A Warning to the Churches

A picture of the Judgment Seat of Christ

This scripture tells us not only what Christ's judgment of each church will be corporately but it also tells us that each and every individual can expect to be held accountable for their works [good or bad] upon Christ's judgment of the saints at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Before we go into this study let me assure you that this writer has the firm belief that the saved have everlasting life [are spiritually reborn] and that Christians can do nothing in and of themselves to stop or change the gift of everlasting, spiritual salvation that Christ effected for them by His death and resurrection. Christians did not work to gain everlasting salvation and therefore they can not do any kind of work that would result in the loss of their everlasting salvation. The work was Christ's and imputed {freely given} to any that have believed. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance. [Romans 11:29] In other words God does not change His mind! Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. [Hebrews 13:8] Amen!

This study, for the most part, is not concerning [salvation of the spirit], otherwise known as [everlasting salvation] through the finished work of Christ on the cross, but is rather a study of the [salvation of the soul] which is different in that the [salvation of the soul] concerns being worthy to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and thus receive the reward of ruling the Kingdom of Heaven with Christ.

This is based on [our own] works which is suffering the everyday battle of dying to self thus allowing Christ's Holy Spirit to live through us] and therefore, at the Judgment Seat of Christ, our works of dying to self are judged and not the works of the flesh. The finished work of Christ on the cross is not in this picture at all since it is a free gift not a reward.

It is not the Will of our Lord, the Christ, that any of us miss out on the glorious blessing of reigning with Him as a Servant-King during the millennial reign of Christ. If we miss out it will be because of our own behavior [disobedience, apostasy, or unfaithful works in the flesh] and for no other reason.

Let us begin.

When we see the words "Unto the angel of the church of ________ write", Christ is speaking to the leaders of that church since the Greek word used here for angel is [aggelos], meaning: a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, a messenger from God. That is exactly what a preacher or Pastor or Bishop does; they are supposed to convey the message of the Holy Spirit to the members of the local church.

But, we can also see that Christ is speaking to the individual members of the Church's as well, since he ends each of these warnings with "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."

Our first works

Ephesus

Revelation 2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

2:5
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Have you ever thought about what Christ is saying to these [saved] people? Yes, they are saved. They have fallen and are out of the perfect Will of God and have been to proud to admit to un-confessed sin in their lives and gotten slack in the duty of continually being filled with the Word of God.

My friend are you confessing your sins on a daily basis? Are you filling your Heart/Mind/Soul with the Word of God?

Christ tells them "I will come unto thee quickly, and will "remove" thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent, and do the first works"

Now, this is not a reference to loss of everlasting life. Christ is rather warning this body of believers that they might be excluded from the 1000 year Rule and Reign of Christ.

You might ask, How do you know that? Well, I am glad you asked that question.

First let us establish a much forgotten truth. The things that God showed us that happened to the Israelites in the wilderness {after their exodus from Egypt} were brought about by the providence of God so that their lives would be used as examples or {types} for the New Testament Christian. We are to pay close attention to the relationship they had with God, in that day, so that we might learn from their mistakes.

[1 Corinthians 10:11] Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

The Greek word for 'world' in [1 Corinthians 10:11] is 'Aion', meaning 'age'. "...upon whom the ends of the world {age} are come.

Remember Peter taught us that one day to God is a thousand years and a thousand years is as one day.

[2 Peter 3]

3:8
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

The next age to come is the 1000 year reign of Christ or the Lord's Day but also known as the Lords Day of rest for it is His Sabbath the Seventh Day. The last six {1000 year} days were the age of Man or Man's Day.

Now let's turn over to [Hebrews 3]

3:7
Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,

3:8
Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

3:9
When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.

3:10
Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.

3:11
So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)

3:16
For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.

3:17
But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?

3:18
And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not ?

3:19
So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Notice in [verse 3:18] the oath that God has sworn. The Holy Spirit has revealed that those whom believe not and are therefore disobedient will not enter into His {rest}. If it was true for God's people then, it is true for us today for God is no respecter of persons. The [rest] He is talking about is His Sabbath day. The last 1000 year day. The 1000 year Kingdom reign of Christ.

