The Elect Saints Role during Tribulation

The Potter's Clay

Prelude: May Be Difficult to Accept !
Warning this article may be against preconceived ideals "That everybody will be saved." Let's examine scripture dealing with God's truth. If you are bothered by it; then exit out of this subject and leave it alone! Click to Return to Articles or Choose Arrow Back

Prelude: May Be Difficult to Accept !

Warning this article may be against preconceived ideals "That everybody will be saved." Let's examine scripture dealing with God's truth. If you are bothered by it; then exit out of this subject and leave it alone!

Click to Return to Articles or Choose Arrow Back

The Potter's Clay Examined in Detail
The Potter's Clay Many people miss the entire point of life as to why any of us are even here. God want's Sons and Daughters, who respect and honor Him. God wants us to be shaped and molded by righteous truths and principals. Let's examine: John 3:16-19, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whosoever {as many as} do believe in Him may not perish, but may have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not His Son into the world that He might judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 The one who believes in Him is not judged, but the one who does not believe has already been judged because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: that the light has come into the world, but men loved darkness rather than the light because their works were evil." Those who choose evil are trying to hide their purpose from a wise God! Isaiah 29:15-16, "Woe to those who go deep to hide their purpose from the LORD! And their works are in the dark, and they say, 'Who sees us? And who knows us?' 16 Surely, you have turned things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the potter's clay; for shall the work say of him who made it, 'He did not make me?' Or shall the thing formed say to him who formed it, 'He had no understanding?' " If we displease God, He might destroy us: 1 Corinthians 10:5-9, "But with many of them God was not pleased, for their dead bodies were strewn in the wilderness. 6 Now these things became examples for us, so that we might not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, 'The people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.' 8 Neither should we commit sexual immorality, as some of them committed, and twenty-three thousand were destroyed in one day. 9 Neither should we tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted Him, and were killed by serpents." 1 Corinthians 10:10-12, "Neither should we complain against God, as some of them also complained, and were killed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages are coming. 12 Therefore, let the one who thinks he stands take heed, lest he fall." The simple truth is that we are as clay in the hands of God and He has the ability to keep us or discard us! Isaiah 64:8, "But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our potter; and we all are the work of Your hand." Jeremiah 18:2-6, " 'Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.' 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he was working at his wheel. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was ruined in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. 5 Then the Word of the LORD came to me, saying, 6 'O house of Israel, can I not do with you even as this potter?' says the LORD. 'Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hands, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.' " God is a supreme authority and His will super-succeeds the will of mankind! Here is what scripture has to say about people content or destined to continually live in sin. Romans 9:11-17, "But before the children had been born, or had done anything good or evil (in order that the purpose of God according to His own selection might stand— not of works, but of Him Who calls), 12 It was said to her, 'The elder shall serve the younger.' 13 Accordingly, it is written, 'Jacob I loved, and Esau I hated.' 14 What then shall we say? Is there unrighteousness with God? MAY IT NEVER BE! 15 For He said to Moses, 'I will show mercy to whomever I show mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I have compassion.' 16 So then, it is not of the one who wills, nor of the one who runs; rather, it is of God, Who shows mercy. 17 For the Scripture said to Pharaoh, 'For this very purpose I raised you up in order that I might show in you My power, so that My name may be declared in all the earth.' " Romans 9:18-24 So then, He shows mercy to whom He will, and He hardens whom He will. 19 Will you then reply to me, "Why does He yet find fault? For who has opposed His purpose?" 20 Yes, indeed, O man, who are you to answer against God? Shall the thing that is formed say to the one who formed it, "Why did you make me this way?" 21 Or doesn't the potter have authority over the clay to make from the same lump of clay one vessel unto honor, and another vessel unto dishonor? 22 And who dares to question His purpose if God, willing to show His wrath and to make known His power, chose in much long-suffering to put up with the vessels of wrath which were created for destruction; 23 In order that He might make known the riches of His glory unto the vessels of mercy, which He prepared before for glory, 24 Those of us whom He also called, not from among the Jews only, but also from among the Gentiles?" Jude reminds us of judgment upon those who choose evil works: Jude 1:5-13, "But I myself want to remind you, though you once understood this, that the Lord, after saving a people out of the land of Egypt, the second time destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their own original domain, but deserted their habitation, He is holding in eternal bonds under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7 Just as Sodom and Gomorrah—and the cities surrounding them, in the same manner as them—having given themselves over to sexual debaucheries, and having gone after different flesh, are themselves exhibited as a perpetual example of undergoing the punishment of eternal fire, 8 In the same way also, these dreamers of filthy dreams are defiling the flesh, and are declaring as invalid the lordship of God, and are blaspheming the divine powers. 9 But Michael the archangel, when he was personally taking issue with the devil, disputing about the body of Moses, did not presume to pronounce a reviling judgment against him, but said, 'The Lord Himself rebuke you!' 10 As for these, whatever things they do not understand, they blaspheme; but whatever things they understand by instinct, as irrational brute beasts, they are corrupting themselves in these things. 11 Woe to them! For they have walked in the way of Cain; and for gain, they have wholly given themselves up to Balaam's delusion, and have perished in the rebellion of Korah. 12 These are subversive stains in your love feasts, feasting in person together with you; fearlessly they are feeding themselves. They are clouds without water, being driven by the winds; trees of late autumn, without any fruit, uprooted, twice dead; 13 Raging waves of the sea, casting up like foam their own ignominious shame; wandering stars, for whom has been reserved the blackest darkness forever!"

