Greatest Hindrance to Salvation

To state the obvious, the greatest hindrance to salvation is of course SIN. But are there certain sins which are worse than others? Not according to James 2:10 “For whosoever keeps the Law [as a] whole but stumbles and offends in one [single instance] has become guilty of [breaking] all of it.” Even a “liar” is doomed to the dreaded “lake of fire” in Rev. 21:8. So we can safely say that Rom. 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” is absolutely correct, for not ONE of us is guiltless! This is why, we so desperately need a Saviour, to stand on our behalf, as no-one is able to be righteous enough on his own! Jesus, took our place of punishment, when He died on the cross, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 6:23

But there are some sins which are worse than others because they have deeper consequences attached to them! There are some which become generational sins and will therefore affect three to four generations (Exod. 20:5). We could list a whole lot of different sins and their consequences, for example, the sin of slander is one of the “seven deadly sins” found in Prov. 6:16-19. They are known as the “seven deadly sins” because the consequences to these will actually cause a premature death!

But for now, I want to focus on the sin of unforgiveness, as it is possibly the deadliest. Even a Christian who dies with this sin in his/her heart will not be forgiven (Mark 11:26) and could lose their salvation. Certain Christian doctrines teach that once you become a Christian you will never lose your salvation. In certain aspects that is true, but because we have been given a free will, it is possible to choose to backslide or to apostatise or to deny Christ amidst severe persecution.

So, forgiveness is very important to God, because we ourselves have been freely forgiven of SO much. How then can we dare not to forgive others? A deeper study of unforgiveness will reveal many different aspects and consequences to this sin. Just recently, a friend of mine was deeply hurt by her son. It caused her great pain, which then resulted in her becoming ill. Fortunately, she sought Christian council and dealt with unforgiveness and resentment. We looked at the seven stages of unforgiveness when it is left unchecked.

This was certainly a detailed study, for example one aspect is guilt. Did you know that guilt is unforgiveness towards yourself? It is as equally important to forgive yourself if you want a healthy mental outlook on life and experience freedom. But I noticed there was one side of unforgiveness not many realise! What about unforgiveness towards God? Not that God needs our forgiveness as He is perfect and righteous in every way! But in our limited, human understanding, we blame God when bad things happen, and we cannot understand why God has allowed such things! It has been said, correctly so, that an atheist or agnostic will often think this way! Something terrible has happened in their past, and they blame God – they say, “How can there possibly be a God of love, when He has allowed this to happen to me?” They therefore completely deny the existence of God. In actual fact, they have “blocked” and shut Him out, refusing to allow Him any access into their mind or hearts!

Another friend had a situation earlier in his past. He had a son, with his partner. She then decided to leave, when their son was only six years old, and moved to another continent. He was unable to do anything about it, as he had no legal rights, as they were not married. He completely blamed God for taking his son away from him (not through death but through separation) and has adopted the atheist point of view! I am not even allowed to mention the name, God, when we are talking! When I look at this situation from a completely different angle, I can see that he, was to blame, and not God. God has said that if we obey, we will be blessed, but if we disobey, we will be cursed (Deut. 30:15). When we choose to do things our way (which will often involve sin), things will not work out for the best…the opposite is true when we do things God’s way, blessings will overtake us (Deut. 28).

I too, experienced deep pain as a child, but for some reason was spared from hating God! I intuitively turned to Him instead, from an early age! Not to say that I have been saved from the terrible consequences of what happened, but God’s hand of protection has somehow kept me from total destruction! You see, we are to run TO Him, NOT from Him – this I can honestly say is KEY to every difficult situation we face in life! There will be MANY, MANY times when things happen that are totally out of our control or understanding! We will feel lost, confused, unloved, betrayed, abandoned, alone and afraid! But again, the key is to turn TO Him in those situations, as He truly is the only answer and help in times of need!

