Systematic Reconciliation
Copyright © 1998 Darroll Evans, All rights reserved-re-edit 2004

Introduction

Systematic Reconciliation looks at the sovereignty of God in a way few are willing to do. Some time ago, a person contacted me about my web site. He asked about a "link" to his page. I wrote to him inquiring as to whether he was proposing a reciprocal link. To my surprise, the return e-mail said something I did not expect.

The answer came back telling me that he was not proposing a reciprocal link. The reason was astounding. He said that the teachings on this Web site were scripturally correct, but unorthodox. I thought that being "scripturally correct" was the goal of Bible Study.

SR seeks only to present the Holy Word of God in the light of God's sovereignty, power, and grace. The basic teaching of SR is that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no man comes unto the Father, but by Christ Jesus! (John 14:6)

If you decide not to believe what is written here, that does not in any way diminish God's love and concern for you. No matter what your current thoughts concerning Christ Jesus, He died for you!

At the appointed time, in the appointed place, you shall bow to God, and by the Holy Spirit, joyfully proclaim, "Jesus is Lord" (Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:11; 1 Corinthians 12:3).

Christ Jesus' scourging and death on the cross paid the full and complete price for the sins of the world!

Some do not now believe that, but they shall!

Where is Jesus? It is a simple question that is very easily answered. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the right hand of God the Father interceding for us (Romans 8:34).

Christ Jesus appropriated our sins, took responsibility for them and due to that, He died. In His scourging and death Christ paid the full and complete price for our sins, and yet Christ Jesus has been restored to fellowship with the Father. Many cannot accept this teaching because of hearts filled with a need for vengeance.

Christ Jesus "gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time" (1 Timothy 2:6/NKJV). Christ Jesus did not die to achieve vengeance. He died for our sins to achieve our reconciliation!

In a Synagogue, Jesus read from the Isaiah scroll. He said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18-19).

Christ Jesus did not fully read that quote from Isaiah. He stopped when he got to the part that says, "and the day of vengeance of our God" (Isaiah 61:2). Christ Jesus was not sent to announce God’s vengeance. The Church has not been commissioned to announce God‘s vengeance. And yet, many insist on falsely proclaiming God’s vengeance.

The fact is that all who do not acknowledge Christ are lost sinners! Those have been led to acknowledge Christ as Lord are neither lost nor sinners. If you sins are forgiven, they are forgiven completely for all time. If your sin are forgiven, you are taken out of the "sinner" category.

Hebrews 13:5b For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (NKJV)

Chapter 1

Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all (Heb. kol) families of the earth be blessed.

The Hebrew word translated "all" indicates a whole, not just a portion. Every family shall be blessed through God’s promise to Abram. Shall God bless all families by burning most of them for ever and ever? I don’t think so!

Now, let's look at another promise.

Genesis 22:18 And in your seed [in Christ Jesus] all the nations (Heb. Goyim/Gentiles) of the earth shall be blessed, because you [Christ] have obeyed My voice.

The covenant promise was that all Gentiles would be blessed through Christ Jesus. Many people feel the need to strive to gain salvation. Striving to gain a gift has always been a mystery to me.

Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Accepting God’s gift is not striving or work! It has been equated with reaching out to accept a physical gift. That comparison gives a false impression. We do not reach out to accept salvation. God sent our gift to us.

Psalm 46:10 Be still (cease striving), and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen (Heb. Goyim), I will be exalted in the earth.

"Heathen" (Heb. Goyim) are unbelievers, regardless of race. I know that I will make some angry, but there are (percentage wise) just as many goyim among Jews as among other races. Most Jews and Gentiles are unbelievers and therefore they are goyim!

Psalm 86:9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

Hebrew Scriptures declare that all goyim whom God has made will worship before Him. The question is, "How many goyim did God make?" The answer is ALL!

Psalm 145:9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

We are God’s works, His creation! Does that sound as if God plans to consign most of His creation to a burning hell for the rest of eternity? Absolutely not!

Isaiah 19:22 And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.

Read Isaiah 18:22 carefully. In it God promises to heal those who are sworn enemies of Israel. Before our reconciliation, you and I were enemies of the cross!

Romans 5:10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. (NKJV)

Lamentations 3:31-32
31 For the Lord will not cast off for ever:
32 But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.

James 2:13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

God's loving-kindness is not applied according to our standards or deeds. It is exercised according to the multitude of his mercies.