The Potter's Clay Examined in Detail

The Potter's Clay

Many people miss the entire point of life as to why any of us are even here. God want's Sons and Daughters, who respect and honor Him. God wants us to be shaped and molded by righteous truths and principals. Let's examine: John 3:16-19, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whosoever {as many as} do believe in Him may not perish, but may have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not His Son into the world that He might judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 The one who believes in Him is not judged, but the one who does not believe has already been judged because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: that the light has come into the world, but men loved darkness rather than the light because their works were evil."

Those who choose evil are trying to hide their purpose from a wise God! Isaiah 29:15-16, "Woe to those who go deep to hide their purpose from the LORD! And their works are in the dark, and they say, 'Who sees us? And who knows us?' 16 Surely, you have turned things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the potter's clay; for shall the work say of him who made it, 'He did not make me?' Or shall the thing formed say to him who formed it, 'He had no understanding?' " If we displease God, He might destroy us: 1 Corinthians 10:5-9, "But with many of them God was not pleased, for their dead bodies were strewn in the wilderness. 6 Now these things became examples for us, so that we might not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, 'The people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.' 8 Neither should we commit sexual immorality, as some of them committed, and twenty-three thousand were destroyed in one day. 9 Neither should we tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted Him, and were killed by serpents." 1 Corinthians 10:10-12, "Neither should we complain against God, as some of them also complained, and were killed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages are coming. 12 Therefore, let the one who thinks he stands take heed, lest he fall."

The simple truth is that we are as clay in the hands of God and He has the ability to keep us or discard us! Isaiah 64:8, "But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our potter; and we all are the work of Your hand." Jeremiah 18:2-6, " 'Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.' 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he was working at his wheel. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was ruined in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. 5 Then the Word of the LORD came to me, saying, 6 'O house of Israel, can I not do with you even as this potter?' says the LORD. 'Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hands, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.' "

