A Piece of the Light That Might Have Been Yours

Scripture:
Lesson: 1
Regret is an ugly thing. When salvation He's made free, when His love He's made free, when freedom is a just a decision away... Why wouldn't you take it? Our hearts are stone and wicked and deceitful, we are in the dark. But even so the Lord gives us choice. We can choose to take His seal and want His will, we can choose to forgive and be forgiven, we can choose to have Heaven forever. Right will lead to Light. Tune in now and find out more.

Riches of Grace

Riches of Grace
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Announcer: It is the best-selling book in history. No volume ever written has been more loved and quoted, and its words, sometimes simple and sometimes mysterious, should always be studied carefully. It is the Bible, the Word of God. Welcome to "Bible Answers Live," providing accurate and practical answers to all your Bible questions. This broadcast is a previously recorded episode. To receive any of the Bible resources mentioned in this broadcast, call 800-835-6747. Once again, that's 800-835-6747. Now here's your host from Amazing Facts International, Pastor Doug Batchelor.

Doug Batchelor: Hello, friends. Would you like to hear an amazing fact? Back in 1829, two men, George Wilson and James Porter, robbed the United States mail carrier. Both were captured, tried, and sentenced to execution by hanging. Porter was executed on schedule, but Wilson was not. Influential friends pleaded on his behalf for mercy to the President of the United States, Andrew Jackson. President Jackson relented and issued a formal pardon, dropping all charges. Wilson would still have to serve a 20-year prison term for his prior crimes. Incredibly, George Wilson refused the pardon. So, what do you do with a pardon that's rejected? The Supreme Court stepped in to decide what happens to a person that does not accept a presidential pardon. After some research, Chief Justice John Marshall stated, "A pardon refused is no pardon. George Wilson must be hanged." And he was. Kind of hard to imagine, Pastor Ross, a person is offered a pardon from execution, and they say, "I don't want it." They reject it. Jëan Ross: It's kind of sad to have a pardon and then reject it. But in a spiritual sense, there are many in the world today who have rejected the pardon that has been offered to them at great cost, through the cross, through the crucifixion of Christ, and yet they spur that pardon, and they push that aside. Doug: Now, they're not only being saved from death, they're being saved from an eternal death, and the Bible calls it the second death, and God is extending this incredible grace and mercy. There's a number of verses in the Bible that sort of highlight this scorn or rejected pardon. You can read in Proverbs 1, verse 24. It says, "Because I called to you, and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one regarded." The Lord is stretching out His hand. He's calling to the world and saying, "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life." And so many people are just saying, "No, I'm not interested." No reason is given in history why George Wilson refused the pardon. You can only speculate, but he said, "I don't want it." And how sad.

Jëan: It is sad. Well, you know, Pastor Doug, we do have a book that talks about the riches of God's grace and the forgiveness that God offers to everyone. It's free. We've got to receive it by faith. We'd be happy to send the book to anyone who calls and asks. The number for the book is 800-835-6747. That is the resource phone line, and you can just ask for offer number 152. It's called "Riches of His Grace," and we'll be happy to send that to anyone in Canada or in the US. And if you're outside of North America, you can just go to our website, just amazingfacts.org. You can also request the book by just on your cell phone, #250 and say Bible Answers Live, and then you can ask for the book, "The Riches of His Grace," and we'll be happy to send it to anyone who calls and asks.

Well, Pastor Doug, we want to greet all of those who are joining us. I know we have folks watching on AFTV. We also have people listening across the country on various radio stations and, of course, on the Internet. They can watch live on the Doug Batchelor Facebook page, on the Amazing Facts Facebook page, on YouTube, on Roku, some other outlets. So, I want to welcome all of those who are joining us. This is our live program. So, if you have a Bible question, the phone line to our studio is 800-GodSays. That's 800-463-7297, 800-463-7297 with your Bible question.

Doug: Amen. Jëan: Well, before we go to the phone lines, let's start with a word of prayer. Dear Father, we thank you that we have this time, once again, to open up your Word and study. Lord, we recognize there is power in your Word, and we ask for the Spirit to come and guide us, be with those who are listening, wherever they might be in their car, or at home, or whatever they're doing, Lord, and guide us into a clearer and a full understanding of your Word. And Jesus said, "You'll know the truth, and the truth will set you free." So, bless our time together, in Jesus's name, amen.

Doug: Amen.

Jëan: All right, well, we're ready to go to our first call of this evening. We've got Gary listening in Illinois. Gary, welcome to "Bible Answers Live."

Gary: Thank you. In Revelation 7:3, it says that the angels are told not to hurt the earth, until the servants of God are sealed in their forehead. Well, since they're servants of God already, why do they need to be sealed in their forehead? And if you don't have that seal, in Revelation 9:4, you will be hurt. So, that's my question. What is the seal of God?

Doug: You know, first and foremost, the seal of God is the Holy Spirit. You can read that in Ephesians chapter 2. I think there's probably two or three places that talks about, "Grieve not the Holy Spirit, wherewith you are sealed unto the day of redemption." But then there's something in Revelation beyond that. Obviously, those who have the mark of the beast have the spirit of the devil. Those that have the seal of God have the Spirit of God. I think that kind of goes without saying. And you can read in Isaiah chapter 8, it says, "Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples." So, when you look in Deuteronomy chapter 6, Moses says to the children of Israel, "Hear O Israel," this is verse 4, "the Lord our God is one. Thou shalt love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. And these words I command you, today." He had just quoted the Ten Commandments in chapter 5. "These words I command you, today, shall be in your heart. You shall write them on the doors of your house, when you go out, when you come in. They shall be as frontlets between your eyes, and they shall be written upon your hands." So, when he says that the law of God is to be sealed among his people, that's talking about it is to be ingrained. It's to be imbedded in their nature. The Bible says that they have--he says, "I will give you a heart where you want to do my will. I'll write my law in your hearts." Now, God's people have the Holy Spirit, but when they're sealed with the Holy Spirit, they reach the point where they just can't be lost, just like those who get the mark of the beast can't be saved.

