Millennial Kingdom

Mat 6:10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 

In the second chapter of Daniel, four great world kingdoms are typified by great image, and after Daniel has interpreted its meaning, we have this significant statement:

Dan 2:44  And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

CLV  Dan 2:44 In their days, that is, of these kings, the Eloah of the heavens will set up a kingdom that for the eons shall not come to harm. His kingdom shall not be left to another people. It will pulverize and terminate all these kingdoms, and it shall be confirmed for the eons."

To sum up the evidence of this passage so as to clearly grasp its full meaning, at once, relative to the character of the "kingdom" the God of heaven is going to set up, we get this:

1. The four kingdoms typified in the image are world-wide dominions
2. The fourth kingdom shall be divided;
3. And in the days of those kings (the ten-toe divisions) of the divided fotirth world kingdom,
4. Shall the God of heaven set tip kingdom.
5. It shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms,
6. And it shall rise for the eons.

Here we have the assurance that the God of heaven will set up an earthly kingdom, that it is to break in pieces and consume all other kingdoms, have world dominion and stand for the eons. With this much evidence secured, let us study the seventh chapter of Daniel.

1. The four large animals, coming up out of the great sea, typify kings (v. 17) and kingdoms that shall be in the earth (v. 23).
2. The fourth animal shall be diverse from all the animals that were before it (with reference to position, not time) and had ten liorns (v. 7).
3. The ten horns of that kingdom are ten kings that shall arise (v. 24).
4. Another horn shall arise after them having eyes and mouth declaring monstroxis things against the Supreme (v. 25).
5. He shall make war (v. 21) and wear out the saints (v. 25).
6. The Transferrer of days came (v. 22).
7. And with the clouds of heaven one like the Son of Man came (v. 13).
8. Adjudication is sitting and the scrolls are opened (vs. 10, 26).
9. The horn speaking great things had his dominion taken away and consumed to trie end (vs. 11, 26).
10. And unto Him [the Son of Mankind] was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, races and lang uages should serve Him (v. 14).
11. And the time arrived that the saints should possess the kingdom (v. 22).
12. And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under all the heavens shall be given to the people of the saints and the kingdom is an eonian kingdom and all dominions shall serve and obey it (v. 27).

1. The God of the heavens has purposed to set up kingdom (2:44).
2. In the days of those kings (2:44), the ten-toe divisions of the divided fourth world kingdom (2:41, 42). 
3. The ten horns of that kingdom are ten kings that shall arise (7:24). 
4. Another horn shall arise after them having eyes and mouth speaking against the Supreme (7:20-25). 
5. He shall make war and wear out the saints (7:25). 
6. The Transferrer of days comes (7:22), and with the clouds of heaven one like Son of Man came (7:13). 
7. Adjudication takes its seat and the horn declaring mon strous things had his dominion taken away and consumed unto the end (7:11, 26). 
8. And to the Son of Mankind was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, races and languages should serve Him (7:14). 
9. And His kingdom shall "break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms (2:44). 
10. All dominions shall serve and obey Him (7:27), and His kingdom shall rise for the eons (2:44). 11. The time arrives for the saints to safeguard the kingdom, and adjudication is granted to the saints of the suprem acies (7:22). 
12. And the kingdom and authority and the majesty of the kingdom 'under all the heavens shall be given to the people of the saints (7:27).

Surely no one need to err in the face of all this evi dence as to the expression *' the kingdom of the heavens'' used by Matthew. It is literal kingdom to be set up by the God of heaven and will embrace all the kingdoms under the whole heaven. The expression calls attention to the source from whence the kingdom comes the heavens, and the sphere where it is to operate—under all the heavens, that is, on the earth.

May it be noted that the expression "the kingdom of the heavens" lays emphasis on the physical and political aspects of the kingdom, while the expression "the king dom of God", though spiritual and universal in its full and complete sense, is oftentimes used in speaking of "the kingdom of the heavens" to emphasize the God of the heavens Who sets up the kingdom, and to Whom authority and sovereignty must be acknowledged by all who enter and enjoy its blessings. It emphasizes the spiritual aspects of the kingdom on earth in which the will of God is to be done as it is in heaven.

