Tag Archives: end times

Rapture—Biblical?

Posted on 09/02/2026 | Leave a comment

The rapture teaching is not in the Bible.

Rapture teaching says Christians will instantly go to heaven in their physical bodies but 1 Corinthians 15:50 says that flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom.

Believing Christians will go to heaven but would have to die first rather than be instantly resurrected as a Spirit creature in order to enter the spiritual realm of heaven. 

Rapture believers look forward to not dying. That’s impossible. And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment,  so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. See Hebrews 9:27-28.

There is no pre-tribulation Rapture taught in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, the only direct text that is relied on by many, for any direct support. The word for “caught up” is “harpásō” in the Greek. Same word Paul used when he was “caught up” into 3rd heaven to see visions (2 Corinthians 12:2).

However this verse simply teaches what all Christians have taught about the events at the second coming namely: resurrection of all the dead, the translation of the living into spirit beings, judgement, heaven and hell… all in a twinkling of an eye at the last trump.

There is no Rapture taught in John 5:28, in fact it teaches the opposite! False teachers of the Rapture say that only Christians are raised, then after 1000 years, the wicked are raised. This verse clearly teaches that in the same “twinkling of an eye” Pauline teaching  (an hour, not 1000 years) all the dead will be raised.

There is no Rapture taught in Daniel 12:2, just that all the dead, both righteous and wicked will be raised to judgment at the last day.

There is no Rapture taught in 1 Corinthians 15:21-28, in fact it teaches the opposite–the second coming will be the end. Paul wrote that Christ is reigning now, but will give up his reign at the second coming and hand it over to the Father. Rapture teaches that Christ is not reigning now, but will begin to reign at the second coming.

There is no Rapture taught in John 14. In context, John 14:3 says that Jesus will come again for the disciples but it does not say anything about a rapture.  Jesus gave a profound promise and assurance to the disciples. Jesus was about to leave them but not for long. Jesus was encouraging them to prepare to endure hardship. They will experience many days of fear and loss. Then at the appointed time he will come to take then to be with him forever where he is. then in verse 23 Jesus said to them, All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.

But note John 17:15. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. God wants his people in the world, being salt and light and working for cultural change in every area of life. (compare with Matthew 28:17-18).

Also John17:23. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.

See also my article at https://ianthomsonian.org/2025/11/10/rapture-three-greek-words/

and at https://ianthomsonian.org/2024/11/26/they-eagerly-awaited/

and at  https://ianthomsonian.org/2023/01/31/jesus-return-when-what-do-you-expect/

I invite your refutation! 

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New Heaven and New Earth

Posted on 05/02/2026 | Leave a comment

What does the Bible mean when it talks about a ‘new heaven and a new earth’?

This biblical concept is first seen by us in the prophet Isaiah. God promised to create “new heavens and a new earth,” We will look at several of many Isaiah text below.

This article will show that ‘new heaven and a new earth’ is fulfilled in the New Covenant! For Christians it is a present reality! Not something in the future. It is the passing of the old covenant system of the Mosaic era, the sacrificial system and the arrival of the new in AD 70.

Let’s turn first to the Old Testament where find many uses of the phrase in Isaiah.

First Isaiah 1:2-4  Listen, O heavens! Pay attention, earth!  . . . . “The children I raised and cared for have rebelled against me. . . . .  but Israel doesn’t know its master. My people don’t recognize my care for them.” 4 Oh, what a sinful nation they are . . . . 

This is a dramatic call, not mere poetic flourish—it invokes cosmic witnesses, a legal convention in ancient Near Eastern treaties where creation itself testifies to covenant violations (cf.  Deut 32:1; Mic 6:2).

The use of parallelism—“heavens” and “earth”—frames the message as universal and irrevocable. The structure reflects a prophetic indictment: God presents His case before creation, emphasizing the gravity of Israel’s betrayal.

