Notes

++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHAPTER ONE

The Almighty ● ●

1) having absolute power over all *Almighty God*

2) a. relatively unlimited in power *an almighty board of directors*

b. having or regarded as having great power or importance *the almighty dollar*

Pantokratoros (3841)

all, every, and kratos (2904), power, strength, dominion. Ruler over all, omnipotent, almighty, spoken only of God ( 2Co 6:18; Rev 1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7,14; 19:6,15; 21:22 ; Sept.: 2Sa 5:10; 7:25,27; Job 5:17; 8:5 ).

Revelation 1:1-8

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Herman’s Notes

John heard a voice behind him claiming to be the Almighty (v8). He turned to see that the speaker was one like the Son of man, not Jehovah (v12, 13). The speaker further described himself as he that liveth, was dead is alive again and has the keys of hell and of death. There we can say with certainty that according to John, Jesus claimed to be the Almighty also.

God Created The Heavens Alone

Revelation 4:11 ●

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Isaiah 44:24

Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things ; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

Genesis 1:26

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

CHAPTER THREE

All those sleeping in death who are in God's memory will be brought back to life.

Acts 24:15 ●

And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

John 5: 28, 29.

28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

Herman’s Notes

There will be a resurrection unto life or to damnation. If the great crowd is resurrected is only for their behavior to be analyzed for the next 1000 years, then that would not qualify as a resurrection unto eternal life, but rather as a resurrection unto judgment.

See Definition Of Create

CHAPTER FOUR

Micah 5:2 ●

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Hermans Notes

goings forth … from everlasting —The terms convey the strongest assertion of infinite duration of which the Hebrew language is capable. This clause shows that the eternal generation of the Son is meant. Ironically, the NWT says from early times. So the bible says from everlasting and some people think Jesus had a beginning.

Psalms 90:2

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

Proverbs 8:22-23

22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

Hermans Notes

Strictly, God's attributes are part of Himself. Yet, to the poetical structure of the whole passage, this commendation of wisdom is entirely consonant. In order of time all His attributes are coincident and eternal as Himself.

First Born - See Article ●

Romans 8:29

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to

the firstborn among many brethren.

Only Begotten Son See Article ●

John 3:16

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.

Philippians 2:6 ●

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

John 10:30

I and my Father are one.

Herman’s Notes

This is a response to if you be the Christ then tell us plainly. Not only am I the Christ but I and the father are one.

John 8:58

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

John 14:28 ●

Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

1 Corinthians 11:3

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

God Almighty - See The Almighty ●

Genesis 17:1

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

CHAPTER SIX

Where are the dead 1 ● ●

Resurection

1 the rising of Christ from the dead, often capitalized

2 the rising again to life of all the human dead before the final judgment

3 the state of one risen from the dead

Create

1) to cause to come into being, as something unique that would not naturally evolve or that is not made by ordinary processes.

a) to cause to come into existence

2. to evolve from one's own thought or imagination, as a work of artor an invention.

Matt. 26:24, rsv

". . . but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born."

Hermans Notes

If he had not been born, the betrayer would have -existencebeen nonexistent. But nonexistence was better than the punishment now in store for him. So, Judas' death had to worse than nonplunged him into eternal nonexistence.

****

● Is this True for all entities with brains. For example angels or even better the elect 144,000. If not then that answers your question of how can this be. The Angels that left their domain had brains. Nevertheless, they continued to exist without them.

All the statements made in this paragraph about human’s brain is also true for angels’ brain when they take on human form.

Their senses, along with their thoughts, are all linked to the workings of their brain. When they cease to have a body, one could conclude that their brain stop working. One could also conclude that because of this, their memories, feelings, and senses do not continue to function independently in some mysterious way. Yet, we know that they survive the destruction of their brain.

****

Psalms 146:4 ●

His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.

Ecclesiastes 9:5:6, 10

5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing (Job 8:9), neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. (Psalms 6:5)

6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.

10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Herman’s Notes

Solomon’s assertion could mean that the dead are unaware of earth’s environment or anything thing that happens under the sun as expressed in verse 6 or that the dead know nothing relative to what they ought to know.

As the sleeping person awakes and rises from his bed, just so, the dead will rise from their graves at the time of the Lord’s return. Job 14:21-22

The previous two scripture seem to be the only two scriptures that give any merit to the belief that death is the complete annihilation of man. Nevertheless, there are a large number of scriptures that give merit to belief that people never die. This is quite different than dying and then being resurrected. What it comes down to what is, do you want to believe. Faith is partly the hope of things to come despite the lake of scientific evidence (Hebrews 11:1). In the mouth of two or three witness shall a thing be established . This seems to imply that for a highly controversial thing the minimum would be three.

Knowing Nothing

1 Corinthians 8:2

And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

Herman’s Notes

Here the text indicates the Hebrew langue there is a euphemism of knowing nothing relative to what he ought to know. Furthermore, Solomon like his father David often used poetry.

Job 8:9

(For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:)

Herman’s Notes

Same point as above.

John 11:49

And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,

Herman’s Notes

Same point as above.

1 Timothy 6:4

He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

Herman’s Notes

Same point as above.

Psalms 6:9

For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?

Herman’s Notes

Refers back to Ecclesiastes 9:5:6, nobody remembers you after you die.

***

HELL

Job 14:21-22 ●

21 His sons come to honour, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them.

22 But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn.

Herman’s Notes

Here the text indicates that although he is dead his soul morns and somehow his flesh has pain.

Psalms 16:10

For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Herman’s Notes

Here the text informs us that David is confident that God will not leave his soul in hell indicating that it is possible for a soul to be left in hell.

At rare moments the Psalms have glimpses of rescue from Sheol, in terms that suggest resurrection, or a translation like that of Enoch or Elijah (Ps 16:10 ; 17:15 ; 49:15 ; 73:24 ).

Acts 2:26-31

26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

Herman’s Notes

Here in verse 31 distinction between the soul and the body of Jesus. In addition to not leaving Jesus’ soul in hell his body would not see corruption in the grave. Furthermore, David was confident that his soul would not be left in hell just as God didn’t leave Jesus’ soul in hell. Therefore, David was confident that he would be resurrected from hell, not from God’s memory.

Matthew 10:38

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Herman’s Notes

Here again a distinction is made between killing the body in the grave and destroying the soul in hell. The text clearly says that it is possible to kill the body but not kill the soul. Rather, the soul is killed at a different time in hell. Therefore, the soul is not the animal principal only and hell is not limited to the tomb.

Luke 16:23

And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

Herman’s Notes

Here the text suggest that in hell there is a state of consciences. This point is not dependent on weather the episode is or is not a parable. It is further indicated that hell is a place of torment and souls go there before the resurrection because there was still time for Lazarus’ three brothers to repent and not end up in this place. Likewise, it is clearly indicated that repentance is the thing that would keep one from this place called hell.

Psalms 139:8-9

8 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

9 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there

Herman’s Notes

Here David is claiming that even if he descends into hell God is there. What he is not saying is if finds himself in a place of none existence, that God is there with hem.

2 Corinthians 4:16

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Herman’s Notes

The inward man is the spirit which is a part of us.

1 Peter 3:4

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Herman’s Notes

The hidden man of the heart is incorruptible. The spirit is incorruptable

Romans 7:22

For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

Herman’s Notes

Your spirit delights, agrees with and believes the word of God. Your body believes the five senses. Jesus said these words that I speak are spirit and life. Spiritual things go with spiritual things. Therefore, the bible says believe with your heart. The soul is the mind, emotions, will, conscience and personality.

1 Corinthians 9:27

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Herman’s Notes

Paul says I keep my body under subjection. Paul refers to himself as being something other than a body. God is a spirit. God created man in his image. Man is a spirit.

John 3:6

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Herman’s Notes

There is no connection between the spirit and your emotions. Spiritual reality cannot be felt.

John 6:63

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Acts 23:8

For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

****

Christians Never Die ●

John 10:28

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Herman’s Notes

Again, present possession of eternal life coupled with the statement that Christians will never perish! Death being annihilation simply cannot make any sense of this verse.

John 11:25 ●

"I am the resurrection and the (spiritual) life; he who believes in Me shall live (spiritually) even if he dies (physically), and everyone who lives (physically) and believes in Me shall never die (spiritually). Do you believe this?"

Herman’s Notes

Notice the text states plainly that whoever believes in Christ while he is alive will never die.

John 6:58

This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

Herman’s Notes

The text makes it clear that Christians wound not die like the Israelites with Moses

*Matthew 22:29, 31-32

29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,

32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

Luke 20:34-38

34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:

35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

37 Now that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

38 For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

Herman's Notes

Verse 35 and 36 indicates the children of the resurrection have not yet obtained the resurrection, but have been accounted worthy to receive it. Nevertheless, they can not die anymore nor marry.