1. The God of heaven has purposed to set up kingdom (2:44).
2. In the days of those kings (2:44), that is, the divided king dom of the ten toes (2:41, 42).
3. Which is the fourth animal kingdom in the earth, the ten horns of which are ten kings that shall arise (7:23, 24).
4. And another (horn or king) will arise after them, and he will be diverse from the former ones (7:24).
5. He will speak great words against the Supreme (7:25).
6. And he will wear out the saints (7:25).
7. But with the clouds of heaven one like the Son of Mankind came (7:13).
8. And to Him was given dominion and glory and kingsfiip, that all peoples, races, and languages should serve Him (7:14).
9. And his dominion (the horn king that arises after the ten and speaks great words against the Supreme) will be taken away, to consume to the end (7:26).
10. And the kingdom and the authority and the majesty of the kingdom under all the heavens shall be given to the saints (7:22, 27).
11. His kingdom is an eonian kingdom and all the dominions shall serve and obey it (7:27).

The Kingdom will be setup in Jerusalem (Eze 43:2-9; Jer 30:18-22; Isa 2:2-3; Joel 3:16)

Ezekiel tells us that the name of the city in that day will be JehovahShammah, that is, "the Lord [Jehovah] is there" (Eze. 48:35), while Zechariah calls it "the city of truth" (Zech. 8:1-7). Then shall many peoples and strong nations come to seek and worship Jehovah of hosts in Jerusalem" (Zech. 8:22).

Palestine will be "made like the garden of Eden" (Eze. 36:35) and inhabited by the sons of Israel, made one nation in the land of their fathers, to dwell therein, they and their children, and their children's children for the eon, when Jehovah shall hallow them, setting His tabernacle in the midst of them, and be their God and they shall be His people (Eze. 37: 21-28; 39:21-29).

The royal grant of land given unto their father Abraham is more than eight times larger than that which was formerly occupied by the twelve tribes. It extends from the "river of Egypt" to the Euphrates (Gen. 15:18). Ezekiel fixes its northern boundary at Hamath, about 100 miles north of Damas-cus, and its southern boundary at Kadesh, about 100 miles south of Jerusalem (Eze. 48:1-28). With Israel established in their land as the royal priesthood to Jehovah, "the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under all the heavens" shall be given to them (Dan. 7:26).

See Zech 8:1-8

Millennial Kingdom - Part 2

Millennium — The peaceful, prosperous 1000-year reign of the Messiah and his glorified bride as kings and priests (Rev_20:3-4) over the survivors of the 70th week's climatic events (Zec_14:16-19).

Rev 5:10  And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 

Rev_20:4  "…And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." 

1. Remnant Israel will get a heart for God (Isaiah 1:24-28, Amos 9:9-10, Zechariah 13:1, Hosea 14:4, Joel 2:32, Ezekiel 36:26, Zechariah 13:8-9, Micah 2:12, 7:19-20)

2. Remnant Israel will regret its past sin and rejection of Jesus (Isaiah 1:29-31, Zechariah 12:10-14, Ezekiel 36:21-22, Hosea 3:5).

3. Jerusalem will be lifted up topographically and spiritually (Isaiah 2:2-3, 29:22-24; Joel 3:20; Amos 9:14-15; Micah 4:1-2).

4. Jesus will be King, Judge, and Ruler (Isaiah 2:4a, 9:6-7, 11:1-5, 33:22; Micah 2:3-4).

5. Jesus will put an end to war and establish eternal peace (Isaiah 42:1-4, 2:4b; Micah 4:3-4; Zechariah 9:10).

6. A remnant of Israel will be saved, made holy, and be of great renown (Isaiah 4:2-3, 25:8, 61:9).

7. Jerusalem will be a refuge because of God’s supernatural protection and blessing (Isaiah 2:4-6, 11:10, 32:15-18, 62:5; Zechariah 8:22-23).

8. There will be no divided territory in Israel, but Israel will get all of what had been promised to her (Isaiah 9:1, 26:15).

9. The creation will be at peace with one another and with man, and the curse of thorns will be undone (Isaiah 11:6-9, 55:12-13, 65:25).

