King of kings, our Lord Jesus Christ, be forever glorified!
Welcome in God’s grace. Today, we study the Book of Esther, beginning with chapters 1 and 2. It’s recommended to have your Bible at hand to follow along. As we know, the Old Covenant (Old Testament) serves as a shadow of the New Covenant. Every story in the Old Testament reveals spiritual truths that remain relevant to our lives today (Hebrews 10:1).
The Book of Esther briefly narrates the story of King Ahasuerus of the Persian Empire. He was extremely wealthy and powerful, ruling over 127 provinces—from India to Cush (Ethiopia)—making him virtually a king over the world at that time.
At one point, King Ahasuerus held a grand feast for all his officials and citizens in Shushan (Susa). During the celebration, he ordered Queen Vashti to appear before the guests to display her beauty. The Bible describes Vashti as exceedingly beautiful; her name itself means “beautiful” (Esther 1:11).
However, Vashti disobeyed the king. She refused to come, asserting her dignity and independence. This act of defiance was seen as a great shame, as it was culturally inappropriate for a woman to disobey the king. Consequently, Vashti was deposed, and a search for a new queen began (Esther 1:19):
“So the king’s decree went out, and it was written in the laws of the Medes and Persians, which could not be repealed, that Vashti should not come before King Ahasuerus, and that the king gave her royal position to another who was better than she.”
Young women from all over the empire were brought to the king’s palace, including Esther. They came from various social backgrounds—some wealthy, some noble, others learned or from common families. Perhaps 30,000 or more were gathered.
Each woman was given freedom to prepare herself as she wished, provided she followed the instructions of Hegai, the king’s eunuch overseeing the women (Esther 2:1-4). Esther, too, was placed under Hegai’s care.
Why did Esther succeed where others might not?
The Bible does not describe her as the most beautiful or from a wealthy or royal family. Instead, she had a meek and humble spirit, following the guidance of her guardian, Mordecai (her uncle), and Hegai. Esther obeyed Mordecai’s instructions to not reveal her heritage, nor to boast, which gained her favor (Esther 2:8-9).
This shows a spiritual principle: God honors humility, obedience, and discretion over pride, social status, or outward beauty (1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 16:18).
Theological Significance:
The story of Esther is a foreshadowing of Christ and the Church:
King Ahasuerus represents Jesus Christ, the King of kings.
Queen Vashti symbolizes Israel, the nation that initially rejected God’s Messiah.
Esther represents the true Bride of Christ, chosen and pleasing to Him.
Other young women represent various denominations or sects claiming God’s favor.
Hegai and Mordecai symbolize the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, guiding the Bride in preparation.
Just as Israel rejected Jesus (Matthew 23:37), the kingdom turned to the Gentiles, preparing the way for the Bride of Christ—those who remain humble and obedient under God’s Word.
Key Principles for the Bride of Christ:
Humility and obedience: Esther did not boast or reveal her family background, reflecting that God values humility and submission (Philippians 2:3-4).
Following God’s guidance: Esther obeyed Mordecai and Hegai, paralleling the necessity for believers to follow the Word and the Spirit rather than denominational traditions (John 14:26).
Purity and preparation: Esther remained pure, preparing herself spiritually and physically, which foreshadows the Church’s call to holiness (2 Corinthians 11:2).
Warning Against Denominational Pride:
Today, many denominations claim to be the “true bride” of Christ—Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Pentecostals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, etc. While each may have elements of truth, the Bible teaches there is only one true Bride: the Church that humbly submits to Christ and follows His Word through the Spirit, not human traditions (Revelation 19:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2).
Disobedience or reliance on denominational identity can disqualify one from being the Bride of Christ. Just as ignoring Hegai’s guidance (the Word and Spirit) would have disqualified Esther, neglecting God’s Word today disqualifies a believer (Matthew 25:1-13).
Application:
Remove denominational pride and follow Christ as He is, not through human traditions.
Submit fully to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.
