WAKE UP CHURCH!!!

Others May, I Cannot....

Others may seek after all these things before ever thinking of seeking after God earnestly. They never find what they seek; their flesh is never satisfied with pleasure. But even if they found them, I must seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. If I must keep my vision of eternity, maintain God’s holy fire burning in my breast, retain His passion for souls and love for Him, I cannot seek or desire the world or any of the things in the world. Others of my colleagues sought after these things, now their hearts are dulled, their conscience seared, their eyes blinded by the god of this world, theirs, should teach me the lesson, I cannot seek or desire the world though others do. Others may scoff at the sound doctrines of the Bible and allow little sins, but I cannot. The buildings that are demolished were not pulled down by elephants; they were destroyed by termites. Unless I am cleansed from evil thoughts, ill-temper, anger, envy, lust, jealousy, pride, laziness, and idleness, over-eating and backbiting, I won’t count myself as free from sin. Others may testify to being born-again and converted and still be conscious of all these in their lives. But what is that to me? I am called to follow Christ; looking on Him, I lose sight of all other examples. Jesus: my mirror, my pattern, my example.

To be continue 

Others May, I Cannot

Others may lay up for themselves treasures in banks, they must prepare for rainy days. I cannot lay up here for where my treasure is, there, Jesus told me my heart will be. If I am not wise, my heart will be locked up in a safe deposit box and would miss the coming glory. You may do as you please; I cannot serve God and mammon. Others may fret and worry over material things and excuse themselves for so doing. Others may kill themselves in their pursuit for a place or position in life. Others may destroy themselves by anxiety over riches and success in life. “Come, my soul, enter thou into my chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpass.” Yea, why all this madness over dust, dung and dross? Oh, when shall it be when the voice of God shall call me home? I am sick at seeing multitudes of believers remember money and material things more than they remember my glorified Christ. I will soon depart this Chaos to a place of rest. Others may have their hearts and heads on earth; my feet are on earth, my head is up, and my heart is in heaven, Lord, thou knowest.

To be continue... 

Others May, I Cannot...

Others may work seven days in the week, to provide adequately for this life. I have to remember my Lord and Home on the Lord’s Day. Others have no hope beyond this world and it is no wonder they need to do and have their best here, I have a hope beyond today, a home beyond the stars, a life in the great beyond. Eternal things are real enough for me to give a whole day out of seven.

To be continue.... 

Others May, I cannot

Others may serve some other gods – some serve their flesh, some careers, some money, some faithfully serve women, some are loyal servants of men, some bow to the god of fashion. I cannot – my God is in Heaven, these gods are in this passing world. I am born to burn for God. I neither will bend nor bow to any other god no matter how popular with others. Others may call the name of God in vain, call Jesus in such an insulting familiar way, my God is precious to me, and my Jesus is high enough to be worshiped. He is great enough to be a Savior.

To be continue....

Others May, I Cannot......

Others may do as they please, I must not do what my fallen nature suggests lest I be drowned - I must do as He pleases. Why should I call Him Lord, Lord and not do what He wants? Others may deceive to receive a blessing from man; my heart is fixed on receiving from God before whom all liars are cast away into eternal burning. Others may follow multitudes to do evil what is that to me? If I must go to heaven my company has to be few for few there are that find the way of life. Though it’s not always easy to be in the minority, the same God who helped Noah to stand told me “His grace is sufficient for me”. The temptations are there, to eat like others, dress like others, live like others but these others who have no cross to bear are not a pattern for me. We cannot keep the same pace - I have a goal, which they know nothing about.

Bible Doctrine 22: HELL

BIBLE DOCTRINE 22      

                      HELL

God’s Word teaches:

That Hell fire is a place of everlasting punishment where sinners (all who do not have their names in the book of life) will suffer torments for ever and ever. It was prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41) but God has decreed that the wicked and those who forget Him and reject Christ will also be cast there because of their sin and neglect of His salvation - Psalm 9:17; Matthew 25:46; Luke 12:4,5; 16:19-31; Matthew 5:22,30; Mark 9:43-47; Revelation 14:10,11; 20:10,12,15.