Chapter 2

"Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29) Did God cause a nonessential statement to be placed into Holy Scripture? Or, is it there to declare the power of Jesus Christ?

If the statement is true, how can Jesus take away the sin of the world, without taking away the sin of the world?

"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me" (John 12:32). Was Christ Jesus "lifted up?" Yes! The translators added the word "men". Your King James Version has it italicized to indicate that it was added.

Jesus did not say, "I will draw some to me." Instead, He took the limits off. He said explicitly, "I will draw ALL to me."

Christ was "Lifted up" (Gr. hupsoothoo-uywqw) on the cross. That is standard, mainstream theology. "Draw" (Gr. elkusoo-elkusw) means to drag. The Greek word translated "shall draw" is singular, future, indicative, active. Christ SHALL do it, even if He has to drag us, kicking and screaming, out of harm's way.

The Indicative tense indicates what the author feels shall happen. While there are various writers, the Author of the Bible is the Holy Spirit.

Reconciliation is predicated on the fact that all shall acknowledge Jesus as Lord. No person may be reconciled to the Father without the acknowledging of the Son, Jesus, as lord.

Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

Philippians 2:11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (NKJV)

Jesus' mission was not only to free mankind from the effects of sin, but also to free the universe from the effects of our sin.

Romans 8:19-21
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

That is about as clear as it gets. Creation is waiting for OUR redemption so that it too may be redeemed. That is one of the mysteries of the Gospel!

Romans 5:17-19 contrasts the benefits derived through Adam and through Christ Jesus.

Romans 5:17-19
17 For if by one man's [Adam’s] offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
18 Therefore as by the offence of one [Adam] judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [Christ Jesus] the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
19 For as by {the} one man's [Adam’s] disobedience {the} many were made sinners, so by the obedience of {the} one [Christ Jesus] shall {the} many be made righteous.

Most Churches teach that Adam had more power in his fall than Christ did in His resurrection. May God forgive them for their folly! Adam's gift was death. Christ's gift is life.

Both gifts have a profound affect on "all men."

I have included the definite article in Romans 5:19 to show that "{the} many" is the same group in both cases. How many were made sinners? All! How may will be made righteous? All! How many is all? All!

Notice how it speaks of Christ's gift. It says the recipients "shall many be made righteous." That translation accurately reflects the translation of the Greek word katastatheesontai-katastaqhsontai.

"Shall" indicates a future imperative. It MUST happen at a future time. There is no way around it!

Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (NKJV)

Jesus is the Son of God! He is the Savior. However, being the Son and Savior are not the point. We shall acknowledge Jesus as LORD (Gr. Kurios-KurioV). "Lord" indicates that Jesus is the Master, Owner, and Proprietor of all creation.

Now, back to Philippians 2:11.

Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Here, "should confess" (Gr. exomologeesetai- exomologhsetai) is the future indicative spelling. It is my opinion that it should have come into English as "shall confess." Sooner or later you shall acknowledge Jesus as Lord!

God is not the servant of time! Time is His servant. At your personally appointed time you shall acknowledge Christ Jesus as Lord!

Let's look at the main benefit of Christ's Lordship.

1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

How many suffered from sin, and came under penalty of death because of Adam? All mankind, no exceptions!

How many shall be made alive because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ? All mankind, no exceptions!

"Shall all be made alive" is one Greek word, zoo-opoieetheesontai-zwopoihqhsontai. It is plural, future, indicative, passive voice.

If we had nothing but John 3:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:22, the good news of God's love and planned Reconciliation would be complete!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

As our dates with acknowledgment vary, and so do our resurrections, although each of us will be in a general resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15: 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

The Greek word translated "every man" (Gr. ekastos-ekastoV) is actually means "each and every."

*Corrected translation--1 Corinthians 15: 23 But each and every in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are of Christ at His coming.

Let's continue in verse 24.

1 Corinthians 15: 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

Jesus Christ is the first fruit of God's established order. Next in line are those who accept Christ Jesus and receive His salvation prior to His Second Coming (v. 23). Verse 24 begins by saying, Then cometh the end." The word "cometh" is not in the Greek text. The translators added it. It does not indicate the "end" of anything. Instead, the Greek text points to the last group to be resurrected.

