tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50351757851265908392024-03-19T03:38:24.887-07:00Bible Prophecy StudiesA Restoration Light SiteRonald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-20830970442461970482023-02-20T15:25:00.002-08:002023-12-09T12:27:27.387-08:00* Is the Great Pyramid a Tomb? <div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYd1q5v4IfEhsMekOiKy_rjmyS1RHCTtjrXcnGir2gWFOmR5uPJzGKUgwsN7MylNUXWQrXxNqd0i80k-AVvKO9qrBySm63vXxowy9i7db1X92p32buVHOkpypYYfEwid6s4uqscIhtdHX_/s1600/great-pyramid-in-the-landscape-in-giza-egypt.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYd1q5v4IfEhsMekOiKy_rjmyS1RHCTtjrXcnGir2gWFOmR5uPJzGKUgwsN7MylNUXWQrXxNqd0i80k-AVvKO9qrBySm63vXxowy9i7db1X92p32buVHOkpypYYfEwid6s4uqscIhtdHX_/s200/great-pyramid-in-the-landscape-in-giza-egypt.jpg" width="200" /></a>Let us first state that we believe that the evidence is overwhelming that the Great Pyramid of Egypt is indeed God's witness as spoken of in the Bible (Isaiah 19:19), and we believe that it corroborates the prophecies of the Bible. We do not believe, however, that acceptance of this belief is an essential doctrine, and we certainly would not refuse fellowship with any believer in Christ who does not accept this understanding regarding the Great Pyramid. <br />
<br />What if the we are wrong, and the Great Pyramid is not God's Witness in each. Our belief should always allow the possibility of being wrong in our conclusions. We should caution that we should not become so inflexible that we would have difficulty in the resrurrection day in letting go of any false belief. We can only say that the Edgars and others who have shown a tremendous amount of evidence that the Great Pyramid is God's Stone Witness. In spite of the enormous amount of evidence that has been presented that indicates that the Great Pyramid is God's Witness in Egypt, in the present age this should not be presented as being dogma. On the other hand, if what we have accepted concerning the Great Pyramid proves to be correct, we do not expect that the prophecy of Isaiah 19 will be generally understood by the world until the day of judgment, when the knowledge of the glory of Jehovah will fill the earth. (Isaiah 2:2-4; Isaiah 11:19; Habakkuk 2:14) Nevertheless, to us, the evidence appears overwhelming that the Great Pyramid is of God; others who wish to study the matter should do such and draw their own conclusions. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />In this discussion, however, we are focusing on a false idea that seems to keep coming up over and over, that is, that the Great Pyramid was a tomb of an Egyptian Pharaoh, most often thought to be the tomb of Khufu. Usually, this is not presented as being a hypothesis or a theory; it is usually simply stated as though fact. For instance, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Pyramid_of_Giza" target="_blank">Wikipedia article on the Great Pyramid</a> states: "The Great Pyramid of Giza is the biggest Egyptian pyramid and the tomb of Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Khufu." Many similar statements may be found on many sites on the internet, and this is also presented as though fact in many books. <br /><br />The reality is that the very way the Great Pyramid is designed provides evidence that it was not ever intended to be a tomb of anyone. To illustrate, the granite plug that blocks the entrance to the ascending passageway of itself offers the greatest proof that the Great Pyramid was NOT designed to be a tomb. This stone had to have been placed there before the upper chambers were constructed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The lower part of the ascending passage was so low that it would have been near impossible, if not impossible, to get a body up that way, and then the upper part of the ascending passageway as it was very slippery and difficult to stand. The Granite plug placed in the ascending passageway would additionally have made it difficult, if not impossible, to get a body in or out of the pyramid. The only way that a body could have been in the King's Chamber is if the body were there before the pyramid was built and the pyramid was built around the body. This still would not explain how the body could have been removed as some claim. Some claim that it was removed through what has been called the "well-shaft." Again that "shaft" is so cramped, crooked and narrow, we do not know how anyone could have possibly gotten a body or mummy down through such. <br /><br />Further, when the so-called "King's Chamber" was explored, there was no body, no mummy found there; indeed, no lid was found for the "coffer", and there was no conceivable way a body or such a lid could have been taken out of the chamber. <br /><br />
According to Herodotus, Khufu's tomb was located elsewhere, so if this is true, Khufu was certainly not buried in the Great Pyramid. Some have claimed that no mummy has been found in any of the pyramids, although the construction of the other pyramids could have at least allowed for such. Even assuming that the ascending passageway had not been originally plugged, the floor was extremely slippery, and the ceiling so low that it certainly was not constructed to bring a body up to either the so-called "King's Chamber" or the so-called "Queen's Chamber".</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have found that very few, however, are even interested in doing a serious study of the Great Pyramid as having been designed by God Himself. To many, especially to many scientists who do not even believe in God, such an idea is unthinkable. Thus, they have developed many hypotheses about where Khufu's body was or is. The most common idea still floating around appears that thieves stole Khufu's body many centuries before Al-Ma'mun forced a way into the pyramid and found no body at all, nor any treasures in the Great Pyramid.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Although an alleged "cartouche" of "KHUFU" and some alleged "quarry marks" may be found in the Great Pyramid, the Great Pyramid does not have an array of Egyptian paintings and hieroglyphics as found in most of the other pyramids. This also provides evidence the Great Pyramid's purpose was not the same as that of the other pyramids.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
There are other things to consider also, but it is the above that we believe most demonstrates that the Great Pyramid was not designed to be a tomb. The Great Pyramid does corroborate the Bible and its time prophecies.<br />
<br />
For links to more evidence regarding the Great Pyramid, see:<br />
<a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/p/the-great-pyramid.html" target="_blank">https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/p/the-great-pyramid.html</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0Kl4NaPTQIJO3p614GP-Wr09WdS_7duVEniD2Zdiuef6MOp0VJfNhx5q9OkZ4lpH64I3OiIrW9nRpnjnpwiiH5cpV-XhVdMVlPOMVp5xJy6dQ9_bZaw9R6o3Rxkl4e8IQvgB-uUjWw5W4oLq51PDxMqZAiXB-YkLR676AjnhdQCi-M6AXvkiDOSJXbX6/s848/tuxpi.com.1702153570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="848" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0Kl4NaPTQIJO3p614GP-Wr09WdS_7duVEniD2Zdiuef6MOp0VJfNhx5q9OkZ4lpH64I3OiIrW9nRpnjnpwiiH5cpV-XhVdMVlPOMVp5xJy6dQ9_bZaw9R6o3Rxkl4e8IQvgB-uUjWw5W4oLq51PDxMqZAiXB-YkLR676AjnhdQCi-M6AXvkiDOSJXbX6/s320/tuxpi.com.1702153570.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br /></div>
Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-1453109503534371422023-01-24T11:07:00.003-08:002023-02-20T12:13:13.191-08:00The Pyramid Inch<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickVZLor9UBeZiGfQnzXcX9pw4vRsWpA034DfFQor6WO-BLKbehxxYmQYt-qsNYpUgCqM2W6wLp9oKVoyZCvBZ5ni9PsUeYD7DAW2biAWIokpb9nrXHs9-KbsrNCaqXUpP4_ZWEVfx0_9559V6Fxv72_UrgAMZlAKZZ1pgbu43ErDmTHEh8X1LCDcurQ/s1370/tuxpi.com.1674583981.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1370" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickVZLor9UBeZiGfQnzXcX9pw4vRsWpA034DfFQor6WO-BLKbehxxYmQYt-qsNYpUgCqM2W6wLp9oKVoyZCvBZ5ni9PsUeYD7DAW2biAWIokpb9nrXHs9-KbsrNCaqXUpP4_ZWEVfx0_9559V6Fxv72_UrgAMZlAKZZ1pgbu43ErDmTHEh8X1LCDcurQ/s320/tuxpi.com.1674583981.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wikipedia Photo by Nina Aldin Thune<br />Framed by Tuxpi</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Many have claimed that the "pyramid inch" is a bogus inch that has been supplied by "pyramidologists" in order to support the claim that there are "inches" in the Great Pyramid that correspond with "years" in the Bible. Actually, that which is often called the "pyramid inch", should probably be better called the "earth inch", or perhaps, "sacred inch". The word, "inch", itself, of course, is of more recent times, and some regard this term as a misnomer as applied to the measurement given, since the word implies 1/12 of a larger unit of measurement. Some likewise regard the designation "pyramid" inch to be a misnomer. Nevertheless, we should not get hung up over what the units of measurement are called. The basic unit of measurement generally referred to as a "pyramid inch", however, is not a "made up" unit of measurement; it simply exists, being one-half billionth part of the earth's polar diameter. Of course, this "inch" is created, we believe, by God himself, as it is embedded within the creation of the earth itself.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">
If one looks at a lot of websites and various posts in forums on the internet, one can find an array of confusing and often contradictory statements concerning the measurements used by "pyramidologists" in the Great Pyramid. There is so much false information out there that it can be confusing for even for many Bible Students.<br /><br />Many confuse the terms "royal cubit" (which refers to the Egyptian cubit) and "pyramid cubit". Actually, the "royal cubit" is a different measurement from that which is called the "pyramid cubit" (as related to the Great Pyramid), or as some call it the "sacred cubit" or "Biblical cubit," or "lost cubit." While the terms "pyramid cubit" and "sacred cubit" refer to the same unit of measurement, the term usually called "royal cubit" is an entirely different unit of measurement.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">
A pyramid cubit is equal to 25 "pyramid inches" (25.0266 British inches). The cubit referred to as the "Royal Cubit" is equal to 20.606593 "pyramid inches" (20.62852 British inches). While the latter "could" also be referred to as a pyramid cubit and the inches as pyramid inches as related to pyramids in Egypt, these lengths are not what is meant by those terms when referring to the Biblical study of God's Witness in Egypt which pertains only to the one pyramid often called the "Great Pyramid."<br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">
While we don't necessarily agree with all of Adam Rutherford's (not to be confused with Joseph Rutherford of the JWs) conclusions as he presents in his books, we present the following from his works (please note that his reference to the "sacred cubit" or "sacred inch" is the same as "pyramid cubit" or "pyramid inch"):</div>
<blockquote data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">
"The unit of measurement employed in the actual construction of the Great Pyramid was the Royal Cubit, equal to 20.63 British inches (more precisely 20.6285) which was in general use in ancient Egypt during the building of the Pyramids of Giza. The linear unit predominating in the design of the Great Pyramid, however, is the earlier Sacred Cubit of 25.0266 British inches, from which the later Royal Cubit of 20.6285 British inches was geometrically derived. The Sacred Cubit was used by the ancient Hebrews and their ancestors and it would be used by Noah in constructing the Ark. In the Great Pyramid this Sacred Cubit is revealed as being subdivided into 25 equal parts, the subdivision being the *thumb-breadth*, now known as the *inch* (1 Pyramid inch = 1.001064 British inches)." -- Pyramidology, page 69.</blockquote>
<blockquote data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">
"On making a scientific examination of the Sacred Cubit in the Pyramid, it is found to bear an exact relationship to the size of the planet on which we live. This Cubit is discovered to be the exact 10,000,000th of the mean distance from the centre of the Earth to the Poles, or in other words the precise 10,000,000th part of the Earth's semi-polar diameter. The results of the latest geodetic research since the International Geophysical Year 1957-8 reveal that the mean polar radius of the Earth as deduced from observation of the orbits of artificial Earth satellites, is 3949.9 miles. Dividing this figure by 10,000,000, the result is 25.0266 British inches (correct to four places of decimals), the precise length of the Sacred Cubit of the Great Pyramid. Thus the Earth's mean polar radius measures 10,000,000 Sacred Cubits or 250,000,000 Pyramid inches; hence the Pyramid inch is the 500,000,000th of the Earth's polar diameter. Remarkably enough, as far back as 1869, Sir John Herschel, the famous astronomer, actually stated that the rational basis for an earth-commensurable measure is the division of the Earth's axis "into *five* hundred million equal parts or geometrical inches." (*Our Inheritance in the Great Pyramid*, 5th Ed. p. 173, by Prof. C. P. Smyth.)" --Pyramidology Book I: Elements of Pyramidology<img alt="" border="0" data-mce-src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=restorationli-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000ZPNQ8I&camp=217145&creative=399349" data-mce-style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" height="1" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=restorationli-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000ZPNQ8I&camp=217145&creative=399349" style="border: none; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;" width="1" />, page 75.</blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">
See also pages 72-74 of the book: "Secrets of the Great Pyramid<img alt="" border="0" data-mce-src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=0883659573&camp=217145&creative=399349" data-mce-style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" height="1" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t&l=as2&o=1&a=0883659573&camp=217145&creative=399349" style="border: none; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;" width="1" />"<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">
Adam Rutherford presents the idea that this Sacred Cubit was revealed to Noah by God. It is the division of the Hebrew "Sacred Cubit" that what is often called "Pyramid" inches is based upon. (It has been suggested that this inch should be called "Sacred inch," "Biblical inch," or "earth inch" as many have come to wrong conclusions because of the use of term "Pyramid" inch.) Although measurements made by various ones are often given in British inches, they convert these to the "Pyramid" "inches" - inches based on the Sacred Biblical or Earth Cubit - before making any kind of application to the Bible or God's creation.<br /><br />Please note, however, that all the terms used to apply to units of measure are modern-day terms. Regardless of what terminology is applied to units of measurement, the usage of such terminology does not negate the existence of the units of measurement.<br />
<br />
Briefly, as best as we can determine, the usage of the Egyptian royal cubit in the construction of the other pyramids led to the realization of the cubit used in the measurements of the<br />
<br />
<b>Bibliography:</b></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Please note that we may not agree with all presented to the sites linked to below. Some of them appear to be involved in more than just of study of the Great Pyramid as God's witness in Egypt.<br /><br /><a href="http://pyramidtime.blogspot.com/2011/02/lesson-3-of-5-pyramid-inch.html" target="_blank">The Pyramid Inch</a> (Pyramid Time)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_inch" target="_blank">Pyramid Inch</a> (Wikipedia)<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.reach-unlimited.com/p/1021265722/the-sacred-cubit--divine-measurements-as-threedimensional-math" target="_blank">Mystery of the Sacred Cubit</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Photo Credit:<br />Great Pyramid of Giza. (2023, January 23). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Pyramid_of_Giza<br /><br />
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOEvGf3NtjQacr_6Dm9DYx3jLjbextWS2ihARSqQ__ex97UuW6MOEjb-pTsRYPpZ_jpw0GiXIzEIiAFzz3tbA4GH42JZvkYfyt8oupV3_7KP718zHk7KpIhPo79kKSLQ4BLZASYOH3kxZUI3oJG3XhFdzWUSI6xe8P0f9MltPkkYUDmd30U0Rf7a6Ag/s612/tuxpi.com.1676923942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOEvGf3NtjQacr_6Dm9DYx3jLjbextWS2ihARSqQ__ex97UuW6MOEjb-pTsRYPpZ_jpw0GiXIzEIiAFzz3tbA4GH42JZvkYfyt8oupV3_7KP718zHk7KpIhPo79kKSLQ4BLZASYOH3kxZUI3oJG3XhFdzWUSI6xe8P0f9MltPkkYUDmd30U0Rf7a6Ag/s320/tuxpi.com.1676923942.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><br />
Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-12651461738039596422020-03-05T18:36:00.001-08:002021-07-27T17:59:26.047-07:00Revelation 2:6,15 - The Teaching of the Nicolaitans<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="versetext" id="re2-6" style="display: inline;">But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. -- Revelation 2:6</span></blockquote>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="versetext" id="re2-15" style="display: inline;">So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans in the same way. -- Revelation 2:15.</span></div>
<span class="versetext" id="re2-15" style="display: inline;"></span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGV8FhmM3NkchZEFaNBFYNzkP2gKCViWeAlMJ_dlFWgU-rhqAQhJQQqKi8-Ej2crKr0bF1wPTnsrGzyCDFbId7_g4D-AujUQN86-omM0wLfkatmOJYaIEaxZgGgoqjlR2XwUGQiJ-z7Y/s1600/bible.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1050" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGV8FhmM3NkchZEFaNBFYNzkP2gKCViWeAlMJ_dlFWgU-rhqAQhJQQqKi8-Ej2crKr0bF1wPTnsrGzyCDFbId7_g4D-AujUQN86-omM0wLfkatmOJYaIEaxZgGgoqjlR2XwUGQiJ-z7Y/s200/bible.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The word Nicolaitan is believed to be derived from two Greek words: nikao, to conquer or overcome, and laos, which means people and from which the word laity comes from.<br />
<br />
Streeter states in his book "The Revelation of Jesus Christ":<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote class="tr_bq">There is quite a general agreement among expositors concerning what Nicolaitanism is. It is interesting to observe that it was a thing that started in Ephesus in practice, and afterwards embodied itself in theory; and finally in Pergamos it is mentioned as becoming a feature of doctrine, and the Savior thus again expresses Himself concerning it: "So in like manner thou hast also those holding the teaching [doctrine] of the Nicolaitans." (Revelation 2:15.) It has been forcefully described as "something which puts down the people [of God], superseded them in their rights, and set them aside"; for this is the plain import of the name, which Christ gives it, and the names which are divinely given are always exactly descriptive of the things or persons that receive them. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">We also know from the Scriptures and from the common representations of all ecclesiastical historians that the Church was hardly founded until it began to be troubled with the lordly pretensions and doings of arrogant men in violation of the common priesthood of believers, and settling upon ministers the attributes and prerogatives of a magisterial order against which Peter, Paul, and John were moved to declare their apostolic condemnation, but which grew nevertheless and presently became fixed upon the [professed] Church as a part of its essential system. We know that there is to this day a certain teaching and claim and practice in the largest part of the professed Church according to which a certain order severs itself entirely from the laity, assumes the right and titles of priesthood, asserts superiority and authority over the rest in spiritual matters, denies the right of any one, whatever his gifts or graces, to teach or preach in the Church, who has not been regularly initiated into the mysterious puissance of its own self-constituted circle, and puts forward its creatures (however glaringly deficient in those heavenly gifts which really make the minister), as Christ's only authorized heralds, before whom every one else must be mute and passive and whose words and administrations every one must receive, on pain of exclusion from the hope of salvation [or of losing their crown].<br />
<br />
"We also know that this system of priestly clericalism and prelatical hierarchism claims to have come down from the earliest periods of the Church, and traces for itself a regular succession through the Christian centuries, and appeals to patristic practice as its chief basis, vindication, and boast. We know that it first came into effective sway in the period immediately succeeding the Pagan persecutions, reaching its fullest embodiment in Popery, and has perpetuated itself in the same, and in Laudism, Tractarianism, and Highchurchism, even to our day, and to our very doors. And if we would know what the Lord Jesus thinks of it, we have only to recur to these epistles, in which He lays His hand right on it, and says: 'This Thing I Hate.'"</blockquote>
</div>
<br />
Charles T. Russell's views were in full accordance with the foregoing presentation; his clear statement was:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote>
The 'doctrine of the Nicolaitans' seems to be the theory of lordship or headship in the Church. The strife as to who should be greatest existed amongst many of the patriarchs -- fathers -- of the prominent churches. At their councils there was a bitter fight for supremacy. The tendency was toward an earthly head, and of course many coveted the honor. The patriarchs of Jerusalem, Antioch, Constantinople, and Rome were the most prominent. The first two dropped out of the conflict, but the strife continued for several hundred years between Constantinople and Rome. It was settled only by a division of the Church: the Eastern, or Greek Church, accepting the Patriarch of Constantinople for its head; and the Western, or Papal Church, acknowledging the Bishop -- Pope or Father -- of Rome.<br />
<br />
Many of the true followers of the Master in the churches denounced this attempt to disobey the direct command of Jesus, 'Call no man Father.' (Matt. 23:9.) Of course, they received the promised persecution. (2 Tim. 1:12.) This class in Pergamos is commended by our Lord under the symbol of 'Anti-pas, My faithful martyr.' In the Greek, anti means against, and papas signifies father. In this stage of the development of the Church those who sought to be popular received the emoluments of the Church; but the promise to the overcomers is that of pleasure and honor that shall be eternal.<br />
<br />
Nicolaitanism was only in its incipiency when mentioned in the message to Ephesus. It, as we have seen, became a doctrine in Pergamos. The evil of "Nicolaitanism" has always existed in the Church since shortly after its establishment. Every reform movement in the Church since the Apostles' day--every effort to get back to primitive simplicity of doctrine, of church order, and of methods of service, has, in the course of time, resulted again in sectarianism, and has left the faithful few (Protestants) in the "wilderness." Lording it over God's heritage, idolizing messengers and human organizations, symbolized by "Nicolaitanism," is responsible for these sad results. This evil has been repeated again and again in the Church's history. Even in the very closing hours of the Church's pilgrimage we are witnessing its repetition. Let him that readeth understand! How necessary, how significant, how timely the Savior's warning: "Take heed, let no man deceive you." The worshipping of fallible men, the worshipping of imperfect human systems--making idols of them, allowing them to occupy the place that Christ and Christ alone should occupy, has ever been Satan's method of taking away the liberty that is in Christ Jesus, and thus of marring the fellowship and destroying the unity of "the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the Truth."</blockquote>
</div>
<br />
Frank Shallieu, in his book on Revelation states:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The “doctrine of the Nicolaitans” is related to former Amazonic worship, which was designed to tempt one’s ego with power, influence, and leadership. The Nike goddess of victory is found amid the Pergamon statuary. This goddess invariably has one breast exposed not so much to denote femininity but to point her out as the provider of nutriment for overcoming strength and resultant victory.<br />
<br />
First noticed in Ephesus, the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, the theory of lordship or headship in the Church, found its development in Pergamos and has been a burden ever since. In Ephesus it was designated “the deeds of the Nicolaitans,” that is, a tendency towards lordship in the Church; in Smyrna there emerged an organization of believers referred to as “the synagogue of Satan”; now in Pergamos that which should never have been tolerated — which the Ephesian Church abhorred — became an established and recognized doctrine: clericalism.</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
More may be added later, God willing.</div>
Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-62769577549753693512018-07-09T10:33:00.003-07:002023-04-09T15:05:25.915-07:00Luke 17:20; Matthew 24:27 - Christ's Parousia - Presence or Arrival?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGXASNBrKW4yvOyfs_B-s9Rg1nYLWm3xs_KtizspxLNOm3N-qWIqF16KsQgKsfKSImIqObsqlh6bwvGfvZwZ5G9kDoSHmxPWyObKGPzJd3f6BMacmdAzNXef530-e8guzmhw0SsdF15Sc/s1600/brilliant-sunrise-over-houses.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGXASNBrKW4yvOyfs_B-s9Rg1nYLWm3xs_KtizspxLNOm3N-qWIqF16KsQgKsfKSImIqObsqlh6bwvGfvZwZ5G9kDoSHmxPWyObKGPzJd3f6BMacmdAzNXef530-e8guzmhw0SsdF15Sc/s200/brilliant-sunrise-over-houses.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span><span>Some present the thought that the parousia of Jesus refers to his arrival, not “presence.” We present below our short study regarding this.</span>
</span></div>
<br />
<span>Initially, Christ comes as a thief in the night, “The kingdom of God doesn’t come with observation.” (Luke 17:20, World English Bible translation) “nor will they say, `Look, here it is!’ or, `There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:21, NASB translation) Then Jesus states, as recorded in Matthew 24:27:</span><span></span><br />
<span><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Matt 24:27 “For just as the lightning (Greek, astrape: light, bright shining) comes from the east and flashes [Greek, phaino: shines] even to the west, so will the coming [Greek, Parousia: presence] of the Son of Man be. (NAS)</span><br />
<span><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Lightning does not generally come from the east and shine even to the west, but the sun does. The word “lightning” is a poor translation of the Greek word “astrape,” which signifies “bright shining” (as given in Luke 11:36 in the KJV), and really refers here, as the context indicates, to the sunlight which shines always from the east even to the west, while on the other hand, lightning flashes in a variety of directions, wherever the electrical forces producing it may be discharged. A flash of lightning would only luminate the sky for a split second, which is not a good illustration of Jesus’ return.<br /></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span>When the word is rendered as “presence” rather than “coming,” the statement is seen to declare that the presence of Christ will be like the sunlight, gradually illuminating the world. It is not split a second of time, in which all the world sees and recognizes Jesus, as some have seemingly assumed.</span></div>
<span>
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span>Those who are awake and watching, the children of the light, are the first to discern and rejoice in His presence. The children of the night and of the darkness will awake when the Sun of Righteousness will arise in His full glory, and all the sin-sick will rejoice in the healing to be gained through the influence of His rays. Therefore, Jesus uses here the illustration of how the sun brings light as it comes up the east and goes to the west. This well depicts the sun of righteousness who arises with healing in his wings. (Malachi 4:2) The shining is not confined to any one place, but its effect is different in different places. The bright shining (verse 27) means truths and knowledge greatly increases. That this shining is visible from the east to the west, refers to the fact that our Lord’s presence reveals truth that not only is seen now, but even unto the west, the end of the Millennium, even as the sun gradually moves across the sky from east to west. (Revelation 21:23-24). When the sun first rises in the east, it is not especially bright, but the rays of light can be seen gleaming through the sky. As it continues its journey, the shining gets brighter and brighter.</span><br />
<span><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>The sun shine of this new day, however, differs from a normal day, for the prophecy says that the clouds darken the bright shining. (Isaiah 5:30; Joel 2:2; Zephaniah 1:15) The clouds we understand to mean obscurity — darkness and trouble on earth. (Isaiah 8:22) It is a unique day, different from what we have known before, for we are told that at evening time, rather than darkness coming, there will be light. (Zechariah 14:7) Thus seen, we can see that this day endures on into the millennial rule, when the world will be instructed in the ways of Jehovah, and the knowledge of Jehovah will fill the earth. — Isaiah 2:2-4; 6:11.</span><br />
<span><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>At first, only those who are spiritually awake recognize this presence, (1 Thessalonians 5:4-6) but after Satan is abyssed, all men will become aware of his presence. (Revelation 20:3; Isaiah 25:7; Revelation 1:7) To the watchers in Zion, this light is now seen in the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies, as well as a flood of knowledge that causes understanding of many spiritual truths that were hidden in the darkness of the wilderness for over a thousand years. Thus to them it has a special meaning. But to the world the light first brings a time of trouble, as never seen before in history, for poor humanity, still being out of harmony with God and truth, cannot properly control the increase of knowledge that has so gradually filled the world since 1799. (Daniel 12:1,4) Yet they are ever learning, but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:7) God’s kingdom is in their midst, but they do not recognize it. — Luke 17:21.<br /></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span>Thus seen, in agreement with other scriptures, Christ’s parousia covers a period of time, in which many things occur. Yes, Jesus does arrive at the beginning of his parousia, his presence as King, but having arrived, he remains present. The Greek word parousia means more than just his arrival, since it also includes the things prophesied to happen during his parousia.</span><span><br /></span></div>
<span>
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span><b><i>W. E. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words</i></b>: Parousia, literally, a presence, para, with, and ousia, being, denotes both an arrival and a consequent presence with. Robert Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible: Parousia, a being alongside, presence.<br /></span><br /></div>
<span>Moulton and Milligan’s V<b><i>ocabulary of the Greek Testament</i></b> Foreword: “Parousia, as applied to the return of the Lord, is simply the anglicizing of the Greek word which literally means ‘presence.’</span><span><br /></span>
<span>
</span>
<br />
<span>One way of showing that the parousia is a period of time can be seen by comparing two scriptures:</span><span><br /></span>
<span>
</span>
<br />
<span>Matthew 24:37-39 – As the days of Noah, so will be the coming [parousia — kingly presence] of the Son of Man. For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and they didn’t know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will be the coming [parousia – Kingly presence] of the Son of [the] Man.</span><div>
<span>
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span>Luke 17:26 – As it happened in the days of Noah, even so will it be also in the days [parallels with “parousia” of Matthew 24:37] of the Son of Man.</span><br />
<span><br /></span></div>
<span>Thus the world in general is carrying on these affairs in the days of Jesus’ parousia, that is, his parousia is not known to them. It is not until after the resurrection, that even those who pierced him will be brought back to life so that they may “see” him, and thus “They also who err in spirit shall come to understanding, and those who murmur shall receive instruction.” — Revelation 1:7; Isaiah 29:24.</span><span></span><br /><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span>For more on this, see:</span></div>
<span>
</span>
<a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2017/03/astrape.html" target="_blank">Astrape in Luke 17:22; Matthew 24:27</a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><br /></span></div>
<span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span>Related:</span></div>
<span>
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span><a href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2016/09/1pet3-18.html" target="_blank">Jesus Died a Human Being – Raised a Spirit Being</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span><a href="https://jesusnotyhwh.blogspot.com/2016/11/raise-himself.html" target="_blank">Did Jesus Raise Himself from the Dead?</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span><a href="https://jesusnotyhwh.blogspot.com/2017/05/locked-room.html" target="_blank">Jesus’ Appearances in the Locked Room</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span><br /></span></div>
<span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span>For various viewpoints being presented on chronology, see:</span></div>
<span>
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span><a href="https://rlbibleresources.blogspot.com/2016/12/chronology.html" target="_blank">https://rlbibleresources.blogspot.com/2016/12/chronology.html</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-48700806810450699642018-07-09T10:26:00.003-07:002020-05-16T17:30:51.471-07:00John 14:19 - The World Will See Me No More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cqFMUOlfgWr5p4JdxZtDqNXXbfRJPUIW91iJd4PZErS4_0CUNg-RyA4tKk2O2RywIwpK83qFxEY_FoHwuPMD9_z2mD53DC7AB9oXFkc55K9Iphavrs8L_MvbkzKycM45gLJkEL_td6-r/s1600/bible+pic+john14-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cqFMUOlfgWr5p4JdxZtDqNXXbfRJPUIW91iJd4PZErS4_0CUNg-RyA4tKk2O2RywIwpK83qFxEY_FoHwuPMD9_z2mD53DC7AB9oXFkc55K9Iphavrs8L_MvbkzKycM45gLJkEL_td6-r/s200/bible+pic+john14-9.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more; but you will see me. Because I live [referring to his resurrection], you will live also [reckonedly justified and regenerated in this age, and actually in the resurrection].<br />
<br />
In John 14:19, although Jesus’ words are directly to Philip, Jesus is evidently speaking to his apostles in general, when he said: “you [plural] will behold me.” When Jesus said “you”, the pronoun in the Greek is plural, signifying that he was not simply addressing Philip (John 14:9), but all of the eleven apostles. All of the eleven apostles will be members of the joint-heirs with Christ, receiving spiritual bodies in the resurrection as Jesus now has, and thus will be able to see, or behold, Jesus’ own glorious spiritual body. The world will never have that ability.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, Jesus made many appearances to his 11 faithful apostles (as well as to other disciples) before his ascension (Acts 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:4-8), but the world never saw him again after his death and burial, and will never physically see him again.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the remaining 11 apostles will live again in the last day (John 6:39,40,44,54), and will further see Jesus then, not as a human being, but in his exalted glory of a heavenly, spirit being, the glory of a celestial (heavenly), spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:40,45), and this is what we believe that Jesus is specifically referencing. They will be able to see Jesus similar to the way that the angels in heaven are now able to God. (Matthew 18:10) The world, being raised to life on the earthly, physical plane, will never ever physically see or behold Jesus’ magnificent glory, although they will see his glory in its kingdom physical manifestations all over the earth.<br />
<br />
Also, the believers in this age are allowed to spiritually “see” Jesus with varying degrees of understanding, while the present evil world (Galatians 1:4) cannot appreciably see Jesus at all due to the blinding influence of Satan. (2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 12:9) In the age to come, however, the blinding influence and the covering vail of darkness will have been removed when the mountain of God’s kingdom fills the earth (Isaiah 2:2-4; 25:7; 29:18; Revelation 20:1-3), so that those who in this age do not believe will, in that last day of judgment be able “see” Jesus, not literally, but with the figurative “eyes” of understanding that will no longer be figuratively blinded. — Isaiah 2:2-4; 26:9; John 12:47,48.<br />
<br />
Now, however, we believe that neither the world nor the church will ever again see Jesus in the flesh. Why not? Because he sacrificed his flesh once for all time. He never takes it back, nor does he have any reason to take it back. If he should take that flesh back, then the sacrifice would become void, for in order to completely fulfill the condemnation upon Adam, Jesus’ humanity has to be dead forever. The very purpose of Jesus’ becoming flesh was to sacrifice that flesh for the sin of the world. Having presented that flesh, his body, in sacrifice after his ascension, he has no need to ever again become flesh.<br />
<br />
The apostle Paul calls attention to the difference between heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, and declares that they have different glories. (1 Corinthians 15:40) He tells us that the first Adam was made a living soul, a human being, but that our redeemer, he who came from heaven, who humbled himself, and took the earthly nature — “for the suffering of death” (Hebrews 2:9) — being foreshadowed by sinless Adam (Romans 5:14), and being crowned with the earthly glory as was sinless Adam (Psalm 8:5; Hebrews 2:9). Jesus’ body of was prepared by his God, without the taint of sin or condemnation in Adam. (Hebrews 10:5) But Jesus did not remain flesh, for he offered his earthly glory, his flesh, his body with its blood, in sacrifice for the church and the world. (Matthew 26:26-28; Luke 22:19; John 6:51; Romans 3:25; Colossians 1:14; Ephesians 5:2; Hebrews 2:9; 9:14; 10:10; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18; 1 John 1:7; 2:2; Revelation 1:5) What we need to remember is what Jesus sacrificed, what he offered to his God, was human life and all that pertains to it. Jesus did not die for spirit beings; he died for human beings, the “all” that are dying in Adam. — 1 Corinthians 15:21,22; Romans 5:12- 19.<br />
<br />
John tells us of Jesus that “in him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4) What does this mean, that in Jesus, as a human “was life”? John 9:5 and 2 Timothy 1:10 give us a clue. Since Jesus, unlike Adam, was totally obedient, his sinless human life offered light to the dying race of mankind. Thus Jesus said: “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:5, New King James version) The good news is that Jesus came with a sinless human life that he could offer in sacrifice to his God on man’s behalf in order to atone for the sin of the world. Thus Jesus, while a man, possessed life, and by his continued obedience brought life and incorruption to light. (2 Timothy 1:10) Jesus condemned sin in the flesh by showing that a sinless, incorrupt human can obey God’s laws. — Romans 8:3; 2 Timothy 1:10.<br />
==========<br />
See: <a href="https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/2016/12/rom8-3.html" target="_blank">How God’s Son Condemned Sin the Flesh</a><br />
<br />
Jesus, as a human, as most know the scriptures say, was without sin. (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22-24; 1 John 3:5) Unlike dying mankind, while Jesus was in the days of his flesh, having a terrestrial, fleshly glory a little lower than the angels (1 Corinthians 15:39-41; Hebrews 5:7; 2:9), Jesus had life, thus in him was life! (John 1:4) How thankful we can be that the great Logos, the Word of God, the only direct living creation of God, the one through whom all life was made, when the offer was made, and the “joy set before him,” said to his God, “Lo I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy will, 0 God.” (John 1:1-3, Diaglott Literal; Hebrews 10:7; 12:2; Revelation 3:14). The life and personality of the Logos was then transferred and he became the babe of Bethlehem. “He was made flesh and being found in fashion [likeness] as a man [sinful flesh –Romans 8:3] he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross [stauros].” – John 1:14; Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 2:14.<br />
<br />
Jesus’ human body was not prepared from sinful human stock, but Jesus says of his God: “But a body did you prepare for me.” (Hebrews 10:5) It is thus this sinless human body, having sinless life, that Jesus willingly offered in sacrifice. (Hebrews 10:10) Yes, in Jesus was life — human life, crowned with the glory of a sinless man, who by remaining obedient to his God (Philippians 2:8) never fell short of the glory of God. — Romans 3:23; Hebrews 2:9.<br />
<br />
Thus seen, what did Jesus sacrifice?<br />
<br />
He gave his humanity — including his body of flesh — as an offsetting price, which sacrifice he formally presented to his God as priest after his ascension. – – Hebrews 8:4; 9:24-26; 10:10.<br />
<br />
Jesus gave his human blood in sacrifice.<br />
<br />
Matthew 26:28 – for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.<br />
<br />
Mark 14:24 – He said to them, “This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many.<br />
<br />
Luke 22:20 – He took the cup in like manner after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, that which is poured out for you.<br />
<br />
Acts 20:28 – Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son. – Revised Standard Version.<br />
<br />
Romans 5:9 – Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we will be saved from God’s wrath through him.<br />
<br />
Ephesians 1:7 – in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.<br />
<br />
However, what does blood represent? Jesus’ human soul, which he also gave in sacrifice.<br />
<br />
Leviticus 17:11 – For the life [Hebrew, nephesh – soul] of the flesh is in the blood.<br />
<br />
Deuteronomy 12:23 – The blood is the life [Hebrew, nephesh – soul].<br />
<br />
The human soul consists of the body made from the dust of the ground and the neshamah, representing the activation of the body by spirit of life as received from God. — Genesis 2:7.<br />
<br />
Yes, Jesus did sacrifice his human body with its blood. He thus was not raised as a human with a terrestrial, earthly, fleshly bodily glory, but as a spirit being, with a celestial, heavenly, spiritual body.<br />
<br />
Hebrews 10:10 by which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.<br />
Hebrews 10:11 Every priest indeed stands day by day ministering and often offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins,<br />
Hebrews 10:12 but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;<br />
Hebrews 10:13 henceforth expecting until his enemies to be made the footstool of his feet.<br />
Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are sanctified.<br />
<br />
Luke 22:19 He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, “This is *my body which is given [as an offering in sacrifice to God – Ephesians 5:2; Hebrews 9:14] for you*. Do this in memory of me.”<br />
<br />
Jesus sacrificed his flesh:<br />
<br />
John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. Yes, the bread which I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world.<br />
<br />
Jesus sacrificed his human soul:<br />
<br />
Matthew 20:28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life [soul] as a ransom [price to offset] for many.<br />
<br />
Isaiah 53:12 He *poured out his soul* to death, and was numbered with the transgressors: yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.<br />
<br />
He died; he was totally dead, ceased to be sentient, else there has been no ransom. His body was given in sacrifice. (Hebrews 10:10; Luke 22:19) Jesus’ soul — his human sentiency — was given in sacrifice (Ecclesiastes 9:5) and went into sheol, where there is no work, device, knowledge or wisdom, and wherein one cannot give thanks to, or praise to, Jehovah. (Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Psalm 6:5; Isaiah 38:18) Jesus’ human blood — which represents his human soul/being (Leviticus 17:11; Deuteronomy 12:23) — was given in sacrifice. (Mark 14:24; Acts 20:28; Hebrews 9:14) Thus his soul — his being — as raised, made alive, from the oblivious condition of sheol was no longer human, but spirit, with a spiritual, not a physical, body.<br />
<br />
Once we realize that the human soul consists of the body of flesh activated by the neshamah, or spirit of life from God (Genesis 2:7), we can see how Jesus gave his entire humanity in sacrifice; he is no longer in the days of his flesh, and the world will never again literally see Jesus, either in the flesh, or in his heavenly glory. — Hebrews 5:7.<br />
<br />
What, then, about Revelation 1:7?<br />
<br />
Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him. All the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. Even so, Amen.<br />
<br />
