How to Prepare for the Rapture

I recently posted a few articles on my Signs of the Times blog about the prophetic indications, regarding the soon return of Christ, particularly those saying it could be in September. I would encourage you to please check those out, namely the following: Many Revelations Concerning September 2025 Rapture, No Man Knows The Day or the Hour - Feast of Trumpets, and Jacob's Trouble About to Be Fulfilled. In the first one, please be sure to view the videos, the comments section I have written into the article, and the Bonus Features section I added after I posted the article, which is a new section immediately following my conclusion at the end of the article.

You may be wondering how you can prepare for the rapture. That's good, because Jesus said, "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." (Mat 24:44). Therefore, I would like to share with you some advice about that to help you to be ready.

The first step is to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. At the end of this article, and all my articles, I have a link you can tap to read about how you can come to know Jesus. It's at the very bottom of all my articles, where it says, "Do You Want to Know Him?" Don't put that off another day, because today is the day of salvation, now is the time of God's favor, and you may not have tomorrow. God's mercy is available only while you are still on the earth.

Now assuming you have already done that, and you have been saved -- born again, as Jesus said we must do in order to see the kingdom of God (Jn 3:3), you must continue to prepare yourself. The reason you must prepare is that there is a great apostasy that has occurred in the Church during this time before the rapture, which was predicted in the Word by the Lord and His apostles (Mt 24:12; 2 Thes 2:3; 1 Tim 4:1; 2 Tim 3:1-5). False Christianity is the most common and popular kind found in the churches around the world. Most of the Body of Christ is not ready for the rapture, which is why very few will hear the trumpet sound and go up in the rapture when Jesus comes.

I would take the following verses and turn them into prayers for yourself, your family, and your friends:

The Scripture says, "May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones." (1 Thes 3.13.)

Pray: "Lord strengthen our hearts so that we will be blameless and holy in your presence at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His holy ones."

Jesus said, "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Lk 21.36

Pray: "Lord help us to escape all this about to happen and to be able to stand before the Son of Man when He comes."

Jesus said, “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn." Mk 13.35.

Therefore, do what He said by watching for the rapture. 

I also strongly recommend you pray this Covenant Prayer from your heart.

You should also pray, “Lord, show me what I should repent of, and how I should prepare for the rapture, so that I don't get left behind.”

Ask the Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus to baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire, as promised in His Word. And if you have already received the baptism with the Holy Spirit, as well as the associated baptism with holy fire, then continue daily to ask for more, since the Scripture tells us to constantly be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18) and not to put out the Spirit's fire (1 Thes 5:19, NIV 1984), but to be hot for Jesus (Rev 3:15-16). Keep your extra flask full of oil from the Holy Spirit each day, so that you can be like one of the five wise virgins, as I shared in my sermon on Advance Preparations for the Bride of Christ. You can watch me share that on video at the link I just provided.

Ask the Lord to do whatever it takes to make you ready for the rapture. Ask him to purge and sanctify you through and through -- spirit , soul, and body. Forsake all compromise with the world, with the flesh, with the devil. As it says in Revelation regarding Babylon, "'Come out of her, my people,' so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes." (Rev 18:4b-5). Arrange your life so that you can spend more time in prayer, seeking the Lord, warning others, and preparing yourself, being sure to keep Sunday's holy according to the Commandment written in his Word. And remember to pass the blessing along to others by sharing this article with them. I hope to see you very, very soon with the Lord in the air!

Attribution notice: Image courtesy of West Marion Baptist Church per Fair Use Act for commentary and educational purposes only, and it may be subject to copyright. All Scriptures are taken from the New International Version (NIV1984), copyright Zondervan, used by permission, all rights reserved.

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy The Apostasy (False Christianity) Before the Rapture of the Church, Warning Dream: The Tribulation Follows Rapture, Left-Behind Christians Hunted, Sins That Will Keep You From Heaven, Drifting Away, Is Obedience Optional?, The Apostasy Parables, Holy Living in a Perverted World, Aim for Perfection, Walking in the Perfect Will of God, The Straight and Narrow Path, Striving to Enter the Kingdom of God, Ask for the Ancient Paths, Living a Life Worthy of the Lord, Separation from the World, The Difference Between a Disciple and a Believer, and Doing What is Right. You can find more of my articles related to Seeking the Lord on the Home page of this blog. You may also access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master." Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org

Testimonies of People Who Have Seen Jesus

Today I would like to share with you some testimonies of people who claim to have seen Jesus in person, whether by dream or by vision or an out of body experience. I may also include one of two that have heard His voice. Here they are:

@isabelpulley9660

1 year ago

We were on a youth trip, and five of us saw Jesus standing next to the Christus statue in the welcome center. He was around six feet tall, wore white robes, and looked incredibly similar to Akiane’s Prince Of Peace painting (pictured left).

 

It was an experience I’ll never forget

Note:  The Christus statue, officially titled Christus Consolator, is a white marble sculpture of Christ by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. The statue depicts Christ with outstretched arms, as if inviting people to come to him.

@shintobinsuk8107

1 year ago

When I was in church during worship (Feb- March 2023), I had seen a king sitting on a throne surrounded by clouds...I felt goosebumps, and I started crying and smiling at the same time remembering his care. My heart got overwhelmed with gratitude.  

@BonnieMunz

3 weeks ago

In 1969, when I was 17 years old, I had just come to believe in Jesus. He came to me. I was alone in church, praying as I stood in front of a wooden cross. I lifted my eyes to see Jesus' feet right there in front of me, on the cross. I looked up to see His wonderful face. He lifted His head to look at me, with the most perfect love flowing from His eyes into mine. His message to me was, "I did this for you."

@LadyoftheLord

1 year ago

In 2019 Jesus saved me by appearing to me in a vision during the day when I was visiting my mom. All he said to me was "I'm coming!" Sternly. That's the first time I felt fear of the Lord, and it changed me forever. 

@michaelcastillo2599

10 months ago

I saw Jesus right before I got diagnosed with childhood cancer when I was 3 years old. He told me everything was going to be okay. 

I relapsed when I was 5 years old. 

[Later,] I was in the hospital when I saw Jesus again sitting on a chair in my room when I was 7 years old. The next day I was cancer free. I’m 35 now.