     The fact and reality of Hell is an important and recurring theme in the Scriptures. It is vividly captured as a place of agonizing torment and everlasting punishment in unquenchable fire for the unconverted (Matthew 25:41; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:23, 28). Owing to its frightful credentials, there are those who merely explain away hell as a biblical truth. Many have even drawn up the broken cisterns of erroneous assertion to rationalize their gross inadequacies. The Bible, however, unambiguously provides ample illuminations of hell, as the indisputable abode of sinners (Psalm 9:17; Proverbs 7:24-27; Proverbs 9:13-18; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:22-28; Revelation 20:13-15; 21:8).

     Hell is a fearsome 'rest place' for transgressors. And the Lord Jesus Christ spent considerable time lending weight to this reality. He told the city of Capernaum for instance, that it would be turned into hell because of its iniquities (Matthew 11:23, 24).

     He warned repeatedly on the danger of hell and the need for His listeners to steer clear of it (Matthew 5:22, 29, 30; 10:28; 18:8, 9; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 12:5). He offered vivid explanations of hell as a place of everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:41, 46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:22-28; Revelation 14:10, 11). He revealed that sinners who die unsaved would have their lot in hell (Matthew 7:15-19; Matthew 13:40-42, 50; 23:33; 25:41-4620; Revelation 20:14-15; 21:8).

     The Apostles also followed the same thematic explanations of hell as offered by the Lord (Romans 2:5-9; 2 Thessalonians 1:8,9; Hebrews 10:26,27; James 3:5,6; 2 Peter 2:4,9; 3:7; Jude 7, 23; Matthew 3:7-10). The church today cannot afford to assume a less specific position on the teaching of hell, without subverting the sacredness and completeness of scripture.

     The word 'Hell' is found about fifty-four times in the King James Version of the Bible. Its translation in Hebrew, Sheol, occur thirty-one times, while the Greek interpretations "Gehena", "hades"  and the Latin interpretation "Tartarus" occur twelve, ten times and once respectively. Its regular usage in scriptures, apart from the allusions drawn to it by the Lord and other Bible characters, lend sufficient validity to its reality.

     When a sinner dies, his soul immediately proceeds to hell where, with full consciousness, he tastes the excruciating pain that hell offers. The story of poor Lazarus and the rich man, best exemplifies the eternal punishment awaiting the sinner (Luke 16:23, 24).

     Hell is also a place where the memory of the damned comes alive. The rich man in Luke 16:23, 24 remembered his riotous living while on earth as well as his five brothers yet unsaved. Apart from the acute discomfort of hell, the regret of an error of judgement while on earth on the part of the unsaved, presents an everlasting torment of its own.

     The teaching of the doctrine of hell must scrupulously avoid erroneous and unscriptural views of false teachers. The concept of purgatory, representing a so-called intermediate state between death and appearance before God has no biblical foundation. Neither is the notion of the annihilation of the wicked correct. The future punishment of the wicked is eternal while the sinner at death automatically receives an express translation into hell where "their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9:44-48; Deuteronomy 32:22; Job 26:6; Isaiah 5:14; Amos 9:2; 2 Peter 2:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). The needless controversy over the reality of hell is not strange as the scriptures clearly allude to this. "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (I Corinthians 2:14). Since God is holy, sin must be punished in the person of the sinner or in the person of the sinner's substitute, the Lord Jesus Christ.

          No man believes in Hell because he simply wants to. He believes in Hell because he is compelled to. It is true that eternal punishment is not a pleasant subject for discussion, yet, it is a fearful reality, an awful and tragic fate.

