Will Know Each Other in Heaven?

Will We Know/Recognize Each Other in Heaven?

One of the most common questions people ask me is, if after they arrive in heaven, will they be able to see and recognize all their friends and loved ones that have passed on before them.

It is certainly a highly logical and intriguing question. It is also a quite natural question that people ponder on when they suffer the loss of a very close loved one; and as they approach death themselves. 

I point out these facts, because it is apparent that the vast majority of people do not think about life after death, until it hits close home.

The answers to questions like these can only be ascertained from the Bible! After all, it is the only source about the subject of Heaven that exists!

Most Bible commentaries though offer very little information on what Heaven is like. But I believe the Bible does in fact offer to us a sufficient amount of information to satisfy our curiosity about this question. 

Jesus Body Was Recognizable

Our very best piece of Biblical data about the ability to recognize earthly acquaintances in Heaven; stems from the resurrected Jesus himself. 

Many people recognized Jesus after His resurrection. For instance, the women at the empty tomb were able to recognize Jesus. Mary Magdalene even told the Disciples that she had “seen him.” Thus, she did recognize him sufficiently enough to be able to identify him. (John 16:16-20)

Oh but you say; “Jesus wasn’t actually up in Heaven when Mary saw and recognized him.” Still, Jesus was in his “glorified” body which was the body in which he ascended up into Heaven! 

Later, in II Corinthians 25:4-7, Paul states that Jesus was seen and recognized by over 512 people in Jerusalem in his “Glorified” body which later ascended into Heaven! 

Then again, just eight days later, after having ascended into Heaven to His Father, Jesus reappears yet again in Jerusalem before his Disciples. On this occasion, Jesus allowed Thomas to actually “touch” his glorified body; which he could not allow Mary to do only one week earlier. 

The point is this: If Jesus was recognizable on Earth, even in His glorified body, we also will be recognizable in our glorified bodies in Heaven! Being able to not only see our loved ones; but also recognize them in their new glorious bodies, is a wonderful aspect about heaven that should excite every Christian!

I’m another instance; When Jesus was transfigured into His heavenly glory before the eyes of three of His disciples, "His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light" (Matthew 17:2). And yet His disciples still recognized Him, and so did Moses and Elijah who came down from Heaven to meet with Him.

We Will have Glorified Bodies Like Jesus, and Recognizable

The Bible declares that when we arrive in heaven, we will "be like him [Jesus]; for we shall see him as he now is.”

I John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

This verse speaks of the type of bodies that Christians will ultimately receive, once they arrive in Heaven. We can’t yet fathom what they will look like or be capable of; but we can be assured that just as Jesus followers recognized him, our families and friends will be able to recognize us! 

Knowing each other in heaven is one of the great blessings every Christian has to look forward to. Not only will we be able to know one another and recognize each other, our relationships with each other will be vastly improved to the point of possessing all the loving characteristics of Jesus himself, for we will be like him!

The Apostle Paul, when writing to concerned Christians in Thessalonica about their very serious concerns and questions about their deceased loved ones; wrote:

I Thessalonians 4:13-14 But I would not have you to be ignorant, (unsure) brethren, concerning them which are asleep, (died) that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them (those already in Heaven) also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

Herein, is a neat fact that is often overlooked by people wondering about their lost loved ones and whether they will ever be able to recognize them in Heaven. 

Here, Paul is offering these Christians words of comfort! He says that anybody in Heaven that we knew in life, “Jesus will restore their earthly acquaintances!” 

Paul ends his remarks to each and every Christian concerned about these “knowing” and “recognition” questions; with this very calming encouragement: “Comfort one another one another with this promise!”

Therefore, as Christians, we do not need to mourn as others, who do not have faith or assurance about our deceased loved ones!

Paul Addressed This Question Simply

Within the following scriptural content, Paul summarized the answers to our curiosities about whether or not we will Know and also Recognize each other in Heaven.

I Corinthians 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

He states that “while we are present” in this world, we can only understand the things of the eternal state in part. Our earthly minds simply cannot perceive the nuances of the marvelous things of God. He even alludes to the fact that we don’t even posses the nature to “know each other” fully while in this world.

