An Eye on the Sky

This post contains key verses and my thoughts supporting what I believe to be an overlooked truth unheralded in today’s mainstream theology. I’m convinced the Scriptures teach that before Jesus returns from heaven to earth; others identified in the Bible called by the names of my mighty ones, high ones, the weapons of His indignation will also come from heaven to earth -- prior to His return. Admittedly shocking news and virtually ignored in today’s Church, I believe this message deserves careful attention.

During the past twenty years, I’ve observed a trend developing -- other Bible students are asking hard questions and wrestling with the issues of paranormal activity. How does one understand these phenomena from a Biblical perspective? I believe the verses presented in this study give the Church a clear warning and an explanation for what is commonly referred to as alien abductions, UFO activity, and many other strange things that are being avoided and left unexplained from our pulpits and Bible studies.

I’ve developed similar studies in the past, compiling verses on topics such as the Day of the Lord, the Second Coming, the Rapture, the Tribulation, and other eschatological themes. My purpose in preparing this study is simple: contend for the faith and warn those who will hear. Of course, any effort of Biblical understanding and study requires much prayer and leading from God’s Holy Spirit. With that as a backdrop, let’s dive in.

I found the following comparison of the Antichrist’s counterfeit return with that of Jesus Christ’s Second Coming at this webpage . Please keep in mind I do not necessarily agree with all that is represented on this site, butI do think the following chart found at the bottom of their webpage is very interesting and I include it below for ease of reference.

Antichrist will Counterfeit Prophecy

The Second Coming of Christ
• Christ arrives at the end of a great war -- Armageddon
• The war will end in fire for the enemies of Israel
• Christ comes with His holy ones, His raptured saints
• Christ sets up an era of peace as ruler of the earth
• Christ builds the Millennial Temple of Ezekiel 40

The Coming of Antichrist
• Antichrist arrives at the end of a great war -- Gog and Magog
• The war will end in fire for the enemies of Israel
• Antichrist comes with his ‘holy ones’ -- aliens in UFOs
• Antichrist sets up era of peace under global dictatorship
• Antichrist allows building of third Jerusalem Temple

‘When considering the identity of the Antichrist, keep in mind he will seem like the Messiah of Israel.’ A perceptive quote from the Watcher website referenced above.


Concept Verse:

“they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men.” Daniel 2:43a


Theme Verses:

They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land. Isaiah 13:5

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. Isaiah 24:21

For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust. Isaiah 26:5

Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. Luke 21:26

But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matthew 24:37

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12


Key Concepts:

Something in the heavens is coming to earth---what or who is coming?

Not only are they coming, the Bible says they will mingle with man…

Anyone today claiming familiarity with the Biblical concept of the Second Coming will tell you Jesus returns from ‘out there in space’ at the end of Armageddon. Perhaps the Antichrist has a similar plan? After all, he will be the antithesis of the real Christ and the Bible says he and his workers are capable of much deception.

‘If it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.’ Matthew 24:24


Examination of theme verses:


Isaiah 13:3-11

I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness. The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle. They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land. Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt: And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames. Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine. And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

Theme expansion:

These verses are internally defined and placed at the time of the day of the LORD (see verse 6). Notice God calls his sanctified ones. I believe this group consists of God’s holy angels and the humans who participate in the rapture (Old and New Testament saints who are born again. We see their return in Revelation 19). Also, God calls his mighty ones---specifically for His anger---perhaps better understood as the ‘weapons of His indignation’ mentioned in verse 5 of Isaiah 13.

Jeremiah 50:25

The LORD hath opened his armoury, and hath brought forth the weapons of his indignation: for this is the work of the Lord GOD of hosts in the land of the Chaldeans.

Jeremiah 50:25 contains the exact phrase weapons of His indignation. This specific phrase is used twice in the Bible: Jeremiah 50:25 and Isaiah 13:5. Observing both verses together, we see that God has an armoury and the weapons of this armoury are in heaven. The Bible instructs that someday they will be unleashed to come to earth.

Notice in Jeremiah, the weapons of His indignation are coming to the land of the Chaldeans. The land of the Chaldeans is generally understood to be the area of the Middle East associated with Babylon (Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and possibly Iran). We see in Isaiah 13, the weapons of His indignation are associated with Babylon, but they are also coming to destroy the whole land.