10.   Surviving Israelites will be gathered to Zion for worship (Isaiah 11:11-16, 27:13, 43:5-7, 49:22-23).

11.   Many who survived on the earth post-tribulation (Isaiah 13:12, 24:6) will bring homage to Zion as many will receive a heart for Jesus, but some won’t (Isaiah 18:7, 19:18-25; Zechariah 14:16-20).

12.   Sadly, a few will still reject Jesus and will suffer a judgment by fire at the end of the millennium (Revelation 20:7-10, Ezekiel 38-39) and be cast into the lake of fire as well (Revelation 20:11-15).

13.   Israel will be blessed, satisfied, and filled, and they will multiply on the earth.

14.   God will wipe away Israel’s tears and they will worship Him along with the redeemed (Isaiah 30:19-22, 35:9b-10, 65:19).

15.   God will optimize growing conditions for abundant and fruitful harvests, making Israel like Eden (Isaiah 30:23-26, 35:7, 41:18-20, 51:3; Joel 3:18; Ezekiel 36:29-30).

16.   Those who dwell in Zion will experience physical and spiritual healing and wholeness (Isaiah 33:24, 35:5-6).

17.   Remnant, redeemed Israel will be honored and a light to the nations (Isaiah 44:5, 49:5-6, 49:22-23, 61:9; Zechariah 9:16-17).

18.   Only the redeemed will dwell in Zion during the millennium, for no sin will enter there (Isaiah 52:1, Joel 3:17).

19.   In Jesus’ eternal kingdom reign, there is no possibility of Israel falling away yet again (Isaiah 59:21).

20.   There will be a temple and a priesthood during the millennial kingdom (Ezekiel 37:26, 40-48; Isaiah 60:13, 66:21) but not during the New Jerusalem and eternal age (Revelation 21:22).

21.   The nations of the earth will bring treasures to Zion (Isaiah 60:2-3, 10-11; Haggai 2:6-9), and any who resist will perish (Isaiah 60:12, 66:24).  Thus, all who enter there will be clean and of those who delightfully bow down to Jesus (Isaiah 66:23).

22.   Jesus will be the light (Isaiah 60:19-20).

23.   Israel will be given a new name, and so will any Gentiles who repent (Isaiah 56:1-8, 62:2).

24.   Lifespans will be longer (Isaiah 65:20, 22b).

25.   The presence of God will be immediate and intimate with His people (Isaiah 65:24).

Three OT Festivals

Three Festivals and the Salvation of ALL

There is a beautiful "type" in the Old Testament that demonstrates when and in what manner all these unsaved masses will be saved.

The Old Testament type is illustrated all throughout the New Testament.

The American Heritage College Dictionary: "type n  6. A figure, representation, or symbol of something to come, such as an event in the Old Testament that foreshadows another in the New Testament," p. 1485.

There are many such types beginning back in the the first chapter of Genesis.

Here are just two examples:

[1]  The Passover in ancient Israel was a type of its true fulfillment to come in our Lord's crucifixion:

1Co 5:7  Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened.  For even Christ our Passover [Lamb] is sacrificed for us:

[2]  And James demonstrates the foreshadowing of the firstfruits harvest by saying:

Jas 1:18  Of His own will begat He us with the Word of Truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits [of the spring harvest] of his creatures.

It's important to note that whenever the word "first" is used, it always suggests more to follow - there is never a Spring harvest without a following Fall harvest.

We will now take a look at three of the Old Testament types that center on the harvest seasons.

In ancient Israel there were three times in the year when all men were to appear before God:

[1]  THE WAVE SHEAF (Feast of Unleavened Bread and Passover)

Lev 23:10-12  Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf OF the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest ... And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the FIRST year for a burnt offering unto the Lord.

This wave sheaf of the very first of the firstfruits is a type of our Lord Who was the perfect Lamb without blemish offered in the Spring on Passover.

NASB  1Co 15:20  But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.

Jesus is not the entire firstfruits but rather "the firstfruit OF them that sleep."

He is the firstfruit OF the firstfruit or more precisely the "wave sheaf OF the firstfruits."

Firstfruit is a term that pertains to agriculture and harvesting. It was never a theological term until introduced into the New Testament with regards to a small number who would be saved prior to a much larger number to be saved later.

