What will Armageddon mean for earth's billions of people who are alive at that event, the vast majority of whom do not profess Christ in any form whatsoever? Will they be eternally destroyed, as some religious leaders would have us believe? Will all mankind be destroyed at Armageddon, or will there be any survivors of this destruction?
Does Armageddon mean that the majority of earth's present billions will go down in eternal destruction with no hope of recovery? Are the millions of children being born into this world, blinded by Satan, many of whom are suffering beyond imagination, only to go through all of this suffering and torment so that they may be eternally destroyed at the battle of Armageddon, thus deriving no benefit from their experiences with sin, suffering and death?
Unless
noted otherwise, all scripture quotations are provided by our own
renderings based on various translations and Hebrew and Greek texts. Hebrew and Greek words are given as transliterations.
By Ronald R. Day, Sr., Restoration Light Bible Study Services
Survivors of the End of this Age
There are presently several billions of people on this earth and more
people are being born each day. The Bible tells us that this "present evil age" is to
end with the great tribulation, part of which is the "battle of the
great day of God the Almighty" at Armageddon. What will this mean for the billions who are alive at the time of the battel of Armageddon. Will all who are in disbelief at that time be eternally destroyed? Must one join a religious organization governed by men of flesh in order to not be eternally destroyed? Will there even be any survivors of the battle of Armageddon?
First let us see what position the majority of these billions of people
have before Jehovah God. Approximately 1/3 of the earth's population professes to be Christian. Of these professing Christians we feel
safe in saying that the majority of them are not true regenerated disciples of
Christ who are giving of their lives in the witness and worship in
spirit and truth. (John 4:23,24) Most are merely nominal Christians,
Christians in name only, the kind that Jesus likened to tares. (Matthew 13:24-30) Most people on the earth, then, are still children of wrath, deserving destruction. (Matthew 7:13; Ephesians 2:3; Romans 1:3) Likewise, due to the apostasy, Jesus spoke of many of his servants who would be confused concerning what they should be doing in their service of their master. (See our study on The Four Servants). Many seem to love this present age and make it their goal to
"make this [present evil -- Galatians 1:4] time a better place in which to live."
However noble their efforts may appear, the Bible tells us that all such
efforts are in vain. -- Ecclesiastes 1:2-15; 6:11,12; 3:9,10.
In the most "advanced" nations, the Bible is printed in abundance, and may be found in all churches. Yet, due to the apostasy and its blinding influence, few come to an understanding of God's purposes. Additionally, the forms of media are filled with misinformation. TV shows, movies, songs, and even the public school systems often present what God condemns as being good and acceptable, while obedience to Jesus and his God is often depicted in some manner as being something evil. Some forms of sin are being promoted as being an acceptable "lifestyle", while others are presented as socially acceptable.
On the other hand, many professed Christians pride themselves in the idolatry of "organization", creeds and/or denominational/sectarian church
worship. Our friends associated with such groups, when confronted with
Bible truths concerning the "ransom for all" or other matters, often
begin preaching their organization, the works and teachings of their creed-makers, or their church leaders rather than Jesus. By this
they indicate that they have placed their organization, church, creeds, etc., as
a go-between to understanding the scriptures. Many are willing to
accept whatever their leaders tell them - without question!
But who is guilty before God and who is not guilty? In truth, all of
us, as descendants of Adam, are reckoned by God as guilty and worthy of death. (Romans 3:23)
It is only through faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice (or in the case
of the faithful of old, in the promise thereof) that we receive a
reckoned (imputed, counted -- Greek, logizomai) justification [made
straight, right] before God. (Romans 4:3-24; 6:11; Galatians 3:16; James
2:3) The Bible tells us that there are those living in the "last days" who would
see the culmination of God's anger [his indignation, his wrath] as he
executes judgment upon the unwary world of mankind. -- Zephaniah 3:8;
Revelation 15:1.
There are many scriptures that we believe may allude to this day of Jehovah's anger. One is in Psalm 110:5,6: "The Lord* is at your right hand. He will crush kings in the day of his wrath." -- World English Bible translation.
==========
*"The Lord" in Psalm 110:5 is often transliterated as "Adonai" from the Masoretic Text. Many scholars believe that Jewish scribes changed the Holy Name here to a Hebrew form meaning "Lord". See our study related to Psalm 110:5.
There are many scriptures that we believe may allude to this day of Jehovah's anger. One is in Psalm 110:5,6: "The Lord* is at your right hand. He will crush kings in the day of his wrath." -- World English Bible translation.
==========
*"The Lord" in Psalm 110:5 is often transliterated as "Adonai" from the Masoretic Text. Many scholars believe that Jewish scribes changed the Holy Name here to a Hebrew form meaning "Lord". See our study related to Psalm 110:5.
Jehovah speaks of that day through Zephaniah (1:2,3): "'I will utterly
destroy all things from the ground,' says Jehovah. 'I will destroy man
and beast. I will destroy the flying creatures of the sky, and the
fishes of the sea, and the stumbling blocks with the wicked; and I will
cut off man from the earth,' says Jehovah." This sounds very bleak for
poor humanity, doesn't it? Is there no hope then for the survival of the
human race?
We must remember that no scripture should be taken in isolation from
the rest of the Bible. This scripture alone could lead us to the
conclusion that the entire human race will come to a complete end. But
if we look at the wording of other scriptures we can get a better
picture of what this means.
Did you know that everything was wiped off the surface of the earth at
one time many years ago? Let us read about this: "So Jehovah saw that
the badness of man was abounding in the earth and every tendency of the
thoughts of his heart was only bad all day long. And Jehovah regretted
that he had made men in the earth, and he was pained at his heart. So
Jehovah said 'I am going to wipe men whom I have created off the surface
of the ground, from man to beast, to the moving animal and to the
flying creature of the skies, because I regret that I have made them.'"
(Genesis 6:5-8) Most of our readers will no doubt recognize that this is
what God said before he destroyed the order or arrangement (Kosmos, often translated as "world") by means of a flood in days of
Noah. (2 Peter 3:6) But not all humans were destroyed. The next verse says: "But Noah
found favor in the eyes of Jehovah."
Yet in verse 13 Jehovah said: "The end of all flesh has come before me,
because the earth is filled with violence because of them; and take
note that I will destroy them along with the earth." Since Jehovah had
decreed that "all flesh" would be destroyed, did this include Noah? No,
for Jehovah made provision for Noah's family to survive that destruction
of "all flesh". We read: "Noah by faith prepared an ark for the saving
of his household; through which he condemned the world, and became the
heir of righteousness according to faith." (Hebrews 11:7) In the Bible, both the Hebrew and Greek words for "all" always looks to context and common evidence for what is included or excluded in the "all", as in the example given in 1 Corinthians 15:27. Thus, we conclude that "all flesh" is not used in the absolute sense that many often speak of as "all".
Noah's faith stirred him to obedience. Therefore he constructed an ark
"for the saving of his household." Jesus said that the days of his
return would find the earth similar to that of Noah's day: "But as the
days of Noah were, so also will be the parousia [Greek meaning presence,
especially royal presence, as in a visit] of the Son of Man. For as in
those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and
giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they
did not know until the flood came and took them away - so also will be
the parousia of the Son of Man." (Matthew 24:38,39) Today the earth is
again full of violence and the hearts of men are wicked continually. Is
there no "ark" that will carry any through the culmination of God's
wrath at "the great day of God the Almighty"? Is there no place we can
go for protection today?
As we stated before, as descendants of Adam, we are all counted as guilty of sin, therefore we are all
worthy of death. If we are to look for an ark today, where can we go to find protection, to be saved in this
day of his anger? Many quote the words of Zephaniah: "Seek Jehovah, all
meek ones of the earth, who have practiced his justice. Seek
righteousness, seek meekness. Perhaps you will be hidden in the day of
Jehovah's anger." (Zephaniah 2:3) This would seem to indicate that there are some believers who may live through Armageddon's battle. Is it saying that one is saved by one's own righteousness? No doubt one's righteous and humble dealings may give one some protection from being killed during the Armageddon struggle, but this does not mean that one is saved from the condemnation of sin and death through Adam due to one's own righteousness. But who is genuinely 'practicing Jehovah's
justice' since there is "not one righteous [straight, not crooked] man, not even one"? (Romans
3:10) Evidently there is some special application needed in order to practice Jehovah's own "justice" here. What is this justice we must practice in
order to that we might be considered one of the "meek of the earth"?
A clue regarding the justice of Jehovah is given for us in Romans
3:19-26. "Now we know that all the things the Law says it addresses to
those under the Law, so that every mouth may be stopped and all the
world may become liable to God for punishment. Therefore by works of law
no flesh will be declared righteous before him, for by law is the
accurate knowledge of sin. But now apart from law God's righteousness
[justice] has been made manifest, as it is borne witness to by the Law
and the Prophets; yes, God's righteousness through the faith in Jesus
Christ, for all those having faith. For there is no distinction. For all
have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and it is as a free
gift that they are being declared righteous [just] by his undeserved
kindness through the release by the ransom paid by Christ Jesus. God set
him forth as an offering for propitiation through faith in his blood.
This was in order to exhibit his own righteousness, because he was
forgiving the sins that occurred in the past while God was exercising
forbearance; so as to exhibit his own righteousness in this present
season, that he might be righteous [just] even when declaring righteous
[just] the man that has faith in Jesus." Then those who keep Jehovah's
justice are those who put their faith in Jesus. Through their faith they
are justified, or made righteous in God's eyes. As new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), they are without sin, while their present flesh is still undergoing the results of the condemnation in Adam.
Having faith in Jesus means more
than just believing that Jesus died for our sins. The apostle John
writes: "And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name
of His son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, even as He gave command
to us. For one who keeps his commandments remains in union with him,
and he in union with him. And by this we know that he remains in union
with us, by the spirit which he gave to us." (1 John 3:23,24) Of course, such justification must be followed up with an actual practice of justice -- righteousness -- although in the flesh we will fall short of perfection in this regard. Nevertheless, the new creature -- which is sinless -- must continually, day by day. strive to bring the old flesh into submission. (Romans 8:13; 1 Corinthians 9:27; 1 Peter 2:11) Jesus said: "You are my friends if you do what I
command you." (John 15:14) It is a mistake to believe that Jesus is a
friend to everyone, no matter what that person may believe or practice. Only those
who sincerely study his words and are making a sincere effort to
obey him are his friends. With this in mind, in harmony with Zephaniah 2:3, we believe that it is possible that there are those who are truly demonstrating faith in
Jesus just before the culmination of God's anger who may live through the battle of Armageddon, and into the age to come.
So is there an ark that can safely carry one through the destruction of
Satan's Empire? Peter wrote of Noah's days that "an ark having been
prepared in which a few, that is, eight souls were saved through water,
which figure now saves us, baptism; not a putting away of the filth of
the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ; who is at the right hand of God, having
gone into heaven." (1 Peter 3:20,21) Peter reminds his readers that all mankind perished in the flood save eight souls, who were preserved from a watery grave by means of the ark which God provided them. That ark, though submerged in water was their salvation in that particular instance. The physical "ark" that Noah built, however, did not save Noah and his family from condemnation in Adam. Peter declares that the ark that Noah built and the salvation of Noah's family by means of that ark is a 'like figure to baptism.' Jesus is the ark of salvation for the Christian, for all true Christians ever since the first century. Faith in Christ not only provides salvation from sin and death, but at times such faith sustains the Christ through many trials and turmoil. Faith in Jesus has been carrying Christians through many forms of tribulation for hundreds of years. -- John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Romans 5:3; 825; 12:12.