@StuStevens-rn7rb

1 year ago

On one trip to Heaven God took me on....I was on a path walking in one direction and Jesus approached me from the other direction. All I could do was to focus on His eyes. They were like liquid pools of LOVE, which quickly had me on the ground prostrate before Him in sheer adoration and awe.

@Galilea-2000

9 days ago

When I was 3 years old, I had a dream of Jesus with his cuts and bruises and even the crown of thorns. He told me that he was going to take my mother with him very soon. I cried in his arms and told him I needed her. Then I remember him saying something about me having something in the future. Then we played for a while, and I woke up crying and my mother next to me. I told her my dream and said "I saw a man and he had black marker in both of his hands, Mommy". Now I have type 1 diabetes, but I am so thankful my mom is still with me now, and I am so thankful for her being by my side.

@quintinaabbott8432

4 months ago

I've seen Jesus three times, but the most powerful [time] was in that dream [in which] I was at my church standing on the other side of the door that leads from the sanctuary to the hall and bathroom. While I was standing there, I heard in my spirit "Jesus is Coming!" 

I immediately leaned forward and looked left down the hall towards my pastor's office, and immediately a bright bright light shot out from her office; and all of a sudden Jesus started walking out of her office. He was in his glorified body glowing. 

As He walked out He was looking back talking to someone in the office and as He turned to start walking out the door the front of His body was facing me as I was looking down the hall towards Him. The robe He had on was made out of millions and millions of diamonds. The diamonds were glistening because of the glory that was illuminating from his body. From his chest on up to his face it was glowing like the sun. I then woke up, it was magnificent. I pray I have another encounter with Him.

@waitinginthepipeline

11 months ago

I was driving in London England where I live. I stopped to let a gentleman cross the road. He sort of put his hand up to say thanks without looking at me.

[Then] halfway across [the street], he stops, turns, waves, and looks right at me with a beautiful smile that I felt in my Soul. He looked exactly like the images of Jesus. As I drove away, I thought, "Was that Jesus?" I am now convinced that it was, as even [while] writing this I feel a stirring in my soul. Amen and peace to all.

@cissymckinley3154

1 year ago

I am 61. When I was a child of 10 [years old] or younger, I just kept saying I wanted to see Jesus. I was in my bedroom, my older sister asleep next to me. I looked straight forward and there stood Jesus. But he looked somewhat taller, due to the light coming in through the window, I didn't get a good look at his face. But you could tell he had dark hair, and a mustache with a beard. He wore an eggshell-colored gown with some type of rope around his waist. He was also wearing a long robe (same color as the gown). I just stared at him. I got scared not knowing what to say. I pulled the covers over my head. When I lifted my head up he was gone. This took years before I told anyone. People act like they believe me, but I don't think so. I've told my story A couple of times online, but it didn't go well. I really don't care but , I know this to be my truth.  GOD BLESS ALL.

@joanne_beutler

1 year ago

I saw Jesus 2015 in the sky. Words will never explain what I felt, but I felt things like love, forgiveness, hope and a warmth all around my heart area.

@JacobAllen_Music

1 year ago (edited)

Once my grandma had to go to the hospital, and she wasn't doing well there. A few minutes [later], she had passed. Everybody there got around the hospital bed and started crying. They thought she wouldn't come back. But the next minute, she awoke from the hospital bed and said she met God and she could see everyone crying around the hospital bed, and that Jesus was willing to bring her back to her family.

@cali7150

1 year ago

My physical experience with Jesus was when I was about 7 or 8. He came into my room, placed my head on His lap, and [as He was] caressing my head, I could see [in the spirit] His robe in me, His sandals and His light. I never saw His face, but the love coming out of Him as never ending waves of light. I had the lights off, and was in complete sleep when this happened, [but] awoke in the spirit in an instant. I have never and will never forget. It becomes an imprint in the soul.

@elizeviktoria

1 year ago

The only reason my dad became saved during the Soviet Union [era], was because Jesus appeared to him in the mirror. My dad KNEW who He was, even though no one had ever told him about Jesus before. He was a hardcore alcoholic, almost drinking himself to death. Jesus said my father's name and asked him "What are you doing with your life?". He repented and became radically saved.

@marthamoloi.hissoldier

1 year ago

The first time I saw Christ was in a dream where satan was trying to harm/intimidate me and my granny, and Christ appeared next to us, stretched out his hand and and blew his breath into the devils face and the devil disappeared. Christ looked at us and smiled. When I woke up in the morning I was led to the scripture 2 Thessalonians 2:8: "And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming." I will never forget that dream. Christ is real.

In the following video, a woman shares how she died and saw Jesus. Her testimony is in the first 5 minutes of the video:

@Eyeswideopen251

1 year ago (edited)

Amen. He spoke to me once. I had a bad fall from a cliff and broke my neck and lots other bones. I was alone because the only person there had gone several miles away for help. When I lay there, I asked God, "Is this where I  die?" and a voice so clearly said to me, "Don't worry,  everything will be OK." In that instant all pain, fear and worry left me, and soon after I was ok. True story!

@bradross5480

3 weeks ago

Jesus appeared to me in the clouds after my twin brother was murdered. We couldn't find him and I knew he was gone but my father could not bring himself to believe that. Then Jesus appeared and let

me know so graciously that Al was with Him. While He was there, a rush of energy came through me and took all the anger I had for the man that I thought killed him away! Thank you Yeshua and Almighty God!!!

@lalalisa9307

3 weeks ago (edited)

I also had a profound experience. I...bought some anointing oil for a close friend who is dying of cancer. After anointing him later that night, Jesus pulled back the veil, and I saw God‘s light. It was only for a few seconds. All I can describe [it] as is like being inside of a diamond, and as I started to look upwards I realized that I would disintegrate or die because I wasn’t good enough to look, so I turned my head. I remember feeling nothing but peace through my entire being, and I also felt like a younger version of myself. I didn’t feel any wrinkles on my face, and I have been madly in love with God ever since. It’s such an intense love that it overwhelms me, and it sometimes it’s hard for me to take it.