Verse 37 informs us that they are like angels in that they are alive and they can not die anymore. Moses confirmed this because at the time of Moses’ although Isaac and Jacob were long since dead Moses said that God is not the God of a dead Isaac and Jacob. Therefore, Isaac and Jacob are not dead. They were alive for they live unto God.

Alive does not mean that they existed in a state of suspended animation, soul-sleep or annihilation. Rather, they are alive unto God like the burning bush is alive unto Moses.

In conclusion, the children of the resurrection are not dead, Isaac and Jacob are not dead and the man’s wife will not be dead while she is waiting on the resurrection. Therefore, you do greatly error by referring to them as dead, because you have a misunderstanding of what death is.

To God, no human being is dead, or ever will be; but all sustain an abiding conscious relation to Him. But the "all" here meant "those who shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world." These sustain a gracious covenant relation to God, which cannot be dissolved. In this sense our Lord affirms that for Moses to call the Lord the "God" of His patriarchal servants if at that moment they had no existence, would be unworthy of Him. He "would be ashamed to be called their God, if He had not prepared for them a city" (Hebrew 11:16 ). How precious are these glimpses of the resurrection state!

Hebrew 11:16

But now they desire a better country , that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

***

Definition Of Death ●

Genesis 2:16-17

16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Hermans Notes

Those who are spiritually separated from God are to bury those who are physically separated from their bodies.

Did Adam literally expire in death the same day he partook of the tree? No, of course not! Therefore we conclude the word “muwth” in Genesis 2:17 is used as a metaphor, symbolizing something other than literal death (perhaps spiritual death?). The Hebrew word for death (muwth) has both literal and metaphorical applications. The application is determined by the context.

Ezekiel 18:4

Behold, all souls are Mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is Mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die (be separated from God).

*Matthew 8:2

But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the (spiritually) dead bury their (physically) dead.

Herman’s Notes

Those who are spiritually separated from God are to bury those who are physically separated from their bodies.

1 Timothy 5:6

But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is (spiritually) dead even while she (physically) lives.

Herman’s Notes

A woman who engages in pre-marital sex, for example, is alive physically, but separated from God spiritually

Luke 15:24, 32

24 For this my son was (Spiritually) dead, and is (Spiritually) alive again; he was (Spiritually) lost, and is (Spiritually) found. And they began to be merry.

32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was (Spiritually) dead, and is (Spiritually) alive again; and was (Spiritually) lost, and is (Spiritually) found.

***

.Jeremiah 1:5 ●

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Herman’s Notes

Jeremiah knew that he existed in Gods’ mind before the foundation of the world. He also understood that he was created from Gods’ mind. The following is the definition of creation:

Create

1) to cause to come into being, as something unique that would not naturally evolve or that is not made by ordinary processes.

a) to cause to come into existence

2. to evolve from one's own thought or imagination, as a work of artor an invention

Therefore, to return to the state of his original creation and then come back into existence would rightfully be defined as creation or re-creation, not resurrection. To imply that there is a difference between the memory compartment of the mind and some unknown compartment, to put it mildly, is nothing short of imposing one’s own perception on the text.

To say that the only consequence of sin is non-existence oppose clear scripture. This is a dangerous position to take, as it compromises the seriousness of the consequences of sin, and could easily lead someone into areas of deception

***

HELL ● ●

Definition Of Seol

7585. s]e&o=l s]e&o4l , sheh-ole', sheh-ole';

From 7592 ; hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranian retreat ), including its accessories and inmates.

:--grave, hell, pit.

Matthew 25:46

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Hermans Notes

This punishment stands in contrast to eternal life as the inherent punishment for those who reject Christs salvation, in that they will be separated from the life of God (everlasting life), which they rejected. As to the duration, it is only proper to assign it the same duration or endlessness as to the life which is given by God.

Definition Of Punishment - 2851 punishment, torment properly to curtail, figuratively to chastise or reverse for infliction.

Hebrews 6:2

Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

Matthew 18:8

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

Hermans Notes

To suggest that there is a literal fire which endures forever seem far fetched, particularly since fire would not affect a spirit being (we become spirit, like the angels, after we leave the human body; Matthew 22:29-30). Nevertheless, fire represents one of the most painful types of injuries to human flesh, and is therefore an appropriate way of describing the agony of eternal punishment.

