In this study, the following are to be considered:
Intermediate State p.1;
Judgement p.3; (i) of sin p. 4;
(ii) of pre-Snatching Away Believers p.5;
(iia) Chastisement p.6;
(iib) of works p.7;
(iii) of the nation of Yisra`el p.8;
(iv) Ya`akov’s Trouble survivors p.8;
(v) Post-Millennial p.12;
Lamb’s Book of Life p.13;
Who will be the Judge? p.14;
Sentencing p.16;
Wrath and mercy p.17; (i) Universalism p.21;
(ii) Annihilationism p.21;
References and Credits p.22.
Judgement
Intermediate State
Death is not the annihilation of the body/soul/spirit but is only the cessation of the functioning of the physical body (Larkin (1) p.81). Upon physical death the body enters the grave (#H6913 קֶבֶר ke-vair #G3419 μνημεῖον m-nay-my-on) and the soul/spirit leaves the physical body and enters the Intermediate State. However, this state is held at three locations; one for pre-Resurrection Believers who have died (Paradise), the second for post-Resurrection Believers (Heaven) and the third for the non-Believers (She`ol/Hades). “Therefore, he says, ‘When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive and gave gifts to men. Now this, ‘He ascended, what is it that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?’” (Eph. 4:8, 9). This is understood to be when the Messiah went down to Paradise and brought out all pre-Resurrection Believers, He being the first-fruits of all to be resurrected.
“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto Yahuah who gave it.” (Eccl. 12:7). When the physical body deteriorates, all the elements revert back to the ‘dust’ from which Man was made.
“The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and She`ol delivered up the dead who were in them…” (Rev. 20:13a). This description of the resurrection is where the new body (glorified/condemned) is united with the soul/spirit (held in Paradise/She`ol). “For You will not leave my soul in She`ol, Nor will You allow Your Set Apart One to see corruption.” (Psa. 16:10). In Psa. 16:10 #H7585 שְׁאוֹל Sh-ool and Acts 2:27 #G86 ᾅδης ha-dace are both translated ‘hell’ in English. If the soul is not left in hell, then it must be there for some period between physical death and resurrection. Therefore, if physical death is the separation of the body and soul/spirit, the body decays but the soul/spirit must go to some intermediate place.
“Yahusha said to him, ‘Assuredly I tell you (to one of the two thieves with Him at Golgotha), today you will be with me in Paradise.’” (Luke 23:43). ‘With’ #G3326 μετά me-tar – meaning in very close relationship or fellowship as referring to His disciples. This
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would indicate that the soul is in a conscious state. ‘Paradise’ #G3857 παράδεισος pa-rah-de-sos is probably from Persian denoting a large park or garden, an ideal place of leisure.
Sha`ul, writing to the Messianic Community in Philipi, is torn between the necessity for him to live and carry on his ministry or to die and be with the Messiah. “But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with the Messiah, which is far better. Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.” (Phil. 1:23, 24). The implication is that as soon as he dies, Sha`ul departs his flesh/body and his soul/spirit goes immediately to be with the Messiah. “We are of good courage, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with Yahuah.” (2 Cor. 5:8). In his Second Letter to the Corinthian Community, Sha`ul obviously considers death as not being a final state. Again, the inference is that as soon as the soul/spirit leaves the physical body, it enters the presence of the Messiah.
When the Messiah reassured the Penitent Thief at Golgotha and Sha`ul wrote to the Philipians and Corinthians, there was the sense that both parties were to be re-united. It follows that when they unite, they will be conscious recognition of each other.
“The graves (μνημεῖον m-nay-my-on) were opened, and many bodies of the set apart ones who had fallen asleep were raised;” (Matt. 27:52). In this passage, the physical body is said to have ‘fallen asleep’ and not the soul/spirit. Luke recounts the Master’s parable of El`azar (Lazarus) and the Rich Man. “It happened that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried. In She’ol, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and El`azar at his bosom.” (Luke 16:23). The Master tells us that the Rich Man could see and was in torment in She`ol. He pleaded with Abraham to ask El`azar to give him a drop of water. Therefore, both the Rich Man and El`azar must have been in the conscious state. As there were relatives of the Rich Man still capable of choosing between eternal life and eternal damnation, again this must be between the Rich Man’s (and El`azar’s) physical death and final Judgement. Therefore, in these passages, although the physical body is ‘asleep’ in the grave, the soul/spirit is fully conscious during the Intermediate State, thus countering the false doctrine of ‘soul sleep’
“I must work the works of Him who sent me, while it is day. The night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4). The Intermediate State is where the soul/spirit will find rest from labours.
“The wicked shall be turned back to She`ol, Even all the nations that forget `Elohiym.” (Psa. 9:17). The word ‘turned’ is #H7725 שׁוּב shoov *2340 meaning to return. If the wicked are returned to She`ol, they must have been there previously. This can only be after physical (first) death but before judgement (second death). There are several other references to this temporary holding place She`ol, abyss and Tartarus. This is not the final depository of souls as all will be resurrected for judgement. The common western idea is that this punishment will take place in hell. However, She`ol has upper and lower levels, “For a fire is kindled in my anger, Burns to the lowest She`ol, Devours the earth with its increase, Sets on fire the foundations of the mountains.” (Deut. 32:22).
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She`ol is the only Hebrew word for the idea of hell but Tophet is a type of She`ol, “For a Toh-fef is prepared of old; yes, for the King it is made ready; He has made it deep and large; the pile of it is fire and much wood; the breath of Yahuah, like a stream of sulphur, does kindle it.” (Isa. 30:33).
#H8611תֹּפֶת toh-fef *2539 a burning place – the name of a location at the Valley of the Son(s) of Hinnom, a high place, where children were offered up to demons as a burnt sacrifice. The upper level is the intermediate state but the lower levels are the place of punishment. “Indeed, heaven and the highest heavens belong to the Yahuah your `Elohiym, also the earth with all that is in it.” (Deut. 10:14).
This most likely mirrors the three ‘Heavens’, “I know a man in the Messiah, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I do not know, or whether out of the body, I do not know; `Eloakh knows), such a one caught up into the third heaven.” (2 Cor. 12:2).Yet another belief is that there are more than one heaven and more than one hell. Tradition has there are seven of each. It may be that the first levels of heaven and hell are accessible by a person in a non-conscious state (coma, trance, ecstasy) from where the person may return. Another level may be Paradise (for heaven) or She`ol (for hell), the Intermediate State where the physical body is resurrected to join up with the soul/spirit. The other levels may be the final state of reward (in heaven) or condemnation (in hell).
“The intermediate state for the saved is heaven without the body, and the final state for the saved is heaven with the body…the intermediate state for the lost is hell without the body, and the final state for the lost is hell with the body.” (Blanchard quoting Shedd).
