Christian life — THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH AND THE SHADOW OF THIS WORLD

The previous chapters made you to discover an admirable God in the person of Jesus Christ, our friend. You had to make a choice: Who is Jesus? Was He the only son of God? You now KNOW the path to reach Him and have eternal life. But before leaving, I want to talk about taboo subjects in the Christian world, not to mislead you but to strengthen you against the enemy. Moreover, in the fight that a Christian will have to engage in his life as a believer, the Bible warns us:

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

Also, the acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross grants us eternal life and seals us with the Holy Spirit. By this simple gesture, you just move from darkness to light. Henceforth, Satan is your enemy and he will develop obstacles throughout your life. To face him, God gives you a formidable weapon: the authority of the believer. So, to further explain the subject of drugs and satanic music seen in the first part, we will touch a dangerous theme: that of the possession. Be rest assured, the believer is safe from this tragedy. Then we will continue with the authority of the believer. Finally, we will clarify some New Testament texts that may give rise to misunderstandings and discuss eternal salvation.

SECTION 1 - Possession

If I had not fully explored this subject, it would have weighed heavily on my conscience. I know that most of you will probably never deal with this situation. But the few relatives or friends who read this book and are faced with such a problem will know that I understand them.

When we speak of God, some people ask very embarrassing questions. Here are some of them: Why was I born in abundance, and he in a poor, remote country, unknown to the civilized world? Why was I born with all my mental faculties, and he without understanding? How can a foolish being come to Christ? Does the universe have the same God? So many questions come up to me.

Most of these existential questions like why us and not others are addressed in Psalms 139:15-

15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.

God is faithful, just and sincere. God has no beginning and no end. From the day of our birth, He knows our life and knows if we are His. If he could find just three righteous among the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, He would have saved these cities. He would have ensured that no righteous was lost. If a human language is not enough to break his world, He will pierce through other means, perhaps unknown to intelligent men, but known to Him. Depending on the place where God put the new soul belonging to Him, God knows if she will accept his sacrifice on the cross. Similarly, He will not put his child in nightmarish situations.

Therefore, it is difficult to describe the state of a possessed man and how it came about. Some people may be possessed for a short time while others will be throughout their lives.

a) The state of possession

The best description we can make of a possessed man would be that given by Jesus in Matthew: Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. (Matthew 12:29)

The biblical answer to this dilemma is simple. Every man is born free but some individuals make themselves slaves. Sometimes, people voluntarily submit their freedom to Satan in return for certain property. Others are victims of deception when, through music, the youth is taught that Satan is the true God and Jesus abominable. This movement, amplified by the voice of drug, binds the individual gradually, and can even bring his mind to be subject to evil spirits.

In some cases, possession is radical because it pushes the individual to self-destruction. By submitting to the spirit of drugs, many teenagers commit suicide. Others are possessed after occult sessions and some are even initiated during rock concerts.

For example, the KISS (Kings in Satan's Service) group in 1983 had a rock concert at Montreal. During that concert, the group presented a satanic initiation in course of their show. Six days later, an infinitely small proportion of the young spectators had psychological problems. Some had to be committed to psychiatric institutions for life.

Perhaps you will say I'm exaggerating, but they are still thousands each year who are victims of this fake dragon. The parents of these adolescents struggling with runaways, suicides, internment in psychiatric institutions and especially the thousands unknown teenagers in mortuaries, dead forever, in almost all cases they will tell you: it was not more our child. But despite all this, possession is a remediable condition; the love of Christ conquers all.

b) Possession, a forgivable sin under grace

Possession is the condition of an individual fully linked or subjected to Satan, the reasoning faculty of such a person is largely influenced by the unclean spirit in him. Under Grace, through a Christian exercising his authority in Jesus Christ, the possessed individual may be delivered. That same individual can subsequently come to Christ by making a free choice and be saved. It is obvious that this definition excludes those individuals who are only partially bound but having all their senses and freedom. Under Grace, they, can at any time turn towards the person of Jesus Christ, ask Him forgiveness and be saved by His purifying blood.

For over two thousand years, we are under the age of grace, the Lord who in his great goodness gave a new weapon to man through Christ's victory over Satan on the Cross, the Holy Spirit. God the Holy Spirit was given to men by Jesus Christ. It is thanks to its Power that man desires repentance with God. It is also thanks to its power that man sealed by the Holy Spirit can cast out demons and can do wonders in the name of Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately, year one of the Antichrist reign will announce the demise of the Church and the Holy Spirit on earth. Also, all who are seduced by the world government will want to replace God with a kingdom ruled by man. The Spirit of Satan will be alone in the world. At that time, any man who accepts the cursed mark on the forehead and on the right hand or worship the image of the beast will be sealed by the Spirit of Satan. The power of the Holy Spirit having then disappeared, there will be no power to deliver them from darkness. At that, People who shall believe in Jesus Christ will not be sealed immediately by the Holy Spirit after the act of faith confessed before the brothers, since they will walk to death by decapitation. If taken by the world government - imagine the uphill battle when they will be invited to choose between two possibilities: that of death beheaded for Christ or to accept the cursed mark and be possessed by the spirit of Satan, and consequently expect the judgment of God since the action taken will be unforgivable, the seal of God will be put on someone only if he perseveres in his faith until death. Through his tricks, the Antichrist will seduce many people during his reign just like part of today's youth.