Nevertheless, as the whole world (arrangement, order) in Noah's day perished in the flood (2 Peter 3:6), so the present world (order, arrangement) faces destruction in the day of Jehovah's anger. The true
Christian, however, is no longer part of this world. He is no longer
reckoned as other men. (John 17:16) We cannot be certain of the details of how God will express his wrath, but that some flesh will be saved during
that time is indicated by Jesus' words recorded for us in Matthew
24:21,22: "For there will be great tribulation, such as has not happened
from the beginning of the world until now; no nor ever will be. And
except those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved, but on
account of the chosen, those days will be shortened." Indeed, unless God
cuts short these days man is now living in, man will completely destroy
himself. But he says that God will cut
short the days because of his chosen ones on the earth at that time,
thereby indicating that some flesh would be saved.
Many believe that Isaiah 24:6 will also have a fulfillment at that time: "For this the curse has devoured the earth; and they who live in it are held guilty. Therefore the inhabitants of earth are burned and few men are left." Many also point to Jeremiah 25:33 as having a fulfillment in that calamitous day: "And those slain by Jehovah will certainly come to be in that day from one end of the earth clear to the other end of the earth." At any rate, we expect that the vast majority of earth's billions will suffer destruction during that time, so that only a "very few" men will remain. When the time of trouble comes to an end, we believe Satan will be abyssed, and we expect that it will be then that there will be "few men left". How many is a "few"? From standpoint of billions of people, this could be millions, or even more than a billion, people. We cannot be sure, however, that it may be only a few thousand, or even a few hundred. But evidently God will bring about, or permit, some event, that will indeed reduce the earth's population drastically.
Many believe that Isaiah 24:6 will also have a fulfillment at that time: "For this the curse has devoured the earth; and they who live in it are held guilty. Therefore the inhabitants of earth are burned and few men are left." Many also point to Jeremiah 25:33 as having a fulfillment in that calamitous day: "And those slain by Jehovah will certainly come to be in that day from one end of the earth clear to the other end of the earth." At any rate, we expect that the vast majority of earth's billions will suffer destruction during that time, so that only a "very few" men will remain. When the time of trouble comes to an end, we believe Satan will be abyssed, and we expect that it will be then that there will be "few men left". How many is a "few"? From standpoint of billions of people, this could be millions, or even more than a billion, people. We cannot be sure, however, that it may be only a few thousand, or even a few hundred. But evidently God will bring about, or permit, some event, that will indeed reduce the earth's population drastically.
Further, we read in the book of Revelation 7:9-17 that John received a
vision of a "great multitude" who would come out of the great
tribulation. Some Christians have recognized this prophecy as applying
to a class of true Christians who are living just before or during the great
tribulation. Without being dogmatic, it does appear that this great multitude are to come out of the great tribulation so as to be alive after this great tribulation is over. Others believe that the "great multitude" is a secondary class that has existed throughout the Gospel Age that will be raised to life in heaven. There are those, however, who have misapplied its meaning
so as to make the "great multitude" need another "ark" than Jesus. This
false ark that they are asked to put their trust and faith in is an
organization headed by a small group of men here on the earth.
Traditionally, Bible Students have believed that the great multitude is a
secondary heavenly class who failed to keep their position as one of
the 144,000 who sit upon the throne with the lamb. (Revelation 7:1-8;
14:1) Nevertheless, without being dogmatic, we believe the context along with other scriptures indicate that they are
a class of justified Christians living near the end of the age who will survive the "great
tribulation" and live right into the new order under God's Kingdom.
Those who inherit spirit bodies as Jesus will not need to be led to the
waters of life, nor will they need to have all tears wiped from their
eyes. (Revelation 7:17) Those who have tears wiped from their eyes are spoken of living on earth, not in heaven. (Isaiah 25:8) The water of life is offered to the nations here
on the earth, the curse is here on the earth, etc. (Revelation 22:1-3)
True, they have been reckoned alive by their faith in the blood of
Jesus. (Revelation 7:14) We believe that Revelation 7 reveals three groups, all of whom are called in the "one hope", the "one calling" of this age, of the resurrection of life. But we believe the great multitude, like the 144,000 while
upon this earth, are only reckonedly "made alive" but do not receive
the same reward as do the 144,000. Their flesh will still need to be
actually made alive and freed from the infirmities of sickness and
suffering of today. After Armageddon, they will still need to develop
and perfect their love and faith through obedience. Thus Jesus leads them
to the waters of life. -- Revelation 7:17.
See our studies related to:
The 144,000 and the Great Multitude
Many scriptures seem to indicate that when God expresses his anger upon the nations, the various individuals under the influence of Satan, who are still children of wrath, undergo various plagues, which could result in destruction; such destruction, however. if applied to the destruction of life, is the result of the condemnation that they have inherited from Adam. Any destruction of the lives of the unregenerated is still counted in the sin of Adam. (1 Corinthians 15:21,22; Romans 5:12-19) The "great multitude" are depicted as "coming out of the great tribulation." We believe this refers to their being saved through the great tribulation and remaining alive into the age to come, when Satan is abyssed. They are justified by their faith in Jesus' blood (Romans 3:26,26,30; 5:1,9; Galatians 3:24), having washed their robes in the blood of lamb before the passing away of the present heavens and earth. (Matthew 5:18; 24:35; Luke 16:17; 21:33; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 21:1) Thus, without being dogmatic about this, we believe the scriptures indicate that, having been reckoned as dead and raised through faith from the death sentence that remains upon the world, it is possible that they do not need to suffer death under God's wrath during the great day of his anger. Therefore, we believe that it is probable that many such justified will be spared to live through the great tribulation. (John 17:16; 15:19) Nevertheless, while Jehovah's anger is no longer reckoned as being upon them, God could still use the general time of trouble to chastise them as sons, preparing them for the kingdom rule to follow. Being sons of God, they have as their present-day ark, Christ, through their faith and baptism in him. Yet while Revelation describes them as a "great multitude", we believe that they will still only be a very few of these survivors when compared with earth's billions. (Isaiah 24:6) Should we prove to be of this class, and not of the cherished class that is raised to life in heaven, we should still be thankful for whatever we receive of life from God, whether in heaven or on this earth! None of the consecrated on earth today can know for a certainty what reward they will receive, whether in the glory of a celestial life or the glory of a terrestrial life.* (1 Corinthians 15:35-49) We all have the one hope of being raised to life in -- by means of -- Christ, regardless of our final reward. Nevertheless, it should be our goal to carry out the commands of Jesus! We should obey him as our King and Savior to the best of our ability, striving to enter into the narrow gate if at all possible. And yet, at the end of the age, those who are too late to enter into the gate can yet safely trust Jesus as the present-day "ark" to carry those whom he has chosen safely through the "days of tribulation", including the Battle of the Great Day of God.
See our studies related to:
The 144,000 and the Great Multitude
Many scriptures seem to indicate that when God expresses his anger upon the nations, the various individuals under the influence of Satan, who are still children of wrath, undergo various plagues, which could result in destruction; such destruction, however. if applied to the destruction of life, is the result of the condemnation that they have inherited from Adam. Any destruction of the lives of the unregenerated is still counted in the sin of Adam. (1 Corinthians 15:21,22; Romans 5:12-19) The "great multitude" are depicted as "coming out of the great tribulation." We believe this refers to their being saved through the great tribulation and remaining alive into the age to come, when Satan is abyssed. They are justified by their faith in Jesus' blood (Romans 3:26,26,30; 5:1,9; Galatians 3:24), having washed their robes in the blood of lamb before the passing away of the present heavens and earth. (Matthew 5:18; 24:35; Luke 16:17; 21:33; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 21:1) Thus, without being dogmatic about this, we believe the scriptures indicate that, having been reckoned as dead and raised through faith from the death sentence that remains upon the world, it is possible that they do not need to suffer death under God's wrath during the great day of his anger. Therefore, we believe that it is probable that many such justified will be spared to live through the great tribulation. (John 17:16; 15:19) Nevertheless, while Jehovah's anger is no longer reckoned as being upon them, God could still use the general time of trouble to chastise them as sons, preparing them for the kingdom rule to follow. Being sons of God, they have as their present-day ark, Christ, through their faith and baptism in him. Yet while Revelation describes them as a "great multitude", we believe that they will still only be a very few of these survivors when compared with earth's billions. (Isaiah 24:6) Should we prove to be of this class, and not of the cherished class that is raised to life in heaven, we should still be thankful for whatever we receive of life from God, whether in heaven or on this earth! None of the consecrated on earth today can know for a certainty what reward they will receive, whether in the glory of a celestial life or the glory of a terrestrial life.* (1 Corinthians 15:35-49) We all have the one hope of being raised to life in -- by means of -- Christ, regardless of our final reward. Nevertheless, it should be our goal to carry out the commands of Jesus! We should obey him as our King and Savior to the best of our ability, striving to enter into the narrow gate if at all possible. And yet, at the end of the age, those who are too late to enter into the gate can yet safely trust Jesus as the present-day "ark" to carry those whom he has chosen safely through the "days of tribulation", including the Battle of the Great Day of God.
But what about the rest of the world during this time? We are assured
that God's wrath remains upon those who do not have proper faith in
Jesus. (John 3:36) Nevertheless the Bible seems to indicate that many of those who are still children of wrath (heathen) may also live through the battle of Armageddon into the age to come. (Psalm 46:6-10; Zephaniah 3:8,9) Those who remain children of wrath will suffer a
general destruction during what is often called "the Battle of
Armageddon", although this does not necessarily mean the destruction of their lives. Nevertheless, if those who are still children of wrath due to the condemnation of Adam should die during the Armageddon struggle, does this mean that they depart into eternal destruction with no hope of recovery?
Are the millions of children being born into this world, blinded by
Satan, many of whom are suffering beyond imagination, only to go through
all of this suffering and torment so that they may be eternally
destroyed at the battle of Armageddon, thus deriving no benefit from
their experiences with sin, suffering and death?
Destruction At Armageddon
- WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
- WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
There are those today that would like you to believe that all who do
not join their religious organization may be eternally destroyed at
Armageddon. That there will be a destructive work during the Armageddon struggle, there
can be no denial. Here are some of the scriptures that appear to describe the
destruction at that time:
"A noise shall come even to the end of the earth, for Jehovah has a
controversy with the nations; he will enter into judgment with all
flesh; as for the wicked, he will give them to the sword. Thus says
Jehovah: 'Look! Evil will go forth from nation to nation, and a great
tempest will be raised up from the uttermost parts of the earth. And the
slain of Jehovah will be at that day from one end of the earth even to
the other end of the earth. They will not be lamented, neither gathered,
nor buried; they will be as dung upon the face of the ground.' Howl,
you shepherds, and cry; and wallow in ashes, you principal ones of the
flock; for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions have fully
come, and you will fall like a goodly vessel. And the shepherds will
not have any way to flee, nor will the principals ones of the flock
escape. A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and the howling of the
principal ones of the flock! For Jehovah is laying waste their pasture.
And the peaceable folds are brought to silence because of the fierce
anger of Jehovah. He has left his covert, as a lion; for their land is
become an astonishment because of the fierceness of the oppressing
sword, and because of his fierce anger." - Jeremiah 25:31-38.
'Therefore wait for me,' says Jehovah, 'until the day that I rise up to the prey. For my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them my indignation, even all my fierce anger; for all the earth will be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.'" - Zephaniah 3:8.
'Therefore wait for me,' says Jehovah, 'until the day that I rise up to the prey. For my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them my indignation, even all my fierce anger; for all the earth will be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.'" - Zephaniah 3:8.
"And the kings of the earth, and the princes, and the chief captains,
and the rich, and the strong, and every bondman and freeman, hid
themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains. And they say
to the mountains and the rocks, 'Fall on us, and hide us from the face
of him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the
great day of their wrath is come, and who is able to stand?" -
Revelation 6:15-17.
"For, look! Jehovah will come with fire, and his chariots will be like
the whirlwind; to render his anger with fierceness, and his rebuke with
flames of fire. For by fire will Jehovah execute judgment, and by his
sword, upon all flesh - and the slain of Jehovah will be many." - Isaiah
66:15,16.