[2]  THE FIRSTFRUITS (Feast of Weeks)

Num. 18:12 & Num 18:13  All the best of the oil , and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the FIRSTFRUITS of them which they shall offer unto the Lord, them have I given thee ... And whatsoever is FIRST RIPE in the land which they shall bring unto the Lord, shall be thine...

Deut. 26:10  And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O Lord, has given me.  And thou shalt set it before the LORD thy God, and worship before the Lord thy God.

The New Testment type of this Old Testament symbol is the Believer.

Notice what James tells us:

Jas 1:18  Of His own will begat He us with the Word of Truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits [of the spring harvest] of his creatures.

Now a very important point: How far down the road in prophecy can we go until we reach the end of the firstfruits?

In Rev 7:4-8 we read of the sealing of the 144,000. These are a different group from the great innumerable multitude, which no man could number, from every nation and tongue spoken of beginning in verse 9.

In Chapter 14:1 & 4 we are told specifically who these 144,000 are:

Rev 14:1 & Rev 14:4  And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand [notice that the innumerable multitudes from all nations is not mentioned here] ... These are they which were not defiled with women, for they are virgins [as in the Bride of Christ]. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, BEING THE FIRSTFRUITS unto God and to the Lamb.

So every believer from the Apostles to the 144,000 just prior to the return of Jesus Christ to establish His reign on the earth, is called and likened to FIRSTFRUITS! 

So what does this have to do with The Lake of Fire? 

EVERYTHING!  Everyone saved before the Day of Judging is likened to firstfruits, so there will be no more firstfruits after The Great White Throne Judgment.

Paul tells us in:

Rom. 8:23  And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the FIRSTFRUITS of the Spirit...

Nowhere do we read of the "LAST-fruits", or "ONLY-fruits" but whenever something is FIRST we also know there is something to follow.

The firstfruits are clearly not the ONLY fruits! 

Follow this very closely now, for you are in for a big shock when you understand the type in the fall festival of Tabernacles-the great fall harvest.

[3]  THE END-OF-THE-YEAR FEAST OF INGATHERING (Feast of Tabernacles)

Ex 23:16  And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou has sown in the field and the FEAST OF INGATHERING, which is in the END OF THE YEAR, when you have gathered in thy labours out of the field.

Deut 16:13-15  Thou shall observe the FEAST OF TABERNACLES seven [number of perfection] days, after that you have gathered in your corn and your wine: And you shall REJOICE IN YOUR FEAST, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the widow, that are within your gates [that's just about EVERYONE, wouldn't you say?]. Seven days [here's that perfect number again] shall you keep A SOLEMN FEAST [a very important feast to God] unto the LORD your God in the place which the Lord shall choose: because the Lord thy God shall bless you in all your increase, and in all the works of your hands, therefore you shalt surely REJOICE.

Here truly was a festival in which EVERYONE, every single person in all Israel, and also did you notice, "the STRANGER" who was NOT an Israelite could really REJOICE!

This festival was the happiest time of the year for everyone!

Do we think it will have no fulfillment in God's grand plan of salvation?

Lev 23:34-36  Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, the fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the FEAST OF TABERNACLES for seven days unto the LORD. On the first day shall be an holy convocation: you shall do no servile work therein. Seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the EIGHTH DAY shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by FIRE unto the LORD: it is a SOLEMN assembly; and you shall do no servile work therein.

Why is the profound and marvelous truth of this festival not taught in its proper chronological order by the teachers of Christendom?

How is it even possible to avoid seeing the powerful and glorious consummation of God's salvation in this Fall Harvest Festival?

Jesus Taught the purpose of the Fall Harvest.

The eighth day of this Feast of Tabernacles was called "The Last Great Day of the Feast."

Jesus Christ Himself came to the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem and spoke on the Last Great Day:

John 7:37-38  In the last day, that GREAT DAY OF THE FEAST, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If ANY MAN thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.  He that believes on Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of LIVING WATER.

At what point in future prophecy, will Jesus Christ CUT OFF the invitation to all and any who are thirsty to drink of His LIVING WATERS?