“Therefore, they are before the throne of Yahuah, they serve Him day and night in His temple.” (Rev. 7:15a). The soul/spirit cannot be in a state of unconsciousness if they are serving Yahuah (Blanchard). This reference is before any Judgement, so must take place between physical death and Judgement. Further in the Book of Revelation, the Messiah shows Yoh-khan-an that haSatan is bound “and cast it into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over it, that it should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years were finished. After this, it must be freed for a short time.” (Rev. 20:3). The word ‘pit’ #G12 ἄβυσσος A-boo-sos is the Greek equivalent to She`ol in Hebrew and is the place of temporary confinement for HaSatan and all the unbelieving dead. haSatan is released for a short time but is eventually called to judgement along with all of humanity.
Judgement
“Man cannot save himself; but can damn himself” (Reiser quoting Manson –Reiser 1997).
Judgement – a decision of a law court or judge (www.oxforddictionaries.com).
“Therefore, as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life.” (Rom. 5:18 KJV). This is quite a clear statement that every person who is born comes under the judgement of Yahuah. ‘As’ #G1519 εἰς ice denoting entrance into (Thayer’s Lexicon – www.blueletterbible.org). Adam’s sin made it possible for Mankind to sin,
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therefore bringing everyone under condemnation. This is like a door being opened for Mankind to sin. There is no compulsion for Man having to go through the door but all Mankind except One could not resist haSatan’s beckoning temptation to pass through the door. Likewise, there is a door that is open to all Mankind to enter through and into justification. Similarly, there is no compulsion for Man having to go through the door but Yahuah beckons all to come unto Him, “I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture.” (John 10:9). Unfortunately, few take the step into eternal life through the Messiah, “How narrow is the Gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.” (Matt. 7:14).
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of the Messiah; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he has done, whether it be good or bad.” (2 Cor. 5:10). There will be no exceptions non-Believers and Believers alike will be judged. This judgement is for what was done or not done during a person’s lifetime. This includes repentance where Father gives every opportunity to turn back to Him through the atonement of the Messiah. If it is not done in a person’s lifetime, they will stand condemned at the judgement.
“…For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matt. 12:34a, 37). Whatever lies in a person’s heart is made known by the words a person speaks, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.” (Matt. 12:36). “And he said to him, ‘Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant.” (Luke 19:22a). By the very words from our mouths (and deeds) we will be judged, either justified or condemned. Whatever lies in a person’s heart is made known by the words a person speaks.
There is some thought that Believers will not be judged as they are under grace. There is also thought that there will be no judgement for Believers or non-Believers at all but neither of these thoughts can be sustained by the biblical text. In fact, there are five different judgements: (i) to sin; (ii) Pre-Snatching Away (Rapture) Believers; (iii) Nation of Yisra`el; (iv) Ya`akov’s Trouble Survivors; (v) Post-Millennial
(i) Judgement of sin
“The Messiah redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,’” (Gal. 3:13). All that is needed to remove the consequences of sin in a person’s life is the substitutionary sacrifice of the Messiah Yahusha (completed at Golgotha), its acceptance by Father (completed at the Resurrection) and its acceptance by every individual.
“For Yahuah did not send His Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged. He who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only born Son of Yahuah.” (John 3:17, 18). For every living human being while they live, there is Yahuah’s offer of salvation in the Messiah Yahusha made available. Nevertheless, there comes a time when this offer is no longer valid and that is the moment of a person’s physical death. The moment of death is in fact the moment of judgement upon them; eternal life for those who have accepted the offer in life and eternal damnation to those who have rejected the offer.
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(ii) Judgement of pre-Snatching Away Believers
“Yahuah administers judgement to the peoples. Judge me, O Yahuah, according to my righteousness, And my integrity that is in me.” (Psa. 7:8). “For Yahuah will judge His people, And have compassion on His servants.” (Psa. 135:4). Unlike the mistaken teaching in ‘Christian’ circles, Believers will not escape judgement. “I will remember their sins and their iniquities no more.” (Heb. 10:17). This is the proof verse that is often quoted to support that Believers will not be judged and that Believers are under grace not the law. This does not mean that there will be no judgement, but that, through grace, Yahuah will have compassion upon His people.
“But when we are judged, we are punished by Yahuah, that we may not be condemned with the world.” (1 Cor. 11:32). Believers are constantly being judged and disciplined so that the sins may not be heaped up against them, to be brought to light on the Day of Judgement. “My little children, I write these things to you that you may not sin. If anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Yahusha the Messiah, the righteous.” (1 John 2:1). This is the means by which Believers prevent the piling up of sin.
“For by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matt. 12:37). If, according to Heb. 10:17, a Believer’s sins will not be remembered, where will these words be found? “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before Yahuah `Elohiym and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” (Rev. 20:12) (see below for further details). All Mankind, both Believers and non-Believers (small and great) will be (judged according to their works) that will include both deeds and words.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in the Messiah Yahusha, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Ruach.” (Rom. 8:1). However, Believers will not suffer the full consequences of their sin. Imagine this scenario:
You park your car in an area clearly signed that no parking was allowed. When you return, you have a parking ticket. You appeal the fine and appear in court. Your only defence was that you did not see the warning signs. The judge shows you pictures clearly showing the warning signs and orders you to pay the fine. Without warning, a member of the court stands up and goes over to the clerk and pays in full your fine. You are allowed to leave the court. So it will be in the heavenly court for Believers. We will be asked how we plead. There is only one verdict: guilty. We will be judged and sentenced passed. However, the Messiah Yahusha stands up and pleads His Blood and your faith in Him. The Judge of All accepts this plea and you are set free. Note: Judgement has been rendered, the verdict given and the punishment carried out. Only, it is not the Believer who rightfully bears the punishment, but our Redeemer.
This is usually referred to as the ‘free gift’ of Yahuah. This cannot be further from the truth. The ‘gift’ has been freely given, but the price that was paid was the death of Yahuah’s only begotten Son. Imagine a person needing a car but could not afford one. In steps a benefactor who buys one from the local dealership and then gives it to the one in need. The car had a cost, but it was the benefactor who paid for it, not the one in need.
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“For this we tell you by the Word of Yahuah that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Messiah, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Messiah Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the chief angel, and with Yahuah’s shofar. The dead in the Messiah will rise first, then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Messiah in the air. So we will be with the Yahuah forever.” (1 Thess. 4:15-17). All Believers past and alive at the Snatching Away, will go up to meet the Messiah in the clouds; the dead by resurrection and the alive by translation. This is known as the First Judgement.
Judgement falls into two categories: (a) chastisement during life and (b) of works of resurrected and translated Believers at the Snatching Away.
(a) Chastisement – “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8, 9). This passage quite clearly states that, while we remain in our flesh bodies, we will always be susceptible to temptation. The being tempted is not a sin, but a condition of our flesh nature. However, being tempted, we may fail to resist. Nevertheless, Yahuah has made a way back for both Believers and non-Believers. For Believers, this is to ensure that sin has no permanent residence in our bodies. For non-Believers, this is the first step in the recognition of the need of a Saviour.
