Why is earth's AGE important to you?

[didactics]

Neither Enoch and Elijah ascended into heaven before Jesus did!!!

No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. John 3:13.

Enoch was taken to Abraham's Bosom aka Hadean Paradise perhaps to spare him from the corruption and evil that eventually led to the flood.

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. THESE ALL DIED IN FAITH, NOT HAVING RECEIVED THE PROMISES, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Hebrews 11:5,13

Elijah was simply carried far away by the Lord in fact under Elisha's prophetic ministry Elijah wrote King Johoram a letter, how did he manage to write a letter from heaven?

And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. And they said unto him, Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the Lord hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley. And he said, Ye shall not send.
2 Kings 2:1,3,11-12,16

And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the Lord shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the Lord from my youth.
1 Kings 18:12

And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of David thy father, Because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah, But hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring, like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab, and also hast slain thy brethren of thy father's house, which were better than thyself: Behold, with a great plague will the Lord smite thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods: And thou shalt have great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day.
2 Chronicles 21:12-15

That's actually a good point to bring up these verses. There's obviously many facets of truth we can't fully comprehend. Enoch and Elijah cheat death yet they "died in faith". Or have others really ascended to heaven like Jesus has? For, "No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven". For Jesus was in heaven before he lived on earth. Some might say he continued to dwell in heaven even during his life on earth. We die in faith but God is not bound by time, another thing we can't fully comprehend.

 

[Ephesians321]

You're not thinking big enough. When Christ was raised from the dead [flesh & blood] was he not also proved to be the man without sin [spiritual]? Now was he always without sin? of course. Was he always divine even when he was in the body? yes.

Now bear with now. Because you say that the first fruits of the resurrection of Christ is when he ascended to heaven. But what makes Jesus' resurrection unique compared to others in Bible history who were raised from the dead? It was at Christ's death on the cross that saints were raised from the dead (Mt 27:53). Some have suggested that these saints in particular were recently deceased and they ascended with Christ into heaven. If as you say what Adam and Eve lost in the garden is the opportunity to be assumed into heaven and skip death (just as Enoch and Elijah skipped death) and that's all the resurrection means, why aren't saints today skipping death and ascending to heaven?

Well never mind, your answer will probably be that it is appointed once for man to die and then the judgment (Heb 9:27)

Let me put it this way. There must be a general judgment at the end of the world. It can't simply be that people live and die, live and die, and so on, and it happens that way forever and judgment only refers to be people being judged one at a time, each one after another when it's time to die. It must be that there will be a final judgment with the damned all sentenced at once and the saints together judged according to their works. Just as the kingdom of God is not just something that resides in our little hearts but is corporal- the bride, the church, the...dare I say the body (Eph 1:23).

Jesus was the most human there ever was for he was without sin. What he modeled for us is what it looks like to be human in the truest sense. His rising from the dead and being sinless, the head of the church, and taking responsibility for the sins he did not commit- so he maintains, not guilty. And so will his saints at the end of the world be raised a new body, without sin [flesh & blood], because the sentence has been taken off them they will be flesh & blood and spiritual, free from the restraints of such a pointless dichotomy (flesh & blood or spiritual?)!

Where is our ETERNAL inheritance?


Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:3-5 (Hebrews 9:8,26,28)

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2 Corinthians 5:1

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
Hebrews 11:8-10,16; 12:28

What kingdom can not be shaken? Heaven, the Kingdom of God, of course!

That's actually a good point to bring up these verses. There's obviously many facets of truth we can't fully comprehend. Enoch and Elijah cheat death yet they "died in faith". Or have others really ascended to heaven like Jesus has? For, "No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven". For Jesus was in heaven before he lived on earth. Some might say he continued to dwell in heaven even during his life on earth. We die in faith but God is not bound by time, another thing we can't fully comprehend.

Both Enoch and Elijah died as men and did not ascend up into heaven. They both went to Abraham's Bosom to await the Resurrection Hebrews 9:8, 28, 1 Thessalonians 4:16.

 

[didactics]

Where is our ETERNAL inheritance?


Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:3-5 (Hebrews 9:8,26,28)

1:4 inheritance. As God’s children by the New Birth, Christians are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:16, 17). Their inheritance is called “salvation” (v. 5; Heb. 1:14).
Reformation Study Bible

What that tells me is "the last time" is still future.

 

[Ephesians321]

1:4 inheritance. As God’s children by the New Birth, Christians are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:16, 17). Their inheritance is called “salvation” (v. 5; Heb. 1:14).
Reformation Study Bible

What that tells me is "the last time" is still future.

During what time was Christ's earthly ministry?

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has IN THESE LAST DAYS SPOKEN TO US BY HIS SON, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
Hebrews 1:1-2

During what time did Christ die and rose from the dead?

He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once AT THE END OF THE AGES, HE HAS APPEARED to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
Hebrews 9:26

 

[didactics]

During what time was Christ's earthly ministry?