“Every eye shall see him” (Revelation 1:7) is widely accepted as proof that Christ will return visibly. The book of Revelation however, is full of symbology, and we believe that “eye” and “see” here is speaking symbolically. We know Jesus said , “The world seeth me NO MORE” (John 14:19). The Bible does not contradict itself! Any reasoning student of the Bible will admit that the book of Revelation is a book of symbols. It cannot be literally interpreted. Why should a person then insist that this one verse must be?<br />
<br />
The “eye” in Revelation 1:7 is figurative and refers to mental perception or the “eye” of understanding (Job 42:5). At first Christ appears only as clouds of darkness, trouble, suffering, tribulation, as a roaring of the sea. (Isaiah 5:30; Zephaniah 1:15; Luke 21:25) The world symbolically sees the clouds of darkness, but the people in general do not understand the import behind the clouds until the clouds are removed, and God through Christ says, Peace! Be Still! Then Jesus can be figurative seen as being in figurative clouds of glory. — Psalm 107:29; Mark 4:39.<br />
<br />
While it could be the clouds of darkness that produce a mournful feeling in men, many scriptures indicate that when all flesh sees the glory of Jehovah (Isaiah 40:5) as being revealed through Jesus and the saints, the world will be mournful. (Isaiah 35:5-10) The judgments of that day will prove to be more tolerable for some than for others. — Matthew 10:15; 11:22,24; Mark 6:11; Luke 10:12,14.<br />
<br />
The verse tells us that those that pierced Jesus will be there, which provides further indication that this has its full fulfillment in the resurrection day, the “last day” when the unbelieving world is to blessed with another day of judgment. — John 12:47,48.<br />
<br />
Repentance is also associated with mournfulness (Joel 2:12), so the mournfulness being spoken of in Revelation 1:7 could be regarding repentance upon realization of the truths being revealed at that time. The next age will then be in full operation, the great deceiver abyssed, and mankind will then be enabled to understand truths to which they are now figuratively blinded. — Isaiah 2:2-4; 11:9; Habakkuk 2:14; Joel 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Isaiah 25:7; 29:24; Revelation 12:9; 20:1-4.<br />
<br />
Related RL Studies<br />
<br />
<a href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2016/09/1pet3-18.html" target="_blank">1 Peter 3:18 – Jesus Died a Human Being – Raised a Spirit Being</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/2016/12/rom8-3.html" target="_blank">Romans 8:3 – How God’s Son Condemned Sin in the Flesh</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://jesusnotyhwh.blogspot.com/2016/11/light-dark.html" target="_blank">Light, Darkness and the Logos</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2017/03/astrape.html" target="_blank">Astrape in Luke 17:22; Matthew 24:27</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://jesusnotyhwh.blogspot.com/2017/03/1john4-3.html" target="_blank">Jesus Has Come in the Flesh</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://jesusnotyhwh.blogspot.com/2017/05/locked-room.html" target="_blank">Jesus' Appearances in the Locked Room</a><br />
<br />
Originally published on September 9, 2009; updated and republished on April 22, 2014; Updated May 16, 2020.Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-21094148041134557842018-03-12T13:51:00.000-07:002024-01-14T19:18:48.595-08:00The Time Frame of Matthew 25:31-46<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0VSirAcPv6SlXuH8k80Pc-mzkuVIkilMJHrVmKfhTjDg6zrJBCYAFHg5PC2WVA9znO1M9gnVx8Ovymx5ppERIIThMUeZ0E4OUtv5oEPQ4v2AlZoDb8WrC3IaP_LcTA8myprBOEK-gwwS/s1600/13932879013386.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="1600" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0VSirAcPv6SlXuH8k80Pc-mzkuVIkilMJHrVmKfhTjDg6zrJBCYAFHg5PC2WVA9znO1M9gnVx8Ovymx5ppERIIThMUeZ0E4OUtv5oEPQ4v2AlZoDb8WrC3IaP_LcTA8myprBOEK-gwwS/s200/13932879013386.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Many times people confuse the teachings of the Jehovah’s Witnesses with that of the Bible Students. One point of confusion that often arises is concerning the parable to the sheep and goats. What most Bible Students believe and what the Jehovah’s Witnesses teach are not the same. One thing that the JW leadership (as well as many of other groups that have views similar to the JWs) does is to place the time frame of Jesus’ parable as being before Satan is abyssed, before the individual judgment of the world during the thousand years of Christ's special rule to bring mankind back to God. The usual conception they present is that the goats enter into everlasting punishment of the second death at, or immediately after, Armageddon, before Satan is abyssed, before the nations are blessed in the millennial reign of Jesus.<br />
<br />
However, when does Jehovah come to judge the world (the nations, the unbelieving heathen) as individuals by means of Jesus? (Psalm 96; 98; Acts 17:31) When do the saints judge the world (the nations, the unbelieving heathen as individuals) with Jesus? (Daniel 7:22; 1 Corinthians 6:2; Revelation 20:4) Jesus said regarding those of the world who not believe in him that he came to save them and that they will be judged in the “last day”. (John 12:47,48) Isn’t this after Satan is abyssed, so that he cannot deceive the heathen during the thousand years while he is abyssed, when those who rejected Jesus in the first century will be raised for individual judgment, when the books are opened to them? (Revelation 20) It is at that time that Jesus actually sits on his throne of glory for judging the world (Daniel 7:14) individually, for it is during that time the glory of the saints will be revealed, by which the condemned creation will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glory of the sons of God. (Romans 8:18-23) It is during that time of revealment, after Satan is abyssed, that the nations — the heathen — will be judged individually, as depicted in the parable of the sheep and goats, as to who will be worthy of eternal life, and who will not. The parable of the sheep and goats parallels Revelation 20:4-15.<br />
<br />
Do the sheep of the parable actually have eternal life at the beginning of the millennial rule, so that they will not be judged during the millennial age? We know that the Watchtower has taught (and we presume still does) that the “other sheep” do not actually inherit eternal life until after the thousand years. Their teaching, as best as we can determine, is that the sheep of the parable will still have to judged further during the millennial rule, before they actually receive eternal life. However, we have seen them applying the destruction of the goats, as Jesus spoke of in Matthew 25:46, as taking place at the beginning or before the beginning of the thousand years, thus meaning that they receive no benefit from the ransom sacrifice of Jesus, and they will never be blessed with the knowledge of who Jehovah is. According the JWs, they have their opportunity now, despite the fact that they are still blinded by Satan, so that they cannot understand. Thus, it would appear the JWs would have them enter into eternal destruction, without ever receiving the knowledge of the truth at all, evidently claiming that the "works" of their Watch Tower Society in their alleged proclaiming the Good News of God's Kingdom, provides the basis for their eternal judgment, so that they -- and also their children -- are being judged worthy of eternal destruction although they have never been justified from the first condemnation in Adam, nor have they received an accurate knowledge of the truth of God's divine plan. In other words, in effect, they are separating the application of Jesus’ words of Matthew 25:46 by one thousand years, applying the eternal “cutting-off” before the 1,000 years and the eternal life after the 1,000 years, although this was not what Jesus stated.<br />
<br />
In truth, both the sheep and the goats receive their reward, not 1,000 years apart, but after the 1,000 years of the coming day of judgment of world now blinded by Satan.<br />
<br />
A more detailed study of the parable of the sheep and goats can be found in the studies:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2016/11/course.html" target="_blank">Mankind’s Course to the Day of Judgment</a><br />
and<br />
<a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2016/11/armageddon.html" target="_blank">Will Billions Be Eternally Destroyed in the Battle of Armageddon?</a><br /><br />Also Related:<br /><br /><a href="https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/2018/05/john12-47.html" target="_blank">Unbelievers Saved for the Day of Judgment</a><br /><br />
<br />
Some other studies by Bible Students<br />
(We do not necessarily agree with all conclusions presented)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mostholyfaith.com/Beta/bible/Reprints/Z1910JAN.asp#Z37:2" target="_blank">The Parable of the Sheep and Goats</a> (Charles Taze Russell)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mostholyfaith.com/Beta/bible/harvest_gleanings_3/HG058.asp" target="_blank">Day of Judgment Misunderstood</a> (Charles Taze Russell)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.heraldmag.org/archives/1924_12.htm#_Toc517706519" target="_blank">The Final Judgment of the Human Race</a> (Herald of Christ’s Kingdom)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.heraldmag.org/2008/08so_2.htm" target="_blank">Christ’s Kingdom</a> (Ernie Kuenzli – Herald of Christ’s Kingdom)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mostholyfaith.com/Beta/bible/reprints/Z1915MAY.asp#Z156:10" target="_blank">Prophesy Against the Shepherds</a> (Charles T. Russell)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dawnbible.com/2001/0110ib28.htm" target="_blank">Serving Christ by Serving Others</a> (The Dawn)<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.dawnbible.com/1961/6109cl-2.htm" target="_blank">The Sheep and Goats</a> (The Dawn)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://bibleresources.info/audio-sermons/?pg=eng_ser.php%3Fq%3Df%26f%3D%252FAustin%2BConventions%252F2021%2BAustin%2BConvention%26afi%3D14" target="_blank">Parable of the Sheep and Goats (MP3)</a> --- <a href="https://bibleresources.info/audio-sermons/?pg=eng_ser.php%3Fq%3Ds%26sm%3Dff%26s%3Dgoats%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26afi%3D0" target="_blank">Handout pdf </a>-- Wes Cramer </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://bibleresources.info/audio-sermons/?pg=eng_ser.php%3Fq%3Df%26f%3D%252FChicago%2BDiscourses%252FBob%2BGray%26afi%3D10" target="_blank">The Sheep and the Goats</a> (MP3) -- Bob Gray</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://bibleresources.info/audio-sermons/?pg=eng_ser.php%3Fq%3Df%26f%3D%252FGrand%2BRapids%2BConventions%252F2012%2BGrand%2BRapids%2BConvention%26afi%3D1" target="_blank">The Sheep and the Goats (MP3)</a> -- Harry Wildblood</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://bibleresources.info/audio-sermons/?pg=eng_ser.php%3Fq%3Df%26f%3D%252FMiscellaneous%2BDiscourses%2Bby%2BSpeaker%252FAdam%2BMiskowitz%26afi%3D21" target="_blank">The Parable of the Sheep and Goats</a> (MP3) -- Adam Miskowitz</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://bibleresources.info/audio-sermons/?pg=eng_ser.php%3Fq%3Df%26f%3D%252FMiscellaneous%2BDiscourses%2Bby%2BSpeaker%252FHarry%2BWildblood%26afi%3D1" target="_blank">The Sheep and Goats Part 1 (study - MP3)</a> -- Harry Wildblood</div><div><a href="The Sheep and Goats Part 1 (study - MP3) -- Harry Wildblood" target="_blank">The Sheep and Goats Part 2 (study - MP3)</a> -- Harry Wildblood</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-34879969048153610422017-07-23T22:11:00.005-07:002024-01-04T17:37:56.956-08:00Revelation 12:1 - Who is the Woman?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDQ94mr2mnCFV2pHy80A1f2s3Nfmw7eUTwlP48T3bx0IPkjaRwZ4fUhhCdfK_uoI0oZwfgZ1Wa6WwIpIQzjxRTIUd4swUXxdIPaobOiOJXpp630Zl0DepC1eOZWDeBcVMAWTYOJs6vi1n/s1600/bible-light.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1142" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDQ94mr2mnCFV2pHy80A1f2s3Nfmw7eUTwlP48T3bx0IPkjaRwZ4fUhhCdfK_uoI0oZwfgZ1Wa6WwIpIQzjxRTIUd4swUXxdIPaobOiOJXpp630Zl0DepC1eOZWDeBcVMAWTYOJs6vi1n/s200/bible-light.jpg" width="142" /></a><div><b>Revelation 12:1 - A great sign was seen in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. -- </b><i><b>World English</b></i><b>.</b></div><div><br /></div>By comparing spiritual revealing with spiritual revealing, we conclude that the woman of Revelation 12:1 represents the promise, the covenant, which was to produce the seed of Abraham. This is the same woman that had been barren for a long time as spoken of in Isaiah 54, and which Paul wrote about in Galatians 4 as being represented by Sarah. That sign "was seen" (Isaiah 7:14) in the symbolic ecclesiastical heavens in the first century, with Abraham's seed of faith being brought forth. -- Genesis 3:15; Romans 4:13,16; Galatians 3:6-18; 4:23,24.<br />
<br />Jesus, himself, however, was not of the crooked and perverse seed of Adam (Ecclesiastes 1:2,13-17; 7:13; Romans 1:24-32; 3:9; 5:12-19; 8:19-22; 2 Peter 1:4). Not only was Jesus the seed of Abraham, he was additionally a human "Son of God" as was Adam before Adam sinned. (Luke 3:38) Jesus was begotten of the holy spirit -- not as a spirit being, but as a human being -- in the womb of Mary (Matthew 1:20), and his body was prepared by God. (Hebrews 10:5) Thus, he was not born "under the sun" of vanity, with its present futility (Ecclesiastes 1:2,14,15; Romans 8:20); Jesus was indeed a new creation, and became a new sun, a "sun of righteousness." -- Malachi 4:2.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, to pay the price for sin, Jesus suffered in the likeness of sinful flesh (Romans 8:3; Hebrews 2:17,18; 9:26; 1 Peter 3:18) as though he were under that bondage of corruption.<br />
<br />
Furthermore, the seed of the woman is not just Jesus, for it includes those who, by application of the blood of the new covenant before the age to come, are allowed to come into the covenant God made with Jesus through Abraham. -- Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; Galatians 3:16,29; Hebrews 6:5; 10:14,29; 12:24.<div><br /></div><div>Nor can the woman represent the church, since the members of the church are included in the seed of the woman. -- Revelation 12:17.</div><div><br /></div><div>The woman is evidently the same "woman" spoken of in Isaiah 54:1. This "woman" is identified by Paul in Galatians 4:21-31 as the covenant represented by Sarah. This is the same covenant that was confirmed by God 430 years before the Law Covenant had been given. The Law Covenant, represented by Hagar, produced many children while the Abrahamic covenant, represented by Sarah, remained barren.</div><div><br /></div><div>Galatians 4:25 reveals that Hagar corresponds to the Jerusalem that then existed, who was in bondage with her children. Galatians 4:26 speaks of another Jerusalem, which would correspond with Sarah, representing the Abrahamic covenant that came 430 years before the Law Covenant, and is thus above the Law Covenant. This Jerusalem -- the Abrahamic Covenant -- is the mother of those who belong to Christ. <br />
<br />
It is for the revealing of this seed of the woman that the nations -- the heathen -- the whole creation now groaning in travail and pain (Romans 8:22), is waiting for, since when the seed is revealed all nations will then be blessed, so that the whole groaning creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. -- Genesis 22:18; Isaiah 2:2-4; Romans 8:19-22.<br />
<br />Ronald R. Day, Sr.<br /><br /></div>Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-10181115067198425762017-03-09T15:33:00.001-08:002022-07-17T15:25:40.040-07:00Revelation 7 - The 144,000 and the Twelve Tribes<hr style="color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;" />
<blockquote style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Revelation 7:1 After this, I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth, or on the sea, or on any tree.<br />
Revelation 7:2 I saw another angel ascend from the sunrise, having the seal of the living God. He cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to harm the earth and the sea,<br />
Revelation 7:3 saying, "Don't harm the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, until we have sealed the bondservants of our God on their foreheads!"<br />
Revelation 7:4 I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the children of Israel:<br />
Revelation 7:5 Of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand, Of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand, Of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand,<br />
Revelatio 7:6 Of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand, Of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand, Of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand,<br />
Revelation 7:7 Of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand, Of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand, Of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand,<br />
Revelation 7:8 Of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand, Of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand, Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand. -- <em><strong>World English</strong></em>.</div>
</blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJV18TlHRM0iyt1LCZU6HcLZAC3oM3DiYrCz16yLk4zsfx3ojavV7RL1RyeQdiCPfNHbvBzKXkJ-OQxu3XcIX79xlseJaLcvVEhVLWtTEsDuHF3ltUj0rRYHkOju-w2cw6AmdO51vuojS/s1600/Devostock%252BRevelation%252BBible%252BReligion%252BGod-ID67341-500x375.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJV18TlHRM0iyt1LCZU6HcLZAC3oM3DiYrCz16yLk4zsfx3ojavV7RL1RyeQdiCPfNHbvBzKXkJ-OQxu3XcIX79xlseJaLcvVEhVLWtTEsDuHF3ltUj0rRYHkOju-w2cw6AmdO51vuojS/s200/Devostock%252BRevelation%252BBible%252BReligion%252BGod-ID67341-500x375.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
It is claimed by many that the twelve tribes of Revelation refer to the natural Jews, the children of Israel. These overlook the symbolism being employed in the verses, and look at the words "tribe" as speaking, not symbolically, but literally, reference to tribes of natural Israel, and thus they claim that the 144,000 are all natural Jews.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
However, we need to remember that the visions that John saw are highly symbolic. The four corners of the earth are symbolic; the four winds are symbolic; the earth, sea and trees spoken of are all symbolic. The four angels are also probably symbolic of the influences of the destructive forces that are to come upon the symbolic earth, the sea and the trees.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Additionally, we should note that the twelves tribes that John saw are no where listed as such in the Old Testament. Each tribe listed in Revelation 7, we believe, has symbolic meaning. Revelation 7 and 14 is not speaking of the twelve tribes after the flesh (1 Corinthians 10:18), but rather these tribes are symbolic of the various parts of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-26), the Israel of faith. Those sealed out of the twelve tribes stand [rule as kings] on Mt. Zion in heaven with the Lamb. --- Revelation 14:1.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
We will note that there are some Bible Students who believe that the number 144,000 is not to be taken literally; that it is only symbolic. We cannot be dogmatic that there will be literally only 144,000 to be sealed out of the twelve tribes, but we believe that, since this is spoken of in relation to two other groups, the twelve tribes and the great multitude, that this number is indeed literal, and yet it is also symbolic.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Nevertheless, Romans 11:25 speaks of the blindness to Israel continuing until the "fullness [Greek, pleroma, plenitude] of the Gentiles has come in." "Fullness" does not mean that absolutely all Gentiles must be converted before the blindness is removed from Israel. "Fullness" means the full amount related to filling up what is being spoken of; it refers to all that is needed for the purpose being spoken of. In this connection, it is speaking of filling "the election" (Romans 11:7), the symbolic grafting of Gentiles (symbolic wild olive branches) into the symbolic olive tree of God. (Romans 11:17) The olive tree of God does not mean the Law Covenant, as some have assumed. If it were the Law Covenant that the Gentiles were being drafted into, then this would mean that the Gentiles would become cursed with the Jew under the Law. "For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse. For it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who doesn't continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.'" (Galatians 3:10) Rather, Paul speaks in Galatians 3:16 of the promises spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The covenant made with Abraham is often referred to as the Abrahamic Covenant. The Law Covenant came 430 years later (Galatians 3:17), but does not annul the earlier covenant with Abraham. Jesus claimed this covenant for himself, as he spoke to his disciples: " I, covenant unto you - as my Father hath covenanted unto me - a kingdom." (Luke 22:29) From Galatians 3:16, we can see that the covenant that Jesus refers to, and which he extends to his followers, is the covenant as the seed of Abraham. This agrees with what Paul wrote in Galatians 3:29: "If you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise."<br />
<br />
All who belong to Christ are God's sons, and are thus heirs. (Galatians 3:26) However, not all the heirs as the seed of Abraham become joint-heirs with Christ. It is out of this antitypical twelve tribes that the joint-heirs are sealed. If Romans 11:25 is speaking a limited number, it would have be related, not to the antitypical twelve tribes as a whole, but rather to the sealing of the 144,000 out those twelve tribes. In other words, the purpose of the "election" is to obtain the joint-heirs with Christ; when that purpose is fulfilled, once the 144,000 are sealed, then some time after that the blindness of Israel would be lifted. This would take us into the age to come, after Satan is abyssed so that he will not be able to deceive the heathen. (Revelation 20:1-3) We do not believe that Israel will be enlightened until after Satan -- the god of this age -- is will no longer be around bring blindness. (2 Corinthians 4:4) Jehovah says concerning Israel in that age to come: "I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish to you an everlasting covenant. Then shall you remember your ways, and be ashamed, when you shall receive your sisters, your elder [sisters] and your younger; and I will give them to you for daughters, but not by your [Law] covenant. I will establish my [new] covenant with you; and you shall know that I am Jehovah; that you may remember, and be confounded, and never open your mouth any more, because of your shame, when I have forgiven you all that you have done, says the Lord Jehovah." -- Ezekiel 16:60-63.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
The sealing out of the twelve symbolic tribes is not the same sealing that is spoken of in 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30. All of the sons of God receive the sealing of the holy spirit, the promise related to the day of redemption that is yet to come. All the sons of God are thus heirs of God, and, except for those of the great multitude*, all are of the antitypical twelve tribes of Israel, but not all who make up the twelve tribes become joint-heirs with Christ. One can be a joint-heir with Christ, only "<strong>if</strong>" indeed one "suffers with him." (Romans 8:17) The word "suffer" in Romans 8:17 is rendered from the Greek, "Sumpascho," Strong's #4841. Three words in Romans 8:17 all begin with forms of the the Greek prefix "Sun," meaning "jointly with." The first is usually translated as "joint-heirs," the second is rendered "suffer with," and the third is rendered "glorified with." Nevertheless, in the Greek, Paul lines the three words, using the same prefix for all, evidently to show a parallel in their meanings. All who are led by God's spirit are sons and heirs of God. However, to become heirs jointly with Christ, one must jointly suffer, in order to be jointly glorified. And thus, the 144,000 sealed out the twelve tribes are said to stand with Jesus on Mt. Zion. (Revelation 14:1) The typical Mt. Zion came to used to represent of the holy city Jerusalem, the capital of the whole of Israel, especially Moriah and the temple. -- Psalm 2:6; 9:11; 74:2; Isaiah 1:8; Joel 2:23.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
=========<br />
*We should note that in the type, the mixed multitude (Exodus 12:13) who came out of Egypt with Israel also blended in with and became counted as part of the twelve tribes; they did not continue to remain separate from the twelve tribes.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Much that we read in the Old Testament provides shadows, types, of that which was to come. (Romans 5:14; 1 Corinthians 10:6,11; Galatians 4:24; Colossians 2:17; Hebrews 8:5; Hebrews 9:24; Hebrews 10:1) In the New Testament, we come to the realities -- the antitypes -- represented by the typical of the Old Testament. Mt. Zion and the New Jerusalem represent the capital of God's kingdom, as though coming down out of heaven, cut out without hands, to extend its rule over the whole earth. -- Daniel 2:34,44,45; Revelation 21:1-5.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Thus seen, while many Bible Students only see two classes in Revelation 7, we see three classes: (1) The twelve tribes (2) those sealed out of the twelve tribes, and (3) the great multitude.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
We will also say that most often when Bible Students speak of the "seed of Abraham," they seem to limit that seed to the 144,000, as they usually do with the word "church." Many seem to fail to distinguish between the "heirs" and the "joint-heirs." We might hear someone declare himself and others as "joint-heirs" with Christ, evidently without realizing that such a declaration would be the same as saying, "I/We have obtained the perfection -- the mark of the prize of the high calling," or "I have overcome, and can no longer be harmed by the second death." -- Philippians 2:12-14; Revelation 2:11.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Many Bible Students, by tradition, seem to take the view that one is first counted as being of the 144,000 and then, if they fail to retain (rather than obtain or attain) the prize, then they become of the "great company" class, and thus lose the prize they once had. (Philippians 3:11-14) This, we believe, is almost the opposite of what the scriptures actually say.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Our conclusions is that, in general, throughout the gospel age, those who believe are first placed in the general "Israel" class, as being of one of the symbolic twelve tribes, and then, if he "attains" the mark of the prize, he becomes of the 144,000 joint-heirs. The "great company" class, we believe, are those who consecrate as what Brother Russell called those who 'consecrate <a data-mce-href="http://www.mostholyfaith.com/bible/reprints/Z1915SEP.asp#Z269:13" href="http://www.mostholyfaith.com/bible/reprints/Z1915SEP.asp#Z269:13" target="_blank">between the ages</a>'*, and thus they are pictured as coming "out of" the great tribulation, entering into the age to come when Satan will have been abyssed.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Brother Russell assumed that those consecrating between the ages would not be spirit-begotten, since he still retained the idea that spirit-begotten meant that one had sacrificed his humanity, and had become begotten to the spiritual body in the resurrection. We disagree with Russell's understanding of what it means to be spirit-begotten, since, among other things, the scriptures state that Jesus was begotten of the spirit when he became flesh, a human, not a spirit being. -- Matthew 1:20.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
The claim of many is that when one is spirit-begotten, he is no longer on the earthly plane, but, as a new creation, he is a son of God on the heavenly plane of life. Actually, the expression "spirit-begotten" does not appear in the scriptures, but we do find the expression "born of spirit", which can also be rendered "begotten of the spirit". We also find the expressions "born of water" and "born again (anew)". (John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:3) Does being "born of the spirit" mean that one is born/begotten to the level of being a spirit being? If so, does being born of water mean that one is born/begotten to being a water being? When Jesus was begotten of spirit in the womb of Mary, was he begotten as a spirit being, or a human being? (Matthew 1:20) Why is there an emphasis in the scriptures on "again/anew"? Why does one have to be born "again/anew"?<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
We believe that being begotten of the spirit simply means that one is begotten as a new creature, a seed, a grain, firstly reckoned on the earthly plane, being a new creation equal to what Adam was before Adam sinned. Adam was incorrupt morally, but he was corruptible. So with the new creation; the seed, the grain planted is sown incorrupt, but corruptible, morally speaking. Adam could have progressed from being corruptible to being incorruptible, morally speaking, had he developed a character that could not have been corrupted. Likewise, each new creature in Christ is incorrupt, yet corruptible, until he has developed an incorruptible character.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
For the new creature there are two types of sin: sin that is attributable to the fallen condition of the mind and flesh, and the sin of the new creature himself. There is no ransom sacrifice to be offered if the new creature sins. If the new creature himself sins, then all that would be left would be second death for the new creature. Once the new creature has fully developed a crystalized will against sin, then he has fully overcome, he has proven himself incorruptible, and the second death can no longer harm that person. (Revelation 2:11) Such will have attained the goal of the prize of the high calling. And yet, it is obvious that very few Christians ever obtain the level of perfection that is expressed in that goal while living in this present age.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
See our studies:</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=1006" href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2016/11/body.html" target="_blank">With What Kind Body Shall We Be Raised?</a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=1" href=" https://rlbibleresources.blogspot.com/2022/07/manner.html" target="_blank">The Manner of the Resurrection</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
However, being a participant in the high calling does not mean that one has already received a crown of joint-heirship; being a participant in the high calling does not mean, that having been given joint-heirship, if he fails, he looses that crown of joint-heirship. The scriptures, taken together, tell us that one is counted first as a son, as was Adam (Luke 3:38), on the human level, and as a son, also as an heir of God, on the human level. The one consecrated is not first counted as a joint-heir. Such would mean that having already obtained the prize of the high calling, he would then stand the possibility of losing that prize. The scriptures do not present the matter in such a manner.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
All who come to Christ are first made sons, as Adam was a son. (Luke 3:38) The ransom sacrifice does not bring us to life in heaven, but rather it places us as Adam was before Adam sinned, with life on earth. Being made alive, they are sons, and if sons, they are also heirs, for "if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." The condition for heirship is to belong to Christ. (Galatians 3:29) "The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ if it so be that we joint-suffer [Strong's 4841, sumpascho, "to experience pain jointly or of the same kind (spec. persecution; to 'sympathize')"] with him, that we may be also joint-glorified [Strong's 4888, sunarmologeo, "to exalt to dignity in company with"] together." The "joint-heirs" are first "heirs" before they become "joint-heirs." The condition for "joint-heirship" is (different than the condition for heirship) to be joint-sufferers with Christ: "if so be that we joint-suffer with him." (Romans 8:16,17) The heirs in general are reckoned alive, "new creatures" in Christ Jesus, but only on the human plane. This is the first plane of life for all the Israel after the spirit, the twelve tribes spoken of in Revelation 7. -- 1 Corinthians 10:18 ("Israel after the flesh" implies the existence of an Israel after the spirit); Galatians 6:15,16.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
See our studies on <a data-mce-href="http://reslight.net/?p=126" href="https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/2016/11/ransom.html" target="_blank">The Ransom for All</a> and <a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=1009" href="https://rlbibleresources.blogspot.com/2020/05/born.html" target="_blank">Born of the Spirit</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Thus, we believe that being begotten of the spirit first places one -- as a new creature -- on the plane of Adam, who was a son of God before Adam sinned -- and with the earthly heirship as a son as Adam would have had it had he remained faithful (Luke 3:38; Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29), and after that, if one completes the sacrifice by attaining the mark of the prize, then he becomes placed on the level of joint-heirship with Christ. As a result, that which is first accounted to the seed -- the grain -- (1 Corinthians 15:36-38) begotten of the spirit is the earthy, the physical body, the glory of the sinless terrestrial body (1 Corinthians 15:40; Psalm 8:5; Romans 3:23; Hebrews 2:7), not the heavenly, the spiritual body, the glory of the celestial body. (1 Corinthians 15:45) If and when the new creature is brought to perfection, incorruptibility, as a human, then that humanity is at the point that it can be sacrificed, (just as Jesus sacrificed his incorruptible humanity*), and thus one is sealed out of the twelve tribes at large and counted as one of the 144,000.<br />
=========<br />
*One should note that Jesus did not just sacrifice his sinless flesh, he sacrificed what he attained, incorruption on the human level. Unlike Adam, Jesus, as a human, brought himself to perfection, to the point of proving himself loyal beyond any shadow of a doubt. Thus, it is due to his being faithful while in the days of his flesh, that he brought life and incorruption (incorruptibility) to light. (2 Timothy 1:10) This he did by his continued, unfailing, obedience. It was this human life, wherein he had to put on incorruption, that he offered as a sacrifice. The sacrifice of the 144,000 would have to be of the same sort, that is, not just sinless human life, but human life that had proven itself incorruptible (counted as such due to perfection of the new creature's faith, love and hope, proving oneself steadfast, incorruptible, unshakable, immovable, in these -- 1 Corinthians 3:13; Ephesians 3:17; Philippians 3:12; Colossians 1:28; 1 Thessalonians 3:10; 1 Timothy 1:5,6; Hebrews 6:1; James 1:3,4; 1 Peter 1:6,7; 5:9,10; 1 John 4:18).<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Once one gets the proper setting of what being born of the spirit means, we can see that it is not related to being first assigned a joint-heirship and then the possibility of loosing that joint-heirship, then we can see that there could be tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, today who are begotten of the spirit, who will never receive a heavenly body in the resurrection.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
We, indeed, do believe that we have today tens of thousands of brothers and sisters who are called under the general call of the high calling, but who will never attain the goal of the prize of joint-heirship, and that many of them will indeed prove to be of the great multitude who "come out of the great tribulation". We do not believe that it will become evident exactly who the "great multitude" are until after the great tribulation is over and they are recognized as such after Satan's sun will no longer hinder them from the true light. It is not important for us to know whether this or that brother/sister is of the great multitude or not.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Will the great multitude be physically separated into a group or movement before the great tribulation is over? Probably not, although we believe a small number who will prove to be of the great multitude are probably now associating with the Bible Students. The problem we see with the idea of getting people out their churches to join with the Bible Students is that this very teaching has led to a sectarian view amongst the Bible Students. Thus, the Bible Students movement itself has come to be viewed by many, even by many Bible Students as though it were a sectarian group or denomination (of a name, thus "nominal"). All sectarianism will eventually be done away with, whether it be among what many call the nominal church or among the Bible Students. On the other hand, with the destruction of the Babylonish systems, we believe that it is possible that those ones who are begotten of the spirit that were still be in those systems may become more manifest, and could possibly, in a loose association, seek each other out even before the end of the great tribulation. But we do not expect the manifestation of who will be be represented as of the 144,000, the twelve tribes, or the great multitude to take place until <em><strong>after</strong></em> Satan is abyssed.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
One prophecy we referred to above says that "Then they cry to Jehovah in their trouble." (Psalm 107:28) This is during, not after, the great tribulation. The scriptures do not reveal the details of how these prophecies will be fulfilled, so much of what we or anyone else might say is speculative, to say the least. We do know that God can cause great changes rather rapidly, or that what He might consider to be a short time may seem to be a long time to us.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
We should not, however, droop our hands with laxity so as to neglect preaching the Gospel (Good News) of the kingdom (Matthew 24:14), thinking that such work is over, etc., based on there being a limited number crowns for joint-heirship. There are, we believe, thousands of consecrated Christians in what many call the "nominal" churches who may yet wish to learn about the ransom for all, the coming blessings of the kingdom, etc. Such will not only need to be "witnessed" to, but their interest will have to be nurtured to produce growth, thus follow-up should be supplied. They will need to be taught -- step by step -- concerning who Jesus and his God are, the ransom, the resurrection hope for both the church and the world, the judgment day and God's kingdom, as well as nurturing in producing the fruit of the spirit.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-185950839177697162017-03-09T15:28:00.001-08:002022-07-17T15:26:18.531-07:00Revelation 7:14,15 - The Great Multitude in the Temple<blockquote>
Therefore are they before the throne of God, they serve him day and night in his temple (Greek transliterated, NAOS). He who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. - (Revelation 7:15, World English)</blockquote>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouK8q_pyOJkdKOIfeaK5xDtRRPlWTDYnxPxs3QkO-PRbdKSD59loGlqEMV3AXc1hpOLVkiRSEQDTvChNpRkMt9hHabPoM652-MkV7DSwC4VXYlgubObvJjuPFNCCX6CZRLP6T4AA46qBv/s1600/bible-red-b.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="599" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouK8q_pyOJkdKOIfeaK5xDtRRPlWTDYnxPxs3QkO-PRbdKSD59loGlqEMV3AXc1hpOLVkiRSEQDTvChNpRkMt9hHabPoM652-MkV7DSwC4VXYlgubObvJjuPFNCCX6CZRLP6T4AA46qBv/s200/bible-red-b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Some have claimed that the great multitude are are pictured as being in heaven in Revelation 7:15 since it depicts them as being "in his temple". It is claimed that the Greek word used is NAOS, which, it is claimed, refers to the inner temple or temple sanctuary, rather than HIERON which is claimed to refer the outer courtyard of the temple. Based on this, it is then claimed that the great multitude are not on the earth, but that they are in NAOS, the center of the temple, the temple sanctuary; that is, they are in heaven itself with the 144,000.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
The assumption appears to be that in the book of Revelation, the Greek word transliterated as NAOS means to be in the literal heaven where God is, and where the angels always see the face of God. -- Matthew 6:9; 18:10.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
First, often in the book of Revelation, "heaven" represents the religious elements on earth, which, before Satan is abyssed, is not necessarily all made up of saints.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Second, as best as we have been able to determine, NAOS includes all three areas as originally represented by the tabernacle. Solomon's temple had an outer and inner courtyard. The inner courtyard corresponds to the courtyard of the tabernacle. Additionally, Herod's temple had several added courtyards, even one for the Gentiles. It is possible that the court outside the temple that is referenced for symbolic purposes in Revelation 11:2. Regardless, the word "NAOS" evidently sometimes refers to the temple proper, but it appears to also be used of all of Herod's temple. -- John 2:19,20; Matthew 27:5*<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-27-5.html" href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-27-5.html" target="_blank">http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-27-5.html</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/john-2-20.html" href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/john-2-20.html" target="_blank">http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/john-2-20.html</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Nevertheless, we believe that the great multitude do serve as priests in the temple inner courtyard, and are thus typified by the tribe of Levi; we do not, however, agree with Brother Russell that the great multitude, nor any of the sanctified who fail to be sealed as one of the 144,000, will receive celestial bodies in the resurrection. Having been justified and sanctified (consecrated) by the blood of the new covenant (Matthew 6:28; Mark 14:28; Luke 22:20; Romans 5:9; 1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 10:29), which gives life on the earthly, not the heavenly plane, they simply remain on the earthly plane since they fail to attain the prize of joint-heirship with Christ. Brother Russell suggested that the "ancient worthies" could receive spiritual bodies after the thousand years, based on the idea that they would be represented as the camp of Revelation 20:9, which camp Russell interpreted to mean a temporary earthly life as opposed to a heavenly celestial life. Some would apply this also to those "consecrating between the ages". We cannot say that Russell is either right or wrong on this, but we can only say that this would seem to read a lot into the scripture that is not actually supported by what is actually written.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Revelation 7:15 "For this reason, they are before the throne of God ; and they serve Him day and night in His temple (NAOS); and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle (Skenoo) over them.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
One can check the usage of the following words online:</div>
<div>
HIERON:<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/gwview.cgi?n=2411" href="http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/gwview.cgi?n=2411" target="_blank">http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/gwview.cgi?n=2411</a><br />
NAOS:<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/naos.html" href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/naos.html" target="_blank">http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/naos.html</a><br />
SKENOO<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/skenoo.html" href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/skenoo.html" target="_blank">http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/skenoo.html</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Revelation 1:1 Then there was given me a measuring rod like a staff ; and someone said, "Get up and measure the temple (NAOS) of God and the altar, and those who worship in it.<br />
<br />
Revelation 1:2 "Leave out the court which is outside the temple (NAOS) and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months."<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Outside the temple proper of Solomon's temple was the outer courtyard. Outside Herod's temple were several other "courtyards" that were even beyond the courtyard that corresponds to the "outer courtyard" of Solomon's temple, including one called the courtyard of the Gentiles.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Should we, however, conclude that NAOS in Revelation 1:2 means "in heaven" where the angels see the face of God? Was John told to measure the place where the angels see the face of God?<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course, the usage of NAOS in the book of Revelation depends on what one would see as the fulfillment of these verses, etc.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Whatever is meant by the symbolic NAOS of Revelation 7:15, it does not necessarily mean that one who is serving there is in heaven where the angels see the face of God.</div>
<div>
