In the beginning God created man for the kind of fellowship that results from intimacy, but the knowledge of good and evil turned man’s thoughts from God, and to himself. The intimacy was broken because man was now a creature of flesh with his new found knowledge. But this would not deter God, for HE IS GOD, AND HE ALWAYS WILL BE GOD! Jesus came to reconcile man to the Father through destroying, in Himself, that one thing that had brought the separation – FLESH. The same power God used to create man would one day recreate man. Jesus is coming a second time to receive unto Himself all those that are not "flesh" but have His Spirit within them. And that complete intimacy that was lost will be restored – never again to be broken.

In the end both Father and Son will once again have the kind of fellowship with man that results from intimacy. The lovers of Jesus will experience with their Bridegroom a "honeymoon" like no other, in a timeless dimension, for time will be no more. The ecstasy of worshipping Him spirit to Spirit will be the culmination of His Bride’s deepest desire while on earth. She will partake of the Tree of Life forever, and will never tire of seeking the depth of the full knowledge of God.

The day is fast approaching when all that is flesh and not of God will be consumed by the coming of Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God. No physical flesh can survive the full manifestation of Jesus, and spiritually speaking all that is of the flesh and not of the Spirit will also be destroyed.

Peter told of the destruction that will take place when Jesus returns. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the which the heavens (which had been the demonic realm) shall pass away with a great noise [whizzing sound], and the elements [rudiments] shall be dissolved [broken up] with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up [consumed]. II Peter 3:10 (Orig. KJV) The Greek word translated "elements," as well as "rudiments," was used by Paul in Galatians 4:9. But now that ye have come to know God, or rather to be known of God, how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again? (Orig. KJV) The "elements" has been portrayed by some end time "preachers" as being the physical elements of the earth’s structure. But as the context of the full passage and the meanings of the Greek words show, it is the anti-God "propositions" of creatures of flesh that will be destroyed for all to see. He will not leave unregenerate man believing the apostate "church" was correct in her doctrines – His coming will expose the error.

Peter’s message continues:Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved [broken up], what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy living and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire [aglow] shall be dissolved [broken up], and the elements [rudiments] shall melt with fervent heat? But, according to his promise, we look for new [renewed] heavens and a new [renewed] earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. II Peter 3:11-13 (Orig. KJV) The word "dissolved" was translated from the same Greek word used as "loose him," when Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, and said, Loose him, and let him go.John 11:44

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot [falling away], and blameless in his sight. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given to him, wrote unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; wherein are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unstedfast wrest [pervert], as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. II Peter 3:14-16 (Orig. KJV) Paul poured out his life for the sake of the Gospel, telling over and over of the pitfalls of the flesh and adherence to any law. Many that are "ignorant and unstedfast" have not come to an understanding of the Truth, but have perverted it – unto their own destruction.

Peter ended his second epistle with these words: Ye therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware lest, being carried away with the error of the wicked, ye fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in the grace, and knowledge of [full acquaintance with] our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen. II Peter 3:17-18 (Orig. KJV) In these last days we must be diligent in our submission to the working of God’s Grace, and to our pursuit of an intimate relationship with Jesus. It is the only hope we have to escape the error that is so rampant in the "church."

The shaking:

Before Jesus returns at His Second Coming God will shake both the heavens and the earth. Those things that are of His Kingdom will remain, for they cannot be shaken. The writer to the Hebrews warned, See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not when they refused him that warned them on earth, much more shall not we escape, who turn away from him that warneth from heaven: whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more will I make to tremble not the earth only but also the heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those things which are not shaken may remain. Wherefore receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe: for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:25-29 (Orig. KJV) Only through Grace (not works) is man able to "offer service well-pleasing to God."

Those that believe they are a part of the true Church but have chosen the way of flesh will perish along with all other flesh. They have "turned away from Him that warned from Heaven."

In most recent centuries God has sent His servants, such as Charles Finney and others, to bring messages of the dire need for revival in the "church," and at times great revivals have swept many souls into the Kingdom. But the apostate church has flourished, and there is only a remnant that has remained true and is ready to meet the Bridegroom. The remnant is made up of people from all over the earth, with the greatest percentage of true believers being found where persecution still exists. In places here and there around the world revival fires once again are burning. The Spirit of God is doing His last days’ work of bringing into His kingdom all those that respond to His call. But there are many that have broken the Father’s heart by choosing the life of the flesh, thereby rejecting Jesus. They may believe they have "accepted" Him but they have chosen death, not Life, if they have been deceived by the doctrines of man. There are countless others that have allowed themselves to become enslaved to the Law of sin and death. They too have chosen death, and rejected Jesus.

Jesus said "many in that day" will claim to have done works in His Name, but because they did not have His Spirit and a relationship with Him, they will hear the words, "DEPART FROM ME, I NEVER KNEW YOU." All of those things that well-meaning "Christians" believe are pleasing to God mean nothing to Jesus – He is coming for a Bride that has responded to His wooing. His true Bride is the one that loves Him with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength. And because of her passion for Jesus that love relationship spills over into the lives of others, causing the Bride to care for the fatherless, the widowed, and the stranger in need of a cup of water.