In the example of [Ch. 3: vs. 19 of Hebrews] the people referred to as {they} are God's people under the blood of Pentecost [examples or 'types' pointing to the saved in this dispensation] and yet disobedient unbelievers because they failed to go over Jordan at Kadesh-barnea and take the promised land {a 'type' or example of the millennial age} due to unbelief.

Christ's first advent was during the forth [1000 year] day and almost two [1000 year] days have gone by since then and the Sabbath rest of Christ is the next [1000 year] day on God's calendar.

Now let's look at [Hebrews 4]

4:1
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

Any of who? The writer of Hebrews is writing to and speaking to the saved. And, it does not matter that they may be saved Jews. They are nonetheless saved and therefore Christians.

How do you tell an unsaved man that he might come short of being born again from above. That is the work of the Holy Spirit not any man's work lest he should boast. The Word is plain. All that is required to be born again is believing what God has said concerning His darling, first begotten Son, plus nothing and minus nothing. It was finished on the Cross of Calvary.

To what Promise is [Hebrews 4:1] referring?

[Romans 4:13] For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

In verse [4:13] Paul says that the righteous are heirs of the World, now look at what Paul says in [Ephesians 3]

3:1: For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

3:2: If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

3:3: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

3:4: Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

3:5: Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

3:6: That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

The Gentiles of the church period [dispensation] of the gospel of the grace of God and gospel of the glory of Christ] are fellowheirs with the Jewish people. Fellowheirs of the promise God made to Abraham. The land {Earth} shall be inherited by the Jews but the heavenlies associated with the Earth will be inherited by the saints of God. Ultimately it all is Christ's inheritance and will be shared with His bride.

For more study concerning the bride of Christ please read Ye are the "Body of Christ" not the "Bride of Christ"

Let us continue.

[Genesis 17]

17:1
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

17:2
And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

17:3
And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

17:4
As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.

17:5
Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

17:6
And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.

17:7
And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

17:8
And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

17:9
And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.

This Promise was to Abraham's seed. The Jewish people. The Israelites. Jesus was born of a family tree that is of the direct decent from the throne of David and the tribe of Judah of Israel. When the leaders of Israel rejected Jesus {their Messiah} and crucified Him, they forfeited the heavenly portion of that inheritance that Christ had been offering them. They had been promised the Land through Abraham and when Christ appeared He had offered them a double portion, a heavenly kingdom as well.

[Mathew 4:17]

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

How many times had He taught [Behold the kingdom of heaven is likened unto this example or that example]?

Indeed, Christ is the King of that Heavenly Kingdom but they rejected Him and Christ took that portion of His inheritance away from Israel and has now offered it to the new creature in Christ Jesus {the Christian}. [2 Corinthians 5:17] [Galatians 6:15]

[John 10]

10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

[Ephesians 1]

1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

1:4
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

1:5
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

1:6
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Note: the redemption referred to in verse seven will not occur until the rapture of the Church.

1:8
Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

1:9
Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

Here is the key. Don't miss this!!!

1:10
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

1:11
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

1:12
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

1:14
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Note: the word earnest in [verse 14] is the Greek word {Arrhabon} meaning: money which in purchases are given as a pledge or down payment until the full amount will subsequently be paid.

1:15
Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

1:16
Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

1:17
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

This is a special wisdom, revelation, and knowledge of Christ so that....

1:18
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Here we see that Paul is not talking about being born again. The folks he is writing to are already saved. Besides, we do not 'hope' to be saved, we 'are' saved. No, this calling is a higher calling. [Philippians 3:14]

1:19
And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

1:20
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

1:21
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

The word "world" as is used here in this context is the Greek word 'Aion" meaning 'an age'. so this verse should really say Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this {age}, but also in that [age] which is to come:

The age that is to come is the 1000 year kingdom age of Christ.

1:22
And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

1:23
Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

The members of the church [His body], if they will overcome, can become fellow heirs with Christ and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven but that does not mean that they will avail themselves to that heirship. Also see "Ye are the "Body of Christ" not the "Bride of Christ" for a deeper study of the Bride of Christ.

Let us continue.

[Ephesians 3]

3:6
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

What do the saints have to do to overcome? We know that our everlasting spirit salvation is not what is in question here since that is a free gift through the finished work of Christ on the Cross plus nothing, minus nothing.