Please, I am not saying I know the answers to many disturbing and horrific things that happen in this life! And there will always be things that are beyond our human understanding – we will never know all the answers this side of eternity. But one thing is also for sure, we have an enemy, Satan and he is the ruler of this world, and he is the one to be blamed for all the evil that is rampant upon this earth! Choosing to blame and ignore God will by default make you a follower of Satan! Which will also mean that when you die, you will be taken to the place that has been prepared for Satan and his followers! Whew, that is quite a statement, but unfortunately a true one at that! Why not turn to Jesus, right now, today, and be forgiven and accepted freely, into the kingdom of light. And become born again, into the family of God, and be an heir of salvation, and an heir to all the blessings He has for you. Not to mention, the gift of eternal LIFE, in a beautiful indescribable place called heaven!

If you are ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, see the salvation prayer in the previous post. S.J.

See The Ark of Salvation:

See Sinner’s Prayer prayed by Evangelist Perry Stone

See Mad at God:

see https://www.thehopeline.com/mad-at-god-2/

Dr Charles Stanley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs2tk76sZn8

S.J. You Tube: https://youtu.be/GxH4y4HVP0I

Salvation Prayer

If you are ready to receive Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, why do you not ask Him right now? A simple but heart felt prayer could be like this: -

Congratulations if you just said that prayer, welcome to the family of God, the angels are now rejoicing over one sinner who has come home. Do you realize, that now that you have received Jesus Christ into your heart, you are now a child of God? You are now promised eternal life and will live with Him forever in an exquisitely beautiful place called heaven, where the streets are made of pure gold (John 1:12; 3:15-16; 5:24; 10:28; Gal. 3:26; I John 5:11-13). Here is an amazing promise God gives to us…

4 God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away… 18 The wall was built of jasper, while the city [itself was of] pure gold, clear and transparent like glass. Rev. 21:4, 18.

You are now “Born Again,” (John 3:3, 6) and you have become a new creation, the old has past and the new has come (II Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15). Not because of how you feel, but because God in His Word has promised it, and He is not a man that He should lie (Num. 23:19). Your spirit has been made new and alive to God, but your mind and body have not changed. So now you will need to renew your mind and thinking in accordance with God’s Word (Rom. 12:2; II Cor. 3:18) by reading the Word of God the Bible. Start in the New Testament with the Gospel of John and then Romans, and use an easy translation. This is your spiritual food which is needed for you to grow. The word of God is powerful and will sustain and strengthen you as you begin to learn how to apply it to your life (Matt. 4:4; John 6:27, 57-58; I Pet. 2:2; Heb. 4:12).

Also begin to pray every morning before you do anything else. Talk to God as you would talk to your father (with respect and thanksgiving), prayer comes by practise and descipline. The more time you spend in His presence the closer you will get to Him. Also remember Jesus said, "you have not because you ask not," things do not happen on their own we need to ask God for help and guidance in every situation. Join other believers, if you can, and be apart of a church, a home group or Bible study, this will also encourage you!

Remember never give up (II Cor. 4:16-18; Gal. 6:9)! Salvation is only promised to those who do not give up, who overcome and endure to the end. A runner or athlete who quits just before the finish line, is automatically disqualified from the race! There are many rewards awaiting those who do finish their race (Rev. 2:7, 10; 21:7; Matt. 10:22; 24:13). You have an enemy, Satan and he will try his best to get you off track, deceive you and distract you. But the Lord has promised never to leave you or forsake you, He is with you always to help you through every difficult circumstance and He will never let you go (Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:20; Isa. 41:10; 43:1-2; 49:15).

See The Ark of Salvation video:

See Ark of Salvation

See Sinner’s Prayer prayed by Evangelist Perry Stone

Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Most of us have heard the phrase, “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse." But where does it come from? It comes from the book of the apocalypse, which is the last book in the Bible, the book of Revelation. In the sixth chapter, the Apostle John describes his vision of a Lamb, opening a scroll which had seven seals on it. Only the Lamb was worthy to open these seals.

