{"id":231,"date":"2021-03-19T16:52:11","date_gmt":"2021-03-19T08:52:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.friendshipwaylife.org\/?p=231"},"modified":"2021-03-19T16:52:11","modified_gmt":"2021-03-19T08:52:11","slug":"god-is-creating-man-the-overlooked-main-bible-theme-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/friendshipwaylife.org\/index.php\/2021\/03\/19\/god-is-creating-man-the-overlooked-main-bible-theme-2\/","title":{"rendered":"God is Creating Man \u2013 the Overlooked Main Bible Theme"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

http:\/\/forum.philboxing.com\/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=174014<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salvation, grace, faith, works, belief, eternal life, death, heaven, hell, angels, devil, demons, anti-Christ, the beast, etc. These and more occupy the minds of most bible scholars, preachers, teachers and students alike. And still confusion abound.

After years of study and over much discussion with PRMOers over these years, I see the simple theme of the bible – God is still creating man in his image according to his likeness. 

The subjects above stated all point out to this main bible message – God’s intent and on stream to make man like God.

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, \u201cLet Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s image and likeness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s image, or reputation, is Love.  For man to acquire God\u2019s image, he needs to abide in love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 John 4:16 \u2026God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God is spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John 4:24<\/sup> God is<\/em> Spirit\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To become like God who is spirit, incorruptible and immortal, physical, corruptible and mortal man must put on incorruption and immortality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Corinthians 15:53<\/sup> For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must<\/em> put on immortality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Until that point in the creation process where man shall have become a perfect spirit being, God\u2019s creation of man is not yet done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cblue print\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bible shows the phases of creation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Physical Adam and Eve created; to choose between the ways to life and to death.<\/li>
  2. The way to death having been chosen, salvation process started:
    1. The Word becoming flesh for the purpose of death;<\/li>
    2. Jesus\u2019 death pays for man\u2019s sins;<\/li>
    3. God\u2019s raising Jesus from the dead assuring man\u2019s salvation.<\/li><\/ol><\/li>
    4. Creation resumes on the few in this age:
      1. Granting of repentance;<\/li>
      2. Giving the power of the Holy Spirit;<\/li>
      3. Man putting on himself Jesus Christ to do his work, man needs only to submit to God\u2019s will in the process.<\/li><\/ol><\/li>
      4. Jesus\u2019 changing the overcomer to spirit at his return; the person who doesn\u2019t want God\u2019s reign slain.<\/li>
      5. The still physical man who survives the great tribulation and the takeover by Christ of this world and lives on to the next age undergoes #3 as those who will be born during that age with the overcomer being changed to spirit; the person who doesn\u2019t want God\u2019s reign slain.<\/li>
      6. The rest of mankind who had since died and who don\u2019t fall under #3 and #5 undergoes #3 with the overcomer being changed to spirit; the person who doesn\u2019t want God\u2019s reign slain.<\/li>
      7. Heaven and earth replaced with the new heaven and new earth and to the latter God joins man who shall have been in God\u2019s image and likeness by then.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Physical man is first phase of creation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Man in the image and likeness of God is a being with freewill and who uses that freedom of choice to always choose God\u2019s way. God designed man with freewill because he was not making a robot. Should man choose not to conform to God\u2019s way God can simply terminate his existence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        So God first fashioned man from the dust of the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Genesis 2:7<\/sup> And the LORD God formed man of<\/em> the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The first test for Adam and Eve\u2019s exercise of freewill is the pattern to be presented to all men. The test is whether or not man would make God reign over him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Genesis 2:16<\/sup> And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, \u201cOf every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17<\/sup><\/strong> but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        When God presented Adam with the choice between the way to life and the way to death, Eve heard the opposite of what God was saying and she believed it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Genesis 3:1<\/sup> Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, \u201cHas God indeed said, \u2018You shall not eat of every tree of the garden\u2019?\u201d
        2<\/sup><\/strong> And the woman said to the serpent, \u201cWe may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3<\/sup><\/strong> but of the fruit of the tree which is<\/em> in the midst of the garden, God has said, \u2018You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.\u2019\u201d 
        4<\/sup><\/strong> Then the serpent said to the woman, \u201cYou will not surely die. 5<\/sup><\/strong> For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.\u201d 
        6<\/sup><\/strong> So when the woman saw that the tree was<\/em> good for food, that it was<\/em> pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one<\/em> wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7<\/sup><\/strong> Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were<\/em> naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. Eve choose to eat the forbidden fruit as she was deceived. Adam ate the fruit by choice without being deceived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1 Timothy 2:14<\/sup> And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Having violated a penal law not to eat, Adam & Eve\u2019s death became a certainty as God said.  Adam & Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden. They and their descendants were barred access to the tree of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Genesis 3:23<\/sup> therefore the LORD God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. 24<\/sup> So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The anticipated snag in man\u2019s creation process happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        While Adam and Eve reproduce their kind, God put on course man\u2019s salvation from the power of death. God’s creating man is not bound to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Anticipated snag<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        In the beginning, two God beings, the Word and God, planned man\u2019s creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        John 1:1<\/sup> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2<\/sup> He was in the beginning with God. 3<\/sup> All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Long before its implementation, the work plan on project man considered a snag somewhere in the work process.  For this reason, the Lamb is said to have been slain from the foundation of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Revelation 13:8<\/sup> All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        God and the Lamb were not surprised by Adam and Eve\u2019s choice not to submit to his rule by disobeying his instruction not to eat of the forbidden fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Salvation from the power of death<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Salvation is the series of corrective acts to remedy the foreseen possibility which did occur by man\u2019s doing meriting man death.  God told Adam and Eve that in the day that they eat of the forbidden fruit their deaths become certain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Genesis 2:17<\/sup> but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        It is not the eating which brought them the penalty of death. It is the violation of the penal law \u201cyou shall not eat\u201d. Sin, or the violation of the law, was committed when Adam and Eve decided in their minds to break the law. The eating was just a manifestation of the violation which occurred at the moment they chose to follow Satan instead of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Adam and Eve did not grasp the reality of what death is as almost everyone else today. Instead of believing God, Satan\u2019s lie is more believable and many rely on his words that man does not really die.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Genesis 3:1<\/sup> Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, \u201cHas God indeed said, \u2018You shall not eat of every tree of the garden\u2019?\u201d
        2<\/sup> And the woman said to the serpent, \u201cWe may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3<\/sup> but of the fruit of the tree which is<\/em> in the midst of the garden, God has said, \u2018You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.\u2019\u201d 
        4<\/sup> Then the serpent said to the woman, \u201cYou will not surely die. 5<\/sup> For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The lie \u201cYou will not surely die\u201d is oft repeated even in obituaries some of which state that the person who died has \u201cjoined his creator\u201d or has \u201cgone to be with the Lord\u201d. Another version of death which softens its impact is the teaching that death is merely \u201cthe separation from God\u201d.  Whatever description of death which still portrays the person as being alive is not death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Death is a power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Hebrews 2:14<\/sup> Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        At the day of his death, no one has power. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Ecclesiastes 8:8<\/sup>\u2026And no one has power in the day of death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Death is the opposite of life. It is from this helpless situation of being dead that man is to be saved from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        (More discussion on death is in the thread \u201cThe Power of Death\u201d in the link below: )<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        http:\/\/forum.philboxing.com\/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=84059<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Steps in Salvation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        If every man dies because of sin, then God\u2019s purpose of creating man in his image and likeness would fail. All have sinned and all should die.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Romans 3:23<\/sup> for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Romans 6:23<\/sup> For the wages of sin is<\/em> death\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        But God would not be God if he fails. Man, who is now certain to die, must be saved from his predicament. The steps in the saving process have since been done as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1. The Word became flesh and died in man\u2019s stead; and<\/li>
        2. God rescued the dead Christ from the power of death.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          The Word had to become flesh for the purpose of death and he did become flesh and died in every man\u2019s stead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          John 1:14<\/sup> And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Hebrews 2:9<\/sup> But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          And Jesus did die.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          (A discussion of Jesus\u2019 death is in the thread \u201cDid Christ really die?\u201d)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          http:\/\/forum.philboxing.com\/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=82228<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          (To \u201cperish\u201d, which is the opposite of having eternal life, is discussed in the thread \u201cWhat do you understand by \u2018perish\u2019 in John 3:16?\u201d)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          http:\/\/forum.philboxing.com\/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=82548<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          God has raised Jesus from the dead assuring every other dead man\u2019s own revival from death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Jesus\u2019 death to save man is not enough. Jesus himself had to be raised from the dead because man shall be saved by his life. Jesus\u2019 death merely reconciled man to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Romans 5:10<\/sup> For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          If Jesus was not raised from the dead, then all those who have died have perished. We also perish when we die.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1 Corinthians 15:17<\/sup> And if Christ is not risen, your faith is<\/em> futile; you are still in your sins!18<\/sup> Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          But God raised Jesus from the dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Acts 13:30<\/sup> But God raised Him from the dead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \u201cThe Power of his (Jesus\u2019) Resurrection\u201d is discussed in the link below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          http:\/\/forum.philboxing.com\/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=85121<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The Creation of God\u2019s image in man resumes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Jesus Christ, the Word, is the executive in the creation of all things including man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          John 1:3<\/sup> All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Jesus having been raised from the dead, man\u2019s creation resumes.  Not at the same time though. There is an order or sequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1 Corinthians 15:22<\/sup> For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23<\/sup> But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are<\/em> Christ\u2019s at His coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          God knows who will most likely overcome or make it in an age where Satan is present. So God draws to Jesus Christ only those he sees who have the willpower to submit to him. Unless God draws a person to Christ that person could not go to Christ to have his creation continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          John 6:44<\/sup> No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The way to the tree of life is still barred to the rest of mankind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Genesis 3:23<\/sup> therefore the LORD God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. 24<\/sup> So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The process of creating the image or character of God in a person begins with those who are called to be part of the Church or house of God. Salvation is good as done in their case. They have been saved from the ultimate penalty of sin which is the second death subject. Of course, subject to their choosing God to reign over their lives.  Godly image building for them begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1 Peter 4:17<\/sup> For the time has come<\/em> for judgment to begin at the house of God\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          This \u201cjudgment\u201d refers to a period of time where man will be presented with situations where he will make choices. The exercise of man\u2019s freedom to choose whether, in a given situation, he will make God reign over him or not. It is simply to choose whether to obey God or follow Satan as Eve did, or follow his own will as Adam did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Steps in the image creation process<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Salvation is presented to an individual as God sees fit. But the individual concerned still has to make the decision as to whether or not he would avail of it in this age.

          Before a person goes through the Godly image building stage in his creation, he first undergoes these steps:
          1. God\u2019s granting him repentance and his acceptance symbolized by his submitting to baptism
          2. God\u2019s indwelling in him of the Holy Spirit
          3. Submitting to Christ\u2019s will in all his trying situations availing of the power of the Holy Spirit in him to overcome

          Just as a person cannot go to God unless he is drawn to Christ, a person cannot repent on his own. It is God who grants repentance. It is God who determines who can gain access to the tree of life in this age.

          Acts 11:18<\/sup> When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, \u201cThen God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          As the teachings about God and his purpose are spread out through the media in this age, those whom God intended to respond get interested and do respond. But whether or not each individual gets into the image creation stage depends on the particular individual\u2019s freewill. He still makes the choice whether to submit to God\u2019s way is more important to him than the alluring ways of this world. 