Who is Babylon? Is it literal Babylon, spiritual Babylon, both, a combination, or perhaps Hebrew poetic code for another super power? These are tough questions and I confess I don’t know the answers. However, the Chaldeans were also known for their wisdom and knowledge---especially in relation to ‘dark sayings’ and occult activity. We see in Daniel 2 they are listed in Nebuchadnezzar’s court alongside the magicians, sorcerers, and astrologers. We also understand Daniel participated in the Chaldean school in Babylon as described in Daniel 1:4.

As an interesting aside, the Hebrew word used here for mighty ones in Isaiah 13 is GIBBOWR. The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew, translates GIBBOWR as GIGANTE, the Greek word for Giant! Similar language exist in Joel 2 (please see in a later note). Perhaps similarities to these Old Testament verses are made in Luke 21 where Jesus says “men’s hearts are failing them for fear, looking after those things which are coming upon the earth!” Also, verses 10-28 of Luke 21 portray an account similar to other Day of the LORD passages.


Isaiah 24:17-23.

Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth. And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake. The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited. Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

Theme expansion:

This passage states that God will punish a group of beings known as the high ones that are on high, and He will also punish the kings of the earth upon the earth. This action of judgment occurs at a future point in time when King Jesus physically returns to earth, commonly called the Day of the LORD. Understood as part of that future time---we see two different groups noted; the host of the high ones (Fallen Angels and other creatures perhaps referenced in Revelation 9 and Isaiah 13) and the kings of the earth--- (the leadership of mankind and man) on the earth. I find it most intriguing and interesting that God links these two groups together. I don’t believe this is happenstance.

The kings of the earth---the powerbrokers, could they represent the Illuminati? Perhaps they are linked with the ten kings who give their power and kingdoms to the Beast (see Revelation 17:12-14). These two groups, the kings of the earth and the host of the high ones will attempt to wage war against King Jesus at the end of Armageddon. Perhaps their motive in warring against Jesus is they are deceived into believing Jesus is someone else, perhaps another alien race, coming to destroy mankind. Of course, there is no way to be sure what they believe because God sends strong delusion during this time. I would say they are out of their minds by virtue of the fact created beings will entertain taking on their Creator in a battle! I’d say that’s deception. Satan is the father of lies, leading the world astray from the truth. Please read Revelation 19 for details.


Isaiah 26:5

For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.

Theme expanion:

Here it is again! There were no men dwelling on high in Bible days. Perhaps you could argue that today men dwell on high in the space station and for short periods of time in jet airplanes---but not back in Old Testament days. This was a mystery until about fifty years ago when mankind began exploring the upper reaches of earth’s atmosphere. Space exploration began shortly thereafter. Therefore, I don’t believe this is speaking of men; rather I believe it refers to other created beings that dwell in the heavens, also mentioned in Ephesians 6:12. These ‘beings’ specifically come to destroy.


Jeremiah 4:15-16

For a voice declareth from Dan, and publisheth affliction from mount Ephraim. Make ye mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, that watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah.

Theme expansion:

Notice the word “Watchers”. Daniel 4 adds additional insight (Clearly, heavenly beings are described in Daniel 4). Also, these beings come from a far country… Remember Isaiah 13:3-5!

Remember what Jesus said about a certain nobleman in the parable in Luke 19:12? “He said therefore, a certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.” I believe Jesus is teaching through this parable that He would leave earth and go to heaven, and He will return to earth in the future---from heaven. Perhaps the reference to a far country in Isaiah 13 literally means what it says---beings are coming before the Day of the Lord from a far country, further understood as the ends of heaven, to exact judgment on the inhabitants of the earth.

Job 1:6-7

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

Theme expansion:

For our benefit, God allows a glimpse into heaven in the book of Job considered by many to be the oldest book in the Bible. We see Satan not only troubling earth and its inhabitants; he’s also summonsed before God to give an account of his activities! The Scripture teaches that Satan is the accuser of the brethren and he continues as such, even as I write this. However, a future time will come as described in Revelation 12:7 when Satan and the fallen angels lose a heavenly battle with Michael and the holy angels. This battle hasn’t happened yet because Satan and the fallen angels have not been cast down to the earth, never to frequent heaven again (Revelation 12:6-8). Satan is still the accuser of the brethren. Therefore, he still has access to heaven where his accusations of the brethren take place.