See also:<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://rl-bibleinfo.com/?p=56" href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2017/03/gm.html" target="_blank">Revelation 7:9-17 – The Great Multitude</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://rl-bibleinfo.com/?p=60" href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2017/03/rev7-tribes.html" target="_blank">Revelation 7: The 144,000 and the Twelve Tribes</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
A quote is given from Brother Charles Taze Russell regarding the "great multitude":</div>
<blockquote>
They will have everlasting spirit life, as angels have it; but will lose the prize of immortality. They will serve God in his temple, and stand before the throne, having palms in their hands (Revelation 7:9-17); but though that will be glorious, it will not be so glorious as the position of the “little flock” of over-comers, who will be kings and priests unto God, seated with Jesus in the throne as his bride and joint heir, and with him crowned with immortality. --Studies in the Scriptures Volume 1 Study XI page 214.</blockquote>
<div>
We are aware of what Brother Russell believed concerning this. His idea was based on the assumption that to be consecrated meant that one had already sacrificed all right to human life. We disagree with Brother Russell regarding this. To become a new creature, a son of God, means that one is accounted as being on the same plane as a sinless son of god as Adam before Adam sinned. -- Luke 3:38.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
The old creation is the generation through Adam, which creation was subjected to vanity and a bondage of corruption due to the sin of Adam (Ecclesiastes 1:1; Romans 5:12-19: 8:20-22; Ephesians 1:1:1-3); the new creation is the re-generation through Jesus (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; Matthew 19:28; John 3:3-5; Acts 3:21; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17: Ephesians 2:1-10; Titus 3:5; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-5), which makes one a son of God as was Adam before Adam sinned. -- Luke 3:38.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
One becomes a new creature in Christ through regeneration; being a new creature in Christ, does not mean that one has attained the prize to which one has been called, nor does it mean that one has given up all earthly rights. The sanctification through the blood of the new covenant (Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 10:15-18,25) does not place one as having life in heaven, but one is reckoned as justified to earthly life. The prize is not first given and then taken away if one fails to attain; the prize is given only if one attains to the perfection that is spoken of, one who is not just made alive in Christ, but who completes his agreement to sacrifice through joint-suffering with Christ. -- Romans 8:16,17; Philippians 3:12-14.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
All of the new creatures in Christ are included in the temple (NAOS) of God in 1 Corinthians 3:16, whether they have attained the mark of the prize or not. The first step in consecration is justification, regeneration to a new life; justification/sanctification (consecration) by the new covenant blood/body/offering of Jesus, however, only gives life on the earthly plane, since that is what Adam lost.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Thus, we read: "Whom he called, them he also justified. Whom he justified, them he also glorified." (Romans 8:30) Those justified are glorified, not with the celestial glory, but the terrestrial glory that God gave to Adam before Adam sinned.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the regeneration as new creatures by means of Christ is based on the ransom sacrifice of Jesus, not on our own sacrifice; nevertheless, without that blood of the new covenant that gives justification and consecration, one cannot enter into the either the Holy or Most Holy. (Luke 22:20; Romans 3:24; 5:9; 1 Corinthians 11:25; 12:24; Hebrews 10:10,20,29) One is regenerated through faith in the blood of Jesus, and is thus a son of God, a new creature in Christ, accounted as tasting of powers of the age to come. -- 2 Corinthians 5:17; Hebrews 6:4,5.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Brother Russell himself acknowledged that the ransom sacrifice of Jesus does not give one life in heaven, but rather it reckons one as justified on the plane of life on earth, that which Adam lost. Nevertheless, the application of the blood of the covenant belongs to the age to come. Nonetheless, the scriptures speak of regeneration in two time periods: that which takes place in this age (Titus 3:5), and that which is yet to take place in the age to come, when the whole creation now under subjection to vanity and corruption "will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God." (Matthew 19:28; John 12:47,48; Romans 8:21) It is generally recognized among Bible Students that the regeneration of the age to come is to earth, with terrestrial, fleshly, earthly bodily glory, and not with the spiritual, celestial, bodily glory. (1 Corinthians 15:39-41) If this so, then their being new creatures does not mean that they have given up the earthly glory for the heavenly glory, but they will be sons of God with life on earth as was Adam before Adam sinned. (Luke 3:38) Likewise, we believe that the sons of God of this age are first given, or assigned, the grain of the sinless earthly glory, and the glory of the heavenly is only assigned to those who, in this age, put on incorruptibility, such will have proven themselves incorruptible in service of God and Christ. This two stage process in indicated in many scriptures, including, but not limited to, Romans 8:17; 1 Corinthians 15:35-50; Philippians 3:13,14;<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Some have place a lot of emphasis on the Greek word transliterated as "EK" in Revelation 7:14. The claim is that the word "EK" classifies the great multitude as having come "out" of the great tribulation, lifted up to receive life in the heavens. This is thought to exclude the great multitude from being of those who survive the transition into the age to come.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Revelation 7:14<br />
kai eireeka autw kurie mou su oidas kai<br />
AND I HAVE SAID TO HIM LORD OF ME, YOU HAVE KNOWN. AND<br />
2532 2064_5 0846_5 2962 1473_2 4771 1492_5 2532<br />
eipen moi houtoi eisin hoi erchomenoi ek tees<br />
HE SAID TO ME THESE ARE THE (ONES) COMING OUT OF THE<br />
1511_7 1473_4 3778_91 1510_5 3588 2064 1537 3588<br />
thlipsews tees megalees kai eplunan tas stolas<br />
TRIBULATION THE GREAT, AND THEY WASHED THE ROBES<br />
2347 3588 3173 2532 4150 3588 4749<br />
autwn kai eleukanan autas en tw haimati tou<br />
OF THEM AND THEY WHITENED THEM IN THE BLOOD OF THE<br />
0846_92 2532 3021 0846_96 1722 3588 0129 3588<br />
arniou<br />
LAMB.<br />
0721<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
The word "EK" (Strong's #1537) does not, of itself, designate that those who come "out of" the great tribulation are given life in heaven.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
The word "EK" is used in the Bible, and even in the book of Revelation, in many different ways:<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/gwview.cgi?n=1537" href="http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/gwview.cgi?n=1537" target="_blank">http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/gwview.cgi?n=1537</a><br />
<br />
Coming out of an experience such as the great tribulation can mean that they have lived through that experience. Having come out of the great tribulation does not, of itself, designate that the great multitude will be given celestial bodies, or that such are "lifted up to receive" life in heaven where the angels see the face of God. Nevertheless, the word "EK" in Revelation 7:14 could refer to their consecration while still in the time period of the great tribulation, but it would not follow that such consecration would mean that they are "lifted up" to receive celestial bodies in their resurrection.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
As we have shown elsewhere, Revelation 7 is not dealing with Israel after flesh, but rather the Israel of faith. In Revelation 7:9, the great multitude is depicted as having come "out of" all tribes, tongues and nations. This is in contrast with Revelation 7:4-8, in which the 144,000 are said to be sealed "out of" each of the twelve tribes listed. Corresponding this with Israel when they came "out of" Egypt would mean that the 12 tribes correspond to the twelve tribes of Israel, the 144,000 correspond to the firstborn of Israel, and the "great multitude" corresponds to the "mixed multitude" (Exodus 12:38) that came "out of" Egypt and joined themselves to, and became part of the tribes of Israel. And thus, there are three classes that make up the Israel of faith, often referred to as "spiritual" Israel.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
See the studies:</div>
<div>
<a data-mce-href="http://rl-bibleinfo.com/?p=60" href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2017/03/rev7-tribes.html" target="_blank">The 144,000 and the Twelve Tribes</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://rl-bibleinfo.com/?p=56" href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2017/03/gm.html" target="_blank">The Great Multitude</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://life-rlbible.com/?p=1006" href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2016/11/body.html" target="_blank">With What Kind of Body Will We Be Raised?</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://life-rlbible.com/?p=1" href=" https://rlbibleresources.blogspot.com/2022/07/manner.html" target="_blank">The Manner of the Resurrection</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://reslight.net/?p=5" href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2016/09/1pet3-18.html" target="_blank">Jesus Died a Human Being - Raised a Spirit Being</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Comment taken from our old site (some misspelled words corrected):<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
3 points of interest with regards to “The great multitude”</blockquote>
<blockquote>
1) they have palm branches in their hands, this reminds me of the festival of Booths or Tabernacles and also the scripture found at Zech 14:16-18</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Zec 14:16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Also Rev 7:17 no more tears, suffering or death and this of course goes hand in hand with Rev 21:4 KJV And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.and Isaiah</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Also Isa 25:8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Not to mention they are standing before the throne just as is recorded in Revelation 20 of those resurrected during the millennial age.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
They have washed their robes! This reminds us of those who do so in Revelation 22:14<br />
King James Version Re 22:14 Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to come to the tree of life, and my enter in by the gates into the city.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
I believe these are those spoken of who recognize that Jehovah is with Israel and after Armageddon join themselves to that nation they are the ones who learn War no more according to Isaiah chp 2 and Micah 4</blockquote>
<blockquote>
American Standard Version Zec 8:23 Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold, out of all the languages of the nations, they shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
These do not wash their robes before Armageddon nor do they go up and celebrate the festival of booths but they do this during the millennium.</blockquote>
</div>
Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-11672480810716961902017-03-09T15:23:00.001-08:002023-12-13T10:24:45.362-08:00Revelation 7:9-17 - The Great Multitude<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoBb1MGUeXFEavOJzs4AH68Z_ce07_W5CKmEI_QbdWevziDspx-fEUx7GsE_mYdBBI5AiMLIs32F2Ubr9xyd0Pfv9DHIn7P7QcRe1CgTrctwZvQ8Hbyvk3MFF9s50h0mXZ-S6v8YamagL/s1600/rev7-9.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoBb1MGUeXFEavOJzs4AH68Z_ce07_W5CKmEI_QbdWevziDspx-fEUx7GsE_mYdBBI5AiMLIs32F2Ubr9xyd0Pfv9DHIn7P7QcRe1CgTrctwZvQ8Hbyvk3MFF9s50h0mXZ-S6v8YamagL/s200/rev7-9.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Many Bible Students believe that the "great multitude" will receive spiritual bodies in heaven in the resurrection. We do not agree with them on this, since we believe the scriptural evidence is overwhelming that the great multitude is depicted as being on earth, not in heaven. The symbolic temple (tabernacle, dwelling) of God comes down to earth and dwells with mankind (Revelation 7:15; 21:1-4), thus the "great multitude", having come out of the great tribulation, are symbolized as serving God in that symbolic temple day and night. The tears are wiped from their eyes, which takes place on the earth, not in heaven. (Revelation 7:17; 21:1-4; Isaiah 25:7,8) Before the throne of God is the earth, God's footstool. -- Isaiah 66:1.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<strong>Revelation 19:1</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Some point to Revelation 19:1 as proof that the "great multitude" go to heaven. The Bible refers many times to a great multitude, but not every time does it mean the same great multitude mentioned in Revelation 7. However, we have no reason to believe that the great multitude spoken of here does not refer in a general way to the same "great multitude" that eventually comes out of the great tribulation.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
Nevertheless, "heaven" itself is most often figurative in the book of Revelation. Bible Students should note that C.T. Russell applied the "great multitude" of Revelation 19:1 as speaking of when Babylon the Great falls, thus he applies the "great multitude" as being on the earth at that time. His words: "We think there is good reason to believe that a considerable number who have made a consecration are still in Babylon. We do not know this, however. We are near to the battle of Armageddon, near the time of the overthrow of Babylon; and we are seeking to give the Message of the truth as wide a circulation as possible, to the intent that this class may hear and come out, even though too late to win the great prize. That they are considerable in number is intimated in the 19th chapter of Revelation, where we are told that when Babylon falls, the number of those released at the time will be a great multitude, that the voices of these will be 'as the voice of many waters'." (Reprints 5411:6) We do not necessarily agree with all of his conclusions, as we do not expect the great multitude to be made manifest until <strong>after</strong> Satan is abyssed, nor before.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
See our study:</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<a data-mce-href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=44" href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2016/11/7thtrump.html" target="_blank">The Parousia, the Seventh Trump and the Harvest</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
The context of Revelation 19:1 shows that this "great multitude", whoever they are, are in this "heaven" when Babylon the Great is destroyed, thus before or at the full end of this age. If "heaven" here refers to the heavens where God's throne is, then to fit this scenario the great multitude would need to be resurrected to a spirit life sometime before the destruction of Babylon the Great, before Satan is abyssed, and Babylon the Great would also evidently have to be in heaven where God's throne is before the end of the age, and where the angels see the face of Yahweh. We find no scriptural support for such ideas. Therefore we conclude that the words "in heaven" refer to their religious standing in the symbolic ecclesiastical heavens, not the heavens where God's throne is.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
We conclude that this "great multitude" is pictured as being in the ecclesiastical heavens attributing salvation to their God. This figurative "heaven" -- the political and religious ruling elements of this world that now is -- however, is to pass away. (Revelation 21:1; 2 Peter 3:7,12) Brother Russell also said, referring to the great multitude as the "great company": "In the 19th of Revelation this company are spoken of as rejoicing in the fall of Babylon and saying, 'Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him; for the Marriage of the Lamb is come, and His Wife hath made Herself ready.' (Vs.7.)" (The Watch Tower, January 15, 1914, page 19) Nevertheless, these are not being depicted as being in the heavenly realm where God's angels always see the face of God; they are depicted as being here on earth.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Brother Russell did, however, believe that the "great multitude" (the JWs refer to the great multitude as the "great crowd") would eventually go to heaven, being a "left over" class who did not make it as one of the 144,000. He believed they would be taken to heaven early after or during the great tribulation.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
But Brother Russell also believed in a another group that would be consecrating, as he put it, "between the ages", for whom there would be no hope of being of the 144,000. This group he identified with those spoken of in Psalm 107:23-31. Yet, he also believed that there was a possibility that this group would go to heaven <strong>after</strong> the 1,000-year reign.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
This last elect group, however, we believe, is identified as being the same group as the "great multitude" of Revelation 7. While we believe it may be that they <em><strong>may</strong></em> go to heaven after the 1,000 years rulership, we don't see any scripture, however, that gives any real reason to believe this. Brother Russell presented the possibility that the "camp of the saints" spoken of in Revelation 20:9 represents a last group that will go to heaven after the 1,000 years. The idea is that this "camp" means that they do not have permanent residence on earth, so they must be taken to heaven. While we will say this is a possibility, we don't see enough there to actually say that they will be taken to heaven.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<strong>Before the Throne - Revelation 7:9</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Some claim that since the "great multitude" are pictured "before the throne", that this means that they will go to heaven. Their being before the throne of God is the picture of their reward. The throne of God is pictured in heaven (Psalm 11:4; 66:1; 103:19; Matthew 5:34; 23:22; Acts 7:49; Hebrews 8:1), but being before the throne does not necessarily mean that those before the throne are in heaven. In Revelation 20:12, we read of dead, great and small standing before the throne; these dead are on the earth, not in heaven. "Before", however, often signifies loyal/disloyal service, in harmony/disharmony with, in the sight of the One on the throne, in a place of judgment by the One on the throne, not an actual physical position. -- Genesis 6:11; 17:1; Exodus 10:3; 23:17; Joshua 24:1; 1 Kings 8:25; 1 Chronicles 13:8; 16:1; 2 Chronicles 6:16; 1 Samuel 2:30; 2 Chronicles 7:17; Psalm 50:8; 68:3; Isaiah 66:2,23; Luke 1:6,8; 24:19; 8:21; Acts 10:4; Romans 14:22; 1 Corinthians 1:29; 2 Corinthians 10:4; Revelation 8:4; 11:4.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" id="msg_4484" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
We need to remember that the book of Revelation is given in signs -- symbolism. "Heaven" in the book of Revelation is not necessarily speaking of being in the spirit realm, or of having what Paul speaks of as "spiritual bodies". Thus, the great multitude are in the figurative religious heavens as depicted in the book of Revelation. Being "before the throne" does not mean that they have been raised from death with spiritual bodies as opposed to earthly bodies.We believe that the great multitude are indeed those spoken of in the symbolic heaven in Revelation 19:1,6. This "heaven" has been styled the "ecclesiastical" heavens as present here on earth. Thus, the great multitude, having become justified in the blood of Christ, are heard speaking from this heaven, but they are actually here on earth, in physical, not spiritual, bodies. Likewise, being 'before the throne' of God does not signify being with spiritual bodies in the spirit realm or celestial realm. Westcott & Hort's Interlinear gives the expression of Revelation 7:9 in its word-for-word translation as: "having stood in sight [Strong's #1799] of the throne and in sight of the Lamb." Revelation 7:14,15 tells us that the reason they have such a standing before the throne and the Lamb is because they have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.<br />
<br />
One should note how Strong's #1799 is used throughout the the New Testament.<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/enopion.html" href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/enopion.html" target="_blank">http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/enopion.html</a><br />
<br />
That "before" or "in the sight of" is depicting a symbolic standing can be seen from Revelation 3:2:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I have found no works of yours perfected before [in the sight of, Strong's #1799] my God.</blockquote>
Was Jesus saying that those members of the church of Sardis had been raised from the dead and standing in the presence of God in the spirit realm? Absolutely not! Indeed, no one will attain the reward of the spiritual body in whom Jesus has "found no works ... perfected."<br />
<br />
Revelation 16:19 - The great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. Babylon the great was remembered in the sight of [Strong's #1799] God, to give to her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.<br />
<br />
What can be said about this verse? Is Babylon the Great in heaven where the angels are always able to see God's face (Matthew 18:10)? It should be apparent that "in the sight of" in Revelation 16:19 is not speaking of physical location.<br />
<br />
Further, let us look at Luke 1:6:<br />
<br />
They were both righteous before (Strong's #1799) God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of [Jehovah].<br />
<br />
Obviously, this is not saying that Zechariah and Elizabeth were in heaven in the sight of God, but that "in the sight of God" -- from the perspective of God, who call things that are not as though they were -- they were reckoned as "righteous."<br />
<br />
If one is still not satisfied, perhaps a study of the verses all through the New Testament might be beneficial.<br />
<br />
The Greek word corresponds with the Hebrew Strong's #6440, which also see:<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/hebrew/kjv/paniym.html" href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/hebrew/kjv/paniym.html" target="_blank">http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/hebrew/kjv/paniym.html</a><br />
<br />
In Revelation 20:12, the worldly are spoken of as being "before" God. Most Bible Students will tell you that these ones who stand before [in sight of] God in Revelation 20:12 are actually on earth, not before God in heaven. Likewise, we believe the same is true of the "great multitude".<br />
<br />
We, therefore, believe the standing of the great multitude before the throne and before the Lamb signifies their standing as having become justified in the blood of the Lamb. (1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 10:22; 1 Peter 1:18,19; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5) Being typified by the mixed multitude that joined with Israel at the last moment, so to speak, the great multitude are depicted as coming out of the great tribulation at the end of this age. Being justified, they are sons of God as was Adam before Adam disobeyed (Luke 3:38), heirs of God (Romans 8:16,17), as Adam was to inherit the dominion given to him, that is, the earth. In Hebrews, we learn that man has not yet obtained this dominion; Paul tells us why in Romans 5:12-19. -- Genesis 1:26,28; Psalm 8:4-8; Hebrews 2:6-8.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<strong>In the Temple - Revelation 7:15</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Nor does their service "in the temple" signify that they are in heaven anymore than Paul's reference to the church as the "temple of God" (1 Corinthians 3:16,17; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 5:16) signifies that the first century believers were in heaven. (See also 2 Thessalonians 2:4.) Those worshiping in the temple in Revelation 11 are not generally thought to be "in heaven", nor does the service of the great multitude "in the temple" give any reason to think that the great multitude are in heaven.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
He who sits on the throne, Jehovah, dwells among them (Greek: skeenwsei ep autous, literally, tent upon them). This is similar to what is said in Revelation 21:1-4, which speaks of God's dwelling with men on the earth. In Revelation 21:4, however, the Greek phrase is not completely the same as in Revelation 7:15. The phrase in Revelation 21:4, is "skeenwsei met autwn", literally, he will tent with them. The Greek word "ep", however, is sometimes used to mean among/with, as "in" or "into", not upon, and this is probably what is meant in Revelation 7:15. It could be that the phrase in in Revelation 7:15 shows a closer relationship with Jehovah than the world of mankind in general as expressed in Revelation 21:4, and so they are indeed in closer relationship, since the "great multitude", having been justified and consecrated during the days the great tribulation, deserve greater recognition than the world of mankind in general.<br />
==========<br />
* See the <em><strong>King James Version</strong></em> at Matthew 13:7; Luke 18:7; Acts 1:21; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; Hebrews 1:8; Revelation 12:7.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<strong>Revelation 7:16</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore. This will be true of all who serve God, whether on earth, or in heaven. However, this is obviously a reference to Isaiah 49:10, which refers to the Millennial kingdom, and of conditions on earth, not in heaven.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Nevertheless, in this life, in this present evil age, it is true that he who fully believes on Jesus will never spiritually hunger or thirst, and yet each one's hunger and thirst for truth is filled in varying degrees, according as he has grown in faith. -- John 6:35.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
For the great multitude, however, it implies that before their coming out of the great tribulation, and although they had washed their robes in the Lamb's blood (Revelation 7:14), they will still have things to learn in the age to come, for they had not yet been fully led by the Lamb to the living waters (Revelation 7:17) -- full knowledge which fully quenches the thirst and hunger for truth. Before Satan's empire is destroyed, indicates that they were still blinded to a great extent by the "sun" of this world, and the vain pursuits of the world. (Ecclesiastes 1:14; 2:11; 4:7; Romans 8:20; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Timothy 4:10) Such appear to be of the two classes spoken of in Luke 12:47,48.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
The sun shall not strike them, nor any heat. The sun of this world is the vain false hope that the crooked condition of man offers in this present evil age. (Ecclesiastes 1:2,3, 13-17; Galatians 1:4) Satan, of course, seeks to attract the consecrated with the cares of this world, and with the false glory of the world, even as he sought to attract Jesus. (Matthew 4:18; 13:22; Mark 4:19; Luke 21:34; Colossians 2:8; James 4:4; 2 Peter 2:20) After Satan is abyssed so that he cannot deceive the heathen (Revelation 20:1-3), this symbolic sun of vanity is darkened, and taken away, so that the great multitude (and also the world in general) is no longer struck by its symbolic rays and symbolic heat.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
The Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. This is similar to Revelation 21:6, which refers to those on the earth in the Millennial age. The shepherding of this great multitude after the great tribulation indicates that they did not completely come to the full perfection of faith before the end of Satan's empire was accomplished. (1 Thessalonians 3:10; Hebrews 12:1,2) They will still need to be guided further into truth and perfection.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. This is a reference to Isaiah 25:8: The Lord Jehovah will wipe away tears from off all faces. Isaiah 25:8 is speaking of conditions on earth, not in heaven, for "the reproach of his people will he take away from off all the earth: for Jehovah has spoken it." Likewise, this expression is also found in Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes", which is also speaking of on the earth, not in heaven.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
We have been asked the question: "Are you suggesting that the 144,000 are not in heaven as spirit creatures, but on earth?"<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
If this is meant to ask if we believe that the 144,000 do not receive spiritual bodies in the resurrection, we do indeed believe that <strong>they will</strong> receive spiritual bodies in the resurrection. If it is meant to ask if we believe that the 144,000 are in heaven when they are sealed out of the twelve tribes, no we do not believe that they are heaven when they are sealed, but rather, that they are still on the earth, and do not receive spiritual bodies until they are raised in the first resurrection.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
The question has been asked:</div>
<blockquote style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
If the great multitude come out of the nations during this present evil age and are an earthly class, in what manner would they be then "called out?" in light of Ephesians 4:4-5?</div>
</blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
First, let us note that the scripture does not state that the great multitude are "called out" of the great tribulation. Their calling is the of the same calling as all during the Gospel Age. Those who are called out are called out of, separated from, the world reckonenedly, being justified, and no longer reckoned with the world as "sons of disobedience", "children of wrath." (Ephesians 2:2,3) The initial calling out, separation from the world, does not designate the one called out as already having attained the prize of joint-heirship with Jesus. All who are called out of the world are first placed on the level of being earthly, on the same plane of life as Adam had as a son of God before Adam sinned; afterwards, if they attain the mark of the prize of the high calling, then they are reckoned as being joint-heirs with Christ, and to receive a heavenly, spiritual body, in the resurrection.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
There is nothing in Ephesians 4:4,5 that says that all who are called out will receive heavenly, spiritual bodies in the resurrection. Of course, all in this age are called in the one hope of the high calling, but not all attain that reward. It should be self-evident that not many of those who are called out will attain the "prize of our high calling," that is, joint-heirship with Jesus. Paul surely did not intend for this to be read as to meaning that all will have the same reward. Nevertheless, all are being called to reach out for the mark of prize of our high calling, and in this sense one might say that we all have that one hope, regardless of which class they actually end up in. Nor do we mean that all will reach that mark so as to attain that hope; the hope is there, but only a few actually attain the highest reward. Strictly speaking, however, the "one hope of our calling" is in God through Jesus, and Jesus' return, regardless of reward. -- 1 Timothy 1:1; Titus 2:13; 1 Peter 1:3,13.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
We have been asked:</div>
<blockquote style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Would you be saying that the "church" would then be made up of both "spirit begotten" and also nominal believers?</div>
</blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Our understanding is that no one is of the church class except that they be spirit begotten. Those who are spirit-begotten in general during the centuries of Gospel Age are first made part of the Israel of faith, represented in Revelation 7 as the twelve tribes of Israel. Out of these twelve tribes of the Israel of faith are selected the joint-heirs, represented in Revelation 7 as the 144,000 who stand on the heavenly Zion with the Lamb. (Revelation 14:1) Added to the church toward the end of the age are the great multitude who eventually come out of the great tribulation, and finish their overcoming after the great tribulation. All three classes are the church; all three classes are spirit-begotten.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
As far as "nominal" is concerned, it depends on what meaning one gives to the word. If by nominal one means "in name only," none who are Christians "in name only" are part of the church. Such are tares, weeds, that have been planted among the wheat, the true Christians, by Satan. However, "nominal" is often used to mean to refer to belonging to sects, denominations, that have taken the name "Christian" in a sectarian manner. As such, the denominational sectarian systems are nominal, but this does not mean that there are no spirit-begotten Christians within the nominal systems. Another meaning some give to the word "nominal" is "minimal." If this is sense used, then all the spirit-begotten who fail to attain the prize of the high calling can be called "nominal" Christians in this sense, in that they maintain a minimal acceptance, but do not "overcome" in this age.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Another question asked is:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
How is that they can be spirit-begotten, if they do not receive spiritual bodies in the resurrection?</blockquote>
<br />
It has been often assumed that spirit-begotten means to be begotten again as a spirit being rather than as a human being. To begotten again, however, signifies that, in this life, a "seed" has been planted by God, as spoken of in 1 Corinthians 15:35-37. God gives (assigns) that seed a body according to what is sown, whether it be a celestial, spiritual body, or whether it be a terrestrial, physical body. However, that which is assigned to the seed is first earthly, terrestrial, and only if the sowing reaches the point of being proven incorruptible in this age, is it assigned the celestial, or spiritual body. (1 Corinthians 15:45) All must eventually put on incorrution (1 Corinthians 15:53), whether in this age, or in the next age, but only a very few do so in this age. Too many are stuck on the idea that to be spirit-begotten means that one has been begotten to spiritual bodies; the Bible never says this. Indeed, when Jesus was spirit-begotten in the womb of Mary, he was not begotten into a spiritual body, but rather into a physical body. (Matthew 1:20) Jesus, of course, sacrificed his glorious physical body for our sins; he now no longer has a physical body, but is now with a glorious spiritual body.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
No one becomes of the church class without being called and begotten of the spirit; such "begettal" does indeed give a new life to a new creation equal to what Adam lost, that is, on the earthly plane. The new creature in this life, however, is not the body that is to be, but rather a bare grain, a seed, that has to die. (1 Corinthians 15:36-38) It will be given a body in the resurrection according to what has been sown. It is up to the new creature then to be cultivated as the grain, so as to attain the prize. One only attains the resurrection of Jesus, attaining the mark, through full sacrifice of what has been initially reckoned, that is, the sinless earthly life, as reckoned through faith in the blood of Jesus. Such demands a full development of perfect love, faith and hope amidst a world of sin. If one does not complete that sacrifice before death, the scriptures seem to indicate that such a new creature simply remains on the earthly plane.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
The following studies might be helpful:</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=1006" href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2016/11/body.html" target="_blank">With What body Will We Be Raised</a>?</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=1" href=" https://rlbibleresources.blogspot.com/2022/07/manner.html" target="_blank">The Manner of the Resurrection</a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=1009" href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2017/05/born-of-spirit.html" target="_blank">Born of the Spirit</a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<a data-mce-href="http://reslight.net/?p=5" href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2016/09/1pet3-18.html" target="_blank"> Jesus Died as Human Being - Raised as a Spirit Being</a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<a data-mce-href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=60" href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2017/03/rev7-tribes.html" target="_blank">The 144,000 and the Twelve Tribes</a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<a data-mce-href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=44" href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2016/11/7thtrump.html" target="_blank">The Parousia, Seventh Trumpet and the Harvest</a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-14466494314452029932017-03-09T14:29:00.002-08:002023-12-06T11:07:23.316-08:00Astrape in Luke 17:24; Matthew 24:27<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCm1gFnJ2KbjX_tXy6OZXg93O0gd2vDugaHR0DTTYw62WIvRoPFHwbiHiSn6TlezE91yTa0KmnNX8pRfu_itg_V7jm1zbnKTOW27JxA0vulfALf6AJyPv1p5MvxWjysaLctbCbW6M3tt_4/s1600/pexels-photo-3227984.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCm1gFnJ2KbjX_tXy6OZXg93O0gd2vDugaHR0DTTYw62WIvRoPFHwbiHiSn6TlezE91yTa0KmnNX8pRfu_itg_V7jm1zbnKTOW27JxA0vulfALf6AJyPv1p5MvxWjysaLctbCbW6M3tt_4/s200/pexels-photo-3227984.jpeg" width="133" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">By Ronald R. Day, Sr.</div><br />Please note that in this study, the scriptural references to "the Son of Man" should actually read, "Son of the Man." We believe that in the Greek, the indefinite "son of man" does not mean the same thing as the definite "Son of the Man". See our study: "<a href="https://jesusnotyhwh.blogspot.com/2017/10/son-man.html" target="_blank">Son of Man and Son of God</a>"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While we are not with the Jehovah's Witnesses, one of the books many cite related to our Biblical studies is <em><strong>Jehovah of the Watchtower</strong></em><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=restorationli-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0871232677" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />", by Walter Martin and Norman Klann. Our references to this work are to the Ninth Printing, dated 1981 (Copyright 1953, 1974). On page 88 of that book, we read: "In Luke 17:20-21, the Lord reveals the kingdom of heaven as within the believer in one aspect but clearly states that the heavenly aspect will be visible and observable at His return (vv. 23-26)." Actually, we find nothing in Luke 17:20-21 that says that kingdom of heaven is "within the believer". Jesus was not speaking to believers, but unbelievers, the Pharisees. Was Jesus saying that the kingdom of heaven is "within" the Pharisees? Was Jesus' illustration as presented in Luke 17:23-26 meant to say that the kingdom "will be visible and observable at His return"?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before answering those questions, we first want to note what Martin and Klann next stated: "In Matthew 13, the Lord Jesus portrays the kingdom of heaven symbolically in parables, yet it is always pictured as a reality, not invisible phantom government." We agree that the parables present the kingdom of heaven symbolically, and that it is always pictured as a reality. Martin and Klann seem to be under the false assumption, however, that an invisible presence means that it is not a real presence. This kind of reasoning, if applied to some scriptures, would mean that God is not real, since he is the invisible God. (Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 6:15) God is a reality, however, even though we cannot physically see Him. Likewise, initially, when Jesus returns in his parousia, we believe that his parousia is unnoticed by the world, as we will show from the scriptures.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the context, Jesus had stated:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Matthew 24:23 Then if any man will tell you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or, 'There,' don't believe it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Matthew 24:24 For there will arise false Christs, and false prophets, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Matthew 24:25 Behold, I have told you beforehand. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Matthew 24:26 If therefore they tell you, 'Behold, he is in the wilderness!' don't go out; 'Behold, he is in the inner chambers,' don't believe it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jesus here warns against expecting to see him return in the flesh. As he stated elsewhere, however, "the world will see me no more." (John 14:19) Jesus knew that the world would not see him when he returned because he knew that he was to sacrifice that flesh for all time. (Luke 22:19; John 6:51; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18; Hebrews 10:10) He knew that he would not return in the flesh, and yet he also knew that many would be claiming that he had returned in the flesh, and, in effect saying, "Here he is," and "there he is." And there have been many false prophets claiming such. Jesus, however, was to be put to death in the flesh for our sins, but he was not raised in the flesh, but in the spirit. (1 Peter 3:18) Thus, when he turns, it is with a celestial, spiritual body, nor a terrestrial body of flesh. (1 Corinthians 15:39-41) Additionally, there have been many false prophets claiming that they have the authority of the Kingdom, and thus the sole right to speak for Jesus, such as the claims for the Papacy and that of the leadership of the Jehovah's Witnesses, and many other religious sects and leaderships.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
See our related studies: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2018/07/jon14-19.html" target="_blank">The World Will See Me Know More</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2016/09/1pet3-18.html" target="_blank">Jesus Died a Human Being - Raised a Spirit Being</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, "The kingdom of God doesn't come with observation." (Luke 17:20, World English Bible translation) "nor will they say, `Look, here it is!' or, `There it is!' For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst." And He said to the disciples, "The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. They will say to you, `Look there! Look here!' Do not go away, and do not run after them." -- Luke 17:21-23 NASB translation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And there have been many, from the first century to this very day, who have proclaimed this or that outward organization, movement, sect, etc., to be God's Kingdom on earth; likewise, there have been many who have claimed to be Jesus, or in some way to exclusively represent Jesus. Nevertheless, because Jesus has sacrificed his flesh for sin (Luke 22:19; John 6:51; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18; Hebrews 10:10), one cannot point to any human being and claim that this or that human being is Jesus, as many have done or are still doing; when Jesus comes in his kingdom, one will not "see" Jesus' body of flesh, since Jesus is no longer flesh, and since there is to be no more sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:26), he has no reason to come back in a body of flesh.
See our study: "<a href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2016/09/1pet3-18.html" target="_blank">Jesus Died a Human Being - Raised a Spirit Being</a>"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then Jesus states, as rendered by the <em><strong>New American Standard</strong></em> version of the Bible in Matthew 24:27:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"For just as the lightning (Greek, astrape: light, bright shining) comes from the east and flashes [Greek, phaino: shines] even to the west, so will the coming [Greek, Parousia: presence] of the Son of Man be. (NAS)</div>
<blockquote>
Matthew 24:27<br />
hwsper gar hee astrapee exerchetai apo<br />
AS EVEN FOR THE LIGHTNING IS COMING OUT FROM<br />
5618 1063 3588 0796 1831 0575<br />
anatolwn kai phainetai hews dusmwn houtws<br />
EASTERN [PARTS] AND IS SHINING UNTIL WESTERN [PARTS], THUS<br />
0395 2532 5316 2193_5 1424 3779<br />
estai hee parousia tou huiou tou anthrwpou<br />
WILL BE THE PRESENCE OF THE SON OF THE MAN;<br />
1511_4 3588 3952 3588 5207 3588 0444</blockquote>
Astrape means:<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
lightning; light, ray of light<br />
<a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/796.htm" target="_blank">https://biblehub.com/greek/796.htm</a><br />
<br />
The old English word "lightning" is a variant of "lightening":
lightning. Dictionary.com. <i>Dictionary.com Unabridged</i>. Random House, Inc.<br />
<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lightning" target="_blank">http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lightning</a>. </div>
<br />
The Greek word, however, does not necessarily mean lightning in the sky as is often associated with thunderstorms.
