Pornography──Becoming Recognized as "Normal"

by Leonard V Johnson

Pornography as we know it today was first published and invented in 1524 AD in Rome. Marcantonio Raimondi published 16 sexually explicit engravings by Giulio Romano entitled the I Modi. And, photography, which was invented in 1826 AD, unsurprisingly soon led to pornographic photos.

Pornography──in this present evil age──is becoming evermore recognized by secular sources as “normal.” Notice what the BBC (a noticeably Left-Center biased news source) put out concerning pornography –

November 29, 2024

'I couldn’t stop watching': Personal stories of how porn obsession takes over lives.

Ofcom’s Online Nation 2024 report suggests 29% of United Kingdom adults accessed online porn in May 2024. Additionally, new research from addiction treatment center, UKAT, suggests that millions of Britons are viewing pornography regularly – with 1.8 million watching daily, some multiple times a day.

According to treatment providers, more people are seeking help for problematic porn use.

Dr Paula Hall, a UKCP-accredited sexual and relationship psychotherapist at The Laurel Centre, in London, specializes in helping people affected by sex addiction and porn addiction.

“The numbers of clients seeking help with pornography problems at The Laurel Centre have doubled over recent years, as have our requests from health professionals for further training,” she tells the BBC.

Dr Hall explains that they have also seen a growing number of younger people seeking help.

“Ten years ago the majority of our clients would have been married men in their 40s and 50s who were seeking help because their partner had discovered their use of sex workers,” she says.

“But increasingly, our clients are in their 20s and 30s, many of whom are single, who are recognizing the growing toll of porn use on their lives and on their ability to get or maintain a relationship.” …

“Young people tell me their exposure to pornography is widespread and normalized – with the average age at which children first seeing pornography being 13 years old,” Dame Rachel de Souza, the current Children’s Commissioner, tells the BBC.

“Pornography is no longer confined to dedicated adult sites – children tell me they can see violent content, depicting coercive, degrading or pain-inducing sexual acts on social media.”

As on Facebook and MeWe!

Continuing…

“The implications of seeing this kind of material are vast – my research has found that frequent users of pornography are more likely to engage in physically aggressive sex acts.”

De Souza adds that it is “vital” for high-quality relationship and sex education to be given parity of importance with other subjects to help young people understand that pornography is unrealistic.”

(https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg57r337rvzo)

Now, pornography is unrealistic──but pornography can certainly also be dangerous to a relationship. It is HARMFUL mentally and spiritually to those who are enticed by it!

King Solomon, the wisest man of his time, inspired by the very Spirit of God says –

“My son, if sinners entice you, DO NOT CONSENT. 11) If they say, ‘Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; 12) Let us swallow them alive like Sheol [meaning, the grave], And whole, like those who go down to the Pit; 13) We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; 14) Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse’ ──

15) My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path.” – Proverbs 1:10-14.

The Satan-inspired pornography industry is indeed a sin-filled abomination unto the LORD God──and they have been from the beginning trying to entice people to sin!

We can certainly think of the ancient city of Pompeii (which was utterly destroyed in 79 AD by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius), which was a haven for the Roman mores of pornography, lust, and sex!

God’s living immutable word speaks against being “secretly enticed.” The prophet Job (Phonetic Pronunciation of Job is dzhob) in his discourse says –

“’ If I have made gold my hope, Or said to fine gold, ‘You are my confidence’; 25) If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, And because my hand had gained much; 26) If I have observed the sun [literally the light] when it shines, Or the moon moving in brightness, 27) So that my heart has been secretly enticed, And my mouth has kissed my hand; 28) This also would be an iniquity deserving of judgment, For I would have denied God who is above.’” – Job 31:24-28.

He also speaks against being “secretly enticed” regarding sexual lust –

“’ I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman? [see: Matthew 5:28] … 9) ‘If my heart has been enticed by a woman, Or if I have lurked at my neighbor’s door, 10) Then let my wife grind for another, And let others bow down over her. 11) For that would be wickedness; Yes, it would be iniquity deserving of judgment.’” – Job 31:1, 9-11.

Now, NEVER THINK that one can view pornography secretly──even though one may have an “InPrivate window” on their computer──because eventually, the LORD God says, “ … take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out.” – Numbers 32:23.

I referenced this above, but again, notice what our Lord Jesus Christ says to us –

“’ You have heard that it was said to those of old [within the law of Moses], ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28) But I say to you that WHOEVER looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

29) If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you [in other words – STOP COMMITTING THAT SIN AND CAST THAT SIN AWAY FROM YOURSELF]; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell [here speaking of gehenna fire].’” – Matthew 5:27-29.

Also, the apostle Paul speaking to the Church there in Corinth –

“Do you not know that YOUR BODIES are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot [a prostitute; and especially in that era and location – a temple prostitute]? CERTAINLY NOT! 16) Or do you not know that he who joins to a harlot is one body with her? For ‘the two,’ He says, ‘shall become one flesh.’ 17) But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

18) Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality SINS AGAINST HIS OWN BODY. 19) Or do you not know that YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT [that] is in you, [which] you have from God, and you are not your own?

20) For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” – 1 Corinthians 6:15-20.

Both physical and spiritual adultery is breaking the SEVENTH COMMANDMENT of the LORD God!

Our Lord Jesus, as well as the apostle Paul, WARNS US against stirring up, or mentally succumbing to sexual lust. “Sexual immorality” is most frequently translated as “fornication” ── in Greek porneia, meaning marital unfaithfulness, prostitution, adultery, a generic term for sexual sin of any kind.

Here are a few Scriptures that speak of sexual immorality –

“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but FORNICATORS and ADULTERERS God will judge” – Hebrews 13:4.

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should ABSTAIN FROM SEXUAL IMMORALITY; 4) that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5) not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles [or also the atheists] who do not know God.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5.

“But FORNICATION and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints. … 5) For THIS YOU KNOW, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” – Ephesians 5:3, 5.

And since pornography (in any form, i.e. video or magazine) causes a person to commit sexual immorality──our Lord Jesus Christ as well as the apostle Paul are also speaking about pornography! Including a person dressing inappropriately –

“’ A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the LORD your God.’” – Deuteronomy 22:5.

The apostle Paul──under the divine inspiration of God’s Spirit──admonishes us –

“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; …” 

– especially in Church services.

9) in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing.”

Things that adorn a woman to bring prideful attention to herself.

10) but which is proper for women PROFESSING GODLINESS, with good works.” – 1 Timothy 2:8-10.

The apostle James explains how we come to sin against the LORD God –

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; … 14) But each one is tempted when he is drawn away BY HIS OWN DESIRES and enticed. 15) Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death [here speaking of the ‘second death’ – Revelation 21:8].” – James 1:12, 14-15.

When one flees sexual immorality, one endures (or rather resists) temptation.

The apostle James admonishes us, brethren, to always submit to God! –

“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.’

7) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. … 10) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” – James 4:6-8, 10.

Being double-minded literally means undecided in your faith and conviction to the LORD God, or being a hypocrite – as in condemning something, yet doing that same thing you just condemned.

Satan the Devil desires that you accept the falsehoods associated with pornography.

And, if you are struggling with any pornography──i.e. videos or magazines──go to the LORD God in prayer and supplication and ask for help and strength in overcoming the temptation of pornography. Or, contact Help.org for sexual addiction rehabilitation and treatment.

You, my dear friend, can overcome!

The apostle Paul, speaking to the saints that were in ancient Corinth –

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? DO NOT BE DECEIVED. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10) nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

11) AND SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU. But you were washed, [recall our Lord Jesus says, ‘If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.’ – John 13:8], but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. □

What is the TRUE GOSPEL?