Pursue humility, purity, and obedience as Esther did.
Scripture References Highlighted in the Teaching:
Esther 1:11, 19; 2:1-4, 8-9
Hebrews 10:1
Jeremiah 3:14
Matthew 23:37-39
Philippians 2:3-4
John 14:26
1 Corinthians 1:2
2 Corinthians 11:2
Revelation 19:7
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Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome as we grow in understanding by examining the Word of God. Today we learn about the Abomination of Desolation. I believe this message will move you from one spiritual level to another. It is good to have your Bible with you to follow the passages we will reference.
To begin, we must understand the meaning of “the abomination of desolation.” Simply put, it means an abomination that causes desolation, or an abomination that brings destruction. There are two components: ABOMINATION and DESOLATION.
**ABOMINATION (according to Scripture)**
Biblically, an abomination means something that provokes God to anger, especially in matters relating to idolatry or sexual immorality. Any practice done by God’s people contrary to His laws—such as worshiping other gods, crafting idols, sorcery—was known as an abomination before the Lord.
For example, God told the Israelites in Deuteronomy 18:9–13:
“9 When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. 10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. 13 You must be blameless before the Lord your God.”
We see that the practices of the Canaanite nations were so abominable that they brought destruction upon themselves. God warned Israel not to imitate those ways, lest the same destruction come upon them.
**DESOLATION**
The reason those nations were destroyed was not that God simply hated them or loved Israel more. Their abominations became so severe that destruction was the only consequence. This establishes a divine principle: repeated abomination leads to desolation.
God further warned Israel in Leviticus 18:24–30, showing that if they practiced the same abominations, the land would “vomit” them out just as it did the nations before them.
Thus, abominations inevitably lead to desolation—whether for nations or individuals.
Yet Scripture reveals **one particular abomination**, greater than all others, prophesied by Jesus and Daniel, which would stand in the holy place and bring unprecedented destruction.
**Historical Background of the Abomination**
When the Israelites entered Canaan, God had not yet chosen a specific place for His name. Their abominations led to temporary punishments, as God gave them into the hands of enemies such as the Philistines. But when God finally chose Jerusalem during the time of King David, and when Solomon built the Temple, holiness was elevated. Any abomination committed at the holy place itself would bring far greater judgment.
Thus, in 1 Kings 9:6–9 God warned Solomon that if Israel turned to other gods, the Temple itself would be rejected and Israel uprooted from the land.
Historically, Israel did just that. Despite prophetic warnings, they adopted idolatry within the Temple. This resulted in destruction by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon—Jerusalem burned, the Temple destroyed, Israelites killed, and many taken captive.
2 Chronicles 36:14–20 describes this vividly.
This event devastated Israel for generations; the nation did not regain independence until 1948—a span of about 2500 years.
Later, after returning from Babylon and rebuilding the second Temple, God again warned them through prophets like Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Yet Israel drifted again. Under foreign rulers, a new abomination was prophesied.
**THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION IN DANIEL**
Daniel foresaw a king who would desecrate the Holy Place. History identifies this as **Antiochus IV Epiphanes**, who invaded Jerusalem, stopped daily sacrifices, erected a statue of Zeus inside the Temple, and sacrificed swine on the altar (168 BC). This fulfilled Daniel 11:31:
“His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.”
This was a historical foreshadowing—a partial fulfillment pointing to a greater future abomination.
Later, the second Temple was again destroyed in 70 AD by the Roman general Titus. Jesus had prophesied this in Luke 19:41–44 and Luke 21:20–24. This judgment came because Israel rejected prophets, then John the Baptist, and ultimately the Messiah Himself. Their cry, “We have no king but Caesar” (John 19:15), sealed their fate.
Jesus told His followers: when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, flee. The Christians obeyed and were spared; those who remained in the city perished.
Thus, the destruction of the second Temple was **the second major “abomination-desolation” cycle**, a consequence of rejecting the Messiah.
