When Righteousness Removes :: By Terry James

[Andy C]

Observing these times so near the end of this quickly fleeting age conjures thoughts about Lot’s days in Sodom. This, of course, has been an ongoing train of thought for me, as those reading my articles can attest.

Those ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, the remains of which archeologists are just now digging up from the south end of the Dead Sea region, had at their black hearts a term that believers in Jesus Christ don’t often give much thought to: unrighteousness.

Unrighteousness isn’t merely the lack of righteousness. It is the diametrical opposite, contrary in every respect to righteousness as defined by God. It is a determined, conscious—and even militant, in some cases—effort to move in a direction other than toward God and His holy prescription for living.

They need no deity to govern their comportment, the lost sinners declare.

But here is what God in Heaven, through Paul the apostle, has to say in regard to the soul:

“For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin” (Romans 4:2-8).

So righteousness in God’s holy perception isn’t based on doing good rather than evil works but rather on genuine belief in His way of salvation. Jesus described that way:

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

When Righteousness Removes :: By Terry James

Observing these times so near the end of this quickly fleeting age conjures thoughts about Lot's days in Sodom. This, of course, has been an ongoing train

www.raptureready.com

 

[Andy C]

So righteousness in God’s holy perception isn’t based on doing good rather than evil works but rather on genuine belief in His way of salvation. Jesus described that way:

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Thank God for this!

 

[TCC]

Thanks Andy. Good article. In sentiment i agree. Like i would see a picture of the rapture in Enoch (which i would see perhaps have a closer relation). I would see pictures of rapture in Noah and the flood, but secondarily i imagine. I don't think i would last too long on Rapture Ready forum. Even though i would see a bit differently, i am still encouraged by ways in which we could link some biblical themes to the rapture. As having been at JD Farag's forum for 4 years, one who is super (more than any other pastor i know of) married to our blessed hope, in my stay there had held deep in my heart a kindred care and love for the rapture too. Although i have always been pretrib.

The more i look at things though, the more i get the sense of how the word seems to be demonstrating something for the time Christ literally returns that we might echo with the rapture. And in a sense this seems good to me. Because it is for the church what i believe to be her reality. The pretrib rapture. We certainly see an increase in debauchery. We may soon also see a period of marrying and giving in marriage mirror of the days of Noah. Primarily i would see those allusions to go mostly with Christ's literal second coming, I can appreciate what i perceive to be it's echo factor for the pretrib church.

I say this not in contrary view, but as perhaps a testimony that even if i would not consider some verses and themes directly related to the rapture (even as one like myself that might differ), i would see those verses overture echo relating to the rapture for the believing church during the age of grace. And i guess just hope in that difference it might also be a compliment to the pretrib view. Amen. Blessings.

 

[Margery]

I can appreciate what i perceive to be it's echo factor for the pretrib church.

That's a great way of looking at it. An echo factor. That fits with Hebrew prophecy where there are often preliminary partial fulfillment in advance of the final complete fulfillment. In the case of Noah and Lot, that makes sense.

So righteousness in God’s holy perception isn’t based on doing good rather than evil works but rather on genuine belief in His way of salvation. Jesus described that way:

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

BIG AMEN!