2 weeks ago

I’ve seen Jesus as well. I was in a state of twilight sleep on my couch. Not really asleep but not fully awake. He came to me while I was still grieving my Mom being gone and right before the insanity of 2020. He walked straight up to me and wrapped me up in his arms and without actually speaking told me [said], "It’s going to be ok. Be strong in me." When he let go, I immediately jumped off the couch and my entire being was literally vibrating with joy as I danced around knowing how much He truly loves me, and solidifying my Faith even more! Jesus is for real!

@vaniza0425

8 years ago

Thank You for sharing your testimony! He is Pure! I saw him too, in 2004. When I hit my head on the pavement without a helmet when I was riding a scooter-motorcycle. I never remember falling and hitting my head. 

Instantly I was with Him. He was looking at me. Every time I looked at Him, I fell to my knees. He knew exactly what I was thinking. I saw myself wearing white, but He was lights of gold. He was coming out of the Sun with rays. Each ray beaming said words like this: love, care, kindness, children, innocent, live, laugh, help, all mighty, Alpha and Omega, I am the Son of Man. The rays came out rolling as spirals right to my eyes. I would get up and fall once again. I didn't want to leave. He was light Pure light. Pure Love. 

He told me to look to the left . He said look who is praying for you. I saw my husband praying and crying. He returned me back to earth. I woke up in the hospital with burn marks, and my arms and legs were all burned due to the gasoline of my scooter spilling in my arms and legs [and] burning [them]. I had street marks that pulled my skin off my arms. 

I wasn't hurting about the pain. My pain was in my heart, because I wanted to be with Jesus and his throne was infinite. May the Lord Bless you! He is calling his sheep! 

One more thing the day before the accident I remember praying to the Lord saying I want to be changed. I want to see you. I [sure] did [see Him] alright! It was the most life changing experience in my life. I haven't been the same since. 

@Hiswillbedone2

1 year ago (edited)

I’ve seen the Lord a short time after I became a Christian. I was about junior- high-school age. He stayed with me for a long time. He has a great sense of humor and He made me laugh.

In the following video, a woman tells about her experience seeing Jesus while watching the movie called The Passion of the Christ. 

@ucong79

9 years ago

I had a dream. I was in my bed and woke up where it was really bright. Then I heard a voice saying, "I will help you". I was confused at first, but then a hand reached out at me. Then I woke up in my real bed. Then I realized the hand in front of me was God. This is true. God bless everyone.

@denisegrandma-m7g

3 weeks ago

I was at a very desperate point in my life. I was feeling trapped, unhappy, angry, and just wanted to  leave. I went outside on a day where the sky was blue with clouds. I cried and yelled at the sky. Are

you there? Why is all of this happening to me? I can't take it anymore. Please let me know what to do.

Slowly a large area of clouds opened in the sky forming a circle. Inside the circle was the face of Jesus. I saw it. I was in shock. I turned away, then back again. It was there. I didn't want to blink. I felt relieved, yet was ashamed at the same time. I stood looking up and cried. Then slowly the circle closed.  God is real. Jesus is real.

When you lose someone, or when someone is in serious trouble, who do you turn to?  

@catmat3686

1 year ago

I had a vision when I was 9 or 10 of seeing Jesus and Mary. I saw them as I walked down the dark hallway to my mom’s room. Their faces glowed in the darkness. I can’t remember what they said. 

@MysticMeadowsSanctuary

2 weeks ago

I saw him too in 2003 at a church in Central Phoenix. He handed me the host [communion bread], and the blood in the chalice looked like real blood. When I saw the blood in the chalice, I looked back at him, and he smiled at me. His message to me that day was "Remember me, not that I left, but that I am right here with you". He was no longer the Lamb that had been slain, but [had] the eyes of a Mighty Warrior, but with the most incredible eyes. I'll never forget.

@narcoholic22

2 weeks ago

I had a dream during one of my lowest points. I was in a narcissistic abusive relationship for years. He gaslighted me for years at that point and I was confused, insecure, depressed, panicked ALL THE TIME

from the psychological trauma. I lost my identity to this person. I was an empty shell of who I used to be. One night I had this dream that I was standing in a room at night. Jesus in a white robe was there. I was not afraid but sad. He stood in front of me. He embraced me with the most loving hug. I felt so loved and warm & safe like never before. I woke up and still felt HIM with me. I have not shaken off the feeling HE gave me. 

I honestly feel as though he really came to me in my desperation that night. I feel undeserving of His love but He made me feel I was loved & special. I never felt insecure about my worth after that dream. Years later I found a painting of Jesus in a white robe hugging a girl with olive skin & brown hair. It

was my dream [depicted] in a painting! It was me! It’s a well known painting, I [later] found out. I bought  it and it hangs in my home to remind me of the night Jesus came to show me I was loved.

@melanied4944

3 weeks ago (edited)

I saw Jesus during emergency surgery after childbirth. Nurses were all around me, as they battled to stop me from bleeding to death. At my head/eye-level he was there. I have never seen eyes like them. They were a clear blue [like] I had never seen before, so beautiful, and he was whispering [that] I was going to be ok. It was him. I felt his warm presence

@braxtonbearden613

7 years ago

When I was nine years old I was in church and I felt this pull in the pit of my heart. At the time I had no clue at all what it was. My mom explained to me it was the Holy Spirit. [but] that day I didn't accept Christ. The next Sunday pulled around, and again I felt that same pull in my heart. It felt almost like a flame, but it didn't hurt. It was a calming flame. 

So that day I walked up to the altar and my pastor at that time laid hands on me. I asked Christ to be a part of my life. I asked him to forgive me of my sins. I told God that I believed in Jesus's resurrection. When I was done praying this flood of joy and this flame filled my whole body.  

@debbiehurley293

2 weeks ago

When I was about 6 years old, I remember going with my mother to a tent revival. We didn't have ac back then, so we slept with our windows up. That night, the moon was full and bright. As I laid in bed looking up at the moon, I saw Jesus. He was beautiful. To this day, I never forgot that night. Another time when I was 20 years old, I was studying the bible prophecies. I was woken up during the night and the room was filled with a bright light. A voice said to me, "No matter where you go or what you do, always keep your eyes on Jesus."