"Look! Jehovah is making the earth empty, and is making it waste, and
is turning it upside down, and is scattering abroad the inhabitants
thereof. . . . The earth will be utterly emptied, and utterly laid waste
- for Jehovah has spoken this word. The earth is mourning and fading
away, the world is languishing and fading away, the lofty people of the
earth do languish. The earth also is polluted under the inhabitants
thereof, because they have transgressed the laws, violated the statues,
broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore the curse has devoured the
earth, those who dwell therein are found guilty. Therefore the
inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left." - Isaiah
24:1,2-6.
"The Lord at your right hand
will strike through kings in the day of his wrath. He will judge among
the nations, he will fill the places with dead bodies. He will strike
through the head in many countries." - Psalm 110:5,6.
"And the angel cast his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage
of the earth, and cast it into the winepress, the great winepress, of
the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and
there came out blood from the winepress, even unto the bridles of the
horses, as far as a thousand and six hundred furlongs." - Revelation
14:19,20.
"The great day of Jehovah is near, it is near and is hastening greatly,
the voice of the day of Jehovah, the mighty man cries there bitterly.
That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of
darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of
the trumpet and the alarm, against the fortified cities, and against the
high battlements. And I will bring distress among men, that they will
walk like blind men, because they have sinned against Jehovah; and their
blood will be poured out as dust, and their flesh as dung. Neither
their silver not their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of
Jehovah's wrath; but the whole land will be devoured by the fire of his
jealousy. For he will make and end, yes, a terrible end, of all them
that dwell in the earth." - Zephaniah 1:14-18.
The Wrath of Jehovah
True, much of what is said in these scriptures is symbolic. Fire is
used to represent the destructiveness of that day; clouds are used to
picture the darkness of that day - and so on. Nevertheless, in general, the wrath of God that is
expressed at that time is the culmination of the wrath of God which came
upon mankind in the garden of Eden. At time mankind was sentenced to
death through the first man, Adam. This death would have been eternal
had it not been for the ransom sacrifice of our Lord Jesus. "Therefore,
as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin;
and so death passed to all men, for all sinned. So then as through one
trespass the judgment came unto all to condemnation; even so through one
act of righteousness the free gift came to all men to justification of
life. For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made
sinners, even so through the obedience of the one will the many be made
righteous." (Romans 6:12,18,19) "Being therefore justified by faith, we
have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Much more then, being
now justified by his blood, will we be saved from the wrath of God
through him." (Romans 5:1,9) All who do not receive this justification
through Christ remain "vessels of wrath fit for destruction." (Romans
9:22) Any death of any of the unregenerated will still be counted in God's wrath due to Adam's sin, not the second death. What is the purpose of this wrath? Is it simply to get rid of the
wicked? Let us see.
In Psalm 83:13-18 we read: "O my God, make them [the wicked] like the
whirling dust; as stubble before the wind. As the fire that burns the
forest, and as the flame that sets the mountains on fire. So pursue them
with your tempest, and terrify them with your storm. Fill their faces
with confusion, that they may seek your name, O Jehovah. Let them be put
to shame and dismayed forever; yes, let them be confused and perish;
that they may know that you alone, whose name is Jehovah, are the Most
High over all the earth." Here we are given a key as to what purpose
God's wrath serves, and especially his wrath as expressed at Armageddon.
It is so that the wicked ones may know Jehovah, that 'they may seek his
name'! But how will they come to know him or seek his name if they are
eternally destroyed? The answer, of course, would be that they cannot if
they are to be eternally destroyed.
Nations to Know Jehovah
How thankful we can be that the scriptures show that Jehovah's wrath is
expressed upon the nations to discipline, not to eternally destroy
them. It is so that they may learn a lesson from his wrath. The benefits
from this lesson will come after Satan is abyssed, when all nations will be blessed with the knowledge of Jehovah. Any who die during the Armageddon struggle will be blessed by their resurrection from the destruction
that Jehovah brings upon them. Like the ones of Jerusalem, Sodom and
Samaria, Jehovah will bring forth the captives ones from death. (Readers associated with the Jehovah's witnesses may want to see The
Watchtower, March 1, 1965, pages 137-138) Then, as he says to Jerusalem:
"You will remember your ways, and be ashamed . . ., and you will know
that I am Jehovah, that you may remember, and be confounded, and never
open your mouth any more, because of your shame, when I have forgiven
you all that you have done." (Ezekiel 16:61,63) Yes, God's wrath is
revealed upon the "vessels of wrath" so that they might know that he is
Jehovah, the only proper Most High over mankind.
(33)
Some say that to bring back earth's present billions of unjustified
ones after Armageddon would mean to make the new earth just as wicked as
the present evil age. However, we have the Bible's assurance that
such is not the case. For one thing Satan, who is presently deceiving
the entire earth, will then be abyssed, so that he will not be able to
deceive the nations -- those who presently do not believe. (2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 12:9; 20:2,3) During
the thousand years when Jesus and his church are teaching the world to
know Jehovah, Satan will not be around to blind their eyes to the truth.
It was Satan who blinded the minds of the Jewish and Roman rulers who
had Jesus put to death. Concerning this the apostle Paul states: "We
speak God's wisdom in a secret, the wisdom that has been hidden, which
God foreordained before the ages for our glory; which none of the rulers
of this world has known, for had they known it, they would not have
impaled the Lord of glory." (1 Corinthians 2:7,8 - Concerning this
secretiveness related to the Bible message, see our study: Understanding Kingdom Mysteries)
For those really desiring truth it should be plain to see that the
rulers of this world would have acted differently had they only
understood. And, likewise, those who oppose truth today are just like
those rulers back in Jesus' day. The Bible indicates that as a whole, they will still be blinded right on up
to the time that Satan is abyssed.
(34)
What, then, will be the benefit of allowing any of the heathen to survive the end of this age and/or bringing earth's present billions of dead back to this earth after Armageddon? They will then be taught
righteousness without the blinding influence of Satan. They are not
brought back in the resurrection to life, but rather "the resurrection
of judgment (Greek, krisis)." (John 5:28,29) They are part of the
"resurrection of the unjust" (Acts 24:15), those who died without
receiving justification to life through faith in the blood of Jesus. Of
this the scriptures overwhelmingly testify.
==========
See our studies on:
The Resurrection Hope.
==========
See our studies on:
The Resurrection Hope.
All Families to Be Blessed
(35)
When God stated to Abraham: "In you all families of the earth will be
blessed" (Genesis 12:3), did he mean that only a few of earth's families living at the end of the age would be blessed, while the vast majority were to be eternally destroyed? Did he mean that by saving a few from each
nation that "all families" would thus be represented? NO! It is true
that sometimes the word "all" can mean "all sorts" or "all manner." But
we notice that in 1 Corinthians 15:22 Paul tells us: "As by means of
Adam all are dying, so by means of Christ all will be made alive." Here
the "all" who benefit from Christ's sacrifice is laid in direct parallel
with "all" who are dying in Adam. A similar statement is made in Romans
5:18. We have no reason then to doubt that when it says "all families"
will be blessed through Abraham's seed, it means just that. The billions of earth's unjustified inhabitants living at the end of age now on the road to destruction (Matthew 7:13) have not yet
received this promised blessing. Thus, if they should die in
Armageddon's battle, the only way that they could be blessed is through the
resurrection of the dead sometime after Armageddon, during the time when
Satan is bound.
(36)
Consequently, the scriptures assure us that "as in Adam all die, so in
Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Corinthians 15:22) Very few of
earth's present billions are now reckoned as "made alive" through faith
in Jesus. For the earth's present billions to suffer the second death,
for which there is no ransom, they would have to first have been released from the death inherited from Adam, the first death. Are we to
hope then, that the whole unjustified world of mankind will accept Jesus
before Armageddon, and then turn away so as to be subject to the second
death? Such is not reasonable nor scriptural. Nevertheless, if the scripture is true,
then all the other billions who die without having been reckoned as justified will yet have to be "made alive" through a
resurrection of the dead, so that they may receive the blessings of the coming day of judgment. The ransom sacrifice of Jesus guarantees this.
- Acts 17:31; 1 Timothy 2:5,6.
The World's Wait
(37)
The apostle Paul tells us that the whole creation has been "waiting for
the manifestation of the sons of God." (Romans 8:13-23) The revealing
of the sons of God will mean that the time of blessing for all families
of the earth through Abraham's seed will have come. This can only happen
after Satan is abyssed. This is what all mankind has been ignorantly
waiting for. But is this just for past generations, not having any
application to the present generation simply because they have been born at a time when Satan is employing more deceptions and allurements than ever before in history? No! Plain reason would
tell us that the present evil generation is still part of the "whole
creation" that is groaning and travailing in pain, waiting for the
revealing of the sons of God, and in just as much need of the enlightenment of God's Kingdom as previous generations.
(38)
The scriptures tell us that Jesus is "the true light that enlightens
every man." (John 1:9) The present-day
witnessing being done by various religious groups cannot in any way be
described as 'enlightening every man.' Even
with their valiant but meager efforts over the half the world still only
remotely knows anything about Jesus, much less having an understanding of the provision of life through faith in Jesus. Thousands, probably millions, still have never even
heard of Jesus, the only name whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) The
time for the enlightenment of "every man" will have to be in the next
age when Satan after Satan is abyssed. Therefore, since the peoples living at the end of the age who may lose their lives in the battle of the great day have not yet been enlightened, the
only way they could be enlightened would be by a resurrection of the
dead in the next age.
(39)
The prophecy of Isaiah (25:6-7) informs us that in the next age Jehovah
will symbolically "make for all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on
the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well
refined. And he will destroy in this mountain [kingdom] the face of the covering
that covers all peoples, and the veil that is spread over all nations."
The language is symbolic, and refers to a symbolic covering that is over
all nations. The covering today still rests upon the nations. Paul also refers to people's minds being veiled, for they are
still blinded by Satan. (2 Corinthians 4:3,4) Is the prophecy of Isaiah 25 to be
fulfilled only towards past generations and not the generation living when the battle of Armageddon begins? Today wickedness has increased rapidly, and with the foretold increase of knowledge we have many things that God has stated to be wrong being openly paraded as being acceptable. As Adrian Rogers stated, "Sin that used to slink down the back alley now struts down Main Street." There is more
confusion about what is right and what is wrong today than ever before
in history. Our youth are being trained by school as well as the
entertainment industry to accept sinful lifestyles as being acceptable.
Certainly, with such intense indoctrination of people with false teachings, if any people living at any time needed the blinding veil of Satan's deceptions removed it would be the people living during this foretold "time of trouble".
(40)
Let us compare the Jews living in Jesus' day with the people of today. Those
in Jesus' day had the Son of God himself to instruct them. Especially
the Jewish religious leaders had much responsibility for they studied
the scriptures extensively. To them Jesus said: "You serpents, children
of snakes! How will you escape the judgment of Gehenna?" (Matthew 23:33)
In calling them "children of snakes" Jesus was pointing out that they
were part of the seed of the serpent, and had not as yet cleansed
themselves -- through faith -- so as to become part of the seed of the woman, that is,
children of God's promises. (Galatians 4:28) The wrath of God remained
upon them and they did not see the life Jesus was offering at that time.
(John 3:36) They did not receive Jesus, and yet, contrary to what many have read into certain scriptures, Jesus did not condemn
them to eternal destruction but said: "I am coming as a light into the
world, that whosoever believes in me should not remain in darkness. And
if any man hears my words, and does not believe, I do not judge him. For
I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. He that
rejects me, and does not receive my words, has one that judges him - the
words that I have spoken, the same will judge him in the last day." -
John 12:46-48.
(41)
Does this mean that those unregenerated religious leaders will also return in
"the last day" since they are part of those that rejected Jesus? Very
evidently this is what it means. But Jesus did warn them that if they
continued in the course they were taking against the light that was
available to them they may not be able in the next age to escape
Gehenna - eternal destruction, the second death. Jesus did not condemn them to the second death in the present age, because they had not
yet been 'made alive' from the first death. Their judgment would have to
be delayed until the the day of the resurrection, "in the day of judgment" (Matthew 12:36), after they had been released from the Adamic death.
