Thesis: To teach the hearers the surety of God’s word, and to live a life with eternity in view.
Text: Zeph 1:1-6
Zep 1:1 The word of the LORD that came to Zephaniah the son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.
Zep 1:2 "I will utterly (consume) sweep away everything from the face of the earth," declares the LORD.
Zep 1:3 "I will (consume) sweep away man and beast; I will (consume) sweep away the birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, and the (stumbling blocks) rubble with the wicked. I will cut off mankind from the face of the earth," declares the LORD.
Zep 1:4 "I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests,
Zep 1:5 (and) those who bow down on the roofs to the host of the heavens, (and) those who bow down and swear to the LORD and yet swear by Milcom,
Zep 1:6 And) those who have turned back from following the LORD, (and those) who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him."
Introduction,
The section of scripture that we just read was from the book of Zephaniah; his name means “Jehovah has hidden,” or “Jehovah has treasured.”
Zeph 1:1 teaches us that he is the great-great grandson of king Hezekiah, one of the more righteous kings of Judah.
Zephaniah worked in the southern kingdom of Judah, specifically in Jerusalem (1:4), during the reign of Josiah (641-610 BC), prior to the fall of Nineveh (612 BC), for he speaks of it to come (2:13), and the reference to the “remnant of Baal” (1:4) implies that it was written after the reforms of Josiah (629 BC), therefore an approximate date for this book is about 625 BC, about 20 years before that southern kingdom was taken into captivity (606 BC).
The theme of the book is “the great day of the LORD” (1:14), which is a reference to the judgment of God that “was to” and “did” come upon Judah shortly by way of the Babylonians.
The point of interest that I would like to specifically bring up today is the phrase “I will”; it occurs 6 times in our text alone, and a total of 19 times in this short book, and it refers to the promises of God, (both punishments and blessings), and attests to the fact that God “will” accomplish that which He has set forth in His word.
This phrase is found over 1500 times in the ASV version of the bible.
This is plainly set forth as a biblical truth, that according to the conditions He gives, “God always keeps His promises,” for He cannot lie (Tit 1:2), in fact it is impossible for Him to lie (Heb 6:18), the scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35), this is one of the few things which God “cannot do,” of course, this is by His own sovereign choice.
Therefore with this in mind we will look a few of the “I wills” in the NT, in order to build our faith and hope in God and His ever abiding (1 Pet 1:25), living and active (Heb 4:12), life imparting (John 6:63) word; thus we will look into the promises of God, wherein He states . . .
1) “I WILL” build My church (Mt 16:13-19)
2) “I WILL” make you fishers of men (people) (Mt 4:17-20)
3) “I WILL” set you over many things (Mt 25:14-21)
I. “I WILL” BUILD MY CHURCH (ECCLESIA; i.e. ESTABLISH MY GROUP OF CALLED OUT ONES) (Mt 16:13-19)
Mat 16:13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
Mat 16:14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
Mat 16:15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Mat 16:16 Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
Mat 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I WILL build my church, and the gates of (hades) hell shall not prevail against it.
Mat 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be (shall have been; fut. pft. pass.) bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be (shall have been; fut. pft. pass.) loosed in heaven."
A. In this context Jesus had just asked His disciples “who do people say that the Son of man is (v 13)? Various answers were given, yet it is important to note that “Christ” is the topic of this discussion, not Peter, everything that is mentioned in this context, as well as God’s entire redemptive plan, centers around Him, God’s Son, Jesus.
And in v 16 Peter states whom he says Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the Living God” this was the answer that the Lord was looking for, this is the truth that the Lord led Peter to. I think it’s appropriate to bring up that God leads us also, through His word (Ps 119:105), through His working in our lives (1 Cor 2:15), through ways unbeknownst to us (Deut 29:29), but I assure you, God does work, even to this day (Jn 5:17), so let us allow Him to take us where He wants us to go, as affirmed in Pro 3:5-6 . . .
Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.
Pro 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.
In v 17 Christ states that Peter was blessed because the Father revealed this truth to him, probably speaking of Peter’s faith that was built upon Christ’s teachings, which came from the Father (John 12:49), along with the miracles that confirmed that teaching, which also originated from the Father (John 3:2).
And in verse 18 Christ uses a play on words, “and I tell you” which basically goes thus . . . “Peter you are a pebble (petros), but on this boulder (petra) (the fact that I am the Christ) “I WILL build My church”, a study of the original language (Koine Greek) will affirm this.
And “He” did build “His” church, “His” ekklesia, “His” called out ones, beginning from the ministry of John based upon “His” teachings (Lk 16:16),
Luk 16:16 "The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.
Then beginning on the next Pentecost the fullness of the gospel was preached based not only upon His teachings, but also “His” death, “His” burial, “His” resurrection, “His” ascension, and the preaching thereof, “His” church was built through chosen men aided by the power of the Holy Spirit, Whom “He” sent from the Father (John 15:26; Acts 2:33)
Peter (v 19), and also the rest of the apostles (Mt 18:18) used the keys that opened up the Way to heaven, revealing God’s plan of salvation through Christ, which was already bound and loosed, forever settled (Ps 119:89) in Heaven.
It is important to note that this is “God’s plan”, this is “Christ’s church”, any other plan, any other church, established at any other time is not of God, there is but one church through which humanity can be saved.
The terms of salvation were laid down by the power of God in the 1st century, and they are not subject to change (Jude 3), nor differing interpretations; One is to hear the gospel, believe it, repent of sins, confess Christ, and be baptized (immersed) into Christ unto the remission of sins, and live a holy life unto God, being transformed daily back into the image of God through the renewing of the Holy Spirit.
These are the terms of entrance into the church that Christ built, the only one for which he shed his blood (Acts 20:28), the only one He promised to save (Eph 5:23), there is no praying to Jesus to be saved, no sprinkling unbelieving infants to be saved, no being baptized in the Holy Spirit to be saved seen in the NT, these are concoctions of men and are not part of God’s holy word, but rather pieces of His word, twisted to accommodate the doctrines of men, which many do to their own destruction (2 Pet 3:16).
I think it is important to note the salvation is a process, it is ongoing, individuals are in the process of “being saved” (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15) by God through the gospel, and a person enters into this process at the point of belief (faith) at the beginning of the process, not somewhere in the middle as some might assert, the Lord states in Jn 5:24 . . .
Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
In this, the grace (favor) of God is manifested, God accepts our faith by grace and it is credited to us as righteousness expecting us to continue in the Faith, to continue in the process of “being saved” having the hope of Heaven. But what if we don’t? What happens then?
That is why we are judged according to our works (Mt 25:31-46; Rom 2:6; 2 Cor 5:10; 1 Pet 1:17; Rev 20:12), that is why we see the Lord telling followers that He don’t know them (Mt 7:23), that is why followers are cast into the outer darkness (Mt 25:30), this is the one talent person (Mt 25:14-30), the tares (Mt 13:24-43), the bad vessels caught in the drag-net (Mt 13:47-50), for these are not truly followers, we could say follow-throughers, but rather half-hearted followers, mere pretenders.
Salvation can be likened unto one getting a loan, you go to the bank, you discuss and agree to the terms of the loan, you get the loan, you purchase your land or car with the money, and it doesn’t cost you anything at first, but the bank expects you to make your payments, and if you don’t, in the end your purchased item gets repossessed; the same with salvation, we believe in the gospel, and as time passes we learn more about it, believe it, and embrace it, and if we don’t, ultimately there will be trouble, yet God doesn’t want any to perish, but that all should come to repentance, and bring holiness to completion. I believe this clearly lines up with what we see in the NT, and should be easily seen in the lives of believers.