Under grace, possession is a forgivable sin, since by the Power in the Name of Jesus Christ, God the Holy Spirit, forgive every deed. This is a testimony that God's Spirit gives of His Son, Jesus Christ. No other name has this power in our world. Therefore, the therapy of the cure of the soul of possessed individuals and the authority of the believer applies only to the time of grace; Satan being bound during the Millennium.

What is possession? It is accepting to subject oneřs soul to Satan. Certainly, this state is not arrived at by mere words or a challenge in a poker game. It must be desired, maintained and kept until a total commitment of the individual. From that moment, he is forever under the domination of Satan. Now all his actions will be dictated by Satan. The latter will mutilate, destroy the body and will subject the victim to very mean actions. In some very radical cases, Satan pushes the person to commit suicide. For such a person, what is left is the pending judgment of God.

For such persons to become free during their lifetime, they must be delivered from the chains of the unclean spirit in them. By themselves, it is impossible to regain liberty. It will take another person to cast out the demon in the name of Jesus Christ. Here is the difference between a free individual and a possessed person:

Free individual: He is master of himself = he may choose to accept or reject Jesus Christ

Possessed individual: He is under Satanřs control = he is unable to regain his freedom and accept Jesus Christ unless he is delivered by a Christian interceding in the name of Jesus Christ.

To regain personal freedom and be able to make a free choice thereafter, the person must be released. Unfortunately, these captive souls are hospitalized for psychiatric care, victims of mistakes of modern medicine. Their problem is not madness but demonology. Do not be confused here, I mean that a good number of individuals among patients requiring psychiatric care are victims of demonology. During the period of grace with the Holy Spirit operating in the world, these captive souls can be set free if and only if someone in the presence of the possessed individual orders the impure spirit to leave in the name of Jesus Christ. The intermediary person must be in the presence of the possessed individual. Here is the proof:

1 Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. 2 And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 3 who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, 4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. 5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. 7 And he cried out with a loud voice and said, "What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me." 8 For He said to him, "Come out of the man, unclean spirit!" 9 Then He asked him, "What is your name?" And he answered, saying, "My name is Legion; for we are many." 10 Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country. 11 Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. 12 So all the demons begged Him, saying, "Send us to the swine, that we may enter them." 13 And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea. 14 So those who fed the swine fled, and they told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that had happened. 15 Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon- possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. 16 And those who saw it told them how it happened to him who had been demon-possessed, and about the swine. 17 Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region. 18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. 19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you." 20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled. (Mark 5:1-20)

Jesus transformed this demon possessed person into a messenger, even though he did not allow him to follow Him. Thanks to Jesus, he was delivered. Jesus accepted him and gave him a mission, to tell his entire household that the Redeemer had come.

Unfortunately, Jesus does not deliver all the possessed, just as He does not heal all the blind, the lame, the dumb and others. Today, many young people are languishing in hospitals. Their illness is not madness but demonology, and unless someone does release them by the authority of Jesus Christ, they will die in their sin.

I see your questions coming: How do I know if someone is mad or possessed? Who will perform an exorcism? Does the Church regulate exorcisms? It is true that the Catholic Church agrees to exorcise only if the subject speaks in a known language and shows obvious signs of demonology. Personally, I think it's a mistake. Jesus drove many demons. Some possessed were more obvious than others because the spirit that lived in them was more powerful. Many would ask me why men of God do not walk in hospitals, looking for those people classified as insane, but in fact possessed.

To perform an exorcism, you must have the consent of the family. The majority of these families are not open to this problem. In other cases, it is boring. Sometimes the possessed individual becomes so wild that they are obliged to isolate him, even his family finds it difficult to meet him in the psychiatric institution. It must be said that this ministry is not popular among Christians.

Personally, if I had a child who had touched drugs and spiritualism, and if I believed that the spirit that resides in him is not his, I would not hesitate to ask someone who has skills to perform an exorcism. Otherwise, I will exercise the authority that the Lord gave me as a believer and I will cast out the enemy, Satan.

Men who exorcise avoid publicizing their vocation. It is therefore difficult to meet or even question them. On the contrary, I know that no exorcism is similar to another. The Christian asks the unclean spirit to give its name and then calls it by its name. Through Jesus Christ, he orders the unclean spirit to leave. For some unclean spirits, we must fast and pray before we can drive them through Jesus Christ.

Who can perform an exorcism? Any person who, by the name of Jesus Christ, orders an evil spirit to leave an individual will succeed. It is not necessary that the person be saved. Remember, the Lord warned us about it. However, it is better for a saved Christian to perform an exorcism because, in some cases, the unclean spirit pursues the person who cast it out in the name of Jesus Christ. Apparently it's very unpleasant.

Can a saved person be possessed? It is impossible for a person who has accepted the gift of Jesus Christ on the cross to be possessed as he is sealed with the Holy Spirit and belongs to Jesus for eternity. some saved Christians may fall into the world of drugs, drunkenness and so on, but they will nevertheless be saved as by fire, no one can build on a different foundation, namely Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:15). They would lose their reward in heaven.

In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)

Similarly, all those who accept the gift of Jesus Christ in a sincere way are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Thereafter, they will receive a place in Heaven according to the value of their Christian life on the earth.

Can a non-believer be inhabited by evil spirits? Yes, all non-believers are at the mercy of this risk if they engaged in demonological science. Sometimes, during occultism sessions, non- believers who commonly invoke ghosts out of curiosity, are pursued by evil spirits and inhabited by force, because they did not have the power of the Blood of Christ as a means of counter attack against these evil forces. We should not play with the supernatural because it can burn us.