(42)
How do we know that their resurrection comes during the thousand years
that Satan is bound? Because as Jesus said, they receive their judgment
during the "last day." (John 12:48) The book of Revelation shows that
the judgment will be taking place during the thousand years that Satan
is bound. (Revelation 20:3,4 - Note: the phrase "the rest of the dead
lived not again until the thousand years were finished" in Revelation
20:5 does not appear in the oldest Greek manuscripts, and is thus we consider them to be spurious.) It is the same period of time in which Martha
believed that Lazarus would be raised. (John 11:23,24) It is during this
same "last day" that the unjust are to be raised for judgment. - John
5:28,29; 12:47,48.
(43)
But some have asked, "Why should they be raised if they are only going
to be eternally destroyed?" The question actually misses the point. Destruction is not the purpose of their
resurrection. Rather the purpose of their being saved from Adamic death and being raised will, not only give them opportunity to 'believe in that day' (2 Thessalonians 1:10), but this provision will fully vindicate God's Holy Name! They will come forth at a time when
Satan will not be allowed to deceive them! The knowledge of the glory of Jehovah will be at that time covering the
earth. (Isaiah 11:9; Habakkuk 2:14) They could, if they so desire at that time, repent from their
sinful course and walk up the highway of Holiness that will then be opened for them. Those who walk up that highway, even though they may have
been wayfaring men, will not err at that time. (Isaiah 35:8) Nevertheless, as soon as
they understand about God and his purposes, some will evidently
outwardly obey him, but will still not develop the right heart attitude.
With others, as they see the goodness of God and the happiness that
righteousness brings, this feigned obedience will change to meekness and
heart obedience. But there will be those who will refuse to obey at heart. "Show favor
to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness, in the land of
uprightness will he deal falsely." (Isaiah 26:10) Some will thus show
that they willfully prefer wickedness in their heart. For such there will be no excuse. At that
time, they will have all help they need to walk that highway, in the way of knowledge and the provision of God's spirit.
All Mankind to be Made Alive
(44) Nevertheless, it is in this manner that Jehovah actually vindicates or sanctifies his holy
name before all nations - that is, by giving everyone full knowledge of truth and a complete opportunity to
come to him, without the hindrance of Satan. Had Jehovah eternally
destroyed them while still under the blinding influences of Satan, such would have given reason for challenging God's love as well as the
justice of God. God's justice has been satisfied through the sacrifice
of Jesus. Does this mean that the world is now on trial for eternal life
or eternal destruction, based upon whether they listen to some imperfect testimony of those are actually representing imperfect men, who, in turn, claim they are God's channel
of communication? Does a person's rejection of the claims of these men
mean he is rejecting Christ? Does the non-acceptance of Christ by those blinded by
Satan mean that they have committed the unforgivable sin, and therefore
must be eternally destroyed? If such were to be the case, how does such actually vindicate God's name, his justice, his love? The truth is that since his justice has been satisfied through the death of
Jesus regarding man's disobedience, would not his love coupled with his sense of justice -- fairness -- now require
him to release all who have come under the death sentence because of
Adam's sin, before placing them on trial for their eternal destiny? That
is exactly what the Bible says is to happen, for we read: "As in Adam
all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Corinthians
15:22) "Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to
condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came
upon all men unto justification of life." - Romans 5:18.
(45) Has the whole world been made alive in this age because of the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus? No! Jesus plainly said: "He that believes on the Son has everlasting life, and he that disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." (John 3:36) By saying that those who disobey will not see life, is Jesus saying that once one disobeys the Son, they can never repent so that they may "see life"? No, for he is merely stating that as long as they remain in disobedience they will not see life. Saul of Tarsus certainly was in disobedience, and he could not see life in Christ, and he remained under the wrath of God until he repented. This demonstrates that the application of ransom sacrifice of Jesus is as extensive as is the condemnation. (Romans 5:12-19; 1 Corinthians 15:21,22) As Paul stated, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." (1 Timothy 1:15) Thus, he states that God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (1 Timothy 2:4-6, New King James Version) Not all understand at the present time, but all will, in due time, "come to a knowledge of the truth." If they repent and come to the obedience of Jesus, they also could live for eternity. But at the present time, as long as they remain in disobedience, the wrath of God remains upon them. They remain under the death sentence of Adam. They are not, in this age, "made alive" and then sentenced to the second death simply because someone may give them an imperfect "witness."
(45) Has the whole world been made alive in this age because of the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus? No! Jesus plainly said: "He that believes on the Son has everlasting life, and he that disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." (John 3:36) By saying that those who disobey will not see life, is Jesus saying that once one disobeys the Son, they can never repent so that they may "see life"? No, for he is merely stating that as long as they remain in disobedience they will not see life. Saul of Tarsus certainly was in disobedience, and he could not see life in Christ, and he remained under the wrath of God until he repented. This demonstrates that the application of ransom sacrifice of Jesus is as extensive as is the condemnation. (Romans 5:12-19; 1 Corinthians 15:21,22) As Paul stated, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." (1 Timothy 1:15) Thus, he states that God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (1 Timothy 2:4-6, New King James Version) Not all understand at the present time, but all will, in due time, "come to a knowledge of the truth." If they repent and come to the obedience of Jesus, they also could live for eternity. But at the present time, as long as they remain in disobedience, the wrath of God remains upon them. They remain under the death sentence of Adam. They are not, in this age, "made alive" and then sentenced to the second death simply because someone may give them an imperfect "witness."
(46)
So when will they be "made alive"? When will the free gift come upon
all men to justification of life? We have already answered this earlier,
for Jesus said that those who do not listen now will be judged in the
"last day", the resurrection day, the day of judgment when Satan is
bound so that he might not deceive the nations anymore. (John 12:46-48;
11:23,24; Revelation 20:2,3) It is during that time that the abundance
of the sea, the children of wrath in discontent, (Luke 21:25; Isaiah
57:20; Revelation 17:15; Ephesians 2:3) will be converted to Jehovah.
(Isaiah 60:5) With the converting of the abundance of the children of
wrath to Jehovah, the sea will cease to be. (Revelation 21:1) While all
will be "made alive", and all will receive a "justification to life,"
not all will use this justification to continue in eternal life. -
Matthew 25:46. - See the Section on "The Sheep and Goats" for further
details.
Prisoners in a Pit
"And it must occur in that day that Jehovah will turn his attention upon the army of the height in the height, and upon the kings of the ground upon the ground. And they will certainly be gathered as of prisoners into the pit [Hebrew, bowr], and be shut up in the dungeon; and after an abundance of days they will be given attention." -- Isaiah 24:21-22.
(47)
The Bible tells of the great destruction that comes upon the earth at
Armageddon. (Isaiah 24:1-22) Notice, however, that it speaks of those
who are destroyed as being shut up in a "prison." Job refers to those in
death as "prisoners" who "rest together". (Job 3:18) The Bible tells of
the gathering of "captive ones" from many nations in the latter days,
the days when God's kingdom will rule the whole earth. (Jeremiah 48:47;
49:6,34-39; Isaiah 2:2) Jehovah speaks of gathering the captive ones of
Sodom and Samaria along with the captive ones of Jerusalem. (Ezekiel
16:53) They are spoken of as returning to their 'former state', that is,
they return from the prison house of death to their former state upon
the earth. So with those who are thrown into this prison at Armageddon -
after many days they will be "visited." To be visited by Jehovah can
mean to visited with his anger, or to be visited with his blessings.
(Isaiah 26:14; Psalm 65:9) Since Jehovah's anger had already been
expressed upon those shut up in prison at Armageddon, their being
"visited" after many days would have to signify that they would then be
released from the prison and have the opportunity to respond to the
blessings that will then be upon the earth during the thousand year
reign of Christ. - Revelation 20:11-15;21:1-4.
(48)
Will there be any, then, who will suffer eternal destruction at
Armageddon? There may be some, though we cannot say with a definite
certainty on this. If there be any living who have accepted of the favor
of God though Jesus, and then willingly, totally reject that which they
accepted, such as these would have been released from the wrath upon
man through Adam, and but their willful and total rejection Jesus would
condemn them to the second death. Therefore, if any of these should be
upon the earth at Armageddon, they would die, but not the same kind of
death that comes from the wrath of God because of inherited sin. No,
these must suffer eternal destruction for their own willful sinful
condition. They once knew God and the good news. They no longer know God
and have not obeyed the Good News. Having already been "made alive"
once, and having given up that new life up, they no longer can be made
alive again, since there is no more sacrifice for sins. Such living at
the time of Armageddon we would expect to suffer eternal destruction.
But, this is a matter that God will judge through Jesus; nevertheless,
we do not believe that there are many, if any, living at the present
time who are of this "second death" class.
(49)
The word "pit", used in Isaiah 24:22, is translated from the Hebrew often transliterated as bowr. Bowr can be seen to be a close synonym to the Hebrew word often transliterated as Sheol.
Many scriptures use these terms in parallel, thus indicating that they
refer to one and the same place: "For it is not Sheol that can laud you;
death itself cannot praise you. Those going down into the pit
[bowr]cannot look hopefully to your trueness." - Isaiah 38:18; See also
Psalm 30:3,9; 88:3,4,6; 143:7.
(50)
According to the scriptures, the king of Babylon is laid in the pit,
Bowr-Sheol, with the other kings of the earth: "However, down to Sheol
you will be brought, to the remotest parts of the pit [bowr]." (Isaiah
14:15) Tyre is also brought down to Bowr-Sheol: "I will also bring you
down with those going down into the pit [bowr] to the people of long
ago, and I will cause you to dwell in the lowest land, like places
devastated for a long time, with those going down into the pit [bowr],
in order that you may not be inhabited." (Ezekiel 26:20) Additionally,
"Pharaoh and his crowd" are said to go there. (Ezekiel 31:2,14-18;
32:18) Assyria and all her crowd are also in Sheol-Bowr. (Ezekiel
32:21-23) Elam and all her crowd are there. (Ezekiel 32:24-25) Meschech
and Tubal and all her crowd are there. (Ezekiel 32:26,27) Edom, her
kings and all her chieftains are there. (Ezekiel 32:29) The Sidonians
are there. - Ezekiel 32:30.
(51)
Will these come back in the resurrection day? Yes! The Greek word
corresponding to Sheol is Hades. The scriptures definitely tell us that
all in Hades (Sheol-Bowr) will be raised for individual judgment in the
judgment day. "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death
and hades delivered up the dead which were in them; and they were judged
every person according to their works."- Revelation 20:13.
(52)
Some have claimed that Isaiah 24:21-22 refers to the lineage of kings
that was destroyed when Jerusalem was destroyed by Nebucadnezzar.
However, these verses could not apply to the destruction of Jerusalem by
Nebuchadnezzar: it speaks of the kings of the ground [the earth]. It
has never been fulfilled. No reference at all is made to Jerusalem until
the last verse of this chapter. There it shows that this is fulfilled
at the time when Jehovah reigns on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem. This can
only refer to the end of this age when Jehovah takes his rule through
the Lord Jesus, as Jesus begins his rule in the midst of his enemies.
(Psalm 110:2; Revelation 11:15,17) It would take a lot of twisting of
scripture to try to apply this to the destruction of Jerusalem by
Nebuchadnezzar.
(53)
Notice how Isaiah 24:21-22 corresponds to Revelation 19:17,18: I saw
also an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud voice
and said to all the birds that fly in midheaven: "Come here, be gathered
together to the great evening meal of God, that you may eat the fleshly
parts of kings and the fleshly parts of military commanders and the
fleshly parts of strong mean and the fleshly parts of horses and of
those seated upon them, and fleshly parts of all, of freemen as well as
slaves and of small ones and great."