@SKMac5176

3 weeks ago (edited)

When I was 24 years of age, I was struggling mightily with some very deep moral & spiritual issues in my life. After much anguish & prayer, I laid down on my brother's bed, where I continued to pray and ask for guidance from the Lord. Suddenly, as I was looking at the ceiling Jesus' face appeared before me. He had the most Beautiful, Gentle, & kind features I'd ever seen. He said nothing, but reached out and touched my left cheek with overwhelming LOVE in His eyes. I came away much healed, feeling great Peace regarding my upcoming decision.

@carolmartin2503

1 year ago

As I was planning to destroy my life I looked out at the stars and said. "If there's a God, He better let me know because I'm all done."   I rolled over and there was Jesus in my room  on that cross. I knew He did it for me to pay for the many sins I'd done, and I screamed. "NO" [meaning] "Don't do that for me! I'm not worth it!!!" And He said, "I LOVE YOU" and died.  

I now live for Him and know I'll spend eternity with Him in His Home!!! Thank you, Jesus!

@chessc.3407

1 year ago

I saw him in my bedroom. I was wide awake and He didn’t speak to me, but I saw him. Almost like I was watching a movie of his crucifixion as a projection on my room. I have no TV in my room. That night I went on my knees and repented and finally believed and accepted Jesus into my life.

@TheMrshefner

7 years ago

I know you seen him just by the way you described his Love. I had a dream of him one time and I remember his eyes almost glowed a teal like color and the love I felt from him reached into the pit of my stomach and was like a euphoric love that can't be described. Like no drug in this world could put you so high as his love. Literally I can't to this day describe it but it is the most magnificent feeling and I have never felt that feeling sense. It's so pure and amazing.

@carolroblyer3629

7 days ago

I recently met Jesus in a dream. I was in a mild depression, and I went to sleep listening to worship songs. He appeared in my dream and just spent time with me. I got to see His face and experience His personality -- loving, peaceful but also fun. 

Another time I fell asleep crying after being horribly, emotionally bullied. I sensed arms holding me while I slept, and I knew it was Him. 

But the first time I experienced the love of God was years earlier. Feeling like giving up after years of heavy depression, I asked the Lord to take me home, because I was done. Instead He healed me in an instant with a powerful surge of love that overwhelmed me. That's when I knew God was real and that He loved me. There is nothing that can describe that power. It was shocking, like nothing in this world. And felt amazing.

@levelwithme609

1 year ago

Jesus showed up when I was drowning in a reservoir, and when I asked, "IS THIS HOW I'M GONNA DIE?", He wrapped His arms around me and answered, "NO, THIS IS NOT HOW YOU'RE GONNA DIE." He taught me that I can TRUST HIM NO MATTER WHAT instead.

@AiditaRoman-ef2lz

11 months ago

I saw Jesus in a dream, I didn’t believe in him before but he just hugged me and I felt myself filled with unmeasurable love, then he held me at arms length and just looked at me without a word and all I could think was how beautiful he was, more than words can describe so I know exactly what she means! Every time I feel sad I just remember his love and I feel good again! Amen.

@ylvany1

11 months ago

When I was about 10 years old, I had a dream where I was in a major car accident. Immediately I was in the throne room of God and although I couldn't see His face, I KNEW I was standing in the presence of the Most High God! I could sense hundreds of people around me and everyone was in high worship and it was the most beautiful music I'd ever heard; and instantly I fell on my knees in worship! It was the most amazing feeling I've ever experienced, and to this day have yet to experience that level of worship. It was like every cell in my body was vibrating at the highest frequency available and I just KNEW that THIS is what we were created for: to worship the one true God! Everything we search for and get involved with, all trying to fill this void that can ONLY be filled by the living God! That experience has NEVER left me, I mean it feels like it just happened yesterday and that was 35 years ago!

Closing Words

I hope these testimonies have built your faith and given you a hunger for God.

Attribution notice: The image of Akiane's Prince of Peace painting of Jesus is subject to copyright, used  here per the Fair Use Act for educational and commentary purposes only.

Author's note:  If you enjoyed this post, you may also like The Revelation of Love, and the other posts available through the links on the Home page. I also have an entire blog about people's experiences visiting heaven and hell, which is call Eternal Destinations, as well as another blog called Testimonies from Eastern Europe with many amazing testimonies of people who have encountered Jesus, seen angels, and experienced miracles. You may also access my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Him.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe. 

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

______________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

The Revelation of Love

Dear saints,

I'd like to share with you the revelation of love. There are so many Scriptures about love that I cannot possibly cover them all in this post, but I'm going to share some key ones to make the point that I am led to share with you. I'm going to discuss The Father's love for us, the Father's love for Jesus, the love of Jesus for us, our love for God, and our love for one another.

The Father's Love for Us

First and foremost is the love of God for us. This is spoken of all throughout Scripture, but the most famous one is:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (Jn 3:16).

God loves us all so much that He gave His one and only Son to come into this world as God's Lamb to be sacrificed for our sins. He didn't just tell us with words that He loved us, but He demonstrated it to us. Scripture says:

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom 5:8).

He did that for us while we were still sinners, so clearly God took the initiative. As the apostle John says:

"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." (1 Jn 4:9-10).

Now that we've touched on the fact that the Father was first to love us and demonstrate His love for us by sending His Son, let's look at the Father's love for Jesus.

The Father's Love for Jesus

The father's love for Jesus is, of course, greater than His love for anyone else. In order to understand just how much the Father loves us, we need to understand His love for Jesus, since He sent Him into the world to save us. Here are just a few of the Scriptures that declare the Father's love for Jesus:

"The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands." (Jn 3:35).

When Jesus was baptized in water and with the Holy Spirit, "a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.'” (Mt 3:17).

When Jesus was transfigured on the sacred mountain, and His clothes became dazzling white before Peter, James, and John, the Father declared His love for Jesus again. 

"While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Mt 17:5).

There can be no doubt, based on the Word of God, that the Father's love for Jesus is supreme. It's the highest form of love, known as agape ("a-GA'-pey") love in the original Greek.

The Love of Jesus for Us

Jesus, in turn, loved us with the same love the Father has for Him.

He said, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." (Jn 15:9).