Those of the "church" must not assume that they will spend eternity with Jesus simply because they confess that they are "Christians." It is a tragic error to believe that the present day apostate "Christianity" is acceptable in the sight of God. Paul the Apostle said …they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Romans 8:8-9. (Orig. KJV) Those who profess to be "Christ’s" but have never truly come to a place of surrender to the life of Jesus, and have not been born from above ARE NOT HIS – they are "pretenders." They have no knowledge that they are "pseudo Christians," because they have been deceived by an apostate "gospel." There may still be hope for them to come to the Truth if they will allow the Spirit of God to penetrate the blindness brought about by apostasy. It will be difficult even to admit to anyone else that they never really knew Jesus, but if they will humble themselves and run to Him, He is waiting with open arms to receive them.

The same cannot be said for those who at one time may have experienced the new birth, but have turned away – having had the Spirit of Christ come to dwell in them - they are without excuse. For as touching those who were once enlightened, and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Hebrews 6:4-6. (Orig. KJV) The writer of Hebrews had more to say in the tenth chapter: A man that hath set at nought Moses’ law died without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be judged worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto [insulted] the Spirit of grace? Hebrews 10:28-29 (Orig. KJV) Any person that has known the life of Christ and experienced God’s Grace but returns to trusting in the flesh, he is turning his back on Jesus. He is treading under foot the One who died to free him from the very thing to which he has reverted – FLESH. He has insulted the Spirit of Grace that was given to keep him faithful to Jesus.

Peter told of what will be the end for those that are deceived by the false teachers, and turn away from Jesus. (II Peter 2:20-22.) For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first. For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered unto them. It is happened unto them according to the true proverb, the dog turning to his own vomit again; and the sow that had washed to wallowing in the mire. (Orig. KJV)

Heresy:

In more recent years there has been increasing talk of cults. There are numerous cults but they are usually blatant and not necessarily hidden, even from the eyes of the "world." Their leader is always a creature of flesh. Then there are some that may quote the Bible and claim all kinds of "Christian" beliefs, but the true gospel of Jesus Christ is not at the center of those beliefs. They are in error, and many of them bring shame on the Name of Christ in a world that does not know Him.

There are those in the "church" who refer to "heretical" teachings, and some of those are easily recognized simply because of the overt nature of the heresy. At the same time, there are too many that point at one another within the "church" making accusations of "heresy" because they disagree with the "theology" of the other. But the GREATEST HERESY OF ALL TIME HAS BEEN BROUGHT ABOUT THROUGH A REVIVAL OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL, causing defection from truth. It has crept in without the awareness of the "church," and she is literally saturated in error. Because it is deception at its worst, this heresy is the deadliest of all.

In II Peter 2, Peter gave his description of the false teachers that would bring in "destructive heresies," blaspheming the way of the truth, and "make merchandise" of the people with fictitious words. He said that their destruction slumbereth not. (Verse3) In the remainder of the chapter he explains what their end will be, comparing them to the angels that fell, the wicked of Noah’s day, Sodom and Gommorha, and others that were destroyed because of their disobedience to the voice of God.

Jude’s epistle has much the same message as II Peter 2. He speaks of the same false teachers, and compares them in the same way that Peter did. Jude says, Woe unto them!…These are they who are hidden rocks in your love feasts, when they feast with you, shepherds that without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars [erratic teachers], for whom the blackness of darkness hath been reserved for ever. And to these also Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, Behold, the Lord came with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their works of ungodliness which they have ungodly wrought, and of all their hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. It would seem as though Jude may have been angry, the way he describes the ungodliness of the false teachers who actually spoke against the Lord through their doctrines. Jude calls them murmurers, complainers, walking after their lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, shewing respect of persons for the sake of advantage. But ye, beloved, remember ye the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; how that they said to you, In the last time there should be mockers [false teachers], walking after their own ungodly lusts. These are they who make separations [self-appointed], sensual, having not the Spirit. Jude 11-19. (Orig. KJV) These false teachers are creatures of flesh, "having not the Spirit," and are more interested in impressing other creatures of flesh. It is to their advantage to deceive them with "great swelling words" that are self-serving and lead people away from Christ. God will not tolerate game-playing by those that erroneously see themselves as the "Body of Christ." The apostate "church" has caused many people either to be placed in bondage to flesh, or to turn away from the real Jesus who has been falsely represented.

Jude ended his letter with an admonition to the true believers: But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have mercy, who are in doubt: and some save, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear [alarm]; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Jude 20-23. (Orig. KJV) They that are true to Jesus will show mercy toward those that are in doubt. There are some that will be "snatched from the fire" before it is too late. And even others whose garments are "spotted by the flesh" can be turned to Christ. I know of a man who is being drawn away from empty "religiosity," but because of the routine of so many years of "church" attendance he feels guilt-ridden. He also feels rejected by his old "friends" who now ignore him because of his absence at "church." There is "something" pulling at him, causing him to stay away from "church," yet the condemnation of flesh causes confusion. The sense of freedom as he stays away from "church" is the call of God’s Spirit to his hungry heart. The "something" pulling him from the "dead church" is a Someone called Jesus – He is preparing His Bride. Those of us that know the truth must heed Jude’s message to speak a word to anyone whose garment is spotted by the flesh of religiosity, and show him the way to Eternal Life.