<br />
<br />
Jesus' words in Luke 17:24 read as:
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"For just like the lightning [ray of light], when it flashes [shines] out of one part of the sky, shines to the other part of the sky, so will the Son of Man be in His day."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jesus, in answering the Pharisees, first lets them know that when the kingdom comes it will not be with observation. Thus, the kingdom is not, at least initially, observed as such. No one will be able to legitimately say that the kingdom is ruling here, or it is ruling there, as though it will be actually seen, but that it is to be in their midst. He then explains to his disciples -- not the Pharisees -- that there will be those however, that will claim that God's kingdom is ruling and can be seen, and warns not to follow these. Such claims have been made by Rome and many other church-state systems, including, we believe, the leadership of the Jehovah's Witnesses. These proclamations of God's kingdom, being seen among men, Jesus said, are not the real kingdom, and he tells his followers not to recognize them as such.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then Jesus tells how God's kingdom will come upon the world, by describing the ray of light, that progresses from east to west in the sky. Many translations present this light as lightning and use the word "flash" rather than simply shines, but we believe that this leaves one with the wrong idea, as we will present below.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Electrical lightning associated with thunderstorms does not generally come from the east and shine even to the west, but the sun does. The word "lightning", in the context given, is a poor choice to represent the Greek word "astrape," which signifies "bright shining," (as given in Luke 11:36 in the KJV), a "ray of light," or simply "the light". The bright "light" actually being described here and applied figuratively to the parousia of the son of the man, as the context indicates, to the sunlight which shines always from the east even to the west, while on the other hand, lightning flashes in a variety of directions, wherever the electrical forces producing it may be discharged. A flash of lightning would only luminate the sky for a split second, which also is not a good illustration of Jesus' return. When the the Greek word often transliterated as "parousia" is understood as "presence" rather simply as "coming" (in a split second?), the statement is seen to declare that the presence of Christ will be like the sunlight, gradually illuminating the world. It is not a split second of time, in which all the world sees and recognizes Jesus in the instant that he returns, as some have assumed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Those who are awake and watching, the children of the light, are the first to discern and rejoice in His presence. The children of God who remain sectarian evidently do not recognize this (1 Corinthians 3:1-4), or if they do, they will tend to mix their understanding with carnal thinking so as to misuse what they understand to promote their sectarianism. They and the children of the night and of the darkness will eventually awake when the Sun of Righteousness will arise in his full glory, and all the sin-sick will rejoice in the healing to be gained through the influence of his rays. Therefore, Jesus uses here the illustration of how the sun brings light as it comes up the east and goes to the west. This well depicts the sun of righteousness who arises with healing in his wings. (Malachi 4:2) The shining is not confined to any one place, but its effect is different in different places. The bright shining (verse 27) means truths and knowledge greatly increases, especially during the time that Christ returns and is present. That this shining is visible from the east to the west, refers to the fact that our Lord's presence reveals truth that not only is seen now, but even unto the west, the end of the Millennium, even as the sun gradually moves across the sky from east to west. (Revelation 21:23-24). When the sun first rises in the east, it is not especially bright, but the rays of light can be seen gleaming through the sky. As it continues its journey, the shining gets brighter and brighter.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The sun shine of this new day, however, is different from a normal day, for the prophecy says that the bright shining is darkened by the clouds. (Isaiah 5:30; Joel 2:2; Zephaniah 1:15) The clouds, in this instance, we understand to mean obscurity -- darkness and trouble on earth. (Isaiah 8:22) It is a unique day, different from what we have known before, for we are told that at evening time, rather than darkness coming, there will be light. (Zechariah 14:7) Thus seen, we can see that this day endures on into the millennial rule, when the world will be instructed in the ways of Jehovah, and the knowledge of Jehovah will fill the earth. -- Isaiah 2:2-4; 6:11.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At first, only those who are spiritually awake recognize this presence, (1 Thessalonians 5:4-6) but after Satan is abyssed, all men will become aware of his presence, including those who pierced him. Those who pierced him have to raised from the dead before they can "see" him. (Revelation 20:3; Isaiah 25:7; Revelation 1:7) To many of the watchers who compare spiritual revealing with spiritual revealing in order to "see" spiritually, this light is now seen in the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies, as well as a flood of knowledge that causes understanding of many spiritual truths that were hidden in the figurative darkness of the figurative wilderness for over a thousand years. Thus to them it has a special meaning. But to the world the light first brings a time of trouble, as never seen before in history, for poor humanity, still being out of harmony with God and truth, cannot properly control the increase of knowledge that has so gradually filled the world since 1799. (Daniel 12:1,4) Mankind is still under curse, so they cannot properly handle the enormous increase of knowledge. Yet they are still ever learning, although never able to come to a genuine knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:7) The conclusion is that God's kingdom of which Jesus is the King is in their midst, but they do not recognize it. -- Luke 17:21</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thus seen, in agreement with other scriptures, Christ's parousia, his presence in his kingdom, covers a period of time, in which many things occur. Yes, Jesus does arrive at the beginning of his parousia, his presence as King, and thus he remains present. His presence is not just a split second event that takes place upon his arrival is then over. The Greek word parousia means more than just his arrival, but it also includes the many events prophesied concerning his coming.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
W. E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words: Parousia, literally, a presence, para, with, and ousia, being: denotes both an arrival and a consequent presence with. Robert Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible: Parousia, a being alongside, presence.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Moulton and Milligan's Vocabulary of the Greek Testament Foreword: "Parousia, as applied to the return of the Lord, is simply the anglicizing of the Greek word which literally means 'presence.'</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One way of showing that the parousia is a period of time can be seen by comparing two scritpures:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Matthew 24:37-39 - As the days of Noah, so will be the coming [parousia -- kingly presence] of the Son of Man. For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and they didn't know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will be the coming [parousia - Kingly presence] of the Son of Man</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Luke 17:26 - As it happened in the days of Noah, even so will it be also in the days [parallels with "parousia" of Matthew 24:37] of the Son of Man.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thus the world in general is carrying on these affairs in the days of Jesus' parousia, that is, his parousia is not known to them, as testified by the fact that they don't know, or understand. When this present evil world is destroyed, then the sunlight of the kingdom and the righteous will be revealed -- the revealing of the saints. Then will follow the resurrection of the world. It is not until after the world's resurrection, that even those who pierced him will be brought back to life so that they may "see" him, and thus "They also who err in spirit shall come to understanding, and those who murmur shall receive instruction." -- Revelation 1:7; Isaiah 29:24.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Someone has objected that lightning does go from east to west. This may be true in some cases, but such lightning is between clouds and still only lasts for a split second. Cloud-to-cloud lightning is said to occur more often than cloud to ground strikes, but such cloud-to-cloud lightning may or may not be seen from the ground, and is more often seen as light behind the shadows of the clouds. While it is very doubtful that this is what Jesus had in mind when he spoke his words, nevertheless, this could describe the conditions set forth in Isaiah 5:30; Joel 2:2; Zephaniah 1:15.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The National Lightning Saftey Institute states: "<a href="https://familypoolcleaning.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/lightnings-behavior-is-random-and-unpredictable/" target="_blank">Lightning's behavior is random and unpredictable</a>."<br /><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lightning, as seen from earth in the sky in Israel, usually is seen as going downward, not from east to west. This is in agreement with Luke 10:18, in which Jesus may have used astrape to describe lightning as falling from the sky in the land of Israel, although more than likely Jesus was referring to Satan figuratively as what we often call a "falling star" which falls from the sky.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He said to them, "I saw Satan having fallen like lightning [astrape] from heaven."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
True, Jesus is speaking figuratively, but, as it reads in most translations, the figure is using natural lightning to depict what happened when Satan disobeyed and fell out harmony with God.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However, as stated before, we tend to believe that astrape in Luke 10:18 refers to a falling star, not lightning, which would tend to support the idea that Matthew 24:27 refers, not to lightning, but to the sun traveling from east to west. This view is supported by the fact that astrape is derived from the Greek word *aster* which does mean "star." Nevertheless, we should not expect that the Bible would use the words for "star" with the same classifications that modern scientists have developed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Additionally, the Hebrew word often transliterated as 'owr (Strong's Hebrew #216) is used similarly, sometimes meaning lightning, sometimes meaning sunlight, light of a lamp, etc.<br />
<a href="https://biblehub.com/hebrew/216.htm" target="_blank">https://biblehub.com/hebrew/216.htm</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lightning travels in all directions, mostly upward and downward, but that which is usually seen from the earth is the shining which extends downward, not east to west.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Someone argues: "The point of Matthew 24:27 is to try to convey an understanding that when Jesus returns 'every eye shall see him,' just as every eye (person) sees the sun as it appears to go from east to west." Yes, "every eye" will see Jesus, but Revelation 1:7 refers to a later stage of his return, not to the initial appearance as likened to the sun. Those who pierced Jesus have to be raised from the dead before they "see" Jesus in glory coming in the clouds. The dead are raised before Christ returns in order to "see" Jesus when he initially returns. Thus, it is one of the events to take place sometime after the initial return of Jesus. After the sun has arisen, and Satan has been abyssed, all will be enabled to "see" the sun; this will be the time when he comes with all his saints to judge the world, that the world may be delivered (saved) from the bondage of corruption when the saints are revealed. (1 Thessalonians 3:13; Isaiah 2:2-4; Romans 8:19-21) However, Jesus first comes as a thief to harvest the earth, in which the tares are bound in bundles and symbolically cast into the symbolic furnace of fire, after which the sons of God are manifested; when the sons of God are finally made manifest Jesus comes with all his saints, and every eye shall see him, after the harvest is ended, and after Satan has been abyssed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
See the study:
<a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2016/11/7thtrump.html" target="_blank">The Parousia, Seventh Trumpet, and the Harvest</a><br />
<br />But what did Jesus mean when he said, "the kingdom is your midst"? (Luke 17:21) In the King James, and many other translations, this reads: "the kingdom is within you." This leads to the false reasoning that the kingdom is within a person. Directly, however, Jesus was speaking to the unbelieving Jews; was he saying to those unbelieving Jews that the kingdom was within them? In the first century, the kingdom was in their midst in that the king of the kingdom was standing there in their midst, but they did not recognize him; they could "see" his body of flesh, but did not "see" him for who he was. (Matthew 13:13-17; John 1:10) Although more than likely Jesus was speaking prophetically of the future time when he would return in his kingdom, the circumstances of his first appearance in the first century do provide an illustration of this second appearance. At his second appearance, however, he does not come in the flesh, for he does not come again to sacrifice his flesh, since that flesh was sacrificed at his first appearing, and offered to God after Jesus ascended into heaven. -- Hebrews 9:28; 10:10; 26; 1 Peter 3:18.
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Addendum One:</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Quote from Adam Rutherford:</div>
<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The translation of the Greek word astrape by "lightning" in Matthew 24:27, Luke 17:24 in our English Bibles is misleading and is partly responsible for wrong conclusions regarding the manner of the Second Advent. It is true that astrape means "lightning" but it also has a wider meaning. Liddell and Scott's Greek-English Lexicon gives the meaning of astrape in New Testament Greek as "any bright light". Jesus Himself, as recorded in Luke 11:36 speaks of "the bright shining (astrape) of a lamp". The same Greek word is used again in Our Lord's Great Prophecy of Matthew 24, where in verse 27 He speaks of a bright light "coming forth from the east and shining even unto the west". There is only one bright light that does this, namely the sun (moonlight is faint and the starlight is small). So the correct translation of Matthew 24:27 is "For as the sunlight (astrape) cometh forth from the east and shineth even unto the west, so shall also the presence (parousia) of the Son of man be." Only those who are awake and watching see the first gleams of light and watch the increasing light and dawn, whilst later when the sun rises in the sky and moves over to the west, it is observed by all. So likewise, only those awake to the signs of the times and watching discern the Lord's presence in the early days of the Second Advent, whilst later, when He manifests Himself, "every eye shall see Him", for His parousia, i.e. His presence continues throughout the Millennium. (Pyramidology, Book IV, 1972, page 1487)</div>
</blockquote>
<b><br />
Addendum Two:</b><br />
<br /><div><div>Matthew 24:29 - Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: </div><div><br /></div><div>The tribulation spoken of in Matthew 24:29 apparently refers to the tribulation of verses 4-12 and not the "great tribulation" of verse 21. This tribulation evidently began to take place in the first century, when the apostles and many Christians were being persecuted and even being put to death. The tribulation has not just been upon true followers of Jesus, but was extended to Israel and all nations, for during the tribulation of those days all nations have existed in one state of tribulation after another. Jerusalem was destroyed, the apostasy gained hold with Christians killing Christians leading to the setting up of the Papal Empire. War after war rampaged Europe and Asia during this period, as well as many famines and what today would be called pandemics. Furthermore, anyone who disagreed with the the decrees of Papacy was persecuted and often put to death. However, it was during this period that in the spiritual heavens the Papacy established its rulership, and its empire was claimed to be "Christendom" (Christ's Kingdom). That rulership, however, has proven false and thus its spiritual sun, moon and stars are being shaken from their place in the spiritual skies, especially ever since the Pope was taken prisoner in 1799. <br /><br /></div><div>Nevertheless, the sign of the son of the man (Matthew 28:30) could be referring to the time of trouble, with all the people mourning because they see the trouble upon the earth. However, it appears to be referring to the same time as spoken of in Revelation 1:7, when even those who pierced Jesus will see Jesus. This would place this event at a time after the parousia and after the resurrection. Thus, Matthew 28:30 is also referring to a time Satan is abyssed so that he or his demons can no longer deceive the nations. (Revelation 20:3) It is not until after Satan is abyssed that the saints will be revealed (Romans 8:19) and they will then "shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father". -- Matthew 13:43.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><span><div style="text-align: right;">Ronald R. Day, Sr., Restoration Light Bible Study Services.</div><div><br /></div></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>
Related</b> - We do not necessarily agree with all conclusions given.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.heraldmag.org/archives/1956_12.htm#_Toc36375045" target="_blank">As The Lightning Cometh</a>
Herald of Christ's Kingdom, December 1956.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.dawnbible.com/2006/0605cl-1.htm" target="_blank">The Appearing and Revealment of Jesus Christ</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.heraldmag.org/bookstore/booklet_promise.htm" target="_blank">The Promise of His Presence</a>
Herald of Christ's Presence (booklet)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.agsconsulting.com/htdbv5/r5455.htm" target="_blank">Messiah's Kingdom To Be Invisible</a>
Zion's Watch Tower, Reprints 5455.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.beautiesofthetruth.org/Archive/Library/Doctrine/Mags/Bot/90s/BOTFEB92.PDF" target="_blank">Sign's of Christ's Presence</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Beauties of the Truth, February 1992</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://m.bibleresources.info/audio/includes/play/download.php?inputurl=https://adevarprezent.com/mobile/Discources//Agawam%20Conventions/2009%20-%20Agawam%20Conv/7404%20-%20Homer%20Montague%20-%20Parousia.mp3" target="_blank">Parousia</a> (Discourse by Home Montague, Agawam Convention, 2009 - MP3)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.dawnbible.com/2013/1302-hl.htm" target="_blank">Christ's Second Coming - Its Manner and Purpose</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.dawnbible.com/1963/6302-hl.htm" target="_blank">The Manner of His Presence</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXnzB7tt-faLqOAZEvzWlCStZwxxhjEoQibIxfNjFm0bzB2j7ah5GgsljT4sLqDVjfBIzdC0n6YHTXsaHDUHOz2Jdta1nXWWH_Xa5AfiDTUuU0B-yTg4ryrwZwtNVUxtN3dbF6cz4b9LLaR48_T74CtQ3aMOqFuAx7ZtH2d9JSVX0xDt5n8V87i0yy6q_/s700/b01small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="95" data-original-width="700" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXnzB7tt-faLqOAZEvzWlCStZwxxhjEoQibIxfNjFm0bzB2j7ah5GgsljT4sLqDVjfBIzdC0n6YHTXsaHDUHOz2Jdta1nXWWH_Xa5AfiDTUuU0B-yTg4ryrwZwtNVUxtN3dbF6cz4b9LLaR48_T74CtQ3aMOqFuAx7ZtH2d9JSVX0xDt5n8V87i0yy6q_/s320/b01small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-40369893517538390282017-02-19T16:58:00.000-08:002020-06-16T18:58:37.891-07:00Is Satan Winning?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunNSp0-HEesvHDufvOfC8PmiebPyH9ZjLqGiKqDpYgsCAoH_rXV3NBaqNsn_-TVywpPdp_4YOzB4X4c2px-2w9ioDv7VdEOQluetmoaYMIPTBPL-1jaPbDTsE34RuvB6MAl1LYPBqAoZ7/s1600/issatanwinning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="300" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunNSp0-HEesvHDufvOfC8PmiebPyH9ZjLqGiKqDpYgsCAoH_rXV3NBaqNsn_-TVywpPdp_4YOzB4X4c2px-2w9ioDv7VdEOQluetmoaYMIPTBPL-1jaPbDTsE34RuvB6MAl1LYPBqAoZ7/s200/issatanwinning.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
According to the Bible, God originally created the spirit being often called Lucifer as a sinless angel, but he rebelled against God (Isaiah 14:12-20; Ezekiel 28:12-19), and so became Satan (adversary), God's enemy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Bible reals that Satan is a person -- not just an evil principle -- for he abode not in the truth, spoke to God, reasoned, etc. -- John 8:44; Job 1:1-22; 2:1-13; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 11:14,15.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
God created Adam just, straight, upright (Ecclesiastes 7:29) and told him if he disobeyed he would begin to die, but Satan won control over mankind by his first lie that they would not die. -- Genesis 2:17; 3:4; Ezekiel 18:4,20; Romans 5:12; 6:23.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a result of sin, God sentenced Adam to the foretold condemnation, "Dying, you shall die" (Genesis 2:17, Green's Litera); "to dust you shall return," but He also offered a covenant promise of reversal of this condemnation when He said that the woman's seed shall bruise Satan's head. -- Genesis 3:14-19; Revelation 12:9; 20:2.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A woman in the Bible often symbolizes a covenant. (Galatians 4:22-26) Thus, the woman of Genesis 3:15 may be seen to be God's covenant "word of promise", a promise of a seed. -- Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14; Romans 9:9; Acts 3:25; Galatians 3:8,16,18,29; 4:28; 2 Timothy 2:8.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nevertheless, ever since God's sentencing of Adam and Eve, Satan has tried to destroy or ensnare the seed of the woman.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Bible shows that Satan before the Flood induced some angels to materialize and marry women, thus producing a hybrid offspring and very evil conditions. -- Genesis 6:1-7; Jude 6,7.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
God, however, by the Flood destroyed that "world [Greek, kosmos, its social order consisting of both a heavens and an earth -- not the planet earth (Psalm 104:5)] that was" -- saving only Noah and family. -- 2 Peter 2:4,5.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Consequently, Satan with the aid of his fallen angels soon enslaved Noah's progeny through Nimrod, and began various false religions, etc., and thus by usurpation became "the god [mighty one] of this ['present evil'] age." -- Genesis 10:1-32; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Galatians 1:4; John 12:31; 14:30.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And yet Jehovah promised righteous Abraham that through him and his seed all nations would be blessed. -- Genesis 12:1-3; 15:6; 17:19, 21; 22:15-18; 26:4; 28:14; Romans 4:3.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Therefore, Satan made special attacks on Isaac, Esau (causing him to sell his birthright), Jacob, Joseph, Moses, the children of Israel, Saul, David, Solomon, his progeny, the prophets, etc. -- Luke 11:47-51.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally, God sent His only begotten Son, the promised seed, to give his life a ransom, so all would be given one full individual trial for eternal life. -- Galatians 3:8,16; Matthew 20:28; 1 Timothy 2:5,6; 1 John 2:2; 4:9,10.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In an effort to thwart God's purposes, Satan tried to ensnare or destroy Jesus and finally succeeded in having him crucified. -- Matthew 4:1-11; 8:24; Luke 4:29; 22:3-6,47,48; 23:33,34.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Despite Satan's efforts, God raised Jesus from the dead and exalted Him to the highest position in the universe, next to Most High. -- Acts 2:33,36; 5:30,31; Philippians 2:9-11; Ephesians 1:3,17-23; 1 Corinthians 15:27; Hebrews 1:4; 1 Peter 3:22.<br />
<br />
Due to Jesus' victory of Satan, Satan became desparate, realizing that he was running out of time; thus, Satan, no longer able to attack Jesus personally, has since tried to destroy the Church, Jesus' Body and has sought to hinder its development, for it also is a part of Abraham's Seed that is to bless all mankind. -- Romans 12:5; 4:13-16; Ephesians 1:18-23; Galatians 3:7-9,29; Revelation 12:9-17.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jehovah, in spite of Satan's persecutions, prospered and multiplied the early Church. -- Acts 2:41; 5:14.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Consequently, Satan, failing to destroy the Church by persecutions, perverted it with false doctrines and bad practices {Matthew 13:24-28; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10; 1 John 4:3), so that the true Church became almost unrecognizable, because of so many tares (imitation Christians).<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
God, however, has kept His promise never to forsake His loyal people, so amid all Satan's errors and the "gross darkness" upon the people, God gave His true saints "a little help" through such faithful servants as Marsiglio, Wyclif, Huss, Savonarola, Luther, Zwingli, Cranmer, Wesley, and many others. -- Hebrews 13:5,6; Matthew 28:20; Isaiah 60:2; Daniel 11:34; Micah 5:5.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nonetheless, Satan controlled Christendom by "the chained Bible," ignorance, superstition, heathen philosophies and various errors, especially errors such as the Divine right of kings, clergy and aristocracy -- and to support his first lie (Genesis 3:4), he used the false teaching of consciousness of the dead, inherent immortality of the human soul and the blasphemous doctrine of eternal torment, using figurative Bible texts and parables literally and confusing hades and Gehenna so as to deceive.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
God's prophecies, however, indicate that since 1799, in "the time of the end," God has greatly increased knowledge. -- Daniel 12:4; Nahum 2:3,4.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Therefore, with the dispelling of his old errors, Satan and his demons ("seducing spirits") have brought forth new "doctrines of devils" (1 Timothy 4:1): Evolution, Theosophy, Christian Science, New Thought, Mormonism, Rosicrucianism, Universalism, Scientology, etc. -- and are multiplying deceptive "signs and wonders" (2 Thessalonians 2:9) -- including witchcraft, black art, fortune-telling, alleged talking with the dead, Satanism, clairvoyance, spirit-rapping, sorcery, crystal-ball gazing, tea-leaf reading, spirit-writing, hypnotism, ESP, astrology, poltergeists, horoscopes, ouija boards, "flying saucers", and much more.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yet, many Christians do not realize that God forbids His people to have anything to do with such media. -- Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 19:26,31; 20:6, 27; Deuteronomy 18:9-14; 1 Chronicles 10:13,14; 2 Kings 21:6; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Isaiah 8:19,20; 19:3,4; Jeremiah 29:8,9; Zechariah 10:2; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8; 22:15.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Biblical prophecies show that God through Christ victorious in refuting Satan's errors by the truth and in using the "time of trouble" (World War, Revolution and Anarchy) to bind Satan and demolish his empire, preparatory to establishing God's Kingdom on earth, --Revelation 19:11-21; 11:15-18; 20:1-4; 1 Kings 19:11, 12; Psalms 46:8-11; 76:8-10; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21,22; 12:29; 6:10; Micah 4:1-4.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Eventually, the Satan's dominion will be brought to an end, for God "shall bruise Satan under your [the elect Seed's] feet shortly"; for God "will have all men [including the non-elect -- 1 Timothy 4:10; Hebrews 2:9; 1 John 2:2] to be saved [from Adamic condemnation] and to come unto the [exact] knowledge of the truth." -- Romans 16:20; 1 Timothy 2:4-6; Numbers 14:21; Isaiah 11:9.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With Satan out of the way, God will bring forth "the new earth [social order]" in which mankind will have their judgment (trial for life) as they come up the "highway" to human perfection, without the present blinding influence of Satan. -- Acts 17:31; 2 Peter 3:7-13; Isaiah 35:1-10; 65:17-25; Revelation 20:1-4; 21:1-5; 22:17.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However, the prophecies show that Satan, when loosed for mankind's final testing, will soon gain a host of followers, but God will annihilate him and all the wicked. -- Revelation 20:3,7-10; 21:8; Psalms 37:9-11,38; 145:20; Isaiah 43:17; Hebrews 2:14.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gleefully, the result will be that God will thus have won the contest; for Satan will be no more, "all iniquity shall stop her mouth," and all creatures will praise God and Christ forever. -- Ezekiel 28:19; Psalms 107:42; Revelation 5:12, 13.</div>
Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-6363940772727597912017-01-02T17:02:00.000-08:002017-03-01T17:49:07.870-08:00On This Site<div>
<ul id="postList12"></ul>
</div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var startIndex = 1;
var maxResults = 100;
function sendQuery12()
{
var scpt = document.createElement("script");
scpt.src = "/feeds/posts/summary?alt=json&callback=processPostList12&start-index=" + startIndex + "&max-results=" + maxResults;
document.body.appendChild(scpt);
}
function processPostList12(root)
{
var elmt = document.getElementById("postList12");
if (!elmt)
return;
var feed = root.feed;
if (feed.entry.length > 0)
{
for (var i = 0; i < feed.entry.length; i++)
{
var entry = feed.entry[i];
var title = entry.title.$t;
for (var j = 0; j < entry.link.length; j++)
{
if (entry.link[j].rel == "alternate")
{
var url = entry.link[j].href;
if (url && url.length > 0 && title && title.length > 0)
{
var liE = document.createElement("li");
var a1E = document.createElement("a");
a1E.href = url;
a1E.textContent = title;
liE.appendChild(a1E);
elmt.appendChild(liE);
}
break;
}
}
}
if (feed.entry.length >= maxResults)
{
startIndex += maxResults;
sendQuery12();
}
}
}
sendQuery12();
</script>Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-41609696561061366932016-12-01T11:21:00.002-08:002020-05-23T18:50:29.872-07:00Luke 12:42-48 - Parable of the Four Servants<div>
<div>
by Ronald R. Day, Sr.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Luke 12:42-48<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"> - And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall set over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? [43] Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. [44] Of a truth I say unto you, that he will set him over all that he hath. [45] But if that servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; [46] the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the unfaithful. [47] And that servant, who knew his lord's will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes]; [48] but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more. -- <b><i>American Standard Version</i></b>.</span></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nNn77Fc4DuqeBvF-ljXu8bB0JqpkZddjQXcRZJOpxFAQFXbkAvFMW7ckW077R2sILfEfXCrCQ4gHOThfFRbArV1dMmR-VZm9viXfuphUvX9p7pWrZYTMfIem4FiHXmUO5hmnGc_qh_c7/s1600/Teachings_of_Jesus_32_of_40._the_faithful_and_wise_steward._Jan_Luyken_etching._Bowyer_Bible+tinted4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="707" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nNn77Fc4DuqeBvF-ljXu8bB0JqpkZddjQXcRZJOpxFAQFXbkAvFMW7ckW077R2sILfEfXCrCQ4gHOThfFRbArV1dMmR-VZm9viXfuphUvX9p7pWrZYTMfIem4FiHXmUO5hmnGc_qh_c7/s200/Teachings_of_Jesus_32_of_40._the_faithful_and_wise_steward._Jan_Luyken_etching._Bowyer_Bible+tinted4b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Jesus, in speaking of his return, asked the question regarding whether he would find "the faith" when he returned. (Luke 18:8, Rotherham's <b><i>Emphasized Bible</i></b>) Jesus was pointing out that the true faith, the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3), would be extremely hard to find when he returns. Jude points out "the faith" had already been delivered "once for all." How was it delivered?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We believe that God has revealed his truth by means of his holy spirit through the prophets in the Old Testament and through Jesus and his apostles in the New Testament. (Mark 12:36; Luke 4:11; 10:21; 24:27,44; Acts 1:16; 2:33; 10:38; 28:25; Hebrews 1:1,3; 3:7; 1 Peter 3:10-12; 2 Peter 1:21) God, by means of his holy spirit, especially led the apostles into all the truths concerning Christ and what he said, and thus "the faith" was delivered once for all time to saints in the first century. (John 14:26; 16:4-13; Acts 1:2; Galatians 1:12; Ephesians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:2) The truths revealed to the apostles and made available to us are recorded in the Bible (the commonly-accepted 66 books) itself. (Ephesians 3:3-12; Colossians 1:25,26; 1 John 4:6) Of course, without the holy spirit, these things that are recorded will still be a mystery to us. -- Mark 4:11; 1 Corinthians 2:7-10.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Part of the truth revealed by means of the holy spirit was that there was to be an apostasy, a "falling away" from the truth of God's Word, with strong delusions. (Matthew 13:24-30; Acts 20:29,30; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:3,4) This falling away had already begun in the first century, with some receiving a different spirit and preaching "another Jesus"; the apostasy was restrained for only a short while. (2 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 John 2:18,19; 2 Corinthians 11:4) The apostasy spread rapidly after the death the apostles and developed into the great "Man of Sin", or more correctly "Lawless Man", or "Illegal Man", a great religious system, which claimed to have the authority to add to God's Word since their revelation was allegedly of God's Spirit. The central doctrine became the false teaching that Jesus had to be God Almighty in order to provide atonement for sins. With this spirit of error in mind, the writings of the apostles were totally reinterpreted to accommodate the error, and many of the Hellenic Jewish philosophies were adapted and added to and blended in with the New Testament, even as the Jews had done with the Old Testament.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Isaiah, in prophesying concerning the stone of stumbling (Isaiah 8:14; Romans 9:23) to both the houses of Israel (Romans 9:6,31; 11:7; 1 Corinthians 10:18; Galatians 6:16), warns us: "To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." (Isaiah 8:20, <b><i>New King James Version</i></b>N) The "law", of course, is what we call the Old Testament; the "testimony" of this prophecy, we believe, points forward to the testimony of the apostles, as given in the New Testament. It by the scriptural testimony that one may test the spirits. (1 John 4:1) It is to these and through these scriptures that the holy spirit today gives true direction, and anything not in agreement with these scriptures is not of the light of the day. (John 11:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:5) The distortion of who Jesus truly was and is -- who while on earth before his death was only human, a little lower than the angels, who gave his flesh for the life of the world -- is one of the greatest stumbling blocks to understanding the true Gospel revealed in scripture. Thus Jesus becomes a stumbling stone, not only to the house according the flesh which was corrupted from true doctrine (Israel after the flesh -- Luke 13:25-28; Romans 9:30-33), but also the house which claims Jesus, which has also become corrupted from true doctrine through spiritual fornication. -- Matthew 27:21-23; Revelation 2:13-15,20-24.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Thus, it is due to the great apostasy, wherein "the faith" that was once delivered to saints has been greatly obscured by the traditions and doctrines of man, that we can understand why Jesus asked: "However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [the] faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8, New American Standard) The Greek has the definite article before the word "faith." Jesus was not talking about faith in just anything. Everyone who has some kind of hope has faith in something, although that faith may be false to its promise. Jesus was talking about "the" faith, that is, "the faith" that was about to be delivered to the saints, and to some extent, had already been so delivered, but was not to be fully understood until after the "spirit of truth" should be sent to the apostles.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
It is to this, "the faith that was once delivered," the "servant" of the master was to be faithful and wise in providing food for the household of faith. That faith, as has already been shown, was given in the first century in the Bible. Thus, in the time of Jesus' parousia, Jesus finds that very few of the servants can be actually called "faithful and wise" in stewardship. Indeed, we believe that most of Christ's servants today fall into the category of "that servant" (Luke 12:47) "who didn't know, and did things worthy of stripes." (Luke 12:48, World English Bible translation) Such will have to receive some disciplining for this, but will be able to easily respond to such disciplining, so that their anguish will not be so great.</div>
<div>
<br />
We believe that the next largest group of Christ's servants today are in the category of those shown as "that servant, who knew his lord's will, and didn't prepare, nor do what he wanted." (Luke 12:47) Those of this second "servant" classification will have to receive discipline, which, for them, will be harder to respond to than those of the first classification mentioned above.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
The next is "that servant" who is called the "bad servant" (usually rendered "evil servant" -- Luke 12:45,46), those who would symbolically "beat" the fellow servants into a form of sectarian subjection, so as to bring Christ's servants under some kind of sectarian leadership and authority on earth. These may be aligned with the spirit of a spiritual "pride". These evidently receive the most severe disciplinary punishments. Such will certainly receive great anguish when they learn that they are positioned far below the high and lofty grandeur that they had positioned in their imagination for themselves. While Jesus does not in this parable condemn them to the second death, it is quite possible, however, that some of this classification may have sinned as new creatures, thus bringing the second death upon themselves.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
The category with the least amount, of course, is that depicted by "the faithful and wise steward." (Luke 12:42-44) One of this category has proven himself to faithful in obedience to the master in giving to fellow-servants food as needed. There are two appointments involved; the first is to serve fellow-servants food as needed, and the second, if found wise and faithful in having given food as needed to fellow-servants, is the appointment over all of the master's belongings. The latter appointment appears to be applicable to those who receive the reward of joint-heirship with Christ, who have overcome so as that they no longer can be hurt by the second death. (Revelation 2:11) Those who attain the goal spoken of by Paul (Philippians 3:14) will have been perfected in discipline, having proven themselves incorruptible. (See our study: <a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=1006" href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2016/11/body.html" target="_blank">With What Kind of Body Will We Be Raised?</a>)<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
It is not for any of us, however, to point the finger at another and say, "you are this or that 'servant'." We are to show love to all of the household of faith, and leave the judging up to Jehovah through Jesus.<br />
<br />
See also our study:</div>
<div>
<a data-mce-href="http://ctr.rlbible.com/?p=127" href="https://rlctr.blogspot.com/2016/10/fws.html" target="_blank">The Faithful and Wise Servant and Other Servants</a></div>
Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-16997656462014985352016-11-29T20:18:00.000-08:002020-06-17T20:24:30.252-07:00The Parousia, the Seventh Trumpet and the Harvest<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Ronald R. Day, Sr.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXG0ul3arExqF7N8h47wEDTqB57ikeQF2klPgd9SqznEWemJHsE-lKx-BITmlJFqjx-wfz7cmb7mflOGBUUoMJYs5ZVvrWDQ73VM6Ck_pAPSWaq5gSliR03ugAghX1uChKQ0jO9B3O9eT/s1600/book-1309944-1279x959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1279" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXG0ul3arExqF7N8h47wEDTqB57ikeQF2klPgd9SqznEWemJHsE-lKx-BITmlJFqjx-wfz7cmb7mflOGBUUoMJYs5ZVvrWDQ73VM6Ck_pAPSWaq5gSliR03ugAghX1uChKQ0jO9B3O9eT/s200/book-1309944-1279x959.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Some have confused the matter concerning the parousia, and have evidently misread the presentations of many of the Bible Students so as to conclude that the word "Parousia" is being interpreted as having the definition of "invisible presence." In other words, some have made the claim that Bible Students who believe that Christ's parousia is invisible are presenting the word "parousia" itself as carrying the meaning "invisible." Without judging the motives of those who would present this kind of argument, in reality the argument diverts attention from the invisible aspect of Christ's return to the word "parousia" itself, and ends up being a strawman argument.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Some have cited some works of the Greeks and Romans concerning this, as alleged proof that the the word "parousia" does not mean "invisible." Of course, the Romans and Greeks of the first century, not knowing or understanding spiritual matters, would not think of the word Parousia as expressing a spiritual presence that could not be seen. -- 2 Corinthians 4:18; 5:7.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Nevertheless, the word parousia, of itself, does not prove either a visible or invisible presence, and we don't believe most, if any, Bible Students have intended to leave that impression.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Jesus, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, and having once for all time offered up his flesh, will never be seen in that flesh again. (Hebrews 7:27; 9:28; 10:10; 1 Peter 3:18) However, this does not rule out the <strong>possibility</strong> that Jesus may manifest himself as did the angels of Jehovah in the Bible, who appeared as "men," ate as men, and looked like men, manifesting themselves with a body of flesh. -- Genesis 18:2,8,22; 19:1,5; Judges 13:2,6,8,9; Luke 24:4.<br />
<br />
See the study:<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://reslight.net/?p=5" href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2016/09/1pet3-18.html" target="_blank">Jesus Died a Human Being - Raised a Spirit Being</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
However, Jesus does indeed return bodily, with a body, that is, with the spiritual, celestial body, and with its glory. He no longer has the terrestrial, fleshly, body of a man, a glory a little lower than the angels. (1 Corinthians 15:39-41; Hebrews 2:9) Having offered (to his God in heaven) his terrestrial, earthly, fleshly body for sin, once for all time (John 6:51; Hebrews 7:27; 9:11,12,24;10:10), he will never again be seen with that body. (1 Corinthians 15:40,44) Now being a life-giving spirit, he comes again from heaven (1 Corinthians 15:40,45-48), during the blowing of the last trumpet, the seventh trumpet (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 8:2,6), with a celestial, spiritual body, resulting in (not necessarily in the order given):<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
(1) The end of the age, during which a harvest of the people of God begins. This harvest begins while the nations are still blinded by Satan, but it ends after Satan is abyssed, when the saints, the sons of God of this age, will be manifested and "will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their father." (Matthew 13:3-43; Romans 8:19} Unlike many Bible Students, however, we do not believe that this harvest reveals who is of what class by any visible manifestation, except until after Satan is abyssed. Jesus said that the tares, not the wheat, are first gathered and bundled. (Matthew 13:39,40) Although the human servants of God labor in the harvest work, the harvest work itself is not entrusted to men, who would surely misjudge and treat much of wheat as tares, and tares as wheat, thus, it is entrusted to angels.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
(2) The nations become angry, resulting in a great "time of trouble”, during which time the people in general do not take notice of the parousia. — Matthew 24:37-39; Luke 17:26-30; Revelation 11:15,18; Daniel 12:1,2.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
(3) God’s wrath upon the children of wrath of this age comes to its conclusion — Ephesians 2:2,3; 5:6; Revelation 8:1.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
(4) In that age to come, after Satan is abyssed, the dead are raised and the unjustified of this age are judged individually during the "last day" — Isaiah 2:2-4; Daniel 7:9,10; Matthew 25:31-46; John 5:28,29; 6:39,40,44,54; 12:47,48; Romans 2:16; 3:6; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 6:2; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Revelation 11:18; 20:11-15.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
(5) God’s servants, prophets, saints are rewarded in the first resurrection. — Isaiah 40:10; Daniel 7:9,10; 12:1,2; Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 3:8,14; Colossians 3:24; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 15:18; 20:4; 22:12.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
(6) Those who would destroy the earth are themselves destroyed after the judgment day, after Satan has been set loose again. — Psalm 37:10; Revelation 15:18; 20:8,12; 21:8.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Thus, the seventh trumpet begins to sound while the nations are still ignorant and are angry, and continues to sound until after the millennial age, up to the age of the ages, the eternal age.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Of Moses, it is said that, "he endured, as seeing him who is invisible." (Hebrews 11:27) In context, "him" <em><strong>could</strong></em> be referring to the prehuman Jesus, who, before coming the earth, had the glory of the invisible, the celestial -- the glory that he did not have while on earth. (John 17:5; 1 Corinthians 15:40) Or, more than likely, "him" probably refers to the God and Father of Jesus, who is the "invisible God." (Colossians 1:15) Either way, Moses saw him who is invisible by the eye of faith, not by literal sight, for he did not see that which is invisible by means of the physical eye. The point is that "seeing" does not necessarily mean seeing with the physical eye.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, the Jews in general saw Jesus at his first appearing in the flesh, but did not see who he was -- the Messiah -- which could only have been seen with the eye of faith. They did not recognize him. (John 1:10) Nor could they "see" the God and Father in Jesus. (John 14:9) Having seen Jesus in the flesh, however, Jesus said of the world that had seen him in the flesh, that they would see him no more. (John 14:19) Since they had only seen him in the flesh, and had not seen him with the eye of faith as the Messiah, the son of God, then this can only mean that they will never see him in the flesh again. They will see the Son of Man coming [Erchomai] on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.</div>
<blockquote>
Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him. All the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. Even so, Amen. -- Revelation 1:7.</blockquote>
<div>
The word "coming" in Revelation 1:7 is not "parousia," but a form of the verb "Erchomai," -- to come. However, we have no doubt that it is reference to "coming" in the days of the son of man, the parousia. (Matthew 24:37; Luke 17:26) The statement here is not that he comes on a cloud, a singular cloud, but rather "clouds."<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Another scripture describes this event in the Old Testament:<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him. -- Daniel 7:13.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Again, the reference is to clouds, plural, not a cloud, singular. Prophetically, the plural can used to represent two, as "times," representing two times. (Daniel 7:25; 12:7; Revelation 12:14) Regardless, there is the possibility of at least two clouds being spoken of, indicating the possibility of two symbolic meanings. A cloud or clouds can represent: glory (Exodus 16:10; Ezekiel 1:28); guidance (Exodus 13:12); covering of sin (Isaiah 44:24); darkness (2 Samuel 22:12; Job 38:9; Psalm 18:11; Isaiah 5:30; Joel 2:2; Zephaniah 1:15); a covenant, a promise of God (Genesis 9:13,16); God's anger (Lamentations 2:1); alienation from God (Lamentations 3:44); storms (Ezekiel 1:4; 38:9; Luke 12:54; Jeremiah 4:13; Nahum 1:4); a hiding of the sun (Ezekiel 32:7); majesty (Isaiah 14:14); a communication from God (Exodus 24:16; Psalm 99:7; Matthew 17:5; Luke 9:35); trouble, distress (Ezekiel 30:3; Zephaniah 1:15).<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
In Daniel 7, the one like a son of a man, in coming with the clouds, comes before the Ancient of Days, that is, Jehovah, and is presented to him. As a result, there was given to him an everlasting dominion, and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. (Daniel 7:14) This brings us into the age of the ages, the everlasting age after the millennial age, the age that will never end.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
In Revelation 10:1, we find a reference to an angel coming in a cloud (singular).</div>
<blockquote>
Revelation 10:1 I saw another mighty angel coming down out of the sky [heaven], clothed with a cloud. A rainbow was on his head. His face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire.</blockquote>
<div>
Here is depicted an angel clothed as with a cloud. Of course, the language is symbolic. The "angel" is either Jesus or a messenger (angel) representing Jesus. Jesus, of course, will come as the "sun of righteousness." -- Malachi 4:2.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
The "rainbow" probably represents the new covenant, which will be the means by which the seed of Abraham will bring blessings to all the families of the earth.<br />
<br />
This angel is clothed with a cloud, a symbol of majesty, and yet we believe that it is also includes a symbolism of mystique, as a cloud hiding the sun, producing darkness. The angel has a face like the sun of righteousness, as a great ruler, but he also has feet like pillars of fire, representing a distressful situation and/or destruction. "Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of Jehovah's wrath, but the whole land will be devoured by the fire of his jealousy." (Zephaniah 1:18) "My determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour on them my indignation, even all my fierce anger, for all the earth will be devoured with the fire of my jealousy." (Zephaniah 3:8) In this is pictured the wrath of Jehovah (Revelation 11:18), the wrath that has been upon man since Adam sinned, and which wrath is brought to a finish during the blowing of the seventh trumpet, by means of seven symbolic bowls that are poured out. -- Revelation 11:15,18; 15:1,7.</div>