Jëan: Absolutely, Pastor Doug. You know, it's all so interesting. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." And you're speaking about the seal of God as the Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit is manifest in the life of a believer through obedience. Revelation 12:17 talks about a group of people who have--or they keep the commandments of God, and that the testimony of Jesus in Revelation 14:12 says they have the faith of Jesus. So, those who keep God's commandments, because they love Him, and they have the Holy Spirit, in the last days there will be two groups, those who have the seal of God and those who have the mark of the beast, and the issue revolves around worship.

And, you know, we do have a study guide that talks about, well, it talks about the mark of the beast, but by default it'll also talk about the seal of God, because you need both of them. If you'd like to learn more about this subject, just call and ask. Ask for the study guide. It's called "The Mark of the Beast," and we'll be happy to send that out to anyone who calls and asks. The number again is 800-835-6747. That is our resource phone line. You can also dial #250, say "Bible Answers Live," and say, "I want that study guide, 'The Mark of the Beast.'" If you have a Bible question, our phone line here to the studio is 800-463-7297. Thank you, Gary. We've got Archie listening in California. Archie, welcome to the program.

Archie: Pastor Ross, Pastor Ross. How are you doing, Pastor Doug?

Doug: Good. Appreciate your calling.

Archie: Okay, my question involves Deuteronomy 14, verse 22, and then 24 to 26. I'd like to know--it doesn't seem like it's telling people to use their tithes for what it's meant for.

Doug: Yeah, good question. Yeah, I appreciate that. And before we even give the answer, for anyone out there that has a question about what does the Bible say regarding tithe, we will mention the free offer we have called, "In God You Trust," in God we trust. We also have that book called "Thieves in the Church." But let me get to the point of your question here. There are two kinds of tithes. There was the regular tithe that was given throughout the year on their increase, whether that increase was crops or herds or money. They were to consecrate a tenth of all their increase. That was a general, across the board tithe. A tenth of their income, their increase was to be consecrated to the Lord, given to the Levites for their work of ministry. The Levites, keep in mind, they're not just the pastors that taught the Word of God throughout the land. They were something like the doctors, as well. They were the judges. And so it was, you know, you can call it a tax, but it was more of a spiritual tax. But the tithe that's being mentioned here in Deuteronomy 14 was a tithe that was given especially for the feasts, when they would come up to these annual feasts. And not all the feasts required them to come, but I think there were three feasts that required them to come before the Lord, and these were tithes connected with that.

Jëan: And if you want to apply that to a New Testament type here, not only do we have our tithes, which is ten percent of our increase, but we also give offerings, and offerings is no set amount, but as the needs arise in the church, if there's a special project or evangelism, well, just to sustain the work of the local church, that's what offerings are used for.

Doug: Yeah, New and Old Testament talk about tithe and offerings. And, of course, in the Old Testament, you've got Malachi chapter 3 talks about that, and Jesus mentions the tithe in, I think, it's Matthew 23:23.

Jëan: And we do have a study guide talking about that. It's called "In God We Trust." And, again, just call 800-835-6747. Ask for the study guide. It's called "In God We Trust." You can also ask for the book. It's called "Thieves in the Church." And just ask, and we'll be happy to send it to anyone who calls and asks. Next caller that we have is Cathy listening in North Carolina. Cathy, you're on "Bible Answers Live."

Cathy: Hi, gentlemen. Thank you for taking my call.

Doug: Yeah.

Cathy: Okay, I've got a question on praying multiple times for the same object, I mean, it seems to me if you just ask in faith, you sit there and you go, "Okay, well, you either are going to say yes, no, or wait a while." And--but I sort of get the impression from some scripture that, like, Jesus talking about the woman, like, her going to the judge and going, hey, you know, please, please, please, or going to some guy and going please, please, please give me, and finally her persistence wore him down, and he gave her what she wanted. And I wasn't sure if that was Jesus saying, you know, keep on going until you get some sort of answer, or I mean, just, like, I don't do that with my kids. I don't say, okay, if you keep begging me enough you'll get a different answer, because you won't. You don't beg me. It's yes, no, or I'll think about it, but you just, then you shut up.

Doug: Yeah, I agree with you on that. And by the way, you're quoting a parable that Jesus shares in Luke 18 about the persistent widow, who continues to pray until she gets the answer from this unrighteous judge. There's nothing wrong with praying multiple times over something. I think anyone who is a parent out there prays all the time for their kids. And in the Lord's Prayer, it says, "Give me this day my daily bread." That implies that--it doesn't say, "Give me my bread for the rest of my life." You know, some things we just continue to thank the Lord for and pray for an on ongoing basis. Jesus said not to pray in vain repetition, meaning, you don't just repeat a memorized prayer. There's no value in that--that just wears God down--but to have an ongoing issue that you're praying about. Now, Paul continued to pray to the Lord about what he called the thorn in his side. I forget what that verse is. And after he prayed about it three times, God said, "Let's not talk about it anymore, I'm not answering that prayer." And so--but Paul, obviously, he prayed more than once about it, so there was no sin. Elijah prayed seven times for rain in 1 Kings. After the fire came down from heaven, he then prayed seven times. He kept sending his servant to see, "Is God sending the rain?" So, sometimes you want a persistent prayer, if you know that it's something according to God's will. You may be praying for loved ones for years.