Jude’s final words are self-explanatory. Now unto him that is able to guard you from stumbling, and to set you before the presence of his glory without blemish in exceeding joy, to the only God our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and power, before all time, and now, and for evermore. Amen. Jude 24-25 (Orig. KJV)

The Lamb’s wife:

And the voice came forth from the throne, saying, Give praise to our God, all ye his servants, ye that fear him, the small and the great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunders, saying, Alleluja: for the Lord our God the Almighty reigneth. Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad, and let us give the glory unto him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And it was given to her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright and pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are bidden to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are true words of God. Revelation 19:5-9 (Orig. KJV) All the hosts of heaven are rejoicing at the prospect of the arrival of the Lamb’s wife, the Bride of Christ. The angels have worshipped the Almighty since the beginning of time, but their worship can be surpassed only by the worship of the Bridegroom by His wife. The day for which He has longed will have finally arrived.

Among the visions given to John in the Revelation of Jesus Christ was that of the Bride, the New Jerusalem. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth are passed away; and the sea is no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more: the first things are passed away. Revelation 21:1-4 (Orig. KJV)

Following this John writes, And he that sitteth on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he saith, Write: for these words are faithful and true. And he said unto me, They are come to pass. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit these things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. Revelation 21:5-7 (Orig. KJV)

In the midst of all the verses describing the Bride of Christ, and her eternal reward, can be found this verse. For the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable [idolatrous], and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8 (Orig. KJV)

John continued sharing the revelation of Jesus. And there came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls, who were laden with the seven last plagues; and he spake with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the wife of the Lamb. And he carried me away in the spirit to a mountain great and high, and shewed me the holy city Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God; her light was like unto a stone most precious, as it were jasper stone, clear as crystal… Revelation 21:9-11 (Orig. KJV) The Lamb’s wife has been born from above, and comes down out of heaven from God.

The next ten verses describe the beauty of this vast city made up of every one that remained true to the Bridegroom. Then John told of the temple and the Lamp of the City: And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are the temple thereof. And the city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine upon it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp thereof is the Lamb. Revelation 21:22-23 (Orig. KJV)

The man of sin:

Paul told the Thessalonians that they should not let any man "beguile" them: for [the day of the Lord] will not be, except the falling away [defection from truth] first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; he that opposeth and exalteth himself against all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he sitteth in the temple of God, setting himself forth as God. II Thessalonians 2:3-4. (Orig. KJV) There is a direct link between the creatures of flesh deceived through the defection from truth, and the "man of sin - the son of perdition." The word "anti-Christ" means "opponent of Messiah." Because Messiah came to free man from the flesh, His greatest opposition comes from creatures of flesh. I believe that "Antichrist" is the ultimate manifestation of fleshly creatures that have exalted themselves against God, and that the spirit of antichrist has taken the place intended for the Spirit of God – the temple of God in man. Antichrist receives his power from Satan, and has caused creatures of flesh to oppose Messiah through the efforts of their flesh: they call it "serving God."

There is a day coming soon, And then shall be revealed the lawless one, whom the Lord Jesus shall slay with the breath of his mouth, and bring to nought by the manifestation of his coming: even he, whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that are perishing; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God sendeth them a working of error, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be judged who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in [approved of] unrighteousness. II Thessalonians 2:8-12. (Orig. KJV) How many "anointed signs" in the apostate church are the "working of Satan?" How many "Christians" "approve of the way of unrighteousness" out of ignorance? Has God already sent the "working of error, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be judged who believed not the truth?" Creatures of flesh will not recognize "Antichrist" because he has already deceived them, and they already bear his mark – the mark of a man. The great "leader" of all flesh will continue in his opposition of Messiah, until Jesus comes with the flaming fire of His jealousy to forever destroy – FLESH!

Using Hollywood style theatrics, creatures of flesh have portrayed "Antichrist" as a man who will use man-made weapons in his bid to bring people under his control. His appearance supposedly takes place after "the rapture" of the Body of Christ. His greatest control will be through lying "signs and wonders" with the power he has received from Satan. His deeds will be so spectacular that all those who do not have a firm faith in the Living God will be deceived. The deceptive powers the beast exhibits will have the appearance of the genuine miraculous working of God, but they will be of Satan – not God. This beast will come with his false prophet and attempt to trick the Jewish people into accepting him as their "Messiah."