God’s lament draws on the intimate metaphor of divine parenthood.  This father-child relationship underscores the depth of betrayal: Israel, as a privileged son (Ex 4:22; Hos 11:1), responds not with loyalty but rebellion. Not with mere boredom but with utter rejection. A profound spiritual blindness—a failure to acknowledge divine care and authority.

Next Isaiah 13:13. For I will shake the heavens. The earth will move from its place when the Lord of Heaven’s Armies displays his wrath in the day of his fierce anger.”

Next Isaiah 65:17. “Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore.  

(Note verse 8 in this context: For I still have true servants there. I will preserve a remnant of the people of Israel and of Judah to possess my land. Those I choose will inherit it, and my servants will live there.)

Lastly Isaiah 66:22 “As surely as my new heavens and earth will remain, so will you always be my people, with a name that will never disappear,” says the Lord.  

It is God’s new heaven and a new earth and is unlike what will pass away. True Israel will forever be his people, under the Lordship of Jesus.

Now let’s turn to the instances of the phrase in the New Testament.

Revelation 21:1: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away . . . . . . “

Believers whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Rev 20:15) dwell there eternally. They reign with Christ, enjoy God’s presence, and experience eternal joy—free from death, sorrow, crying, and pain (Rev 21:4). This happened 2000 years ago!

This is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan—reversing the Fall, fulfilling His promises to Abraham, and restoring creation to its original purpose of being filled, ruled, and cultivated by obedient image bearers. 

It is the ultimate hope of the Christian faith, not a temporary state, but an eternal dwelling place. The phrase ‘new heaven and a new earth’ cannot be taken literally. Heaven is God’s home, thus will never change. The Bible is not about the physical universe or cosmology.

Jesus said I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. Mat 5:18

So even the smallest detail of God’s law has now disappeared because it’s purpose has been achieved and fulfilled by Jesus. We know that Jesus has brought to an end the entire Mosaic law, bringing the New Covenant. Why would any detail of the law still be in effect? We are in ‘the new heaven and a new earth’ now! 

He also said Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. Mat 24:35

Here, in the Olivet Discourse, Jesus was not talking about a literal heaven or a literal earth. He was not talking about the end of the physical world. He was talking about a spiritual condition. Relationship with God. Jesus put the context of the passing of heaven and earth alongside his second coming and the judgment of Israel in the generation then alive.

With Peter we see talk about the imminent coming of the ‘new heaven and a new earth’:

. . . .   you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. 2 Peter 3:11-13

This is apocalyptic language. Peter does not envisage a literal “melting of elements” or “heavens on fire”. But Peter and his readers eagerly look forward to what is soon to come. This is not about the future far away.

Many writers try to shoehorn these passages into a hyper-creedal “end of world history” philosophy and tradition. They are wrong. This ‘world’ may not look like a world filled with God’s righteousness. But there is an enormous contrast between the old and the new covenant for the genuine believer, then and today. The old has gone, obsolete. Now we enjoy the new heavens and a new earth. We must believe it and live it and rejoice in its benefits.

Have confidence in the Lord.

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He Has Come Again Long Ago

Posted on 15/01/2026 | Leave a comment

Jesus came again so long ago

How on earth can I possibly know?

Jesus came again so long ago

 ‘cos the Bible tells me so!

Jesus told his disciples many times that he would return before some of his listeners, had passed away.

Jesus Christ is the unchanging One, the only constant in this ever changing world. His integrity is critical. If he made one mistake or false prophecy, everything else he said would be suspect.

The Bible defines a false prophet as one who prophesies events that do not come to pass. If someone prophesied that a specific event/s would occur at a specific date or time and that time were to come and go without the event happening, he could legitimately be labelled as a false prophet. Read this . . . . .

But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name, a word which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ And if you say in your heart, ‘How will we recognise the word which the Lord has not spoken?’ When the prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, and the thing does not happen or come true, that is the thing that the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you are not to be afraid of him. Deuteronomy 18:20ff.

