THE SABBATH

by Dr. Hank Lindstrom

This law of the sabbath day, the fourth commandment of the Decalogue was written upon tables of stone, and given to the nation of Israel while they were in the wilderness, by the hands of Moses, their leader. We find it in Exodus 20:8-11.

Vs 8     "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."

Vs 9     "Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:"

Vs 10     "But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:"

Vs 11     "For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." Exodus 20:8-11

Notice carefully what God has to say in this passage, concerning this sabbath:

This sabbath always fell on the seventh day of the week, corresponding to our Saturday. It began at 6 o'clock or sundown, and ended at sunset the next evening. As we reckon days now, it would be from about 6 P.M. Friday to 6 P.M. on Saturday.

It was a day of absolute rest for everyone, both man and beast. The entire family, parents, children, servants and guests, even the animals were to refrain from every sort of physical labor and work, and to observe a day of complete and uninterrupted rest.

The pattern for this sabbath was creation, in which God after He had completed His work in six days rested on the seventh day. The sabbath given later to the nation of Israel was based on the principle that one day in seven is for resting, for the benefit of humanity.

The principle of the sabbath is that one day in seven is to be set aside for rest from physical labor.

WHO CHANGED IT?

Everyone who believes the Bible will agree to the four foregoing facts. From the record of the Old Testament, it is also apparent that no other day than the seventh day was ever observed as a sabbath from Moses to the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Fifteen hundred years after the law was given to Israel, the sabbath was still in effect, and no change in the day is even mentioned in the entire Bible.

Today, however, the great majority of Christendom does not observe the seventh - day sabbath, but instead observes the first day of the week instead of the seventh, and call this the Christian sabbath. The questions therefore arise: "Who changed the sabbath? When was it changed? and Why was it changed from the seventh to the first day of the week? "These then are the three issues which should be answered. Now there are at least three views held by three different schools of thought, concerning this sabbath in answer to these questions which are asked over and over again.

There are those who teach that the sabbath was changed by man without any Scriptural authority whatsoever. These people teach and claim that the church some three centuries after the Cross of Christ, changed the sabbath from the seventh to the first day, contrary to the Word of God. Those who make this charge, however, hold that man and the church had no right to change the sabbath day, and it is therefore binding upon us today just as it was upon Israel, and all of its rules and regulations still apply. Some go so far as to make the observance of the seventh day sabbath a condition of salvation, an indispensable condition for salvation. Those who observe the seventh-day sabbath are said to have the seal of the living God, while those who observe the first day as the New Testament sabbath constitute the mark of the beast. This is a false view.

THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH

The second school of thought concerning the sabbath question teaches that after the resurrection of Christ the sabbath was changed to the first day in commemoration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus. These call the first day of the week the "Christian" sabbath. They assert that the sabbath was changed to the first day by the Lord and His apostles. The laws, rules, regulations, and restrictions of the sabbath are transferred and applied to the first day of the week, although a strict observance of all of its details and practice is not followed by them. This is a false view.

NO SABBATH

The third group of Believers hold that the sabbath was given to Israel sixteen hundred years before Calvary, that it was only a shadow of things to come, and was completely fulfilled by Christ, and ceased as a sabbath day at His resurrection. Today, these Believers claim the Church has no sabbath, but instead by common precedent and example rather than by specific commandment, we observe the first day of the week as a day of commemoration and worship, assembling together, preaching of the Word, and ceaseless activity in spiritual things. This day, it is claimed by those who hold this view, is not a matter of legal duty, but a glorious privilege under grace, a voluntary service in gratitude to God. It is not observed because it is commanded but because they delight in gathering together to remember the Lord's death and celebrate His resurrection. This view is in harmony with the Scriptures.

MEANING OF SABBATH

We want to present the basic facts concerning this sabbath day. These basic facts are:

1.     The meaning of the word, "sabbath."

2.     The various sabbaths mentioned throughout the Scriptures.

First of all then, notice the meaning of the word itself. The first time the word "sabbath" as such occurs anywhere in the Bible is Exodus 16:23. The word, "sabbath" is an untranslated Hebrew word which was carried over literally without translation from the Hebrew and from the Greek. The Hebrew word is "shabbath," and the Greek word is "sabbaton."  It means simply "a cessation, an intermission, a resting."  It means to "cease" or to "stop" with special reference to physical labor, and therefore means to "rest" after a period of activity. If the word has been translated into the English language, it would read like this:

"Remember the REST day, and keep it holy." (All Bible authorities are agreed on this point.)

Now the second thing to remember is that God gave to Israel under the law a number of sabbath days of which the weekly sabbath is only one. A few references will suffice to show this. In Leviticus 16, God gave Israel the ordinances for the Feast of Trumpets, which fell on the first day of the seventh month, and it is called a "sabbath."

"In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein."  Lev. 23:24-25

You will notice that this is called a sabbath, but it was not the seventh-day, weekly sabbath. Again, the next feast, the Day of Atonement, is called a sabbath as we read in Lev. 16:29, 31

"In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you."  Lev. 16:29, 31

Again concerning the Feast of Atonement, we read in Leviticus, "Ye shall do no manner of work. . .  Lev. 23:31

"...from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath."  Lev. 23:31-32

Then again concerning the Feast of Tabernacles, we read the following:

"Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eight day shall be a sabbath."  Lev. 23:39

Here the Feast of Tabernacles was called a sabbath, though it had nothing to do with the weekly sabbath. The seventh year in Israel was also called a sabbath, for God says in Lev. 25:2 "then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the Lord."

Every seventh year the land was to rest. From these and other passages it becomes clear that the word, sabbath, means "rest", and a sabbath could be any day of the week, not necessarily the seventh day. Only the weekly sabbath must always be on this day, which corresesponds to our Saturday. The important thing was not the DAY, but the REST, which the Lord commanded. It is the Spirit, and not the day  which is most important.

Now the question is, Do these laws apply to us today? Is the Believer under the law of the sabbath? If the law applies, must he then keep all the sabbath days, or only the one weekly sabbath. Where does the Bible say that we need to keep the sabbath of unleavened bread, or the sabbath day of the tabernacles, or the atonement? Are we required to observe the seventh-day weekly sabbath? Where does the Bible teach that there is a difference between the ceremonial laws and the moral laws given upon tables of stone?  It does not.

MEANING OF "SABBATH"

The word "sabbath," as it occurs in the Bible means simply, "rest."  All of the sabbaths, including the weekly, seventh-day sabbath, were REST days, the main thing being a strict command to refrain from all manner of physical labor. And so we come now to the question, When did the sabbath begin? The first mention of the word "sabbath" is found in Exodus 16:23, in connection with the giving of the manna. It is definitely given as the fourth commandment in Exodus 20:8-11.

The sabbath was a commandment given by the Lord God Himself, and ordained in the beginning of Israel's history, as binding upon them during their entire national existence.

It was to be the seventh day of the week.

It was to be a day of absolute rest.

It was to begin at sundown, and end at sundown on the following day.

It was to be binding upon everybody in the nation of Israel, even including the animals.

It was addressed to Israel, only after their deliverance from the land of Egypt.

Now the simple answer to the question, When was the sabbath changed to the first day of the week? is simply this: The sabbath never has been changed at all by Almighty God. It still is and remains the seventh day of the week, and calling any other day the sabbath is completely without Scriptural proof, and the result of a confusion concerning the Christian's place under the grace of God, and his relationship to the law. The only one who can change the sabbath is the One who gave it, even Jehovah. The first day of the week therefore cannot be the sabbath day. Calling it a sabbath, or a Christian sabbath, does not of necessity make it so. The Scriptural evidence shows that the sabbath still remains the seventh day of the week, corresponding to our Saturday, and so the Christian does not observe a sabbath at all when he observes it on the first day of the week. Remember also that it must be from sundown to sundown, and unless the details are observed, then there is no use in observing the day. If the day has been carried over from the seventh to the first, then, of course, all of the requirements and legal restrictions and limitations of the sabbath day as they appear in the Old Testament, would have to apply to our first-day sabbath. It would mean that no work of any kind was to be performed in any manner from sundown Saturday to sundown Sunday, by either man or beast, and of course, in this highly technological age in which we are living, such an arrangement would disrupt the entire economy of the nation, and of the world. To apply all the legal restrictions and laws governing the Old Testament sabbath to the world today, would make everyone in the world a sabbath breaker, and since the penalty of a broken law was death, it would mean that all of us would be under the sentence of death, and no one could possibly be saved.

