The Worst Sinners Saved

“…Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst…” (1 Timothy 1:15)

How did Jesus get the worst sinner to believe in him?

“About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul!” (Acts 1:6)

OK, that would do it - and Paul believed. Sooo, how is God going to get the rest of the really bad sinners to believe?

“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened…” (Revelation 20:11-12)

That should do it! It is at the great white throne when all the worst sinners "confess" that Jesus is Lord and "believe" that God did indeed raise him from the dead - and are "saved".

"If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved..." (Romans 10:9-10)

To summarize:  Those who die unbelievers in this age will be "saved" before the "great white throne"- where the worst sinners of this age will "confess that Jesus Christ is Lord"...how do I know? The bible tells me so...

"...every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)

Paul eventually died after his experience and is sleeping until the return of Jesus to resurrect him from the dead.

"...we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable." (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). 

If the unbelievers die the SECOND death after confessing before the great white throne it will be a swift death, by means of the Lake of Fire, and they will remain asleep in this second death until being "made alive" when death is finally "abolished" so that "God may be all in all".

"As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive...The last enemy that will be abolished is death...so that God may be all in all." (1 Corinthians 15:22, 26, 28)

It is amazing what you can learn from studying Scripture rather than the opinions of religious men.

"It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance...we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers." (1 Timothy 4:9-10)

The Second Death - What Is It?

“...in Adam all die…it is appointed unto men once to die” (1 Corinthians 15:22; Hebrews 9:27)

All people are to die once, not twice.

“...and I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God… and they were judged, each one according to their works…if anyone was not found written in the scroll of the life, he was cast to the lake of the fire - this is the second death…” (Revelation 20:7-15)

Everyone will die and be resurrected where they will be "standing before God".  The "lake of fire" is the "second death", not some eternal torture chamber conceived in the mind of religions. 

“For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive….The last enemy that will be abolished is death…so that God may be All in all…when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, death is swallowed up in VICTORY.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-54)

The "second death" and the "lake of fire" are the same thing...

"This is the second death - the lake of the fire.”  (Revelation 20:14)

In this figurative "lake of fire" all that seems to oppose God (unrighteousness) in this age is consumed after being "judged" before the great white throne where all mankind "small and great" appear, and are "changed". And at that judgment by Jesus Christ, EVERY knee will bow and EVERY tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that EVERY tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

This "second death" will consume mankind's enemies - the adversary (devil), the governments of men (beast) and the religions of men (false prophet), as well as death (the grave). The consummation of those things will usher in a new creation "wherein dweths righteouness". 

"But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells." (2 Peter 3:13)

The bible speaks of the death of a person as a temporary condition, and Jesus referred to it as “sleep”.

"Our friend Lazarus sleeps; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep." (John 11:11)

Paul assures us that all will be awakened out of "sleep" at the resurrection and be saved.  

“And I have a hope in God…that there is going to be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous…” (Acts 24:15). 

“…we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people…” (1 Timothy 4:10). 

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

The grave, our adversaries, our governments, nor our religions will have the Victory over people.  The "last enemy", death itself, "will be abolished" in the "lake of fire".  Then God will be "All in all", not just a few religious folks who think they are the only ones in the body of Christ...

“For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive….The last enemy that will be abolished is death…so that God may be All in all…when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, death is swallowed up in VICTORY.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-54)

All mankind will "be changed" in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, to become a part of the new creation where God is "All in all".

“…we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible... Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away…and God Himself will be among them…and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away…these words are faithful and true.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-54; Revelation 21:1-5)

Second Death - The Lake of Fire

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever… And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire…And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death...” (Revelation 20:10, 14,15)

The phrase “the lake of fire” is an obvious metaphor. But what is it to consume?

It will consume our enemies which are the the adversary (devil), the governments of men (beast) and the religions of men (false prophet), death and the grave (hell -grave).  They will all experience "the lake of fire".

What about those not found in the book of life? 

Two things to remember, first, both the "righteous and the wicked" are to be resurrected, and second, death, including "the second death", is to be "destroyed".

"...there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man...The last enemy to be destroyed is death...that God may be all in all. (Acts 24:15-16; 1 Corinthians 15:26,28)

So how does "fire and brimstone", "tormented" and "forever and ever" fit into the picture?

Note that “fire", "brimstone” and "tormented" are translations into English of Greek words.  What those words represent can be good things, not evil! They test what is cast into them to destroy the bad in those things. The word "brimstone” is the Greek word "theion" which is essentially sulfur which has the power to purify.  The word “tormented” is the Greek word “basanizo” and has to do with examining and testing by a touchstone. It exposes what is fake or lacking in what is being tested. When the disciples were “tossed with waves” (same Greek word “basanizo”) on the lake, their "faith" was being tested.

