Intercer Adventist News

Closer To Heaven
You are here: Home / Archives for News and Feeds

Tuesday: The Millennial Judgment

By

The Bible tells us that at the Second Coming 1. both the living saints and the resurrected saints will “meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17); 2. all the saints will be taken to heaven to abide in the heavenly “dwelling places” that He Himself has prepared for them (John 14:1-3, NRSV); and 3. only at the end of the millennium will the New Jerusalem come down to this earth and become the everlasting home of the saints (Revelation 21:1-3, Revelation 21:9-11). So, during the millennium, while this earth remains desolated, the saints will reign with Christ in heaven (Jeremiah 4:23, Revelation 20:4).

Read 1 Corinthians 6:2-3,  and Revelation 20:4-6, Revelation 20:11-13. Why should the saints participate in the millennial judgment?
Youth Holding Scrolls

Image © Steve Creitz at Goodsalt.com

The whole judgment process is intended 1. to vindicate God’s character against the accusations of Satan that God is unfair in the way He treats His creatures; 2. to confirm the impartiality of the rewards of the righteous; 3. to demonstrate the justice of the punishments of the wicked; and 4. to dissipate all doubts that could lead toward another rebellion in the universe. In the pre-advent investigative judgment of the righteous, only the heavenly hosts are involved (Daniel 7:9-10). But during the millennial judgment of the wicked and the fallen angels, the saints themselves will also participate (1 Corinthians 6:3, Jude 6, Revelation 20:4-6).

The pre-advent investigative judgment began in 1844 when “thrones were put in place. … The court was seated, and the books were opened” (Daniel 7:9-10, , NKJV). The millennial judgment, however, will start after the saints are taken to heaven and sit on thrones, and the judgment is committed to them. Then, once more, the heavenly books are opened, and the dead are “judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books” (Revelation 20:4, Revelation 20:12, NKJV). This process provides an opportunity for the saints to evaluate the heavenly records and to see God’s fair treatment in all cases. He not only rewards all human beings according to what they deserve based on their own decisions, but also explains to them why He does so.

What does it teach us about the character of God that before any of the sleeping lost are resurrected to face the second death, the saved will be involved in the judging process, and no one will be punished until we, too, see the justice and fairness of God? Bring your answer to class on Sabbath.

<–Monday Wednesday–>

Amen!(0)

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/tuesday-millennial-judgment/

Monday: The Pre-Advent Judgment

By

The concept of judgment before the return of Christ, or what we call a “pre-Advent” judgment, is found in many places in Scripture.

Read Daniel 7:9-14; Matthew 22:1-14; Revelation 11:1, Revelation 11:18-19; and Revelation 14:6-7. How do these passages shed light on the notion of a pre-advent investigative judgment in the heavenly courtroom? What is the significance of such a judgment?
Judgment

Image © Pacific Press from GoodSalt.com

The concept of a pre-advent investigative judgment of God’s people is grounded on three basic biblical teachings.

One is the notion that all the dead — righteous or unrighteous — remain unconscious in their graves until the final resurrections (John 5:25-29).

The second is the existence of a universal judgment of all human beings (2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 20:11-13).

The third is the fact that the first resurrection will be the blessed reward for the righteous, and the second resurrection will be eternal death for the wicked (John 5:28-29; Revelation 20:4-6, Revelation 20:12-15).

What this means is that if all human beings will be judged, they should be judged prior to their respective resurrections, because at those resurrections they will receive their final rewards.

The book of Daniel helps us to understand both the time and the nature of that pre-advent judgment. At the end of the 2,300 symbolic days — in 1844 — the heavenly sanctuary would be cleansed (Daniel 8:14, compare with Hebrews 9:23) and the pre-advent investigative judgment would begin (Daniel 7:9-14), two different ways of expressing the same event. And the judgment is “in favor of the saints of the Most High” (Daniel 7:22, NKJV). That is, it’s good news for God’s people.

In Matthew 22:1-14, Jesus spoke of an investigation of the wedding guests before the wedding feast actually started.

And in the book of Revelation, the pre-advent investigative judgment is referred to by the task of measuring “those who worship” in the temple of God (Revelation 11:1, NKJV) and in the announcement that “the hour of His judgment has come” (Revelation 14:6-7 NKJV; compare with Revelation 14:14-16).

How should our knowledge of a judgment in heaven impact how we live here on earth?

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

Amen!(0)

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/monday-pre-advent-judgment/

Ephesians 2:17-20

By

Ephesians 2:17-20

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

The post Ephesians 2:17-20 appeared first on Daily Bible Promise.

Source: https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/jL28dc7E3KCgmlZhnIA_3S1Ly282xAAw

Victory on the Battlefield

By

I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. John 17:14, 15.

The Christian has duties to do in the world, and God holds him responsible for their faithful performance. He is not to confine himself in monastic walls, nor to avoid all association with worldlings. It is true that his principles will be put to the severest test, and he will be pained by what his eyes see and his ears hear. But he must not, by becoming familiar with these sights and sounds, learn to love them. By association with the world, we incline to catch the spirit of the world, and to adopt their customs, tastes, and preferences. But we are commanded, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters” (2 Corinthians 6:17, 18).