I Corinthians 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

Here, Paul alludes to the many changes that God has providentially determined for the world and also even for us. Among these things to come is the fact that our mortal bodies shall be changed into immortal ones and upon that austere advancement, we shall attain the ability to “Know more fully,” everything; including our relationships!

I Corinthians 13:12 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.

Finally, as it is recorded here in verse twelve, Paul asserts that whomever we might have known “in part” in this world; we will “know more fully” in Heaven! 

So then, the Bible definitely does seem to indicate that we will be recognizable, and will also recognize others after death.

Heaven is a place of Perfect Knowledge

I imagine every Bible student knows the story of the rich man the beggar Lazarus. Often overlooked in this parable is the fact that the rich man in Hell, could recognize Abraham afar off, and identify Lazarus in his bosom. 

The rich man could even recollect the fact that he had five brothers back on Earth and desired of God to request Lazarus to be sent to warn them about Hell. 

Point - People in Hell have a full recollection of their families and their acquaintances in the world.  

Heaven is a place of Perfection. Almighty God is perfect! Jesus is perfect! The Bible says that “no Imperfection” can even enter into Heaven! 

Jesus mission to this world was essentially to offer imperfect man an opportunity to be perfected!

Ephesians 4:12-13 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Therefore, for all the Christian’s that enter into Heaven; he will acquire not only acquire a new incorruptible body, but he will acquire a perfect knowledge! 

Amazing is it not, to contemplate that you could “Know everything” that you’d like to know! It is unconscionable to even theorize that we would Know less in Heaven than we know in this world! 

Will we be able to “Know and Recognize” our families or friends in Heaven! The answer to this question is an Absolute Yes! 

Focus on the Bible

January 11, 2021

by: Darrell G. Young

Why Did God Institute Animal Sacrifices?

Why did God Require Animal Sacrifices in the Old Testament?

The ancient practice of lamb sacrifices unto God can be mystifying. For many of us today, the thought of animal sacrifices seems to be a rather silly thing to practice in order to honor God.

Yet, the Bible explicitly confirms that Animal sacrifice was indeed an important event and  found throughout Scripture because “without the shedding of blood there simply can be no forgiveness” of sin. (Hebrews 9:22)

So then how is it that the shedding of blood has the capacity to atone for sin? Isn’t killing an act of evil? And if sin is so serious, how can it be that the sacrificing of a poor little innocent Lamb absolve anyone from sin? 

These are all good questions. The simple answer has to do with the way that Almighty God has bestowed life itself unto us. God breathed the “breath of life” into man’s body, but the body is only able to sustain breath in it through the constant circulation of Blood.

Life is in the Blood

Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

Thus within this verse we are informed that life is in the Blood and that it is from Blood that atonement for sins can be absolved! 

That sounds simple enough, except for one fact. The only Blood that is pure enough to avail the forgiveness of Sin is the Blood of a perfect Sacrificial candidate! 

The blood of Lambs and goats could never truly accomplish a perfect sacrifice; but God ordained the “sacrificial system” of Lambs to demonstrate a “temporary appeasement” of sin until a perfect sacrificial candidate could be selected!

In essence; God required animal sacrifices to provide only a temporary covering of sins and to foreshadow the perfect and complete sacrifice of His own Son; which He would ultimately provide!

The animal sacrifices that God commanded for Israel to observe were basically symbolic of that future Sacrifice of Gods own Lamb! The sacrifices animal simply served as an atonement substitute, that is, the animal died in the place of the sinner, which is why the animal sacrifices needed to be offered over and over. 

The OT Animal sacrifices of Lambs simply foreshadowed Jesus Christ's sacrifice on our behalf; and “His Blood” was pure enough to fulfill and finish the sacrificial system for Sin!

Any animal sacrifices necessarily ended 2000 years ago because Jesus Christ was the ultimate and perfect sacrifice. John the Baptist recognized this when he saw Jesus coming to be baptized and said, "Look, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29)

You may be asking yourself, as I am want to ask, why animals? What did they do wrong? That is the point; since the animals did no wrong, they sacrificially died in place of the one performing the sacrifice. 