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has IN THESE LAST DAYS SPOKEN TO US BY HIS SON, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
Hebrews 1:1-2

During what time did Christ die and rose from the dead?

He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once AT THE END OF THE AGES, HE HAS APPEARED to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
Hebrews 9:26

I take it that "the last time" (1 Pe 1:5) and "these last days" (Heb 1:2) are different but related meanings. These last days as I understand it is the church age, which is not something that goes on forever. But at this I imagine you are ready to challenge me with your favorite verse..

Unto him be glory IN THE CHURCH by Christ Jesus THROUGHOUT ALL AGES, WORLD WITHOUT END. Amen. Ephesians 3:21

Unto him be glory IN THE CHURCH by Christ Jesus THROUGHOUT ALL AGES, WORLD WITHOUT END. Amen Ephesians 3:21

Unto him be GLORY IN THE CHURCH by Christ Jesus THROUGHOUT ALL AGES, WORLD WITHOUT END, Amen. Ephesians 3:21

haha
The way I reconcile this is there will be a new age in consummation and it won't be the church age anymore, but you'll still have a church. Maybe the church, or the bride, will comprise all the old and New Testament saints on earth. Granted, I could be misunderstanding this verse.

 

[didactics]

Does the church age last forever? I've been thinking about this now and it's possible that it does go on forever. However, this doesn't somehow disprove the bodily resurrection at the last time. And maybe the church already comprises all the believers of the old and new testament.

 

[Derf]

Dumbo is not like other elephants he's got all sorts of tricks up his sleeve.

But on a more serious note, I think there is a concept of spiritual death. It has to do with the broken fellowship that Adam & Eve shared with God. So they were separate in distance as far as the relationship is concerned, but not in presence.

I think there can be a concept of spiritual death, but it shouldn't be read into the majority of passages that mention death. And it requires a working definition so we can understand the intent of a passage.

 

[Ephesians321]

I take it that "the last time" (1 Pe 1:5) and "these last days" (Heb 1:2) are different but related meanings. These last days as I understand it is the church age, which is not something that goes on forever. But at this I imagine you are ready to challenge me with your favorite verse..





haha
The way I reconcile this is there will be a new age in consummation and it won't be the church age anymore, but you'll still have a church. Maybe the church, or the bride, will comprise all the old and New Testament saints on earth. Granted, I could be misunderstanding this verse.

Generally speaking, first century Jews had the conception of two ages—the Mosaic Age and the Messianic Age— also called the Old Covenant and New Covenant. (Jer. 31:31f). Because the New Testament writers lived before the definitive end of the Mosaic Covenant in AD 70, they describe the two ages as “this age” (Mosaic) and “the age to come” (Messianic, Christian, Kingdom of God). After the destruction of the Jewish state in AD 70, believers gained the fullness of the Kingdom of God. The latter is the New Heaven and New Earth.



For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for [the child shall die] an hundred years old; but [the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed].
Isaiah 65:17,20

For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, [so shall your seed and your name remain.]
Isaiah 66:22

And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, [Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth:] Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Revelation 14:13

_____

In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old [is ready to vanish away].
Hebrews 8:13

The Holy Ghost this signifying, [that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing]:
Hebrews 9:8

[And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple,] ***till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.
Revelation 15:8,16:17f (Leviticus 26:18,21,24,28)

so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him [He will appear a second time,] apart from sin, [for salvation].
Hebrews 9:28

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. [And the dead in Christ will rise first].
1 Thessalonians 4:16

[And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt.]
“How long shall the [fulfillment of these wonders] be?”
***when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.
“My lord, what shall be [the end of these things?”]
“Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the [time of the end].
“But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and [will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days].”
Daniel 12:6-9,13

Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants [the things which must shortly take place.]
[“Behold, I am coming quickly!] Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, [for the time is at hand.]
[“And behold, I am coming quickly,] and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
He who testifies to these things says, [“Surely I am coming quickly.”]
Revelation 22:6-7,10,12,20

***Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. [For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.] But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people.
Luke 21:21-23

***“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, 30 and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ “Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. [Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt.] Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city,
[that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.] “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate;
Matthew 23:29-38

The work of Christ on the cross initiated a number of events that had to take place for the Old Covenant to be completed. The entire law needed to be fulfilled to be fully replaced by the New Covenant. Mt. 5:18. Otherwise, the Law of Moses is still in effect!

1. RESURRECTION: Christ’s resurrection had not been fulfilled “at the cross”. Is. 53:10-14
FULFILLED: Three days later. Mt. 28:1-7

2. HOLY SPIRIT: Coming of the Holy Spirit foretold by Joel. 2:28-30 was future to “the cross”.
FULFILLED: At Pentecost, fifty days after the resurrection Acts. 2.

