New Life at Last!

New Life at Last! (Part 1 of 8)

The war is raging![cite: 9] Yes, the war is indeed raging![cite: 9] And you are involved in it![cite: 9] The Holy Scriptures say:[cite: 9]

"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."—Revelation 12:17.[cite: 9]

You see, in the distant past, before our world was created, God the Father and God the Son began to plan for another world[cite: 9]. They wanted a world of beings made much like themselves so these beings and the Godhead could experience an intimate exchange of friendship[cite: 9]. (Genesis 1:26.)[cite: 9] They wanted beings who would have the capacity to love and to receive love—beings who would be receptive to the gifts of the Godhead and who would respond in adoration and devoted obedience[cite: 9].

Jesus disclosed the plan to His disciples when He said,[cite: 9]

"I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you."—John 15:15.[cite: 9]

Their plan was interrupted by the subversive decision of one of the most trusted and most beautiful beings of the universe[cite: 9].

Lucifer, a talented leader, but a created being nevertheless, determined that he would be like God, the Creator of all things in the universe![cite: 9] (Isaiah 14:13, 14; Ezekiel 28:17.)[cite: 9]

Can it be known why Lucifer became jealous?[cite: 9] Was he jealous over the power of Christ to create the world?[cite: 9] Jealous because he was not included in the plan?[cite: 9] Jealous because of the undying loyalty of the angels?[cite: 9] Whatever the cause, his rebellion caused a conflict in the courts of heaven[cite: 9]. He lost the battle[cite: 9]. (Revelation 12:7, 8.)[cite: 9]

Presently a plan crossed his mind[cite: 9]. He conceived the idea of deceiving man, thus causing man to lose rulership of planet Earth[cite: 9]. So you are involved![cite: 9] Satan (fallen Lucifer) had lost the heavenly battle, but he was determined to win the earthly battle, hoping to gain the universal victory[cite: 9]. That is the reason he is angry with people who witness for Jesus Christ[cite: 9].

New Life at Last! (Part 2 of 8)

His plan started out only too successfully[cite: 9].

"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat[cite: 9]. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons."—Genesis 3:6, 7.[cite: 9]

But since God had created man in His own image so that there could be a loving relationship between them, He found it impossible to give up man, and so He made a way whereby man could enjoy eternal fellowship with God[cite: 9]. God the Son offered to become man and bear on the cross the penalty of the sins of men[cite: 9]. (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 2:14, 15; Philippians 2:5-8.)[cite: 9] He lived a life of obedience completely dependent upon His Father in heaven, so that His example would encourage man to depend upon divine power for victorious living[cite: 9]. (John 15:1-6.)[cite: 9]

Upon His ascension, our Lord promised to send the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead (Matthew 28:18, 19), to guide man in his search for truth and for the right path in which to walk[cite: 9].

"The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."—John 14:26.[cite: 9]

One can be very sure, if the Son of God became man, and suffered the agony of rejection by His Father and the rejection of mankind, even unto death, that He loves as never man loved[cite: 9]. While on earth Jesus declared:[cite: 9]

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."—John 15:13.[cite: 9]

New Life at Last! (Part 3 of 8)

Further, if He possesses the power to bring life out of death, He has the power to forgive man's sins[cite: 9]. Hence, a repentant and forgiven man stands before the universe as though he had not sinned at all[cite: 9]. (Romans 3:28; 5:17-19.)[cite: 9] Jesus Christ is able to break the power of sin upon man, and enable him to live a victorious life in Christ every day[cite: 9]. (1 John 1:9; Romans 6:11-14.)[cite: 9]

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour, has provided a way out of sinful man's eternal separation from God, his Father, who loves him so deeply[cite: 9]. (Romans 3:23-26.)[cite: 9] St. Paul wrote to the Roman Christians:[cite: 9]

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us[cite: 9]. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him[cite: 9]. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life."—Romans 5:8-10.[cite: 9]

This provision has convinced the rest of the universe that Satan was wrong[cite: 9]. Today these perfect beings of the created universe know that Christ, the Creator, does have the right to rule and that He is a just Ruler[cite: 9].

John saw in vision (Revelation 12:13-17) that Satan would now intensify his attacks upon the people of God on earth[cite: 9]. It is his planned intent to constantly accuse Christians by pointing out their sins to God and to the universe[cite: 9]. But Jesus, man's High Priest, stands at the right hand of the Father to cover those sins which have been confessed by those who have accepted His plan of redemption[cite: 9]. "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." 1 John 2:1.[cite: 9] (See also Hebrews 4:14, 16.)[cite: 9] As an advocate (attorney) or high priest, He has the right, because He met the demands of God's broken law, to pardon the truly repentant[cite: 9]. (Hebrews 4:14; 8:1, 2; 9:23, 24.)[cite: 9] This investigative judgment began in 1844, according to the 2300-day prophecy of Daniel 8 and 9[cite: 9].

