A Fool's Errand

"The president said that Iran's promise during the talks to transfer some of its low-enriched uranium to another country for processing is an example of such a step. The uranium would be used in a medical-research reactor." (AP)

Now that you have read the above quote, read it again. Then, if you have not already heard, ask yourself who the "other country" is. For those who do not yet know, it is Russia. Now that you know the "other country" is Russia, consider just what Russia has done for Iran in the last ten years:

1. Russia has helped fund Iran to build their nuclear power plants.

2. Russia has placed nuclear scientists in Iran to help them move Iran's program forward.

3. Russia has given Iran nuclear technology.

4. Russia (and China) have been adamantly opposed to any sanctions being placed by the UN on Iran.

Now consider what God tells us about Russia and Iran in end-times prophecy:

5. Russia is one of the "Kings of the North" - Magog - spoken of in Biblical prophecy. There is only one nation to the extreme north of Israel - "Rosh", or Russia (Ezekiel 38:1-6; Daniel 11:28-32).

6. Iran, or Persia as it is was formerly known, forms an alliance with Magog in Biblical prophecy

7. Iran, along with the other Arab nations, unites with Magog and the Kings of the North, comprising an army of 200 million, and gathers in the Valley of Megido to attempt to destroy Israel (Ezekiel 39:1-6; Revelation 20:7-9). This is known as the Battle of Armageddon.

The outcome? God wins. But not until after the last three and one half years of the seven years of Tribulation - and absolute destruction, death, and terror.

However, at this juncture, there is jubilation that our President has successfully defied the naysayers and "dialogued" with one of the world's greatest enemies. While listening to Fox News in the car, one would think he had just united the world in a common goal, cured cancer, and solved all of the world's crises. One gentleman even went so far as to applaud the fact that Iran was seemingly willing to have their "low-enriched uranium" (enriched to 20%) that is meant for medical purposes shipped and inspected by Russia. Well, if you were handed a tasty morsel on a silver platter like Iran was, you would be agreeable, too. What better "other country" than Russia, one of Iran's staunchest allies, to "inspect" your uranium and report back to the UN?

The fly in the ointment is that Iran probably doesn't have the centrifuges that are necessary to purify the uranium to a weapon grade, which is 90%, but Russia does. There is no doubt in my mind that Iran has attempted to secure the centrifuges. In fact, there is speculation that as recent as this summer a ship that disappeared off the radar, and one Russia is mute about, may have had what Iran needed in its cargo. It is insane, beyond any logical and reasonable explanation, why anyone would think this is such a great idea! Or are there only a few of us who see the severe danger in this agreement and something more sinister arising from its development?

I have not decided if Obama is just proud, arrogant, altruistic and ignorant, or if he is extremely dangerous. At this point, I am leaning toward the latter. At the very least, he is a fool on a fool's errand. The trouble is the world sees him as someone with the ability to unite even the worst of enemies and blur the borders of hatred. Much to their shame, he is touted as the "world's President", a "messiah", a "savior of all mankind and the earth." Even more disturbing is that I believe Obama also sees himself as some form of "god". But whatever he is or believes he is, he places Americans and the rest of the world in the precarious position of being innocent spectators to his whim and making us wait to see what kind of horror is created out of his actions.

We are on a downward spiral, folks. And Obama is creating the vortex. It is time to open your eyes and your ears to the implications behind his actions. To sit idly by and do nothing serves no one. Silence will only bring what we deserve by remaining silent.

If you do not yet know your God, your Savior Jesus Christ, NOW is the time to make that change in your life. Ask Him to come into your heart, ask Him to forgive you of your sins, and accept the free gift of pardon Jesus Christ secured for you on the cross...before it is too late.

All My Tears - Selah

Did You Flinch?

It does not matter how many times I watch this, I still flinch at the thunder clap.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zjjn4Ktc9gc

If you have questions about the "rapture" of Christ's Church, we will be more than happy to answer any of them. You can begin by studying God's Word in the following passages:

1 Corinthians 15:22-24

1 Corinthians 15:51-54

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

2 Thessalonians 2:1

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." John 14:1-4

Ah Ha!

I do not believe in coincidence. I do not believe in chance, or fate, or any other secular or mystical explanation for giving things credence or explaining things away. I do, however, believe God engineers certain events and circumstances for His own purpose. And I also believe He can use the best and the worst of mankind to accomplish it.