          The parable of the sower illustrates this point.

          Matthew 13:3<\/sup> Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: \u201cBehold, a sower went out to sow. 4<\/sup>And as he sowed, some seed<\/em> fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. 5<\/sup> Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. 6<\/sup> But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. 7<\/sup> And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. 8<\/sup> But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9<\/sup> He who has ears to hear, let him hear!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          This parable is explained:
          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Matthew 13:18<\/sup> \u201cTherefore hear the parable of the sower: 19<\/sup> When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it,<\/em> then the wicked one<\/em> comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20<\/sup> But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21<\/sup> yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22<\/sup> Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23<\/sup> But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it,<\/em> who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Only the person who belongs to the fourth category of hearers proceeds with his creation process in this age. The others will have their chance during the great white throne judgment period described in Pahayag 20:11-13.

          The person who is granted repentance submits to baptism and the laying on of hands for the receipt of the Holy Spirit.

          Acts 2:37<\/sup> Now when they heard this,<\/em> they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, \u201cMen and<\/em>brethren, what shall we do?\u201d 
          38<\/sup> Then Peter said to them, \u201cRepent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The person who so receives the Holy Spirit immediately belongs to Christ. He becomes a Christian. He is his.
          Romans 8:9<\/sup> But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

          The Christian becomes distinct from the rest of mankind because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in him. It is this power which makes the person, in a sense, a new creation.
          2 Corinthians 5:17<\/sup> Therefore, if anyone is<\/em> in Christ, he is<\/em> a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

          To succeed in the Godly image building process, the person simply has to have the mind of Christ.

          Philippians 2:5<\/sup> Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus\u2026

          The new creation even has to put on Christ himself.

          Galatians 3: 27<\/sup> For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

          By consistently submitting to the lead of Jesus Christ using the power of the Holy Spirit, the image creation stage should not fail when it is already Christ himself who is doing the overcoming for the Christian so to speak.