The context is a listing. It moves from verse 23 to verse 24 without a natural break. "First Christ, then those who are His at His coming, then the last to be resurrected."

In which group will you be?

Chapter 3

I don't recall why I began a study of the beatitudes. Whatever the reason, I found much more than I was looking for. Why would any thinking person look in the Beatitudes for proof of the reconciliation of all?

That question is rhetorical!

We begin with "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). "Poor" comes from the Greek "ptoochoi-ptwcoi." The translation "poor" is shallow!

"Ptoochoi" has a deeper meaning. It indicates one who is "indigent." The Greek takes on the picture of a person crouching down while working very hard. Imagine a person bent over doing very hard labor.

Have you ever seen migrant farm workers? They struggle day in and day out to gain only a survival existence. Poverty would be a step up. Jesus said, "Blessed are the 'indigent' in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Who are the "indigent in spirit"?

They are not Christians. Christians cannot be "indigent in spirit." In speaking of the beggar Lazarus, Luke 16:20 uses a variation on the Greek root word (Gr. ptoochos-ptwcoV) to describe his beggarly condition. Jesus said, "Blessed are the 'indigent' in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Again, who are the indigent "in spirit"?

Christians can be financially poor, but not poor "in spirit!" The first beatitude is meant for those that we may call lost. Think about it! Jesus Christ pronounced supreme blessings on the spiritually indigent.

Some commentators teach that the poor in spirit are those who have accepted Jesus as Christ and have been humbled by that experience. Anyone who accepts Christ is humbled by the experience. That humbling has nothing to do with being poor in spirit.

Have you accepted Jesus? Do you have the Holy Spirit within? If your answer is, "Yes," then it is impossible for you to be "poor in spirit." The indwelling of the Holy Spirit disqualifies you. A multibillionaire cannot be financially indigent. A Christian cannot be spiritually indigent.

The first beatitude would be better understood if it was interpreted rather than just translated. "The indigent in spirit shall experience great happiness because theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

The second Beatitude is "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). "Mourn"(Gr. penthountes-penqounteV) means to lament, to grieve. Let’s look at the CLV translation, which is much better. "Happy are those who mourn now, for they shall be consoled."

Who are those who lament?

Did you notice the word "now" in the CLV? It indicates that the mourning is "now," in the life.

As children of God we look forward to Christ's return, and to the judgment to follow. God's judgment will result in our vindication. Therefore, we do not lament. We will experience the joy of salvation.

Comforted (Gr. parakleetheesontai-paraklhqhsontai) means "they shall persuaded, cheered and/or consoled."

According to the prevailing thought, most of those who see Christ’s return shall be ashamed, remorseful, roasted, toasted, and bound for Eternal Torment or Annihilation. That falls far short of being comforted, cheered, or consoled. The lost are currently in a state of spiritual mourning, because they have grieved the Spirit.

Does the Bible speak of great lamentation?

The Bible says, "Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen." (Revelation 1:7/NKJV)

The Greek word translated "mourn" (Revelation 1:7) means to greatly lament. Those who see Christ at His coming and understand that they have been found lacking shall mourn because of their folly.

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

This Beatitude is a description of reconciliation. It begins with mourning, but ends in comfort! The Liberty Commentary says, "those who mourn for the human anguish of the lost shall be comforted by the compassion of God" (page 20). God’s compassion shall dispel all grief.

Those that follow Buddha, Mohammed, the Hindu gods, or Spiritualism shall come to Christ in deep, sincere repentance for the extreme spiritual evil they committed in the name of false gods.

Chapter 4

The teaching of Reconciliation is based on the total and absolute sovereignty of God.  The awesome power of the sovereign God is something not many are willing to accept. God has the power to create, and to recreate.

Look at two verses.

Jeremiah 10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

The sovereignty of God was more apparent to those who wrote the Bible than it is to those who read it today. Some go so far as to say that man can thwart the will of God.

Many Christians do not understand the plan of God.  Since we are finite and God is infinite that is to be expected. Among my friends, you will find those that do not agree with me concerning God's plan. Nevertheless, they are beloved by God.

The hand does not do things the same way the foot does. Yet, they both are parts of the Body. Your relationship with me will not save you. Your relationship with Jesus Christ shall.

Another reason some Christians do not understand the plan of God is that they do not see the plan in action. They do not see, because they cannot see. God's plan points to the Reconciliation of all. However, final individual reconciliation is based on God's timing.

