Prove All Prophecy

Has Israel Been Cursed?

Ken

Yes. “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it” (Isaiah 1:19-20 KJV). If Israel is cursed, it is only because they have rebelled against the LORD. How is the cursed removed? “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2Chronicles 7:14). National repentance works for any nation to return to God. How long will Israel’s curse last? Until their national blindness is lifted by Jehovah.”For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins” (Romans 11:25-27). 

When will all this happen? “I will go and return to My place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek My face: in their affliction they will seek Me early” (Hosea 5:15). Israel will collectively realize their offense against the Son of God. “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn” (Zechariah 12:10). This will occur in a single day— at the Second Coming of Jesus the Messiah, at the end of the Tribulation Week, the Seventieth Week of Daniel. “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children” (Isaiah 66:8). Father, we pray for Israel’s repentance that You might lift the curse from Israel. Lord Jesus, return quickly, that Israel may be saved. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Does Prophecy Require Our Participation?

Ken

Yes, Christ taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). Jesus promised, “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book” (Revelation 22:7). If keeping your word to God is doing what you said to God you would do, then keeping the words of the prophecy of the Book of Revelation involves believing and acting consistently with the words of the Book of Revelation. Yes, your participation is required to be blessed from reading the Book of Revelation. Twice in the Book of Revelation, we are told, “The time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3; 22:10). That requires careful thought for our participation. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (1:3). 

OT prophecy already has given us precedent for participation in the fulfilment of prophecy. Consider the birth of Jesus and John the Baptist as announced to their parents, their reactions, and their future conduct. Anyone coming into contact with Jesus of Nazareth would also have to come to terms with all the OT prophecies concerning the Messiah. Yes, they had to participate in the fulfillment of prophecy by choosing to accept or reject Jesus as the presented Messiah, the Son of David. “And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever” (2Samuel 7:16). 

NT prophecy also requires us to: 

(1) Persevere in righteousness or declare ourselves unfit for Christ’s kingdom, i.e., “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).

(2) Faithfully manage God’s resources committed to us, i.e., “it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1Corinthians 4:2) or be declared unprofitable and cast into outer darkness, i.e., “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30). 

(3) Labor for the sustenance of ourselves and our families, i.e., “10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed” (2Thessalonians 3:10, 12, 14). 

(4) Continue to gather for exhortation and encouragement, i.e., “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). 

(5) Continually preach and teach about Jesus, i.e.,  “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:42). 

(6) Continually stand for Christ for all to see, i.e., “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14 ).

(7) Continue to be a preservative for righteousness in the world, i.e., “Ye are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) standing against the enemy, i.e., “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). 

But, above all, as Jesus already taught in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:10), we need to pray for the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the Rapture of His Church. 

Specifically, Ezekiel’s Babylonian Captivity prophecies explaining and encouraging Israel about their future:  

(1) Prophesied of the New Covenant giving of the Holy Spirit to inspire our obedience, i.e., “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27), and 

(2) Preached the necessity of praying for the fulfillment of prophecy, i.e., After having proclaiming His intent to restore Israel, “Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock” (Ezekiel 36:37). He said He would do it, but He requires us to ask Him to do it. Thus, it bonds us to Him in the fulfillment. 

Father, teach us to work with You in the power of the Holy Spirit to lift Christ up to the world. Keep us from becoming weary in well doing, knowing we shall reap, if we faint not. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Promises of God

Ken

“For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2Corinthians 1:20 KJV). Fine words, but what meaneth this? The Son of God, Jesus Christ (1:19) is the Him (1:20). What promises? The First Advent of Messiah (Isaiah 7:14) and His Second Advent (9:6). Yea, but there is more. “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2Peter 1:3-4). “All things that pertain unto life and godliness” (1:3) means anything and everything concerning our existence is included in God’s promises. C.H. Spurgeon compared God’s promises to checks drawn on the Bank of Heaven. “God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19). Charles G. Finney maintained the promises of God are God’s means to entirely sanctify us, that is, to make us more like Christ. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it” (1Thessalonians 5:23-24). Amen.

Nearly 2,000 Years of Coming Quickly?

