December 12th - The Grace and Salvation of God are Free

"I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus" (1 Corinthians 1:4)

Let’s be perfectly clear, the Grace we receive from God is FREE. We do not earn, accept, or reject it. The GRACE of God is ours as a FREE gift. We only learn of it “by Jesus Christ”.

And we are SAVED by the grace of God, it is also FREE. And we only learn it is ours “through Jesus Christ”.

“…the FREE GIFT of God is Eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23b NASB)

I notice some translations leave out the word “free” but look at it in the original Greek and the idea of being free is there. These translators have a problem with "eternal life" being free. They also have a problem with salvation being free as a result of the "grace of God which is freely given you". They prefer their own version which requires joining their group by accepting their offer of salvation with heaven the reward. They add words like “offer” to their translations but reading the original Greek we see it is THEIR offer, God has no such requirement - Salvation is a "free gift" to “all men” by the "grace of God"…

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men…” (Titus 2:11 NASB)

But notice the NIV translation...

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” (Titus 2:11 NIV)

I really like the NIV because of the way it reads, but when I check out what it says I find that the Greek manuscripts do not include the word "offers".

I know most of you will not take time to look it up in the Greek so here it is for the verses above in Romans and Titus…

“…τὸ δὲ χάρισμα (free gift) τοῦ θεοῦ ζωὴ αἰώνιος ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν."(Romans 6:23 Greek)

"Ἐπεφάνη γὰρ ἡ χάρις τοῦ θεοῦ σωτήριος (bringing salvation) πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις" 

(Titus 2:11 Greek)

It is deception to leave out the obvious idea of a “free gift”, or to add the word “offers” to the text. Translators know most people won’t look it up and they know most church leaders and teachers who do look it up won’t say anything because they prefer it NOT say “free gift” and they DO want it to say “offer”. They do so in order to back up what they are teaching. Think about it...it is the heart of the growth strategy of almost all institutional churches to require non members to accept their “offer” - which means it cannot be "FREE". 

 Again, it is THEIR offer, not GOD's - The bible says that Salvation is a “free gift” to “all men” by the “grace of God”.

Rejoice in that as we approach the celebration of the birth of "the Savior of the world"...

"Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord..we have heard for ourselves and know that this one is indeed the Savior of the world...the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world..." (Luke 2:10-11; John 4:42; 1 John 4:14)

Sinners Sin

I have never met a human that didn’t sin. However, I have met a few who think they don’t, or at least give you that impression. They are usually condemning sinners for sinning, and worse, are saying God will condemn them – for eternity – unless they do this or that.

So, for THEIR sake, let’s take a stroll through the Bible they are usually thumping, remembering that God is LOVE, but humanity, all of us, are NOT. All humans are equally subject to the penalty for sin - which is death. There are no self-righteous acts that can avoid it.

“All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 NLT)

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins.” (Romans 3:23-24 NLT)

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NLT)

“God is Love…” (1 John 4:8 NLT)

“Love does not keep a record of wrongs…” (1 Corinthians 13:5 NLT)

“God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, He will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.” (Romans 5:8-9 NLT)

ONE MORE THING…

“Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God.” (Romans 14:12 NLT)

Each and every human - regardless of church affiliation!

And personally I would not like to be the one who is suggesting that God, Who is LOVE, and who sent His Son to SAVE sinners, FAILED; and not only failed, but then decided to torture most sinners forever – good luck with that teaching not fueling the fire on "judgment day".

“Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.” (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)

ONE LAST THING – I PROMISE…

The book we call the Bible is not what condemns us or justifies us – it is Jesus Christ who will judge us...

"For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body." (2 Corinthians 5:10)

And He now sits at the right hand of God interceding for humanity.

“My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” (1 John 2:1-2 NLT)

What Is Faith?

“Now faith is an assumption of what is being expected, a conviction concerning matters which are not being observed” (Hebrews 11:1 CLNT)

The faith that the Bible speaks of is not some blind leap into the dark, but it is believing that what God says is true even though we are not now observing it, or able to prove it.  For example, God has promised to resurrect the dead when Jesus returns. We assume and expect it to happen even though we have never observed anyone dying and coming back to life. But we have chosen to believe the Bible.

Some say there is no God and when we die that is it…that is their faith.  They have no hope beyond this world.  Choosing to have faith in God gives me peace and hope in this chaotic world. I agree with Paul when he said…

“If in this life only we have hope…we are of all men most miserable.” (1 Corinthians 15:19)

He Who Wins Souls Is Wise - Oh Really, Who is That?

"Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all humanity. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God... And now I commend you to God and to the word of His GRACE, which is able to build you up and to GIVE you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified." (Acts 20:26-32)

The revival was over. We had listened to a dynamic speaker for two weeks. During that time there were over 90 decisions for Christ and many other rededications. At one service, everyone there walked the aisle to make one decision or another or to pray at the altar, myself included. At the end of the last service, we had been challenged to "go win the world to Christ, one person at a time, bcause he who wins souls is wise". Everyone was saying Amen and left fully intending to be a part of a great renewal. The evangelist received a big love offering and off he went to his next scheduled revival.

Sound familiar? 

Problem was that two weeks later no one was out "winning souls", and all was back to normal. This has been repeated over and over again in institutional protestant churches since the 1730's yet the percentage of the world's population that refer to themselves as "Christian" remains the same, maybe less. 

WHY I asked myself?

WARNING!: Stop reading if you are a Christian prone to getting defensive when your views are challenged.

I asked an evangelical pastor WHY and his response was that God's people are disobedient to their commission from the Lord. 

He was right, but he did not have a clue why he was right in my opinion. 

So, here are my thoughts after meditating on the problem.

The gospel message being presented in our churches and on the mission fields is flawed. It has been changed from a glorious declaration of the Salvation of ALL sinful men to a mere "offer” to save "if" people jump through certain hoops. After 40 years of study, I cannot find anywhere in the bible that says we should go "offer" salvation or "win the world to Christ". 

The Salvation of humanity is not a game we are playing which can be won or lost by hard work and obedience. Nevertheless,  if you like the game analogy consider this - the GAME HAS ALREADY BEEN WON! And that pastor friend, myself, you, Paul, nor Billy Graham had any part in the victory. God guaranteed the salvation of humanity "before the foundation of the world".  

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of His glorious GRACE, which He has FREELY GIVENus in the Beloved One (Jesus)." (Epesians 1:3-6)

Salvation is a done deal for humanity. It will be complete at the end of the ages when sinful humanity have ALL become a new creation in Christ Jesus, old things will have passed away - all things will have become new.

"So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away.  Behold, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:16-18)

Those of us who realize we are saved have a commission and ministry to TELL people about their salvation and reconciliation, not play a game to WIN or LOSE their souls! 

I know what some of you are thinking, the preacher told us  "he who wins souls is wise" and he read it right out of the Bible. 

Yep, and the last time I looked, Jesus is the ONLY wise man who has ever lived that had the power to win souls - and HE won them ALL at the cross. The first part of that verse is that the fruit of a righteous man is a tree of life. Jesus is also the only righteous man who ever lived - and his fruit is the "tree of life" for the souls he won - ALL SOULS...

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls." (Proverbs 11:30)

What we should be telling those who have never heard is "You have been saved by the Love and Grace of God through the wisdom and righteousness of His Son Jesus".

So, I am telling you now - believe it, rejoice, and go tell your family and friends the GOOD NEWS! 

Then live your life like you appreciate what God through Jesus has done for humanity.  Do what God requires, not what some priest of pastor requires. Here it is...

"What can we bring to the LORD? Should we bring him burnt offerings? Should we bow before God Most High with offerings of yearling calves? Should we offer him thousands of ramsand ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins? No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:6-8)

There you have it, 1) Do what is Right 2) Love Mercy, and 3) Walk Humbly with your God

If you want to play games that is OK, but play golf or some other game.

"But the angel said to them, do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a SAVIOR has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10)

What is the Gospel?

The word “gospel” means “good news”

The good news is about the Son of God, Christ Jesus…

“It is the gospel of God…concerning His Son” (Romans 1:1,2)

The good news was made known to the Apostle Paul through a revelation of Jesus Christ…

“For I am making known to you, brethren, as to the gospel, which is being brought by me, that it is not in accord with man. For neither did I accept it from a man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:11-12)

The good news is powerful…

“…it is the power of God unto salvation…” (Romans 1:16)

The good news reveals the righteousness of God…

“For in it the righteousness of God is being revealed…” (Romans 1:17)

Is there a simple statement of the basis for the good news? – yes there is…

“For I give over to you among the first what also I accepted, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was entombed, and that He has been resurrected the third day according to the scriptures...” (1 Corinthians 15:3-5)

So, what happens when I do the right (just) thing which is to believe the good news…

“Being, then, justified by faith, we may be having peace toward God, through our Lord, Jesus Christ, through Whom we have the access also, by faith, into this grace in which we stand, and we may be glorying in expectation of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1-2)

We are righteous (justified), we have peace toward God, we embrace that our future salvation from death is a gift by the grace from God, and we glory in our expectation of salvation from death at the return of Jesus Christ!