Jëan: Yeah, I was just going to add, I don't think God doesn't want to hear us praying, but I think He wants sincerity in our prayer. So, if it's just a vain repetition, we don't mean what we're saying, that isn't of value. But if it's an earnest desire--and maybe there are times we've got to bring up something multiple times before the Lord for strength, our own strength, to gain the victory, or in the situation of, you know, a relationship, or a need for healing, but we don't want to do the vain repetition.

Doug: Right, yeah. I pray for mercy every day.

Jëan: We need that, yeah. All right, we do have a book. It's called "Teach Us to Pray," and we'll be happy to send this to you, Cathy, or anyone wanting to learn more. The number is 800-835-6747. Ask for the book. It's called "Teach Us to Pray." We'll be happy to send it to you in Canada, if you're listening, or in North America. If you're outside of the US, just go to our website, amazingfacts.org. And if you have a Bible question, our phone line here to the studio is 800-463-7297. Randy's listening in Indiana. Randy, welcome to "Bible Answers Live."

Randy: Good evening, Pastors. Thank you. My question is about hell. The Bible does say in Revelation that at the very end, when the wicked finally say, "Just and true are thy ways," that fire is going to come down from heaven and devour them. My question specifically is, is that fire literally going to come down, or is God going to reveal His face to the world, and they're going to basically be incinerated? Because the Bible also says that no man has ever seen God and lived.

Doug: Right. Well, you're actually, you're on to something. You're looking at two different events. The wicked are destroyed by the brightness of His coming. I believe that's 2 Thessalonians. So, when Jesus comes, the brightness of His coming is going to just destroy the wicked. But at the end of the 1,000 years, it says the rest of the dead don't live until the thousand years are finished. That's Revelation 20. That means the rest of the dead, the wicked are raised at the end of the 1,000 years. They are then ultimately judged, and then God rains fire down upon them. He literally rained fire upon the people in Sodom and Gomorrah. The Bible says the destruction of the wicked will be like Sodom and Gomorrah, and it keeps raining down just like in the days of Noah, when it rained down. It finally turned into a flood and a lake. The whole world was covered. It rains down outside the New Jerusalem, and it creates what they call a lake of fire. And, of course, the devil and his angels must be physically thrown into that lake of fire. It tells us that's what happens to them. So, the wicked, the devil, and the angels are all cast into this lake of fire. God rains it down. You could see it coming from every direction.

Jëan: You know, we have a study guide. It's called "Is the Devil in Charge of Hell?" And it talks about this fire that consumes the wicked at the end. How long is the fire? What does the fire accomplish? All of that's answered in the book, "Is the Devil in Charge of Hell?" The number for that is 800-835-6747. And, again, just ask for the study guide. It's called, "Is the Devil in Charge of Hell?" And we do have a website, Pastor Doug. It's called helltruth.com. Just helltruth.com. A lot of great information there, also some studies, some Bible references. So, take a look at that. We've got Joshua listening in Kentucky. Joshua, welcome to "Bible Answers Live."

Joshua: Hey, how are you guys, tonight?

Doug: Doing good. Thank you for calling.

Joshua: I remember seeing Doug at the "Reclaim Your Faith." I think I scared him in DC once. I put my hand on his shoulder. I said, "Hi, Doug." He turned around.

Doug: I don't remember being scared, but sorry, I don't remember.

Joshua: I've got a question for you. You know, the 144,000 is a topic that seems to keep coming up in this last day theology that I'm hearing about. There's only going to be 144,000 perfect people standing when Christ comes back that will be translated to heaven, and I just find that hard to believe, based on if there is an exacting number of 144,000, the percentage of that compared to 8 billion people on planet earth would be very slim possibility of going to heaven. And the other factor is the predestination theology. Is there really only 144,000 that are predestined to go to heaven and be translated? And I think the theology is, like, out of control, spreading like a wildfire. And I just find that hard to believe. And, you know, the judgment, the other part of the question is people are scared of the judgment, this investigated judgment that's going on. I said, "Well, why are you scared? You're going to be looked at whether you're dead or going through the books, or what you're doing before in your life when Christ is coming back." I would just like you to expound on these two topics briefly, if you can.

Doug: Okay. First of all, the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation chapter 7, Revelation 14, is it a literal number? I believe it is, but they are not the only ones saved. So, I would just say the 144,000 it talks about 12,000 from the 12 tribes. Jesus had 12 apostles that reached a great multitude. Jesus not only had 12 apostles. Jesus had 70 disciples He sent out. On the day of Pentecost, it says there was 120 in the upper room and 3,000 were baptized. So, if you read the whole chapter of chapter 7, you read in verse 9, it says, "And after these things, I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and the Lamb. They are clothed in white robes." So, there's a great multitude that cannot be numbered. And John says, "Who are these arrayed in white robes?" And the angel says, "These are they that came out of great tribulation."

So, if you think of the great tribulation at the end of time, it says there's a great multitude that comes out of that. Don't think of the 144,000 as the only ones saved. Think of them something like they are the leaders. In Acts chapter 2, God had the 12 apostles. After they replaced Judas--they were down to 11, because Judas hung himself. They replaced Judas. Then God pours out the Holy Spirit. The 12 start preaching, plus the 120 in the upper room, and a great multitude is reached. It's the same scenario in the last days, except it's not 12. It's 12 times 12,000 Spirit-filled leaders that'll be around the world doing this work. They are not the only ones saved.

Jëan: We have a book, Pastor Doug. It's called, "Who Will Sing the Song? Understanding the 144,000." And it's about this important group you read about in Revelation chapter 7. Just call and ask. We'll be happy to send you the book. The number again is 800-835-6747, and you can ask for the book, "Who Will Sing the Song? Understanding the 144,000." You can also get that by pressing #250 on your phone, and just say, "Bible Answers Live," say, "I want the book, 'Who Shall Sing the Song?'" And we'll be happy to send it to anyone who calls and asks. That's right. All right, thank you, Joshua. We've got Tammy listening in Washington. Tammy, welcome to the program.

