BREAKING PROPHECY ALERT: ECHOES OF MICAH’S VINEYARD OMEN – RAPTURE IMMINENT AS “LION OF JUDAH” STATUE IS DEDICATED IN JER”USA”LEM

On Wednesday, June 1, 2022, in what amounts to being a siren call of Earth-shaking biblical, Balaamically prophetic proportions, a bronze statue, created by Max Greiner, and named “Lion of Judah,” was dedicated to the nation of Israel in Jerusalem at the 6th annual Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast. In deciphering why this lion statue should be so prophetically significant, it is first important to understand as a foundational starting point that, in biblical scripture, the “lion of Judah” is the name given in reference to Jesus Christ.

Formally, the statue was designed and dedicated as a gesture of friendship and U.S. Christian support of the Jewish people of Israel several years ago, but only now this year on June 1 was officially dedicated. On the surface, this may not seem like such a huge deal in the grand scheme of prophetic world happenings, but when one takes a peak beneath the surface of the official ceremonial aspect of this event and understands the concept that God speaks to humanity through seemingly inconsequential events in the course of life i.e. Balaamic prophetic clues, one can certainly see Divine Providence speaking loud and clear through this event.

First, lets review the prophetic Providential hint-dropping that took place connected to this event as brother Gary Ray first made us aware in his article here. Then, I would like to add what I perceive to be some additional and important prophetic hints that were taking place in this dedication ceremony that would seem to be telling us that the Lord is about to rapture home to Heaven all those who have personally believed on, trusted in and received him through His son Jesus Christ.

First, as brother Gary revealed, the sculpture was completed in 2017, installed in 2020, and dedicated on June 1, 2022. Why is this important? As Gary mentioned in his article, the year 2017 was a most notorious year for prophetic end times signs.

2017 (Year of Statue Completion) – It was the year that Donald Trump took office as President of the United States – the idea being that Donald’s last name is a theme and representative of the “Trump” that shall sound when the event of the rapture takes place …

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

The last name of Trump’s vice-president was named “Pence,” reminding us of the word “trumpets” as seen in one of the two above-mentioned rapture verses – 1 Corinthians 15:51-52.

It is also the year in which the Great American Eclipse occurred, crossing some very important and prophetic locations of the USA, namely the seven Salems, Little Egypt and other prophetic locations. It is also the year in which the Revelation chapter 12 rapture sign occurred in the Heavens.

2020 (Year of Statue Installment) – It is the year in which the Covid deception burst onto the world scene, thus launching the beginning phases of the implementation of the New World Order, or global government, that will very soon lead to the Mark of the Beast from Revelation 13. It is also the year in which “Trump” hosted the signing of the Abraham Accords on the White House lawn in what became known as the “Deal of the Century.” In addition, as Gary and Paul from REVELATIONCHAPTER12.dotCOM also pointed out, it is the year that the very prophetic sign of Venus and the Pleiades occurred.

2022 (Year of Statue Dedication) – As much of the world is now aware, it is the year of emerging global war between Russia and the U.S. lead NATO. In previous articles here, here, here and here, it has been shown that this emerging conflict foreshadows the fulfillment of the rapture bear attack theme from 2 Kings chapter 2, the year of emerging famine across the globe foreshadowing the black horse of famine in Revelation chapter 6 – which occurs after the rapture event occurs.

It is here that we should take note of some other additional and very prophetically noteworthy Balaamic-type signs surrounding this dedication event that adds even more prophetic heft to the foundation of the previously mentioned prophetic timing signs of the statue dedication. At the outset, it should be noted that thousands of American Christians donated the money to allow this project to take place.

First, the Rabbi Lecturer Pesach Wolicki of Jewish-Christian Relations spoke of the relationship between American Christians and the Jewish people of Israel and of Israel itself when he said …

“The fact is that today, a big part of the strength of the people of Israel and our security – politically and internationally – is the love, friendship and support of the Christian community of the United States of America.”