Just what is the true Gospel that our Lord Jesus Christ preached? Did the apostle Paul preach a different gospel to the Gentiles? Here, made plain, is the truth about – what Gospel.

by Leonard V Johnson

During His ministry, our Lord Jesus Christ explained to His disciples (Luke 19:11-27) that He (this ‘certain nobleman’ in His parable) “ … ‘went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom …’” But that He would first have to return to God the Father in the upper heavenly realms – “ … ‘and to return.’”

Now, in the Book of Daniel, the 7th chapter is a vision that describes this coronation –

“I watched in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days [God the Father], And they brought Him near before Him, 14) Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed” – Daniel 7:13-15.

In the upper heavenly realm, He will be given, officially, this Kingship; and there will supervise the Work of God in preparing and training brethren for His kingdom – to be co-rulers in His Government.

Jesus Christ’s Ministry

In the Book of Mark chapter 1 we read –

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” And, this beginning began with the work of John the Baptist. He prepared the Way for Jesus Christ’s ministry, or mission, of which God the Father had given Him.

“As it is written in the Prophets …” – as in the Book of Isaiah.

“ … ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ 3) ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the Way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.’”

Then follows the very beginning of Jesus Christ’s ministry –

Verse 14 – “Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15) and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in [obey] the gospel.’”

But, repent from what!? Repent of sin! In the 1st Book of John, we learn just what sin is –

“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” - 1 John 3:4.

Lawlessness against the Government of God!

Let us notice that our Lord Jesus Christ says that it is necessary that one repents! He also says that it is necessary for one to believe! Not only to believe in and on Him – but also to believe the gospel message.

What Gospel?

Back in the spring of 2018, a man on Facebook tried to tell me “the gospel that should be preached now is the Gospel of grace of God.” He also went on to say, “the gospel of the kingdom will be preached again after the rapture to Israel before the second coming. We cannot preach the gospel of the kingdom now because that was meant for the lost sheep of the house of Israel only.”

But, is this correct!? No.

Today, as it was so long ago (cf. Galatians 1:6-9), many preach a different gospel – “which is not another.” Some call what they preach, “the gospel of salvation,” “the gospel of the grace of God,” or even “the gospel of Proven Principles and of Winning Formulas,” “the gospel of Church and Christian Ministry,” along with “the gospel of the Great Man,” “the gospel of reincarnation,” “the gospel of political ideology.” Or even the Seventh-day Adventists’ “the gospel of the Three Angels”! Then, there’s the gospel, or rather the message, about going off to heaven. Then there are those who preach about Christ only – about His title. Now, they may call it the gospel of Christ – but none of these are the gospel that JESUS CHRIST taught and preached!

On the Internet it is replete with church organizations, of all kinds, falsely proclaiming “the fact that there are different gospels”! Which truly flies in the face of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as well as all the original apostles! One particular blasphemous site’s tagline reads – “Rightly dividing our walk!”

Now, our Lord Jesus Christ was crystal clear concerning just what gospel to believe and obey – “ … ‘the kingdom of God …’” The gospel of the kingdom of God! Our Lord Jesus Christ preached the gospel – the good news – of the soon-coming kingdom of God. The very Government of God which will be implemented upon the earth!

This is how we state just what gospel our Lord Jesus Christ brought and taught from God the Father –

“The very word “gospel” means good news. The Gospel is the wonderful, good news Message of God’s Master Plan of salvation for all mankind through the life, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ – “the Christ, the Son of the living God” – cf. Matt. 16:16; Mark 8:29; Luke 9:20.

The New Testament calls this Message the Gospel of grace. The Gospel of grace is the good news that Jesus Christ is the Savior – the Messiah – of the world and that through His blood all who repent and believe on Him may have their sins forgiven and may enter into the family of God. The Gospel is also a Message about the soon-coming kingdom of God on EARTH.

It is the glorious, good news that when Jesus Christ returns to the earth, He will set up His kingdom – His government. He will rule all nations as King of kings and Lord of lords. The saints who are given eternal life at the first resurrection – who are changed from mortal to immortal – will be co-heirs with Christ and will be given authority to rule His kingdom as kings and priests alongside Jesus Christ. Through preaching the Gospel, God is preparing saints for His kingdom by calling those whom He chooses to repentance and conversion.”

It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you rightly understand, clearly, just WHAT gospel our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ brought from God the Father! Also, just WHAT gospel was sent unto the Gentiles. In the spring of 1981, I came to rightly understand that this world’s “traditional Christianity” teaches and preaches different gospels! Certainly, this is something each individual has to prove to themselves! And, your Bible says that Satan the devil has ‘deceived the whole world!’ – Revelation 12:9.

Now, our Lord Jesus Christ said of Himself –

“ … ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, …’” – John 5:19a. And, “’ I can of Myself do nothing’” – vs. 30. Along with, “ … ‘The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works’” – John 14:10b. And, continuing He says, “’ Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; …’” – and speaking mostly of the end-time prophets He adds, 2 “ … ‘and greater works than these he will do, …’”

“’ the Spirit of truth, [which] the world cannot receive, … for [It] dwells with you and will be IN you’” – John 14:12, 17.

So, at the very beginning of His WORK OF GOD, our Lord Jesus Christ taught His twelve disciples, which God the Father had called unto Him (cf. John 17:24) the very Message given to Him by His Father concerning the soon-coming Kingdom of God.

Then, after 3 ½ years, our Lord Jesus finished that initial phase of the Work of God, which Father had given Him to do. In His final prayer to Father, He says, “’ I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do’” – John 17:4.

Note: Daniel 9:27, a two-fold prophecy, speaks of a remaining 3 ½ years of an end-time work. I briefly mention this in the article “Satan’s World” section ‘Satan’s sign and lying wonders’. Minister Garrett also writes concerning this –

“Daniel 9 gives us a clue: Contains what is often referred to as the SEVENTY WEEKS PROPHECY. Verse 27 – Remember, verse 25 we see the word “Messiah.” That’s who we’re talking about here in verse 27. The “he,” who – JESUS CHRIST – “he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;”

Which in Bible parlance, one day for a year – this is SEVEN YEARS. “But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.” Now, who was the ultimate sacrifice!? Jesus Christ. When did He die!? When was He executed!? He was executed on a WEDNESDAY, in the middle of the week. And, His human life ended after 3½ years of His public ministry. It was SEVEN YEARS He was supposed to have a very special dispensation. And He lived upon this earth for 3½ years, it begs the question: What became of the other 3½ years!? Well, the other 3½ years will be fulfilled in those events upon His return and for 3½ years the Millennium doesn’t really start, UNTIL AFTER 3½ years. Because Jesus Christ for 3½ years, is, as it were, remolding and reshaping the Earth – the people of the Earth. He’s getting the attitudes right. We are told “as a Rod of Iron.” And, Jesus Christ WILL wield that club, and we as members of the resurrected Family of GOD WILL in part wield that club, and here’s a part of the story – God uses the physical people of Israel as a part of His club. That’s a part of the story which has NEVER been told.” 

(Garrett, M.C. Notes Concerning the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day, 28 Sept. 2019, pgs. 16-17).

However, just prior to our Lord Jesus Christ finishing that initial phase of the Work of God, He had said to His disciples, “’ Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper [the Holy Spirit] will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send [It] to you’” – John 16:7.

So, after our Savior, Lord, and Master – Elder Brother – ascended to the very THRONE OF GOD, the very seat of the Government of the entire universe, He sent His Spirit. 3 And, about fifty days later – “when the Day of Pentecost had fully come” the Spirit of God was sent! And then His disciples became apostles!