Notice the 2nd part of Mt 16:18, “And the gates of Hades shall not prevail against (overpower) it”, the Hadean realm would not Jesus contained and could not keep Him from ascending into heaven (turn to Mt 12:40),
Mat 12:40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish (whale), so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
This verse puts a limit on how long Jesus would be in the Hadean realm, most look at this verse to try to bring disrepute on the Bible saying that Christ wasn’t there for 3 full days and nights, but that is not really the point, the point is before 3 days and 3 nights would elapse, Christ would escape that realm, and so shall we in our following of Him, for He is our forerunner (Heb 6:20). Look at Eph 4:8-9 . . .
Eph 4:8 Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high he led (captivity captive) a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men."
Eph 4:9 (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions (parts), the earth?
Hades is often spoken of as being “in” the earth, and Peter affirmed that Christ was indeed there, but He wasn’t left there (turn to Acts 2:22-31),
Act 2:22 "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—
Act 2:23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.
Act 2:24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death (i.e. being in Hades), because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
Act 2:25 For David says concerning him, "'I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
Act 2:26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope.
Act 2:27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption.
Act 2:28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.'
Act 2:29 "Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.
Act 2:30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne,
Act 2:31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.
Jesus’ spirit wasn’t left in Hades, His spirit re-entered His body and He was raised from the dead by the power of God, and after 40 days of appearing to and speaking to selected individuals about the kingdom of God, He then ascended into Heaven, which was also witnessed and recorded.
Thus those who are faithful in the church, being followers, imitators of Jesus, can in like manner look forward to the resurrection unto life (Rom 6:4-5) . . .
Rom 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
Therefore if we allow our old persons to be put to death by the power of God’s Spirit through the gospel like Jesus died for us, our spirits also will be taken from the Hadean realm and be reunited with our changed, incorruptible bodies, as was Jesus’ (John 5:29; 1 Cor 15:23),
1Co 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming.
Then we will enter into that intimate fellowship with God which is not available in any other place except Heaven itself, pictured as the new heavens and new earth in the NT (2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1)
God promised through His Son “I WILL” build my church, and He did (look at Eph 2:19-22)
Eph 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and (sojourners) aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
Eph 2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the (chief) cornerstone,
Eph 2:21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
Eph 2:22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by (in) the Spirit.
We as a group of NT Christians are the building in this context, we are no longer Gentiles without God and without hope (v 12), but now collectively we are a holy Temple, Christ’s work and teachings are our cornerstone, along with the once for all time delivered Faith brought forth by the NT apostles and prophets found in the NT is the foundation of our Faith and practice.
All one has to do is look into the NT and see the unique characteristics described therein, and look for that same church today, that once for all time delivered Faith (Jude 1:3), and enter into it in that same exact fashion.
And if you can’t find that church, you can be saved by believing and obeying from the heart, that form of teaching found in the NT (Rom 6:17-18); and start a congregation with a couple other Christians by following that revealed NT pattern without any additions or subtractions (2 Tim 1:13),
For the word (not apostolic succession) is the seed of the kingdom (Luke 8:11), and it produces the wheat, the redeemed, that which will be gathered into God’s barn (Heaven), while all other ways, all other churches, all other salvation plans produce “tares” (weeds) which will be burned in the eternal fire (Mt 13:30), let us be thankful that we have God’s word in order that we and all can know the one “Way,” that one “Faith” that leads to eternal “Life” (1 John 5:13),
1Jn 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.
And let us pray that God shows mercy and favor to those in error that they might be saved, that we also may receive mercy and favor on the Day of Judgment (Ja 2:13), for we all certainly will need it.
II. “I WILL” MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN (Mt 4:17-20)
Mat 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Mat 4:18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
Mat 4:19 And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men (people; ISV)."
Mat 4:20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
(Mt 4:19) Now this statement ( in v 19) is specifically directed at Simon and Andrew, but the application is to all disciples of Christ, as seen in Christ’s perpetual command given in Mt 28:19-20a (turn there),
Mat 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in(to) the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Mat 28:20 teaching them to observe (obey) all (things) that (whatsoever) I have commanded you . . .