For those who are familiar with previous postings on this site and other watchmen’s site concerning the subject of end times prophecy, it is with good reason that the watching community has been sounding the alarm in the general belief that we are now living in the closing moments of the Church Age that will culminate in the rapture event. In particular, many are paying close attention to the signs emerging that this year (2022) is an especially pronounced candidate for this event to occur. It is with this in mind that the above-mentioned comment by Rabbi Wolicki is more prophetic than anyone may dare to realize when speaking of the rapture.

The Micah Omen

For those students of biblical prophecy, the Rabbi’s words should sound very familiar. In Micah chapter 7, we have an ominous and dark prophecy directed specifically at the Jewish people and/or the nation of Israel in the form of an Old Testament typology of the rapture of those who have personally believed on, and personally received, Jesus Christ as Savior i.e. the true Church. When examining the text, we see the rather peculiar description of what the prophet Micah describes as the “good man perishing from the face of the earth” …

“Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the first-ripe fruit. The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net. That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up. The best of them is as a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen and thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity” (Micah 7:1-4).

First, notice Micah’s description of the reaction of the Jewish people upon this “good man” perishing from the earth. It is one of lament that he is no more to be seen. The Hebrew word for “perished” in verse 2 is “avad,” which means to “disappear.” The “Woe is me!” phrase in this portion of scripture is Israel’s/Jews reaction to it. It is here that it is most important to remember that the Lord has been using the Church as his bride in order to make the Jewish people jealous …

“They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains” (Deuteronomy 32:21-22).

This foolish nation is none other than the Church itself. Notice first that where we read the Jewish reaction to the “good man perishing from the earth,” we find the emergence of three important themes that will point us to the fact that we are looking at an end times prophetic fulfillment of prophecy. The first theme we see emerge in this all important Micah passage is that of the “vineyard” theme – (Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage). In a previous article, a strong case is made that the United States of America is strongly connected to, or in direct fulfillment of, the prophecy of the vineyard found in Matthew 21. The map diagram below, among many other things, shows us the quite convincing evidence. 

Also take note of the mention of the words “the grapegleanings” before the word “vintage” in the Micah passage. The “grapegleanings of the vintage” becomes even more interesting when one considers that the state seal of Connecticut, a very important state in the early settling of America, has a picture of three grapevines representing a vineyard (pictured below). 

Further still, in this Jewish response to the rapture in Micah 7, we also see the theme of a “net” emerge after this “good man perishes from the earth” – (they hunt every man his brother with a net). It is a strong likelihood that the internet (net) itself will have much to do with the prophesied “Mark of the Beast” in Revelation 13. An interesting anomaly to take note of in justifying that thought is that the letter “w” in the “www” abbreviation for the internet has a Hebraic numerical value of 6, or the infamous “666” number identified with the Mark of the Beast. The third and knockout punch hint is found just ONE verse previous to the “woe is me” cry of Israel’s reaction to the disappearance of the “good man.” It is seen in the last verse of Micah 6 …

“For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people” (Micah 6:16).

Notice the mention of the biblical character of “Ahab.” In a previous article titled THE TWO WITNESSES: THE 42 CODE AND AMERICA’S 42ND PRESIDENCY, it was brought out that King Ahab of Israel and his wife Jezebel is an Old Testament clue that is connected to the emergence of a rapture theme that surfaced in the 42nd presidency of “vineyard America” and has continued right on up to the present day. Further, it was 42 mockers in ancient Israel who were killed by two bears after the ascension, or rapture, of Elijah in 2 Kings chapter 2.  

The point to see in all of this is that the prophetic signage we saw occur in the heavens in 2017 known as the Revelation 12 sign seem to make the case that it is both a warning to, and pertaining to, the Jews and Israel as well as a sign for the Church since Micah 7 connects them both together in relation to the rapture, or the “good man perishing from the earth.” Indeed, “woe will be them” as what is considered to be their best asset in the earth is suddenly gone in the twinkling of an eye. If we want to get more specific about it, Micah 7 is not necessarily pointing us to the fact that the Jews/Israel will recognize that the disappearance of the “good man” from the earth is rapture related. All it says to us is that they will see that the true Christians are gone, but perhaps will not know how, or where, we have gone to. At the end of the day, the Jewish reaction to the “good man’s” disappearance is evidence that there will be a woeful and negative Jewish reaction – and rightly so. After the disappearance of the true Church, the Jews of Israel will find its best asset in the world suddenly gone and not there for them as they have been and are accustomed to. It is at this point that Israel will begin to come under the judgment of its enemies during the Tribulation. Although the Church’s disappearance will severely affect the entire world through God’s wrath and judgment, this prophecy is specifically addressing the Jewish reaction to this earth-shattering event. To have Rabbi Wolicki make these particular positive remarks concerning American Christians being their best asset during this sign-filled dedication ceremony is tremendously revealing, ominous and very prophetic in light of Micah’s prophecy of the vanishing “good man.” Below is a very telling – and very prophetic – picture of the statue covered in an American and Israeli flag.

As noted in the above-linked previous articles on this site, the case has been made that America’s God-given assignment and role in Bible prophecy is that of spreading forth the Gospel message to the nations of the earth using its wealth, power, freedom and global influence. It is the nation that has also been assigned the task of declaring the return of Jesus Christ and the end times to the world (see another previous article on this subject matter here). It is no secret that it is, and has historically been, primarily the U.S.A. that has largely carried out this task unlike any other nation has. In light of Micah’s prophecy, it is very telling that we would have these two flags draped over this very prophetic statue as the Jews are praising the “goodness” of American Christians to Israel and the religious Jews of that nation. While it is ominous for the Jews and Israel, it is a sign of anticipation and excitement for saved Christian. For us, it means our time here on Earth is almost completed. Christ will soon return in the clouds of the heavens and call us home.

The Amos Omen

Amos Cohen, Director of Outdoor Art in Jerusalem, oversaw the installation of this statue in Bloomfield Garden and is responsible for all 174 pieces of art throughout the city. He echoed the same sentiments concerning the American Christian Evangelical community as did the aforementioned Rabbi Lecturer Pesach Wolicki when he said …

“This is the most beautiful of all the pieces of art that we have in this city because it is a lion and the symbol of the city of Jerusalem. It means more to me than any other piece of art in the city. My heart is filled right now. I love the Christian community. They do so much for the city of Jerusalem and they do so much for the state of Israel.

Interestingly, in the book of Amos, we have a passage of prophetic judgment upon ancient Israel concerning a declaration of a famine of the hearing of the true words of God as the prophet Amos writes:

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it. In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst. They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say, Thy god, O Dan, liveth; and, The manner of Beersheba liveth; even they shall fall, and never rise up again” (Amos 8:11-14).

The first act of punishment listed is that God would send a famine. But the famine was not one of no food or no water. The people would not suffer from a lack of food or water. Instead, they would suffer due to a famine of not hearing the words of the Lord. That is, they would not hear the words of Scripture which God wrote. The judgment would be an act of God withholding prophecy. There would not be any prophets. God would not communicate through a prophet.

1 Samuel 28:6 is an example of Amos 8:11. In this passage we discover that God would not communicate to Saul through a prophet …

“And when Saul enquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets” (1 Samuel 28:6).

The message of Amos 8:11 is that God sovereignly punished the nation of Israel by refusing to communicate to the nation. Why did God refuse? The answer is that the nation had already completely abandoned God. Therefore, He sealed them in their abandonment and future punishment was coming. The Assyrian Empire would come, defeat the nation and disperse most of the citizens to other nations.

Here, in this ceremony of the dedication of a statue bearing the name of the identification of Jesus as the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah,” it is rather telling and massively prophetic to contemplate the participation of a man in this ceremony who bears the first name of the Old Testament book documenting what happened to ancient Israel as a result of their abandonment of God is also rather revealing – and in my opinion, no accident or coincidence. This shall occur again during the days of the Tribulation after the true Church has “perished,” or “vanished,” from the face of the earth. There will be a lack, or famine, of the hearing of the words of God. The disappearance of the Church will be the reason why God will send the two witnesses of Revelation 11 to the earth for their testimony of Jesus, as well as the 144,000 Jewish witnesses. What happened in the book of Amos regarding the judgment upon ancient Israel for the lack of the hearing of the words of God will repeat itself after true Church has disappeared – not just to Israel but to the entire world on a global scale.

The 8:11 Code

Interestingly, this Amos “famine of the word” prophecy is declared in chapter 8 verse 11. Regarding the verse 11 number, it has been revealed that this prophetic statue is 11 feet in length. Recently, just one month ago in the month of May on the 14th – 15th day, the world experienced a Lunar eclipse. It is said that Lunar eclipses are a bad omen for Israel, while solar eclipses are a bad omen for Gentile nations. The eclipse that occurred just one month ago, as of the time of this writing, reached its totality at 11:11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the United States. In scripture, the number 11 symbolizes disorder, chaos and judgment. Significantly, this number comes after the number 10 (which represents law and responsibility). Thus, the number 11 represents the opposite, which is the irresponsibility of breaking the Law, which brings disorder and judgment. We also saw the prophetic significance of this number play out in a recent event covered in a previous article regarding an American military Sargent that got mauled by a bear in Alaska – foreshadowing the rapture of the Church. The attack occurred at Alaska’s Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, which is the headquarters for the United States Alaskan Command, 11th Air Force, U.S. Army Alaska, and the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region(see that article here).

Further still, the year 2022 is the beginning of the 11th Shemitah cycle of Israel since becoming a nation in 1948. This cycle will begin in the fall months – indicating the possible start of the judgment of the Tribulation Period – which means a pre-tribulation occurrence of the rapture event beforehand.

In keeping with the theme of “Amos” Cohen, a man involved with this statue dedication ceremony, we should also note that this “famine of the word” prophecy occurs in chapter 8 of Amos. The number 8 is a very interesting number in light of this ceremony. It is the number of Jesus – whose name in the Greek language adds up to the number 888. Jesus showed himself alive 8 times after his resurrection from the dead. The New Testament was penned by only 8 men (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, James, Peter, Jude and Paul). God saved 8 people on the ark in order to have a new beginning for mankind after the flood of Noah.

Further still, if one lays the number 8 down sideways, you get the symbol of infinity, or eternity.

Jesus is the “Eternal One” in scripture. He was there in the beginning of Creation and created the entire Universe and everything in it himself …

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him” (Colossians 1:16).

After the 7th millennial reign of Christ with His saints on Earth ends, which starts after the approaching Tribulation Period, eternity, or the infinite and eternal state, shall officially begin during the start of the 8th.

As mentioned previously, this “Lion of Judah” dedication ceremony took place at the “6th“ annual Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast. Interestingly enough, we are now at the end of the 6th millennial day since Creation and preparing to go into the 7th millennium characterized by the rule of Christ and the saints of all ages. In a previous posting, we have discussed the six stone water pots and the end of the 6th millennium before the rapture then judgment begins, followed by the millennial reign of Christ.

As also previously mentioned, this ceremony occurred on the 1st day of June. Just 5 days later, the Israeli Knesset voted to divide Israel. As those who study prophetic matters may be aware, Jesus is identified as the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah” in Revelation 5:5. For those unaware of the importance of this development, if this is the fatal blow for Bennett’s government, this is the fulfillment of the Kuduri prophecy – which states the revealing of the messiah (at least their version of the messiah they are expecting) after the fall of three governments (something along those lines). But as I understand it, Kuduri revealed the Messiah to be Jesus – something that most Jews would vehemently deny. The details on this can be seen in the “Recommended Reading and Viewing” section at the end of this article.

This ceremony seems rife with Divinely, Providentially orchestrated prophetic clues … and a warning for Israel and a heads up for the true Church. It seems that the Lord is warning the Jews – including the world – that judgment is on its way and is fast approaching. For the Jews, the Christian Church in America will no longer be there for them. We will have “perished,” or “vanished,” from the earth. For the Church, He is telling us that our time of redemption is drawing near as He will whisk us away into Heaven before judgment strikes.

We are indeed very quickly running out of time. If you’re someone who has never personally received Christ as Savior, may I suggest that you do it now while you still have time. Once the Trumpet of the rapture blows, it will be too late.

Act Now.

GOD’S REQUIREMENT FOR YOUR INCLUSION IN THE RAPTURE AND ESCAPE FROM THE COMING WRATH

The demonstrably divinely inspired text that we call the Bible promises a coming horrendous seven-year Tribulation period of judgment upon Earth for all of mankind, no matter what your religion, belief or creed is, and even to those who don’t believe anything spiritual at all.  We can now clearly see the signs of this approaching nightmare.  However, as we’ve already seen, this same divinely inspired text that we call the Bible promises a dramatic escape from off the face of the earth before this horrendous time of judgment only to a certain category of people.  

Put simply, an event is coming that will be so stupendous that it strains the mind to contemplate such an event happening.  It is an event that will see millions upon millions of people across the globe suddenly disappear without warning.  The millions of disappeared will have literally ascended into Heaven itself after instantaneously receiving a new glorified body fit for Heaven.  A body that will be able to withstand the atmosphere and glory of Heaven.  This event is known as the “Rapture.”  But the promise of escape is only to those who are “born again” in Christ.  This is why it is crucial to understand what Christ meant when he declared in no uncertain terms that only those who are “born again” in him will enter the Kingdom of God.  For the explanation of this, keep reading below.

In order to accept the offer of God’s grace and his salvation, you must take the crucial three steps of …

1. Agreeing – A belief and agreeing with God in all that he says in his word, the Bible, about the fact that you are separated from God, as every man and woman on the face of the earth are before accepting his salvation.  The Bible reveals that all are separated from him in a spiritual state of death, or said another way that the Bible reveals it, in a state of sin, that will result in damnation in the afterlife.  Agreeing with God in your heart that you are in need of his salvation.  The Bible reveals that God looks upon the heart of a man or woman, and thus, responds accordingly to the person who comes to him for salvation in recognition of his inability to save himself.  The Bible makes these facts very clear – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).  The Bible describes these three kinds of death:  

• physical death (the state experienced when life leaves our bodies).
• spiritual death (spiritual separation from God caused by our state of spiritual death inherited from the first man Adam – the state of sin that results in our daily outward acts of sin, whether deliberate or not, whether omissive or not; and finally …
• the second death (the fixed state entered into by the individual who dies physically while he or she is dead spiritually). This state is entered into after the death of the body which results in punishment in the afterlife until the event of the Great White Throne Judgment occurs wherein the damned are resurrected from Hades, or Hell, and are judged according to their works and finally destroyed and cease to exist after being cast into the Lake of Fire. Revelation 14 refers to this tragic end of the unsaved as the “Second Death” (verse 14). It is this state of suffering entered into after physical death and then final destruction at the Great White Throne Judgment in particular which is the horrible result of receiving the wages of sin (unforgiven due to unbelief and rejection of Christ). The Lord Jesus Christ frequently described such a death as being irrevocable in a destiny which he called Hell.  He described Hell as a literal place of judgment (Matthew 13:42); a place of everlasting fire (Matthew 18:8); a place of torment (Luke 16:24,28); a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 13:50); a place of remorse (Mark 9:44-48); of bitter memory (Luke 16:25), and a place originally prepared for the Devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).  In fact, Jesus more often warned about Hell than he spoke about Heaven.

It is not God’s will or desire that any person should be consigned to perish in Hell (2 Peter 3:9), but rather that all should come to repentance of unbelief toward him and believe on him for the salvation of the individual’s soul.  But God’s justice requires that the “soul who sins” (remains in it’s state of death or state of sin) is the one who will die a second time after a long period of torment (Ezekiel 18:4).  So, agree with God, admitting that you are unable to save yourself and in a state of sin under God’s just condemnation for that sin and that you are in need of his salvation.

2. Believing – Then, believe that God does not want you to suffer this fate because of your sin.  Believe that God loves you so much that he provided a way whereby he could still be a just, holy and righteous God, and yet pardon you.  Believe that God did not just overlook sin, but that he sent his only begotten son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to provide salvation by personally paying the penalty for sin.  Believe that Jesus Christ, whose life, death, burial and resurrection is the best-attested fact of antiquity, did come to earth to live, die, rise again and ascend to Heaven in order to provide justification and salvation for all who trust him.  Believe that he, and he alone, can save you because he has fully satisfied the just demands of God.  Believe that you can’t become righteous in God’s sight by your own effort.  Believe that he wants to save you and that he will save you.  The Bible provides a solid basis for such belief …

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

“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.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17). 

“But God demonstrates his love toward us in this:  while we were yet sinners,  Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). 

God presented him (Jesus Christ) as a sacrifice of atonement through faith in his blood.  He did this to demonstrate his justice because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished – he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies the man or woman who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:25-26). 

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures … ” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). 

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). 

“Jesus answered, “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).  “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out [drive away]” (John 6:37).

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

3. Calling – It is not enough to agree with God, admit your need, and believe that Christ can and will save you.  You must act upon those facts. God’s requirement is that you repent of your unbelief toward him and actively call upon him for the salvation of your soul based on the fact that you cannot save yourself. It is unbelief in particular that damns the soul to its horrible fate …

“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).

“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).

You must be willing to completely turn from your own efforts to save yourself or from any other hope.  You must come to Christ, calling upon him for salvation and counting on the fact that he will do what he has promised.  This means simply taking the gift of pardon and eternal life which he offers.  Merely believing about Jesus Christ without coming to him makes as much sense and is as effective as believing that a medication can successfully treat a fatal disease, but failing to take it.  Yet again, the Bible emphatically and authoritatively provides the basis for such statements.

The word translated “believe” here means to “rest one’s entire weight and trust on the object or person in which the belief is placed.”  It requires action in keeping with the intellectual assent of that belief.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

” … but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

The logical question you may be asking at this point is:  “how do I come to Christ and call upon him?”  The answer is that “calling upon the Lord” is just another term for praying, or talking to God.  To talk to God is not a complicated process, dependent upon some special rituals.  God has invited people to approach him through his Son in simple, straightforward terms.  In fact, Jesus approved of the dishonest, despised tax collector who simply prayed, “God be merciful to me, a sinner.”  While the exact words of your prayer to God are not of vital importance (since God sees and knows the attitude of your heart), the following is the kind of prayer that you could pray in calling upon God for salvation …

“Dear Lord Jesus:  I realize that I need you.  I admit that I have sinned and that I deserve your just, eternal punishment for that sin.  But I am sorry for my sin and I am turning to you and asking for forgiveness.  I believe that you died and rose again to pay sin’s penalty on my behalf.  I come to you and open my heart to you.  I ask you to come into my life, forgive me for all of my sin and make me your child.  I invite you to take control of my life and to cause me to be the kind of person you would have me to be.  I thank you for doing this because you have promised that whosoever calls upon you, as I am doing now, shall be saved.  I pray this in the name of your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.”

If this prayer expresses the desire of your heart, I urge you to sincerely and genuinely express it to God as your prayer.  The Bible makes clear that when we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ in our heart, God forgives our sins and counts us righteous, and that when we openly confess with our mouth what we have done in our heart,  God gives us assurance of that salvation (Romans 10:9-10). Important to note here is that although the Bible notoriously tells us that if you call upon the name of the Lord you will be saved, it is first a precondition, or requirement, that you first meet the required condition of belief upon the one who died for humanity’s sins. God is looking at the heart. The prayer prayed is the outward manifestation of the inward belief and trust upon Christ that causes one to ask him for forgiveness and salvation. In other words, if I did not believe in Christ but whispered the sinner’s prayer anyway, it does not make me suddenly saved and on my way to Heaven. It is not the prayer itself that is saving anyone. It is the belief and attitude of the heart that caused said person to pray the prayer that saved the person to begin with. This what the Apostle Paul means when he says that those who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. This is exactly the process that transpired with the thief upon the cross who was crucified with Jesus and asked him just before death to remember him in the kingdom. It was his initial belief and trust in Christ for salvation that caused his calling on him. It is the same process with the aforementioned tax collector who called on the Lord for mercy.

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (John 3:3-7).

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