3. GENTILES: Calling of Gentiles foretold in Isa. 49:6 was future to “the cross.” FULFILLED: After the gospel had gone out to the Jews—perhaps around 7 years after the cross.

4. GOSPEL: Gospel going to “the ends of the earth” was future to “the cross.” Isa 45:22
FULFILLED: Paul affirmed this had occurred in Col 1:5-6, 23.*

5. ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION: The abomination of Desolation foretold in Dan. 12:11 was future to “the cross”.
FULFILLED: When temple officials changed the Mosaic Law disallowing gentile worship of Yahweh and began using the temple as a center for war-making (AD 66).

6. SACRIFICES: The doing away of the daily sacrifices in the temple, foretold in Dan. 11:31 was future to “the cross”.
FULFILLED: Temple Sacrifices for Gentiles stopped in AD 66. Sacrifices for Jews ceased in AD 70.

7. OLD COVENANT: Power of the old covenant people to be completely shattered was future to “the cross”. Dan. 12:7
FULFILLED: AD 70 with the destruction of Jerusalem and temple in the Roman/Jewish war.

8. TEMPLE/JERUSALEM DESTROYED: Jerusalem and the temple to be destroyed at the time of the abomination of desolation as foretold Dan. 9:24-27.
FULFILLED: by AD 70 with the end of the Roman/Jewish war.

9. MESSIAH: The Messiah being set up as a banner to the nations, gathering the dispersed of Israel, foretold in Isa. 11:12.
FULFILLED: When Paul’s mission to the Gentiles was done. Romans 11:5*

10. DEATH DESTROYED: Death of Adam (spiritual death) swallowed up, as foretold in Isa. 25:8, referenced in I Cor 15:54.
FULFILLED: at the end of Old Covenant Israel, the full consummation of the New in AD 70. Heb 9:8-9

11. RESURRECTION: Resurrection of Old Covenant saints, foretold Ezk. 37:2-16, Dan.12:2-3. was future to “the cross”.
FULFILLED: AD 70 when the “outer tent” was destroyed which brought about “the reformation”. Heb 9:8-9

12. WAR: The catastrophic War ending the Old Covenant, Dan. 9:26, and reiterated by Jesus, Mt. 24:14, was future to “the cross.”
FULFILLED: History tells us the entire Old Testament cultus was destroyed by AD 70.


*Jesus promised the gospel would go into all the world (oikoumene).
In Romans 10:18 Paul stated that the gospel had gone (past tense) into all the world (oikoumene).
In Mark 16:15 Jesus prophesied that the gospel would go into all the world (kosmos).
In Colossians 1:6 Paul wrote that the gospel went (past tense) into all the world (kosmos).
In Mark 16:15 Jesus said the gospel would be preached to all creation (ktisis).
In Colossians 1:23 Paul said the gospel had been (past tense) preached in all creation, (ktisis).
In Matthew 28:19 Jesus told the apostles to teach all nations (ethnos).
In Romans 16:26 Paul declared that the gospel was made known (past tense) to all the nations (ethnos).
In Acts 1:8 Jesus sent them to preach the gospel into all the world, (ge).
In Romans 10:18 Paul says the gospel was heard (past tense) in all the world (ge).

 

[didactics]

10. DEATH DESTROYED: Death of Adam (spiritual death) swallowed up, as foretold in Isa. 25:8, referenced in I Cor 15:54.
FULFILLED: at the end of Old Covenant Israel, the full consummation of the New in AD 70. Heb 9:8-9

This I would have to disagree with. We don't actually know when the place of Abraham's bosom or hadean paradise was transferred to a place of heaven or his father's house with many mansions. Maybe it happened in his death or when he rose again or when he ascended to heaven but it's not clear that it happened in A.D. 70. Besides, none of this indicates that death is swallowed up now. My understanding of spiritual death is nothing to do with the souls at rest who waited for the transfer to heaven. Rather, spiritual death has to do with a sin nature and our becoming distant to God, in relationship. In John 3:3-7 we see the necessity to be born again, new nature, to see the kingdom of God. Now if I'm not mistaken, you use this as proof-text that it means heaven or something, or to die a saint and see heaven. No, but being born again has its beginning in this life and as some preachers would assure you regeneration is absolutely necessary to our happiness here and hereafter. Meaning there are degrees of sanctification and "the natural man must become a spiritual man, before he is capable of receiving and understanding them, 1 Cor. 2:14." (Matthew Henry's Commentary)

And maybe you're right after all, the church age continues forever without end, but if death is not "swallowed up of life" yet and that's still future and Christ must return bodily a second time for this to be fulfilled, well I find no contradiction with that.