It is true that we all too often question God’s purpose and will behind certain events. We are too human in that regard, especially when they directly affect us. A range of emotions are apt to spill over us when they do: anger, sadness, fear, or asking the question “why”, to name a few. It is within our human nature to want to be in complete control of our lives and the things that affect them. But that very attitude is what got mankind into trouble in the first place and continues to hinder the relationship God desires to have with us today.

As I watched unsettling events unfold this week in our nation, it dawned on me there may just be other things going on behind the scenes that perplex those who have no clear understanding of prophetic Scripture. Unbelievers, or those who have not fully given themselves to Jesus Christ, may either ignore or attempt to put another label on them. Even more troubling, the Christian community are often not taught the Biblical Truths within prophecy. We see this happening every day in the media with which we are pummeled. There is certainly no shortage of talking heads with opinions, no matter how misguided or misinformed they may be. I must admit, we all have opinions. My frustration lies in the fact they are generally secular with little or no knowledge of Biblical Truths. There is no desire by the media to look beyond the worldly explanation for the things that are occurring. If - and I stress “IF” - an attempt is made to bring in a guest whom they believe is an "authority" on Christianity, it usually leaves me sighing and rolling my eyes towards the ceiling and wanting to tell the person perhaps they should go back to their Bible. Either that, or the one with Biblical answers is minimized, ridiculed, or ignored.

The world believes they have an explanation for everything. Even worse, they believe they have the solutions for the problems. History is replete with men who thought they knew what was best for society and ignored God's guidance. We know all too well the outcome of such thinking. Take our President, for example. His altruistic and misguided belief that he can appease and dialogue with America’s enemies will ultimately lead our nation to ruin. The pride and arrogance that oozes from him causes him to think he has the ability to convince a despot to “play nice”. The fact, however, is that they see him for what he is: weak, ineffective, and easy to defeat. Although the events to come have already been written in heaven, we must wait to see them played out here.

There is no mystery left to be told by God. He has clearly revealed everything to us, from the beginning to the end. Oh, there are a few little details He has shrouded for His own purpose in regard to end-time prophecy. He did this because He knows us all too well. But I cannot count the number of times I have been in His Word, reading passages I have read multiple times, and suddenly exclaiming, “Ah ha!” The proverbial light bulb dangles brightly above my head, illuminating my understanding and providing me with the answers I am seeking. God is faithful that way. If we ask, He will turn on the light bulb.

There will be a day not too far into the future when we will all respond with, “Ah ha!” But it will be for different reasons and with varying emotions that we do so; some with jubilation and some with fear. I believe the events being played out this week in our nation and around the world will all lead to a conclusion that many will wish never came. It will not be by chance or fate that causes this conclusion. Within God’s plan for mankind, an ending has also been written. And He made most of the details available to us to warn us and prepare us for His return.

There are many who find it impossible to understand why anyone in their right mind would want to see the events unfold that bring about the return of Jesus Christ. Indeed, when one reads the Book of Revelation and the horrors that are contained within it, these events would make even the most valiant of men tremble in terror. However, for the benefit of those who do not understand, and in defense of my brothers and sisters in Christ, let me just say that no true Christian wants to see any of their loved ones left behind to suffer God’s judgment upon this earth. Every one of us is in constant prayer for our families and our friends who do not yet know their Savior in the truest sense of the word. However, we also know that God is a Just God, His timing is His own, and when He is ready, the end will begin. We wait in watchfulness to be “caught up” in the clouds with Him because from that moment on, we will forever be in His presence (1Thessalonians 4:13-18). That is what we hope for, and our hope is not something which we have not already gained. We know we are saved. We long for His return. And we will rejoice when He does. It is bitter-sweet. Bitter, because we know there will be people we love who have refused to believe the Truth and are left behind to suffer God’s wrath. Sweet, because we will at last be with our God and our King Jesus Christ for all of eternity.

If you are one that is full of dread by what is to come, it is possible you do not know Jesus Christ. Perhaps you have been deceived by a false gospel, or led astray by one that gives just enough of the Truth to make you believe it is not false (Matthew 24:4-35; Galatians 1:6-9). Or, like all of us at one point in our lives, you continue to run from Him, thinking you have plenty of time for “religion”. It is for you this is written, that you may come to know your Savior Jesus Christ and understand what He did for you on the cross of Calvary. Your sins - past, present, and future - were nailed to the cross with Him. He took all mankind’s sin upon Himself, suffered the wrath of God that was meant for us, and rose gloriously the third day to take His rightful place on His throne. And all that He did was in order for pitiful man to be given eternal life through Him. All it takes for your fears to be swept away is by believing this simple Truth and trusting the One Who bridged the chasm between you and God. Nothing more need be done. His sacrifice was sufficient and nothing you can do will equal it or satisfy God’s holy justice. It was a free gift and is available to all who open their hearts and receive it. But it is also imperative that you are taught all of His Truths, not just a few that leave you questioning the final outcome. These are those that give us abounding peace in spite of what the near future holds.