Our Lord NEVER cuts off the invitation to drink of the living waters.

These waters (a symbol for God's Spirit) will be available until every creature in heaven and earth is saved:

Rev 21:6  And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the FOUNTAIN OF THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY.

Rev 22:7  And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come.  And let him that hears say, Come.  And let him that is athirst come.  And WHOSOEVER WILL, let him take the WATER OF LIFE FREELY.

And this declaration is made just five verses before the END OF THE BIBLE!

Don't be deceived, Jesus Christ IS the "tree of life" in the Garden, and NO ONE can partake of that tree of life except he first pass the through the "FLAMING SWORD" that points in all directions and guards the tree of life. Remember, "Our God is a CONSUMING FIRE" (Heb. 12:29).

So Tabernacles celebrated the great Fall harvest, the largest harvest of the whole year. It was this great Fall harvest that would sustain Israel through the winter months.

There were far more products to be harvested in the END of the year than in the Spring of the year. Therefore this same type must carry over into the New Testament.

So here is where we are. There were THREE great festivals in the yearly calendar of Israel:

Deut 16:16  THREE TIMES in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which He shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread [which included Passover], and in the feast of weeks [firstfruits], and in the feast of tabernacles [the time of the great fall harvest]: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty.

First comes the wave sheaf, the very first of the firstfruits, on Passover, during the feast of unleavened bread. This represents CHRIST, the very first (wave sheaf) OF the firstfruit, our Passover sacrificed for us.

Second was the Feast of Weeks when the firstfruit of the land was harvested. This represents US, the FIRSTFRUIT to enter God's Kingdom. James says WE are the firstfruit of God (James 1:18).

Third came the great Fall harvest, the Feast of Tabernacles, a much much larger gathering, where ALL THE FALL HARVEST was gathered in!

What does this Feast picture? This was the time of true REJOICING FOR EVERYONE. Absolutely EVERYONE. No one was left out of this great and final festival of the year:

Deut 16:14  And thou shalt rejoice IN THY FEAST [of Tabernacles, the fall harvest], YOU, and your SON, and your DAUGHTER, and your MANSERVANT, and your MAIDSERVANT, and the LEVITE, the STRANGER [Gentiles], and the FATHERLESS, and the WIDOW, that are within your gates.

NO ONE was EXCLUDED! EVERYONE was INCLUDED!

And so we see in the New Testament that these three festivals of ancient Israel are really types in God's master plan of salvation.

Christ the FIRST of the firstfruit. Then believers, the FIRSTFRUITS. And then the great FALL HARVEST.

But wait a minute. We know that Christ was the First of the firstfruit to be resurrected to life.

We also know that all the believing saints who are to reign with Christ at His coming are the rest of the firstfruits.

So where then does the great fall harvest of souls come into God's family? When have you ever been taught about the great fall harvest, which excludes no one but includes everyone?  There is a reason why you haven't heard the truth of these Scriptures in Christendom.

According to Christendom THERE IS NO GREAT FALL HARVEST OF SOULS at the end of the ages!

That's right, they say there will be NO Fall Harvest in God's Kingdom. Just how do they account for such a thing? Is God such an inept and unskilled Farmer that He has a total crop failure when Fall harvest time comes, or will He just BURN THE ENTIRE HARVEST in the eternal fires of some fabled hell?
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More later...

Three OT Festivals - Part 2

Every man will be saved in his own order.

1 Cor 15:20-24 presents us with the type and fulfillment of the three harvest festivals:

[1]  The Wave Sheaf of the very first of the firstfruits:

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the FIRSTFRUITS OF [the rest of the firstfruits awaiting resurrection in His presence] them that slept ... But EVERY MAN [all mankind, the WHOLE human race] in his own ORDER: Christ the firstfruits...

[2]  The Firstfruits, the Spring Harvest:

Afterward they that are Christ's [those who are now saved] at His coming [the rest of the firstfruits that are sleeping and those alive waiting].

[3]  The Fall Harvest:

Then comes the END [The Fall Harvest, the Feast of Tabernacles]. ...and the feast of INGATHERING [of the Fall Harvest], which is in the END... (Ex 23:16)

What did Jesus say would happen in "the end," at the "end of the Feast," "the last day," "the last great day of the feast?" 

