Third Edition
- A Critical Question
The most important question facing every human being today, as in every generation, is:
"Where will i spend Eternity?"
This is a question that very few people are considering in earnest.
Audio with elaboration -- Part 1:
ETI YouTube: https://youtu.be/YBSIPvx6Pgk
Direct from Website: www.ETIMin.org/Portals/0/ETI_Videos_TV_Broadcasts/2024/01_January/2024_01_B3_Where-will-YOU-Spend-Eternity–Part_1.mp4
Part 2
ETI YouTube: https://youtu.be/DL7FImkgxjU
Direct off Website: www.ETIMin.org/Portals/0/ETI_Videos_TV_Broadcasts/2024/01_January/2024_01_B4_Where-will-YOU-Spend-Eternity–Part_2.mp4
Article begins:
Revelation 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." (KJV) – Yahooshua speaking.
It IS possible for any one of us to sit on a throne for Eternity IF we Overcome.
versus:
Revelation 20:11-15:
"11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the Earth and the Heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before the Almighty {God}; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and Hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and Hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (KJV, adjusted)
It is possible to be cast into the lake of fire to be utterly consumed (this applies only to unbelievers i.e. those NOT written in the book of life, in the event that Satan loses The Contest).
There are few who understand that Eternity involves a continuum ranging from reigning on a High Throne with Yahooshua {Jesus} for Eternity to being cast into The Lake of Fire and utterly consumed in the event that they have followed Satan and Satan loses The Contest http://www.ETI-Ministries.org/TheContest.aspx.
This article seeks to make the options more readily visible.
- An Important Caveat
Many readers are likely to conclude that this article is written from what many will regard as a "Christian" perspective, based on the writings that are cited.
At one level this is accurate, since this is the tradition from which my perspective has developed and on which most of my knowledge is based.
However, i have chosen to detach myself from the "Christian" tradition and simply to see myself as "a Believer in Yah the Eternally Self-Existing" (the Almighty). In doing this, i am seeking to find a position which is the essence of what the Almighty is saying to mankind today.
While my understanding of this position is based on what is commonly referred to as the "Christian" tradition, i have increasingly come to understand that there are pieces of the jigsaw puzzle that are not really covered in modern "Christian" thinking. I have also come to conclude that most of modern "Christian" thinking is far removed from the way Yahooshua {Jesus} understood things.
In fact, since writing the first edition of this book in March 2004, my understanding of many things has changed MASSIVELY. In preparing the Second Edition I am attempting to incorporate the most significant changes in understanding without completely rewriting all that is still valuable in the original edition. In particular, while there are numerous references to the Bible in this document I have come to understand that the Bible, while a useful and authoritative historical resource, is NOWHERE near as important as a reference work as I thought it to be over ten years ago. See http://www.ETI-Ministries.org/TheContest.aspx for detailed discussion of this topic.
In arriving at my current position i have increasingly taken account of other traditions, particularly Jewish and Muslim since both these groups are expressly seeking to serve the Almighty and also placed more and more reliance on hearing from Father directly.
There are also traditions and bodies of knowledge that i am currently not knowledgeable about. Particularly in John 10:16 Yahooshua says "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." (KJV)
There is reportedly a tradition in South or Central America amongst Aztec or Inca Indians, of a man, who is considered by some to be Yahooshua, appearing to their ancestors at about the time of Yahooshua's resurrection and appearance to his followers in Israel. There are other reports of others around the world looking to some manifestation of a saviour from the Almighty.
Accordingly, there are grounds to suppose that there is much that we do not understand about other traditions, other bodies of teachings, etc which may add to the understanding of what is presented in this document.
Accordingly, this message is relevant to ALL mankind, no matter what tradition they have followed to arrive at their present position.
- Where Will YOU Spend Eternity?
The question of "where will i spend Eternity" is a question that very few who claim to "believe" and to have some form of relationship with the Almighty seem to be considering in earnest.
As far as the I can determine, most of those who "believe" have some vague idea that because they "believe", whatever they "believe", they WILL spend Eternity in Heaven.
There are many verses in the sacred writings that indicate that this is not necessarily so.
Amongst the broad spectrum of those who CLAIM to "believe" there is massive disparity, diversity and disagreement. They CANNOT all be correct. How does anyone know that they are correct?
In fact, prayerful consideration of key verses and other prophetic documents indicates that the reality is very different.
The book, "The Final Quest", by Rick Joyner, reports a number of visions in which Joyner was caught up into the Second Heaven and the Third Heaven. In this book, Joyner reports statements that suggest that only 1% of those who had been called to spend Eternity in Heaven up to the time of the visions in 1995 would do so.
In other words, 99% of those called to spend Eternity in Heaven as of 1995 would, in fact, spend Eternity elsewhere.
On 17 January 2002, the writer was told by the Almighty that, in terms of the present generation, it was no longer one percent that would make it, the number of the present generation had declined. I was told that as at that date, IF the world was to be judged at that moment, only thirty million (30,000,000) people of the entire world population on Earth at that moment would qualify to enter Heaven.