Never let the world say that worldlings and Christ’s followers are alike in their tastes and pursuits; for God has drawn a line between His people and the world. This line of demarcation is broad and deep and clear; it is not so blended with the world that it is not discernible. “The Lord knoweth them that are his” (2 Timothy 2:19). “By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20).

It is only by watching unto prayer, and the exercise of living faith, that the Christian can preserve his integrity in the midst of the temptations that Satan brings to bear upon him. But “whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). Talk to your heart constantly the language of faith:“Jesus said He would receive me, and I believe His word. I will praise Him; I will glorify His name.” Satan will be close by your side to suggest that you do not feel any joy. Answer him, “‘This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.’ I have everything to be glad of; for I am a child of God. I am trusting in Jesus. The law of God is in my heart; none of my steps shall slide.”—The Signs of the Times, May 15, 1884.
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 360
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Prayer Requests
—-Please Pray for my Nephew Diego he has spinal tumors. Cris
—-Continued prayers for Joey. He’s having trouble keeping food down and is on antibiotics for an infection. Jennifer
—-Please continue to pray for a miracle for baby Wyatt. He has only days to weeks to live. Mary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Friends,

Some years ago, Ronnie Jay and a friend of Esther’s went out for a hike in a nearby wilderness area. The wind was bitterly cold but that did not deter them. Ronnie Jay had his camera so he could get photos of the various animals inhabiting the area. He especially wanted pictures of porcupines. As they were walking and looking up in the trees, he spotted six or seven bald eagles up in some nearby trees. As he was focusing his camera, the friend loudly exclaimed, “There’s more!” At that, the eagles all flew away.

Just as the eagles were chased away by the sound of a human voice, so we can so easily chase away someone who is beginning to be interested in the good news of salvation. How many times, well-meaning members have spoiled that interest by their critical words or disapproving looks. What a tragedy when those who were turning toward the Saviour turn away because of our words or actions.

Our Dear Saviour, Who draws us to Himself with everlasting kindness, (Jer 31:3) wants us to be so careful as we deal with the baby Christians who are taking their first tottering steps toward Him. As we deal with those who are beginning to have an interest in our Dear Saviour’s message for these last days, it is good to remember that we, too, have needed time to change from what we were before we accepted Him to what He desires us to be. We, too, are walking on the upward path. The warning Jesus gave His disciples of old, surely apply in this situation as well, “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences!” Matt 18:1-7

May we keep in mind in our dealings with others the words of our Kind Master, “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matt 12:36, 37

Rose

Source: https://rosesdevotional.org/victory-on-the-battlefield.html

Sunday: The Final Judgment

By

For many, the idea of judgment means condemnation. And though that’s part of the process, we mustn’t forget that the idea of judgment has a positive side, in that judgment also involves the vindication of the righteous. Actually, the book of Daniel refers to an end-time judgment “in favor of the saints of the Most High” (Daniel 7:22, NKJV). God’s judgment includes both — a principle found in this Old Testament text: “Then hear in heaven, and act, and judge Your servants, condemning the wicked, bringing his way on his head, and justifying the righteous by giving him according to his righteousness” (1 Kings 8:32, NKJV).

Read Matthew 25:31-46 and John 5:21-29. How did Christ point to the concepts of both condemnation and vindication in the final judgment?
The Judgment

Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com

Some claim that the expressions “is not judged” (John 3:18, NASB) and “will not be judged” (John 5:24, NIV) mean that those who are in Christ are not judged at all. But these expressions imply that believers are not condemned in the judgment. Hence the texts should be understood as saying “is not condemned” (John 3:18, NIV) and “shall not come into condemnation” (John 5:24).

In short, our destiny is determined in our present life. Those in Christ have their vindication at the judgment already assured, and those who are not in Christ remain under condemnation. Describing the judgment (Matthew 25:31-46), Christ mentioned the presence not only of the goats (wicked) but also of the sheep (righteous). And the apostle Paul stated explicitly, “For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:10, NRSV).

While reflecting on the judgment, we should keep in mind that we are saved by grace (Isaiah 55:1, Ephesians 2:8-10), justified by faith (Genesis 15:6, Romans 5:1), and judged by works (Eccles. 12:14, Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 20:11-13). The basis of the judgment process is God’s moral law as summarized in the Ten Commandments (Eccles. 12:13, Revelation 20:11-13; James 1:25; James 2:8-17). Our works are the external evidences of the genuineness of our saving experience and, consequently, the elements to be appraised during judgment.

Remember: there is no arbitrary decree from God electing some to be saved and others to be lost. Each one is morally responsible for his or her own destiny.

In the end, the judgment is not the time when God decides to accept or reject us, but the time when God finalizes our choice whether or not we have accepted Him — a choice made manifest by our works.

<–Sabbath Monday–>

Amen!(0)

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/sunday-final-judgment/

About Intercer

Intercer is a website with biblical materials in Romanian, English, Hungarian and other languages. We want to bring the light from God's Word to peoples homes. Intercer provides quality Christian resources...[Read More]

Lucian Web Service


Intercer is proudly sponsored by Lucian Web Service - Professional Web Services, Wordpress Websites, Marketing and Affiliate Info. Lucian worked as a subcontractor with Simpleupdates, being one of the programmers for the Adventist Church Connect software. He also presented ACC/ASC workshops... [read more]

Archives

Categories