Likewise, Jesus Christ also did no wrong but willingly gave Himself to die for the sins of mankind. (I Timothy 2:6)

Jesus Christ took our sins upon Himself and died in our place; and through His one single perfect sacrifice; all sins can be forgiven by simply accepting his sin-payment and asking him for forgiveness!

II Corinthians 5:21 For he (God) hath made him (His Son) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be transformed into the righteousness of God in him.

Lamb Sacrifices Symbolized a Pattern

Hebrews chapter nine explicitly explains why the ancient “animal sacrificial system” was implemented by God. It established a pattern on Earth of a much better pattern in Heaven. 

Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Hebrews 9:23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

Whereas, Jesus Christ “Finished” his earthly mission to offer himself as the “Lamb of God” he now resides in Heaven as our personal High Priest! And having “Finished” the old symbolic animal sacrificial system, and by performing the “Perfect Lamb Sacrifice,” the need for any other Sacrifices are pointless!

Hebrews 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Hebrews 9:25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

Hebrews 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now “once” in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

This is the Greatest News! It is the Gospel in a Nutshell! Jesus has appeared “Once” in the “End of the World” to put away Sin; only by the voluntary Sacrifice of Himself! 

Jesus First Visitation vs His Second Visitation 

But there is more Good News related herein. Hebrews not only tells us that Jesus sacrifice as the Lamb of God can resolve our Sinful condition; it highlights that this was the focus of His First Visitation to the World! Then in verse 28, there is conveyed another exciting aspect to the Lord’s sacrifice!

Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall “he appear the second time” without sin unto salvation.

As blood bought Christians; we all have the “blessed hope” (assurance) that the same Jesus Christ that presented himself as an atonement for sin on his First Visit, will Visit the world a “Second” time and we can rest confidentially certain that when He appears, we will be found absolutely absolved of all sin through His gift of Salvation!

Focus on the Bible

January 9, 2021

by: Darrell G. Young

Question on the Strong Delusion

Question: Will Christians be here for the “Strong Delusion” or will they be raptured out of the world beforehand?

Answer: The answer to this question is totally dependent upon the proper Biblical position of the idea of the Rapture itself. The general church positions on the Rapture vary. There are three general views about the Rapture; one placing the Rapture in a pre-trib setting, another placing the Rapture in a mid-trib setting, and yet another view placing the Rapture in a post-trib setting.

The Strong Delusion will definitely be played out during the Tribulation period, which is a seven year long time of trouble for Israel. 

My earnest position on this question corresponds to the pre-tribulations view! Therefore, Christians who presently make up the body of the Church will not be present on the Earth when the Strong Delusion is perpetrated on the world. Neither will Rapture eligible Christians be around for the rise of the Antichrist! 

If the passing of time and current events prove that the present generation of Christians indeed are the ones that shall be “Caught Up,” then we shall be fortunate enough to be the Last Days generation counted worthy to escape the entire Tribulation!

I Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

In the Lord’s letters to the Church, there is a vital promise from the Bridegroom (Jesus) relative to this question. 

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

The Lord God has framed a “set time” in the course of world history to bring everything to a climax. The ages old War between Satan and God is quickly coming to an end! The key sign that the world is nearing the End; is the miraculous regathering of the Remnant of the Jewish peoples into their Promised Land. 

This “Set Time” is known as the Time of Jacob’s Trouble; or the Tribulation. It is also known as the “Hour of Temptation,” as is quoted in Revelation 3;10. It is a brief period of time when God will allow Satan to play his final hand, exalt his Seed, the Antichrist; so as to force mankind to choose sides. 

One last note: While present day Christians stand to “escape” the “hour of temptation, there are two groups that will not escape the Tribulation. These are the Jewish people of Israel and the newly converted Christians in the world after the Tribulation has begun!

Yes, there will be many that will become new Christians after the Rapture during the awful days of the Antichrist! (These future saints can be observed in Revelation 20:4)

Focus on the Bible

January 7, 2021

by: Darrell G. Young

The Great Delusion and The Mark of the Beast

The Coming Strong Delusion and the Mark of the Beast

There is a lot of speculation in these days about the Mark of the Beast. I have read and received many articles recently about the Covid vaccines perhaps being linked to the Mark of the Beast. 