 

[Ephesians321]

This I would have to disagree with. We don't actually know when the place of Abraham's bosom or hadean paradise was transferred to a place of heaven or his father's house with many mansions. Maybe it happened in his death or when he rose again or when he ascended to heaven but it's not clear that it happened in A.D. 70. Besides, none of this indicates that death is swallowed up now. My understanding of spiritual death is nothing to do with the souls at rest who waited for the transfer to heaven. Rather, spiritual death has to do with a sin nature and our becoming distant to God, in relationship. In John 3:3-7 we see the necessity to be born again, new nature, to see the kingdom of God. Now if I'm not mistaken, you use this as proof-text that it means heaven or something, or to die a saint and see heaven. No, but being born again has its beginning in this life and as some preachers would assure you regeneration is absolutely necessary to our happiness here and hereafter. Meaning there are degrees of sanctification and "the natural man must become a spiritual man, before he is capable of receiving and understanding them, 1 Cor. 2:14." (Matthew Henry's Commentary)

And maybe you're right after all, the church age continues forever without end, but if death is not "swallowed up of life" yet and that's still future and Christ must return bodily a second time for this to be fulfilled, well I find no contradiction with that.

I have given you plenty of evidence that the death of Adam and the Resurrection are both spiritual in nature. Do you believe newborn infants and toddlers sin? They die too after all. Remember according to you the wages of sin is physical death.

 

[didactics]

I have given you plenty of evidence that the death of Adam and the Resurrection are both spiritual in nature. Do you believe newborn infants and toddlers sin? They die too after all. Remember according to you the wages of sin is physical death.

Yes, we were born with a sin nature (Psalm 51:5). Just because the resurrection is spiritual doesn't discount it from also being physical. And just because Adam spiritually died after disobeying God's command not to eat of the fruit doesn't mean it didn't also bring about the process of his physical death. All sin begins with desire and the desire itself is the sin that is conceived and when it is full grown brings death (James 1:15).

 

[Ephesians321]

Yes, we were born with a sin nature (Psalm 51:5). Just because the resurrection is spiritual doesn't discount it from also being physical. And just because Adam spiritually died after disobeying God's command not to eat of the fruit doesn't mean it didn't also bring about the process of his physical death. All sin begins with desire and the desire itself is the sin that is conceived and when it is full grown brings death (James 1:15).

Babies do not sin, and yet, they (tragically) die, this serves as proof that the Death of Adam was not physical death. You cannot identify the death of Adam as physical death without thereby demanding that infants are either born sinners, (often the false claim and corruption of Romans 5:12 that sin was inherited) or, they commit sins, and thus, bring death on themselves.

There is no scripture more Resurrection related than Genesis 3:15 concerning the physical death of Adam:

And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”
Genesis 3:15

But look at what Paul writes:

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Romans 16:20

Greek term that is used in Romans 16: 20 or any other of the occurrences: ἐν τάχει (en tachei). This term only appears 7 times in Scripture and never, I repeat, never, refers to the rapidity of action as opposed to the imminence of occurrence. Let’s take a look at the other uses.
Luke 18:8—“He will avenge them speedily”—The martyrs of God cried for vengeance. God promised to avenge them speedily.
In Revelation 6:9f, the martyrs cried for vengeance, and were told it would be only a “little while,” until the number of martyrs was filled.
In Matthew 23:29f, Jesus said all the blood of all the martyrs would be vindicated in “this generation.” The “little while,” therefore, was not relative, ambiguous or “elastic”; it referred to Jesus’ generation. In order to avoid the imminence, one must distort the meaning of “this generation,” “quickly,” and “little while.” Can God not communicate any better than to use these words that in any other context mean nearness, but when He uses them in Revelation, we are not to think time at all?
Acts 12:7—Peter was in prison when the angel loosed the chains and told him “rise up quickly.” Did the angel mean to say, “Do not worry about when you get up. Today, tomorrow, next year, anytime will do. But when you finally get around to it, move with rapidity of actions.”? Is that really what the angel meant?
Acts 22:18—When Paul was in the temple praying, the Lord appeared to him and said, “Get out of Jerusalem quickly.” Did Jesus mean that Paul could delay his departure for as long as he desired, but when he finally got around to leaving, he was to take the fastest chariot out of town?
Acts 25:4—Festus kept Paul at Caesarea because, “He himself was going there shortly.” Was Festus leaving soon, shortly, or was Festus going to hang around Jerusalem for a long time, and then take the fastest chariot out of town? Rapidity of action is not the focus. Imminence of departure is. Romans 16:20—“God will bruise Satan under your feet shortly.” The imminence of Romans cannot be ignored. In chapter 9, the writer said God was going to finish His work of saving the remnant in a short time.
In Romans 13:11f, Paul says, “The night is far spent. The day is at hand.” Look at that text. Paul said, “The night is far spent.” What does that mean? If imminence is relative, what does “far spent” mean? What did “nearer”mean? When coupled with all of the other indicators of imminence in Romans 13:11 and in chapter 16 there is no way to properly say that ἐν τάχει (en tachei) meant with rapidity and not soon.
Revelation 1:1—“Things which must shortly come to pass.” That “shortly” (en tachei) does not mean rapidly is confirmed in the context. John was told, “The time is at hand.” What a foolish thing to say if this is not true imminence. Time is always present. But some special time—the “designated time” (καιρός,[180] kairos, Strongs #2540) was at hand. The appointed time of fulfillment had come. Let us grant for argument sake that “shortly” means “rapidly.” Coupled with ἐγγύς (engys) in Revelation 1:3, this would mean that the time for the “rapid fulfillment” of John’s prophecy was “at hand.” If the fulfillment was to be “rapid” it can hardly be argued that the vision encompasses a long period of time because all of the “woes,” contained in the sounding of the Trumpets for instance, were to follow one another “quickly” (Revelation 11:14). To argue for “rapidly,” therefore, exacerbates the problem of imminence, rather than escapes it.
Revelation 22:6—“Things which must shortly take place.” Notice that it says the things predicted “must” take place shortly. The word “must” is from δεῖ (dei, Strong’s #1163) and means a divine necessity. See Kittel’s Theological Dictionary, Balz and Schneider, etc.
In Revelation 22:6, we find the Greek term ἐν τάχει (en tachei, Strong’s #1722). In verse 7 Jesus said, “Behold I come quickly,” and this is from ταχύς (tachys). These are two different forms of the same word. Both indicate imminence.
Kurt Aland, recognized Greek scholar, commented on the language of Revelation 22:12:
In the original text, the Greek word used is tachy [ταχύ], and this does not mean ‘soon,’ in the sense of ‘sometime,’ but rather ‘now,’ ‘immediately.’ Therefore, we must understand Rev 22:12 in this way: “I am coming now, bringing my recompense.” The concluding word of Rev. 22:20 is:
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘surely, I am coming soon.’” Here we again find the word, tachy, so this means: I am coming quickly, immediately. This is followed by the prayer: “Amen, Come, Lord Jesus!”…The Apocalypse expresses the fervent waiting for the end within the circles in which the writer lived—not an expectation that will happen at some unknown point X in time (just to repeat this), but one in the immediate present.
The arguments about rapidity versus imminence are not supported by any other context where the distinctive Greek term ἐν τάχει (en tachei) is used. While rapidity may be an element of en tachei, it is not the dominant idea, and in no case does en tachei emphasize rapidity to the exclusion of imminence. This is a question of “when,” not “how fast.”

