What Does Christ Mean? Why Is the Lord Jesus Called Christ?

What Does Christ Mean? Why Is the Lord Jesus Called Christ?

by Xie Shang

What Does Christ Mean? Why Is the Lord Jesus Called Christ?

As Christians, we are all familiar with the word “Christ.” Because we pray in the holy name of Jesus Christevery day, we believe the Lord Jesus is Christ. Some people may say, “Christ means the anointed One.” Some say, “Christ is the Messiah, the Son of God.” Some say, “Christ is the incarnate Lord Jesus.” Others say, “Christ is the Lord Jesus, the Son of man.” Everyone has his own opinion. For these opinions, other people raise questions. Some of them say, “Jesus Christ is the Son of man. Then, according to the record of the Old Testament, Jehovah God called those who were used by Him the son of man.

God Has Brought His Glory to the East

Welcome the Return of the Lord Jesus Praise Dance 

"God Has Brought His Glory to the East" 

 God gave His glory to Israel then moved it away from there, bringing the Israelites and bringing all men to the East. God has led them all to the “light” so that they may be reunited and associate with light, no longer have to search, search for the light. God will let all who are in search see the light again and the glory He had in Israel, see God has come down upon a white cloud among men, see the clouds of white, see the clusters of fruit, see Jehovah God of Israel, God of Israel, see the “Master” of the Jews, see the longed-for Messiah, and the full appearance of Him persecuted by kings throughout the ages. 

Eastern Lightning | What is The Rapture?

What is The Rapture?

Li Huan

What is The Rapture?

Just like many other Christian brothers and sisters, I eagerly long for the second coming of the Lord Jesus. We abide by the following passage from the Bible: “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1Ts 4:17). For this reason, we foolishly look up to the skies longing for the day that Jesus will return and take us up into the clouds so that we can be with the Lord. However, after so many years have passed, the four blood moons have already appeared; earthquakes, famines, plagues and war and all sorts of other disasters are becoming more and more intense. The prophecies of the Lord’s second coming have basically been fulfilled. However, we still have not seen one Christian raptured into heaven. I cannot help but think, “Why does the Lord not come to receive us? The Lord is trustworthy. The Lord promised that He would take us into the heavenly kingdom in the last days. The Lord’s promise certainly will be accomplished and fulfilled. I do not doubt this at all. Yet, how come up until now, we still have not been raptured by the Lord into heaven? Could it be that there are some problems with our longing?”

Just when I was feeling very perplexed, a preacher who had done work in foreign areas for many years came back and I received some new light from her. The sister replied directly to my question: “The Bible passage that you referred to was something that Paul said. It was not something that Jesus said. Paul was just an apostle. Even though his words were recorded in the Bible, only some of his words could be described as enlightenment from the Holy Spirit. Even though his words were in accordance with the truth, they were not God’s words and they cannot be mentioned as if they were on equal terms with God’s words. Furthermore, some of what Paul said could not be described as enlightenment from the Holy Spirit. Instead, it was derived from his notions and imaginations and it brings man’s meaning with it. These words are not based on God’s words. Therefore, when it comes to the matter of welcoming the second coming of the Lord, we must not use Paul’s words as a foundation. Instead, we should use the Lord’s words as a foundation and seek His intentions because only the Lord’s words are the truth and 100% accurate.” After I heard this, I thought, “Yes. Jesus indeed never said ‘raptured into heaven.’ These were Paul’s words. Paul was just a man. His words really cannot be equated to God’s words. We must not use Paul’s words as a basis for welcoming the second coming of the Lord. As someone who believes in God, I should use God’s words and God’s work as a basis. This is what is in accordance with God’s intentions!”