It seems that a lot of people have a variety of preconceived ideas about the “Mark of the Beast.” But, unfortunately there is a plethora of misinformation circulating about this whole prophetic topic.

The Biblical criteria relative to the “Mark of the Beast” is availed to us in The Revelation chapter thirteen. 

First of all; in verses twelve and fourteen of this chapter; it is stated that the “Image of the Beast” is only implemented “after the Antichrist” has first suffered a deadly wound and seemingly resurrected back to life. 

Secondly, the enforcement of this “Image of the Beast” is orchestrated by the “second Beast” of Revelation 13; who is also known as the False Prophet! (Rev. 16:13)

Thirdly, the purpose of the Mark of the Beast is to coerce the population of the world to engage in worshipping the first Beast, also better known as the Antichrist! 

Revelation 13:12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast (Antichrist) before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

Neither of these three conditions presently exist with regard to the Pandemic vaccines. Nevertheless; we are most assuredly living in the very last of the “Last Days” and we all should expect the historical and scriptural logistics for the emergence of the Antichrist and the Mark of the Beast to be near and to be able to be foisted upon the unsuspecting general public very rapidly.

The “Mark of the Beast” is only One Part of the Satanic System

While our whole culture is preoccupied with the “Mark of the Beast,” the emphasis is lost that the “Mark” is only one component of the system of the Antichrist. 

The suspicious “Mark” only emerges “after” the “Great IMAGE” of the Beast is actually established for the “one” set up for universal worship. 

At this stage, the False Prophet perpetrates many miraculous things, even causing the IMAGE to come to life and commanding the whole world to Worship the Beast; or else be put to death!

It is only after all these events have come to pass that the False Prophet issues the world wide ultimatum for the implementation of the Antichrist’s World Order System!

It is a tri-fold system of total adherence that involves people being forced to accept the suspect “Mark,” “Number” or “Name” of the “Beast” in order to live and participate in the New World Order! 

This universal identification system, enacted during the Tribulation requires all participants to receive one of these 3 iconic “stampings,” either in their forehead or right hand in order for them to demonstrate their absolute total loyalty and devotion to the First Beast, or the Antichrist!

Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

Revelation 13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Conclusions on the Mark of the Beast

Conclusion #1 The current vaccine is not the Mark of the Beast. It is still a bit too soon for either the Image or the Mark to be offered to anyone.

Note: Conclusion number one is predicated upon a pre-tribulational rapture perspective of eschatology. 

Conclusion #2 The “Image” and the parallel mark and number are specifically enforced upon the world to compel people to worship the “Seed of the Serpent,” the Antichrist! 

Conclusion #3 Satan has in world history attempted other orchestrated universal systems to enforce the worship of himself, so this Satanic pattern is in collusion with an even bigger Deception! (Remember, all the miracles of the False Prophet were actions designed to “Deceive” the world into falling for a very Big Delusion!) (Rev. 13:14)

The Strong Delusion

II Thessalonians 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

The great “mystery of iniquity” mentioned by Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians has been in-play for a long time. This “mystery” involves the ages old conspiracy of Satan to implicate the world into alignment within his War against the God of Heaven. 

The Bible refers to Satan’s strategic moves in our world as a “mystery” because God has sequestered Satan’s plot from being fully employed throughout history. The usage of the word “mystery” stems from the Greek word “musterion,” which denotes the idea that Satans war has temporarily been forced to operate as a covert secret operation; at least in so far as the world can understand.

But the simple basics of Satan’s war strategy involves a plot to displace the Creator God as the sovereign of the universe; and in so doing he has conspired to delegitimize the plan of God to rescue mankind from his state of sin via the two-fold visits or missions of Jesus Christ to this world.

His first tactic after recruiting mankind into his rebellion in Heaven was to contaminate any “seed of the Woman” by fomenting a plot to use his fallen angels to use the daughters of mankind to biologically infiltrate and corrupt the DNA of the human seed pool so that God could never send a “perfect Adam” to remedy man’s sin condition. 

