Around 1500 years before the birth of JESUS CHRIST, Children of Israel grieved in their captivity and sufferings in Egypt for 400 years waiting for the “Savior” who would come to save them and cried to the Most High God to save them as they were not able to bear anymore the tortures, and then came Moses. Moses delivered them out of Pharaoh’s hands by the mighty hand of GOD who did many wonders and even divided the Red Sea so that the Israelites can walk through.
For clarity about who Israelites are, they are born from the lineage of Abraham, called by GOD to follow HIM, with a promise that nations would be blessed through HIM, when he was a wanderer in the city of Ur. He was directed to enter the land of canaan and promised that a nation would come out of him which will be established on the same land. The same is modern day’s Israel and Palestine. This land falls at the centre of Earth, the world.
Today, the children of Israel are referred as Jews. As prophesied and declared by GOD, after many years, they could finally gather themselves from all nations and formed the nation of Israel in 1948. They have contributed to the world in a big way. They are scattered all over the world. From Physics (Albert Einstein) to hollywood movies like Jurassic Park (Steven Spielberg), they have their mark in every big and small inventions. The nation of America is backed by the elite and rich Jewish people who contributed much always both in political scenario as well as in the field of scientific inventions.
The nation of Israel is very small, yet, is powerful in that region. India is nearly 150 times bigger and America is nearly 450 times bigger than this country. From Intel's first PC microprocessor to the Iron Dome they prepared to intercept rockets and shells, from the endoscopic capsule to Drip irrigation, they have given many useful and brilliant things to the world.
But keeping up these oracles from GOD was not easy and soon people were sinning, inviting curses upon themselves and generations. GOD wanted to show the world that anyone or any nation which would depend upon following a system of rules defining righteousness and holiness, will ultimately find themselves already caught up in sin - through thought and deed (or) through self-righteousness (which brings pride) (or) because of their ancestral sins and curses operating upon them. Ultimately man has to depend upon GOD's mercy and forgiveness. Man has to accept GOD's way of forgiving man. GOD proved this through the example of Israel, which fell away into enemies hands, not having kept GOD's commandments. GOD is sinless and blameless, HE is most holy and righteous, righteous in all HIS ways and judgements. It is written in the Bible that GOD is surrounded by glory because of HIS holiness and no one could approach HIM in HIS glory. Sin in man distanced him so much from GOD that man forgot his original relationship with GOD - as of a FATHER and son. Man began to look at GOD as one who is angry, unapproachable and one who will punish man for his sins. But, as a matter of fact, the truth is, above everything else GOD is merciful and gracious, ever ready to forgive man when man repents and confesses his sin. "Love" is His true nature, which is full of grace,so amazing to realize it's depth. GOD wanted man to know GOD's true nature because GOD has a wonderful plan to not only forgive man, but save him from hell for eternity - to enable man to live in eternity with GOD - where there is no scope for sin or torment anymore.
Nation of Israel grieved in their captivity as they were ruled by other kingdoms and waited for a
“Savior” who would save them, almost fainted eagerly waiting for the “Messiah”. Then during the rule of Roman empire, came JESUS CHRIST. But they could not recognize HIM and crucified HIM on
charges of blasphemy that JESUS made HIMSELF equal to GOD, having found no
other sin in HIM. But JESUS was all the way telling the truth that HE came from the Father and that HE and the FATHER are the same. But the Jews could not comprehend the meaning of the scriptures, and thought JESUS was blaspheming about being GOD. Moreover, they were waiting for someone who would deliver them out of foreign rule and never understood that it is deliverance from sin that was most required first, after which, every good thing would follow. JESUS fulfilled the scriptures - which prophesied about HIM - about a “SON” being
given to the world, the SON's crucifixion and HIS (Resurrection) triumphant rising up from death out of the grave.
JESUS lived a holy and blameless life before GOD and men, HE was pure in HIS thoughts as a person. HE showed love and compassion to every one. JESUS was showing love in it's purest form, the same love that GOD has towards man. JESUS healed every one without judging them and healed each of them unconditionally. JESUS was manifesting (revealing) GOD's love in true form. From the beginning, JESUS knew that the same people who were receiving healing from HIM would one day deliver HIM to be killed. Yet, HE never hated them or judged them. HE loved them more. HE knew that the people wouldn't deliver HIM to the cross, had they understood or known the truth about HIM.
