The Great Whore's Execution

“The Great Whore's Execution” 

REVELATION 17:14-18

THEME: In highly metaphorical language the filthy religious prostitute and her judgment by the Lord Jesus are described. Be assured that God hears the prayers of his persecuted, justice is a divine priority, and martyrs will eventually be vindicated. 

INTRODUCTION: 

John describes the Lamb’s phased and progressive victory over "the beast" and his kingdom. Here the religious system is destroyed; then later the political and economic systems fall also (Rev 18). Afterwards, the Lord Jesus returns to earth; condemns Satan, "the beast" and the false prophet (Rev 19:19-20); and then establishes His kingdom.

Likewise, every age has featured a "Babylon," a rebellious political and economic system that has sought to control people’s minds and destinies. Just as the contrast to the "whore" is the pure bride, so the contrast to "Babylon" is the City of God, the New Jerusalem, the eternal home prepared for the Lamb’s wife (Rev 21:9). Each generation of believers must keep itself pure from the pollution of both the "whore" and "Babylon."

In these two chapters, John prophesies two divine judgments. In Revelation 17 and 18 John revisits that destruction and deals in detail with the fall of Babylon.

MESSAGE:

III. The Great Whore Executed (Rev. 17:14-18)

 The scarlet woman is both a religious system and a city (Rev. 17:18) which will “ride the beast” for a while. However, in the days when John’s prophecy will be fulfilled, an amazing thing will happen: "the harlot" will be made desolate by the very system that carried her!

A.  HER EXCLUSION BY ANTI-CHRIST (Rev. 17:16) 

    1. Finally, when the worship of the Beast is set in place (Rev. 13:4, 14, 15).

    2.  The coalition of kings “these will hate the whore” will resist her choke-hold on their freedom and finances and react with vengeance.

    3.  These kings will destroy the woman but will themselves be destroyed by the Lamb (Rev. 17:14-18). 

QUOTE: “It is important to note that "the beast" carries "the harlot" Satan (and Antichrist) will use the apostate religious system to accomplish his own ends (i.e., attain world power); but then he will do away with "the harlot" and establish his own religious system. And all of this will be the fulfillment of God's Word (Rev 17:17).

Since "the beast" sets up his image in the temple about the middle of the Tribulation, we can assume that "the harlot" and "the beast" work together during those first three-and-a half years. This is corroborated by the fact that the ten kings assist him in desolating "the harlot" (Rev 17:16). These are the same ten kings associated with "the beast" when he sets up the "United States of Europe" during the first half of the Tribulation.”  —W. W. Wiersbe

B.  HER ELIMINATION BY THE BEAST (Rev. 17:16)

Their antagonism to Christ will drive these 10 kings to war against Him but they will be soundly defeated (v. 14) by the Lamb—the Lord of lords and King of kings (1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 19:16). They will meet their demise in this battle.

    1.  After using the false religious system to unify the world kingdoms and gain control of all, the Antichrist—with the help of his 10 sub-rulers—will turn against the system, plunder and destroy it, and seize all power and worship for himself.

QUOTE: “Throughout history, political systems have "used" religious bodies to further their political causes. At the same time, church history reveals that religious groups have used politics to achieve their purposes. The marriage of church and state is not a happy one, and has often spawned children that have created serious problems. When dictators are friendly with religion, it is usually a sign that they want to make use of religion's influence and then destroy it. The church of Jesus Christ has been most influential in the world when it has maintained a separated position.

Compare the description of "the harlot's" desolation with that of the death of Jezebel (2 Kings 9:30-37).”     —W. W. Wiersbe

    2.  The vivid picture of evil that the angel showed John -- Beast, kings, Whore -- also displays the destructive nature of selfishness. Past and future kings give their authority and power to the Beast with greedy desire for even greater power. The whore depends (sits on) the Beast. The Beast, the kings, and the whore are allies until the Beast and kings turn on the whore and betray, humiliate, sacrifice, and consume her. Faced with doom, they turn on each other.

    3. Evil proves to be vicious and destructive. It hates everything good that God has made. Evil people may profess values such as loyalty and unity, but in the end, they will destroy their allies to preserve themselves.

    4. Compromises and alliances with evil, to accomplish a "greater good," also prove to be deceptions. Satan uses an effective tactic. He tried it with Jesus himself (Matt 4:1-11) by tempting him to use his power to make a "shortcut" to a good goal. The temptations were real. Jesus could have gained the whole world in a moment, but he would have also abandoned God's plan. Christians face the same kinds of temptations today.

     5.  But "good ends" accomplished by evil means serve Satan, not Christ. Only what we do for Christ and by his power will last.

C.  HER EXECUTION BY GOD.   (Rev. 17:14-15, 17)

 United, they will gather to make war with the Lamb, seeking to prevent Him from setting up His universal messianic kingdom (Rev. 19:19). Armageddon decides their awful fate.