(54)
Revelation 20:12 shows that the 'small and great' return for the day of
judgment. While we should remember that the book of Revelation is highly symbolic, many often give the expressions used a literal interpretation, and it is from this standpoint that we address what is stated. With such in mind, we note that the expression used here, "small and great", is similar to
that used in Revelation 19:17,18, indicating that the 'small ones and
great' who die in Armageddon are brought back for judgment during the
resurrection day: And I saw the dead, the great and small, standing
before the throne, and scrolls were opened. (Isaiah 29:18;24) But
another scroll was opened; it is the scroll of life. And the dead were
judged out of those things written in the scrolls according to their
deeds. - Revelation 20:12.
(55)
The next scripture also corresponds: The nations have sunk down into
the pit [Hebrew, shachath, trap] that they have made; In the net they
hid, their own foot has been caught. Jehovah is known by the judgment he
has executed. By the activity of his own hands the wicked one has been
ensnared. Wicked people will turn back [retreat - Strong] to Sheol, even
all the nations forgetting God. (Psalm 9:15-17) The wicked nations are
still around, so this has not yet been fulfilled. Those in Sheol/Hades
will return for judgment in the day of judgment: And the sea gave up
those dead in them, and death and Hades gave up those dead in them, and
they were judged individually, according to their deeds. - Revelation
20:13.
(56)
And the scriptures also indicate that favorable conditions prevail when
the peoples of nations are judged individually. "With my soul I have desired you in the night
[the present night of darkness and sin]; yes, with my spirit within me I
keep looking for you; because, when there are judgments from you for
the earth, righteousness is what [what is right] the inhabitants of the
productive land [the earth - footnote] will certainly learn. Though the
wicked one [those who prove to be wicked in the day of judgment] be
shown favor [even though he has been given every opportunity in the day
of judgment], he simply will not learn righteousness. In the land [earth -- the new earth i which righteousness is to dwell - 2 Peter 3:13] of
straightforwardness [when the vail of darkness covering the earth is
lifted and there will be no deceptions from Satan - Isaiah 25:6;
Revelation 20:3] he will act unjustly and will not see the eminence of
Jehovah." - Isaiah 26:9,10, New World Translation.
(57)
The world of mankind, including its rulers, being deceived and blinded
by Satan, are not even permitted to see the truth at the present time.
If they could actually understand, then most would probably be different than
they are. The apostle Paul agrees with this: We speak God's wisdom in a
sacred secret, the hidden wisdom, which God foreordained before the
systems of things for our glory. This wisdom not one of the rulers of
this system of things came to know, for if they had known it they would
not have impaled the glorious Lord. - 1 Corinthians 2:7,8.
(58)
The time for the world to understand the truth is not yet, for Satan
has not yet been abyssed. (Revelation 20:3) Satan is still the prince or ruler of this world condemned in Adam. (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; Ephesians 2:2) Satan is still blinding the minds of people so that they cannot understand the true Gospel message. (1 Corinthians 4;3,4) At the present time, no one comes to Jesus
except that the Father draws him. (John 6:44) The true kingdom message in this world is
only to those who have ears to hear. (Matthew 13:10,11) The true purpose
of the Armageddon destruction upon the wicked is so that they may know
who Jehovah is. (Psalm 83:17-18) If they are gone forever they will
never know who he is. The only way that they could know is through the
resurrection of the dead in the day of Judgment. - John 5:28,29; Ezekiel
16:53-59: Matthew 11:24.
(59)
What would it mean if Jehovah did eternally destroy the billions of
men, women and children who are now blinded by Satan and unable to see
the truth? Billions of children would be eternally destroyed without
ever having even a remote chance. And millions would be eternally
destroyed who are still blinded by Satan, or who have never understood the
truth. What a reproach such a teaching is to his name! And yet the claim
made by some religious leaders is that Jehovah vindicates his name by eternally destroying men, women and children who, at the end of the age, reject their brand of "the truth!" How well Isaiah speaks to his people concerning such
leaders:
Hear the word of Jehovah, you men who are trembling at his word: "Your brothers that are hating you by reason of my name, said, 'May Jehovah be glorified!' He must also appear with rejoicing on your part, and they are the ones that will be put to shame." - Isaiah 66:5.
(60)
If you are associated with the Watchtower organization, for instance, do you really believe that
the billions of children, many of whom are starving and greatly
suffering, will be eternally destroyed along with their parents simply
because they are blinded at present, and thus they cannot understand? This teaching in no way honors
God's name, but is rather a blasphemy against his name! It would be
better to be alone in this world and rejoice in the truth about Jehovah
than trade the scriptural truths for anything. (Proverbs 23:23; Matthew 10:24-27)
The idea of an "organization" of millions of people is comforting to the
flesh, but does very little for the true spirit of truth. (Romans 8:14-18,9)
Let each decide!
2 Thessalonians 1:7,8
(61)
If the unregenerated people will not be eternally destroyed at Armageddon,
how do we explain 2 Thessalonians 1:7,8? First of all, we must look at
any scripture in connection both with its context and the Bible as a
whole, and not as an isolated scripture. Earlier in this study, we
presented much evidence that the destruction at Armageddon will be the
culmination of God's wrath upon man inherited through Adam, and not the
second death. Therefore the destruction of any unregenerated peoples during the Armageddon battle will not be the second death. With this thought, let us look at the scripture
from its contextual setting and we can see that it is not referring to
the eternal destruction of those who do not know God in the present age,
but rather of the next age.
(62)
We will quote 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 from Green's King James II
Version (also called: Green's Literal Translation), 4th edition, in order to see if we can get a clearer picture of
what the apostle was speaking of here as he writes to the Christians at
Thessalonica. "Brothers, we are bound to give thanks to God always
concerning you, even as it is right, because your faith grows
exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all multiplies toward one
another, so as for us to boast ourselves in you in the churches of God
for your patience and faith in all your persecutions, and the
afflictions which you endure, a clear token of the just judgment of God,
for you to be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you
indeed suffer, since it is a just thing with God to repay affliction to
the ones afflicting you; and to you, those being afflicted, rest with us
at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from Heaven with angels of His
power, in flaming fire giving full vengeance to those not knowing God,
and to those not obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will
pay the penalty of eternal destruction from the face of the Lord, and
from the glory of His strength, when He comes to be glorified in His
saints, and to be admired in all those who believe in that Day, because
our testimony to you was believed."
(63)
We believe, with others, that the parousia or coming of our Lord is
invisible, and that the parousia begins before the enlightenment of the world during the Millennial Kingdom. Those
who use 2 Thessalonians 1:7,8 to prove that certain unregenerated ones who are
blinded by Satan will suffer eternal destruction at Armageddon
presuppose that the expression "when he comes (Greek, erkomai)" (verse
10) and "at the revelation (Greek, apokalupsis) of the Lord Jesus"
(verse 7) as used in these verses are limited to the present age, or to a time before Satan is abyssed. (Revelation 20:3) However, the
scriptures do not limit the term apokalupsis to the pre-Millennial era.
The time of the final revealing of the sons of God is also referred to
as the period of His revelation. In Romans 8:18-23 the revelation
(apokalupsis) is very evidently referring to the Millennial revelation
and the post-millennial revelation when the creation, the world of
mankind who prove themselves faithful, will "be delivered from the
bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. -
Revelation 21:7.
(64)
But let us suppose for a moment that the period of time spoken of here
is before Satan is abyssed, and that the persecutors of the Church would be dealt
everlasting destruction before the Millennial enlightenment begins. What would
this mean? In context, it would mean that those persecutors of the Church spoken of
in verse 6 would have to be brought back to life either before or during
the "great tribulation" so that they could be eternally destroyed at
that time. This is the only logical conclusion that we could possibly
reach from the way the scripture is written, if we view the eternal
destruction to come upon those in opposition as occurring before the
Millennium. The scriptures tell us however, that God will reserve the
wicked under punishment [of death through Adam] until the day of
judgment and destruction of ungodly men. (2 Peter 2:9) The day of
judgment, as we have shown elsewhere, is the entire thousand year reign
of Christ. It is not until after Satan is abyssed that the persecutors of the Church
are brought back to life to face judgment and possible eternal
destruction. The purpose of their reservation, we are told, is to give
them all opportunity to believe "in that day." (2 Thessalonians 2:10)
Thus in the day of judgment many will repent and believe, thus escaping
the eternal destruction of the ungodly that comes after the day of
judgment.
(65)
Accordingly verse 10 tells explicitly what time period is referred to -
"in that day." It also tells us that "in that day" many will believe.
These believers are not those who come to believe in this present evil
world for the present-day believers are set in contrast to those come to
believe "in that day." Also the fact that it is in the time "when He
[Jesus] comes to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all
those who believe in that day" shows that this is the same time spoken
of in Romans 8:19-21. This clearly identifies the Millennial era as the
time period for the fulfillment of this prophecy.
(66)
Jesus showed that for those who opposed him the day of judgment will be
a period of tribulation. He told those who would not listen to him:
"But I say to you, that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom
in the day of judgment than for you." (Matthew 11:24. See our studies: Hope of Life After Death and The Restoration of All Things; also see: The Divine Plan of the Ages, pages 108-112 ) The
Millennium, though it will be a time of blessing, will also be a time of
purging. It will be easier for the people of Sodom to repent than for
those who saw and heard Jesus, yet opposed him. These will find it hard
to repent in the judgment day due to the hardness of their hearts.
(67)
Many of these will be so hardened that they will refuse to repent, thus
never coming to know God, in the sense of heart agreement with God,
while others will refuse to obey the Good News, the books that will then
be opened. Both unrepentant classes bring upon themselves, not the wrath of God as
inherited from Adam, but rather the wrath of God that results in the
second death. Thus, Jesus asks the religious Scribes and Pharisees who
opposed him: "How shall you escape the judgment of Gehenna?" - the
second death. (Matthew 23:33) In asking this, he was not saying that
they were already under this condemnation and therefore could not escape
from it, as many have supposed. Rather, he is just stating the
difficulty they will have in the next age of overcoming their hypocrisy
in the day of judgment. That some of this class can repent is shown to
us by the apostle Paul, who at one time was Saul, a zealous Pharisee in
opposing the early Christians. - Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-22; 22:3-17; 23:6.
(68)
We conclude, then, that the eternal destruction of 2 Thessalonians
applies to the Millennial era and not to the present era.
Psalm 92:7
(69)
Another scripture often used to try to teach eternal destruction at
Armageddon is Psalm 92:7. "Though the wicked spring up as the grass, And
all the evil-doers flourish, They will be destroyed forever." Doesn't
this actually show that the wicked are eternally destroyed at
Armageddon?
(70)
No, because the Hebrew word translated forever -- often transliterated as gad -- does not
always mean forever or everlastingly. It all depends on which way the
Hebrew word gad is used. Many translations render this passage somewhat
like the Jerusalem Bible: "The wicked may sprout as thick as weeds and
every evildoer flourish, but only to be everlastingly destroyed." Here
the word gad is translated "everlastingly," as an adverb modifying
destroyed. Other translations, including the New World Translation,
translates gad as "forever" - 'be destroyed forever.' From this it would
make it appear that this scripture supports the claim of some that all
outside their organization will be eternally destroyed at Armageddon.
But a closer examination of the text will show that it does not support
the claim.
(71)
"Forever" is only one of the meanings that the Hebrew word has.
According to Strong gad means: "a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by
impl.) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as
a noun, either with or without a prep.)" The word "terminus" means:
"the final point or goal." (Funk & Wagnalls Standard Desk
Dictionary, 1984 edition) Thus we find that gad is translated various
ways, depending on the circumstances and/or the translator's
understanding of how it should be translated. For instance, in Job 20:4
the word gad is used, not in the sense of forever, but only to a certain
point. "Knowest thou not this of old [gad], since man was placed upon
earth." Here the King James Version translates gad as "old," not
"forever." The point to which the term reaches is explained in the next
phrase: "since man was placed upon earth." The New World Translation
renders it this way: "Have you at all times [gad] known this very thing,
since man was put upon the earth." This gives it the sense of ongoing, but not of eternity.
