1. GOD`S PROPHETIC CALENDAR. A. The Day of Christ.

[Marilyn C]

.

Edited August 12, 2016 by Marilyn C

[Ezra]

8 hours ago, Marilyn C said:

Hi Ezra,

So...let`s look at what God`s word means by complete, -

complete - Gk. `teleios,` meaning complete, growth, mental & moral character, completeness, of full age, perfect.

`...till we all come to the unity of the faith, & the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect (teleious) man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:...` (Eph. 4: 13)

I think that is quite clear. The Holy Spirit will bring the Body of Christ to a full understanding of Christ & His purposes.

Marilyn.

Marilyn,

The above is not a condition for the Rapture but  A RESULT OF the Rapture.

[Marilyn C]

7 hours ago, Ezra said:

Marilyn,

The above is not a condition for the Rapture but  A RESULT OF the Rapture.

Hi Ezra,

I do agree that when we see the Lord then we shall be like Him – perfect.

`Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.` (1 John 3: 2)

And that obviously is not a condition for the Rapture but a result of seeing Him when we are `caught up` to meet Him. We shall then be – perfect – body, soul & spirit.

Now concerning the portion of scripture in Ephesians 4, let`s have a closer look.

`…he, Himself (Christ) gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, & some pastors & teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith & the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

that we should no longer be children tossed to & fro & carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive, but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the Head – Christ –

 from whom the whole body, joined & knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes the growth of the Body for the edifying of its self in love.` (Eph. 4: 11 – 16)

 

Here we see that the Apostle Paul was referring to doctrine – what we believe of the Lord, His character & what He is doing, (His purposes). We remember that Paul told the believers that he declared to them the whole counsel of God. Then he warned them that people would come in amongst them to deceive them.

`For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves & to all the flock, ……for I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. ` (Acts. 20: 27 – 30)

We know from history the errors that came in to try & deceive people –

- Bishops substituted Ministry gifts. ( AD. 110)

- Formalism of worship. (close 3rd century)

- Amalgamation of church & State. (AD. 323)

- Infant sprinkling. (6th century)

- Penance indulgence. (AD. 1063)

And we also know the different moves of the Holy Spirit revealing truth. People often lost family, possessions, tortured & even martyred for all of these beliefs, (which today most of us take so freely).

- Lutheran – salvation by faith in Christ`s finished work on the cross. (1517)

- Baptist – full immersion in water for dying to old self & rising to new life in Christ. (1608)

- Methodist – Focusing on living a holy life. (1738)

- Missionary movements, Salvation Army etc

- Pentecostal – in filling of the Holy Spirit. (1906)

- Apostolic – the understanding of the 5 ascension ministry gifts of Christ. (1916)

 

Thus we see that the Holy Spirit, as the Lord directed, has led the Body of Christ over centuries, into more & more understanding of the knowledge of Christ. We are still in the `tossed to & fro` stage concerning a few truths but – praise the Lord, more & more I see people talking & discussing & really wanting to  know the truth & not just rely on tradition.

So I see that the Holy Spirit will finish the work of bringing the Body of Christ to maturity (of doctrine) where we will know the WHOLE COUNSEL of God that Paul declared to the early believers.

 

Marilyn.

[Marilyn C]

5 hours ago, Yowm said:

Last I checked the prodigal son can't be found in Eph 4:13 ...

until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, (Eph 4:13)
 

...nor the five foolish virgins...nor Rom 11:11.

Hi Yowm,

Amen. Well said.

Marilyn.

[Marilyn C]

1 hour ago, inchrist said:

till we all come to the unity of the faith & the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

In other words the fullness of the Gentiles.

What does fullness mean?

Romans 11:17, that when the  wild branches  (Gentiles) partake of the root and the  fatness  of the olive tree that is when the Gentles will become full or fat.

The fullness of the Gentiles will only occur once we return to Torah, if we are to become completed in Faith [Which we are now] and Knowledge [ which we still lack now - Torah].