The issue therefore becomes very simple. It is not a matter of the sabbath at all, but is a question of law or grace. If we are under the law, then by all means we are bound to keep the sabbath as the seventh day of the week, but we must be sure that we keep all of its restrictions and commandments. If, however, we are under grace, we have no sabbath by way of commandment; but under the grace of God, we count every day sacred as Lord's day. The first day is a special memorial after the custom and example (not the commandment) of the early church, but merely as precedent and example. It is a memorial feast, a privilege to assemble with God's people, remember His death, study His Word, engage in prayer and receive courage, strength and power to make the other six days all day long, to His praise and glory, an dedicated to His service.

If we are under the law, then of course we are under the entire law. If we are under grace alone then we can be saved because grace excludes the law. Romans 3:28. If we are still under the sabbath then we are under the entire law and cannot be saved. No one has ever been saved by the law. Galatians 2:16. If we are under grace we are saved apart from the law.  By studying carefully the Book of Acts, we find that the Believers invariably met on the first day and never once on the seventh day. Their weekly day of worship was always the first day. In Acts 20, verse 7, we read a conclusive statement, which alone, and standing by itself, without any other support, should establish the fact that the first day was the customary day of assembling of Believers.

"And upon the FIRST DAY of the week, when the disciples came to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight." Acts 20:7

Notice very carefully these clear statements:

1. It was the custom of the disciples to gather together on the first day of the week.

2. It was the occasion for the breaking of bread and the remembering of the Lord.

3. It was the day on which they gathered for their preaching services.

Now these three things are perfectly evident to anyone who is willing to read the verse carefully. In complete harmony with this is Paul's admonition to the Corinthian Believers.

"Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." I Cor. 16:1-2

If we are under the law, then we are also under the law of the sabbath. If the Believer is under the law in any sense, then the seventh day sabbath is binding on him, and vice versa. If the sabbath is for the Christian, then he is also a debtor to do the whole law. We may not, we dare not, and we shall not lift the fourth commandment out of the tables of the entire body of the law. They are one. We do not read of the "laws" of God, but the "law" of God. If any part of the law is for us, then all of the law is for us, and he that offends in one point is guilty of all. It is impossible to break one commandment, and not break the entire law, for it is a unity as given by Almighty God. And so the issue is one of law or grace, and not a question of the sabbath day at all. Look up James 2:10. Breaking the law in one point makes you guilty of breaking all the law.  The Scofield reference Bible has an excellent footnote on the sabbath which summarizes what we have said. This note is invaluable in the study of the sabbath question. Please read this Scofield note very carefully.

The sabbath ("cessation") appears in Scripture as the day of God's rest in the finished work of creation (Gen. 2. 2, 3). For 2500 years of human life absolutely no mention is made of it. Then the sabbath was revealed (Ex. 16.23; Neh. 9. 13, 14); made a part of the law (Ex. 20. 8-11); and invested with the character of a "sign" between Jehovah and Israel, and a perpetual reminder to Israel of their separation to God (Ex. 31. 13-17). It was observed by complete rest (Ex. 35.2,3), and by Jehovah's express order a man was put to death for gathering sticks on the sabbath day (Num. 15. 32-36). Apart from maintaining the continued burnt-offering (Num. 28. g) ,and its connection with the annual feasts (Ex. 12. 16; Lev. 23. 3,8; Num. 28. 25), the seventh-day sabbath was never made a day of sacrifice, worship, or any manner of religious service. It was simply and only a day of complete rest for man and beast, a humane provision for man's needs. In Christ's words, "The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath" '(Mk. 2. 27). Our Lord found the observance of the day encrusted with rabbinical evasions (Mt. 12. 2) and restrictions, wholly unknown to the law, so that He was Himself held to be a sabbath-breaker by the religious authorities of the time. The sabbath will be again observed during the kingdom-age (Isa. 66. 23).  The Christian first day perpetuates in the dispensation of grace the principle that one-seventh of the time is especially sacred, but in all other respects is in contrast with the sabbath. One is the seventh day, the other the first.  The sabbath commemorates God's creation rest, the first day Christ's resurrection. On the seventh day God rested, on the first day Christ was ceaselessly active. The sabbath commemorates a finished creation, the first day a finished redemption. The sabbath was a day of legal obligation, the first day one of voluntary worship and service. The sabbath is mentioned in Acts only in connection with the Jews, and in the rest of the New Testament but twice (Col. 2. 16; Heb. 4. 4). In these passages the seventh-day sabbath is explained to be to the Christian not a day to be observed, but a type of the present rest into which he enters when "he also ceases from his own works" and trusts Christ. [Scofield reference Bible Note on Matthew 12:1]

Remember that a person is saved by faith alone in Christ alone. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31.

EASY BELIEVISM

by Dr. Hank Lindstrom

     What is "Easy Believism"?  Usually the phrase "easy-believism" is a slam against those who teach that salvation is not by human works, but by faith in Jesus Christ alone.  It is clear from the Scriptures that salvation is received by faith only in the finished work of Jesus Christ.  "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8,9)."

     "Easy Believism" is a way of saying that salvation by faith in Jesus Christ alone is just too easy.  "It is too simple," they say.  Those who use the phrase "easy believism" are saying that there must be more to salvation than just faith in Jesus Christ.

     The Bible tells us that Satan uses the fact that the Gospel message is so simple to deceive people.  II Corinthians 11:3 says, "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."  One of the most common objections to the true gospel message is that "it is too simple".

     Satan changes the true gospel into a counterfeit message by addition and subtraction.  In other words, Satan adds human works or effort to the plan of salvation in order to make the message of none effect (I Corinthians 1:17).  Satan used phrases like "easy believism" and "it is too simple" to ridicule the true message of faith only (Romans 3:28).

     To not believe the record as God gave it makes it null and void. "He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son (I John 5:10)."  To add one human work to the plan of salvation would place a person before God without grace.  Romans 11:6 says, "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.  But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work."

     When we talk about believing, we are not talking about mental assent to a historical fact.  We are talking about a personal trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as the One who gave His life on the cross of Calvary, was buried and then rose again from the dead.  The word "believe" comes from the Greek word "pisteuo", which means to trust, to rely upon, to place one's weight upon, etc.  When a person puts his trust in Jesus Christ alone as his Saviour, he is saved.

     Christ died-that is history.  Christ died for me-that is salvation.  The fact that Jesus Christ died is a historical fact.  Accepting that truth about Jesus Christ's death as a historical fact does not save.  But the personal acceptance of Jesus Christ as a risen Saviour, who died for me does save.

     This conflict over grace vs. works has been going on ever since Cain and Abel.  Even the apostle Paul was slandered when he preached the gospel of the grace of God.  Romans 3:8 says, "And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just."  Some people were affirming that the apostle Paul taught that salvation by faith only was a license to sin.  "Let us do evil, that good may come (Romans 3:8)."

     We have now seen the two major objections to the true gospel.  1) "It is too simple", and 2) "easy believism" means that I could live as I please and still go to heaven.

     Amazingly, when a person is saved, he is saved forever and cannot be lost.  Jesus Christ gave His word in John 6:37 and 39, that "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.  And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day."  If one person were ever lost that was ever saved, then Jesus Christ would be a liar (John 6:39).