Ken

Jesus said, “I come quickly [Greek, tachu, soon, suddenly]” (Revelation 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20 KJV). What part of nearly 2,000 years sounds quick? If He meant to keep us in a constant state of readiness, then He chose His words wisely. Did Paul think he might be alive, when Jesus returned? “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1Thessalonians 4:17). Yes, he seemed to include himself in that last statement of “we which are alive and remain” (4:17). But, don’t the words, “I come quickly,” lose their impact over the passing years? Not if you consider that “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2Peter 3:8). Isn’t that difficult language to use around small children? Only if they haven’t been growing. “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). We have been warned not to fall asleep, as if we would miss something, otherwise. 

“1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1Thessalonians 5:1-11).

Father, make us to be ready. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Doctrine of the Imminent Return of Jesus Christ

Ken

If I had a theory that human history would be only 7,000 years, would that immediately qualify as entry to the Flat Earth Club? Until we can be persuaded by Scripture, a theory is only a theory, not doctrinal fact. And, we have no obligation to believe anything, unless necessity forces a choice. “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel” (1Corinthians 9:16 KJV). On the other hand, before Jesus ascended back into Heaven, He promised to return, but more important, He promised we would be present with Him. If that was only a promise of being indwelt by the Holy Spirit, He would not need to depart to prepare a heavenly place. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). He was promising at any moment to return to us, fetch us, and bring us to be at that heavenly place with Him. He said, “Surely I come quickly” (Revelation 22:20); and, we were further instructed “to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (1Thessalonians 1:10). Coming quickly, while we are waiting qualifies for an Imminent Coming. “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching” (Luke 12:37). 

You can see that a Pre-Tribulational Rapture fits nicely with the Doctrine of the Imminent Return of Jesus Christ. 

  1. The Lord draws near, standing before the door. “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the Judge standeth before the door” (James 5:7-9). 
  2. Wake up. “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11).
  3. Throw off. “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light” (Romans 13:12).
  4. Put on. “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:14).

Father, may we be a blessed servant found watching to “be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:36). Help us to keep our garments clean. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen. 

Unto Us A Child Is Born

Ken

Christmas is a special time of caring because God set the example. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 KJV). Jesus is that child born in a Bethlehem manger, God’s One and Only Son. He came the First Time as a lowly Savior, but He will return the Second Time as conquering king and judge to rule an earthly, millenial kingdom. The actions of the Messiah are wonderful and marvelous. His words are that of a counselor. Christ Jesus is The Mighty God to the consternation of His enemies. He is one with the Father. And, to our great joy, He is our Prince of Peace. Hallelujah! “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Father, all praise to You for sending us Your Son. Forever thank you! May the gladness You put in our heart translate into the caring we give one another. You are the founder of the feast and reason for this season. We gratefully praise You! In Jesus’ name, amen.

First Coming Is Incomplete Without The Second Coming

Ken

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28 KJV). Our salvation is complete, when we shall come into His presence at His Second Coming, for we shall lose our present corrupted bodies of flesh and become like Him. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (1John 3:2). We are saved from the penalty of sin (eternal death), the effects of sin (physical suffering), and the power of sinning (necessity to commit sin). 

All will confess to being saved from eternal death, since the “gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). 

According to our faith, some will lay hold of physical healing in the atonement, i.e., “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5 cp. Matthew 8:16-17). 

But, possibly the most overlooked benefit in the Atonement is the Gift Within the Gift — the giving of the Holy Spirit. We are saved from the necessity to sin by the inspiration of the Indwelling Holy Spirit to cause us to obey Him. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27 cp. Acts 2:38). 

We certainly will have all of these fulfilled by the time we stand in His presence at His Second Coming. “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

Father, only You can give us full deliverance, but as always, it is according to our faith. You saved us not just to deliver us from eternal pain or physical suffering, but to gain for Yourself a people devoted to Your obedience by Your Spirit. May we embrace this truth and overcome the wicked one by faith. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Rapture Is Part of the Second Coming

Ken

If we believe Christ came the First Time as a Savior in a Bethlehem manger, then we must believe He will come a Second Time as a Judge and King. As the angel said, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11 KJV). Paul (I believe to be the writer of the Book of Hebrews) said, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). 