John 7:37-38  In the last day, that GREAT DAY OF THE FEAST, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If ANY MAN thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believes on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of LIVING WATER.

THEN COMES THE END

1 Cor 15:24 says, "Then comes the END..." 

"The end" of what?

Just what is it that "ends" in "the end?" 

Does the earth end? Does the universe end? Do we end? What ends in the end? 

Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His coming [Gk: His presence]. Then comes THE END..." (2 Cor 15:24). 

Let's look at a few verses before we come to "the end" in verse 24:

1 Cor 15:20  But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

Contrary to popular teaching, there was no heavenly welcoming committee of men and women who became firstfruits BEFORE Christ became the FIRSTFRUIT.

No, there were no saints welcoming Christ back to heaven. Christ taught:

John 3:13  And NO MAN has ascended into heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

Jesus Christ was the FIRST.

Ask your pastor if this verse really is true, that "NO MAN" has ascended into heaven. This would then mean that Lazarus and Abraham in the Rich man parable also were NOT IN HEAVEN as most teach that they were, wouldn't it?

Among the very last few words that Christ uttered on this earth were these:

Rev 22:13  I am Alpha and Omega, the BEGINNING and the END, the FIRST and the LAST.

So yes, Christ is the first of the firstfruits. He is the first of EVERYTHING, He is the very Creator; and He is the last, the end, the CONSUMMATION of God's plan of universal salvation.

1Co 15:21-22  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For AS in Adam ALL die, EVEN SO in Christ shall ALL be made alive.

First I want to show you that the word "alive" in this verse is a word that is used with reference to imparting immortality, and not just mortal life.

The Greek word is zoopoieo, and it means to give life beyond the grasp of any future death.

Notice how it is used in:

Rom 8:11  But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead [Christ was raised to immortality, not back to a mortal life] dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken [zoopoieo] your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in you.

So clearly God does not give "mortal" life to our "mortal" bodies, seeing that we already have mortal life.

No, He imparts IMMORTALITY to us. And this is exactly what Paul tells us in:

1 Cor 15:53  For this corruptible [body] must put on incorruption [spiritual], and this mortal [dying or dead body] must put on IMMORTALITY [Gk: DEATH-LESS-NESS].

And to whom does Christ grant immortal "zoopoieo" life?

Answer: "ALL."

The very same "all" who die in Adam are the very same "all" who are given life IN CHRIST.

It is also noteworthy that it is "...IN Christ ALL..." and is not restricted to only, "...ALL IN CHRIST..." as many have tried to twist this verse to mean.

They say it is only all those who are "in" Christ. But that is not what this verse says.  It says "in Christ ALL."  That is the order of words.

This verse is not speaking of those just the "all believers" who are said to be "IN Christ." No, this verse is speaking about the very same "in Adam ALL" who die become the very same "in Christ ALL" who are made alive.

And although this particular verse does not say that "all" are now "IN Christ," it does most definitely say that "in Christ," the "ALL" shall be shall be "made alive."

"Made alive" does not prove they are "in" Christ or that they are "saved," only that they have been given immortal life. 

Then comes JUDGMENT. But don't think that therefore there is no Scripture that says they will eventually "ALL" be "IN" Christ, because there is:

Eph 1:10  That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one ALL ['things' is not in original texts] IN Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even IN HIM.

Christ first raises ALL to mortal life.

At a later date He gathers this same ALL into Himself.

The "in Christ ALL" (1 Cor 15:22) then becomes the "ALL IN CHRIST" (Eph. 1:10).

Every creature in heaven and earth will be ONE IN Christ! I hope you can believe that.

1 Cor 15:23-24  But EVERY man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His coming. Then cometh the end...

The King James starts a new sentence and a new verse with the words, "Then cometh the end..." It should, however, be a continuation of the previous sentence. There are three items in view here, not just two. The Concordant Version has a better rendering of this:

Yet each in his own class: the Firstfruit, Christ; thereupon those who are Christ's in His presence; thereafter the consummation...

One, two, three. So there are three orders or classes that synchronize with the three festivals of harvest:

[1]  "The Firstfruit, Christ" (The Passover, The Wave Sheaf).