On Passover 2004 (6 April), i was told that this number had reduced to three million (3,000,000).
These statistics relate to dramatic changes that have taken place in the spiritual realm in the years following the two thousandth anniversary of the birth of Yahooshua the anointed of Yah {Jesus Christ}. Most importantly, Satan was sentenced to spend 1,000 years in the Pit on 3 May 2003, see http://www.ETI-Ministries.org/SatantoPit2003.aspx
In revising this text to create the Second Edition on 31st January 2015, Father says to me that “today, less than 100,000 of the present generation would qualify to enter Heaven in some manner if the end were to come today”.
The above statistics are given by the Almighty in order to challenge every one of us to turn to Him and repent of our sins and our errors. Particularly those that we do NOT KNOW are sins and errors. We are called to turn from those things that are accepted as true doctrine by hundreds of millions and in some cases billions of people and turn to Him.
Much of this relates to the withdrawal of the Grace that has prevailed on Earth since the death of Yahooshua on the stake {cross} and the ushering in of the New Covenant at that time. This withdrawal of Grace was a necessary precondition to the Almighty sentencing Satan to 1,000 years in the Pit.
Today, mankind is being required to take responsibility for what we believe.
We are being called to enter into a close personal relationship with the Almighty -- see also the article “The Creator Desires Deep Relationship with YOU”
http://www.ETI-Ministries.org/Home/CreatorDesiresDeepRelationship.aspx
We are being called to take personal responsibility for what we believe and to stop relying on other men and women and the writings of other men and women to define our faith.
We are being called to return to the essential, fundamental writings, inspired by the Almighty, both ancient and modern and to hear His Prophets. We are also being called to test every word in prayer through a deep personal relationship with the Almighty.
We are being called to consider the challenge:
a) Will YOU go all out to seek to please the Almighty?
b) Will YOU go all out to seek to be found to be a "good and faithful servant"?
c) Will YOU go all out to seek a High Throne for Eternity in the hope that you will AT LEAST qualify to spend Eternity in Heaven SOMEHOW?"
d) or will YOU consume your life believing whatever you believe at the risk of being bitterly disappointed on the Day of YOUR Judgment?
e) or, having once Believed, will you turn to rebellion and sin to the point that you are utterly rejected and, following your service in Hell for your unrepented sin, be cast into the Incinerator of Heave, the Lake of Fire and Brimstone to be utterly consumed in a moment of torment and terror?
Do YOU fear the Judgment of the Almighty?
With a view to assisting each one of us to answer these questions, here are a few verses to consider:
Revelation 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." (KJV)
It IS possible to sit on a throne for Eternity, HOWEVER, it requires that one "Overcometh".
Philippians 2:12 "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (KJV)
We are advised to work out our OWN salvation with fear and trembling.
In other words, simply because one has "made a decision" or prayed a prayer, or goes to the local assembly {church / schul / mosque}, or prays regularly, or reads the writings {book / Bible / Torah / Quran / etc}, this verse suggests we need to WORK OUT our salvation.
Salvation is NOT inevitable, nor is it a right.
A place in Heaven is NOT inevitable, nor is it a right.
Consider Revelation 21:7-8 "7 He that Overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his Mighty One {God}, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." (KJV, name adjusted)
Here we see a critical juxtaposition:
a) If we Overcome, we shall inherit all things and the Almighty will be our Mighty One {God} and we will be His son's (children).
b) Otherwise, we will have a PART in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone. which is the second death. This says a "part". Note that correctly this refers to Hell, the Lake of Fire and Brimstone is in Hell but there is much more to Hell than the Lake. There are numerous Dungeons where unrepented sinners who Believed, are tormented and punished for their unrepented sin!
In other words, one can go to Heaven but FIRST burn in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone. for one's sins!
Notice also that verse eight specifically mentions "the unbelieving". This accounts for all those who are NOT Believers!
In other words, the REST of verse eight is speaking to "Believers". It is also speaking to those who call themselves Believers but who do not believe.
So, if you are a Believer and at some time in your life you have been:
- fearful
or
- unbelieving
or
- abominable
or
- a murderer (remember Matthew 5:22 "whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of Hell fire")
or
- a whoremonger (adulterer, fornicator - Man are you living with every woman whose virginity you have taken? Woman, are you living with the man who took your virginity? - Sexual intercourse with a virgin IS marriage, if a woman is not living with the man who took her virginity, they are almost certainly in adultery - repentance does NOT fix this, it is much more complicated! -- see the article on The Virgins Covenant for more information http://www.ETI-Ministries.org/VirginsCovenantlost.aspx
Fornication ALSO includes spiritual treachery - Man, are you in complete submission to the Almighty or in rebellion? Woman, are you in complete submission to your husband or in rebellion? etc)
or
- sorcerers (Are you engaged in manipulation? Are you praying manipulative prayers? Are you cursing others by judging them and speaking out your judgments or in other ways? Are you using swear words like “damn” and “Hell”, etc? etc)
or
- idolaters (Who or what are you worshipping besides the Almighty? Are you worshipping Yahooshua {Jesus}, a created being? Are you worshipping "The Bible" as the "inerrant word of God" even though none of the writers claim this? etc)
or
- a liar (includes all false doctrines you have heard or read about and believed, practice, talk about, preach yourself. Includes all jokes, “white lies”, practical jokes, etc. Includes what you write for advertisements, TV programmes, magazines, books, etc that is not factual and accurate versus fiction. Includes if you even absorb these things and speak of them as though they are true.