(72)
Another rendering of gad is found in Numbers 24:24, the latter part:
"They will lay waste Assyria; they will lay Eber waste; he too shall
perish utterly [gad]." (New English Bible) The New World Translation
renders this sentence: "An they will certainly afflict Assyria, and they
will indeed afflict Eber. But he too will eventually [gad] perish."
(73)
So we see that it depends upon the translator's understanding many
times that will influence how this word is translated. We would,
therefore, want to translate it in accord with the rest of the Bible and
in harmony with Jehovah's attributes. Since Jehovah's justice has been
satisfied through the ransom of our Lord Jesus, then it would not be in
harmony with his justice to destroy the wicked without first bringing
them out of their estranged condition. Nor would it be in harmony with
Jehovah's love. Or else it would deny his power to do so.
(74)
Our rendering, therefore, of Psalm 92:6,7 is as follows: "A brutish man
does not know, a fool does not understand this: the wicked flourish
like grass; and all the evildoers blossom. But eventually [gad] they
will be destroyed." This agrees with Psalm 90:3 which tells us that
though Jehovah has turned man to destruction, he will also have mankind
to return from destruction. Additionally, it agrees with 1 Corinthians
15:22 which tells us that "in Adam all are dying." All mankind has been
on the broad road to destruction ever since Adam disobeyed Jehovah. This
destruction would have been eternal had it not been for the ransom
sacrifice of Jesus. Consequently, "as in Adam all are dying, so in
Christ shall all be made alive." Accordingly the scripture in Psalm 92:7
should not be rendered so as to make it appear that the wicked who have
been released from this condemnation will suffer eternal destruction.
(75)
Nevertheless, if one insists that gad here means eternal, the scripture
can only be viewed as applying to the entire period of man's two
judgments, beginning with the judgment in Adam and ending final
destruction of the wicked at the end of the millennial age. (Revelation
20:7-10) Otherwise, if this scripture should be applied to the idea that
the wicked are not raised in the last day, then there would be no
resurrection of judgment. (John 5:28,29; Acts 17:31) There would be no further judgment of
the unbeliever in the last day, as Jesus spoke of. (John 12:47,48) It
would additionally mean that Jesus' sacrifice was for the saints only,
and not for the world. (1 John 2:2) Indeed, it would mean that there has
been no offsetting price for all who are dying in Adam at all, but
rather that Jesus only died for a few who are dying in Adam. -- 1
Corinthians 15:21,22; Romans 5:12-19; 1 Timothy 2:5,6.
The Sheep and Goats
Matthew 25:31-46
Matthew 25:31-46
(76)
Christian people have held various views of the parable of the sheep
and goats, some claiming that the parable has been in process of
fulfillment ever since Christ was on the earth and that it will be
finished at the second coming of Christ. This view is shown to be
erroneous by the first verse of the parable, which definitely locates
the time of its fulfillment. It begins during the time of the second
advent of Christ, as is clearly intimated by the words: "When the Son of
man will come in his glory, and all his holy angels with him, then he
will sit down on his glorious throne; and all nations will be gathered
before him." These momentous events have not yet occurred, and
consequently the parable still belongs to the future.
(77)
Another interpretation given to the parable by some is that at the
second advent of Christ, on the very day of his arrival, all the
billions of the dead will come forth and, together with the living, will
all arrange themselves before Jesus, and that during that 24-hour day
he, as the great King, will separate the sheep class from the goat
class, gathering all the sheep to the right hand and all the goats to
the left hand.
(78)
This interpretation is not very satisfactory to anybody because, first,
it implies that Jesus will not have already made any determination as
respects those who are his and those who are not. (John 10:14) If we fit
this interpretation to the usual but erroneous teaching that all the
dead are either in heaven with God and the angels or in some nether
world with demons and flames, it would imply that they were dealt with
before they were judged. It further implies that some who had gone to
heaven and been there for centuries should have been in the other place,
and other who had possibly gone to the other place by mistake should
have gone to heaven, and this parable shows the time and manner in which
Jesus will finally determine as to whether or not any serious mistakes
had occurred and endeavor to rectify them. Moreover this view supposes
God to be fallible, or else supposes a gathering of millions from heaven
and hell to this earth again for no particular purpose, merely for a
spectacular display which could alter nothing. This view as a whole is
farcical, for it would be absurd to think of any kind of a judgment of
the whole world or a separative gathering into two companies all over
the earth in a 24-hour day. True, this is the prevailing view, but that
proves nothing as respects its truthfulness or its reasonableness. It is
to the discredit of theologians in general that any could entertain
such a thought for a moment, or suppose that the Almighty and his
glorified Son would participate in such a useless sham.
(79)
A more recent view has been presented by some. In the latter 1800s and
early 1900s, a small group of Bible students associated with Charles T. Russell taught very similar to what we are here presenting.
However, after the death of Russell in 1916, "Judge" Rutherford
began to officially create an authoritarian organization, basically with himself as its head. To induce others to submit to this
"organization," he brought forth a new teaching to cause fear in all in
the "Bible Students" fellowship. A great many of the "old-time" Bible
students, wanting to hold on the "ransom for all", either withdrew support from Russell or found themselves
"disfellowshipped" by Rutherford and his agents. Basically, the new idea
was that all who oppose Judge Rutherford's new teachings would be of the
"evil slave" class. All Bible Students, then, who would not bow to his teachings, would be eternally destroyed in the second death. Thus, in effect, he set up a
"golden calf" (organization) for all under his influence to worship.
(80)
The Watchtower leaders little by little left the teaching that the
sheep in this parable are the Millennial sheep. In time the Watchtower
began to teach that these sheep are the "great multitude" who pass
through Armageddon and that the goats are all others who are eternally destroyed
at Armageddon. However, this interpretation cannot follow through. Why
not? Because, as we have shown, the individual judgment of the world is
not yet, not as long as Satan is still blinding the minds of the people. The time when the nations (Gentiles - Hebrew gowy, Greek,
ethnos) are gathered for individual judgment is during the Millennial
reign of Jesus, during the time when Satan is abyssed, and not allowed to deceive the nations. All who belong to Christ in this age come "out of" the
nations (Gentiles). Remember that Jesus said: "I am coming as a light
into the world, that whosoever believes in me should not remain in
darkness. And if any man hears my words, and does not believe, I do not
judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.
He that rejects me, and does not receive my words, has one that judges
him - the words that I have spoken, the same will judge him in the last
day." (John 12:46-48) To say that God is judging individuals of the
nations - the nonbelievers - now for eternal life or eternal death when, according to his own words, he wasn't when Jesus was here on the earth is beyond scriptural reason. Today the
world is filled with more deceptions, more corruptions, and more
confusion than ever before. Of all generations, the present generation
should be considered the foremost generation in need of being liberated
from its darkness and receiving the light of truth. Yet the present
stand of the Watchtower would deny this. In the Watchtower book, You Can
Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, we find this statement: "After
Armageddon no part of this wicked world will remain. Only persons who
serve God will continue to live." (page 155) While we could agree all
elements of this wicked world will not remain, the application of the
sheep and goats to the present age would mean that all who fail to
understand, believe, or obey the Watchtower teachings are going off into
eternal destruction, which we deny. On page 183 of the same Watchtower
book we read:
(81)
"Will you be there to enjoy the good things that Jehovah God has in
store? This will depend on whether you survive an earlier judgment day,
namely the present 'day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly
men.' - 2 Peter 3:7.
(82)
"Yes, since Christ returned and sat down on his heavenly throne, all
humankind has been on judgment. This present 'day of judgment' comes
before the 1,000-year Judgment Day as 'goats' will be destroyed because
they fail to help Christ's anointed 'brothers' in their service to God.
In time, these 'goats' show themselves to be unrepentant sinners,
wicked, hardened in their practice of unrighteousness. The 'sheep,' on
the other hand, will be blessed with life under the Kingdom rule because
they support Christ's 'brothers' in every way. - Matthew 25:31-46."
(83)
Thus is laid the groundwork for obtaining the absolute obedience of
unwary newcomers to their organization. On page 193 of the same book it
is claimed that their organization is headed by a few of Christ's
"brothers" who have been appointed as the "faithful and discreet slave
class." (Matthew 24:45-47)
(84) And the book continues: "On his return in Kingdom power in the year 1914, did Christ find a
'faithful and discreet slave' class providing spiritual 'food,' or
information? Yes, he found such a 'slave' made up of the remaining ones
on earth of his 144,000 'brothers.' (Revelation 12:10; 14:1,3) And since
1914 millions of persons have accepted the 'food' they provide, and
have begun practicing true religion with them. This organization of
God's servants is known as Jehovah's witnesses."
(85)
Imagine now how those who know nothing, or very little, of the truth
about the ransom could easily become frightened into obedience to these
religious leaders! In reality, there was no one in 1914 preaching the JW
doctrine. In 1914, Russell did not permit his Watch Tower to be used for such purposes. After Russell died in 1916, Rutherford deceitfully had new by-laws passed that virtually destroyed the Watch Tower Society as Russell had created it, and Rutherford then began to use his new WTS as a basis for the creation of an authoritarian organization. By 1928, most of the Bible Students had rejected Rutherford's new
"organization" gospel.* But does the Watchtower present the correct
understanding of the parable of the "sheep and goats?" No. The gathering
of the nations (Gentiles) to be judged individually takes place by
restoring them to life so that they may be judged individually without hindrance from Satan's deceptions, not by their past
works, but by their works as related to the books that will then be
opened to them. (Revelation 20:11-13). It is not the gathering of nations that
takes place at Armageddon for the executing of God's judgment as begun
upon man through Adam. "'Therefore wait for me,' says Jehovah, 'until
the day I rise up for plunder, my determination is to gather the
nations, to my assembly of kingdoms, to pour on them my indignation, all
my fierce anger. All the earth will be devoured with the fire of my
jealousy." (Zephaniah 3:8) This same period is when the day of Jehovah comes as a thief
upon the world. The execution of judgment at that time is to convince
the people of the nations of their sins, thus indicating that their destruction is not
eternal but rather for the purpose of disciplining. (Jude 1:15; 2 Peter
3:7,10)** It is during this transition period that Satan's rulership of the world is
destroyed. It is not until after the passing away of this present evil age that Jehovah 'turns to the peoples a pure language.' (Zephaniah
3:9) The Watchtower leaders have to admit that the nations of the world
are still being blinded by Satan. (2 Corinthians 4:4) It is not until
after Satan is bound and the veil of blindness is removed that it can
truly be said that the nations have received a pure language. (Isaiah
25:6-7; Revelation 20:3) And the method of gathering the nations at that
time will be through the awakening of the dead, in the day when many
will be turned to righteousness. - Revelation 20:11-13; Daniel 12:2,3.
==========
*See our study:
Bible Students Did Not Become Jehovah's Witnesses
**See our study:
The Repentance in 2 Peter 3:9
==========
*See our study:
Bible Students Did Not Become Jehovah's Witnesses
**See our study:
The Repentance in 2 Peter 3:9
(86)
And thus we have the proper setting for the judgment of the sheep and
the goats. The "sheep" of the parable are not the sheep of the present
age, whom the Master knows and who know the Master. (John 10:14) Rather
these are the "other sheep" who are not of the fold that recognize the
Master in the present age. They are brought forth out of death. These
become the sheep of the next age. These do not inherit a place in the
ruling house of God, but do inherit the kingdom prepared from the
founding of the world, the kingdom that was prepared for Adam and which
he lost. (Matthew 25:34; Genesis 1:28; Psalm 8:3-8; Hebrews 2:6-8) These sheep inherit these promises, not after Armageddon, but after the final
eternal destruction of the wicked which takes place after the
thousand-year reign of Christ, the day which God has appointed "in which
he will judge the world in righteousness." - Revelation 20:7-9; Psalm
37:9-11; Acts 17:31.