The Greek word púr means, fire (literally or figuratively, specifically, lightning). Since púr can mean, lightening perhaps it indicates a swift and powerful beginning to the eternal punishment, as lightening is quick and powerful.

Matthew 25:41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Hermans Notes

It is worth mentioning here, that God condemns wicked man alongside the, devil and his angels. We know the devil, and his demons, are spirit beings; therefore, there is a valid parallel between the eternal existence of spirits, and souls; particularly in regards to punishment for sin.

Mark 3:29

28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:

29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

Hermans Notes

What happens when we sin (hamartia) and miss the mark? We can remain in condemnation, and allow Satan, the accuser, to heap guilt and shame upon us, OR…we can repent of our transgression, call upon God for mercy, and confess our sins to Him, appealing to the sacrificial atonement provided by His son Jesus. If we do this, He is faithful to forgive us, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.

2 Thessalonians 1:6-9 ●

6 For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,

7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,

8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, (NASB)

Hermans Notes

This verse is a key to understanding eternal punishment. Since mankind has been created to live forever, his existence apart from God will extend for eternity. The wicked, who do not know God, or believers who refuse to obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, must also suffer an eternal existence apart from the presence of God. The Greek definition of the word for eternal destruction is as follows:

1) Destruction - 3639 olethros; from a primary “ollumi” (to destroy; a prolonged form); ruin, i.e. death, punishment.

Since the Greek word means ruin in a generic sense, other verses where this word is used must be consulted to understand its overall application:

1 Corinthians 5:5

I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (NAS)

1 Thessalonians 5:3

While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (NAS)

1 Timothy 6:9

But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. (NAS)

Leviticus 5:17

"Now if a person sins and does any of the things which the LORD has commanded not to be done, though he was unaware, still he is guilty, and shall bear his punishment.” NAS

Hermans Notes

It is clear, from the few verses that use punishment that it refers to some type of pain, and even a state of spiritual ruin and bankruptcy. Therefore, we conclude from 2 Thessalonians 1:9 “olethros” is a reference to the state of eternal ruin suffered by those who do not know God. A sobering thought indeed.

Romans 2:1-16

1 Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.

2 And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things.

3 But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God?

4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,

6 who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS:

7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life;

8 but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation.

9 There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek,

10 but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

11 For there is no partiality with God.

12 For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law;

13 for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.

14 For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves,

15 in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them,

16 on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 10:28-31

28 Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

29 How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?

30 For we know Him who said, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.” And again, “THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.”

31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Revelation 6:910

9 When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained;

10 and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”

Hermans Notes

It is overwhelming; krino is judgment from God; it is retribution. It has eternal implications, much to the sorrow of those who do not know God.

Isaiah 38:17-18

17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

18 For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.

Herman’s Notes

Isaiah is talking about souls being delivered from hell. He is not talking about being delivered from the mind of God.

See Also ●

Daniel 12:2

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Psalms 88:1

Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

Ezekiel 26:20

When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, with the people of old time, and shall set thee in the low parts of the earth, in places desolate of old, with them that go down to the pit, that thou be not inhabited; and I shall set glory in the land of the living;

Consequences Of Deception ●

There was a student in the news who murdered many students and himself. He was being bullied by his fellow students. His logic expressed in his suicide letter was the following. His life was a living hell. If he died his ceasing to exist would be better than his current torment. Therefore, in his mind he was going to a better place that would end his torment. Because there was no punishment for sin he decided to kill them as punishment for his torture, and to kill himself to improve his situation. He gave Jehovah credit for his comfort.

Evil men are motivated to pursue the pleasures of their evil deeds when the only consequences, is the lack of a reward in the possible hear after. If this is not true then, oh what needless pain we bear. This would be the ultimate deception of the enemy to promote evil based on our own selfish desires.

***

CHAPTER EIGHT

What Is God’s Kingdom 1 ●

Matthew 6:9-13

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Herman’s Notes

Verses 9, 11, 12 and 13 are all in the present. Why would you think that verse 10 is in the future. Furthermore, verse 10 says as it is in heaven.

What Is God’s Kingdom 2 ●

Mark 1:14

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Herman’s Notes

Here Jesus tells us that the time for the Kingdom Of God is already fulfilled.

Mark 9:1

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. Also Luke 9:27

Herman’s Notes

Here Jesus informs us that people who were alive while he walked the earth, would see the Kingdom Of God Come before they died.

Luke 21:31-32

31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.

