A "Grain Of Wheat" Ministries publication

Written by David W. Dyer

INDEX

Chapter 1: THE MILLENNIUM LOST

Chapter 2: ARE WE IN THE MILLENNIUM TODAY?

Chapter 3: MORE SIGNS?

Chapter 4: SOME SPURIOUS ARGUMENTS?

Chapter 5: FOCUSED ON HEAVEN

Chapter 6: WHY IS THE KINGDOM IMPORTANT?

Chapter 7: "OUTER DARKNESS"

Chapter 8: OTHER SCRIPTURES (Current Chapter)

Chapter 9: SOME REALLY BAD THEOLOGY

Chapter 10: REAL TRANSFORMATION

Chapter 8: OTHER SCRIPTURES

Some readers may be wondering, in light of these assertions, if there are any other scriptures outside of the teachings of Jesus which show us these things. The answer is: Yes, there are! There are quite a few of them.

Let's start with the book of Jude. In this small book, Jude is warning us about some people, evidently who are taking part in the activities of the church, who will be punished. They will “…suffer the coming punishment” (Jude 1:4). It might be good to take a little time and reread Jude for yourself. It is quite a short book.

These people are right in the middle of the people of God, the church (vs 12). Yet their behavior is fleshly, selfish, and sinful. What then is their punishment going to be? It is this: “… for whom the outer darkness has been reserved during the age {singular, Gk}” (Jude 1:13 FLNT).

This is referring to the kingdom age, not eternity. In Greek, this word “age” is singular, not plural. Although most translators have rendered this as “forever” or “eternally,” this is not correct or even honest. Once again, we find translators influenced by their religious concepts, adjusting the scriptures to “help” us understand. In the process, they hide important truths from their readers.

Another verse which bears on the subject is 1 John 2:28 where we read: “And now little children, continue in him so that when he is revealed we may have confidence and not be ashamed, and be separated from him at his appearing.” What? Separated from Him at His coming? Is that the right word? Don't most translations say: “…ashamed before Him” not “separated” from Him? How can this be?

Let's look at this Greek word translated as “separated” together. It is APÓ which means: “from, away from.” It indicates: “separation and cessation; any kind of separation of one thing from another by which the union or fellowship of the two is destroyed.” I don't see how, by any stretch of the imagination, this word could be translated as “before” which in this situation would mean “in front of.”

But most Bible translators suffer from the idea that once you “receive Jesus” there can be no more negative consequences. There can be no “separation.” So they twist this word to mean something it doesn't mean. In the process, they rob us of some important truth.

Could Christians be separated from Jesus when He comes, even when the Bible says that: “…what could separate us from the love of the Anointed One?” (Rm 8:35 FLNT).

Absolutely! This is exactly what the scriptures teach us. However, this is not a permanent separation, but a temporary one. God, in His great love for all His children, will arrange for some of them a temporary separation for disciplinary purposes in order to achieve an important and eternal result.

It is not from lack of love that He does this, but because of His love for them! God will punish His rebellious children for their benefit! He will achieve eternal results through it. Through these punishments, He will deliver them from their self-will, stubbornness, and rebellion. They have not been separated from His love, but only separated temporarily from His presence.

Nothing in this understanding of the Bible shows us that these people are “lost.” Nothing tells us that they have become unborn again or that they have lost their salvation. Nothing indicates that they are somehow unloved by God.

Everything we are studying shows us that this is a temporary punishment. It lasts “for the age.” It is a discipline which is only during the kingdom age or the millennium.

WHAT PAUL TEACHES ABOUT THE KINGDOM

In the New Testament, we find many more verses which teach these truths. Yet somehow many just skip over them. Due to so much wrong teaching and/or wrong concepts, they assume they can't possibly apply to them or any other Christian.

For example, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:9,10: “Or don't you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the coming kingdom of God? Don't be deceived: neither those who have sex outside of marriage, nor those who worship something besides God; nor adulterers, nor crossdressers, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor those who are eager for wealth, nor drunkards; nor slanderers, nor those who take advantage of others will inherit the kingdom of God [the millennial kingdom]” (FLNT).