Bible Doctine 21: The new Heaven and the New Earth

                                          BIBLE DOCTRINE 21

                   THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH

God’s Word teaches:

That the New Heaven and the New Earth “wherein dwells righteousness” will be made by God and the redeemed shall dwell therein with God forever. This present earth which has been polluted by sin will pass away after the Great White Throne Judgement - Psalm 102:25,26; Isaiah 51:6; 65:17; Matthew 5:18; 24:35; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1. No unclean thing will be there. There, we shall know each other, our knowledge having been perfected. There will be no more curses upon anything. There will be no more night; the glory of the Lord will be the light thereof - Isaiah 66:22; 2 Peter 3:12, 13; I Corinthians 13:12; I John 3:2, 3; Revelation 21:1-7; 22:1-5.

The present age in which we live is referred to in scriptures as the “last days” (Hebrews 1:1, 2). This age is very significant in the plan of God as it ushers us into another important series of events often called in theology as "eschatology". Also called the church age, our present age is marked by evil, the dominion of Satan, darkness, ungodliness, lust, murder, lying and all manner of sin (Ephesians 6:12; Galatians 1:4). The church is not left out. There is, and there will be a denial of God, Christ, faith, sound doctrine and Christian living (1 Timothy 4:1-4; 2 Timothy 4:3,4; 3:1-8). The land is under a curse (Genesis 3:17). The devil and all his fallen angels walk to and fro the whole earth. The atmospheric heavens are polluted by the activities of Satan. The believers today groan under the harsh and hard conditions of the earth. They look forward to a change - a new heaven and new earth wherein righteousness and holiness dwells. God has the ultimate plan to judge sinners who remain obstinate to the call of God to repentance. “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” Revelation 20:15. With the final judgement of sinners, God’s divine plan is to replace this polluted evil earth and atmospheric heavens with a new earth and a new heaven that will match His glory, holiness and righteousness (Revelation 21:1-7). “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come in to mind” (Isaiah 65; 17). This gives a good picture of what shall become of the present earth and heavens. All what we may call beautiful edifices and empires today will melt away in fervent heat because “... the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:7,10-14). The glories of men and all the so-called “wonders” of the world shall not stand this fervent heat. Herein is wisdom: believers should lay up their treasures in heaven, not on earth “where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal” (Matthew 6:19).

This new creation is entirely free from any taint of sin and therefore the consequences and effect of sin are absent. Here, there is neither death, sorrow, pain, tears, nor separation from God (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:4). As God created the present heavens and earth, so will He create the new heavens and a new earth - NEW in quality and in TIME. The great, holy and eternal heaven will have New Jerusalem as its capital. This is the capital of the eternal state called the “Bride” because of its virgin beauty, unstained with sin. Here, Christ and all the saints, from all ages will reside forevermore. Indeed, all things will be new. “Behold, I make all things new”. This is the eternal destiny of the saints from all ages. This is the place Jesus spoke about, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). It is certain that all believers with current experience of salvation shall appear with Him in glory and be like Him (Revelation 21:3; Colossians 3:4).

The Holy City, New Jerusalem, is a material city not a mystical one. Its beauty is beyond human description. About 15,000 miles in length and a breadth and height of about 15,000 miles, the streets are made of pure gold, as clear as glass. With walls of jasper and its twelve foundations garnished with all manner of precious stones, it has twelve gates of twelve pearls. The entire city wall is pure gold, as clear as glass. This is a city without any temple. The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb is the temple of it. “And the city has no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof” (Revelation 21:23). The redeemed of all the earth shall bring their glory and honor into the city. This is a city whose gates are never shut (Revelation 21:16-26). The pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, proceeds out of the throne of God and the Lamb. The tree of life by the sides of this river bears twelve manners of fruits monthly. The fruits and leaves are for the healing of the nations. “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 22:5). Words are insufficient to describe this new creation. But what will it take to partake in this inheritance?

In order to partake in this new inheritance, sinners must repent and believers must overcome. “He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son” (Revelation 21:7). We must overcome the world (1 John 5:4,5; 2:15-17) and Satan (Revelation 12:11). False prophets, sin and evil must not have dominion over us. We must flee from all appearances of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22; Romans 12:17-21). Whether there be persecutions or temptations, we must overcome to be part of this great inheritance (Revelation 2:10,26-28). The overcomer is the one that prevails and triumphs over all the works of the devil.