Usually man's character is such that he feels jealousy seeing others happy and envies other persons for no reason. In some cases, when man faces punishment for some wrong that he does, many times, instead of repenting, man has the habit of developing grudge against the person who corrects, though he knows that he is at fault. But JESUS lived contrary to all such ill feelings and kept HIS conscience clean. HE forgave even those who crucified HIM on the cross.
HE healed every person that HE encountered from his/ her sickness and disease , HE raised up many from death, even raised up Lazaurus who was dead and kept in the grave for 4 days, HE delivered people from demonic possessions and HE taught people with authority about the kingdom of GOD and HIS righteousness. JESUS did many miracles and wonders like multiplying food when needed, changing water into wine at a wedding feast when wine was over, etc along with the healing ministry to people and declared that all these works itself prove that HE came from the Father GOD with a mission to accomplish for the world. Before healing and delivering people, JESUS used to forgive them of their sins. This is the authority which rests only with the Father GOD, so the Jews found this objectionable. JESUS indicated them, the miracles themselves are declaring that HE has got the power to forgive every one and that HE came from the Father GOD and that both are one.
Many times JESUS criticized the priests of the temple and the learned scholars that they changed the laws of GOD as per their convenience, that they led the people wrongly and that they imposed more taxes which burdened the people. Hence the priests & the scholars were angered, so looked for an opportunity to blame JESUS and find an occasion to trap HIM, but they couldn't catch HIM in any thing. Moreover, HE grew more and more popular. They hated JESUS for HIS popularity and also because HE rebuked them many times, plan to kill HIM but were afraid of the multitudes of people that followed and loved HIM. Finally by deception, during the night (at midnight) they capture JESUS and present HIM before the Roman empire on charges of blasphemy. The Roman governor could not find any fault in JESUS, tries to release HIM, but JESUS wouldn't open HIS mouth on any of the charges, so finally delivers HIM out of helplessness into the hands of the Jews because of their outcry to crucify HIM. If JESUS had opened HIS mouth, people would have revolted. JESUS knew about this and moreover JESUS has to complete HIS mission of redeeming this world from sin - through HIS death on the cross. So JESUS maintained HIS silence. Finally the Jews crucify JESUS. They ridicule JESUS to save HIMSELF from the cross if HE were really GOD as claimed by HIM, little knowing that this person is sacrificing on HIS own free will, to deliver this world from sin. They incited the crowds on the same grounds that JESUS was unable to deliver HIMSELF because HE is not GOD.
JESUS CONQUERED DEATH AND ROSE AGAIN ON THE THIRD DAY JUST AS HE HAD BEEN TELLING HIS DISCIPLES AND PEOPLE ALL THE TIME. They did not understand HIM nor digest HIS words that HE should die - for the world. Only after HIS resurrection (rising up alive from death) , they understood HIS words.
HIS grave remains empty today, there are no bones in HIS grave. The grave that was used to lay HIS body was a new one, hewn out of a rock, where no other dead body was laid before. JESUS CHRIST came as Savior of the world to die because the whole world is reeling under sin and curse from sin – the simple truth that no one living or already dead could conquer death and rise again or live without dying till now (except JESUS CHRIST) is itself a proof that everyone has come under sin, no matter how much holy the person can claim, because death cannot operate on a righteous person, death can operate only on a person with sin.
The eyes of the LORD are open to the hearts of men – to know the intentions of man. Not every intention of man is good because man is selfish in nature. God sees the heart and knows the intentions of man, so doesn't judge just by man's outward works. GOD knows and sees - almost every thought of man is sinful - there is none found righteous in the world – and every righteous work that man does – is as a filthy rag in the sight of GOD – because the intentions are all wrong.
The righteous work man thinks he is doing is producing self-righteousness in man because of which man starts accusing and judging others. Righteousness as per GOD'S standard is too high and cannot be attained by any one in this world. A man judges a person as a murderer if that person physically kills another, but according to GOD, a man becomes a murderer the moment he curses or envies another in his heart. A man judges a person who commits sexual sin outwardly and calls him or her as an adulterer but according to GOD any person who looks at any other person with lust has already committed adultery in his or her heart.