IF you are doing ANY of the above, Revelation 21:8 indicates that you WILL spend time in Hell, EVEN if you make it to Heaven, UNLESS you have confessed your sin and repented in this life.
1 John 1:8-10 "8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (KJV)
Matthew 13:49-50: "49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." (KJV)
- A Vital Question: Do we Know What Sin Is? - What Is The Essence of The Judgment?
Revelation 21:8, cited above, gives us a fairly detailed identification of sin. Many other verses provide more detail.
In essence, the basis of the Judgment is defined in Exodus 20:
Exodus 19:16-20 & 20:1-19
"16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with Yah {God}; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.
18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because Yah the Eternally Self-Existing {the LORD} descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.
19 And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and Yah {God} answered him by a voice.
20 And Yah the Eternally Self-Existing {the LORD} came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and Yah the Eternally Self-Existing {the LORD} called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.
...
CHAPTER 20
1 And Yah {God} spake all these words, saying,
2 I am Yah the Eternally Self-Existing {the LORD} thy Mighty One {God}, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 Thou shalt have no other mighty ones {gods} before me. (1)
4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in Heaven above, or that is in the Earth beneath, or that is in the water under the Earth:
5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I Yah the Eternally Self-Existing {the LORD} thy Mighty One {God} am a jealous Mighty One {God}, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my Commandments. (2)
7 Thou shalt not take the name of Yah the Eternally Self-Existing {the LORD} thy Mighty One {God} in vain; for Yah the Eternally Self-Existing {the LORD} will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (3)
8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of Yah the Eternally Self-Existing {the LORD} thy Mighty One {God}: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11 For in six periods of time Yah the Eternally Self-Existing {the LORD} made Heaven and Earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh period: wherefore Yah the Eternally Self-Existing {the LORD} blessed the sabbath [seventh = Saturday] day, and hallowed it. (4)
12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which Yah the Eternally Self-Existing thy Mighty One giveth thee. (5)
13 Thou shalt not kill. (6)
14 Thou shalt not commit adultery. (7)
15 Thou shalt not steal. (8)
16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. (9)
17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. (10)
18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.
19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not Yah speak with us, lest we die." (KJV, adjusted)
This is the only time in recorded history that i know of where the Almighty has come down on a mountain in fire and smoke and SPOKEN to a large group of Human Beings about His Commandments.
Since the people asked that it never happen again, it seems likely that it has never happened again.
Furthermore, in Deuteronomy 10:4 Moses (Moshe) states "And he [Yah the Eternally Self-Existing] wrote on the tablets, according to the first writing, the ten Commandments, which Yah the Eternally Self-Existing spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and Yah the Eternally Self-Existing gave them unto me. (KJV, adjusted)
The Almighty, Himself, recorded the Ten Commandments on the tables (tablets) of stone.
Stone indicates that these Commandments will NEVER pass away.
It is therefore clear that those Commandments are the most important words the Almighty has spoken to mankind. It is the writers clear understanding that the a critical element of the Judgment and a key element that will determine whether a person will spend Eternity in Heaven or elsewhere will be based on these Ten Commandments.
- Cause for Concern - Nearly All of Mankind is Breaking Most of the Commandments
In recent years, the writer has come to understand that most of mankind, including PARTICULARLY the "Christian" “church” is, at an individual and corporate level, breaking most of the Commandments.
In particular, almost universal doctrines of the "Christian church" regarding who Yahooshua {Jesus} is considered to be, the way many view "The Bible", the names applied to the Almighty and Yahooshua, the day observed as weekly Sabbath, the major holidays and feasts, the way parents are treated, marriage and virginity (monogamy) are resulting in sins that are affecting an extremely large portion of the world population.
Furthermore, sins that are commonplace in "Christian" nations, like abortion, advertising that stimulates covetousness or is misleading or manipulative, "jokes" (which are lies), etc is seriously compounding the sin of the world.
This is compounded by the false doctrines of the vast majority of mankind.
All of this adds up to a terrible litany of sin.
Ultimately every person will pay the price for what they have done and what they have believed on their Day of their Judgment AND for what they have caused others to believe.
Hence the terrible statistics in terms of the implications if judgment was to come on the world today!
This is coupled with an enormous need for repentance, self-examination and turning around in order to reverse these statistics.
Matthew 18:14 "Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in Heaven, that one of these little ones should perish." (KJV)
- Is There an Alternative? - Can One Aspire to a High Throne?
Psalm 111:10 states "The fear of Yah the Eternally Self-Existing is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his Commandments: his praise endureth for ever." (KJV, name adjusted)
So, we can start by fearing Yah and seeking to DO His Commandments.