“For if we discerned ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are punished by Yahuah, that we may not be condemned with the world.” (1 Cor. 11:31, 32). The recognition of sin requires honesty and a contrite heart that can be guided by the Ruach HaQodesh. It is He that continually brings us back to Father. This is not a license to wilfully sin, seek forgiveness and then go on to sin again repeating the cycle, “For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only do not use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.” (Gal. 5:13).
“My son, do not despise Yahuah’s discipline, Neither be weary of His reproof: For whom Yahuah loves, He reproves; Even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.” (Prov. 3:11, 12). In order to break this cycle of repeated sin, Yahuah may have to intervene, either by reproof or by chastisement. When this happens, it is not a sign of Father’s displeasure but of His continual love for His children and is a cause to celebrate and give thanks, but, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of `Eloakh in the Messiah Yahusha toward you.” (1 Thess. 5:18).
(b) Of works – “For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of the Messiah; that each one may receive the things in the body, according to what he has done, whether of benefit or worthless.” (2 Cor. 5:10). Here the Apostle Sha`ul is addressing the Messianic Believers at the Corinth Assembly and is including himself in this warning. For the Believers, it is not an assessment of innocence or guilt as this has been determined at Golgotha, “The Messiah redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,’” (Gal. 3:13) and upon a sinner’s confession and subsequent salvation, “Most assuredly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes Him who sent me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” (John 5:24) but upon their works.
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It is unfortunate that the Greek word βῆμα #G968 bay-ma has been translated as ‘judgement seat’. When Sha`ul wrote the epistles to the Messianic Assembly at Corinth, the city was the venue of the Isthmian Games that were second in importance only to the ancient Olympic Games (Barclay4). The meaning of the word bay-ma would instantly be understood to the assembly as the place were athletes’ actions would be assessed by judges according to the rules of the competition and rewards would be given to those athletes who were successful (Larkin (2) p.160).
Sha`ul warns the Corinthian Assembly, “For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Messiah; that each one may receive the things in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Cor. 5:10), that every Believer’s action, omission or word will be compared to the commission assigned that Yahuah has given to that individual. The fruits of the individual’s works will be assessed as to be of benefit to Yahuah’s Kingdom or to be worthless. “For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Yahusha the Messiah. But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble; each man’s work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man’s work is. If any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward.” (1 Cor. 3:10-15).
The record of a person’s deeds and words will be as that of the Great White Throne Judgement, in Yahuah’s Torah (Scrolls of the Covenant and Law), the Lamb’s Scroll (Book) of Life and the person’s individual book (see below for further details).
The rewards will be in the form of στέφανος #G4735 ste-fan-os that is the victor’s crown as opposed to διάδημα #G1238 dee-ay-de-ma that is the Sovereign’s crown. Scripture reveals five crowns/ste-fan-os (Larkin p.160):
(1) The Crown of Life (James 1:12);
(2) The Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:2-4);
(3) The Crown of Rejoicing (1 Thess. 2:19, 20);
(4) The Crown of Righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8);
(5) The Crown Incorruptible (1 Cor. 9:25).
(For further information on the crowns and rewards, refer to the Maxi Bible Study Rewards). After the rewards, the resurrected and translated Believers would become the Lamb’s Bride.
(iii) Judgement of the Nation of Yisra`el
“If you will not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book…then will make your plagues wonderful, and the plagues of your seed…He will bring on you again all the diseases of Mitzraim, which you were afraid of; and they shall cleave to you… Also, every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will Yahuah bring on you, until you are destroyed…You shall be left few in number, whereas you were as the stars of the sky for multitude; because you did not listen to the voice of Yahuah your `Elohiym…Yahuah will scatter you among all peoples, from the one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth…” (Deut. 28:58-64). Yahuah warned His
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people through Moshe, of the dire consequences of disobedience. He will bring the plagues of Egypt, and worse, upon the Nation of Yisra`el. This will ultimately take place during the time known as Ya`akov’s Trouble (Great Tribulation).
There will be people who will be saved during Ya`akov’s Troubles as it is Yahuah’s will that none shall be lost, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of `Eloakh our Saviour; who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:3, 4). Nevertheless, this period is one of judgement and outpouring of His wrath.
“He who rejects me, and does not receive my sayings, has One who judges him. The word that I spoke, the same will judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48). The Nation of Yisra`el doubly rejected the Messiah Yahusha; once at His ministry when He was executed and now as they reject His Word.
“‘and I will bring you out from the peoples, and will gather you out of the countries in which you are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out; and I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there will I enter into judgment with you face to face. Like as I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Mitzrayim, so will I enter into judgment with you,’ says Yahuah `Elohiym. ‘I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant;’” (Ezek. 20:34-36).
(iv) Ya`akov’s Troubles Survivors
This study will not discuss the events of Ya`akov’s Trouble due to the complexity of the material. For more information, it is recommended that a separate study should be undertaken consulting the many commentaries available such as Clarence Larkin. Nevertheless, the Messiah’s return to earth brings Ya`akov’s Trouble to an end.
“who also said, ‘You men of the Galil, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Yahusha, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw Him going into the sky.’ Then they returned from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Yerushalayim, a Shabbat day’s journey away.” (Acts 1:11, 12). Literally the first step is when the Messiah ben Dawid comes down from heaven and arrives fully back on earth.
“Let us rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let us give the glory to Him. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the holy ones…I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness He judges and makes war…The armies which are in heaven followed Him on white horses, clothed in white, pure, fine linen.” (Rev. 19:9-14). One part of the army that will return with the Messiah is His Bride clothed in pure, fine linen.
“Yahuah, you `Elohiym to whom vengeance belongs, You `Elohiym to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth. Rise up, you judge of the earth. Pay back the proud what they deserve. Yahuah, how long will the wicked, How long will the wicked triumph? They pour out arrogant words. All the evil-doers boast. They break your people in pieces, Yahuah,
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And afflict your heritage…He who disciplines the nations, will He not punish? He who teaches man knows.” (Psa. 94:1-5, 10). How long, `Elohiym, shall the adversary reproach? Shall the enemy blaspheme your name forever? Why do you draw back your hand, even your right hand? Take it out of your pocket and consume them!” (Psa. 74:10, 11). The wicked blaspheme Yahuah yet the Psalmist cannot comprehend His long-suffering. Even when Yahuah’s own people are being persecuted Yahuah withholds His wrath. “They cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘How long, Master, the set apart and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on earth? A long white robe was given to each of them. They were told that they should rest yet for a while, until their fellow servants and their brothers, who would also be killed even as they were, should complete their course.” (Rev. 6:10, 11). Like the Psalmist, the martyrs of Ya`akov’s Trouble (Great Tribulation) cry out in Heaven as they too do not understand the delay. It is down to the omniscience of Yahuah and His perfect timing.