As an aside, various philosophies and some religions teach seven heavens. However, the Bible teaches three heavens; the atmosphere around the earth, space and all contained in it, and the third is the very presence of God called Heaven or the third Heaven as Paul mentioned in his writings.

Daniel 2:43

Dan 2:43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.

Theme expansion:

I thought we were all the seed of men here on earth. This phrase more than implies that there will be others---not of the seed of men, mingling with humanity right before Jesus physically returns to earth. Numerous prophetic teachings and commentaries place Daniel 2:43 at the time of the Tribulation prior to the Day of the Lord. These verses are believed and widely accepted in the Church as fundamental to understanding a literal eschatological framework.

This obscure phrase they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men is startling to me. Something outside of the human race, prior to the Day of the Lord, will mingle or mix themselves with humanity. The Aramaic word AR-AB literally means to mix or join together. We understand then that the they will join together with the seed of men. Again, the word seed (ZER-AH in Aramaic) means seed or offspring. The literal meaning and implication is horrific---especially in light of genetic manipulation and perceived extraterrestrial visitations.

I’ve read a number of commentaries that discuss this section of Daniel 2 and most side step the literal and very serious implications of the text. In addition, most of the modern Bibles delete this phrase! However, the Hebrew Massoretic Text does contain this phrase as faithfully penned by Daniel. Jesus also affirmed Daniel’s prophecies and prophetic ministry by referencing the book of Daniel during His Olivet Discourse found in Matthew 24.

I take the position these words in Daniel 2:43 stand on their literal and obvious meaning. I humbly disagree with those who link this reference to political alliances being formed in the last days due to the intermarrying of powerful families and kingdoms so the future ten-toe kingdoms can manifest. I do concede a certain amount of intermarrying may occur in preparation for this event, but I think that interpretation misses the clear teaching that others from outside of mankind are also involved in this effort. Humans intermarrying to build earthly kingdoms misses the point altogether! Humans are humans and by definition their offspring will always be humans---the seed of men.

One final thought on Daniel 2. Notice Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is about the kingdoms of this world in all of their splendor and glory, as observed by a man. However, in Daniel 7, God gives us His perspective of these same kingdoms, and He describes them as horrible beasts---the imagery is repulsive and frightening. What does God call the Antichrist in Revelation 13? The Beast. The false prophet is also portrayed as a beast. Moreover, I believe the Bible proclaims the beings described in Revelation 9: 7-11, 16-19, to be supernatural creatures---beasts if you will---from God’s perspective.

That said who are the they of Daniel 2:43? I believe the they represents a literal and, most likely, a physical manifestation of a satanic attack upon the earth before Jesus comes back for His Church. Demonic activity has been with us for some time now as evidenced by the Scriptures, as well as, documented accounts of spiritual warfare observed by the Church today. Therefore, I believe the fallen angels perhaps are the they who physically manifest themselves to an unsuspecting and gullible world before Jesus physically returns to earth.

We know this is the time of the end discussed in the Olivet Discourse by Jesus. The stone cut out without hands represents Jesus’ earthly kingdom, coming to earth, crushing the kingdoms of this world. Here again, the ten toes of iron and clay are the ‘last’ kingdom before the stone crushes the toes, and ultimately the world system. Therefore, this is carefully placed at the time when Jesus returns!


Daniel 11:38-39

But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance primary definition for strange: foreign, “alien”, foreignness, that which is foreign) god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.

Theme expansion:

Notice the Beast, also known as the Antichrist, is worshiping a strange or ‘alien’ god. I wonder: is this them possibly the same as the them in Daniel 2:43? It’s more than bizarre to switch strange god with alien god---it brings this down to where we live today---a fascination with extraterrestrial life, commonly called aliens.

To me, the implications of extraterrestrial life portrayed through Hollywood’s cameras will wreak havoc among a large number of those who profess a faith in God when these future things occur. I hope those who study this see this issue for what it is, a strong delusion, a battle for man’s mind and soul. Many will experience the destruction of their faith over these future visitations from space. However, I also believe a future alien disclosure will most likely topple the world’s religions, forcing a realignment of Godless beliefs, perhaps joining the Antichrist in worshipping the god of forces---the strange god which will ultimately lead to worshipping the Antichrist.


Joel 2:1-11

Joe 2:1-11 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them. The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run. Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array. Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness. They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks: Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief. The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining: And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

Theme expansion:

Could this be the same group as the Isaiah 13 passage---‘my mighty ones’? The world appears to be in tact before them---it’s even compared to the garden of Eden, and yet upon this army’s passing the earth is left desolate and destroyed as by fire. Similar verses can be found in Revelation 9, armies with fire and supernatural characteristics.


Matthew 24:15-21

Mat 24:15-21 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Matthew 24:37

But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Theme expansion:

My point is the flood of Noah’s day was a severe judgment. Here, Jesus warns that the world has not experienced tribulation like what’s coming in the future---even greater than the flood! Remember, only eight people survived the flood. Also, the giants in Genesis 6---they were on the earth when the flood came---and also after that, the Scriptures teach. Moreover, Jesus says the earth will be in a similar state when He comes back: like in the days of Noah. No, the world isn’t getting better---things are getting worse. Could the reference by Jesus to Noah also imply giants? I wonder….

Luke 21:21-27

Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

Theme expansion:

What things are coming on the earth? Clearly, things are coming from out there in space to the earth. Could it be so-called UFO’s with fallen angels inside disguised as aliens? See Revelation 12. The Scripture also teaches us that astronomical disturbances will take place in the future; asteroids and meteors, the sun will flare and then lose its brightness, and the stars will fall from the heavens. Some speculate these signs point to a coming magnetic pole shift, which could explain how these events would appear to those on earth observing it.

Ephesians 6:10-13

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Theme expansion:

Notice a direct reference to high places. Strong’s definition of high places: 1) existing in heaven 1a) things that take place in heaven 1b) the heavenly regions 1b) heaven itself, the abode of God and angels 1b2) the lower heavens, of the stars 1b3) the heavens, of the clouds 1c) the heavenly temple or sanctuary 2) of heavenly origin or nature)---like space---where Satan and the fallen angels will ultimately be expelled from in the future. One of Satan’s many titles is the prince of the power of the air!


Revelation 12:6-12

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. And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Theme expansion:

I find this passage in Revelation 12 intriguing. Note the text clearly defines Satan’s army as angels (not demons or evil spirits, although we understand from Scripture they are clearly part of the enemies’ army). The Greek word, anglos is different from daimonions (plural for devils/demons). Why does the text not say that Satan and his fallen angels and his demons are all cast down to the earth? Also, let’s not forget Jude 6-7 and 2nd Peter 2:4 refer to angels who left their first estate and are reserved in chains of darkness, awaiting judgment. Who are these angels and what did they do to take them out of the game, so to speak? That’s perhaps another topic and another study.

“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” Jude 1:6-7

There are two instances of the Greek word OIKETERION (house or habitation) in the New Testament: Jude 1:6 and 2 Corinthians 5:2. This word is used to describe the angels found in Jude 1:6 who leave their first estate, their original habitation---heaven. Others argue these angels perhaps transformed themselves into permanent fleshly bodies, eternally forsaking their supernatural bodies, taking on fleshly bodies so they could pursue ‘strange flesh’. Contrast that with 2 Corinthians 5:2 which states, “For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:” This verse speaks of the flesh-robed Christian longing for the day when he is clothed with a heavenly body, a supernatural resurrection body necessary for heaven. Perhaps this is subtle at best, but it appears to me that two extremes are contrasted in the context of OIKETERION’s usage in these two passages.

Bottom line, Satan and the fallen angels will be cast down to earth (future tense) expelled forever from heaven (See Revelation 12)! At that future time, fallen angels and demonic activity will work together in an intensified show of force under Satan’s direction prior to Jesus returning to earth. Our understanding of demonic activity is it occurred prior to Calvary, and it continues today. Typically invisible and manifested through humans who become ‘possessed’ by demons, as observed in the Gospel accounts, this satanic method provides a direct and invisible mechanism for attack against mankind and more importantly, mankind’s mind and soul. Evil hierarchies exist as outlined in Ephesians 6:12 that provide organization and direction to this assault.