Then, “having been built on the FOUNDATION of the apostles and prophets [of the Old Testament], Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20) He built His Church. “In whom the WHOLE BUILDING, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord” (vs. 21) – which is composed of those called and begotten children of God who have received, and in who is dwelling, God’s Holy Spirit – they are the spiritual temple of God.

Now, the head of Jesus Christ’s Church is not – and never has been – any man, but it’s always been the living Jesus Christ!

Why the Church?

Notice that the Church is called “His Body” – “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23) which IS HIS BODY, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” – Ephesians 1:22-23.

Just why is His Church called “the Body of Christ”!? – see also Ephesians 4:12; 5:30; Colossians 1:24; 1st Corinthians 10:17; 12:27; Romans 12:5.

Well, because it is the SAME POWER that had worked mightily in our Lord Jesus Christ’s human physical body which then entered the collective body of His Church. The Church, led by JESUS CHRIST from the upper heavenly realm after His resurrection unto glory – which was led by the apostles who had been taught and trained directly from Jesus Christ, becoming the COLLECTIVE BODY empowered by God’s Spirit – is today still being led by JESUS CHRIST from the upper heavenly realm – CARRYING ON THE LIVING WORK OF GOD!

And, that work, initially, was the divine commission. Notice this –

“ … ‘Go into ALL THE WORLD and preach the gospel to every creature’” – Mark 16:15. The word “creature” in Greek is ktisis, meaning, “creation or governmental institution.” Along with, “’ Go therefore and make disciples of [meaning, teach] all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20) teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; …’” – Matthew 28:19, 20.

Minister Guy C. LaMar has given a very informative sermon entitled “The Goal Of The Church” which certainly speaks volumes of God’s living truth! We are reminded that since God does not change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8), His divine commission for His Church has not changed.

Many within this world’s “traditional Christianity” falsely teach that our Lord Jesus Christ turned over the Church to the apostle Peter (cf. Matthew 16:17-19) – to a human successor as voted by men. But God’s living word distinctly says, “And He is the head of the body, the Church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, …” – Colossians 1:18. See also Ephesians 4:15; 5:23.

Just what is the purpose of Jesus Christ’s Church – even in this 21st-century world!? Well, in a nutshell – it is the same as it was in the 1st century! –

“For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the BODY OF CHRIST, 13) till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” – Ephesians 4:12-13.

And, again, just what gospel did the original apostles proclaim!? It was – and is – the gospel of the Kingdom of God! Let’s go through some of the Scriptures that prove this –

“These TWELVE Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: ‘Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6) But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7) And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom [from] heaven is at hand’” – Matthew 10:5-6.

Minister Michael C. Garrett teaches an enlightening truth regarding “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” –

“This is an end-time prophecy! Even though the story started out in about 30 AD, the story became a prophecy for the end-time. … Now, think about that phrase, ‘lost sheep.’ Jesus said, ‘feed My sheep.’ Now in one sense, the physical people of Israel are the ‘lost sheep.’ But in an even more spiritual, more heightened, more intense meaning, I think Jesus Christ might very well be saying, ‘Go to the lost Church members.’ ‘Go to those people who thought they were in a good organization, they didn’t realize their leaders were corrupt and their doctrines were impure – or highly compromised.’ ‘Go to those lost sheep!’ I think it has a double meaning!” 

(Garrett, M.C. The Day of Atonement Prophetically the Day of the Lord, 2019, pg. 38).

“He sent them to preach the kingdom of God …” – Luke 9:2.

“ … ‘and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you’” – Luke 10:9b.

“ … and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” – Acts 1:3b.

“But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, …” – Acts 8:12.

“And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God” – Acts 19:8.

“ … among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, …” – Acts 20:25.

“ … and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, …” – Acts 28:23.

“preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ …” – Acts 28:31.

“for the kingdom of God is not …” – Romans 14:17.

“For the kingdom of God is not …” – 1 Corinthians 4:20a.

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?” – 1 Corinthians 6:9. See also verse 10.

“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; …” – 1 Corinthians 15:50.

“ … those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” – Galatians 5:21b.

“For this you know, that no fornicator [whoremonger, meaning “pornos – one who is sexually immoral], unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” – Ephesians 5:5.

“ … These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God …” – Colossians 4:11b.

“ … that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, …” – 2 Thessalonians 1:5.

“Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, ‘Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God [God the Father], and the power of His Christ [Jesus the Christ] have come, …” – Revelation 12:10.

And, let us always be reminded, that the apostle Paul WARNED that a DOUBLE CURSE would be pronounced on anyone preaching any different gospel – Galatians 1:8-9.

We – built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone – continue to bring you the great and awesome message of God - which is based upon the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God. Our mission and our purpose is to follow the admonition of Jesus Christ, when He said, “’ FEED MY SHEEP!’” We do the will of God the Father and Jesus Christ - to preach the Gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ, of His forgiveness, of His atoning sacrifice, of the opportunity for all of us, to have Jesus Christ as our great High Priest and to live under the promises of the New Covenant, and to someday be a part of the glorious Kingdom of God! □

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What Is the Kingdom of God?

by Leonard Johnson

You can now listen to this article. Just click on the orange play button below.

COJCOM · What Is the Kingdom of God? Audio Article

Multiple millions of people believe that the Church is the Kingdom of God. Then there are others who believe the Kingdom is an emotional feeling inside your heart. Here is the true answer from God’s living word – the Holy Bible.

This subject excites us like no other! But, in this world, it creates more confusion like no other. The “Kingdom of God.”

A plethora of ideas are being taught around the world concerning the glorious Kingdom of God. As an example Microsoft Bing – when asked the question “What is the Kingdom of God?” lists first – “The Kingdom of God is the realm where God reigns supreme, and Jesus Christ is King. It is not a physical or political territory, but a spiritual and moral domain.” Got Questions isn’t any better – with their “reviewed” answer, they vaguely and broadly answer (reviewed for biblical and theological accuracy by their staff) – “Broadly speaking, the kingdom of God is the rule of an eternal, sovereign God over all the universe.” Have you heard these types of answers!?

You probably have, because these vague, spiritually sounding ideas about the Kingdom of God are worldwide.

Truly, is the Kingdom of God something you can understand? Is it a mystery? Or is it something that like the false doctrine of the Trinity — cannot be understood logically!?

ARE YOU ABLE TO LEARN WHAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD TRULY IS!?

The apostle Peter exhorts everyone who earnestly desires the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the ultimate Plan of God to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” – 2 Peter 3:18. The apostle Jude wrote – under divine inspiration of our living God – “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly FOR THE FAITH WHICH WAS ONCE FOR ALL DELIVERED TO THE SAINTS” – Jude 1:3.

Do you truly know what God’s living word says concerning the Kingdom of God, or have you, like the multiple millions worldwide, just taken for granted what your preacher or priest is teaching today!? As I pointed out in the examples, sadly the majority of our peoples have been hearing a syrupy, vague, false gospel – which actually DENIES the Message of our Lord Jesus Christ from Father God concerning the glorious soon-coming Kingdom of God!

Let’s search God’s living word and “prove all things. Hold fast to that which is good” – 1 Thessalonians 5:21, NET.

Definition of a Kingdom

Back in December 1998, I bought my wife a Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary Tenth Edition – which states that the definition of a kingdom is “1 archaic: KINGSHIP. 2: a politically organized community or major TERRITORIAL unit having a monarchial form of GOVERNMENT headed by a king or queen.” 1

Surely, the same people who just fatally and glibly spout off their ideas about what they think the Kingdom of God is KNOW THIS TRUE DEFINITION! A kingdom. We might immediately think of the United Kingdom. A literal and actual “territorial unit having a monarchial form of government headed by” King Charles III. Is the United Kingdom physical? Is the United Kingdom political? Or, is it something that is just “set up in the hearts of men”!?