“I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgement was given to them. I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Yahusha, and for the Word of Yahuah and such as did not worship the beast nor his image, and did not receive the mark on their forehead and on their hand. They lived, and reigned with the Messiah for the thousand years. The rest of the dead did not live until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.” (Rev. 20:4, 5). A second part of the army that will be clothed in white linen will be the martyrs that were killed during Ya`akov’s Trouble. These will be re-bodied in incorruptible flesh and return with the Messiah and His Bride. This is known as the First Resurrection. There are now three types of people; the nations and Yisra’el with both groups having the ‘old style’ of bodies and the martyrs with the Messiah having the ‘new style’ of physical bodies.
“For He comes, for He comes to judge the world. He will judge the world with righteousness, The peoples with His truth.” (Psa. 96:13). When the Messiah returns it will be for judgement for all non-Believers. The standard by which He will judge is His truth. Not the standard of the world nor that of false teachers, “But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,” (1 Tim. 4:1) but His Torah. There will be no excuse when He returns.
“He gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew, Megiddo…The seventh poured out his bowl…There were lightnings, sounds, and thunders; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since there were men on the earth, so great an earthquake, so mighty…Great hailstones, about the weight of a talent, came down out of the sky on people. People blasphemed Yahuah because of the plague of the hail, for this plague is exceedingly severe.” (Rev. 16:16-21). This coincided with the opening the seventh seal and sounding of the seventh trumpet. “He who blasphemes the name of Yahuah, he shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall certainly stone him: the foreigner as well as the native-born, when he blasphemes HaShem, shall be put to death.” (Exod. 24:6). All the plagues, famines, wars, pestilence and trials through Ya`akov’s Trouble only caused non-Believers to curse the Name of Yahuah and hardening of hearts. This continual blasphemy could not go unpunished by Yahuah.
“Far be it from you to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteousness with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from you! Shall not the Judge of all
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the earth do right?” (Gen. 18:25). “For He will judge the world in righteousness. He will administer judgement to the peoples in uprightness.” (Psa. 9:8). When He returns, it will be as Judge and King. As Judge, a decision will be made, based on His Torah, as to the status of each person. As King, He will reward the righteous and condemn the wicked (Robertson). “And among the lampstands was one like a Son of Man, clothed with a robe reaching down to His feet, and with a golden sash around His chest.” (Rev. 1:13). In His re-appearance to Yoh-khan-an, and subsequent appearances in His Revelation, the Messiah Yahusha appears in the apparel of Judge.
“I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness He judges and makes war…He is clothed in a garment sprinkled with blood. His name is called ‘The Word of Yahuah.’” (Rev. 19:11, 13). A Rider appears on a white horse and His name was the Word of Yahuah; lo-gos thay-os (#G3056 λόγος logos – 3) the Messiah Yahusha) + #G2316 θεός thay-os – 2b) the Messiah. “The armies which are in heaven followed Him on white horses, clothed in white, pure, fine linen.” (Rev. 19:14). “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will render to everyone according to his deeds.” (Matt. 16:27). “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the set apart angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.” (Matt. 25:31). The Messiah returns to earth followed by the third part of the army, that of the angelic hosts.
“Behold, I come like a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his clothes, so that he does not walk naked, and they see his shame. He gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew, Megiddo.” (Rev. 16:15, 16). This is the first of two gatherings where Believers are brought together by Yahuah. Armageddon is the transliteration of the Hebrew Har-Magedon which means Hill or City of Megiddo. It is my belief that this gathering is to gather those persecuted through the Trouble to witness Yahuah’s wrath and the vindication of His people.
“It happened after this, that the children of Mo`av, and the children of `Ammon, and with them some of the Me`unim, came against Yehoshafat to battle…When Yahudah came to the watch-tower of the wilderness, they looked at the multitude; and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the ground, and there were none who escaped.” (2 Chron. 20:1-24). After Yahuah brought back His people from exile, the surrounding nations came against King Yehoshafat. When the king cried out to Yahuah, Yahuah `Elohiym heard him and delivered the people from their enemies. The valley in which this massacre took place was just outside of Yerushalayim (#H3092 יְהוֹשָׁפָט Yehoshofat – Yahuah has judged). Indeed, Yahuah had judged the nations. This valley, Emek Yehoshofat, was not a geographical name but named after Yahuah’s decision and help. This could well be Nahal Qidron (Kidron or Cedron Valley) that separates the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives. “I will gather all nations, And will bring them down into the Valley of Yehoshafat; And I will execute judgment on them there for my people, And for my heritage, Yisra`el, whom they have scattered among the nations.” (Joel 3:2).
“The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion: He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.” (Prov. 20:2). The nations cannot escape the judgement of their own actions. When talking about the end times, the Master taught that there would be a gathering of the nations and Believers. “Then the King will tell those on His right hand, ‘Come, blessed
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of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’” (Matt. 25:34). “Then He will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and its angels.’” (Matt. 25:41). There is a distinct separation between Believers and Non-believers made by Yahuah.
Most biblical commentators refer to the Battle of Armageddon. However, it is my belief that, as in Yehoshofat’s day, it will be a massacre of the wicked witnessed by the righteous and His angels. A battle infers that one side will combat another side, even if the two sides are grossly mis-matched. This will not be a battle as much as a slaughter. Those Believers who came to earth with the Messiah ben Dawid, His Bride and the martyrs of Ya`akov’s Trouble and those Believers alive at that moment are sent to the Messiah’s right hand. It is the belief of FGA that this will direct the Believers to take up positions on the surrounding hills, grand-standing over the valley. As with the Snatching Away (Rapture) the righteous dead will be resurrected and the righteous living will be translated into their new style glorified bodies.
The gentile nations that came up against Yersuhalayim and the Jews that worshipped the Beast and his image were directed to the Messiah’s left hand, and down into the Valley of Yahuah’s Judgement. “The Beast was taken, and with him the False Prophet who worked signs in his sight, with which he deceived those who had received the mark of the Beast and those who worshipped his image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulphur.” (Rev. 19:20). Unlike all the other non-Believers, the Beast and False Prophet were cast directly into the lake of fire and by-passing the Intermediate State.
“I saw and angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in its hand. It seized…haSatan…and bound it for a thousand years, and cast it into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over it, until the thousand years were finished.” (Rev. 20:1-3). All non-Believers present at the Valley of Yehoshofat will witness the incarceration of haSatan that deceived the world since Gan Eden prior to their own destruction. “Therefore, He says, ‘When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.’” (Eph. 4:8). Upon His ascension, the work of the Messiah Yahusha was completed, past and future, including the confinement of haSatan. This has the image of the triumphant procession of a Roman general in Rome as depicted on the Arch of Titus and his grandmother’s theatre fresco in Falacrinae. In the procession, the defeated leaders are marched through the streets of Rome to their imprisonment or death and gifts distributed to the crow of witnesses.