The first seal is opened, and one of the four living creatures cries out with a thunderous voice, “Come!” He introduces the first horse, a white horse with its rider carrying a bow and wearing a crown. Then the second seal is opened and the second living creature announces the second horse, a flaming red horse, whose rider is given a huge sword. The third seal is broken and the third living creature, calls the third horse, a black horse with its rider holding a pair of scales (a balance). When the Lamb broke open the fourth seal, the fourth living creature presents the fourth horse; the most gruesome of the four! It is an ashy pale horse (a pale green greyish/yellow livid colour, the ashen, discoloured appearance of the dead). Its rider’s name is Death, and Hades. “And they were given authority and power over a fourth part of the earth to kill with the sword and with famine and with plague and with wild beasts of the earth” vs 8.

It is important to understand that the book of Revelation is full of symbolism. Pastor Perry Stone explains the reason why symbolism was used; it was to preserve the writings of John from the authorities at that time, the Romans, as it would not be understood or considered political or a threat.

So let us investigate the symbols in this chapter. First, it is interesting to note, that in dream symbolism, the horse is considered a messenger of death! Each colour of the horses is a symbol of death in different areas. White and red represent death through war. Black is a symbol of death through famine and starvation. It is also a play on words – “the Black Market, the fire that fuels inflation”. The pale horse is the worse of all four, as it represents death in four areas - with the sword (war), with famine (starvation), with plague (disease and sickness) and with wild beasts.

Even the four living creatures play an important role in this rendition! In chapter four (vs 7; Ezek. 1:10) it reveals that each of the living creatures has a different face. The first, like a lion, the second, like an ox, the third, the face of a man, and the fourth like a flying eagle. Each of the four horses represent different parts or areas of the earth, the symbols of the faces of the four living creatures reveals which parts!

So, the worst areas of war will be the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and U.S.A. The severest area for famine and the “black market” (inflation) will be Europe (but famine will also be on every continent). And as I have explained the greatest destruction of all horses is the fourth pale horse, which represents the fourth area, being the United States of America! That area will also be the worst for the plague and attacks from wild animals (as well as an attack from the “north” and uncontrollable fires)!

I hope you have found this quick overview and study of the four horsemen interesting and informative, even though it is also terrifying, to say the least! During this time, God’s hand of protection, provision and healing, will be mightily strong over His children, those that are safe in the Ark of Salvation! S.J.

Also see previous post on 28 Feb 2021 - The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse:

See S.J.Facebook Page Four Horsemen:

See YouTube video The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse:

And YouTube video The Four Horsemen which shows the order of events:

And YouTube video The Ark of Salvation:

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Also see S.J. Face Book Page:

For much more detail – Asteroid Impact is available on Amazon.com:

The New Nephilim

If we take another look into the days of Noah, to uncover the reasons why God had deeply regretted making man. And what it was, that caused God to decide to annihilate mankind and all living creatures (apart from a remnant), in the great flood. Perhaps it could give us insight as to why this will happen again in a similar way?

Let us look at Genesis chapter 6: in verse 2 it says, “The sons of God saw that the daughters of men were fair, and they took wives of all they desired and chose.” Bible scholars have not found a definitive meaning for “sons of God” in this passage and have three possible renditions: I would like to look at the first one which is the most likely, 1/ that they are fallen angels (Job 1:6).

Their offspring were called the Nephilim, the Hebrew word meaning “fallen ones,” and the earliest Greek translators rendered it gigantes, meaning giants (vs. 4).1 They were mighty men of renown and of great stature (Num. 13:33) and ferocious warriors.

It is this perversion, the mixing of two separate created beings, into a new species, not created by God, that greatly grieved Him! A mixing, corrupting, polluting and perversion of His creation, which could have devasting consequences. Creating beings that are violent monsters (giants) and which could ultimately destroy the rest of His creation, as He intended it to be. Could this be the main reason why He decided to wipe out man, and start again, with the only righteous man left on earth, Noah?

How does all this relate to us, in our day? And are we heading the same way?