Jesus made many, many promises to his disciples. Some of these promises were prophecies about his second coming. For example, when Jesus sent out his disciples, he told them . . . . 

When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel. Matthew 10:23. Later he said . . . . .

And then later, he said:

For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.” Matthew 16:27-28.

And then Jesus, after pronouncing the woes upon the leaders of Jerusalem, said:

“Therefore, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers of religious law. But you will kill some by crucifixion, and you will flog others with whips in your synagogues, chasing them from city to city. As a result, you will be held responsible for the murder of all godly people of all time—from the murder of righteous Abel . . . . . . I tell you the truth, this judgment will fall on this very generation. Matthew 23:34-36.

We know all those things actually happened –exactly as we read in the New Testament. They are history. And then only days before his passion he said . . . . .

I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. Matthew 24:34.

And yes, ‘all those things’ Jesus spoke about in Matthew 24 were in the near future, but they happened in the 1st century! All of them! And before his generation had died out!

In Paul’s 1st letter to the Thessalonians 1written about AD 65, he says:

 And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment. 1Thes 1:10

What judgment did Paul mean? These believers suffered persecution from the unbelieving Jews in their community. So we read 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16:

And then, dear brothers, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews.  For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last..

If those Thessalonians were wrong by expecting Jesus to come within their lifetime, why didn’t Paul correct them? Why didn’t he write to them saying, ‘no, you’ve got it wrong, Jesus won’t be coming for a long, long, time!’

But Paul did not correct them. Instead, he continued to encourage them as he wrote this letter to encourage them and then followed it with another letter, Second Thessalonians, with further encouragements.

So why do you, dear reader, still expecting Jesus to return soon or in the future? That is logically impossible if you trust Paul’s letters to be the word of God. Paul reports similarly in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 10, 2 Corinthians, Philippians 2 and in his other letters. And then there are what Peter wrote and James as well. They all expected Jesus to come very soon.

I know it is so difficult to throw off false teaching that has taken such a hold on Christians everywhere, such that people, including theologians, call Paul into question, saying that Paul was just wrong.

But why are the apostles of Christ, men filled with the Holy Spirit, the ones who are wrong? Why is it that we can be persuaded to think that Paul and the others were in error, rather than to question our own underlying premise of what we have been taught?

Who is it that is wrong – the apostles or the teaching of men that we have been exposed to?

What is more probable: that our understanding is wrong or that Paul’s was right?

And if not only Paul was wrong, but that Jesus must have lied to his disciples living in the first century, that he was coming back soon, before their generation had all gone.

Jesus said Heaven and earth may pass away but my words will never pass away. Mat 24:35

How can you keep on believing Jesus is still to come a second time?

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Israel or Christ?

Posted on 14/12/2025 | 5 comments

Recently I read an article by Dr Tim Orr who rather than exult the Lord Jesus focuses on a relationship with Israel and the nation, modern Israel. He believes Israel is still God’s chosen people. See his article here: https://dailydeclaration.org.au/2025/11/21/reclaiming-israel/

This author is not true to the New Testament. I sent the following comments to this publication.

God’s promise to Abraham came true for us Christians down to this very day. For we who follow Jesus are the true people of God. We are Abraham’s descendants. Not fleshly Israel. Not earthly Jerusalem.


This author has cherry-picked the scriptures to claim that Israel is the chosen people of God. He has ignored much evidence in the NT for example:


Galatians 6:16. We are the Israel of God. The ὅσοι [‘as many as’] refers to the individual Christians, Jewish and Gentile; and ‘Israel of God’ to the same Christians, seen collectively and forming the true messianic community.” (Word Studies in the New Testament vol. 4, p. 180).

