When The Salvation Door Slams Shut!

"Dr. Lovett, I know a time is coming when it will no longer be possible for people to be saved. SINCE the Bible refers to the Lamb's Book of Life, does this mean only a specific number of people will be saved? Does the Bible give any hint as to when that might be?"

MY
ANSWER

It is my view the Lord will NOT RETURN until the last person named in the "Book of Life" has said  "yes" to Jesus. But when will that be? For one thing, it seems certain that when the Lord appears in the sky and descends to earth, He'll be bringing every last believer with Him! He is "coming with ALL His  saints,"   says   the apostle Paul  (1 Thess. 3:13).

It'll be quite a crowd. The entire church gathered out of all ages, the entire family of God. From this fact an awesome truth emerges— no one will be saved AFTER the Lord returns in glory! That's a shocker, isn't it! Especially when we know more than a 1000 years of human history remain.

HOW  DO WE DETERMINE THIS?

Let's begin with Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Matt. 25:1-13). I won't repeat the story, but simply recall that 5 of the 10 virgins were prepared for the bridegroom's return and 5 were not. When the bridegroom returned unexpectedly, those who were ready went into the feast with him, and those who were not, were barred from entering. Then came those terrible words—"The door was shut!"

Consider that shut door. Consider also when Jesus gave this parable. His disciples had just asked when and how He was returning. Without a doubt, the purpose of the parable was to teach the believer's readiness for Jesus' second coming. This is something people MUST be ready for. If not, they'll find that door slammed shut in their faces!

The Bible gives no hint that door is ever opened again. And that is my biblical basis for saying salvation is no longer possible or available after the Lord Jesus appears in the sky! Thus one must conclude the Lord will NOT RETURN until the last person listed in the Lamb's book is in the fold.

NEVER OPENED AGAIN!

Isn't that an awesome thought! "But what about the Millennium," you ask. "Won't anyone be saved during those 1000 years - even newborn children?"

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This is a mind-blower, but when have I withheld truth just because it was startling or rarely taught? I don't expect you to accept things merely because I write them, but rather, like the noble Bereans, search the Scriptures and see "whether or not these things are so" (Acts 17:11). As I give my biblical reasons, the Holy Spirit will underline the truth:

     As I mentioned, the Lord will not return until the last man is saved. The last man, that is, named in the Lamb's Book (Phil. 4:3, Rev. 3:5). In that moment the "Body of Christ" will be complete and the DOOR WILL BE SHUT! (Matt. 25:10).

   The Spirit's sealing work ends when Jesus returns. Why? We are sealed UNTIL the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13-14). That is the day Jesus returns (Rom. 8:23).

    It is Jesus' work as the Spirit Baptizer that places people in the "body of Christ" (John 1:33; 1 Cor. 12:13). The instant Jesus returns in the flesh, His ministry as the Spirit of Christ ends. From that point on, no one can be baptized into the "body" (God's family).  How come?

    Salvation is by faith—yet when Jesus returns, everything is BY SIGHT (including the Millennium). No longer will people be able to place their faith in an unseen Lord. Faith is not possible says the apostle Paul, once Jesus can be seen with the naked eye (Rom. 8:24). And certainly not possible when He returns in power and glory (Matt. 25:31; Rev. 19:16).

     Very clearly the millennial choice is not a choice for salvation. It's purpose is to prove that God was just in making salvation by faith rather than by sight. The SIGHT METHOD failed in the FIRST EDEN—it will fail again in the LAST EDEN. For after 1000 years under the reign of Christ, the nations of the earth will flock to Satan once he's released (Rev 20:7-9). This deliberate choice on their part will show that God was perfectly right in SHUTTING THE SALVATION DOOR the day Jesus appears in the sky!

HIS RETURN CLOSES THIS AGE

You and I live in the amazing age of the Holy Spirit. During this age, Jesus literally indwells believers via His Spirit (John 14:20, 23, 26, Acts 2:1-4) Once the Lord returns in a body, He will no longer be available in the Spirit. Thus, no one will be able to "receive" the Spirit, making this age the only time men can be saved.

But when did this age begin? At Pentecost when the Spirit came to live inside all who believe (1 Cor. 1:30, 2 Cor. 5:21). Can we be sure of that? Listen to what Jesus told His disciples...

"...It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the comforter WILL NOT come to y ou; but if I depart, I will send him unto you" (John 16:7).

See what that means? Jesus cannot be on earth in a body and be in our hearts as the Comforter—at the same time! He had to go away before He could return in the Spirit. Now the reverse of that statement is also true. When Jesus returns, the Comforter can't stay. This means no one will be able receive the "Spirit of Christ" and "partake of the divine nature" after that (2 Peter 1:4). No one will ever again receive the righteousness needed to live with a holy God. So how can people be saved after Jesus returns? They can't.

THE DOOR MUST STAY OPEN

If the "Book of Life" really contains the names of those "appointed to eternal life:" (Acts 13:48 NIV), then this age cannot end until the last person listed there has received Jesus and been "born of the Spirit" (John 3:5-6). This is why the Lord Jesus must hold off His return until that last man joins the family. Then the door will be "SHUT!"

It seems that if people can't be saved except by faith—and faith clearly ends when Jesus appears and every eye can see Him—then the case has been made (Rev. 1:7). Before you say I'm dead wrong, in fairness you should read my book, "Latest Word on the Last Days," where I have ample room to develop this truth more fully.

BUT WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WAIT LONG

The apostle Paul warned us to expect terrible times before the Lord returns. Those times are all but on us now. So you'd better enjoy your warm bed, hot shower and full stomach as long as you can. You may think America, which has been so abundantly favored by God, is immune to judgment. But this nation has all but turned its back on Him and He has little reason to spare it now.

You may find your children snatched from your arms while you're being loaded into a cattle car destined for who knows where. The Lord Jesus spoke of this time when He said those who kill us will think they're doing God a favor (John 16:2). Believe me, the Scripture is clear on this. God is going to shake this world really good in preparation for His Son's return. Devastation will be everywhere. The carnage will be horrible  (Heb.12:26-29).

HOW PREPARED ARE YOU?

"Dr. Lovett, if God asks me to die as a martyr, I don't want to go as a sniveling crybaby. I don't want to bring shame or disappointment to Jesus!"

That's what a lady in North Dakota wrote. And that's why I write as I do. It's my job to prepare God's people for Jesus' return— including being faithful unto death (Rev.2:10). Do you know what to expect? Do you have yourself and your family ready? If not, you need my help.

My best help comes to you in books. And there are two I would mention: LATEST WORD ON THE LAST DAYS and  LOVETT'S LIGHTS ON REVELATION.  Not only will they fill you in on what is coming, but you'll be satisfied that getting ready to stand before the Lord in that day is the one thing...

YOU MUST DO NOW!

This article is Copyright 2002 by Dr. C. S. Lovett and is found on www.cslovettbooks.com