Tammy: Hi, Pastors. Thank you for taking my call. I'm also a friend of Pastor Samuel Thomas, who knows Pastor Batchelor.

Doug: Yes.

Tammy: And he has a lot of respect for you, and he's a very busy person. And I know you have this show, so I have a question. It's in regards to Revelation, where God says that He's going to wipe all the tears from our eyes and take our sorrows away. My kids were dedicated in the church, and I have a granddaughter. And I know I had saw something earlier on a program you did about saying that you're not sure if all children will be in heaven or not before the age of accountability if one or both parents are not saved. So, my question is, is how is God going to wipe away those memories, if we have loved ones like that, that are not going to be in heaven?

Doug: Yeah, and I think everybody has faced that, and probably, if you've lived a little while, you've gone to a funeral before, and you really had serious doubts about whether the person had accepted Christ, and what are they going to see in the resurrection? Are they going to be ready? And how do you cope with that? Well, you know, one thing you do is you put it in the hands of the Lord. The Bible has an interesting statement. It's a very short verse. King David had a son named Amnon. Of course, he had three sons that kind of went sideways. We had Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah, all begin with an A. And Amnon did some terrible things, and he died suddenly. And David mourned for him. And then it says in 2 Samuel 13:39, "And David longed to be with his son Absalom. For he had been comforted concerning Amnon, because he was dead."

In other words, David said, you know, "I'm going to cry, I'm going to mourn, but I'm not going to cry forever, because I've got other children that need my attention, and I've got the kingdom that needs my attention, and I'm going to just put this in God's hands." And that's why it says God wipes the tears from our eyes, because, you know, facing eternity without someone you love is a horrendous thought. But it would take a God then to comfort you at times like that. And think about this. Who loves people the most? Any earthly parent or God? And how does God feel about the millions, if not billions that are going to be lost forever, that could've had eternal life? He understands how we feel. And I think the whole universe, there'll be a little mourning. There'll be some sorrow, but God then, at the end of the 1,000 years is when he says he wipes away all the tears from our eyes. All right, appreciate that.

Jëan: Very good, thank you, Tammy. We've got Paul listening in Tennessee. Paul, welcome to the program.

Paul: Hello, yeah, thank you so much for taking my call.

Doug: Thank you.

Paul: Yeah, my question is in regard to what happens after death. Been watching you a long time. I've learned a lot. And I just want to know if, you know, when we die, if we're dead asleep, or if we're dead until the resurrection, or if we go straight to God in heaven. And I've talked to you. I've heard you talk about Corinthians 5:8, "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord," and I've heard you speak on that one, but I'd like for you to touch on Philippians 1:23-24. The part that's confusing me is, "But it's more necessary for you that I remain in the body." So, is he saying he does leave the body when he dies and is he consciously with the Lord?

Doug: Well, when you die, your consciousness certainly leaves the body, because your body decomposes, and you don't resume your consciousness again until God raises you at the resurrection, which for a believer is going to seem like just a moment. There are 12 examples of resurrections in the Bible, approximately. And in all of those cases, none of those resurrected ever made a comment on being aware of anything while dead. Solomon said, "The living, though they'll die, the dead don't know anything." Jesus said, "Our friend Lazarus is asleep." And then they thought, "Oh, that's good, he's resting." Jesus said, "No, he's dead." But Jesus referred to it as asleep. So, that's what Paul says. We don't need to sorrow concerning those who have fallen asleep, and that's 1 Thessalonians chapter 4. We don't sorrow as others that have no hope. So, consistently through the Bible it refers to the dead as they're asleep. For them their next conscious thought is the presence of the Lord in the resurrection. So, you know, I understand people say, "Oh, our loved one's with the Lord," but it gives the wrong impression, because they're not there yet. Jesus hasn't come yet. The judgment hasn't taken place yet. So, a person's theology just runs into a whole gauntlet of problems when they think that people die and go right to heaven before the resurrection and the judgment. And indeed, the idea that they would die and go to the lake of fire before the resurrection and the judgment is also a big problem. So, the dead are unconscious until these resurrections mentioned in Revelation, the first and second resurrection.

Jëan: So, when Paul talks about being absent from the body, he's not talking about a soul ascending to heaven separate from the body and being aware of what's happening here on the earth. He's just simply meaning that to be dead, that is to be absent from the body. And then, of course, the resurrection is the next conscious thing you know or you see. So, there's no time lapse for the person who died. The very next conscious thought is the second coming of Christ, right?

Doug: And let me--you know, I never did the justice of reading the verse he was asking about. So, let's read that real quick, Philippians chapter 1, verse--I'll go to 22. "But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ." Of course, if he dies, the next thing he knows is the resurrection. He's with the Lord, "which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh or the body is more needful for you." He said, "If I stay here in this life, it's going to be more beneficial to you." But when Paul died, he was executed by Nero, he went to sleep. He closed his eyes, and it's been 2,000 years, but for him it's not going to seem like that, yeah. Hopefully that--we have a study guide that talks about are the dead really dead?

Jëan: Yeah, we do. The study guide is called, "Are the Dead Really Dead?" And if you'd like to receive that, the number to call is 800-835-6747. So, ask for the study guide. It's called "Are the Dead Really Dead?" We also have a website called deathtruth.com, and you just go to it right now. There's some sermons on there, some great resources, and we'll be happy to send that to you. You can also dial #250 on your phone and just say, "Bible Answers Live," and ask for that resource "Are the Dead Really Dead?" We'll be happy to end it to anyone who calls.