However, many Christians are in an apostate or backslidden state and outside the Will of God; therefore, they are not led of the Spirit and therefore are not overcoming the World, the Flesh, and the Devil. They are not dying to self.

[Romans 8]

8:14
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

8:15
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

8:16
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

8:17
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

The word 'if' distinguishes conditions in the Holy Writ.

We absolutely must set ourselves apart from the World and in doing so we can expect to suffer with Christ in this life so "that we may be also glorified together."

Christ is heir to the Kingdom of the Jews for He is the [Son of David] but since He is also the [Son of God] He is also {heir} to the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, when the time comes for Him to inherit the Kingdom, He will not only rule from the throne in Jerusalem [on Earth ] but He will also rule from the heavens where Satan and his angels [the powers and principalities of the air] rule from at the present.

[Ephesians 1:2] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

That which is to come is the millennial age wherein Christ will rule and reign with His saints.

Satan will be removed from that Kingdom by violence and cast to the earth during the [Time of Jacob's Trouble], [the last three and one half years of the seven years of tribulation].

When that event occurs, Christ and the saints, who have been found worthy to rule, at the Judgment Seat , will begin to rule as the powers and principalities of the air for the entire 1000 years of the next age. {The Millennial Reign of Christ.}

Thus, the Kingdom of Christ in the Heavens associated with the Earth will be established at the same time that the 1000 year millennial Reign of Christ begins on the Earth. The Jews will inherit their portion {The Earthly Kingdom} and the Bride of Christ , {all Christians accounted as worthy to stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ}, is removed [at the out resurrection of the dead], from the general assembly of the saved, and will receive their rewards of inheritance with Christ and rule and reign with Him for 1000 years.

The Body of Christ {the Church} will suffer the second death, [ref. Philippians 3:10-14] and will inherit their portion {The Heavenly Kingdom}. This is the "resurrection from among the dead" [Luke 20:35-36] [Luke 21-36] See The mystery of the Second Death for more concerning the second death and the out resurrection from the dead.

The Bride of Christ must be removed from the general assembly of the saved, [the body of the last Adam {Christ}], generally known as the church (the figure of the Body of Christ in this dispensation) [see [Philippians 3:10-14] just as Eve, the bride of the first Adam, [as a type] was taken out of, or formed from, the rib of the first Adam.

If we follow the rule of [first mention] we must use the Genesis account as the type by which all else will be followed or patterned after later on.

And this brings us back to [Hebrews 4]

4:3
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

4:4
For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.

4:5
And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.

4:6
Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:

4:8
For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

4:9
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. {Future tense}

4:10
For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

4:11
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Verse 11 says "Let Us labor" so now we see that the Sabbath or Seventh [1000 year] day is near upon us and the Holy Spirit has admonished us that some of God's people can and will be excluded from entering into His day of rest [1000 year millennial Reign of Christ] due to ongoing unbelief and there is an admonition toward some type of labor or work.

Can the Children of God be accused of unbelief? Absolutely! That is why there are so many spiritually defeated Christians. They are not believing God unto good works! Is it not written that we {Christians} are saved unto good works? Not saved by good works byt rather saved "unto" good works!

No, our [everlasting salvation] does not require that we do anything but believe or [rest] in Jesus but what about the time that is still left before eternity begins? There is another age on God's calendar. An age that will last for 1000 years and we are expected to get prepared, labor, for the prize of ruling in that age to come 'if" we want to rule and reign with Christ during that glorious age. This is 'soul' salvation. [Hebrews 10:39] [James 1:21] [1 Peter 1:9]

"Let us labour" indicates that we are going to be held responsible for doing some kind of work. Why does that have a familiar ring to it?

[James 1]

1:21
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Notice that James did not say 'which is able to save your spirits'. Why? Because our spirits are already saved!!!

1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

1:23
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

1:24
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

This type of man forgets that he is a saved servant of Christ Jesus.

1:25
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

1:26
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Note: Here in [verse 27] James tells us what our works should consist of.

