In Luke, chapter 13, Jesus said, "Be contending to be entering through the cramped gate that I say to you many shall be seeking to enter into and shall not prevail."
In this passage, it is likely that Jesus speaks of gaining entrance into the Kingdom of God rather than being born-again, as the verse is sandwiched between two descriptions of the Kingdom of God.
Just prior to that, Jesus said, "To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?" And he goes on to describe a bread-making process using an example of fermentation.
He says of the Kingdom of God, "It is to ferment, which a woman getting, hides in three measures of meal till the whole was fermented."
The Kingdom of God has three phases, two of them include a fermenting process. In the final phase, the fermenting process will be completed.
The Kingdom that exists, as this is being written, is through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit within all believers. The Bible says, "The Kingdom of God is within you." But this reference is just to phase one of the Kingdom. In phase two, we look forward to a physical and global Kingdom.
In phase two, Jesus, the physical Son of David, at his return, defeats his enemies at the Battle of Armageddon and sits upon the Throne of David to pass judgement over what is left of humanity after the Time of Jacob's Trouble is concluded.
Jacob's Trouble is also known as "a Time of Trouble" and corresponds with what many Christians refer to as the Great Tribulation. Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 24, and corresponded it with something called the abomination of desolation (abomination that makes desolate) that will be set up in the Holy of Holies, in Jerusalem.
But there's more! Next, comes phase three, where the fermenting process is completed. The old is passed away, and all things become new. The Eternal Kingdom of God will continue forever in the New Heavens and the New Earth.
The rest of this commentary will focus primarily on the phase two.
Jesus preached the Kingdom of God, and had much to say about the seven years immediately preceding his triumphant, physical and visible, return to earth at the Battle of Armageddon.
He went through the cities and villages teaching and journeying towards Jerusalem. As he went, someone asked, "Lord, are there few that be saved?"
Jesus answered and said, "When once the home-owner is roused up from locking the door because you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door saying Lord Lord open unto us He shall answer and say to you I am not acquainted with you from where you are [from]. Then shall you begin to say We have eaten and drunk in your presence and you have taught in our streets. But He shall be declaring, I tell you I am not acquainted [with] you [or] where you are from! Depart from me! Every one of you! Workers of lawlessness!
In this discourse, our Savior is speaking to those who survive the Great Tribulation [the Time of Jacob's Trouble] but will not be granted entrance into the Kingdom of God. At the Judgment of the Nations, those on the right hand of the King, are told this Kingdom has been prepared for those on the right, who are called the "Sheep." And it has been prepared from the foundation of the world. The Judgment of the Nations will take place on earth after Jesus returns in power and great glory.
He said on that day, "There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you shall see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God and you yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the east and from the west and from the north and from the south and shall sit down in the Kingdom of God."
This last is a description of "sitting down" at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and of his Bride.
Jesus said ... "And behold there are last which shall be first and there are first which shall be last." This may be a reference to the seating order at the Wedding Feast, which will take place on earth, after Christ's return with his Bride, the Lamb's wife.
Are we looking up? Our redemption draws near.
Right now, the invitation to attend the wedding as the Bride, is still open. Accept that invitation, continue in the faith, and we have assurance that we will never hear those dreadful words, "Depart from me..." applied to us. Accept the invitation, and we need not fear being counted among those who will hear Jesus say "I was never acquainted with you...!"
... Redemption: Bible Prophecy Simplified: A Study of HOPE: Andersen, Jocelyn: 9781702619462: Amazon.com: Books
“I have been studying Revelation, and this work has helped me in that study.” –David (GA)
"I have been a Christian for only one year. This study was very easy to understand and has strengthened the foundation of my faith.” –Jason (NJ)
It is not long and drawn out but simple,
concise, and understandable. I was impressed with the positive reinforcement
that God is a redemptive God who has made Himself known through His Word, and
in these last days through His Son, Jesus. I appreciated the emphasis on The
Holy Spirit being able to teach. I also like that the author weaves scripture
throughout the writing. –Mona (MO)
I love how this all fits together so well!
It totally disproves the idea that the Catching Up and the Second Coming are one
and the same. –Samantha (USA)
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