There is no doubt that everyone to whom he was writing already understood (just as we understand today) that the unsaved, or unregenerated, will not be in eternity with the Lord. But here Paul is reminding the believers about something important concerning the coming kingdom. This letter was written to the church! It is not talking about, or to, unbelievers. It is not addressing the condition of people in the world.

Although there are many people today who are “born again” and even “church members,” there are also many who are still practicing these very sins! It is a tragedy, yet it is true. Many of God's children are wallowing in sin.

For example, sexual sin - that is sex outside of the marriage union - is epidemic in the church. Many are slanderers. Others are eager for wealth. And the list could go on for quite a while. It is to these people that Paul is talking. There is no way for them to live like this and expect to inherit the coming kingdom. It is impossible.

Paul also teaches us in Galatians 5:19-21 the following: “Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are these: sex outside of the marriage bond, impure relationships, unholy sexual behavior, worshiping anything other than God, witchcraft and drug use, holding onto anger, arguments, jealousies, angry outbursts, selfish ambition, excluding others, separating into special, select groups, envying others, drunkenness, wild parties, and such similar things of which I warn you right now, even as I already warned you, that those who practice such things will in no way inherit the coming kingdom of God [the Millennium].”

Here Paul is giving the believers a serious warning. Once again, he is giving this warning to the church! This is not a message to the unsaved. He is affirming that if you live this way, you won't get into the kingdom.

But today's church has lost this truth. Partly as a consequence of this, today's church is replete with just such sins! Having been robbed of this precious kingdom truth, and been assured by a “no consequences” message, many have no fear of God. They think that God has become blind. They imagine that He “can't see their sin.”

What a ridiculous idea! Of course God is seeing everything and what He sees concerning our lives will have a result when He comes. He will judge and discipline His children.

In Ephesians 5:3-5 Paul repeats this same warning. “But don't let such things as sex outside of the marriage bond and all sexual impurity or the desire for wealth even be mentioned among you, which is the characteristic of those set apart to God. Neither should you use obscenities, engage in frivolous conversation, or tell dirty jokes, which are not appropriate; instead be giving thanks.

“For you know this without a doubt: no one who engages in sex outside of the marriage bond, who practices impure sexual acts, nor anyone who is greedy (who is really worshipping money as an idol) has any inheritance in the coming kingdom of the Anointed One and of God [the millennial kingdom” (FLNT).

Do you know anyone who calls themselves a Christian and practices these things? Do you practice them yourself? Then know with certainty that there is severe and prolonged punishment facing you and them when the Master comes. “Truly I say to you, you will never get out of there until you have paid the last little bit of money” (Mt 5:26 FLNT).

Peter in his second letter also speaks about this subject. He instructs us to: “…add to your faith God's virtuous character; and to virtuous character, increased understanding; and to understanding, self-control; and to self-control, patience; and to patience, holiness; and to holiness, brotherly affection; and to brotherly affection, God's perfect love” (2 Pet 1:5-7 FLNT).

So why should we do this? He further explains. “In this way, an entrance into the agelasting [millennial] kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Anointed One will be made abundantly available to you” (2 Per 1:11). Here he is explaining that to enter the coming kingdom requires something. It requires a godly life produced by submitting to the present spiritual reign of Jesus.

Of course, many versions of the Bible translate this phrase “age-lasting kingdom” as “eternal kingdom.” The question here is about the translation of the word AONIAN.

This word can in fact mean “lasting for an age” or “eternal.” So it is up to the translator to decide which it is. Obviously, the translator will be guided by his or her understanding of the gospel message.

In this passage, Peter employs a very serious word. It is the word “if.” In 2 Peter 1:10 we read: “For if you do these things, you will never fall short of it.”

This word “if” is important. Peter is telling us that it is possible to fall short of something. What is this? It is: “…an entrance into the agelasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior…” (vs 11). Literally, this word “if” refers to: “doing these things.”

So, there is something that, if we neglect to do it, will cost us our entrance into this coming kingdom. These teachings come to us from the Bible. They are not the inventions of this writer.