Keeping our garment from being spotted is of utmost importance for if we are raptured and appear in the air {His kingdom} with spotted garments we will be considered to be unworthy to receive all of the reward that Christ wants to give us when we stand before Christ at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

[James Chapter 2], really zero's in on how works play's into the issue of entry into the Kingdom of Heaven or [Salvation of the Soul].

Yes, there is more than one aspect of our salvation.

Note: their is a third aspect of salvation which is the salvation of our body but we will address this aspect at a later time.

The first aspect is [Salvation of the Spirit], [the free gift of Christ's finished work on the cross] and the next aspect is [Salvation of the Soul], [Being worthy to stand before Christ and receive the reward of entry into the Kingdom of Heaven to reign with Christ as a Servant-King; based on our own works of {dying to self} thus allowing Christ to live through us and building upon the foundation which Christ provided for us as a free gift.

[1 Corinthians 3]

3:8
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

3:9
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

3:10
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

3:11
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

3:12
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

3:13
Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

3:14
If any man's work abide {literally is not burned} which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

3:15
If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Paul is pointing out here the context of these verses in [1 Corinthians 3] that the overcomers works are going to be judged or tried by fire to see "of what sort of works it is." Will it be works of the flesh " wood, hay, stubble" or will it be the works of the Holy Spirit. "gold, silver, precious stones"?

The context is not the out resurrection from the dead for that has already happened by this time. The only ones worthy to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, at this time, are those who were worthy to be out resurrected from the dead {the overcomers}.

This context of judgment is seen in [2 Corinthians 5] where Paul tells us that "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ to receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." So we see that reward can also be of a negative nature as well as positive nature.

Paul includes himself in this word "all" because he had no idea who or who would not be worthy to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. All Christians will be judged at some point; they just won't all stand up from second death at the same time and therefore will not be judged at the same time. For those who have garments are worthy {many overcomers will have garments clean and white} or {many will have garments spotted by the works of the flesh} will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ but for those who rise into the air naked and therefore are un-worthy {having no garments at all}, their judgment will be before the Great White Throne 1000 years later..

[2 Corinthians 5]

5:7
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

5:8
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

5:9
Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

5:11
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

In [Colossians 3] Paul again nails this truth down for us once more.

[Verses 24-25]

3:24
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

3:25
But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Note: The context of the subject matter is one of rewards/judgment; not one of resurrection.

Verse 25 is just as plain as the nose on your face and the writer of Hebrews confirms it:

[Hebrews 2]

2:1: Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

2:2: For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;

2:3: How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

Salvation of the body

Salvation of the body comes at the same time that salvation of the soul is realized at the out resurrection from the second death. The redeemed body dies, but, the second death can't hold or hurt them [Revelation 2:11] [Revelation 20:6] for the redeemed body is changed in the twinkling of an eye, at the out-resurrection from the second death, into a spirit body, not animated by blood, but rather, it is animated by the Holy Spirit. This is the Resurrection of overcomers. [Philippians 3:8-14] but for the non-overcomers this event {resurrection from the dead} does not occur until the Great White Throne Judgment. [1 Corinthians 15:52] and or [Revelation 20:12]

God does not change. He remains the same because, unlike us whom are subject to the ravages of time, He exists in eternity where there is nothing to disturb His Holiness, or His immutable Word. He is God and there is none like Him and He is our God!!! Yeeehaaaaaa! Praise God that's enough to make you get up and run a few laps around the house!!!

Well let's move on.

The second death

Smyrna

2:8

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

2:11
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Do you remember what the second death is?

[Revelation 20:14] And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Christ is saying that even though one may have [everlasting salvation] one could, before eternity begins, spend 1000 years of exclusion from His presence in the blackness of darkness and held or reserved there unto Judgment at the Great White Throne; for one can be saved and yet be hurt or held by this purging by fire {the second death} and thus "saved as if by fire". This kind of recompence of reward would be reserved for the false teachers, the most unworthy, unfaithful and apostate of the saved. Yes, you can be saved and still reap the reward of blackness of darkness for 1000 years. [Jude 1:13] [Revelation 20:5]

[1 Corinthians 3]

3:13
Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

3:14
If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

3:15
If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

[2 Corinthians 5]

5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

[Jude 1:22-25] Jude agrees with First and Second Corinthians. [Jude 1:13]

1:22: And of some have compassion, making a difference:

1:23: And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

1:24: Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

1:25: To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever . Amen.