     Therefore, it is true that no matter what a person does after he is saved that person is still saved.  What the person can lose by living as he pleases is not his salvation, but rewards, joy, fellowship, power, testimony, etc.  The things related to the Christian life and eternal rewards can be lost but not one's salvation.  This can also include the Lord taking a Christian home to heaven early.  Many of the Corinthian believers were taken home to heaven early according to I Corinthians 11:30 which says, "For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep."  Also, I Corinthians 10:8 tells of 23,000 that the Lord took home to heaven in one day.  It is clear that there are numerous illustrations throughout the Bible that God sometimes will take a Christian home before his time.  God will not cast the delinquent Christian out, but God might take him home to heaven early.

     Concerning the saved, God says in I Corinthians 11:32, "When we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world."  God deals with His children as a loving father would correct his erring child.  God is interested in our welfare and wishes for us to live a life that He can bless and reward.  (See Hebrews 12:6-11).

     So the Christian does not have a license to sin when he accepts Jesus Christ as his Saviour, even though the person is saved eternally and cannot be lost.  Again, salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ alone.  Romans 4:5 says, "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."

     To add works to the plan of salvation would be heresy and would mean no salvation at all. Ephesians 2:8,9 says "For grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."  I would hate to stand before God having no grace (mercy).  To anyone who adds works to God's grace, they will have no grace (mercy) according to Ephesians 2:8,9.

     In conclusion, those who say "easy-believism" are rejecting the true gospel of grace (Ephesians 2:8,9), by saying "it is too simple" and "it is a license to sin".  Remember the true gospel is simple (II Corinthians 11:3), and God corrects (chastens) those that are truly saved (Hebrew 12:6).

     We pray that you can say as the Apostle Paul said, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Roman 1:16)."

GALATIANS

 by Dr. Hank Lindstrom

There were three errors concerning LAW and GRACE during the time of the writing of the New Testament.  They are errors which have continued until this day even though the truth is so clearly taught in the Scriptures.  These errors are:

1. LEGALISM-It is the teaching that we are saved by works, by observing rituals and ceremonies, and by keeping the Law.  One entire book of the New Testament is devoted to an answer to this soul-damning error.  It is the Epistle to the Romans.  It can be summed up in Romans 3:28.  "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."

2. ANTI-NOMIANISM-The second error is anti-nomianism.  It teaches that because we are saved by grace, it makes no difference how we live and behave.  One book of the New Testament is devoted to answering this satanic error.  It is the Book of James.  It may well be summed up in James 1:2.  "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

3. GALATIANISM-This is the false doctrine which teaches that we are saved by grace, and then after that we are KEPT by the Law, making our ultimate salvation dependent upon OUR WORKS instead of the GRACE OF GOD.  To combat this error, the Holy Spirit chose Paul to write the Epistle to the Galatians.  It is the strongest argument that we are SAVED, KEPT, AND FINALLY REDEEMED BY GRACE, without the works of the Law.  It is summed up in Galatians 5:1.  "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

Salvation is not a matter of Law and Grace, but it is a matter of Law or Grace; for it cannot be both.

"And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." Romans 11:16

And what was the GOSPEL Paul preached?  It was the message of GRACE.  The test of the Gospel is GRACE.  I want you to know that if the message you hear is the Gospel, ask only one question, "Is it the message of grace, and only grace, with nothing added?"  Yes, the test of the Gospel is grace.  If the message excludes grace, or mingles the law with grace as the means of either justification or sanctification, it is another gospel.  Paul sums it all up in Galatians 2:21, " I do not frustrate the grace of God; for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."

What a terrible thing to say that our righteousness can be gained by works or lawkeeping.  It accuses God of needlessly letting His Son be murdered without reason.  The believer saved by the grace of God renounces all legal claims to the mercy of God, but accepts everything as a GIFT.  If you work for a thing, then you earn it.  If God saves you because of anything you DO, then God is indebted to you.  Notice in Romans 4:4, "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt."

If you can work for, or earn, your own salvation, or work to keep it, then God owes you salvation as wages, and you don't have to thank Him for it, because you have earned it, and God owes it to you. Don't you see why God will not allow any man to work his way into Heaven?  God does not 'Give us a start for Heaven by grace', and then say, "Now keep going on your own power."  That would give us something to crow about, saying, "Yes, God saved me, but I got here by hanging on."

Grace is the death of pride.  It slays all self-exaltation.  Nothing will humble a person like the grace of God, and when I see a proud Christian, I know he does not fully understand God's grace.  There will be no bragging or strutting in Heaven.  If the Lord would let you have anything to do with your salvation, you would be the biggest bore in Heaven.  You would be a pest in boasting.  Heaven would never hear the last of it.  You would never get through telling about it.  That is the reason, says Paul, why it is "NOT OF WORKS-LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST."  "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8,9)."

GETTING YOUR CROWN

by Dr. Hank Lindstrom

     The word "crown" in the Old Testament is a translation of two Greek words.  The two Greek words are "diadema" and "stephanos".  They are both translated in our New Testament by the same word "crown", but their usage is different.  W.E. Raffety, in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, summarizes the uses of the crowns throughout the whole Bible as follows:  "There are five uses of the crown as seen in Scripture references studied, viz. decoration, consecration, coronation, exaltation, and remuneration."  Coming back to the two Greek words for crown, "diadema" and "stephanos", we find that "diadema", translated in the revised version more accurately "diadem: is symbolic of sovereignty and power, and is used exclusively for denoting honor and exaltation.  'Stephanos' is different in appearance and not so limited in its usage.  It is a garland or wreath twisted out of leaves, pine-shoots, or olive branches, or even an assorted growth of the field.  A garland weaved this way made the symbol more noticeable, more intricate, and more meaningful than if it were wreathed out of plain fillet, such as gold.  Figuratively this crown (stephanos) is used in Scripture largely in the realm of remuneration, as a reward for the approved Christian life and service."

     The five crowns that can be earned as rewards by the Christian for faithful service are all described by the Greek word "stephanos".  The "stephanos" of rejoicing (I Thessalonians 2:19), the "stephanos" of righteousness (II Timothy 4:8), the "stephanos" of glory (I Peter 5:4), the "stephanos" of life (James 1:12), and the "stephanos" of incorruptible (I Corinthians 9:25).

      Salvation is received strictly as a gift from God.  Eternal life in heaven is a gift, but the rewards are earned.  The reward is not for being on the Foundation of Christ (I Corinthians 3:11-15), but for what is built thereon.  Notice Dr. C.I. Scofield's distinction:  "Salvation is a present possession (Luke 7:50; John 3:36; 6:47), while rewards are a future attainment, to be given at the coming of the Lord (Matthew 16:27; II Timothy 4:8; Revelation 22:12)." 

     Do not confuse salvation and rewards.  They are two distinct things.  Forgiveness of sins, salvation and eternal life can never be earned by any of our works.  They are the undeserved, unmerited gift of God to all who definitely accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their only hope for reaching heaven (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 4:5; Titus 3:5).

     We can be assured that the rewards that God offers to the saved for faithful service, will be valuable, and therefore, well worth striving for with all our might.  Moses esteemed the rewards "greater riches than the treasures in Egypt" (Hebrews 11:24-26).

Here is a list of the five crowns:

1. THE INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN: (I Corinthians 9:25).  This will be given to those who "keep under the body and bring it into subjection", running the race faithfully.

2. THE CROWN OF REJOICING: (I Thessalonians. 2:19).  This is the soul-winner's crown.

3. THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: (II Timothy 4:8).  This crown will be given for those who love His appearing and who live their lives anticipating Christ's soon return.

4. THE CROWN OF GLORY: (I Peter 5:4).  This crown is for faithful teaching of the Word of God.  This will be given to those instructing others in God's Word.

5. THE CROWN OF LIFE: (Revelation 2:10).  This is sometimes termed the "martyr's crown".  It is for those who suffer for the cause of Christ.  This crown, like the others, is given personally by Christ.  "I will give."