Love

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

At the center of an ideal family relationship is love, agape love. By family I mean a father, mother, and their children. In this kind of relationship with each other there is security, peace, faith, hope and joy….and freedom.

My perception of God is that He meets mankind on this basis…as His family. Not on a scientific, forensic basis of pure justice under Law…like is required in the government of men. We are not dealt with out of His overbearing demand for obedience to His just Law, but under the Grace of a loving parent who gives us an ideal standard to live by, then allows us to test this standard within our own unique set of circumstances. Eventually all will agree that abiding by the advice of an omnipotent parent would have been best.

”When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:11-13)

Christ Won The Race

"Are you not aware that those racing in a stadium are, indeed, all racing, yet one is obtaining the prize? Thus be racing that you may be grasping it...lest somehow, when heralding to others, I myself may become disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Paul says he is not engaging in the race "voluntarily" - "for wages" (for a prize) - but "involuntarily". 

"For if I should be bringing the evangel, it is not for me to boast in, for necessity is lying upon me, for it were woe to me if I should not be bringing the evangel!  For if I am engaging in this voluntarily, I have wages, yet if involuntarily, I have been entrusted with an administration." (1 Corinthians 9:16-17)

He (or we) need not train to run a race to win a prize that Christ has already won. Humanity's race is simply to "grasp" what Christ has won on its behalf. All will "grasp" it when God's plan is consummated at the close of the eons. In the interim, we are "enslaved" in the role God has predetermined. Trying to qualify ourselves for any other prize is "punching the air". We "become disqualified" in any race for a "corruptible wreath" requiring our own religious self effort.

A Reminder

I have to return to the basics sometimes in my meditations about God and the Lord Jesus Christ. I remind myself of the good news (gospel) of God concerning his Son (Jesus) delivered by the Apostle Paul. Here are the basics:

The Son of God, Jesus Christ, died for the sins of mankind

He was buried and remained in the tomb for three days and three nights

He was resurrected to life

"Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it...I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said." (1 Corinthians 15:1, 3-4)

When I believe those three things I feel blessed and have peace, joy and hope. When I question or am tempted to stop believing those three things, I lose hope.

"For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with HOPE to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say." (Titus 2:11-15)

It is sad that many go to church filled with the peace, joy and hope of salvation only to leave with a load of guilt piled upon us by well meaning, but wrong minded, pastors, evangelists, teachers and friends.

God finished the work of Salvation at the cross. It is ours to rest in and enjoy. We should share this good news with other sinners without adding anything to it. Then daily thank Him for such a wonderful free gift and try to live life in appreciation for what he has done for us.

"This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them." (1 Timothy 4:9-11)

"...love your enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil people. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." (Luke 6:35-36)

It has been a long time since the simple gospel has been preached in the Church. As best I can tell it left the church on June 19, 325 AD when the Council of Nicaea was called to order, yet it remains on the pages of Scripture in Paul's letters (Romans through Philemon) should anyone be inclined to search it out.

June 19th - Don't Be Myth-taken

“To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord...instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths… It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.” (1 Timothy 1:1-20)

You can search all you want but you will not find a single verse in the Bible that says the penalty for sin is Christianity’s morbid concept of “hell” eternal conscious torment). It is a myth. The penalty for sin is DEATH in the Bible.

"The wages of sin is death..."  (Romans 6:23)

Jesus came into the world to save sinners from DEATH - the penalty for sin. But for more than 1900 years there have been an abundance of leaders in the church, like “Hymenaeus and Alexander”, who are shipwrecked in regard to their faith by strange doctrines and myths. In embracing the myth of eternal conscious torment they blaspheme God it seems to me. In effect they deny that Jesus is the Savior of the World.

It is not that anyone will escape judgment or condemnation. It is just that all of God’s dealings with mankind in regard to judgment is with a view to the eventual reconciliation of ALL humanity, even Hymenaeus and Alexander and their modern day counterparts. That is if you read and study the Bible, not some commentary or sermon of "Myth-taken" men (pun intended).