This clearly show that Jesus loved us just as the Father loved Him (key words: "just as"), and His love for us hasn't changed. But we can change, and that is why we are responsible to remain in His love by the way we live. More on that in the next section.

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." (1 Jn 3:16).

We know what love is by the fact that Jesus Christ laid down His life for us on the cross. He doesn't have to prove His love for us, since He already proved it on the cross. Such redeeming love, unfailing love, everlasting love, steadfast love, and faithful love did He demonstrate for us on Calvary! It is a love that is nothing like what we humans call love here on earth. His response to the Father's love for Him was to please the Father, obeying the Father's command to lay down His life on the cross for us. And Jesus taught that there is no greater love than this.

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (Jn 15:13).

If you could experience in person the love of Jesus for you, as many people have in after-death experiences, you would feel as though He loved only you, or that He loved you more than anyone else on earth; however, that's the same way He loves everyone. It's a euphoric love that can't be described. There is no greater love than the love of Jesus, for nobody loves you like Jesus.

This brings us to our love for God.

Our Love for God

Our love for God is our response to the love He has first shown to us through His sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for us. Perhaps the verse that best teaches this effect is the following one:

He said, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." (Jn 15:9).

This shows the love initiating with the Father for Jesus, flowing through Jesus as He responded to that love by loving us with the same love the Father had for Him, and then the need for us to remain in His love. This begs the question, "How do I remain in the love of Jesus?" The answer is found in the very next verse, in which Jesus said:

"If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in His love." (Jn 15:10).

Do you see how to respond to the love of Jesus for you, which was His response to the Father's love for Him? We respond to the love of Jesus by remaining in His love, and we remain in His love by obeying His commands. This is the same way that Jesus responded to the Father's love for Him: He obeyed the Father's commands and remained in His love. Therefore, Jesus commands us to do the same.

"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” (Jn 14:21).

Our Love for One Another

Since we respond to the love of Jesus by remaining in His love, and we remain in His love by obeying His commands, then it's necessary to know what He commands. Jesus said:

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." (Jn 15:12).

We remain in the love of Jesus by obeying His command to love each other with the same love Jesus has for us, which is the same supreme kind of love the Father has for Jesus. It's the perfect love that Jesus showed us when He laid down His life for us, as was previously stated:

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." (1 Jn 3:16).

We respond to the love of Jesus by loving each other, and we love each other by laying down our lives for our brothers. We love others by being kind, compassionate, and forgiving toward them. We even love our enemies, as the Lord commanded us to do (Mt 5:44).

That kind of love that we show to each other in response to the love of Jesus for us will then bring about a loving response in the hearts and lives of those we love, as they in turn love others with that same kind of love. It's like a chain reaction or a ripple effect. As the Scripture says: "We love because he first loved us." (1 Jn 4:19). It just keeps on flowing from one person to the next, and this pleases the Father. 

Peter's Reinstatement

Most of us have heard of the Lord's reinstatement of Peter as an apostle, following his denial of Christ. Let me break that down for you and show how it illustrates the point I've been making.

First let me say that while there is one word for love in English, there are multiple words for love in the original Greek language that the Bible was written in. These Greek words reflect the various Aramaic words that Jesus and Peter used in their conversation together. 

There is first of all agape love, which is the perfect, supreme, highest kind of love that God has and that Jesus has. Then there is philos ("FEE'-los"), which is brotherly love that brothers have for each other, whereby they love or like each other. Then there is storge (STOR'-gey), which is "natural affection" or "affection between family members," often used to describe the love between parents and children. And finally there is eros, from which we get the word "erotic", which is the kind of love that involves the unique intimacy meant to be shared only between a husband and wife. Eros translates to "love" and "desire," specifically referring to sensual, romantic, or passionate love.

In the reinstatement of Peter, just as Peter had denied the Lord three times, now after the resurrection, the Lord asked him three times if he loved Him. First Jesus appeared on the shore after the disciples had been fishing all night and caught nothing, and He enabled them to make a huge catch. Then He fed them some breakfast of fish and bread that he had cooking over the hot coals, along with some of the fish they caught. Afterward he questioned Peter:

1. First ask: When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love (Gr., agape) me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love (Gr., phileo) you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” (Jn 21:15)

Notice that Jesus asked him if he loved Him with agape love, and Peter responded that he loved Jesus with philos, or brotherly love. He had been humbled by his denial. Whereas he previously declared so proudly that he would never deny the Lord and would go to prison or death with Him, now he was only able to say with a more honest evaluation of himself that he possessed a definite philos love for Jesus.

Notice that the Lord's response to Peter was to command him to feed His lambs, which are the people of God, and that was to be His way of showing His love for Jesus. He was reinstated as an apostle of God sent by the Lord to serve His people.

2. Second ask: Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love (Gr., agape) me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love (Gr., philo) you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” (Jn 21:16)

Once again, Jesus asked Peter if he had agape love for Him, and Peter responded that he had philos love for Him. And once again, Jesus commanded him to take care of His sheep, which is the role of a shepherd or pastor, and that involves caring for people. This is how Jesus wanted Peter to demonstrate his love for Jesus.

3. Third ask: Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love (Gr., phileo) me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love (Gr., phileo) you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” (Jn 21:17).

Notice how Jesus now switched to asking Peter if he possessed the brotherly kind of love for Jesus, since He saw that Peter no longer had the confidence to say that he loved Jesus with the highest kind of love shown by Christ. Jesus seemed to condescend to Peter by now using the same word for love that Peter was using. 

Finally, Jesus told Peter:

I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go. ”Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” (Jn 21:18-19)

Jesus was foretelling to Peter that in the future in Peter's old age, he would stretch out his hands (perhaps to allow others to bind him with ropes), and someone would dress him (perhaps with ropes to bind him), and that they would lead Peter to a martyr's death. Legend has it that Peter was crucified, but that he insisted on being crucified upside down, since he considered himself unworthy to die right side up as his Lord was. The Lord commanded Peter to follow Him just as He had originally called Peter to follow Him, and this would include following Him not only in his life but in his death. The Lord wanted Peter to know that this was how Peter would show his love for Jesus.