Satan orchestrated this supernatural tactic after God’s proclamation in Genesis 3:15. 

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

His plot played itself out in human history for hundreds of years, until God had to move to destroy man from off the Earth in the Great Flood of Noah around 1656 years after the Creation. 

The reason that God used a great flood to destroy the worlds population was because Satan had succeeded in perverting the seed of all mankind except for Noah’s patriarchal line. The “perfect” state of Noah was not his righteous standing, but his generational seed purity, as it had not been altered by Satan’s evil strategy. 

Now, back to the “Strong Delusion!” Satan has never been able to enact his “Delusion” upon the world because Almighty God has stymied that evil strategy, and will continue to block his tactic until a certain point in time.

Paul writes explicitly in chapter two of his letter to the Thessalonians that the Holy Spirit is constantly stalling Satan’s “mystery”  plans from being fully implemented. 

But as verse six implies, there is a specific time set by God himself; whereupon he will allow Satan to finally employ his Mysterious Delusion! 

It will be at that “set time” that Satan will be able to exalt his 2 Seats of power. This two seats of power include the two Beasts from Johns vision in Revelation 13.

This “set time” which is in accordance with Gods omniscient plans, is also linked to the Last Days regathering of Israel. In Psalms 102:13 it is specified that the ages long war over the sovereign rights to reign in Zion is connected to this “set time,” when Satan finally gets the opportunity to perpetrate his Grandest Delusion!

II Thessalonians 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

II Thessalonians 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

Verse ten highlights the important fact that the contributing factor of a strong distaste for the truth of God leads people into accepting the supernatural Delusion! 

So what is this Strong Delusion? Scholars have debated this topic for centuries. What could be the reason that it still remains so clouded in speculation and guesswork? The Bible doesn’t seem to offer us much specific insight into this subject area,…..or does it?

Some Points about a “Strong Delusion” so Massively “Deceptive” that it is Literally Out of this World, and simply Unbelievable! 

Point #1 This “Strong Delusion” is the Master plan of Satan. It will serve to fulfill his ages old plan to attract worship to himself!

Point #2 This Strong Delusion must be timed in accordance with the rise of the Antichrist!

Point #3 The Strong Delusion must afford Satan the opportunity to present his very own “Seed” as the pseudo Cosmic Christ. 

Point #4 The “Strong Delusion” will simply be so mesmerizing that it not only leads people away from God, but results in the damnation of the masses of people who are Deceived by it!

Point #5 The “Strong Delusion” is very likely linked to the wondrous miracles performed by the Beast associated with the Antichrist and working in league with Satan’s mystery by using powers of the air with signs!

Point #6 The “Strong Delusion” positions the Antichrist to be able to propel himself into an opportunity to “seat himself” in a newly built Temple on Mount Zion; presenting himself to an adoring world as God!

Conclusions on the Strong Delusion

Jesus remarked in Luke 17:26 that “as it was in the days of Noah” so shall it be when He returns to this world. The days of Noah were  synonymous with the legendary exploits of the Nephilim, or Giants! The Nephilim were the offspring of the Fallen Angels who left their first estate (Heaven) and intermingled with human females (Jude vs. 6) in the plot to usurp the “seed” of the Woman; Jesus!

In John 5:43, Jesus also warned Israel that He had come in “His Father’s Name,” but if another comes “in his own name,” him they would accept as the Messiah! Remember, that part of the Satanic worship system is a Number of a Name—666!

Again, Jesus in his Olivet Discourse warns of the prospects of many, and especially a certain “One” coming in His Name and Deceiving many!

Again in John 8:44 Jesus typifies the traits of Satan as being a Liar from the beginning and one that promotes and speaks only of His Own! (The False Prophet will function to promote the Antichrist as the real deal!)

The Apostle Paul, a highly educated and very intelligent man, greatly enlightened to the Heavenly truth by Jesus himself, spoke the following:

Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Here, Paul, a man who was literally caught up into the third Heaven, and not one given to outlandish hyperbole, suggests that it was quite conceivable that an actual Angel from Heaven could one day appear on the world stage preaching a False Gospel; and even pointing people to a False Christ!