The sinner must be thirsty for righteousness and salvation because it will be costly to miss this glorious experience in the new heavens and the new earth. Christ promises to... "Give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of water of life freely” (Revelation 21:6). Sinners must repent today. Backsliders must return to the Savior immediately!

The life of the redeemed in this eternal city will be glorious. It will be a life of fellowship (1 Corinthians 13:12), rest (Revelation 14:13), full knowledge (1 Corinthians 13:12), holiness (Revelation 21:27),  joy (Revelation 21:4), service (Revelation 22:3), abundance (Revelation 21:6), glory (2 Corinthians 4:17) and worship (Revelation 19:1; 7:9-12).

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). There is punishment for the unrepentant and coward who would rather chose to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. They will suffer torment eternally in the lake of fire. We have only one life to live (Hebrews 9:27), therefore the believer must remain faithful and steadfast in the Lord, the sinner must repent and be saved and the backslider must come back home and be restored. Negligence of this "so great salvation" will be unfortunate. We should not miss the glories of the New Heaven and the New Earth. "Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Revelation 3:11-13).

Bible Doctrine 20: The Great White Throne Judgment.

BIBLE DOCTRINE 20      

THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT

God’s Word teaches:

That the Great White Throne Judgment is when God finally judges all (the living and the dead, small and great) who have ever lived on the face of the earth, according to their works. This is after the Millennium. At this time, the final Judgment known as the Great White Throne Judgment will be held. All those, from all ages, who have not yet been judged (believers’ judgment for sin, borne and accomplished by Christ on the Cross - John 5:24; 3:17-19 will stand before God at this time. The devil and his angels are judged at this time also and sent to the lake of fire forever - Daniel 12:2,3; Matthew 10:15; 11:21-24,12:41,42; John 5:28,29; Romans 2:15,16; 14:12; 2 Peter 2:9; Jude 6; I Corinthians 6:1-4; Acts 10:42; Revelation 20:11-15.

     In this teaching on the events of the last days or eschatology, the Lord is graciously unveiling the curtain of eternity to reveal to humanity His program for this present evil world. The doctrine of “The Great White Throne Judgment” opens our eyes to see a time to come when all wicked/ungodly people (the living and the dead, small and great who have neglected God’s salvation) will face the final judgment of the Living God (Romans 14:12). We caution that the teaching must not be approached with doubtful disputations or viewed as fable or fiction but a fact. These are true sayings of God written for our learning and admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come (Romans 15:4; I Corinthians 10:11; Revelation 19:9).

     The Bible (Gods revelation to man) clearly presents the order of events preceding the Great White Throne Judgment and constantly enjoins “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Revelation 2:7). At the close of the millennium, the devil will be released from “the bottomless pit” (Revelation 20:3) and he will deceive thousands of people and will gather them to fight against the King (Jesus Christ) and His Saints. This will be the battle of Gog and Magog; but at the end of the battle, when the rebellious have been killed, and destroyed by the fire of His indignation which comes down from heaven, the devil will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10). After this, the Great White Throne Judgment will be set. God will sit on a throne so white, magnificent and terrible at sight that the whole face of the earth and heaven (the atmospheric heaven) will tremble and flee from Him. All those who died unrepentant from the time of Adam till the time of the Great White Throne Judgment will be resurrected (Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15). This is called the second resurrection. And they will all stand before God to account for their deeds. This final judgment of sinners (the living and the dead, small and great) is known as the Great White Throne Judgment (Psalm 9:17; Daniel 7:9-10; Matthew 11:20-24; 10:15; John 5:28-29; Revelation 20:11-15). The Bible is replete with pointers to this great and notable day of the Lord (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 11:21-24; 12:41,42; Romans 2:15,16; 2 Peter 2:9; Jude 14,15).