What this teaches us is that our love for God is not something we initiate, as Peter originally did when he pridefully told Jesus that he would go to prison and death with Him. It is something we do from a humble and contrite heart when we realize what the Lord has done for us on the cross despite our own sinfulness and unworthiness, and we respond to His love with that same kind of love. Therefore, our love is a response to God's love for us, His love for Jesus, and Jesus' love for us, as well as His forgiveness toward us. It flows through us when we have been humbled as Peter was through his past experience of failing the Lord and being forgiven. As Jesus once said, he who has been forgiven much, loves much, "but he who is forgiven little, loves little." (Lk 7:47).

After-death Testimonies of Love

Many people, who have had experiences of life after death, near death experiences, and out of body experiences, have returned to testify that God is love, and that love is the whole point of our life on earth. John the apostle also said that God is love (1 Jn 4:8). And Paul the apostle said that without love we are nothing, even if we have great faith, great knowledge, and rich generosity (see 1 Cor 13).

Here are short excerpts from what a few different people said upon returning from their experience with God in heaven or with Jesus:

The first one said of life, "It's all about love. Love is the goal of all that exists regardless of where and how it exists. Love is the origin of all that exists. Love is the origin and the goal. All decisions in life need to be tested by the only valid question: Am I doing this out of love? If you follow that rule, you follow what your life is ultimately about. Then you do what you were born to do."

 

Another person who encountered the Lord in a near death experience said: “Growing in faith and learning to love God is the point of life.”

A man named Thomas B. wrote after his near death experience that the meaning of life is to “Learn how to love others properly. This is a test to see if you are worthy. And it is never too late to stop bad behavior and turn back to love, which is what we are designed for.”  

Howard Storm, who died of a perforated stomach in a hospital while he was still an atheist, said that after he died, he met Jesus who called over a group of angels: "[The angels] gave me a life review and we went over my life in very great detail. And the life review, at the conclusion of it, I realized that I was here to love people, to be compassionate, to love God and love one another and I had utterly failed." Afterward he had a chance to ask Jesus any questions he wanted to ask Him. Then he said to the Lord, "Now I want to go to heaven." And Jesus said, "No, you've got to go back to the earth and do this the way you were created to do it in the first place: to live a life the way God created you to live a life," which Storm says he knew "very [clearly] was to love, to be a loving, kind person, loving God, loving my fellow man." 

When the Father sent Camille Gent back to earth during her life-after-death heaven encounter, she asked Him "Why do we have to do this?" (Meaning live on Earth). He lovingly responded, "That's easy. It's to love." In her testimony, she emphasizes that this command reshaped her entire understanding of life. The Father simplified the complexity of human existence down to a single, powerful mandate—to love others unconditionally. Because of this direct answer, Camille has stated that she never again underestimated the sheer, transformative power of love on Earth. (see podcasts here and here).

Closing Words

In closing, I tried to be as concise as possible on such a broad topic. I hope that this article has helped unveil this revelation of love that God has for us, for Jesus, and that Jesus has for us, and how we are to repent, humble ourselves, and respond to it with the same kind of love by obeying God's commands and loving one another. Life is all about love. In fact, learning to love God and others is the whole point of life and its goal.

Attribution notice: Scripture take from the Holy Bible NIV, copyright Zondervan, used by permission. Image may be subject to copyright, used per the Fair Use Act for educational and commentary purposes only.

Author's note:  If you enjoyed this post, you may also like Testimonies of People Who Have Seen Jesus, The Love of Jesus, Having the Love of God in Your Heart, Compelled by Love, Law of Love in the New Testament, One Thing, Seven Things That Accumulate Building Materials in Heaven, and the other posts available through the links on the Home page. You may also access my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Him.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe. 

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

______________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

The Apostasy (False Christianity) Before the Rapture of the Church

Dear Saints,

Those of you who've been following me, Len Lacroix, for a while now know that I preach a true message of righteousness, holiness, and obedience to Christ. But this message is still not accepted by most believers in America. It's viewed as a false gospel by many. You know that I teach that you must be born again and receive the Holy Spirit. I teach that the Lord promised to baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire (Mt 3:11; Lk 3:16; 11:13; 12:49; 24:49; Ac 1:5,8; 2:4,38; Jn 7:38; 20:22; Eph 5:18).

I've also written many articles on the rapture and the need to be ready for it, and I've tried my best to warn you of the Great Tribulation that is set to begin at any time now. But we are living in the days of the apostate Church, people who have embraced worldliness, disobedience to their parents, idolatry, false doctrine, and rebellion. This is because most churches in America preach the false gospel of Once-Saved-Always-Saved or Eternal Security. They teach that nothing you do, no sin you commit, could ever affect your relationship with the Lord and your eternal destination, once you are truly saved.

Paul warned us this would happen. He said:

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God–having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." (2 Tim 3:1-5).

Paul  warned that before the Lord comes and His saints are gathered to Him, there must first be an apostasy and rebellion. he said: 

 

"Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction." (2 Thes 2:3).

I would like to share with you an excellent, short message that a Mexican preacher, named Francisco, shared, which is a great example of true, gospel preaching that you rarely hear any more these days in America. You can either watch it on his Youtube channel here at this link, or you can watch it inside this blogpost below:

Attribution notice: All Scriptures are taken from the New International Version (NIV1984), copyright Zondervan, used by permission, all rights reserved.

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy Warning Dream: The Tribulation Follows Rapture, Left-Behind Christians Hunted, How to Prepare for the Rapture, Sins That Will Keep You From Heaven, Drifting Away, Is Obedience Optional?, The Apostasy Parables, Holy Living in a Perverted World, Aim for Perfection, Walking in the Perfect Will of God, The Straight and Narrow Path, Striving to Enter the Kingdom of God, Ask for the Ancient Paths, Living a Life Worthy of the Lord, Separation from the World, The Difference Between a Disciple and a Believer, and Doing What is Right. You can find more of my articles related to Seeking the Lord on the Home page of this blog. You may also access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master." Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org

Understanding God's View of Earthly Things

Dear saints,

In this post, I would like to explain God's view of earthly things, according to His Word, and contrast those with heavenly things. This is critical for our spiritual well being, because unless we see both earthly and heavenly things as God does, our lives will be out of order and we will jeopardize our souls. 