    1.  The Place is Armageddon.

        A.  The kingdom of Antichrist will “make war.”

        B.  A reference to the battle of Armageddon (Rev. 16:14–16).

        C.  This is where the Lamb will utterly destroy the 10 kings (Rev. 19:17–21).

    2.  The Person is Christ, Jesus the Lord.

“The Lamb,” “Lord of lords and King of kings.” A title for God (Rev. 19:16; 1 Tim. 6:15; Deut. 10:17; Ps. 136:3) that emphasizes His sovereignty over all other rulers to whom He has delegated authority.  The Lamb will overcome and be victorious! 

    3. The People with Him are the Saints of Heaven. (Rev. 17:14)

 The King of kings will bring his chosen ones with him. We will be with Christ then, but we are also with him now. The battle will be won against Satan then, but with Christ in us, we can win the battles against Satan every day.

        A.  If we accept compromise and defeat, we surrender to Satan.

        B.  But if we trust Christ, claim his victory, and live by his power, we can defeat Satan. 

    4.  The Successes of the ‘Whore’ Once Multiplied Globally. (Rev. 17:15)

Rev. 17:1 stated that the woman “sitteth upon many waters.” These “waters” are now interpreted as “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” This indicates that there will be one ecumenical world religious system, embracing all nations and languages.

5. They Will Be Carrying Out God’s Purpose to Condemn Evil (Rev. 17:17).

Gen. 50:20. This is part of God’s sovereign purpose to bring evil leaders into judgment; He has placed it into their hearts to accomplish His purpose by cooperating with the beast to give him their power to rule.

QUOTE: “What do we mean by this expression "the sovereignty of God"? We mean the supremacy of God, the kingship of God, the godhood of God. To say that God is sovereign is to declare that God is God. He is the Most High, doing according to his will, so that none can stay his hand, defeat his counsels, or thwart his purpose.”  —  Arthur W. Pink 

CONCLUSION: 

Finally, note that those who trust the Lord are not influenced by "the whore" or defeated by the kings (Rev 17:14). Once again, John points out that the true believers are the "overcomers.”

Satan's counterfeit religion is subtle, requiring spiritual discernment to recognize. It was Paul's great concern that the local churches he founded not be seduced away from their sincere devotion to Christ (2 Cor 11:14).

In every age, there is the tremendous pressure to conform to "popular religion" and to abandon the fundamentals of the faith. In these last days, we all need to heed the admonitions in 1 Tim 4 and 2 Tim 3 and remain true to our Lord.

If we merely relegate the previous ideas as futuristic or place them geographically in Europe but fail to recognize the source and magnitude of these compromises, then we have missed the entire message the Lord sought to convey to us down through the ages of the Christian Faith. The religious system is a “whore,” who compromises with political systems around the world to serve Satan’s will of securing devotion to himself alone. A whore is not a wife, and she aggressively enters ‘situationships’ with various countries of the world to gain their power and impact in exchange for her control, constraint, and manipulation. These countries are motivated by greed, exploitation, wealth, affluence, power, and control! They will go to extremes to secure or maintain their strength over the masses of humanity. The “whore” will compromise, fornicate, and alley idolatry to keep and maintain her position of influence. She parades herself as useful, enduring, influential, powerful, worthy, and desirable. She can only offer carnal, worldly, temporal, and elevated enticements afforded by the various countries she already influences. Those political systems get what they want with such ‘payments,’ and manipulation is at the heart of the relationship for them. Any religious system presuming to interact with the ‘whore’ and these ‘kingdoms’ must allow the ‘system’ to control their voices and allegiances…not their beliefs or convictions. That religious component cannot say certain things, must toe the line, must stay in their pre-relegated place, and may give mere half-hearted allegiance to Jesus Christ. If certain issues surface occasionally from religious adherents, they are explained away or deem inconsequential by official sanctions, executive procedures, administrative jargon, and approved policies or laws rooted in governmental allegiance! Thus, the political system supports the great whore’s worship and loyalty to the antichrist, Satan. Many ‘Christian movements’ have been seduced into this type of compromise with governments to continue to enjoy certain political benefits, advantages, perks, and bonuses. Most of us are aware of the ‘unholy marriage of the Church and State!’ However, Jesus Christ calls us to worship God alone without any compromise of our beliefs or convictions that are rooted in the Scriptures. The freedom to which Christ calls us may actually look like bondage in the ‘eyes’ of the sophisticated organizations who punishes anyone for their complete loyalty to Jesus Christ. Beloved, it matters now who you pledge your allegiance to. Antichrist or Jesus Christ…Satan or God. There is no room for compromise.