     In contrast to these five crowns given out by the Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul makes mention of the corruptible crowns that the world (ruled by Satan) offers.  Unfortunately, most people seem to make the "corruptible crown" the object of their ambitions.
Worldly crowns are indeed "corruptible" and will not last.  Here are some:

1. THE CROWN OF FAME: There are those that are possessed with a craving to be recognized, to be esteemed, to be influential, to be remembered.

2. THE CROWN OF WEALTH: Many are seeking after the crown of wealth and money as their chief concern in life.  And we could go on and on.

     I suppose that the corruptible crowns could be summarized in I John 2:16-17.  "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father, but is of the world.  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever."

     Jesus said, "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20)."  As a believer in Jesus Christ knowing that you will go to heaven according to His promise (John 6:47), are you actively seeking after the crowns which are "incorruptible" (will never pass away).  Do you consider yourself WISE AND YET ARE QUITE FOOLISH because, you are not laboring for the rewards that are eternal?  Have you done anything worthy of remuneration from the Lord Jesus Christ?

      There is no better time than NOW to make a DECISION to start WITNESSING and LIVING for Christ.  Remember, salvation is received by faith and is a present possession.  Rewards are a future attainment based on your works.

GIVING

 by Dr. Hank Lindstrom

     True Biblical giving from the heart to the Lord.  The Lord himself illustrates this kind of giving.  "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16)."  God displayed His love toward us by giving Jesus to die on the cross for our sins.  Nowhere do we ever find in Scriptures that we must give anything in order to be saved.  Salvation is given by God and received by us through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

"Herein is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."  I John 4:10.

     Giving, therefore is a way of physically demonstrating our love to the Lord.  It is "The proof of your love" according to II Corinthians 8:24.  Also, it is a way "to prove the sincerity of your love" as II Corinthians 8:8 tells us.

     Under the Old Testament law the believer was obligated to practice the giving of tithes.  In the New Testament we are not under the law (see Colossians 2:14-17), but under grace.  The people under the Old Testament laws of tithing gave about 22-25% of their income.  The first tithe was 10% of everything that the people produced from the land and of animals (Leviticus 27:30-33).  There was a second tithe in Deuteronomy 12:6-7, and a third one in Deuteronomy 14:28.  The first was called the Levites tithe, the second was called the festival tithe, and the third was called the poor tithe.  The first tithe was 10% of their gross income, the second tithe was 10% of the remaining 90% (or 9%).  The third tithe was 10% of the remaining 90%, once every three years (or 3%).  Ten, nine, and three percent totals to 22%.  In addition to that, there was profit sharing on the corners of the fields (Leviticus 19:19), a temple tax (Nehemiah 10:33), and the Sabbath land rest (Exodus 23:11), when you couldn't grow any crops every seventh year.

     New Testament giving is grace giving.  Someone once asked, "Should we give less under grace that we should give under law?"  The example for grace giving is Jesus Christ, who "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich (II Corinthians 8:9)."  Notice that Jesus gave everything.  He gave His life.  We should also first give our lives for Christ's service.  "But, first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God."

     Willingness, not law, is the key to grace giving.  "If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that man hath, and not according to that he hath not (II Corinthians 8:12)."  Also, "Every man as he purposeth in his own heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver (II Corinthians 9:7)."

There are several things we can learn from the following passage, which sums up New Testament giving.

"Upon the first day of the week, let everyone of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come."  I Corinthians 16:2.

1. "Upon first day of the week."  Scriptures do not say much about what Christians should or should not do on Sunday, except that they should assemble with believers in worship (Hebrews 10:25), and do their giving (I Corinthians 16:2).  Giving should be on a regular basis.  God set aside each Sunday as that day.

2. "Let every one of you."  Every believer is to give.  Although having nothing to do with salvation, giving is something every Christian should do.

3. "As proportionate to how much God prospers you."

4. "Lay by him in store."  A percentage should be set aside from your income first, before you pay your other bills.  Then this money should not be used for any purpose except to give to the Lord.  "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase (Proverbs 3:9)."  Firstfruits speak of the first percentage of your earnings, and not what is left over.  God doesn't need our money, but God wants to use us so that He might reward and bless us.  Have you prayed about your giving lately?

     It is the giver that is blessed by the Lord for his giving.  "It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35)."  Jesus said in Luke 6:38, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure pressed down, and shaken together, and running over shall give into your bosom."  Your blessing is related to how much you give.  "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully (II Corinthians 9:6)."  A farmer who plants a small crop cannot expect a large harvest.  If you only give a little, then you can only expect a little in return.  If you give a lot, then you can expect a greater return.

     The amount you give, a little or much, is based upon how much you have to give.  According to I Corinthians 16:2, giving is to be "as God has prospered you".  If you have little, then little will be required of you.  If you have much then much will be required of you.  In the story of the widow's mite, she is said to have given more than the rich men who cast large sums of money into the treasury.  She gave all that she had.  She gave 100% whereas the rich men only gave a small percentage.  (Read Luke 21:1-4).

     God asks us to prove Him as to giving to see if He will bless us abundantly as a result.  "Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it (Malachi 3:10)."  Have you ever thought about testing God in giving.  God wants to bless you and to pour out a blessing you will not be able to contain  (Malachi 3:10).  Why not take God at His Word and give?

     Our giving to see that souls are won to the Lord and that fruit is gathered with eternal life (John 4:36) will mean fruit (souls) will be added to our account in heaven.  "Not because I desire a gift; but I desire fruit that may abound to your account (Philippians 4:17)."  Souls won to the Lord indirectly through your giving will be added to your account in heaven.  Isn't that great!


THE PERSON WHO DOESN'T GIVE CHEATS HIMSELF OF HEAVEN'S BLESSINGS.

GIVING LIKE CHRIST

 by Dr. Hank Lindstrom

     True Biblical giving is giving from the heart to the Lord.  The Lord Himself illustrates this kind of giving.  "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16)."  God displayed His love toward us by giving Jesus to die on the cross for our sins.  "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins (I John 4:10)."  Nowhere do we ever find in Scripture that we must give anything in order to be saved.  Salvation is given by God and received by us through faith (Ephesians 2:8,9).  Jesus gave everything for us.  He gave His life!  What more could He do?  What should we do in response?

     Every believer owes 100% of what he is and what he has to God.  It is wrong to think that when we give a portion of what we have to the Lord the rest belongs to us.  It is all His; we merely use part of it for ourselves.  Everything is His.  Paul says in Acts 17:25, "He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things."  God gives our very life and breath to us.

     We must recognize that all wealth and power to get wealth are in the hand of the Lord.  God says in Deuteronomy 8:17, 18, to beware when you "say in thine heart, My power and might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.  But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is He that giveth the power to get wealth."  Our health, talents, and abilities all come from God, and He alone enables us to be able to earn a living.  "Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all (I Chronicles 29:12)."  Even our bodies do not belong to us as a Christian.  "What?  Know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own (I Corinthians 6:19)."  Both our bodies and our spirits belong to God.  "For you are bought with a price:  therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's (I Corinthians 6:20)."

     Every believer owes 100% of what he is and what he has to God.

     Every believer is responsible to give a portion of what he has to the Lord.  Every believer is going to be held accountable at the Judgement Seat of Christ where all believers' works will be judged for how he gave.  Romans 14:12 says, "So then everyone of us shall give account of himself to God."

     God calls the man who does not give to the Lord a fool.  In the parable of the rich fool, Jesus tells about a man who saved up all his earthly goods for himself.  God calls that man into account.  God says unto him, "Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?  So is he that layeth up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God (Luke 12:20)."

     Everyone who does not give to the Lord is a fool according to Jesus (Luke 14:16-21).

     Giving is a command.  "Give, and is shall be given unto you (Luke 6:38)."

     No gift, however small or seemingly insignificant, will go unnoticed or unrewarded.  "And he looked up and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.  And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.  And he said, of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God:  but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had (Luke 21:1-4)."