<blockquote>
Revelation 10:2 He had in his hand a little book open. He set his right foot on the sea, and his left on the land.<br />
Revelation 10:3 He cried with a loud voice, as a lion roars. When he cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices.<br />
Revelation 10:4 When the seven thunders sounded, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from the sky saying, "Seal up the things which the seven thunders said, and don't write them."<br />
Revelation 10:5 The angel who I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to the sky,<br />
Revelation 10:6 and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there will no longer be delay,<br />
Revelation 10:7 but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as he declared to his servants, the prophets.</blockquote>
<div>
Thus, we believe this cloud appears either shortly before or at the beginning of the sounding of the seventh trumpet, the last trumpet. The prophetical statement is that when the angel is about to sound his trumpet, the last trumpet, then the mystery of God is finished. The Greek word rendered "about" -- transliterated as "Mello," does not necessarily mean "about," as though it was something yet to happen. We believe that it can also refer to the actual "being about" of something, that is, the actual doing of what is being spoken of, and we believe, in accordance with the context, "in days of the voice of the seventh angel," that this is meaning of Mello in Revelation 10:7. When the seventh angel, having the seventh trumpet, is about the business of blowing his trumpet, then the mystery of God is finished. Many believe that this mystery refers to completing the mystery members of the bride of Christ, but we believe it refers to the completing of the mystery pertaining to the ages; in other words, it pertains to bringing to completion God's purpose of the ages (Ephesians 3:9,11,Young's Literal), which would bring us to up to the foretold "world without end," or the age of the ages, the final age that never ends. -- Isaiah 45:17; Ephesians 3:21, See Young's Literal for Ephesians 3:21.</div>
<blockquote>
I looked, and behold, a white cloud; and on the cloud one sitting like a son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. -- Revelation 14:14<br />
Another angel came out from the temple, crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, "Send forth your sickle, and reap; for the hour to reap has come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe!" -- Revelation 14:15<br />
He who sat on the cloud thrust his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped. -- Revelation 14:16.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest time I will tell the reapers, "First, gather up the darnel, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn." -- Matthew 13:30.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. -- Matthew 13:39.</blockquote>
<div>
The "age" being referred to this present evil age, the age in which Satan is god. -- Galatians 1:4; 2 Corinthians 4:4.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
By saying that the "harvest time" is the end of this age, and then describing events that take place during that "end," Jesus shows that the "end" is not something that happens suddenly, but that the "end" itself -- being "the time of the harvest" -- is a period of "time."<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Revelation 14:14 depicts one like a son of man coming on a white cloud, a cloud of glory, and he has a sharp sickle in his hand.Revelation 14:16-20 shows that the sickle is used to harvest the earth.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
When Jesus comes, one of the things he accomplishes is the harvest of the earth by means of his angels. This takes place during the "end" of the present evil age, while Satan is still the "god of this age." As long as Satan is still blinding the minds of people, we know that this "harvest" has not ended. Nevertheless, the harvest does take place as a result of Jesus' coming on the clouds.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Thus we conclude that the harvest has been going on, especially since about 1874, with an influx of worldly knowledge that is separating the tares from the true wheat. Jesus said that the tares were to be first separated from the wheat (Matthew 13:30), again indicating a time involved; the tares are thrown into the fiery furnace (symbolic of the the severe part of the time of trouble), and the wheat is gathered into the barn (representing a condition of spiritual safety; the spiritual ark, true faith in Jesus' sacrificed body with its blood by which we are sanctified, set apart -- Hebrews 9:12,14; 10:10,29). Then, after this, the wheat -- the righteous -- will shine forth as the sun, depicting the age to come, when Satan is abyssed so that he cannot deceive the heathen. -- Daniel 12:3; Matthew 13:43; Revelation 20:3.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Jesus indicated that the foretold time of trouble is pictured by what happened in Noah's day, thus, it is possible that the last part of the foretold time of trouble is depicted by the 40 days' flood of Noah's day. (Genesis 7:4; Matthew 24:37,38) We are now certainly experiencing a flood of knowledge now available through the internet and other means of fast communication. More and more professed Christians are falling into infidelity as a result of this influx of knowledge, thus proving themselves to be tares, rather than wheat. This increase of knowledge, however, brings discontent among the masses, and greed, and thus is also a source of trouble, and ends up being like a fiery furnace, as "fiery feet" stomping upon the people, with the trouble becoming so bad, that unless the days should be cut short, no flesh will be saved. -- Matthew 24:21,22.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<strong>Addendum:</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div>
One asks if we believe that Jesus returned in 1874 and "inspected the temple"?<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
While we would probably not put it that way, we do believe that Jesus began the harvest work related to the separating of the tares from the wheat; this is indeed an inspection of all who profess to be Christian, irrespective of denominational and/or sectarian ties, and since those who are being called to follow Jesus are spoken of as the temple of God, one could say that this is a inspection of the temple. The inspection is not, however, an event that take place in a moment, a day, a year, but continues on for many years. The revealing of the results of the inspection takes place after Satan is abyssed, for it is then that the sons of God will be revealed. (Romans 8:19) Many claim that the harvest is carried out along physical lines, and they can tell who is the wheat by various visible means today, but we believe the harvest is along spiritual lines, and that is carried out, not by the servants of Jesus in the flesh, but by the angels.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
The questioner further asks: "Did Jesus make a decision during that time period and make a choosing of a particular group?"<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
The questioner is evidently asking if we have a belief similar the Jehovah's Witnesses, who claim that Jesus, in 1918, inspected the temple, and approved of Rutherford's religion, to which our answer is "no." We need to remember that the choosing of the faith seed of Abraham has been going on ever since the first century. In 1874, we believe that a special period began which is called the "harvest". However, we also believe that the choosing of the wheat class at the end of the age is done by means of the angels, and therefore, we conclude that the wheat class cannot be represented by any physical group, such as the Bible Students association. The revealing of the wheat, however, cannot be until after Satan is abyssed, thus any efforts in this present evil age to determine who is wheat and who are tares could end up being very deceptive.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
The questioner further asks: "Did Jesus really return and examine babylon the great, and then appoint a certain group? Was that the great tribulation? "</div>
<div>
<br />
By "group", I assume this refers to physical outward group, such the Jehovah's Witnesses, or the Bible Students movement. We have no reason to believe that Jesus has appointed a certain sectarian group, nor a certain individual, etc., to be "the true religion", or "the true church." Babylon the Great represents sectarianism, denominationalism, organizations (and associated false doctrines created by humans) that separate the sheep. To come out of Babylon the Great would signify rejection of denominational sectarianism and, and to the extent possible, the doctrines of men associated with such demoninationalism. It would specifically signify a rejection of the substitutes for the atonement as set forth in the Bible. Two of the major substitutes have been the teaching of the trinity dogma, the teaching of the oneness dogma, the teaching of the immortal soul, etc., both of which provide a non-Biblical basis for atonement. The destruction of Babylon the Great signifies the destruction of all kinds of sectarianism and denominationalism. God is not going to allow such sectarian divisions to continue in His kingdom.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
On the other hand, the tares are now being revealed as false Christians, often denying the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, accepting the idea that man got here by evolution, etc. Many of these tares openly deny Christ, and openly declare themselves as deists, agnostics, atheists, etc., while others retain the name of Christ, but in some way deny the power of the blood of Jesus. Indeed, one can often hear of some claiming to be a Christian atheist, Christian agnostic, Christian deist, Christian Wiccan, Christian Buddhist, Christian Spiritualist, etc. We do believe, however, most of those professing to be Christians today will be found to be of the tare class. On the other hand, we have no scriptural reason to think that joining in association with the Bible Students movement makes one of the wheat class, while all who fail to join the Bible Students movement are the tare class. Such reasoning actually leads to sectarianism, which we believe every Christian should seek to avoid.<br />
<br />
The tares are to burned in the figurative fiery furnace. This does not mean that those who are found to be tares will be eternally destroyed, as the JWs teach; it simply means that their outward standing as a servant of Christ will eventually be burned up in the furnace of the time of trouble. No one among mankind, however, has been given any authority to point to this or that professed Christian and say "You are a tare," although, sadly, there appears to be many who are claiming they have authority to do so. Likewise, we have no authority to claim that one is of the wheat class because they belong to the Bible Students movement. Nor can we believe we have any authority to designate who among the "wheat" class will be found to arrived at the goal, the mark, of the prize of our high calling, so that we would have authority to say to this person: "You are one of 144,000", and to another, "You are not one of the 144,000." We believe that all three major classes of Revelation 7 will be revealed after Satan is abyssed, and not in this present evil age.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Thus, we do not believe that Jesus came in 1874 to inspect and approve any outward "group" as being approved as the JWs teach in doctrine concerning 1918. The inspection is of individuals, not of an outward "group." Nor do we believe, as do the JWs, that one has belong to and/or recognize any visible organization, the Bible Students movement, Charles Taze Russell, or any other outward group, etc., in order to be saved, as as to live into the new age.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
As Charles Taze Russell pointed out many times, the true church is not about an outward organization, but it pertains to individuals.</div>
<div>
See also:</div>
<div>
<a data-mce-href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=56" href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2017/03/gm.html" target="_blank">The Great Multitude</a><br />
<a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2017/03/gm-temple.html" target="_blank">The Great Multitude in the Temple</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=60" href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2017/03/rev7-tribes.html" target="_blank">The 144,000 and the Twelve Tribes</a></div>
<div>
<br />
The questioner asks if we "are saying that Jesus inspected the temple in 1874, and found that the sect called 'russelites', or 'bible students' were thus in an approved condition?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We do not know of any place that Russell taught expressly that Jesus "inspected the temple" in 1874, but Russell's view of the temple had nothing to do with any external sect, group, denomination, etc. His view of the temple was that the temple is the church that belongs to Christ. Russell was non-sectarian.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Russell stated:“the Lord in Heaven records as members of His true Church all the saintly — whether Roman Catholics, Anglican Catholics, Greek Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, etc.— and none others…. Do we not see that a part of our mistake was in calling the outward organization the Church of Christ, instead of remembering that the Lord alone writes the names of the Church, that He alone reads the hearts, that He alone is the Judge, and that He alone has the right to blot out the names of those who become reprobates?… We must see that the Church is a comparatively small company of saintly footstep followers of Jesus, irrespective of sectarian lines.” -- <b><i>Bible Students Monthly,</i></b> Volume 7, Number 9 (1915), Under the title, "The Catholic Church -- St. Peter's Kingdom Keys."<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
And Russell stated: “all who are worshiping any church organization should be warned. See thou do it not.’ These are thy fellow servants.‘Worship God.’`Rev. 22:9`.” -- <b><i>Watch Tower</i></b>, January, 1880, page 7.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
He further stated:“so far as the true Church is concerned, the only authority in it is the Lord, the Head of the Church, and his Word, and the words of those whom he specially chose to be his mouth-pieces, the apostles.” -- <b><i>Watch Tower</i></b>, July 1, 1900, page 195.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
And,“we believe that in every nation and denomination there are some true saints of God, members therefore of the true Church of God.” -- <b><i>What Pastor Russell Wrote For the Overland Monthly</i></b>, page 385.<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">Thus, Russell viewed the temple of God to be any true Christian, regardless of what external group or denomination he might be associated with. His view of the temple of God was not restricted to a "group", such as the Bible Students, nor a denomination, nor a religious organization, such as the Jehovah's Witnesses. Indeed, Russell preached against the kind of authoritarianism and sectarianism that is found in the Jehovah's Witnesses' organization. We agree with his view regarding this.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
See : <a data-mce-href="http://ctr.rlbible.com/?cat=72" href="https://rlctr.blogspot.com/p/church.html" target="_blank">Charles Taze Russell and the True Church</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-37747871366433207402016-11-29T20:11:00.002-08:002021-07-09T19:03:01.859-07:00Revelation 19:1 - A Great Multitude in Heaven <div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Hallelujah! Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God: -- Revelation 19:1.</blockquote>
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7os0p7ulH3G0PWUMdtKnfVSalX-1J_R9FZ9vY9GB9ZTtEEQRKlnzwZlTvozhn-bMlS3r5nxTGf5XE7HlvBdAzcaTYC8Rsir6njC8oHJoZEkbf4oZGHQkYSgKSxZunSiFhAmwrvqibXxz-/s1600/sunrise-1185483.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7os0p7ulH3G0PWUMdtKnfVSalX-1J_R9FZ9vY9GB9ZTtEEQRKlnzwZlTvozhn-bMlS3r5nxTGf5XE7HlvBdAzcaTYC8Rsir6njC8oHJoZEkbf4oZGHQkYSgKSxZunSiFhAmwrvqibXxz-/s200/sunrise-1185483.jpg" width="200" /></a>
Many translations use the term "great multitude" in Revelation 19:1,6. The phrae is based on two Greek words, one often transliterated as <b><i><a href="https://www.studylight.org/lexicons/greek/4183.html" target="_blank">polys</a></i></b> (Strong's #4183) and the other as <b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://www.studylight.org/lexicons/greek/3793.html" target="_blank">ochlos</a></b> (Strong's #3793). The first word simply means "much, large, many". The second word carries various shades of meaning. Strong defines it as "crowd, people, multitude, mob, a gathering of any size, sometimes with the implication that these are common folk and not leaders or nobility."
Many Bible Students refer to the "great multitude" of Revelation 7:9 as the "great company." The Greek phrase in Revelation 19:1 is indeed a form of the same term used in Revelation 7:9. Thus, it is often thought that this is the same "great multitude" spoken of in Revelation 7. We should note that forms of the same Greek term are used many times throughout the New Testament, without any thought that such term, of itself, is referring to the "great multitude" Revelation 7. Here are a few instances where the Greek term is used outside of Revelation: Matthew 4:25; 8:1; 13:2; 15:30; 19:2; 20:29; 26:47; Mark 5:21,24; Luke 5:29; 6:17; 7:11; 9:37; John 6:2; 12:9,12. Thus, it is possible that the "great multitude" in Revelation 19 is not speaking of the same "great multitude" as found in Revelation 7. Some believe the "great multitude" in Revelation 7 is speaking of angelic beings in heaven.<br />
<div>
<br />
We should note that Charles Taze Russell's comments related to Revelation 19 appear to place the great multitude on the earth during the time of trouble. If this is so, then the "heaven" spoken of in Revelation 19:1 is not referring to where the angels are always able to see God's face, but rather to religious elements on the earth. While we do not necessarily agree with all of Brother Russell's conclusions, here is what is found in the Expanded Comments under Revelation 19:1:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And -- This chapter is part of the message of the "seventh trump," during which the first resurrection and change of living saints occurs. R194:4.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
After these things -- A view of the Great Company during the trouble, after the Bride company has been taken and the "marriage of the Lamb is come." (Verse 7) R275:6.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Babylon's fall as a result of Kingdom judgments will be discerned later by some in her who are represented as getting light and liberty through Christ after her fall. D623.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Much people -- The Great Company set free by the fall of Babylon. R5383:2.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Individuals out of Babylon which arise from among her ashes. R177:6.</blockquote>
<br />
If the "great multitude" in Revelation 19 is the same "great multitude" that is spoken of in Revelation 7, does this mean that the "great multitude" spoken of in Revelation 19:1 are being pictured in heaven where God's throne is, and where the angels are always able to "see" the face of God? (Psalm 11:14; Matthew 18:10) No, for the word "heaven" in the Bible does not always mean such the realm where God dwells with his angels. In 1916, Brother Russell appears to apply the "heaven" in Revelation 19:1 to the church systems of today (R5911:12). If this be so, then the "great multitude" are not being depicted as in heaven where God and the angels are. '</div><div><br /></div><div>Indeed, the present “heaven” that now is, which relates to the authoritarian religious/ruling elements of mankind, however, is to pass away. (Matthew 5:18; 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 16:17; 21:33; Revelation 21:1; 2 Peter 3:7,12) This heaven that is to pass away is not the heaven where God's throne is, since God's dwelling place will never pass away. Thus, the heavens that passes away is evidently the sectarian religious and other ruling elements among mankind here on earth that seek to control mankind. We believe that, while this great multitude is yet among the sectarianism of Babylon the Great, they have consecrated themselves to God. In this position, many Christians today of many different denominations, nations and tribes, are now proclaiming and rejoicing in their salvation in Christ, although as yet they are still being hindered by mankind's sectarianism under the blinding influence of Satan. (2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 12:9) Thus, they are still to a great degree being deceived by the sectarianism that exists all around them (Revelation 13:14); it is only after this sectarianism is destroyed in the great tribulation and Satan is abyssed, that they will be able to see beyond the deceptions of Satan (Revelation 12:9; 13:14), and then the Lamb will lead them to the waters of life, which Isaiah 25 shows will be on the earth, not in the heaven where God's throne is. -- Isaiah 25:6-8; Revelation 7:14-17; 20:1-3.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After the present heavens have passed away, there are to be a new heavens and new earth -- not that God's home dwelling place ever passes away, but the ruling elements related to mankind on earth passes away. Then there is to be a new heavens, a new ruling arrangement, without Satan's blinding influence. God will then dwell with man on earth, not by a physical means but by spiritual means, for He, through Christ and the joint-heirs -- Christ's bride -- will constitute the headship of the the new heavens that is rule over the new earth.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>For links to more related regarding:<br /><a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/p/t.html" target="_blank">The Tribes, the 144,000 and the Great Multitude</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-63130718488056327842016-11-23T17:43:00.001-08:002022-07-17T15:28:54.289-07:00The 144,000 and the Great Multitude<hr style="color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;" />
<blockquote style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Revelation 7:1 After this, I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth, or on the sea, or on any tree.<br />
Revelation 7:2 I saw another angel ascend from the sunrise, having the seal of the living God. He cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to harm the earth and the sea,<br />
Revelation 7:3 saying, "Don't harm the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, until we have sealed the bondservants of our God on their foreheads!"<br />
Revelation 7:4 I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the children of Israel:<br />
Revelation 7:5 Of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand, Of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand, Of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand,<br />
Revelatio 7:6 Of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand, Of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand, Of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand,<br />
Revelation 7:7 Of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand, Of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand, Of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand,<br />
Revelation 7:8 Of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand, Of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand, Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand. -- <i><b>World English</b></i>.</div>
</blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
It is claimed by many that the twelve tribes of Revelation refer to the natural Jews, the children of Israel. These overlook the symbolism being employed in the verses, and look at the words "tribe" as speaking, not symbolically, but literally, reference to tribes of natural Israel, and thus they claim that the 144,000 are all natural Jews.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
However, we need to remember that the visions that John saw are highly symbolic. The four corners of the earth are symbolic; the four winds are symbolic; the earth, sea and trees spoken of are all symbolic. The four angels are also probably symbolic of the influences of the destructive forces that are to come upon the symbolic earth, the sea and the trees.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Additionally, we should note that the twelves tribes that John saw are no where listed as such in the Old Testament. Each tribe listed in Revelation 7, we believe, has symbolic meaning. Revelation 7 is not speaking of the twelve tribes after the flesh (1 Corinthians 10:18), but rather these tribes are symbolic of the various parts of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-26), the Israel of faith. Those sealed out of the twelve tribes stand [rule as kings] on Mt. Zion in heaven with the Lamb. --- Revelation 14:1.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
We will note that there are some Bible Students who believe that the number 144,000 is not to be taken literally; that it is only symbolic. We cannot be dogmatic that there will be literally only 144,000 to be sealed out of the twelve tribes, but we believe that, since this is spoken of in relation to two other groups, the twelve tribes and the great multitude, that this number is indeed literal, and yet believe that the number also has symbolism.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<br />
Nevertheless, Romans 11:25 speaks of the blindness to Israel continuing until the "fullness [Greek, pleroma, plenitude] of the Gentiles has come in." "Fullness" does not mean that absolutely all Gentiles must be converted before the blindness is removed from Israel. "Fullness" means the full amount related to filling up what is being spoken of; it refers to all that is needed for the purpose being spoken of. In this connection, it is speaking of filling "the election" (Romans 11:7), the symbolic grafting of Gentiles (symbolic wild olive branches) into the symbolic olive tree of God. (Romans 11:17) The olive tree of God does not mean the Law Covenant, as some have assumed. If it were the Law Covenant that the Gentiles were being drafted into, then this would mean that the Gentiles would become cursed with the Jew under the Law. "For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse. For it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who doesn't continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.'" (Galatians 3:10) Rather, Paul speaks in Galatians 3:16 of the promises spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The covenant made with Abraham is often referred to as the Abrahamic Covenant. The Law Covenant came 430 years later (Galatians 3:17), but does not annul the earlier covenant with Abraham. Jesus claimed this covenant for himself, as he spoke to his disciples: " I, covenant unto you - as my Father hath covenanted unto me - a kingdom." (Luke 22:29, Rotherham's Emphasized Bible) From Galatians 3:16, we can see that the covenant that Jesus refers to, and which he extends to his followers, is the covenant as the seed of Abraham. This agrees with what Paul wrote in Galatians 3:29: "If you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise."<br />
<br />
All who belong to Christ are God's sons, and are thus heirs. (Galatians 3:26) However, not all the heirs as the seed of Abraham become joint-heirs with Christ. It is out of this antitypical twelve tribes that the joint-heirs are sealed. If Romans 11:25 is speaking a limited number, it would have be related, not to the antitypical twelve tribes as a whole, but rather to the sealing of the 144,000 out those twelve tribes. In other words, the purpose of the "election" is to obtain the joint-heirs with Christ; when that purpose is fulfilled, once the 144,000 are sealed, then some time after that the blindness of Israel would be lifted. This , we believe, would take us into the age to come, after Satan is abyssed so that he will not be able to deceive the heathen. (Revelation 20:1-3) We do not believe that Israel will be enlightened until after Satan -- the god of this age -- is will no longer be around bring blindness. (2 Corinthians 4:4) Jehovah says concerning Israel in that age to come: "I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish to you an everlasting covenant. Then shall you remember your ways, and be ashamed, when you shall receive your sisters, your elder [sisters] and your younger; and I will give them to you for daughters, but not by your [Law] covenant. I will establish my [new] covenant with you; and you shall know that I am Jehovah; that you may remember, and be confounded, and never open your mouth any more, because of your shame, when I have forgiven you all that you have done, says the Lord Jehovah." -- Ezekiel 16:60-63.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
The sealing out of the twelve symbolic tribes is not the same sealing that is spoken of in 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30. All of the sons of God receive the sealing of the holy spirit, the promise related to the day of redemption that is yet to come. All the sons of God are thus heirs of God, and, except for those of the great multitude*, all are of the antitypical twelve tribes of Israel, but not all who make up the twelve tribes become joint-heirs with Christ. One can be a joint-heir with Christ, only "<b>if</b>" indeed one "suffers with him." (Romans 8:17) The word "suffer" in Romans 8:17 is rendered from the Greek, "Sumpascho," Strong's #4841. Three words in Romans 8:17 all begin with forms of the the Greek prefix "Sun," meaning "jointly with." The first is usually translated as "joint-heirs," the second is rendered "suffer with," and the third is rendered "glorified with." Nevertheless, in the Greek, Paul lines the three words, using the same prefix for all, evidently to show a parallel in their meanings. All who are led by God's spirit are sons and heirs of God. However, to become heirs jointly with Christ, one must jointly suffer, in order to be jointly glorified.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
And thus, the 144,000 sealed out the twelve tribes are said to stand with Jesus on Mt. Zion. (Revelation 14:1) The typical Mt. Zion came to be used representatively of the holy city Jerusalem, the capital of the whole of Israel, especially Moriah and the temple. -- Psalm 2:6; 9:11; 74:2; Isaiah 1:8; Joel 2:23.<br />
<br />
We believe that the great multitude of Revelation 7 is typed by the "mixed multitude" that left Egypt with the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. The twelve tribes that left Egypt type the twelve tribes of Revelation 7, and the firstborn of tribes type those sealed out of the twelve tribes of Revelation 7. We should note that in the type, the mixed multitude (Exodus 12:13) who came out of Egypt with Israel eventually blended in with and became counted as part of the twelve tribes; they did not continue to remain separate from the twelve tribes, although this is not depicted as such in Revelation 7.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Much that we read in the Old Testament is used as shadows, types, of that which was to come. (Romans 5:14; 1 Corinthians 10:6,11; Galatians 4:24; Colossians 2:17; Hebrews 8:5; Hebrews 9:24; Hebrews 10:1) In the New Testament, we come to the realities -- the antitypes -- represented by the typical of the Old Testament. Mt. Zion and the New Jerusalem represent the capital of God's kingdom, as though coming down out of heaven, cut out without hands, to extend its rule over the whole earth. -- Daniel 2:34,44,45; Revelation 21:1-5.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Thus seen, while many Bible Students only see two classes in Revelation 7, we see three classes: (1) The twelve tribes (2) those sealed out of the twelve tribes, and (3) the great multitude.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<br />
We will also say that most often when Bible Students speak of the "seed of Abraham," they seem to limit that seed to the 144,000, as they usually do with the word "church." Many seem to fail to distinguish between the "heirs" and the "joint-heirs." We might hear someone declare himself or others to be "joint-heirs" with Christ, evidently without realizing that such a declaration would be the same as saying, "I/We have obtained the perfection -- the mark of the prize of the high calling," or "I have overcome, and can no longer be harmed by the second death." -- Philippians 2:12-14; Revelation 2:11.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<br />
Many Bible Students, by tradition, seem to take the view that one is first counted as being of the 144,000 and then, if they fail to retain (rather than obtain or attain) the prize, then they become of the "great company" class, and thus lose the prize they once had. (Philippians 3:11-14) This, we believe, is almost the opposite of what the scriptures actually say.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Without being dogmatic, our conclusion is that, in general, throughout the gospel age, those who believe are first placed in the general "Israel" class, as being of one of the symbolic twelve tribes, and then, if he "attains" the mark of the prize, he becomes of the 144,000 joint-heirs. The "great company" class, we believe, are those who consecrate as what Brother Russell called those who 'consecrate <a data-mce-href="http://www.mostholyfaith.com/bible/reprints/Z1915SEP.asp#Z269:13" href="http://www.mostholyfaith.com/Beta/bible/reprints/Z1915SEP.asp#Z269:13" target="_blank">between the ages</a>'*, and thus they are pictured as coming "out of" the great tribulation, entering into the age to come when Satan will have been abyssed.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Brother Russell assumed that those consecrating between the ages would not be spirit-begotten, since he still retained the idea that spirit-begotten meant that one had sacrificed his humanity, and had become begotten to the spiritual body in the resurrection. We disagree with Russell's understanding of what it means to be spirit-begotten, since, among other things, the scriptures state that Jesus was begotten of the spirit when he became flesh, a human, not a spirit being. -- Matthew 1:20; See our study: "<a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=1009" href="https://rlbibleresources.blogspot.com/2020/05/born.html" target="_blank">Born of the Spirit</a>".<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
The claim of many is that when one is spirit-begotten, he is no longer on the earthly plane, but, as a new creation, he is a son of God on the heavenly plane of life. Actually, the expression "spirit-begotten" does not appear in the scriptures, but we do find the expression "born of spirit", which can also be rendered "begotten of the spirit". We also find the expressions "born of water" and "born again (anew)". (John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:3) Does being "born of the spirit" mean that one is born/begotten to the level of being a spirit being? If so, does being born of water mean that one is born/begotten to being a water being? When Jesus was begotten of spirit in the womb of Mary, was he begotten as a spirit being, or a human being? (Matthew 1:20) Why is there an emphasis in the scriptures on "again/anew"? Why does one have to be born "again/anew"?</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
We believe that being begotten of the spirit simply means that one is begotten as a new creature, a seed, a grain, firstly reckoned on the earthly plane, being a new creation equal to what Adam was before Adam sinned. Adam was incorrupt morally, but he was corruptible. So with the new creation; the seed, the grain planted is sown incorrupt, but corruptible, morally speaking. Adam could have progressed from being corruptible to being incorruptible, morally speaking, had he developed a character that could not have been corrupted. Likewise, each new creature in Christ is incorrupt, yet corruptible, until he has developed an incorruptible character.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
For the new creature there are two types of sin: sin that is attributable to the fallen condition of the mind and flesh, and the sin of the new creature himself. There is no ransom sacrifice to be offered if the new creature sins. If the new creature himself sins, then all that would be left would be second death for the new creature. Once the new creature has fully developed a crystalized will against sin, then he has fully overcome, he has proven himself incorruptible, and the second death can no longer harm that person. (Revelation 2:11) Such will have attained the goal of the prize of the high calling. And yet, it is obvious that very few Christians ever obtain the level of perfection that is expressed in that goal while living in this present age.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
See our studies:</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=1006" href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=1006" target="_blank">With What Body Shall We Be Raised?</a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=1" href=" https://rlbibleresources.blogspot.com/2022/07/manner.html" target="_blank">The Manner of the Resurrection</a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
However, being a participant in the high calling does not mean that one has already received a crown of joint-heirship; being a participant in the high calling does not mean, that having been given joint-heirship, if he fails, he looses that crown of joint-heirship. The scriptures, taken together, tell us that one is counted first as a son, as was Adam (Luke 3:38), on the human level, and as a son, also as an heir of God, on the human level. The one consecrated is not first counted as a joint-heir. Such would mean that having already obtained the prize of the high calling, he would then stand the possibility of losing that prize. The scriptures do not present the matter in such a manner.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
All who come to Christ are first made sons, as Adam was a son. (Luke 3:38) The ransom sacrifice does not bring us to life in heaven, but rather it places us as Adam was before Adam sinned, with life on earth. Being made alive, they are sons, and if sons, they are also heirs, for "if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." The condition for heirship is to belong to Christ. (Galatians 3:29) "The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ if it so be that we joint-suffer [Strong's 4841, sumpascho, "to experience pain jointly or of the same kind (spec. persecution; to 'sympathize')"] with him, that we may be also joint-glorified [Strong's 4888, sunarmologeo, "to exalt to dignity in company with"] together." (See Note #12) The "joint-heirs" are first "heirs" before they become "joint-heirs." The condition for "joint-heirship" is (different than the condition for heirship) to be joint-sufferers with Christ: "if so be that we joint-suffer with him." (Romans 8:16,17) The heirs in general are reckoned alive, "new creatures" in Christ Jesus, but only on the human plane. This is the first plane of life for all the Israel after the spirit, the twelve tribes spoken of in Revelation 7. -- 1 Corinthians 10:18 ("Israel after the flesh" implies the existence of an Israel after the spirit); Galatians 6:15,16.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
See our studies on <a data-mce-href="http://reslight.net/?p=126" href="http://reslight.net/?p=126" target="_blank">The Ransom for All</a> and <a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=1009" href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=1009" target="_blank">Born of the Spirit</a>.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Thus, we believe that being begotten of the spirit first places one -- as a new creature -- on the plane of Adam, who was a son of God before Adam sinned -- and with the earthly heirship as a son as Adam would have had it had he remained faithful (Luke 3:38; Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29), and after that, if one completes the sacrifice by attaining the mark of the prize, then he becomes placed on the level of joint-heirship with Christ. As a result, that which is first accounted to the seed -- the grain -- (1 Corinthians 15:36-38) begotten of the spirit is the earthy, the physical body, the glory of the sinless terrestrial body (1 Corinthians 15:40; Psalm 8:5; Romans 3:23; Hebrews 2:7), not the heavenly, the spiritual body, the glory of the celestial body. (1 Corinthians 15:45) If and when the new creature is brought to perfection, incorruptibility, as a human, then that humanity is at the point that it can be sacrificed, (just as Jesus sacrificed his incorruptible humanity*), and thus one is sealed out of the twelve tribes at large and counted as one of the 144,000.<br />
=========<br />
*One should note that Jesus did not just sacrifice his sinless flesh, he sacrificed what he attained, incorruption on the human level. Unlike Adam, Jesus, as a human, brought himself to perfection, to the point of proving himself loyal beyond any shadow of a doubt. Thus, it is due to his being faithful while in the days of his flesh, that he brought life and incorruption (incorruptibility) to light. (2 Timothy 1:10) This he did by his continued, unfailing, obedience. It was this human life, wherein he had to put on incorruption, that he offered as a sacrifice. The sacrifice of the 144,000 would have to be of the same sort, that is, not just sinless human life, but human life that had proven itself incorruptible (counted as such due to perfection of the new creature's faith, love and hope, proving oneself steadfast, incorruptible, unshakable, immovable, in these -- 1 Corinthians 3:13; Ephesians 3:17; Philippians 3:12; Colossians 1:28; 1 Thessalonians 3:10; 1 Timothy 1:5,6; Hebrews 6:1; James 1:3,4; 1 Peter 1:6,7; 5:9,10; 1 John 4:18).</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Once one gets the proper setting of what being born of the spirit means, we can see that it is not related to being first assigned a joint-heirship and then the possibility of loosing that joint-heirship, then we can see that there could be tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, today who are begotten of the spirit, who will never receive a heavenly body in the resurrection.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
We, indeed, do believe that we have today tens of thousands of brothers and sisters who are called under the general call of the high calling, but who will never attain the goal of the prize of joint-heirship, and that many of them will indeed prove to be of the great multitude who "come out of the great tribulation". We do not believe that it will become evident exactly who the "great multitude" are until after the great tribulation is over and they are recognized as such after Satan's sun will no longer hinder them from the true light. It is not important for us to know whether this or that brother/sister is of the great multitude or not.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Will the great multitude be physically separated into a group or movement before the great tribulation is over? Probably not, although we believe a small number who will prove to be of the great multitude are probably now associating with the Bible Students. The problem we see with the idea of getting people out their churches to join with the Bible Students is that this very teaching has led to a sectarian view amongst the Bible Students. Thus, most the Bible Students movement itself has come to be viewed by many, even by many Bible Students as though it were a sectarian group or denomination (of a name, thus "nominal"). All sectarianism will eventually be done away with, whether it be amongst what many call the nominal church or amongst the Bible Students. On the other hand, with the destruction of the Babylonish systems, we believe that it is possible that those ones who are begotten of the spirit that were still in those systems may become more manifest, and could possibly, in a loose association, seek each other out even before the end of the great tribulation. But we do not expect the manifestation of who will be be represented as of the 144,000, the twelve tribes, or the great multitude to take place until <i><b>after</b></i> Satan is abyssed.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
One prophecy we referred to above says that "Then they cry to Yahweh in their trouble." (Psalm 107:28) This is during, not after, the great tribulation. The scriptures do not reveal the details of how these prophecies will be fulfilled, so much of what we or anyone else might say is speculative, to say the least. We do know that God can cause great changes rather rapidly, or that He might consider to be a short time may seem to be a long time to us.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
We should not, however, droop our hands with laxity so as to neglect preaching the Gospel (Good News) of the kingdom (Matthew 24:14), thinking that such work is over, etc., based on there being a limited number crowns for joint-heirship. There are, we believe, thousands of consecrated Christians in what many call the "nominal" churches who may yet wish to learn about the ransom for all, the coming blessings of the kingdom, etc. Such will not only need to be "witnessed" to, but their interest will have to be nurtured to produce growth, thus follow-up should be supplied. They will need to be taught -- step by step -- concerning who Jesus and his God are, the ransom, the resurrection hope for both the church and the world, the judgment day and God's kingdom, as well as nurturing in producing the fruit of the spirit, etc. Again, while the <a data-mce-href="http://www.rlbible.com/items/?tag=studies-in-the-scriptures" href="http://www.rlbible.com/items/?tag=studies-in-the-scriptures" target="_blank">Studies in the Scriptures</a> may be helpful along this line, at the same time we believe that the viewpoint concerning "born of the spirit" that is presented therein, which would limit the number who could be "born of the spirit", would be a hindrance, both to the teacher as well as to the student. Additionally, the present views of the majority of the Bible Students would seem to hinder such a work. Therefore, the Restoration Light studies would probably of greater benefit in reaching such ones than the more traditional writings often distributed by the Bible Students. Perhaps Yahweh will bring forth someone with the abilities and wisdom to take the lead in such a work, but we will have to wait and see.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<b>Related Studies</b>:</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<a data-mce-href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=56" href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=56" target="_blank">The Great Multitude</a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=1" href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=1" target="_blank">The Manner of the Resurrection</a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=856" href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=856" target="_blank">The One Hope</a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=46" href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=46" target="_blank">The World's Judgment Day</a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<a data-mce-href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=44" href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=44" target="_blank">The Parousia, the Seventh Trumpet and the Harvest</a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-34277517525508588942016-11-23T11:27:00.003-08:002016-11-23T11:27:43.244-08:00Armageddon - Links to Other Sites<a href="http://bible-hope.blogspot.com/search/label/Armageddon" target="_blank">Armageddon On "Biblical Resurrection Hope"</a><br />
<a href="http://rlctr.blogspot.com/search/label/Armageddon" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://rlctr.blogspot.com/search/label/Armageddon" target="_blank">Charles Taze Russell and Armageddon</a>Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-67246682502010569222016-11-23T10:52:00.003-08:002021-01-13T16:05:12.182-08:00Armageddon, the Second Death and Judgments<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a adnx-xvdv-q="" bp.blogspot.com="" do="" href="href=" https:="" roject02rs01b.jpg="" s960="" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 1em;" wo1yh8rfqob3jdmow0evfpu3mn5w1t5aclcbgasyhq="" yy2xuuvbai=""><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-so8DF_oyAisnp7v_nZ-f3GF2afjVME4xNx6kEqzfhkQyLPmN-EVuIapPyvXTr2d67a-zvllotIpNFcoLAnmW3zngX5aGFyw1rlprDeVvIc8QK3SmL-OL46kAkTZWNT7vR_fQ-mOrIZb/w512-h512/Project02rs01b.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The
thought is being put forth that many unbelievers will undergo the
second death at Armageddon before Satan is abyssed. Some of the scriptures presented to support this view are:
<blockquote data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Revelation 19:20-21 (<b><i>New American Standard Bible</i></b>) -- “And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed
the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received
the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were
thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. And the
rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat
on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh.”</blockquote><blockquote data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Matthew 25:41,46 <b><i>NASB</i></b> - “Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed
ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and
his angels…” “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”</blockquote><blockquote data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Revelation 7:14 (<b><i>New American Standard Bible</i></b>) -- “I said to him, ‘My lord, you know.’ And he said to me, "These are the
ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their
robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”</blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Actually,
Revelation 19:20-21 says nothing about any humans being thrown into the
lake of fire, but only "these two", that is, only the "two" systems
symbolized by the "beast" and the "false prophet" are said to be thrown
in the lake of fire. After or at the end of the "little season"/"short
time" (Revelation 20:3) which occurs *after* the 1,000 years of the
reign of Jesus and the church, Satan the Devil joins these two. --
Revelation 20:10.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
It
is also after or at the end of that "little season"/"short while" that
those humans who fail to repent at heart during the millennial age are
additionally cast into the lake of fire, represented in Revelation
20:9,15. These are those spoken of in Matthew 25:41<br />
.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
To understand this more fully, it might be beneficial to examine the two general <a data-mce-href="https://www.google.com/search?q=%22judgment+day%22+site%3Arlbible.com" href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2016/11/course.html" target="_blank">days of judgment</a>, and the corresponding condemnation and wrath resulting from each.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
The
first day of judgment began upon the nations more than 6,000 years ago
with the first man, Adam. Out of Adam came all nations of mankind. (Acts
17:26) Adam disobeyed God, bringing judgment upon himself and all
nations that have come into existence through him, as we read: "The
judgment was by one to condemnation, . . . therefore as by the offense
of one [Adam] the judgment was to all men to condemnation." (Romans
5:16,18) The execution of that judgment upon man began with Adam and
continues until today, resulting in misery, sickness and death for all.