And one of the commands given by Christ is what He just stated in this immediate context, make disciples, baptize them, and teach them all things, this is basically a command to go fishing for disciples.
The eternal purpose of God, the church, the kingdom was not brought forth, was not built, that individuals may be ever miraculously empowered by the Holy Spirit, those things were temporal, they were to be done away, were to exist till that perfect Law of liberty was fully revealed, confirmed and recorded (1 Cor 13:8-10; Eph 4:11-14), we refer to it as the New Testament, that perfect Law of liberty specifically designed for imperfect mankind (Ja 1:25), which is able to make one perfect, complete in the sight of God (2 Tim 3:16-17; Mt 5:48), fit to enter into Heaven itself, and abide with God forever and ever.
Nor was the eternal purpose of God, the church, the kingdom brought forth, built that Christ’s followers may be literal rulers over a physical kingdom on earth for 1,000 years, Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36), He stated God’s kingdom is within a person (Luke 17:21).
But rather the church was brought forth by God that mankind may be saved from the eternal fires of Gehennah Hell (Luke 19:10). . .
Luk 19:10 For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.
And as “followers,” which actually refers to being “imitators” of Christ (1 Cor 11:1),
1Co 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
We are to do the same, this is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27), Jesus dwelling in you by faith (Eph 3:17), to the point that it outwardly manifests the actions of Jesus through you.
Therefore we in like manner are to be fishers of mankind that they might be saved, yet each in our God ordained roles,
Men who have been given ability, as preachers and teachers, more so as they are living their daily lives unto God through Christ than in an assembly one or two days a week.
Women who are able, are to be teachers of other women and children, and by speaking spiritual truths to acquaintances as they also go about in this life planting seeds.
Those who have not been given these abilities can do their part by promoting the advancement of the gospel in other various ways, by linking the lost up with the information they need to believe in and ultimately obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, whether it be in sending preachers, or sending Bibles, whether it be funding men that can do such, or enabling them to spend more in their preparation (studies), or whatever, for without the gospel message being brought forth (1 Cor 15:3-4), mankind cannot be saved, as the inspired Paul wrote (Rom 10:13-15; 1 Cor 15:1-4, 23),
Rom 10:13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Paul himself called upon the name of the Lord in Acts 22:16, Ananias told him) . . .
Act 22:16 . . . arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Rom 10:15 and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things!
1Co 15:1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand,
1Co 15:2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
1Co 15:3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,
1Co 15:4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
1Co 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming.
Nowadays we don’t always need a preacher, we have the best preachers who ever lived within the pages of God’s holy word, we just need to get a person to read the New Testament, believe it, and they at that point enter into that process of being saved, as it is written (Heb 4:12; John 6:63)
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Joh 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
And how wonderful it is, when someone we have given a Bible to, or have been studying with, or speaking to, or preaching to, decides to obey the gospel, to be buried with and put on Christ in baptism unto remission of sins, and being raised to walk in newness of life as new creatures born of the water (baptism) “and” the Spirit (which takes place at belief).
For even when one soul is moved closer towards God, the angels of heaven rejoice (Luke 15:10), and likewise ought we.
For this is a fervency that ought to be inherent in all the faithful, because of that spirit of Christ (Rom 8:9), that spirit of son ship that is in us (Gal 4:6), because we know the truth of what will take place unto all the accountable without the gospel, (referred to as “the terror of the Lord,” in 2 Cor 5:11)
Therefore we struggle and strain to persuade individuals to lay down themselves unto God through the gospel of Christ, without which no one can be saved (Rom 1:16).
The Lord promised “I WILL” make you fishers of mankind, and indeed that has come to pass
Therefore let us keep on casting out and reeling in the living word of the living God, in word and in deed, as long as we have life and breath in our bodies, shining as lights of the glorious gospel, as unprofitable servants, only doing that which is our duty to do (Luke 17:10; Phili 2:15-16a).