The sister continued speaking, “Jesus said: ‘And no man has ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven’ (Jhn 3:13). From Jesus’ words, we could see that aside from the Son of man who came down from heaven, who is the incarnate God, nobody else ascended into heaven. Heaven is God’s throne. Only God Himself can ascend to this high place. As human beings, we cannot ascend into this high place to see God. Instead, when God first created man, He predestined that mankind would live on earth. God used the earth to create mankind’s ancestors Adam and Eve and helped them settle in the Garden of Eden. They listened to God’s words, received God’s blessings and managed everything within the garden. Afterward, mankind would also manage everything on the earth but not in heaven. When mankind was corrupted deeply and the earth was full of corruption and violence, God decided to use a flood to destroy the world. God saved Noah a righteous person who worships God but God did not rapture him into heaven so that he would avoid the flood waters. Instead, God made Noah build the ark. When the floods came, Noah and his family of eight people took shelter in the ark. After they emerged from the ark, Noah and his family continued to live on earth and multiply. During the Age of Law, the Israelites suffered under enslavement by the hands of Egypt’s Pharaoh. When God led the Israelites out of Egypt and helped them escape the Pharaoh’s hunting, God did not rapture the Israelites into heaven. Instead, God showed His authority on earth by performing all sorts of miracles so that people could witness God’s almightiness and know God’s wisdom and how wonderful He is. Afterward, God issued His laws and commandments through Moses and guided the Israelites on how to live on earth. During the Age of Grace, when mankind was unable to adhere to the laws and faced the dangers of execution, man did not go to heaven to atone for his sins. Instead, God incarnated into the image of Jesus and came down to earth. To save mankind, He was nailed to the cross. This was the only way for man to obtain the Lord’s salvation. Clearly, we, as human beings, belong on the earth. God predestined us to live on the earth. Additionally, Jesus taught us: ‘After this manner therefore pray you: Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven’ (Mat 6:9-10). The words that the Lord speaks contain His intentions. The Lord wants us to worship Him on earth. Christ’s kingdom will also descend onto the earth. There is a prophecy in the Book of Revelation that reads: ‘And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God’ (Rev 21:3). Clearly, our desire to be raptured into heaven to meet the Lord is completely our own notion and imagination and it is absolutely not a fact.” After I listened to my sister communicate, I understood very clearly that regardless if we look at the work that God did in the past or the Lord’s prophecies, God never mentioned that we would be raptured into heaven. If we still believe that God will return and rapture us into heaven, isn’t this our own notion and imagination? Isn’t this our own delusional thinking? Fundamentally, this is not in accordance with God’s words and intentions! My heart felt like things had cleared up. However, I still had one more question: Even though our acceptance of rapture is wrong, just what does rapture refer to? I continued to ask this sister to seek in regard to this question.

What is The Rapture?

The sister said, “In regard to rapture, this is a mystery and we, as human beings, are unable to fathom it. Almighty God, Christ of the last days, has come and expressed millions of words and revealed all sorts of truths and mysteries. I only came to an understanding of what I just communicated from reading God’s words. In regard to the subject of rapture, let’s take a look at God’s words. Almighty God said: ‘“Being caught up” is not being taken from a low place to a high place as people imagine. This is a huge mistake. Being caught up is referring to My predetermining and selecting. It is targeted at all those I have preordained and chosen. … This is most incompatible with people’s notions. Those who have a share in My house in the future are all people who have been caught up before Me. This is absolutely true, never-changing, and cannot be refuted by anybody. This is the counterattack against Satan. Anyone I preordained shall be caught up before Me’ (‘The One Hundred and Fourth Utterance’ in The Word Appears in the Flesh). From God’s words we could see that rapture was not the way we imagined it to be. It was not ascending from the earth to heaven to see God. Instead, it refers to those who God has predetermined and selected. This includes those who can hear God’s voice and accept God’s work. They will come before God when God comes to earth to do His work. These are the people who are brought before God. This is similar to the last period of the Age of Law. When Jesus came to do His work, all those who could tell that Jesus’ words were the voice of God and accepted Jesus as the Lord of salvation were brought before God. This included Peter, John, Matthew and other disciples, the apostles and all those who accepted the Lord’s salvation. They were all brought before God. As for all those who adhered to the Old Testament Bible such as the Pharisees and the common people, not only did they not accept God’s salvation, they convicted, resisted and blasphemed God’s new work. Not only were these people not brought before God, instead, they were thoroughly revealed, eliminated and abandoned by God’s new work. Now, it is already the last days and Almighty God has done a new work and expressed words that cleanse and save man. Those who can tell that it is God’s voice speaking God’s words, follow the footsteps of the Lamb and accept God’s new work of the last days will be brought before God. Since Almighty God’s work of the last days unfolded, more and more truly faithful brothers and sisters, from reading the words of Almighty God, believe firmly that Almighty God’s words are the truth and that they are the words that the Holy Spirit speaks to the churches. One after another, they have returned before Almighty God. They are all clever virgins and they have accepted the watering, nourishing, judgmentand chastisement of God’s words. Their corrupt dispositions have gradually been cleansed and they truly know God. These people are all brought before God. As for those who foolishly wait for the Lord to come and rapture them up into heaven where they will meet God, they simply adhere to their own notion and imagination. Not only do they not seek and investigate Almighty God’s work of the last days, they judge, slander and resist God’s new work. They are all foolish virgins. Not only will they not be brought before God, they will, in the end, descend into the midst of disaster and be punished by God.”

After I heard these things from this sister, I suddenly saw the light. As it turns out, rapture refers to us accepting God’s new work, following the footsteps of the Lamb and coming before God. The way she communicated this was indeed very illuminating. It is much more realistic than how we originally believed that we would be raptured into heaven where we would meet the Lord. If it were not for God’s words opening up this mystery, regardless of how long we believe in the Lord, we would not be able to understand. We would be living within our notion and imagination and we would foolishly await the Lord to rapture us into the kingdom of heaven!

