When the Spirit of God comes into a place there will
be a complete change. This change is not just for an improvement but the people
will always become brand new. Only new people can belong to a new work of God. Only
new life surrounds our Heavenly Father. This includes the Son: This
one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we
testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. 1 John 1:2
(NLT)
The first time the Spirit came into everyday people was
2000 years ago. Peter preached that day and he quoted the prophet Joel. Actually
this prophecy speaks directly about another time in the future. It says: … you
will praise the Lord your God, who
does these miracles for you. Never again will my people be disgraced… In those
days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike. Joel
2:26&29 (NLT).
The prophecy is used more than once.
Another
time of the Spirit will soon come on the earth. This soon to happen event will come
after the earth is judged for the way they treated Israel. God said: And
I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth—Joel 2:30. This time
the Spirit will primarily be filling the hearts of the Jewish people because
the Church will not be on the Earth. What a great time the nation of Israel
will have as they are filled with the Holy Spirit.
The future
city of Jerusalem will be so different that God gives it a new name. The
Scripture says: The nations will
see your righteousness. World leaders will be blinded by your glory. And you
will be given a new name by the Lord’s
own mouth. The Lord will hold
you in his hand for all to see— a splendid crown in the hand of God. Isaiah
62:2-3 (NLT). All this will happen when God again pours out His spirit into
their hearts.
During
this time of the Jews, the Christians will be at a celebration feast in heaven.
After this, I heard what sounded like a vast
crowd in heaven shouting, Praise the Lord!
Rev 19:1 …For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb… For the fine
linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people. And the angel said
to me, Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of
the Lamb. Rev 19:7-9 (NLT).
Christians
today should be busy doing God’s work. These works will be our white clothing
in Heaven. If we want to be at the wedding feast we must whole heartily serve
our Savior. The man in one of Daniel’s prophetic dreams said this: Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the
time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white… Dan 12:9&10
(KJV). The redeemed people will be dressed in a white robe given by Jesus.
Our full
time job is to die to our sinful nature by replacing it with the righteousness
of Jesus. This is the way a brand new person takes the place of our old self.
Paul said it this way: But if through the
power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will
live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans
8:13-14 (NLT). Yes! We become a new person who will eventually be dressed
in a white robe.
Jesus is
making people brand new and then giving them rewards them for being dressed in
His righteousness. Paul remarked that: I
have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of
his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look
forward to his appearing. 2 Tim 4:7-8 (NLT). Friends we must desire
righteousness.
All things
become new when the Spirit of God lives inside of us. The Holy Spirit came to
gentiles many years ago and He will soon come to the Jewish nation. God seeks
to redeem the people who do not resist Him. We have the job of spreading the
Good News about the righteousness of Jesus. This is the way the Spirit makes
humans into new creatures. Then at the end of this earthly life we will receive
an eternal life with God.