          Galatians 2:20<\/sup> I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life<\/em> which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The overcomer is changed to spirit at Christ\u2019s return<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          In his Christian life, a person at times falls into temptation and sins and merits the penalty of death.  Thankfully, the Holy Spirit in him would convict him and he is led to repentance. His repentant attitude would not escape Christ\u2019s attention who then pleads to God for forgiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Christ is the Christian\u2019s advocate, or attorney, when he is judged a sinner in the times he fails to submit to God\u2019s will. And God forgives the repentant Christian who then resumes his Godly image building life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1 John 2:1<\/sup> My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The Holy Spirit indwelt person who consistently chooses the way of God in trying situations would already imbibe in his own character the image of God.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The image of God having been acquired, what is left for the overcomer is for him to be changed from physical, corruptible and mortal state to spirit, incorruptible and immortal existence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1 Corinthians 15:51<\/sup> Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed\u2014 52<\/sup> in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53<\/sup> For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must<\/em> put on immortality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Job, \u201cthat man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil\u201d (Job 1:1), knew he was ripe to be changed at Christ\u2019s return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Job 14:14<\/sup> If a man dies, shall he live again?<\/em>
                All the days of my hard service I will wait, 
                Till my change comes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          In his present physical and mortal state, man would not live if he stands before God\u2019s presence in all his glory. Jesus\u2019 present countenance is likened to \u201cthe sun shining in its strength\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Revelation 1:16<\/sup> He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was<\/em> like the sun shining in its strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The fully created man, being already in God\u2019s likeness as spirit, would be able to see God as he is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1 John 3:2<\/sup> Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The image creation process proceeds for the survivors of the turmoil relating to Christ\u2019s return<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Christ\u2019s return is one of a takeover of the government of the earth. It is bloody and fatal to many.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Satan is the present owner of the kingdoms of this world whose claim Jesus did not deny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Matthew 4:8<\/sup> Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9<\/sup> And he said to Him, \u201cAll these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.\u201d 
          10<\/sup> Then Jesus said to him, \u201cAway with you, Satan! For it is written, \u2018You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.\u2019<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Satan is the god of this age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          2 Corinthians 4:3<\/sup> But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4<\/sup> whose minds the god of this age has blinded\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Aware of his imminent removal from power, Satan is angry and will vent his wrath to the inhabitants of the earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Revelation 12:12<\/sup>\u2026Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          There will be great tribulation unequalled by any of the past that unless those days are shortened, no flesh would survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Matthew 24:21<\/sup> For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22<\/sup> And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect\u2019s sake those days will be shortened. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          This is so because Satan would not give up his reign without a fight. The returning Christ will depose Satan and his human armies by force. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Zechariah 14:3<\/sup> Then the LORD will go forth 
                And fight against those nations, 
                As He fights in the day of battle. 
                 4<\/sup> And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Which faces Jerusalem on the east. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          But who can stand before the power of the conquering Christ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Zechariah 14:12<\/sup> And this shall be the plague with which the LORD will strike all the people who fought against Jerusalem: 
                Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet, 
                Their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets, 
                And their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Satan will be captured and will be bound for a thousand years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Revelation 20:1<\/sup> Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2<\/sup> He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the<\/em> Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3<\/sup> and he cast him into the bottomless pit, 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. But after these things he must be released for a little while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          When the dust of battle settles, the kingdoms of this world would become the kingdoms of Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Revelation 11:15<\/sup> Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, \u201cThe kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms<\/em> of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The still physical man who survives the great tribulation and the takeover by Christ of this world and lives on to the next age will proceed with his image creation process as are those who will be born in that age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The changed man in this age will receive his reward in addition to the free gift of eternal life<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          When the overcomer in this age is changed to the likeness of God which is to spirit, the free gift of eternal life previously given him through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit becomes absolute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          At the laying on of hands for the receipt of the Holy Spirit, the person is given merely a guarantee of eternal life subject to his wise use of it in overcoming tests of loyalty to God in his life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          2 Corinthians 1: 21<\/sup>Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22<\/sup> who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Eternal life is not the reward. Eternal life is the free gift. If it were a reward, it ceases to be a gift. These two are different one from the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The reward for the overcomer in this age is a position of authority in the kingdom of God on earth under Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Revelation 3:21<\/sup> To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The overcomer will be given responsibility to administer cities the number of which is commensurate with how much he has utilized the power of the Holy Spirit in him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The parable of the minas illustrates this point. The nobleman in the parable is Jesus Christ. The servants are those called to undergo the Godly image creation process in this age. The minas represent the Holy Spirit given to each of them at the laying on of hands. At Christ\u2019s return, each Christian\u2019s degree of overcoming is determined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Luke 19:12<\/sup> Therefore He said: \u201cA certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. 13<\/sup> So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, \u2018Do business till I come.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Jesus after his resurrection went back to God\u2019s throne in heaven to be anointed King of kings on earth. Daniel saw in his vision God\u2019s conferring dominion upon Jesus Christ over all the earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Daniel 7:13<\/sup> \u201cI was watching in the night visions, 
                And behold, One<\/em> like the Son of Man, 
                Coming with the clouds of heaven! 
                He came to the Ancient of Days, 
                And they brought Him near before Him. 
                 14<\/sup> Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, 
                That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. 
                His dominion is<\/em> an everlasting dominion, 
                Which shall not pass away, 
                And His kingdom the<\/em> one<\/em>
                Which shall not be destroyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          At Christ\u2019s return, the determination of the magnitude and the giving of the reward to each overcomer is done.<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Luke 19:15<\/sup> \u201cAnd so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16<\/sup> Then came the first, saying, \u2018Master, your mina has earned ten minas.\u2019 17<\/sup> And he said to him, \u2018Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.\u2019 18<\/sup> And the second came, saying, \u2018Master, your mina has earned five minas.\u2019 19<\/sup> Likewise he said to him, \u2018You also be over five cities.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The reward of government positions are on earth and not in heaven<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Of those who are to be conformed to the image of God and changed to his likeness, it is only those whose creation proceeds in this age who are promised to be kings (mayors or governors) and priests (teachers) under Christ on the earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Revelation 5:10<\/sup> And have made us kings and priests to our God; 