 

[didactics]

Babies do not sin, and yet, they (tragically) die, this serves as proof that the Death of Adam was not physical death. You cannot identify the death of Adam as physical death without thereby demanding that infants are either born sinners, (often the false claim and corruption of Romans 5:12 that sin was inherited) or, they commit sins, and thus, bring death on themselves.

There is no scripture more Resurrection related than Genesis 3:15 concerning the physical death of Adam:

And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”
Genesis 3:15

I'm not sure I follow. Babies do not actively sin, therefore Adam didn't bring death in the world? Well, you never have to teach a child how to be bad as that comes natural to them. And why is it that as soon as they can speak they already start defying their parents (Prov 13:24)? And Romans 5:12 does teach that a sin nature is passed down to every man (the exception to this was the Lord Jesus who was born without sin). How exactly this happens I do not know.

But look at what Paul writes:

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Romans 16:20

"Paul may be speaking here of matters in the near future, or about the last things, which by faith is always seen as near at hand."
Reformation Study Bible

 

[Ephesians321]

I'm not sure I follow. Babies do not actively sin, therefore Adam didn't bring death in the world? Well, you never have to teach a child how to be bad as that comes natural to them. And why is it that as soon as they can speak they already start defying their parents (Prov 13:24)? And Romans 5:12 does teach that a sin nature is passed down to every man (the exception to this was the Lord Jesus who was born without sin). How exactly this happens I do not know.

"Paul may be speaking here of matters in the near future, or about the last things, which by faith is always seen as near at hand."
Reformation Study Bible

So babies and toddlers that die without Christ are going to hell? But also babies and toddlers will be bodily resurrected, those that are dead in Christ to everlasting life and those that died without Christ will be cast into a lake of fire?

 

[didactics]

So babies and toddlers that die without Christ are going to hell? But also babies and toddlers will be bodily resurrected, those that are dead in Christ to everlasting life and those that died without Christ will be cast into a lake of fire?

Now, I don't know exactly how that will all be fleshed out (no pun intended) but yeah you could say that. There has been some debate whether those that die in infancy all go to heaven but the reformed position as mentioned in the London Baptist confession 1689 or the Westminster confession has "regenerate infants". Westminster confession 10.3 states "Elect infants, dying in infancy, are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit". It is a difficult subject and hard to know for sure. This article may prove helpful:

I would tend to agree that the thought of a tiny infant in hell is repugnant. Such a view, though, presupposes that people who go to hell are the same age in hell as they were when they died. I think it is more likely that in eternity age will be of little consequence. Those who died old and infirm will likely be restored to when they were more able-bodied and when they were of sound mind. Or so I would think. I would also suggest that infants will be made older. Gene Bridges said it like this: “In heaven, wouldn’t you, in a sense, age up, age down, or both? You would age down in the sense that if you were past your prime when you died, you’d then revert to an optimal time of life–both mentally (in the intermediate state) and physically (in the final state). But you’d also continue to mature–in that same ageless and youthful state–to mature intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.” This is speculation, but speculation that seems consistent with what we know of God and of hell.