“Behold, the day of Yahuah comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger; to make the land a desolation, and to destroy the sinners of it out of it.” (Isa. 13:9). “The great day of Yahuah is near…That day is a day of wrath, a day of distress…a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, a day of the shofar…and their blood will be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung.” (Zeph. 1:14-17). “As the days of Noach were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man…and they did not know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matt. 24:37, 39). In the account of Noach, the unrighteous were all swept away as punishment for their sins. Noach’s Tayvah is a type of the Messiah and all those who did not ‘make use’ of the safety promised by Noach were killed. Likewise, all those who did not ‘make use’ of the safety promised by Yahuah through His Messiah, will also be wiped out. “…and from the wrath of the Lamb for the great day of His wrath has come; and who is able to stand?” (Rev. 6:16b, 17). This day of wrath is the
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day when the Messiah returns and it is my belief that all the enemies of Yahuah’s people will be annihilated in one twenty-four hour day. Those non-Believers outside of the land of Yisra`el, will be translated to Hay-dace, held over for judgement at the end of the thousand years or chiliasm.
“Behold, the days come, says Yahuah, that I will punish all those who are circumcised in their uncircumcision: Mitzrayim, and Yahudah, and Edom, and the children of `Ammon, and Mo`av, and all that have the corners of their hair cut off, who dwell in the wilderness; for all the nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Yisra`el are uncircumcised in heart.” (Jer. 9:25, 26). “since there is one Messiah who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.” (Rom. 3:30). All non-Believers perish because, ultimately, they all rebelled against Yahuah and ignored His warnings throughout all the ages. It will not benefit non-believing Yisra`elites to try to claim salvation through Abraham. The corpses are left in situ but do not decay as a witness to the righteousness of Yahuah and a feast for the scavenging birds, “The rest were killed with the sword of Him who sat on the horse, the sword which came forth out of His mouth. All the birds were filled with their flesh.” (Rev. 19:21).
(v) Post-Millennial
The Millennial Kingdom (or Chiliasm) ushered in by the return of the Messiah and will last one thousand literal years (for more details please refer to the Maxi Bible Study End Times Part III). There will be three types of people who will be alive during this time: those Believers alive at the Second Coming; all Believers who are born physically and spiritually in the Chiliasm and all born physically but not coming to faith.
As with previous judgements, those Believers who have died within the thousand years will be resurrected and those alive will be translated at the end of the thousand years.
“And after the thousand years, haSatan will be released from its prison…and it will come out to deceive the nations…They went up over the breadth of the earth, and surrounded the camp of the set apart ones, and beloved city. Fire came down out of heaven from Yahuah and devoured them. The devil that deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulphur…” (Rev. 20:7-10). HaSatan will be released and leads all non-Believers in a short rebellion. Those who come up against Yerushalayim will be consumed by fire. After this, HaSatan is cast down for all time.
“I saw a great white throne, and Him who sat on it…I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. The dead were judged out of the things which is written in the books, according to their works. The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and She`ol gave up their dead who were in them. They were judged, each according to his works.” (Rev. 20:11-13). The Great White Throne judgement is for non-Believers who have died throughout time. As with all the Believers who have been judged, the wicked dead will be judged according to the Three Scrolls; Yahuah’s Torah, the Lamb’s Book of Life and a person’s account of deeds and words.
“For all have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of Yahuah,” (Rom. 3:23). The person’s account falls short of Yahuah’s standard. However, as their name is not written in the
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Lamb’s Scroll, the Messiah Yahusha cannot commend them to Yahuah. “if anyone was not found written in the [Lamb’s] Book of Life, he was cast into the lake of fire.” (Rev. 20:15). This will be the Second Death. “Do not marvel at this, for the hour comes, in which all that are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come out; those who have done good, to the Resurrection of Life; and those who have done evil, to the Resurrection of Damnation.” (John 5: 28, 29).
The Lamb’s Book of Life
“Yet now, if you will, forgive their sin and if not, please blot me out of your book which you have written.’ Yahuah said to Moshe, ‘Whoever has sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.’” (Exod. 32:32, 33). Moshe asks Yahuah to remove his name rather than those who had sinned from Yahuah’s Book. Therefore, Moshe must have been aware of the existence of such a Book.
“Let them (the wicked) be blotted out of the book of life, And not be written with the righteous.” (Psa. 69:28). It is my belief that upon conception, every person is entered in to the Lamb’s Book of Life. Until a person’s final breath, the name remains. If a person dies in a state of un-repentance their name is blotted out. However, if a person has repented and called upon the Messiah to be saved then their name will remain in the Book. This will also take into account the status of a child that has died at an early age or a person that has some form of learning disability. The age of accountability will depend upon three factors:
(a) The child’s access to sound teaching (Godly parents & grand-parents, youth church attendance, school);
(b) The child’s ability to understand the teaching;
(c) The child’s ‘innocence’ being corrupted by others.
“There will in no way enter into it anything profane, or one who causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” (Rev. 21:27). “He who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot his name out of the Book of Life,” (Rev. 3:5a). “All who dwell on the earth will worship him (the Beast), everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the Book of Life of the Lamb who has been killed.” (Rev. 13:8). Those who worship the Beast will not be found in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I believe that this means that the Book of Life only becomes The Lamb’s Book only at the end of time. By then, all who would repent have done so and these will not be blotted out. By inference, those who would not repent will be blotted out.
“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.” (Rev. 20:12 KJV). Some translations refer to the dead opening the books inferring that each person had their own book. There is no Scriptural indication as to who opened the books. It is clear, however, that one of the books held a record of the life of the person and this would also include words as by these we are told that we are justified or condemned, “I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matt. 12:36, 37).
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“Take this book of the law, and put it by the side of the ark of the covenant of Yahuah your `Elohiym, that it may be there for a witness against you.” (Deut. 31:26).
“Then Yirmeyahu called Barukh the son of Neriyah; and Barukh wrote from the mouth of Yirmeyahu all the words of Yahuah, which he had spoken to him, on a scroll of a book.” (Jer. 36:4).
“He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on Him. He began to tell them, ‘Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’” (Luke 4:20, 21).
“He said to them, ‘This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moshe, the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled.’ Then He opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:44, 45). It is my belief that the ‘books’ or scrolls of Rev. 20:12 are three in number: “and the books (at least two) were opened: and another book (at least a third) was opened,”. The three books being i) the deeds of a person, ii) the Lamb’s Book of Life and iii) The Torah in its entirety being the Book of Moshe (Pentateuch), Prophets and Writings and the B’rit Hadashah (Renewed Testament). The Judge of All will take note of what is written in each book before passing sentence. There can be no evading the truth because the times when a person heard the Good News of the Messiah will have been written down and the response noted. A negative response will mean that a person’s name will not appear in the Lamb’s Book of (Eternal) Life.