                And we shall reign on the earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          As to reward in Christ\u2019s government on earth at his return, some of the overcomers\u2019 positions of authority are already determined:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          David will be king over a reunited Israel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Jeremiah 30:9<\/sup> But they shall serve the LORD their God, 
                And David their king, 
                Whom I will raise up for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The original twelve apostles will each rule the twelve tribes of Israel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Matthew 19:28<\/sup> So Jesus said to them, \u201cAssuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          In the meantime the overcomers and the rest who are still overcoming wait for the return of Christ either from their graves or on their feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1 Thessalonians 4:15<\/sup> For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and<\/em> remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16<\/sup> For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17<\/sup> Then we who are alive and<\/em> remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \u201cWith the Lord\u201d and to land from the air on the Mount of Olives at first that is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Zachariah 14:4<\/sup> And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, 
                Which faces Jerusalem on the east<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The dead in Christ are not now in heaven but are in their respective graves waiting for their change. They all died not having received the promises. Hebrews 11 enumerates some of them: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, etc. They all died in faith not having received the promises of reward yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Hebrews 11:13<\/sup> These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them<\/em> and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          David, the man after God\u2019s own heart, remains dead and buried and \u201cdid not ascend into the heavens\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Acts 2:29<\/sup> \u201cMen and<\/em> brethren, let me<\/em> speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day\u202634<\/sup> \u201cFor David did not ascend into the heavens \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          As Christ says, no one has ascended to heaven but himself only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          John 3:13<\/sup> No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is,<\/em> the Son of Man who is in heaven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Before Christ returns, each person who has imbibed the image of God through his lifetime of overcoming wait in hope for his reward and change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1 Corinthians 15:51<\/sup> Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed\u2014 52<\/sup> in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53<\/sup><\/strong> For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must<\/em> put on immortality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          With Satan held at bay the Godly image creation on man is easier in the \u201cDay of the Lord\u201d than in this age<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          After the battle which ends all battles in the meantime, the age that follows this age, referred to as the day of the Lord, would be peaceful. With Satan bound for a thousand years, even the now ferocious and carnivorous beasts will become herbivorous and dwell peacefully with its present preys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Isaiah 11:6<\/sup> \u201cThe wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, 
                The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, 
                The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; 
                And a little child shall lead them. 
                 7<\/sup> The cow and the bear shall graze; 
                Their young ones shall lie down together; 
                And the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 
                 8<\/sup> The nursing child shall play by the cobra\u2019s hole, 
                And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper\u2019s den. 
                 9<\/sup> They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, 
                For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD 
                As the waters cover the sea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          This is the age in which the prophecy in Isaiah 9 where the government of this earth will be upon Christ\u2019s shoulder is fulfilled as well as those descriptions of him which in this age are not yet applicable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Isaiah 9:6<\/sup> For unto us a Child is born, 
                Unto us a Son is given; 
                And the government will be upon His shoulder. 
                And His name will be called 
                Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, 
                Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          In this age, Christ did not come to bring peace to the world at large. He brought a sword referring to the division within families where only one or some of the members are called to proceed with the image creation process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          With teachings and practices they find strange and couldn\u2019t understand, parents, siblings and neighbors will disturb the peace of those who are called to proceed in their creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Matthew 10:34<\/sup> \u201cDo not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Unlike in this age, the Holy Spirit will be made available to all and God will write the laws in men\u2019s hearts and minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Hebrews 10:16<\/sup> \u201cThis<\/em> is<\/em> the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          In that age men will seek God\u2019s teachings and there will be no more wars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Isaiah 2:2<\/sup> Now it shall come to pass in the latter days 
                That<\/em>the mountain of the LORD\u2019s house 
                Shall be established on the top of the mountains, 
                And shall be exalted above the hills; 
                And all nations shall flow to it. 
                 3<\/sup> Many people shall come and say, 
                \u201cCome, and let us go up 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.\u201d 
                For out of Zion shall go forth the law, 
                And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 
                 4<\/sup> He 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Habakkuk 2:14<\/sup> For the earth will be filled 
                With the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, 
                As the waters cover the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          In this kind of environment, the Godly image building on men will not be as difficult as in this age where Satan is a major stumbling block.  And he will be again after the thousand years of his imprisonment is over and he is loosed for a little while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Revelation 20:2<\/sup> He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the<\/em> Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3<\/sup> and he cast him into the bottomless pit, 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. But after these things he must be released for a little while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Satan\u2019s temporary liberty stalls for a short while the image building process after the 1,000-year reign period of Christ<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          God is a fair God. Shortly before Christ\u2019s return God shortened the days of the great tribulation if only to save the still flesh and blood elect from annihilation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Matthew 24:22<\/sup> And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect\u2019s sake those days will be shortened. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          For Satan to complete his term of office, he is loosed a little while after 1,000 years and his presence is immediately felt with the deception of nations to follow his lead in rebelling against the government of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Revelation 20:7<\/sup> Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison 8<\/sup> and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is<\/em> as the sand of the sea. 9<\/sup> They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The rebellion is immediately quelled with men devoured by fire from heaven and Satan finally cast into the lake of fire to be tormented together with the spirits of the beast and the false prophet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Revelation 20:9<\/sup>\u2026And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. 10<\/sup><\/strong> The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are.<\/em> And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          With Satan being effectively restrained from interfering again, the Godly image creation process of those who have since died begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The rest of mankind who had since died in this age will proceed with their image creation process during the great white throne judgment period<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The age that follows the 1,000 years of Christ reign is referred to as the great white throne judgment. This is a period of time where those who have since died are raised back to their physical and mortal existence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Revelation 20:11<\/sup> Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12<\/sup> And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God\u20263<\/sup> The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          These people who are raised back to life wake up as if from sleep retaining their memories of events they encountered in their previous life. People of one generation could talk with others of the other generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          After learning of what happened in other generations, there are those who condemn the people in Jesus\u2019 day for they did not believe Jesus who they personally heard speak.