THE WRITER OF HEBREWS

The writer of the book of Hebrews also provides us with some serious warnings. In Hebrews 4:1 we read: “Therefore, since we have a promise reserved for us of entering into his rest, let us reverently fear so that none of us would be judged to be failing to enter into it.”

What does it mean to “enter into the rest”? Here the writer is making an analogy between the children of Israel entering into the land of Canaan for the first time and believers entering into something called the “Sabbath rest.” This spiritual experience of ceasing from doing our own works, or resting, in this passage is related to entering into a future “rest” which is the millennial kingdom. It is the same as the “day of the Lord” which is the Sabbath, a day of rest.

In the same chapter, we also read: “Let us, therefore, be diligent to enter into that rest so that no one would come under judgment by following the same pattern of disobedience [the pattern of the Jews in the wilderness]!” (vs 11, FLNT).

Further on we read: “But if we continue sinning willingly after we have received the full understanding of the truth, there is no longer a sacrifice for sins left for us. But, instead, there is a certain fearful expectation of judgment and the fire of God's burning jealousy which will consume those who are the opposite of his holy nature.

“Anyone disregarding Moses' law was killed without compassion based on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, has considered the blood of the covenant with which he is being made holy as something of little value, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?

“For we know him who said, 'Revenge is mine, I will repay those who rebel.' And again saying, 'The Lord will judge his people' (Deut 32:35,36). It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb 10:26-31).

Now let us focus on this phrase: “How much worse punishment….” This must really mess up many Christian's theology. Punishment? How could that be? It can be and will be because that is exactly what the Bible teaches! Jesus taught it. The apostles taught it. You better believe it.

The sad truth is that many people who call themselves Christians are not respecting Jesus' authority. They treat His death for them as a way to escape the consequences of their sin. They are not serious about obeying Him.

THE WORD GIVEN THROUGH ANGELS AND THE WORD GIVEN BY JESUS

In Hebrews 2:1-4 we read: ”Therefore, it is extremely important for us to hold onto the things which we heard so that in no way we would carelessly let go of them.

“For since the word spoken through angels was unchangeable and every sin and disobedience received a just reward, how will we escape a similar judgment if we neglect so great a salvation, which was initially received through the words of the Lord, being confirmed to us by those who heard him?”

This should be really impressive for us. When God says something, it's important. Here we see that His word given through angels was serious. Anyone who violated it was punished. Some were punished by death.

But His word given to us through Jesus is even more serious! Here we see that we also will not escape punishment if we disobey Him.

So, there will be consequences. As your friend and brother, I am telling you right now, if you do not submit to Jesus' rule today, you will be punished and possibly punished severely when He comes. Furthermore, you will be left out of His earthly kingdom when it comes.

IS THIS PUNISHMENT ONLY TEMPORARY?

Many will ask if this punishment of believers about which we have been speaking is only temporary. I believe it is and there is some evidence to prove it. Those who are left out of the wedding feast and punished during the Millennium will be “weeping and gnashing their teeth.” Yet when eternity finally comes we read in Revelation 21:4: “And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes….”

I would like to suggest that those who are participating in the coming kingdom - feasting and reigning with Jesus - will not have any tears to be wiped away. Yet there are some at the beginning of eternity who have been weeping. It is at this time that God comforts them and wipes these tears away. Although this cannot be thought of as absolute proof of the restoration of believers who have been punished, I see it as a good possibility.

Why is God punishing these individuals? It is for their good. During their lifetimes, they were stubborn, rebellious, and did not submit to His rule. So this problem must be resolved! They cannot become part of the new heaven and the new earth with this deep-seated rebellion within them. It must be driven out. So God in His love provides this solution: punishment. This God-induced punishment will help them to change their attitudes and bend their wills to His authority.

It sounds severe, and it is. But it is much better than being totally destroyed along with the unbelievers. How good it is of God to do this! When He chooses someone to be His and gives them His eternal life, He means business.