Though some disagree that the concept of the Rapture of the Church is unfounded, I would ask, Do you believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? So do I. But, notice that Paul describes with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, Living Saints are raptured or caught up to Him. “13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up [Greek, harpazō, snatched up, i.e., raptured] together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1Thessalonians 4:13-17 NIV). 

If we agree that we are raptured, then any disagreement would be over what happens after the Rapture. Immediately, we are “present with the Lord” (2Corinthians 5:8). We are in another dimension, outside the dimension of earth time and tribulation events, and have an infinite of time for an awards banquet and dinner — Bema Seat Judgment (Romans 14:10) and Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-10) — before we return with the Lord. Then, will be the final, visible part of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7). 

All we need to do is occupy till He comes (Luke 19:13) and watch for Him (21:36). Help us, Lord, to do that, but He will do the rest!

Father, cause us to be faithful to You. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen and amen.

Arise, Shine!

Ken

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee” (Isaiah 60:1 KJV). Grab all of that meaning to light up your understanding for the burdens of today! You cannot handle or overcome present circumstances without God’s light. God’s Word is the Language of the Heart. We, who know Him, rejoice in such language. Isaiah also prophesied of a future time for Israel consistent with the upcoming Millennium. This would be preceded by the Messiah’s Second Coming and Israel’s sudden, miraculous spiritual rebirth — a transformation eclipsing its secular rebirth of 1948. “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children” (66:8). Our Light is Messiah Jesus, who is the “light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5), which Isaiah had earlier predicted for the Gentiles. “And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it” (Isaiah 40:5). So much packed into a Good Morning Reveille! Father, we are so blessed to have been chosen to become part of Your people! Truly, may Your Kingdom come quickly! And, may Your will be done on this earth, in the meantime. Cause all that to be so. In Jesus’ name, amen.

How to Be Ready for the Rapture

Ken

“We which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1Thessalonians 4:17 KJV). In the Second Coming of Christ, if the Rapture represents Christ’s “caught up [Greek, harpazō, snatched away]” (4:17) saints, who meet Him in the air before they return with Him, then a ready state of heart must be present in the disciple, as represented in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), where “oil” (25:3) represents the Holy Spirit. Perseverance or readiness is not simply an assumed theological condition based upon ‘praying Jesus into your heart’ or ‘baptism,’ though you need to do both. Rather, readiness understands it is “God which worketh [Greek, energeō, is working] in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). You can tell if the Holy Spirit is inspiring you “to do of His good pleasure,” (2:13), because you are presently walking in loving obedience. “And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:32). Obedience is not the forced act of a fearful slave under an overbearing tyrant, but it is the sweet submission of a trusting child to a Loving Father. 

[This is the short version, but scan ahead to see a more developed explanation. The following will disappoint those desiring a discussion of the Mark of the Beast, who is the Antichrist, the Battle of Armageddon, etc., but it may surprise those who have not been inclined to study prophecy.] 

Simeon and Anna: Ready for Christ’s First Advent

What story speaks of those who were ready for Christ at His First Advent, because it will instruct us about our being ready for Christ at His Second Advent? Remember the story of Simeon and Anna from the birth of Jesus and His dedication in the Temple? “There was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him” (Luke 2:25). He was “just and devout” (2:25), while he waited for the “consolation of Israel” (2:25). He knew from the OT Scriptures that Israel was promised a “Messiah” (Daniel 9:25, 26); but, it required the teaching of the Holy Spirit for Simeon to connect Daniel’s prophecy with Isaiah’s “light of the Gentiles” (Isaiah 42:6; Luke 2:32) and to conclude this was the one prophesied by Isaiah, who would later cite Isaiah’s prophecy in Luke 4:18-19, stopping short of the phrase “and the day of vengeance of our God,” since that would be for the Messiah’s Second Coming: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified” (61:1-3). Would we have been like Simeon, walking with justice and devotion awaiting the Messiah? Simeon had oil in his lamp like the Five Wise Virgins (Matthew 25). 