New Life at Last! (Part 4 of 8)

What human being, when he is struck with the full impact of his Saviour's love and grace, will not accept, with unquestioning trust (faith), the gift of being forgiven and made right?[cite: 9] He will offer Jesus Christ his full life and will want to follow His earthly steps as he makes Him Lord of his life[cite: 9]. (1 John 2:6.)[cite: 9] Jesus, in talking with Nicodemus, called this experience a new birth[cite: 9]. (John 3:3-5.)[cite: 9]

A "born-again" Christian will want to be immersed in baptism as Jesus was[cite: 9]. (Romans 6:3, 4.)[cite: 9] He will want to become a part of Christ's organized church in an effort to spread the good news of salvation[cite: 9]. (1 Peter 2:5-9.)[cite: 9]

"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone: in whom ye also are builded together."—Ephesians 2:19-22.[cite: 9]

The Christian will discover that the study of the Bible is important in aiding spiritual growth and cultivation of a personal experience with Jesus Christ[cite: 9]. (2 Timothy 3:14-17.)[cite: 9] Christ's prayer for His followers was, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:17.[cite: 9]

Paul admonishes Christians to be in an attitude of prayer at all times[cite: 9]. (1 Thessalonians 5:17.)[cite: 9] That is to say, one's relationship with Jesus Christ is to be so intimate that a conversation with Him can be experienced at any time and anywhere[cite: 9].

Entering into the fellowship of a church family will be one of the new Christian's first concerns in following the footsteps of Jesus[cite: 9]. He will search for the church which is loyal to God as the Creator of the universe and the Re-creator of man's heart[cite: 9]. The emblem of this loyalty is observance of the seventh-day Sabbath[cite: 9]. (Exodus 20:8-11; Ezekiel 20:12, 20; Luke 4:16; Hebrews 10:25.)[cite: 9]

The born-again Christian will be alert to the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit[cite: 9]. He will recognize them, heed the counsel given, and be grateful for them[cite: 9]. (1 Corinthians 1:4-8; 12:12-28; Ephesians 2:19-22.)[cite: 9]

New Life at Last! (Part 5 of 8)

He will recognize his obligation to help evangelize the world for Jesus Christ, for His second coming will never be a reality until the gospel is taken to every part of the world[cite: 9]. (Matthew 24:14.)[cite: 9] One of the ways in which a Christian can help to preach the gospel is through the giving of tithes and offerings so that those gifted in teaching and preaching may have a livelihood while laboring as gospel workers[cite: 9]. (Leviticus 27:30-32; Malachi 3:8-11; 1 Corinthians 9:6, 7.)[cite: 9] A second method of gospel communication is by a personal witness of how the Christian's own life has been changed by the discovery of Jesus Christ[cite: 9]. (Matthew 28:18-20; John 1:41; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20.)[cite: 9]

The urgency of this good-news thrust is seen in the three angels' messages of Revelation 14:6-12[cite: 9]. This message is to be proclaimed with a loud cry[cite: 9]. (Revelation 14:7.)[cite: 9] That is, the gospel story is to be heralded everywhere with conviction and decisiveness[cite: 9]. As the signs foretelling the close of earth's history intensify, the closing gospel message is to become even louder, and the prediction of Isaiah 58:12 is to be realized with mighty force[cite: 9].

A born-again Christian will be involved with the preparation of people for the second coming[cite: 9]. He will be so busy working for the salvation of his family and those for whom he is responsible in the community where he lives, that he will find little time for unimportant pursuits which divert his mind from his great responsibility[cite: 9]. Christians testify, by experience, that anything that takes first place in the heart, above God, can deaden and destroy the spiritual life[cite: 9]. (2 Corinthians 6:15-18; 1 John 2:15-17.)[cite: 9]

How one conducts himself as a Christian testifies either for or against Christ[cite: 9]. His dress can be a sign of a meek and secure Christian in the Lord, or of one who wishes to attract attention to himself[cite: 9]. (1 Thessalonians 3:13; 4:3, 7; 5:23; 1 Peter 2:21; 3:3-5, 15; 1 Timothy 2:9, 10.)[cite: 9]

New Life at Last! (Part 6 of 8)

Of course, the Christian will need a strong and healthy body to withstand the pressure and attacks of the devil and to fulfill the gospel commission[cite: 9]. True Christians consider alcoholic beverages, tobacco, habit-forming drugs, and unclean foods as injurious to healthful living[cite: 9]. (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; 6:19, 20; 10:31; Romans 12:1, 2; Leviticus 11.)[cite: 9]

Born-again Christians are looking for the second coming of our Lord[cite: 9]. Christ declared to His disciples that He would come again for the purpose of continuing in a very real way their fellowship[cite: 9]. He promised that when He returns everyone will see Him[cite: 9]. His coming will be a time of rejoicing for Christians and a moment of agony, regret, and horror for the unrepentant[cite: 9]. (John 14:1-3; Matthew 24:23-27; Revelation 1:7; 6:14-17.)[cite: 9]

The coming of Christ will usher in the 1,000 years spoken of in Revelation 20[cite: 9]. The righteous dead will then be resurrected and will accompany the righteous living to meet Christ in the air[cite: 9]. At this time the righteous will receive immortality[cite: 9]. The wicked will be destroyed by the brightness of the Lord's presence[cite: 9]. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10.)[cite: 9]

Since no man will be living on the earth in its desolate, chaotic condition, Satan will be bound in this situation to contemplate the results of his rebellion over the past 6,000 years[cite: 9]. (Revelation 20:1-3.)[cite: 9] During this 1,000 years the righteous will be discovering the reason some of their friends and loved ones are not present in heaven[cite: 9]. They will be investigating the complete and accurate records in heaven, by which they will be thoroughly convinced that God is just in His dealings with each individual[cite: 9]. (Revelation 20:4.)[cite: 9]

At the close of the 1,000 years, heaven empties itself as Christ, accompanied by His Father and the holy angels and by all the redeemed from the earth, returns to the ravaged planet[cite: 9]. Christ calls the wicked from their graves—a multitude innumerable as sea sand—and together the entire population of the world in all ages watch the Holy City New Jerusalem, with God's throne in the midst—descend in dazzling splendor[cite: 9].

New Life at Last! (Part 7 of 8)

Satan will succeed in deceiving the wicked host into believing that they can capture the city and establish Satan as Earth's ruler[cite: 9]. (Revelation 20:7-9.)[cite: 9] Suddenly above the Holy City will be seen the person of Jesus Christ, the rightful ruler of the world and the universe[cite: 9]. His glory and bearing will command the attention of all, and, as though by divine command, all will kneel in reverence and acknowledge Him as "King of kings, and Lord of lords."[cite: 9] (Philippians 2:8-11.)[cite: 9]

The holy angels bow in reverence[cite: 9]. The redeemed from all ages bow in gratitude[cite: 9]. Unrepentant sinners bow in terrible regret; and even Satan bows in awful fear[cite: 9]. As the full glory of Christ's love is experienced by the worshiping throng, Satan and his followers are consumed by flames of unquenchable fire, and the world is eternally cleansed of the cruel curse of sin[cite: 9]. (Revelation 20:9, 10, 15; 2 Peter 3:10-12; Malachi 4:1.)[cite: 9] The war is over[cite: 9]. Christ becomes the acknowledged victor![cite: 9]

John declares that he saw in vision a new heaven and new earth[cite: 9]. All things pertaining to this world of sin will vanish[cite: 9]. (2 Peter 3:9-13.)[cite: 9] No more tears—no more illness—no more sorrow or heartache—no more mental pressures—no more earthly separations—no more breaking of family relationships—and there will be no more death[cite: 9]. (Revelation 21:1-4; Isaiah 65:17, 18, 21-23.)[cite: 9]

Can't you see John in vision, breathless with awe and wonder, as his mind tries to comprehend the beauty of that eternal life?[cite: 9]

To startle the prophet from his dream into reality:[cite: 9]

"He that sat upon the throne said, Behold I make all things new.... Write: for these words are true and faithful."—Revelation 21:5.[cite: 9]

You know, I am deeply grateful for those words![cite: 9] It is almost overwhelming to realize that every prediction which our Lord made is coming true[cite: 9]. It is comforting to know that the impostor cannot forever have his way with our world[cite: 9]. He may interrupt God's plans, but he cannot destroy them[cite: 9]. God never, never changes His divine plan, and His new world will become a reality[cite: 9].

New Life at Last! (Part 8 of 8)

And I know that I, too, may be victorious in the great battle of life if I will simply place my entire life in the hands and under the control of Jesus Christ, who lived this life before me and conquered[cite: 9].

When I contemplate the loving patience of my heavenly Father and His wonderful Son, I want to fall on my knees even now and pray:[cite: 9]

"Lord, I want more than anything to kneel before You face to face, in adoration and praise[cite: 9]. I long for the day when this will become a reality[cite: 9]. I know that it is only possible through Your great sacrifice[cite: 9]. I accept Your gracious offer, and I ask You to become Lord of my life because YOU ARE WORTHY[cite: 9]. Amen."[cite: 9]