Doug: All right, friends, we're going to take a brief break, but we're coming back with more Bible questions. Go ahead, text your friends. Tell them to tune in, call in with your Bible questions. We'll be back in just a couple of moments.

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Announcer: You're listening to "Bible Answers Live," where every question answered provides a clearer picture of God and His plan to save you. So, what are you waiting for? Get practical answers about the Good Book for a better life today. announcer: This broadcast is a previously recorded episode. If you'd like answers to your Bible-related questions on the air, please call us next Sunday between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Pacific time. To receive any of the Bible resources mentioned in this evening's program, call 800-835-6747. Once again, that's 800-835-6747. Now let's rejoin our hosts for more "Bible Answers Live."

Doug: Welcome back, listening friends, to "Bible Answers Live," and we're here to do our best to answer any Bible questions you have. We don't have all the answers, but we've got our Bibles here, and we will search the Word together. Call in with your questions. That's 800-GodSays, 800-463-7297, and you could also be watching and listening on the Amazing Facts Facebook page, Amazing Facts YouTube page, Doug Batchelor Facebook page, Roku, AFTV. I forget. The Lord is blessing, the program's expanding. My name is Doug Batchelor.

Jëan: My name is Jëan Ross. And, of course, in addition to, as you mentioned, Pastor Doug, television and the Internet, we've got probably the bulk of our listeners are on radio, whether it's satellite radio or whether they're listening land-based stations. And we just want to greet a few of our listeners. We have a radio station, WRHP, listening in Alabama. We want to greet those who are listening in Alabama and also KQQJ in Alaska. So, if you're listening on either of those two radio stations and you have a Bible question, give us a call. The number is 800-463-7297. That'll bring you here into the studio. We're going to go to the phone lines. Our next caller is Glen, listening in Ohio. Glen, welcome to the program.

Glen: Good evening. Thank you very much for taking my call. And, you know, I've got kind of a toughie here.

Doug: Okay.

Glen: A surprise ending. If I may say that right out of the clear blue sky, God said, "In the beginning," and when He said that, He started a dispensation of time, and I think we're living in that dispensation of time right now and have the Bible, which is not only history, but also prophetic events, and it takes us--God said that He would never pull anything off on His creation that He didn't tell them about ahead of time. So, I think a lot of the book of Revelation is in this setting, things that are scheduled that could take place. But the question I have is this. When in Matthew it says that things will get so bad that even the very elect would be in trouble and time would be shortened because of that. And then when time's going to be shortened, there's also a place that says, "And time shall be no more." My question is, is when we come to that time in the Bible in history, prophetic and historical things, and it says time shall be no more, what can we expect after time should be no more?

Doug: All right, thank you. Well, you're talking really about two things there, Glen. When Jesus said, "For the elect's sake, those days will be shortened," meaning there'd be a time of persecution and deception near the end, and God is not going to prolong the misery of the righteous. The elect will be spared, because the time of the persecution and deception will be shortened. But in Revelation, when it says, "And time shall be no more," there's a couple of things happening. One is, I understand, of course, that would mean prophetic time is no more. All the prophetic times in the Bible are fulfilled. And the other thing is we've entered eternity. The righteous all have eternal life, and so our view of time is going to be different from that point on, in that, yeah--do you really celebrate birthdays every year when you live billions of years? But that's beside the point, I guess.

Jëan: I think specifically you're referring to the phrase where in Revelation chapter 10 the angel that's seen in that vision lifts his hand towards heaven and says, "Time shall be no longer." And it's specifically referring to prophetic time, because that ties in with the prophecy you find in Daniel chapter 8, verse 14. But time goes on after that--at least not prophetic time, not a date per se, but time does go on until you have the close of probation. And then, of course, the seven last plagues and the second coming of Christ. All right, well, thank you, Glen. We've got Ben listening in Tennessee. Ben, welcome to the program.

Ben: I thank you very much. I'm so excited about talking to you both, Pastor Batchelor and Pastor Ross. I have a quick question. I believe, strongly believe that Jesus didn't die on a Friday. Why are we celebrating Good Friday today as Jesus's crucifixion and death?

Doug: Okay. If Jesus didn't die on Friday, why are we celebrating Good Friday? Well, first of all, most Protestants don't make a holiday out of Good Friday. That's--so when you say we celebrating it, most Protestants don't celebrate it. You've got, like, Ash Wednesday. Those are usually Catholic traditions. But let me come back to you. Why are you saying that Jesus did not die? Because I believe the Bible says Christ was executed on the preparation day, which would be Friday. So, I don't have a problem with that. What is your reason for not believing that?

Ben: Well, I believe that He was crucified on a Wednesday evening, because of the fact that He said that He was going to be dead three days and three nights, three full days and three nights, and then that wasn't the Passover day. The next day will be the Feast of the Unleavened Bread, which was to be the high Sabbath, which was on Thursday, okay?

Doug: Yeah, let's talk about that for a second. I suspected that you were talking about-- there's one verse in Matthew 12 where Jesus--I think it starts in verse 38 or 39. He said, "It's an evil and adulterous generation that seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." And some people believe that means that Jesus would be dead three days. I think I heard you just say that. And not only that, but I believe that some people assume that that means He must have been crucified sooner.

When Jesus says three days and three nights there in Matthew 12, He's talking about His sufferings. The suffering is both suffering and death. The penalty for sin is not just death. It's suffering and death. Jesus didn't just die for our sins. He suffered and died. And Thursday night, when Christ was betrayed, He said in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Now is the hour of darkness." The disciples had fallen asleep while they were praying. That's when His sufferings began, when the mob came to arrest Him, Judas betrayed Him, he was in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights, not talking about the grave. It's talking about in the clutches of the devil. Nowhere in the Bible do we call the grave the heart of the earth anywhere else. So, people have assumed that was talking about just the tomb. Christ was in the midst of the devil, in the hands of the devil for three days and three nights. Thursday night, Friday night, Saturday night, and He rose Sunday morning. So, hopefully, that helps. I have a book called "The Sign of Jonah" that will give you more information on that, Ben. We'll send you a free copy, or anyone who wants to know about that.