(Romans 5:12) The facts today testify to the truthfulness of that
judgment day, for we see its results everywhere. Hence, it is that as a
race we are a groaning creation, travailing in pain, going down to
sheol, the realm of death. (Romans 8:20-23; Ecclesiastes 9:10) Our only
hope of recovery from that original sentence rests in Christ. The
scriptures assure us that Jesus Christ by the grace [undeserved favor]
of God tasted death for every man. (Hebrews 2:9) All are thus "bought
with a price." Therefore the world of mankind may hope for a full
release from the death sentence in God's due time.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
So
before we are even born, we are already under a judgment. We receive
the execution of this judgment when we die. Thus God at various times
has carried out this execution against many nations and peoples who
would seek to thwart his purposes. "The nations have sunk down in the
pit which they made [through Adam's sin]. There own foot catches in the
net which they hid. Jehovah is known by the judgment he executes. The
work of his own hands ensnare the wicked one." (Psalm 9:16) The word
translated "judgment" here is the Hebrew word often transliterated as <i><a href="https://www.studylight.org/lexicons/hebrew/4941.html" target="_blank">mishpât</a></i>, which Strong
gives the meaning of "verdict" as well as "justice." The verdict, of
course, was given in the Garden of Eden: death. The executing of that
verdict meant, therefore, the death of the person or persons receiving
its execution.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Terms
that express the condition brought by this original sentence or
judgment of death are the "wrath" and "anger" of Jehovah. "For God's
wrath is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of mankind who extinguish the truth by unrighteousness;
because what may be known of God has been made manifest all about them,
for God has made these apparent to them. For from the creation of the
world the unseen things about him can be understood by looking upon the
things made, both his eternal power and divine being, so they are
without excuse. Because having known God [in Adam before he sinned] they
did not glorify him as God, nor were they thankful. They became futile
in their reasonings, and their heart's discernment was darkened.
Claiming themselves wise, they became foolish [The serpent led Eve to
believe that she would become wise as a result of disobeying God. Adam
also evidently felt himself wiser than God by listening the voice of his
wife.] and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into a likeness
of an image of corruptible man, birds, four-footed animals, and
reptiles. [Adam, in obeying his wife, allowed his wife to become his
god. Mankind has been bringing the glory of God down to corruptible
matter ever since.] Therefore God also gave them up to the craving of
their hearts, their bodies being dishonored among themselves, [Adam and
Eve felt no shame concerning their bodies until they sinned. Adam did
not develop a spiritual desire to serve God. He did not learn to walk by
the spirit. He walked after the flesh, desiring his wife more than
God.] in that they changed the truth of God into a lie, and venerated
and served the created rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever.
Amen." -- Romans 1:18-23.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Now
we come to the scriptures that speak of the day of Jehovah's wrath, when
his wrath upon mankind is being brought to an end. (Revelation 6:17)
The day of his wrath is spoken of as coming in the blowing of the
seventh trumpet and consisting of seven "vials" or "bowls." (Revelation
11:15; 15:7) The last bowl results in the destruction of Babylon the
Great, a woman representing the false religious promises of Satan as
begun in the Garden of Eden and extended all over the world. (Genesis
3:4,5; Revelation 12:9; 16:19) The destruction of those individuals who
make up Satan's seed, those under God's wrath is also depicted as taking
place as part of the last vial. (Revelation 19:17-19, 21) The execution
upon those under God's wrath is still, however, an execution of the
original sentence given in the garden of Eden -- death. The various
systems of Satan receive a different sentence. Under the symbolism of a
beast and false prophet, these systems are spoken of as being thrown
into the "lake of fire and brimstone," referring to the lake of fire and
brimstone outside the walls of Jerusalem in the Valley of Hinnom, or
Gehenna. (Revelation 19:20) According to historical references to this
valley in Jesus' day, fires were continuously kept burning in this
valley by the addition of brimstone (sulphur), so that Jesus spoke of
the "fire that does not die out," or as the King James Version says,
"not quenched." (Mark 9:43-48) Now we know that the fires in the valley
of Jerusalem no longer exist, so we must look upon to these Bible
references as symbolic. So what does the lake of fire symbolize? Jesus
spoke of those things thrown into as "destroyed." (Matthew 10:28) Thus
Revelation 19:20 is referring to the destruction of Satan's systems that
are symbolically spoken of the false prophet and a certain beast. These
systems, as such, were produced out of the sea and earth of sinful
mankind under the condemnation of death through Adam. (Revelation
13:2,11) However, these systems are eternally destroyed. Why? These
systems are efforts of mankind (and demons) to bring mankind away from
Adam's condemnation. Therefore, as such, they are viewed by mankind as
not under that condemnation in Adam. Thus they are worshiped by men.
(Revelation 13:4,12) Consequently they could be looked upon as
symbolically "alive," only to end up in eternal death as a result
thereof.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
But
notice that the individuals associated with these systems are not
spoken of as going into the second death. Most of these have never been released
from Adamic death, and therefore cannot be given the execution of
second death. Even if any of these have been justified, they evidently still have not understood the accurate knowledge spoken of in Hebrews 10:26. Nevertheless, the destruction that comes upon the nations is the
execution of the original sentence given in the garden of Eden, and is
the destruction spoken of as the broad road to destruction which all
nations have been traveling since Adam's disobedience. (Romans 3:11-15;
Matthew 7:18) As Jehovah turns the nations to destruction, he also says:
"Return, you children of men!" (Psalm 90:3) Therefore the judgment
remains the same as Jesus said: "If any man hears my words, does not
believe, I do not judge him; for I have not come to judge the world, but
to save the world. He who rejects me, and does not receive my words,
has one that will judge him. The word that I have spoken, the same will
judge him in the last day." (John 13:47,48) "He who disobeys the Son
will not see life, but the wrath of God [through Adam] remains upon
him." -- John 3:36.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Jesus
therefore tells us that the individual judgment of all those who do not
now believe will be in the "last day," being that the wrath of God (as a
result of Adam's sin) remains upon them. Since the wrath of God remains
upon them they, as individuals, will receive the execution of that
wrath in the "war of the Great Day of God the Almighty" at Armageddon.
The execution to be finalized at that time, however, is a result of the
collective judgment that began in the Garden of Eden. Thus when Jesus
spoke of that coming destruction he said: "At that time two will be out
in the field; one will be taken away, and one will be left. -- Two will
be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left."
(Matthew 24:40,41) Those left we understand to be those spoken of in
Psalm 107:20, who call upon Jehovah through Jesus especially during the
great tribulation, washing their sin-ladened robes in the blood of lamb.
(Revelation 7:14) These evidently do not have the full understanding of truth as they will need to guided to the waters (truths) of life. (Revelation 7:17) Those taken, like the antediluvians outside of God's
favor, are taken in death, as a result of God's wrath which remains upon
them. They are not taken in the second death. (See verse 39; see also
Isaiah 24:6; Romans 5:9; Ephesians 2:3; 5:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2:16;
5:9; John 3:36) It is quite possible then, that there will not be any
who have not washed their robes in the blood of the lamb will be left
alive at that time, not even of natural Israel. -- Revelation 7:14.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Lets
go back a little to when Jesus first returns. One of the first things
he does is to complete the sealing of his bride, the 144,000 who are not
only heirs of God, but joint-heirs with Christ. Throughout the Gospel Age, these few have been sealed out of
the tribes of Israel, but at the end of the age, this sealing work is completed. Before one can become one of the 144,000, one has to first be counted as a member of one of the figurative tribes of Israel. All members of these tribes are made such by faith. Apparently, however, these sealed out of the twelve tribes are joined
with Christ in symbolic marriage, although some believe that all twelve tribes along with the great multitude are included in the bride of Christ. (Revelation 7:1-8; 19:7,8; Matthew
24:31) After obtaining his symbolic bride and returning from the symbolic wedding, others
join with them in the symbolic marriage supper. If the great multitude is not included in the bride, it would seem that they may be included with the bridesmaids. (Revelation 19:9; Luke 12:35-40;
Matthew 25:1-12; Revelation 7:9-17) These I believe to be the class
spoken of in Psalm 107:20 and Revelation 7:9-17. While the world is
thrown into the fiery furnace of the tribulation, the last elect group
of true servants of God are separated from the world by God's angels
into God's symbolic barn. (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43) Many scriptures
indicate that only God's righteous ones, justified by faith in Jesus,
will be left as God's kingdom fills the whole earth after it has
destroyed all the unrighteous kingdoms of the world. (Daniel 2:44) It is
during the time of trouble that the nations are gathered, not for
their final judgment as individuals, but for the execution of judgment
as had begun upon them through Adam. "For my decision is to gather
nations to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all
the heat of my anger; for in the fire of my jealous wrath all the earth
shall be consumed." (Zephaniah 3:8, Revised Standard Version) This
execution of judgment, however, not being final judgment, is rather the
consummation of the judgment through Adam. The unbelieving world still
has to face the final judgment in the "last day".</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
The
"last day" is spoken of as the day when the believing dead return.
(John 6:39-54) Jesus also said that unbelievers would be judged in the
"last day." (John 12:47,48) Therefore the "last day" is the day of the
world's resurrection and regeneration, and the "day of judgment". It is
in that same "last day", however, that the judgment is given to the
saints , so that they may be judges with Christ in judging the
unbelieving world. (Daniel 7:22; Matthew 19:28; 1 Corinthians 6:2;
Revelation 20:4), This great judgment day will be the second great
judgment day for mankind. Thus we read: "He has appointed a day in which
he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he has
ordained; of this he has given a guarantee unto all men, in that he has
raised him from the dead." -- Acts 17:31.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Nor
should we think of this day as a 24-hour day, but as a day on a larger
scale. Peter tells us: "Brothers, do not be ignorant of this one thing,
that a day with Jehovah is as a thousand years." -- 2 Peter 3:8.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
The
world has already completed its first trial, failed and received a
condemnation. The trial took place in Eden: Adam our first father, was
the representative of himself and his race in the trial. He failed, and
was sentenced to death, and the whole world, his posterity, are still
resting under the incubus of his sentence: "Dying, you must die." -- you
are unworthy of eternal life which was offered to you in the beginning
-- your disobedience has proven you unworthy. As we look about us we see
that none of the race has improved and reached perfection -- rather. on
the contrary, the course of the race in general has been downward, and
the scriptural assurance is: "There is none righteous, no not one." --
Romans 3:10.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
If
then the whole world is already condemned to death -- if all were born
in sin and thus from birth have been under the sentence of death, what
kind of a judgment further would they need? What more condemnation could
they receive from Jehovah than that already against them? Surely we are
not to suppose that God doubts the wisdom of his own decision, which the
Scriptures express so forcefully, and that He will try matters again to
see whether or not any mistake was made in His original decision. The
Supreme Court of the Universe is infallible; its decision beyond repeal;
its sentence is "The wages of sin is death." (Romans 6:23) For
thousands of years this penalty has been inflicted. There could be no
hope of a change upon the part of the great Judge. We see, then, that
any thought of a repetition of the original trial and sentence is
inconsistent, and hence the day of judgment spoken of in Acts 17:31 must
refer to a new trial.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
But
on what grounds could the great Supreme Judge of the Universe grant a
new trial to Adam and his family? Since Jehovah, being true to His Word,
could not rescind His own just sentence, the only consideration upon
which a new trial could be granted would be that the penalty of the
original trial should first be met and canceled. And this is exactly
what did take place: "By one man's disobedience sin entered the world,
and death as a result of sin; and so death passed upon all men, for all
have sinned." -- have inherited the sin, are made sinners. (Romans
5:12-19) But now the Messiah has died for the ungodly -- has redeemed
Adam, and incidentally, all of his posterity involved in his
transgression. Hence the Scriptures assure us that God can be just and
yet be the justifier of him that believes in Jesus. (Romans 3:26) That
condemnation through Adam would have meant eternal death for Adam and
his race had it not been for the provision of the sacrifice of Jesus.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Here
notice that the apostle (in Acts 17:31) refers right back to our Lord's
great transaction, his great redemptive work and how that, after he had
died for our sins, God raised him from the dead. The apostle further
declares that in so doing, God gave us an assurance of his intention to
grant another trial to the race of Adam and that this Jesus who died for
Adam and his race is, by divine appointment, the Judge and Mediator
through whom all the condemned ones, if they will, may return to the
full perfection of harmony with their Creator, and the eternal life
which he is pleased to give to all those who are obedient to his laws.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
The
first judgment was that of one man, the effects of which extended to
all of his posterity, all those lost, all who were condemned, all who
went into death. The divine standard can never alter; a sinner can never
have eternal life, either in heaven or elsewhere. Eternal life is a
gift of God, and he will give it to none who are in sinful condition.
The divine proposition is, to give to Adam and every member of his race
an individual opportunity for returning to harmony with God, and thus to
a recovery to all that was lost through the original fall -- with added
blessings in the case of the faithful followers of Jesus in the present
age. This is the Good News! -- that there is a hope of eternal life
through Christ, not just for those who believe in this age, but also for
those who believe in that day, the last day, the age to come. Several
thousand years had elapsed before our Redeemer was born upon the earth,
yet in all that time none of Adam's race had escaped from death, except
as reckoned alive by faith; only a few had any knowledge of the divine
intention to provide a Savior and Redeemer and ultimately to roll away
the curse and bring in blessings through Him.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
The
few faithful of old were of the Abrahamic line, the Israelite line. But
even to them no promise of eternal life was given, though it was
indirectly hinted at, and they were told to hope for it through the
Messiah promised. Nevertheless, based on the promise of the sacrifice of
Jesus, many in Old Testaments times were counted as alive before God
through faith. Nevertheless, the Scriptures declare that Jesus brought
life and incorruption to light through the Good News -- its full meaning
was not brought to light before amongst mankind, since no human had
lived a sinless life. (2 Timothy 1:10) At his birth the angels declared
that they were messengers of Good News, which would have its fulfillment
through the newborn babe, saying: "We bring you good tidings of great
joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in
the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." -- Luke 2:10,11.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
The
apostle declares that these good tidings for our race are the tidings
of salvation -- not salvation from the lake of fire, but salvation from
sin through Adam and its death penalty. This salvation consists of two
things: -1- The sinner must be imputed as righteous, no longer a sinner,
and begotten again to newness of life; -2- the sinner must be raised up
out of the present death conditions -- brought back to full perfection
of life as it was enjoyed before the sentence or curse came upon all
mankind. There is also one more aspect of this salvation, that is, the
developing of faith and love to an extent that death will be completely
swallowed up in victory. This would also correspond to the prospect set
before Adam. Unless Adam developed his love and faith in his Creator to
such perfection that it would be unthinkable that he disobey, there
would always have been the threat of death. So that this threat of death
would be taken away, it would have been necessary for Adam to have
proven his faith and love to such an extent that there would no longer
be a shadow of doubt that he would thus continue to obey. Only by such
could it have been true that there would no longer be any threat of
death. This is what Paul refers to as the putting on of incorruption. (1
Corinthians 15:54) Once one has proven this character to be
incorruptible, then it can be said: "Death is swallowed up in victory."
(See Isaiah 25:8 ) This is salvation in the broadest meaning of the
term, and the apostle declares, which salvation began to be spoken by
our Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that there was no offer of
salvation, no basis upon which it could be offered, until Christ, as our
Redeemer, our Savior, brought life and incorruption to light. Thus,
nothing that he said and nothing that the apostles said warrant us in
believing that this salvation will allow life eternal to be retained by
any except those who prove themselves fully willing and obedient. The
offer of life eternal, indeed, we are assured, is to Adam and every
member of his race, but it will be for each one of them to accept or
reject its terms. The good tidings of joy will be to all people, but it
will mean eternal incorruptible life only to those who prove their love
and obedience to him -- those who obey the great Redeemer (who is also
the Teacher, the King and the Judge) will, after the final judgment,
depart into eternal life, while those who prove themselves incorrigible
will depart into eternal punishment. -- Matthew 25:46.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
However,
the salvation in general is applied in the next age, not this age. Those justified in this age are an exception. Those of this age can only participate in this salvation by faith,
reaching forward in time to the age to come, and tasting of the powers
of that age. (Hebrews 6:5) Those who do so do receive the possibility of
access to special privileges in this age, if they avail themselves of
those privileges. Most, however, who put faith in Jesus, never exercise
that privilege to any great extent, and thus remain as "babes in
Christ." -- 1 Corinthians 3:1.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
It
is not difficult to prove from the facts as well as from the Scriptures
that Jehovah has a favored people who are in the world at the present
time -- that, as during the Jewish Age, the seed of Abraham according to
the flesh were Jehovah's favored people, and as the apostle declared, a
`Jew had much advantage in every way, mainly in that to them were
committed the oracles of God.' (Romans 3:2) So during the Christian era,
there is still a selection according to God's favor, as the apostle
points out -- only a certain class of the world is being dealt with. The
great mass of mankind are not being favored with the necessary
information and opportunity to come into harmony with Jehovah at the
present time. We know that some, ignorant of the Scriptures and
short-sighted in their view of the conditions of the world, may dispute
this, but it will stand examination from both standpoints.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Notice
how frequently our Lord declares that only some have the ear to hear.
(Matthew 7:14; 13:9,13-18,43; Mark 4:9,12,23; 7:16; Luke 8:8; 14:35;
John 10:3,16) This means that only those are called. And he assures us
that even amongst the called only a comparatively few will be chosen to
be of the joint-heirs with Christ, the bride of the Lamb. (Matthew
22:1-14; Romans 8:17) The prophet Isaiah holds forth a similar thought,
assuring us of a future time coming, when the wilderness will blossom as
a rose, namely, the Millennial Age, when all the blind eyes will be
opened and all the deaf ears will be unstopped. (Isaiah 35:5) He thus
implies that at the present time many eyes are closed and many ears are
stopped, so that the majority of mankind now do not see and do not hear,
do not appreciate, the things which God has revealed to a special class
only "the called according to his purpose." -- 2 Timothy 1:9; Isaiah
29:10.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
The
apostle Paul also refers to the matter in the same way, only more
explicitly, telling us that "the god of this world has blinded the minds
of them that do not believe, lest the light of the glorious good news
of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine upon them." (2
Corinthians 4:4) This implies that generally the whole world was in
blindness, but that by God's grace his message through Jesus and his
disciples comes as an eye-salve to some, but not to all. The vast
majority, blinded by the adversary, by false octrines, selfishness,
weakness, depravity, superstition, etc., are utterly blind and ignorant
respecting the true qualities of God and of his Son, and the plan for
his vindication through the salvation being worked out on their behalf.
As the apostle declares: "The world does not know us, even as it did not
know him." (1 John 3:1) It is the adversary who has brought this
blindness of heart upon mankind, which hinders their knowing, loving and
appreciating God's love and offer of salvation.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
The
question needs to be answered: Why should God provide a great feast of
fat things through the sacrifice of his Son, and yet not make provision
that all of the unenlightened human family of Adam should understand it?
The very thought seems incongruous. He who loved the whole world so as
to give his only begotten Son as their redemption price surely should
love them all to such an extent that he would give them all the proper
knowledge of that Son -- the knowledge necessary to their appreciation
of him, and of his work, and of their privilege of return to harmony
with their Creator and to everlasting life. We search the scriptures to
ascertain the secret of this peculiarity, and are there informed that
Jehovah is now calling a peculiar people, a cream class as it were, from
the world of mankind into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9,10) From
amongst these called ones, God first chooses a bride for his Son who
become joint-heirs with him; and secondarily others are become the
bridesmaids, princesses, princes in all the earth, etc. -- Matthew
25:1-13; Psalm 45:14-15.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Looking
at Acts 17:31 again, we see that it refers to the entire matter of the
world's judgment as future from the apostle's day. It is still future
from our day, though very near at hand. Thus we should expect that the
great Sun of Righteousness will soon be disclosed to the world, and the
shadows of the dark night of sin and superstition and ignorance will
begin to flee away. We can no longer wonder that Jehovah, through the
prophets, spoke so joyfully of this coming judgment of the world as a
great blessing, saying: "Let the heavens rejoice, and the earth be glad!
Let the sea roar and the fullness thereof! Let the field be joyful and
all that is therein! Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before
Jehovah! For He is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth! He will
judge the world with righteousness and the people with His truth!" --
Psalm 95:10-13.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
The
gathering of the nations for individual judgment takes place by
restoring them to life so that they may be judged, not by their past
works, but by their works as related to the books that will then be
opened. (Revelation 20:11-13). This gathering of the heathen peoples to
be judged as individuals (not in Adam) is not the gathering of nations
that takes place at Armageddon for the executing of God's judgment as
begun upon man through Adam. "`Therefore wait for me,' says Jehovah,
`until the day I rise up for plunder, my determination is to gather the
nations, to my assembly of kingdoms, to pour on them my indignation, all
my fierce anger. All the earth will be devoured with the fire of my
jealousy." (Zephaniah 3:8 ) This is just before or at the beginning of
the 1,000-year reign of Jesus, when God executes judgment upon all the
ungodly. This same period is when the day of Jehovah comes as a thief
upon the world. The execution of judgment at that time is to convince
the ungodly of their sins, thus indicating that their destruction is not
eternal but rather for the purpose of disciplining, so that they might
come to know Jehovah. (Jude 1:15; 2 Peter 3:7,10; Psalm 83:18) It is
during this transition period that Satan's world is destroyed. It is not
until after the destruction of this present evil world that Jehovah
`turns to the peoples a pure language.' (Zephaniah 3:9) We have to admit
that the peoples of the world are still being blinded by Satan. (2
Corinthians 4:4) Indeed, blindness is more prevalent today than when
Jesus was here. It is not until after Satan is bound and the veil of
blindness is removed that it can truly be said that the nations have
received a pure language. (Isaiah 25:6-7; Revelation 20:3) And the
method of gathering the nations at that time will be through the
awakening of the dead, in the day when many will be turned to
righteousness. -- Revelation 20:11-13; Daniel 12:2,3.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
And
thus we have the proper setting for the judgment of the <a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2016/11/course.html#matt25-31" target="_blank">sheep and the goats</a>. The "sheep" of the parable are not the sheep of the present age,
whom the Master knows and who know the Master. (John 10:14) Rather these
sheep of that judgment day are the "other sheep" who are not of the
same pastorage that recognize the Master in the present age. They are
brought forth out of death in the age to come. These become the sheep of
the next age. These do not inherit a place in the ruling house of God,
but do inherit the kingdom prepared from the founding of the world, the
kingdom that was prepared for Adam and which he lost. (Matthew 25:34;
Genesis 1:28; Psalm 8:3-8; Hebrews 2:6-8 ) These inherit these promises,
not after Armageddon, but after the final eternal destruction of the
wicked which takes place after the thousand-year reign of Christ, that
day which God has appointed "in which he will judge the world in
righteousness." It is only then that one will no longer be able to find a
wicked person. -- Revelation 20:7-9; Psalm 37:9-11; Acts 17:31.</div>
<br />Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-56457379152707588892016-11-23T10:44:00.002-08:002023-11-06T13:30:13.353-08:002 Thessalonians 1:3-10 - Eternal Destruction of the Wicked.<span><a name='more'></a></span><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfp6J6GpPe_PmenQFuyEgC9YveUPqJHbqeaYRMp1dnTzTZ_25rDWHe0vlJQlkHzv3uRembYl7qSviIZmLEN0wVYcmvC8w8Izq4SpKieff0i4JMYeS5VHbb2oDEDY_JWxPHpFUmyXQRe4X_/s1600/book-in-hands.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="500" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfp6J6GpPe_PmenQFuyEgC9YveUPqJHbqeaYRMp1dnTzTZ_25rDWHe0vlJQlkHzv3uRembYl7qSviIZmLEN0wVYcmvC8w8Izq4SpKieff0i4JMYeS5VHbb2oDEDY_JWxPHpFUmyXQRe4X_/s200/book-in-hands.png" width="200" /></a></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">Many
look at 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 through the tint of man's tradition, and
fail to see what is being said in those verses. Some view some
expressions as sustaining the eternal torment or eternal torture
theories, although nothing at all is said in those verses about anyone
being kept conscious for eternity for God to inflict pain upon them for
eternity</div></div></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Others
seem to think that these verses mean that millions of unbelievers will
be eternally destroyed in "Armageddon" without their ever having
received any benefit from the ransom for all. Part of this comes from
the mistaken idea that the flaming fire spoken of is in reference to
the time of trouble, and not the coming day of judgment of those who in
this age rejected Christ. -- John 12:47,48; 1 John 2:2.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Nevertheless,
we must look at any scripture in connection both with its context and
the Bible as a whole, and not as an isolated scripture. There is much
scriptural evidence that the destruction at Armageddon will be the
culmination of God's wrath upon man inherited through Adam, and that
those who die in this struggle will not die the second death, but rather the Adamic death. In other words, those of the world
who die in the Armageddon battle die the death for which Jesus provided a
ransom; they are not sentenced to a new judgment, but rather they die
with all who are "judged already" in Adam. (John 3:18; Romans 5:18) They
die under the wrath of God that has been upon them. (John 3:36)
Therefore the destruction at Armageddon will not be the eternal
destruction that Paul refers to.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
With
this thought, let us look at the scripture from its contextual setting
and we can see that it is not referring to the eternal destruction of
those who do not know God in the present age, but rather that
application is to the age to come.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
We
will quote 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 from Green's Literal Translation,
4th edition, in order to see if we can get a clearer picture of what the
apostle was speaking of here as he writes to the Christians at
Thessalonica. "Brothers, we are bound to give thanks to God always
concerning you, even as it is right, because your faith grows
exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all multiplies toward one
another, so as for us to boast ourselves in you in the churches of God
for your patience and faith in all your persecutions, and the
afflictions which you endure, a clear token of the just judgment of God,
for you to be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you
indeed suffer, since it is a just thing with God to repay affliction to
the ones afflicting you; and to you, those being afflicted, rest with us
at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from Heaven with angels of His
power, in flaming fire giving full vengeance to those not knowing God,
and to those not obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will
pay the penalty of eternal destruction from the face of the Lord, and
from the glory of His strength, when He comes to be glorified in His
saints, and to be admired in all those who believe in that Day, because
our testimony to you was believed."</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
We
believe, with many others, that the parousia or coming of our Lord is
invisible, and that the parousia begins before the judgment of the world
begins. Those who use 2 Thessalonians 1:7,8 to prove that certain ones
who are blinded by Satan will suffer eternal destruction at Armageddon
evidently presuppose that the expression "when he comes (Greek,
erkomai)" (verse 10) and "at the revelation (Greek, apokalupsis) of the
Lord Jesus" (verse 7) as used in these verses are limited to some time
either at the end of the present age, or the beginning of the age to
come, but not encompassing the entire millennial reign, as though it
would exclude the day of judgment when the books are opened.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
However,
the scriptures do not limit the term apokalupsis to the just the ending
of this age or beginning of the age to come. The time of the final
revealing of the sons of God is also referred to as the period of His
revelation. In Romans 8:18-23 the revelation (apokalupsis) is very
evidently referring to the Millennial revelation and the post-millennial
revelation when the creation, the world of mankind who proves
themselves faithful, will "be delivered from the bondage of corruption
into the glorious liberty of the children of God. - Revelation 21:7.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
But
let us suppose for a moment that the period of time spoken of here only
applies to a short period at the end of, or the beginning of, the age
to come, that the persecutors of the Church would be dealt everlasting
destruction before the blessing of the world begins. What would this
mean? It would mean that those persecutors of the Church spoken of in
verse 6 would have to be brought back to life either before or during
the "great tribulation" so that they could be eternally destroyed at
that time. This is the only logical conclusion that we could reach from the way the scripture is written if we view the eternal destruction to come upon those in opposition as occurring before the world is blessed in the age to come. The scriptures tell us, however,
that God will reserve the wicked under punishment [in death through
Adam, not the second death] until the day of judgment and destruction of
ungodly men. (2 Peter 2:9) The day of judgment, as has been shown
before from the scriptures, is the entire thousand-year reign of Christ.
It is during this period that the persecutors of the first century
Church are brought back to life to face judgment and possible eternal
destruction. The purpose of their reservation, we are told, is to give
them all opportunity to believe "in that day." (2 Thessalonians 1:10)
Thus in the day of judgment many will repent and believe, thus escaping
the eternal destruction of the ungodly that comes after the day of
judgment.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
It
also tells us that "in that day" many will believe. These believers are
not those who come to believe in this present evil world for the
present-day believers are set in contrast to those come to believe "in
that day." Also the fact that it is in the time "when He [Jesus] comes
to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all those who
believe in that day" shows that this is the same time spoken of in
Romans 8:19-21. This clearly identifies the Millennial era as the time
period for the fulfillment of this prophecy.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Accordingly
verse 10 tells explicitly what time period is referred to - "in that
day." What day? It is the same day that is spoken of in Psalm 96:</div>
<blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Psalm 96:1 Sing to Jehovah a new song! Sing to Jehovah, all the earth.<br />
Psalm 96:2 Sing to Jehovah! Bless his name. Proclaim his salvation from day to day.<br />
Psalm 96:3 Declare his glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples.<br />
Psalm 96:4 For great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised! He is to be feared above all gods.<br />
Psalm 96:5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But Jehovah made the heavens.<br />
Psalm 96:6 Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.<br />
Psalm 96:7 Ascribe to Jehovah, you families of nations, Ascribe to Jehovah glory and strength.<br />
Psalm 96:8 Ascribe to Jehovah the glory due to his name. Bring an offering, and come into his courts.<br />
Psalm 96:9 Worship Jehovah in holy array. Tremble before him, all the earth.<br />
Psalm 96:10 Say among the nations, "Jehovah reigns." The world is also
established. It can't be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity.<br />
Psalm 96:11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let the sea roar, and the fullness of it!<br />
Psalm 96:12 Let the field exult, and all that is therein. Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy<br />
Psalm 96:13 Before Jehovah; for he comes, For he comes to judge the
earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, The peoples with his
truth.</div>
</blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Also Psalm 98:</div>
<blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Psalm
98:1 Sing to Jehovah a new song, For he has done marvelous things! His
right hand, and his holy arm, have worked salvation for him.<br />
Psalm 98:2 Jehovah has made known his salvation. He has openly shown his righteousness in the sight of the nations.<br />
Psalm 98:3 He has remembered his lovingkindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the
salvation of our God.<br />
Psalm 98:4 Make a joyful noise to Jehovah, all the earth! Burst out and sing for joy, yes, sing praises!<br />
Psalm 98:5 Sing praises to Jehovah with the harp, With the harp and the voice of melody.<br />
Psalm 98:6 With trumpets and sound of the ram's horn. Make a joyful noise before the King, Jehovah.<br />
Psalm 98:7 Let the sea roar with its fullness; The world, and those who
dwell therein. 8 Let the rivers clap their hands. Let the mountains
sing for joy together.<br />
Psalm 98:9 Let them sing before Jehovah, For
he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness,
And the peoples with equity.</div>
</blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
It
is that "day" that Jehovah has appointed when he comes to judge the
earth with righteousness. This "day" is spoken of in Acts 17:31:</div>
<blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Acts
17:31 - Because he [Jehovah] hath appointed a day, in the which he
[Jehovah] will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath
ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath
raised him from the dead.</div>
</blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Jesus spoke of that same day, and spoke of those in his time who rejected him:</div>
<blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
John
12:47 If anyone listens to my sayings, and doesn't believe, I don't
judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.<br />
John 12:48 He who rejects me, and doesn't receive my sayings, has one
who judges him. The word that I spoke, the same will judge him in the
last day.</div>
</blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Jesus
showed that for those who opposed him the day of judgment will be a
period of tribulation. He told those who would not listen to him: "But I
say to you, that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the
day of judgment than for you." (Matthew 11:24) The Millennium, though
it will a time of blessing, will also be a time of purging. It will be
easier for the people of Sodom to repent than for those who saw and
heard Jesus, yet opposed him. These will find it hard to repent in the
judgment day due to the hardness of their hearts.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Many
of these will be so hardened that they will refuse to repent, thus
never coming to know God, in the sense of heart agreement with God, and
many during the Millennial Age will refuse to obey the Good News as found in the books that will then be
opened to them. Both classes bring upon themselves, not the wrath of God as
inherited from Adam, but rather the wrath of God that results in the
second death. Thus Jesus asks the religious Scribes and Pharisees who
opposed him: "How shall you escape the judgment of Gehenna?" - the
second death. (Matthew 23:33) In asking this, he was not saying that
they were already under this condemnation and therefore could not escape
from it, as many have supposed. Rather, he is just stating the
difficulty they will have in the next age of overcoming their hypocrisy
in the day of judgment. That some of this class can repent is shown to
us by the apostle Paul, who at one time was Saul, a zealous Pharisee in
opposing the early Christians. - Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-22; 22:3-17; 23:6.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
The
conclusion, then, is that the eternal destruction of 2 Thessalonians
actually applies to the end of the Millennial Age and not to the great
tribulation, or to beginning of the Millennial Age.</div>
Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-72415834411965478302016-11-23T10:33:00.012-08:002022-06-06T11:19:13.754-07:00Mankind's Course to the Day of Judgment<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNmLRnxq3TZTJ3VO0q5vO1y4qK_4iiyFIheclOzhoFClExa2P3fpvuKlvB503K1OOXKsNnO6Um8txSS-HiU4NzReLQfMV-AbVgmgX3j3Ebi-jgOZc_F0jhxwobFwCTvnl9i04I793bCUm/s100/bible100.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="96" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNmLRnxq3TZTJ3VO0q5vO1y4qK_4iiyFIheclOzhoFClExa2P3fpvuKlvB503K1OOXKsNnO6Um8txSS-HiU4NzReLQfMV-AbVgmgX3j3Ebi-jgOZc_F0jhxwobFwCTvnl9i04I793bCUm/s0/bible100.png" /></a></div>While
many may deny that man is on the road to a day of judgment, the facts
and fulfilled Bible prophecy show otherwise. Yet many do not realize
that the Bible speaks of two general days of judgment upon the nations.
The first day of judgment is preparing the nations for the day of
judgment to follow. This will become more apparent as we proceed. We
will begin by examining what is meant by "judgment", and then examining
the first judgment upon the nations and its effects. The course of the
nations as a result of this first judgment is leading them to the second
judgment day.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">(1)
The expression "day of judgment" is generally misunderstood. It is
often interpreted to mean doomsday -- as signifying the time when all
opportunity for life will end. It is thought by many to be the time when
the billions of dead will be called forth -- some from heaven, but most
from some sort of fiery torture or conscious suffering. After this
their past deeds are brought before their eyes. According to these past
deeds they are then re-sentenced to return to wherever they were.
Therefore the expression "day of judgment" carries to the minds of many a
sense of dread, of fear.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(2)
Undoubtedly this leads to a peculiar misunderstanding in the average
mind on this subject. The claim is made that one receives his rewards or
punishments immediately after death. Yet the claim is also made that at
the day of judgment all will receive either a sentence of eternity of
life with God in heaven or torture in a flaming hell. How reasonable
minds can harmonize these two errors is past comprehension. (See our
study <a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=62" href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2018/02/hope00.html" target="_blank">Hope of Life After Death</a>.)
Few people do very much reasoning whatever upon religious subjects.
This unreasoning ignorance is perhaps as profound amongst the wealthy
and the more educated as amongst the poor and the less educated.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(3)
In the melee of error the truth is entirely lost sight of. It is high
time for all who are sincerely seeking truth to awaken from their
slumber. They should learn that the vagaries and inconsistencies of the
popular traditional beliefs are in violent opposition to the teachings
of the Bible. Further, they are in conflict with reason and with common
sense.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(4) Those who have died, as we reveal in our publication <a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=62" href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=62" target="_blank">Hope of Life After Death</a>,
are really dead. They do not pass into any living state of pleasure or
torture while dead, for "the dead know not anything." (Ecclesiastes 9:5)
"The soul that sins, it shall die." (Ezekiel 18:4,20, Green's Literal
Translation) All the dead must wait in death. How long? Until he who
paid the death penalty for Adam and his race assumes his power to judge
the world. When? During Jesus' second advent when he `sends forth
judgment in victory,' as foretold. (Matthew 12:20) Under Christ's
beneficent Kingdom the prisoners of sin and death will be set free.
(Isaiah 42:7; 29:18) The prison bars of the tomb will surrender the
billions of humanity who have gone into it. Thus all under the penalty
of Father Adam's sentence: "Dying, you must die," are to be set free.
(Genesis 2:17; see KJV margin) Jesus spoke of the time when "all who are
in the graves will hear His voice and come forth -- those who have done
good, to the resurrection of life and those who have done evil, to the
resurrection of judgment (Greek, krisis )." -- John 5:28,29.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(5)
A day of judgment signifies a day or period or epoch of trial, of
testing, of proving. After this comes a sentence, favorable or
unfavorable to the one tried. A prevailing wrong thought lies mainly in
the poor translation of the Greek word <a data-mce-href="http://classic.studylight.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?number=2920" href="https://www.studylight.org/lexicons/eng/greek/2920.html" target="_blank">krisis</a>,
which signifies, in addition to being sentenced, a trial or test
leading to a final decision. The Greek word krisis is frequently
mistranslated "damnation." Yet its original thought is absorbed into the
English language with the similar signification that it has in the
Greek namely, trial, decision (or sentence) based on the trial. We are
all familiar with the course of fevers. We understand what the doctor
means when he tells us the crisis may be reached by the patient on the
seventh, fourteenth, twenty-first or twenty-eighth day. We know that he
means that it will be the trial time or testing time. It determines
whether the power of the fever will break and the patient begin to
recover, or whether the disease will get the greater hold and the
patient rapidly sink. This is exactly the thought that should attach to
the expression Judgment Day or Crisis Day. It refers to a period, long
or short, in which a full test is made. A decision follows one way or
another for righteousness or for sin.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Mankind's First Judgment Day</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(6)
The first day of judgment began upon the nations more than 6,000 years
ago with the first man, Adam. Out of Adam came all nations of mankind.
(Acts 17:26) Adam disobeyed God, bringing judgment upon himself and all
nations that have come into existence through him, as we read: "The
judgment was by one to condemnation, . . . therefore as by the offense
of one [Adam] the judgment was to all men to condemnation." (Romans
5:16,18) The execution of that judgment upon man began with Adam and
continues until today, resulting in misery, sickness and death for all.
(Romans 5:12) The facts today testify to the truthfulness of that
judgment day, for we see its results everywhere. Hence, it is that as a
race we are a groaning creation, travailing in pain, going down to
<a href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/p/sheol.html" target="_blank">sheol</a>, the realm of death. (Romans 8:20-23; Ecclesiastes 9:10) Our only
hope of recovery from that original sentence rests in Christ, and his
sacrifice for sin. The scriptures assure us that Jesus Christ by the
grace [undeserved, unmerited favor] of God tasted death for every man.
(Hebrews 2:9) All are thus "bought with a price." Therefore we may hope
for a full release from the death sentence in God's due time.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Execution of the Judgment</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(7)
So before we are even born, we are already under a judgment, "dying,
you must die". We receive the final execution of this judgment when we
die. Thus God at various times has carried out this execution against
many nations and peoples who would seek to thwart his purposes. "The
nations have sunk down in the pit which they made [through Adam's sin].