To perform an exorcism one must be very strong spiritually. Prayer, fasting, speed in striking back by the Word of God, are all important assets. God is Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient. He knows what we think and what we want. He knows our beginning and our end; He is always with us while at the same time elsewhere. On the contrary, Satan is neither omnipotent nor omnipresent nor omniscient. My inexperience makes me fear this ministry. But God gives us a powerful tool against the enemy, the seal of the Holy Spirit, "the Authority of the believer."

SECTION 2 - The Authority of the believer

Many believers struggle in their personal lives, with obstacles and pitfalls voluntarily put in their path. The instant reaction of the majority of them is prayer. The power of prayer is unquestionably the only way to ask or to intercede with God and to prepare the way for delivery, but ineffective to keep away the enemy because Jesus gave us a weapon par excellence: the authority of the believer.

To better understand this situation, I'll give you some examples. For some time, you have nightmares every night. Old sins assail you, giving you sleepless nights and anxiety. Or may be you are unemployed, and each time there is an opportunity, you get sick or the doors close. In short, a number of small unpredictable details are designed to make you lose your joy and your peace of mind in the Christian life.

At that time, it is necessary to ask this question "Who is behind this?ŗ If you come to the conclusion that it is the enemy, then, pray to Jesus Christ for Him to answer you. Jesus already defeated Satan two thousand years ago on the cross by His Sacrifice. Then use the authority Jesus Christ has given you as a child of God. Make use of His Name and drive the enemy, as Jesus said:

18 And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." (Luke 10:18-20)

Many believers are unaware of these things and because of this, their Christian life is monotonous. It looks like they are defeated, not knowing what to do when they are oppressed, crushed and beaten. The power of the Holy Spirit granted to us when we become Children of God is immense. Therefore, Satan does all he can in his power to overtake us and blind us. The authority of the believer is required to enjoy a happy and joyful Christian life. Otherwise, this life would be difficult, depressing and pathetic. We must grab the promises of God, believe in them and put them into practice otherwise we deprive ourselves of blessings. Unfortunately, few people use this authority, they prefer to hide behind a religion or a dogma because they fear or do not know the truth.

This doctrine is called "the authority of the believer" and is very effective. Here is the proof of its existence: Suppose that you know a possessed person. What will happen if you pray for him in private? Probably nothing. On the contrary, if you go there, you pray and fast, and order the demon to leave that person in the name of Jesus Christ, the demon will obey you because the Holy Spirit watches over the name of Jesus Christ. Similarly, if you have to deal with evil forces that poison your relationship with God, you should drive with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

The weapon that Jesus gives us under grace is of paramount importance in the life of a believer. May be the new Christian will find me, sexist? So here are two kinds of Christians, and they react differently when the enemy interferes in their relationship with God.

Contextualization : Two Christians have the same problem. Mothers of families today, these women worked in their youth as nude dancers. They met the Lord and were saved and changed their lifestyles. Now married with two children each, they are plagued by a deep regret for their past lives. Satan the accuser says, "Are you not ashamed? What can God do with such a...? And if someone could recognize you, what a shame you had before your children! Go away! ... "You can imagine all the accusations and questions that may arise in such a situation.

First woman: The first woman does not exercise her authority to fight Satan, the accuser. She says: "Yes, I was like that but Jesus has forgiven me by His Blood shed for me on the cross of Calvary.ŗ Throughout her life, Satan accuses her. She is sad and lives in fear of being recognized and humiliated in front of her family. Her husband is unfortunate for her and the children suffer because a demoralized person cannot generate love and joy.

Second woman: The second woman is using the authority that the Lord has conferred to her. She says to herself: "Satan, stop accusing me. In the name of Jesus Christ who justified and sanctified me, I order you to leave and never come back on this." This person has authority, aware that Jesus has given her a new life and that her family members will forgive her. She generates love and joy to her family. This woman is happy while the other woman, although saved, is harassed by the accuser which affects her morale and breaks her relationship with God.

You see the importance of this weapon that Jesus gives us as believers saved by His Sacrifice on the cross. Do not be bound by the accuser, he is the father of lies. Jesus has saved you from eternal judgment so that you can fully enjoy the new life He has given you as a child of God.

The enemy delights to make you doubt eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. Also, the Christian reading the Word of God will fall on some Bible verses that can make him to waver about the certainty of Salvation. The Bible cannot contradict itself. So let us study these Bible verses one by one and give a theological explanation. By so doing, you'll have much more leisure and fun in reading the Holy Book.

SECTION 3 - The verses that could give rise to misinterpretation of the Word

a) Assurance of salvation

Throughout the New Testament, Jesus tells us that if we believe and accept the free gift of His blood shed for us on the cross, we shall be saved. Jesus takes the sins of men who come to him and rejects no one. Whoever made that leap of faith is immediately sealed with the Holy Spirit. From that moment, God no more looks at him like a sinner but like a saint through His Son Jesus Christ. Yet many people doubt these statements.

Even though the Gospel written by the apostles, especially John makes us to discover salvation through Jesus Christ, some false teachers take pleasure in quoting verses that can lead to misinterpretations. These are intended to deprive Christians of a great power, the assurance of their salvation. However, it is impossible that the Bible contradicts itself, if not this truth is false and meaningless. If Christ tells you something, then he is right. We cannot lose his salvation once we have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour in our heart. It is impossible. Of course, we can rebel against Jesus Christ, abandon him, and ask him to go, that we do not want to see him anymore and fall under the harassment of the enemy. When the anger is over, we ask for forgiveness knowing full well that God has forgiven us. He has not abandoned us as we requested in our anger. I belong to God, to whom can I go if I separate from Him? I feel loneliness in my soul that nothing can fill. From that moment I make peace with Him and He fills me with love as if nothing had happened. From the moment I accepted Jesus into my life, He cleared my past, present and future sins. When you accept Jesus, He saves you FOREVER. Even when you neglect Him for a while, and come back, you have to be sure. He is a God of freedom and mercy.