Unfortunately, for many decades now, scientists have been experimenting in genetic engineering, editing and splicing of genes and bioengineering. Even the unthinkable, to create new species by mixing human and animal genes! These are called human-animal hybrids or chimeras. The chimpanzees have the closest to our genes, and a chimp named Oliver, a humanzee, may even have been one of these experiments (as he stood upright). DARPA has tried to create a super-human for military purposes. Creating super-violent and strong creatures that can be used in warfare. Not only having super-human abilities but also having no conscience or moral interferences, preventing them from doing horrific things, that ordinary humans would refuse to do. Of course, all of this is highly secretive, as if we knew what they were doing, surely we would put a stop to it? It is my theory, that they have already created such beings. Maybe not successfully yet, but certainly it has been done! This is a wild theory and totally speculative, but could it be possible, that the Yeti (Bigfoot, Sasquatch, humanoid) is one of these such creatures? And what other monsters are out there?

Scientists say that they are doing this for the benefit of mankind, in creating higher beings, a perfected man, using science and technology, and maybe even for the purpose of immortality (transhumanism)? Did Hitler not have the same crazy delusion, a perfect race? Which ultimately cost over fifty million lives, in the second world war.

Other scientists say, “Ah but this is all for medical research…and we can save lives by growing human organs in animals.” Really? Or are they just trying to “play God”? Are they attempting to cut God completely out of the equation, to become totally self-dependent? God is able to perform any and all of these creative miracles, if we would humble ourselves, repent, and turn to Him. Many testimonies have been given of new organs and limbs that have been replaced. Why do we need these perverse experiments which can have horrendous consequences on mankind?

Technology has advanced so much, that all this can now actually become a reality! And what I have just described above is probably already “old school”? What if we can alter mankind in another way, by changing his genetic make-up altogether, and rewriting his DNA? “Biochips can carry vectors that work like a virus, that introduce a new genetic code – to rewrite your genetic make-up. Creating a new breed of the offspring of the fallen-angel-like beings, known as the New Nephilim.”2

Does any of this sound familiar? Have we not heard doctors and scientists warn us that the vaccines for COVID-19 (especially those using mRNA) can have the ability to alter our DNA? At first, I thought this was all a load of rubbish, having no idea how all this works! But yes it is possible, through genetic editing, and “CRISPR technology, entire genes can be deleted, replaced with synthetic ones or suppressed,” and what would be its purpose? Altering our genetic makeup, to perhaps make us more compliant and willing to obey every order and command? Making us less rational and more gullible, believing every lie and deception? Making us less empathetic, ruthless and cold (Matt 24:12)? Removing our “God gene” to make us spiritually dead to God but willing to conform to a one world leader? Preparing humanity for the N.O.W. and the “mark of the beast,” that will surely follow?

As the true “sons of God” (those that are in Christ), do we not have a responsibility to humanity and to God, to put a stop to these rogue scientists and force these experiments to stop? Obviously, there are moral issues at stake here, otherwise laws would not have already been put into place. But more still needs to be done to enforce this. Or do we want God to do it for us, the hard way, as He did in the days of Noah, in a way that will completely put all this perversion to “rest” (also see Gen. 11:1-9)? S.J.

1 ESV Bible Commentary, “Gen 6:4 Nephilim. The meaning of this term is uncertain. It occurs elsewhere in the OT only in Num. 13:33, where the Israelite spies are expressing their fears of the Canaanites by likening them to the ancient men of renown. Although in Hebrew Nephilim means “fallen ones,” the earliest Greek translators rendered it gigantes, “giants.”…The Nephilim were mighty men or warriors and, as such, may well have contributed to the violence that filled the earth (see Gen. 6:13).”