Their own foot catches in the net which they hid. Jehovah is known by
the judgment he executes. The work of his own hands ensnare the wicked
one." (Psalm 9:16) The word translated "judgment" here is the Hebrew
word often transliterated into English as <b><a href="https://www.studylight.org/lexicons/eng/hebrew/4941.html" target="_blank">mishpât</a></b> ,
which Strong gives the meaning of "verdict" as well as "justice." The
verdict, of course, was given in the Garden of Eden death. The executing
of that verdict meant, therefore, the death of the person or persons
receiving its execution.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(8)
In Ezekiel 5:10,15; 11:9; and 25:11, however, another Hebrew word also
indicates the executing of judgment, transliterated into English as: <b><a href="https://www.studylight.org/lexicons/eng/hebrew/8201.html" target="_blank">shephet</a></b>.
Strong gives the first meaning of this word as "a sentence." Again, the
sentence is death. All the descendants of Adam are included in this
sentence ever since the Garden of Eden. Jehovah simply chose at various
times to execute that original sentence of death upon different peoples.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(9)
Terms that express the condition brought by this original sentence or
judgment of death are the "wrath" and "anger" of Jehovah. "For God's
wrath is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of mankind who extinguish the truth by unrighteousness;
because what may be known of God has been made manifest all about them,
for God has made these apparent to them. For from the creation of the
world the unseen things about him can be understood by looking upon the
things made, both his eternal power and divine being, so they are
without excuse. Because having known God [in Adam before he sinned] they
did not glorify him as God, nor were they thankful. They became futile
in their reasonings, and their heart's discernment was darkened.
Claiming themselves wise, they became foolish [The serpent led Eve to
believe that she would become wise as a result of disobeying God. Adam
also evidently felt himself wiser than God by listening the voice of his
wife.] and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into a likeness
of an image of corruptible man, birds, four-footed animals, and
reptiles. [Adam, in obeying his wife, allowed his wife to become his
god. Mankind has been bringing the glory of God down to corruptible
matter ever since.] Therefore God also gave them up to the craving of
their hearts, their bodies being dishonored among themselves, [Adam and
Eve felt no shame concerning their bodies until they sinned. Adam did
not develop a spiritual desire to serve God. He did not learn to walk by
the spirit. He walked after the flesh, desiring his wife more than
God.] in that they changed the truth of God into a lie, and venerated
and served the created rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever.
Amen." -- Romans 1:18-23.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">(10)
The wrath of God spoken of in these verses is the wrath which man has
inherited through Adam. The scriptures also speak of the whole world of
mankind (that has not been created anew in Christ) as "vessels of wrath
fitted for destruction." -- Romans 9:22; see also: Ephesians 2:1-10.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(11)
Some receive the word in honest and good hearts. They keep the word,
understand the word, and bring forth its fruitage. These, through faith
in Jesus are justified by his blood, and "saved from wrath through him."
(Luke 8:15; Matthew 13:23; Galatians 5:22,23; Romans 5:9) These still
undergo the wrath of God in their bodies. Nevertheless, God counts them
as alive and in his favor. He no longer counts them as under his wrath.
(1 Corinthians 1:4) This grace is spoken of as the "indescribable gift
of God." (2 Corinthians 9:13,14) Such are "reckoned", or counted by God,
as righteous. They are now spoken of as having "everlasting life" while
the wrath of God (inherited from Adam) remains upon all those who do
not take up the words of Jesus. -- Romans 4:22-24; John 4:36.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Executing Judgment in the Days of Noah</b></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(12)
One might consider the time from Adam's fall to the flood of Noah's day
as another judgment day. Some religious leaders are saying that the
sentence executed upon the those destroyed in the flood was "the second
death" -- eternal destruction. Yet it was not for the purpose of
executing a new sentence upon mankind that God set out to destroy
mankind at that time. Rather it was the execution of the original
sentence upon man through Adam, based upon the failure of that system of
things to bring itself away from sin. (Genesis 6:7,13; 7:4,21-23; 2
Peter 2:9) Man's sinfulness at that time was still as a result of Adam's
fall. (Romans 5:12,14,16) All were under the one condemnation through
Adam. Thus God executed that condemnation at the Flood, save the eight
souls who received God's favor. (Genesis 6:8,9; 2 Peter 2:5) Mankind was
still under the sentence of the first trial or crisis, for we read,
"death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those whose sins weren't
like Adam's disobedience. (Romans 5:14, World English) This includes
those who died in the Flood, and also proves that the death they died
was Adamic death, not the second death, nor any kind of death that was
no covered by Jesus' sacrifice. (Romans 5:12-19; 1 Corinthians 15:21,22;
1 Timothy 2:5,6) That period which ended with a flood was indeed a time
of crisis or judgment day for the angels. It proved which were loyal
and which were disloyal, and marked the beginning of the sentence of God
against the latter class. "The angels which kept not their first
estate, but left their own habitation, he has reserved in everlasting
chains under darkness until the judgment of the great day." (Jude 6; 2
Peter 2:4) Now, however, we are not considering the trial and failure
and penalty upon those fallen angels. These are known in the Scriptures
as demons who impersonate the dead. They deceive mankind through
necromancy, spiritism, witchcraft and trances. They pretend to be dead
friends or relatives. They may present us with visions from someone
else's life in order to mislead us into believing that we lived before.
All these methods aid in the perpetuation of Satan's first great lie:
"Dying you shall not die"." (Genesis 3:4, Green's Literal Translation;
probably better understood as: "You will not be dying until dead.") Thus
we warn all to take heed and have nothing whatever to do with
occultism, spiritism, and spell-binding, as these are works of the Adversary.
But our object now is to discuss the judgments which God has ordained
amongst men. -- Ephesians 6:12; Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Galatians 5:19-21;
Leviticus 20:6.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Execution of Judgment<br /> Upon Sodom and Gomorrah</b></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(13)
Another time when God executed his judgment upon some of mankind was
when he destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. Is there any reason to believe
that the judgment executed upon Sodom and Gomorrah was the "second
death," a death from which there is no return? Is this what the
scriptures mean when it says that they underwent the 'vengeance of
eternal fire?' (Jude 1:7) Many religious leaders teach that this
scripture means that the individuals destroyed at that time are now
burning in insufferable flames. Others teach that the fire eternally
destroyed the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. When we analyze this text it
will, we believe, lose its luridness, its terrors. In the minds of all
righteously-inclined persons it will be a reasonable, just statement of
the doings of our reasonable, just, loving God. We should take notice of
the connection: Jude is discussing evil doers, especially those whom
God blesses with the spirit and truth but who willfully and
intentionally turn away -- from it to the ways of sin. The apostle is
calling to our attention that such a course is sure to have a
punishment. He cites illustrations from the past to show the general
trend of divine government. He refers to the deliverance of the people
of Israel from Egyptian bondage. He further shows that this favor from
Jehovah did not excuse them from punishment and destruction when they
rebelled. Another illustration is that of the angels, who were at first
in divine favor, but who disobeyed Jehovah. God sentenced them to chains
of darkness until the great day of judgment. As a third illustration of
the principle that God punishes evildoers, the apostle refers to the
Sodomites. They gave themselves over to gross sin. Thus they were set
forth as an example "suffering the vengeance (punishment) of eternal
fire."</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Eternal Fire of Sodom</b></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(14)
Let us not too hastily read into this passage what it does not contain.
It does not say that the Sodomites suffered the vengeance of eternal
torment as the many think. Nor does it say that the Sodomites suffered
the vengeance of eternal destruction, as some others like to view it. It
is speaking of Sodom, Gomorrah, and the other cities about them, and
their inhabitants -- that God executed the punishment of death upon them
because of their wrong course. The Bible, in Genesis 19:24,25,
describes the literal fire which God used in this execution. God spared
only Lot and his family from that fire and its destructive work. It
would be a mistake to suppose that this literal fire that destroyed the
Sodomites would last throughout all eternity. The fire is not burning
now. It burned until it destroyed those people and their cities. There
is not a suggestion about its being a fire that will burn in the future,
but to the contrary, it effected its work. Our Lord testifies to this
saying: "It rained down fire from heaven and destroyed them all." (Luke
17:29) Let us give our Lord's words their proper weight. He says the
fire destroyed, not preserved, the people of Sodom, Gomorrah and
surroundings. He does not even hint that they are in the fire now, but
rather just the opposite as we will proceed to show.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(15)
Many might reply along these lines: "It means `complete destruction.'"
And they would say that "'complete destruction' means that God brought
eternal destruction upon them. Therefore," according to this reasoning,
"they are not covered by the ransom sacrifice of Jesus." On the surface
this may appear logical. When we realize, however, that all who suffer
death inherited from Adam suffer complete destruction, then we can see
that it begins to lose its argument.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(16)
Were the Sodomites whom God destroyed covered by the ransom of Jesus?
If so, then we should expect that somehow and someday they will be given
an opportunity to benefit from that sacrifice. What does Jesus say?
Jesus showed that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah will come forth in
the resurrection time for a judgment or trial for eternal life. More
than this, Jesus spoke to some who heard his preaching in Capernaum and
surrounding cities: "It will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in
the day of judgment than for you." -- Matthew 10:15. Furthermore, we
have Romans 5:14, which tells us that "death reigned from Adam until
Moses, even over those whose sins weren't like Adam's disobedience," and
then describes that condemnation of death as being due to Adam's sin.
(Romans 5:12-19; 1 Corinthians 15:21,22) Since the death that they died
was Adamic death which results in being the sheol/hades condition, then
they did not die the "second death", and thus they will be raised in the
judgment day for a new judgment. -- John 12:47,48; Revelation 20:13.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(17)
What, then, is the fire of Jude 7, and how is it eternal? The
expression "eternal/everlasting fire" is not the literal fire that
destroyed those cities. The fire which burned those cities and destroyed
those people does represent Jehovah's fiery zeal or jealousy for
righteousness and his holy name. The literal fire that destroyed those
cities are still burning. Jehovah's zeal or jealousy for righteousness
will never be extinguished. Thus we read that "all the earth will be
consumed by the fire of his [Jehovah's] jealousy." (Zephaniah 1:18) "For
you must not bow yourself to another god; for Jehovah, whose name is
Jealous, he is a jealous God." (Exodus 34:14) "With foreign gods they
moved him [Jehovah] to jealousy; and with idols they provoked him to
anger; they sacrificed to demons, not God." (Deuteronomy 32:16,17) "And
Judah did evil in the sight of Jehovah, and they provoked him to
jealousy with their sins which they committed, more than all that their
fathers had done." (1 Kings 14:22) "And my anger will be spent, and I
will make my fury rest on them, and I will be eased. And they will know
that I, Jehovah, have spoken in my zeal, in my fulfilling my fury on
them." (Ezekiel 5:13) "Surely I have spoken in the fire of my jealousy
against the rest of the nations." -- Ezekiel 36:5.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(18)
The jealousy of Jehovah for his name and for the righteousness
represented in his name is provoked by any unrighteousness. This can be
seen by taking Strong's concordance and looking at the many references
to Jehovah's jealousy. This fire of his jealousy, his determination to
act against all unrighteousness, is eternal; it will be forever; it will
forever be ready to act against any unrighteousness, should there be
any.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">(19)
Let us return to Jesus' statements concerning Sodom: "More tolerable
for Sodom! " What does this mean? In the great "last day " (John
12:47,48) of judgment, the Millennial age, when the world in general
will be on trial for life everlasting or the second death, the people of
Capernaum who heard the Lord will also be on trial with others. They
had superior advantages to others, and had neglected those advantages.
Thus, due to their neglect of these greater privileges offered to them,
they will be correspondingly less supportable, less strengthened, less
able to readily benefit by the blessings and mercies of God during the
Millennial reign of Christ.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(20)
We understand this to be a general principle of divine dealings: where
God grants much light, knowledge, opportunity and privilege, he also
requires much. Where sin abounds in direct glow of the light of truth
there is correspondingly a larger responsibility, and thus a greater
amount of pride to overcome if that light is ignored.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(21)
There is no suggestion in any part of the narrative in Jude or anywhere
else in the Bible that the people of Sodom or the people of Gomorrah
suffered eternal destruction, from which they cannot be redeemed.
Likewise there is no suggestion that they are now suffering some eternal
torture. Neither does it suggest that in the future awakening of the
resurrection day they will suffer eternal torture.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(22)
Our Lord proceeds to explain that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah had
less advantage than the people of Capernaum and Palestine. He declares
that if they had heard his preaching and seen his miracles, "they would
have repented long ago in sack-cloth and ashes." (Matthew 11:21) Is
there, then, injustice with God? Think of all the favors afforded the
people of Capernaum. Think of Jesus' statement concerning the people of
Sodom just quoted. Would a God of justice and love send those less
favored to eternal torment or eternal destruction? Certainly not. Who
would so claim in view of our Lord's statement? According to Jesus, if
the people of Sodom and Gomorrah had enjoyed the same amount of favor as
shown the people of Capernaum they would have repented with deep
contrition in sackcloth and ashes.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Future of the Sodomites</b></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(23)
We have seen that the fire that destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah was a
literal fire. The "eternal fire" relates to Jehovah's eternal jealousy
for righteousness. It has no relationship to any future torment of any
kind. Nor does it mean that they received a new condemnation (laying
aside the condemnation in Adam -- Romans 5:12-19; 1 Corinthians
15:21,22) for which their is no sacrifice provided.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(24)
There are promises of God concerning the Sodomites in the Bible.
Understanding these promises will free us misconceptions concerning
their future. We will produce evidence from the Scriptures that show how
those Sodomites who were destroyed in the fire are to come back in the
resurrection day. All who have good hearts and reasonable minds will
rejoice to find that the heavenly Father has made provision through the
death of his Son for all the world of mankind, even including the wicked
Sodomites. Our Lord's words assure us that the Sodomites were at heart
and in his sight not worse than the people of Capernaum, who had greater
light and therefore greater responsibility. Doubtless the Lord would
say the same of our religious communities today which may boast of much
service to him. Surely all who have the love of God in their hearts and
who intelligently pray: "Your will be done," will be glad to know that
the divine will is to bring a blessing to the people of Sodom. Now let
us examine the proofs.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(25)
The Millennial day of one thousand years, is the day in which Jehovah, through Jesus -- and
his Church -- will judge the world. (Daniel 7:22; Psalms 96:13; 98:9; John 5:22; Acts 17:31; 1 Corinthians 6:2; Revelation 20:4) This will be the world's trial for
everlasting life or the Second Death. We have our Lord's statement,
already referred to, assuring us that in that day of judgment the
condition of the Sodomites will be more favorable than that of some
others who thought themselves very religious. We also have the Lord's
statement that the fire which rained from heaven destroyed them all.
This statement prevents any suggestion that a part of them might have
remained alive. Therefore Jesus did not have reference to a remnant who
were not destroyed. Unquestionably he referred to the ones whom God
destroyed, as the language clearly states.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Times of Restoration</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(26)
The apostle Peter tells us of the "times of restoration." These
restoration times will begin during the second coming of our Lord. Peter
also speaks of the "times of refreshing." (Acts 3:21) He tells us
Jehovah spoke of this coming times of refreshing or restoration through
the mouth of the holy prophets of the past. Let us look at one of these
prophecies of the coming restoration. The prophecy of Ezekiel 16
specifically mentions the Israelites, God's favored people. It also
speaks of the Samaritans, the Israelites' neighbor in Palestine.
Additionally it speaks of the Sodomites, who once occupied a portion of
Palestine.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(27)
Read the entire chapter of Ezekiel 16 before proceeding. We see here a
serious arraignment of the people of Israel. They had failed to be loyal
to Jehovah, to whom they had been promised by the Mosaic Covenant. From
the forty-eighth verse to the end of the chapter we have Jehovah's
prophecy respecting the future of Israel, Samaria, and Sodom, and the
restoration blessings that are to come to all three at or about the same
time.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(28)
We have noted that our Lord guarded against any misunderstanding as to
which Sodomites were meant by saying that he referred to those whom God
rained down fire and consumed them. Likewise, Jehovah identifies the
Sodomites whom he intends to restore in due time, saying: "Look! this
was the error of your sister, Sodom: pride, adequate bread, and an
abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters; nor did she
strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty and
committed detestable things before me; therefore I took them away as I
saw good." -- Ezekiel 16:49,50.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(29)
In Ezekiel 16:51,52 Jehovah points out Samaria's unrighteousness. He
then declares that Israel's course under her special favors, privileges
and advantages in every way was more abominable in His sight than that
of either of these. They were both -- in comparison -- justified rather
than condemned by the course of Israel.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(30)
The Scriptures everywhere declare that Jehovah, after punishing Israel,
will bring them back from their captivity and bless them under the seed
of Abraham. In harmony with this, the account in Ezekiel 16:53-56
specifically tells us about this returning from captivity. This
captivity is the captivity of death into which the Israelites by the
millions have gone as well as the Samaritans and Sodomites. -- Thus we
read: "When I bring back their captive ones, the captive ones of Samaria
and her daughters, then I will bring again the captive ones of your
captives in the midst of them."</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(31)
What is the object of thus stating the conjoined awakening of these
three peoples? The answer is: "That you may bear your own shame, and may
be ashamed because of all that you have done in that you are comfort to
them." So, when God fully opens the great Millennial day of judgment
and trial, and he pours out his blessings upon the world, God will use
Israel in her shame and exposure in the light of that day to comfort the
Sodomites and Samaritans in their degree of shame and exposure in that
day. (See also <a data-mce-href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=393" href="https://rlbibleresources.blogspot.com/2020/03/restoration.html" target="_blank">The Restoration of All Things</a>)</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><b>"Shame and Ongoing Contempt"</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(32)
Through the prophet Daniel Jehovah speaks of these returning ones from
the captivity of death. He tells first of the faithful justified ones,
who will come forth from the tomb to shine as stars forever and ever.
Then he refers to others, such as the Sodomites and Samaritans and
Israelites, who will come forth to shame and ongoing (Hebrew,
transliterated: <b><a href="https://www.studylight.org/lexicons/eng/hebrew/5769.html" target="_blank">ôlâm</a></b>) contempt. (Daniel 12:2) It will
be in this shame and contempt condition that Israel (as a whole) will be a comfort to
her sister nations. It is not God's design that the shame and contempt
should work an eternal blight to those poor creatures or to others. The
scripture is associated with the period of reformation, to the day of judgment. At that time the
present-day wicked will experience shame due to their past course of
sin and degradation. This shame is designed to lead them to turn from
sin and be transformed under the influence of the Kingdom of God's dear
Son.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(33)
As the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2), Jesus will fill the whole
earth with the light of the knowledge of the glory of Jehovah (Isaiah
11:9; Habakkuk 2:4), putting to shame, to flight, the works of darkness
and sin. Then the wise `will turn many to righteousness' through the
glow of the light of truth. (Daniel 12:3; Matthew 13:43) It will indeed
be a comfort to the Sodomites, when they realize their own degradation,
to see that some others who had enjoyed so many more favors than they
will equally, or even more so, be put to shame. Thus, the shame will be
more tolerable for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah than for the people
of Capernaum.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(34)
The good news is that there will be no need for them to remain in this
contemptible condition and under shame. Then the influences of the
Kingdom will be favorable to their rising out of sin and death
conditions. They will have the opportunity of coming up, up, up on the
promised highway of holiness. The prophet Isaiah assures that Jehovah
will provide this highway for the world. All who come to love
righteousness and desire harmony with God amongst the world of mankind
will pass over it. While crossing this highway they will receive
complete aid so that not even a fool will need to err. (Isaiah 35:8,9)
By the end of the Millennial age they will have perfection, everlasting
life. God will only exclude the willfully disobedient -- those who love
sin and hate righteousness, from this highway and its end in full
perfection. But the scriptures assure us that Jehovah will not consign
those who proved themselves lovers of sin to an eternity of conscious
suffering, but they will be "punished with everlasting destruction from
the presence of the Lord and the glory of his power." -- 2 Thessalonians
1:9.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Return of the Sodomites</b></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.<b> -</b> Matthew 10:15.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(35)
Based on what we have shown from the scriptures, we have no doubt that
the period referred to by our Lord is the day of judgment. It will be
more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for Capernaum in that day.
This period follows his second advent and the establishing of his
kingdom. We have no doubt either that the time mentioned by the prophet
Ezekiel is the very same. It will be the day when the captivity of the
Sodomites and Israelites will have come to an end. Jehovah will release
all the captives from the prison-house of sin and death. There can be no
question either that the apostle Peter, in speaking of the times of
restoration, had reference to this same period following the Lord's
second advent. (Acts 3:21) Now, then, connect these three lines of prophecy
together. Notice what the prophet declares respecting the liberation of
these captives and to what purpose Jehovah will liberate them from the
prison-house of death.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(36)
We quote: "When your sisters, Sodom and her daughters, return to their
former state, then you and your daughters will return to your former
state." The prophet is here referring to the "times of restoration"
mentioned by the apostle Peter. He says: "return to your former state."
What is meant here? We answer that man's original state, according to
the Bible record, was the image and likeness of God. It was from this
glorious state that Adam fell. All of us as Adam's race, his children,
in his loins, fell from the same into a condition of sin, degradation
and death. So then, we read that Jehovah will open the prison-doors. We
read that the captives will be set free from the prison-house of death
and from the bondage to corruption. Then we read that they will return
to their former state. This means restoration, a returning to the
original likeness of God lost through sin.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>"A Ransom for All"</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(37)
And this is exactly what Paul implies respecting the Lord's sacrificial
death. He tells us that Jesus "gave himself a ransom for all, to be
testified in due time." (1 Timothy 2:6) Jesus ransomed father Adam, the
original sinner. In doing so he also ransomed every member of Adam's
race, as well as all his possessions, titles, privileges, and rights as
the original King over earth. The very object of this legal purchase was
the restoration of mankind to their primeval dignity, honor and glory.
And that is the promise of the Bible -- times of restoration -- and
Paradise restored! This will not be merely a garden in Eden but the
entire earth! Why should we be astonished to find that God is carrying
out a great and glorious plan which his Word everywhere outlines?</div>
=========<br />
See our study:<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://atonement.rlbible.com/?p=161" href="https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/2017/01/1tim24.html" target="_blank">God Desires All Men to Be Saved</a><br />
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(38)
Then why does Jehovah keep delaying this restoration? Why does he allow
poor humanity to keep suffering? Because it is Jehovah's desire to give
our whole world a lesson on the exceeding bad fruits of sin.
(Ecclesiastes 1:13,14) Additionally he desires to take out of the world
"a people for his name." (Acts 15:14) These will share with Jesus as the
ruling family for the blessing of all families of the earth with
restoration. -- Genesis 22:18; Galatians 3:29.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(39)
Let us return now to Ezekiel's statement of the matter. Notice
carefully Jehovah's statement in the context. We know that many will
tell you that they know that this statement must be "ironical." Alas!
Poor depraved humanity finds it difficult to believe in the lengths and
breadths and heights and depths of the love of God expressed in Jesus,
which goes beyond all knowledge! (Ephesians 3:19) But, regardless of
what some might desire to believe, we want the Word of Jehovah on this
subject, and on every subject. "Let God be true though it make every man
a liar." -- Romans 3:4.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(40)
Now read the remainder of the chapter from Ezekiel 16:56 to the end,
and note that Jehovah is speaking very sympathetically and comfortingly.
He does indeed reprove Israel, especially for having broken his
covenant and despised the oath which sealed it. Yet he also tells them
that he proposes to keep his oathbound covenant anyway.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(41)
That covenant declares: "In your seed all nations will be blessed."
(Genesis 22:18) The apostle Paul tells us that Israel failed to obtain
the chief blessing under this covenant which it had hoped for. Israel
failed to become the promised seed. (Romans 9:8; 11:7) Paul further
tells us that Jesus and his faithful disciples attained this favored
position. (Galatians 3:16-29) Christ and the called-out ones, as the
antitypical seed of Abraham, will eventually bless all the families of
the earth. This will include Israel, for he tells us that "all Israel
will be saved." -- Romans 11:25.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(42)
Some may say Romans 11:25 refers to "spiritual Israel", not Israel
after the flesh. We can see that the Israel spoken of in Romans 11:25 is
natural Israel and not the antitypical Israel by reading verse 28:
"Indeed, as regards the good news, they are your enemies. But regarding
the election, they are beloved for the sake of the fathers." At your
convenience please read carefully the apostle's exact words on this
subject as recorded in Romans 11:25-32.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(43)
Returning to Jehovah's statement in Ezekiel 16:60,63: "Nevertheless
[notwithstanding your evil course and your unworthiness] I will remember
my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish
with you an everlasting covenant. Then you will remember your ways and
be ashamed (when the whole world is ashamed under the light of the
Millennial Sun of Righteousness), when you receive your sisters, your
older and your younger. And I will give them to you for daughters, but
not by your covenant; and I will establish my covenant with you, and you
will know that I am Jehovah, that you may remember and be confounded,
and never open you mouth any more, because of your shame when I am
pacified toward you for all that you have done."</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Destruction of Sodom<br /> As An Example</b></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(44) We can see in what sense of the word Sodom was
set forth as an example in Jude 1:7 -- not of future torment, nor even eternal
destruction, but in respect to divine indignation against sin in
general. God declares that he is thoroughly opposed to sin in its every
form, that he will ultimately destroy it utterly. All who will not come
into harmony with the Great Prophet, Priest and King, Jesus, he will
destroy [especially during the `little season' after the 1,000 year
reign] from amongst the people as were the Sodomites. This, then, will
be a complete, everlasting destruction. -- Acts 3:23; 2 Thessalonians
1:9; Revelation 20:7-9; Matthew 25:45; Psalm 37:9,10.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(45)
True, Jehovah's dealings in the past and in the present are specially
with his dedicated people Israel according to the flesh and now Israel
according to faith. (Romans 9:1-8; Galatians 3:26-29) Nevertheless, this
does not imply that Jehovah has not had an overruling hand in all the
affairs of the world. He has been permitting sin to reasonably take its
course and to bring its own lessons and experiences to the world of
mankind. Thus all may learn something of the exceeding sinfulness of
sin. Nonetheless, Jehovah clearly intimates that in any place or time
where sin shall have run its course and be standing in the way of His divine purposes, He can and will interfere to stop it. -- Romans 7:13;
Ezekiel 16:50; Genesis 6:13.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(46)
So it was with the Sodomites. The scriptures show that the Sodomites had become prideful aw well as prosperous, which evidently had led them to
despise the poor and needy. They had made them haughty, and licentiousness became common among them. Jehovah blotted them out with the fire from heaven
as he saw good. (Ezekiel 16:50) For them to have remained would have
been to permit a plague spot in the very land in which he intended later
on to plant his typical people, Israel according to the flesh.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(47)
The example furnished us in this incidence illustrates, not eternal
torment, but the "everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord
and the glory of his power" which will surely be visited ultimately upon
all evildoers. It is also used as an illustration of the destruction of the works/elements that is come upon the present world at the battle often called "Armageddon." (Luke 17:28-30; 2 Peter 3:10-12: Revelation 16:16) We
are thankful, however, for the blessed assurance that before either the
Sodomites or any of the world who have been redeemed by the precious
blood could be condemned to the Second Death they must all be brought to
an accurate knowledge of the truth. This is the divine declaration:
"God our Savior, who wills all men to be saved and to come to an
accurate knowledge of the truth. Because there is one God and one
Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a
ransom for all, to be testified in due time." -- 1 Timothy 2:3-5.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(48)
This view of our Heavenly Father's personal attributes, as indicated,
and exemplified in his dealings with our race in the past, and in the
declarations of his Word in respect to his future dealings, is cheering
and encouraging and helpful to all those who are truly sons of God,
begotten of his Spirit. -- Romans 8:14,18,19.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(49)
The Sodomites did indeed suffer loss in that they were cut off from
life a little sooner than they would otherwise have been. Nevertheless,
eventually they would have died anyway. The good news is that they have
been redeemed by the one sacrifice for all; but when granted their full
opportunity in due time, in the times of restoration, if they are then
negligent and will not listen to the voice of the Great King of glory,
they will suffer the vengeance of cutting off again, and that without
remedy, for from the Second Death there is no redemption, no recovery.
(Hebrews 10:26) The principle that now operates in the judgment of the
saints of this age is the same that will operate during the thousand
years of Christ's reign in conjunction with the whole world. The only
difference being that the trial of the saints in this age is in
surroundings not congenial to righteousness, whereas in the age to come, righteousness will prevail. (Philippians 2:15; 2 Peter 3:13) In in that age to come, the earth will become "the earth of uprightness." -- Isaiah 26:10.<br /><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(50)
In the Old Testament times, Jehovah instituted a special arrangement
with one nation whereby they could be released from the condemnation of
death. This occurred at Mount Sinai, when God entered into a special
covenant with the nation of Israel though Moses, the Mediator of the Law
Covenant. There an offer of eternal life was presented to that nation
upon the condition that they should keep the divine law perfectly,
completely, in letter and in spirit. Thus the apostle Paul says "that
the man who does those things will live by them." -- Romans 10:5.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(51)
Under that law covenant, with Moses as mediator, typical sacrifices
were offered for sins. Since Moses was a sinner and under the
condemnation of death, the sacrifices represented Moses justified. In
turn, Moses, in this condition, represented typically the Messiah, the
comings world's Mediator. (Hebrews 9:16-26) Nevertheless, even Moses
could not be counted as justified apart from the blood of Jesus. We are told, however, that God calls things that are not as though they were. (Romans 4:17) Thus, the justification of Moses (as well as all who were reckoned as justified through
faith in the Old Testament) was reckoned prospective of the coming sacrifice of
the sinless man, Jesus. -- Romans 4:13-24; Hebrews 11:4-38.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(52)
After the sacrifices had been offered and their blood had been
sprinkled on the Law, as representing God and his side of the covenant,
and upon the people, as representing their side of the covenant, then
the crisis, trial or judgment of that people began, to determine whether
or not they could and would keep the Law Covenant, and if they were
successful, to reward them by making them God's Kingdom for the blessing
of all the families of the earth. But if they would fail in their trial
or judgment, it would mean the loss of their privilege and their
remaining under the death sentence, not having attained life under the
law. The trial of that nation -- its crisis -- lasted for about 1,525
years and terminated on the day that our Lord Jesus rode the donkey into
Jerusalem, was rejected by them, and pronounced the sentence against
them indicating that their the epoch of their trial or judgment had
terminated. He stated: "Your house is left unto you desolate. You will
not see me until the time comes when you will say: `Blessed is he who
comes in the name of Jehovah.'" (Luke 13:35) Their crisis being ended,
nothing remained except to note the results which were found to be as
follows:</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(53)
1) By the deeds of the Law no flesh can be justified. (Romans 3:20)
Therefore it follows that every member of that nation was condemned, not only through Adam, but also according to the Law. They were never released from the first condemnation, but thus they continued to be under the
original sentence of death. They failed to gain life under the Law, for they were not able to
keep the Law. But as the apostle Paul shows us that there was a small
class which, from the time of Abel and even during the time of the Law, still exercised faith toward God which
was pleasing and acceptable to him. These are recounted to us in Hebrews
11:1-40 and are described as those who out of weakness were made strong
and who through faithfulness to God endured various tribulations,
rejoicing therein and trusting for a share in a better resurrection than
they would otherwise have received. After setting forth this lesson
Paul declared: "These all died in faith not having received the
promise." (Hebrews 11:13); and he assures us that they can never be made
perfect without Jehovah's saints of this Gospel (Good News) Age.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(54)
2) Another result as respects the nation of Israel was that when their promised Messiah had come, several thousand of
the Jews, lifted out of depths of degradation through the instruction of
the Law, were so developed in heart as to be recognizable as Israelites
of faith. (John 1:47) These were granted the first opportunity for
entering upon a new trial of a new epoch, which began with our Lord's
baptism and which still continues.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(55)
As for the remainder of the Jews the Scriptures assure us that they
were cast off for a time from all special favor and relationship with
God, but with the divine promise that later on they will again receive
God's favor and under it eventually become the leading nation of earth
during the Millennial judgment or trial. Meantime, note that the nation
at large was cast off from divine favor, and certain responsibility for
unappreciated and unused opportunities lay against it, as a penalty for
which a great time of trouble came upon that nation, resulting in their
complete overthrow nationally in the years 70 - 73 CE. Their rejection
of their Messiah did not however, bring any new sentence of death upon
them as individuals. They simply remained under the wrath which has been
upon mankind since Adam disobeyed, howbeit many did receive a speedy
execution of that judgment. (John 12:47,48; 3:36)</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Day of Jehovah's Wrath</b></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(56)
Now we come to the scriptures that speak of the day of Jehovah's wrath,
when his wrath upon mankind is being brought to an end. (Revelation
6:17) The day of his wrath is spoken of as coming in the blowing of the
seventh trumpet and consisting of seven "vials" or "bowls." (Revelation
11:15; 15:7) The last bowl results in the destruction of Babylon the
Great, a woman representing the false religious promises of Satan as
begun in the Garden of Eden and which have extended all over the world.
(Genesis 3:4,5; Revelation 12:9; 16:19) The destruction of those
individuals who make up Satan's seed, those under God's wrath, is also
depicted as taking place as part of the last vial. (Revelation 19:17-19,
21) Much of this is probably symbolic; nevertheless the execution upon
those under God's wrath is still, however, an execution of the original
sentence given in the garden of Eden -- death. We note, however, that
the various systems of Satan receive a different sentence. Under the
symbolism of a beast and false prophet, these systems are spoken of as
being thrown into the "lake of fire and brimstone," referring to the
lake of fire and brimstone outside the walls of Jerusalem in the Valley
of Hinnom, or <a href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/p/gehenna.html" target="_blank">Gehenna</a>. (Revelation 19:20) According to historical
references to this valley in Jesus' day, fires were continuously kept
burning in this valley by the addition of brimstone (sulphur), so that
Jesus spoke of the "fire that does not die out," or as the King James
Version says, "not quenched." (Mark 9:43-48) Now we know that the fires
in the valley of Jerusalem no longer exist, so we must look upon to
these Bible references as symbolic. So what does the lake of fire
symbolize? Jesus spoke of those things thrown into Gehenna as
"destroyed." (Matthew 10:28) Thus Revelation 19:20 is referring to the
destruction of Satan's systems that are symbolically spoken of the false
prophet and a certain beast. These systems, as such, were produced out
of the symbolic sea and earth of sinful mankind under the condemnation
of death through Adam. (Revelation 13:2,11) Nevertheless, it is human
beings who are collectively under the condemnation of death and
sheol/hades; as a result of sin, all of mankind's works are indeed
subject to the present sun of vanity; this does not mean that any system
produced by man is also condemned to hades. It is only human beings
that are depicted as going into hades, not the systems that Satan
produces through humans. Since all those in hades come forth in the
resurrection, if the symbol of hades had been used to designate the
destruction of the systems symbolized in Revelation, it would have meant
that these systems would also be raised for judgment in the last day.
However, as systems, these were never under the condemnation in Adam,
and thus, since they are not raised in the judgment day, the more
correct symbol is the "lake of fire," which represents the second death,
which designates their eternal destruction.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">For links to our studies related to Gehenna<br /><a href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/p/gehenna.html" target="_blank">https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/p/gehenna.html</a></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(57)
But notice that the individuals associated with these systems are not
spoken of as going into the second death. These have never been released
from Adamic death, and therefore cannot be given the execution of
second death. The destruction that comes upon the peoples of nations during and in the final part of the time of trouble is not the second death, as some have claimed, but is
the execution of the original sentence given in the garden of Eden, and
is the destruction spoken of as the broad road to destruction which all
nations have been traveling since Adam's disobedience. (Romans 3:11-15;
Matthew 7:18) As Jehovah has turned the nations to destruction, he also says:
"Return, you children of men!" (Psalm 90:3) Therefore the judgment
remains the same at the end of the age as Jesus had stated concerning
those disbelievers in his day: "If any man hears my words, does not
believe, I do not judge him; for I have not come to judge the world, but
to save the world. He who rejects me, and does not receive my words,
has one that will judge him. The word that I have spoken, the same will
judge him in the last day." (John 13:47,48) "He who disobeys the Son
will not see life, but the wrath of God [through Adam] remains upon
him." -- John 3:36.<br /><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Judgment of the Nations<br /> The Individuals Thereof</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(58)
Jesus therefore tells us that the individual judgment of all those who
do not now believe will be in the "last day," being that the wrath of
God remains upon them. Since the wrath of God remains upon them, many of
them, as individuals, will receive the execution of that wrath in the
"war of the Great Day of God the Almighty" at Armageddon. We cannot be certain of the details of the fulfillment of prophecies, but one of the scriptures that appears to be referring that war is Isaiah 24:6, which tells us that there will be only a few men left. Likewise, we are told the slain of Jehovah will be from end of the earth to the other end of the earth. (Jeremiah 25:33) Thus, it appears that the majority of earth's population may die in that Great Day. Those who die at that time, however, do so as a result of the collective
judgment that began in the Garden of Eden. Thus, it is possible that Jesus spoke of that
coming destruction when he said: "At that time two will be out in the field;
one will be taken away, and one will be left. -- Two will be grinding
at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left." (Matthew
24:40,41) If this application is correct, those left would be, or at least include, consecrated Christians who, by
faith, no longer reside under God's wrath. Those taken, like the
antediluvians outside of God's favor, are taken in death, as a result of
God's wrath which remains upon them. (See verse 39; see also Isaiah
24:6; Romans 5:9; Ephesians 2:3; 5:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2:16; 5:9;
John 3:36) Those who remain, we believe, would include the great multitude who come out of the great tribulation, having lived through
it, because they had washed their robes in the blood of the lamb.
(Revelation 7:14) While the scriptures do not tell how many will be destroyed during that great battle, if the prophecy of Isaiah 24:6 refer to that battle, it does indicate that only a few people will be left. A few people could be thousands, or as
compared with the billions now living, it could be millions of people
left.<br /><br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(59)
When Jesus returns, one of the first things he does is to complete the
sealing of his bride, the 144,000 who are not only heirs of God, but
joint-heirs with Christ. These are part of the Israelites by faith.