Parable of the sower

Before quoting the verses that can lead to misinterpretations, it would be appropriate to see the different reception given to the Good News spread among men. Among these, you will notice people who are very knowledgeable about salvation and Jesus Christ. But their lifestyle is in complete disagreement with the person of Jesus Christ, they reject it, not wanting this truth and eternal salvation. In this case, they commit blasphemy of the Spirit, the unpardonable sin that you now know at this stage of this book. Here is the parable of the seed and the explanation that Jesus gives:

1 On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. 2 And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. 3 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: "Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. 6 But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. 8 But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (Matthew 13:1-8)

Here is the explanation of this parable by Jesus Himself:

18 "Therefore hear the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." (Matthew 13:18-23)

Analysis of the four styles of receivers:

Jesus described four types of individuals. The good news is to know that Jesus Christ died for our sins and that He has opened the gates of Heaven. All this is at our disposal if we sincerely accept this gift that Jesus offers.

- He who receives the seed along the way heard the good news, does not understand and forgets it. The evil one comes and nothing is said.

- He who receives the seed in stony places hears the Good News, understands it, and takes knowledge, tastes and is informed. Finally, he turns away and does not accept Jesus Christ.

- He who receives the seed among thorns hears the Good News but is more interested in wealth and worldly things. As the Bible is not within his concept of life, he does not bother about it. Some people like him will have a perfect knowledge of the Word of God, but prefer to engage in the service of Satan. Such people do not accept Jesus Christ.

Others shall accept Jesus, but walk away from the truth and have an unsuccessful life in the Lord. They will be saved so as by fire, keeping the foundation in Jesus Christ, but raising a little heavenly reward.

- He who receives the seed fallen on good soil receives the Good News, takes knowledge, and finally he sincerely accepts Jesus Christ in his life. From that moment he is sealed with the Holy Spirit and will no more enter judgment. He is saved.

When we accept Jesus Christ, it is essential to know that we all have a path to follow. In fact, this is it: the Holy Spirit puts in our way someone who announces the Good News. We learn, and then we accept the Lord. So only then are we saved. Some learn and go without accepting the truth in their hearts, they are not saved. Others are not interested, do not even try to understand, do not want a Saviour, or do not believe in him. These people are not saved because they reject Jesus Christ.

There are also tricky people, those who accept Jesus Christ by saying they will be saved and could do whatever they want on earth. It is wrong to make fun of Jesus Christ! It is a sincere acceptance; he who jokes or who is crafty with Jesus Christ will be confused as Simon the magician. God knows if you've accepted or not. A sincere acceptance is what God wants from you to open the gates of Heaven.

Here I would like to warn against a popular belief that many people are involved in. Many think that heaven is sad; that in Heaven we sing praises to God night and day, and more. On the other hand, some believe that in hell, they will be with their friends, laughing and feasting, night and day. They say to themselves, Satan accepts us sinners as we are. But do not listen to these lies, because hell is a total solitude where darkness and eternal fire dwell in men. Added to the unhappiness of men in hell is the torment of Satan and his angels. In short, hell is a terrible place with eternal solitude. Sometimes I am content to think about eternal life. I try to imagine a greater love than love at first sight at all times with total freedom. But I find it difficult to feel just a fragment of this eternal happiness.

Heaven is defined as perfect happiness. We shall find youthfulness, calmness, joy, eternal welfare. Heaven is the happiness that the soul from its birth has been looking for. Adam and Eve had perfect happiness. Also, every man is born with a fragment of this supernatural joy in his genes. But this man will get eternal happiness through Jesus Christ who gave all to the cross. Accept this sacrifice of love, the free gift. We are sinners and need a Saviour. We must seize and take this ticket for heaven given to us freely through Jesus Christ. That's all God wants, acceptance as a sign of a voluntary commitment between Him and us through Jesus Christ. Let us not deny that, it is our only chance to be saved and live forever in perfect happiness which we have always been looking for.

I, Denis Boivin, I testify that I have accepted Jesus Christ into my life and I know from His word, that He has saved me. Henceforth, I will live with Him forever in perfect happiness.

Can you say that? If so, glory be to God through Jesus Christ, His Holy Son; Glory to Him forever.