**THE FUTURE AND FINAL ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION**
Israel was scattered among the nations, yet God promised restoration. In 1948 Israel became a nation again, and preparations for a third Temple are already underway. Scripture indicates sacrifices will resume.
But the enemy is always active. Just as past abominations were shadows, Jesus said a final abomination will occur in the last days.
Matthew 24:15–21:
“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel… Then there will be great distress unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.”
Daniel 9:27 reveals that the Antichrist will make a seven-year covenant with Israel, but halfway through (3½ years), he will break it, stop sacrifices, and set up the final abomination in the holy place.
Paul expands this in 2 Thessalonians 2:3–10, stating that the “man of lawlessness” will exalt himself above God and sit in God’s temple, declaring himself to be God. This reveals blasphemous self-deification. Many theologians identify this final manifestation with the Antichrist empowered by Satan.
This will trigger the Great Tribulation. Revelation 7 describes 144,000 sealed Jews who will be protected. Revelation 11 describes two witnesses who will minister during this period.
Daniel 12:11 gives the prophetic timeline: 1290 days from the removal of daily sacrifice to the setting up of the abomination.
**THE ABOMINATION ALSO APPLIES TO THE CHURCH TODAY**
The Church is now the Temple of God: “For you are the temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Any false worship—idolatry, elevating human leaders above Christ, or blending truth with deception—is a spiritual abomination that invites desolation.
Revelation 18:4 warns believers to separate from Babylon’s sins lest they share in her judgments.
**CALL TO REPENTANCE**
We are living in perilous times. Are you ready if the Lord comes today? Are you saved and baptized? Have you become one of the saints? If not, this is the time. Prepare now—do not wait for the day to come upon you like a thief.
Blessings to you.
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1 Corinthians 13:11
“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
In ordinary life, every human being must pass through two major stages: childhood and adulthood. Each stage requires guidance. For example, a small child cannot lead himself because his mind has not yet matured to distinguish between good and evil or to understand the principles of life. Thus, he must be trained and instructed by his parent or caregiver, whether he likes it or not. Those instructions become laws and commands to him.
For example, when a child reaches around six or seven years old, he is taken to school—not because he wants to, but because it is necessary for his growth. He is forced to wake up every morning, brush his teeth, and go to school. No child naturally likes to be woken up early; a child prefers to play, jump around, and do whatever pleases him.
Likewise, when he returns home, he is forced to take a nap, forced to shower, forced to complete homework, his clothes are chosen for him, and sometimes his parents even choose which friends he can play with. He obeys these rules not because he understands or desires them but simply to meet the expectations of his parents. If he were given full freedom, he would abandon all these responsibilities instantly.
THE BEHAVIOR OF AN ADULT
As the child grows, changes slowly take place inside him. He begins to see the importance of waking up on time, brushing his teeth, going to school, bathing, choosing good friends, and so forth. Why does he do this? Because he has matured and understands these actions benefit him—not his parents. This is the true sign of adulthood: the ability to fulfill duties from the heart without being forced. That is when a parent knows the child is mature enough to be trusted with freedom.
Another example is a student. In primary school, he is forced to attend every lesson, wear a school uniform, write notes, and is punished when he does wrong. But in university, those strict rules are no longer there. Why? Because the university recognizes that the student now understands his responsibility. Yet even without force, he still studies and passes. This does not mean the university has no rules; it means the student has matured enough to fulfill them willingly.
In the same way, the Church of God also passed through these two stages: childhood and adulthood. The stage of spiritual childhood was when God first birthed Israel in the wilderness. Being spiritually immature, they needed laws to guide them, because they could not yet distinguish good from evil. Thus, the Law was given through Moses—commands that had to be obeyed strictly. These were not requests; they were mandatory. A person could not steal, commit adultery, murder, break the Sabbath, or worship idols. Anyone who disobeyed was punished severely.
They obeyed these laws not because they loved them, but because they wanted to please God and avoid punishment. Had they been given freedom, they would not have kept the commandments.