     If you are a member of the local church, you should do your giving through the church where you have joined (I Corinthians 16:1,2).  Here is where you have made a vow by virtue of the fact that you have united with other believers in a local assembly for the work of the Lord.  "When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.  Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay (Ecclesiastes 5:4,5)."  When you unite in membership with other believers you are committing yourself to an equal share of the financial burden and work load.  To not give is to rob God and to rob those fellow believers of your portion of the responsibility.

     "Will a man rob God?  Yet you have robbed me.  But you say, Wherein have we robbed thee?  In tithes and offerings.  You are cursed with a curse: for you have robbed me, even this whole nation (Malachi 3:8,9)."

     "Give and it shall be given unto you (Luke 6:38)."

     "Now consider this, you that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver."  This stern warning is given in a chapter on giving (Psalms 50:22).  God says, "Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.  Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High (Psalms 50:5,14)."  In verses 9-12 of chapter 50, God reminds us that everything is His so that when we give we are really giving back to Him what is rightfully His to begin with.

     Giving to the Lord is to come first.  First means before you pay all your other bills.  This principle is taught in the Old and New Testaments alike.  "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase; So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine (Proverbs 3:9,10)."

     Again the principle, "Give, and it shall be given unto you (Luke 6:38)."  Set aside first a portion for God before you meet any other obligations.

     To be saved we simply receive.  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16)."

     If you are a believer and on your way to heaven, are you laying up for yourself treasure in heaven through giving?  Are you rich toward God (Luke 12:21)?

     II Corinthians 9:7 says, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

     God will bless you as you give to Him!

     God wants us to be mindful of heavenly things!  He wants us to make investments in heavenly things.  The Lord knows "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:21)."  The Bible refers to treasures on earth and treasures in heaven.  Treasures on the earth are temporary in nature, hard to come by, and easily lost.  Treasures in heaven are permanent in nature, and cannot be lost or stolen.  Jesus said, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal (Matthew 6:19,20)."  When we die, we can't take our earthly treasures with us.  It is impossible!

     "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out (I Timothy 6:7)."  But we can send treasures on ahead to heaven.  "Sell that ye have, and give alms, provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not (Luke 12:33)."  We are admonished in Colossians 3:2 to "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."  And again in I Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

     Moses recognized the importance of heavenly treasure vs. earthly treasure and chose to serve the Lord as a result.  Hebrews 11:26 tells us, "Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward."  Moses had the opportunity for more earthly treasure than perhaps any man who has lived on earth, yet he saw greater riches in serving the Lord Jesus Christ.  Salvation is the free gift of God to us through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9).  Service to the Lord involves labour and brings about eternal treasures.  Where is your treasure today?

GOOD FRIDAY?

 by Dr. Hank Lindstrom

     Have you ever wondered how Jesus Christ could be crucified on Friday and be resurrected on Sunday after being buried for three days?  Well, that's impossible!  You cannot squeeze three days between Friday and Sunday.  By no stretch of the imagination is it possible to stretch the period from Friday evening to Sunday morning into "three days and three nights".

    We believe that Jesus Christ died on a Wednesday.  We do not believe that Jesus died on Friday.  Let's turn to Matthew 12:40, and notice Christ's own prophecy pertaining to His death, burial, and resurrection.  "For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth (Matthew 12:40)."  "Three days and three nights" means seventy-two hours.  Jesus defined the length of a day in John 11:9.  Our Lord said, "Are there not twelve hours in a day?"  Well, if there are twelve hours in a day, then there are twelve hours in a night.  And therefore, three days and three nights would be 72 hours.  Anything less than 72 hours would not fulfill the prophecy of Jonah or the words of Jesus Christ.

     Perhaps you're wondering why the vast majority of Christians accept the Friday-to-Sunday burial of Christ if it is wrong?  The only answer that can be given is tradition.  "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ (Colossians 2:8)."  This is a tradition not taught in the Bible.  Ash Wednesday and Lent also are not in the Bible.  Even the word Easter is pagan, and it is not found in the Bible.  In the King James Version the word "Easter" does occur in Acts 12:4, but is a mistranslation.  The word Easter comes from the word Ish-tar and is the same as Astaroth, a pagan deity.  We celebrate the resurrection of Christ again from the dead.

     In order to explain the Good Friday tradition, the proponents say that Christ was buried during parts of three days and nights.  That is Christ was buried for part of Friday, part of Saturday, and a part of Sunday.

     Sometimes people ask, "Didn't the Jews count part of a day a whole day or part of a night as a whole night?"  Whenever you have the expression "day and night" mentioned together in the Hebrew Scriptures, it always means a full day and a full night.  For example, "And the evening and the morning were the first day (Genesis 1:8)"; "And the evening and morning were the second day (Genesis 1:13)"; "And the evening and morning were the third day (Genesis 1:13)"; and so on.  Other examples are Esther 4:16; 5:1; II Samuel 30:12-13 and Jonah 1:17, where you will find the expression "three days and three nights," and in every instance it means full days and full nights--not part of a day and part of a night.

     Let's see what the scriptures teach us as we look at an example in the life of Christ.  The Scripture says, "And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered (Matthew 4:2)."  Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights.  If we say, as some do, that "three days and three nights" does not mean "three days and three nights", then we must also say that "forty days and forty nights" does not mean "forty days and forty nights".  Where do we stop?  Do we say that we really can't be sure about anything?  Of course not!  We believe the Bible to be literal.

     Part of the confusion has come from verses like John 19:31.  This verse says, "The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath day (for that Sabbath day was an high day), besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away."  The Sabbath in John 19:31 is not the regular Saturday Sabbath.  It was the Passover Sabbath, which occurred on Thursday of the crucifixion week.  Note that John 19:31 says, "For that Sabbath day was an high day."  If it were talking of the Saturday Sabbath, then Christ would have been crucified on Friday.  All the feast days God gave to Israel were considered Sabbaths though they did not fall on Saturday.  Jesus was crucified on the preparation (Wednesday) of the Sabbath (Passover Sabbath) which was Thursday.

     Now at what time of the day did Jesus die?  It was around three in the afternoon on Wednesday.  "And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.  And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: And having said thus, he gave up the ghost (Luke 23:44-46)."  When it says the ninth hour, it means the ninth hour since the break of day.  In other words, it was three o'clock in the afternoon.  Jesus was taken away from the cross and hurriedly buried the same afternoon before sundown or 6:00 P.M.

     Now remember that the Jewish day always begins at sundown or at about 6:00 P.M.  Our day begins at midnight, but the Jewish day began at sunset.  In Leviticus 23:32, the Lord said, "From even unto even shall ye celebrate your sabbath.

     If you count 72 hours from late Wednesday afternoon at around 6:00 P.M., then Jesus would have been in the tomb until late Saturday afternoon at around 6:00 P.M.

     So, a Sunday morning resurrection is not what the Bible teaches.  We believe that Jesus was resurrected on Saturday evening at about 6:00 P.M.  Jesus was placed in the tomb at around 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday.  Seventy-two hours later would be at around 6:00 P.M. on Saturday, exactly when the first day began (Sunday).

     When the women arrived at the tomb early Sunday morning, Jesus was already gone.  The Gospel is summed up in I Corinthians 15:3-4, "...Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures."  Those who arrived early Sunday morning simply discovered an empty tomb.  The angel said, "He is not here, for He is risen (Luke 24:6)."

     One objection to a Wednesday crucifixion is found in Luke 24:21, which says, "But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, today is the third day since these things were done."  This conversation takes place on Sunday, the day of resurrection.  The answer is found in the word "since."  Counting from this verse, Sunday is the third day, Saturday the second day, Friday is the first day SINCE the Passover.  The Thursday Passover (Jewish reckoning) had its night on what we would call Wednesday night and twilight of that night, meaning between 3:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M., is when Christ was crucified.  The twilight of Thursday afternoon would have counted as the twilight of Friday night which began at 6:00 P.M. by Jewish reckoning.  So we see there is no conflict.