Here is an overview of Eternal Kingdom led by the justice of God, where we shall be free from sin. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, temperance, (Galatians 5:22). Imagine my brothers and sisters, perfect happiness that awaits us!

b) Judas Iscariot

Judas Iscariot was among the apostles of Jesus, (Mark 3: 19). He moved, ate and slept with the Lord. He was in the inner circle of the Lord. He lived with Jesus Christ as the other eleven. He was appointed as an apostle, he received the power to cast out unclean spirits and to heal every disease and sickness (Matthew 10:1-4, Mark 3:13-19 Mark 6:7-13). Jesus knew that Judas, one of the twelve would betray him (John 6: 71, John 13:26-27 Matthew 26: 25). Everyone knew that Judas, who kept money, was a thief (John 12:4-6). Judas Iscariot as the eleven enjoyed the gift of the Holy Spirit and was enlightened in a special way of God through the Holy Spirit. However, as Jesus did not offer a living sacrifice on the cross for all, those who died were under the law of the Old Testament. The souls of those who died in the faith of a Saviour were waiting for the deliverance of the Saviour in the grave. Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26: 15, Matthew 27: 3, 27: 7). He delivered him with a kiss (Luke 22: 48). When Judas saw that Jesus was judged, he repented and brought the price of betrayal to the chief priests and elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood" . They said, "What is that to us? You see to it!". Judas threw the pieces of silver in the temple, retired and went to hang himself. The chief priests took the pieces of silver and said: It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the price of Blood. And after deliberating, they bought with them the potter's field for the burial of strangers (Matthew 27:5-7). This was prophesied by the prophet Zechariah five hundred years ago (Zechariah 11:12-13).

Judas hanged himself even before Jesus was tried and crucified. When he repented, he did not apologize to the Lord, but to men as the chief priests and elders of the religion of Judaism. Well informed, set aside and having tasted the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Judas did not believe in Jesus Christ. He did not wait for the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross to be saved. It looks like this kind of person cannot understand and see the greatness and the freeness of the sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus as God knew the destiny of every man, and he wrote: Ŗ The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born." (Matthew 26: 24, Marc 14: 21). The apostolate of Judas was stripped and restored to Matthias (Acts 1:25-26).

The misinterpreted verses of the Bible concerning the assurance of salvation are often attributed to people like Judas. Many Jews during the days of Jesus saw the miracles taking place in His Name and being fully aware of the Law of Moses that Jesus was the Saviour, rejected the gift of God to men.

c) The misinterpreted verses

To better unravel the ambiguities of these verses, we will proceed this way: verses will be cited, theologically explained in context or in their parabolic shape.

A) Verse applicable to the time of the Antichrist:

12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Matthew 24:12-13)

In this verse, the Lord Jesus gives His disciples the signs of the end times. These signs are primarily addressed to Jews of the great tribulation.

We all know now that during the period of the Antichrist, he will make war against Jews and Christians. But in those days, whoever wishes to be saved should not take the cursed mark or worship the image of the Antichrist. On the contrary, if captured, he should exercise his faith, and pay with his life by allowing himself to be beheaded if not he will accept the cursed mark and will be forever banned from the sight of God. He will be damned for eternity. It is in this context that Jesus says:

But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

(Matthew 24:13)

One day, I went to a Pentecostal church. A woman, who was teaching there, used this verse to tell the believers that a good Christian life is required to be caught up during the rapture of the Church. What a pity, abuse people this way! Nevertheless, Pentecostals teach the correct plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. On the contrary, they create serious doubts about the assurance of their salvation. It's a shame because they deprive themselves of a very effective spiritual weapon mentioned in Ephesians 6:17.

B) Trying to go to heaven without the person of Jesus Christ:

23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, 'Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe!' 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?' 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses." (Matthew 18:23-35)

This verse boils down to this: if we do not forgive with all our heart, the Father will not forgive us. Jesus also said in Matthew 6:14-15 that:

14 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Or

And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

(Matthew 6:12)

If we summarize the ideology implied by these verses, we come to the following thought: we know that to be saved, we must not sin. But if we do not forgive all, the Father will not forgive us and we will be rejected from the Kingdom of God. So we can lose our salvation even if we have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. This is the view of some people, but it is wrong because Jesus also said:

27 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. (Matthew 5:27-30)

Looking at these verses, what comes to my mind is that I often sin with my right hand, a sudden driving mistake and others. As for my eyes, I prefer not to talk about it because I would have disposed of it long time ago. In fact, when I think, I'd probably be without body I would have had several pairs of eyes.

As for forgiveness, I think that when someone insults me, I will forgive him if he asks for forgiveness but I prefer not to associate with him. At times, I do not forgive certain things on TV or in the society. Anyway, people who forgive entirely their counterparts are rare.

When Jesus gave his speech on forgiveness and mutilation of members of the body in the Sermon on the Mountain, he was speaking to the Pharisees. The Pharisees said to Jesus, they followed the Law of Moses to the letter. They were so brainwashed that on the Sabbath, they limited their steps and gestures in order to follow the law of the Old Testament and even refused to help somebody.

They transgressed the Law of Moses and refused to admit the human or earthly flaws of this covenant. So they said to Jesus that they had no need of a Messiah to redeem the wicked, as they were in perfect harmony with the Law of Moses. But we know that it is impossible for man to follow the Ten Commandments without falling in any throughout his life.

Jesus therefore told them that when they looked with their eyes in lust, they committed iniquity. So to fix this sin in a human way, they had to pull out the member of their body that had sinned. The same punishment applies to their conscience concerning forgiveness. As it was impossible to do all these things, they would necessarily recognize that they were sinners and needed a Saviour.