Have you ever seen the plans for a house? Everything is laid out in the correct dimensions.

Placing of the concrete, wall studs, spots for the electrical outlets, locations of windows are not just given in a general outline. They are drawn up in an exact blueprint.

If you saw it during the first phases of construction, you might wonder what is going on. However, as the house gets closer to completion it begins to look as if it might actually be livable.

The building and all the materials used in it must follow exact specifications. All of that is done before the first day's work on the house.

Are we to believe that God started the universe without a master plan? I don't think so!

If you were to build a two-story building, you would need a plan that includes a second story. It is not advisable to build a one-story building and then try to put a second story on it.

Before God said, "Let there be light," He decided what that Light would do. Nothing happens by accident. We may not understand why something happens, but it all follows a Master plan.

Jeremiah 10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

A few years ago, I talked to a professor at the Presbyterian Seminary in Louisville, Ky. I asked about predestination. To my surprise, the professor told me that Calvin did not teach predestination. It was all a misreading of his writings.

Most people do not understand predestination. It is actually embarrassing. God's predestined plan will result in what I call the Systematic Reconciliation (of all things).

Acts 3:21 speaks openly about the restitution or restoration of all things. When did God institute the plan of restoration? If God planned to deal with sin from the "foundation of the world," He also planned for restoration from the "foundation of the world."

Another thing that is not apparent in the English is that the restoration is achieved through the efforts of only one side. It is not a case of both sides agreeing to be reconciled or restored. In Acts 3:21, the Greek word translated "restitution of all things" (apokatastaseoos- apokatastasewV) indicates a restoration through the power of only one side. Nothing can be added to Christ's work (life, death, and resurrection) to make His salvation more real and more effective.

The Bible says, "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Rev. 21:4)

He shall wipe away ALL tears. There shall be NO MORE death, sorrow, crying, or pain. If there is no more death, crying, or pain there can be no tormented, horrible screaming coming from the pits of hell for all eternity, and Eternal Torment cannot exist!

When life is taken away, the result is death. And, when death is taken away, the result is life.

When Christ claimed you by taking responsibility for your sins. He gave you the promise of life. Since Christ died for the sins of the world, He claimed the lives of the world and took our death.

The extent of His victory over death shall be understood and seen in due time (1 Timothy 2:6).

Chapter 5

Far too many Christians have never heard of God's Suffering Servant in the manner we are about to see.  This section contains the most eloquent description of God's love found in the Bible.

Isaiah 52:13 Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.

The Hebrew indicates that the suffering servant will rule wisely. His fame among men will be extreme. The fame of Christ Jesus is so extent that the world calendar for international business revolves around His supposed birth year. Historians use Jesus' supposed birth year as the international dividing point, BC-AD.

Isaiah 52:14 As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:

Notice the tenses used here. The verse says, "many WERE astonied." Isaiah uses past tense to describe a future event. "Astonied" is an archaic word meaning astonished.

"His visage," Christ's appearance on the cross was horribly disfigured due to the scourging by the Roman soldiers. Again, we find the past tense referring to a future event. It is an obvious reference to the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8).

Isaiah 52:15 So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.

Christ has sprinkled His blood (shed His blood) for many nations. In fact, He shed His blood for all nations.

In the Hebrew, the word "nations" is "goyim." It's the Hebrew word for Gentiles. Christ Jesus shed His blood for the Gentiles! That is fully accepted theology.

Every Christmas, when choirs sing Handel's Messiah, audiences stand at the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus. That tradition began when the King of England was so impressed by the majesty of that song to Christ that he stood during the performance. When the King stood, all in attendance were required to stand.

The King stood in silence listening to the beauty of the song. Now leaders of all nations, Christian or not, stand and are silent in honor of a song to Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

Who has believed our declaration of Good News in Christ? Those to whom the Good News of Christ Jesus has been revealed now believe!

Christ is the strong right arm of God the Father. Only those who have been chosen are able to believe the report of Christ's complete victory over sin. It is to them that the "arm of the LORD," Christ Jesus is revealed.

Isaiah 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

Christ Jesus grew up to be meek before God the Father. In Isaiah's day the water of the Spirit was not plenteous. Israel was then, and is now spiritually dry.

Jesus was not the handsome person. We see in the handsome "head of Christ" paintings, but He was a very homely looking Jewish boy and man. Those who followed Jesus did not do so because of His outward appearance. They followed Him because they were chosen.

Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Jewish leaders despised Christ. He was rejected by His own nation. That rejection was according to the plan of God.

Christ Jesus was indeed a man who knew sorrow and grief. That is how He can have empathy. Christ Jesus has first-hand knowledge of our situation. The Hebrew text says that He was a man of pains and acquainted with sickness.

Our Lord and Savior hung on the cross. Men chided and mocked Him. They placed no value on His life.

Isaiah 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

This verse says that Christ took our sicknesses and carried away our pains. Do you believe? Sin is an illness of the soul just as Cancer is an illness of the body. The pain of the spirit hurts just as much as the pain of the body.

As Jesus hung on the cross, men shouted at Him, "Save yourself, if you can?" He chose to save us.

Isaiah 53:5 But 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.

Again the Hebrew text leads us to Christ Jesus. Here, it says the He was pierced for our sins or rebellions. The Hebrew text says that the suffering servant was crushed because of our depravity.

The phrase, "the chastisement of our peace was upon him," indicates that Christ was disciplined for our welfare.

"With his stripes we are healed" indicates that because of the beating Christ received, our spiritual fellowship with God has been restored.

In 1 Peter 2:24, Peter used the Greek word iaomia-iaomia (healed), in quoting this verse. The Greek word used in 1 Peter 2:24 means to spiritually restore from a state of sin and condemnation.

Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Who has gone astray? All of us! "We" denotes humanity, not just Jews, and not just Gentiles.

The Hebrew here states that "Yahweh" placed all of our depravities on the suffering servant.

Isaiah 53:7 is another sentence written in past tense, but referring to a future event.

Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Christ WAS oppressed. He WAS afflicted. He OPENED not his mouth. Jesus was (Hebrew text) brought as a lamb to the slaughter. Before the shearers he IS dumb. He OPENED not His mouth.

This commentary from Isaiah, on the death of Christ, was written centuries before the physical event. Yet, it often uses past tense.

Isaiah 53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.


"Was taken" refers to the prison and judgment. The first portion of this verse is a narrative on Christ's appearance before the Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate. The accuracy of the description is exceptional.

"Was cut off" refers to a death that had not yet physically taken place!

Who shall declare His generation? (The Hebrew is in future tense.)

It is my opinion that a better understanding may be gained by using a translation in context for the Hebrew word translated "declare." Without stretching the Hebrew text, we may translate that question another way, "Who will TEACH His generation?" That translation is accurate and holds to one of the purposes of Christ. He came to "teach" us righteousness.

The verse ends with a striking announcement that Christ also died for the Jewish people. Most Jews have never been told that Jesus is God’s Messiah to the Gentiles and the Jews.

Isaiah wrote plainly, "for the transgression of my people" was He stricken. Jesus was a Jew. He was beaten, died, and resurrected for the benefit of all people, Jews included.

Many Jews have been spiritually blinded and/or see with blurred vision. If you use Greek, Jesus is the Christ. However, if you use Hebrew, Yahshua is the Messiah.

Isaiah 53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

Jesus died between two thieves. He was buried in the tomb of a rich man, Joseph of Arimathea. He died on the cross never having benefited from an honest trial. Christ died in place of Barabbas, who was convicted of robbery, sedition, and murder (Matt. 27:16; Mark 15:15; Luke 23:18; John 18:40).

Christ Jesus gave His life for a man who had committed terrible crimes. There is a reason why Christ died for Barabbas personally.

We, in our sin filled sight, see degrees of sin. God just sees sin as sin. It is my opinion that God chose to die for Barabbas, because Barabbas would be considered utterly evil in our sight.

Isaiah 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

This verse would take a book by itself to properly interpret. The concepts contained within the Hebrew are extremely broad. It was the Father’s plan that Jesus should die for the sins of the world.

Jesus gave His life as the only acceptable offering for our sin! In His scourging, death, burial and resurrection, Jesus saw the plan of the Father prosper and become fulfilled.

Look at the last phrase in Isaiah 53:10. It says, "and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand." Isaiah 46:10b---"My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure." Philippians 2:13---"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

What is the pleasure of the Lord?

2 Peter 3:9---"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

God’s pleasure is that all should come to repentance, seek Hid Christ and live. From start to finish, the Bible focuses on the fall of man, AND his reconciliation with the Father. The Father’s pleasure prospers in the hands of the Son!