Herman’s Notes

Here again Jesus is telling us that this entire generation will not die before this prophecy of the Kingdom Of Heaven comes to pass.

Luke 10:9

And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

Herman’s Notes

Here again Jesus is saying that this healing is evidence that the Kingdom Of God is right on your doorstep.

Matthew 12:28

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Also Luke 11:20

Herman’s Notes

Here Jesus makes it clear that the evidence that the Kingdom Of God is already is that Jesus was casting out devils.

Luke 11:18

But if I am casting out demons by the power of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you.

Herman’s Notes

Here again Jesus is saying that when you see me casting out devils then you know that the Kingdom Of God has already arrived.

Luke 17:20

20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Herman’s Notes

Here Jesus is telling us that you won’t see the Kingdom Of God coming. It is not ushered in with visible signs. It is an invisible kingdom. It resides in you.

Therefore, it is not an earthly kingdom made up of men and thrones. Rather it is a way of thinking that has certain attributes which were already defined as healing, and casting out demons.

Also, though not evidenced here, Satans kingdom of this world, is a way of thinking, which is in opposition to God.

Mark 12:34

And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question .

Luke 19:11

And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

1 Corinthians 15:24

Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

Matthew 16:19

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Revelation 21:1-2

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

1 Timothy 6:15 ●

Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

Herman’s Notes

How does this say that the Kingdom Of God is a government.

● This question seems to represent an illusion of alternatives. A better question is where will Jesus be at that time.

Revelation 21:1-2 ●

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Acts 2:33 ●

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

2 Timothy 4:18 ●

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Herman’s Notes

The Kingdom Of Heaven is in us. God’s throne is in heaven. Jesus’ will reign from the New Jerusalem on earth.

Revelation 4:15 ●

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Herman’s Notes

What impact does this verse have on the issue of where is Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:10-17 ●

10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him , we shall also live with him :

12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him : if we deny him , he also will deny us:

13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

Herman’s Notes

A question that can arise from the exegesis of 2 Timothy 2:10-17 is who is the we in verse 12? The answer is not that complicated. It is the same we that was introduced in verse 10, and further identified in verses 11, 13 and the second half of 12. It is far more likely that in these locations, the we is the elect. How is it that only in the first half of verse 11 we is limited to the 12 apostles. Furthermore, verses 14 through 17, the subjects of the sentences are extractions from the general population, which is precisely what the elect are.

Revelation 7:1-4, 9-16 ●

1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Herman’s Notes

Here we see that the 144,000 were all Jewish (v4). In addition a huge number of men in white robes, and angels stood before the throne of God in heaven (v9-11, 14).

Revelation 14:1-4

1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

Herman’s Notes

Here we see that the 144,000 were all virgin, Jewish men (v4). They were located on earth at mount Zion (v1).

Revelation 5:10 ●

6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

Herman’s Notes

Here John mentions the 24 elders (v8, 10, 14) would reign with Jesus on and over the earth. The 144,000 are not even mentioned here.

Revelation 12:1-11 ●

1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. [3] And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child .

14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Herman’s Notes

Satan was cast out of heaven (v10). After Satan was cast out of heaven he was overcome by the blood of the lamb (v11). That is Satan was overcome by Jesus dying on the cross. We know this because the text says that when the dragon saw that he was on the earth, he persecuted Jesus or those who sought after him (v13, 17). This persecution started before the days of Noah.

Job 1:6-8

6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

7 And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

Herman’s Notes

Satan came along with the other angles to present himself before the Lord. Satan stated that he spent his time going to and fro on the earth. The earth was Satan’s domain as a result of Adam’s surrender. It was unusual for Satan to come into the presence of God. Therefore, the text says that Satan came into the presence of God along with the other angels.

Psalm 110:1 ●

The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Herman’s Notes

The writer of this article seems to assume the Kingdom of God would come all at once in its entirety. The scripture says that God’s Kingdom is in us, and the evidence of its presence is when we see healing in the earth. Therefore, for some it has come and for others it has not come.

Hebrews 10:12-14

12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

John 19:30

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Luke 10:18 ●

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

Hermans Notes

Jesus saw Satan fall before Jesus walked the earth.

Job 1:6-7

6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

7 And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

Hermans Notes

Satan was already kicked out of heaven in Jobs day, but had some access.

The bible does not specifically say when the fall occurred. What we do know is Satan fell before he tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden (Genesis 3:1-14), because at that time he was roaming to and fro upon the earth.

Revelation 12:5-17