Nowadays, there are still Pharisees. They try to forgive everything; otherwise they maim members of the body to repair their sins. Some even commit suicide in a deep state of depression. They do not know the love of Jesus Christ; they try to be perfect and to save themselves on their own without the person of Jesus Christ. That is why such a religion makes people crazy. They feel guilty and try to escape without Jesus Christ. To understand this, it would be good to give a hypothetical example:

James takes a knife and breaks the pool of Mario. Subsequently, both of them read the Bible and come across the Sermon on the Mountain. James does not try to understand the Salvation through Jesus Christ. Remorseful, he cuts his hand. A few hours later, he looked at a beautiful girl in a rather insistent ... Based on his understanding of the Mountain Sermon, he has to behead himself. On the other hand, Mario, despite his good will, cannot fully forgive James for the act he committed. So, all of them would be banished from the sight of God. In doing so, James and Mario would be trying to save themselves alone, without the person of Jesus Christ. They remain sinners in their genes for all other sins they have committed earlier in their lives. While a Christian would do the following reflection: "I am a sinner, I need a Saviour. I cannot save myself, so I accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.ŗ

Going back to Matthew 18:23-35, we understand that this is a parable featuring two characters: a servant (the man) and a master (God). The divine character, mediator and redeemer Jesus Christ, is excluded from this text. The parable represents the man trying to save himself, without Jesus Christ.

On the contrary, the "Our Father" goes through the person of Jesus Christ. Hence he said: Ŗ And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtorsŗ. As Jesus is a Perfect Man in the eyes of God, the only One able to go to the Father without passing through an intermediary. For this, Jesus says "we"? The "we" includes all who accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Jesus forgives those who sincerely accept the sacrifice of His blood shed for us on the cross, and as we are in Him, Jesus forgives us all our sins, He can say Ŗ And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtorsŗ. Remember that Jesus said that prayer for Christian salvation.

But to the Pharisees who believe they are saved without the divinity of Jesus Christ, He said, "If you forgive all, the Father will forgive you, but if you cannot forgive all, the Father will not forgive you.ŗ This is to show them that they need a Saviour. Still addressing the Pharisees, James, said this passage:

10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:10-13)

This last passage leads us to the following interpretation: "If you sin against a commandment of the Old Testament, you sin against all others because you need a Saviourŗ After that, the Spirit of God through James told the Jews, " So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty ."

The Jews thought that even if they transgressed the Law of Moses, God would not take that into account and that their judgment would be soft as they were the descendants of Abraham. This is in the same direction as the previous ideology: "If you have forgiven, you will be forgiven." And since it is impossible to forgive all, Jesus said, "Mercy triumph over judgment". Who is mercy? It is Jesus Christ the righteous who, through His sacrifice on the cross, becomes the forgiveness of men, if and only if, the man, as a unique individual, accepts sincerely this sacrifice.

To summarize, Matthew 18:23-35 I have used several similar verses in their direction to explain the context: the receiver (the Pharisees), and the theological point of view or ideology conveyed by the Lord. These verses are not addressed to Christians but to Jews, saying that if they try to save themselves without the person of Jesus Christ, they will not be able to forgive everything and follow the Law of Moses without breaking it. Therefore, they must come to the person of Jesus Christ, if they want to be saved by sincerely accepting the free gift of God. Jesus the righteous will set them free and forgive them. Thus, they could say they have all forgiven because Jesus forgives them all even if they (Pharisees) would not forgive entirely. Otherwise, forgiveness is impossible.

Moreover, Matthew 18:23-35 get outlines two figures, man and God. The person of Jesus Christ being excluded, it is only by inserting his divinity and the doctrine of salvation by His blood shed on the cross that we obtain reconciliation of God through His Son interceding for us.

C) Detachment from Jesus Christ vis- à- vis the word of God:

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, (1Timothy 4:1-2)

What are the doctrines of demons? As mentioned when discussing the signs of the end time (Chapter III), it is to examine or consult the dead, astrologers, fortune tellers and others. Can we abandon faith in Jesus Christ by focusing on Another Gospel? Yes! If you remember the parable of the sower, it is possible to believe that Jesus is God but not to accept or to prefer something else. Jim Jones was pastor. Yet he never accepted Jesus Christ into his heart. He even denied, claiming that he himself was Christ; his followers believed him and, because they gave credence to a false Christ, an impostor, a false teacher, none of them having persevered in this sin, will be saved. These people have abandoned the knowledge of Jesus Christ or faith, to attach to an impostor. These people have been seduced by an impostor. Some have left their first love, Jesus Christ, because obviously they were not saved. They followed man but not Christ. To abandon the faith means turning away from the knowledge of Jesus Christ, without really accepting Him. For this reason, it is important to make a good choice of the Christian assembly and verify in the light of the Bible teaching that is provided during the period of Grace.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith… (1 Timothy 4:1)

Also, this part of the verse may indicate a change in morals. Thus, during the reign of the Antichrist, Biblical morality will disappear to make way for the universal religion of the Antichrist. The son of Satan shall proclaim himself God but Satan has never been God; at most he is a fallen angel. In this context, faith does not mean salvation by accepting Jesus Christ, it means a belief. We may well believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Saviour of the world but do not accept Him. In this case, He is not our Saviour; this is explained in James 2:14-26. The faith from the beginning coming from the Father making us realize that Jesus is the truth and the beginning of the act that leads to the acceptance of Jesus Christ. Once accepted in person, Christ is our Saviour, then our faith is complete, and we become saved by faith. However, during the period of the Antichrist, the Christian believer will not be sealed with the Holy Spirit. He will have to endure until death. If he falls, he will abandon faith and come to judgment. But he will not be sealed with the Holy Spirit as in our time as under grace. The period of grace will end when the RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH AND PART OF THE resurrection of the righteous will occur.

D) False prophets:

The Bible often refers to these false teachers. They use the name of Christ to establish religions with which they reject the salvation through Jesus Christ. Here we will explain this issue by treating other parallel passages in the Bible, such as the Epistles of 2 Peter 2:1 - Jude 22 and 1:17-19; Paul often refers to false prophets. Perhaps he knew that the best way to mislead the people was to talk about Christ while preaching falsehoods on Word of God.