Isaiah 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Here, Isaiah looks forward to the work of Christ Jesus.

It says, "He shall...and shall...by his knowledge shall, and he shall." The word "shall" is a future imperative. It is used to express something that is predetermined.

The repetitive use of "shall" indicates that the actions must take place. In the ancient languages repetition was a means of emphasis.  Here, the repetition of "shall" indicates GREAT emphasis.

Let's look at the first part of this verse, "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied."

The word "travail" indicates a weary or burdensome work. Christ "carried" our sicknesses. The section starts by declaring a worrisome task, but it ends in a declaration of victory.


Now to the second half of Isaiah 53:11, "by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities." That was the work of the cross.

In the Hebrew, the word translated "knowledge" indicates perception or understanding. Jesus was human, and He understood the conflicts within man.

The Scripture says, "shall my righteous servant justify many." Yet, the majority of theologians are telling us that only a remnant will be saved.

What is wrong with this picture? Something is out of balance!

Let me ask, "Whose iniquities did Christ bear?" God laid on Him the iniquity of us ALL!" (Isaiah 53:6)

We have the opportunity to believe scripture or tradition. Which will you believe? "We" are the object of Christ's work on the cross.

Did Christ suffer the indignity of the cross only to lose His reward? Absolutely not!

Isaiah 53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Notice that the "bare" in verse 12 is not the same "bear" in verse 11. Christ Jesus did "bear" (carry) our iniquities.  And, He did "bare" (forgive) our sins.  Christ Jesus died as a substitute for us! 

Acknowledge Him as Lord! Be reconciled to God!

Chapter 6

Matthew 12:32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. (KJV)

Perhaps you have heard of the "unpardonable" sin. What is the unpardonable sin?

Many will say that the "unpardonable" sin is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Those that tell you that blaspheming the Holy Spirit is unpardonable will also quote the above verse to prove their point. On the surface it seems to say that.

However, there is no unpardonable sin! Such a sin is not scriptural!

Surely all those preachers and theologians cannot be wrong? Yes they can---and they are!

How in the world did I reach the conclusion that blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is not the unpardonable sin? I simply read the same verse all those theologians read!

Why don't we do the same thing?

Matthew 12:32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

In the opening of this verse we find that if somebody speaks against Christ Jesus, he/she shall be forgiven.  That is very good news for lots of folks.

"Shall be forgiven" (aphetheesetai-afeqhsetai) is correct.

Forgiveness shall be granted to all those that speak against Christ Jesus. But, what about speaking against the Holy Spirit?

The key to understanding is not found in the verb or tense of the negative statement that says that the sin shall not be forgiven. The key to understanding is found in the timeline.  Most folks don't bother to read the timeline contained within the verse. Matthew 12:32 does say that whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven. However, a qualifying statement is added.

The Bible says bluntly that whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, "neither in this world (age), neither in the world (age) to come." The phrase, "in this world (age)---in the world (age) to come" is a qualifying phrase. The punishment is limited.

To understand what Jesus was telling us we must first put it into the proper time frame. Many Bible teachers do not understand the need for a time frame. The time frame puts Jesus' statement into the proper context.

Speaking against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven "in this age." What age?

This current age?  No!

Jesus was speaking about the age in which He lived. Read this carefully.

Jesus lived on this earth during the Age of the Law.

The Church Age did not begin until after Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Many Christians do not know that.

Now, let's continue our study of Jesus' statement.

He goes on to say that it shall not be forgiven in the age to come. Again, the time of punishment is limited. 

What constitutes "the age to come?" At the time Jesus spoke those words, "the age to come" was the Church Age.

Let me reframe the verse so you can plainly understand.

Matthew 12:32 "Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age (of the law) or in the (Church) Age to come.

The Age of the Law is now past. Most Christians believe that the Church Age is shortly coming to a conclusion.

When shall those that speak against the Holy Spirit be forgiven?  I do not have a date in mind! But, they shall be forgiven.

There is no sin that is unpardonable!

Chapter 7

The words "eternal torment" do not appear in the Bible! That may come as a shock to you, but look it up. There is a verse that speaks of "everlasting punishment" and we will get to that.

First, What is "eternal?"