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Luke 11:31<\/sup> The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is<\/em> here. 32<\/sup> The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is<\/em> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Revelation 20:12 is a brief statement which captures the period of image building process of those who have just been raised from the dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Revelation 20:12<\/sup> And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book <\/em>of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The phrase \u201c\u2026and books were opened\u201d refers to the opening of the men\u2019s mind to already understand the bible. The Greek for \u201cbooks\u201d in this verse is \u201cbiblios\u201d. After indwelling these men with the Holy Spirit, they become empowered to overcome their own selves to submit to God\u2019s reign in their lives. The series of overcoming of tests are their \u201cworks\u201d which are judged according to what are written in the \u201cbiblios\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          After a period of exercising their freewill on given situations, God will then write the names of those who overcome in the Book of Life and change them to spirit to become like God while those who refuse to submit to God\u2019s reign are slain by casting them to the lake of fire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Revelation 20:12<\/sup>\u2026And another book was opened\u202615<\/sup> And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The same fate as those called in this age who choose not to make God reign over them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Luke 19:27<\/sup> But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them<\/em> before me.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The death of those who choose not to submit to God\u2019s reign will be permanent. They become ashes under the soles of the feet of those who have imbibed God\u2019s image and become in the likeness of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Malachi 4:3 You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this,\u201d Says the LORD of hosts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The overcomer during the great white throne judgment period will be changed to spirit and join those who were before him as fully created man in the image of God according to God\u2019s likeness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Man is clay God is potter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          In the making of a pot or any earthen vessel, the determined potter intends to make a masterpiece out of clay.  As the potter applies water to make the clay pliant and presses and twists and what more, the clay submits to the pressures being applied to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          God\u2019s creating in man the image of God is likened to that of a potter making a pot. While man has freewill to object to what God does, his attitude should be like that of clay of being pliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          When subjected to pressures in his image creating process man should just leave the matter to the hands of the master potter for him to turn out to be the masterpiece God intends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          As he finishes the fashioned earthen vessel the potter examines it for cracks and other defects. If the pot does not meet his high quality standard, the potter discards it. The vessel which conforms to his desired quality the potter applies the finishing touches and glees in turning out a masterpiece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          So does God as he makes man in his image according to his likeness. The man with \u201ccracks\u201d and imperfections in character will be destroyed. Man should be warned of this fate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Matthew 10:28<\/sup> And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The still physical and mortal soul who is thrown to the lake of fire burns and dies within seconds and turns to ashes in minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Malachi 4:3 You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this,\u201d Says the LORD of hosts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The man whose image is being fashioned to be like God\u2019s needs to have the pliant quality of the clay which submits to the rigors exerted to it by the potter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Isaiah 64:8<\/sup> But now, O LORD, 
                You are<\/em> our Father; 
                We are<\/em> the clay, and You our potter; 
                And all we are<\/em> the work of Your hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          When we men do and acquire God\u2019s image or character of love in us after a period of fashioning, John assures that as God is spirit, we shall be changed to such like him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1 John 3:2<\/sup> Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Heaven and earth replaced with the new heaven and new earth and to the latter God joins man who shall have been in God\u2019s image and likeness by then.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          When every overcomer shall have become spirit like God and the wicked turned to ashes, God will then burn the present earth and every physical thing in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          2 Peter 3:10<\/sup> But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          There will be a new heaven and a new earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Revelation 21:1<\/sup> Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The New Jerusalem created in heaven will be moved out of it and placed on the new earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Revelation 21:2<\/sup> Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Man\u2019s destination is not heaven. It is God who will join the fully created men in the new earth to dwell with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Revelation 21:3<\/sup> And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, \u201cBehold, the tabernacle of God is<\/em> with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be<\/em> their God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Death, sorrow, crying, pain will already be things of the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Revelation 21:4<\/sup> And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          At the finish Jesus Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, happily declares \u201cIt is done!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Revelation 21:6<\/sup> And He said to me, \u201cIt is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          What the spirit, incorruptible and immortal man will be doing for eternity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The man who becomes like God will not be sitting idle or playing harp in the company of God for eternity. Playing harp even for just a day would be boring. How much torture would it be if done for eternity?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The future is wonderful. The present sufferings pale in comparison to the glorious future that awaits man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Romans 8:18<\/sup> For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared<\/em> with the glory which shall be revealed in us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The heavenly bodies in the universe are now barren and lifeless. These have been subjected to futility and waiting for deliverance from corruption by the children of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Romans 8:19<\/sup> For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20<\/sup> For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it<\/em> in hope; 21<\/sup> because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22<\/sup> For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Finishing, beautifying and doing creative work on the now unfinished planets and stars in the ever expanding universe would be exciting and not boring to engage in even for eternity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          In the meantime\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Salvation, grace, faith, works, believe, eternal life, death, heaven, hell, angels, devil, demons, anti-Christ, the beast, etc. These and more occupy the minds of most bible scholars, preachers, teachers and students alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          To really appreciate the study of these bible subjects, one should bear in mind the single main theme of the bible – God is making man in his image according to his likeness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The tribulation in life which a Holy Spirit indwelt person is subjected to is designed to hone his character to that of God.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Romans 5:3<\/sup> And not only that,<\/em> but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4<\/sup> and perseverance, character\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The person who belongs to Christ is to give all diligence to add to his being the virtues which lead to his developing into love which is the image of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          2 Peter 1:5<\/sup> But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6<\/sup>to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7<\/sup> to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          God and Jesus Christ are still working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          John 5:17<\/sup>\u2026\u201cMy Father has been working until now, and I have been working.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          God\u2019s design for man to be in the image and likeness of God is still being done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


