Category: Bible reading plan

Mike, interesting discussion. On one side point the mention of heaven in Mark 13:27 Old John Gill wrote:

from the uttermost part of the earth, to the uttermost part of the heaven; be they where they will, on earth, and under the whole heavens; See Gill on Mat 24:31.

Matthew 24:31

and they shall gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other; that is, by the ministration of the Gospel; the Spirit of God accompanying it with his power, and grace, the ministers of the word should gather out of the world unto Christ, and to his churches, such persons as God had, before the foundation of the world, chosen in Christ, unto salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth; wherever they are under the whole heavens, from one end to another; or in any part of the earth, though at the greatest distance; for in Mar 13:27 it is said, “from the uttermost part of the earth, to the uttermost part of the heaven”. The Jews (h) say, that “in the after redemption (i.e. by the Messiah) all Israel shall be gathered together by the sound of a trumpet, from the four parts of the world. (h) Zohar in Lev. fol. 47. 1.

The “Day of the Lord”. Interesting phrase. I see there are 29 verses including 5 in the NT that have this phrase (at least in the KJV).

I only wish it was this simple, distinguishing between the sheep and the goats. Or wolves in sheep clothing. There are warnings against false teachers, and then there are passages where the disciples are cautioned against over reacting: Luke 9:54; mark 9:38. And passages where false teachers are confronted, and where disciples are warned they will be persecuted for Jesus’ names sake: Beatitudes and Mark 13. There are land mines in many places in the Bible. If one doesn’t take the time to understand the context and draws a personal interpretation out of a verse, or doesn’t let scripture from other passages interpret scripture, adds things or completely ignores or leaves things out it it easy to fall into a false teaching. This is never easy, and nothing new. Jesus warned:
Mark 13:37  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

And Paul boldly proclaimed, much the same:
Act 20:29  For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Act 20:30  Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Act 20:31  Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Old John Gill puts his finger on the key to the passage in Matthew 25:37 above..the word “Righteous” can’t be left out. “ Then shall the righteous answer him,…. From whence it appears, that only such shall be at the right hand of Christ, who are righteous persons, who have the righteousness of Christ imputed to them; and, in consequence of which, are created anew unto righteousness and true holiness; and, under the influence of divine grace, live soberly, righteously, and godly: and those, upon hearing such works ascribed unto them, will, with wonder and astonishment, reply, …..

…that they had put no confidence in their works, or depended upon them for their justification before God, and acceptance, with him; these were out of sight, and mind; their only trust being in the person, blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ. “

Today it’s easy to focus on the work or the woke aspects but ignore the critical gospel teachings.
Another old baptist, John Bunyan wrote many books including Pilgrim’s Progress encouraging and warning Christian’s on path of salvation. I doubt many have read these lately. And Jesus had some very strong warnings found in what Matthew tells us in Chapter 7.

Mat 7:12  Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Mat 7:13  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Mat 7:14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

We should not ignore these.