In fact, going back to the fatal Got Questions – and I use the word fatal because they (whom they call “dedicated and trained servants”) are leading our peoples astray and are causing great confusion give this very answer to the question - What did Jesus mean when He said, “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21, KJV)?

“The kingdom would not be inaugurated with spectacle or splendor; … God was ruling in the hearts of some people, and the King Himself was standing among them, … There are three popular interpretations of Jesus’ words … 1) the kingdom of God is essentially inward, within man’s heart; 2) the kingdom is within your reach if you make the right choices; and 3) the kingdom of God is in your midst in the person and presence of Jesus.” 2

At the end of the article, they appease everyone and actually give an answer close to the truth. So, they cover all their bases – they certainly wouldn’t want to offend anyone.

There are four things necessary for a KINGDOM: 1) territory. A specific location and definite boundary lines. 2) A Monarch. A supreme ruler or government agent. 3) Subjects or citizens within the territory. 4) LAW for the kingdom. If we leave out any of these vital requisites, we cannot have and cannot believe, the true gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Let’s go through these four points, proving the truth of God from the living word of God.

Territory of the Kingdom of God

Any kingdom must occupy a certain given TERRITORY! The kingdom must govern subjects within a marked territory.

Sadly, the majority of our peoples are trying to spiritualize away the true meaning of the Kingdom of God. And, the “kingdom of God” is used as a catch-all phrase (much like the phrase Armageddon) to define their idealism of what men hope to attain someday through their own efforts. Then there are those who believe and teach that the churches will someday “evangelize” the entire world and will unite into a common church – the Roman Catholic Church teaches that the church exists to evangelize. The Catholics are completely confused – they don’t appear to know what to think. “The Kingdom is not a thing, it is not a geographical dominion like worldly kingdoms. It is a person; it is he. [sic] On this interpretation, the term ‘Kingdom of God’ is itself a veiled Christology. … The Kingdom of God resides in the heart of man. … the kingdom of God is in the here and now, present in and through the Church.” 3

IT'S SAD TO SEE SUCH CONFUSION!

Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself says, “’ The law and the prophets [the Old Testament] were until John [John the Baptist]. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.’” – Luke 16:16. The very gospel that our Lord Jesus Christ brought from God the Father was the Message of the soon-coming Kingdom (a ruling government) of God!

“’ He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me’” – John 14:24.

WHERE did our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ say the Kingdom of God would be?

It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you rightly understand, clearly, just WHAT gospel our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ brought from God the Father!

Also, just WHAT gospel was sent unto the Gentiles. In the spring of 1981, I came to rightly understand that this world’s “traditional Christianity” teaches and preaches different gospels! Certainly, this is something each individual has to prove to themselves! And, your Bible says that Satan the devil has ‘deceived the whole world!’ – Revelation 12:9.

During His ministry, our Lord Jesus Christ explained to His disciples (Luke 19:11-27) that He (this ‘certain nobleman’ in His parable) “ … ‘went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom …’” But that He would first have to return to God the Father in the upper heavenly realms – “ … ‘and to return.’”

Now, in the Book of Daniel, the 7th chapter is a vision that describes this coronation –

“I watched in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days [God the Father], And they brought Him near before Him, 14) Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed” – Daniel 7:13-15.

In the upper heavenly realm, He will be given, officially, this Kingship; and there will supervise the Work of God in preparing and training brethren for His kingdom – to be co-rulers in His Government.

Where is our Lord Jesus going to be!? Notice Acts 1:10-11 – “And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven [the atmosphere] as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11) who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? THIS SAME JESUS, who was taken up from you into heaven, WILL SO COME IN LIKE MANNER as you saw Him go into heaven [the atmosphere].’”

Just as plain as day! He’s coming back to the Earth, His residence is on the Earth, He’s gonna live on the Earth for all eternity and we’re gonna be with Him! It’s just amazing!

In the Book of Daniel the 2nd chapter – and in fact we have a series of free no-obligation online booklets written by Minister Michael C. Garrett which covers the Book of Daniel in great detail. Be sure to check those three booklets out! But, here, I just want to briefly go over this. I want to cover what an incredible dream that King Nebuchadnezzar II had – and the prophet Daniel was invited to come and interpret it. King Nebuchadnezzar II saw in his dream this great image – with ‘a head of gold, the breast and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay.’ Speaking about FOUR successive world-dominating kingdoms down through history. Its feet partly of iron and partly of clay were represented as the last world-ruling kingdom to exist before the glorious and powerful return of Jesus Christ. Verse 34 – “You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. 35) … And the stone that struck the image became A GREAT MOUNTAIN and filled the whole earth” – Daniel 2:31-35.

The LORD God speaks of a kingdom as a MOUNTAIN – Prophet Micah was inspired to record the following:

“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days [the Millennial Reign of Christ, see also Isaiah 2:1-4] That the Mountain of the LORD’s House [speaking of the kingdom of God] Shall be established on the top of the mountains [speaking of human governments], And shall be exalted above the hills; And peoples shall flow to it. 2) Many nations [minus “Gog and Magog” – which today is known as Russia and its provinces – see “Ezekiel 38- Gog and Magog” along with our article “Gog and Magog In Prophecy”; Revelation 20:7-9] and China and its provinces along with the likes of Siberia and numerous other Gentile allies] shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go to the Mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His Ways, And we shall walk in His paths.’” – Micah 4:1-2.

On EARTH As It Is In Heaven

The Old Testament also teaches of the glorious and powerful return of Jesus Christ TO THE EARTH! Turn with me to the Book of Proverbs, chapter 24, verse 20 –

“For there will be no prospect for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out.” – there won’t be a reward for the evil man.

Surely that means there will be a reward for a righteous man – and what is this reward!? How does one receive this reward!? Do you receive this reward – now!? No, it’s not while you’re alive in this physical body.

Isaiah, chapter 40, verse 10 –

“Behold, the Lord GOD shall come with a strong hand, And His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him. 11) He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them to His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.”

So, the reward is coming with Him. And, the reward is simply what God’s going to give to each individual for the work (see: cf. Acts 26:20 – “do works befitting repentance”) they’ve done while in service to God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Isaiah, chapter 62, and verse 11 –

“Indeed the LORD has proclaimed To the end of the world: ‘Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Surely your salvation is coming; Behold His reward is with Him, And His work before Him.’”

Notice from the New Testament – “For the Lord Himself will DESCEND FROM HEAVEN {which means come down out of the atmosphere} with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet {THE SEVENTH TRUMPET; THE RESURRECTION TRUMPET} of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17) Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. …” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. Clouds. Again Webster’s Dictionary – “1: a visible mass of particles of condensed vapor (as water or ice) suspended in the atmosphere of a planet (as the earth) or moon.” 4

And, your Bible tells us what takes place immediately after our Master, Elder Brother, and Savior gathers His saints – “Then the LORD will go forth And fight against those nations, {be sure to read and study A Morning Bible Study - Just What Is Armageddon? PDF} As He fights in the day of battle. 4) And in that day [the prophesied Day of the LORD] His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east.” – Zechariah 14:3-4.

Our Lord Jesus stated to the disciples and to all of us brethren “’ Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘WHERE I AM GOING, YOU CANNOT COME, … 2) … I go to prepare a place for you. 3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I WILL COME AGAIN and receive you to Myself; that where I am, [ON THE EARTH] there you may be also.’” – John 13:33; 14:2-3.