“But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed (basanizo) with waves…You of little faith, He said, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:24,31)

Only a man-made religion trying to scare people into it would translate the word “basanizo” as “tormented” it seems to me. 

So the Lake of Fire and its torment is to test that cast into it.  It will destroy what is false, and purify and refine what remains.  The devil, the beast, the false prophet, death and hell are destroyed.  Those of mankind not found in the book of life are cast there for purifying and refining - this is the second death where works of mankind are tested - the works of "wood, grass and straw" are destroyed and the works of "gold and silver, precious stones" will be purified and refined... 

"For other foundation can no man lay beside that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if anyone is building on this foundation gold and silver, precious stones, wood, grass, straw, each man's work will become apparent, for the day will make it evident, for it is being revealed by fire.  And the fire, it will be testing each one's work - what kind it is.  If anyone's work will be remaining which he builds on it, he will get wages.  If anyone's work shall be burned up, he will forfeit it, yet he shall be saved, yet thus, as through fire..." (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)

All those people cast into it also come out of it saved and declaring "The LORD is our God"!

"the third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, they are my people, and they will say, The LORD is our God.” (Zechariah 13:9)

Lastly, “forever and ever” is translated from the Greek phrase “aionas ton aionon” and should be translated “ages of the ages”.

Part of God's plan included creating evil. Evil was necessary to reveal the difference between good and evil, and to display God’s love. It is God who “has imprisoned all in disobedience, so that He may have mercy on all”, not just a few religious folks.

“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things…For God has imprisoned all in disobedience, so that He may have mercy on all.” (Isaiah 45:7; Romans 11:32)

The ages of the ages had a beginning and will have an end when "the corruptible puts on incorruption and the mortal puts on immortality".  

"For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal put on immortality. Now, whenever this corruptible should be putting on incorruption and this mortal should be putting on immortality, then shall come to pass the word which is written, Swallowed up was Death by Victory..." (1 Corinthians 15:53-55)

The ages were made by God to demonstrate His love, grace and “mercy”. All mankind have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God by His design.  There would be no need for "grace" or "mercy" unless mankind had become sinners. Even though God's plan included mankind becoming sinners and suffer the resulting evil and the punishment of death,  God also “predestined” that all sinners be saved through Christ Jesus bringing “unity to all things in heaven and on earth” when “according to His good pleasure” the ages reach “their fulfillment”.

“Christ Jesus came into the world  to save sinners...This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who will have all men to be saved...we trust in the living God who is the Savior of all mankind, especially believers.  Command and teach these things..." "In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will— to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” (1 Timothy 1:15, 2:3-4, 4:9-11;Ephesians 1:4-10)

The lake of fire will destroy all of mankind's enemies, and will test, purify and refine all mankind cast into it during the "ages of the ages".  Out of the ash heap of the failures of mortal humans will be born a new, immortal and victorious spiritual creation...praising and loving it gracious God, without sin which has made humanity in this present evil age into a race of cowards, unbelievers, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and liars...

"So it is with the resurrection of the dead.  Sown in corruption, raised in incorruption; sown in dishonor, raised in glory; sown in weakness, raised in power; sown a natural body, raided a spiritual body...Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea no longer existed...Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look! God’s dwelling is with humanity, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away...The victor will inherit these things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son. But the cowards, unbelievers, vile, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars—their share will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44; Revelation 21:1-8)

When Scripture is viewed from the standpoint of God's love and justice, all its difficult passages are easily harmonized with His goal of saving and reconciling all of His groaning "creation" to Himself. We who are able to comprehend this good news are to wait for it in faith with "patience"... 

"For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." (Romans 8:22-25)

Fire Is A Good Thing

"...Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven...removing those things that are shaken...that those things which cannot be shaken may remain...for our God is a consuming fire". (Hebrews 12:27-29)

Is FIRE good or bad? 

Well, it depends on whether your perspective is short term or long term. In the short term fire can be an awfully destructive power, but in the process it purifies its object or victim.  God is a "consuming fire" that will purify his creation. The "lake of fire" is part of that process.

"...And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire...where the beast and the false prophet are... And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire...And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:6-15)

The "lake of fire" consumes the "devil" (slanderer), and the "beast and false prophet" (adversaries of God). It will also consume "death and hell" (the enemies of mankind). And any "not found in the book of life" will be consumed as well (consumed by the fire, not eternally tortured).  But even they will eventually be "made alive" when “death is abolished”.