Conclusion #1 God foretold that a “Seed of the Serpent” would strive against the “Seed of the Woman” over the right to reign in the “city of Controversy,” Jerusalem! (Antichrist versus Jesus Christ) 

Conclusion #2 Jesus Christ was the literal “seed of the Woman!” The following question must be addressed; “Might the “seed of the Serpent” be the literal seed of Satan? That proposition sure would offer up a “masterful Delusion,” wouldn’t it?

Conclusion #3 Is there anything of a surreal supernatural type phenomena ongoing in our world today that parallels that of Noah’s day?The answer to that question is a resounding Yes! The sudden emergence of other worldly type technology in these Last Days, exists in the phenomena of recent UFO disclosure! 

Conclusion #4 Our world is being prepared for the distinct likelihood that extraterrestrials are visiting our world and have been since 1947! Ironically, this date parallels the birth of the Second Regathering of people of the state of Israel! Not a coincidence!

Conclusion #5 Is it possible that the ages old Mystery of Satanic intrigue involves an “alien type Deception” and presenting him as a god from the Heavens? This type of activity has definitely occurred in the past! It cannot be dismissed! 

Conclusion #6 The aforementioned theory is the lost logical proposition that suits all the criteria for a Strong Delusion, so Masterfully employed on humanity that it convinces the masses to worship him! Even the Pharisees sought such miraculous “Signs” from Jesus!

Kept From the Delusion

Such a Delusion would undoubtedly serve to convince a “truth rejecting world” to gleefully accept Satan’s Seed! Imagine for a moment, a UFO lands in Jerusalem, a tall, dark figure emerges claiming that he is the Savior of the world. Far out? Maybe it is; Maybe not! Only time will tell. 

But there is one thing for sure; and it is the hope of every Christian, as enunciated by Paul in the closing lines of his letter to the Church at Thessalonica: 

II Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

The Truth of Gods Word and our trust in him shall separate us from the spiritual blindness now engulfing this present world system and that will only become more Delusional when the Strong Delusion of the coming Antichrist is deployed by the forces of Satan! 

Note: Such an overwhelming masterpiece of Deception would be very difficult to not be taken in by; especially when one must have the Mark of the Beast to sustain a living for oneself in such a world. The consequences of not taking the Mark would be execution by means of beheading. But people of the Truth have this promise of God.

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

And make no mistake about it, the “set time” for the events of the Strong Delusion” will truly be an “Hour of Temptation.”

Luke 21:8 And he said, (Jesus) Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.

Focus on the Bible

January 6, 2021

by: Darrell G. Young

How to be Blessed

How to be Blessed

(Blessed is the Man) (a dissertation on Psalms Chapter One)

Surely, if all men truly believed that there was a God, then it stands to reason that all men would desire to be blessed by that God!

And history verifies that this is so true! Sadly, the gods that most of humanity has believed in have been false gods!

From the very beginning of time, mankind has sought “favors” from the gods of his own imaginations. 

Men have turned to sorcery, incantations, witchcraft, astrology, sacrifices, divination and all sorts of philosophies to satisfy man’s longing to gain the favor of the gods.

But, from a Biblical point of view, a blessed person is first and foremost a man or woman who is in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and who no longer submits themselves to pursuing the favor of this world or to acquiring the favor of its false gods, but rather submits themselves to the one true Creator God and his Word!

When thinking of gaining favoritism of the gods, people often imagine that they can acquire a place of higher status and enjoy a more successful life. 

Most people, even many Christians seem to think that being highly favored of God means being blessed with a great life, lots of money, lots of things, prominent position and so forth. 

But the Bible indicates that the true God’s favor often comes with added duties and sometimes with difficult challenges. Jesus himself was the absolute embodiment of everything that God favors! Yet, Jesus never enjoyed having a home, a job, fame, children or worldly type success. 

Christians need to realize that any favors of God is not necessarily for our worldly benefit but rather for the benefit of God’s Kingdom. Our whole purpose as children of God is to honor and glorify him and to keep his commandments.

God is not limited in His favor. He does not rank us in order of importance, nor is His favor something we might earn by work or living piously. 

