Since September 2025, one event after another has occurred that will mark a turning point in history.
On September 11th (Japan), Charlie Kirk was martyred in the United States. Known in Japan as a politician, he was killed for preaching the gospel in an upright manner. This was not the work of a single madman, but a major societal change. A huge tsunami of persecution will also hit Japan.
There is also widespread speculation around the world that the rapture may occur on September 23rd. Of course, this is fake news, a misunderstanding. Even Jesus does not know the exact date or time.
Due to the situation in Israel, the Third World War and the resulting great wave of war are imminent.
The dangerous evolution of AI, rising prices, a unified government, the 666 system, and more are also becoming apparent.
We are living in an apocalyptic world. The rapture is near (I believe it will occur during the tribulation)!
At Watchman Japan Ministry, we warn according to Ezekiel 33:
"Are you prepared for the end time? If you don't, you'll be swept away by the end-time tsunami!" クリスチャンへの警告 | ウォッチマン ジャパン in English
So, what kind of preparations should we make?
1. What is the most important preparation for the end of the world?
Isn't it to confirm whether your salvation is genuine? Only the genuine will be raptured. Only the genuine will enter heaven. Those who are not genuine will go to hell.
Food stockpiles, shelters, building house churches, training to endure persecution, spiritual warfare training, etc. are also necessary. But the most important thing right now is to have assuarance in your salvation.
Here, let's talk about the famous story of the "ten virgins" from Matthew 25.
While the foolish virgins went off to buy oil, the bridegroom arrived. The five who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and the door was shut. ~Afterward, the other five virgins also came, saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us!" But he answered, "Truly I tell you, I do not know you." Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:10-13
There are five foolish "misguided Christians" within the church! They simply believed the teachings of that church. However, that church has been deceived by tradition and denominational teachings.
Isn't that frightening? I don't want to incite fear, but many people will be told by Jesus before the white judgment throne, "I never knew you."
Are you certain you are one of the five wise virgins?
2. What is the difference between the true and the false?
What is the difference between the five wise virgins (true) and the foolish virgins (false)?
The foolish virgins had their lamps but no oil. The wise virgins had oil in a jar with their lamps. Matthew 25:3-4
I believe this is the difference between having this oil, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and not having it. The five foolish ones either did not have the Holy Spirit indwelling them from the beginning or lost it along the way.
The Bible is filled with many other warnings. Salvation is not easy.
But how narrow is the gate and how difficult is the road that leads to life; only few find it. Matthew 7:14
On that day people will say, "Lord, Lord, we..." Then I will boldly say to them, "I never knew you!" Matthew 7:23-24
If anyone does not abide in me (the vine), he will be thrown out like a branch and withered; then he will be gathered up and thrown into the fire and burned. John 15:6
Just as people are saying, "It's all right, it's all right," destruction suddenly comes upon them. 1 Thessalonians 5:3
Faith by itself, without works, is dead. James 2:17
Is your faith connected to the narrow gate, the narrow way, and the vine, and is it accompanied by works?
3. The indwelling Holy Spirit is evidence of true salvation
So, the evidence of a genuine Christian is the indwelling Holy Spirit (anointing oil*1). This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit given at Pentecost (Acts 2:1.). It is the Father's promise, the seal of salvation, connection with God, new creation, life, and the fruit of love, joy, and peace. He is one of the trinity God who guides and instructs all things.
Truly I tell you, unless anyone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. John 3:5
I will ask the Father, The Father will send you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever. John 14:16
Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. Romans 8:9
The Holy Spirit is our guarantee of our inheritance, that we may be redeemed and become God's, to the glory of God. Ephesians 1:14
Are you certain that the Holy Spirit dwells within you?
4. What manifestations are manifested when the Holy Spirit indwells us?
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Romans 8:16
This is a topic we rarely discuss in church, but it should be discussed more.
First, I'll share some testimonies from various people who said that the Holy Spirit appeared to them the moment he indwelled them.
Experience love, joy, and peace... You will be filled with love, joy, and peace like never before.
Conviction... You will have the conviction that you have received the Holy Spirit and are born again (Romans 8:16).
Communion with God... You will begin to feel a connection with God and hear His words (Acts 10:19).
Understanding the Bible... Your understanding of the Bible will improve dramatically through the Holy Spirit (John 14:26).
Conflict begins... Your conscience will be awakened, and a conflict between the Holy Spirit and your flesh will begin (Romans 7:18).
Change of eyes... As your heart is renewed, your eyes and demeanor will change (Matthew 6:22-).
Tongues and prophecy... The gifts of the Holy Spirit will be manifested as signs (Acts 10:46).
Praise to God... Praise will become joyful, and words of love for God will be heard in your conversations (Acts 10:46).
Missionary desire... You will begin to want to share this wonderful God with others. (Acts 9:20)
Further evidence that emerged over the years includes:
Discerning...Discerning and discerning what is of God and what is not (1 John 4:6)
The fruit of the Spirit is manifested...Being conformed to the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22)
Law becomes natural...Hating sin and loving righteousness, etc. (Romans 6:8)
Seeking truth...Seeking the love of truth, not the love of this world (John 16:3)
The Bible becomes straightforward...The Bible, which at first seemed complicated, begins to appear straightforward and simple.