Paul cannot be pronouncing a benediction upon persons who are not included in the phrase “as many as shall walk by this rule” (i.e., the rule of boasting only in the cross). The entire argument of the epistle prevents any idea that here he would give a blessing to those who are not included in this group. And Paul also wrote: “if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise”. (Galatians 3:29). See also Galatians 3:6-9, 12.


Galatians 3:26-29: For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you (Gentiles).


1 Peter 2:4-10: . . . . . . for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

These terms, chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession, reflect Deuteronomy 7:6, 10:15, 14:2.

Under the New Covenant the same applies to all believers in Christ both Jew and gentile.


Matthew 8:11-12. Jesus said to unbelieving Jews: “I tell you this that many Gentiles will come from all over the world –from east and west–and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites–those for whom the Kingdom was prepared–will be thrown into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”


Replacement theology’?  Nonsense.

Israel has not been replaced. Israel was transformed at Pentecost, with the remnant, Jews from all nations of the Dispersion. From then on these Jewish believers were persecuted by the Jews who rejected their Messiah, as Jesus said would happen in the Olivet Discourse.


And see 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16. And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last.


1 Thessalonians 1:3-4. We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.


Romans 11:30–36 does not teach about a kingdom with both Jews and Gentiles as distinct populations within the people of God. That would be a totally abhorrent idea for Paul (Galatians 3-6, Ephesians 2-3).

Many commentators have adopted Israel as their focus. It’s idolatry.

No matter how much New Testament scripture is quoted they don’t want the truth. So brainwashed. 

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The True People of God

Posted on 30/11/2025 | 1 comment

Here’s my exegesis of Matthew 21:43, considering its context, language and significance:

“Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.”

 

This verse is the concluding declaration of Jesus’ Parable of the Tenants (vv. 33-41), spoken directly to the chief priests and Pharisees (v. 45).

In the parable, a landowner (God) leases his vineyard (Israel; Isa. 5:1-7) to tenants (religious leaders). They reject/kill the owner’s servants (prophets) and finally his son (Jesus). Judgment falls on the tenants.

The leaders themselves pronounce judgment (v. 41): “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants”.

Jesus confirms their verdict (v. 43) and connects it to Psalm 118:22-23 (vv. 42, 44) about the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone.

Key Terms & Meaning:

 

“Therefore” (Greek: Dia touto): Links the verse directly to the leaders’ self-condemnation in the parable.

“Kingdom of God”: Refers to God’s reign/authority entrusted to Israel as His covenant people (Ex. 19:5-6; Dan. 2:44).

  • “Taken away from you”: “You” = Israel’s current leadership. They failed as stewards by rejecting God’s messengers and his Son.
  • “Given to a people” (Greek: ethnei): Ethnos typically means “nation” or “people”.
    • This people refers to a new covenant community (Jew + Gentile) under Christ (1 Pet. 2:9-10). This includes faithful Jews who accept Jesus (e.g., apostles) and Gentiles who are ‘grafted in’ to use Paul’s term (Rom. 11:17-24).

“Producing its fruits”: These include obedience, repentance, justice, and faithfulness (Matt. 3:8; 7:16-20). This contrasts with the leaders’ spiritual barrenness (Matt. 23:13-33).

 Theological Significance:

Divine Judgment: God’s kingdom is not irrevocably tied to ethnic Israel or its corrupt leaders. Stewardship requires faithfulness.

 

Inclusive Redefinition: The kingdom is transferred to a new people of God (the Church) centered on Christ (Eph. 2:11-22). This fulfils Abrahamic promises (Gal. 3:29).

Continuity & Fulfillment: Jesus is the “stone” (vv. 42, 44) establishing God’s kingdom (Dan. 2:44-45). The Church inherits Israel’s spiritual privileges (Rom. 9:6-8; Gal. 6:16).

Warning to All: Leadership in God’s kingdom demands fruitfulness, not just privilege (John 15:1-6).