Original Sin & The Death of Infants (2)

In the article I wrote yesterday I began discussing the issue of what happens to children who die in infancy. I looked at the view which states that all children who die are immediately ushered int…

www.challies.com

 

[Ephesians321]

Now, I don't know exactly how that will all be fleshed out (no pun intended) but yeah you could say that. There has been some debate whether those that die in infancy all go to heaven but the reformed position as mentioned in the London Baptist confession 1689 or the Westminster confession has "regenerate infants". Westminster confession 10.3 states "Elect infants, dying in infancy, are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit". It is a difficult subject and hard to know for sure. This article may prove helpful:

I would tend to agree that the thought of a tiny infant in hell is repugnant. Such a view, though, presupposes that people who go to hell are the same age in hell as they were when they died. I think it is more likely that in eternity age will be of little consequence. Those who died old and infirm will likely be restored to when they were more able-bodied and when they were of sound mind. Or so I would think. I would also suggest that infants will be made older. Gene Bridges said it like this: “In heaven, wouldn’t you, in a sense, age up, age down, or both? You would age down in the sense that if you were past your prime when you died, you’d then revert to an optimal time of life–both mentally (in the intermediate state) and physically (in the final state). But you’d also continue to mature–in that same ageless and youthful state–to mature intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.” This is speculation, but speculation that seems consistent with what we know of God and of hell.

Original Sin & The Death of Infants (2)

In the article I wrote yesterday I began discussing the issue of what happens to children who die in infancy. I looked at the view which states that all children who die are immediately ushered int…

www.challies.com

Babies and toddlers can not even consciencely confess and repent of their sins. They can not even choose their faiths. Of course they can not sin. But you are relying on church tradition and creeds which are man's traditions. It does present yet another problem for physical resurrection where the babies, toddlers, the elderly, and all ages will materialize with their immortal bodies. Since you insist that Adam's death was a physical death, will the babies and toddlers doing any aging under the New Heavens and New Earth? Because remember according to those that believe in the physical resurrection and even though God said Adam and Eve would die the day they ate of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil their physical death was a long, long, long, long ways off. Spiritual death is the only way all scripture fits tightly together. We do not even know what God has in store for us in Kingdom maybe even the wonders of the universe and the heavens, and you want to plant the throne of David and ourselves back on planet Earth but only after the human race suffers an extinction event.

 

[didactics]

Babies and toddlers can not even consciencely confess and repent of their sins. They can not even choose their faiths. Of course they can not sin. But you are relying on church tradition and creeds which are man's traditions. It does present yet another problem for physical resurrection where the babies, toddlers, the elderly, and all ages will materialize with their immortal bodies. Since you insist that Adam's death was a physical death, will the babies and toddlers doing any aging under the New Heavens and New Earth? Because remember according to those that believe in the physical resurrection and even though God said Adam and Eve would die the day they ate of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil their physical death was a long, long, long, long ways off. Spiritual death is the only way all scripture fits tightly together. We do not even know what God has in store for us in Kingdom maybe even the wonders of the universe and the heavens, and you want to plant the throne of David and ourselves back on planet Earth but only after the human race suffers an extinction event.

Now, I really don't see how this subject of infant death makes a physical resurrection an impossibility. It is a difficult subject matter. Some say all infants that die premature go to heaven, some say they aren't sure if there is always a guarantee because scripture is silent on the subject, and others still assure that the parents of genuine believers have God's blessing. In my knowledge it's beside the point because they will be resurrected to their prime age at the end. Besides, I don't think this means the throne of David will be uprooted and planted here. Can't Christ's rule be in the heavens and on earth as well?

but only after the human race suffers an extinction event.

Well, you did consider the flood of Noah's day an extinction event. That's not accurate. Noah's ark preserved his family and a pair of all land animals. But even a partial preterist teaching of the rapture is relevant because it serves as a life preserver of all the believers on earth. The premills teach that the rapture will include a subset of believers called the church. Partial preterists teach that all the believers old and New Testament are the church. The rapture is seen as the resurrection of believers.

 

[Ephesians321]

Now, I really don't see how this subject of infant death makes a physical resurrection an impossibility. It is a difficult subject matter. Some say all infants that die premature go to heaven, some say they aren't sure if there is always a guarantee because scripture is silent on the subject, and others still assure that the parents of genuine believers have God's blessing. In my knowledge it's beside the point because they will be resurrected to their prime age at the end. Besides, I don't think this means the throne of David will be uprooted and planted here. Can't Christ's rule be in the heavens and on earth as well?

