8 then 2

Scriptural Reference: 1 Peter 4:18 KJV  'And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" 

Think about these things... 

Before the LORD whispered to Noah to advise him of the coming flood people were living hundreds of years (averaging 700) and birthing countless children. When the cup of the LORD's patience was nearly full Noah began to preach of the coming flood and Noah began to build the ark.

Noah spent 100 years building the ark while preaching of the coming flood.

Of the countless millions who were on the earth, each with a life expectancy of 600-700 years, we can only speculate that there were perhaps trillions of people living at the time of the flood. The shattering truth is that of those untold millions 8 people were saved. Could some of the others have been saved? Noah preached repentance, but there is no record of their repentance. Scripture does not provide any other inclusion of any other people in the ark. 

The people in the ark are named: Noah and his wife, Shem and his wife, Ham and his wife, and Japheth and his wife. Eight.

Think about these things... 

Many years later the LORD chose a man, Abram, who became Abraham. Of Abraham's seed the nation of Israel is brought into focus because of GOD's plan of redemption of all men through JESUS. JESUS was of the lineage of the tribe of Judah, the son of Jacob (who was also called Israel). After the sons of Israel are brought into slavery and then released by GOD through Moses they were all eligible to inherit a part of the land promised to Abraham's seed. In this instance of biblical history there are nearly 3 million people delivered from the bondage of Egypt. These 3 million people had one task: follow Moses into the land of promise.

The scriptures give us the specifics and sweeping overviews of the Israelite journey. One day stands out. After the spies viewed the land of promise and returned 40 days later to report they speak of themselves in ways that seem to exclude the purpose of the wilderness journey: GOD brought them out of Egypt to bring them into the land of promise. The perspective they have, and what they say provokes GOD to make a statement that changes everything.

Numbers 14:30 KJV "Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua, the son of Nun."

From the millions of Israelites eligible, as Abrahams seed, all freed from Egypt together there is a collective gasp and pause. They were all trekking across the wilderness with some remnant of hope and expectation. Now, receipt of the promise suddenly dwindles from 3 million to 2 who will receive the promise. At this juncture recall that Moses did not enter into the land of promise due to the day he was angry with Israel and smote the rock twice.

Think about these things....

1 Peter 4:17 KJV "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of GOD: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of GOD?" 

These days so many people with a mic and audience are eager to tout a GOD so forgiving that HIS holiness and purity are lain aside in favor of HIS love. The eager ears of the flesh always want to be petted and not denied. 

You do the math. From untold millions to 8. Later in scripture, from approximately 3 million to 2.

For those who submit to JESUS and HIS LORD-ship we know that salvation is a gift of grace and forgiveness through JESUS' substitutionary death and 3rd day resurrection. JESUS has birthed a church by the HOLY SPIRIT into the hearts of those who believe, repent, are baptized. This work of salvation is a miracle of GOD within the human soul.

The LORD our GOD is HOLY. None of HIS holiness has dimmed since time began. After the clocks and calendars are no longer relevant The LORD our GOD will continue to be HOLY.

Think about these things....

If you are submitted to JESUS and HIS grace of salvation: Amen!! Hold fast to the precious gift of GOD that is given to you. Also, reach out to others and tell them about the gift you have freely received. Perhaps the LORD has already primed their heart to hear the truth that liberates the soul from the bondage of sin, ushering them into new life in JESUS. 

If you are reading this and you have not yet submitted to JESUS and HIS redemptive plan, and you recognize your need for salvation please avail yourself of a local assembly that will baptize you in JESUS' name and will disciple you scripturally. You will need guidance and support to learn of JESUS and the apostles doctrine, not some watered-down pseudo babble fat with the culture of our day that feeds the flesh and earthly desires.

The time of JESUS's return may be any day or thousands of days from the day you read this. No one knows the day nor the hour when JESUS, the SON of Man will return to rapture HIS Church. I have always remembered what my father said in a sermon over 40 years ago, "GOD doesn't have to come and get everyone to come and get you."

Think about these things....

 

Feel free to shine,

 

OneLight

 

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