Believe in Christ and pass into LIFE

We hear that Camping was wrong, and now says it was spiritual and not a physical change -- that the end is still at hand, in October. The problem is he gives a date...No such animal, sorry. No one knows when Christ will return with a shout and glory. If I recall correctly, we have been living that "end-time promise" since Christ left, saying He would return, at the time of His Ascension.

The coming of Jesus into the world brought Judgement. (John 9:39) "For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind." Commentary says "The brilliance of Christ's light becomes illumination to some, but a blinding glare to others." (Remember why He was crucified. Those who heard and saw, but did not receive the message of Christ as the Son of God).

We are told in scripture, John 5:24 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life."

Christ, at the end of days, will come in His glory as Judge of the world, and we call that the "Second Coming" and have been waiting with vigilance. This is not new Mr. Camping. We believe that the dead in their graves will hear His voice, and the Son of Man who has the authority to "execute judgment" will hear His voice and come forth. Those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

John 5:21 "For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will"

In the end, it is not our choice, but His. And, if we follow Him, as we do have the ability to choose to love Him, and to serve Him by our "free will," actions and work, it really is up to God, not us. His will not ours. Some boast of "their acceptance" of God as their personal savior. It is not that simple, as a one time action that will decide salvation for you. The bible clearly says that you must be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And, imitate and become Christ-like, in our actions toward our neighbor, doing good works. Remember, even the evil spirits knew who He was. No, it is not by our "faith' alone that we will gain the Kingdom of heaven. We at hearing, believing and following Christ, illuminated, must become new creatures, not of the darkness but of the light. Christ in us....And

We can only pray for God's mercy.

All scripture references and commentary, are taken from the Orthodox Study Bible.