“At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.” (Deut. 17:6). If a person faces the Judge and refuses to acknowledge their past sins (Buddist, aetheist, Humanist, ‘Christian’ etc.) the Judge will ask them to prove their case. Each will open their book and point to all the good that they have done throughout their lives. The Judge opens His Torah and it witnesses against them. The Lamb will open His Book and their name does not appear.
Thus is the case proven against the person.
“…To whoever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48b). At judgement, there will be a revealing and an evaluation of all the facts.
Who Will be the Judge?
“Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?” (1 Cor. 6:2, 3). The word ‘judge’ #G2919 κρίνω kree-no – 6) to rule, govern is not the subject under discussion. Believers will be given work to do as was Adam in Gan Eden but it will not involve judgement unto punishment.
“Yahusha answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Ruach, he cannot enter the kingdom of Yahuah.’” (John 3:5). Yochanan records the Master’s declaration to Nakdimon (Nicodemus). It can only be through the witness of HaRuach that a person can be made aware of their sinful nature and their need of a Saviour.
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A person admits their sin, repents and puts their trust in the atoning work of the Messiah Yahusha. This is in the knowledge that Mankind cannot do anything to remove the sin and the consequence of their sin from their lives. This can only be accomplished by the Redeemer, the Messiah Yahusha.
“testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward Yahuah and faith toward our Master Yahusha the Messiah.” (Acts 20:21). Yahuah has made it possible for Mankind to be reconciled with Himself through the Messiah Yahusha, but it takes Mankind to make the final decision. Yahuah cannot force man to be saved (born again, born from above), therefore it is up to him to either accept Yahuah’s provision of a Saviour or to refuse it. To accept is to end up in heaven with Yahuah: to refuse is to end up in hell without Yahuah. It is as simple as that. Therefore, ultimately a person must be their own judge in deciding their eternal destination.
“Then Sha`ul and Bar-Nabba grew bold and said, ‘It was necessary that the word of Yahuah should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.’” (Acts 13:46). When Sha`ul (Paul) and Bar-Nabba (Barnabas) were preaching at the synagogue in Antioch in Pisidia, they told the Jews that by their rejection of the Messiah, they had, in effect, judged themselves. Likewise, all Jews and Gentiles who reject the Messiah, will have in effect, judged themselves.
“So when Yahusha had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” (John 19:30). At what stage do we judge ourselves? The work of redemption ended with the last breath of the Messiah. The results were eternal. However, it clearly defines the demarcation between life when decisions can be made and death when it would be too late.
“With physical death, human destiny is fixed irrevocably…When the soul leaves the body it has already taken all the decisions it could have taken.” (Blanchard quoting Toon).
Now, as it is a person who determines where they will go upon death, what is the role of Yahuah `Elohiym?
In all the End Times’ statements regarding judgement it is in fact sentencing. Yahuah can only pronounce one verdict: guilty. There is only one punishment: death.
“But the thing displeased Sh`mu`el when they said, ‘Give us a king to judge us.’ So Sh`mu`el prayed to Yahuah.” (1 Sam. 8:6). However, there will be the Ultimate Judge of All.
“then hear in heaven, and act, and judge Your servants, condemning the wicked, bringing his way on his head, and justifying the righteous by giving him according to his righteousness.” (1 Kgs. 8:32; 2 Chr. 6:23).
“…for He is coming to judge the earth with righteousness He shall judge the world and the peoples with equity.” (Psa. 98:9; 1 Chr. 16:33). Yahuah shall judge all the earth – er-ets #H0776 *167 both the earth and land of Yisra`el that will include all the inhabitants and all of Creation.
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“Therefore, since we are the offspring of Yahuah, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. Truly, these times of ignorance Yahuah overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:29-31). The Father shall judge everyone according to perfect example He gave us in His Son, the Messiah Yahusha. In v31, the ‘He’ is different than that who was raised from the dead.
“I charge you therefore before Yahuah and the Master Yahusha the Messiah, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:” (2 Tim. 4; 1). This passage refers to the Messiah as being the Judge. “…And they lived and reigned with the Messiah for a thousand years.” (Rev. 20:4). Nowhere does it state that Yahuah the Father will have a Kingdom (although there is the Kingdom of Heaven but this is generally in reference to that place where the King rules. This could easily mean in a person’s life as much as Heaven). “For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.” (John 5:26, 27). The Father, the rightful Judge, passes this duty to the Son, who is more ‘qualified’ due to His humanity.
Is there a conflict between who is to judge? Father or Son?
“to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to Yahuah the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,” (Heb. 12:23). The word ‘God’ is #G2316 θεός thay-os 2) the Godhead, Trinity. If we want to know what Heaven (the place and condition where all Believers will spend eternity) will be like, just refer to all those Scriptures that refer to Creation and the Gan (Garden of) Eden.
In all of these Yahuah is referred by the plural #H430 אֱלֹהִים elohiym *93c el-oh-heem is, without fail, used in Scripture with the verb, adjective and pronoun forms in the singular. This cannot mean more than one Yahuah, so it must refer to the full Yah-head. My belief is that once time has ceased and eternity begins at the final judgement, there will be no requirement for the Yah-head to operate in all three of the Persons. There is no sin and we will have the Living Word Yahuah (the Messiah) so the Set Apart Spirit will not operate as throughout history as the Teacher; we will see `Elohiym face to face so we will need no pointing towards Him. We will have free access to the Father, so an Intercessor will not be needed. Therefore, when Scripture says the Father or the Son will judge, this will in fact be the case as`Elohiym will be our Judge, “Yahuah will be King over all the earth. In that day Yahuah will be one, and His name one.” (Zech. 14:9).
#H259 אֶחָד ekh-hard one. The word ‘one’ can be either singular or a compound unity. The compound unity is when a group is gathered under a singular noun such as one team, one nation etc.
Now that we know Who will judge, we need to know where/when sentence is pronounced.
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Sentencing
In Rev. 20:4-15 the scene the Apostle Yochanan described constituted the Millennial Rule and Final Judgement. The Ya`akov’s Troubles Martyrs were raised and ruled with Messiah for a thousand years. During this time, haSatan is locked away in the Abyss. At the end of the thousand years, all the dead are raised up and the Fallen Angel is loosed and leads a rebellion but is finally defeated. “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the Beast and the False Prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Rev. 20:10). HaSatan is judged and sentence is passed.
“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before Yahuah, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” (Rev. 20:12). After seeing the 1000 years of King Messiah’s reign, Yochanan sees a Great White Throne with One who sits on it. This Person is not recognised by Yochanan as he saw “one like a son of man” (Rev. 1:13) or the Lamb, “I saw in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the Elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of `Eloakh, sent out into all the earth.” (Rev. 5:6). This must be `Elohyim. Every person who has lived will come before the Judge sitting on the Great White Throne. Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire that is the Second Death. Those who names can be found in the Book of Life will know everlasting life, “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matt. 25:46). The lake of fire was created
by Yahuah for haSatan and its fallen angels and not for man, “Then He will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels;’” (Matt. 25:41).