If we can do anything to save our backslidden brethren let us do it now for the time is very short.

I will let you do the research to find out what works are responsible for this kind of loss and exclusion from the Kingdom of Heaven. You probably won't have to look very far but let me suggest just a few that Jude named off the top of his head; and mind you, these people are saved.

1:4
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

How many Christians are denying or not allowing Christ to be the Lord over their lives but rather are allowing their own soul to rule over their lives?

1:8
Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

1:16
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

The Sword

Pergamos

[Revelation 2]

2:12
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

2:16
Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

The Word of God is the Sword of His Mouth

[Revelation 1:16] And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

[Matthew 24]

24:48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;

24:49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;

24:50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,

24:51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

[Hebrews 4:12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

I submit to you that those of the saved who are found to have been disobedient, unfaithful or apostate and who have died with these unconfessed works accounted to them, these unfaithful, apostates will find themselves {destroyed} divided asunder. This is loss of the soul and consequently, loss of ruling and reigning with Christ. That is not to say that they will lose their spirit salvation for that can never be undone.

The spirit will go back to God to await the resurrection of the dead at the Great White Throne of Judgment for it is sealed by the Holy Spirit and it therefore belongs to God.

The body will know corruption and the soul will be cast into outer darkness [Matthew 8:12], [Matthew 22:13], [Matthew 25:30] [separated from the presence of Christ and the saints that have overcome] for the duration of the 1000 years reign of Christ. [Revelation 2:11], [Revelation 20:6], [Revelation 20:14], [Revelation 21:8] Yet, they shall be saved at the end of the 1000 years and go into everlasting life having been cleansed by the fiery chastisement of Christ for 1000 years. [Revelation 21:3-4]

Note: This is not the doctrine of the Catholic Church called "purgatory". A Christian cannot be 'prayed out' of the second death and neither can they be bought out of the second death.

What kind of works will withstand the Judgment of Christ? Let's see what our Lord says:

[Matthew 18]

18:1: At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

18:2: And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

18:3: And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

18:4: Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

So we see humility [brokenness] is the first step into the Kingdom. Humbleness allows us to be obedient. Pride stands in the way of obedience.

Here are more examples: The word 'charity' as it is used in the context below means: LOVE, {AGAPE LOVE}. Love that only God can demonstrate. We must get out of His way so that He can demonstrate His Love through us.

[1 Corinthians 8:1]   Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. [puffeth up, meaning prideful]. [There is no reward at the Judgment Seat].

[1 Corinthians 13:1]   Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. [All that is done in the flesh without the leading of the Holy Spirit is vanity]. [There is no reward at the Judgment Seat].

[1 Corinthians 13:2]   And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. [There is no reward at the Judgment Seat].

[1 Corinthians 13:3]   And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. [There is no reward at the Judgment Seat].

[1 Corinthians 13:4]   Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

[1 Corinthians 13:8]   Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

[1 Corinthians 13:13]   And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

[1 Corinthians 16:14]   Let all your things be done with charity.

[Colossians 3:14]   And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

First, and foremost, one must have Faith in Jesus Christ for Spiritual Salvation, then we can hope in that which we might hold fast until the end and gain entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. Charity is the sure path leading through the narrow gate wherein lies the entrance to the Bridal Chamber.

The word charity, is the kind of love that Christ has for the church. It means love that favors no one person or group of persons. It is un-conditional love for all.

Great tribulation and death

Thyatira

2:18
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

2:22
Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

2:23
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Phrases such as "Eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;" and "I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts" and I will give unto every one of you according to your works." speaks of Judgment.

The definition for the Greek word translated as [death] here is [Thanatos] meaning the death of the redeemed body and the unworthy soul.

a. that separation (whether natural or violent) of the soul and the body by which the life on earth {or in the heavenlies} is ended.

The soul is separated from the presence of the Lord, at the time of the second death, to experience [great tribulation] outside the Kingdom of Heaven.

