by Jamie Pantastico | May 26, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
For Your Edification and Encouragement
Daniel 12:4, 9 | Matthew 16:1–3 | 2 Timothy 4 | Romans 1:18
“But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
—Daniel 12:4
“And he said, ‘Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.'”
—Daniel 12:9
For centuries, the prophetic words spoken to Daniel were sealed—hidden in mystery, reserved for a future generation. A time when knowledge would explode, travel would be rapid, and the signs would be unmistakable.
That time is now.
The words are unsealed. The signs are everywhere. The convergence of end-time events is no longer theoretical. It’s visible, tangible, global—and it’s escalating.
Jesus Rebuked the Blindness of His Generation—What Would He Say to Ours?
“You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.”
—Matthew 16:3
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day could forecast the weather, but they were blind to the presence of their long-awaited Messiah. Today, the world is filled with “experts,” analysts, and think tanks forecasting everything from economic collapses to climate change. But where are the voices discerning the times? Where is the church?
If we dare to look—not with carnal eyes, but with spiritual discernment—we’ll see the sobering truth: the time of the end is no longer approaching. It is upon us.
What Are the Signs of the Time of the End?
Let’s take a look at the unmistakable convergence happening in real time:
1. Israel: God’s Prophetic Timepiece
Israel is God’s super-sign. The rebirth of the nation in 1948 set the prophetic clock ticking. But today, the pressure is intensifying:
- Every major world power is united against Israel’s right to defend itself.
- Nations are demanding a two-state solution, seeking to divide the land God gave to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- Most of Christendom has always been against Israel, because most of Christendom believes in “Replacement Theology”
- Zechariah 12:3 is in motion: “Though all nations of the earth are gathered against it…”
2. Global Deception and Apostasy
Deception isn’t creeping—it’s flooding every corner of society.
- Governments lie.
- Media manipulates.
- Pulpits are silent—or worse, apostate.
- People are willingly rejecting truth and embracing delusion.
Paul warned of this in 2 Timothy 4:3–4:
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine… they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”
But the root of this deception goes deeper—it is deliberate.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”
—Romans 1:18
This is the world we’re living in—a world actively suppressing truth. Not merely ignorant of it, but knowingly holding it down in unrighteousness. Truth is not just rejected—it’s ridiculed, censored, and criminalized.
- God’s design for marriage? Suppressed.
- God’s image in humanity? Suppressed.
- The truth of the gospel? Suppressed.
This level of worldwide deception—in politics, religion, education, media, and morality—is without precedent. And it’s one of the clearest signs that the time of the end has come.
3. The Beast System Is Ready
Daniel said knowledge will increase, and it has—exponentially:
- AI platforms are integrated into every sector of society.
- Digital currency is already being implemented.
- Global surveillance and biometric ID systems are active.
- The infrastructure for the mark of the beast (Revelation 13) is not coming—it’s here.
4. Lawlessness and Moral Collapse
We are witnessing a complete moral breakdown of society on a global scale. This is not just a temporary cultural drift—it is the prophetic description of a world in full rebellion against God.
Jesus warned in Matthew 24:12:
“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.”
Paul describes this same condition in chilling detail. He outlines what the world will look like in the last days before the Rapture of the Church:
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”
—2 Timothy 3:1–5
Look around and you’ll see every one of these descriptions fulfilled in real time:
-
Lovers of self: The cult of self-love is glorified.
-
Disobedience and pride: Authority is despised—parents, police, God Himself.
-
Unthankful and unholy: Gratitude is gone, and reverence for anything sacred has vanished.
-
Brutal and unforgiving: Violence is normalized, cancel culture thrives.
-
Lovers of pleasure, not God: Entertainment is the new religion.
-
A form of godliness: Churches promote religion without repentance, grace without truth.
This isn’t exaggeration—it’s prophecy unfolding before our eyes. And it’s yet another undeniable sign that we are living in the very last days.
5. Earthquakes and Signs in the Heavens
- Earthquakes are shaking cities that never had fault lines.
- Solar eclipses, blood moons, and atmospheric phenomena are drawing global attention.
- Even unbelievers are starting to ask: “What is going on?”
Jesus said: “There will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars…” (Luke 21:25).
This Is Not Hype—This Is Scripture Unsealed
What Daniel saw, but didn’t understand—what the prophets longed to know—we are now witnessing. What a great time to be alive!
The signs Jesus gave.
The warnings Paul shouted.
The vision John recorded.
They’re no longer waiting in the wings. They’re center stage.
