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Observations and Rewards -
Part II
There are many great commentaries on Biblical prophesy that shed expanding light on the awesome symbolism found within the Bibles pages. (It would do us well to read every one of them). Nevertheless, I will try to consolidate some observations and opinions concerning the return of the Lord, the Rapture of the Church, and our judgment before Christ; reflecting upon their present applications to our daily lives. As we begin, however, we must acknowledge (first and foremost) that Christ's words to us (particularly in His letters to the seven churches) are the judicious expression, and intimate spiritual evaluation of our relationship to Himself, wherein He weighs our obedience to His word in both its "Logos" (written) and Rhema (personal command sense). Throughout, we see Him encouraging, chastening, exhorting and rebuking, in a manner reminiscent to that of God's dealing with the children of Israel as found in the entire Old Testament. As our Judge, He evaluates both our motivations and the quality of our works by His own lofty and demanding standards. Still, it is imperative that we understand that this is not God's judgment unto damnation; (for that was decided at the cross). Instead, His eyes like unto flames of fire, will judge every man according as his work shall be; --whether to rewards, or to loss of reward, in the light of eternity. Let us not delude ourselves, however, for even Judas Iscariot was called and chosen, and I doubt whether there is a lawyer or minister alive today who could argue his eternal security. Also, let us not forget the scripture teaching that: some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, in the last days. (1 Tim. 4 v. 1) (A trend we see fulfilled today in the New Age Movement). Therefore, it is essential for us to understand unequivocally, that the degree to which we allow Christ's Lordship to rule and reign in our lives, here and now, directly determines not only our relationship to Him in Eternity, but the very depths of our responsibilities there as well. This is certainly not some clarion call to Evangelical cheap grace, easy believism, or formulated religious ritual. No -- this is the "upward calling of God in Christ Jesus," even our discipleship. For Christ's essential message to us, (in both the gospels and in Revelation) is not only a mandate to our individual repentance, but is also an invocation to the absolute re-invention of our adamic nature, by the power of the Holy Spirit as well. Still, we must admit, this is a lifelong (often grueling) process that cannot be accomplished overnight, through some magical manipulation of our own carnal minds; (for our soulish nature is by its very nature motivationally suspect). But, little by little, if we yield ourselves to the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus, and are washed clean daily by the water of His word, our souls can become slowly reanimated to this completely new way of Spirit led life -- which is, in fact, the only real life -- (all other life being merely existence). For one steadfast truth remains above all, and that is -- God's love -- in fact, His very heart's desire, is that we might know Him; not as some far off theological concept but as His friends; learning to collaborate with Him in His present plan of Redemption and
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