[Hebrews 2]

2:1: Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

2:2: For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;

2:3: How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

What is that "so great salvation"? Soul salvation. The out-resurrection from among the dead. The prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. This resurrection occurs just before Christ convenes at the Judgment Seat of Christ. It is the garment that has been woven by the works of the Holy Spirit of God through us that determines our worthiness to stand up or to be out-resurrection from among the dead. And then to stand before Christ to be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ and receive the just recompense of reward of ruling and reigning with Christ.

Having a form of religion but no power thereof

Sardis

[Revelation 3]

3:1
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

3:3
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Verse one brings to mind the teaching of the Apostle James.

2:14
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

James is definitely not talking about our initial or beginning faith in Jesus Christ here. Rather he is talking about doing works because of our faith in Christ, that will be approved of by our Lord at the Judgment Seat. Faith by itself when applied to this truth is of no use. It will not get you into the Kingdom of Heaven even though it has bought everlasting life for us all.

James goes on to say:

2:15
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

2:16
And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Indeed that brother or sister has not benefited physically or spiritually, at all, if we have not been charitable in giving food or clothing so that they may be warmed and filled.

Notice the end of that verse "what doth it profit?" Of what is James referring to here? Is it not the profit of great reward for the practice of faith with works so as to prove that our faith is not dead? {verse 2:20}

Therefore, James points out the same thing that Christ has just pointed out to the Sardis church above.

[James 2:17] Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

2:18
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

2:19
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

My friend this is not a reference to being born again of the Spirit of God or not. The devils know Christ and our Father by site and know what their judgment is for they have already been judged. {Matthew 8:29}

2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

This idea of death is like unto a lifeless physical body, but James takes this notion even further in the next verse.

2:26
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Christ said "thou livest, and art dead" Therefore, this verse is a reference to the second death.

Verse three of Revelation 3 says, let us all beware of that condition of the soul that say's "behold my Lord delayeth His return".

We must ever be about our Father's business.

Keeping the whole council of God opens the way into the Kingdom

Philadelphia

Revelation 3

3:7
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

3:10
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

This is the promise of Christ's help to every believer who is striving or who has ever striven or who will ever strive to overcome until Christ calls them into His presence.

This church is a faithful, New Testament church and also represents the obedient individual Christian and all of whom are given access to the open door of Revelation 3 and 4 below.

[Revelation 3:8] I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

The door in verse 8, above, is the door to the Bridal Chamber and the wedding supper of the Lamb of God. This door is open to only the overcomers of the Church dispensation.

They will be joint heirs, [the Bride of Christ, or to use another metaphor, The Church of the First Born], with Christ in His heavenly kingdom. These overcomers will rule and reign with Him for 1000 years and then become pillars of the community that will live throughout eternity in New Jerusalem never to go out again. [Revelation 3:12]

The rejected, and, apostate Church at the end of days

Laodiceans

Revelation 3

3:14
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

3:16
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

3:19
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

The phrase "I will spue thee out of my mouth." is a reference again to the fact that some saved but apostate believers, will be excluded from the Kingdom of Heaven for 1000 years {I rebuke and chasten}. [Verse 19] assures us that He loves these of His redeemed, but, he will chasten them for their unfaithfulness.

They have not kept and taught the whole council of God. Thus, they will never rule and reign.

We can be rest assured that even these apostate believers will have part of everlasting life in eternity future; for after the Great White Throne of Judgment, {which occurs after the 1000 year reign of Christ}, God will create a new Heaven and a New Earth and all things will become new and even those whom were excluded from the Sabbath rest (the seventh 1000 year day) or Millennial Kingdom, will go into Heaven for everlasting ages to come. Their names are written in the Lamb's book of life therefore they belong to Jesus, Christ. But, they will never be more than "saved as by fire". They will never rule or reign.

To him that overcometh!!!

[Revelation 3]

3:21
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

What a glorious promise!!!

: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The over-comer's entry into the bridal chamber

[Revelation 4]

4:1: After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

4:2: And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

4:3: And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

[Revelation 21]

21:1
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

21:2
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

21:3
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

21:4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

21:5
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

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.

Soul salvation is in the future. Soul salvation is our hope. Soul salvation is our prize.

21:7
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

May the Lord bless and keep you all,

Your brother in Christ,

Sam Ennis

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