1 John 5:3 "For this is the love of Yah, that we keep his Commandments: and his Commandments are not grievous." (KJV, name adjusted)
IF we love the Almighty then we should want to keep His Commandments and we should not find this grievous.
IF we love the Almighty, we should be willing to check out our doctrines and our conduct and make whatever adjustments are called for.
IF ...
Are you willing to love the Almighty THIS intensely - even if it requires that you RADICALLY change what you believe and what you do?
Consider Jude 1:7 as a counterpoint "Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." (KJV)
Fornication includes spiritual treachery, idolatry, false doctrines, etc.
There IS a place of ETERNAL FIRE – that is fire that will burn forever.
There are two issues implicit in the above verse – the eternal fire of the Lake of Fire and Brimstone in which the unbelievers will be consumed in a moment of torment and terror in the event that Satan loses the contest. Plus Hell, in which the Lake of Fire and Brimstone is located, which is the place of correction of Believers who die with unrepented sin!
The Quran is very much more explicit about the torment for those who do not believe and for those who unrepentantly transgress the Commandments of the Almighty.
There IS a CHOICE!
See “2021.06.05 The Essence of my Message regarding the Commandments” at https://www.ETI-Ministries.org/essence-of-message-regarding-commandments for a detailed discussion of the application of these Commandments.
- It is Not Just Heaven or the Lake of Fire, There is a Continuum
As mentioned above, it is not simply a question of EITHER Heaven or the lake of fire.
There is a continuum between the "outer darkness" at the very fringes of Heaven where the unbelieving Believers will weep and wail and gnash their teeth for Eternity and there are High Thrones with Yahooshua for those who Overcome in this life.
Consider Matthew 8:11-12
"11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of Heaven.
12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (KJV)
So there is a place of outer darkness, for Believers, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Consider also the parable of the "Foolish Virgins" in Matthew 25:10-13:
"10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." (KJV)
Here Believers are rejected on the basis of their conduct.
Consider also Matthew 7:13-24:
"13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:" (KJV)
The way to destruction is large and the way to salvation is strait (constrained, tight, difficult) and the gate is narrow.
Those which do not bring forth good fruit are cast into the fire.
Many will call on Yah the Eternally Self-Existing and on Yahooshua and do many mighty works in the name of Yahooshua and yet the Almighty and Yahooshua will declare "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Iniquity is lawlessness, failure to keep the Commandments.
So, one can call on the Name of Yah, pray in the Name of Yahooshua and yet not keep the Commandments and on the Day of Judgment one can be told "I never knew you, depart from me".
Such people may STILL qualify to enter Heaven but will be at a level in Heaven that is commensurate with their service to the Almighty and the extent to which they have Overcome sin ranging all the way to the outer darkness, the location furthest from the throne. Much of this is discussed in “The Final Quest” by Rick Joyner, see http://www.ETI-Ministries.org/Eternity/TheFinalQuest.aspx
There is a broad continuum between those who truly please the Almighty and who sit on a High Throne to those with whom He is greatly displeased but who may exercise just sufficient faith to scrape into Heaven. Yah refers to the Outer Darkness as “The Trash Heap of Heaven”, He never visits the people there and they are NOT allowed into the body of the assembly in Heaven, as they rejected Him and ignored them during their lives so He ignores them and rejects them for Eternity!
There is a similar continuum amongst the Ancestor Spirits (Demons) on Earth -- the spirits of humans who die NOT knowing the Almighty, see
http://www.ETI-Ministries.org/WhereareYOUgoing.aspx for a discussion of the different kingdoms in the Satanic and Demonic realm on Earth where there are currently over 100 BILLION human spirits. Further discussion of this aspect is not relevant, this document is directed at those who choose to seek to spend Eternity in Heaven.
The judgment and torment in Hell is reserved for Believers. Hell is where Believers are punished for their unconfessed sins prior to entering Heaven, see http://www.ETI-Ministries.org/Hell.aspx
Satan and unBelievers will be cast into the Lake of Fire and utterly consumed at the end of the Contest, SHOULD Yah win the Contest – see http://www.ETI-Ministries.org/TheContest.aspx
For an indication of the continuum in Heaven consider 1 Corinthians 3:12-15:
"12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
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.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." (KJV)
This passage confirms that our works in this life (what we do) will be tried by FIRE and that which endures the fire shall result in a reward.
So, it is possible to live life in some form of service to the Almighty and yet lose EVERYTHING one has worked for on the Day of Judgment and STILL be saved.
Consider also Jude 1:23 "And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." (KJV)
Carnality, the flesh, is something that will be destroyed in the fire.
The works of our own strength, our own intellect, our own comfort, our own will, etc - those things that we do that the Almighty did NOT tell us to do, will be destroyed in the fire and we may be saved with nothing to show for our lives.
Consider also 1 Peter 1:7 "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Yahooshua the anointed of Yah {Jesus Christ}:" (KJV, adjusted)
Consider also John 15:6 "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned." (KJV)
If we do not live life the way the Almighty wants us to live it and abide in Him through Yahooshua, we can be cast forth and burned.