Securing Wall To Wall Forgiveness

Psalm 51:1-19

SUBJECT: FORGIVENESS

THEME: We Want to Review the Process of Receiving Complete Forgiveness from God.  It is imperative that we understand the Lord Forgives Sin on the Conditions of Conviction and Confession.  Only then can we experience Cleansing (Forgiveness) Through the Blood of Jesus Christ.

RELEVANCE:    

Many needlessly struggle under the heavy weight of guilt: even Christians wrestle for months and years with a Heavy conscious–the sense of responsibility for an offensive or wrongful action.  Even though society tries to water–down sinfulness and holiness, there remains an acute and painful verdict in the heart of “guilt.” Though people still try to sneak through life while ignoring an absolute sense of right and wrong, there is still a persistent and sharp awareness of having done wrong in the heart of the average person (Lev. 4:3; Ezra 9:6, 13,15).  Terms like sinfulness, guilt complex, remorse, shame, suspicious conduct, guilty feelings, and guilty behavior are all used in our culture to pin down this event that take place in the heart when we have violated God’s view or our own view of right behavior. Clearly Scripture presents us with classic examples of guilt in the Bible such as: Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:7-8), Cain (Gen. 4:8-9), and yes, David (2 Sam. 11; Ps. 51).  In all of these instances the sinner felt they were “under justice,” or answerable to the judgment and condemnation of God.  Not merely accountable to society, or one’s own conscience, but to the Holy One Himself. Thus, we establish the need for the forgiveness and justice of God toward sinful mankind.

INTRODUCTION:

1.  Receiving Wall-to-wall Forgiveness Is Possible Through the Blood of Jesus Christ. 

1 John 1:7,  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.   (See also Rev. 1:5)

“Wall to Wall” is a phrase often employed to indicate that a room is completely carpeted or to indicate that a room is completely full of people.  Thus, the terms “wall-to-wall carpet” and “wall-to-wall people.”   Both phrases indicating total coverage, completeness, and full to capacity.  Presently i am using this phrase to indicate Complete, thorough, and Full Forgiveness of Sins for the person who meets God’s conditions.  It does not matter how ugly and hideous a person’s sinful practice may be, God is able and willing to forgive.

2.  The Fifty-first Psalm Is Often Called "The Penitent Psalm" and Also "The Sinner's Guide."

     A.  A review of 2 Samuel 11:1-12:25 will set the stage for today's message and help us understand why.

             1.  David was a man "after his [God's] own heart" (I Sam. 13:14).

1 Samuel 13:14,  But now thy kingdom [King Saul] shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee.

             2.  However, David was guilty of adultery, conspiracy, and murder. Many months of misery had passed and David had not yet repented. He along with Bathsheba, Joab and several servants were all involved in the attempted cover up.

             3.  Psalm 32:3,4 explains part of the misery and suffering of David during those long, long months without repentance.

Ps 32:3-4,  When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. 4,  For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.

I still contend that real believers will suffer likewise when they know they are not right with the Lord.

     B.  David's song (Ps 32:3-4) rings out with a strong message to those who believe sin can be hidden.

            1.   Verses 3 and 4 tell of his months of silence as he attempted to hide the iniquity in his heart.

                  A.  God's hand weighted David down more and more with each passing day.

                  B.  The weight of sin continues to grow until the guilty can no longer function in the Lord's service.

            2.  David was wasting away both spiritually and physically.

                   A.  He said, "My bones waxed old." Conviction had drained him of his spiritual strength with the Lord, as well as affecting him physically.

                          *  The sleepless nights came more often,

                          *  The worry grew more intense, and

                          *  The fretting became worse.

                          * “The way of transgressors is hard” (Prov. 13:15).

                   B.  David ends this verse of his song with selah. Those hearing and those singing along knew where to stop and meditate for a time on the wages of sin and to think of the consequences. Can you live with it? The answer comes in the next verse of the song.

            3.  David's song turns to one of confession in verse 5.

Psalm 32:5,  I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

                   A.  He is no longer silent. The sins he had tried and planned so hard to cover up were now an open book.

                   B.   'Thou art the man" (2 Sam. 12:7) was ringing in his ears and sounding off in his heart.

                   C.  Now the healing process could begin. Now the cleansing could take place.

                   D.  David acknowledged and fully confessed his sin.

Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

3.  It Is Important that We Understand That God Did Not and Does Not Overlook Sin, Even in a Child of God.  Nobody gets away with sin!  It is also important to understand the difference between the punishment of God and the chastening hand of God.