“…through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven...God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself not counting their sins against them and has given us the ministry of reconciliation...” (Colossians 1:20; 2 Corinthians 5)

There is absolutely no thought in the minds of the writers of Scripture with regard to eternal conscious torment in hell. Such punitive retribution was introduced centuries ago by corrupt theology and is being passed on as truth by many today. Churches are full of good people doing some good things, but teaching myths and strange doctrine is not among them.

"For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness..." (2 Corinthians 11:13-14)

May 26th - Joy To Replace Our Despair

Political and religious differences of opinion seem to have fostered such disunity among our American citizens that I fear nothing short of war, and maybe not even that, will bring us together. It is depressing to me at times so I find myself feeling that God is not paying attention. So, I go back into the Bible for encouragement. Here is what I found this morning that helped restore some joy in the midst of these turbulent times.

"This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven..." (Matthew 6:9

Jesus came into the world to introduce a perceived distant God, as “Our Father”. All that is going on around us is simply preparing us all for the good that "Our Father" will when He gathers His family at the great reunion He will host for humanity one day. He is, after all, tHE “Father of all”. 

"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:6)

"Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named...For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family ^a in heaven and on earth derives its name." (Ephesians 3:1-6, 15).

Our Father is the One who gives beauty to replace our ashes, joy to replace our mourning, and the praise to replace our despair.

"He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favorand the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joyinstead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." (Isaiah 61:1-3)

God knows exactly what He’s doing. And He says that the best is yet to come!

“Behold, I make all things new.” (Revelation 2:15).

Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic

“Fear not, for I am with you…” (Isaiah 41:10)

Most of the world is united in the opposite.

Out of this FEAR they have…

Shut down schools; cancelled sporting events, concerts, and almost all other public entertainment; bankrupted small and large businesses dependent on social gatherings; hoarded resources; watched fearmongering news organization 24-7; and, prayed like God is just waiting on X number of prayers before He decides to have some pity of us.

One thing God IS DOING. He is allowing this whole crisis to escalate beyond what was necessary if people would have a little faith in God. Reminds me of Jesus when He lamented to the folks of His day…

“…when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth.” (Luke 18:6)

Not if He came today!

Sorry if that offends you, but we can do nothing better than to use common sense and place it all in God’s hands. He obviously allowed it to happen and He will allow us to find a remedy without all the fear we see on the news.

God did not give us a "spirit of FEAR".

“God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind...” (2 Timothy 1:7)

A “sound mind” given by God simply uses common sense in these situations, not the insanity that we are witnessing. A “sound mind” given by God knows that…

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me...” (Psalm 23:4)

Few are trusting God while walking through this “valley”, but for those of you who do – buckle up, drink up, and light up while you watch in the peace of God as FEAR temporarily drives this insane world!

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us… and we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God… For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:18, 28, 38-39)

Can an immortal become mortal?

Is it possible for an immortal created being to become mortal?

If Jesus really died on the cross, then the answer is yes. And He did die, or the Bible is false and the evangel which Paul accepted is false.

“Now I am making known to you, brethren, the evangel which I bring to you, which also you accepted, in which also you stand, through which also you are saved, if you are retaining what I said in bringing the evangel to you, outside and except you believe feignedly. For I give over to you among the first what also I accepted, that Christ DIED for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was ENTOMBED, and that He has been ROUSED the third day according to the scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, thereupon by the twelve." (1 Corinthians 15:1-5)

But how is it possible for the immortal Son of God to become mortal?

Only in the context of the space time continuum which He created. 

"In the beginning was the Word...In the world He was, and the world came into being through Him...And the Word became flesh and tabernacles among us, and we gaze at His glory, a glory as of an only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:1, 10, 14)

“Grace to you and peace from God, our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ… Who is the Image of the invisible God, Firstborn of every creature, for in Him is all created, that in the heavens and that on the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones, or lordships, or sovereignties, or authorities, all is created through Him and for Him, and He is before all, and all has its cohesion in Him...in Him the entire complement delights to dwell, and through Him to reconcile all to Him (making peace through the blood of His cross), through Him, whether those on the earth or those in the heavens." (Colossians 1:2, 15-20)

I think of creation as a game app with Jesus, the immortal Son of God, as the game developer. I have named the game “God’s Plan for Humanity”. 