After this sister left, I repeatedly reflected on what she said. I recognized that if we want to be brought before God, the key is that we must open-mindedly seek the words that the Holy Spirit speaks to the churches. We must be clever virgins and proactively seek and investigate the Lord’s voice. In this manner, we will be able to welcome the return of the Lord and be brought before God! At this moment, I thought of one of Jesus’ teachings: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. … Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Mat 5:3, 8). I am thankful that God’s enlightenment has helped me find a practical path. I finally understand the true meaning of rapture. Presently, all sorts of disasters are occurring one after another in countries around the world. The great disaster is before our eyes and seeking God’s appearance is imminent. Today, only The Church of Almighty God bears witness to the fact that the Lord has already returned. Additionally, the gospel of The Church of Almighty God has already reached all corners of the globe. Its books, videos and movies are available online and people from all around the world can access them and investigate. Right now, the only thing that I should do is to investigate Almighty God’s words immediately and see whether or not Almighty God’s words are God’s voice and the truth. This is the most crucial major event when it comes to welcoming the return of the Lord!

From the Internet

Questions and Answers on Why the True Way Is Subject to Persecution | Eastern Lightning

XVII. Questions and Answers on Why the True Way Is Subject to Persecution

Question 1: I don’t understand, if Eastern Lightning is the true way, then why would it be strongly opposed by the CCP government? Why would religious leaders also furiously condemn it? It’s not like pastors and elders have not been persecuted by the CCP government. But when it comes to Eastern Lightning, how come the pastors and elders who serve God can have the same view and attitude as the CCP government? Just what is the reason behind this?

"Waking Up" | Eastern Lightning

Christian Crosstalk 

"Waking Up"

The Lord Is Knocking on the Door—Come and Meet the Lord 

Just Awake and About To Wake are preachers of a Christian sect who both sincerely believe in the Lord, and who eagerly yearn for His return. But they have always felt puzzled and confused about how the Lord will knock at the door upon His return, and what they should do to welcome Him. 

The Church of Almighty God | "The One Who Holds Sovereignty Over Everything"

Christian Documentary 

"The One Who Holds Sovereignty Over Everything"

Testimony of the Power of God

 In the vast heavens of the universe, strewn with stars, every celestial body travels precisely along its own track. The distances between the sun, the earth, and the moon are just perfect…. This has created an environment suitable for human life. Under the great sky, the mountains, rivers, plains, and lakes all have their boundaries. Humans, animals, and plants all thrive and multiply within their own living environments. All creatures cycle through the four seasons, obeying the laws of life…. All of this is such an exquisite design—is there a Mighty One ruling and arranging this? 

Eastern Lightning | The Experience of Growth of a Christian Born in the 1990s

The Experience of Growth of a Christian Born in the 1990s

Wei Chen, Fujian Province

I’m a Christian who was born in the 1990s. I was once a student in one of those famous schools that all parents want their kids to study at and will go to extreme lengths to get them in. In China, they are known as key schools, and I studied in one for 10 years. In China, parents have very high expectations of such schools, and rack their brains for ways to improve their children’s chances of going to these high-quality places of learning. They think that their kids will thus gain a first-class education that will put them head and shoulders above the rest and bring glory to their family and ancestors.

Eastern Lightning | “Two Thousand Years of Longing"

Christian Music Video 2018 | The Return of the Lord 

“Two Thousand Years of Longing" (Worship Song)

 Introduction

 I

 That God has become flesh shakes the religious world, upsets the religious order, and stirs up the souls of all who long for God's appearance. Who does not marvel at this? Who does not long to see God? God has spent years among man, but man is simply unaware of this. Today, God Himself has appeared to renew His old love with man.

Eastern Lightning | The Secret Tip to Resolving Hatred

The Secret Tip to Resolving Hatred

Xiao Wu

I was self-employed. Mainly I sold all kinds of textiles, and I also made clothes for my customers part-time. After a few years, my business became more and more popular, and people around me were all very envious. Later, a neighboring household opened the same kind of shop as mine and became my competitor. Naturally, the business in my shop was affected. The popular proverb says two of a trade never agree, but my peer was not just anyone, but my most trusted pupil, Xiaochen.

Almighty God’s Work Has Caused Us to Walk the Same Path as Husband and Wife | Eastern Lightning

Almighty God’s Work Has Caused Us to Walk the Same Path as Husband and Wife

Liu Xue, Henan Province

picture of The Church of Almighty God

In 1991, since we were enduring the hardships of family conflict, my husband and I believed in the Lord Jesus together. From then on, we no longer quarreled. We read the Bible and attended gatherings together very zealously. Not long afterward, my husband left the Three-Self Church and switched over to the Stream of Recovery. In regards to the matter of my husband switching denominations, I did not mind. I believed that as long as we believed in one God, it did not matter which denomination we belonged to.