      A. The Punishment of God is for Sinners:    The Unrepentant, Unbelieving Sinner Receives Punishment as a Penalty.    Prov 21:11,  When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

                1.  This "punish" as used in Isaiah 13:11 means to visit with hostile intent.

Isaiah 13:11, And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

                2.  This "punishment" as used in (2 Peter 2:9)  means justice and its execution.

2 Peter 2:9,  The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

                3.  This "punishment" as in Hebrews 10:29  has to do with vindication by inflicting a penalty.

Hebrews 10:29,  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

               4.  This punishment  in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 speaks of paying the price for unbelief.

2 Thes. 1:7-9,  And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, [8] In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: [9] Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

      B.  The Chastisement of God is for Saints:   The Repentant Believer, Such as David, Comes Under the Chastisement of God. The goal here is entirely different than with the unrepentant.

Prov 19:18,   Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

          1.  In Proverbs 19:18 the word "chasten" means to instruct, correct  or reform.

          2.  The word "chastisement" in Isaiah 53:5 has the meaning of correction and discipline.

          3.  Three times in the New Testament, forms of the word "chasten" are used (1 Cor. 11:32; Heb. 12:5-8; Rev. 3:19), and they mean to train or educate a child.

1 Cor. 11:32,  But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Hebrews 12:5-8,  And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: [6] For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. [7] If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? [8] But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Rev. 3:19-20,  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. [20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Obviously, then God is trying to instruct, correct, reform, discipline, train, and educate his sons when we fail to meet with His expectations. 

          4.  Thus, the Lord was instructing and training David. The sins of David were not overlooked by God, but neither was David under the same penalty as an unbeliever (Psalm 5l:3, 11).

4.  It must be Emphasized that the Lord forgives sin on the basis of conviction, confession and cleansing (forgiveness) through the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lesson:

I. DAVID'S WALL-TO-WALL CONFESSION.   (Psalm 51:1-6)  

One thing David did to make things right with the Lord was his refusal to minimize the severity of his actions before God.  David did not say, “Everybody does it,” “What’s the big deal anyway,” or merely “Lord forgive me of my sins.”  No! In absolute honesty he completely confessed to God.  These verses name five (5) things that David confessed to the Lord.

A. HE CONFESSED HIS TRANSGRESSIONS, in both verses 1 and 3.

The first step for repentance is contrition for sin.  The second step is confession of sin.  True confession is acknowledging our sin to God; it is admitting that we cannot effectively deal with them alone (1Jn. 1:9).

        1. Transgression Means More than Just Stepping over or Missing the Mark.

If this was all there were to the meaning of transgressions, it would only refer to mistakes based on ignorance of God’s requirements. 

ILLUSTRATION: a transgression in this way can be like driving too fast within the city limits.  You may not be aware of the speed limit but still it’s a transgression because you exceeded that limit.

        2.  Transgression Means to Revolt or to Rebel.

The concept of transgression appears in Isaiah 1:2 where God says, "They have rebelled against me."  This signifies a deliberate act of defiance against God.

ILLUSTRATION: This idea of deliberate rebellion lies at the heart of the Genesis account of the beginning of Adam’s sin (Gen. 3:1-7).  Eve was deceived in the Garden, but Adam sinned fully aware of his actions and choose to deliberately disobey God (see 1Tim. 2:14).

        3.  Transgression is Straying Away from the Guidance of the Word–Unfaithful.

Galatians 3:19, Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

              *   The word “transgression” has the idea of violation or not walking beside a given law (Gal. 3:19).

              *   The transgressor has violated God's law and no longer walks beside it but has violated it by straying away.  They have departed from, overstepped, and abandoned the Word.

              *   The Transgressor acts Deliberately and Arrogantly. 

Perhaps the most heinous sins are those done ‘with a high hand’ that is deliberately and arrogantly.

Numbers 15:30-31,  But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. [31] Because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.

ILLUSTRATION: This brings our attention to the sin of hypocrisy, especially among ‘religious’ people (Matt. 23; Acts 5:1-11). The hypocrite says one thing, but he practices another thing. Thus he or she deliberately strays away from the requirements of the Lord.  The hypocrite usually goes to great extent to hide or cover up their sinful behavior. 

APPLICATION:  The lesson we must learn is that there is no secret sin. Psalm 69:5, O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.   Moses in Exodus 2:11-14 clearly illustrated that there is no success in hiding ones sin.  Clearly Achan (Josh. 7:21-22) would testify to the truth that there is no profit in covering and hiding our sin because they will surely be discovered and found out.  Numbers 32:23, But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.

        4.  Thus David was confessing that he had strayed away from God and that he had Rebelled against God’s known standards.  David dared to ask God to erase his awful violations of God’s holy law and that he might be cleanse from the frightful ways in which he missed the mark of God’s standards.

           

B.  HE CONFESSED HIS INIQUITY, which he repeats in verses 2 and 5.

       1.  Iniquity Is the Inward Look at Sin.

           *   It is not just the wrong doing, but wrong being.

           *   It does not point to "an action,” but the “character of an action."

           *   It is not referring to the sinful activity, but the sinful attitude which justifies the sinful actions.