What Should We Do?
Paul’s final charge is our call to action:
“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
—2 Timothy 4:2
This is not a time to panic. It’s a time to preach, watch, and stand firm in the truth. The Bible does not call us to set dates—but it does command us to recognize the season and live accordingly.
We are not appointed to wrath (1 Thess. 5:9), but we are appointed to truth, boldness, and hope in Jesus Christ.
Final Word: Wake Up. Look Up. Speak Up.
The words are unsealed.
The signs are screaming.
The end is not near—it’s here.
If you know Christ, hold fast. If you don’t, today is the day of salvation.
Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose again. Believe on Him and you will be saved.
“When you see these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
—Luke 21:28
by Jamie Pantastico | May 24, 2025 | Pauline Theology |
For Your Edification and Encouragement
Galatians 2:11–16
There’s a moment recorded in Galatians 2 that Christendom simply ignores—a confrontation between two of the most influential apostles in the early church. Paul withstands Peter “to his face,” not over a minor disagreement, but over the very truth of the gospel. Why? Because Peter, the apostle to the circumcision, had compromised the message of salvation by grace.
This wasn’t a debate over table customs. This was about the core of our faith.
The Context: Why Paul Was Sent to Jerusalem
(Galatians 1–2, Acts 15)
To understand why Paul confronted Peter in Antioch, we need to look at the backdrop: the Jerusalem church and the rising tension over whether Gentile believers needed to obey the Law of Moses to be fully accepted by God.
In Galatians 1, Paul makes it crystal clear that the gospel he preached did not come from man. He wasn’t taught it by Peter, James, or John. He received it directly “through the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12). After his conversion, he didn’t rush to Jerusalem to get approval—instead, he spent three years before ever meeting Peter, and even then, it was a brief visit (Galatians 1:18–19).
Years later, a serious issue arose. Certain Jewish believers began teaching that unless Gentiles were circumcised and kept the law, they could not be saved (Acts 15:1). This heresy threatened the very foundation of the gospel Paul preached—salvation apart from the law.
So the Lord Jesus sent Paul and Barnabas up to Jerusalem—not to learn doctrine, but to defend it.
“Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles…”
—Galatians 2:1–2a
Paul’s companion Titus—an uncircumcised Greek—became a living example of grace. Paul refused to have him circumcised, despite pressure from false brethren who had infiltrated the church.
“…to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.”
—Galatians 2:5
That one sentence says everything. Paul would not compromise, not even for a moment. The truth of the gospel was at stake—and Paul stood firm. The result of that meeting was a mutual agreement: the apostles in Jerusalem recognized Paul’s divine calling, and extended the right hand of fellowship to him and Barnabas (Galatians 2:9). They acknowledged that Paul had been entrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision (Gentiles), just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel of the circumcision (Jews).
And yet, despite this clarity, old habits die hard. Legalism is a powerful force—especially for Jewish believers like Peter and Barnabas, whose entire worldview had been shaped by the Mosaic system. That’s what makes the confrontation in Antioch so critical.
The Gospel on Trial: Galatians 2:11–16
In Antioch, Peter had been freely eating with Gentile believers—until certain men from James arrived. Then, fearing those men who were Jews, Peter pulled back. His withdrawal wasn’t just a personal decision—it sent a message that Gentiles were second-class unless they kept the law.
Even Barnabas was carried away with the hypocrisy.
“But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all…”
—Galatians 2:14
Paul’s response is bold, clear, and theological:
“…a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ…”
—Galatians 2:16
The moment Peter stepped back, he blurred the lines between law and grace, implying that righteousness still depended on law-keeping. But Paul wouldn’t allow it. The gospel he preached was not law reformed or Judaism extended—it was a completely new revelation (the mystery): salvation apart from works, apart from Israel, apart from the Law.
Peter’s Final Words: Go to Paul
Years later, Peter wrote his final epistle before martyrdom. He knew his time was short. And with his last inspired words, he pointed believers—not back to the Sermon on the Mount, not to his own Pentecost sermon, and not to Christ’s earthly ministry.
He pointed them to Paul.
“…our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you… in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things… in which are some things hard to understand…”
—2 Peter 3:15–16
What “things” was Peter talking about? He had just spoken of being found by the Lord “in peace, without spot and blameless” (v.14)—in other words, how to be saved. And he continues in verse 15, saying, *“consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation”—*a direct reference to God’s present offer of grace to all. Then Peter points his readers to “our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him.” That “wisdom” is none other than the revelation of the gospel of grace—truths previously hidden, now made known through Paul alone. So if you want to understand salvation in this dispensation, Peter says: go to Paul.