And, “Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four [84] years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:36-38). She “served God with fasting and prayers night and day” (2:37), indicating complete devotion, which we all can do from an upright heart. “Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in His commandments” (Psalm 112:1). “Stablish Thy word unto Thy servant, who is devoted to Thy fear” (119:38). Anna immediately recognized Jesus as the Promised Messiah, because she was looking for Him, i.e., “And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). Anna, walking in complete devotion, had oil in her lamp like the Five Wise Virgins (Matthew 25). 

The Holy Spirit’s Righteous Restraining Influence Removed

The biggest difference we can make for the world of those around us, is for the Spirit’s righteous restraining influence to be felt, when we are removed at the Rapture. Obviously, our righteous actions in holding back or restraining wickedness has significance, for we do not and should not contribute to the wickedness around us. “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (Matthew 5:13). Both intentionally and unintentionally, our righteousness influences or effects those around us.  “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (5:14). Even inadvertently, our righteousness has an effect upon the world around us. Jesus said that “it cannot be hid” (5:14) by the most introvert disciple. And, all of this is foundational and comes prior to our obedience in spreading the Good News of Salvation and building the Kingdom of God through the Great Commission. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20). 

Why Righteousness Is So Important Yet Misunderstood 

Or, Am I More Into Being Right or Righteous?

First, righteousness is right action or doing right, which means Almighty God is the source of all righteousness. We intuitively know this, but look at the Scriptural evidence to anchor that in our understanding. 

  1. “That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from Thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25). 
  2. “The LORD is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works” (Psalm 145:17).
  3. “O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto Thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither Thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against Thee” (Daniel 9:7). 
  4. “In His [Messiah’s] days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jeremiah 23:6). 
  5. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1John 2:1). 
  6. “If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him” (1John 2:29). 
  7. “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous” (1John 3:7). 

Second, righteousness or right action was possible in the beginning, and must still be possible today, or it would be unrighteous of God to require it, on penalty of sin. However, though righteousness may be possible, it is unlikely without the help of the Holy Spirit. And, now we have the comfort and aid of the Holy Spirit to inspire obedience and accomplish righteousness. Consider the Scripture: 

  1. “All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death” (1John 5:17). 
  2. “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:4). 
  3. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).
  4. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). 
  5. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:13-14). 
  6. “Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:21). 
  7. “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1Peter 1:22).

Third, righteousness is most commonly misunderstood as a checklist of right actions, e.g., keeping the Ten Commandments, instead of continually maintaining a right relationship with our Righteous God. A right relationship primarily with God will always give you secondarily a right relationship with “your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 19:19 NET). Our righteous conduct with our neighbor is the result of our rightly relating to God. To be clear, righteousness is primarily a right relationship with God, and any relationship demands the active participation of both God and you. The Pharisees prided themselves in the keeping of the Law, and even added traditions or embellishments, that no one could ever keep. However, they ignored practical examples of righteousness: Enoch (walked with God), Noah (walked with God), Abraham (friend of God), David (man after God’s own heart). Whenever we see the word “righteousness” in Scripture, if we substitute “right relationship,” we will possess a better appreciation of righteousness. 

  1. “And he [Abraham] believed in the LORD; and He [the LORD] counted it to him [Abraham] for righteousness [as a right relationship with Himself]” (Genesis 15:6 KJV). 
  2. “By faith Enoch was translated [raptured] that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony [walking with God in a right relationship], that he pleased God” (Hebrews 11:5). 
  3. “These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God [in a right relationship]” (Genesis 6:9). 
  4. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you [not walking in a right relationship], that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). 
  5. “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of [a right relationship with] God” (Romans 10:3). 
  6. “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself [restoring a right relationship with Himself], not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2Corinthians 5:18-19). 
  7. “For through Him we both have access [of a right relationship] by one Spirit unto the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). 

In conclusion, our Blessed Hope is Jesus Christ, but the hope of His Return and our soon Rapture is legitimately, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). If we understand righteousness to be primarily a right relationship with Christ, and further comprehend our relationship must relentlessly be pursuing Christ, i.e., “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14), then we will be continually looking for Him. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). With that persistent heart attitude, we will be ready for the Rapture. Even so, come Lord Jesus, amen. 

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