The book, "The Final Quest", provides considerably more insight into this and some extracts are presented later in this document.
- It IS Possible to Overcome
In the context of earning a High Throne or even earning a place in Heaven, consider the following passages:
Revelation 2:7 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that Overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of Yah." (KJV, name adjusted)
Only those who Overcome will get to eat of the tree of life!
Revelation 2:11 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the assemblies {churches}; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." (KJV)
Only those who Overcome ALL SIN will not be hurt by the second death (Hell) - refer above.
Note that those that overcome sin, are NOT necessarily “Overcomers” in terms of rank in Heaven. It is possible for those who qualify for the Rank of Overcomer to have unrepented sin just as it is possible for those of lower rank to overcome sin in the sense of this verse.
Revelation 2:17 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that Overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." (KJV)
We may not understand this today, however, it is presented as a significant reward and benefit.
Revelation 2:26-28 "26 And he that Overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star." (KJV)
Those who do NOT Overcome shall be ruled with a rod of iron!
Revelation 3:5 "He that Overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." (KJV)
Those who do NOT Overcome will have their names blotted out of the book of life and will NOT have their names confessed before the Father!
Revelation 3:12 "Him that Overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my Mighty One {God}, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my Mighty One {God}, and the name of the city of my Mighty One {God}, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of Heaven from my Mighty One {God}: and I will write upon him my new name." (KJV, adjusted)
We may not understand this today, however, it is presented as a significant reward and benefit.
Revelation 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." (KJV)
Those who OVERCOME will sit with Yahooshua on his throne for Eternity!
Revelation 21:7 "He that Overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his Mighty One {God}, and he shall be my son." (KJV)
Those who Overcome will inherit ALL things and the Almighty will be their Mighty One and they shall be sons of the Almighty. This suggests that those who do not Overcome may NOT inherit anything and the Almighty may NOT be their Mighty One and they may NOT be sons of the Almighty.
Collectively, these passages about Overcomers present a picture of enormous eternal benefit if one Overcomes and enormous loss if one does not Overcome.
From these passages it is clear that the Overcomers are those who sit on thrones for Eternity.
Not everyone will Overcome in every area and this will result in a further distribution of the continuum within Heaven. Some of what is reported in "The Final Quest" supports this interpretation although other passages suggest a more rigid approach. There are a number of distinct ranks in Heaven being:
- Friend of the Creator, the most senior Overcomers -- the highest thrones there are -- these people had deep personal relationships with Yah while on Earth and made MAJOR sacrifices to serve Him. Generals are the most senior Friends, they actively took the battle to the enemy while on Earth and achieved notable victories;
- Overcomer, as discussed above -- the remaining thrones -- did NOT have a deep personal relationship but made major sacrifices;
- Good and faithful servants -- NOT on thrones but immediately adjacent to the thrones, obedient and faithful in their service of Yah but NO material relationship;
- Wise stewards -- further away from the throne but still esteemed -- these first four categories are all people who were filled with the Spirit of the Almighty at some level, in other words they were NOT virgins;
- Adulterous wives – filled with the Spirit of the Almighty but worshipped Jesus, the Bible, Muhammed, the Quran, etcetera.
- Foolish virgins -- further away from the throne, one step removed from the trash heap, people who believed at some level but were never filled with the Spirit of the Almighty. The vast majority of dedicated church / schul / mosque going people will find themselves here;
- The Outer Darkness -- far removed from the throne, cannot see the throne, the “Trash Heap of Heaven”, Yah calls it -- all those who at some time made some sort of decision that Yah existed but NEVER made any attempt after that to serve Yah, learn about Him, be filled with His Spirit, etc -- the people who are the product of the vast majority of outreaches, missionary works, altar calls, etc fall into this category -- in fact the VAST majority of mission and evangelistic work is a total waste of time, just diverting people from the outer reaches of the Satanic Kingdom to the outer reaches of Yah’s Kingdom.
At this point, it seems less important to understand the finer nuances of the Law (Commandments) than to understand the broad principles and to make a choice whether to make a CONCERTED effort to seek to please the Almighty and seek to earn a position on a throne for Eternity, versus taking some other view of how one choses to live one's life.
It is important to understand that we know so little about the ways of the Almighty in this age that simply deciding to seek a High Throne is NOT enough.
One must be willing to pray differently, live differently, act differently, believe differently - one must be willing to embark on radical change AND carry it out AND live it through to the VERY LAST DAY of one's life! See also the article Seven Components in Growing Close to Yah https://www.ETI-Ministries.org/seven-components-of-drawing-close for more information.
There is NO guarantee that anyone can achieve a High Throne.
We can aspire, and if we truly aspire and truly commit ourselves to seeking to please the Almighty in EVERYTHING, there is a basis to conclude that we will AT LEAST enter Heaven for Eternity.
8 What Indicators are there about Pleasing The Almighty?
There are some verses that give indications of individuals who have pleased the Almighty.
Hebrews 11:1-40 provides quite a lengthy catalogue of people for reference and indicates that FAITH is a vital component of pleasing the Almighty:
"1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of Yah, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
4 By faith Abel offered unto Yah a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, Yah testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because Yah had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased Yah .
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to Yah must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
7 By faith Noah, being warned of Yah of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is Yah .
11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the Earth.
14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an Heavenly: wherefore Yah is not ashamed to be called their Mighty One {God}: for he hath prepared for them a city.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
19 Accounting that Yah was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of Yah, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26 Esteeming the reproach of the anointing of the Spirit of Yah {Christ} greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the Earth.
39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
40 Yah having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." (KJV, adjusted)
It is really important to notice that at times ALL of these people suffered for their faith and made sacrifices. Some more than others.
NONE of them lived according to the standards of the world in which they lived. ALL of them chose to live life differently to those around them, NO MATTER WHAT it cost them, even if they were stoned or sawn apart while alive.
There is a reasonable basis to conclude that the people mentioned above, at least at some level, represent Overcomers. We may not understand why some names are on this list and others are not. That is not the point.
We can learn lessons and we can learn that service to Yah demands a PRICE in this life!
Following are a few specific cases:
James 2:23 "And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed Yah, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of Yah." (KJV)
Abraham was called the FRIEND of Yah.
So the life of Abraham is certainly a frame of reference.
Even if we may think he missed it a few times or there are things we do not understand.
Genesis 32:28 "And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but IsraEl: for as a prince hast thou power with Yah and with men, and hast prevailed." (KJV)
Jacob (IsraEl) had POWER with the Almighty.
Another frame of reference, even if there are things we think he may have missed or which we do not understand.
It is really important that in considering all these people that we remember Romans 14:4 "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for Yah is able to make him stand." (KJV, name adjusted)
It really is NOT our place to judge ANY of these people.
A few more examples:
Exodus 33:11 "And Yah the Eternally Self-Existing spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Yahooshua {Joshua}, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle." (KJV, name adjusted)
This is a remarkable testimony with regard to the relationship between Moshe {Moses} and the Almighty.
In 1 Samuel 13:14, Samuel, speaking to Saul and referring to David states "But now thy kingdom shall not continue: Yah the Eternally Self-Existing hath sought him a man after his own heart, and Yah the Eternally Self-Existing hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which Yah the Eternally Self-Existing commanded thee." (KJV, adjusted)
David is referred to here as a man after the Almighty's own heart! And Saul is rejected after only a few years as king.
Again, a useful frame of reference. David is not a man whose life it is wise to condemn or preach against. He may have done some things which we understand to be mistakes, however, there is considerable evidence that the Almighty was well pleased with David.
1 Kings 15:5 confirms this "Because David did that which was right in the eyes of Yah the Eternally Self-Existing , and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite." (KJV)
This brings us to Yahooshua of whom it is written in 2 Peter 1:17 "For he received from Yah the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (KJV, adjusted)
Insofar as the Almighty saw fit to say of Yahooshua on at least one occasion publicly that He (the Almighty) was WELL PLEASED with him (Yahooshua) it is clear that Yahooshua provides a valuable source of information regarding what is required to please the Almighty and, therefore, by extension, what is required to Overcome and sit on a High Throne for Eternity.
Colossians 1:18-20 states the following about Yahooshua:
"18 And he is the head of the body, the assembly {church}: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his stake {cross}, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in Earth, or things in Heaven." (KJV)
Yahooshua is the FIRSTBORN from the dead.
Yahooshua is THE example of how a person can Overcome in this life in order to triumph, please the Almighty and sit on the HIGHEST throne next to the Almighty for Eternity.
Yahooshua is therefore THE example to follow. He has gone before and he has shown us how it can be done.
And, Yahooshua did this by suffering and DYING voluntarily despite having NEVER committed ANY sin as stated in Hebrews 4:15-16:
"15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (KJV)
So Yahooshua WAS tempted in ALL points like we are and yet he was able to do so without sinning.
In considering this point, it is really important to recognise that Yahooshua was a created being, the result of a creative miracle, and he lived life ENTIRELY as a human being.
The ONLY divinity in Yahooshua was the anointing of the set apart {Holy} Spirit of Yah that came upon Yahooshua when Yahoochanan {John} immersed him, the “Christ”.
Matthew 3:16 "And Yahooshua {Jesus}, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the Heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of Yah descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:" (KJV, adjusted)
Yahooshua also repeatedly went apart to pray to the Almighty. Mark 6:46 "And when he [Yahooshua] had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray." (KJV)
Clearly, Yahooshua is not the Almighty, if he was he would not need to pray to the Almighty and he would not have said what he said in Matthew 27:46 "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My Beloved Mighty One , my Beloved Mighty One , why hast thou forsaken me?" (KJV, adjusted)
It is therefore POSSIBLE that we can aspire to live life to the standard that Yahooshua set. We may not succeed. However, we CAN aspire.
After all, Yahooshua stated in John 14:12 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." (KJV)
We CAN do GREATER works than Yahooshua did, IF we aspire to.
IF we are willing to pay the price!
We CAN Overcome to the end.
We CAN sit on High Thrones for Eternity.
IF we are willing to PAY the price.
9 How do we Overcome? What is the Price?
In order to understand at some basic level what is required to Overcome and what the price is, we can consider all the people listed above with particular, but NOT exclusive, emphasis on Yahooshua.
In order to understand this and INTERPRET these experiences, reports, teachings, etc there is a VERY important principle set out in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31:
"18 For the preaching of the stake {cross} is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of Yah .
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not Yah made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For after that in the wisdom of Yah the world by wisdom knew not Yah, it pleased Yah by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23 But we preach the anointed one {Christ} executed on the stake {crucified}, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, the anointing of the Spirit of Yah {Christ} the power of Yah, and the wisdom of Yah .
25 Because the foolishness of Yah is wiser than men; and the weakness of Yah is stronger than men.
26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27 But Yah hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and Yah hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath Yah chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
30 But of him are ye in the anointing of Yahooshua {Christ Jesus}, who of Yah is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in Yah the Eternally Self-Existing." (KJV, adjusted)
It is really important to grasp that the Almighty's way of doing things is NOT the way of the world.
IF we desire to please the Almighty it is necessary that we be willing to live life VERY differently to the way we may have lived it up to now. In fact, it is probably accurate to say that there is no one on the Earth today who is truly living life the way the Almighty would like them to be living.
We know so little of the things of the Almighty today that there is an ENORMOUS amount for us to learn.
What follows highlights some important points.
In Matthew 6:19-21, Yahooshua states:
"19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon Earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (KJV)
This is referring to the same principles addressed previously.
We are advised to do works that will withstand the fire and that will result in being Overcomers on the Day of Judgment.
In considering this, it is important to consider that the very word "Overcomer" implies that there will be adversity and that it will not be easy.
The reward is so GREAT precisely because it is NOT easy.
The reward that Yahooshua received was so great precisely because it is NOT easy to live a life without sin, to please the Father, to do the Father's will ALL the time and then to DIE a terrible and agonising death by CHOICE!
So, when Yahooshua tells us in Matthew 10:38, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:21 and Luke 14:27 that we should take up our stake {cross} and follow him, it is prudent to take his advice seriously.
Consider particularly Matthew 16:24-27:
"24 Then said Yahooshua {Jesus} unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his stake {cross}, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." (KJV, adjusted)
This entire passage contains a number of very profound and very challenging statements.
We are told to deny ourselves, take up OUR stake {cross} and FOLLOW (do like) Yahooshua.
We are told that if we try and save our lives in a worldly way we will lose our souls and we are told there is something we CAN give in exchange for our souls - the essence of what this message is about.
We are told that Yahooshua WILL come and we will all be rewarded ACCORDING to our works.
If one really considers deeply what this is saying, it is profoundly challenging.
I have certainly come to understand increasingly that what i have understood about this passage and many of the others quoted in this document, was very shallow and that there is MUCH more that is expected of us.
The piece about "he who seeks to save his life shall lose it", I have found to be much more far reaching.
It applies to ANYTHING that we seek to hold onto in our own strength, our possessions, our family, ANYTHING that we try and force to remain with us rather than trusting the Almighty to either restore it to us or not, as He pleases.
Abraham sacrificing Isaac and Yahooshua laying down his life are two classic examples. Isaac was restored to Abraham and Yahooshua gained eternal life and the highest throne next to the throne of the Almighty through his obedience.
In order to start seeking to better understand what is being referred to here, consider again Matthew 6:19-21 referred to above where Yahooshua advises us to "lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven".
This passage is preceded by Matthew 5:1-6:18:
"CHAPTER 5
1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the Earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see Yah .
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of Yah .
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in Heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13 Ye are the salt of the Earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till Heaven and Earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least Commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of Heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven.
20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of Heaven.
21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of Hell fire.
23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into Hell.
30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into Hell.
31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by Heaven; for it is Yah's 's throne:
35 Nor by the Earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in Heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect.
CHAPTER 6
1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in Heaven.
2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in Earth, as it is in Heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." (KJV, adjusted)
All the verses that begin "blessed are" are very challenging, particularly the verse about "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." We are told that there is a great reward for this.
There are many other passages above that are very difficult, like loving our enemies, turning the other cheek, etc.
Consider also Ephesians 5:22-25:
"22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto Yah the Eternally Self-Existing .
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as the anointed one {Christ = Yahooshua} is the head of the body of Believers {church}: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the body of Believers {church} is subject unto the anointing of the set apart Spirit of Yah {Christ NOT Yahooshua}, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as the anointed one {Christ = Yahooshua} also loved the body of Believers {church}, and gave himself for it;" (KJV, adjusted)
Wives are told to submit to their husbands in EVERYTHING.
Husbands are told to love their wives the way Yahooshua loved the body of Believers AND gave himself for it.
In other words - wives submit to your husbands even if they beat you.
Husbands love your wives even if they strive with you and beat you!