Now that we know the who and where of judgement, we need to know how He will judge.
Wrath and Mercy
“He who does not love does not know Yahuah, for Yahuah is love.” (1 John 4:8). Scripture tells us that Yahuah is love. However, He is also set apart, righteous, just and wrathful. To single out love as the major characteristic is un-biblical. At the very least, love has equality to set apartness, righteousness, justice and wrath. If taken from the number of references, the major characteristic is set-apartness (Blanchard 1993).
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18). This fourth chapter of 1 John is all about love. Indeed, the very first word is ‘Beloved’. The all-perfect Yahuah, who loves with an all-perfect love, must also shun sin with an all-perfect set-apartness; rule with an all-perfect righteousness; pass judgement with an all-perfect justice; and carry out the sentence with an all-perfect wrath. To suggest that Yahuah will not punish sinners eternally is not based upon biblical fact but on un-biblical sentimentality or misleading exegesis/hermeneutics. Punishment must not be viewed from Mankind’s perspective that is being concerned with their (sinner’s) welfare. Punishment is required for Yahuah to display:
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(i) His authority: “and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.” (John 5:27);
(ii) His love: “He who does not love does not know Yahuah, for Yahuah is love.” (1 John 4:8);
(iii) His justice: “Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight, that You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.” (Psa. 51:4);
(iv) His anger: “But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of Yahuah,” (Rom. 2:5).
“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with Yahuah. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their own craftiness’”. (1 Cor. 3:19). Some of these may seem to contradict one another in man’s thoughts.
“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, an `Elohiym of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” (Deut. 32:4).
“Yahuah is righteous in her midst, He will do no unrighteousness. Every morning He brings His justice to light; He never fails, but the unjust knows no shame.” (Zeph. 3:5). In both of these verses Yahuah is described as being ‘just’ #H6662 צַדִּיק tsaid-deek *1879 – righteous. Yahuah righteousness is shown not in Him unmaking or undoing His Creation but rather in a redemptive righteousness.
“But you denied the Set Apart One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,” (Acts 3:14). Luke records in Acts Shimon Keefa declaring that the Messiah Yahusha, being the full revelation of Yahuah, is described as being ‘just’ #G1342 δίκαιος di-ky-os, 1) righteous, keeping divine laws; 4)b) rendering each his due and that in a judicial way. Here we see one of the characteristics of Yahuah. He is a righteous Yahuah always giving out what people deserve. However, mercy can be defined as not giving someone what they do deserve. How can this be, if these statements are not conflicting? The answer is that Yahuah indeed gives to everyone what they deserve. When He looks in to His Book of Life, there are those who have had their sins removed. This does not mean that the sins have gone unpunished. Rather, it means that the punishment has already been taken. Consider the scenario of the parking ticket above. This is exactly what the Messiah has done for us. We have been found guilty of sin, and the punishment is death (we have been warned!).
Up comes our Redeemer and takes this punishment upon Himself. The Righteous Judge has been satisfied. A just sentence has been passed and the sentence duly carried out. This is the Good News and it is this Good News that all Mankind has been called to believe.
“Therefore, consider the goodness and severity of Yahuah: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.” (Rom. 11:22). The paradox is clearly stated in this verse but there is no contradiction in this statement. Throughout the Bible there appears to be a tension between Yahuah’s requirement for justice and His love. However, both are reconciled in the work of the Messiah. “but these are written that you may believe that Yahusha is the Messiah, the Son of Yahuah, and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31). “But we believe that through the grace of the Master Yahusha the Messiah we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” (Acts 15:11). ‘Believe’ #G4100 πιστεύω pi-stoo-oh – to trust, have faith in. What must be ‘believed’? That all the Messiah has done; all that is said and promised in Yahuah’s Word is true and has been made available to all.
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One of the areas that cause much contention is that how can a loving Yahuah be wrathful and merciful at the same time. Are these qualities totally opposite one another? How can a ‘good’ ‘unsaved’ man who has never do anything wrong go to hell and yet a ‘bad’ ‘saved’ man goes to heaven.
“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Yahuah. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’” (Isa. 55:8, 9). Yahuah, through His prophet Yesh’yahu, tells us that Mankind is incapable of thinking and acting as Yahuah. Mankind has only a finite grasp of any situation because he is unaware of all the circumstances. Yahuah, however, in His infinite capacity does know all and is capable of acting upon this knowledge. “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Yahuah weighs the hearts.” (Prov. 21:2). “And He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves before men, but Yahuah knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of Yahuah.’” (Luke 16:15). We can only see what our eyes show us and through our senses we can be easily deceived.
However, Yahuah can, and does, see into the very heart of a person and cannot be deceived.
“Can you search out the deep things of Yahuah? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than heaven, what can you do? Deeper than She`ol, what can you know? (Job 11:7, 8). This passage surely warns us that although Yahuah in His grace has revealed everything in His Word, so things are kept from us because the time is not right or the person is not ready to receive the full revelation. However, these things are but details and nothing is hidden as regards to salvation.
“Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation.” (Exod. 32:10). “So fire went out from Yahuah and devoured them, and they died before Yahuah.” (Lev. 10:2). “You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of Your anger; Yahuah shall swallow them up in His wrath, and the fire shall devour them.” (Psa. 21:9). “How long, Yahuah? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath burn like fire?” (Psa. 89:46). “Then the earth shook and trembled; The foundations of the hills also quaked and were shaken, because He was angry.” (Psa. 18:7). Yahuah’s wrath consumes all those who rebel against Him as fire consumes stubble. ‘Anger’ #H2734 חָרָה kha-rah *736 khara – burning anger, heat. There is a frequent association between wrath and fire.
“So I swore in My wrath, they shall not enter My rest.” (Psa. 95:11; Heb. 3:11). The wicked will receive no rest or respite because of Yahuah’s wrath. Once kindled, the fire of Yahuah’s wrath is all consuming and is poured out to various persons and nations as and when it is deserved. However, there will be a day when Yahuah’s wrath will be poured out upon all Creation. This is denoted as the Day of the Yahuah’s Wrath and is described by Tzefanyah (Zeph. 1:1-18).
“For the wrath of Yahuah is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,” (Rom. 1:18). Sha’ul, in his letter to the Messianic Community in Rome, talks of the wrath as already being revealed. This is so because the course of history was laid down along with Creation and its
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effects are in motion even as he wrote his letter. The reality is present in heaven but the manifestation will be made known at the Messiah’s return. The Hebrew word for ‘wrath’ #H639 אַף *133a af anger but with the idea that there has been some restraint. However, ‘wrath’ #G3709 ὀργή or-gay, anger exhibited in punishment. The Greek or-gay has the implication that the restraint found in the TaNaKh (Old Testament) has been removed. It is my belief that with the Master’s death, Yahuah has shown fully the reality of the consequences His wrath only to be manifested at His return. Up until the incarnation of the Master, Man had the feeble excuse of having to interpret, by faith, the Tanakh. However, once the Master came to fully reveal Yahuah through His life, ministry, death and resurrection, even this excuse was no longer valid.
