fire, and the soul of the Believer to be "saved from" Gehenna. He :pleads with us to be ready! He has told us how to know when it was about time for Him to return (Matthew 24:33; I Thessalonians 5:4; and Matthew 16:3). The signs are all here. Wake up brethren; He's "even at the doors"! That is why this message is so urgent!

Hebrews 2:23 and 3:12-19 indicates that some of the brethren might be denied entrance to the Son's Millennial Kingdom of Heaven on Earth (alternate destination being "outer darkness" or Gehenna)! Can we just sit by and watch that happen without TRYING to warn them and restore them to a right relationship with God? That's the meaning of "SOUL" winning! We mustn't be afraid to share this with others. Could we truly love them, and stand idly by and say nothing when they may need to hear this?

Please don't hold too tightly to today's theology. It has been watered down tremendously over the years. "Fire and brimstone" preachers are passe'! Now the only thing we hear about is God's love. Indeed He is a good and loving God, but His love is a HOLY love, and in this day of deception and distortion we have all but lost that necessary perspective (Romans 11:22,33-34). Those messages that soothe our itching ears could destroy us! We must remember that the most acclaimed theologian is merely a man, and that theology is simply man's opinion. Let's get back "to God's Word and its clarification by the Holy Spirit within us to help us form our belief structures ~and dictate our walk with Him (John 14:26, Romans 12:2; and II Timothy 2:15). Let's seek HIS wisdom (James 1:5), walk after the Spirit (Romans 8:1), and prepare to meet our Maker! We may meet Him sooner than we think!

Titus 2:11-15 says: