All Hallow's Eve

All Follows Evil

All Saint's Day celebration at a cemetery
in Poland to honor the dead.

Having been raised a Catholic, it was nothing for us to celebrate "All Hallow's Eve", commonly called Halloween or "All Saints' Day".  This commemoration is defined as:

All Saints Day is when the [Catholic] Church commemorates all saints, known and unknown. The eve of All Saints is known as All Hallows Eve, or Halloween...On All Saints Day, we celebrate these saints of the Lord, and ask for their prayers and intercessions. The whole concept of All Saints Day is tied in with the concept of the Communion of Saints. This is the belief that all of God's people, on heaven, earth, and in the state of purification (called Purgatory in the West), are connected in a communion...

The vigil of the Feast (the eve) has grown up in the English speaking countries as a festival in itself, All Hallows Eve, or Halloween. While many consider Halloween pagan (and in many instances the celebrations are for many), as far as the [Catholic] Church is concerned the date is simply the eve of the feast of All Saints...The day after All Saints day is called All Soul's Day, a day to remember and offer prayers up on behalf of all of the faithful departed.

Traditional Customs: Visiting Cemeteries and Giving "Soul Cakes" to the poor [an ancient custom where people beg for bread in return for praying for the spirits of the dead in the household].

Catholic Liturgy of the Hours All-Saints Prayer:
Father, All-Powerful and ever-living God,
today we rejoice in the holy men and women
of every time and place.
May their prayers bring us your forgiveness and love
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

"When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire [human sacrifice], or that useth divination [clairvoyancy, palmistry, horoscopy, soothsaying], or an observer of times, or an enchanter [cast spells], or a witch, or a charmer [using magic], or a consulter with familiar spirits [one contacting, asking, or inquiring of the dead], or a wizard, or a necromancer [communicating with the dead to obtain hidden knowledge or mysteries]. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God." Deuteronomy 18:9-13

Beyond the fact that we have absolutely no idea which "saints" are actually in Heaven or not, the Scriptures expressly forbid attempting to contact or have communion with those who are deceased.  Further, do the prayers of those who have died grant us God's forgiveness & love???  There is only one mediator who can make man worthy to receive God's forgiveness & love, and that is Jesus Christ.  Anything else is sacrilege and idolatry.  However the RCC's "All Saints Prayer" has their congregants attempting to commune with the deceased in the hopes that these "saints" prayers will make them acceptable to God. 

Early in its history, the Roman Catholic Church began embracing many pagan rituals with the intent of increasing its membership amongst those populations. The Catholic answer to addressing paganism was to assimilate the pagan beliefs.  In 601 A.D., Pope Gregory I issued an edict declaring that such pagan rites be enshrined into the Catholic Church so that the pagans' worship rituals to other gods would not be an obstacle to converting to Catholicism.  The pope writes in his epistle:

"[T]he temples of idols in that nation should not be destroyed, but that the idols themselves that are in them should be. Let blessed water be prepared, and sprinkled in these temples, and altars constructed, and relics deposited, since, if these same temples are well built, it is needful that they should be transferred from the worship of idols to the service of the true God...

And, since they are wont to kill many oxen in sacrifice to demons, they should have also some solemnity of this kind in a changed form, so that on the day of dedication, or on the anniversaries of the holy martyrs whose relics are deposited there, they may make for themselves tents of the branches of trees around these temples that have been changed into churches, and celebrate the solemnity with religious feasts. Nor let them any longer sacrifice animals to the devil, but slay animals to the praise of God for their own eating, and return thanks to the Giver of all for their fullness, so that, while some joys are reserved to them outwardly, they may be able the more easily to incline their minds to inward joys. For it is undoubtedly impossible to cut away everything at once from hard hearts, since one who strives to ascend to the highest place must needs rise by steps or paces, and not by leaps.

The RCC retained the pagan temples, replaced the idols of demons with idols of "saints", sprinkled some "holy water"; and now it was a place of worship for the Lord.  Instead of sacrificing to demons, they can now engage in those same practices in making sacrifices to God.

Is not this faulty logic the same being employed by many churches today?  "In order to get people to become Christians, we must allow them to continue their same demonic practices in the church that they did in the world.  We have to reserve for them some "outward joy" from their worldly traditions or the Gospel just won't be appealing enough to them.  Let them do what was done to demons as unto the Lord!"  This is the reasoning behind Rock music in the church, 'Christian' tattoos, etc.

Yet simply look at history to see if this type of approach is true or false.  Did embracing pagan rituals serve as a way to bring pagans "step-by-step" into Christianity as they turned away from paganism over time?  No!  On the contrary, instead of leading pagans to move away from these occult practices, the RCC has indoctrinated many into the same practices who would have otherwise not engaged in them. By embracing paganism, the RCC has been the primary means for spreading the occult globally.

How utterly wicked this assertion from Gregory I is.  Sacrifices made unto idols, worship to false gods, witchcraft, etc. is not an 'outward joy'; it is sin!  Is there beauty in that which God calls an abomination?  Do we need to appreciate the good in people's sin in order to win them to Christ?  If someone gets joy out of sin, does it become less sinful?  It is only the spirit of anti-christ who will tell you that you can disobey God and still be received by Him.

When we come to Jesus Christ, God does not tell us to turn from our "outward joys" little-by-little, so that forsaking these things won't be too much for our "hard hearts".  He gives us a new heart and says, "Go and sin no more!"  The fact that the RCC was trying to assimilate people with hard hearts merely shows that they were engrafting into themselves the unconverted.  They were not converting people to Christianity, but merely increasing the rolls of the Catholic institution.  Turning away from idolatry is not impossible in Christ, but is part of the inheritance we have in Christ Jesus in that we are made new creatures in Him.  How are we to "flee idolatry" and at the same time keep practicing idol worship, but doing it in the name of Jesus (I Corinthians 10:4-21; II Corinthians 6:17, 7:1; I John 5:21)??

Yet, the RCC would give the ritual a "new Catholic face" so to speak and, "BAM!" it is a Christian "holy day".  This is where many so-called "Christian" holidays come from...and All Hallow's Eve is no different.  It has its roots in the Celtic Druid tradition (a religious sect of witchcraft involving human sacrifice and spiritism).

"Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye." Mark 7:13

Image of Samhain, the 'god of the dead'
during All Hallows Eve parade.

October 31st marked the end of the Celtic Druid calendar year and on this day, it was believed that their 'god of the dead', Samhain, released the spirits of the dead to temporarily mingle with the living.  The Celtics then would reach out to these spirits, including having rituals at cemeteries, in order to get blessings or knowledge from them.  They would also have to give out food to appease the malevolent spirits, so that these spirits would not play tricks on them.

In assimilating this pagan tradition, the Catholic Church simply made this a day to venerate and seek blessings/knowledge from the "saints".  However, it is still the same forbidden occult practices that God says is an abomination.

"Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God."  III John 1:11

What the Catholic Church has done historically is not very different from what many churches do now in having "Fall Festivals" or "Harvest Parties" as an alternative for Halloween.  The RCC took a pagan ritual, gave it a Catholic makeover, and claimed this made it an acceptable Christian practice.  These churches have taken the Catholic ritual, given it a "Protestant" makeover, and claimed this made it an acceptable Christian practice.  WHAT is the difference?

Why do we continue to believe that we can absorb the things of the world, cover it with a Christian veneer, and make it Godly?  This is the same lie which undergirds much of what Catholicism has done, making many of today's churches just as "pagan" as that institution.  What part of "Come out from amongst them" and "Thou shalt not learn to do after these abominations" do we not understand?

"Abstain from all appearance of evil." I Thessalonians 5:22

Before you participate in Halloween activities (or allow your children to), make sure that you understand where these customs come from.

The History of Halloween and the Customs Behind It

By John Ankerberg

Where does Halloween come from and what is the meaning behind carving pumpkins, wearing costumes, and "trick or treating"?

Halloween, Human Sacrifice, Stonehenge And The Wicker Man

by Dr. Scott Johnson

The True Israel of God

Vatican synod called by Pope Benedict XVI
to address the plight of Christians in the Middle East

No Longer Chosen?

Who is Israel and to what group of people is God referring to when we see that reference in Scripture, especially the New Testament?

This can be a question which generates much debate...from the 'Christian identity sects' who all want to claim to be descendants of Israel to those who deny the existence of Israel altogether.  However, this is also a topic about which Scripture is very clear.  

In a Vatican Synod last week addressing the nation of Israel's presence in the Gaza Strip, the Roman Catholic Church stated:

"We Christians cannot speak of the ‘promised land’ as an exclusive right for a privileged Jewish people. This promise was nullified by Christ. There is no longer a chosen people – all men and women of all countries have become the chosen people."

Now the Roman Catholic Church has a highly anti-semitic history, which is consistent with the anti-christ spirit under it operates (even while waving a false banner of "Christianity").  However, once again the Scriptures clearly refute the erroneous assertions of this institution.  God repeatedly states that there is still a particular people which He chooses as His own.

"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, 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. 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: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." I Peter 2:7-10

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus 2:13-14

There is a chosen generation, a peculiar people that God calls His people.  Is this "all men and women of all countries" as the Catholic Church states?  No!  It is those who believe in Christ, and these individuals are contrasted against those whom God calls "disobedient".  So while the Ecumenical movement desires to weave all religions together as equally acceptable to God, this is a lie.  Although the chosen are "few", they are still chosen (Matthew 20:16, 22:14).  Those who stand with Christ at the end of time are not only called and chosen, but faithful (Revelation 17:14).

Another falsehood the RCC asserts is that the promises made to Israel were "nullified by Christ".  This is because that organization holds to what is called a Replacement Theology, which claims that the Church has replaced Israel as God's chosen people.  Therefore, according to this doctrine, God is no longer dealing with the physical descendants of Israel as His people.

There is also another extreme to this position which might be called a Wipeout Theology, because it essentially attempts to wipe Israel off of the map when it comes to them ever being God's people.  It says that the literal descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were never considered by God to be His people.  Instead, they claim that Scriptural references to "Israel" refer only to those "spiritual Jews" based on faith and never a national heritage.

Both of these theologies are false.   

Natural Israel is Still "Israel"

The New Testament continues to speak of the literal, physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as "Israel", disputing the fact that this word always signifies the Christian Church.

"Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I." II Corinthians. 11:22

Paul is speaking here of false prophets who are not part of the Body of Christ.  He confirms that these Hebrews of the physical lineage of Abraham are in fact Israelites.

"Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?" I Corinthians 10:18

There remains an "Israel after the flesh" or in other words, an Israel determined by one's genealogy or earthly heritage.

‎"For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises." Romans 9:3-4

Here Paul grieves over the lost condition of his "kinsmen according to the flesh" because they have not turned in faith to Christ.  Without question, Paul confirms that these kinsmen are Israelites, in spite of their unbelief.

Natural Israel is Still God's Chosen People

Not only are there New Testament references to the physical Jews still being Israel, they are also dealt with by God as His people.  Jesus Christ did not nullify God's promises to them.

‎"For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in." Romans 11:25

In referencing Israel, Paul addresses their lack of faith in Christ.  Notice that God's promises to them have not been nullified by Christ, as the RCC asserts.  God is using the Christian Church to move His people (Israel) to jealousy and by that turn their hearts back to Him as He continues to fulfill His promises to them (Romans 11:7-12).  They have been blinded in part only until all of the Gentiles who will be saved have come into the faith.  At that point, the blindness in Israel is lifted and they will see and recognize their Savior (Zechariah 12:10, Matthew 24:30; Revelation 1:7).

"As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes." Romans 11:28   

Going further to discuss the blindness of the Jews, Paul calls these Israelites "beloved" of God.  Not only are the unbelieving Jews still God's people, but they are agapētos meaning "esteemed, dear, favorite, worthy of love". As with us, this is not because of any righteousness they possess.  Rather, it demonstrates the faithfulness of God as He continues to honor the promises made to their forefathers.  Such promises do not grant the natural Jews salvation - for they still need to turn in faith to Christ to be saved - but it does mean that they continue to be recognized by God as His people.

"I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew." Romans 11:1-2a

God's people have not been replaced nor "cast away", but He works in them even now until the Second Coming to bring them to repentance and faith in Christ (Revelation 7:4-8).

There is Also a "Spiritual" Israel

"For neither is circumcision [now] of any importance, nor uncircumcision, but [only] a new creation [the result of a new birth and a new nature in Christ Jesus, the Messiah]" Galatians 6:15-16  Amplified Version

There is a natural people of Israel as determined by an earthly lineage of the flesh; and there is a spiritual people of Israel as determined by the new birth through faith in Jesus Christ.

The physical people of Israel are often symbolized in Scripture as an "olive tree" (Jeremiah 11:16-17; Hosea 14:5-6; Romans 11:24).  In Romans Chapter 11, we are told that Gentile believers in Christ Jesus are engrafted into that same tree to be made partaker of the root (who is Christ) and fatness (the blessings) of the tree.  This of course is not a physical engrafting where our earthly heritage changes; it is a spiritual birth with a spiritual inheritance.  We have not supplanted the olive tree, but are joined to and made one with it (Ephesians 2:15). 

It is through this new birth that Jerusalem becomes the "mother of us all" and Abraham the "father of us all" (Galatians 4:26; Romans 4:16).  The same also makes us people of the "circumcision" in that we have been circumsized spiritually in our hearts (Philippians 3:3; Romans 2:29; Colossians 2:11).  We are brought "nigh" unto the commonwealth of Israel making us "fellow citizens" with them (Ephesians 2:11-13, 19-20). 

Why All the Confusion About Israel?

"And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." Genesis 12:2-3

With all of the Scriptural evidence to the contrary, some might wonder how people can assert that Israel is no longer God's people.

Why is there so much animosity against Israel?  Why such attempts to not only discredit them, or replace them, but to remove any remembrance of them from the face of the earth?  The problem that the RCC has with Israel is the same problem that the world in general has: Israel is God's chosen people. 

The natural seed of Israel was chosen to bring forth the Messiah in the flesh.  The spiritual seed of Israel is chosen to bring forth the Messiah in spirit. Therefore the world - and all of its systems (religious, financial educational, governmental) - hates Israel, both natural and spiritual, because they bring forth the one who stands against the world: Jesus Christ.

I stated this above, but I want to reiterate just in case there are any questions.  Although the natural people of Israel are still considered by God to be His people, that does not grant them salvation.  They must turn in faith to Jesus Christ and be born again (Romans 11:23-24).  They must become Jews "inwardly" in order to be saved (Romans 2:29).  Yet, God is not through with them yet.  They still remain His people as He urges them to repentance, and He continues to keep His promises to them even today.  The "Promised Land" was not given to Israel by man, and neither can it be taken away by man.  It is their promised inheritance from the Lord.  Once the time of the Gentiles has been completed, He will turn His focus back to them once more (in the land He has given them) as Jesus comes forth to defend them in the Battle of Armageddon. 

Whenever you see hatred of the Jews, know that you are looking at those who likewise hate the church.  It is the spirit of anti-christ.  Similarly, what happens to the physical nation of Israel in the natural is a reflection of what happens to Christians in the spirit.  Just as the nation of Israel's enemies are encamped around her to bring about her destruction, so are the enemies of the church gathered spiritually around her to bring about our destruction.  The anti-christ spirit hates God's people...all of them.  Yet God will prevail for He is strong to deliver.

The Land Mourns for Corn, New Wine, and Oil

Joel's Armies

"The field is wasted, the land mourneth; for the corn is wasted: the new wine is dried up, the oil languisheth. Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat and for the barley; because the harvest of the field is perished. The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.

Gird yourselves, and lament, ye priests: howl, ye ministers of the altar: come, lie all night in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: for the meat offering and the drink offering is withholden from the house of your God. Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD, Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come." Joel 1:10-15

There was a HUGE thunderstorm this morning, like a deluge.  It was a drenching rain with lightenings so close and pronounced that even my children called out at the sight of it.  It was so intense, that as I prayed this morning I asked the Lord what He would have me to know about this storm; and He led me to the Book of Joel.

My Bible contains the following introduction to Joel:

Joel shows God speaks through natural disasters and can be trusted even more when the world seems about to end.  Judah experienced severe drought and the devastation of a locust plague.  God told Joel this just reminded Judah that the day of the Lord was coming and the people needed to respond.  

Joel shows: God's day calls for God's congregation to repent and witness to Him (1:1-2:17); God in pity will provide for the needs of His people and lead them to true worship (2:18-27); God is preparing a day of salvation for His people (2:28-3:21).

This is a time of soberness, of prayer and fasting before the Lord.  If we want His Spirit to pour out upon His people again, if we desire the latter rain, then we must cry out to Him for the sins of the land...especially in the midst of the 'church'.  We must seek His face with a heart of repentance if the current spiritual drought is to end.  He doesn't just want an outward show of repentance, but wants us to "rend our hearts" and turn wholly unto Him (Joel 2:13).

Why should this be the response of His people at this time?  Because a strong nation without number has laid waste God's people .  The word for "nation" in this text is often translated Gentiles, but can also be used figuratively to mean "a swarm of locusts".   Let's further examine how Joel describes this 'nation':

• By the palmerworm, the locust, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, this nation devours the fruitfulness of the Lord's land (Joel 1:4).  Note as well that each of those insects actually describes locusts.  Palmerworm is the word gazam which means "locusts"; cankerworm is the word yekeq which means "young locust (early stage of development)"; caterpillar is the word chaciyl which means "locusts".  This text describes a hoard of locusts bringing about devastation unto the people.
• This is a strong nation with "the teeth of a lion" (Joel 1:6-7).
• They are a "great people" who are "set in battle array" (Joel 2:2, 5)
• They enter the land that is like unto Eden (fruitful, pleasant) and conquer to leave it a desolate and barren wilderness (Joel 2:3). 
• Their appearance is as horses and and their sound as chariots (Joel 2:4-5).
• They are a "strong people" who run like "mighty men" (Joel 2:5, 7) just like the "giants" (nephilim) outlined in Genesis Chapter 6.

Consider how the text below from the Book of Revelation so closely matches this army described by Joel.

Art used by Pat Marvenko Smith,copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her"Revelation Illustrated" site.

"And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

...And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men. And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions."  Revelation 9:1-3, 7-8

What is unlocked and set free from the bottomless pit?  That which is kept in chains under darkness until the great day of God's judgment (II Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6).  The fallen angels who kept not their first estate are freed so that they - and the demon spirits (mighty men) which they fathered - can set about releasing a plague of destruction against mankind.

This first army described by Joel is a nation of satanic invaders who go forth to destroy through a violent take over as they pillage the pleasant land and destroy the fruitful vines.  This is why God calls His people into prayer & fasting in this present hour.  The Book of Joel is only 3 Chapters long, but God calls for His people to sanctify a fast 3 times in this book.  The sorrowful condition of the church and the spiritual drought in which we live should cause all of His people to cry out for deliverance from the onslaught of this satanic host.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14

How does God respond to this outpouring of repentance?  In the midst of the devastation caused by this army, God will raise up another people. The Bridegroom and the Bride - who have henceforth been concealed - will be revealed (Joel 2:16).  The Bridegroom comes out of His chamber, while the Bride - who had been in her closet (prayer closet) - also comes forth. She has indeed made herself ready for His appearance (Revelation 19:7).  God will restore what the first army took away and send forth the corn, the wine, and the oil unto His people (Joel 2:19, Romans 8:19).  He will pour out His Spirit on all flesh and do great things through them (Joel 2:21-29).

"Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil." Joel 2:23-24

Why does God do this?  The first army in Joel is a demonic host empowered to be "mighty men" as they focus on the violent destruction of God's people.  In the wake of the destruction from this first army, it might seem questionable whether the dry bones that lay in their wake can actually live again.  Yet, Ezekiel says that God breathed the Spirit of life unto those bones and raised up an "exceeding great army" (Ezekiel Chapter 37).  This second army is empowered by the Spirit of God through prayer & fasting as we reach out to the lost to save their souls.

God is using this second army to show forth the power of God so that people will call upon the name of the Lord to be saved (Joel 2:32).  God is turning the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem (which is symbolic of the church and Israel) as He prepares for the day of judgment (Joel 3:1-12).  This is why our focus must be on the lost, for God will judge those who are without...and He is preparing to do so even now. 

This is the real Joel's Army, as opposed to the false move of Kingdom Dominionists who are becoming more prevalent in the churchworld.  It is not the carnal "Joel's Army" ideology many are promoting in this false 'prophetic' movement where people are marching in their own power to take control of world systems.  It is GOD calling forth and preparing His people by His Spirit to reach the lost before He comes to judge this present evil world.

Will you mourn for the loss of the corn, the new wine, and the oil?  Will you humble yourself before the Lord and seek His face to be empowered by His Spirit in these last days?  There really is a latter rain which shall be greater than the first, but it only comes to a people whose hearts have been prepared by God to receive it.

God is preparing to do a wondrous work through His people; our focus cannot be on earthly things, but on that which is spiritual (Matthew 6:19-20; Romans 8:5; Colossians 3:2; Philippians 3:18-19).  Now is the time to seek the Lord while He may be found.  THEN, will He hear from Heaven.

My Princess Boy

There is More Than One Way to Be a Boy

Is there?  What is it intrinsically which makes one a boy or a girl?  Is it a God who creates each individual to be male or female?  Or is gender defined by how we feel or what we decide we want to be?

These are the type of questions a mother from Seattle, Washington (Cheryl Kilodavis) had to struggle to come to terms with as she noticed in her son the propensity for wearing dresses and girls' accessories.  This prompted her to write a book entitled "My Princess Boy" which tells of her journey into accepting her son's preferences.  This book is now being used in schools to teach on diversity and inclusion - not just tolerance - for those who are "different".

So, what is the big deal?  When God said that it is an abomination for a man to dress like a woman, was He just being too intolerant (Deuteronomy 22:5)?  When He says that the effeminate shall not inherit the Kingdom of God, is He just kidding (I Corinthians 6:9)?

What is the role of a parent in guiding a child?  Perhaps it is from Dr. Freud that people have adopted such philosophies as a "good" parent must cater to every whim of the child or cause irreparable harm.  It is interesting however that the instruction from the word of God differs dramatically from the counsel of the world.

Scripture says that we are shapen in iniquity and conceived in sin (Psalms 51:5).  We are born with a nature that is contrary to the things of God.  As a result, we must be taught what is good and what is not.

God says that foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, and that he is therefore in need of correction (Proverbs 22:15).  We are told that if we love our children, we will provide Godly correction (Proverbs 13:24, 19:18, 23:13-14, 29:17) just as God corrects us (Hebrews 12:5-9).

"The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." Proverbs 29:15

Is it wrong for a parent to guide a child on what is appropriate to eat or not to eat?  Are we harming our children when we don't indulge them in eating cake for breakfast, candy for lunch, and ice cream for dinner?  Is it a violation of the child's rights to direct your young teenage daughter not to wear revealing clothing?  Are we failing to support a child's freedom of expression when we correct them for using profanity?  Are we being intolerant when we give our young children rules around not touching the stove, less they be burned?

Children are ignorant by virtue of the fact that they know not what they should do.  Is this not in fact why God gives children parents (Malachi 2:15)?  We are supposed to raise children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).  When we leave a child to be ruled by his own defiled, carnal desires, we are doing so to our own shame...and to his detriment. 

Such is how Morehouse College (a male-only institution) finds itself needing to ask their men to stop wearing dresses and high heels around the campus.  All I could ask is, "Lord, has it REALLY come to this?"  The answer of course is yes.

We have spoken here often of promotion for acceptance of the homosexual agenda and what that has to do with the end times.  We have also showed how this is pushed in the educational systems, even starting as young as the grade of Kindergarten.  None of this is occurring by happenstance.

What should be a shame and a horror is instead celebrated in the video below as the young boy is repeatedly shown wearing dresses, dancing around in skirts, and showing off his pink sparkly socks.  I pray that people will wake up and stop letting satan run rampant in their lives and the lives of their precious children.  

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." Psalms 127:3

What About Pledging?

Should Christians Join Fraternities & Sororities?

"If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him." Deuteronomy 13:6-8

As we continue delving into Babylon, it is fitting that we examine how our young people are being initiated into the mystery religions via pledging to fraternities and sororities. In a nutshell, these organizations are occult societies because they are secret, exclusive organizations open only to the initiated. 

Occult: That which is done in secret; disclosed or communicated only to the initiated;
hidden from view; of or pertaining to magic, astrology, or any system claiming use
or knowledge of secret or supernatural powers or agencies.

Christ does nothing in secret and He says that all things which are hidden shall be brought to the light. Neither is Christianity exclusive, but is open to all who will place faith in Jesus.  Consider this as well. What does it mean to be initiated? An initiation is the ceremonies or rituals of admission. A ritual is an established or prescribed procedure for a religious and spiritual rite.

As with all aspects of Babylon, it promotes the deception that you can be made acceptable by God through your "good works" even while being filled with unrighteousness within.  Yet Jesus let us know that if we are spiritually unclean, then our outward works mean nothing (Luke 11:38-39).  Participating in community service efforts, helping further youth education, raising funds for charities and doing other good works does not mean that God will ignore us pledging our obedience and dedication to false gods (Matthew 7:21-23).

So listed below are two video series which I pray will enlighten you on this topic.  The first video examines these societies own words to see how they promote false god worship.  The second is a former insider's reflection on Greek life. While these videos specifically deal with experiences in the Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs), the pattern of oaths and rituals as well as the foundation of these organizations in pagan mystery religions, are the same for all.

This video series identifies the pagan gods which are venerated by each of the BGLO.  In this series, Bro. David simply breaks it down.  There is simply no way one can deny that these organizations indoctrinate their members into false god worship because they openly admit it.  Watch this video to hear what they have to say for themselves.  There are ten videos in this series and you can skip among them by clicking on the arrows on either side of the video screen.

• How these organizations are founded upon idolatry
• Which false gods are venerated by each society?
• Examines these organizations' own bylaws, crests, symbols, and rituals to see how they promote worship to false gods...according to their own words!
• How the image of baphomet is routinely incorporated into their worship rituals
• How tattoos and brands are pagan dedication rituals
• Why the oath of secrecy is an integral part of these groups and a cover for darkness
• What are the spiritual realities behind pledging oaths? 
• What is the "brotherhood of man" and is it Godly? 
• What are the curses from adopting the practices and philosophies of fallen cultures (i.e. Greece & Kemet) 
• How to get free from these curses if you have pledged allegiance to these organizations and the false gods which undergird them 
• Prayer of deliverance

The video series below is from the perspective of Helene, who is an ex-soror, as she shares an insider's viewpoint on what it is like to belong to these Greek Societies:

• How the Pledging Rituals Are Similar to Voodoo Rituals
• How the 'public face' of these organizations is manufactured for recruitment purposes
• What is Initiation?
• What it means to be "on line"
• Crossing the Burning Sands
• Pinning Ceremony
• What is Hell Night?
• Oaths which must be made to pagan Greek & Egyptian gods as part of the pledging process
• What is Skating?
• Is Hazing still a standard part of the process?
• What does the skull and crossswords symbolize? 
• How the Boule is the equivalent of the Skull & Bones society, but is used to keep African-Americans indoctrinated into occult philosophy and controllable.
• Why is branding done?
• How these societies are very similar to Freemason and the Eastern Star organizations
• What does it mean to be a Legacy?
• The expectation of sexual promiscuity and fornication

Somebody OUGHT To Be Whooped!

E. Dewey Smith Jr. "whooping it up" in the pulpit.
Pastor, Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church

A Crying Shame

Last week, I did an article on the blog called The Road to Hell which discussed the great "performances" which occur in the pulpits as preachers in Babylon use sorcery to control the church members in the pews.  The emphasis is not on opening up the revelation of God's word to impart a clear understanding, but in getting the people jumping, shouting, crying and yelling out "Amen!"

It just so happens that today, CNN has come out with an article entitled, "Black preachers who 'whoop' -- minstrels or ministers?" where they examine the phenomenon of "whooping" in the African-American community. 

whooping: the use of use vocal gymnastics and storytelling
to emotionally inspire & engage (and I might add bewitch) congregations

This is not about cultural roots or the African-American heritage. The same thing is occurring in churches across all races as people seek supernatural 'signs', prophetic 'anointings', or some other "experience" instead of seeking the Lord.  It is all an illustration of how far man's mind has wandered from the things of God where we can no longer separate the soulish from the spiritual. How long will people seek entertainment of the flesh as a replacement for sober-mindedness and spiritual growth in the Lord?

As you read and listen below, consider the language used as they describe whooping:  Non-whooping preaching just doesn't "penetrate"...It is a "synergy between the pulpit and the pew"...The whooping part is the "climax".  Remember what was discussed in The Road to Hell piece.  They are describing spiritual sodomy as the pastor illegally "penetrates" the soul of man in order to give him a false emotional release (whether a good cry or a good shout).  I won't spend time here reiterating the points made in The Road to Hell, but I encourage you to read it if you do not understand why this is such an atrocity to God...and a deception for His people.

"The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?" Jeremiah 5:31

While you can read the article for yourselves, I have quoted some interesting comments below as it relates to people being conditioned to mistakenly believe that Babylon is the church of God.

"The Rev. E. Dewey Smith Jr. bangs on the pulpit with his fist. He shuts his eyes and moans. Then a high-pitched sound rises from his throat like the wail of a boiling tea-kettle."

"Rows of parishioners stand to shout. One woman in a satiny blue dress jumps up and down like she's on a pogo stick."

""One Tuesday morning, I heard the voice of Jesus saying, 'C'mon unto me and rest," Smith shouts as he punctuates his delivery with a series of guttural gasps and shrieks backed up by an organist's riffs. "But can I tell you what I did? I came to Jesus, just as I was. And I found in him joy in sorrow. Somebody shout yes. Yeessssss!""

"Whooping pastors use chanting, melody and call-and-response preaching to reach parishioners in a place where abstract preaching cannot penetrate, scholars say."

"Whooping preachers aim "to wreck" a congregation by making people feel the sermon, not just hear it, says the Rev. Henry Mitchell, a scholar who identified the link between whooping and African oral traditions. "The old folks used to say, 'If you ain't felt nothing, you ain't got nothing,''' Mitchell says."

"They deliver diabetic sermons. You have a shot of insulin, but you have to come back later," Brown says. "It's like a candy high. They never look at the text; never any substance. All they give you is sounds."

UPDATE: In contrast to the foolishness below, here is a sound review on the topic of preaching and the importance of following Jesus' example.

Babylonian Mystery Religion in Sistine Chapel

In the last message we posted from Pastor Mike Hoggard, he was addressing the Mother of All Secrets, which I still happen to believe is one of the most important lessons for Christians to hear.  So if you have not watched it before, please do so.

However, in his recent Watchman broadcast, Pastor Hoggard delves into the mystery religions of Babylon (i.e., Roman Catholicism, Kemet, etc.) and how it is rooted in goddess & phallic worship.  In this examination, he uses the "Christian" symbolism we see in the Sistine Chapel to illustrate this deception.

As always, Pastor Hoggard's research is not for the faint of heart.  In this prophetic research newscast, he discusses:

• Roman Catholicism as a mystery religion and not Christianity.   As a former Catholic, I can only agree wholeheartedly with the truth he reveals about this organization.  Please pray for the deliverance of those people who have been deceived by this wicked institution.  In case it is not clear, let me reiterate: Roman Catholicism is not a Christian religion, and Pastor Hoggard sheds light on one way in which this is revealed...in their own Sistine Chapel.
  
• The practice of Shakti and how through "touch" one can transfer spirits or illumination.  Shakti is the divine feminine creative power in Hinduism (also called the Great Divine Mother).  Shakti is responsible for all creation and is worshiped as the Supreme Being.  Shakti is also a critical mantra in the practice of Yoga as it is believed to tune you into the frequency of the Divine Mother for primal protective, generative energy. Chanting the Shatki is supposed to eliminate all fears and fulfils all desires. The various Shatki mantras mean "Primal Power," "All Power", and "that which creates through God."
  
• Elements of old world mysticism promoted in Steven Spielberg films, particularly E.T. (The Extra Terrestrial) which mirrors Michelangelo's painting of "The Creation of Adam" on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.  Earlier this year, I happened to watch the movie E.T. on television which I had seen initially as a child.  As I did, God began pointing out to me the various anti-christ symbolism in the movie.  Don't think that the perversion in the media is something recent.  Even years ago, so-called "children's films" were being used to mold people's mind to accept an anti-christ agenda.  Nonetheless, Pastor Hoggard shows how this new age mysticism (which is really not new at all, but plain, old Babylonian witchcraft) of transferring spirits via Shakti is promoted in this film and in the Roman Catholic Church's Sistine Chapel. Notice as well that goddess worship is often associated with the worship of the moon, which is also the backdrop for the E.T. promo.
  
• Have you ever heard people speak of the "Shekinah Glory" of God?  Find out what, or rather WHO, Shekinah is and how it is connected with Shakti.  The word Shekinah itself is not found in the Hebrew Scriptures, but is a derivative of a feminine Hebrew word meaning "to dwell" (shakan).  However Shekinah is found in the Jewish book of mysticism called the Kabbalah as the image of the divine feminine.  Shekinah is also depicted in "The Creation of Adam" in the Sistine Chapel.  What is the Shekinah "anointing"?
  
• What is really being accomplished in the awakening of the Third Eye through Kundalini and how is this being promoted through "Christian" churches via soaking prayer, contemplative prayer, certain music, yoga, etc.?  Learn how this mystic practice is being introduced into Christianity with such phrases as a coming Great Awakening (Rick Warren), a Great Shifting (Carlton Pearson), etc.
  
• How there is a 500 year-old mystery hidden in the painting of "The Creation of Adam" (Concealed Neuroanatomy in Michelangelo's Separation of Light From Darkness in the Sistine Chapel) which depicts the illumination of the Third Eye. Even Scripture shows that what is painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is not a depiction of God giving life to Adam.  What it does show is the revelation of the "new humanity" or "new breed" of man made possible by merging with the nephilim through the awakening of the Third Eye.

I have tried to break down some of the topics being addressed in this video, but you really need to take just one hour to watch it in order to see how all these things work together.  I have also added below a couple of images Pastor Hoggard discusses so that you can take a closer view of what he is presenting.

In the Sistine Chapel piece entitled "The Creation of Adam", Michelangelo depicts the life giving goddess of Shekinah giving illumination to Adam.

In the Sistine Chapel work called "The Separation of Light from Darkness" Michelangelo paints the the human spinal cord and brain stem representing the illumination that happens when the Kundalini serpent has made its way up the spine and connected with the base of the brain to awaken the Third Eye.

Hell Bent

On Razing Hell

"Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." Luke 13:23-24

We have discussed how Babylon exploits man's sinful nature by using it to ensnare him in a life of religious performance while he is inwardly still bound in sin and hating the God he claims to serve.  Since man must remain bound to sin to be susceptible to Babylon's sorcery, the issue of sin - and specifically God's judgment for it - must be dismissed in order to deceive.

This is why many doctrines of Babylon teach that one can still be saved in spite of continual sin in our lives.  One way that this is done is through the "gospel of inclusion" (promoted by Carlton Pearson) and others like it such as: Universalism, Ultimate Reconciliation, or Comprehensive Grace.  While there are minor differences among them, central to each of these doctrines is a belief that all humanity will be saved and none will suffer eternal damnation.  Of course, to teach this, one has to destroy the very notion that there is such a place as the Hell described in the Scriptures.

In the first article which started these series of posts, we discussed an interview given by Carlton Pearson where he speaks of Hell.  Summing up Pearson's perspective, Keith Morrison (NBC) states, "Clear as a bell, says Carlton, he heard God telling him to preach this new message.  That hell is a place in life and that after death, everybody is redeemed....everybody!"  When asked by Morrison whether this means that Adolph Hitler is in Heaven, Carlton's response was:

"Yes! You think Hitler is more powerful than the blood of Jesus?  I mean I got a Hell to put a lot of people in; I'd send Hitler and every slave driver straight to hell and a few deacons in my church if you want to know the truth. I'd send people to Hell, but I'm not God.  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not ours only, but the sins of the whole world."

This is the stroke of genius, the masterpiece which allows sin to abound in Babylon unfettered, effectively putting a muzzle on anyone who would talk about sin.  I don't want anyone pointing out my sin, so in turn, I cannot say anything about their sin.  There is an unspoken bond of silence for those in Babylon, whereby they agree not to judge that which is sinful.  Instead of keeping the Biblical mandate to expose deeds of darkness and have no fellowship with them (Romans 16:17; I Corinthians 5:9-11; II Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:11; II Thessalonians 3:6-14; I Timothy 5:20, 6:3-5), they instinctively move to cover sin, keep it hidden, and stay in fellowship with it!  They actually fight against the very thing which would bring them liberty; repentance from sin.

It is from this vantage point that you will hear phrases like, "Well, we have all sinned and fallen short.  Judge not lest you be judged.  Touch not God's anointed.  There's no one perfect but Jesus.  Let he who is without sin throw the first stone."  Have you ever seen how many professing Christians react when an issue of sin comes up?  Their enemy becomes the one exposing the sin and calling for repentance while their comrade is the sinner they rush to defend.  While it is true that these people have been yoked to the personalities of men as part of the Babylonian captivity, there is also a very personal reason why they justify the sinner: they are in the same boat!  Babylon gives them a cloak for sin and they cannot expose one part of it without exposing it all.  So not only must they deny how God commands us to deal with sin, they must also deny how God Himself judges sin.

"For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved , what will become of the godless man and the sinner?" I Peter 4:17-18

The heart of the question about the existence of Hell and the fate of sinners is, "What is God's judgment for sin?"  What will be the outcome for the godless and the sinner?  Are they also saved, but just with more difficulty?  Clearly the above verses set forth that there is a contrast between the outcome for the righteous versus the unrighteous.  Yet, according to supporters of this doctrine, the outcome for both is the same because all will wind up saved.  To find the truth, we must examine the Scriptures to see if the assertions used to support this doctrine are true:

• Hell is Not Real
• The Lake of Fire is Not Eternal Punishment
• The Character of God Precludes Eternal Punishment
• All are "Summed Up" in Christ
• Many in the Early Church held this position

Hell is Not Real

One of the claims used to support a doctrine of all men being redeemed is that Hell - as commonly taught in the churchworld - does not exist.  They will say that our time now on earth is really Hell (as does Carlton Pearson) or they may deny its existence altogether.

Often such arguments hinge on whether the word "Hell" seen in Scripture has been properly translated (shĕ'owl, hadēs, geenna, tartaroō).  However, there is a much simpler way to examine this issue.  Simply look at what God says is the destiny of those who die in rebellion to Him.  Regardless of what you want to call it, there is a fate that all sinners can look forward to (or not).

There is an "eternal destruction" awaiting those outside of Christ after they have died (Matthew 10:28; Mark 3:29; Luke 12:4-5; II Thessalonians 1:8-9).

There is an "everlasting fire" prepared for Satan and his angels where there is torment day and night, and those who serve Satan will also be thrown into that same fire after death (Isaiah 33:14; Matthew 8:8-9, 13:41-42, 18:8, 25:41; Jude 1:7; Revelation 20:10).  This is described by Jesus as an "everlasting punishment" (Matthew 25:46).

Those whose names are not in the Book of Life are cast into the Lake of Fire, which is the "second death" (Revelation 20:15, 21:8).

The fate of sinners in the Lake of Fire will stand as an eternal testimony against them as the smoke of their torment and the carcasses of their bodies continue to be visible to all (Isaiah 66:24; Revelation 14:11). 

Some of the dead will be raised to face God's "everlasting contempt" (Daniel 12:2). 

Without getting into semantics, Scripture is replete with references to a fate for sinners well past their natural death on this earth.  Life on earth doesn't end our existence; but there is an eternal reality to be faced even after death for every individual.

The Lake of Fire is Not Eternal Punishment

Aiōn Means "Age"

Some say that the Greek word aiōn (or its derivative aiōnios) - often translated "eternal" in the New Testament - is a mistranslation since it really means an "age" or a "time period".   However, this is the same Greek word is used to define our life with God after death.

“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 24:46

The Greek word aionios is used above for both the words "everlasting" and "eternal".  In other words, we can know from this text that the "life" given to the righteous will last the same length of time as the "punishment" given to the wicked.  Therefore, there is nothing in the definition of an "age" which requires that it has to come to an end.  In speaking of the Lake of Fire, Scripture says:

“It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.” Isaiah 34:10

The first “for ever” in this passage is the Hebrew word owlam, which is similar in meaning to aiōn. However, the last “for ever and ever” is the Hebrew word netsach literally meaning "into perpetuity" or never ending.  The smoke from the Lake of Fire will not be quenched, but shall be never ending (Revelation 14:10-11).

The language of the Gospel is in simplicity (II Corinthians 11:3).  It doesn't take a lot of Hebrew & Greek knowledge to gain the understanding of God's word.  While I am not dismissing the value of study, the true revelation of Scripture comes by His Spirit.  We can always trust that He means what He says, and says what He means.  It is when we are trying to explain away the plain meaning of the text that we often run into trouble.

Death Shall Be Destroyed

It is also said that since death itself will be destroyed (I Corinthians 15:26), the Lake of Fire - called the “second death” (Revelation 20:14) - must also be destroyed.  However this is not what the text says, nor is it implied.  For death to be destroyed, the cause of death, sin (Romans 6:23), has to be eliminated.  The context of death's destruction in I Corinthians 15 is as it relates to all things (even God's enemies) being put under Christ's feet and brought into subjection to Him. Remember, the sting of death is sin (I Corinthians 15:56).

Sin is rebellion against the righteousness of God (I John 5:17), but once all rebellion has been addressed, there is no more sin...and henceforth, no more death.  Those in Christ have overcome sin and been made righteous in Him.  His enemies are under His righteous judgment and powerless to rebel against it. All indeed are submitted to God and subdued under His authority, whether willingly (through God’s free gift) or by compulsion (God’s judgment). 

Salvation Through the Lake of Fire

Since brimstone has historically been a purifying agent, it is claimed that the Lake of Fire doesn't illustrate a time of punishment, but of cleansing.  Similar to the Catholic extra-biblical doctrine of purgatory, they teach that people will stay in the Lake of Fire only long enough to burn off their sin before being reconciled to God.

The first problem with this is that the foundation for salvation is repentance unto faith in Jesus Christ. There is nothing in Scripture which says that those in the Lake of Fire at any time repent or come to faith in Jesus Christ, nor that they are even given the chance to.

Further, the depiction of brimstone in Scripture does not reveal something purified for the purposes of being brought back to life.  When God rained down fire & brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah, that judgment was not a means to re-impart life to the area.  In fact, it was part of God's judgment that the area be left barren and laid waste (Deuteronomy 28:23).  This is also the description of the Lake of Fire (Isaiah 34:8-10).

Some assert that I Corinthians 3:15 references this purification because it says that some will be "saved as by fire".  While we address the actual meaning of this text in another post, it should be noted that Paul is speaking in Chapter 3 only of the brethren who are "in Christ" (verse 1).  In no way does this text make accommodations for the lost to attain to salvation by going through fire. 

There is no indication from Scripture that those in the Lake of Fire are ever re-born or renewed unto life.  On the contrary, we are told about such persons, "And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night" (Revelation 14:11).  Is there a day when they will get rest from this torment?  No. There will forever be evidence of their torment and this fire shall not be quenched (Ezekiel 20:48; Revelation 20:10).

The Character of God Precludes Eternal Punishment

God's character is not one-sided.  He is a merciful Father and a righteous Judge.  He is longsuffering, but also jealous.  He is a High Priest and a Governor.  He is a God of peace and a man of war.  He is a lion as well as a lamb.  He is a Rewarder and a Punisher.  He is the Rock of salvation and a Rock of offense.  He is man's hope, but also man's dread & fear.

We cannot simply hold on to one of God's attributes to the exclusion of others without coming away with a warped perception of who God is.  How we interact with Him (and Him with us) is dependent upon our relationship to Him.

There is a misconception often promoted with these doctrines that all people are God's children.  Yet Scripture says that the only ones who are God's children are those led by His Spirit in Christ (Galatians 3:26, 4:4-7; Romans 8:9-14; Ephesians 1:5; II Corinthians 6:17-18).

Neither is the Lake of Fire described by God's word as a "chastening" of sons as we see in Hebrews Chapter 12, which refers to “the whole training of children which aims at increasing virtue”.  Rather, the Lake of Fire is described as an expression of God's wrath,  indignation, punishment, curse, vengeance, everlasting destruction, penalty, and condemnation (Matthew 25:41; II Thessalonians 1:8-9; Revelation 14:10-11). This is not an interaction of a Father dealing with sons, but of an angry God meting out righteous judgment.

All is "Summed Up" in Christ 

Another Scripture used to support the position that all humanity will be saved is Ephesians 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."

The assertion is that all things being are gathered together in Christ necessitates that all is joined in reconciliation with Him.  After some time spent burning off sin in the Lake of Fire, these would also be added to Christ and saved.  Yet, reconciliation does not mean that all things are just added together, but that all things are balanced out.

One of the roots of the phrase “gather together in one” is the Greek word kephalaion which means “the pecuniary sum total of a reckoning”.  A reckoning is a settling of accounts, a judgment, a retribution or a summing up. In the process of reconciliation, those things which should be added are added, and that which should be removed are taken away. The result is that all has been “reconciled”.

"Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD...Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good." Proverbs 20:10, 23

A false balance is an abomination to the Lord (Leviticus 19:35-36; Deuteronomy 25:13-16; Job 31:6; Proverbs 11:1, 16:11; Micah 6:11).  God doesn't have one standard of righteousness for some folks and a different standard for others.  The rod of measurement is the same for all, and it is Christ Jesus (Isaiah 11:1-4).  The only propitiation for man's sin is the sinless offering of Christ; no amount of burning in a Lake of Fire could ever pay that debt...and no Scripture ever says that it could.

One example to consider in this assertion is the parable of Lazarus and the rich man.  When the rich man made a simple request for Lazarus to bring him a cool taste of water, this was Abraham's response:

"But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence."  Luke 16:25-26

Beyond the justification that the rich man is getting the just rewards for what he has done in his life, there was another reason why this request could not be accommodated.  There is a "great gulf" between them.  So great in fact that it is not possible for them to come to him nor for him to come to them.  No man can pass across that gulf!  If the rich man only had to wait until his inevitable reconciliation in the Lord, then why didn't Abraham tell him to wait until the day when he would pass over to where they were?  The answer is because there is no such day; that is a false doctrine.

Many in the Early Church held this position

Some point to a number of early church historians and theologians who supported this doctrine as proof that it represents true Christianity.  However, just as it is not sufficient for us to base truth on man's understanding now, the same holds true for back then.  We cannot claim that something is true simply because certain men have believed it to be so. 

One thing we do know.  Even in the time when the Scriptures were penned, the mystery of iniquity was already at work.  So, it would be no surprise that heresy and error was creeping into the churches from the beginning...in fact, we know that it was based on God's word.

While it may be interesting to consider the writings of men, our basis for truth must be grounded in the Scriptures.

There is a judgment awaiting all mankind; an eternal destiny we all face based on whether we have truly belonged to Jesus Christ or have been deceived by the sorceries of Babylon.  Those who have joined themselves to this harlot will do whatever is needed to keep you in bondage to sin, and through that, in bondage to them. 

It is written that the last days will feature a great falling away from the truth for men have become lovers of their own selves.  Whom will you serve in this hour?  God or man?  The consequences (or rewards) are very real and eternal.