But when God’s people reached the stage of spiritual adulthood, the laws needed to be written inside their hearts so they would be obeyed willingly, not out of external force. This was prophesied long ago.
Jeremiah 31:31-34
“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah… I will put My law in their minds and write it on their hearts… and they shall all know Me… for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”
This prophecy was fulfilled at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the believers. At that moment, they transitioned from spiritual childhood to spiritual adulthood. The first work of the Holy Spirit was to write God’s law inside their hearts. That means the believer begins to obey God willingly, not because of external pressure. Just like a university student studies from personal understanding rather than parental force.
From that moment onward, believers stopped committing adultery, not because God forbade it, but because they saw its destructive effect on their own souls. They stopped worshiping idols, not simply because God commanded it, but because they understood only God deserves worship. They prayed not because it was a ritual but because they recognized their need for communion with God. They did not keep the Sabbath as a strict day, but every day became a Sabbath to them, because they worshiped in spirit and truth.
Thus God set them free from the Law.
Galatians 5:18 “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”
Romans 8:2
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”
Romans 8:4
“That the righteous requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
The importance of the Holy Spirit is this: He moves a person from spiritual childhood (bondage) into spiritual adulthood (freedom and maturity). A person who says, “I do not steal because God forbids it,” reveals spiritual childhood. A mature believer says, “I do not steal because I know it destroys my soul.”
Someone who insists on a specific Sabbath day or avoids sin purely because “God said so” is still under the childhood stage of the Law.
But those led by the Spirit see holiness not as a burden but as their joyful responsibility. They avoid adultery, immodesty, worldly entertainment, gossip, drunkenness, and all uncleanness—not because of rules, but because they love purity and understand its benefit to their own souls.
This is the sign of one who has truly received the Holy Spirit: they fulfill holiness by love, not by command.
Romans 8:9 “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.”
Romans 8:9
“But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.”
So, my friend, are you in spiritual childhood or adulthood? Are you filled with the Holy Spirit, or are you still led by religion? Seek the Holy Spirit, for He is the seal of God (Ephesians 4:30). Without Him, there is no rapture.
Be blessed.
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“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” (1 Corinthians 13:11)
As we grow in Christ, our understanding must also mature. Many know and believe in the Gospel of the Cross, which reveals how God saves sinners through Jesus. But the Bible also mentions another gospel—the Everlasting Gospel—which reveals God’s eternal judgment and calls humanity to worship Him. These two gospels serve different purposes and appear in different stages of redemptive history.
This gospel is centered on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the salvation of sinners. It is the “power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16). It is also known as the Gospel of Grace because it is based on God’s mercy, not human effort.
John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Paul warned against accepting any other gospel besides the true one:
2 Corinthians 11:4 “For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached… or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!”
This Gospel is preached through human messengers—pastors, missionaries, and believers.
Romans 10:14–15 “How shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?…”
The Everlasting Gospel is found in Revelation 14:6–7 and is proclaimed not by people but by an angel, during the period of the end times—just before God’s final judgment is unleashed on the earth.
Revelation 14:6–7 “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth… saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come…’”
Key theological theme:
Unlike the Gospel of the Cross, which offers salvation, the Everlasting Gospel issues a final call to worship God in light of imminent judgment. It is a gospel of accountability and divine justice.
Some ask: What about those who never heard of Jesus?
Romans 1:19–20 “…what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them… even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”
This refers to general revelation—God reveals Himself through nature, creation, and conscience. Even those who never heard the name of Jesus still have access to the knowledge of God.
Romans 2:14–15 “…the Gentiles… show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness…”
This is why no one can claim total ignorance of God’s will. The Everlasting Gospel ensures that God is just in judging every person.
(Sanctification and Moral Theology)
The voice of conscience is part of God’s moral law written in our hearts. When we sin, we feel guilt—not just because society says it’s wrong, but because God’s Spirit convicts us.