[2]  "Thereupon those who are Christ's" (Pentecost, the Firstfruits).

[3]  "Thereafter the consummation [the end]" (the final Fall Harvest of Ingathering in the end of the year).

These three match perfectly with the three types of harvest in the Old Testament. So yes indeed, there will be a fall harvest at the end, at the CONSUMMATION. Now the rest of

1 Cor 15:24  ...thereafter the consummation when He [Christ] shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

Notice that Christ does not rule "forever and ever" as is popularly taught, but rather delivers up the kingdom to GOD His Father.

But He does this after He puts down ALL RULE AND ALL AUTHORITY, AND ALL POWER. Who/Where? EVERYONE/EVERYWHERE!

Eph 1:10  That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together [just like the fall "ingathering of the harvest"] in one ALL ['things' is not in the Greek] in Christ, both which are IN HEAVEN, and which are ON EARTH, IN HIM.

And so here is our Scripture which clearly states that "ALL" in both heaven and earth will become "ONE IN Christ."

Now they are no longer just given life in Christ, but now they are SAVED, they are "one in Christ!"

Notice that there is coming a "GATHERING TOGETHER OF ALL IN ONE [Christ]."

And that this gathering together of all in one consists of ALL IN THE HEAVENS AND ALL IN THE EARTH! Who then is left out? NO ONE! These ALL in heaven and earth are not gathered "under" Christ, but "IN Christ!"

Let's read it again. A verse this important and all encompassing cannot be over emphasized:

Eph 1:10  That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together IN ONE [just as in harvest time] ALL IN Christ, BOTH WHICH ARE IN HEAVEN, AND WHICH ARE ON EARTH; IN HIM.

Now then, when "ALL" in both heaven and earth are gathered into one "IN Christ," absolutely no one is left out. This is also in perfect harmony with other Scriptures regarding the salvation of everyone in both the heavens and the earth, and even those dead and six feet UNDER the earth. 

Phil 2:9-11  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE should bow, of [those] in heaven, and those in earth, and those under [all who have died] the earth: And that EVERY TONGUE should confess that Jesus Christ IS LORD to the glory of God the Father.

Sometimes when something is important God gives us a SECOND WITNESS:

Isa 45:23  I HAVE SWORN BY myself, the Word is gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto Me EVERY KNEE shall bow, EVERY TONGUE shall swear.

And when something is really important God even gives us a THIRD WITNESS:

Rom 14:11  For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, EVERY KNEE shall bow to me, and EVERY TONGUE shall confess to God.

It is futile to say that 1 Cor 15:22 means only the all who are "in" Christ will be saved, even though the order of words is clear in all translations.

It is not "all IN Christ" that is spoken of in this verse, but rather "in Christ ALL" that is spoken of.

But later, after resurrection, after judgment, "in the dispensation of the fullness of times", we learn that, indeed, it is "ALL in Christ" and now the "ALL" is EVERYONE IN HEAVENS AND ON THE EARTH-ALL OF GOD'S CREATURES!

By the way, for all those ultra-stubborn ones who say that, yes, all will bow their knees, and if they don't God will break their knees and force them to confess that "Jesus is LORD," let me present this Scripture:

1 Cor 12:3b  ...no man CAN SAY that Jesus is the Lord BUT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT.

So then, "in Christ ALL" shall be made alive with immortal and incorruptible life; ALL both in the heavens and in the earth shall be judged (set right), and then all in the heavens and all in the earth will bow and confess that Christ is LORD of their lives; and ALL in both heaven and earth will be gathered together in ONE "IN Christ."

This is the great fall harvest. This is the meaning of Tabernacles. This is the grand and glorious note on which the ENDS OF EONS climax!

Three OT Festivals - Part 3

TO BE "IN CHRIST" IS salvation.

What does it mean to be "IN Christ" seeing that ALL IN HEAVEN AND EARTH WILL BE "IN Christ?"

Therefore if any man be IN Christ, he is a NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; behold, ALL things are become new.

How many will be reconciled "IN Christ"?

