Bible codes: fact or fiction?

Dan Brown's fast paced novel, "The DaVinci Code" has sold over 40 million copies. The movie version is soon to be released, unless litigation and accusations of plagiarism bring an injunction to stop it.

Why all the interest in the Bible and the incredible sales of a blasphemous book that exposes the origins and pagan influence on much of professing Christianity? What about the outrageous premise of the book about the life of Jesus Christ; that his physical descendants walk the earth today?

Heady questions these, and deserving of an answer.

In an age in which there seem to be no absolutes, it is clear that we human beings crave direction and standards by which to live. At a time when the so-called experts predicted that mankind would outgrow its need for the concept of a higher power, or religious experience, much of mankind is seeking just that. People want to know if there is a purpose for human existence other than satisfying the physical needs and desires of life.

In the professing Christian world, there are many different approaches to worship. Some universal churches have very formal liturgy and many traditions that dominate their practices, which have nothing to do with the plain teachings of the Bible. Evangelical churches sincerely reach out to the masses with a message about the person of Jesus – build large edifices for worship – providing entertainment, music and family-oriented activities for their mega congregations.

Television ministries abound, as many try to reach out to the "unchurched" in an effort to get people saved before it is too late and they are consigned to a supposed "eternal punishment in hell."

But the question remains, is there a Bible code or some secret, hidden, inside mystery to be understood by only a few down through time? The startling answer is, yes! But not in the sensational way portrayed in books or in the media.

From Genesis to Revelation, a consistent thread of truth and understanding reveals God's purpose for mankind. It is the story of an evil spirit being who has unsuccessfully tried to thwart the plan of a benevolent Creator who promised a Messiah who would redeem all mankind and set up a Kingdom on this earth to rule with mercy and equity. It is a story understood by only a few down through time who have actually believed, obeyed and practiced what they found in the pages of their Bibles.

Moses wrote about "secrets" in Deuteronomy 29:29. "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law." Daniel, a prophet, wrote about God, "He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him" (Daniel 2:22).

The Apostle Paul wrote about this mystery. "Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began" (Romans 16:25).

The culmination of the plan is described in detail in the book of Revelation. We have a glimpse of it in Revelation 11:15: "Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!'"

You won't find this fascinating message in the popular books of our day or in most of the religious organizations that dominate the news. But, this vital message, which runs through the whole Bible, is there for all who read it and accept it. There is a church that is proclaiming this little-known message. The Living Church of God proclaims the good news of the coming Kingdom of God on television, radio, the internet and in print, all free of charge.

You can know the real code or secrets found in your Bible. Pursue this knowledge with all your might and receive the benefits in this life and the life to come under the rule of Jesus Christ.