Self-righteousness leads to pride, selfishness, intolerance and impatience. There is lust for power, lust for dominion, lust for money, lust of flesh, lust of eye and lust for the worldly things. Man cannot get redeemed from these sins by doing some other good works or by visiting holy places or by taking a dip in holy (?) water or by charitable deeds. A person can do charitable deeds only when he has money, not every one can do it. A person can visit holy places only when he is healthy and is able to travel, not all persons can do it. A sick person can never be able to do it. Moreover a charitable work or helping others in other ways or visiting holy places can never become a measuring rod to remove the sin of a person or redeem man from sin. Sin can be various forms - adultery, murder, abuse, stealing, rape, telling lies, false witnessing, taking bribes, lust for various things, envy, coveting....and the list is endless. No good work can remove sin because the brutality, the depth of sin varies in different forms. Good works get added up but they cannot nullify bad works or sin committed. Some sinful acts are so shameful that it deserves serious punishment, even death. So how can one be redeemed from their sin(s)? The sins committed invite curses and can operate for generations without end. Children or the next generation(s) get affected with some diseases or continuous ailments or problems or financial crisis or hereditary diseases or addictions which seem to be clinging to them for no reason. This leads people to curse God sometimes not understanding the cause for their situation. There seems to be absolutely no way man can evade punishment for sin.
Man can keep himself free from sin, be holy only for a limited period or short time. There is no guarantee man can remain in the same state all through his life time. Man keeps falling in sin and tries to rectify through experiences. Well, there are some who think they have never sinned or even some who think there is nothing like sin. This is not about such people because for them there is no hope of getting saved for eternity. This is for people who are aware and agree that they are sinful and want to get redeemed. Even if man goes away far from the busy life to Himalayas, the day he comes back into the world again, he starts sinning or abusing others. To be holy and blameless, people try to live far away from others where there is no temptation and no scope to sin, but this is not possible for every one and moreover there is no limit to the wandering mind that sins. Above everything else,...who can get redeemed from the sins of the thought life..? Man is not the physical person that we see but the person inside, it is the soul of a man that makes up the person and personality of a man. It is the soul that has the power to think and to make the body work accordingly. The soul has to be pure to reach GOD.
That's why no one can get saved by any form of works or good works. In the sight of GOD, good works performed with the right intention add up to the person's character but they cannot redeem man from his sin.
If not for JESUS CHRIST, the world has no reliable and perfect answer about the destiny of man after death. There are many beliefs which create more confusion and fear in man about their after life. Even after seeking many things, man is scared and worried about what next or what lies after death. Man is in a state of uncertainty and perplexed whether his soul would be saved or not (because of his sin that is clinging to him like a filthy shadow). Man can die happily when he has the assurance that his soul is saved after death. But how can his soul be saved after death..?
Man's sojourn on earth is limited and is like a journey. The main sojourn starts after physical death either as eternal life or eternal death. Eternal life is obtained for a person only when his sin(s) are forgiven. But how can a person's sins be forgiven? The righteousness of GOD demands death for sin of a person. So a person can be forgiven only when someone bears the punishment of death on this person's behalf. But that someone can bear the sins of this person only by being righteous because otherwise this someone has to pay for his sins first.
Will GOD be able to find such a person who is righteous and who would willingly bear the sin of another person (for no fault of his)..? No, GOD did not find even one person who remained righteous and holy all through his life, let alone that person's willingness to die.
So GOD plans to come down HIMSELF in flesh and blood, and offer HIS life by living blameless, so that every person who believes in HIS great act of kindness would be saved - gets redeemed from his/ her sin(s). In this way, man can obtain grace and forgiveness from GOD thus getting freed from the punishment of death for his sin. GOD knew man is weak in his senses, weak in his physical nature. Man is susceptible to the lust in his body and lust in this world, cannot control anger, envy, hatred, jealousy, pride, etc.