God is a supreme authority and His will super-succeeds the will of mankind! Here is what scripture has to say about people content or destined to continually live in sin. Romans 9:11-17, "But before the children had been born, or had done anything good or evil (in order that the purpose of God according to His own selection might stand— not of works, but of Him Who calls), 12 It was said to her, 'The elder shall serve the younger.' 13 Accordingly, it is written, 'Jacob I loved, and Esau I hated.' 14 What then shall we say? Is there unrighteousness with God? MAY IT NEVER BE! 15 For He said to Moses, 'I will show mercy to whomever I show mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I have compassion.' 16 So then, it is not of the one who wills, nor of the one who runs; rather, it is of God, Who shows mercy. 17 For the Scripture said to Pharaoh, 'For this very purpose I raised you up in order that I might show in you My power, so that My name may be declared in all the earth.' "

Romans 9:18-24 So then, He shows mercy to whom He will, and He hardens whom He will. 19 Will you then reply to me, "Why does He yet find fault? For who has opposed His purpose?" 20 Yes, indeed, O man, who are you to answer against God? Shall the thing that is formed say to the one who formed it, "Why did you make me this way?" 21 Or doesn't the potter have authority over the clay to make from the same lump of clay one vessel unto honor, and another vessel unto dishonor? 22 And who dares to question His purpose if God, willing to show His wrath and to make known His power, chose in much long-suffering to put up with the vessels of wrath which were created for destruction; 23 In order that He might make known the riches of His glory unto the vessels of mercy, which He prepared before for glory, 24 Those of us whom He also called, not from among the Jews only, but also from among the Gentiles?"

Jude reminds us of judgment upon those who choose evil works: Jude 1:5-13, "But I myself want to remind you, though you once understood this, that the Lord, after saving a people out of the land of Egypt, the second time destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their own original domain, but deserted their habitation, He is holding in eternal bonds under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7 Just as Sodom and Gomorrah—and the cities surrounding them, in the same manner as them—having given themselves over to sexual debaucheries, and having gone after different flesh, are themselves exhibited as a perpetual example of undergoing the punishment of eternal fire, 8 In the same way also, these dreamers of filthy dreams are defiling the flesh, and are declaring as invalid the lordship of God, and are blaspheming the divine powers. 9 But Michael the archangel, when he was personally taking issue with the devil, disputing about the body of Moses, did not presume to pronounce a reviling judgment against him, but said, 'The Lord Himself rebuke you!' 10 As for these, whatever things they do not understand, they blaspheme; but whatever things they understand by instinct, as irrational brute beasts, they are corrupting themselves in these things. 11 Woe to them! For they have walked in the way of Cain; and for gain, they have wholly given themselves up to Balaam's delusion, and have perished in the rebellion of Korah. 12 These are subversive stains in your love feasts, feasting in person together with you; fearlessly they are feeding themselves. They are clouds without water, being driven by the winds; trees of late autumn, without any fruit, uprooted, twice dead; 13 Raging waves of the sea, casting up like foam their own ignominious shame; wandering stars, for whom has been reserved the blackest darkness forever!"

God, Family Hierarchy
Here is what scripture says about lost people, who imagine this life is all there is, with added encouragement for those who know better or come to the understanding our present state is not the all in all. 1 Corinthians 2:9, "But according as it is written, 'The eye has not seen, nor the ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.' " To be advanced as a Child of God is a special calling. To be a Brother to Christ is an honorable designation. To live by His example and not that of the world is an honorable, faithful and noble endeavor with reward and riches that far surpass anything this world or this life we live now can offer. Those who are not blind. Those who can truly see with a focus on the event horizon (The door to Eternity) which hastens to consume this world and which is assured to come in due time, will pass through it unscathed, with pure righteousness into the next life. Those who don't and can't will be crushed by the weight of their sins, pulled down by them and become perpetually consumed within a pit of blackness overlaid by the holy fire guarding the doorway to eternal bliss. It's better to be consumed by the word of God and live than be consumed by the evil of this world and die.