APPLICATION: Since we have a tendency to sin, we can just about talk ourselves into believing anything, including sinful behaviors are good, right, fair, and just. Just take one look at all the attention the issue of “Gay Marriage” and "Gay Rights" is receiving.  These misguided souls advocating these sinful behaviors truly believe the sodomite is doing something that is normal and healthy. They have allowed or wrongfully endorsed societies deviant morals. They are so perverted in their attitudes and thinking that they justify what God obviously condemns.  This is iniquity.

Deut. 32:4,  He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

       2.  The Word "Iniquity" Means to Be Perverted, Morally Evil, to be Crooked, Falsify or Distort (See Prov. 2:12-15).

APPLICATION:  The Christian life should stand parallel with the Word of God. It was said of Josiah, the child king, in 2 Chronicles 34:2, "He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left." God's children are not to be straying away, nor justifying sin.

        3.  David Declares He Was "Shapen in Iniquity."

              A.   This does not mean that motherhood is a sin, or that David's mother conceived in some illegitimate manner.

              B.  It does mean that sin is inherited, and man is totally depraved by nature (Psalm 58:3; Rom. 5:12).

Psalm 58:3,  The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

Romans 5:12,  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

C.  HE CONFESSED HIS SIN, In verses 3 and 4.

He used a word for sin which denotes offense and continual sin. David had sinned and continued doing so. This was a flaw in his godly character, and he knew it. The child of God does not continue or habitually practice sin (1 John 3:9). Here the apostle John makes it clear that those who are born-again do not practice sin.

David could no longer continue in his sin. Uriah's death and the death of the infant child haunted him day and night. David said, "My sin is ever before me." In the eyes of Bath-sheba and Joab, in the questioning glances of servants, soldiers and those of his own children, the ghost of Uriah and the infant were kept alive. In verse 5 David used a Hebrew word meaning to forfeit, to lack or come up short. (See also Romans 3:23.) Sin does not measure up to the standards of God's righteousness and the stature of Christ (Eph. 4:13).

1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

D.  HE CONFESSED HIS OFFENSE, David confessed his sin was against God in verse 4.

    1.  Sin Culminates in Wrong Against the Being and Will of God.

The bottom line was he had sinned against God.

ILLUSTRATION:  Like the prodigal son in Luke 15:18, it was time to arise and go to the Father and say to him, "I have sinned against heaven, and before thee." The words "against" and "thee" cause all the others to fade.

    2.  There is No Such thing as Private Sin.

Yes, he had sinned against Uriah, Bath-sheba, Bath-sheba's grandfather, his counselor (Ahithophel), the nation of Israel, his family and the infant child.

    3.  God is Always Offended Most When We Sin.  This is true regardless of whomever else we hurt. David was keenly aware in his heart that God had seen him in full view as he committed this sinful act.

APPLICATION:  Sin is against God. Confession must be made from the heart and unto God (Rom. 10:8-13). Truly all great sin is against the Lord ultimately, though others our affected and influenced by our actions. Joseph and Paul would certainly agree with David in this respect (Gen. 39:9; Acts 9:4).

E.   HE CONFESSED HIS NATURE,   David confessed his nature in verses 5 and 6.

He, like all men, was a sinner twice over. Isaiah 1:18 uses the illustration of a dyed-in-the-wool sinner. The scarlet color was made and set in the wool by a double dipping of the fleece. We are double-dipped sinners.

     1.  First, We Are Sinners by Nature or by Birth.

Sin has left its crimson scarlet Stain. "In sin did my mother conceive me" (Psalm 51:5, see also Romans 5:12, Job 14:1-4).  He recognized that the source of his sin was as corrupt as the streams.  He, like any human beings had a natural bent toward sin.  When given the option, we choose wrong too often.  Our fruit is bad because our tree is bad.   This is not to be used as an excuse for our sin but a sincere acknowledgment of it.

     2.  Secondly, We Are Sinners by Choice and Deed.

This is the transgression (Rom. 3:l0-23). God is looking for inward purity, but the twice-dipped sinful heart of man is bound by deceit (Jer. 17:9). The sinful heart is not compatible with the righteousness of God. Therefore, all men need the cleansing power of Jesus' blood.

David’s Secured Wall-To-Wall Forgiveness Because of His Wall-to-Wall Confession!  When David “Came Clean”, He was Completely Cleansed By The Blood!

This article continues in a future post titled "Seeking Wall-to-Wall Forgiveness"; please remain alert for when it is posted or look it up in the archives. 

The Great White Throne Judgment II

The Great White Throne Judgment II

In the first post of this series, we established from Revelation 20 and other biblical passages that the Judge before which all lost humanity must stand is the Lord Jesus Christ. As the supreme and ultimate Judge, He will correctly administer justice most judiciously. No unrepentant sinners will receive less than pure justice. Christ will not be influenced by the whimsical notions of a fickle society, nor will He legislate from the bench to circumvent bad laws. He will prosecute each case with the utmost integrity in full accordance with His absolutely righteous nature and the eternal Word of God.