(87)
The work of individual judgment here described is upon those of the
nations -- the heathen, that is, those presently outside of Jehovah's favor. Thus Jesus describes
the work of the Millennial Age: "All nations will be gathered before
him." (Matthew 25:32) The "great multitude" of Revelation 7 cannot be included in the
parable of the sheep and goats. Why not? Because they come "out of"
(Greek ek) the nations (Gentiles) and become part of God's people during the
present evil world. They are part of God's "called-out" class, who
become part of his church during the great tribulation. The people of
the nations who do not become part of the "great multitude" simply
remain under God's wrath as placed upon them through Adam. (John 3:36)
After Armageddon's destruction, the light will then shine upon all
nations (Gentiles) as they are gathered from the grave. (John 5:28,19)
Then all the blind eyes will be opened, all the deaf ears will be
unstopped, and the knowledge of the glory of Jehovah will fill the whole
earth. - Isaiah 35; 11:9.
(88)
We might be inclined to think that, with all the blessed favors,
privileges, opportunities and knowledge which the Millennial Age will
bring to the world, the whole human family would develop into sheep. But
the parable teaches to the contrary. There will be some who, even after
their eyes and ears will have been opened to see and have a knowledge of Jehovah's goodness, will still fail to develop that measure
of loving obedience and accord with righteousness which would have his
approval. Such prove their heart is still not in accord with righteousness, and thus they do not receive the mark as sheep which would entitle them
under the divine arrangement at the close of the Millennial Age to be
ushered into the everlasting kingdom as was prepared for them from the founding of the world.
(89)
It is our conclusion that the gathering to judgment will be a gradual
one, not all at the same moment, definitely not all on the same 24-hour day, nor even in the
same year. All nations will be gathered, however, including the nations
destroyed in Armageddon's battle. Gradually, more and more they will be
gathered from the tomb, until all the race will be assembled excepting
those who have been favored in advance during this Gospel (Good News) Age. All
will see the King in his beauty. All will discern that they are living
under the reign of Immanuel. All will realize that the clouds and
darkness of this present time of evil, of sin, of Satan, have rolled
away and a new dispensation has been inaugurated. Then it will no longer
be necessary to suffer for righteousness' sake but only for evil doing.
The work of separating will be a gradual one, and will not be fully
completed until sometime near the close of the Millennial Age. Each member of Adam's
race will have a full opportunity for not only receiving instruction in
righteousness, but for making his personal decision as respects the
same. In other words, each will have an full opportunity with the full ability for the development
of personal attributes in God-likeness. Those who refuse or neglect the
opportunity for formation into God-likeness prove themselves unworthy of
everlasting life and will be among the goats, while all who will
develop true God-like attributes will be among the sheep.
(90)
It will be the work of almost the entire Millennial Age to bring this about.
Righteousness will reign then, as sin reigns now. That is to say, it
will be in control, in the ascendancy; and whosoever would want to sin
then will suffer promptly. Hence all the nations will be seeking to avoid sin.
Then the world in general will be a grand place, where "nothing will
hurt or destroy"; where "the inhabitant will not say: 'I am sick'";
where the curse will be gradually rolled away, and there will be no more
crying, no more sighing, no more dying; and where the blessing of God,
bring perfection, will prevail. "Oh happy day!" we exclaim. And surely
it will be such; for all who live through those thousand years will have
a great blessing. - Psalm 72:7; Isaiah 11:9; 33:24; 65:25; Revelation
22:3; 21:4.
==========
See our study:
The Time Frame of Matthew 25:31-46
==========
See our study:
The Time Frame of Matthew 25:31-46
The Law of Retribution
(91)
But, some inquire, what about the sins of the world? Will there be no
chastisements, no punishments, for these? We answer that it will be
equally just for God to forgive the sins of the world for Christ's sake
as it has been just for him to forgive the sins of the disciples of this
age for Christ's sake. If the one is just, so will be the other. God is
no respecter of persons, and is equally as willing to forgive the sins
of the world as the sins of the disciples of Jesus, when the those of
the world, repenting from sin, will turn from it, and accept Christ as
their Redeemer.
(92)
This does not mean, however, that justice is to be ignored. In the case
of the disciples of Jesus today, note how the sins of youth may leave
their scar and sting to the end of life. The disciples of Jesus in this
age may have to continue to fight against tendencies he has acquired or
inherited until the day he dies. And so we may reasonably assume that
certain stripes, or punishments, will be permitted to follow the world
in just the same manner. They will return with the same traits,
tendencies, etc., with which they died. The liar will still be prone to
lie; the thief will still have a desire to steal; etc. It will be from
these weaknesses and frailties that they will be gradually raised up to
perfection during these blessed thousand years of Christ's kingdom, when
Satan will be bound and not permitted to deceive any during that
period. - Isaiah 26:9; Revelation 20:3.
(93)
But what about the heart condition? If conformity to the divine law in
an outward way will bring blessings to all, will there not still be a
difference between the people - some coming heartily into accord with
the Father, and others merely outwardly into harmony, because this
outward harmony will be the way to restoration, perfection?
(94)
Undoubtedly many will only outwardly submit themselves to Christ during the 1,000 years, but whose hearts will not be harmony with the Kingdom. It is along this line that
the parable before us teaches; namely, that outwardly the "sheep" and
the "goats" will have much the same appearance and demeanor, except to
the Judge, the King, who will read the heart and ultimately will
manifest to all that there has been a real heart difference between the
two classes, all of whom will have been on trial during the thousand
years, receiving blessings from the kingdom.
The Basis of Judgment
(95)
All the while each individual will be more and more learning how to
obey God's law, some ingraining this law in their hearts while others
only learn to refrain from sins of violation toward others. Their true
character will be fully appreciated by the great Judge, and the
individual will be rated as a "sheep" or as a "goat." All the sheep-like
ones will thus be received at the right hand of Jesus. All the goat-like
ones will be rated as out of favor with Jehovah, even though all the
while they will be receiving the blessings of the Millennial kingdom and
outwardly rendering obedience to its laws.
(96)
Not until the conclusion of the Millennium will the decision of the
Judge be manifested. To the "sheep" at his right hand he will say:
"Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you
from the foundation of the world." (Matthew 25:34) When God laid the
foundation of the earth it was his design to have it inhabited with
perfect, happy humans. (Isaiah 45:12,18) This is not the same kingdom as
the Messianic kingdom. On the contrary, it is the kingdom that God
gave to Adam, which Adam lost through his disobedience and which Christ
redeemed by the sacrifice of himself. (Genesis 1:26; Psalm 8:4-8;
Hebrews 2:7-9) It will be given to those who will have developed
complete Godlikeness - those who have become the Lord's "other sheep"
during the Millennium. - John 10:16.
(97)
Then the other class, the goats of the parable, will be sentenced:
"Depart, you cursed ones, into everlasting punishment." Granted all the
privileges, blessings and experiences during the thousand years of
contact with righteousness, truth and the spirit of God, these, though
they had rendered outward obedience in refraining from sins of
violation, but at heart they had not come into harmony with God. They
will, therefore, not be recognized as "sheep." Failing in developing
pure Godlikeness they cannot be presented to the Father as blameless and
incorruptible. They will have to be destroyed. This punishment,
however, the final vengeance of God, is the second death, "everlasting
destruction." (2 Thessalonians 1:8,9) Their penalty is an everlasting
one because there will be no further provision made for their redemption
or for a resurrection from the second death. They will have failed
utterly to appreciate the goodness of God and to develop into his
likeness. Eternal life is only for those who have God's likeness and
God's spirit. 'The Father is seeking such to worship him in spirit and
truth.' - John 4:23.
(98)
Both classes, the "sheep" and the "goats," are told the basis of his
judgment. To the sheep he will say: "I was hungry, and you gave me food.
I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me
in; naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in
prison, and you came to me." To the goat class he says: "I was hungry,
and you did not give me food. I was thirsty, and you did not give me
drink. I was a stranger, and you did not take me in; naked, and you did
not clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit me." - Matthew
25:35,36,42,43.
(99)
Both the "sheep" and "goats" will claim that they had no knowledge of
any such experiences. Each asked: When did we do these things, or not do
these things? Exactly how this has a fulfillment we will have to wait
and see. However, Jesus' reply will be: "Inasmuch as you have done [or
have not done] it to one of the least of these my brothers, you have
done [or not done] it unto me." - Matthew 25:40,45.
The "Brothers" Of Christ
(100)
Who are these "brothers" respecting whom there will be a test upon the
sheep class and upon the goat class? Will there be people sick, hungry
and in prison during the Millennium? Does the Lord wish us to understand
that there will be such things then? We have, on the contrary, always
assumed that sickness, poverty, hunger and prisons will then be gone
forever. What does it all mean?
(101) With the establishment of the kingdom all who come into
harmony with it will have the great privilege of doing something to
help others. The world is blind and starved now, for lack of spiritual
food and the anointing eye-salve of truth. While the Millennial
blessings will be showered upon those who accept Jehovah's terms, there
will be others who will need assistance. Those who develop within
themselves true love will be glad to carry the heavenly message of
reconciliation to all humanity, glad to apply the eye salve to the
blind, glad to unstop the ears of the deaf, glad to help the sin-sick
back into harmony with God - helping them to cover their nakedness with
the merit of Christ.
(102)
All who will take pleasure in this work will thus be manifesting that
they have God's spirit and are co-laborers with him. All these will be
the sheep. On the other hand, those who will be careless in respect to
their vow, and merely enjoy the Millennial blessings themselves, will be
of the goat class and will thus be marking themselves as a "goat."
Correspondingly they will be out of favor with the great King of kings,
their Judge, the Lord of glory.
(103)
Those now sitting in darkness will then be invited to come out of the
prison house of darkness. (Isaiah 42:7) When those of the world are awakened from death, they
will not automatically be enlightened; they will still be sitting in darkness. They will need to be "visited" while
yet in this prison so that they may be enlightened and be fully released from their blindness. We believe that those of the "great multitude", who come out of the great tribulation, will already be sheep of Christ, and will be led to the waters of life soon after Satan is abyssed, and thus be fully enlightened before the resurrection of the world begins. Thus, these sheep of Christ will be ready to help others as they come forth from the grave to be enlightened. We believe that many of those coming forth from the grave will welcome such enlightenment and will become of the "sheep" class, who will be happy to "visit" other new ones coming forth from the graves in order to assist them. On the other hand, those whose hearts of show themselves to be of the
"goat" class will not be interested in helping others.
See our studies:
The Great Multitude
The 144,000 and the Great Multitude
The Great Multitude in the Temple
A Great Multitude in Heaven
(104) But how are these ones coming out of the graves Christ's "brothers?" Are not the 144,000 the only "brothers" of Christ? It is true that in a special way the 144,000 become "brothers" to Jesus. But we note also that the apostles Peter and Paul as well as Stephen referred to the Jewish people of their day as their "brothers." (Acts 3:12,17; 7:2; 13:16,26,38; 22:1; 23:1,5,6; 28:17; Romans 9:3) Additionally, Paul included the men of Athens as "offspring of God." (Acts 22:28,29) But more importantly, since the whole creation is to share in the glorious liberty of the children of God, Jesus shared in the same as the children, that is, "man" referred to in Hebrews 2:6-8, to whom was subjected all things. Man, as represented in Adam, was given dominion over all things in the beginning, but it was lost to him through Adam's disobedience. Thus Hebrews 2:8 tells us that now we do not see all things put under him, that is, mankind. Verses 9 and 14 tell us that Jesus shared the same as the children - the offspring of God - mankind. Thus he is not ashamed to also call them his "brothers," (verse 11) "because the creation itself will also be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." (Romans 8:21) To be released from this bondage would indicate they will be led by God's spirit, thus becoming sons of God. (Romans 8:14,15) Thus in a broad sense all mankind could be called his brothers, since he partook of the same humanity. But it is especially in the restoration of man that the creation now subjected to vanity is recognized as children of God.