This is not a random choice on His part. He is not just giving His life to anyone who comes along and then later “culling the herd,” that is, getting rid of the ones who didn't work out. No.

When God begets a child, He has a plan to bring them to where they need to be to be with Him forever.

GOD HAS A TIMETABLE

God is and has been working throughout human history following a timetable known only to Himself. However, there are and have been set times for all of His work. God is not just doing things on a whim, or, for example, sending His son when He just felt like it. No, instead, everything is following a predetermined plan.

For example, we read: “And he replied to them, 'It is not for you to know the times or seasons which the Father has set by His own authority'” (Acts 1:7). You see, there are times and seasons which have been “set.” They have already been established. God is not just waiting to see how things work out to act or to fulfill His will. It is He who - perhaps invisibly, or “behind the scenes” - is orchestrating events to work out His plans. This is also true concerning the second coming of Christ

Although these times are not clearly explained to men, they do exist. God does give us some clues concerning these things in His word. These clues are there for those who are open to hearing from God.

Now let's take some time here to talk about the Sabbath. For reasons of His own, God chose to make this present heaven and earth in six days. Then on the seventh day, He rested. This must be significant! Why didn't He make them in twelve days, or three, or twenty? He deliberately chose the numbers six and seven. There is no doubt that this is significant and important. It is not accidental.

This seventh day, the Sabbath day, became very special to God. Keeping the Sabbath is one of the most prominent laws in the Old Testament. There are many verses which talk about it. This special seventh day is known as “the Lord's day.” There are also many scriptures which talk about the coming “day of the Lord.” Could there possibly be any connection between these two “days”?

It also cannot be accidental that from the creation of Adam and Eve until Abraham was about 2,000 years. Then, from Abraham to Christ there were another 2,000 years. And from the death of Christ on the cross until today, another almost 2,000 years have passed. How could this not be important? Numbers are always important to God. He knows mathematics.

So, from Adam until today, almost 6,000 years, or six “days” have passed. Then the scriptures teach us many things concerning another day called “the day of the Lord.” Does this remind anyone of the Sabbath? Could there be any connection? Is it possible that the seventh thousand years of this earth could be “the Lord's day” or “the day of the Lord”?

According to Peter: “…one day with the Lord is like one thousand years and one thousand years like one day” (2 Pet 3:8). Now the amillennialists claim that Peter is being allegorical here. He doesn't really mean anything concrete. Perhaps he is waxing poetic or brushing up on his prosaic skills, hoping to sell more parchments.

However, the context here is the “last days.” He is explaining something important. He says: “It is of primary importance to know that in the last days scoffers will come, who will follow their own fleshly desires and say, 'Where is the promise of his coming? For, since the time that the fathers passed away, everything has just gone on the same way as it always has since the beginning of creation'” (2 Pet 3:3,4 FLNT).

Can all this just be allegorical? Here we are at what I believe is the end of this “age,” the age of grace. Six thousand years have almost passed and the scriptures predict a period of one thousand years of rest, peace, and righteousness for the earth. Can this “one day is as one thousand years” only be a metaphor? Is it all accidental? Does this phrase have any real meaning? Are we supposed to believe that all this is just coincidental?

To ignore such a “coincidence” is to be willingly blind. God has a plan. His numbers are in evidence everywhere. If we just casually dismiss this obvious correlation between the seventh day, the Sabbath, and the day of the Lord, the millennium, we are running a huge risk of being exposed when Jesus comes.

End of Chapter 8

Read other chapters online:

Chapter 1: THE MILLENNIUM LOST

Chapter 2: ARE WE IN THE MILLENNIUM TODAY?

Chapter 3: MORE SIGNS?

Chapter 4: SOME SPURIOUS ARGUMENTS?

Chapter 5: FOCUSED ON HEAVEN

Chapter 6: WHY IS THE KINGDOM IMPORTANT?

Chapter 7: "OUTER DARKNESS"

Chapter 8: OTHER SCRIPTURES (Current Chapter)

Chapter 9: SOME REALLY BAD THEOLOGY

Chapter 10: REAL TRANSFORMATION