GOD in His abundant grace provided a way for man (in truth an easy way), to reach HIM. Every person who realizes that he is a sinner and comes to Him for His grace would be pardoned and would be disciplined as a child whom a loving Father disciplines. The penalty for the sin of that person would be taken care of by GOD in an amazing way and unbelievable grace. Hence GOD comes down as JESUS CHRIST in flesh and blood born to a virgin woman "Mary". Now there is hope for every one who believes in JESUS CHRIST because JESUS lived blameless and holy before GOD and men, and offered HIMSELF to die as a righteous sacrifice on behalf of mankind, to save every one who believes and accepts this great act of GOD'S kindness towards man.
GOD has made this so simple - Salvation is a free gift to mankind that who ever believes in GOD's way to save man, will be saved. All good gifts are from GOD and are free - the air we breathe, the water, the sunlight, the breeze, the fruit trees and the flower plants, and all the natural resources that man is enjoying. Man in his selfishness went on destroying the good things that GOD gave to man. Man's heart has become so hardened and sin-conscious that this good news that he is saved through Christ and Cross is too good to believe. Because of this, many miss the mark or the great opportunity GOD has provided to the mankind in His abundant grace.
Man now need not worry that he will have another birth again as another kind - as a dog or a monkey or anything else - or even as a sinful man - to repeat his life on earth for the sin he committed. There will not be any more life(s) for those who are purchased by the blood of JESUS. Their salvation is secured for eternity and they can be confident when they die that they will be with GOD for eternity.
The efforts and plans of men could never stop the works and truth of eternal GOD. Ultimately, life and death are in the hands of GOD alone - the MOST HIGH GOD, anyone can claim miracles and wonders, miracles of healing can happen, wonders may take place BUT the power over death no one can/ could claim.The holy Quran mentions about JESUS and JESUS being born to a virgin Mary. The Hindu scriptures also talk about atonement for sin of this world only through the blood shed and sacrifice of a righteous person in whom no sin, no guile, no iniquity is found.
JESUS lived a holy and blameless life before GOD and men, HE was pure in HIS thoughts as a person. HE showed love and compassion to every one. JESUS was showing love in it's purest form, the same love that GOD has towards man. JESUS healed every one without judging them and healed each of them unconditionally. JESUS was manifesting (revealing) GOD's love in true form. From the beginning, JESUS knew that the same people who were receiving healing from HIM would one day deliver HIM to be killed. Yet, HE never hated them or judged them. HE loved them more. HE knew that the people wouldn't deliver HIM to the cross, had they understood or known the truth about HIM.
Usually man's character is such that he feels jealousy seeing others happy and envies other persons for no reason. In some cases, when man faces punishment for some wrong that he does, many times, instead of repenting, man has the habit of developing grudge against the person who corrects, though he knows that he is at fault. But JESUS lived contrary to all such ill feelings and kept HIS conscience clean. HE forgave even those who crucified HIM on the cross.
HE healed every person that HE encountered from his/ her sickness and disease , HE raised up many from death, even raised up Lazaurus who was dead and kept in the grave for 4 days, HE delivered people from demonic possessions and HE taught people with authority about the kingdom of GOD and HIS righteousness. JESUS did many miracles and wonders like multiplying food when needed, changing water into wine at a wedding feast when wine was over, etc along with the healing ministry to people and declared that all these works itself prove that HE came from the Father GOD with a mission to accomplish for the world. Before healing and delivering people, JESUS used to forgive them of their sins. This is the authority which rests only with the Father GOD, so the Jews found this objectionable. JESUS indicated them, the miracles themselves are declaring that HE has got the power to forgive every one and that HE came from the Father GOD and that both are one.
Many times JESUS criticized the priests of the temple and the learned scholars that they changed the laws of GOD as per their convenience, that they led the people wrongly and that they imposed more taxes which burdened the people. Hence the priests & the scholars were angered, so looked for an opportunity to blame JESUS and find an occasion to trap HIM, but they couldn't catch HIM in any thing. Moreover, HE grew more and more popular. They hated JESUS for HIS popularity and also because HE rebuked them many times, plan to kill HIM but were afraid of the multitudes of people that followed and loved HIM. Finally by deception, during the night (at midnight) they capture JESUS and present HIM before the Roman empire on charges of blasphemy. The Roman governor could not find any fault in JESUS, tries to release HIM, but JESUS wouldn't open HIS mouth on any of the charges, so finally delivers HIM out of helplessness into the hands of the Jews because of their outcry to crucify HIM. If JESUS had opened HIS mouth, people would have revolted. JESUS knew about this and moreover JESUS has to complete HIS mission of redeeming this world from sin - through HIS death on the cross. So JESUS maintained HIS silence. Finally the Jews crucify JESUS. They ridicule JESUS to save HIMSELF from the cross if HE were really GOD as claimed by HIM, little knowing that this person is sacrificing on HIS own free will, to deliver this world from sin. They incited the crowds on the same grounds that JESUS was unable to deliver HIMSELF because HE is not GOD.