     The real issue is not really what day was Christ crucified on, but the need to be careful Bible students, lest we miss what the Bible teaches about how to be saved.  We know that nothing could wash away our sins but the blood of Jesus Christ.  If you have not trusted Jesus Christ and His shed blood as your only means of reaching heaven, then do so now.

GOSPEL CAUSES DIVISION

 by Dr. Hank Lindstrom

     "And I will put a division between my people and thy people (Exodus 8:23)."  Even from the very early pages of the Bible we find that there is a division between the people of God and the unsaved.

     Abraham, who trusted in the Lord as his Saviour, was asked to separate himself from his family and nation (Genesis 12:1-3).  Believers, by virtue of the fact that they are saved and are going to heaven, are separated from those unbelievers who are lost and going to hell.  Also, believers, in their Christian walk and life style, are to separate themselves from the unsaved.  II Corinthians 6:17 says, "Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate."

     Amazing as it may sound, Jesus tells us in the Bible that the message that He brought to the earth would cause division.  We should not be surprised, therefore, because the Lord Jesus Christ has told us so.  Let us look at what Jesus said in Luke 12:51-52, "Suppose you that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.  The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother-in-law against the daughter-in-law, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law (Luke 12:51-53)."

     Wherever Jesus went, his message caused division and persecution.  In John 7:40-43 we read, "Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.  Others said, This is the Christ.  But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?  Hath not the Scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?  So there was a division among the people because of him."  Also we read in John 9:16, "And there was a division among them."   And again in John 10:19 we read, "There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.  And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?"

     Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven as He plainly stated in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

     The message of the gospel is the power of God unto salvation.  Paul tells us in Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."  The gospel is like a two-edged sword.  For those who believe the gospel, they will be saved.  For those who reject the gospel, they will be lost.  John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  For those who believe, they will have everlasting life.  For those who reject Christ, they will perish.  So as we have seen the message divides.  It divides between the saved and the lost; those that are going to heaven, from those that are going to hell; those who have life, from those who do not have life.

     I John 5:12 says, "He that hath the Son hath life, and He that hath not the Son of God hath not life."

     Jesus told His disciples, "Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you! (Luke 6:26)."  We should not be surprised at the mixed reactions to the message of life and death.  The Apostle Paul says, "For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life.  And who is sufficient for these things (II Corinthians 2:15-16)?

     The Gospel message not only separates the lost from the saved, but also, sometimes, the saved from the unsaved:

1) The gospel divides the world into two groups: the saved and the lost.
2) The gospel also divides the Christians into two groups: those who will be faithful in the command to evangelize and those who oppose evangelization.

     As believers, we are told that we "shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the Word of Life (Philippians 2:15-16)."

     After Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, a picture of the redemption or salvation of the nation, Moses had to ask this redeemed nation, "Who is on the LORD'S side?  Let him come unto me (Exodus 32:36)."  I believe the question still must be asked today of those who know the Lord as their Saviour.  Jesus Christ has commanded us to carry His message to a lost and dying world.  The Great Commission is "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15)."  Many believers want the benefits of the cross, but not the offence of the cross.

     "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God (Philippians 1:27-28)."

     There is a division between those that preach the true gospel and those that preach a perverted or distorted gospel.  The subtlety in this is that it often times sounds like the true gospel but is not.  The test of the true gospel is grace.  If the message excludes grace or mingles works with grace as the means either of justification or sanctification, it is "another" gospel, and the preacher of it is under the anathema (curse) of God.  The Scriptures clearly say in Galatians 1:8-9, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  As we said before, so say I again.  If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."  Therefore, the message that is perverted or distorted is accursed of God, and the one preaching that message is accursed of God.  Usually, those who have been taught a false gospel will persecute those that teach the pure gospel.  The Apostle Paul explained this in Galatians 5:11, "And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution?  Then is the offence of the cross ceased."  Paul says that the true message of the gospel of salvation apart from human works will bring about persecution, but to mingle works with the true gospel takes away the offense of the cross.  Therefore, we are urged in Scripture to stand on the Lord's side and separate ourselves from those that distort His word and change His message.

     Are you a believer?  If not, then trust Christ as your Saviour now, and He will give you eternal life.  As a believer, are you on the Lord's side?  If not, then align yourself with the precious message of the Lord Jesus Christ.  God will bless you for it.

HE WHICH IS FILTHY

 by Hank Lindstrom

"He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still."  Revelation 22:11.

     This verse appears to be difficult and is confusing to most people who read it.  Many times even the commentaries will skip this verse or say very little about it in their explanations.

     First, we need to realize that this verse is dealing with the time after the great white throne judgement.  At the great white throne judgement in Revelation 20:11-15 all of the unsaved dead are cast into hell, the eternal lake of fire.  Satan, the antichrist, the false prophet, Satan's angels, and all of the unsaved of human kind are cast into the lake of fire.  Also, it is at this time when the earth is destroyed and there is a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21).  Revelation 22:11 is a clear affirmation as to the condition of men in the future state.  Therefore at the end of the book of Revelation, God makes a statement concerning the finality of the future state of the saved and the lost.

     Let's define some terms.  The unjust are the unsaved.  Dr. C.I. Scofield says, "Justification originates in grace; is through the redemptive and propitiatory work of Christ, who has vindicated the law; is by faith, not of works and may be defined as the judicial act of God whereby he justly declares righteous one who believes on Jesus Christ.  It is the Judge Himself who thus declares.  The justified believer has been in court, only to learn that nothing is laid to his charge."  Every unbeliever therefore is declared by God to be unjust.

     Who are the filthy?  Again the unsaved are described as the filthy.  Psalms 14:3 says, "They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one."  The best works or deed that man can offer God are filthy.  Notice Isaiah 64:6 says, "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags: and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away."

     Not just our sins, but our most righteous deeds are filthy in the sight of God.  In the book of Zechariah we have an interesting illustration of salvation.  "Now Joshua was clothed in filthy garments, and stood before the angel.  And unto him he said, Behold I have caused their iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment (Zechariah 3:3,4)."  Joshua the high priest in this passage represents all of the lost as they are seen in their own righteousness, which is represented by the filthy garments.  But then He says, "I have caused their iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment."  This is what happens when one is saved.  Isaiah speaks of a garment of salvation.  Isaiah 61:10 says, "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the robe of righteousness."

     The filthy person is the one who stands before God in his own righteousness.  That is why God says in Titus 3:5, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost."

     Usually we think of the wicked as being terrible criminals who are locked up in some penitentiary.  But the Bible uses the term wicked to describe the moral churchgoer who stands before God in his own righteousness.  The Bible says, "God is angry with the wicked everyday (Psalms 7:11)."

     To get right with God a person must become as righteous as God.  Romans 3:10 says, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one."  Dr. C.I. Scofield says, "The righteousness of God is neither an attribute of God, nor the changed character of the believer, but Christ Himself, who fully met in our stead and behalf every demand of the Law, and who is, by the art of God called imputation, "made unto us...righteousness" (I Corinthians 1:30).  The believer in Christ is now, by grace, shrouded under so complete and blessed a righteousness that the law from Mt. Sinai can find neither fault nor discrimination therein.  That is that which is called the righteousness of God by faith."

     We have a clear warning to the believer in Revelation 22:11 that there is no changing of their status for all eternity.  There is no change beyond the grave.  The lost should solemnly consider the warning now to flee from the wrath to come by putting their trust in Jesus Christ to save them.

     God pronounces, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he that which is filthy, let him be filthy still (Revelation 22:11)."  What a solemn warning to the lost this is.  But to the saved, God pronounces, "...and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still."  What a blessing!  Nothing will be able to change or effect the salvation of the saved for all eternity.  We can rest upon God's promise!