Jëan: That's right. Just call 800-835-6747. You can ask for the book. It's called "The Sign of Jonah." It talks about that verse where Jesus said he'd be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. Our next caller would be Tony, also listening in Tennessee. Tony, welcome to the program.

Doug: Tony might be in muted. Tony, one more time, Tennessee. Are you there?

Tony: Yes, I'm here.

Doug: Okay. And your question?

Tony: My question is in Luke 17:3. It's talking about forgiveness. If my brother trespass against me, do I have to forgive him?

Doug: Well, I think what Jesus said in the Lord's Prayer that says, "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." Now when you say forgiveness, you know, I think you should always forgive people, because if you have bitterness in your heart and unforgiveness, that hurts you. That doesn't mean if someone has taken advantage of you, you need to allow them to take advantage of you again. It doesn't mean if someone has stolen your car that you need to just let them off without them being prosecuted, because they'll just go steal someone else's car. Forgiveness, you know, is talking about you need to just, you know, release the anger and the bitterness, and let it go out of your heart and forgive them. You can read that parable in Matthew 18, where Jesus said, "If we don't forgive others, considering how much God has forgiven us, our forgiveness is revoked." The Bible says if we want to be forgiven, we must forgive. So am I answering what you're asking?

Tony: Yeah, I understand that, but I was reading in Luke 17:3, says that if he trespass against me, I can rebuke him.

Doug: Yes.

Tony: But if he don't ask for forgiveness, then I don't have to forgive him.

Doug: Yeah, I think He's talking about--like I said, when it comes to forgiveness, there are all kinds of different scenarios. And, you know, if your brother does something that is inappropriate behavior, there's nothing wrong with having tough love and telling him that what he did was wrong, but then forgive him. But I think even if they don't ask for forgiveness, you ought to forgive, because like I said, unforgiveness is like an acid that destroys the container that holds it. It'll corrode you to not forgive. I know people that were mistreated and abused by their parents that are dead and gone. They're still mad. I think, well, what are you going to do, wait for them to ask for mercy? They're dead. So, you've got to let it go.

Jëan: All right, well, thank you, Tony. Next caller that we have is listening in Virginia, and that's Rhonda. Rhonda, welcome to the program.

Rhonda: Thank you so much. Good evening Pastor Ross and Pastor Batchelor. Thank you.

Doug: Good evening.

Rhonda: My question is from 1 Samuel 18, verse 10. I've been studying it, and I got stuck on the part that says that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul. So, my question is, how can an evil spirit come from God? I believe God to be loving, and He's not evil. So, what does this mean?

Doug: Yeah, it's interesting that it tells us that the Holy Spirit came on David, but an evil spirit comes on Saul. The evil spirit, when it says from the Lord, it just means permission is given by the Lord, because Saul had rejected the Spirit of God. And when you reject the Spirit of God, none of us is a vacuum. If you say, "I want the light out of my room, by virtue of your rejecting the light, you're inviting the darkness. And it's like the story of Job, where the devil came to God and said, "The only reason Job serves you is because you've protected him. Withdraw your protection, and he'll curse you." So, God gave the devil permission to test Job. God had to give permission for these evil spirits to take over Saul, because Saul had ultimately rejected the Lord. So, I don't know. I'm hoping that makes sense.

Rhonda: Yes, it does make sense, because I just knew that God is not evil. So, how does this verse, like, make sense to me? So, thank you for answering.

Doug: Yeah, and, of course, you've got the passage there in James where it says God doesn't tempt anybody, neither can he be tempted with evil. And then again it says every good and perfect gift comes from God. God does not send bad. He sends good. But sometimes God withdraws His protection, and bad will come in. And in a sense, someone might say, "Well, He's responsible." God does sometimes allow things to happen, because we've rejected His protection.

Jëan: Okay, the next caller that we have is Anna listening in Oregon. Anna, welcome to the program.

Anna: Hi. How are you guys?

Doug: Hello. Much better than we deserve.

Anna: Oh, well, that's awesome, so—

Doug: And your question.

Anna: My question is Revelation 4, verse 5. "And from the throne proceeded lightnings, and thundering voices, seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God." And the seven spirits of God is what I'm confused about.

Doug: Yeah, I believe that the seven spirits, it's not that God has got seven ghosts up in heaven floating around. These seven spirits are seven attributes of God the Spirit, and the closest I think you find of that is in Isaiah chapter 11, and you read verses 1 and 2, and it says, "There shall come forth a rod from the stem of Jesse, and a branch will grow out of His roots." This is a prophecy of Jesus, who is called the Anointed. The Anointed with what? The Holy Spirit. Listen to what it says in verse 2. "The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon Him." That's one. The spirit wisdom, two, understanding, three, counsel, four, might, five, the spirit of knowledge, six, the fear of the Lord, seven. And so it kind of gives us seven facets or attributes of God the Spirit. And sometimes the Holy Spirit, the wisdom of the Spirit is highlighted, and sometimes the fear of the Lord is highlighted, so forth. So, do you have anything to add to that?

Jëan: No, I think you're right, Pastor Doug. It's highlighting seven attributes of the Holy Spirit. And it is interesting the seven burning lamps of fire. If you look at the sanctuary imagery, it was the seven branch candlestick, which the Bible makes pretty clear. It was one candlestick that had seven branches coming out. It wasn't seven separate candlesticks.