I pray that SOON you will also say, “Ah ha!” Time is short, my friends, because the signs we are seeing are pointing to His imminent return. I promise when you do, your own light bulb will illuminate your understanding of God’s will and purpose for mankind. It will also soothe any fears or dread you may be experiencing because the peace He brings is incomprehensible.

Who knows? As you are reading this, perhaps God has engineered this moment just for you. If so, pause, open your heart, and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. He is faithful to do it if you will only allow Him.

Binyamin Netanyahu

I awoke today with a feeling of anticipation that something great was going to happen. It was not an overwhelming feeling; just one that whispered in the back of my mind to be alert and to be watchful. I went about my morning routine: coffee, devotion, contemplation. But my mind was preoccupied and I was unable to keep my focus centered on the tasks I daily perform. I turned on my computer, signed into Facebook, and it was there that I saw what would be a pivotal point not only in my day, but in my lifetime.

Binyamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, was preparing to speak before the United Nations Assembly. I quickly turned on the television set to FOX News and waited. Within fifteen minutes, I was listening to the most profoundly eloquent speech I personally have ever witnessed. It rivaled those of Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, and other notable men of history. But it was different, for I believe that today GOD spoke through Prime Minister Netanyahu.

The passion with which Mr. Netanyahu spoke reached into the very depths of my soul. I felt his people’s sorrow for the atrocities committed against them. I shared their desire to have respect from the world-wide community. I stood beside him in expressing Israel’s right to defend herself, the oldest nation on the face of the earth, and the one blessed by GOD. I applauded his condemnation of the United Nations and their own self-righteous and self-serving condemnation of Israel. And when he began to recite passages from the prophet Isaiah and the book of Joshua, my heart soared and drew me even deeper into a relationship with and understanding of GOD’s chosen people.

But it was Mr. Netanyahu’s conclusion to his speech that found me one foot from my television screen and tears streaming down my cheeks. It was the prayer he invoked. I didn’t need to know the Hebrew language to understand it. Only two words were needed to interpret the entire message behind this prayer: “Adonai” and “Shalom”. It was his intimate call before the whole world to Adonai, the sovereign GOD of all creation. It was a plea to those present and to GOD Almighty to bring peace, “shalom,” to his nation, Israel, that brought the tears and my own plea to the LORD to return and make everything right.

GOD spoke through Binyamin Netanyahu, whether he knew it or not. The Prime Minister's speech was given with boldness, never wavering, and his message was clear and precise. It was reminiscent of the Word of GOD coming to Israel’s prophets and their fearlessness in taking it to the people. Today was a day that all Christians should rejoice over. For today, GOD warned the world that this people, this nation, and the city of Jerusalem belonged to HIM and would always remain HIS, and to continue to malign and attempt to destroy Israel would bring their own destruction. I believe it was a call from GOD to all the nations of the world to turn from wickedness and sin and repent - and to turn to the One Living God for salvation.

Some may say my emotions got hold of me, causing this reaction. Others may say my over-active imagination was the cause, or call me a religious fanatic. Call it what you will, but I know this is not the case. I believe GOD has raised up a warrior for these times, and I believe he is Prime Minister Netanyahu. Although there are groups within his nation who believe concessions should be made to bring the much sought-after peace they all long for, I greatly admire Mr. Netanyahu’s fearless stand against those, like our own President, who are making unrealistic demands on his nation. Obama and the rest of the world’s leaders have met their match and unlike Israel’s leaders in the past, are dealing with a man of conviction and determination. No longer will Israel be cast from her homeland. No longer will Israelis succumb to the suffering and brutality inflicted upon them in the past. No longer will weak and ineffective leaders bow down to the outrageous demands made by the nations who hate them. Israel belongs to GOD, He has given it to the Jews, and the proof is in their history. Yahweh made that very clear today.

I have been watching Binyamin Netanyahu for over ten years now. I will continue to watch him because I believe he is a king in the manner of David who will lead his people by allowing GOD to lead him. I deeply admire and respect this man and his devotion to his nation and its people. I only wish America had a leader half as admirable and trustworthy.