 

Application:

 

To the Original Audience: A direct indictment of Israel’s leaders, warning that rejecting Jesus forfeits their role in God’s plan. Unbelieving Israel forfeits its chosen people status. Plainly, according to Jesus.

To the new People of God: This is a call to faithful stewardship, both Jew and Gentile. Privilege implies responsibility.

To Individuals: Entrance into God’s kingdom requires receiving Christ (John 1:12) and bearing spiritual fruit.

Connection to Jesus:

This verse underscores Jesus’ authority to redefine the people of God around Himself. His impending death/resurrection (which is implied in the parable) will inaugurate the new covenant community which replaces or replenishes Israel.

In Summary

Matthew 21:43 declares a monumental shift—the kingdom stewardship passes from unfaithful leaders to a new, multi-ethnic people under Christ, marked by responsive faith and spiritual fruitfulness. This is both a warning and a promise of God’s unfolding redemptive plan.

Jesus’ authority to redefine the true people of God around Himself is emphatically expressed and cannot be denied.

This redemptive plan falsifies the teaching of Dispensationalism. The nation state of Israel is not Paul’s “Israel of God.” (Gal 6:16)

Prove me wrong!

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Posted in Assembling, church, Bible Study, Eschatology, Israel

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The Apostles See Jesus No More

Posted on 19/11/2025 | Leave a comment

In the opening verses of the NT Book of Acts, Luke gives us the account of Jesus’ ascension. This is not the only account we have of the ascension in the Bible. In Luke 24:50-52 there is a brief account.

But this passage contains some valuable information which the casual reader may easily miss.

Let’s look at the passage.

6.  So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”  

6. they kept asking him. Their question shows they thought just as the Jews thought –in terms of a Davidic messiah and an earthly kingdom of Israel free of Roman rule. They were still focused on Israel and its future. It was not about the kingdom of Israel. It was about the Kingdom of Heaven. This would all soon change with the inauguration of the new covenant in Jesus’ blood.

7. He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.

 The Father alone sets dates, times. Jesus had already told the disciples that the timing of His coming was unknown (Mat 24:36). Only the Father determines the times and seasons.

8. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

But: Grk, G235 alla, contrariwise, emphatic—the disciples will have to think differently—to radically change their mind.

My witnesses: Very soon they will see him no longer because he is going to the Father, where they cannot come (see John 14:28-29). Instead, they are to receive power with the coming of the Holy Spirit and be his witnesses everywhere.  This would be a huge refocus. 

9. After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 

  • taken up into a cloud. Jesus was hidden from their eyes by a cloud as he went into Heaven. Clouds denote God’s glory. These ‘clouds’ appear to shut heaven, or the sky, from human view. He was hidden from their eyes by cloud. Just as He was hidden from their eyes as He went into Heaven, so when he comes He will be hidden to human eyes by the clouds of glory (Mat 24:30).

10. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 

they strained to see him. The cloud made it very difficult to see him, then impossible to see him.

two white-robed men. One of the many references to angels in the NT suddenly appearing (cf Luke 24:4 at the empty tomb). 

11. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

Jesus has been taken. Note the past tense ‘has been taken’

taken from you. They will see him no longer.

Men of Galilee. Here is aninteresting detail: they were addressed as ‘men of Galilee’. It is they who were addressed and not us today. Context is critically important for correct interpretation.

Jesus will someday return. The two ‘men’ declared Jesus will ‘someday’ return from heaven. The disciples already knew he would soon return (Matthew 10:23, 16:27-28, 24:30), but the hour or the day was unknown (Mat 24:36). This was a confirmation for them.

In the same way. The disciples could not see him because he was hidden by the cloud of glory. In the same way when he returns he will come in clouds of glory again hidden from human eyes in his then ascended form.  

This story shows us today that the coming return of Jesus was to occur within the lifespan of those present, these “men of Galilee”. So it rationally follows that return has already occurred!

This passage and the Matthew 24:30-34 passage, teach us the same thing: Jesus returned within the lifespan of the disciples!  