          Genesis 1:26 Then God said, \u201cLet Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ….<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          FORUM<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          kajo: <\/strong>Angels are spirits like God.
          So why not make man flesh when God can make him spirit right away?
          What’s the point?
          Isn’t that unfair, being that flesh is weaker?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          EMA: <\/strong>Weaker and handy to dispose of if a creation just doesn’t fit. 

          God’s intention is really to make man spirit. 

          Genesis 1:26 Then God said, \u201cLet Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…

          But he made man go through the stage of being flesh at first, from the dust, so that he can be returned to dust if he doesn’t “cooperate” in the creation process.

          Luke 19:27 But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.\u2019\u201d

          God made angels before man. Angels, being spirits, don’t die. Some of the angels sinned and they still wait what God would do to them. Apparently, they have an idea of a torment as their punishment. 

          Matthew 8:28 When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. 29 And suddenly they cried out, saying, \u201cWhat have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?\u201d

          If man was immediately made spirit and like God who doesn’t die, the man who sins will forever be tormented and he would be begging for death that doesn’t come. Being first made flesh is fair then for man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          kajo: <\/strong>Epifanio M. Almeda wrote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Weaker and handy to dispose of if a creation just don’t fit. 

          God’s intention is really to make man spirit. 

          Genesis 1:26 Then God said, \u201cLet Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…

          But he made man go through the stage of being flesh at first, from the dust, so that he can be returned to dust if he doesn’t “cooperate” in the creation process.

          Luke 19:27 But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.\u2019\u201d
          ————————————–<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          But man has spirit also, right?
          And that spirit is the one that will suffer in hell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ————————————–<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Epifanio M. Almeda wrote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          God made angels before man. Angels, being spirits, don’t die. Some of the angels sinned and they still await what God would do to them. Apparently, they have an idea of a torment as their punishment. 

          Matthew 8:28 When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. 29 And suddenly they cried out, saying, \u201cWhat have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?\u201d

          If man was immediately made spirit and like God who doesn’t die, the man who sins will forever be tormented and he would be begging for death that doesn’t come. Being first made flesh is fair then for man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ————————————–<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Who will torment the man who sins?
          lt happens forever?

          “..the man who sins will forever be tormented and he would be begging for death that doesn’t come. “
          kindly explain this further.
          How did you come up with this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          EMA: <\/strong>kajo wrote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          But man has spirit also, right?
          And that spirit is the one that will suffer in hell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ————————————–<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Not so if the bible be the basis. The spirit now in man is just simply his breath. Remove that breath and the man dies.

          Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

          Man is still mortal. Being mortal, he still needs to put on immortality.

          1 Corinthians 15:53…and this mortal must put on immortality.

          The spirit God intends man to be is the man himself who needs to undergo a change from being flesh and blood to spirit.

          1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed\u2014 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 

          The belief that the “spirit is the one that will suffer in hell” is simply not from the bible. The flesh and blood man who doesn’t overcome will remain flesh & blood. When he is thrown to the lake of fire, he burns up and turns to ashes.

          Malachi 4:3 You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this,\u201d Says the LORD of hosts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ————————————–<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          kajo wrote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Who will torment the man who sins?
          lt happens forever?