That’s the greatest promise in the Bible!! In fact, nothing comes close to that promise, and yet, many churches – so-called Christian churches – don’t even talk about this, don’t even think about it. It’s not even a part of their doctrine. But here He says, ‘I will come again!’ And there are some church groups that believe that Jesus Christ will return. Again, there’s a lot of confusion about when, where, and how. “…’ and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.’” – those are very encouraging Words, but He said, ‘I WILL COME AGAIN!’ Jesus Christ, someday, in the not-too-distant future, is going to return to this Earth, and when He does – or just before He does and as He does – there will be the Day of the Lord. It is a date in future history where Jesus Christ directly confronts rebellious evil sinful mankind and will punish this present evil age, and quite literally, break it down, and then He will start over! Building a society which is often called the Millennium, the World Tomorrow, it will be the millennial reign of Jesus Christ!

Sadly, very few who profess Jesus Christ actually believe in a Millennial Reign of Christ – even though His living word teaches it (cf. Revelation 20:4-6; see also A Book of the Past – And The Future). The majority who are looking for Jesus believe that He will be a “sweet” Jesus. As in “looks like a lamb” - cf. Revelation 13:11. But in fact, He will not be so sweet ─

For “’ He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’”! – Revelation 2:27.

What about the Roman Catholics – with an estimated 1.2 billion worldwide, according to the Vatican figures!?

Well, officially, they do not believe in a Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ – in spite of the fact that many of their “saints” taught the millennium. The Vatican strongly condemns this doctrine of the Church of God as blasphemous!

“676 The Antichrist’s deception already begins to take shape in the world every time the claim is made to realize within history that messianic hope which can only be realized beyond history through the eschatological judgment. The Church has rejected even modified forms of this falsification of the kingdom to come under the name of millenarianism, especially the ‘intrinsically perverse’ political form of a secular messianism.”

(https://www.olmca.org/ourpages/users/evillasenor/CatechismCatholicChurch2ndEdition.pdf). 

Notice Revelation 5:10 – “’ And He will make us [a kingdom] and priests to our God; And we shall reign ON THE EARTH.’” – NET.

This EARTH is the TERRITORY that the Kingdom of God will be established!

A Kingdom Requires A Ruler

Jesus Christ comes back and RULES from the throne of the earth – of which Satan the Devil is currently residing on (cf. John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 12:9) – just as the angel told Mary, “’ He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob [a united kingdom of Israel as well as all other kingdoms of the world] forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.’” – cf. Luke 1:32-33.

He's coming back to make war – “Now I [the apostle John] saw heaven [again, the atmosphere] opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and IN RIGHTEOUSNESS He judges and makes war. 12) His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written than no one knew except Himself. 13) He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called THE WORD OF GOD. … 16) And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” – Revelation 19:11-16.

“Then the SEVENTH ANGEL sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven [the atmosphere], saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord [God the Father] and of His Christ [Jesus the Christ], and He shall reign forever and ever!’” – Revelation 11:15.

Our Lord and Savior ANNOUNCED – “’ All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth’” – Matthew 28:19. Yet, He also said, “’ My kingdom is not of this world. …’” – John 18:36. In other words, of this time, of this age. He was born to be a King. And He said that if we overcome, we would co-rule with Him upon His throne, even as He also overcame and sat down with His Father on His throne.

Just WHERE will He establish His headquarters on earth!?

In New Jerusalem! Notice: “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven [the atmosphere], prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” – Revelation 21:2.

“And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain [which represents the kingdom of God], and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem [the New Jerusalem], descending out of heaven from God. … 22:3 the throne of God [God the Father] and of the Lamb [our Lord Jesus Christ] shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.” – Revelation 21:10; 22:3.

“’ At that time [the Millennium Reign of Christ] Jerusalem shall be called The Throne of the LORD, and all the nations [all the leaders of these nations] shall be gathered to it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem. No more shall they follow the dictates of their evil hearts.’” – Jeremiah 3:17.

The Kingdom’s People

Perhaps no other question garners more controversy and argument than the IDENTITY of those who will be in the Kingdom of God. I remember asking a girlfriend’s grandmother this question once back in the ‘80s (she was a devout Mormon). She gave their standard answer, “the church itself is the kingdom of God on the earth.” She certainly didn’t like what I had to say concerning the living truth of God on this subject.

Our Lord Jesus Christ says, “’ My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.’” – John 10:27. Also, “’ If you love Me, keep My commandments.’” – John 14:15; 15:10.

The apostle Paul under inspiration – “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are [children] of God” – Romans 8:14.

And, God’s divine word tells us who will be in the glorious kingdom of God – and who will not!

Notice – Revelation 22:14-15 – “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city [the City of New Jerusalem; the Headquarters of the Kingdom of God]. 15) But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.”

To Note: Mormons (LDS Church or Mormon Church) keep the Day of the Sun as a day of rest. So, the Mormons are not the begotten children of God – cf. Exodus 20:8-10. Be sure to read Mr. LaMar’s article “Saturday Sabbath with Jews and Sunday with Gentiles?” along with “The Day of the Sun” PDF version.

Unless You Are Born Again

In the Book of John, the 3rd chapter here we read the response that Jesus gave to a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus who was curious in regards as to whether Jesus was really who He said He was. So, here was, in all accounts, an upstanding man in his society who came to Jesus at night – because he didn’t want his neighbors or religious associates to discover that he was conversing with Jesus Christ. Indeed it says in verse 2 – “This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs [these miracles] that You do unless God is with him.’” It’s amazing – here it was that he understood that Jesus was someone of extreme importance and that His ability to perform these miracles – he knew that the Man came from God, yet here he was out at night – incognito – so that no one saw him. It reminds us of religious people today. They claim to be Christian but are very afraid to truly keep the commandments of God and have and defend the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Our Lord Jesus went on to explain, verse 3 – “ … ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’”

And Nicodemus said in bewilderment – verse 4 – “ …’ How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’”

Notice our Lord Jesus’ response. He says, verse 5 – “ …’ Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’”

There is a vast number of people today who believe that they have eternal life as a result of some sort of religious experience. I recall once while my wife and I were driving around one Sunday looking for garage sales, we pulled into a place called the Holy Ground in Hudson, FL. – a homeless shelter for men only. They were having a rather large garage sale. And as we pulled up, off to our right a man was flopping around on the ground like a fish out of water. We must have had shock written on our faces, because suddenly another man came running over to the car and shouted, “It’s alright! He’s got the Holy Ghost in him! He’s just been born again!” We quickly pulled back out of the driveway and left. Also – a dear friend of mine, whom we lost to cancer on April 19th, 2020, swore up and down that Asa A. Allen, the 1950s tent revivalist, literally cast the devil out of a man possessed. “I gave my heart to the Lard!” they claim.

What they actually mean is they had a moving experience. It was brought about by the excitement of the occasion – perhaps the music which lifted their spirit. Whether it was the religious fervor of being in a crowd at the time, or the preacher having an ‘altar call’ perhaps while the choir was singing – Just As I Am, Lord! Or an emotional stir by a charismatic preacher – as you can see erupting out of those Allen revival meetings. They say that after Asa A. Allen attended a tent revival hosted by Oral Roberts in 1949, he wanted to open his own revival meeting. And, like Simon Magus, he established a large following. In ’55 he purchased a large tent, and soon many people were saying, “this man is the great power of God!” So many of this world’s preachers say – the only way that you have God’s Holy Spirit – or proof of God’s Holy Spirit – is by this idea of speaking in tongues. Now, people are sincere when they have these experiences of being “saved” – of ‘giving their heart to the Lord.’ They believe that they are saved.