Fear of God...Growing closer to God and fearing him (Proverbs 9:10)
Minority...The remnant. The minority walking the narrow path (Matthew 7:14; Revelation 12:17)
Consciousness of the end...Looking at the world, feeling a sense of crisis about the end of the world, and preparing for it. (Matthew 24:44)
Persecuted... Throughout history, true Christians have always been persecuted. (John 16:2)
Forming a universal church... Connecting beyond existing denominations, sects, and national borders (John 17:11)
Do you have any of the above testimonies?
聖霊内住を確認しましょう! - 聖書の知恵
If These Things Are Not There, the Holy Spirit Is Not in You (This is Serious)
(22) The Holy Spirit is NOT in You if You MISS These SIGNS (This is Serious) - YouTube
Three Biggest Lies About Hell
The 3 BIGGEST LIES People Believe About HELL
5. False Teachings (Mistakes) That Prevent the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
Here are some of the false teachings we have encountered. These are quite common.
- The Holy Spirit indwells us the moment we believe.
The phrase "the moment we believe" is nowhere mentioned in the Bible. In fact, there are few examples of this in the Bible. Therefore, we should seek the Holy Spirit until it is indwelled within us.
- Believing in the gospel is conviction itself.
Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? As Acts 19:1 states, believing and receiving the Holy Spirit are two different things. Rather, (the Holy Spirit)
Ask, and it will be given to you. ~You, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more so will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:9, 13
- Water baptism or the baptism of the Holy Spirit is not necessary for salvation.
Many people (including Jesus!) received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit upon baptism in water or when they prayed for it. God examines each person's attitude of faith and bestows the Holy Spirit upon justification.
- Believing in Christ will save you.
This is ambiguous. You will not be saved if you believe in Jesus or a gospel that contradicts the Bible. Quite a few people have believed in errors such as a non-Trinitarian God, Jesus being one of eight million gods, and that one's sins do not merit hell. I too have.
There are many other false teachings (errors), so please pray and listen.
Do you believe any of the above teachings?
6. So what is true salvation? (From the perspective of the Holy Spirit and connection)
Eternal life is knowing (becoming one with) you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent. John 17:3
In the original language, the word "know" in salvation means "connect," "become one," or "marry," and salvation refers to connecting with the Lord through the Holy Spirit and receiving life.
The Great Flow of Salvation in the Context of the Bible
① At the beginning of the world, Adam and Eve's spirits were alive and connected to God through their spirits (up to Genesis 2)
② When Adam and Eve sinned, their connection with God was severed and their spirits died (Genesis 3 onwards)
③ The Old Testament is a foreshadowing. The Holy Spirit is poured out on only some people, but does not indwell them (up to Malachi 4)
④ Jesus' first coming. His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension (Matthew 1 to Acts 1)
⑤ From the time of Pentecost in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit indwells all who believe the gospel, restoring their connection to God through being born again, and sanctification, training, and the church begin (Acts 2 onwards)
⑥ If we keep the Holy Spirit (seal) until the end, a new heaven and a new earth will be born (up to Revelation 22)
Have you been born again?
I Fell in Love with the Lord Jesus at First Sight! - 聖書の知恵 in English
7. Let's pray!
Finally, here's a question I want you all to continue asking.
Today, when you stand before the white throne of judgment, will you be told, "Well done, good servant"? Or are you more likely to be told, "I never knew you"?
Let's keep praying until we are certain!
Lord, you are calling on everyone to "receive true salvation."
I repent for not fearing the Lord and for underestimating salvation.
I ask you now:
Does the Holy Spirit dwell within me?
In other words, is my salvation real?
If it is real, please grant me the Holy Spirit's conviction.
And if, by any chance, my salvation is not real,
Please gently but firmly tell me that I am not saved.
And please tell me why.
Is it idolatry? A mistaken gospel? Not being baptized? Or is it because you haven't sought the indwelling of the Holy Spirit?
If so, repent and seek true salvation.
I ask for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen!
Ask, and it will be given to you. ~You, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children; how much more so will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:9, 13
Now is the time to continue seeking true salvation.
*1 Anointing: There is confusion about the definition and terminology of the Holy Spirit, so we will define it as follows: In the Old Testament, the filling of the Holy Spirit was received by a select few. This is called the anointing of the Holy Spirit. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit indwelled all believers. This is linguistically referred to as "anointing (not flowing)" and distinguished from "anointing (flowing)." In the New Testament, both the indwelling and the filling of the Holy Spirit occur as needed.
"Indwelling of the Holy Spirit" and "Infilling of the Holy Spirit" - Biblical Wisdom
*2 Baptism of the Holy Spirit: While definitions of this term vary by denomination, we refer to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that occurs upon belief and justification by God as the "baptism of the Holy Spirit." The gifts of the Holy Spirit may also appear.