“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says Yahuah.” (Rom. 12:19). “and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Yahusha who delivers us from the wrath to come.” (1 Thess. 1:10). I believe that this is saying to the righteous need not worry as the full weight of Yahuah’s wrath will fall upon the wicked or upon the Saviour of Mankind. “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of Yahuah comes upon the sons of disobedience.” (Eph. 5:6). Wrath is a promise of Yahuah and, as with all the promises of Yahuah, will surely be visited upon the wicked/disobedient/sinners.
“But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath;” (Psa. 78:38).
Yahuah’s wrath is turned away by His mercy or compassion. “The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness.” (Psa. 103:8 KJV). Yahuah’s slowness must not be interpreted as His inability to act. His reluctance stems from His mercy and His desire that none shall be lost and gives every opportunity for repentance.
“Who is an `El like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy.” (Mic. 7:18). “You in Your mercy have led forth the people whom You have redeemed;” (Exod. 15:13a). ‘Mercy’ #H2617 חֶסֶד khe-said *698a – goodness, faithfulness. This relates to His name Yahuah, that is a covenant-keeping Yah. What Yahuah’s promises, He is able to keep. “Oh, give thanks to Yahuah, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (Psa. 106.1; 1 Chron. 16:34). Yahuah’s mercy does not change back to anger once forgiven (of a particular sin), always forgiven.
“Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in Yahuah, mercy shall surround him.” (Psa. 32:10). “In my distress I called upon Yahuah, and cried out to my `Elohiym; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry entered His ears.” (2 Sam. 22:7). “And when he heard that it was Yahusha the Natzri, he began to cry out and say, ‘Yahusha, Son of Dawid, have mercy on me!’” (Mark 10:47). From these passages on wrath and mercy, it can be clearly shown that all have sinned and therefore come under Yahuah’s wrath and His punishment. However, to those who cry out to Father for mercy, repent of their ways and believe on the work of the Messiah, their cries will be heard. “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” (Rom. 5:9). The death sentence has been taken from us by our Redeemer and Saviour.
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“Pinechas the son of El`azar, the son of Aharon the priest, has turned back My wrath from the children of Yisra`el, because he was zealous with My zeal among them, so that I did not consume the children of Yisra`el in My zeal” (Num. 25:11). “When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables.” (John 2:15). In these two passages we see Pinechas and the Master acting out of anger. Pinechas actually kills two people without due process of trial according to the Torah. “Whoever kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the testimony of witnesses; but one witness is not sufficient testimony against a person for the death penalty.” (Num. 35:30). These passages are frequently cited to justify acting in anger, usually called ‘righteous anger’. However, looking closely at the passages, both Pinechas and the Master do not act out of anger to those wrongfully treating them. They both act in order to uphold Yahuah’s reputation or Name. This is true ‘righteous anger’. Great care must be taken not to justify the need for revenge to take hold of our anger and cause us to act.
There are two doctrines that have been brought forward to attempt to reconcile the biblical severity of Yahuah and the sentimentality of man;
(i) Universalism – this states that all Mankind will eventually be saved.
“Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die.’” (Gen. 3:4). As Adam and Chavah did die but not straight away, so this must be talking about the eventual state of man after death. It is this lie at the start of Mankind that has been perpetuated throughout time.
“And these [sinners] will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matt. 25:46). Yahuah through Mattiyahu contrasts the two eternal states of sinners and Believers. If, as taught by Universalism, that all will eventually be saved, why is there the two distinct states?
“Then Yahusha said to them again, ‘I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.’” (John 8:21). Speaking to the Pharisees, Yahusha tells them that because of their unrepented sin they will not end up with Him. If all mankind will eventually end up in heaven, what then was the reason for the Master’s words?
(ii) Annihilationism – there are various types but generally means that sinners will cease to exist either immediately upon death or after a period of punishment in hell according to their sins. Again, this is to reconcile man’s thoughts that an all-loving Yahuah could not surely submit sinners to eternal torment.
“And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” (Rev. 14:11). The word ‘ever’ is #G165 αἰών eye-ohn – an unbroken age, eternity. The repetition strengthens the noun. There will be no respite or relief.
“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting [eye-ohn-eos] fire prepared for the devil and its angels:’” (Matt. 25:41). ). Here the Master is using the adjective (eye-ohn-eos) to describe the type of fire in hell. All the uses of the words eye-ohn or eye-ohn-eos nearly all refer to eternity future. The other references are to describe Yahuah being without beginning or end. Where the majority are used it is either to describe the period spent in hell or the period spent in heaven. There is
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never any doubt that the blissful state spent in heaven will not come to an end. So why should the same expressions have a finite time duration when referring to hell?
Hopefully these very brief descriptions and answers to Universalism and Annihilationism show that hell is exactly what it is; a place of unending torment for unrepented sinners. It is why Yahuah has done everything possible to prevent sinners ending up in hell. Yahuah has done His part and so Believers must do theirs in reaching others with His Good News of salvation in the Messiah Yahusha.
“And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of Yahuah shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21). “Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet…These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulphur.” “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Rev. 19:20a; 20:10). The beast and the false prophet were thrown into hell’s fire. After the thousand years haSatan is cast into She`ol where they remain alive but in a state of eternal torment.
For more details, please see the Maxi Bible Study Conclusion The Crucifixion
Yahuah bless you and keep you,
Yahuah make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you,
Yahuah lift up His face toward you and give you peace.
All glory be to Yahuah,
Ameyn.
References and Credits
In using these references, it is in no way agreeing to or condoning the theological viewpoint of the authors.
Blanchard J. Whatever Happened To Hell?, Evangelical Press, Darlington,
(1993) Co. Durham, England.
Brown B., Driver S.R. The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon,
& Briggs C.A. (2005) Hendrickson, Peabody, Mass.
Harris R.L., Archer Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Moody, Chicago,
G.J. Jr., Waltke B.K. (1980) Il.
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(1)Larkin C. The Spirit World, Pantianos Classics.
(Re-print of 1921)
(2)Larkin C. Dispensational Truth, Pantianos Classics.
(Re-print of 1920)
Reiser M. (1997) Jesus And Judgement – The Eschatological Proclamation In Its
Jewish Context, Fortress Press, Minneapolis.
Strong J. (1994) Strong’s New Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, World Bible Publishers Inc., Madison.
Strong J. (1996) The New Strong’s Complete Dictionary of Bible Words, Thomas Nelson, Nashville.
HNV The Hebrew Names Version is based off the World English Bible, an update of the American Standard Version of 1901. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.
KJV The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769.
Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.
The Crucifixion – First Generation Assembly
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