Well, you did consider the flood of Noah's day an extinction event. That's not accurate. Noah's ark preserved his family and a pair of all land animals. But even a partial preterist teaching of the rapture is relevant because it serves as a life preserver of all the believers on earth. The premills teach that the rapture will include a subset of believers called the church. Partial preterists teach that all the believers old and New Testament are the church. The rapture is seen as the resurrection of believers.

The Rapture is thoroughly a false doctrine. What Thessalonians is really speaking about is raising the righteous from Hadean Paradise into Heaven. Not bodily Resurrection furthermore flesh and blood can not inherit the Kingdom of God and it is appointed for all men to die and be judged. The Rapture and bodily resurrections are fairy tales where we will live like immortal gods upon this Earth (literally Clark Kent/Supermen) and no body will marry there will be no new life born, no new faces, no children born and raised, and maybe after a 1,000 years maybe many will be overcome with boredom maybe even loneliness if possible because the womb serves no more purpose they begin to tempt God by attempting to death-defying derringdo. But please read the following groups of scriptures:


If Adam and Eve were truly immortal and mandate given to them was to be fruitful and multiply before the introduction of sin then why was the mandate removed in the Resurrection?

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
Genesis 1:28; Matthew 22:30

_____

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Hebrews 9:24, 9:8; Revelation 15:8; Hebrews 6:18-20

_____

There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them.
And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the Lord. For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Isaiah 65:20-23, 66:21-23; Revelation 14:13, 22:2

Isaiah 9:7 and Ephesians 3:21 over and out.

 

[didactics]

The Rapture is thoroughly a false doctrine.

The second coming of Christ will be a most rapturous event for all believers.

furthermore flesh and blood can not inherit the Kingdom of God and it is appointed for all men to die and be judged.

As mentioned before, the "flesh and blood" is the corruption of our nature marred by sin (1 Co 15:50), which is why I say "spiritual body" is being raised in incorruption (1 Co 15:42). I also understand it that there will be a judgment after death, but you say it is on an individual basis as I say there will be a final judgment at the last time (Heb 9:27-28).

If Adam and Eve were truly immortal and mandate given to them was to be fruitful and multiply before the introduction of sin then why was the mandate removed in the Resurrection?

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
Genesis 1:28; Matthew 22:30

This makes me think of one verse in particular (John 10:16). There are still more of God's people in the future that make up the kingdom. As I understand it, God knows when the full number of his have come and when the time is ripe. Another way of answering the question is why is there a right time to harvest the wheat? Because it reaches its final stage in the growing process.

14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.

It's not that the mandate is removed, more so that it's fulfilled. This earth is huge. Some people think that it's overpopulated but I think it could be filled twice over, believe it or not.

Isaiah 65:20-23, 66:21-23

It's not actually hard for me to understand these verses. Well okay I take that back, but I don't actually see the contradiction.

for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.

Is 65:20
The language of a child dying old and an old sinner dying young is figurative. It's about the church which as you say will stand forever and ever. Believers don't have an unusually long lifespan but they will continue a peaceful existence in the hereafter.

For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain.

Is 66:21
How I understand it is the church is doing the kingdom building here-- on earth. As we seek to do God's will and obey, more souls are converted to the kingdom.

And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them.

Is 65:21-23
And as God's people obey it has a positive outcome in the world.

 

[Ephesians321]

The second coming of Christ will be a most rapturous event for all believers.

As mentioned before, the "flesh and blood" is the corruption of our nature marred by sin (1 Co 15:50), which is why I say "spiritual body" is being raised in incorruption (1 Co 15:42). I also understand it that there will be a judgment after death, but you say it is on an individual basis as I say there will be a final judgment at the last time (Heb 9:27-28).

This makes me think of one verse in particular (John 10:16). There are still more of God's people in the future that make up the kingdom. As I understand it, God knows when the full number of his have come and when the time is ripe. Another way of answering the question is why is there a right time to harvest the wheat? Because it reaches its final stage in the growing process.

14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.

It's not that the mandate is removed, more so that it's fulfilled. This earth is huge. Some people think that it's overpopulated but I think it could be filled twice over, believe it or not.

It's not actually hard for me to understand these verses. Well okay I take that back, but I don't actually see the contradiction.

Is 65:20
The language of a child dying old and an old sinner dying young is figurative. It's about the church which as you say will stand forever and ever. Believers don't have an unusually long lifespan but they will continue a peaceful existence in the hereafter.

Is 66:21
How I understand it is the church is doing the kingdom building here-- on earth. As we seek to do God's will and obey, more souls are converted to the kingdom.

Is 65:21-23
And as God's people obey it has a positive outcome in the world.