2 Sid Roth with Tom Horn, https://youtu.be/MAK2Mtce9gw

3 Mike Bebernes, The 360 Show, April 18, 2021, https://news.yahoo.com/human-animal-hybrid-research-raises-hopes-and-concerns-155329668.html

4 https://fromthetrenchesworldreport.com/moderna-chief-medical-officer-admits-mrna-alters-dna/283512

5 http://www.eagleswings.co.zw/documents/Official-Warning-about-Vaccines.pdf

The COVID-19 Vaccines

There has been much controversy about the Coronavirus vaccines that have been brought out at the beginning of the year! Some say it will alter your DNA, others say it’s been made to cause mass sterilization of certain ethnic groups, others that nano particles have been inserted in it as a part of the end-time “mark of the beast” which have radio frequencies. I, for one, am very weary of it simply because it has not had enough time to be thoroughly tested and who knows what long-term side effects it will have?

I do not believe however, that this is the “mark of the beast” that the Bible is referring to as Rev. 13:16 says it will be implanted in a specific area of the body, on the right hand or the forehead. Some suggest in the skin in-between the thumb and forefinger? Yes, it will be microscopic or very small and can be inserted through an injection. But once inserted it cannot be removed! It will possibly have some form of mind control as well – you will not want to remove it! This scenario of vaccinations could very well be a forerunner or simulation exercise to see how to, in the future, actually implement the “real” “mark of the beast” or RFID chip? It will be a chip that has all your information on it, acting as your I.D. or passport but also includes all your personal information such as educational records, employment details, medical history, financial records and your hobbies and interest etc. It cannot be forced on you – you have to receive it willingly (just like Jesus cannot force you to become a Christian). So too Satan cannot force you to become his (this mark of the beast will identify you and mark you as his)! But he can use devious ways to deceive and coerce you into receiving it. Such as using financial and economic pressure! The Bible says that those who refuse the chip will not be able to buy or sell which includes everything even paying your utility bills. You will not have access to any employment or medical facilities or even be allowed to travel.

I just heard today that our government said we do not have to take the vaccine but if you don’t then without the vaccine certificate you will not be able to go to certain places etc. You can see that this is a way of putting pressure on you to conform to their ways! But for those who put their trust in God, He will provide a way for you where there seems to be no way and He will provide miraculous answers to difficult situations.

Again I don’t believe this vaccine has the “mark of the beast” included in it. It is only mentioned in Rev. 13 and is therefore implemented in the Tribulation period and possibly the second half of the Tribulation? It is also introduced by the “False Prophet,” the leader of the one-world religion. He will be the one who will try to enforce it even by using religious coercion. But having said all of that, it is definitely being prepared and perfected as we speak, and waiting in the wings! Soon and very soon it will be ready to be implemented! S.J.

(See Dr MK Strydom's article)

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

A while ago I did a study on Revelation chapter 6 so may I share with you what I have learnt? What drew me to do this study was I had heard a Bible scholar say that there was a parallel between Matthew 24 and Revelation 6. I found that interesting so decided to dig a little deeper. And yes, I confirmed that statement was true in another commentary! This I found fascinating as Matthew 24 is a well-known “end-time” chapter so I wanted to see what Rev. 6 had to say and how they were related. But I got a shock, to say the least, because if this is true then that means Rev. 6 is not in the Tribulation period, as most Bible scholars believe. We as believers do not go through the wrath of God (I Thess. 1:10; 5:9; Rom 5:9) which will be poured out in the Tribulation, but we do go through the seven seals. It could refer to a time before and preluding the Tribulation period and the Rapture (see Matt. 24:8 amp “All this is but the beginning [the early pains] of the birth pangs [of the intolerable anguish].”)? Jesus was saying here that these events; wars, famines, pestilence and earthquakes (all happening together, over a short space of time vs 33-34) are only the beginning of birth pains leading up to the “birth” of the seven-year Tribulation period.