While these observations for many are rightly anticipated, still we might ask at this point, “What is the judgment criterion for the lost?” They all are obviously unsaved, who appear at this trial of the millennia, so what is the reason for such a trial and what is the standard by which sinners will be examined? The Scriptures demonstrate that their failure to accept God’s provision for salvation and the content of their lives will decide the degree of their punishment in the Lake of Fire. The following thoughts from Revelation 20 will answer these concerns and unveil what will happen in the future.

What Is The Basis of Judgment? (Rev. 20:12-13)

As unsaved individuals, they will be tried at the Great White Throne judgment on the basis of their unbelief, and the quality of their lives. While it is implied, the first of these is not explained in great detail in this text. However this truth is clearly taught elsewhere with regards to this specific event. The second criterion, the works of sinners, set forth in the Word does appear here and demands our utmost considerations. Once again the Bible is the standard by which individual’s behavior will be scrutinized; God will not employ a standard that people are oblivious of, He will not make it up as He goes, and to some degree God’s moral law is written in the heart and conscience of people (Rom. 2:14-16). Therefore, no one can claim they did not know what God expects or requires—it is written in the human soul. Once again, these trials are designed to determine the degree of guilt to ensure an appropriate sentence is given. So, then what is the biblical criteria?

I.                  Their Failure to Trust the Savior!

This is NOT a Judgment of Guilt or Innocence! When the unbelieving stand before Jesus at the Great White Throne, it will not be a trial to determine guilt or innocence. Though this may be shocking for some, guilt has already been determined. Unrepentant people appear at this trial because they are guilty. But what are they guilty of?

John 3:18, tells us, “He that believeth on him [Jesus] is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” Accordingly all sinners are condemned before God even before they die because they have failed to repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith is Christ clearly cancels all condemnation for sins because it is Jesus Christ who made the payment for all sin. The righteous sentence was executed upon Him at Calvary two thousand years ago. God’s method for delivering people from the condemnation of sin is through the full payment of sin through a Substitute. Our great and gracious Substitute is the Lord Jesus Christ! At the Great White Throne judgment, people will face Him not as the gracious Savior but as their holy Judge. There is absolutely zero chance of Him showing any mercy or grace on this occasion to anyone.

John 3:36, adds additional insight to this matter stating, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” Here John rightly indicates that the wrath of God is presently upon and remains upon the person who refuses to believe on the Son, Jesus Christ. This means that unsaved people live each day under the condemnation of their sin and are in peril of Hell every single moment of every day! Each new day that God gives them life is another gracious opportunity to repent and trust Christ the Savior. It is not wise to take this for granted, because there is no guarantee that anyone will complete a day of life and no one is certain of tomorrow. The people who will stand before our Lord Jesus will receive their sentence because they have already been found guilty of unbelief.

Many people think that the unsaved are judged on the basis of their good works outweighing their bad works. Actually nothing could be further from the truth. This dangerous assumption is a mistake of colossal proportions! If we were judged as “saved” or “unsaved” based on our works, all of us would be lost (Romans 3:23; 6:23). This much can be guaranteed! There is zero hope of us performing well enough to impress a holy and perfect God. Any honest person will confess that we are not free of sinful thoughts, deeds, and aspirations. All of us must admit that we are not perfect within ourselves or with regard to our activities. It is not that we do not do good things with wholesome desires, it is more that we cannot do ONLY good thing with ONLY wholesome motives. This fact points to the reality of sin in us; so any good we do is still tainted with our sinfulness. Obviously, our bad actions are fully corrupted with sin! So can we ever hope to amass enough good works to outweigh our bad ones? This is a hopelessly gross misconception and it is only fit for rejection as a diabolical ploy of the devil to condemn souls for all eternity.

Instead, people are lost because they rejected what they knew about God, either from creation or from the Bible (Romans 1:18–21). The reality of God is demonstrated and preached by all natural creation itself. Truly the “heavens declare” the glory and righteousness of God (see Psalm 19:1; 97:6). Furthermore, God was brilliantly revealed in Jesus Christ, and is still communicated through the pages of the Word of God. God can be known and His grace reaches out to us all to this very end, but if we fail to respond in repentance and faith…all that we know and have been afforded becomes evidence indicting our sinful hearts and minds! Once again, people appear before the Great White Throne judgment because they are guilty and they need to be sentenced for their unbelief.

Guilt does not Necessarily mean the Condemned were not Religious People.