God, Family Hierarchy

Here is what scripture says about lost people, who imagine this life is all there is, with added encouragement for those who know better or come to the understanding our present state is not the all in all. 1 Corinthians 2:9, "But according as it is written, 'The eye has not seen, nor the ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.' " To be advanced as a Child of God is a special calling. To be a Brother to Christ is an honorable designation. To live by His example and not that of the world is an honorable, faithful and noble endeavor with reward and riches that far surpass anything this world or this life we live now can offer. Those who are not blind. Those who can truly see with a focus on the event horizon (The door to Eternity) which hastens to consume this world and which is assured to come in due time, will pass through it unscathed, with pure righteousness into the next life. Those who don't and can't will be crushed by the weight of their sins, pulled down by them and become perpetually consumed within a pit of blackness overlaid by the holy fire guarding the doorway to eternal bliss. It's better to be consumed by the word of God and live than be consumed by the evil of this world and die.

Summation
This present world is temporal and will pass away. A man recently said, "I know who I am and this world in it's present state is not my home. Our time here is temporary the things here decay. I seek permanence with abundance and enduring love." Isaiah 40:1-8, "Comfort you, comfort you, My people," says your God. 2 "Speak comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she has received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins." 3 A voice is calling out in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked places shall be made straight, and the rough places plain; 5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.' 6 A voice says, 'Cry!' And he said, 'What shall I cry?' 'All flesh is grass, and all the beauty of it is as the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades because the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades; but the Word of our God shall stand forever.' " As we serve the Living God, songs of praise should be in our minds and upon our lips! Psalms 103:1-22, "{Psalm of David} Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your desires with good things; your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The LORD executes righteousness and judgment for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in mercy. 9 He will not always chasten, nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities, 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so is His mercy toward those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion upon his children, so the LORD has compassion upon those who fear Him, 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes, 16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone; and its place shall know it no more. 17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear Him, and His righteousness is unto children's children, 18 To those who keep His covenant, and to those who remember His precepts to do them. 19 The LORD has established His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the LORD, O you His angels, mighty in strength, who do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His word. 21 Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, ministers of His who do His pleasure. 22 Bless the LORD, all His works in all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!" "©" April 2026, Ekklesia Church of God – New Covenant Saints 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord o my soul ) - Matt Redman (with Lyrics) https://youtu.be/vSxocnIaN0A WHO AM I - Casting Crowns (lyrics) https://youtu.be/OM1Zn6hn2Qc
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The Potter's Clay "©" 2026 Ekklesia Church of God - New Covenant Saints Click to Return to Articles or Choose Arrow Back

Summation

This present world is temporal and will pass away. A man recently said, "I know who I am and this world in it's present state is not my home. Our time here is temporary the things here decay. I seek permanence with abundance and enduring love." Isaiah 40:1-8, "Comfort you, comfort you, My people," says your God. 2 "Speak comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she has received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins." 3 A voice is calling out in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked places shall be made straight, and the rough places plain; 5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.' 6 A voice says, 'Cry!' And he said, 'What shall I cry?' 'All flesh is grass, and all the beauty of it is as the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades because the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades; but the Word of our God shall stand forever.' "

As we serve the Living God, songs of praise should be in our minds and upon our lips! Psalms 103:1-22, "{Psalm of David} Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your desires with good things; your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The LORD executes righteousness and judgment for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in mercy. 9 He will not always chasten, nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities, 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so is His mercy toward those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion upon his children, so the LORD has compassion upon those who fear Him, 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes, 16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone; and its place shall know it no more. 17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear Him, and His righteousness is unto children's children, 18 To those who keep His covenant, and to those who remember His precepts to do them. 19 The LORD has established His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the LORD, O you His angels, mighty in strength, who do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His word. 21 Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, ministers of His who do His pleasure. 22 Bless the LORD, all His works in all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!"

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord o my soul ) - Matt Redman (with Lyrics)

https://youtu.be/vSxocnIaN0A

WHO AM I - Casting Crowns (lyrics)

https://youtu.be/OM1Zn6hn2Qc

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The Potter's Clay

Click to Return to Articles or Choose Arrow Back