John referred to false teachers as "antichrists" in I John 2:18-25. Little children, it is the last hour: and as ye heard that antichrist cometh, even now have there arisen many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest how that they all are not of us. And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things. True believers and all true teachers have the Holy Spirit. They know the Truth, and they speak only Truth. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but he that denieth [rejects] that Jesus is the Christ? This is antichrist, even he that denieth [rejects] the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth [rejects] the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that confesseth the Son, hath the Father also. As for you, let that abide in you which ye heard from the beginning. If that which ye heard from the beginning abide in you, ye also shall abide in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise which he promised us, even the eternal life. (Orig. KJV)

God is "Father" when He births a new creation, but if He is not allowed to effect the new birth He is rejected. The Father and Son are One, so if the Father does not "father" a new creation both Father and Son are rejected – the two cannot be separated. Creatures of flesh have been led to experience a false "salvation" because of the knowledge of good and evil. They believe they are "born again" because they have asked forgiveness for "their" sins. The "antichrist" teachers have not taught them that Jesus put flesh to death in order that He might live His life through them. Jesus is talked about, but He is not known and understood. It is little wonder that the beast will deceive so many. THE REAL JESUS HAS BEEN OBSCURED BY SO MUCH ERROR THAT MILLIONS WILL BE UNABLE TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE TRUE AND THE FALSE.

John again referred to "antichrist" in II John 6-7: And this is love, that we should walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, even as ye heard from the beginning, that ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are gone forth into the world, even they that confess not that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. (Orig. KJV) They are "deceivers," that do not teach that Jesus came to destroy flesh and become Life to man enabling him to love as He commanded.

The foregoing verses from First and Second John are the only places where the word "antichrist" can be found. The book of Revelation speaks of a "beast" as well as a "false prophet," and the book of Daniel uses the term "abomination that desolates."

The word "beast" could well have been used (as the revisers did) to describe creatures of flesh in two places in the New Testament. The first passage was where Peter was speaking of the false prophets that would come in the last days. But these, as creatures without reason, born mere animals to be taken and destroyed, railing in matters whereof they are ignorant, shall in their destroying surely be destroyed. II Peter 2:12. (Orig. KJV) In the second passage Jude is speaking of the same false prophets that would come in the last days. But these rail at whatsoever things they know not: and what they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason, in these things they are destroyed. Jude 10 (Orig. KJV) False prophets are "religious impostors" according to the Greek dictionary. Any person that attempts to portray a "gospel" other than the true Gospel of Jesus Christ is a "religious impostor." He is preaching things of which he is ignorant. He understands according to the flesh (naturally,) and will be destroyed like any other "creature without reason," for all that is flesh will perish.

"Abomination of desolation" is a term used by Jesus in Matthew 24:15, and Mark 13:14. Matthew recorded Jesus’ words: And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a testimony unto all the nations; and then shall the end come. When therefore ye see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place, (let him that readeth, understand:) then let them that are in Judaea flee unto the mountains. Matthew 24:14-16. (Orig. KJV) First of all, Jesus said that His Gospel, the true Gospel would be preached to all the nations in the world, and then the "end" would come. His own people rejected Him the first time, and are still looking for His first coming. In this passage in Matthew twenty-four, Jesus is teaching His disciples that there will come an impostor that will try to deceive Christ’s chosen people Israel. Daniel spoke of this impostor, and according to the Hebrew language the "abomination of desolation" means the "idolatry that stupefies." This stupefying, idolatrous, impostor will attempt to deceive the Jews into seeing him as their "messiah."

In His teaching, Jesus’ message to His own people was that they should flee to the mountains when the impostor appears in the "holy [sacred] place" – they are not to be deceived by him. Jesus explains that there will be a time of great tribulation like never before. And He tells them, And except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved: but for the elect’s [chosen] sake those days shall be shortened. Matthew 24:22 (Orig. KJV) Jesus described places where some may try to say they have seen "the Messiah" but then He tells them what to look for, and how they will recognize Him. For as the lightning cometh forth from the east, and is seen even unto the west; so shall be the coming of the Son of man. Matthew 24:27 (Orig. KJV)

"Rapture" of Flesh?: 

The end-time phenomenon called the "pre-tribulation rapture" of the Church has captured the thoughts of many. The concept has become a basis for multi-million dollar enterprises producing books, "Christian" television shows, and movies. It is a concept that I believed for most of my life. A friend of mine shared with me that she and her husband no longer believed in a "pre-trib" rapture, and offered me a book to read. I skimmed through the book but because I was convinced that I knew the truth I went to the Word of God to begin researching the subject. My intent was to prove to our friends that what I believed was correct. My research was very in-depth, and no aspect of the "Second Coming" was omitted in my study. The more I learned, as the deeper I dug, the less I could believe as I once had. I became overwhelmed with a sense of grief – the hope to which I had clung for so many years was gone. But my "grief" was short lived as I realized that "this is GOD’s Word, and His ways are higher than man’s ways!"

The truth I learned from the study of the Lord’s Second Coming is of monumental importance. Man cannot take lightly the timing of Christ’s return – it is closely linked to this entire message. It is not enough for man to say that "as long as we are ready" it is insignificant whether Jesus comes "pre-trib," "mid-trib," or "post-trib." Man must understand precisely what Jesus’ coming will mean to the true believers as well as to the pseudo-believers of the apostate "church" and to the unbelievers.  For an interesting article by Dene McGriff of Pergamos Ministries, go to http://www.the-tribulation-network.com/denemcgriff/in_search_of_babylon_ch1.htm

One of the passages most commonly used by end-time "preachers" can be found in First Thessalonians 4:16-17. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice [cry of incitement] of the archangel, and with the trump [reverberation] of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (Orig. KJV) Those that promote the "rapture" doctrine say that "caught up" means, "rapture." The Greek word "harpazo," translated "caught up," was used in several other verses throughout the New Testament, and not one of those verses could have used the word "rapture" in place of the various English words that were translated from that one Greek word.