The reverse is true for the Jews.

Now if you look to the Prodical son. You'll notice the son came back in true repentance to now be under the fathers house and observe his laws [torah]. The older son stayed and obeyed his fathers commandments. The younger son didnt.

When the younger brother came home, the father killed for him the  fatted calf  or a fat cow [please revert to the dream of Pharoh]. This means that the Heavenly Father wants to give the prodigal son the same blessing as the older son [Judah]. But thats not all, the father gives him a robe (resurrection/rapture - also revert to Josephs coat of many colors) and a ring (wedding)

This of cause provoked the older brother to jealousy. The older brother did everything right in the fathers eyes and felt undone by. 

But there is something the older son lacked, instead the older son displayed pride and dependence upon his own righteousness. What this brother lacked was the holy spirit (grace), he lacked Faith in Christ.

This concept is again reflected in the wise and foolish virgins.

See Judah obey's the Law of God (Torah) she does not whore herself with Islam or other religions therefore she is still a virgin but has rejected the Messiah...this makes her foolish. The wise virgin will be the church that has come into fullness of Faith and Knowledge of Christ, only then will Christ appear for his bride...this will prompt the foolish bride [judah] to jealousy.

 

Hi inchrist,

That is false teaching there bro. All conjecture & of your imagination. No development of teaching but just your interpretation of parables. And I will not enter in to a discussion here concerning Israel/Body of Christ.

I`m sorry if I seem harsh, but we have known each other for a few years now & I see you have a `blind spot` in your beliefs that keeps you from God`s truth. Thus I ask you not to continue your false beliefs here otherwise I will have to report them.

Marilyn.

Edited August 13, 2016 by Marilyn C

[Marilyn C]

I believe that when the Body of Christ comes to full maturity in Christ, (of doctrine, knowledge of the Lord) it is then that the Body will be gathered together to join the head – Christ.

`…with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, & our gathering together to Him,…` (2 Thess. 2: 1)
 

This great event of our `gathering together` is called the Day of Christ. This is specifically when the corporate Body of Christ from all over the world has reached full maturity of belief in Christ & is recognizing & obeying Christ`s authority & not man`s. It is the time, I believe, when the Head, Christ is physically joined with His people.

Here is the sequence of events as I see them from scripture.

 

1. THE FATHER`S THRONE.

Presently Jesus is seated on His Father`s Throne above all.

`He…sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.` (Heb. 1: 3)

Then at the predetermined time by God a `door` will be opened in heaven & God`s voice like a trumpet blast bids us welcome. `Come up here.` (Rev. 4: 1)

Note: I believe that John is a representative of what will happen to the Body of Christ.

 

2. JESUS DESCENDS.

Jesus will then vacate His position on the Father`s Throne & descend from heaven, to the clouds, with a shout, the voice of the archangel & the trumpet (voice) of God.

`For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, & with the trumpet of God.` (1 Thess. 4: 16)

 

3. WE ARE CHANGED.

The dead in Christ whose spirits come with Jesus from heaven will then connect with their earthly bodies in the graves & rise first to ground level in their new resurrected bodies.

`…the dead in Christ will rise first…` (1 Thess. 4: 14- 16)

 

Then those alive in the Body of Christ will be changed.

`…shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet… for this corruptible must put on incorruption, & this mortal must put on immortality.` (1 Cor. 15: 51 – 53)

 

4. THE ROYAL ESCORT TO JESUS` OWN THRONE.

We will then be caught up together with the resurrected dead to the clouds where we will meet with the Lord & escort Him to the third heaven to His own throne.

`Then we who are alive & remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.` (1 Thess. 4: 17)
 

`to meet,` GK. `apantesis,` this word is used in connection to escorting a person to their destination.

 

`to him who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on my throne.` (Rev. 3: 21)

 

Marilyn.