Therefore, let us not be engrossed in the things of this world (1 Co 7:31). Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1Jn 2:15). Pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows you need them (Mt 6:32).  Rather “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Mt 6:33). For those who seek the Lord lack no good thing (Ps 34:10), and no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless (Ps 84:11). He satisfies your desires with good things (Ps 103:5).

God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, you will have all that you need (2 Cor 9:8). Therefore, focus on pleasing God, and He'll take care of everything else. Otherwise, if we don't focus on pleasing Him, the Lord Jesus said, “Desires for other things come in and choke the Word, making [you] unfruitful” (Mk 4:19). 

For example, Martha was worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary chose that one thing, which was better, and so should we (Lk 10:41-42; cf., Ps 27:4). She chose to sit at Jesus feet, to be with Him, and listen to Him. 

After all, what are created things anyway? For we know that soon, all created things will be shaken (Heb 12:27). The Lord will remove all things from the face of the earth (Zeph 1:2). This present age is now the old order of things that is about to pass away (Rev 21:4), for the end of all things is near (1 Pe 4:7). Earthly things are a shadow of the things to come (Col 2:17). Even the most valuable earthly things, such as gold and silver, are perishable (1 Pe 1:18). Indeed, wealth is so uncertain (1 Tim 6:17). Earthly things have little importance (Phil 3:19) and are all worthless compared to heavenly things. 

Therefore, set your mind on things above, not on earthly things (Col 3:1-2). No mind has conceived the inexpressible things above that God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Co 2:9; 2 Co 12:4). These are the things promised (Heb 11:13). 

Don’t serve created things. Rather, serve your Creator (Ro 1:25). He created all things and in Him all things hold together (Col 1:16-17). He sustains all things by His powerful Word (Heb 1:2). In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose (Ro 8:28). Will he not graciously give us all things (Ro 8:32), since He has already given us His only Son? 

In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Ro 8:37). For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things (Ro 11:36). The Lord knows all things. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God (1 Co 2:10), and if you are in tune with Him, listening to His voice, He will reveal to you anything you need to know. His anointing teaches you all things (1 Jn 2:27). He reveals profound and hidden things (Dan 2:22). Indeed, all things are yours in Christ (1 Co 3:21).  

Closing Words

In view of what the Scriptures say about God's view of earthly things, you should take the time to be alone with the Lord, though you leave the tasks at hand. Nothing will suffer anyway, when you do. For things are of less importance than you think. Therefore, don’t fret about carnal things, but always concern yourself about spiritual values. Focus on pleasing the Lord. Come away from it all, spend time with the Lord, seeking Him, loving Him, worshiping Him, being intimate with Him, truly knowing Him, and the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

Attribution notice: Image may be subject to copyright, used per Fair Use Act for educational and commentary purposes only. Scripture take from the Holy Bible NIV, copyright Zondervan, used by permission. Scripture also taken from NASB, copyright Lockman Foundation, used by permission.

Author's note:  If you enjoyed this post, you may also like One Thing, Seven Things That Accumulate Building Materials in Heaven, Faith in Action, Run with Endurance, Faith Works, Walking by Faith, Overcomers in This Life, From Self-confidence to Confidence in the Lord, Obedient to the Heavenly Vision, Bearing Fruit in Every Good Work, Living a Life Worthy of the Lord, and the other posts available through the links on the Home page. You may also access my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Him.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe. 

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

______________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

What Does It Mean to Repent?

Dear God seekers,

In our modern culture, people don't use the word repent any more, except in a some churches, but still many churches don't preach about repentance. People don't like being told to repent, which is a basic, fundamental part of the gospel. 

John the Baptist preached that men should repent. Jesus preached, "Repent for the kingdom of God has come near" (Mt 4:17), and the apostles preached, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins..." (Ac 2:38a). Paul the apostle said that God wants all men everywhere to repent (Ac 17:30). He preached that they should repent and turn to God, and prove their repentance by their deeds (Ac 26:20). And Jesus told five of the seven churches in Revelation to repent (Rev 2-3). 

So obviously this is very important and central to the gospel. You cannot truly believe in Jesus without repentance. However, many people still don't understand what it means to repent. Therefore, I would like to explain what repentance is.

The word "repent" comes from the Greek word metanoeō, which is taken from two root words: 1) "meta" and 2) "noieō"

1. meta, (met-ah') 

Can mean after, afterward, or together (there are also numerous other possible meanings).

2. noieō, noy-eh'-o

Means to exercise the mind (observe), that is, (figuratively) to comprehend, heed: - consider, perceive, think, understand.

Therefore, based on the definition of its root words, metanoeō (Greek word for repent) can literally mean "comprehend after", "comprehend afterward", "comprehend later", "consider after", "consider afterward", "consider later", "think after", " think afterward", " think later", "understand after", " understand afterward", or "understand later". 

By definition, metanoeo means - to undergo a change in frame of mind and feeling, to repent; to make a change of principle and practice. It's like turning around and going in the opposite direction. If you are walking along, and you suddenly turn around 180 degrees and walk in the opposite direction, that is an illustration of what it means to repent. It's a total change of mind, not just saying you're sorry. To repent is to regret so deeply as to change the mind or course of conduct and develop new mental and spiritual habits.

According to the Online Etymology Dictionary: The English word "repent" comes from repenten, "be grieved over one's past and seek forgiveness; feel such regret for sins, crimes, or omissions as produces amendment of life," from Old French repentir, from re-, here perhaps used as an intensive prefix, "very much", Vulgar Latin *penitire "to regret," from Latin poenitire "make sorry."

Since meta can also mean "together" we could also literally interpret metanoeo to mean "think together" (with God), "consider together" (with God), or "understand together" (with God). This reminds me of what the Lord says in Isaiah 1:18, "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool." (Isa 1:18, NASB). When we repent, we are considering together with God, thinking together with Him, even reasoning and understanding together with Him that if we repent and ask Him for forgiveness, our sins will be white as snow.

God is good, and He loves you. He does not want you to perish. Peter wrote: "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2Pe 3:9). God wants everyone to repent, rather than perish. For as Jesus said, "...unless you repent, you too will all perish." (Luk 13:3).

