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Re: Prayers of the saints

"Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the 
altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the 
prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the 
throne.   And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, 
ascended before God from the angel’s hand." (Rev8:3-4)   

As the Lamb opens the seven seals of the scroll, the world comes to 
understand that the "wrath of the Lamb" is being poured out upon them. 
(Rev6:17) And just before He opens the seventh seal, Israel is sealed on 
their foreheads for protection against God's wrath. (ch7) And then, the 
seventh seal is opened, and angels prepare to sound seven trumpets. 
(8:2) 

But before the trumpets begin to sound, there is an interesting 
interjection. The "prayers of all the saints"; typified with the censers 
full of incense, and the smoke of the incense rising before God.

Now notice what is done with these 'prayers'. An 'angel' takes from the 
altar and throws it to the earth. (vs5) And notice that what is thrown 
to the earth is judgement (hail and fire). (vs7) A great burning 
mountain. (vs8) A star falls from heaven. (vs10)

The same place from which the "prayers of the saints" rise before God, 
is the same place from which God's judgments are hurled upon the earth.

These judgments are in retribution for the world's persecution of the 
saints. Avenging the blood of the martyrs. (Rev6:10) As Babylon rendered 
to the saints, "..repay her double according to her works" (18:6) 
Remember also, that the entity we continually call the "pretend church" 
will be bowing at the feet of True Believers (3:9), as they are then 
judged. (3:10)

So now, please tell me, you who believe in the doctrine so-called the 
"post-trib" Rapture, and believe that the Church is supposedly 
"purified" -during- that period of time you erroneously call the 
"Tribulation" (there is no such period-of-time mentioned in Scripture) 
... If these judgments that are being cast from the altar before God's 
presence are coming with the prayers of the saints... why, please tell 
me WHY, would those same saints be -ON- the earth? Do you mean to 
suggest that these judgements that are mingled with the prayers -of- the 
saints, in retribution against those who persecuted the saints... are 
also AIMED -AT- THE SAINTS?  They are 'shooting' at themselves??

I THINK NOT!

That's why God promises the faithful Church of Philadelphia, "I also 
will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole 
world, to test those who dwell on the earth." (Rev3:10)

Don't forget...the Church does not -need- further "purifying". It has 
ALREADY been purified: washed in Jesus' blood. (Rev1:5) When Jesus made 
atonement for sin, He cried out, "It has been finished". (Jn19:30) If 
you are looking for some -future- 'purification', by the testimony of 
your own lips, by definition, you have proclaimed that you are not 
saved. Heed this well! If you claim to be saved, but also look for 
further purification; you are suggesting that the work of Jesus 'failed' 
on the cross; that it was inadequate. Blasphemy! You are condemned!

"Beware, brethren, that there not be in any of you an evil heart of 
unbelief in withdrawing from the living God;  but exhort one another 
daily, while it is called Today, that not any of you be hardened through 
the deceitfulness of sin.  For we have become partakers of Christ if we 
hold fast to the origin of our Foundation steadfast to the end,  while 
it is said: Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts 
as in the provocation." (Heb3:12-15)  

Amen!

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