To wit, that God was IN Christ, reconciling THE WORLD unto Himself, NOT IMPUTING THEIR TRESPASSES UNTO THEM... (2 Cor 5:17 & 2 Cor 5:19).

Of course, how could it be otherwise? Jesus doesn't make just "some" new creatures from the old, no, He makes "ALL THINGS ... NEW." And we all know this verse:

There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION to them which are IN Christ Jesus...

How many will be IN Christ? We read it: "ALL."

There is coming the time when there will be no more condemnation IN ANYONE ANYWHERE! Praise God and BELIEVE IT!

WHEN IS IT TOO LATE TO BE SAVED?

But are these Scriptures believed? In the "the end," in "the last day ," in that "GREAT DAY OF THE FEAST," can "ANY" man really and truly drink of Christ if he is thirsty, or will it be TOO LATE?

"If ANY MAN THIRST, let him come unto Me, and DRINK."

What about the Rich man in the parable who said,

Luk 16:24  ...be merciful to me [is God a God of mercy?] and send Lazarus that he should be dipping the tip of his finger in water and cooling my tongue...

Can this Rich man come to Christ and "drink"? Ask your pastor. The answer will probably be, "NO, he cannot come to Christ and drink, because for him IT IS TOO LATE."

"TOO LATE?" The "END," the "END of the Feast," "the LAST day," "the LAST great day of the Feast," is, "TOO LATE?"

NO! The LAST great day of the feast is NOT too late. The LAST GREAT DAY OF THE FEAST IS WHEN Jesus said let "ANY MAN" freely come and drink of the water of life:

Rev 21:6  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the END ... I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the WATER OF LIFE FREELY.

John 7:37-38  In the LAST DAY, that GREAT DAY OF THE FEAST, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If ANY MAN THIRST [even the Rich man] LET HIM COME UNTO ME, AND DRINK.

In the parable of Lazarus and the Rich man, we find the Rich man being Judged, so he has not as yet partaken of the water of life, but he will.

And so the church today has relegated this marvelous type of the fall harvest of rejoicing into an eternity of grieving. They see no need to SAVE the harvest.

Their message is to BURN AND DESTROY THE HARVEST!

To them the Fall Harvest is not worth saving; to them the Fall Harvest is EVIL, and needs to be burned in fire for all eternity.

This is decidedly not the way God views humanity in the end time of harvest. It seems that the greatest minds in theology today cannot understand the simplest analogies, types, and parables in the Scriptures?

GOD THE FARMER

Think about these things with a little bit of sensibility and reverence for God's desires.

Oh how we demean the very God we claim to worship. For millennia man has tilled the ground, planted seed, cultivated, sweat and toiled in anticipation of a GOOD CROP.

You can't count the times that Scripture talks of food, produce, oil, olives, figs, corn, wine, cattle, milk, honey, seedtime and harvest. The ideal setting being a land filled with happy children , peace, health, and PLENTY! Our Lord said that God His Father is a "Farmer" ("My Father is the Farmer" John 15:1).

Now it is indeed acknowledged by the church that God will have a small spring harvest of firstfruits, but when it comes to the FALL harvest, the really BIG harvest, The Greatest Farmer in the Universe, will not have a bumper crop but will rather have a TOTAL CROP FAILURE!

Or more precisely, He BURNS THE ENTIRE FALL HARVEST.

Does this blasphemous teaching sound to you like God is being exalted as the Greatest Farmer in all the earth? An all-wise, all-knowing, all-powerful, all-loving Farmer Who can cultivate and produce a perfect and complete Fall Harvest?

Why would our Father's Son, Jesus Christ, liken His Father to a Farmer, knowing in advance that His Farmer Father will produce fall harvest that is worse that the worst of human farmers?

The spring harvest is the harvest of those firstfruits that have entered into the straight and narrow gate.

The fall harvest is the harvest of all those who went the wide and broad way into destruction.

Destruction is not the final destiny of the nonbeliever. Being DESTROYED, PERISHED, and LOST are all conditions awaiting SALVATION, and are not conditions to be eternally punished!

All, absolutely ALL, who are not in the first resurrection are in a condition likened to: "lost," "perished," or "destroyed." Contrary to orthodoxy these conditions are NOT hopeless.