     The world is corrupt and polluted.  Man is rebellious and disobedient against God. For a long time it has repented the Lord that He has made man on the earth, for every imagination of the thoughts of man’s heart has been evil continually (Genesis 6:5-6). Will man continue in his willful disobedience and rebellion against God? No, for “...He hath appointed A DAY, in which He will judge the world in righteousness ...” (Acts 17:30,31). No true believer whose name is written in the Book of Life will face the Great White Throne Judgment since their judgment as sinners was accomplished by Christ on the cross (John 3:17-19,30; Romans 8:1; John 5:20,24). Besides, “...God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Thessalonians 5:9). “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and whore mongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). That great congregation will consist of: (i) All categories of sinners (dead and alive) from Adam to date. They will be judged for neglecting the salvation of God (Hebrews 2:3). (ii) All backsliders in all dispensations who denied the faith of Him that once bought them (Exodus 32:33). (iii) All who deny the deity of Jesus Christ (John 3:18, 36). These are the skeptics, the atheists, the idol worshipers and all religious hypocrites (Matthew 23:27).

     At the  Great White Throne Judgment, Death, the age-long enemy of God's creation and Satan's  principal messenger of destruction and instrument of cruelty will be stripped of his power, and together with hell, will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14; 1 Corinthians 15:26). The old heaven and earth which had been polluted with sin, defiled by Satan, demons and sinners, shall be burnt up (2 Peter 3:7,10-12).

     In righteousness He will judge: (a) all unrighteous deeds of men (I John 5:17; Romans 11:28-32).  Every unrighteous act, feeling or imagination that was not cleansed by the blood of the Lamb will be condemned at the Great White Throne Judgment.  (b) The secret deeds of men (Matthew 10:26; Romans 2:16; Hebrews 4:13; 2 Chronicle 16:9).  Every secret bribery, immorality, pornography, drunkenness, abortion, etc., will be revealed.  "....Books (books of records) were opened...and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works" Revelation 20:10.  There is a record in heaven for everything done under the sun "...whether it be good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10b).  (c) The words of men (Matthew 12:36,37;  5:22; Ephesians 4:29,31;  5:4).  “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment".  Every gossip, backbiting and slander against our neighbors, fellow believers or church leaders will be judged. All foolish unedifying words, corrupt, graceless words, defamatory and abusive words against others will be accounted for at the Great White Throne Judgment. “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). God will judge every unrepentant sinner or backslider according to His divine will and righteousness (Proverbs 11:21). God’s judgment will be fair, without partiality or respect of persons (Romans 2:2-12; Job 34:18-22). He will judge the small and the great, the rich and the poor, the educated and the illiterate, the highly respected and the most despised. “For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty,  and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh rewards [bribe]” (Deuteronomy 10:17). The righteous Judge of the universe will receive no bribe to pervert judgment on the great day of His wrath. But "... in righteousness he doth judge and make war" (Revelation 19:11). Without partiality “WHOSOEVER was NOT found WRITTEN in the BOOK OF LIFE was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).

The book: Tears of the Lamb

The book; Tears of the Lamb can be purchased at a subsidized prize if you contact the Author: N.C Christopher. Remain Blessed in Jesus Name Amen!

Bible Doctrine 19: Christ's Millennial Reign

BIBLE DOCTRINE 19

CHRIST’S MILLENNIAL REIGN

God’s Word teaches:

That Christ’s Millennial Reign is the 1,000 years literal reign of Jesus on earth, which will be ushered in by the coming of Jesus back to earth with ten thousands of His saints. At this time He will judge the nations that dwell upon the face of the earth - Jude 14, 15; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10. During this time, the devil will be bound - Revelation 20:2, 3. It will be a reign of peace and blessing - Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:25; Hosea 2:18; Zechariah 14:9-20; Isaiah 2:2-4.

     The word millennium is a compound derivative from Latin which simply translates into a thousand years. Thus, Christ’s millennial reign is a thousand years of the full manifestation of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is sequel to the Great Tribulation period which is a period of intense suffering for everyone on earth.