If you are like me, most of us say, “Well I don’t need to worry too much about all the judgments described in the book of Revelation as hopefully the church and true believers will be taken out in the Rapture.” It is my theory that the Rapture will actually occur on the seventh seal with half an hour of silence (Rev. 8:1)? Which means it will happen shortly (possibly up to 32 months) after these events described in Matt. 24 and Rev. 6? But it also means the church will go through this horrific time; it will be a time of refining the church and of the greatest outpouring of the Holy Spirit (the latter rain in Joel 2:28) we have ever seen.

THE FOUR HORSES: Revelation 6 has always been famous for the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” and it describes four different coloured horses with riders carrying symbolic items. Each horse represents “death” in different areas, for example, the white and red horses represent war and death through bloodshed, the black horse famine and death through starvation. The pale horse (blue, green and grey colour similar to bruising), being the worst of all four is death through war, starvation, plague and wild beasts.

THE FOUR LIVING CREATURES: On reading the commentary (JF&B) on this chapter something came to light that I have never seen before! Did you notice that each horse is introduced by a “living creature”? So I asked myself what are these “living creatures” and found other references to them in Rev. 4:6-8; Ezek. 1:5-10; Zech. 1:8-11; 6:1-8. They are four cherubim, which have four different faces, and are extremely powerful angels of fire (Ps. 104:4; Heb. 1:7; Ezek. 1:13). They are also known as the four winds or spirits which represent the four corners of the earth i.e. north, south, east and west (Zech. 6:5; Dan. 7:2; 8:8; Rev. 7:1-2). They appear to be assigned to earthly matters (Zech. 1:10; 6:7) to patrol and protect the earth but in times of judgment they release war (political and social agitations) and death through devastating apocalyptic events. Could they be the same four angels that are released to destroy a third of mankind in Rev. 9:13-15? It is also interesting to note that the biblical number four represents earth and continents – kingdoms, nations and empires.

Another thing the commentary explained…in vs 8 is says “…a fourth part of the earth – answering to the first four seals; his portion as one of the four, being a fourth part.” Many times this has been misinterpreted as a quarter of the human population but no it is referring to a fourth part of the earth, a specific area. What I understand this to mean is that each horse represents certain nations or areas of the earth? The four different faces of the living creatures could possibly give us a clue as to which area they represent? Hopefully this chart will give some insight?

Just a quick note here…the first seal does not represent Christ as some say because of the white horse He appears on in Rev. 19:11 but I believe it represents the first sign of the appearance of the antichrist. He is given power to rule and conquer (as a king or leader) the earth through war or martial law (bow). And he comes out of or rather has his roots in the Middle East (that’s a whole other story for another time! See More on the Antichrist).

It is also important to note that Rev. 6 opens with the Lamb (Jesus) opening the seven seals. These judgments are not delivered by angels (as in the seven trumpets and seven bowls which are in the Tribulation period). If you read my previous post on Habakkuk 3 you will see that Jesus, Himself comes to earth, as “the thief in the night” to deliver these judgments. Unfortunately, this part of history has already been written! We cannot pray to have these events thwarted or stopped. We can however, pray for God to mitigate their effects upon His children which He will do with unprecedented miraculous signs and wonders. Surrounding His children with His power, anointing, grace, protection, provision and health!

Lastly, it has taken me some time to understand the order of these events. Can I explain…the sixth seal is a composite of the other five seals (remember the seventh seal is only a transition not a judgment). In other words, the sixth seal, the falling of “stars” will happen first! The other five seals happen as a direct result of the sixth seal. Again I want to emphasize that these events do not happen over a long period of time (some say we have had them already over the centuries). But rather over a relatively short period, and they will happen like a domino effect, one after the other, almost simultaneously!

Whew I know this is a lot to absorb and take in but I hope you have found it interesting and will take some time to meditate and ponder over it all with the help and insight of the Holy Spirit. It is important to know that this is very close at hand but there is nothing to fear for those who are in Christ Jesus as He will supernaturally protect and provide for His children. S.J.

see other post on 6 July 2021 Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

See YouTube video The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

And see YouTube video The Four Horsemen

S.J. Face Book Page:

For much more detail – Asteroid Impact is available on Amazon.com: