EARTH IS OUR INHERITANCE
By Evans Ochieng Kisiengo
Greetings to all brethren. The word of God is what we really have to be studying to make sure that we are close to, and become closer to, God. Those of us who believe the Bible should all know that the Kingdom of God is at hand.
We are reminded that we are not children of darkness, thus the day of the Lord should not unknowingly overtake us.
1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6)
Concerning the end time prophecies, God’s church is not in darkness that the coming of Messiah should worry us and come upon us as a thief. Prophecy is the light (cf. 2 Peter 1:19) to show us where we are in God’s plan and what will happen at the coming of Messiah.
Psalm 119:105 teaches “your word is a lamp to my feet. And a light to my path.”
Since the world is in a deceptive sleep, Jesus will return at the time when it is not prepared. Sudden destruction upon them.
From the time of Simon Magus until these days, people are being deceived, especially by the Protestant churches and Catholic ones, that they will inherit heaven as a reward of the saints. This teaching is not biblical, but comes from Satan.
Satan was the first to attempt to inherit the heaven as a reward.
Satan had a related thought which led to the great falling away of Satan and his supporters. Satan fell. Notice what the Bible teaches:
12 “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! 13 For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ (Isaiah 14:12-14)
The same basic thought was put in Eve’s mind by Satan that if she ate the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, she would be like the Most High. And this brought a falling away of Adam and Eve.
Likewise to this day, Satan has planted something bad in the minds the false churches that they will inherit heaven as a reward. Their doctrines and ‘unification’ will end in great destruction. That is a reason why there is a loud voice from the Lord that we should come out of her:
4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. (Revelation 18:4-5)
The world has rejected the rule of Jesus Christ on earth and, disappointingly, that is one reason why people are happy when they are being told that they will inherit heaven.
Because of sin, many have uttered words of falsehood:
12 For our transgressions are multiplied before You, And our sins testify against us; For our transgressions are with us, And as for our iniquities, we know them: 13 In transgressing and lying against the Lord, And departing from our God, Speaking oppression and revolt, Conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. (Isaiah 59:12-13)
Most of organizations that claim to be Christian believe and teach that when their faithful members die, they will go to heaven. Their time of going is what differs between some of the groups. Some teach that they are going the same day they die, some after three days, while some teach that when Jesus will return is when they will be taken up into heaven to live in heaven.
Those who were once members of Seventh Day Adventist Church realize that they strongly teach that when one dies, they go to heaven and that they shall inherit heaven. If you would ever find a chance to ask them why they believe so, they would normally rush to the following scriptures:
1 Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:1-4)
When the Bible speaks about the house, it does not always mean the houses like the ones we live in, but it also talks about the spiritual body which we shall be clothed with at the return of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST:
1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. (2 Corinthians 5:1-5)
The Bible shows that there is a type of ‘house,’ New Jerusalem that will come down from heaven:
2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:2-4)
New Jerusalem is coming down from heaven! Not that Christians go up to heaven to this New Jerusalem.
Believe the Bible
The Bible interprets itself, and doctrinal proofs come from the Bible. The Apostle Paul wrote:
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
John 14:1-3 is the very strong verse that some organizations hold strongly to support that they shall inherit Heaven and not earth.
But what does your Bible say? Let’s take a look at some words from Jesus:
5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
Now I don’t know if those who believe they go to heaven have ever seriously considered this verse. Remember brethren, God inspired the apostle Peter to write:
19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: ( 2 Peter 1:19, KJV)
We highly need to be willing to face the truth and prove only the truth from the Bible that Christ will return to this planet Earth as King of Kings and thus we shall inherit the earth not heaven.
We see all the wars around the world, deadly diseases like HIV/AIDS and now Ebola. We must be ready for the Kingdom of God is at hand (Mark 1:14).
In Kenya, AIDS is killing hundreds of people almost every month. Children are suffering as they remaining total orphans who often cannot get a place to stay. The numbers of orphans are increasing day by day throughout the country. There has also been drought in parts of the nation. We hope that soon, the King of Peace will come to restore things and bring comfort to every mankind.
If we study our bible keenly, we shall understand that the Bible explains itself and thus we have no reason to neither add nor subtract from the writings of the Lord as the Bible commands us. Remember the bible tell us that God will send Jesus to earth again:
20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. (Acts 3:20-21)
A time of restoration begins when Jesus returns.
Notice that God cursed the ground after Adam ate the forbidden tree:
17 Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. 18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. 19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:17-19)
That curse will be gone (cf. Isaiah 55:13). Jesus is coming back to restore all things. And to restore the kingdom of God on earth:
8 And you, O tower of the flock, The stronghold of the daughter of Zion, To you shall it come, Even the former dominion shall come, The kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem. (Micah 4:8)
In Revelation, the Bible tell us something very important to take into consideration about the planet earth and its governments:
15 And the seventh angel sounded and there were great voices in heaven saying the Kingdom of this world are become the Kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ and he shall reign forever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)
I wonder what most people who claim to be affiliated with Bible study really believe! It is not a matter of reading one verse and holding onto it very strong without considering if the Bible explains itself very clear. We need to look at the whole Bible:
10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little. (Isaiah 28:10)
Christ will soon take over the deceived world and its poor and corrupt governing. Notice:
16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:16)
Isaiah prophesized something very important hundreds of years before Christ was born which was inspired by God:
6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end (Isaiah 9:6-7).
Has someone ever questioned why Christ was prophesized as prince of peace? This is very important to know now considering the ungodly things we see happening around the world. God knew there would be conflicts, famines-lack of food, and “pestilences”-disease epidemics, over the earth during the end time (Matthew 24:4-8) and He also knew there was to be someone to restore peace out of that conflict.
With Christ ruling, the world there shall be peace and this is a reason why His name was prophesied to be ‘prince of peace.’ He alone would restore peace to this deceived world. There are numerous verses that support the kingdom of God returning to planet earth and not heaven as many have thought.
But guess what brethren? We may have to lose many friends if we will follow the truth and teach that we shall inherit the earth. Many may say we are deceiving them if we ask them to perhaps rethink over this, and instead hate us for standing for the truth.
But should we worry if we are accused of teaching the truth? I know many will say we should not be afraid and that is the answer. We should remain closer to God and follow his teachings and keep his commandment. Sadly, many believe in a god that is not truly God:
10 For pass beyond the coasts of Cyprus and see, Send to Kedar and consider diligently, And see if there has been such a thing. 11 Has a nation changed its gods, Which are not gods? But My people have changed their Glory For what does not profit. 12 Be astonished, O heavens, at this, And be horribly afraid; Be very desolate,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 2:10-12)
God also says that if you love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15).
Can someone consider, while working, doing what is contrary to his/her master? How will your master treat you? With love? Hate? Or will he/she just let you be there and serve even though you don’t do what he/she wants?
Everyone needs to think about this, but the correct answer is “No master will be happy with you if you go contrary to his will.”
Christians Are to Have Dominion
God will not be happy with those who direct people to heaven (2 Peter 2:1-3), while His word teaches that we were made to inherit the earth.
16 The heaven even the heavens are the Lord’s and the earth hath he given to the Children of men. (Psalm 115:16)
Brethren this is very clear. Those who claim to have a plan to inherit heaven as a reward should know that humans were given the earth to inherit as a reward. Man was made from dust. And was given dominion over the earth:
26 Then God said, let Us make man in our image, according to our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. (Genesis 1:26)
Humankind was challenged by Satan, sadly heeded him (Genesis 3:4-6; 1 Timothy 2:14), and lost the kingship, life, and some of the likeness of God.
When Christ returns, we shall gain all that humankind lost and more. And we shall be like Him:
1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. (1 John 3:1-2)
Brethren, this is wonderful. we shall rule with him, we shall have immortal body like Him, and we shall have eternal life like Him and dominion over the earth.
RESTORATION WILL BE FULLY DONE. We shall have one government with one King. Those who will do God’s will until the end shall be kings and priests:
10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth. (Revelation 5:10)
28 “But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. 29 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Luke 22:28-30)
Those who will try and persevere in this ‘war zone world’ and keep God’s commandments shall be given position in the Christ’s kingdom that is yet to come.
26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations — 27 ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; (Revelation 2:26-27)
We should now start preparing for tomorrow as we need to comply with and abide forever in God’s teachings. Not only knowing and believing, but also putting it into practice.
We need to also help others know that our inheritance is the earth and not heaven brethren. Remember our crown shall be according to our works, we can never expect something big if you invested something small. There is a parable in Luke 19:11-27 talking about the retuning of Messiah on earth and those being rewarded based upon the fruits their works accomplished.
Christ’s name shall be Prince of Peace. When He returns with His Kingdom, Satan will be bound and there shall be peace under His Kingdom.
Brethren, do you personally believe that the world is deceived as we in the true Church have heard over and over for many years? It is sincerely very important for you and I as Christians to prove this to ourselves while we study God‘s word.
If we have to truly believe the Bible, then we must agree that truly this is a deceived world and we need not to flow with current.
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid for them that are lost in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe lest the light of glorious gospel of Christ who is the image of God should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)
Brethren if we cannot see and know that this world is deceived, then our minds must be blinded by the god of this world. We need to make a U turn and face God’s way of living. We need to help restore true Christianity.
How should we do this? Is it only for one person to do? How can we restore true Christianity as True Church of God? All of us must know that it will be a combination of us all to try and bring things to work together but we can only do that if God is truly in charge of our lives. Remember the Bible says that no one comes to Jesus but only if His Father draws him.
Many have taken Christ’s word for granted and try to make big meetings trying to collect people to God. Well that is not bad to do, but we must know that it is God who called us into truth and it is He who also call others to truth. He can use anyone to ensure that the calling reaches to whoever He wants to bring to his true Church and there it is to us to study and teach the truth as someone may be willing to hear the truth.
We need to study and understand so that we can help any who might ask us:
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15, KJV)
The task of restoration is more complex than most may think. Much will need to be done. Remember Paul’s instructions to Christians in Corinth:
1 Be ye followers of me even as I also am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1, KJV)
For all of us who say we want to be like Christ, we must stand for, and as appropriately teach, the truth. We must know the truth. We must always walk in truth even as Christ did:
6 He who says he abides in me ought himself also to walk even as he walked. (1 John 2:6)
This is a very important verse. Many say they believe in God, but they teach that we shall inherit heaven, so that person is not walking as Christ did because he is not teaching the truth! Most who claim Christianity also do not have the same practices that Jesus endorsed.
Now the leader of various organizations must know that they have special task to also take care and not to mislead the sheep as it is with most organizations. But most will not tell the whole truth like the Apostle Paul did:
27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:27-28)
So to all my brethren please take heed and let’s all try to walk as Christ walked—which also includes prayer. It is not possible to walk as Jesus did if we don’t pray.
We should teach and made many know that we shall inherit the earth and not heaven. And has made us unto our God kings and priests and we shall reign on the earth. (Revelation 5:10).
14 And let us not forget: And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nation and then shall the end come (Matthew 24:14).
Please take heed as we should all know that Continuing Church of God is trying to prove all things from the Bible, and thus represents the woman of Revelation 12:13-17—the end time Church.
We Need to Continue and Heed God’s Word
If you have repented, been converted, and been baptized, you need to continue in that path:
14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said:
“Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” (Hebrews 3:14-15)
The Book of Hebrews talks about being steadfast. If we check into our concordance, we see that steadfast means to place firmly, to stiffen, or to grow hard. We must always grow harder in our determination to place ourselves firm with God.
Brethren we should all know that we can only do this my putting in place the Ten Commandments of God. We should understand that way we shall inherit the Earth and be kings and priests in the soon coming Kingdom.
24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. (1 John 3:24)
We are reminded continuously to keep His commandments and to love our neighbours as we love ourselves.
We need to stand for the truth and teaching the truth when asked.
24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, (Hebrews 10:24)
We need to be the right examples.
15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. (2 Corinthians 5:15)
We need to truly live as Christians in the age.
Brethren, our problem is we don’t see ourselves as God sees us. Even then, we really can’t unless He shows us.
Let us pray brethren that God may open our eyes to ourselves, our helpless and hopeless condition must be made so proper repentance can continue.
We cannot just say we believe and try to force others to also believe because we believe. We must prove our beliefs from the Bible. Thus we know that we can prove that Christ will return with His kingdom to planet earth and not heaven. It is to only those who God will call to know of this and more about the Kingdom of God.
19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe — and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? (James 2:19-20)
So it is not a only matter of believing, but also acting on the truth.
Knowing this, let us take a look at one of David’s prayers:
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalms 139:23-24)
Do you really want God to know your heart and try you?
Well, since we are to become part of God’s family (Ephesians 3:14-16), we need to listen to God’s truth.
Part of the reward of righteousness is to become the children of God and brothers and sisters to Jesus Christ.
And how can you become sons and daughters of God? By living as Christ did and by not touching the unclean:
17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” 18 ‘I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:17-18)
Strive to do the will of GOD. Consider baptism if you have not been properly baptized:
5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:5)
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39)
Listen to God’s word. Believe God’s word. Be able to answer with God’s word.
Thank you brethren. Let us all prepare to meet our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. If so, the day will come when we can reign with Him on the Earth.