Here are some examples of verses where the Greek word "harpazo" was used:

In this passage, the words in bold print tell the story. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, and the eunuch saw him no more: for he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached the gospel to all the cities, till he came to Caesarea. Acts 8:39-40 (Orig. KJV)

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch [rapture?] them out of my hand. My Father, which hath given them unto me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch [rapture?] them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one. John 10:27-30 (Orig. KJV) Would anyone "rapture" Jesus’ own sheep out of the Father’s hand? Or in this next verse, could a creature of flesh "rapture" Jesus so as to make Him King? Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, he withdrew again into the mountain himself alone. John 6:15 (Orig. KJV)

The word "rapture" cannot be used interchangeably with the words in bold print in these next two passages. And there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the castle. Acts 23:10 (Orig. KJV) And on some have mercy, who are in doubt: and some save, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Jude 22-23 (Orig. KJV)

The very popular "rapture" concept has provided plenty of material for creatures of flesh to make millions of dollars. They have embellished this false concept, and promoted it for financial gain, until even the "world" has now come to believe that there are "two stages" to Christ’s Return. The Bible does not support such thinking. The message is clear – Jesus’ Second Coming is a onetime event. This is evident in the meaning of the Greek word translated "coming," which is used in all verses that speak of Christ’s return. The word used in verses that the "rapture" crowd quotes is the same word that specifically refers to the Second Advent. The Greek word is "parousia," and literally means "the return of Christ to punish Jerusalem, and finally the wicked." That one word does not have a dual meaning and it is gross error to say that it can support the "rapture" theory.

There is much speculation about when the "rapture" will be, and all of the dreadful things that will befall those "terrible sinners" after the "church" is rescued to protect her from the terror of tribulation. Why does an apostate "church" believe that she is so favored by God that she should not suffer, when the true believers that have suffered persecution in many places around the world have not been spared tribulation? If the early, more pure, Church had to suffer so much, why should a polluted "church" not go through tribulation?

The purpose of tribulation:

The final purification of the Church will be accomplished through tribulation. As Jesus said to the church of Philadelphia (brotherly love) in Revelation, Because thou didst keep the word of my patience, I also will keep thee[guard from injury or loss] from the hour of trial, that hour which is to come upon the whole world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Those that have persevered in faithful obedience to His Word, walking in the love of God by His Spirit, will be protected from injury or loss, just like the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace in Daniel’s day. Then Jesus continued, saying, I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown. He that overcometh I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. Revelation 3:10-13. (Orig. KJV) Those that are true believers will maintain a steadfast faith in Jesus, while some pseudo believers, being yet flesh will turn against Him. The beast has deceived them, and it is too late. Jesus said, …Howbeit when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luke 18:8 (Orig. KJV)

In the earlier part of First Corinthians 15, Paul had expounded on the difference between the "natural" and the "spiritual," "death" and "resurrection," and the hope of the believer in Christ. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption [perishing] inherit incorruption [unending existence]. Behold, I tell you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible [an undying soul], and we shall be changed. For this corruptible [perishing] must put on incorruption [unending existence], and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is thy victory? O grave, where is thy sting? The sting [poison] of death is sin; and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our LORD Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:50-57 (Orig. KJV) Verse fifty-two is singled out as being a part of the "proof" that the church will be "raptured" before the tribulation begins. As Paul told the Thessalonians, those that are "alive, that are left" will be caught up to meet Jesus as He returns at His Second Coming. All that have "survived," (as the Greek word shows,) and have not perished for choosing faith in the true Jesus will be caught up with all other believers. Amid much tribulation there will be some that will refuse to worship the beast, and will turn to Jesus before it is too late. But they will suffer for it and some will be killed, but they too will be caught up to meet Jesus as He returns the second time.

As Jesus said, His Coming will be seen by all, For as the lightning cometh forth from the east, and is seen even unto the west; so shall be the coming of the Son of man. Matthew 24:27 (Orig. KJV) There will be no question that it is Jesus – His coming will be seen around the world as His brightness, like flaming fire, lights up the sky from one side of the heavens to the other. There are some that claim Jesus’ Coming will be seen on television, but God does not need the technology of creatures of flesh to accomplish His purposes. His Coming will be a spectacular display of power like no man could have ever dreamed possible.

Jesus’ return will be a day of great dread for all that are flesh. As John said, And I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the whole moon became as blood; and the stars of the heaven fell unto the earth, as a fig tree casteth her unripe figs when she is shaken of a great wind. And the heaven was removed as a scroll when it is rolled up together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the princes, and the chief captains, and the rich, and every bondman, and free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains; and they say to the mountains and to the rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth 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 6:12-17 (Orig. KJV) It is a day of wrath for all flesh – they cannot stand in the presence of the Son of God.

KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS:

God is a consuming fire, and Jesus is One with the Father; so when He returns at His Second Coming the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make an end, yea, a terrible end, of all them that dwell in the land. (Zephaniah 1:18) Jesus is coming as KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS! (Revelation 19:16) This is the great day of God, the Almighty. (Revelation 16:14) IT IS THE DAY WHEN FLESH WILL CEASE TO BE HIS OWN "god," BECAUSE ALL THAT IS FLESH WILL BE OFFERED TO THE BIRDS OF THE AIR (Revelation 19:17-18) IN A SACRIFICE MADE BY GOD (Ezekiel 39:17-22), AND NOW ISRAEL WILL ACKNOWLEDGE GOD AS THE LORD GOD. For thousands of years man has been obsessed with flesh, and Israel continued to make sacrifices of flesh even though Jesus had put an end to the law. In the fire of His jealousy Jesus exposes flesh as mere flesh (II Peter 2:12.) God turns the tables, and makes His own sacrifice of flesh – to of all things, the scavengers of the air.

Jesus told of what His Second Coming would mean for the "elect" [chosen] that have remained faithful to Him. But immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun shall be darkened [obscured], and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken [topple]: and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds [quarters of the earth], from one end of heaven [the sky] to the other.Matthew 24:29-31 (Orig. KJV) All those that have been born from above, and have the Spirit of Christ, will rise to meet Jesus. Almost like a magnet, Spirit will draw Spirit – the new creations in Christ Jesus in whom dwells the "earnest" of the Spirit, (which is a "deposit on what is to come.") The dead in Christ shall rise first. Their spirits have been with Jesus since their death, and they will receive their new glorified body in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. Following them will be the remainder that are alive in Christ. Their bodies will also be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.

Zephaniah prophesied of the last days and the Coming of Jesus. The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man crieth there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of the trumpet and the alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high battlements. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as dung. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make an end, yea, a terrible end, of all them that dwell in the land. Zephaniah 1:14-18. (Orig. KJV)

"The battle of Armageddon" has become a topic of wide interest. Even Hollywood has capitalized on the idea, following along the same lines as those that have twisted Bible passages to suit creatures of flesh. "Armageddon" is derived from the Hebrew word Megiddo, which means "rendezvous." The real battle at "Har-Magedon" (Orig. KJV) is the final battle of God against all that is flesh – and He wins! John said, in Revelation, And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits, as it were frogs: for they are the spirits of devils, working signs, which go forth unto the kings of the whole world, to gather them together unto the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. And they gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew Har-Magedon. And the seventh [angel] poured out his bowl upon the air; and there came forth a great voice out of the temple, from the throne, saying, It is done. And there were lightnings and voices, and thunders; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since there were men upon the earth, so great an earthquake, so mighty. Revelation 16:13-18 (Orig. KJV)

The Bride of Christ will be changed from a flesh and blood body, and plucked from the earth to safety – her mortal body cannot withstand the fullness of His presence. Then Jesus comes to deal with all that is flesh. And I saw the heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat thereon, called Faithful and True; and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. And his eyes are a flame of fire, and upon his head are many diadems; and he hath a name written, that no one knoweth, but he himself. And he is arrayed in a garment sprinkled with blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and pure. And out of his mouth proceedeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in mid heaven, come and be gathered together unto the great supper of God; that ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit thereon, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, and small and great. Revelation 19:11-18 (Orig. KJV)

When Jesus had told His disciples how the people would recognize that He the Messiah was returning, He followed the description of His lighting up the whole sky with these words: Wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Matthew 24:28 (Orig. KJV) Vultures are related to eagles and hawks, so the use of "eagles" indicates that, immediately following His Coming, the "vultures" will feast on the flesh of man that was slain by His presence.

Ezekiel also prophesied of the destruction of flesh. And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord God; Speak unto the birds of every sort, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood. Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan. And ye shall eat fat till ye be full, and drink blood till ye be drunken, of my sacrifice which I have sacrificed for you. And ye shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty men, and with all men of war, saith the Lord God. And I will set my glory among the nations, and all the nations shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them. So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day and forward. Ezekiel 39:17-22 (Orig. KJV)

In His dealings with all that is flesh, God shows Israel the "value" of flesh – it was destined to be destroyed. He makes a mockery of their sacrifices of flesh, and their works of flesh through the Law, by destroying once and for all that thing that man had put between himself and his Creator. Jesus had come to destroy flesh in Himself, but man was unwilling to relinquish his flesh to the crucifying power of Jesus. And now at Jesus’ Second Coming – not in the flesh, but as a Spirit – man will have no choice: all flesh will perish. IT IS THE GREAT DAY OF GOD ALMIGHTY. EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, AND EVERY TONGUE WILL CONFESS THAT JESUS IS LORD.