I encourage everyone to keep their eyes focused on Israel - it is where it all started and it is where it will all end. Continue to lift Israel up in prayer. The “shalom” we all long for will only come about when our LORD and their long-awaited Messiah returns. And that day is not too far away.

Islam On Capital Hill

On Friday the 25th between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., "Islam On Capital Hill" (http://www.islamoncapitalhill.com) will be holding an all-day event that begins on the steps of the White House. They have been given permission to recite their "Athan," or "Jummah prayer," from these hallowed steps. Fifty-thousand Muslims and non-Muslims are expected to attend. Speeches will also be given by a Imam and a Muslim attorney who have questionable ties and allegiances to terrorist groups and have made statements in the past that support these rumors. The slogan for this event is "Our Time Has Come", and it has been suggested by the Imam in a recent interview that the White House will become a house of Islam.

Please be in fervent prayer during these hours. Pray the One True God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, will be exalted above this event and that the Holy Spirit will pour out His message of salvation upon the hearts of the attendees. Pray also for this nation, that God Almighty will be restored to His rightful place over and within it.

Please visit: http://www.ministrytomuslims.com

"Simon Says..."

Included among the many childhood games I played with others was “Simon Says”. The object was for the person playing “Simon” to direct others to perform certain actions; for example: "Simon says, touch your nose." The rules allowed the action as long as “Simon” said to do it. But if the one directing simply said, “stick out your tongue,” and those participating did so, they were out of the game for failing to follow the game’s rules. In other words, “Simon” had not told them to do it and the penalty was elimination from further play.

The simplicity of the games I played as a child is so much different than those today’s children engage in. Although the games of my childhood are still being passed on to small children, it seems they abandon them much earlier than my generation, or even my sons’ generation. Store shelves are crammed with electronic gadgets that target and woo children from infancy, and the list of them is extensive. Instead of sending their children outside into the fresh air and fostering a healthy imagination, today’s parents subject their children to the "Simons" of the world by plugging their children into television sets and the solitary and fantasy worlds of their computers or hand-held games.

Parents are told their children need to keep up with technology in order to succeed in life and that without the knowledge and expertise provided by these things, they will be left behind. The trap herein is that children are robbed of essential elements which aid in healthy development: social interaction with other human beings, the ability to cope with difficulties and failure that come their way, and a hands-0n understanding of the world around them, just to name a few. Also, the greater danger parents foster with this practice is allowing their children to be influenced by others who may have different values than their own. Without due diligence from the parents, the “Simons” of the world can quickly trick the child. The adults they become will be established by what they are encouraged with from the earliest stage of their lives.

The simple childhood game of “Simon Says” can be used as a analogy of the direction we receive from God. He did not create man to be mindless puppets on strings; rather, He gave man free will. However, there were certain rules man must abide by and the penalty for disobeying them was severe (Genesis 3).

As Moses gathered the people at the foot of Mount Sinai to meet with God, the Lord gave the Ten Commandments. “And God spoke all these words…” (Exodus 20:1-17). They were the foundational “rules of the game,” if you don’t mind me using this metaphor. Their purpose was intended to direct the people to live a life of holiness, responsibility, and love. They were the “God Says” of how each man and woman should live, a set of standards to apply and to maintain a healthy relationship with Him. However, as was the case with the first man and woman, the people quickly forgot and allowed the enemy to slip in and whisper, “do this.” Satan, playing the role of a child who initiates a game and often changes the “rules” to suit himself, was able to trick them into almost immediate disobedience. Many soon found themselves standing outside the circle, excluded from God’s favors and blessings.

Every one of us at one time or another finds ourselves caught in the trap of Satan’s deception and mimic his actions. We often rush into life without listening for the “God Says” within the direction that is being uttered. We must stay focused on God, listening intensely to His guiding voice and Jesus’ request, “Follow Me” (Matthew 9:9), even if we remain the only one left standing.

When the game “Simon Says” concluded, there was no prize other than a sense of pride and accomplishment in not being fooled. If we teach our children this simple, yet vital, lesson - heeding God’s voice when He speaks and moving in the direction He is guiding - they will carry it on to their own children, thus avoiding the pitfalls thrown in their way that attempt to oust them from the “game”. By keeping our ears acutely tuned to the Holy Spirit’s voice, the reward for completion of our lives here will be beyond imagination if we faithfully listen for the “God Says” before we take action.