SECOND COMING PASSAGES REQUIRE FIRST CENTURY FULFILLMENT

In contrast to what is popularly taught in many churches today, the New Testament scriptures maintain that the “coming of the Lord” or “the second coming” was imminent to first century peoples. The second coming (AD 67-70) includes the end of the age, the judgment, resurrection (pass from death to life), establishment of the Kingdom of God, etc. This has far-reaching implications for believers, namely, the need to realize what we presently enjoy in Christ, and not be waiting for that which we already possess—God With Us. (This list is not exhaustive.)

1. Mt. 10:23 But when they persecute you [apostles] in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel, until the Son of Man has come.

2. Mt. 16:27-28. For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will render to everyone according to his deeds. 28 Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.

3. Mt. 24:33-34. Even so you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34 Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away, until all these things [ end time events] are accomplished.

4. Mt. 26:64…[Jesus speaking to high priest and Sanhedrin] I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at theright hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of the sky.

5. Mk 1:14-15 Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News."

6. Mk 9:1.He [Jesus] said to them, "Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death until they see the Kingdom of God come with power."

7. Mk 13:30. Most certainly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things happen.

8. Mk 14:61-62 The high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" Jesus said, "I am. You [Jewish officials] will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of the sky.”

9. Lk 9:27. But I [Jesus] tell you the truth: There are some of those who stand here, who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Kingdom of God.

10. Lk 19:43-44. [Jesus said] “For the days will come on you, when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, surround you, hem you in on every side, 44 and will dash you and your children within you to the ground. They will not leave in you one stone on another, because you didn't know the time of your visitation [of Messiah].”

11. Lk 21:20-24. [Jesus said], "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is at hand. 21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let those who are in the midst of her depart. Let those who are in the country not enter therein. 22For these are days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled...24They will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”

12. Lk 21:31-33 Even so you also, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. 32 Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things are accomplished. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will, by no means, pass away.

13. Jn 5:25 Most certainly, I tell you, the hour comes, and now is, when the dead will hear the Son of God's voice; and those who hear will live. [Resurrection is the passing from spiritual death to spiritual life.]

14. Rom 13:11-12. It is already time for you to awaken out of sleep, for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone, and the day is near.

15. Rom 16:20. And the God of peace will quickly crush Satan [the adversary] under your feet.

16. I Cor. 7:31 The mode of this world [Old Covenant] passes away.

17. I Cor. 10:11. Now all these things happened to them by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come. (First century people were those on whom the end of the ages fell.)

18. I Th. 4:15. But we don't want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don't grieve like the rest, who have no hope. (Paul knew some first century Christians would be alive and some would not, at the coming of Christ.)

19. 2 Th. 2:3-4. For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep.

20. 2 Th. 2:6-7 Now you know what is restraining him, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness already works. Only there is one who restrains now, until he is taken out of the way. (The first century Thessalonians knew who the restrainer of the lawless one was.)

21. Heb. 1:1-2. [God] has in these last days spoken to us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. (First century Hebrews were living in the last days of the Old Covenant “world.”)

22. Heb. 8:13 In that he says, "A new covenant," he has made the first old. But that which is becoming old and grows aged is near to vanishing away. (The Old Covenant had not yet passed away when Hebrews was written in AD 60s.)

23. Heb. 9:26. But now once at the end of the ages, He [Jesus, the final High Priest] has been revealed to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. (Jesus’s sacrifice was toward the end of the Old Covenant, that is, the end of the ages.)

24. Heb. 10:25. …Not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching. (“The Day” is the Day of the Lord, or the Coming of the Son of Man)

25. Heb 10:37. In a very little while, he who comes will come, and will not wait.

26. James 5:7-9. Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord [parousia]. …Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand… Behold, the judge stands at the door.

27. I Pet. 4:7. But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer.

28. I Pet. 4:17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. If it begins first with us, what will happen to those who don't obey the Good News of God?

29. I Jn 2:8 Again, I write a new commandment to you, which is true in him and in you; because the darkness is passing away, and the true light already shines.

30. I Jn 2:18 Little children, these are the end times, and as you heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen. By this we know that it is the final hour. (First century peoples were living in the “final hour”.)

31. Jude 18-19. They said to you that "In the last time there will be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts." 19 These are they who cause divisions, and are sensual, not having the Spirit. (The scoffers were present in Jude’s time.)

32. Rev. 1:1. This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen soon, which he sent and made known by his angel to his servant, John.

33. Rev. 1:3. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written in it, for the time is at hand.

34. Rev. 3:11. [Jesus said,] I am coming quickly! Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown.

35. Rev. 22:6. He said to me, "These words are faithful and true. The Lord God of the spirits of the prophets sent his angel to show to his bondservants the things which must happen soon."

36. Rev. 22:7 "Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."

37. Rev. 22:12. "Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work.”

38. Rev. 22:20. He who testifies these things [Jesus] says, "Yes, I come quickly." Amen! Yes, be coming, Lord Jesus!