     A person must be perfect to enter heaven.  Just one lie (Revelation 21:27) would be enough to keep someone out of heaven.  The Lord Jesus Christ, in order to pay our sin debt, had to be completely sinless.  I Peter 1:19 declared, "But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."  We are redeemed by a sinless Saviour who took our place on the cross of Calvary.

     After the 1,000-year rule of Jesus Christ on earth, the earth will be destroyed and a new earth will be created.  Satan, his angels, and all the lost will be cast into hell forever.  The saved will be forever with the Lord.  The lost will remain lost for eternity and the saved will remain saved for all eternity.  The only period of time when a person has the choice to accept or reject Christ is while they are living.  Once a person dies, it is forever too late!

     If you have never trusted Jesus Christ as Saviour, please don't wait until it is too late for you!  Trust Christ today.

HEBREWS 10:26

 by Dr. Hank Lindstrom

     The apostle Peter tells us that there are some passages in the writings of the apostle Paul that are difficult to understand and that some persons would wrestle with these passages unto their own destruction.  "As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction (II Peter 3:16)."  Peter continues to say, "Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness  (II Peter 3:17)."

     Now we know that a believer in Jesus Christ can't be lost.  Jesus said, "He that believeth on me hath (has) everlasting life  (John 6:47)."  And again, "...him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out (John 6:37)."  "And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day  (John 6:39)."  But a believer can fall from his steadfastness as to his service for Jesus Christ.

One of the verses that causes a great deal of confusion is the following:

"For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins."  Hebrews 10:26.

     Since the writer of Hebrews includes himself in the group he is addressing in the "we" of the verse, we know that the verse is addressed to Christians.  What the verse is saying is that even if we sin willfully as Christians, we are still saved.  There is "no more sacrifice" or no additional sacrifice available or necessary than the one-time sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary.

     Notice Hebrews 10:10-19.  Verse 10 says, "By the which will we are sanctified (made pure and holy) through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."   Verse 12 says, "But this man (Jesus Christ), after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God."  Verse 14 says, "For by one offering he (Jesus Christ) hath (has) perfected forever them that are sanctified (made pure and holy)."  By the way, if you were "perfected forever," could you be certain of eternal life?  The answer would obviously be, "YES"!  Verses 17 and 18 say, "And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.  Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering (no additional offering or sacrifice) for sin."  If you will connect the "no more offering" of verse 18 with the "no more sacrifice" of verse 26, you have the answer.  That is, God forgives all of our sin (past, present, future) on the basis of Christ's death on the cross of Calvary.  We need do nothing else to be saved.

     As the hymn writer said, "What can wash away my sin?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus."  Even if we sin willfully, we are still saved.  Even if we sin willfully, "What can wash away my sin?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus," is the one and only answer.

     If any one saved person were ever lost, then Jesus Christ would be a liar, because He said in John 6:39 that He would not lose one.  If just one person in all of history were lost, then Jesus Christ would be a liar.

     Praise the Lord that Jesus Christ is a Savior who will deliver on what He has promised.  "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath (possesses now) everlasting life (John 6:47)."  Jesus Christ promises eternal life as a present possession to all those who believe (trust) in Him.

     The heart of all the misunderstanding concerning this subject is the fact that human works or merit have zero to do with salvation.  Many scriptures make it clear that we are saved by faith and not by works.  For example: John 3:18; Romans 3:24-28; Romans 4:5; Ephesians 2:8-9 and so on.

     In addition to this, there are many clear scriptures which teach that anyone who is trusting in works (church membership, baptism, confirmation, living the Christian life, etc.) in addition to faith in Christ will not be saved.  (For example: Romans 11:6; Galatians 5:2-4).  Thus we are to trust in Christ only to be saved.

     The work of salvation was finished on the cross by Jesus Christ himself (Hebrews 1:3).  If we want to be saved, then we must believe that Jesus Christ finished the work of salvation on the cross, and receive it as God's free gift (Romans 6:23).

     "I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him (Ecclesiastes 3:14)."

(See also Romans 8:38-39).

     This does not mean that the Christian has a license to sin.  Hebrews Chapters 10, 11 and 12 describe reward and blessing to that Christian who serves the Lord, and chastisement, scourging, plus loss of reward in heaven to the disobedient Christian.  To the disobedient, willfully sinning Christian, Hebrews says, " ... The Lord shall judge His people.  It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God  (Hebrews 10:30-31)."

     We know that Christians can backslide, but that a Christian can never backslide into hell.  "But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul  (Hebrews 10:39)."

     A person who believes that you can lose your salvation is really trusting in works for salvation and is not saved.  "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9)."  Usually the person who says that they can lose their salvation says that you must live a consistent Christian life to keep it.  To backslide and die would mean that you would go to hell.  To say that what you do or what you don't do in your future Christian life can effect your salvation is to depend upon conduct, behavior, or works for salvation.  And we know that a person who is trusting in works for salvation is not saved.

"...But if be of works, then is it no more grace."  Romans 11:6.

     A person standing before God with no grace will go to hell.  It is no wonder that the Apostle Peter warned against the error of the wicked (unsaved) and how they would wrestle with a difficult passage to their own destruction (II Peter 3:16, 17).

     Even though there are dozens and dozens of clear verses that teach we are saved by grace through faith and eternally saved (Example: John 3:16-18), these persons will not accept plain truth but hang all their doctrine on a "passage that is hard to be understood (II Peter 3:16-17)."

"He that believeth on Him is not condemned, but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God  (John 3:18)."

     If you are a believer you ought to be serving the Lord, but even if you sin willfully, you are still saved.  God loves you that much.  His great love and faithfulness ought to constrain us to live daily for Him (II Corinthians 5:14).

HEBREWS 6:4-6

 by Dr. Hank Lindstrom

     Can a person who has been saved lose his salvation?  This question has been a perplexing one to many.  Maybe you have been questioning the genuineness of your salvation.  Are you really saved?  Are you really sure?

     Consider the alternative, that you could lose your salvation.  By virtue of the fact that you could lose it, would mean that keeping salvation would depend upon you efforts or actions.  In other words, a person who says that he can lose his salvation for whatever reason, is in reality saying that he is trusting in human works to save himself.  Look at Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace (mercy) are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast."  Salvation is not of works; therefore a person who is trusting in his works is not and will not be saved.  What are we saying?  Plainly stated: a person who says he can lose his salvation is not saved or he is thoroughly confused and lacks assurance of salvation.

     If you are not saved forever, then you are not saved. Let me say it again.  If you are not saved forever, then you are not saved.

     Have you ever noticed how Bible commentaries skip difficult passages?  It can be very frustrating because usually a person buys a commentary to help them to understand a difficult passage.  Well, Hebrews 6:4-6 falls into that category.  Many times people skip over or ignore Hebrews 6 because it is difficult to understand.

     Often Hebrews 6:4-6 is misinterpreted to teach that a saved person can be lost after they have been saved.  To teach that a saved person could be lost would mean that you would contradict many clear passages that say the exact opposite.

     A good rule to remember when interpreting difficult passages in the Bible is as follows: Whenever you have a passage that is difficult to understand you never allow it to contradict a clear passage on the subject.  In other words, you should interpret a difficult passage in the light of clear passage.

     You should never contradict a "verily, verily" verse.  For example, Jesus said in John 6:47, "Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life."  When Jesus said "verily, verily", He was saying "truthfully, truthfully".  Why?  Did Jesus ever lie?  The answer is NO!  Jesus did not and could not lie because He is God.  Titus 1:2 tells us that God cannot lie.  Jesus was simply saying, "This is a truth not to be passed over."  In John 6:47 we have a truth so important that if a person misses this truth he or she will go to hell for all eternity.  The secret of eternal life is no secret.  Jesus said plainly, "He that believeth on me hath everlasting life."  The only condition to this offer of EVERLASTING LIFE (NOT TEMPORARY LIFE) is BELIEF (TRUSTING IN CHRIST).  Don't contradict a clear verse like this one.  With this in mind, let's look at Hebrews 6:4-6.