But, it couldn’t be any plainer what our Lord Jesus said – before anyone may enter the Kingdom of God, they must be REBORN OF THE SPIRIT! And, only one being has been born again of the Spirit at this time – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Verse 6 – “’ That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’”

Our Lord Jesus is the firstborn of many brethren! (Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:18; 1st Corinthians 15:20).

These multiple millions of people who believe they have been “born again” can certainly do a simple test to prove whether or not they have been REBORN OF THE SPIRIT! Are they able to be seen by others? Are they VISIBLE!? Do they still have blood flowing in their veins!?

OF COURSE!

Then they are not “born again”!

Remember the living word of our Master, Savior, and Elder Brother – “’ That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’”

He goes on and explains, verse 8 – “’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.’”

This friends is the plain teaching of the LORD our God! So, this new birth is not defined as just an emotional experience as so many are erroneously assuming. It is a literal BIRTH!

When you are “born again” – meaning, born of the Holy Spirit of God, you will be “like Him [Jesus Christ], for we shall see Him as He is.” You will not be seen by mortal eyes (unless you choose to manifest yourself), and you will be able to move like the wind.

Truly, our Lord Jesus says we must be “born again” – changed into wholly spiritual beings – born of the Spirit of God as divine children in the God family!

The Church of God is NOT the Kingdom of God! No physical nation, province, country, or kingdom is the Kingdom of God!

The apostle Paul explains, “’ Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood CANNOT inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.” – 1st Corinthians 15:50.

All physical nations, provinces, countries, and kingdoms on this Earth are all composed of flesh and blood people. The Church of God is currently composed of flesh and blood people – therefore has not inherited the glorious Kingdom of God.

Those who will be BORN OF GOD, who will be changed – “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet [the SEVENTH TRUMPET, the RESURRECTION TRUMPET]. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead [the dead in Christ] will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” – 1st Corinthians 15:52 – will be a part of the actual government of the LORD God – co-rulers with Jesus Christ, the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!

The physical people – those being governed – will be physical, carnal nations on Earth! Again, let’s notice Zechariah 14. The LORD God will send drought to punish those physical nations in the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ who do not want to OBEY and keep the commanded Feast of Tabernacles.

“And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 17) And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, on them there will be no rain. 18) If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 19) This shall be the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles” – Zechariah 14:16-19.

“’ Behold, the LORD makes the earth empty and makes it waste, Distorts its surface And scatters abroad its inhabitants. … 5) The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants, Because they have transgressed the laws, Changed the ordinance, Broken the everlasting covenant. 6) THEREFORE the curse has devoured the earth, And those who dwell in it are desolate. Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, AND FEW MEN ARE LEFT.’” – Isaiah 24:1, 5-6.

One of the great meanings of the Feast of Tabernacles is that God will someday ‘TABERNACLE’ in His tabernacle on the earth for all eternity! GOD THE FATHER is going to tabernacle with men! The Seventh-Day Adventists’ prophetess Ellen G. White was horribly wrong when she taught that the earth was going to be melted down like liquid glass! She actually DID NOT finish quoting the living eternal word of God! 5

Again already quoted, Micah chapter 4 shows us that the glorious Kingdom of God will be composed of those who will be BORN OF GOD – actually co-ruling over “the kingdom of this world” who are physical human beings! “Many nations shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up the mountain of the LORD [the Kingdom of God], To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we will walk in His paths.’ …” – Micah 4:2.

Our Eternal LORD God shows us that the inhabitants, the physical people of the earth shall be scattered abroad, and, although the LORD God is punishing the inhabitants of the earth for their transgressions, there will be a FEW MEN LEFT to repopulate the Earth in the Millennial Reign of our Lord Jesus Christ!

A Job To Be Done!

When our Sovereign Lord returns He will put down any opposition against the Kingdom of God! But WOE to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea!

“Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, [the atmosphere] ‘Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God [God the Father], and the power of His Christ [our Lord Jesus Christ] have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down” – Revelation 12:10.

Notice chapter 6 of the Book of Revelation as well –

“And the stars [here, Satan and his demons] of heaven [the atmosphere] fell to earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.”

Eventually, Satan the Devil along with his minions will be bound for a thousand years so that he cannot continue to deceive the whole world –

“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven [again, the atmosphere], having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2) He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3) and cast him into the bottomless pit [the abyss; prison], and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. …” – Revelation 20:1-3.

Major violence and hate will subside. Military weaponry will be a thing of the past. Military weapons will be converted into peaceful and productive implements –

“Now it shall come to pass IN THE LATTER DAYS That the mountain of the LORD’s house [the headquarters of the kingdom of God; New Jerusalem] Shall be established on the top of the mountains [Kingdoms or Governments], And shall be exalted above the hills [smaller nations]; and all nations shall flow to it. 4) He [the Lord our God] shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore” – Isaiah 2:2,4.

When the LORD God’s literal Kingdom is established upon the Earth, those who are co-rulers with Jesus Christ will be instrumental in teaching all physical nations, provinces, countries, and kingdoms God’s Way to live.

This is part of the glorious message from Father God that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ brought almost 2,000 years ago. Yet, this present evil world as a whole has rejected this message.

We and our affiliated churches ANNOUNCE THIS MESSAGE!

Law For the Kingdom

The glorious Kingdom of God will be a WORLD-RULING KINGDOM. Again, Revelation 11:15 – “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven [the atmosphere], saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord [God the Father] and of His Christ [our Lord Jesus Christ], and He shall reign forever and ever!’” There is no ambiguity in that statement! The LORD God’s GOVERNMENT is accomplished through LAW – the LAW OF GOD! And God alone is LAWGIVER – cf. James 4:12.

The LORD God’s immutable and relevant Law is summed up in the TEN COMMANDMENTS.

“The works of His hands are verity and justice [judgment]; All His precepts [His commands or principles intended esp. as a general rule of action 6] are sure. 8) They stand fast forever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness.” – Psalm 111:7-8.

Our Lord Jesus Christ was and is a living EXAMPLE of the Law of God – and taught mankind to “’ not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:4.

“For this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, LEAVING US AN EXAMPLE, that you should follow His steps: 22) ‘Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth.’” – 1 Peter 2:21-22.

For our Lord Jesus teaches us – “ … ‘If you want to enter into life [eternal life], KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS’” – Matthew 19:17.

As our upper heavenly Elder Brother, High Priest, and Savior explains to us in the likes of the Book of Matthew chapter 5, we are to DO and TEACH the commandments of God, and that our righteousness (and it’s not our own righteousness, but a righteousness which is through faith in Christ, THE RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS FROM GOD BY FAITH – cf. Philippians 3:9) should exceed ‘the righteousness’ of the scribes and Pharisees.

Our Lord Jesus goes on in this chapter to actually mention some of His commandments that were given at Mount Sinai – about murder, about stealing, about adultery. Speaking of the letter of the commandments. Our righteousness (and again, not our own righteousness - THE RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS FROM GOD BY FAITH) is to exceed the uber-religious of our day – of those who want to be JEWISH and Christian. Or, the term Judeo-Christian. And to this day – within the Church of God – there are people throughout all of these congregations who believe that they want to become followers of Jewish tradition, and that somehow that will make them more righteous. Of this, our Lord Jesus tells us – “’ For I say to you, that unless your righteousness [the righteousness which is from God by faith] exceeds the righteousness [the righteousness from their trying to keep all the extremely physically oriented ritualistic laws] of the scribes and Pharisees, you WILL BY NO MEANS ENTER THE KINGDOM [FROM] HEAVEN’” – Matthew 5:20.