Consider also 1 Peter 2:1-3:22:
"1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3 If so be ye have tasted that Yah the Eternally Self-Existing is gracious.
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of Yah, and precious,
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to Yah by Yahooshua the anointed one {Jesus Christ}.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of Yah : which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify Yah in the day of visitation.
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for Yah the Eternally Self-Existing's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15 For so is the will of Yah, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of Yah .
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear Yah . Honour the king.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward Yah endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with Yah .
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because the anointed one {Christ = Yahooshua} also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and overseer {Bishop} of your souls.
CHAPTER 3
1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of Yah of great price.
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in Yah, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of Yah the Eternally Self-Existing are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of Yah the Eternally Self-Existing is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15 But sanctify Yah the Eternally Self-Existing Mighty One in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in the anointing of the set apart Spirit of Yah {Christ}.
17 For it is better, if the will of Yah be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
18 For the anointed one {Christ} also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to Yah, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of Yah waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward Yah,) by the resurrection of Yahooshua the anointed of Yah {Jesus Christ}:
22 Who is gone into Heaven, and is on the right hand of Yah ; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him." (KJV, adjusted)
Again, some enormously challenging verses.
We are advised to follow after Yahooshua and to suffer for doing good, no matter how unjustly we are treated.
Wives are advised to submit to their husbands without a word, EVEN if their husbands treat them the way Yahooshua was treated when he was taken prisoner and put to death. So wives arguing with, questioning or judging their husbands is NOT an option.
We are all advised to submit to the authorities whether they are just or unjust. So, Believers opposing the government of the day (other than democratically), or condemning the government of the day or leading protest marches or "freedom fighters" does not fit.
There is a big component embedded in all of this which relates simply to UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.
Unconditional love to wife, to husband, to neighbours, to enemies - there are NO EXCUSES, NO explanations, NO justifications ONLY LOVE! Note that “love” is more correctly “covenant love” or “Chesed” in Hebrew.
Summed up by Yahooshua's words on the stake {cross} "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do"
Luke 23:33-34 "33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they executed him on a stake {crucified him}, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34 Then said Yahooshua {Jesus}, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." (KJV, adjusted)
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 defines charity or covenant love (Greek agape, Hebrew chesed):
"1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not chesed {charity}, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
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 chesed, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not chesed, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Chesed suffereth long, and is kind; chesed envieth not; chesed vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Chesed 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.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, chesed {charity}, these three; but the greatest of these is chesed." (KJV)
In many respects, verses 4 to 7 summarise much of what has been presented above.
Much of this may seem simple, one may even pay "lip service" to many of these principles.
However, in my own experience, i very seldom manage to walk in much of this for very long and it increasingly is apparent that most Believers experience the same difficulty.
This becomes particularly apparent when one chooses to walk in the difficult truths that not many people are talking about AND then finds oneself being attacked verbally and spiritually.
Fundamentally, it seems that the essence of this message is about really understanding WHY those who sit on thrones for Eternity are referred to as "Overcomers". Grasping what that means in one's own life. At least at some basic level. And then choosing to live life that way anyway - which means first and foremost praying prayers like:
"Father please show me the level of my present deception and how to correct it".
"Father please judge me severely and correct me harshly so that i may serve you more perfectly".
"Father please help me to lead a life that is pleasing to you in every way, every day".
Another very important prayer - based on Galatians 2:20 "Father please let me be put to death with Yahooshua; nevertheless let me live; yet not i, but let the anointing of your set apart Spirit live in me: and the life which i now live in the flesh let me live by the faith of Yahooshua who loved me, and gave himself for me." (based on the KJV)
Galatians 2:20 reads "I am put to death {crucified} with the anointed one {Christ = Yahooshua}: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but the anointing of the Spirit of Yah {Christ NOT Yahooshua} liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of Yah, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (KJV, adjusted)
Only pray the above prayer IF you are REALLY committed AND you are in a stable relationship -- the above prayer can literally kill you in time if you pray it regularly and then get into sin, join yourself to someone sexully who is NOT anointed, get into fear, depression, anger, etc.
and then:
PRAYING whatever the Spirit of the Almighty leads you to pray.
DOING whatever the Spirit of the Almighty leads you to do, no matter how uncomfortable, how unconventional, how much you don't want to do it, how much it offends you or hurts you or upsets your friends or your family or your wife or ...
2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by faith, not by sight:" (KJV)
Proverbs 3:5-8
"5 Trust in Yah the Eternally Self-Existing with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear Yah the Eternally Self-Existing , and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." (KJV, adjusted)
There is so much that we do not even begin to understand.
We cannot figure this out in our own understanding or based on what we see with our natural minds.
We can only accomplish anything of worth in this life if we choose to be TOTALLY led by the Spirit of the Almighty and do the best we can each day to hear His voice, be led by His Spirit, to seek His guiding hand, etc.
The more that we can come to a realisation that we can do NO GOOD THING in our own strength, the more we are likely to please Him and come to close relationship with Him. Consider Isaiah 64:6 "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." (KJV)
There is much more that could be written, however, it is hoped that this gives some indication.