     According to God’s revealed time-table, the Church will suddenly be taken away by Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) in a mysterious event known as “the Rapture”. Then, a seven-year period of great suffering for sinners left behind will follow (Matthew 24:21, 22). At the end of the seven-year period, Jesus will come again with the church to establish His government (Jude 14). The government of this world, at that time, will resist His coming. But the Lord will overcome at the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:15-21). Satan will be bound and imprisoned for 1000 years (Revelation 20:1-3). The kingdom of this world will, then, become the kingdom of our God and His Christ (Revelation 11:15).

     Christ's millennial reign will be a time when the purposes of God will be fully realized on earth, as theocracy (government of the state under the firm control and direction of God) will be established. Christ, as the divine representative of God will at this time, speaks and acts for God. He will be given a universal and glorious dominion with absolute power to govern (Isaiah 9:6; Psalm 45:4; Isaiah 11:4; Psalm 72:4). It will be the responsibility of Christ at this age to announce God’s will and law (Isaiah 2:3, 4; 33:21, 22: 42:4; Acts 3:22).

     Christ's millennial reign will be a manifestation of the promise God gave David, that his throne shall have no end. Christ, as David’s “son”, will thus establish a glorious house and throne, over an equally glorious kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 72; Isaiah 11:10). Divine mercy, goodness and truth will be displayed through Christ even as the glory associated with His deity, omniscience, omnipotence and righteousness will be fully made manifest. The Gentile world system (humanity without Christ) as it is at present, organized under the direct influence of Satan, will thus become an out-moded set-up.

 In its stead come Christ’s millennial reign, void of sin and all forms of unrighteousness. Satan, having been defeated and bound, will lack the power to induce people to sin (Revelation 20:1-6; Matthew 19:28; Ephesians 5:25-27).

     What are the components of the millennium? (1) The millennium shall witness an unprecedented era of national and individual peace. There will be a complete cessation of the scourge of wars, as the kingdoms of the world will be fused together under the reign of Christ. The ensuing peace will herald an era of economic boom and prosperity. The beauty of this age is that hitherto antagonistic and irreconcilable foes will henceforth co-habit as “sheep and lambs”. (2) There will be joy unspeakable (Isaiah 9:3, 4; Jeremiah 30:18,19) (3) There will be holiness (Ezekiel 43:7-12; Isaiah 1:26, 27). (4) Glory (Isaiah 24:23, 60:1-9). (5) Comfort (Isaiah 12:1-2; Jeremiah 33:23-25). (6) Justice (Isaiah 9:7; 11:5; 42:1-4). (7) Full knowledge (Isaiah 11:1-2, 9; 41:19-20; 54:13; Habakkuk 2:14)

     Additionally, the following benefits will also accrue to the inhabitants of the age (a) The original curse placed upon mankind at creation will be removed, resulting in abundant productivity of the earth (Isaiah 11:6-9; 35:9; 65:25. (b) Sickness will become a thing of the past (Isaiah 33:24; Jeremiah 30:17; Ezekiel 34:16). (c) Healing will be naturally available to the deformed (Isaiah 29:17-19).

     Against the background of the above, there shall be (a) preservation of life (Isaiah 41:8-14; 62:8,9; Jeremiah 32:27; Ezekiel 34:27; Joel 3:16,17; Amos 9:15; Zechariah 14:10,11) and (b) complete freedom from all forms of oppression that at present ravage mankind (Isaiah 14:3-6; 42:6,7; 49:8,9; Zechariah 9:11,12).

     Who are those expected to partake in Christ's millennial reign? (I) The Glorious Church (Ephesians 5:25-27). This will exclude the apostate church that is married to the world (Revelation 17:1-7). (ii) The poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3). These are those who recognize and admit their state of spiritual poverty (life on earth without assurance of salvation) and are willing to turn away from sin and surrender to Christ,  (iii) The watchful, prayerful (Hebrews 9:28; Matthew 25:34)