"As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive...(when) death is abolished...that God may be all in ALL" (1 Corinthians 15:22-58) 

All will then be "reconciled" to God...

"...and through him (Jesus) to reconcile to himself ALL THINGS, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1:20)

Fire is good according to God...it is false religious doctrine that makes it eternally bad.

”For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him. However not all men have this knowledge…” (1 Corinthians 8:5-7)

I suppose that there are as many gods and lords as there have been cultures and religious men over the years. And of course Paul is talking about those men or idols made up by men that people worship. He does not condemn such people to hell, but simply says that all men do not have the knowledge of the “one God, the Father, from whom are all things…and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things”. But they will one day, if not predestined to do so in this life, then after the resurrection of both the just and the wicked. Jesus told his listeners...

“Verily, verily, I say to you — He who is hearing my word, and is believing Him who sent me, hath life age-during, and to judgment he doth not come, but hath passed out of the death to the life…. Wonder not at this, because there doth come an hour in which all those in the tombs shall hear his voice, and they shall come forth; those who did the good things to a rising again of life, and those who practiced the evil things to a rising again of judgment." (John 5:24-29 YLT)

Jesus was speaking to Israel concerning the Kingdom AGE to be established on earth and Revelation 20 tells us this AGE will last 1000 years. At the BEGINNING of that Kingdom those who did the “good things” will be raised from the dead to LIFE and LIVE in that AGE (Daniel 12 tells me that resurrection will occur exactly 1335 days after the Messiah Jesus returns to earth) and these will rule and reign with Christ during that AGE. Revelation also tells us it is at the END of that AGE that the wicked who have practiced “evil things” will be raised from the dead and judged. So what happens to them at the "judgment"?

“And when the thousand years may be finished, the Adversary (Devil) shall be loosed out of his prison, and he shall go forth to lead the nations astray…and there came down fire from God out of the heaven, and devoured them; and the Devil, who is leading them astray, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where are the beast and the false prophet, and they shall be tormented day and night — to the ages of the ages. And I saw a great white throne, and Him who is sitting upon it, from whose face the earth and the heaven did flee away, and place was not found for them; and I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God… and they were judged, each one according to their works…if anyone was not found written in the scroll of the life, he was cast to the lake of the fire…— this is the second death…” (Revelation 20:7-15)

The Bible is true, men not so much. Christianity has made the “lake of fire” equivalent to their fictitious hell, but GOD says the “lake of fire” is the "SECOND DEATH". I choose to believe God, you can believe who you want.

But you say, they are still dead. Yes but not forever. I won’t quote the Scripture now but Revelation tells us about an AGE that will follow the 1000 year AGE. It is the AGE of the New Heaven and New Earth. Those of the first rising will continue to rule and reign with Christ while the rest will be dead the SECOND time. Paul was given the mystery of what happens at the close of that age and it is summarized as follows…

“And now, Christ hath risen out of the dead — the first-fruits of those sleeping he became…for even as in Adam all die, so also in the Christ all shall be made alive, and each in his proper order, a first-fruit Christ, afterwards those who are the Christ’s, in his presence, then — the end, when he may deliver up the reign to God, even the Father, when he may have made useless all rule, and all authority and power — for it behoveth him to reign till he may have put all the enemies under his feet — THE LAST ENEMY IS DONE AWAY – DEATH...for all things He did put under his feet…and when the all things may be subjected to him, then the Son also himself shall be subject to Him, who did subject to him the all things, THAT GOD MAY BE ALL IN ALL….The Death was swallowed up — to victory...” (1 Corinthians 15:20-54 YLT)

I am confident that my family and I, along with most of you, will be among those in the “first rising” and we will be happy about it and we do not have to more about the second death (the lake of fire).

“Happy and holy is he who is having part in the first rising again; over these the second death hath not authority, but they shall be priests of God and of the Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:6)

But I am equally certain that the bible teaches that death, even the second death, will be abolished and all of God’s creation will have then been reconciled to God by Christ Jesus.

“And himself is the head of the body…a first-born out of the dead, that he might become in all things…first…and through him to reconcile all things to himself — having made peace through the blood of his cross — through him, whether the things upon the earth, whether the things in the heavens. And you — once being alienated, and enemies in the mind, in the evil works, yet now did he reconcile, in the body of his flesh through the death, to present you holy, and unblemished, and unblameable before himself…" (Colossians 1:18-22)