"Eternity" is one of those rare words that has no synonym, except in mathematics. Eternity and infinity are conceptual synonyms. Eternity deals with time , and infinite deals with space. Both indicate things that have no beginning and no end.

Eternal Torment is not only illogical it is impossible. The wages of sin is not Eternal Torment, it is death (Romans 3:23)! To suit theology, some claim that death is eternal torment in the lake of Fire. Death began with Adam. And, according to the Bible it shall end. Theological torment may begin at the Great White Throne Judgment, but it shall end when the former things pass away and God makes ALL things new.

Revelation 21:4-5
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

If you have a problem with death and torment passing away, repent. Your problem is with God, not with Systematic reconciliation.


Nothing that is created qualifies as being eternal. Being created disqualifies that which is created from being eternal.

You are not now, nor shall you ever be eternal. Many Churches teach the concept of Eternal Torment. They are wrong!

Eternal Torment is not eternal because the torment has a beginning. Eternal Torment is said to be separation from God in the Lake of Fire. Such a separation from god is also impossible. One of the Universal Christians concepts is that God is omnipresent. Being omnipresent means that God is at all places at all times. David said that even if he were to go into Sheol (hell/the grave) God is there (Psalm 139:8)! Separation from God is another myth!

The word immortal must also be considered. Immortal indicates a living entity that will not die. Have you heard the myth of you immortal soul? That is not a Christian concept. It is Egyptian mythology!


You may have been told that you are now immortal. That is a theological lie! 1 Corinthians 15:53---"For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." Even when you put on immortality, you will not be eternal.

There is what appears to be punishment, but all godly punishment is limited and remedial.

Let’s look at the best example of what God is doing:

Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (KJV)

First, the words "everlasting" and "eternal" both come from exactly the same Greek word, aioonion-aiwnion. Why is there a different translation for the same word appearing twice in the same verse? Because they could not understand!

The people that did it died centuries ago. But, to this day most translators follow the pattern. That Greek word indicates an age or limited period of time that comes to an end. It does not speak of eternity!

The Greek word translated punishment (Gr. kolasin-kolasin) is an agricultural term meaning to prune. Matthew 25:46 does not speak of everlasting punishment, but of an "age of pruning." Why do we prune plants? We do it to help them grow.

Every proof text that supposedly teaches Eternal Torment fades when properly translated.

But, is there a lake of Fire? There is definitely a Lake of Fire. Is the Lake of Fire used for Eternal Torment? I have no doubt that those there will be tormented, but the torment may produce cleansing.

Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire. (NKJV)

Deuteronomy 4:24 For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. (NKJV)

God shall consume sin! The Greek text tells us that the Lake of fire is a sulfur fire.

If you have and infection, your doctor may prescribe sulfa drugs. They contain sulfur. Does your Doctor prescribe that medicine to torment you or to help heal you? The Lake of Fire may be one of the methods of bringing healing to some.

Jesus told those who could hear, "You are already clean because of the word, which I have spoken to you" (John 15:3/NKJV). For the chosen, Christ’s word is enough. For other’s another method may be used.

Epilogue

During this study, I asked if Christ Jesus had paid the full and complete price for the sins of the world. Many will argue that point, but the biblical answer is yes.

Let me suppose that you had enough money to pay cash for any car in the world, with all the bells and whistles. You may like to drive yourself, not wanting a chauffeur to have the fun of shifting gears.

You could go to an auto show room and pick out the car you want after the test drive to make sure it does all you want it to do. You would then sign all the papers to legally make that car yours. Then you may write a check, put it on the card, or pay cash---you are super rich---you have a choice.

After that the salesman came out rolling one tire. Would you take the tire and declare that your "car" is a beauty, or would you ask, "What is wrong with this picture?"

Christianity is a relationship of expectancy! Because, Christ paid the price for the world and He expects to get want He paid for.

Far too many Christians have a one-tire concept of Christianity.

Your reconciliation to God through Christ depends on your appointed time. At this very moment Christ is systematically reconciling the world to God the Father.

1 Corinthians 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. (KJV)

Do you understand the sheer power that makes that statement possible? God shall be all in all! Do you think that he will be all in all of the Eternal Torment? Or, will be all in a peaceful, Christ loving, God worshipping creation?

2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (KJV)

God has committed the word and ministry of reconciliation to us, but few have answered the call, and those few have been ostracized from the mainstream of Church life.