Israel’s restoration:

Following the description of the end of all other flesh, Ezekiel gives a brief summary of Israel’s plight, and her final restoration. And the nations shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, and I hid my face from them: so I gave them into the hand of their adversaries, and they fell all of them by the sword. According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions did I unto them; and I hid my face from them. Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for my holy name; and they shall bear their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they shall dwell securely in their land, and none shall make them afraid. When I have brought them again from the peoples, and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations; and they shall know that I am the LORD their God, and that I caused them to go into captivity among the nations, and have gathered them into their own land; and I will leave none of them any more there; neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord God. Ezekiel 39:23-29 (Orig. KJV)

The nations will be made aware of God’s dealings with Israel, and His mercy toward them in bringing them back to Himself, and the pouring out of His Spirit upon them.

Mystery Babylon:

Many have speculated as to the identity of Mystery Babylon as described in Revelation. During John’s visitations by angels, he was shown every aspect of the last days and the end that awaits many that have opposed God. …and Babylon the great was remembered in the sight of God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath…And there came one of the seven angels that had the seven bowls, and spake with me, saying Come hither; I will shew thee the judgment of the great harlot [idolater] that sitteth upon many waters: with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication [idolatry], and they that dwell in the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication [idolatry]. Revelation 16:19; 17:1-2 (Orig. KJV) The angel later identified the "many waters" as peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues, in Revelation 17:15.

Keeping in mind that the use of words like "harlot" and "fornication" indicate unfaithfulness to God, it becomes easier to understand the depth of evil in Mystery Babylon. This is not a rebuilt Babylon of ancient times, but a "Mystery" Babylon having a spiritual impact on the nations of the world. The "Great Harlot" has sold her adulterous gods of possessions and her anti-God "gospel" to the kings of the earth. Riches and things that please the senses have become the gods of the people of Mystery Babylon. Her luxurious and self-sufficient lifestyles have been sold the world over.

Written on the forehead of the great harlot were the words, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Revelation 17:5 (Orig. KJV) This "mystery" Babylon has "mothered" the idolaters and disgusting idolatries (abominations) that have been spread around the world. John saw that the great harlot was drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. (Verse 6) Being already drunk with the blood of saints and martyrs, she had enticed many away from a relationship with Jesus. But God being God, and knowing all things, has put in the hearts of nations to join with the beast in his hatred for the harlot and to destroy her in one day. (Revelation 17:17) The beast wants no competition in his bid to rule the nations of the world.

John heard a voice from heaven, saying, Come forth, my people, out of her that ye have no fellowship with her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached even unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Render unto her even as she rendered, and double unto her the double according to her works: in the cup which she mingled, mingle unto her double. How much soever she glorified herself, and waxed wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall in no wise see mourning [grief]. Therefore in one day shall her plagues come, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God which judged her. Revelation 18:4-8 (Orig. KJV)

The greatness of the materialistic harlot had become well known and had great power in the world. It is little wonder that the beast hated this self-exalting "city" and her "gospel" that had deceived so many! Her destruction had a profound effect that rippled around the globe. The people cried out as they looked upon the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like the great city! And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and mourning, saying, Woe, woe, the great city, wherein were made rich all that had their ships in the sea by reason of her costliness [magnificence]! for in one hour is she made desolate. Revelation 18:18-19 (Orig. KJV) The great harlot had become so puffed up and arrogant as she spread her prosperity thinking to many nations. But worst of all she was the mother of false doctrines that had also found their way around the world, damaging the Gospel handed down by the many saints, apostles, and prophets of years gone by. Before Jesus returns, God will leave no error hidden – all will be exposed. Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye saints and ye apostles and ye prophets; for God hath judged your judgment on her. Revelation 18:20 (Orig. KJV)

After writing of the total destruction that will befall the great harlot, John wrote, …thy merchants [tradesmen] were the princes of the earth; for with thy sorcery [poison] were all the nations deceived [caused to roam from truth]. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that have been slain upon the earth. She was guilty of the blood of those who had given their lives for the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. After these things I heard as it were a great voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, Alleluja; Salvation, and glory, and power, belong to our God: for true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great harlot, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication [idolatries], and he hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. Revelation 18:23-24; 19:1-2 (Orig. KJV)

With the definitions of some Greek words added, the Word of God presents a chilling and frightful possibility as to the identity of the "Great Harlot" that has caused so many to be unfaithful to Jesus. We must always go back to the beginning of time, and the fall of man to a fleshly creature, when attempting to understand the strong language used in the Bible. Of even greater importance is the relationship that God desires with mankind, and so that must be the standard by which we gauge the vital messages of His Word. It has always been about the relationship of God and His "wife" Israel, and Jesus and His Bride the true Church.