So, since our Lord JESUS CHRIST “is the same yesterday, today, and forever” He will be KEEPING THE TEN COMMANDMENTS within you and within me just as He kept them within the apostle Paul. “I have been crucified with Christ, yet I live. Indeed, it is no longer I; but Christ lives in me. For the life that I am now living in the flesh, I live by faith—that very faith of the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20.

Anyone who does NOT obey and DOES NOT keep God’s commandments are NOT His! Thus, they DO NOT have the Holy Spirit of God. They have their own idea of just what the Holy Spirit actually is – but they truly are NOT His!

God does not bend His rules to fit people’s imaginations of what their religiosity or tradition claims.

The Holy Spirit is only within those who are TRULY OBEDIENT TO GOD and forsake their own lives for Jesus Christ and who OBEY GOD’S COMMANDMENTS – summed up with the TEN COMMANDMENTS!

The apostle Paul – under divine inspiration – also teaches us that God’s Law is spiritual – Romans 7:14. So, with our mind we serve the Law of God – verse 25.

WHAT GLORIOUS GOOD NEWS!

The LORD God – the Family of God which at this time consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ – are going to soon step in. They are going to intervene in Their great and awesome POWER AND STRENGTH to save mankind from their wretchedness, poverty, crime, and imprisonment! The Kingdom of God will be established upon this EARTH!

A JOYOUS, HAPPY, WORLD TOMORROW will be established! May the eternal God grant you the blessing to strive with all your heart and soul to qualify to be a part of the family of God within the glorious soon-coming Kingdom of God! □

Bibliography:

1 Webster, M. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary Tenth Edition, Merriam-Webster’s Incorporated, 1996, pg. 643.

2 What did Jesus mean when He said, “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21, KJV)? Got Questions.org. Retrieved 22 Nov. 2023.

3 Fradd, M. What is the Kingdom of God? Catholic Answers, 11 June 2013.

4 Ibid. 217.

5 White, E.G., The Great Controversy Between Christ And Satan, Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1911, pg. 657.

6 Webster’s pg. 916.

What Is Grace?

 by Guy C. LaMar

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, NOT OF WORKS, lest anyone should boast.” – Eph. 2:8-9.

The Apostle Paul urges us, “Test [or rather, PROVE] all things; hold fast what is good.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:21.

“’ To the law and to the testimony!’” says the LORD God – the very family of God; which at this moment consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ – through the Prophet Isaiah. “’ If they do not speak according to this word [the Word of God; Deut. 8:3; Matt. 4:4], it is because there is no light in them.” – Isaiah 8:20.

Now, just what IS sin!? What is God’s definition of what SIN is!? “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, AND SIN IS LAWLESSNESS” – 1 John 3:4.

So, since this is what sin is – then the BREAKING OF GOD’S LAW IS SIN!

Satan the Devil and his ministers (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) have been CONFUSING the true meaning of grace in the majority of mankind’s minds!

Sadly, this whole world – according to God’s living word – has been DECEIVED! – Revelation 12:9; 20:3.

So, just what IS grace!?

Grace is Favor, Kindness, and MERCY. It is a DIVINE MERCY OR FORGIVENESS!

Grace is FORGIVENESS! Grace is a PARDON! Grace is MERCY!

The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of God’s Spirit, says, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. 15) What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!” – Romans 6:14-15.

Here, a lot of people use this Scripture to do away with God’s Law (the Ten Commandments) – they say, “Ah! There it is, you’re not under the Law anymore but under grace!” Well, look again at what he says here – he doesn’t say that the law doesn’t have dominion over you, does he!? What does he say!? That “sin shall not have dominion over you.” There's a huge difference there! Sometimes when Paul uses the word “law,” he’s talking about the Old Covenant or the law of the Levites and the temple people – as he is here. He’s talking about that law or that collection of practices that we would normally label under the umbrella as the Old Covenant. We’re under grace – we’re under the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, under the priesthood of forgiveness, hope, help, and love. And you know, that’s what we should do to people. I believe Paul is speaking of the law of the Old Covenant, or the law of the Levites and the temple elite - here.

“Therefore, just as through one man sin [Adam] entered the world, and DEATH [the death penalty] through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned ─” – Romans 5:12.

Now, I feel we should be reminded here of this - some Protestant groups misinterpret, they misapply, they misrepresent the term ‘God’s grace,’ and they make it into the incorrect concept of ‘once saved always saved’ – of which they call “eternal security.” You know, “Give your heart to the Lord, and it’s all said and done!” Well, that’s not correct! Many ministers from the outreaches of the churches of God continue to avoid or detour completely around God's holy grace because they think the word "grace" sounds too Protestant. And yet, the term ‘God’s grace’ – my friends, we have no chance unless God is gracious to us! Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ forever be praised - Amen!

“For the wages of sin is death, but …” – and we always quote this first part here – ‘THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH!’ That is certainly true. But look at the second part of this – I want to focus on that part here. “ … the gift of God is eternal life [through] Christ Jesus our Lord.” That is the grace that God gave! That is the glory of God being expressed through His love – through Jesus Christ – by giving us His Son! ‘ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST!’

Sadly, every human being has – because of our very nature of hostility against the LORD God and Their commands (see Rom. 8:7) – has been convicted of sinning and breaking the LORD God’s commands – summed up in the TEN COMMANDMENTS! And, the penalty is DEATH! – Rom. 6:23. Our Lord Jesus Christ DIED in order to PARDON OUR PAST SINS! – Rom. 5:8.

UNMERITED GRACE is the ultimate mercy of the LORD God – the unearned, undeserving PARDON of our great and loving God when we properly and completely repent of our past sins.

“In Him [our Lord Jesus Christ] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” – Eph. 1:7.

GRACE, then, is the LORD God’s loving willingness to FORGIVE US of our past sins!

Even before the ink was dry on the pages of the New Testament, Almighty God inspired the Apostle Jude to write, “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” – the keeping of the TEN COMMANDMENTS and ACKNOWLEDGMENT that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Master! “For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God [God the Father] and our Lord Jesus Christ” – Jude 1:3-4.

This, remember, was a prophecy of many centuries ago! The Apostle Jude went on to describe these ungodly men as those who were resentful and hostile toward any government, the laws of any government, and any in authority.

“Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, REJECT AUTHORITY, and speak evil of dignitaries” – Jude 1:8.

What is in the minds of the majority of professing Christians concerning their relationship with God today?

It is simply – they have been convinced that a person should live a “righteous life.” They have been taught that they have been a “sinner” – which usually means “a person who has lived an unrighteous life.” And, to the majority, an “unrighteous life” is merely participating in and having various “worldly” habits, and interests – such as attending a movie theatre, dancing, music, drinking alcohol, or gambling. It may even include various trends and fads of clothing. There are literally THOUSANDS of categories in the minds of men which constitute their definition of SIN. However, whether it involves a lifestyle choice, habits, indulgences, or “worldly acts” – the majority of professing Christians would say that conversion, to them, means “living for God.” That it means living a “good life,” rather than an “bad life.” It means to “do good” rather than to “do bad.”

So, in vague terms, the majority of professing Christians realize that there must be a certain change in their life when they “repent” or “give their heart to the Lord.” To most – GRACE is the state of a Christian who is “living for God”! Grace has come to falsely mean A CONDITION of the INDIVIDUAL, rather than A QUALITY OF THE LORD GOD!

In other words, instead of properly understanding the true meaning of GRACE as revealed to us in God’s living word, the majority come to believe that GRACE is merely a biblical term that vaguely means that the Christian is “eternally saved.”