Still, God does seek out those who love Him and keep His commands so that He can bless them, guide them and protect them, according as his purposes might be accomplished.

Therefore, each and every Christian’s hearts desire should always be to please their Creator and Savior, and find fulfillment in cooperating in the Lords great program to establish the Kingdom of God.

So then, How can we find ourselves being Blessed by God?

Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

Jeremiah 17:8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Over and over again, the Holy Word of God informs the reader that the best way to enjoy the blessings and favor of God is simply by trusting in God and revering his Word!

 

The above words of Jeremiah portrays a man’s trust in the Lord being comparable to a tree planted by much needed water, and extending its roots out towards the life-giving waters of a river; thus enabling the tree to endure all weather conditions. 

The Psalmist Expands on How to Be Blessed by God

Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Here in verse number one, we find that any blessings or favors from God can never be attained by consulting with those who are aligned with this world or its presumed gods!

The word “counsel” used here refers to the advice, teaching or philosophy of ungodly proponents. To stray from the direct word of God and compromise with other counsels is anathema to meriting the favor of Almighty God!

Secondly, verse one also warns everyone against allowing ungodly counsel to cause you to obfuscate the simple true message of Gods marvelous salvation to non believers!

The allusion to the  “seat of the scornful” is a serious warning to all religious leaders about being scoffers of Gods Word, and in essence thereby mocking God’s precious promises. 

Blessed are those who properly distinguish between the truth of God and the fables of this Humanistic world!  

Psalms 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

The Favor of God is heavily bestowed upon all those who cherish Gods Word and his law and devours it daily! Jesus said: “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God!”

Psalms 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

For the person who possesses the wisdom to honor Gods Word and hide it in his heart, he truly is connected to a source of life like a tree planted near life sustaining waters! The Word of God is truly a never ending source of Blessing!

Psalms 1:4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

For the person who is “not planted” in the Word of God and fully trusting in the Lord, his whole life will incessantly be one that the world can easily blow in any direction! To be ignorant of Gods word is to live a life without any moorings! 

Psalms 1:5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

The Word of the Lord not only can bestow upon the faithful, Grace and mercy, and the Favor of God; but it shall also enable the trusting man to Stand before Almighty God on Judgment Day as being Uncondemned! The ungodly man can never know this sense of security! 

Psalms 1:6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

The Lord surely honors the faithfulness of all his obedient children! The Lord is continually seeking to Bless his righteous children. Truly it is that the blessings and favor of God are not temporal; but Eternal!

Romans 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Those who are favored of God can always know that God is with them and that nothing can happen to them apart from His good purpose; and that is in and of itself the greatest Blessing of all! 

Highly Favored

We all probably aspire to be Favored of God! But does God play favorites? Well, even if he does, it doesn’t necessarily mean that our earthly lives will be care-free! The truth of this matter is that God has already Highly Favored all of us with the offer of salvation! But, In fact, being Favored by God may well mean that we will be targeted by this world and it’s gods for destruction. 

It stands to reason that Jesus Christ, Gods only begotten Son was very highly favored of God! And for those who trust in the Lord, and adhere devoutly to his word, he too will someday be like Jesus; Highly Favored!

The Bible only uses the phrase of one being “highly favored” on one occasion. It was in connection to the birth of Jesus, and the pregnancy of Mary, when the Angel Gabriel made the following proclamation: 

Luke 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured,

Why was Mary so Highly Favored? Was she more excellent than other women? Was she much more righteous than any other candidates? The main reason that Mary was “highly favored” for giving birth to Jesus was simply because, as she stated upon knowing the “Purpose of God,” she simply said, “Be it unto me according to thy Word!”

No wonder she was Highly Favored! But even in her status of being highly favored by God, she had to later endure the “sword piercing her heart.”

How can you be blessed by God? How can you be Highly Favored by God? Perhaps historys greatest example of a life blessed by God; and a man who gained the Favor of God; was the life of a man who gave up his life for the Lord’s Purpose! Paul:

Philippians 1:20-21 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but thatwith all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Psalms 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Psalms 112:1 Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to “His Purpose.

Focus on the Bible

January 6, 2021

by: Darrell G. Young