20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire (2 Peter 2:20-22)

These passages speak out against false teachers. It is customary, before joining a social movement, to learn, to become acquainted, to learn the objectives and regulations. Thus, the Bible Knowledge soaks the reader in order that he accepts Jesus Christ in his life. Once a person becomes aware of God's Word, the Holy Spirit enlightens him by setting him apart in the face of the tricks of the devil. The Holy Spirit continues his work until the acceptance or rejection of the gift of Jesus Christ on the cross.

It happens that some people become educated about the message of the Bible to the point of having a perfect knowledge. But their ways are those of the devil; converging on the refusal of salvation through Jesus Christ. They will use their knowledge to make sordid gain and mislead those who are seeking God. False teachers, among others, study the Bible, to infiltrate heads of Christian churches reject the Word of God and teach their followers falsehood based on traditions and human rudiments.

Among the false prophets is Armstrong with his pure truth, Jim Jones, Rutherford, Smith and Ms. White; they have founded true sects in the name of Jesus, as Jehovah's Witnesses, the Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists and many others. Naturally, these people and Religious groups are false teachers; that, if and only if one compares the Word of God to the teachings that they provide for their congregations. Some, without being false teachers, publicly declare themselves to be for Lucifer. For example, Jethrill Star, satanic singer, has a biblical knowledge as deep as Billy Graham. Yet, he sings against God and His Son Jesus Christ.

E) Justification without Christ:

In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. (1 John 3:10)

John is addressing the Jews here, the Pharisees. As you know, they believed they could be saved by the Law of Moses. It was the social context of the time. Now, two questions arise: Can we love our brothers (Jewish appellation)? No, but we can try to love as much as possible. The notion of justice according to the Bible brings about the doctrine of Justification as God gives us personally if we accept His Son Jesus Christ. From that moment, God sees us as holy and blameless we have a Saviour, who through His blood, intercede for us on the cross. The Holy Blood shed for those who agree to give their sins to Jesus Christ that He saves us. This choice is personal and individual. This gift is free, but it requires an acceptance of the recipient and the donor (Jesus Christ) gives it to whoever asks. So, only then is sin broken and the sky is open forever, never to close.

John raises the second question: "Do you love all your brothers?ŗ The answer is no in everyoneřs conscience. Then he said, "Go to Jesus and you will be saved if you accept Him as Lord and Saviour."

F) Believe in Jesus Christ according to the Word of God:

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)

In the context of this verse, Jesus had just made a sermon. He spoke to the Jews in terms difficult to understand, saying he had a father (God) that He was the Son (Christ) and that they needed to follow the Son to reach the Father. Some believed in what he said, but believing and accepting are two different things. So he told them to abide in His word and so they would see the truth in Jesus Christ, Saviour of the world. This truth if accepted and received will save them.

Indeed, if we do not attach ourselves to the Truth of God in the Bible, how would we know the truth and how can we be saved?

G) The determination to put the Word of God at the center of his life: a reinforcement of the assurance of salvation:

10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:10-11)

Once sealed with the Holy Spirit, Peter exhorts Christians to focus on fellowship and all other biblical doctrines. Thus, they will be sure to earn a place in the Heavenly Kingdom. But what about Christians sealed of the Holy Spirit but living like pagans? The Bible says they will be saved so as by fire (1 Corinthians 3:15) since they have accepted Jesus Christ. But beware! Acceptance from the outset must have been in good faith, with good intentions. The Bible says that, unfortunately, these Christians may be excommunicated from their church because they are unworthy. In addition, brethren can ignore them and treat them as pagans.

In the above verse, Peter exhorts saved Christians to have a life centered on Jesus Christ and to be firm among themselves. Thus, they are not tempted by the pleasures of the world, their place in the Kingdom will be even better. In this way, they will be certain that the eternal kingdom of happiness will be fully granted to them.

H) The Gospel of the Apostles, the only way to have salvation:

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:1-2)

Only the Gospel or the New Testament as preached by the apostles can lead people to salvation through Jesus Christ.

This also applies to (Colossians 1:21-23). "He alone holy by His blood clears sins on the cross." But, as every man is free as a slave until he comes to Jesus Christ, he must accept the gift of Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately, some false teachers mentioned above have changed the literal meaning of God's Word or rejected them. Any change causes the loss of the person of Jesus Christ as deity of the trinity, or affects personal salvation by the blood of Christ shed on the cross for us as an individual having made a choice. All change in the Gospel on the person of Christ or on salvation equals spiritual death of its members. This is because they do not give Christ the glory of being the Son of God or do not accept, as unique individuals, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. So they are not sealed by the Holy Spirit. We must not follow man but the Word of God. To have a real Bible, we need only buy one at the bookstore. Thus, you will be before the evidence of the following interpretation: Jesus Christ is Lord and Saviour and without Him we cannot be saved. But we must in our lifetime, accept the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

Our era is getting ready for the most difficult times in the history of mankind. Several signs and lying wonders will come through religion. Jesus and the Bible have warned us.