The interesting thing about the game is that the developer, the immortal Son of God, lays aside His immortality and enters the game as a mortal human being named Jesus. This mortal saves Humanity from sin and death and reconciles humanity and all other characters in the space time continuum to God His Father. This salvation and reconciliation are accomplished by Jesus dying on a cross, shedding His blood for the characters in the game app.

So, how does the Son of God regain His IMMORTALITY?

Like all apps, the developer writes the code for the game outside the framework of the game. As the developer,  Jesus wrote into the code a BACKDOOR that could only be opened by His Father after Jesus died. That backdoor was His resurrection.

Now that He is again immortal He is developing a NEW heaven and earth. When finished He will return to earth to raise humanity from the dead and change theminto new immortal spiritual beings. Together, they will travel throughout this Univerwe reconciling all to God. When finished, God the Father will be "All in all" and the game will come to a end.

“Now, if Christ has not been roused, vain is your faith - you are still in your sins!" Consequently, those also, who are put to repose in Christ, perished." If we are having an expectation in Christ in this life only, more forlorn than all men are we." Yet now Christ has been roused from among the dead, the Firstfruit of those who are reposing." For since, in fact, through a man came death, through a Man, also, comes the resurrection of the dead." For even as, in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified." Yet each in his own class: the Firstfruit, Christ; thereupon those who are Christ's in His presence;" thereafter the consummation, whenever He may be giving up the kingdom to His God and Father, whenever He should be nullifying all sovereignty and all authority and power." For He must be reigning until He should be placing all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy is being abolished: death. For He subjects all under His feet. Now whenever He may be saying that all is subject, it is evident that it is outside of Him Who subjects all to Him." Now, whenever all may be subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also shall be subjected to Him Who subjects all to Him, that God may be All in all." (1 Corinthians 15:17-28)

Yep, the immortal Son of God became mortal - all for the glory of God!

Look Up!

“…turn back to God from idols,to be slaving for the living and true God, and to be waiting for His Son out of the heavens, Whom He rouses from among the dead, Jesus, our Rescuer out of the coming indignation.”  (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)

Believers have been waiting for Jesus to return for about 2,000 years. It is not surprising then that we wonder if He will really come from time to time. Before Peter died, he warned that in the “last days” there would be those doubting that Jesus would return.

“…knowing this first, that in the last days scoffers will be coming with scoffing, going according to their own desires and saying, Where is the promise of His presence? For since the fathers were put to repose, all is continuing thus from the beginning of creation." (2 Peter 3:3-4)

The fact that there are more "scoffers" in the Church than ever before is actually a sign of the "last days". Regardless of when, the Scripture is clear that Jesus will return.

“...and as they were looking intently into heaven at His going, lo! two men stand beside them in white attire, who say also, "Men! Galileans! Why do you stand, looking into heaven? This Jesus Who is being taken up from you into heaven shall come thus, in the manner in which you gaze at Him going into heaven."(Acts 1:10-11)

2,000 years is a long time to wait but it is clear that He is coming. The wait will then be over and there will be no more scoffers. 

But when? 

The generation which sees "the fig tree" sprout.

"Now from the fig tree learn a parable: Whenever its bough may already be becoming tender, and the leaves sprouting out, you know that summer is near. Thus you, also, whenever you may be perceiving all these things, know that He is near-at the doors. Verily, I am saying to you that by no means may this generation be passing by till all these things should be occurring. Heaven and earth shall be passing by, yet My words may by no means be passing by." (Matthew 24:32-35)

It is true that no one knew the day or hour of His return 2000 years ago, not even Jesus. 

“…concerning that day and hour no one is aware, neither the messengers of the heavens, nor the Son; except the Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)

But certainly, Jesus knows now, and Paul says those watching will know when the time comes.

“…the day of the Lord is as a thief in the night -- thus is it coming!… now you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day may be overtaking you as a thief, for you are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of the darkness…be watching and be sober…” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-6, 9)

Again, that there are scoffers now is a sign of His coming. To these scoffers He will return like "a thief” – but not to those of us who “watch” - we will know.

“And there shall be signs in the sun and the moon and the constellations, and on the earth pressure of nations in perplexity, at the resounding of the sea and the shaking, at the chilling of men from fear and apprehensiveness of that which is coming on the inhabited earth, for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. And then they shall be seeing the Son of Mankind coming in a cloud with power and much glory.Now at the beginning of these occurrences, unbend and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is drawing near." (Luke 21:25-28)

So, I am looking up because I have looked it up. 😇