I am personally convinced that pastors, popes, missionaries, Bible translators, priests, Christian college presidents, bishops, Christian university professors, deacons, Christian authors, Church workers, and faithful followers of religion from all times and places will be at the Great White Throne judgment. Buddhists, atheist, Hindus, secularists, Muslims, Catholics, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Baptist, Presbyterians, Methodist, Confucianists, scientists and on the lists of religionist go. Unfortunately, they all will be there! This is a painful reality….

Though many religious people will be judged on this occasion, they will be finally condemned because the Lord did not know them as His people. In their hearts they did not accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. No matter how sincere and committed they were in the observance of their religion, they are sincerely wrong!

The same is true of people who are associated with Christianity! Consider the crystal clear words of our Lord Jesus in Matthew 7:21-23,

Not every one that saith unto me [Jesus Christ], Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? [23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

The Lord did not know these religious people as His own. Look at His words carefully, “I never knew you” (v. 23). Not ‘I once knew you,’ or ‘I had forgotten you,’ but “I never knew you”! They had NO faith-relationship with the Savior! Jesus did not say these people were not religious! Evidently they were extremely religious people. They had preached, prophesied, taught, and written Bible lesson, messages, sermons, and books! They had performed miracles, cast out devils, healed the sick, and held great deliverance revivals! In fact they had performed works that caused people to marvel, they wild millions with their amazing antics, and enthusiasts flocked to their meetings by the thousands. They enjoyed popularity, fame, riches, grand audacious homes, luxurious cars, private jets, and on the list goes. This they all did in the Name of a penniless itinerant Preacher who came not to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for us sinners (Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45)! It is painfully obvious…Jesus did not know them and they did not actually know Him. Do not be fooled by someone pretending to be Christian. Jesus said we can discern false teachers by their fruit (Matt. 7:13-20). This is a sobering reality unfolding before us. Think deeply and honestly about this…eternal souls are in the balance. Though these people were religious, they failed to trust the Savior for the forgiveness of their sin. They thought they could merely present their religious resumes, their good works, and amazing productions to demonstrate how worthy they are of salvation. They actually believed their positive contributions to society would impress God so much that He certainly would accept them. According to Jesus, they were wrong…eternally wrong.

II.               The Content of Their Lives! (Rev. 20:11-13)

Not only did the unsaved fail to trust the Savior, the only means of genuine salvation, but they also conducted themselves in a manner that is worthy of condemnation. Just one singular sin is a monumental violation of the holy law of God! It is His righteous majesty, which is reflected in his perfect moral law that demands such a conviction. The greater the offended authority the greater the condemnation! It is one thing to offend a bum on skid row, it is quite another to offend the president or prime minister of your country! God Almighty is the supreme authority, and all creation is answerable to Him. A supreme court is set to try high crimes against His Holy Majesty. Justice for supreme crimes like the sinful works of fallen humanity demand an official verdict.

Now carefully consider precisely what the Apostle John wrote regarding this ominous occasion,

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (Rev. 20:11-13)

John foresees how all the unsaved dead will be summoned to the Great White Throne judgment. The old heaven and earth are no more, the unredeemed dead or raised-resurrected to appear before the Judge, the Book of Life and the other chronicles of Heaven are brought forth. Unsaved individuals will give an account for their “works” of sin and be condemned accordingly. William MacDonald summarizes this scene with brilliant clarity,

These are the unbelievers of all ages. Two sets of books are opened. The Book of Life contains the names of all who have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. The other books contain a detailed record of the works of the unsaved. No one who appears at this judgment is registered in the Book of Life. The fact that his name is missing condemns him, but the record of his evil works determines the degree of his punishment (Believer’s Bible Commentary, 1995).

Two realities should be noted: degrees of punishment will be based on people’s works, and condemnation is certain without a singular exception!

Yes, there will be degrees of punishment for the unbelievers. Even though everyone who is lost is lost because they did not respond fully to the true light that is available to everyone ever born (John 1:9), there appears to be degrees of punishment of unbelievers based on the quality of their lives.

Those who were kind and good will be judged less severely than those who were cruel and evil. We see this idea established in Revelation 20:12, And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

In addition, The Lord Jesus strongly indicated the same idea, regarding some cities that had rejected Him. Read carefully His words in Matthew 11:22-24,

But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. [23] And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. [24] But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

This is another reference to a grand and final day of judgment and clearly Jesus teaches various degrees of guilt and liability based on our behavior.

The concept of varying levels of liability and culpability is also expressed in Luke 12:47-48, we read:

And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. [48] But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

While this passage does not relate to the Great White Throne judgment event, it conveys the Lord’s concept of justice, fairness, responsibility, accountability, and justice. This same Lord will preside over the trial of the ages and here we have a sense of how He views justice respecting degrees of punishment and culpability.