Peter knew that Paul’s gospel was the final revelation of salvation for this dispensation of grace. It was Paul’s gospel that explained the cross—not just as a tragic end, but as a triumphant means of justification for both Jew and Gentile.
Why This Matters
This confrontation in Galatians 2 isn’t just a historical footnote—it’s a warning and a revelation.
✅It shows that even apostles can falter.
✅It shows that good men, like Peter and Barnabas, can waver under pressure.
✅And it shows that when the gospel is at stake, silence is not an option.
But more than that, it proves that we are not under law but under grace. We are justified freely by faith in what Christ did on the cross—not by what we do, or don’t do, under the law.
“I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”
—Galatians 2:21
Final Thoughts: Stand Fast in the Liberty of Christ
The confrontation between Paul and Peter is recorded for us—not to shame Peter, but to safeguard the gospel. This confrontation is recorded to remind us that law and grace do not mix. It affirms that justification comes only through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as revealed to the apostle Paul.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”
—Galatians 5:1
Let’s not be bewitched (Galatians 3:1). Let’s not return to bondage. Don’t settle for any other gospel other than the gospel revealed to Paul (1 Corinthians 15:1-3). And don’t be afraid to stand, like Paul did, for the truth, the gospel of the grace of God.
to whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
Galatians 2:5
by Jamie Pantastico | May 22, 2025 | Pauline Theology |
For Your Edification and Encouragement
When talking about salvation, we often hear words like grace, faith, mercy, and forgiveness. But do we truly understand what they mean—and how they differ?
One of the most important truths we must grasp is this:
👉 Grace isn’t just part of salvation—it’s the very reason salvation is even available to sinners.
Let’s begin by understanding two closely related, but distinct, truths about God’s character: mercy and grace.
Mercy Withholds Judgment — Grace Gives Life
- Mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve—His righteous judgment.
- Grace is God giving us what we could never deserve—eternal life, righteousness, and inheritance.
The difference is subtle, but essential.
📖 Titus 3:5–7 explains it beautifully:
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Mercy held back the judgment we deserve.
Grace went further—it gave us what only God could give.
Grace Is the Cause — Faith Is the Channel
The apostle Paul leaves no room for confusion. In one of the most quoted salvation verses, we see this clearly:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
— Ephesians 2:8–9
- You are saved by grace—that’s the cause.
- You receive it through faith—that’s the means.
- It is not of yourselves—that removes all boasting.
- It is the gift of God—freely given, never earned.
Grace is not God’s response to our faith.
Rather, faith is our response to God’s grace.
Romans: Grace Is the Origin
Paul again affirms that grace is the origin of our salvation in Romans 3:
“…being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
— Romans 3:24
We are justified—declared righteous—freely by His grace.
That means no cost to us, but a great cost to God: the death of His Son.
Grace gave what we could never earn:
✔ Justification
✔ Redemption
✔ Peace with God
✔ Eternal life
All of it, by grace alone.
So What Does This Mean for You?
It means that your salvation doesn’t begin with you—it begins with God. It’s not based on your goodness, sincerity, or religious efforts. It’s based solely on God’s grace poured out through Christ Jesus.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
— Romans 5:8
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
—Ephesians 2:4-5
Grace is what makes salvation possible.
Faith is how we receive it.
Works are the evidence, not the cause.
✅ Summary: The Gospel Equation
Here’s how it all fits together:
👉 Grace is the cause — It all starts with God’s unmerited favor.
👉 Justification is the effect — You are declared righteous in Christ.
👉 Heirship is the result — You are adopted into God’s family.
👉 Eternal life is the guarantee — Not a hope-so, but a know-so promise.
👉 Faith alone is the means — Simply believe, and you receive.
Works play no part—salvation is all of God.
🚫 What About Works?
Salvation is not a reward for good behavior, religious rituals, or law-keeping.
It is entirely by grace, received through faith, and completely apart from works.
“And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace.”
— Romans 11:6
To add works to grace is to cancel grace entirely.
That’s why Paul said:
‘not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, ‘
— Titus 3:5
‘I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”’
—Galatians 2:21
🔔 Final Thought
Let this truth sink in:
If salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone—then all the glory belongs to God alone.
Don’t add to it.
Don’t soften it.
Don’t complicate it.
Just believe it. And rest in it.
“Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure…”
— Romans 4:16a
by Jamie Pantastico | May 21, 2025 | Pauline Theology |
For Your Edification and Encouragement
This video has been sent to me by several followers—and not just once.
It’s been showing up in my inbox and DMs for months. But when my son recently sent it and asked me what I thought, I felt compelled to speak out about this blatant perversion of the gospel of the grace of God.
I’ve heard this false message before. It’s nothing new. In fact, it’s been around for a long time (in one form or another)—ever since Paul first began preaching the gospel that saves around 40 AD. That’s why I’m including the video here: so you can see it and hear it for yourself.
🗣️ “You don’t get into heaven by faith alone. You get justified by faith alone… but to enter heaven, your faith must bear fruit, pursue holiness, and put sin to death.”
It sounds serious. It sounds theological.
But it’s not grace. It’s not Paul’s gospel.
And it’s not good news—because it places the burden back on you.
❌ His Own Words Condemn Him
What he proclaims does not align with the truth of God’s Word.
Yes, it may sound harsh—but it’s the truth.
And what makes it even more serious is this: not only is he under condemnation, but so are those who believe the false gospel he’s preaching.
This isn’t just my opinion—it’s the warning of the resurrected, glorified Lord Jesus Christ, who gave this message directly to the apostle Paul.
A warning so strong, He says it twice:
“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.”
—Galatians 1:8
“As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.”
—Galatians 1:9
✅ What Is the Gospel That Saves?
So what is the gospel—the only gospel that saves in this age of grace?
It’s the gospel that was revealed directly to the apostle Paul by the risen, glorified Lord Jesus Christ:
“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand,
by which also you are saved…
that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
and that He was buried,
and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”
—1 Corinthians 15:1–4
This is the gospel of the grace of God—that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, apart from works, law, or performance.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
—Ephesians 2:8-9
“But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.”
—Romans 4:5
It is by this gospel by which all mankind will be judged:
“In the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.”
—Romans 2:16
🚨 Final Word
There is no such thing as “final salvation.”
You’re either saved or you’re not.
Justification is salvation. It’s not step one, it’s not a test run, and it’s not a probation period.
You don’t work your way into heaven after being justified.
This false message keeps people exhausted, insecure, and enslaved by fear.
And that’s exactly what the enemy wants.
“For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness…”
—2 Corinthians 11:14–15
But the truth is simple. The truth sets you free.
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
—1 Corinthians 1:18
✝️ Believe the Gospel—Nothing More, Nothing Less
In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
—Ephesians 1:13
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
—Romans 10:9
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
—Romans 10:10
For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.
—Romans 10:11
‘For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.’
—I Thessalonians 4:14
by Jamie Pantastico | May 19, 2025 | Pauline Theology |
For Your Edification and Encouragement
The apostle Paul doesn’t leave room for confusion in 1 Timothy 1. He gives one of the clearest affirmations in Scripture that Jesus Christ is God. Let’s look closely at verses 14 through 17:
“And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” (v.14)
Paul begins by pointing to the grace of our Lord—a grace that is exceedingly abundant. Whose grace? The Lord Jesus Christ. This isn’t a generic reference to God’s kindness; Paul names Christ as the source of this grace, overflowing with faith and love.
“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” (v.15)
Here is the gospel in one sentence. Christ Jesus came—His incarnation was purposeful: to save sinners. And Paul calls himself the chief of them all, not to glorify sin, but to glorify the Savior.
“However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.” (v.16)
Paul says that Christ’s longsuffering toward him sets a pattern for all who believe. Jesus Christ saved Paul to be a living example of how deep God’s grace and patience run. All of this mercy, this transformation, this grace—it’s from Jesus Christ.
Then Paul bursts into praise:
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (v.17)
This is often misunderstood as a random shift to talking about God the Father. But the context makes it clear—Paul is still talking about Jesus Christ! The same One who saved him. The One who showed mercy. The One who came into the world to save sinners.
Let’s break it down:
- King eternal – Christ rules eternally (Revelation 11:15).
- Immortal – Christ, risen from the dead, dies no more (Romans 6:9).
- Invisible – Though now unseen, He will be revealed in glory (Colossians 1:15, 1 Peter 1:8).
- God who alone is wise – Christ is the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24).
Paul is exalting Jesus Christ as God. The context doesn’t change—if anything, it climaxes in worship of the very One he just described in verses 14–16.
In a world that questions the deity of Christ, Scripture answers loudly:
Jesus Christ is God.
He is the eternal King.
He is the invisible, immortal God.
He is the Savior of sinners.
To Him be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.