Doug: That's a good point.

Jëan: So, it's one Spirit, but there's seven attributes brought to view.

Doug: Very good.

Jëan: All right, thank you, caller. Now we've got Tim listening in Tennessee. Tim, welcome to the program.

Tim: Thank you.

Doug: Thanks.

Tim: I've got a simple question for you, I'm sure. My question is in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2. And I'd like to focus on verse 3. This is talking about the second coming. It says, "Let no one deceive you by any means; for that day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition." I've always kind of thought that was talking about a event that happened during the Reformation. But as I think about it, it could be something around the end times maybe during the mark of the beast when there's no gray area. You've got to either follow God or follow this man of perdition.

Doug: Yeah.

Tim: I just wondered if this has already taken place or not, I guess.

Doug: I think it's taking place. It says that there'll be this falling away that happens before Jesus comes. The falling away is not talking about falling in the world, because Adam fell 6,000 years ago. That's already happened. It's talking about a falling away in the church. This is a great falling away, a great apostasy that took place during the dark ages where a man, and most Protestants believe this was the position of the Pope. But a man sits in the temple of God. The church is called the body of Christ. Christ said, "Destroy this temple made with hands. I'll make one without hands." The Bible says we are living stones in this temple. Paul said, "Don't you know that ye are the temple of God?"

It's talking about the church. And that this power would sit, saying he is in charge of the church, a man, and to be worshiped as God, sitting in the temple of God showing himself that he is God. And, you know, you can even see pictures of the Pope. And, again, I'm not trying to be unkind. I'm just telling you what Protestants believe. You can see pictures of the Pope, and he's sitting on his throne between two cherubim. Well, that's what you had in the temple in heaven. God was between the two cherubim. So, it's like a man putting himself in the place of God. And certainly, that power had incredible sway through the dark ages. Received a deadly wound and came back into power again. And once again, it's an independent country. So, we have a whole study on "Who Is the Antichrist of Revelation?" we'll be happy to send.

Jëan: The number for that is 800-835-6747. You can ask for the study guide. It's called, "Who Is the Antichrist?" We'll send it to anyone who calls and asks. You can just dial #250 on your smart phone and say, "Bible Answers Live," and also ask for that study guide, "Who Is the Antichrist?" Our thanks for your call, Tim. We've got Lee listening in Texas. Lee, welcome to the program.

Lee: Yes, can you hear me?

Doug: Yes, we do.

Lee: Okay. Good evening, Pastor Doug and Pastor Ross. My question is how do I know I have the Holy Spirit? Is there more than just the fruits of the Holy Spirit or are there other ways?

Doug: Well, certainly, Jesus said, "You'll know them by their fruits." So, one reason is you'll know by the fruits of the Spirit. Now, I don't know that that means that every person is going to have all of the fruits of the Spirit all at the same time. But, you know, a Christian should know what it means to experience love and joy and peace and patience. These are things we're learning. Also keep in mind, and this is so important, people can have the Holy Spirit in different degrees. Otherwise, the disciples certainly had the Holy Spirit when Jesus sent them out teaching and preaching. But when they were baptized in the Holy Spirit, that was a special filling of the Holy Spirit above and beyond what a person might utilize every day in their walk with Christ. So, you know, don't doubt. Now, I'm trusting that you do have the Spirit if you've asked. The Bible said, if God's willing to give--or rather if a human is willing to give their hungry child food, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those that ask Him? If you've asked God for the Spirit, and you've asked Him to forgive your sins, and if you do feel conviction of sin and a desire to do God's will, that's the Holy Spirit that gives you that desire.

Jëan: You know, we have a book. It's called "Life in the Spirit," and it talks about the fruit of the Spirit, and this will be a great resource for you, Lee, or anyone wanting to learn more about what does it mean to have the Holy Spirit? The number for that is 800-835-6747. You can ask for the book. It's called, "Life in the Spirit," and we'll be happy to send that to you, or just dial #250 on your smart phone, and you can ask for it that way. The next caller that we have is Spencer listening in Oklahoma. Spencer, welcome to the program.

Spencer: Yes, thank you, and God bless you guys for your work on this program.

Doug: Thank you.

Spencer: My question is I recently heard something that I had never heard before, and it was a statement that said that not all Christians would participate in the millennium, but those who had been rewarded, because there were several parables that Jesus had given where some are given rewards and some are not. And they, when they took it, that is the millennium and that reign where some would be in charge of cities and some would not. Like, I just never heard of anyone putting it that way. I had always just assumed that all Christians would go into the millennium, but it was interesting to me, and I was just curious what your thoughts about that were.

Doug: Yeah, the way I understand it, as you read, most of what you find about the millennium is in Revelation chapter 20, that all of the saved are there during the millennium. They may be doing some different things during that time, but I don't see another resurrection where the saved come up separate from those that will enjoy the millennium.

Jëan: And, you know, when you read about it in Revelation chapter 20, it talks about the redeemed living and reigning with Christ. Sometimes people think, well, if they're going to be reigning, who are they reigning over? Are they reigning over the wicked, meaning the wicked? Are they alive during the thousand years? But the emphasis there, when it talks about reigning, the greatest act of reigning was when a king sat on his throne in judgment. So, the redeemed are going to be participating in the judgment that occurs during the 1,000 years, and it's a judgment of the wicked, because the righteous are already saved. So, that's what's really happening with this reigning. It's not that they're dictating to people what to do, because the wicked are dead. They're waiting for their resurrection at the end of the thousand years, but they are involved in reigning in the sense of judging and looking at their works. And Jesus said, "Every man is rewarded according to his works," and the redeemed are going to have some part to play in that judgment.

Doug: Amen. So, hopefully, that helps a little bit. And we appreciate your call.