Phi 2:15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world,
Phi 2:16a holding forth the word of life;
Look at Mt 5:13-16 . . .
Mat 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
This is a picture of us if we are not doing our part, at least a part, in fishing for humanity.
Mat 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Mat 5:15a Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket,
Again here is that picture, God has made us lights in this sin darkened world, we wouldn’t turn on a light and then cover it up where it does no good, neither does God concerning us.
Mat 5:15b but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
Mat 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
We need to be concerned about ourselves (1 Tim 4:16), but also about others
1Ti 4:16 Keep a close watch on (give heed to) yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
For this was the mindset of Christ, which now is ours (1 Cor 2:16) in Christ (turn to Phili 2:4-13) . . .
Php 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Php 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
Php 2:6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
Php 2:7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
Php 2:8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Php 2:9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
Php 2:10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
Php 2:11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Php 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
Php 2:13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
And His good pleasure is that all people be saved (1 Tim 2:4).Therefore let us allow God to work in us and through us as fishers of humanity, to seek and save that which is lost (Lk 19:10), not hoarding our salvation, but rather sharing it with a lost and dying world unto God’s glory.
III. “I WILL” SET YOU OVER MANY THINGS (Mt 25:14-21)
Mat 25:14 "For it (the kingdom of heaven; v 1) will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property (inheritance).
Mat 25:15 To one he gave five talents (weight of precious metals; i.e. gold; silver, etc.), to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away (ascended into heaven).
Mat 25:16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more.
Mat 25:17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more.
Mat 25:18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money.
Mat 25:19 Now after a long time (the end of the age) the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them (at the final judgment).
Mat 25:20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.'
Mat 25:21 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a (few things) little; I WILL set you over (many things) much. Enter into the joy of your master (Lord).'
A. (Mt 25:21) These are the sweetest, most desired words that the imitator of Christ could ever hear, and there is the potential for every accountable individual to hear them directly from the mouth of the Lord Jesus Himself, the Word Who was God, Who became flesh, Who is appointed to be Judge of the living and the dead, let us set the scene (turn to 2 Pet 3:10) . . .
2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens (sky and outer space) will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be (burned up) exposed.
Now turn to Rev 20 . . . ; 2 Pet 3:10 parallels Rev 20:9b “and fire came down out of heaven and devoured them” now look at Rev 20:11ff . . .
Rev 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat upon it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them (again this looks back at 2 Pet 3:10; the end of this creation).
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books were opened: (the books of the Bible) and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books (the books of the Bible), according to their works (what they did with their Masters talents).
Rev 20:13a And the sea gave up the dead that were in it; and death and Hades gave up the dead that
were in them . . .
Rev 20:13b and they were judged every man according to their works.
Oh no! Why do I say that? (Rom 3:23) . . .
Rom 3:23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
Because all need the gospel, Jew and Gentile alike, as the epistle to the Romans states over and over, it is that only lifesaver, that only soul-saver, that only transformer (Rom 12:2) which will set us free from the eternal separation from God, “the second death,” which are the wages of sin (Rom 6:23), which again is affirmed in Rev 20:14-15, let us continue . . .
Rev 20:14a And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire.
Creation/procreation/Death is no more, thus Hades is no longer needed . . .
Rev 20:14b This is the second death, even the lake of fire.
Rev 20:15 And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.
This is certainly not the place that one will want to be for eternity, it is fashioned as a place of weeping, of gnashing of teeth, that outer darkness without light, that light which is God, woe to them that believed not unto the obedience of faith (Rom 1:5; 16:26) and thereby had their names not written in the book of life.
But that won’t be in the minds of the redeemed, this will (let us continue, look at Rev 21:1-7) . . .
Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven (the sky) and the first earth are passed away; and the sea is no more.