"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good Word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance, seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame."  Hebrews 6:4-6

     Notice that the passage is talking about those who are saved.  There are five things said about them that demonstrate this truth:

     First, "Those who were once enlightened" refers to a saved person or one who has seen "the light" of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The same word "enlightened" is translated "illuminated" in Hebrews 10:32 and speaks of a saved individual.

     Second, "tasted of the heavenly gift" refers to salvation.  Romans 6:23 says, "The gift of God is eternal life."  Ephesians 2:8 says that salvation "is the gift of God."  The word "tasted" is used in Hebrews 2:9 saying Christ "tasted death for every man."  We tasted of the heavenly gift in the same way Christ tasted death--that is, fully and completely.

     Third, "We're made partakers of the Holy Ghost."  The Bible teaches in Romans 8:9, "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."  In other words, if you don't have the Holy Spirit you are not saved.  The moment a person trusts Christ as Saviour he or she partakes of the Holy Spirit.  If you do not have the Holy Spirit, then you are unsaved.

     Fourth, "Tasted the good Word of God."  The Bible tells us in I Corinthians 2:14, "But the natural (unsaved) man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."  Only the saved man can taste of the Word of God.

     Fifth, "The powers of the world to come."  Only the born-again man has experienced the power of God.  Romans 1:16 says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth."  A person who is born-again has experienced the power of God.

  "If they shall fall away" is not referring to salvation but it is referring to the "Christian life"!  Hebrews 6:1 tells us that the writer is speaking about things that accompany salvation.  Hebrews 6:1 tells us that the writer is talking about maturity in the Christian life and not about how to be saved.

     Well, what is Hebrews 6:6 talking about?  Verse six is simply stating to Hebrew (Jewish) believers who were used to a yearly sacrifice that it was impossible for them to be saved again because "by ONE offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified [the believers in Christ] (Hebrews 10:14)."  Hebrews 6:1 tells us that we cannot "lay again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God."

     If a believer falls away from serving the Lord, the procedure is not to become saved again.  That is impossible.  It is impossible to "renew" them again unto repentance (the change of mind necessary to accept Christ as Saviour).

     Hebrews 6:6 warns that if you try to become saved again all you do is crucify Jesus Christ afresh to yourself, thereby shaming Jesus Christ.

     The Bible does not teach that one must be born again and again and again, etc.  You can only be born-again once, never to be cast out (John 6:37) or lost (John 6:39).  Salvation is complete and final.  (Read John 5:24).

     The solution for a believer fallen away from service to the Lord is to start serving again.  We are encouraged by the words of Hebrews 6:10, that "God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love."  God will reward faithful service to him.  (See I Corinthians 15:58).

     God wants us to grow in knowledge of Him, to serve Him and to mature.

Lack in these areas does not mean that we have lost our salvation.  That is why it is impossible to get saved again (Hebrews 6:6), because it is impossible to lose salvation (Hebrews 13:5).  To try to become saved again (impossible) shames Jesus Christ who has saved us forever (John 6:47; Hebrews 9:12; 10:10; 10:12-14, 17, 18).  To serve Him again brings glory and honor to Him (John 12:24), and His blessing and reward is upon us (I Corinthians 15:58).

HELL! WHERE IS IT?

by Dr. Hank Lindstrom 

     "Go to hell" is an expression that people often use.  If they really understood what that means, they probably wouldn't use it.  Hell is real and many will find themselves in hell one day.  Unfortunately, there is no way out or no escape from hell.  It appears from Scripture that the majority of people will wind up in hell.  Jesus said, "...broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat (Matthew 7:13)."

     Where is hell?  What is hell?  Will you go to hell?  Just as many point up when they make reference to heaven, people often point down when they make a reference to hell.  Can we know the location of hell?  Is it a literal place?  Obviously we must turn to the Bible to find the answers to these questions.  Only God's inspired Words can tell us the truth about hell.  It soon becomes very clear as we open the pages of the Bible that the doctrine of hell is a thoroughly Biblical doctrine.  The Old Testament and the New Testament alike teach the existence of a literal hell.  Although the Bible does not give the physical location of hell, it does give us some hints, which we shall discuss.

     Most importantly, the Bible makes it perfectly clear that those in the human race who reject the forgiveness of sin offered by God through the shed blood of Jesus Christ at the cross of Calvary will receive perfect justice from God.  They will be cast into the eternal lake of fire known as hell.  If each of us got what we deserved from God, each of us would go to hell.  Jeremiah the prophet says, "it is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not (Lamentations 3:22)."  His mercy can only be received by trusting Jesus Christ as Saviour.  "For by grace (mercy) are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.  Not of works, lest anyone should boast: (Ephesians 2:8,9)."  This ought to be one of the impelling motives making evangelism the urgent business of all Christians.  Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15)."

     Many verses in the Bible make it plain that hell is a specific place where the lost will go.  Jesus said, "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41)."  Revelation 20:10 goes on to say, "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone."  We learn from Revelation 20:14 that "death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.  This is the second death."

     Hell is not only a real place, but it is eternal.  The duration of punishment for the one cast into hell is everlasting.  Isaiah speaks of the everlasting burning of the fire that shall never be quenched and of the worm which shall never die (Isaiah 33:14; 66:24).  David said that some would awake unto eternal life and others unto shame and everlasting contempt (Daniel 12:2).  John the Baptist and Jesus spoke of the unquenchable fire (Matthew 3:12; Mark 9:43).  Paul the Apostle speaks of how the lost will be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord (II Thessalonians 1:9).  The Apostle John says that the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever; and they shall have no rest day and night; and they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever (Revelation 14:11; 19:3; 20:10).  Jesus said that hell is a furnace of fire in Matthew 13:41,42.

The fact that hell is eternal is plain from the following verses where hell is described as
1)     Everlasting fire                         Matthew 25:41
2)     Everlasting punishment             Matthew 25:46
3)     Eternal damnation                    Mark 3:29
4)     Everlasting destruction              II Thessalonians 1:9
5)     Everlasting contempt                Daniel 12:2
6)     Torment forever and ever          Revelation 14:9-11
7)     Blackness of darkness forever    Jude 13
8)     Vengeance of eternal life           Jude 7
9)     Lake of fire--forever and ever    Revelation 20:10
10)     Second death--forever            Revelation 20:14

     What does one have to do to go to hell?  The answer is nothing.  Everyone in the human race is already headed there.  All that one needs to do is to die without Christ as Saviour, then he is on his way.  Unbelief will not put out the fire!

     Jesus Christ came as a Savior to rescue the world from hell.  "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved (John 3:17)."

     People may not care whether others to go hell, but the Lord does.  "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16)."

     Where is hell?  The Bible doesn't really tell the location of hell.  First, we know that hell is described as a lake of fire in Revelation 19:20; 20:10; 20:14; 20:15.  Secondly, hell is described as the blackness of darkness forever in Jude 13.  Thirdly, those consigned to hell are described in Jude 13 as wandering stars.  How can we reconcile fire and darkness?  Or do we have the answer?  Could it be that hell is a star or a sun like our sun that shines upon the planet earth?  Perhaps it is a number of different stars or suns.

     Our sun is a lake of fire.  If you were to stand upon the surface of the sun you would be in a lake of fire.  At the same time as you would look from the sun, all that you would see is the blackness of space.  Look at Matthew 22:13 where Jesus speaks of an unsaved man being cast into hell.  "Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."  Scientists tell us that our sun is moving.  They say it is in orbit as are all other stars.  So we see how these facts about hell given in the Bible could be a description of our sun or many different suns.  Hell is a lake of fire (Revelation 20:10) and the blackness of darkness forever (Jude 13), and those in hell are described as wandering stars (Jude 13).  Therefore, we conclude that hell could be a star or many stars in outer space.  We will certainly find out one day.