Today, we have had prophecies received by groups of illuminati; messages from the Virgin to Fatima or Medjugordje. These messages seem to go in the direction of unification and of world peace brought about by the reign of the Antichrist. Personally, I doubt if the "Thing" that appeared was Mary, the earthly mother of Christ. I mean that no man ever came from beyond. Mary, as sinner, is subject to that same law. Moreover, since Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light, it is difficult to confirm that this appearance was Mary, the mother of Christ, and to be sure about it. Faced with men the only character that Satan cannot incarnate and claim to be is Jesus Christ. If you ask an appearance claiming to be Christ to say: "I am the Christ, the Son of the living God", if this appearance is not Christ, it cannot repeat this statement. Any other character as a sinner may be imitated and claimed by Satan. He is not divine. Only Jesus has overcome Satan.

Also, nowadays, many believers go in search of such information or messages, abandoning the word of God. Whereas, if they study the Bible; they would see that these messages are in complete contradiction with the Word of God and the actions of Christians in the end of time.

Curiously, religions display other masters other than Jesus Christ expecting a Messiah. Could it be the Antichrist? This convergence of the satanic trinity comes at a conducive time in the history of mankind.

But the Word of God, faithful to itself assures us of the coming of an impostor, gives us signs and dictates our evacuation plan by the Rapture of the Church. Also, the Bible tells Christians and Jews of the great tribulation how to behave. Remember these verses and remember that nothing is powerful enough to topple the Word of God.

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8)

He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him--the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. (John 12:48)

Me, when I shall appear before my God, I will have the assurance of having made according to His Word. Can you say that? If your answer is no, it's not too late to dive into a stable, clear and precise book, the Bible. It will warn you against things that will soon happen.

I) The Jews must recognize Jesus as the Son of God to be saved

but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end. (Hebrews 3:6)

For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, (Hebrews 3:14)

The Jews expected the Messiah, the Son of God, as Saviour, but the Old Testament had many Jewish factions like the Pharisees, the Sadducees, Samaritans and others. Each of these factions had taught their followers how they perceived the Christ. Finally, Christ came and they rejected him. Conversely, there were those who read the writings of the Old Testament and did not give man a right to their intelligence to understand the Scriptures themselves, they recognized Christ. In our time, the same drama is lived.

All the indoctrinated of the past believed and hoped for a saviour, moreover, Jews, as a nation were glorifying themselves about it. Abraham being their father, and Moses, their master, they expected the coming of the Saviour. Jesus came as the Saviour, the continuation of the Jewish faith. In this sense, the Jewish people naturally became participants in Christ. But they rejected by crucifying him. Also, the author of Hebrews addressed them in these words: "Jesus Christ, the one you have crucified was the Son of God. Now, if you need repentance and salvation from God, you must go through his house. You can go through the house if you agree that he is Christ the only Son of God who is the hope of your faith of which you glorify yourselves. This is the only way to go to God."

J) To reject Jesus Christ knowing through the Word that He is the Son of God

26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. (Hebrews 10:26-28)

The next verse continues

Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews 10:29)

Context

Paul addresses the Jews, caught between the traditions of Jewish law and Christianity. Many were confused as to whether Christ was the natural continuation of Moses. The chief priests and elders denied that transition. Paul explains to them that Jesus is the Perfect Sacrifice asked by God for our sins. Now they have the knowledge and knowing that this blood of the new covenant sanctifies all the sins of the world, they should not reject the gift of Eternal Life because without it, there is nothing to blot out sin but an expectation of eternal judgment. In this same vein, the Bible verse Hebrews 12: 12-29. Paul, stating that the Church of Christ should be made of living stone, having received the Holy Spirit in them by the justification and sanctification in Christ, acceptance of gift received by each person individually constituting the Church. To ensure that there is no unbelievers or immoral people in the Church.

An individual will be lost forever if, after having read the Word of God or having heard of Jesus Christ, he fails to believe in the blood of Jesus Christ and rejects His final sacrifice without ever questioning his decision throughout his lifetime. In short, he would be committing blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. We cannot be saved otherwise, only Jesus Christ sets us free from evil.

In the same context and connection, we can introduce these verses addressed to Jews of the past. The blood of Christ giving redemption of sins for all men provided they accept this free gift.

1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace (Galatians 5:1-4)

Paul told the Jews: either they come to Christ for salvation and abandon the Law of Moses, or they remain in Judaism and perish because they deprive themselves of the grace of salvation.

K) To act as the seed that fell among thorns

4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. (Hebrews 6:4-6)

We can compare these people to the seed that fell among thorns. They receive the Word of God with joy, read the Bible, come to Christian meetings, know the Heavenly gift, experience the power of the Holy Spirit, are enlightened and set apart by the Holy Spirit. Remember Judas Iscariot. They take part in the Holy Spirit, but they are not sealed with the Holy Spirit. When tribulations occur, they give up their knowledge and never come back to it.

L) Without oil, it’s impossible to be with God

1 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' 12 But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. (Matthew 25:1-13)

This parable of our Lord and Saviour could give room to a double interpretation. Jesus addressed the Jews and before he had given signs of the end times.

First interpretation: The oil represents Jesus Christ

The soul of the ten virgins is required. The five virgins with oil go to God as they have ensured their salvation by accepting Jesus Christ into their lives. They cannot share Jesus Christ because it is an individual salvation attesting to their Christianity. The five virgins without oil are Jews without Jesus Christ. As they have no oil to guide them to God, they must get the oil but it is too late.

Second interpretation: Oil is the Word of God

The rapture of the Church announced during the end of time occurs. The five virgins with oil watch over the light of the Word and are part of the Rapture of the Church. The five virgins without oil are believers of the Christian religions and Jews and they trusted in men instead of investing much time in learning the word of God, they have missed the Rapture and have to face the great tribulation.