See our studies:
The Great Multitude
The 144,000 and the Great Multitude
The Great Multitude in the Temple
A Great Multitude in Heaven
(104) But how are these ones coming out of the graves Christ's "brothers?" Are not the 144,000 the only "brothers" of Christ? It is true that in a special way the 144,000 become "brothers" to Jesus. But we note also that the apostles Peter and Paul as well as Stephen referred to the Jewish people of their day as their "brothers." (Acts 3:12,17; 7:2; 13:16,26,38; 22:1; 23:1,5,6; 28:17; Romans 9:3) Additionally, Paul included the men of Athens as "offspring of God." (Acts 22:28,29) But more importantly, since the whole creation is to share in the glorious liberty of the children of God, Jesus shared in the same as the children, that is, "man" referred to in Hebrews 2:6-8, to whom was subjected all things. Man, as represented in Adam, was given dominion over all things in the beginning, but it was lost to him through Adam's disobedience. Thus Hebrews 2:8 tells us that now we do not see all things put under him, that is, mankind. Verses 9 and 14 tell us that Jesus shared the same as the children - the offspring of God - mankind. Thus he is not ashamed to also call them his "brothers," (verse 11) "because the creation itself will also be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." (Romans 8:21) To be released from this bondage would indicate they will be led by God's spirit, thus becoming sons of God. (Romans 8:14,15) Thus in a broad sense all mankind could be called his brothers, since he partook of the same humanity. But it is especially in the restoration of man that the creation now subjected to vanity is recognized as children of God.
The Rewarding of the Sheep
(105) Evidently, the rewarding of the sheep and the punishing of the goats will come after the close of the Millennial Age, towards the end of the little season, or short period of time, during which Satan will be loosed. (Revelation 20:3,7-10) True, great blessings will be upon all
during the Millennial Age, upon each in proportion to his obedience to
the divine standards, but only at the close of the age will the full
reward be granted. The reward to be granted to those "other sheep" will
be the kingdom which God prepared from the foundation of the world, from
the time of Adam's creation. That kingdom was given to Adam originally;
he was the first king of earth while in the image of his Creator. As it
is written of him: "You [Jehovah] have made him a little lower than the
gods [angels - Hebrews 2:7] and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him to have
dominion over the works of your hands, you have put all things under his
feet." - Psalm 8:5,6.
(106)
By disobedience father Adam lost the rulership and power in his
kingdom, and the entire kingdom of God's earthly creation has suffered
as a consequence. The reign of Christ during the Millennium will be for
the purpose of lifting up as many of mankind as will then desire to come
back into full harmony with Jehovah, lifting them up out of the mire of
sin and out the miry clay and horrible pit of sin and death, lifting
them up to all that Adam was before he sinned - to the image and
likeness of their Creator. This the apostle Paul designates This as the
times of "restoration" (Acts 3:20,21), which he tells us takes place
during Christ's return.
(107)
But even the obedient of mankind will not be fit to be entrusted with
the kingdom of the world until absolute perfection will have been
reached, and the perfection of the race will not be attained, as we have
seen, until the end of the thousand-year "day" appointed for the purpose.
Then the worthy will be granted the kingdom of earth, the dominion
under the whole heavens. With this transfer of the earthly control to
the perfect man at that time, Christ's Millennial Kingdom for the restoration of man will end. In delivering the Kingdom up to the perfect and
worthy members of the race he will be delivering it up to the Father, in
full harmony with the Father's original arrangement, interfered with by
original sin. What marvelous wonders will fill this earth once man, the king
of the earth, will be restored to the image of his Creator, and when
the earth itself will be filled with the glory of God, we cannot begin
to completely comprehend in our present state. We can only wonder and
praise and adore the loving God, whose provision has been so bountiful
for every creature, every member of the fallen race.
The Punishment of the Goats
(108) After the millennial age for restoring man, Satan will be loosed from his bonds for a short period of time. (Revelation 20:7) It appears that then those of the goat class will show their true colors as they follow Satan at that time. (Revelation 20:8) It is at this time that both goats and sheep will come face-to-face with Jehovah, for at that time Jesus turns the Kingdom over to the Father. (Revelation 20:8; 1 Corinthians 15:24) It is evidently at the end of this short intermediate period that the goats receive their punishment of "everlasting destruction." In Revelation 20:8 they are pictured as being destroyed by fire that comes down from God out of heaven. Revelation 21:8 speaks of them as 'cowardly and unbelieving, having become foul, murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, liars,' etc. These have their portion in the second death represented by the "lake of fire." We do not believe that during this short period of time when Satan is released that the goat class will actually be permitted to enter into murder. But our thought is that by their hatred for their fellow-man they show that they have murder in their hearts. (1 John 3:15) Exactly how all this will be fulfilled toward the goat class during the short period of time Satan is let loose we do not presently know. All we can see is that somehow Satan gets the goat class to follow him against God.
(109)
We should note that while any sins they commit during the time of
Satan's release are added to their guilt, it is not for these sins that
they sentenced to eternal destruction. Their sentence to eternal
destruction evidently occurs just at the close of the 1,000 year reign
of Christ. It appears to be delayed for only a short time as they depart
into the everlasting fire made ready for the devil and his angels. The
eternal fire is the fire of God's jealousy or anger, which burns against
and destroys everything antagonistic to his righteousness. (Zephaniah
1:18; 3:8) It is, of course, merely a figurative expression representing
the destructiveness of God's eternal jealousy for righteousness. At the
end of the Millennium it is made ready or prepared to destroy all in
opposition to God. But they are allowed a short period of time to prove
their opposition. Therefore they are sentenced sometime before they
receive their punishment. They receive the sentence of eternal
destruction because of failure to develop the spirit of love, for love
is the fulfilling of the law. None can meet the divine approval except
those whose sentiments will attain to the degree of loving Jehovah with
all their hearts, minds, being and strength, and their neighbors as
themselves. (Matthew 23:37-40; Romans 13:8; Galatians 5:14; 6:2) The
sheep of the Millennial Age, we may be sure, will attain to this love
which God's law marks as the proper measure of God-likeness. The goats
of the Millennial Age, we may be equally sure, will be the ones who will
not have this God-likeness.
See our Study:
Example of Eternal Fire
See our Study:
Example of Eternal Fire
"Into Everlasting Punishment"
(110) The Greek word rendered "everlasting" is not as strong as our English word which represents it. Its having the meaning of time without end depends on the context. Thus, on this point we raise no question, since it is the same word that is used in referring to everlasting life which will be granted the sheep. It may be well, however, to notice that life, being Jehovah's gift to the sheep, implies that no life will be given to the goats - it thus implies the kind of punishment which the Scriptures describe, namely, a death punishment, an extinction of life; and this will continue forever, as we have seen. Hence while the punishment is everlasting, the second death itself occurs only once and is over with - it is not a continuance of punishment after punishment after punishment on and on throughout eternity. Such would be eternal punishing, not an everlasting punishment.
See our studies:
The Second Death, the Lake of Fire, Gehenna
Everlasting Punishment
Spirits in Prison, Lake of Fire, Tormented Day and Night Forever
All Creation Praises Jehovah
(111) With Satan and his demons as well as all the goat class destroyed, what a joyous time all creation will then have! This final victory results in the exaltation of Jehovah as described in Psalm 145:10: "All your works will praise you, O Jehovah!" The whole universe will then be cleansed, so one could diligently seek to find a wicked person, and there would be none. (Psalm 37:10) For "the meek will inherit the earth and delight themselves in the abundance of peace." (Psalm 37:11) "Let everything that has breath praise Jehovah!" (Psalm 150:6) What a happy time that will be then!
(112)
Let us rejoice, then, in the Good News of God's Kingdom for the
blessing of all families of the earth, including the families now on the
earth who are yet blinded by Satan. If we want Jehovah's blessings now,
we have to be obedient to Jesus and the Good News. If we want Jehovah's
favor during Armageddon, we have to actively believe upon Jesus. Jesus
has said: "Go, therefore, and make disciples from all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you all the
days until the completion of the age." Are you observing this command to
make disciples [students]? Jesus said: "This Good News of the kingdom
will be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations; and then
the end will come." (Matthew 24:14) Are you sharing in preaching the
true good news of God's kingdom?
Who Will Preach the Good News
To All the World?
To All the World?
"The Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in all the earth, for a witness to all nations; and then the end will come." -- Matthew 24:14
(113) Jesus told his disciples to preach and teach in all the world all that Jesus had taught, so that others may become disciples of Jesus. That included his command to preach the word. Thus, every consecrated child of God is under command to preach, and should be doing so to the best his/her knowledge and ability. Nevertheless, most of God's children are as babes in Christ, being bound by sectarian dogma that hinders them from understanding the full meaning of God's Kingdom, and its coming blessings for all. Paul spoke of such sectarian blindness in his words written at 1 Corinthians 3:1-4. Thus, many Christians live their whole life being bound by sectarianism, and thus remain as babes in Christ until they die. Many of these, however, have been very zealous in spreading the Bible, which has the Kingdom Good News in it. Thus, we can find various translations of the Bible in almost every nation and island of
the world. The Bible does contain that Good News. The Good News is being preached in the words of the Bible itself, but alas, it is not being preached with clarity of understanding. For the most part, even those preaching by personal testimony lack the full understanding of that Gospel, since they are hindered by sectarian bonds. On the other hand, sectarian bondage often means that the oral presentation of the Kingdom falls far short of the true Good News of God's
Kingdom that will bless all the families of the earth, and most often ends up being a message of eternal doom for all who do not accept their particular brand of the Gospel. (See our studies: Understanding Kingdom Mysteries and The Restoration of All Things).
(114)
The Watchtower leaders claim that their "organization" is fulfilling
this prophecy. But in general are those associated with this
organization really preaching the "good news"? No! While there may be a
few associated with the organization who might be trying to preach the
truth, most just echo what their leaders preach: which is to the effect
that those who continue in rejection of their message will be eternally
destroyed during the "great tribulation" or at the battle of Armageddon.
This is not the Good News of the Kingdom! It is a false "good news"
that actually dishonors Jehovah's name. It makes Jehovah appear to be unwilling
to honor the satisfaction of justice that his Son died for, therefore
making him seem to be not trustworthy. He is made to appear similar to
the gods that have been worshiped in the past, and are still be
worshiped (although not so outwardly). However, the true Good News, as
we have already shown, declares the excellency of Jehovah's name and
word.
(115)
Indeed, the Watchtower adherents are greatly involved in preaching.
They are very zealous for their message, for they feel that it is up to
them to "save" as many as possible from eternal destruction at
Armageddon. But this is not the true Good News of the Kingdom. What they
are proclaiming is actually a profanation of God's holy name.
(116) It is up to those who know the actual Good News of the coming Kingdom to preach this message. Most of the Restoration Light publications may be printed, and copies can be made locally, that could be distributed to others, whether on street corners, door to door, or while riding a train or bus, or wherever. The Dawn Bible Students Association provides free tracts and also many booklets that can be distributed (the Dawn, however, still hangs onto usually presenting the Holy Name as "the LORD", or as "GOD", etc., but that is another topic. -- See our studies on the Holy Name.) Other groups also provide tracts that can be distributed. There needs to be a general encouragement for each one
who is able to enter into some form of preaching, whether the house-to-house work or other
public preaching work. We all need to take seriously our stewardship
to Jesus, in obeying his commission, not to preach an organization, a
movement, or a sect, but to preach Christ and his ransom sacrifice, and the blessings that comes to the world due to that sacrifice.
==========
==========
Some Related Studies:
End of the World in 1914? -- Was Charles Taze Russell expecting the "end of the world" in 1914?Jehovah's Witnesses and Charles Taze Russell
Preaching the Gospel A Necessity
The Ransom and the JWs
No comments:
Post a Comment
Due to the enormous amount of work; it may be some time before comments are approved.