The coming of Jesus that we read in both Acts 1:6-11 and in the gospels (Matthew 10:23, 16:27-28, 24:30-34) cannot possibly be a “coming” that will occur in our future, for indeed, it has already occurred in the generation of the disciples.

Go figure!

Please prove me wrong.

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Rapture? Three Greek Words

Posted on 10/11/2025 | 4 comments

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Jesus Is Already Here

Posted on 29/10/2025 | 2 comments

Countless Christians have been falsely taught to believe that one day Christ will suddenly appear on the clouds to fix everything. They have been so brainwashed about it is very difficult for them to face the truth in the scriptures. The rapture doctrine is grossly false as I explain elsewhere–https://ianthomsonian.org/?s=rapture.

This is a massive, worldwide psyopt (psychological operation). Brainwashing. Cognitive dissonance.  

Jesus plainly taught his disciples that he would return within a generation. (Mat 10:23, 16:27-28, 24:30-34). Millions have ignored Jesus’ plain promise. He came invisible to human eyes, hidden in clouds of glory.

No one has ever seen him since he ascended on high and dwells in unapproachable light and glory.

He said this surprising thing to his disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit “where you can see me no longer”. (John 16:7-10).

The New Testament teaches us that we are meant to be in the world but not of the world! We are to be in the world, to make disciples everywhere, to be salt and light! “You are the light of the world– A city on a hill cannot be hidden”. (Mat 5:14)

Jesus’ disciples heard him praying this to the Father . . . .

“I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. . . . . . Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.  . . . . . . . “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.   I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”

He also said very clearly that his words remain in us!

. . . if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!  When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. .” John 15:7-8.

He told them (and as a result us) that he has made his home with them (and us)

“All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.” (John 14:23)

Here on earth we are meant to bear much fruit . . . .

 “Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. (John 15.5)

Paul wrote about believers being active here on planet Earth and not longing to escape  . . . .

I thank my God through Jesus Christ because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world (Rom 1:8)

You are a temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you (1 Cor 3:16)

. . . .  So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. (1 Cor 15:58)

. . .   for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (Phil 1:5-6) 

For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better.  I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.  But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. (Phil 1:21-24)

As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia. And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it,  for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God.  And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. (1 Thes 1:8-10)

As David Sorensen puts it so well . . . . 

“Christ is not there, somewhere, far, far away. He is here, as close as can be—in the hearts and lives of all who welcome Him, who see Him, who accept His love for humanity. He has made His dwelling with all those who love Him. We are not waiting for Christ to “return. . . . . 

How can you be waiting for Him who is inside of you, who never leaves you, who walks where you walk, who speaks when you speak, who touches when you reach out, who is your all in all? . . . .   

Christ is our strongest Ally, our powerful Guide, our heroic Deliverer. He is always here with us, inside of us, and He wants to work through us—shine His light, bring His deliverance, release His voice, establish His reign of restoration.

So let’s cease waiting for Christ to “return,” but learn how Jesus is here with us—Emmanuel. Get busy in the work of the Good News! He is always with us, everywhere, all the time. 

We are Christ containers!

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No One Can See God

Posted on 17/10/2025 | Leave a comment

Jesus said: “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. . . . . .  because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer . . . “. (John 16:7-10).  

He said this surprising thing “where you can see me no longer”. He said that he would send the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was better for them than his physical presence!

Can you grasp how incredible that is?

The truth that many people miss is that no one can see Christ in bodily form and live.

But instead, Jesus told them he would send what could not be seen: the Holy Spirit. That gift enables the multiplication of the works of Christ by his followers in the world. Those works will be seen.

Many people are obsessed with the idea that Jesus will come and they will physically see Jesus. They will be disappointed. We already have what is for our good that he went away!

He will not come back to rule physically from an earthly Jerusalem. If you believe that you have believed a lie.