Have you ever been clear on this subject!? Have you been able to discover, in your Bible, your beliefs regarding your present state!? Have you been able to prove – beyond a shadow of a doubt – the true meaning of just what is SIN!?

Let’s clear the cobwebs! Let’s not be confused anymore! Let’s come to properly understand!

What Is Repentance?

“ … ‘REPENT, and let every one of you be baptized. … REPENT therefore and be converted, …’” – Acts 2:38; 3:19. To be converted means to be CHANGED!

And, this CHANGE of which the LORD God speaks is far from any vague sort of change. It means a complete and total change, a change in direction, a change that the LORD God requires in every facet of our lives! Our Lord Jesus Christ says to us, “ … ‘ unless you repent you will all likewise perish.’” – Luke 13:3. And He said it twice for grave IMPORTANCE!

To repent means to be deeply and heartfelt broken up over having sinned! Of having disobeyed the living CREATOR OF ALL LIFE! The Apostle Peter continued, “ … ‘ that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.’”

Certainly, nearly everyone knows that our Savior, Jesus Christ, was tortured and died for the express purpose of taking upon Himself our sins!? Certainly, we all know this, as a matter of basic Christianity 101, that a sinner must call upon God to apply the sacrifice of Jesus in order to forgive sins!? Sadly, a large majority do not! Catholics, as an example, will repent to Mary. Or, if there is a priest available, they will repent to their priest.

King David, experiencing a real depth of repentance cried out unto God, “’ Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. 2) Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.’” – Psalm 51:1-2.

King David was calling for the UNMERITED MERCY of God! He was pleading to God to extend GRACE because of his past sins. Later, King David says, “’ Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.’” – Psalm 119:97.

So, when you REPENT – you are repenting of having SINNED AGAINST THE LORD GOD! And to repent from sin means not only to be completely and totally broken up over having sinned – it also means to come to a deep determination, with the glorious help from the Spirit of God, to NOT SIN AGAIN!

Let us never forget just what is sin. “ … sin is lawlessness.” – 1 John 3:4.

WHEN you have heartfelt repented and been forgiven by the LORD God, “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13) And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves TO GOD as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness TO GOD. 14) For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under GRACE” – Romans 6:12-14.

Do you understand!?

A truly repentant person is someone who is truly SORRY that he has sinned against the LORD God!

It means that the person is totally convicted of having broken the relevant and very holy COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, and has now determined, with the loving help of God’s Spirit, never to break the COMMANDMENTS OF GOD again.

What the Apostle Paul is speaking of here, “you are not under the law,” means that you are not under the penalty of the law. He did not mean that we are not under the obedience to the law.

Recall, he says to us, “ … I would not have known sin except through the law. …” – Romans 7:7. To obey the law is to be “within the law.” To sin, to disobey the LORD God is to be “under the law.” Capiche?

Why do you think that the majority of professing Christians DO NOT KNOW the truth in regards to “grace,” “justification,” “sanctification,” “redemption,” “conversion,” “dedication,” “confirmation,” and other religious sounding terms!?

Well, to be FRANK, it is because there has been a GREAT DECEPTION by Satan the Devil to deliberately confuse these terms in the mind of mankind – keeping the precious Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God obscured behind DARKNESS!

To a great many peoples, JUSTIFICATION just means the same as GRACE. The majority of our peoples believe that “once justified” they are “once saved always saved.” But this is simply NOT TRUE.

Again, let us always turn to the SOURCE OF TRUTH – God Almighty!

“(for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified).” – Romans 2:13.

It is just as God Almighty says! It is ONLY those who not only hear, but those who also DO and KEEP the holy laws of God, just as our Savior, Jesus Christ says, “’ Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom [from] heaven; but whoever DOES and TEACHES them, he shall be called great in the kingdom [from] heaven.’” – Matthew 5:19.

The LORD God will not save a single being who will not OBEY THEM!

Those who God the Father is calling out of this world, who have come to stand in awe, respect, and righteous fear of the holy immutable LAW OF GOD, and who now realizes has been convicted of sin in the sight of His LAW, have repented of breaking His LAW, shall be – as the result of their heartfelt repentance – justified.

Justification is not a permanent “condition” of a Christian. It has to do with the removal and forgiveness of past guilt.

The Eternal God plainly tells us that the works of the law – any law; whether HIS TEN COMMANDMENTS or civil laws – will not justify anyone. “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from deeds of the law.” – Romans 3:28.

Now, the LORD God did not say that it is the doing of the law that people can be justified. It is those who are willing to DO His holy immutable and relevant LAW who are now eligible for such justification.

Justification comes as the LORD God’s FREE AND LOVING GIFT, through the quality of God which is called GRACE. Notice –

“being justified FREELY by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 3:24.

Yet, neither justification nor grace is a “condition” of a Christian which shall be perpetually to him or her.

The Apostle Paul, foreseeing this confusion and the deliberate deception to hide the living TRUTH of this doctrine, went on to say, “whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance [His loving GRACE] God had passed over the sins that were previously committed.” – Romans 3:25.

So, grace is not some permanent condition of a Christian. It is the glorious quality of the LORD God – expressed toward a REPENTANT sinner who now realizes their guilt before the LAW OF GOD, and now wants ─ with all their heart, soul, and mind ─ to obey ALMIGHTY GOD!

Neither justification nor grace comes by the works of the law.

Rather, God’s living word clearly shows us that the LORD God will extend His unmerited PARDON, GRACE, to those who have been completely and heartfelt REPENTANT unto the family of God because they have disobeyed.

They are now PARDONED to begin OBEYING!

Once an individual has made this resolve in their mind, the LORD God says that such an individual can be justified.

“For by GRACE you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the GIFT OF GOD, 9) not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for GOOD WORKS, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:8-10.

We are the handiwork of God, created as new creatures, once we have been converted “in Christ Jesus” for the express purpose of living every word of God! And, living by every word of God means living IN OBEDIENCE to HIS HOLY LAW! Living in humility. Living a “good life” ─ but it is the LORD God who tells us what a “good life” is.

And the LORD God tells us by the perfect EXAMPLE of the life of Jesus Christ! He OBEYED PERFECTLY all of His Father’s Commandments!

The Apostle Peter says, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us AN EXAMPLE, that you should follow His steps: 22) ‘Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth.’” – 1 Peter 2:21-22.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, by ‘committing no sin,’ OBEYED ALL OF GOD’S TEN COMMANDMENTS. He set all of us an example to follow!

God’s holy and immutable Law MUST BE OBEYED!

Our Lord Jesus plainly tells us, “ … ‘ if you want to enter into life [eternal life], keep the commandments.’” – Matthew 19:17.

The Apostle Paul says, “Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.” – Romans 7:12.

And, he went on to say, “For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. … 16) If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.” – verses 14, 16.

Here is the New English Translation of verse 16 – “But if I am doing what I do not desire to do, I agree with the law that it is good.”

“For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.” – verse 22.

“I thank God ─ through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.” – verse 25.

A brother to our Lord Jesus, the Apostle James says, “If you fulfill the royal law according to the Scriptures, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well; 9) but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10) For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” – James 2:8-10.

“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4) He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, IS A LIAR, and the truth is not in him.” – 1 John 2:3-4.

So, GRACE is being granted forgiveness of our past sins – our past transgressions against GOD’S TEN COMMANDMENTS!

Simply put ─ grace is the LORD God’s mercy due to an individual repenting of breaking God’s Law. Sin is the breaking of God’s Law. God’s Law is God’s Way. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect example as to how to live within His Law.

When you think of GRACE ─ think of Christ Jesus! □