Have you ever wondered why Paul said we would meet the Lord in the air? I think that sometimes people have the idea the Lord is going to make a U-turn and carry us to Heaven when He returns. The only problem with that idea is there is no scriptural basis for it. Check it out!

It is the air that is important in the return of the Lord. Notice carefully the following:

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (Ephesians 2:2)

"The prince of the power of the air." "The ruler of the kingdom of the air," the NIV has it.

We meet Christ in the air because the purpose of the first resurrection, the resurrection that will take place when the Lord is revealed, is to place God's kings on the thrones in the air that govern the earth.

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: . . . (Revelation 20:4)

Christians can make every effort imaginable to stem the tide of moral corruption that is coming in. Much good may be done. But the kind of total victory we are looking for is possible only when the rebellious angels are driven from the thrones in the air and righteous kings take their place.

It is then the earth will break forth into singing. It is then the saved nations of the earth will turn their swords and spears into farm equipment and go up to Jerusalem to learn more about God and His commandments.

Because the purpose of the first resurrection is to establish thrones of righteousness, we who hope to attain this resurrection, that is, to the resurrection and ascension that will take place when our Lord returns, must be taught the way of righteousness. If we ourselves are not righteous, holy, and sternly obedient to God, we are still part of the problem. We are in no condition to assume one of the thrones in the air.

It is not too late to learn to behave righteously (although other Christians will call you a Pharisee, a legalist, and God knows what else!). Israel always murders the prophets.

If you depart from sinful behavior you will make yourself a prey of professing Christians. Try it and find out for yourself.

All you have to do to learn to behave righteously is to read the many exhortations to righteous living found in the New Testament. Then go to the Lord each day for help in keeping His Word.

Read the Bible and pray every day. As you do the Holy Spirit will speak to you about one or two of the commandments. The Bible is like the Laver of the Tabernacle of the Congregation. You wash in it.

The Bible is like a mirror. As you read it or hear it preached you will discover where the dirt is. Then the Lord will help you wash your robe in His blood and you can start off fresh.

What you have just read is the true God and eternal life. If anyone tells you that you can be a Christian and not keep Christ's commandments because you are "saved by grace," he is deceived.

Serve the Lord with a pure heart and God will help you in all your ways. If you suffer with Him you will rule with Him over the nations of the earth and bring righteousness, peace, and joy to them, for this is the Kingdom of God.