The Church of Almighty God | God’s name may change, but His essence will never change.

IV. One Must Bear Witness to the Aspect of Truth Concerning the Relationship Between God’s Three Stages of Work and His Names

3. God’s name may change, but His essence will never change.

Relevant Words of God:

There are those who say that God is immutable. That is correct, but it refers to the immutability of God’s disposition and substance. Changes in His name and work do not prove that His substance has altered; in other words, God will always be God, and this will never change. If you say that the work of God always stays the same, then would He be able to finish His six-thousand-year management plan?

Eastern Lightning | God redeemed mankind in the Age of Grace, so why does He still need to do His work of judgment in the last days?

III. One Must Bear Witness to the Aspect of Truth Concerning God’s Work of Judgment in the Last Days

1. God redeemed mankind in the Age of Grace, so why does He still need to do His work of judgment in the last days?

Picture of the Church of Almighty God

Bible Verses for Reference:

“You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy”(Lev 11:45).

  “Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Heb 12:14).

The Church of Almighty God | Best Christian Video | "Dawn Light" | How to Find a Church With the Work of the Holy Spirit

Best Christian Video | "Dawn Light" | How to Find a Church With the Work of the Holy Spirit

Introduction

As a child, Yangwang followed her parents in their faith in the Lord, and as an adult she served the Lord in the church. In 2013, her church joined the World Council of Churches, which advocates universal church unification and religious pluralism.

The Church of Almighty God | Do You Really Know God | Christian Song | "God Is Abundantly Merciful and Profoundly Wrathful"

Do You Really Know God | Christian Song | "God Is Abundantly Merciful and Profoundly Wrathful"

Introduction 

 It is so real and it's so true God's mercy and God's tolerance exist, but when He unleashes His wrath, His holiness and righteousness also show man the side of God that brooks no offense.

Your Kingdom Come | Christian Movie "Yearning" | Have You Met the Return of Lord Jesus?

Your Kingdom Come | Christian Movie "Yearning" | Have You Met the Return of Lord Jesus?

      Introduction
      Two thousand years ago, the Lord Jesus promised His followers: ""I go to prepare a place for you. 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 14:2-3). 

The Second Coming of Jesus | Christian Movie "Knocking at the Door"

The Second Coming of Jesus | Christian Movie "Knocking at the Door"

       Introduction
      Two thousand years ago, the Lord Jesus prophesied, "And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom comes; go you out to meet him" (Matthew 25:6). "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20). 

Eastern Lightning | What Is the Difference Between God's Judgment Work in the Last Days and the Work of the Lord Jesus?

What Is the Difference Between God's Judgment Work in the Last Days and the Work of the Lord Jesus?

       Introduction
      Some people believe that after the Lord Jesus resurrected and ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit descended to work on man on the day of Pentecost. He reproved the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. When we receive the work of the Holy Spirit and repent to the Lord for our sins, we are experiencing the Lord's judgment. 

The Church of Almighty God | The significance of God taking the name Jesus in the Age of Grace

2. What is the relationship between every stage of God’s work and His name?

Picture of the Church of Almighty God

(2) The significance of God taking the name Jesus in the Age of Grace

Bible Verses for Reference:

“The angel of the LORD appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, you son of David, fear not to take to you Mary your wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Mat 1:20-21).

“And the angel said to her, Fear not, Mary: for you have found favor with God. And, behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give to him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luk 1:30-33).

The Church of Almighty God | The significance of God taking the name Jehovah in the Age of Law

2. What is the relationship between every stage of God’s work and His name?

Picture of the Church of Almighty God

(1) The significance of God taking the name Jehovah in the Age of Law

Bible Verses for Reference:

“And God said moreover to Moses, Thus shall you say to the children of Israel, the LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial to all generations” (Exo 3:15).

The Church of Almighty God | What is the consequence and the outcome of the religious world rejecting God’s work of judgment in the last days?

III. One Must Bear Witness to the Aspect of Truth Concerning God’s Work of Judgment in the Last Days

5. What is the consequence and the outcome of the religious world rejecting God’s work of judgment in the last days?

Relevant Words of God:

In each period of time, God will begin new work, and in each period, there will be a new beginning among man. If man only abides by the truths that “Jehovah is God” and “Jesus is Christ,” which are truths that only apply to a single age, then man will never keep up with the work of the Holy Spirit, and will forever be incapable of gaining the work of the Holy Spirit. Regardless of how God works, man follows without the slightest doubt, and he follows closely.