JESUS CONQUERED DEATH AND ROSE AGAIN ON THE THIRD DAY JUST AS HE HAD BEEN TELLING HIS DISCIPLES AND PEOPLE ALL THE TIME. They did not understand HIM nor digest HIS words that HE should die - for the world. Only after HIS resurrection (rising up alive from death) , they understood HIS words.
HIS grave remains empty today, there are no bones in HIS grave. The grave that was used to lay HIS body was a new one, hewn out of a rock, where no other dead body was laid before. JESUS CHRIST came as Savior of the world to die because the whole world is reeling under sin and curse from sin – the simple truth that no one living or already dead could conquer death and rise again or live without dying till now (except JESUS CHRIST) is itself a proof that everyone has come under sin, no matter how much holy the person can claim, because death cannot operate on a righteous person, death can operate only on a person with sin.
The eyes of the LORD are open to the hearts of men – to know the intentions of man. Not every intention of man is good because man is selfish in nature. God sees the heart and knows the intentions of man, so doesn't judge just by man's outward works. GOD knows and sees - almost every thought of man is sinful - there is none found righteous in the world – and every righteous work that man does – is as a filthy rag in the sight of GOD – because the intentions are all wrong.
The righteous work man thinks he is doing is producing self-righteousness in man because of which man starts accusing and judging others. Righteousness as per GOD'S standard is too high and cannot be attained by any one in this world. A man judges a person as a murderer if that person physically kills another, but according to GOD, a man becomes a murderer the moment he curses or envies another in his heart. A man judges a person who commits sexual sin outwardly and calls him or her as an adulterer but according to GOD any person who looks at any other person with lust has already committed adultery in his or her heart.
Self-righteousness leads to pride, selfishness, intolerance and impatience. There is lust for power, lust for dominion, lust for money, lust of flesh, lust of eye and lust for the worldly things. Man cannot get redeemed from these sins by doing some other good works or by visiting holy places or by taking a dip in holy (?) water or by charitable deeds. A person can do charitable deeds only when he has money, not every one can do it. A person can visit holy places only when he is healthy and is able to travel, not all persons can do it. A sick person can never be able to do it. Moreover a charitable work or helping others in other ways or visiting holy places can never become a measuring rod to remove the sin of a person or redeem man from sin. Sin can be various forms - adultery, murder, abuse, stealing, rape, telling lies, false witnessing, taking bribes, lust for various things, envy, coveting....and the list is endless. No good work can remove sin because the brutality, the depth of sin varies in different forms. Good works get added up but they cannot nullify bad works or sin committed. Some sinful acts are so shameful that it deserves serious punishment, even death. So how can one be redeemed from their sin(s)? The sins committed invite curses and can operate for generations without end. Children or the next generation(s) get affected with some diseases or continuous ailments or problems or financial crisis or hereditary diseases or addictions which seem to be clinging to them for no reason. This leads people to curse God sometimes not understanding the cause for their situation. There seems to be absolutely no way man can evade punishment for sin.
Man can keep himself free from sin, be holy only for a limited period or short time. There is no guarantee man can remain in the same state all through his life time. Man keeps falling in sin and tries to rectify through experiences. Well, there are some who think they have never sinned or even some who think there is nothing like sin. This is not about such people because for them there is no hope of getting saved for eternity. This is for people who are aware and agree that they are sinful and want to get redeemed. Even if man goes away far from the busy life to Himalayas, the day he comes back into the world again, he starts sinning or abusing others. To be holy and blameless, people try to live far away from others where there is no temptation and no scope to sin, but this is not possible for every one and moreover there is no limit to the wandering mind that sins. Above everything else,...who can get redeemed from the sins of the thought life..? Man is not the physical person that we see but the person inside, it is the soul of a man that makes up the person and personality of a man. It is the soul that has the power to think and to make the body work accordingly. The soul has to be pure to reach GOD.