When We Need Help, Will There Be Anyone Who Comes?

In 1939, seventy years ago today, Germany invaded Poland and the Czech Republic. Rising in anger, the United States of America quickly allied with these two tiny nations and stood boldly with them and fought to restore their sovereignty. As a member of NATO, Poland was one of the first nations to ally with the United States in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. When President Bush asked for NATO allies to join America, Poland quickly responded by recalling America's role in World War II, saying they would never forget and always be grateful. They sent their sons and daughters to fight alongside ours, and remain there to this day. But in the time it took to utter a short phrase, Obama has destroyed the relationship we once held dear with the people of Poland and the Czech Republic and issued them a death sentence. He remembered this terrible day not by issuing a statement of continued support to the Polish and Czech people, but by turning his back on them.

It doesn't take a political science major, a social studies professor, a historian, or even a psychiatrist to know the true intentions of Putin and his puppet, Medvedev. Their actions speak loudly in world affairs. It is their intention to re-establish the principals and government of the old Soviet Union, and a reorganization of the states that comprised it. And our President is assisting them in any way he can.

Obama handed Putin a victory today on a gold-trimmed silver platter. Upon this gilded platter was a morsel of underhanded political maneuvering that defies common reasoning. The missile defense shield that was introduced by the previous Administration was intended to not only defend our nation, but to defend Europe from despots such as Putin, Ahmadinejad and the fanatical mullahs bent on world dominance. The system was to be placed in Poland with critical radar positioned in the Czech Republic. Both Poland and her neighbor welcomed this system, but Russia has been fighting it from its inception. Because of the threat of Russia flexing its military muscle in recent years and their invasion into Georgia, a sovereign nation, Poland and the Czech Republic knew that to not have it would put their own sovereignty in grave danger. Russia knew it and relied on it not happening. And our President also knows it.

To make matters worse, Robert Gates, former staff member of both George H.W. and George W. Bush, and one that defended the logic of installing the missile defense system, has suddenly had a change of heart. Or did he? It is my contention that men like Gates have one drive - power - and how he gets it and with whom he aligns himself to secure it is immaterial.

"It is no longer needed," Obama and Gates claim. After all, Iran is not a serious threat, right? However, someone within the IAEA had a conscience today and secretly released a unauthorized report stating there is indisputable evidence that Iran is now capable of building a nuclear bomb and are currently working on a delivery system. That won't take long. I am sure North Korea is helping out every chance they get. It has also been determined that within a maximum of five years, Iran's "short-range missiles" which are only capable of reaching places like...oh, let's say, Israel, another ally of ours...will be replaced with the ability to strike our own nation. Are you squirming now?

Just what was the quid pro quo, Mr. Obama? What exchange of "favors" did you and Russia agree upon that convinced you to scrap a vital defense system that could possibly save the lives of millions of people? Is it your idiotic and altruistic idea that you can reasonably "chat" with our enemies over a beer and gain ground? Was it Russia's "reliable word" that they would help rein in Iran? Or did they tell you they would dismantle a few of their own nukes they have had aimed at us for decades? My guess is that Putin and Medvedev are rubbing their palms in glee and laughing at your lack of foreign clout and your pathetic display of gullibility and weakness.

More important, however, is the fact that for the first time in its history, America has turned its back on one of our true allies. It has been reported that the leader of Poland is refusing to take calls from our Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. My question to her would be, "Can you blame him?"

There may come a time in our history when America will have to ask someone to help defend her against enemies who gather at her borders. But if this man who now sits in the highest position we bestow on one of its citizens continues insulting, impugning, and diminishing our allies at his current rate, there will be none left to ask.

I have always wondered where the most powerful nation in the world is in end-times prophecy. Perhaps what is going on within our nation at this moment is the answer to my question.