Death at its worst:

The "lake that burneth with fire and brimstone" is referred to as "the second death" in Revelation 21:8. With the use of Greek meanings, a paraphrase of Revelation 21:8 could be, "For those that live in dread, and the disbelieving, and the idolatrous, and intentional murderers, and those who turn others from faith in Jesus and get paid for it, and poisoners with untruth, and worshippers of other than God, and all the deceitful, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

There is no "death" worse than everlasting hell fire. But there are varying degrees of punishment in the lake of fire. The Greek word "Hades" was translated as both "grave" (I Corinthians 15:55) and "hell," (Revelation 20:13,14, et al) which is easily misinterpreted. "Hades" is the place (state) of departed souls, which is where the rich man conversed with Abraham, asking him to send the beggar Lazarus with a drop of water to cool his tongue because he was tormented in the flame. (Luke 26:19-26) Hades, the abode of the dead, is where Jesus went at His death, and where He "preached" to the "spirits in prison." (I Peter 3:19) In Hades there was a "great gulf" that separated the righteous from the unrighteous until Jesus ascended to the Father. When He was resurrected He took with Him other spirits that had been in Hades, in the "bosom of Abraham." Ever since His resurrection, the spirits of those who die having faith in Him have ascended to where He is with the Father.

The second Greek word translated "hell" is derived from a Hebrew word, and depicts the place or state of everlasting punishment. With the exception of James 3:6, all other uses of this "hell" can be found in Jesus’ words in the gospels.

The third use of the English word "hell" can be found once in II Peter 2:4. The meaning of the Greek word is "deepest abyss of Hades," or "to incarcerate in eternal torment." This meaning was used when Peter said, For if God spared not angels when they sinned, but cast them down to hell, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment… Peter goes on in the remainder of the passage telling of how the false teachers, turning souls away from the truth, will receive the same punishment. This is the same place to which Jesus referred when He spoke of separating the sheep from the goats, in Matthew 25:41. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels. (Orig. KJV)

The Greek word for "angels" literally means "messengers" as well as {by implication,} "pastors." The deepest abyss of Hades was prepared especially for the devil and his "messengers," which includes those pastors that have not preached the truth – they are the messengers of Satan. These "ministers" are like wolves in sheep’s clothing that preach condemnation, and not salvation, to the gullible souls whom they have deceived. The "pastors" themselves are deceived, but they WILL be held accountable.

Scenario of the Lake of Fire:

Having experienced a taste of the Father’s heartbreak, and having learned all that has been presented in previous chapters, I believe that what I am about to describe has been placed in my heart by God Himself.

The "fire" in the Lake of Fire is not a consuming fire, and is also unquenchable. It is a lake of fire AND brimstone. Brimstone is sulfur – it burns with a blue flame, and its stifling odor stings the nostrils. Those that spend eternity in that horrible place will experience never-ending, excruciating, pain unlike anything they ever suffered on earth. The stifling odor from the brimstone will cause those in Hell to cry out for air, but there will be no air available. There will be no unconsciousness to take the place of the sense of suffocation. There will forever be the stench of burning flesh that never dies, and is never consumed. There will be no shutting out the screams of anguish, the shrieks of rage, the grating of teeth – the loud wailing of masses of people will go on for eternity. There will be aloneness such as they have never known, with no insanity into which to escape. There will be no fellowship, no shoulder to cry on, and no sympathetic ear. They lived for self while on earth, and now all they have is "self" – no one will care – each one will be taken up with his/her own torment.

There is no such thing as annihilation in the lake of fire. The relief of death will never come, because death has also been cast into the lake of fire. Just as there is no such thing as unconsciousness, there is no such thing as sleep in the lake of fire – tiredness will never end. Eyes will never close to give relief from the burning and the sulfuric fumes. Thirst and the agonizing pain of dryness of the tongue and throat will be endless.

Those things for which the tormented souls lived on earth will indicate the area of their torment in the lake of fire. Those that abused their bodies with tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, will never have relief – the cravings will be eternal. If on earth any were involved in some form of sexual perversion their torment will be some of the worst, because the body was intended to be the temple of the Holy Spirit and their sin was against the body. There will be never ending memories of their "partners," and they will be tormented constantly with unfulfilled desires.

Memories will never fade, but will remain vivid forever. Never to be forgotten will be the memories of every wrong done against another. There will be memories of those that shared the truth of Jesus Christ, but they rejected Him – thinking they would come to Him "later." They will remember every believer they knew on earth. There will be the memories of a godly mother, or grandmother, who spent countless hours praying for them, but they willfully rejected Jesus. There are two words which will ring incessantly in the minds – "if only" – but there will be no end to the "ringing."

Unrepentant murderers that have destroyed the lives of the unborn will pay an eternal price; whether a doctor, nurse, mother, father, grandparent, or any other person responsible for causing such a choice to be made. Memories of the cries of babies will haunt them forever – there will be no escape.

"Ministers" who have not preached the Truth, and have caused souls to be lost, will have the worst punishment of all. They will be horrified to find themselves cast into the lake of fire. They will be thrust into the company of Satan, the beast, and the false prophet. The rage of the false ministers against God whom they believed they "served" will cause blasphemous tirades to be heard all over the lake of fire. Those whom they turned away from trust in Jesus will recognize the voices of these "ministers," and their anger and anguish will be magnified at the sound of these religious impostors that lied to them.

All those that are suffering the torment of hell fire are there because they chose a life of flesh. And now their eternal reward is in the place where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. Mark 9:48

FLESH is the reason Jesus came in the likeness
of  SINFUL FLESH to destroy FLESH
  because
"flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God."
I Corinthians 15:50