Marriage Feast of the Lamb in Rev 19:7
On May 15, 2013 1:44 PM, "Stephen Williamson" wrote:
Subject: That word BEMA - hmm sounds like a web site
Hi all
The word "bema" is actually a derivative of the word "basis", and it's that authoritative "step" or "place" that each one finds themselves entitled to, i.e. that you've been granted by God.
Used in Acts 7:5 when it says God gave Abraham not even a place (bema) for his foot, referring to the time when he arrived in Canaan.
Used in Acts 12:21 when Herod is dressed in royal (basilikos) clothing and seated on a "throne" (bema), i.e. a raised platform, to give an oration before the people.
Used in Matthew 27:19 as the place of Pilate's "judgment seat" (bema).
In fact translated as judgment seat a few times in the book of Acts as places where Paul was brought for judgment e.g. Acts 25:10 when Paul says he is standing before Caesar's judgment seat in Caesarea. At the time he was literally standing before Festus, but he was appealing to Caesar in Caesarea because he knew it would be a death sentence if he was sent to Jerusalem.
Most ironically, Jerusalem was the city of David, the city of God, but with Jews secretly lying in wait there to kill Paul, in many ways it had become the synagogue of Satan, the phrase John uses when he talks about persecution by the enemy so-called "Jews" in Revelation 2:9. Terrible time for the church outwardly, but great long-term glory as a witness to the world as the Christians refused to fight back, as each one sought the Lord's wisdom on how to survive.
Interesting.
Ok, there are two places Romans 14:10 and
And here's the series of events regarding the lead up to this situation as John sets it out at the marriage feast at the start of the millenium in Rev 20:4, and then at the end.
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And I saw thrones (Greek "thronos", Hebrew "kisse"), and they sat upon them, and judgment was given to them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. |
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But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. |
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Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. |
and a little further down
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And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven (i.e. the whole universe) fled away; and there was found no place for them. |
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And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. before Matt 25:32, Rom 14:10, 2 Cor 5:10 |
So, keeping it simple, my take on it is that if we would judge ourselves, i.e. stick with the Lord (as he will always stick with us), as he refines us, completes us, yes, as we serve him, worship him, and serve the ones he gives to us to serve, then the blessing of the first resurrection will be ours as well. And, as it says, on such, the second death – the lake of fire and sulphur which will burn forever – it has no power (sulphur being a substance historically famous for its fumigating / pesticide properties).
Click here for some thoughts on God who is Love, who is Good, and is a Consuming Fire Hebrews 12:29
Regarding Death and Sheol's final destination, see Hosea 13:14
Lastly, noting that only God foreknows each one's love (i.e. for him and for the neighbours). And also noting that any name, for those subsequently choosing to "despise" God, can always be "blotted" out. So do not do that. And finally also noting, that as a loving father his love is eternal.
Hallelujah.
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