"America The Destroyed - A Prayer For Revival" - by Peter Grasso

I am pleased to post an article, which is followed by a prayer, by a brother in Christ, Peter Grasso. I pray that it awakens concern for not only the lost who are being deceived by the wiles and cunning of the emerging church, but also for our nation as a whole. I join Peter in praying that God will be restored to His rightful place and be given the honor and glory He so richly deserves.

http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewshortstory.asp?id=35182

Breaching The Wall

In the Old Testament, the proximity of man to God was one of distance and separation. But it was never intended by God that this be so. When He created the first man, His purpose was for divine and eternal fellowship. This is evident in that all of creation was made for man to have dominion over. With the exception of one tree (Genesis 2:15-17), the Garden and all that was in it was made for man’s pleasure. There the Lord was physically present with Adam and Eve as He delighted in what He had made and communed with them. It was not until man fell from grace by submitting to the cunning of the serpent and the temptation of sin that the separation came (Genesis 3:1-7). Man was “banished” from the paradise God had created for him and His servants stood guard with “flaming sword” to prevent re-entry (Genesis 3:23-24). Not only did their disobedience bring a curse of hardship, toil, grief and pain, affecting all of God’s creation in like manner, it brought death to man and broke the intimate relationship they had with their Creator. A dividing wall was erected between God and man, one that man dare not breach because of his sinful state.

From this point forward, God used different methods to communicate with man. He spoke to Abram and Sarai through His heavenly servants (Genesis 17:15-19; 18;9-15). God made His covenant with Abram when “the word of the Lord came to him” (Genesis 12:1-2), indicating not by physical but by spiritual means. In other words, God made His voice heard. He worked the same way with Isaac and Jacob as He guided them towards His greater purpose. Moses saw and heard God in a burning bush. But it came with a stern warning to remove his sandals for he was on “holy ground” by being in the presence of God and Moses hid his face in fear (Exodus 3:5-6). As Moses led his people through the desert, God accompanied them in a “pillar of cloud” in the day and a “pillar of fire” by night (Exodus 13:21-22). And as the Law was given to Moses, God set “limits around the mountain and set it apart as holy” for He had “descended to the top of Mount Sinai” (Exodus 19:20-25). The people’s sin set them apart from God. Anyone who attempted to violate this warning would have met their sure and sudden destruction.

In the Temple of the Tabernacle, only one man was allowed entry once a year into the innermost place, or the Holy of Holies. Before the Temple’s destruction, God’s Holy Spirit dwelt there. The High Priest first consecrated himself and atoned for his own sins before he was able to atone for the people’s sins. It is said that a rope would be tied to the High Priest’s waist as a precaution before entering the sanctuary and approaching God. It would enable others to drag the body out if the Priest entered unclean. Sin was so “utterly loathsome” to God that He made the people “feel the width of the separation between a Holy God and an impure sinner.” (Spurgeon, Evening By Evening, September 15). The prophet Isaiah understood this perhaps better than anyone. When God commissioned him to bear the bad news of Judah’s destruction and bring the good news of a future Messiah to the people, he understood the seriousness of being “unclean” in the King’s presence (Isaiah 6:1-7; 7:13-14; Matthew 1:23).

There are many examples of the impenetrable dividing wall that separated man from the intimate fellowship Adam first had with God. But there came a moment in history where the “curtain”, or veil (Exodus 36:8-38) that hid the Lord’s countenance from the people’s eyes was rent and torn (Matthew 27:51), forever removing the barrier of separation between them and their God. From the human perspective, this was no small feat. The curtain in the Holy of Holies has been described as being so large and thick that even a team of horses pulling in opposite directions could not have come close to tearing it in two. Yet it is symbolic of the destruction, the removal of the vast chasm that separated man from God and the divine might and power it took to accomplish it.

Although the first man and woman brought this separation from God by their disobedience and passed it on to us, it was always in God’s plan to restore the intimate communion He once had with man. He would end the hostility between mankind and Himself by doing away with the endless sacrifices for atonement. He would step down from His throne, reveal Himself as a man, and offer Himself as the final sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, breaching the wall that divided His people from His presence and holy communion. Unbeknownst to the Apostles and the people that followed them, God Almighty walked and talked with them. He ate with them. He slept beside them. He prayed with and for them. And He bore a gift that would eventually restore the division and reunite us with our God.

We may have not yet been given physical access back into paradise, but we are now able to approach God without fear. The word “go” has been replaced with a word of encouragement and hope. He calls to every man, woman and child to “come” to Him and promises rest for the soul (Matthew 11:28-30) for He now dwells in the hearts of all believers. Through Jesus Christ we now have full and unlimited access to the Throne of God. No more hiding my sin. No more fiery separation or division and warning of approach. Just eternal oneness with my Creator and my God. And one day we will reside with Him in glory for He will live among us for all eternity (Revelation 21:3-4).

As the old hymn, “In The Garden,” implies, I look forward to that day when I am able to walk with Him and talk with Him as Adam first did “in the garden in the cool of the day” (Genesis 3:8). What a blessed day that will be.