John 16:8 “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”
Those who continually ignore that voice become hardened.
Romans 1:28 “Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind…”
(Dispensational Theology & Eschatology)
Right now, we live in the Age of Grace. This is the time for the Gospel of the Cross. But when the Church is raptured, this door will close. The message will shift to the Everlasting Gospel—one of judgment, not salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2 “‘Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.’”
Hebrews 3:15 “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…”
God is speaking—through His Word, through your conscience, and through His creation. Whether you’ve heard the Gospel of the Cross or are only aware of right and wrong through conscience and nature, God is calling you to repentance and faith in Christ.
If you ignore His voice now, you may only hear Him later in judgment.
Romans 10:9 “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Come to Jesus today—not because of fear, but because of truth and love. The Gospel of the Cross invites you into eternal life, but the Everlasting Gospel warns that time is running out.
Answer:
From a biblical perspective, by counting the genealogies and lifespans recorded in Scripture, many scholars estimate the timeline as follows:
This adds up to around 6,000 years from Eden to the present day (see Genesis genealogies; Luke 3:23-38 for Jesus’ genealogy). However, this timeline refers to the period starting from Eden, not the initial creation of the Earth itself.
The Bible begins with the statement in Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”
This verse affirms God as the eternal Creator who brought the universe into existence, but it does not specify how long ago this occurred. It could have been thousands, millions, or even billions of years ago. The exact timeframe is not detailed.
Verse 2 of Genesis introduces a condition of the Earth: Genesis 1:2
“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.”
The phrase “without form, and void” (Hebrew: tohu va bohu) suggests a state of desolation or chaos. Many theologians interpret this as evidence that the original creation was subjected to judgment or ruin prior to the six-day creation account described afterward. This is often linked to the rebellion of Satan, who brought disorder to the creation (cf. Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-17—passages traditionally interpreted as referring to Satan’s fall).
This interpretation aligns with Isaiah 45:18
“For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.”
Here, God emphasizes that He did not create the Earth to be empty or desolate, but to be inhabited. The presence of chaos in Genesis 1:2 implies a disruption of God’s original perfect creation.
Therefore, the six-day creation narrative in Genesis 1 is best understood as a re-creation or restoration of the Earth following that disruption. This means that while humans and all living creatures were created about 6,000 years ago, the Earth itself existed beforehand.
Regarding Satan’s presence: the Bible indicates that Satan existed before humans were created. He appears as the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), tempting Adam and Eve into disobedience. Revelation calls him “that old serpent”:
Revelation 20:2
“And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.”
This reveals that Satan is a fallen angelic being who rebelled against God and was cast down from heaven to the Earth prior to humanity’s creation (cf. Luke 10:18; 2 Peter 2:4).
The biblical narrative supports that creation is not static but has undergone spiritual conflict and cosmic disturbance due to Satan’s rebellion (cf. Job 1:6-12; Colossians 1:16-17). God’s restorative work in Genesis 1:3 and onward shows His power to bring order from chaos and life from desolation.
May this understanding deepen your faith and trust in God’s sovereign plan!
God bless you. This is a great question because it helps us understand the kind of prayer God values.
In Matthew 6:7, Jesus says:
“And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.”
The phrase “vain repetitions” does not mean praying loudly or with passion. Rather, it refers to empty, mindless repetition—saying the same words over and over again without genuine thought or faith. Jesus was addressing a common religious habit, especially among the Gentiles (non-Jews), who believed that repeating long prayers could convince their gods to respond.
In contrast, Jesus teaches us that God is not moved by the quantity of our words, but by the sincerity of our hearts.
Jesus continues in Matthew 6:8:
“Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”
This shows a key theological truth: God is omniscient—He knows all things, including our needs before we even express them (see also Psalm 139:1–4). So, we don’t need to perform or strive to get His attention. He’s already listening.
In Matthew 6:5–6, Jesus also warns about praying just to be seen by others:
Verse 5 – “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”
Verse 6 – “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
Here, Jesus emphasizes that prayer is a private, spiritual communion with God, not a performance for others. The reward of such sincere prayer is not praise from people, but a personal response from the Father who sees in secret.
Not at all. There are many examples in Scripture where God’s people prayed with strong emotion and even repeated themselves:
So the issue is not volume or repetition alone, but the intention behind it.
If we pray loudly to pour out our hearts to God—that’s good. But if we pray loudly or repetitively just to look spiritual or to earn God’s attention, then our prayer loses its meaning.
In some traditions, people repeat prayers like the Rosary or the “Hail Mary” for long periods, thinking that repeating them many times increases their power. However, this directly contradicts Jesus’ warning in Matthew 6:7. Repetition in itself is not wrong—but mindless repetition is.
God wants your heart, not just your lips. He desires a personal relationship, not a religious ritual (see Isaiah 29:13).
When you go before God:
As Philippians 4:6 says:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
When you pray this way—authentically, humbly, and with faith—your prayers will be meaningful before God.
May the Lord bless you and teach you to pray in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)
Romans 11:25–26 “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery… that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.”
The phrase “all Israel shall be saved” in Romans 11:26 does not mean that every Jewish person throughout history will be saved automatically, regardless of their belief or lifestyle. Instead, it refers to a future national turning of the Jewish people to faith in Jesus Christ, which will happen when the “fullness of the Gentiles” is complete.
Let’s break this down theologically and biblically.
The apostle Paul makes it clear that ethnic identity alone does not guarantee salvation. Just being descended from Abraham or Israel does not make someone truly part of God’s covenant people.
Romans 9:6-7 “Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.”
Paul distinguishes between ethnic Israel (Jews by birth) and spiritual Israel (those who live by faith). True covenant membership is based not on genetics but on faith and obedience to God—just as it was for Abraham (Romans 4:13-16).
Many Jews in the Old Testament were judged by God for their sin and rebellion, despite being descendants of Abraham:
Acts 13:10 “O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness…”
God’s judgment is impartial. As Romans 2:11 says, “For there is no respect of persons with God.” Even chosen people are held accountable if they reject God’s truth.
Paul explains that Israel’s current unbelief is not permanent. God allowed this partial hardening so that the gospel would be preached to the Gentiles (non-Jews). But once that time is complete, God will turn again to the Jewish people, and many will believe in Jesus as their Messiah.
Romans 11:25 “…blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.”
Romans 11:24 “If thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature… how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?”
This is part of God’s mysterious salvation plan—His mercy shown first to Israel, then to the Gentiles, and then returning again to Israel (Romans 11:30-32). It reflects God’s sovereignty in election and mercy (Romans 9:15–16).
When Paul says “all Israel shall be saved,” he is not referring to every Jew who has ever lived. Instead, he is referring to a future generation of Jewish people—those who will repent and believe in Jesus near the end of the age.
Isaiah 59:20— which Paul quotes in Romans 11:26: “And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord.”
The “all Israel” refers to the faithful remnant among the Jewish people—those who turn from sin and trust in the Redeemer. This is consistent with Old Testament prophecy and with Paul’s earlier statement in Romans 9:27
“Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved.”
Gentile believers are warned not to become prideful, thinking that they have replaced Israel forever. Paul warns that God can cut off Gentile believers just as He disciplined Israel.
Romans 11:21 “For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.”
While we still live in the age of grace, a time is coming when the door will close. Jesus warned that many will want to enter but will find the door shut:
Luke 13:25 “When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door…”
Hebrews 2:3 “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation…”
This is a call to urgency. Salvation is available now by faith in Christ. Whether Jew or Gentile, no one should presume upon God’s mercy.
Not all Jews will be saved automatically just because they are descendants of Abraham. Salvation has always been through faith, not bloodline. When Romans 11:26 says “all Israel shall be saved,” it is referring to a future turning of the Jewish people to Jesus Christ—a faithful remnant who repent and believe at the end of the age.
In the meantime, Gentiles should not be proud or careless with the grace they’ve received. We are living in a critical moment of opportunity. The gospel has reached us—but it will soon return to Israel.
So the real question is: Have you received this grace personally? Is your life in Christ, or are you still outside the door?
God has opened the door wide—for now.
The sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit is described clearly by Jesus in Matthew 12:25-32
When the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul (the prince of demons), Jesus responded: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand… If I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you… Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.” (vv. 25-28, 31)
Explanation:
1. Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit Is a Deliberate Rejection of God’s Work: The Pharisees saw Jesus perform miracles and cast out demons through the power of the Holy Spirit, yet they knowingly attributed His work to demonic powers (Beelzebul). This was a willful and malicious denial of God’s truth (cf. Hebrews 10:26-29), showing a hardened heart that rejects the Holy Spirit’s testimony.
2. The Holy Spirit Reveals Truth and Brings Conviction: The Spirit convicts the world of sin and reveals Jesus as Lord (John 16:8-11). Rejecting the Spirit’s work is therefore a rejection of God’s only means to salvation (cf. Acts 2:38). This sin is unforgivable because it cuts a person off from repentance and faith.
3. Not a Momentary Doubt or Sin, But Persistent Hardness of Heart: The unforgivable sin is not a single slip or question of faith but a persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit’s testimony about Christ (cf. 1 John 1:9 — forgiveness is promised for confessing sinners).
4. Nicodemus’ Example Shows the Pharisees Knew the Truth: Nicodemus, a Pharisee, acknowledged Jesus’ divine authority (John 3:1-2), proving the religious leaders were not ignorant but chose to blaspheme intentionally.
5. Practical Warning for Believers: When we see God’s Spirit at work through a believer, we must not accuse that person of evil or deception out of jealousy or misunderstanding (cf. James 3:9-10). Doing so can hinder God’s work and cause spiritual damage.
6. Encouragement for Those Who Fear God: Many believers fear they have committed this sin due to guilt over past sins. However, a repentant heart that seeks God’s forgiveness shows the Spirit is active in you. The blasphemy against the Spirit is marked by total hardness and refusal to repent, not by sincere repentance (cf. Romans 8:16)
Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is a conscious, hardened rejection of God’s Spirit and work through Jesus Christ. It’s unforgivable because it rejects the very means God provides for salvation. But those who genuinely repent and trust in Jesus can be confident of forgiveness and salvation.
Question: I want to understand—is there such a thing as big sins and small sins? If not, will someone who kills be punished the same as someone who insults another person?
Answer: From a biblical perspective, sin is sin. Whether we label it as big or small, all sin is fundamentally a violation of God’s holy law and separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2). The Bible teaches that any sin, no matter how “small” it seems to us, makes us guilty before God.
James 2:10-11states:
“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘You shall not murder.’ If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.”
This means the law of God is perfect and indivisible. Breaking any part of it—even one command—makes a person guilty of breaking the entire law. This underscores the total depravity of humanity—that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).
However, God’s justice is also perfect and takes into account the severity and knowledge of the sin. Jesus taught that the consequences or judgment vary depending on one’s actions and awareness.
Luke 12:47-48 explains:
“The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
This passage highlights God’s principle of proportional justice—those who knowingly reject God’s will face harsher judgment, while those ignorant receive lighter punishment. It also emphasizes human responsibility based on the knowledge and gifts received.
Regarding eternal consequences, all sin leads to spiritual death and separation from God (Romans 6:23). But God offers the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ to those who repent and believe (John 3:16).
Therefore, while the Bible does not categorize sins as “big” or “small” in terms of their spiritual nature, the earthly and eternal consequences can vary. Both the severity of sin and the heart attitude matter.
Have you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ? These are the last days, and none of us know when our time will come. If you died today, where would your soul go? Turn to Jesus now, repent, and receive His forgiveness and eternal life.
God bless you.