Jëan: You know, we have a study guide that's called, "1000 Years of Peace," and it talks about this 1,000-year time period you read about in Revelation chapter 20. And, of course, we'll be happy to send that to anyone who calls and asks. It's 800-835-6747 or #250 on your phone.

Doug: Thank you, Spencer.

Jëan: Next caller that we have is Alberto, I believe it is, from Rhode Island.

Alberto: Hey, thank you so much for taking my call, Pastor Batchelor and Pastor Ross. And I pray that the Lord continues to bless and strengthen you both in this mission you guys are doing. It's fantastic work, and I've followed you guys for a very long time. This is my first time, you know, making a call.

Doug: Oh, praise the Lord, thank you.

Alberto: Yeah, so my question is found at--on Job 1:6, and I can read if that's okay.

Doug: Go ahead.

Alberto: It says, "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them." My question is this. If Satan originated from Lucifer, the devil, and he was the first sinner, how come he was able to see God and not burn on that, you know, in that verse? God used to walk with Adam before sin, but not after sin, because of sin. Moses asked to see God and His glory, and God said, "You can't because you'll burn," because he was a sinner. So, the question is, so my question is how come the devil was able to see God if he was the sinner?

Doug: Yeah, good question. And, you know, I'd have to tell you that my answer would be some speculation. The devil lived in the presence of God for, who knows, it may have been hundreds of thousands of years, as he slowly--he was a good angel named Lucifer, and he slowly began to resent God's position and rebel ultimately, and then finally it broke into an open revolt, and he was kicked out of heaven. The devil is a spirit. Paul says we don't wrestle against flesh and blood, but against spirits. And so, you know, being a spiritual being may be different than what would happen to a human when we're brought into the presence of a Holy God with sin. But, yeah, the devil, not just here in the book of Job, but even before his fall, was in the presence of God with sin in his heart. So, it is somewhat of a mystery.

Jëan: That's right. Okay, well, thank you. The next caller that we have is Emanuel listening in Maryland. Emanuel, welcome to the program. We have about a minute.

Emanuel: How you doing, Pastor Doug?

Doug: Hi, thanks for calling.

Emanuel: I must admit, like, I really love your program, and it really helps me a lot.

Doug: Praise the Lord. Thank you. Well, real quick, what's your question?

Emanuel: My question is about free will and salvation. But when Adam and Eve disobeyed, he blamed them. So, how does it really--how does free will in that process relate to our salvation?

Doug: Yeah, well, actually, the very fact that God had a penalty for disobedience, He told Adam and Eve, if you eat from the forbidden tree, you will die, it's because they did have a free choice, and they made the wrong choice, that there were consequences. If they had no choice, if they had been predetermined to do it, then why would God punish them for doing what they were preprogrammed to do? So, it's because they had accountability that there was a consequence and a punishment. But we do have a book, says, "Can a Saved Man Be Lost?" And we will send you a free copy. That's 800-835-6747 to ask for that. And Pastor Ross, we just want to tell our friends that are listening, if they did not know, the end of the program we sign off in two stages. We say farewell, goodnight to our satellite audience, but stay tuned the rest of you. We're coming back for some rapid fire Bible questions in just a moment.

Announcer: Thank you for listening to today's broadcast. We hope you understand your Bible even better than before. "Bible Answers Live" is produced by Amazing Facts International, a faith-based ministry located in Granite Bay, California.

Jëan: Hello, friends, welcome back. We thank you for your Bible questions. And a number of you have emailed Bible questions to us. We're going to try and take the next two minutes or so to answer as many questions as we can. If you'd like to email us a Bible question, the email address is BALquestions@amazingfacts.org. All right, Pastor Doug, the first question that we have here from Leann, she's asking, "How do you know if you have been baptized by the Holy Spirit?"

Doug: Yeah, well, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as we mentioned a moment ago, is different from just the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, and peace you may receive. Baptism means that you are--you know, the word baptism means immersed, every fiber is saturated. It's like the ground in California right now. It can't get any wetter. And so when you're so full of the Holy Spirit--this is what happened to David when he was anointed. He was filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost, the apostles were filled. But you know what? That began to dry out, because then they're filled with the Holy Spirit again in Acts chapter 4. So, the Holy Spirit can, you know, baptize you, fill you for ministry, and you'll know that when you just are just full of the Spirit, and you feel compelled to share the Word of God, and do His will, and obey Him. It's a signal.

Jëan: Okay. Another question that we have, Ashley is asking, "Why didn't Jesus speak of paying tithe during His three-and-a-half years of ministry?"

Doug: Well, actually, He did. Yes, some people--Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees, He said, "You pay tithe." And this is, what? Matthew 23:23, I think. He said, "You pay tithe of your mint, and your anise, and your cumin," these are herbs. "And you've neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith." He says, "These you ought to have done and not leave the other undone. Do not leave the tithe paying undone." So, and then not just Jesus, but, of course, Paul in Hebrews and others talk about tithe. Nothing in the Bible says that it was revoked. So, it's still in place.

Jëan: Okay, another question that we have, Joseph is asking, "God says that He will establish a covenant with Israel, but the Bible also tells us that God is no respecter of persons. Is this a contradiction?"

Doug: Well, the Lord loves everyone and wants to save everybody, but God needed to pick a nation to make them the demonstration of His grace. So, because He picked Israel to make them that demonstration and be the recipients of His promises and the guardians of the oracles did not mean that He loved them more than others. It means He had to have someone be the messenger and the courier. And, friends, He wants you to know that truth and accept it. Thank you for tuning in, and we'd love to hear from you. Check out more from Amazing Facts on amazingfacts.org. God bless until we study next week.

Announcer: "Bible Answers Live," honest and accurate answers to your Bible questions.

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