There’s no doubt that demonic activity is operational on earth today. According to the Gospels, it was rampant at the time of Jesus first coming, and we by faith understand it will be elevated prior to His Second Coming as portrayed in Revelation. The Scriptures also point to ‘others’ who will join the battle, in addition to the demons currently fighting in the invisible trenches. These beings will ultimately lose their ability to frequent the heavens and will be banished to planet earth. The Bible teaches that Satan and the fallen angels lose this future battle fighting against Michael and the holy angels and perhaps the fallen angels “coming down to you” will be visible with a physical eye, unlike the invisible demonic activity.

“And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:”

Second Thessalonians 2:11

As you can see, these verses do fit within a framework of something or someone coming to earth near the time of Jesus literal and physical return. Lots of questions -- many thoughts. Unfortunately, this message is seldom proclaimed. As time continues, the paranormal will increase, resulting in more UFO sightings, alien abductions, biological experimentation commonly called ‘stem cell’ research and cloning, sophisticated weaponry, along with other questionable practices that appear in today’s headlines with frequent regularity. God’s Word is clear, may we all have grace to believe what it says. I’ve attempted to highlight key passages---admittedly more than a meager few that point to a Biblical understanding that they are also coming!


In Him,

Eye

Blaspheming the Holy Ghost!

Mar 3:28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: Mar 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

Many refer to this passage as the unpardonable sin text due to Jesus’ statement that he that blasphemes against the Holy Ghost has no forgiveness and is in danger of eternal damnation. The wording seems clear and the implication is chilling. However, Jesus did promise us that He would send the Comforter after His resurrection. As promised, the Holy Ghost came into the world and the following verses tell us of His ministry:


Jhn 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Jhn 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; Jhn 16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Jhn 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

So we see the Holy Spirit reproving, convicting or convincing the world of sin…

Convicting or convincing the world of righteousness…

Convicting or convincing the world of judgment…

And, all of these things did happen just as Jesus said they would.

Notice the object of the Holy Spirit’s ministry is the world -- not just the elect in the world, or did I miss that somewhere? So if the Holy Spirit is convicting the world of sin and convincing the world of judgment and righteousness, then those in the world will be held accountable for their understanding of these things. As my pastor correctly stated recently in a sermon on Acts 17, ‘If God commandeth all men every where to repent: because he hath appointed a day, in which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto ALL men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead...’ then I have to believe if He commands men to repent, then they have the capacity to do so!

Amen and Amen to my pastor’s exegesis on this text! I might also add that in verses 26 and 27 of this chapter, Paul clearly states that all men have the ability to seek the Lord! And I thought only the elect could do that…

With regard to the unpardonable sin, if one thinks a bit about this they discover that blaspheming God’s work of revealing more convincing light to the individual results in one's blaspheming God’s plan and work through His son Jesus at Calvary. We know those who don’t blaspheme the Spirit and do seek God and repent and believe the gospel become the Elect; so I guess we must deal with the non-Elect. These verses teach us that people do willfully reject and blaspheme the convincing work of the Spirit. Therefore, man must truly have a choice in this issue of repentance and faith in God.

Why?

Because, if God has chosen some to eternal damnation as the Extreme or Hyper Calvinist teaches, then this doctrine would be irrelevant – because under the fatalist teaching of Extreme Calvinism, those chosen for Hell are predestined to go there no matter what they do. On the other hand, a man that seeks God, yeah feels after Him, and finds Him, though He (God) be not far from every one of us according to the Scripture; then the man who repents and believes the gospel will be saved.

If man has the capacity or ability to repent as commanded by God, and I believe he does; then man has the ability to blaspheme the Holy Spirit as well when he rejects the gospel!

Truly, man is responsible and Jesus tells us:

repent ye, and believe the gospel!

In Him,

Eye

Them that Believe!

Jesus said in Mark 1:15, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.'

1Cr 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.