That's why no one can get saved by any form of works or good works. In the sight of GOD, good works performed with the right intention add up to the person's character but they cannot redeem man from his sin.
If not for JESUS CHRIST, the world has no reliable and perfect answer about the destiny of man after death. There are many beliefs which create more confusion and fear in man about their after life. Even after seeking many things, man is scared and worried about what next or what lies after death. Man is in a state of uncertainty and perplexed whether his soul would be saved or not (because of his sin that is clinging to him like a filthy shadow). Man can die happily when he has the assurance that his soul is saved after death. But how can his soul be saved after death..?
Man's sojourn on earth is limited and is like a journey. The main sojourn starts after physical death either as eternal life or eternal death. Eternal life is obtained for a person only when his sin(s) are forgiven. But how can a person's sins be forgiven? The righteousness of GOD demands death for sin of a person. So a person can be forgiven only when someone bears the punishment of death on this person's behalf. But that someone can bear the sins of this person only by being righteous because otherwise this someone has to pay for his sins first.
Will GOD be able to find such a person who is righteous and who would willingly bear the sin of another person (for no fault of his)..? No, GOD did not find even one person who remained righteous and holy all through his life, let alone that person's willingness to die.
So GOD plans to come down HIMSELF in flesh and blood, and offer HIS life by living blameless, so that every person who believes in HIS great act of kindness would be saved - gets redeemed from his/ her sin(s). In this way, man can obtain grace and forgiveness from GOD thus getting freed from the punishment of death for his sin. GOD knew man is weak in his senses, weak in his physical nature. Man is susceptible to the lust in his body and lust in this world, cannot control anger, envy, hatred, jealousy, pride, etc.
GOD in His abundant grace provided a way for man (in truth an easy way), to reach HIM. Every person who realizes that he is a sinner and comes to Him for His grace would be pardoned and would be disciplined as a child whom a loving Father disciplines. The penalty for the sin of that person would be taken care of by GOD in an amazing way and unbelievable grace. Hence GOD comes down as JESUS CHRIST in flesh and blood born to a virgin woman "Mary". Now there is hope for every one who believes in JESUS CHRIST because JESUS lived blameless and holy before GOD and men, and offered HIMSELF to die as a righteous sacrifice on behalf of mankind, to save every one who believes and accepts this great act of GOD'S kindness towards man.
GOD has made this so simple - Salvation is a free gift to mankind that who ever believes in GOD's way to save man, will be saved. All good gifts are from GOD and are free - the air we breathe, the water, the sunlight, the breeze, the fruit trees and the flower plants, and all the natural resources that man is enjoying. Man in his selfishness went on destroying the good things that GOD gave to man. Man's heart has become so hardened and sin-conscious that this good news that he is saved through Christ and Cross is too good to believe. Because of this, many miss the mark or the great opportunity GOD has provided to the mankind in His abundant grace.
Man now need not worry that he will have another birth again as another kind - as a dog or a monkey or anything else - or even as a sinful man - to repeat his life on earth for the sin he committed. There will not be any more life(s) for those who are purchased by the blood of JESUS. Their salvation is secured for eternity and they can be confident when they die that they will be with GOD for eternity.
There are stories people invented with selfish motives to suppress the truth. But the good news cannot be stopped because it is the truth not in word only but also in reality. People witness great miracles of deliverance when prayed in JESUS name - from sickness, disease, even death, demonic possessions and demonic attacks apart from financial breakthroughs, deliverance from problems and peace-less-ness. People have witnessed manifestation of JESUS CHRIST appearing directly in their lives. He is alive today and operating in many and through many His miracles and deliverance.
Let's see some of the invented stories (rumors)....
(1) JESUS learnt yoga in India to keep HIMSELF alive (:D)
(2) Someone else took the place of JESUS on the cross and JESUS escaped (:D)
(3) There was also a story that JESUS CHRIST'S dead body after being taken down from the cross was applied spices and ointment, and because it was mentioned in the Bible about ointment being applied to the burial body of JESUS, some tried to prove that ointment can only be applied to a person who had life in him/her for recovery.
Let's see how much truth these have in them....
(1) If JESUS had learnt yoga in India, there must have been so many holy people who must be living still to this day by the art of yoga or those who must have risen up again in India. But there is none of such record. And as a matter of fact, a disciple cannot be greater than his/her guru. So if JESUS had learnt this 'art' in India, there should have been greater gurus in India. Any art and magic can be awesomely so amazing but finally everything halts and comes to standstill where death and life is concerned. BECAUSE the power over death is given only to those whom GOD chooses.
(2) And also, the Roman kingdom that ruled Israel in those days cannot be taken for 'granted' because they were as strong and powerful as modern day's America, enforcing their rules and wouldn't allow any nonsense in their law enforcement, they were very strict and followed stringent rules, adopted high security measures to see that their punishments are enforced properly and everything is recorded with utmost accuracy. The rock that was covering the entrance of the cave where the body of JESUS was laid is so huge weighing more than 2 tonnes, and cannot be moved by 1 or 2 people. Not only the stone is heavy, the stone is sealed and secured. The tomb was sealed with an iron bar held securely into the rock by melted lead.
The Bible also tells us that the religious leaders asked Pilate to give them soldiers and to seal the tomb because they knew that Jesus had declared that He would be resurrected from the dead. (Matthew 27:62-22). They wanted to be double sure that JESUS wouldn't escape. And so was the tomb secured.
(3) The ancient egyptian kings and queens when they are dead were embalmed with all kinds of rich spices, perfumes and ointments - and even make-up for preservation of the dead bodies and to keep the king and queen appear beautiful even after death. The Israelites did not follow all this, but out of love for their savior, we see some of HIS followers applying spices and ointment for HIS body. The body of JESUS is badly bruised and so they apply the ointment to HIS body as a honor. Nobody would apply spices to anyone who is alive, spices are applied only to a dead body. Spices have high burning effect so no one would apply spices over a bruised person if he is alive, only a soothing ointment can be applied for a living person to bring down the agony and to heal. But we see that spices are prepared and applied to the body as well, and so the body should have been a dead body.
Let's see some of the invented stories (rumors)....
(1) JESUS learnt yoga in India to keep HIMSELF alive (:D)
(2) Someone else took the place of JESUS on the cross and JESUS escaped (:D)
(3) There was also a story that JESUS CHRIST'S dead body after being taken down from the cross was applied spices and ointment, and because it was mentioned in the Bible about ointment being applied to the burial body of JESUS, some tried to prove that ointment can only be applied to a person who had life in him/her for recovery.
Let's see how much truth these have in them....
(1) If JESUS had learnt yoga in India, there must have been so many holy people who must be living still to this day by the art of yoga or those who must have risen up again in India. But there is none of such record. And as a matter of fact, a disciple cannot be greater than his/her guru. So if JESUS had learnt this 'art' in India, there should have been greater gurus in India. Any art and magic can be awesomely so amazing but finally everything halts and comes to standstill where death and life is concerned. BECAUSE the power over death is given only to those whom GOD chooses.
(2) And also, the Roman kingdom that ruled Israel in those days cannot be taken for 'granted' because they were as strong and powerful as modern day's America, enforcing their rules and wouldn't allow any nonsense in their law enforcement, they were very strict and followed stringent rules, adopted high security measures to see that their punishments are enforced properly and everything is recorded with utmost accuracy. The rock that was covering the entrance of the cave where the body of JESUS was laid is so huge weighing more than 2 tonnes, and cannot be moved by 1 or 2 people. Not only the stone is heavy, the stone is sealed and secured. The tomb was sealed with an iron bar held securely into the rock by melted lead.
The Bible also tells us that the religious leaders asked Pilate to give them soldiers and to seal the tomb because they knew that Jesus had declared that He would be resurrected from the dead. (Matthew 27:62-22). They wanted to be double sure that JESUS wouldn't escape. And so was the tomb secured.