[Marilyn C]

[Marilyn C]

2. The Judgment Seat of Christ. (Bema Seat)

a) Every Christian examined. (1 Cor. 4: 5,  2 Cor. 5: 10,  Rom. 14: 10 – 12)

`Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness & reveal the counsels of the hearts; & then each one`s praise will come from God.` (1 Cor. 4: 5)

`For we must all appear before the judgment seat, (bema seat) of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.` (2 Cor. 5: 10)

`But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat (bema seat) of Christ….so then each of us shall give account of himself to God.` (Rom. 14: 10 – 12)

 

When the Body of Christ enters the third heaven, I believe we are taken to Christ`s own throne. Here each of us will be appraised by the Lord Jesus Christ as to how we cooperated with His Holt Spirit. This event is called the Bema seat of Christ.

BEMA SEAT

This is not a judicial bench to dispense condemnation, but rather like the official tribunal in the Greek Games where successful competitors assembled to receive their just reward.

Bema –  from the Greek, meaning a tribunal seat.

 

Marilyn

Edited August 18, 2016 by Marilyn C

[Marilyn C]

b) Rewards or Loss. (1 Cor. 3:11 – 15,  2 Jn. 8)

`For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one`s work will become manifest; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; & the fire will test each one`s work, of what sort it is. If anyone`s work which he had built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone`s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.` (1 Cor. 3: 11 – 15)

`Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.` (2 John 8)

 

The Apostle Paul write clearly, I believe to the Corinthian believers regarding this special event, the Bema seat judgment of Christ. It will be a time where the motives of our heart will be brought to light.

`(the Lord)…reveal the counsels (motives) of the hearts; & then each one`s praise will come from God.` (1 Cor. 4: 5)

 

Rewards or loss will be determined as to what was accomplished under the anointing & guidance of the Holy Spirit, or whether the underlying motive was for self, - pride. Paul warned the believers that they needed to be careful as to how they would `build` in their lives upon the foundation of Christ.

`For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid which is Jesus Christ.` (1 Cor 3: 11)
 

`Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones…` (1 Cor. 3: 12)

 

This is what I believe these `symbols` represent.

 

GOLD – Faith in God.

To build in our lives with the Holy Spirit, trusting God through life`s trials, temptations & difficulties, I believe is likened to `gold.` Gold, although very valuable, is perishable, but our faith in God is imperishable.

`…you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor & glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.` (1 Peter 1: 6 & 7)

 

SILVER – Redemption.

Similarly, silver is also valuable but perishable, however it is likened to building in our lives by the Holy Spirit the redeeming work of Christ.

`…knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver….but with the precious blood of Christ,…` (1 Peter 1: 17 – 21)

 

PRECIOUS STONES – Our individual lives.  

Precious stones are individual & each has their own special luster. It is a great example, or symbol, I believe, of how each of us, by the Holy Spirit, are being fashioned into a holy priesthood in Jesus Christ.

`Coming to Him as a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God & precious, you also, as living stones.` (1 Peter 2: 4 & 5)
 

Marilyn.

[Marilyn C]

c) Crowns allocated.  

I believe that different crowns, representing authority & responsibility will also be bestowed as additional rewards for specific service & faith.

Crowns, Gk. `stephanos,` meaning victor`s crowns.

 

1. The Crown of Life.

`Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.` (James 1: 12)

There are many trials we face as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

2. The Crown of Rejoicing.

`For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming.` (1 Thess. 2: 19)

There is great joy in discipling & mentoring others.

 

3. The Crown of Glory.

`Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; & when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.` (1 Peter 5: 2 – 4)

There is a great responsibility to be a `Shepherd of the flock` & not lord it over them.

 

4. The Crown of Victory.

`And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.` (1 Cor. 9: 25)

There is great freedom in being Holy Spirit guided & not self controlling.

 

5. The Crown of Righteousness.

`Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, & not only me but also all who have loved His appearing.` (2 Tim. 4: 8)

This is our hope – looking for the Lord Jesus Christ coming for His Body. It keeps us from being driven to try to change & fix the world which is destined for judgment.

 

Marilyn.

Edited August 20, 2016 by Marilyn C