1Ti 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

These verses instruct us that man must believe the gospel before he can be saved. Truly, without faith it is impossible to please Him!

Belief is man's responsibility. The result of man's belief in the gospel when he repents and seeks God like the jailer in Acts 16:30 is salvation, which is every bit God's work of grace, the blessed result of eternal salvation for those who do repent and believe the gospel...

The jailer asked what he must do to be saved and the apostle's response was believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Friends, nothing has changed!

In Him,

Eye

Perseverance of the Saints

I want to thank everyone for their participation and good posts over the past couple of months. I believe we’ve achieved an edifying level of dialogue that has both encouraged and challenged the reader. Of course, I can only speak for myself, but that is how I feel after participating in this exercise. The last post in this series on Extreme Calvinism covers the P in TULIP which stands for Perseverance of the Saints. I suppose this one letter unites the many different versions of Calvinists and even encompasses many non-Calvinists under the umbrella of eternal security or as many say, once saved, always saved.

Personally, I believe the Bible boldly proclaims that once a person is truly born again, they are then sealed with the Holy Spirit and nothing can snatch them out of God’s hand. In other words, there is no sin you can commit that can separate you from God after you are saved. We all continue to sin, but the key is the saved person now has the Holy Spirit living in them and as a result of this relationship with God, they will experience the convicting power of God’s Spirit leading them to repent and confess their sins when they take place. Sometimes we stew in our anger, lust, fleshly desires, pride, evil attitudes, etc., but at the end of the day, figuratively speaking, we Christians know that we have sinned against God and our fellow man. We also know we must repent of these sins and yield ourselves to God so that we can have our fellowship restored with Him through prayer, His word and fellowship with other believers. The Christian life encompasses obedience to God and the more obedient we become, the more He will reward as good and faithful servants. Our obedience should never be to obtain eternal rewards, but rather to obey Him in faith and to grow and mature in Christ while He molds and shapes us into the sons and daughters He desires us to become.

As stated earlier, the final letter in the acrostic TULIP stands for Perseverance of the Saints. Basically, this means all of those who are regenerated will persevere to the end. In other words, they will all make it to heaven. All Calvinists believe that all the elect will persevere in their faith and be saved. In other words, all the regenerated are elect, and all the elect will be in heaven.

According to Geisler in his book Chosen But Free, there is not always a discernible difference between extreme and moderate Calvinists on this point. However, at least some extreme Calvinists seem to imply that none of the elect will die in sin, while the moderate Calvinist holds that no elect person will be lost, even if he dies in sin. Also of note, extreme Calvinists believe that all elect persons will be faithful to the end. Whereas moderate Calvinists hold that even if some true believers are not faithful until death, nonetheless, God will still be faithful to them (2 Timothy 2:13).
There are many wonderful verses in the Bible that affirm the doctrine of eternal security. A few, but not all include:

John 5:24
John 6:39-40
John 10:27-28
John 17:12
Hebrews 10:14
Romans 8:29-30
Romans 8:37-39
Romans 11:29
Ephesians 1:13-14
Philippians 1:6

and there are many others...

I believe this is a clear teaching from Scripture and agree with the doctrine of eternal security. Certainly God does the work and sees that work to completion, and we have nothing to boast of in that. God simply calls us to be obedient to His word and to walk in His Spirit for as He says, without faith it is impossible to please Him. He promises to never forsake us or leave us and there is nothing that can separate us from His love once we repent and believe the gospel and are born again!

In Him,

Eye

And Eye Quotes Jesus, "Thy Faith Hath Saved Thee"

Luke 7:44-50

And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

I still sense a stronghold in the extreme Calvinist camp of regeneration before faith that lives in the ether of blogland. As such, I bring this passage to our attention for several reasons:

Jesus affirms that humans do have faith...

Jesus affirms to this woman that her faith saved her...

Jesus is the only one who could forgive this woman of her sins -- she had nothing to do with that...

But, the woman did seek Jesus out and she obviously believed the gospel by the evidence of her actions...

Can anyone explain to me where they see regeneration before faith in this clear passage of conversion as told us by the Lord?

Stay tuned -- the final installment of our Extreme Calvinism series will post soon!

In Him,

Eye