(3) The ancient egyptian kings and queens when they are dead were embalmed with all kinds of rich spices, perfumes and ointments - and even make-up for preservation of the dead bodies and to keep the king and queen appear beautiful even after death. The Israelites did not follow all this, but out of love for their savior, we see some of HIS followers applying spices and ointment for HIS body. The body of JESUS is badly bruised and so they apply the ointment to HIS body as a honor. Nobody would apply spices to anyone who is alive, spices are applied only to a dead body. Spices have high burning effect so no one would apply spices over a bruised person if he is alive, only a soothing ointment can be applied for a living person to bring down the agony and to heal. But we see that spices are prepared and applied to the body as well, and so the body should have been a dead body.
JESUS CHRIST came to pay the penalty for sin (sin of man in entirety of mankind) so that
whoever believes on HIM can be freed from the wages of sin and have a healthy
relationship with GOD again which is lost due to sin of man. Healthy
relationship with GOD means healthy living, peace and prosperity in life. It is not only after death that a forgiven man can expect a heavenly life, but even while living on earth, a person can get completely healed and live a life of prosperity and peace. The
penalty for death having been paid by JESUS on cross, the person saved (whoever
believes and agrees that JESUS has paid for his sins and saved him/her) will
now have eternal life assured, living with the eternal GOD in eternity, having passed
from death into eternal life. The person is saved by grace and so the person
when he/ she understands the pure love of GOD, will strive to be like GOD. The
desire to be holy always is renewed, filled and satisfied by the continuous
power of GOD within that person by the effectual communion between GOD and man
through HIS HOLY SPIRIT who starts residing inside man to help him/her
understand more about GOD and HIS love, and so effectually will resist sin and have
dominion over all weaknesses and problems.
Now the Bible talks about the return of JESUS CHRIST to
establish HIS kingdom on earth. “Yes”, JESUS CHRIST who fulfilled part of the
prophesy, is now ascended unto HIS heavenly FATHER (MOST HIGH GOD) in HIS earthly body, in a glorified form, sitting on HIS right hand side, waiting for the rest to be fulfilled.
This time HE will not be coming to serve for the sake of the world, but as
a MIGHTY KING with a rod in HIS hand – to rule and judge this earth. When HIS judgment
starts, the earth will be filled with HIS fury and the peoples and nations will
try to hide from HIS fury but they cannot.
Before judging the world HE will first come as a bridegroom
to take away the prepared people who have believed on HIM and started to live
for HIM, always renewing themselves in HIS SPIRIT, to do mighty things on earth
and live a life of conqueror – one who has conquered sin, sickness, lack,
poverty, curse, and even the last enemy death.
First, the prepared people (who accepted and believed JESUS
and who lived for HIM) called as Bride will be lifted up to heaven
(those who are dead will rise up from the graves with their bodies and those
who are living at that time will be caught up), which will be recorded on earth as Alien
invasion as there would be so many missing and not found cases at the
same time. But that “so many” is not a big number because those so prepared is
a small number compared to the huge numbers that will be left behind. Then JESUS along with HIS bride that HE caught up, will come down to earth to
rule and judge as THE KING. At this time all other dominion and rule
will be put down, all unrighteousness will be dealt with a serious rod of
punishment, and with HIM, HIS bride who will be like HIM, will be ruling along
with HIM. That is why JESUS CHRIST is called KING of Kings and LORD of Lords.
This great event is yet to happen, but the Bible states that
this will happen at a time when no one expects and everyone is busy in their
own works. Even many Christians will start wondering whether HE will come or not.
JESUS said that HE will come like a thief in the night for the unprepared but as a bridegroom for the prepared people.
The world is eagerly
waiting to witness this event of the Return of JESUS CHRIST. The earth also is
eagerly waiting to be redeemed from the curse of sin. JESUS has commissioned
everyone who has received the gospel of good news and accepted JESUS CHRIST as
their personal savior to tell about this good news to others – every one –
their neighbors, friends, relatives, every other fellow human being so that
they will be saved. Every saved person will be accountable when they face JESUS
on the last day for other person’s lives. That’s why the good news is
proclaimed amidst many trials and persecutions.
John has a revelation about second coming of JESUS on earth. He records in (Revelation 19: 11-16)
11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. ‘He will rule them with an iron sceptre.’ He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. ‘He will rule them with an iron sceptre.’ He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
king of kings and lord of lords.
No comments:
Post a Comment