Their entire lives will be scrutinized carefully to determine the degree of guilt. It seems evident, then, that different degrees of punishment await those who are unsaved, punishment based on their thoughts, motives, words, and deeds here on earth. John shows us with transparent clarity how lost humanity will be judged on the basis of their works (v. 12, 13). Really this accounts for all facets of the human experience; all will be brought under the scrutiny of an all-wise and all-knowing Judge. Many other passages agree with this basic conclusion.

Concerning thoughts and motives, we find in Hebrews 4:12–13 that the word of God is able to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart, and that all things, without exception, are uncovered and open to the examining eyes of a holy God. Hebrews 4:12-13, says, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. [13] Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him [God Whom we must give an account to] with whom we have to do. Not only what we did or did not do, but why we did or did not satisfy divine requirements. All of this will also be given serious consideration. While the deception of gullible people is often obtainable for many deceivers, God knows the intentions, motivations, and desires of our hearts. We cannot deceive Him. Many have done right deeds for the wrong reasons and the Lord routinely discerns the difference. There is no possibility of a mistrial, the submission of tainted evidence, a hung jury, a miscarriage of justice or getting off by beating the system!

Concerning our words, Matthew 12:36–37 reads, “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. [37] For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” That is every idle word will be brought into judgment by God. The very words of the sinner will condemn him. Every time our Lord’s Name is used in blasphemous ways, each occasion when His holy character is abused in profane utterances, and all times when careless and meaningless references are made of Him will be accounted for. In addition the words that hurt needlessly, criticize unjustly, spread lies mercilessly, gossip vengefully, or kill brutally will not go unchallenged! In additional, this Judge will not bargain with criminals, cut a plea deal, nor pervert justice to secure justice!

Concerning our actions, Revelation 20:13, states that “they [unrepentant sinners] were judged every man according to their works.” Who would fall into this category? Everyone actually, but we can be more specific. The promoters of false religions, God-haters, God-deniers, lawless, rapists, adulterers, counterfeiters, extortioners, money mongers, thieves, idolaters, addicts, prideful achievers, workaholics, liars, those who neglected their families, and those who made children, but were too lazy to raise them. These condemned 'workers' of sin include those who sleep around from weekend to weekend, homosexuals, those who cohabitate, corrupt police, judges, mayors, presidents, senators, lawyers, doctors, murderers, anarchist, dictators, and witches will all be found guilty of sinful 'works.' Even sweet little grand mothers who refused to repent and believe on Christ will be found guilty of sin on that day. For all of them, the principle reason for guilt is the rejection of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. This action and decision can never be forgiven!

Therefore, we see justice is satisfied, in that all sinners will receive fair judgment when they stand before God with nothing but their own merits. Condemnation is the only possible outcome! Listen to me carefully; no one in their right mind wants to appear before God to be judged for their sin!

Will you be judged and condemned at the Great White Throne Judgment? Beloved, if you have not yet acknowledged to God you are a sinner living in rebellion against Him then the time is upon you to do so now. If you have failed to recognize and accept the full payment for your sin then now is the time to place your trust in Jesus’ complete payment for sin. Turn away from any notions of saving yourself, or earning your own way to God—these approaches are absolutely useless. Religion is not the answer; it only exacerbates the problem making things worse. Turn now to Jesus Christ the Son of God and Savior; ask Him to save you and become the Master of your future. Believe the truth that He died in our place, was buried to prove He really did die, and He rose again the third day exactly as the Scriptures predicted He would (1 Cor. 15:1-8). As a living Savior, He can rescue all who turn to Him for the forgiveness of sins and a new beginning in God. While you are not guaranteed tomorrow, you do have now. Trust Jesus Christ as Savior today. 

Jesus Christ Is Our Restorer!

Jesus Christ Is Our Restorer As The Captain Of Salvation!

Hebrews 2:10, For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

That term “Captain” literally signifies a “pioneer—one who opens the way for others to follow—a leader.” Christ took the lead by giving up His glory to become a man to die as our Substitute and Representative. Likewise, He regained His glory when He arose from the dead and ascended back to Heaven. Now, He shares His glory with all who trust Him for salvation (John 17:22–24). Christ, Jesus pioneered the way for literally bringing an entire band of redeemed children to glory. As a lost humiliated race, we were once held in servitude by our enemy, Satan and there was no glory to be had (Heb. 2:14-15). Since we were human, our Captain became human to suffer and die for our sin—in order to rescue us from utter condemnation and final humiliation. Christ established order in the midst of universal chaos by the death of His mighty Cross! It was Jesus Christ Who drunk every bitter dreg of the cup of God’s wrath! This was accomplished that no sinner who believes on Him should ever have to face God’s unmitigated wrath against sin. Jesus restores us Believers to our place of dignity, honor, and yes, glory that God originally intended. As the pioneering Leader, our Captain is The Restorer through His provision of salvation. The way to salvation glory has been swung opened wide by our Great Captain!