          “..the man who sins will forever be tormented and he would be begging for death that doesn’t come. “
          kindly explain this further.
          How did you come up with this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ————————————–<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          That man will be tormented forever will never happen. This will not happen because only those who overcome will be changed to spirit. When flesh and blood man is thrown to the hellfire, he dies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          kajo: <\/strong>Are you saying that the forever burning fires of hell is meant primarily for satan and his cohorts?

          If that is so, and the unfortunate man who will burn in hell will die (the 2nd death, is it?),
          then what’s the point of waking up and gathering all the dead for the judgement,
          if those unfortunate ones are bound to die again anyway?
          Why not just leave them as is, ie,dead.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          EMA: <\/strong>Good question.

          There is a misconception of the term “judgment”. While it means the handing down of the verdict, it is also used to describe a period of judging a person’s performance in the face of trials of his commitment to obey God. This usage of the term “judgment” describes the life now of those who are in, not just with, the Church or “house of God”.

          1 Peter 4:17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God\u2026

          Those who have since died and who will still die will be raised back to physical life for them to undergo the period of “judgment”, the white throne judgment. 

          Revelation 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God\u20263 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them.

          They will be taught about God many for the first time. Revelation 20:12 is a brief statement which captures the period of image building process of those who have just been raised from the dead.

          Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.

          The phrase \u201c\u2026and books were opened\u201d refers to the opening of the men\u2019s mind to already understand the bible. The Greek for \u201cbooks\u201d in this verse is \u201cbiblios\u201d. After indwelling these men with the Holy Spirit, they become empowered to overcome their own selves to submit to God\u2019s reign in their lives. The series of overcoming of tests are their \u201cworks\u201d which are judged according to what are written in the \u201cbiblios\u201d.

          Those who will overcome will be changed to spirit. Those who don’t, and remains flesh and blood, will suffer the second death.

          This is “the point of waking up and gathering all the dead for the judgement”. And yes, “the forever burning fires of hell is meant primarily for satan and his cohorts”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          kajo: <\/strong>So the white throne judgment takes time?
          lt is not instantaneous?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          EMA: <\/strong>You’re right. A baby just raised from the dead needs to grow up first before it can be taught.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Zorro05: <\/strong>Epifanio M. Almeda wrote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          …Weaker and handy to dispose of if a creation just don’t fit. 

          God’s intention is really to make man spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Genesis 1:26 Then God said, \u201cLet Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ————————————–<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ..If God made men in his image, why do you say that “.. if His creation does not fit and weak, He can dispose it (easily..?)..” Isn’t it up to Him that what He created is up to his standards, as it was done in His likeness & image..?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ————————————–<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Epifanio M. Almeda wrote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          But he made man go through the stage of being flesh at first, from the dust, so that he can be returned to dust if he doesn’t “cooperate” in the creation process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ————————————–<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          …By the use of the word ” cooperative “, God created Man, thru His image & Likeness, but wasn’t sure that it would be to His liking or, as you said, cooperative in the creation process..?

          Then, why create something that is not cooperative, in the first place…

          God created Man, but didn’t had a quality control manager to check His creation…!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          EMA:<\/strong> <\/strong>zorro05 wrote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ..If God made men in his image, why do you say that “.. if His creation does not fit and weak, He can dispose it (easily..?)..” Isn’t it up to Him that what He created is up to his standards, as it was done in His likeness & image..?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ————————————–<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          When Adam and Eve were created flesh and blood, it was only the 1st phase of the creation. That their dispositions were not yet like God’s and they were nowhere near God’s likeness of being spirit show that the creation of man according to the standards in Gen. 1:26 was not yet over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ————————————–<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          zorro05 wrote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          …By the use of the word ” cooperative “, God created Man, thru His image & Likeness, but wasn’t sure that it would be to His liking or, as you said, cooperative in the creation process..?

          Then, why create something that is not cooperative, in the first place…

          God created Man, but didn’t had a quality control manager to check His creation…!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ————————————–<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          “Cooperate” is in following the lead of the Holy Spirit that will be placed in the man. God gave man freewill and not robots. Man has the freedom to either say yes or no to God. To follow or not the lead of the HS. Unless man has this freedom, he could not acquire the image of God.

          The cooperative will in due time acquire God’s character\/image of always choosing to follow God’s will. Only then will God change the flesh and blood man to spirit be become in his likeness.

          Adam and Eve, by not eating the fruit of the tree of life, were not even imbued with the Holy Spirit. Their creation will be continued during the great white throne judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          kajo: <\/strong>Epifanio M. Almeda wrote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          You’re right. A baby just raised from the dead needs to grow up first before it can be taught.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ————————————–<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          When you say that minds will be open to the words of God during the judgment,
          this pertains only to those who were unaware of God and his words, right?
          BUT there are those who have died who knew God yet turned their backs on Him (say, Judas).
          Will Judas still be awaken, and then die a second death in the manner that you mentioned?
          Why awaken him, if he will have to die again anyway?
          If the purpose is for him to realize his mistake, he’s gone thru that already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          EMA: <\/strong>The test as to when a person has had his chance to salvation is the receipt of the Holy Spirit. If the person has not yet been given the Holy Spirit, that person is not yet condemned. The Holy Spirit was made available to the disciples and converts only after Jesus had returned to heaven from where he sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

          John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

          Acts 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit\u2026

          This shows that Judas hasn’t had his chance yet to salvation. He will have it during the great white throne judgment period. If Judas submits to the Holy Spirit, and it appears he will as he had shown remorse of what he did in submitting to Satan previously, he will overcome and be changed to spirit to enter the kingdom of God as many others will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          kajo: <\/strong>lsn’t it that even after receiving holy spirit, a person can still turn his back and lose his salvation?
          If that is the case, what happens to him, 
          and how many times can HS be given to a person?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          EMA:  <\/strong>Yes, “after receiving holy spirit, a person can still turn his back and lose his salvation”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The receipt of the Holy Spirit is after a person has been granted repentance which is manifested by the person’s remorse and submission to baptism. This is followed by the laying on of hands by the elders for the imbuing of the Holy Spirit.

          Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, \u201cMen and brethren, what shall we do?\u201d 38 Then Peter said to them, \u201cRepent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

          A person is given the Holy Spirit only once. If he disregards the great gift, he shows disdain and in effect tells God he doesn’t want God to reign over him. He will be slain. This is illustrated in the parable of the minas.

          Luke 19:12 Therefore He said: \u201cA certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, \u2018Do business till I come.\u2019 

          The minas represent the Holy Spirit with which the Christian (Holy Spirit imbued person) is to “do business” with, which is to acquire the image or character of God. The period of “doing business” is the period of trials and tests for the Christian.

          At Christ’s return is the evaluation and handing down of the verdict. The overcomer is rewarded with a government position during the 1,000 year reign of Christ on this earth.

          Luke 19:15 \u201cAnd so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, \u2018Master, your mina has earned ten minas.\u2019 17 And he said to him, \u2018Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.\u2019 18 And the second came, saying, \u2018Master, your mina has earned five minas.\u2019 19 Likewise he said to him, \u2018You also be over five cities.\u2019 

          The Christian who did not use the Holy Spirit in him to overcome is judged as a wicked and is meted the penalty of death.

          Luke 19:20 \u201cThen another came, saying, \u2018Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief. 21 For I feared you, because you are an austere man. You collect what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.\u2019 22 And he said to him, \u2018Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow. 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest?\u2019 
          24 \u201cAnd he said to those who stood by, \u2018Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.\u2019 25 (But they said to him, \u2018Master, he has ten minas.\u2019) 26 \u2018For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 27 But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.\u2019\u201d

          The wicked was not given another chance. This is a warning to those who have been granted repentance, has been baptized and been given the Holy Spirit of God. Paul advises such a person to:

          Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          kajo: <\/strong>Therefore, the Christian who will be judged as wicked will die a second death.
          He will be resurrected on the white throne judgment, then dies again.
          Why not just leave him dead then?
          Why does he need to be awakened if he is destined to die again, anyway?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          EMA: <\/strong>Not so. The Christian in this age who will be condemned will no longer be judged in the great white throne judgment period. At Christ’s return, those who have been given the Holy Spirit in this age will be judged, that is, handed down the verdict.

          John 5:28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth\u2014those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. 

          Those who will be raised back to physical life at the start of the great white throne judgment are those who have not been given the Holy Spirit in this age and the following 1,000 years reign of Jesus Christ on this earth. The Christians in this age have either been changed to spirit or slain already at Christ’s return. 

          The wicked who died before Christ’s return will be raised back to life to let him know his verdict. The wicked who is still alive at Christ’s return will die only once and the death is final.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          pan_ni_pakyaw: <\/strong> <\/strong>Is this a one on one thread?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          EMA: <\/strong>You’re welcome to participate. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          pan_ni_pakyaw: <\/strong>I sometimes think there is no such thing as hell that everyone is destined to go to heaven when he dies. Because God so loved everyone of us He will not allow someone in peril.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          EMA: <\/strong>You hold some unclear ideas which you heard from others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          pan_ni_pakyaw: <\/strong> <\/strong>A simple thought that hell is defined for me as having a life on earth per se. When a person is born he will definitely live an earthly life regardless of his environment and the way his parents upbring him. He will sin and definitely that doesn’t align with God’s rules. But in the end as he dies, he will live a short moment talking to God to realise it all. He will have some kind of meeting with God in the form of dreams and other sorts. Like for example, a dying cancer patient would talk to God first and receive his mercy before he really dies. This would normally happen in his last seconds of his life. My only question here is the case of few hundred passengers who died of airplane crash. My bold thought was maybe God spoke with them whilst on the plane before the crash. Since all died no one knew. Really, just living a life on earth maybe is the hell that is in the bible in a not literal way. Simple logic is it will be too unfair for people who lived a poor life like that of rats and then died of doing wrong things like snatching or robbery.

          I thought that idea is not that bad. It’ll just make people think that to do wrong things is alright because they will go to heaven anyway.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          EMA: <\/strong>pan_ni_pakyaw wrote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          My only question here is the case of few hundred passengers who died of airplane crash. My bold thought was maybe God spoke with them whilst on the plane before the crash. Since all died no one knew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ————————————–<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          What’s your question?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          el Kapre:  <\/strong>ka epi, bakit ganyan ang title mo?
          nakaligtaang tema ng biblia, pero akala ko naniniwala ka na complete ang bible <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          EMA: <\/strong>Hinanap ko sa online translator ang tagalog ng “overlooked bible theme” at yan ang nakitang kong closest to what should be. Ano ba ang tukmang tagalog ng “overlooked”? As to theme, both the Cebuano & tagalog dictionaries show “tema”. As a bisaya, I find this word, tema, new to me. 

          “Overlooked” is in the sense that most bible scholars and students are yet to notice it. Hindi ibig sabihin na kulang ang biblia. Ang kakulangan ay nasa nagbabasa. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          http:\/\/forum.philboxing.com\/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=174014 Salvation, grace, faith, works, belief, eternal life, death, heaven, hell, angels, devil, demons, anti-Christ, the beast, etc. These and more occupy the minds of most bible scholars, preachers, teachers and students alike. And still confusion abound. After years of study and over much discussion with PRMOers over these years, I see the simple theme…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/friendshipwaylife.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/231"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/friendshipwaylife.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/friendshipwaylife.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/friendshipwaylife.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/friendshipwaylife.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=231"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/friendshipwaylife.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/231\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/friendshipwaylife.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=231"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/friendshipwaylife.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=231"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/friendshipwaylife.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}