The New Testament tells us that when the Son of Man comes he comes hidden in the clouds of God’s splendour and glory! (e.g., Mat 24:30, 26:64) 

His coming is often called a ‘Parousia’ (1 Thes 2:19,3:13, 4:15). In Jesus’ day parousia meant ‘visit’, typically of the visit of a king who leaves his palace and visits a city but then returns to his home.

His coming will not be physically ‘seen’ but understood. He could never be seen by human, physical eyes in His exalted, glorious, state, “whom no one has seen or can see” (1 Tim 6:16).

The NT says when he comes it will be in judgment and the fulfilment of all that is written (Luke 21:22), not to be gazed at. See also judgment passages in 1 Thes 1:10, 2:15-16.

The Holy Spirit is with them from the Day of Pentecost until He comes again and beyond to this our day—the experience we have now!

See Acts 1:9. “And after He had said these things, he was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received him out of their sight.” He was hidden from their eyes by a cloud (Grk. nephelē). Just as he was hidden from their eyes as he went into heaven, so when he comes He will be hidden to human eyes by the clouds of glory (Mat 24:30).

Since then, Jesus has never been physically seen by human eyes. nor will he ever.

Do you see? Do you understand? Many stumble over this, thinking that because he would not be seen by human eyes, then he has not yet come.

Paul wrote: we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour. (Titus 2:11f.) The blessed hope of Paul was the appearing of his glory, not his physical presence.

That appearance of his glory has already come and been seen by the first generation of believers according to Mathew 10:23, 16:27-28, 24:30-34, as I have written in my many posts on my blog.

Let’s rejoice that he has come to dwell by his Spirit among his people, His ekklesia, and to empower us to be his witnesses as he did with the first apostles!

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Please explain to me

Posted on 06/10/2025 | 2 comments

Please explain to me why Jesus several times promised his disciples that he would return within the lifetime of some of them.

First. Please explain to me why Jesus said this to his disciples before sending them on their mission to Israel:  “When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel.” (Mat 10:23)

My comments:  There was an urgency for them to complete their task! Time was limited so they were to go only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel; not to carry money or extra clothing or waste time in places where their message was not received. URGENT! Jesus will return before they have reached all the towns of Israel.” Not centuries in the future!

Second. Please explain to me why Jesus told his disciples: “For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds.  And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.” (Mat 16:27-28)

My comments:  In this context, Jesus challenged these disciples to follow him. He warned them to be committed to the Kingdom of God and to be ready for his return before some of them had died.

His coming and the Kingdom of God was not centuries in the future, but a mere generation!

Third. Please explain to me why Jesus told his disciples: “And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world (Greek oikoumenē) so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. (Mat 24:14) 

My comments: In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus once again emphasied the shortness of time to the listening disciples. The Greek oikoumenē (Strongs G3625) translates the phrase ‘the whole world’. This word, oikoumenē  meant the civilised world, the Roman empire which Paul tells us happened– see Rom 10:18, 16:26; Col 1:6, 23.   The End, his coming, he promised during the time of the apostles, in the Roman Empire. Not centuries in the future!

Fourth. Please explain to me why Jesus told his disciples to learn the lesson of fig tree. “When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near.  In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door” (Mat 24:32-33)

My comments: Jesus knew their question about when The End comes. He responded by comparing the seasonal changes in the fig tree to the time of his return. They can see when summer is near,–only a short time away. Similarly, when they see things like the Abomination of Desolation and the great tribulation they can see how close is his return. It is very near. In fact it was right at the door!

Fifthly. Please explain to me why Jesus told his disciples I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. (Mat 24:34)

My comments: Remarkably, once more in that discourse, Jesus emphasied the shortness of time to the listening disciples. The current generation of those disciples and others in Israel would not have vanished until events including the great tribulation and his coming have taken place. Within about 40 years. Not centuries in the future!

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Posted in Bible Study, Eschatology, Olivet Discourse

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