Rev 21:2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven (God’s dwelling place) from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them (like in the Garden/paradise of Eden), and be their God:
Rev 21:4 and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more (it was disposed of in Rev 20:14); neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away. (therefore the Hadean realm is no longer needed)
Rev 21:5 And he that sits on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new (this new creation). And he says, Write: for these words are faithful and true.
Rev 21:6 And he said unto me, They are come to pass. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Rev 21:7 He that overcomes shall inherit these things (I will set you over these things); and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
So what will heaven/the new creation be like? Specifically we haven’t been told, though there are many figures to instill hope in the faithful, our first text (Mt 25) is a good example (turn back to Mt 25:19-21),
Mat 25:19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
Mat 25:20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.'
Mat 25:21 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a (few things) little; I WILL set you over (many things) much. Enter into the joy of your master (Lord).'
Note first of all that “after a long time” (v 19) the Lord of those servants came,
Those that hold to the AD 70 doctrine (full preterism) have most of the NT to twist to their own destruction (2 Pet 3:16), and this is but another example of such, it has been almost 2,000 years since the Lord ascended into Heaven and we are still waiting for That Day and hour only known to the Father (Mt 24:36).
But note that the servant that took his Master’s goods (the talents), we will say for our lesson that those goods (talents) were a fishing pole (the gospel and the ability to propagate it) and some bait (salvation from the damnation that results from sin, and the hope of eternity with God).
And this servant was able to multiply it (he made more able fishermen, 5 more), thus he was to be rewarded, but rewarded with what?
Would he be ruling on earth in a physical kingdom over “individuals?” No! Remember Rev 21:7a
Rev 21:7a He that overcomes “shall inherit” “these things”
This is a figure of speech that the hearers of that time would understand, and make application thereof, the “things” specifically in the context of Rev 21 are fellowship with God, no more earthly woes, and partaking of the water of life (i.e. contemplating and discussing the deeper things, the workings of God).
Now in ancient days when a king had a servant that performed a job well done, he, at times, was rewarded for his diligent efforts, many times that reward would be the setting over a part of the king’s empire,
Yet it is highly unlikely that the Father is going to relinquish His eternal rule of the kingdom handed to him by Christ at the end of time (turn to 1 Cor 15:20-24) . . .
1Co 15:20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
1Co 15:21 For as by a man (Adam) came death, by a man (Jesus) has come also the resurrection of the dead.
1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
1Co 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
1Co 15:24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. (ASV;when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power.)
Because as you see authoritative roles, and such structures as we know them here on earth, will be abolished in Heaven; no husbands and wives, no elders and deacons and saints, no governments and subjects, no masters and slaves, no employers and employees, no parents and children, but we (the redeemed) will all be like the angels in heaven (Mt 22:30), all one, under God, that God may be all in all (1 Cor 15:28) for ever and ever, yet we will reign (or rule) in some sense as depicted in (Rev 22:5, turn back there) . . .
Rev 22:5 And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
So in eternity there will be a reign, but probably not over “others” but over “many things” (as seen in Mt 25:21) over mourning, over crying, over pain, over death itself (Rev 21:4), over being literally separated from our God (2 Cor 5:6-7), but rather being literally with Him for ever and ever
Thus it is possible to reign without being “over” some one, a reign of godlikeness, and that is the case here, likened to our reign upon earth at this present time, a reign of righteousness “over” sin and the fear of death, reigning “in life” in the Christian Faith as described in Rev 5:10; Rom 5:17. . .
Rev 5:10 and madest them to be unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth.
Rom 5:17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; much more shall they that receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, even Jesus Christ.
Therefore this description (the setting over many things) is put in contrast to (“a few things”; Mt 25:21, 23) is likely a reference to the blessings given through the gospel while on this earth (“a few things”), and are probably put in contrast to the many blessings that will be at our disposal in Heaven (“many things”), innumerable, indescribable, and unimaginable for the finite mind, simply put as “the joy of thy Lord” as also seen in Ps 16:11b . . .