Closing Words
The message is clear, which is that all of us need to repent and believe in Jesus Christ, being baptized for the forgiveness of sins. And even as baptized disciples of Christ, we still need to lead a life of daily repentance, which is all part of denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following Jesus, which He said we must do daily (Lk 9:23).

Pray and ask God for genuine repentance, and even tears of repentance. Then let's repent truly, quickly, and often, whenever we realize that we have sinned.

Attribution notice: Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, where noted, copyright Lockman Foundation, used by permission. Other Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, copyright Zondervan, used by permission. Image may be subject to copyright, used per Fair Use Act for educational and commentary purposes.

Author's note: I also recommend reading Repentance That Leads to Life, Sins That Will Keep You From Heaven, Ask for the Ancient Paths, The Forgotten Sin of Worldliness, Should you fear the Lord?, Eudoxia Varga Testimony of Heaven and Hell, Ezekiel Moses Testimony of Heaven and Hell, The Judgment Seat of Christ, and The Book of Life. You may access the Main Directory for this Seeking the Lord blog for more articles like this, as well as my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org

The Faith of God

Dear God Seekers,

In my article, Faith in Action, I wrote about the faith of God in the context of Hebrews 11, where Scripture recounts the faith of the ancients, which was demonstrated by their actions. I also wrote in that same article about the faith of Christ, which was demonstrated by His actions, especially in enduring the cross, as it says in Hebrews 12. If you have already read that article, then you can jump straight to the second half of this present article. That being said, I'd now would like to present to you a truth that some will find difficult to accept, but it is true nevertheless: even God has faith in Himself.

Even God Has Faith

Scripture says, "By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." (Heb 11:3)

Our understanding of how God created the entire universe at His command is by faith. That understanding of ours is not based on reason or scientific evidence, although both of those have been proven to fully support our understanding of the creation. He made all visible things that we see around us -- on earth, in the sky, and in space, and He made them out of what was invisible. He calls things that are not as though they were (Rom 4:17). He had confidence about what He hoped for and assurance about what He did not see. That is the very definition of faith (Heb 11:1). He believed in His own power and ability. He knew that He was capable of doing what He wanted to do, therefore He believed in Himself, which only He can do, because He alone is God. He is all-sufficient. All things are possible for Him (Matt 19:26), and absolutely nothing is too difficult for Him (Jer 32:17). He simply spoke the Word, and the universe came into existence (Gen 1:3).

Someone may argue that God does not have faith. However, anyone who denies that God has faith in Himself would have to prove that. It would be quite silly to insist that God does not believe in Himself, wouldn't it? Why would He command us to believe in Him, if He did not even believe in Himself and His own ability to call things that are not as though they were.

The Scripture says, "I believed, therefore I have spoken." (2 Cor 4:13:14). Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak. God put His own faith in action and taught us by His example how to put into action our faith in Him. 

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mar 11:22-24)

Parallels to the Faith of God

For those who may still be wondering how it is that God could have faith in Himself, let me give you some other examples of similar things God has done, according to Scripture, which may be viewed as parallels to the faith of God:

God Swore By Himself

In the book of Hebrews, it says, "When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, 'I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.'" (Heb 6:13-14)

Just as God swore by Himself, since there was no one greater to swear by, he also believes in Himself, since there is no one greater to believe in.

God Sacrificed to Himself

In John's gospel, we read the first instance when Jesus was referred to as the Lamb of God, which was by John the Baptist. "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'" (Joh 1:29)

The following day, John once again used this expression for Jesus: "When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, 'Look, the Lamb of God!'" (Joh 1:36)

Then the term, "Lamb", is also used thirty times in John's apocalyptic book, Revelation (Rev 5:6, 8, 12-13; 6:1, 3, 5, 7, 16; 7:9-10, 14, 17; 12:11; 13:8, 11; 14:1, 4, 10; 15:3; 17:14; 19:7, 9;  21:9, 14, 22-23, 27;  22:1, 3).

Since the Lord Jesus, God's only begotten Son, who was also God, was God's Lamb, that means that God sacrificed His only Son. Normally, according to God's Law, it is the human worshipper who must sacrifice a lamb to God. But in the fullness of time, God sacrificed His own Son for the world, in order to provide purification for sins, so that all who would believe in Him would not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). Since Jesus was surely God's Lamb, sacrificed by God for all mankind, to whom did God sacrifice? Since there was no one greater for Him to sacrifice, He sacrificed His Lamb, Jesus, to Himself.

God Praises Himself

The very fact that God created man in His own image to worship Him, demonstrates that God knows He alone is worthy to be worshipped and praised, and that He desires to receive this praise from the loving hearts of those who do so of their own free will. He forbids His people to worship any other gods but Him, so that He alone would receive our worship. Then there are countless psalms, inspired by the Holy Spirit, who is God, that command us to praise the Lord, and provide us with words of praise that we can sing and proclaim to God to express our love and adoration for Him.

Yet if all that were not enough to prove that God desires and requires our praise and worship, He even praises Himself, since there is no one greater than Himself to praise. Go and read Isaiah 46, and you will see what I mean. 

He says things like, "With whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?" (Isa 46:5). Then He says, "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me." (Isa 46:9b).

In fact, a man named Dean Braxton, who died, went to heaven, and came back to tell about it, said that just as all the saints and angels in heaven praise and worship God, He also praises Himself.

Putting it All Together

In summary, just as God praises Himself in Scripture and still does so in heaven, just as He swore by Himself, since there was no one greater to swear by, and just as He sacrificed His Lamb (Jesus Christ) to Himself, He also has faith in Himself. Let that be an encouragement to you today to put your faith in Him.

Attributes: Most Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible NIV, copyright Zondervan, all rights reserved, used by permission. Image may be subject to copyright, used per the Fair Use Act for educational and commentary purposes only.

Author's note:  If you enjoyed this post, you may also like Faith in Action, Run with Endurance, Faith Works, Walking by Faith, Overcomers in This Life, From Self-confidence to Confidence in the Lord, Obedient to the Heavenly Vision, Bearing Fruit in Every Good Work, Seven Things That Accumulate Building Materials in Heaven, Living a Life Worthy of the Lord, and the other posts available through the links on the Home page. You may also access my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Him.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe. 

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

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Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.