Psa 16:11b In thy presence is fulness of joy; In thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Therefore what we inherit is probably not physical (literal) streets of gold, cities made of jewels, seas, rivers, trees, and so on, these are likely physical figures for spiritual, heavenly incorruptible, imperishable realities;
But rather there will be “fullness of joy” and “pleasures for evermore” things that are spiritual in nature, that which we, on that Last Day, in our newly given spiritual, incorruptible bodies (1 Cor 15:42, 44) that will be then inhabited by our renewed souls which are ever changing away from the physical and to that which is spiritual, heavenly in nature, will then be able to partake of deeply, fully, actually being with God, likened unto God, for ever and ever.
But, like always, there is that first step towards eternity with God, God’s eternal purpose has come to fruition;
The gospel plan of salvation was revealed, those keys that unlocked the Way to heaven,
Through the church, that which was built, once for all time delivered in the 1st century.
Both the gospel and the church, are in perfect working order,
God said “I will”, and “He did” as promised by Him Who cannot lie (Tit 1:2),
And that entrance by those keys, into God’s kingdom, the church (Heb 12:23, 28) are the same as they have been since that Pentecost day, some 2,000 years ago . . .
And these terms must be cast out as we go fishing for souls, for that good ground, those with good and honest hearts (Luke 8:15)
One is to . . .
Hear the word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17)
Rom 10:17 . . . faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
This is how the Father plants His word, the seed of the kingdom in the hearts of individuals, Jesus said . . .
Mat 15:13 . . . Every plant which my heavenly Father planted not, shall be rooted up.
Therefore we must plant the pure word, not something tainted by the philosophies, precepts, or doctrines of men
(Mt 15:9).
One is to . . .
Believe that Jesus is the crucified and resurrected Divine Christ (1 Cor 15:1-4; John 8:24); Who is Master over all (Mt 28:18), and believe that God rewards those that earnestly seek after Him (Heb 11:6), Christ is the firstfruits of the resurrection unto eternal life, we must believe this is a fact and that we will follow (1 Cor 15:23), that living Hope (1 Pet 1:3). Belief (faith) is the point of crossover from spiritual death to life, Jesus stated in Jn 5:24 . . .
Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
One is to . . .
Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5) Jesus stated . . .
Luk 13:3 . . . except you repent, you shall all in like manner perish.
And He meant exactly what He said, repentance is a change in mind that produces a changed life,
We need to be changed into one that thinks and acts like God in order that we can forever be with Him in
eternity.
One is to . . .
Confess Jesus as the Christ before men (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9), the eunuch said . . .
Act 8:37 “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God”
So should you, initially at your conversion, and while you are going about in this life
By doing this you are in fact propagating the kingdom, fishing for disciples
One is to . . .
Be baptized (immersed), which doth also now save us (Mk 16:16; 1 Pet 3:21), it washes away our sins (Acts 22:16) immersed into Christ (Gal 3:27), into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3), where His precious blood was shed (John 19:34), unto “eis” (for) the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16); being thereby dead to self and alive to God, determined to walk in newness of life (Rom 6:3-14)
And finally one is to . . .
Live a life that is holy, set apart, in every aspect (1 Pet 1:15), according to the gospel,
Striving for perfection as our Father is perfect (Mt 5:48; Heb 12:23), as we receive the righteousness of God
through the gospel (2 Cor 5:21)
Working out our salvation with trembling and fear (2 Cor 7:1; Phili 2:12), for it’s a fearful thing to be found
unfaithful to the living God (Heb 10:31)
Being renewed day by day (2 Cor 4:16), through study and application of God’s ever abiding word (1 Pet 2:2)
Being thereby taught by God (Jn 6:45)
Putting off that old man, and putting on the new, being constantly in a state of spiritual growth, changing into
the likeness of God (Col 3:10)
So that we may be granted entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:11)
And hearing those sweetest of words “enter into the joy of your Lord” (Mt 25:21, 23)