(Revelation 7:1-8; 19:7,8; Matthew 24:31) After obtaining his bride and
returning from the wedding, others join with them in the marriage
supper. (Revelation 19:9; Luke 12:35-40; Matthew 25:1-12; Revelation
7:9-17) We conclude that while the world is thrown into the fiery furnace of the
tribulation, the false servants of God are separated from the true wheat
by being thrown in the symbolic furnace of the great tribulation; after
this, God's true wheat is is gathered into God's symbolic barn. (Matthew
13:24-30, 36-43) Eventually God's righteous ones, justified by faith in
Jesus, will shine as the sun (Matthew 13:43) as God's kingdom fills
the whole earth, bringing healing to the devastated nations. (Daniel
2:44; Revelation 22:2) It is during the time of trouble that the nations
are gathered, not for judgment, but for the execution of judgment. "For
my decision is to gather nations to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon
them my indignation, all the heat of my anger; for in the fire of my
jealous wrath all the earth shall be consumed." (Zephaniah 3:8, Revised
Standard Version ) This execution of judgment, upon the nations as a
whole who are condemned in Adam, however, is not the final judgment, but
rather it is the result of the judgment through Adam. The world still
has to face the final judgment in the "last day".</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">For more related to the 144,000 and the great multitude, see links our studies at:</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/p/t.html">https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/p/t.html</a></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">***********Below has not yet been edited; links may not work.</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The "Last Day" -- The Day of Judgment</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(60)
The "last day" is spoken of as the day when the dead return. (John
6:39-54) Jesus also said that unbelievers would be judged in the "last
day." Therefore the "last day", the day of the world's resurrection, and
the "day of judgment" are all one and the same. This great judgment day
will be the second great judgment day for mankind. -- Thus we read: "He
has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness
by that man whom he has ordained; of this he has given a guarantee unto
all men, in that he has raised him from the dead." (Acts 17:31) That the
resurrection of Jesus is God's assurance to us that the world will have
a general judgment, must seem peculiar to the majority of traditional
Christians and others who have so long been taught that the day of
judgment is synonymous with the day of eternal doom for all who are
without Christ.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(61)
Nor should we think of this day as a 24-hour day, but as a day on a
larger scale, which the apostle Peter calls a "day of Jehovah," saying:
"Brothers, do not be ignorant of this one thing, that a day with Jehovah
is as a thousand years." -- 2 Peter 3:8.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(62)
Most reasoning people have probably realized that there was something
incongruous in the ordinary conception of the day of judgment which has
been handed down through traditions: a 24-hour day, in which we are told
Jesus would sit upon the circle of the earth while the earth revolved,
and that during that time He would judge the world of mankind respecting
their words and thoughts and doings of the present life. When we notice
that the time necessary for a single case in an ordinary court of law
we might wonder how it could be possible for our glorious Redeemer to
judge all of the billions of our race in such a brief space of time. The
more we look at it the more ridiculous the entire statement grows,
until common sense declares that it is totally unreasonable; and then
turning to the Bible, to which we should have looked at first, we find
that no such thing is there declared, but on the contrary a
thousand-year day for the world's judgment.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>"Krino" Signifies to Discern</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(63)
The word judge in Acts 17:31 does not necessarily mean to render
judgment, as in the case already tried and determined; the Greek word is
transliterated as <b>krino</b>, and signifies to discern, to
reach a decision. True, there will be a decision reached in the end of
that Millennial Age, that decision will go into execution, too; but the
thought of the word <b>krino</b> is that of trial rather than
of verdict. The ordinary thought among traditional Christians respecting
this text is that the trial takes place in the present life; that none
of the trial goes beyond the present life into the Millennial Age; it is
generally assumed that a decision is reached as soon as one dies, and
that the future could in no sense change or alter that decision. This is
wholly a mistake, as every Greek scholar must admit upon examination of
the word transliterated as <b>krino</b>.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(64)
Let us now look at the matters from the scriptural viewpoint. The world
has already completed its first trial, failed and received a
condemnation. The trial took place in Eden: Adam our first father, was
the representative of himself and his race in the trial. He failed, and
was sentenced to death, and the whole world, his posterity, are still
resting under the incubus of his sentence: "Dying, you must die." This
condemnation essentially was: you are unworthy of eternal life which was
offered to you in the beginning -- your disobedience has proven you
unworthy. As we look about us we see that none of the race has improved
and reached perfection -- rather,.on the contrary, the course of the
race in general has been downward, and the scriptural assurance is:
"There is none righteous, no not one." -- Romans 3:10.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(65)
If then the whole world is already condemned to death -- if all were
born in sin and thus from birth have been under the sentence of death,
what kind of a judgment further would they need? What more condemnation
could they receive from Jehovah than that already against them? Surely
we are not to suppose that God doubts the wisdom of his own decision,
which the Scriptures express so forcefully, and that He will try matters
again to see whether or not any mistake was made in His original
decision. The Supreme Court of the Universe is infallible; its decision
beyond repeal; its sentence is "The wages of sin is death." (Romans
6:23) For thousands of years this penalty has been inflicted. There
could be no hope of a change upon the part of the great Judge. We see,
then, that any thought of a repetition of the original trial and
sentence is inconsistent, and hence the day of judgment spoken of in
Acts 17:31 must refer to a new trial.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Grant of a New Trial</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(66)
But on what grounds could the great Supreme Judge of the Universe grant
a new trial to Adam and his family? We reply that, since he could not
rescind His own just sentence, the only consideration upon which a new
trial could be granted would be that the penalty of the original trial
should somehow first be met and canceled. And this is exactly what did
take place: "By one man's disobedience sin entered the world, and death
as a result of sin; and so death passed upon all men, for all have
sinned." -- have inherited the sin, are sinners. (Romans 5:12) But now
the Messiah has died for the ungodly -- has redeemed Adam, and
incidentally, all of his posterity involved in his transgression. --
Hence the Scriptures assure us that God can be just and yet be the
justifier of him that believes in Jesus. -- Romans 3:26.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(67)
Here notice that the apostle (in Acts 17:31) refers right back to our
Lord's great transaction, his great redemptive work and how that, after
he had died for our sins, God raised him from the dead. The apostle
further declares that in so doing, God gave us an assurance of his
intention to grant another trial to the race of Adam and that this Jesus
who died for Adam and his race is, by divine appointment, the Judge and
Mediator through whom all the condemned ones, if they will, may return
to the full perfection of harmony with their Creator, and the eternal
life which he is pleased to give to all those who are obedient to his
laws.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Necessity of Another Judgment</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(68)
The first judgment was based on the act of one man, the effects of
which extended to all of his posterity all lost, all were condemned, all
went into death. (Romans 5:12-19) The divine standard can never alter; a
sinner can never have eternal life, either in heaven or elsewhere.
Eternal life is a gift of God, and he will give it to none except those
who please him. The divine proposition is, to give to Adam and every
member of his race a full individual opportunity for returning to
harmony with God, and thus to a recovery to all that was lost through
the original fall -- with added blessings in the case of the faithful
followers of Jesus in the present age. This is the Good News! -- that
there is a hope of eternal life through Christ. Several thousand years
had elapsed before our Redeemer was born upon the earth, yet in all that
time none of Adam's race had escaped from death, and only a few had any
knowledge of the divine intention to provide a Savior and Redeemer and
ultimately to roll away the curse and bring in blessings through Him.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(69)
Those few were of the Abrahamic line, the Israelite line. But even to
them the reckoning of eternal life was never stated, though it was
indirectly hinted at through the Law. Had any of them been fully
obedient to the Law, then everlasting life would have been through the
Law, but due to the weakness of the flesh, no one gained eternal life
through obeidence to the Law, thus, any reckoning of justification, even
the Old Testaments times was given based on the coming sacrifice of
Jesus. (Luke 20:38; Acts 13:39; Romans 2:13; 3:4-28; 8:3; Galatians
2:16) Thus the Scriptures declare that our Lord brought life and
incorruption to light through the Good News -- its full meaning was not
brought to light before amongst mankind, since no human had lived a
sinless life. (2 Timothy 1:10) At his birth the angels declared that
they were messengers of Good News, which would have its fulfillment
through the newborn babe, saying: "We bring you good tidings of great
joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in
the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." -- Luke 2:10,11.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(70)
The apostle declares that these good tidings for our race are the
tidings of salvation -- not salvation from the torture of demons nor
from the eternal torment, but salvation from sin and its death penalty.
This salvation implied two things: -1- The sinner must be reformed in
heart and begotten again to newness of life; -2- the sinner must be
raised up out of the present death conditions -- brought back to full
perfection of life as it was enjoyed before the sentence or curse came
upon all mankind. This is salvation in the broadest meaning of the term,
and the apostle declares, which salvation began to be spoken by our
Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that there was no offer of such a
salvation, no basis upon which it could be offered, until Christ, as
our Redeemer, our Savior, brought life and incorruption to light. Still,
nothing that he said and nothing that the apostles said warrant us in
believing that this salvation will allow life eternal to be retained by
any except the willing and obedient. This salvation, indeed, we are
assured, is applied to Adam and every member of his race, but it will be
for each one of them to accept or reject the terms of the new covenant
that would allow them to retain life everlasting. The good tidings of
joy will be to all people, but it will mean eternal incorruptible life
only to those who prove their love and obedience to him -- those who
obey the great Redeemer (who is also the Teacher, the King and the
Judge) will, after the final judgment, depart into eternal life, while
those who prove themselves incorrigible will depart into eternal
punishment. -- Matthew 25:46.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(71)
In harmony with this thought the preaching of the Good News began with
Jesus, and has progressed amongst his followers ever since. We perceive,
however strange though it be, that the truth has never been popular,
that not many believed in the Redeemer himself, that not many believed
the message of the apostles, that the great growth -- amongst the
followers of Christ came when an admixture of error was added to the
Good News. And so we find today that, in proportion as the error is
combined with the truth, the larger are the numbers and the lower is the
Scriptural standard so far as faith and heart-obedience is concerned.
We find now, as in our Redeemer's day, that not many great, now many
wise, not many learned, not many noble have Jehovah's favor, but chiefly
the poor of the world, rich in faith, are called to be heirs of the
Kingdom.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Judgment of the Favored</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(72)
It is not difficult to prove from the facts as well as from the
Scriptures that Jehovah has a favored people who are in the world at the
present time -- that, as during the Jewish Age, the seed of Abraham
according to the flesh were Jehovah's favored people, and as the apostle
declared, a `Jew had much advantage in every way, mainly in that to
them were committed the oracles of God.' (Romans 3:2) So during the
Christian era, there is still a selection according to God's favor, as
the apostle points out -- only a certain class of the world is being
dealt with. The great mass of mankind are not being favored with the
necessary information and opportunity to come into harmony with Jehovah
at the present time. We know that some, ignorant of the Scriptures and
short-sighted in their view of the conditions of the world, may dispute
this, but it will stand examination from both standpoints.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(73)
Notice how frequently our Lord declares that only some have the ear to
hear. (Matthew 7:14; 13:9,13-18,43; Mark 4:9,12,23; 7:16; Luke 8:8;
14:35; John 10:3,16) This means that only those are called. And he
assures us that even amongst the called only a comparatively few will be
chosen to be of the joint-heirs with Christ, the bride of the Lamb.
(Matthew 22:1-14; Romans 8:17) The prophet Isaiah holds forth a similar
thought, assuring us of a future time coming, when the wilderness will
blossom as a rose, namely, the Millennial Age, when all the blind eyes
will be opened and all the deaf ears will be unstopped. (Isaiah 35:5) He
thus implies that at the present time many eyes are closed and many
ears are stopped, so that the majority of mankind now do not see and do
not hear, do not appreciate, the things which God has revealed to a
special class: only "the called according to his purpose." -- 2 Timothy
1:9; Isaiah 29:10; see also our study: <a data-mce-href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=393" href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=393" target="_blank">The Restoration of All Things</a>.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(74)
The apostle Paul also refers to the matter in the same way, only more
explicitly, telling us that "the god of this world has blinded the minds
of them that do not believe, lest the light of the glorious good news
of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine upon them." (2
Corinthians 4:4) This implies that generally the whole world was in
blindness, but that by God's grace his message through Jesus and his
disciples comes as an eye-salve to some, but not to all. The vast
majority, blinded by the adversary, by false doctrines, selfishness,
weakness, depravity, superstition, etc., are utterly blind and ignorant
respecting the true qualities of God and of his Son, and the plan for
his vindication through the salvation being worked out on their behalf.
As the apostle declares: "The world does not know us, even as it did not
know him." (1 John 3:1) We are not therefore to say that God has
blinded the world, but rather, as the apostle does, that it is the
adversary who has brought this blindness of heart upon mankind, which
hinders their knowing, loving and appreciating God's love and offer of
salvation.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(75)
We therefore ask this question: Why should God provide a great feast of
fat things through the sacrifice of his Son, and yet not make provision
that all of the unenlightened human family of Adam should hear of it?
The very thought seems incongruous. He who loved the whole world so as
to give his only begotten Son as their redemption price surely should
love them all to such an extent that he would give them all the proper
knowledge of that Son -- the knowledge necessary to their appreciation
of him, and of his work, and of their privilege of return to harmony
with their Creator and to everlasting life. We search the scriptures to
ascertain the secret of this peculiarity, and are there informed that
Jehovah is now calling a peculiar people, a cream class as it were, from
the world of mankind into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9,10) From
amongst these called ones, God first chooses a bride for his Son;
secondarily others are chosen to be bridesmaids, princesses, princes in
all the earth, etc. -- Matthew 25:1-13; Psalm 45:14-15.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Judgment of the House of God</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(76)
What happens to those whose eyes of understanding open in this age?
What blessing comes to them? We answer: A blessing of knowledge and
hope, but also of trial. In proportion to their knowledge they have a
responsibility toward God. They are on trial for life or death
everlasting. In proportion as they respond to the love and grace of God
by obedience to His will and by growth in Christlikeness, in that same
proportion do they receive various rewards or chastisements. (Matthew
24:45-50; Luke 12:42-48) While the general principle of Luke 12:42-48
has been true throughout this age, yet the context (verses 35-39) shows
that its special application is here in the end of the age, with its
culmination after the wedding ceremony has taken place. Thus we
ascertain that its participants are not of the bride class, but rather
representative of Christians waiting for Christ to return from the
wedding here in the end of the age. See our study on "<a data-mce-href="http://ctr.rlbible.com/?p=127" href="http://ctr.rlbible.com/?p=127" target="_blank">The Faithful and Wise Servant and Other Servants"</a>, and also our study on <a data-mce-href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=41" href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=41" target="_blank">The Parable of the Four Servants</a>.
The point is that only those who eyes and ears see and hear in this age
are now on trial -- being judged. The remainder of mankind, whom the
god of this world has blinded, are not on trial, are not being judged
now, but are already judged in Adam.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(77)
Let us prove this. First, the whole world is under the original Adamic
sentence, and cannot be released from that sentence except by faith in
the Son of God as the Redeemer -- a faith based on a reasonable degree
of knowledge. Only by the exercise of this faith and obedience do any
pass from under the condemnation that came upon all through Adam into
the justification which comes to believers through Christ; second, the
whole world is still under the Adamic condemnation; as the apostle
declares, only believers have escaped it. Should no opportunity be given
to the world to come to enlightenment on the subject they could never
escape that condemnation -- could never be rid of the original sentence
of death -- could never, therefore, go on trial again.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>`God's Hand Is Not Short'</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
"Behold, Jehovah's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor his ear heavy, that it cannot hear." -- Isaiah 59:1.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(78)
Some tell us that God is doing all in His power for the world, to bring
mankind to a knowledge of the truth, of His grace and the opportunities
of eternal life through His Son. We believe no such thing -- it is
contrary to both reason and Scripture. Jehovah through His Word not only
informs us that Satan is operating in the world in opposition to the
light of truth, and blinding the masses, but we are also assured that
God has full power over Satan, and that when His due time comes Satan
will be bound, restrained, so that he will not deceive the nations until
the thousand years are finished and that for the entire thousand years
of the Millennial Age the world will be free from all such blinding
influences. (2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 12:9; 20:1-3; Isaiah
29:18,24) The Scriptures assure us that though darkness now covers the
earth, society, and gross darkness the people, yet in God's due time the
light of Truth will mount up high in the heavens as the Sun of
Righteousness, to scatter the darkness and clouds of sin and
superstition, and that thus from two standpoints a blessing will come by
restraining the powers of darkness and by setting free the powers of
light. Of that time we are further assured that the knowledge of Jehovah
will fill the whole earth as the waters cover the sea. -- Isaiah 60:2;
Malachi 4:2; Isaiah 11:9.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(79)
Those who think of God as having done all that is in His power to cause
the knowledge of His grace and truth to fill the earth have not yet
come to understand the power of Jehovah's hand. It is not shortened, as
he tells us in due time all His purposes will be accomplished. (Jeremiah
51:29) The difficulty with mankind is in shortsightedness -- the
feeling that more should be done at the present time. We need to be
calm, and to sink into Jehovah's will. Instead of attempting to tell
Jehovah how we think his plan for the glorification of his name and the
salvation of man should be carried out, and instead of attempting to
carry out our own plans irrespective of the divine arrangement, we
should as obedient children listen to the voice of our Father through
His Son and through the apostles and prophets, assuring us that in His
due time the message of salvation will be good tidings of great joy to
all people -- assuring us that now He is doing a preparatory work,
finding and developing His jewels, those who will constitute the judges
and governors of that coming age of glory. (Malachi 3:17; Luke 19:15-19;
Isaiah 32:1) As soon as mankind has completely learned the lessons
pertaining to the rulership of sin and death, then He will work through
his chosen servants of this age to the fulfillment of His great and
glorious plan, which is not merely for the salvation of those called in
this age, but for the salvation of the whole world that whosoever will
may take of the water of life freely. -- 1 Timothy 4:10; John 4:42; 1
John 2:2; Revelation 22:17.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The World's Judgment</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(80)
Who do not see then that the judgment or trial of the world in general
cannot begin until the eyes of their understanding are opened, and that
God will not set into operation the general plan for the opening of all
the blind eyes and the unstopping of all the deaf ears until first they
have seen the far extremes of where government by sinful man will lead.
Then Jesus, the Bride of Christ and all who have been favored of God in
this age will shine forth for the blessing of the world when Satan will
first have been bound.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(81)
Thus Paul spoke concerning that time saying: "He has appointed a day in
which He will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom He has
ordained. Of this he has given a guarantee to all, in that He has raised
him from the dead." (Acts 17:31) This verse does not refer to the
judgment of the called-out ones of this age, which takes place in
advance, and which was already in progress when the apostle uttered
these words. It does not refer to the judgment of Church as a part of
the judgment of the world. On the contrary, He assures us that if we are
faithful we will not come into judgment with the world in the end of
this age, but will be counted as not as "children of wrath," but as
"children of the day," "children of God by faith." -- Ephesians 2:3;
Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 1:10.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(82)
Looking at Acts 17:31 again, we see that it refers to the entire matter
of the world's judgment as future from the apostle's day. It is still
future from our day, though very near at hand. Thus we believe that the
great Sun of Righteousness will soon be revealed, and the shadows of the
dark night of sin and superstition and ignorance will begin to flee
away. We can no longer wonder that Jehovah, through the prophets, spoke
so joyfully of this coming judgment of the world as a great blessing,
saying: "Let the heavens rejoice, and the earth be glad! Let the sea
roar and the fullness thereof! Let the field be joyful and all that is
therein! Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before Jehovah!
For He is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth! He will judge the
world with righteousness and the people with His truth!" -- Psalm
95:10-13</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(83)
Whoever gets the right conception of this word judge, "krino," sees
clearly that it means that Jehovah will deliver even the poor of mankind
from death to be given a trial, no matter how degraded, no matter how
fallen through sin, superstition and ignorance. The divine plan is so
wide and so deep and so broad that every member of Adam's race will have
a full opportunity of coming to a knowledge of the truth that he may
obey and live forever. He cannot receive eternal life in ignorance; he
cannot receive eternal life without the eyes of his understanding being
opened, and God's arrangement is that they all will see. Then all will
know Jehovah from the least to the greatest, and then under the blessing
of that knowledge they will be on trial. If after they know Jehovah and
know of His righteousness and its reward, and of the penalty of sin --
if then they choose disobedience willfully, persistently, intelligently,
they will die the Second Death, "everlasting destruction from the
presence [face] of the Lord and the glory of His power" -- in which
these will be no hope, from which there will be no resurrection. -- 2
Thessalonians 1:9.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>"The Saints Will Judge The World"</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(84)
It is in full agreement with this line of thought and in disagreement
with every other thought on this subject that the apostle declares: "Do
you not know that the saints will judge the world?" (1 Corinthians 6:2)
Here he distinctly differentiates between the Church and the world. The
saints, he tells us, are being judged now -- every son whom Jehovah
receives is disciplined, corrected, proven, that only the faithful may
receive the higher honors, and that all may be the more wiser in
whatever reward he may receive from Jehovah. But the world, he
distinctly tells us, is not on judgment now -- not on trial -- but will
be on trial in the future; and when the world will be on trial the
saints [dedicated ones] will be the judges. (Hebrews 12:6,7; 1
Corinthians 11:32) Having already passed trial themselves, the saints
will be the judges under Christ as the great Judge -- the judges of the
world during its trial time, during the millennial kingdom reign.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(85)
We should rid our minds of the thought that the day of judgment is
merely a time for sentencing for wrong doing and the blindness of the
present life of the world, and should see clearly that, on the contrary,
whatever there is in the present life that is of ignorance, of
blindness, of superstition, that comes to all through the fall and
through the power of the adversary, all this is to be forgiven men, is
to be blotted out, if they accept Jehovah and His gracious arrangements,
just as these ignorances and blemishes are in the present time forgiven
the disciples of Jesus, and we who believe are counted as free from all
condemnation though our Redeemer's merit and sacrifice. So the people
blinded of this world, when they come to a knowledge of Jehovah and an
appreciation of His arrangement, will be cleared of responsibility for
original sin and all the blemishes coming from it, and will be helped by
Jehovah and the glorified Church out of all these blemishes, according
to the promise of His word, that this will be a time of restoration of
all things spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world
began. -- Acts 3:21.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><a name="matt25-31"></a>
<b>The Sheep and Goats<br /> Matthew 25:31-46</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(86)
Christian people have held various views of the parable of the sheep
and goats, some claiming that the parable has been in process of
fulfillment ever since Christ was on the earth and that it will be
finished at the second coming of Christ. This view is shown to be
erroneous by the first verse of the parable, which definitely locates
the time of its fulfillment. It begins during the time of the second
advent of Christ, as is clearly intimated by the words: "When the Son of
man will come in his glory, and all his holy angels with him, then he
will sit down on his glorious throne; and all nations will be gathered
before him." These momentous events have not yet occurred, and
consequently the parable still belongs to the future.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(87)
Another interpretation given to the parable by some is that at the
second advent of Christ, on the very day of his arrival, all the
billions of the dead will come forth and, together with the living, will
all arrange themselves before Jesus, and that during that 24-hour day
he, as the great King, will separate the sheep class from the goat
class, gathering all the sheep to the right hand and all the goats to
the left hand.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(88)
This interpretation is not very satisfactory to anybody because, first,
it implies that Jesus will not have already made any determination as
respects those who are his and those who are not. (John 10:14) If we fit
this interpretation to the usual but erroneous teaching that all the
dead are either in heaven with God and the angels or in some nether
world with demons and flames, it would imply that they were dealt with
before they were judged. It further implies that some who had gone to
heaven and been there for centuries should have been in the other place,
and other who had possibly gone to the other place by mistake should
have gone to heaven, and this parable shows the time and manner in which
Jesus will finally determine as to whether or not any serious mistakes
had occurred and endeavor to rectify them. Moreover this view supposes
God to be fallible, or else supposes a gathering of millions from heaven
and hell to this earth again for no particular purpose, merely for a
spectacular display which could alter nothing. This view as a whole is
farcical, for it would be absurd to think of any kind of a judgment of
the whole world or a separative gathering into two companies all over
the earth in a 24-hour day. True, this is the prevailing view, but that
proves nothing as respects its truthfulness or its reasonableness. It is
to the discredit of theologians in general that any could entertain
such a thought for a moment, or suppose that the Almighty and his
glorified Son would participate in such a useless sham.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(89)
A more recent view has been presented by the Watchtower leaders,
beginning with "Judge" Rutherford. The earlier Watch Tower taught very
similar to what we are here presenting. But after the death of Brother
Charles T. Russell, "Judge" Rutherford began to form a new organization.
To induce others to submit to this "organization," he brought forth a
new teaching to cause fear in all in the "Bible Student" fellowship.
Basically, the idea was that all who oppose Judge Rutherford's new
teachings would be of the "goat" class and all who agreed with his
doctrine would be of the "sheep" class. All then, who would not bow to
his teachings, would be eternally destroyed in the Battle of Armageddon.
Thus he set up a "golden calf" for all under his influence to worship.
This "golden calf" was none other than the Watchtower organization
leaders, especially himself.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(90)
The Watchtower leaders little by little left the teaching that the
sheep in this parable are the Millennial sheep. In time the Watchtower
began to teach that these sheep are the "great multitude" who pass
through Armageddon. However, this interpretation cannot follow through.
Why not? Because, as we have shown, the individual judgment of the world
is not yet. The time when the nations are gathered for individual
judgment is during the Millennial reign of Jesus. Remember that Jesus
said: "I am coming as a light into the world, that whosoever believes in
me should not remain in darkness. And if any man hears my words, and
does not believe, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the
world, but to save the world. He that rejects me, and does not receive
my words, has one that judges him -- the words that I have spoken, the
same will judge him in the last day." (John 12:46-48)To say that God is
judging individuals now for eternal life or eternal death when he wasn't
when Jesus was here on the earth is beyond reason. Today the world is
filled with more deceptions, more corruptions, and more confusion than
ever before. Of all generations, the present generation should be
considered the foremost generation in need of being liberated from its
darkness and receiving the light of truth. Yet the present stand of the
Watchtower would deny this. In the Watchtower book, You Can Live Forever
in Paradise on Earth , we find this statement: "After Armageddon no
part of this wicked world will remain. Only persons who serve God will
continue to live." (page 155) While we could agree with this statement
as it stands, the application of the sheep and goats to the present age
would mean that all who fail to understand, believe, or obey the
Watchtower teachings are going off into eternal destruction, which we
deny. On page 183 of the same Watchtower book we read:</div>
<blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Will
you be there to enjoy the good things that Jehovah God has in store?
This will depend on whether you survive an earlier judgment day, namely
the present `day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men.' -- 2
Peter 3:7.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Yes,
since Christ returned and sat down on his heavenly throne, all
humankind has been on judgment. This present `day of judgment' comes
before the 1,000-year Judgment Day as `goats' will be destroyed because
they fail to help Christ's anointed `brothers' in their service to God.
In time, these `goats' show themselves to be unrepentant sinners,
wicked, hardened in their practice of unrighteousness. The `sheep,' on
the other hand, will be blessed with life under the Kingdom rule because
they support Christ's `brothers' in every way. -- Matthew 25:31-46."</div>
</blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(91)
Thus is laid the groundwork for obtaining the absolute obedience of
unwary newcomers to their organization. On page 193 of the same book it
is claimed that their organization is headed by a few of Christ's
"brothers" who have been appointed as the "faithful and discreet slave
class." (Matthew 24:45-47)</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(92)
"On his return in Kingdom power in the year 1914, did Christ find a
`faithful and discreet slave' class providing spiritual `food,' or
information? Yes he found such a `slave' class providing spiritual
`food,' or information? Yes, he found such a `slave' made up of the
remaining ones on earth of his 144,000 `brothers.' (Revelation 12:10;
14:1,3) And since 1914 millions of persons have accepted the `food' they
provide, and have begun practicing true religion with them. This
organization of God's servants is known as Jehovah's witnesses."</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(93)
Imagine now how those who know nothing, or very little, of the truth
about the ransom could easily become frightened into obedience to these
religious leaders! But does the Watchtower present the correct
understanding of the parable of the "sheep and goats?" No. The gathering
of the nations here takes place by restoring them to life so that they
may be judged, not by their past works, but by their works as related to
the books that will then be opened. (Revelation 20:11-13). It is not
the gathering of nations that takes place at Armageddon for the
executing of God's judgment as begun upon man through Adam. "`Therefore
wait for me,' says Jehovah, `until the day I rise up for plunder, my
determination is to gather the nations, to my assembly of kingdoms, to
pour on them my indignation, all my fierce anger. All the earth will be
devoured with the fire of my jealousy." (Zephaniah 3:8) This is just
before or at the beginning of the 1,000-year reign of Jesus, when God
executes judgment upon all the ungodly. This same period is when the day
of Jehovah comes as a thief upon the world. The execution of judgment
at that time is to convince the ungodly of their sins, thus indicating
that their destruction is not eternal but rather for the purpose of
disciplining. (Jude 1:15; 2 Peter 3:7,10) It is during this transition
period that Satan's world is destroyed. It is not until after the
destruction of this present evil world that Jehovah `turns to the
peoples a pure language.' (Zephaniah 3:9) The Watchtower leaders have to
admit that the peoples of the world are still being blinded by Satan.
(2 Corinthians 4:4) It is not until after Satan is bound and the veil of
blindness is removed that it can truly be said that the nations have
received a pure language. (Isaiah 25:6-7; Revelation 20:3) And the
method of gathering the nations at that time will be through the
awakening of the dead, in the day when many will be turned to
righteousness. -- Revelation 20:11-13; Daniel 12:2,3.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(94)
And thus we have the proper setting for the judgment of the sheep and
the goats. The "sheep" of the parable are not the sheep of the present
age, whom the Master knows and who know the Master. (John 10:14) Rather
these are the "other sheep" who are not of the fold that recognize the
Master in the present age. They are brought forth out of death. These
become the sheep of the next age. These do not inherit a place in the
ruling house of God, but do inherit the kingdom prepared from the
founding of the world, the kingdom that was prepared for Adam and which
he lost. (Matthew 25:34; Genesis 1:28; Psalm 8:3-8; Hebrews 2:6-8) These
inherit these promises, not after Armageddon, but after the final
eternal destruction of the wicked which takes place after the
thousand-year reign of Christ, the day which God has appointed "in which
he will judge the world in righteousness." -- Revelation 20:7-9; Psalm
37:9-11; Acts 17:31.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(95)
The work of individual judgment here described is upon those of the
nations, that is, those outside Jehovah's favor. Thus Jesus describes
the work of the Millennial Age: "All nations will be gathered before
him." The "great multitude of Revelation 7 cannot be included in the
parable of the sheep and goats. Why not? Because they come out of the
nations and become God's people during the present evil world. They are
part of God's "called-out" class, his church. The people of the nations
who do not become part of the "great multitude" simply remain under
God's wrath as placed upon them through Adam. (John 3:36) After
Armageddon's destruction, the light will then shine upon all nations as
they are gathered from the grave. (John 5:28,29) Then all the blind eyes
will be opened, all the deaf ears will be unstopped, and the knowledge
of the glory of Jehovah will fill the whole earth. -- Isaiah 35; 11:9.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(96)
We might be inclined to think that, with all the blessed favors,
privileges, opportunities and knowledge which the Millennial Age will
bring to the world, the whole human family would develop into sheep. But
the parable teaches to the contrary. There will be some who, even after
their eyes and ears will have been opened to see and appreciate
something of Jehovah's goodness, will still fail to develop that measure
of loving obedience and accord with righteousness which would have his
approval. They do not receive the mark as sheep which would entitle them
under the divine arrangement at the close of the Millennial Age to be
ushered into the everlasting Kingdom of God.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(97)
The Scriptures indicate that the gathering to judgment will be a
gradual one, not all at the same moment, not all on the same day, not
all in the same year. All nations will be gathered, however, including
the nations destroyed in Armageddon's battle. Gradually, more and more
they will be gathered from the tomb, until all the race will be
assembled excepting those who have been favored in advance during this
Good News Age. All will see the King in his beauty. All will discern
that they are living under the reign of Immanuel. All will realize that
the clouds and darkness of this present time of evil, of sin, of Satan,
have rolled away and a new dispensation has been inaugurated. Then it
will no longer be necessary to suffer for righteousness' sake but only
for evil doing. The work of separating will be a gradual one, and will
not be fully completed until the close of the Millennial Age. Each
member of Adam's race will have a full opportunity for not only
receiving instruction in righteousness, but for making his personal
decision as respects the same. In other words, each will have an
opportunity for the development of personal attributes in God-likeness.
Those who refuse or neglect the opportunity for formation into
God-likeness prove themselves unworthy of everlasting life and will be
amongst the goats, while all who will develop true God-like attributes
will be amongst the sheep.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(98)
It will be the work of the entire Millennial Age to bring this about.
Righteousness will reign then, as sin reigns now. That is to say, it
will be in control, in the ascendancy; and whosoever will sin then will
suffer promptly. Hence all the nations will be avoiding sin. Then the
world in general will be a grand place, where "nothing will hurt or
destroy"; where "the inhabitant will not say: `I am sick'"; where the
curse will be gradually rolled away, and there will be no more crying,
no more sighing, no more dying; and where the blessing of God, bring
perfection, will prevail. "Oh happy day!" we exclaim. And surely it will
be such; for all who live through those thousand years will have a
great blessing. -- Psalm 72:7; Isaiah 11:9; 33:24; 65:25; Revelation
22:3; 21:4.<br />
=========<br />
See our study:<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://rlbible.com/?p=585" href="http://rlbible.com/?p=585" target="_blank">The Timeframe of Matthew 25:31-46</a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Law of Retribution</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(99)
But, some inquire, what about the sins of the world? Will there be no
chastisements, no punishments, for these? We answer that it will be
equally just for God to forgive the sins of the world for Christ's sake
as it has been just for him to forgive the sins of the disciples of this
age for Christ's sake. If the one is just, so will be the other. God is
no respecter of persons, and is equally as willing to forgive the sins
of the world as the sins of the disciples of Jesus, when the those of
the world, repenting from sin, will turn from it, and accept Christ as
their Redeemer.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(100)
This does not mean, however, that justice is to be ignored. In the case
of the disciples of Jesus today, note how the sins of youth may leave
their scar and sting to the end of life. The disciples of Jesus in this
age may have to continue to fight against tendencies he has acquired or
inherited until the day he dies. And so we may reasonably assume that
certain strifes, or punishments, will be permitted to follow the world
in just the same manner. They will return with the same traits,
tendencies, etc., with which they died. The liar will still be prone to
lie; the thief will still have a desire to steal; etc. It will be from
these weaknesses and frailties that they will be gradually raised up to
perfection during these blessed thousand years of Christ's kingdom, when
Satan will be bound and not permitted to deceive any during that
period. -- Isaiah 26:9; Revelation 20:3.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(101)
But what about the heart condition? If conformity to the divine law in
an outward way will bring blessings to all, will there not still be a
difference between the people -- some coming heartily into accord with
the Father, and others merely outwardly into harmony, because this
outward harmony will be the way to restoration, perfection?</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(102)
Undoubtedly this is the correct reasoning. It is along this line that
the parable before us teaches; namely, that outwardly the "sheep" and
the "goats" will have much the same appearance and demeanor, except to
the Judge, the King, who will read the heart and ultimately will
manifest to all that there has been a real heart difference between the
two classes, all of whom will have been on trial during the thousand
years, receiving blessings from the kingdom.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Basis of Judgment</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(103)
All the while each individual will be more and more learning how to
obey God's law, some ingraining this law in their hearts while others
only learn to refrain from sins of violation toward others. Their true
character will be fully appreciated by the great Judge, and the
individual will be rated as a "sheep" or as a "goat." All the sheeplike
ones will thus be received at the right hand of Jesus. All the goatlike
ones will be rated as out of favor with Jehovah, even though all the
while they will be receiving the blessings of the Millennial kingdom and
outwardly rendering obedience to its laws.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(104)
Not until the conclusion of the Millennium will the decision of the
Judge be manifested. Then great surprise will be shown at his decision
-- by both parties. To the "sheep" at his right hand he will say: "Come,
you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world." (Matthew 25:34) When God laid the foundation
of the earth it was his design to have it inhabited with perfect, happy
humans. (Isaiah 45:12,18) This is not the same kingdom as the Messianic
kingdom. On the contrary, it is the kingdom which God gave to Adam,
which Adam lost through his disobedience and which Christ redeemed by
the sacrifice of himself. (Genesis 1:26; Psalm 8:4-8; Hebrews 2:7-9) It
will be given to those who will have developed complete Godlikeness --
those who have become the Lord's "other sheep" during the Millennium.
John 10:16.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(105)
Then the other class, the goats of the parable, will be sentenced:
"Depart, you cursed ones, into everlasting punishment." Granted all the
privileges, blessings and experiences during the thousand years of
contact with righteousness, truth and the spirit of God, these, though
they had rendered an outward obedience in refraining from sins of
violation, but at heart they had not come into harmony with God. They
will, therefore, not be recognized as "sheep." Failing in developing
pure Godlikeness they cannot be presented to the Father as blameless and
irreprovable. They will have to be destroyed. This punishment, however,
the final vengeance of God, is the second death, "everlasting
destruction." (2 Thessalonians 1:8,9) Their penalty is an everlasting
one because there will be no further provision made for their redemption
or for a resurrection from the second death. They will have failed
utterly to appreciate the goodness of God and to develop into his
likeness. Eternal life is only for those who have God's likeness and
God's spirit. `The Father is seeking such to worship him in spirit and
truth.' -- John 4:23.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(106)
Both classes, the "sheep" and the "goats," will be surprised at what
the King, the Judge, declares to be the basis of his judgment. To the
sheep he will say: "I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty,
and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me in; naked, and
you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in prison, and you
came to me." To the goat class he says: "I was hungry, and you did not
give me food. -- I was thirsty, and you did not give me drink. I was a
stranger, and you did not take me in; naked, and you did not clothe me;
sick, and in prison, and you did not visit me." -- Matthew
25:35,36,42,43.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(107)
Both the "sheep" and "goat" will claim that they had no knowledge of
any such experiences. Each asked: When did we do these things, or not do
these things? Jesus' reply will be: "Inasmuch as you have done [or have
not done] it to one of the least of these my brothers, you have done
[or not done] it unto me." Matthew 25:40,45.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The "Brothers" Of Christ</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(108)
Now who are these "brothers" respecting whom there will be a test upon
the sheep class and upon the goat class? Will there be people sick,
hungry and in prison during the Millennium? Does the Lord wish us to
understand that there will be such things then? We have, on the
contrary, always assumed that sickness, poverty, hunger and prisons will
then be gone forever. What does it all mean?</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(109)
Let us explain. With the establishment of the kingdom all who come into
harmony with it will have the great privilege of doing something to
help others. The world is blind and starved now, for lack of spiritual
food and the anointing eye-salve of truth. While the Millennial
blessings will be showered upon those who accept Jehovah's terms, there
will be others who will need assistance. Those who develop within
themselves true love will be glad to carry the heavenly message of
reconciliation to all humanity, glad to apply the eye-salve to the
blind, glad to unstop the ears of the deaf, glad to help the sin-sick
back into harmony with God helping them to cover their nakedness with
the merit of Christ.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(110)
All who will take pleasure in this work will thus be manifesting that
they have God's spirit and are co-laborers with him. All these will be
the sheep. On the other hand, those who will be careless in respect to
their vow, and merely enjoy the Millennial blessings themselves, will be
of the goat class and will thus be marking themselves as a "goat."
Correspondingly they will be out of favor with the great King of kings,
their Judge, the Lord of glory.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(111)
Those now sitting in darkness will then be invited to come out of the
prison house of darkness. (Isaiah 42:7) When the world is awakened, they
will still be sitting in darkness. They will need to be "visited" while
yet in this prison so that they may be enlightened and thus be released
from that prison house. The "sheep" class will be happy to "visit"
these new ones coming forth from the graves in order to assist them. The
goats will not be interested in helping others.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(112)
But how are these ones coming out of the graves Christ's "brothers?"
Some have claimed that the 144,000 (Revelation 7:1-4; 14:1) are the only
brothers of Christ. It is true that in a special way the 144,000 become
"brothers" to Jesus. But we note also that the apostles Peter and Paul
as well as Stephen referred to the Jewish people of their day as their
"brothers." (Acts 3:12,17; 7:2; 13:16,26,38; 22:1; 23:1,5,6; 28:17;
Romans 9:3) Additionally, Paul included the men of Athens as "offspring
of God." (Acts 22:28,29) And since the whole creation is to share in the
glorious liberty of the children of God, Jesus shared in the same as
the children, that is, "man" referred to in Hebrews 2:6-8, to whom was
subjected all things. Man was given dominion over all things in the
beginning, but it was lost to him through Adam's disobedience. Thus
Hebrews 2:8 tells us that now we do not see all things put under him,
that is, mankind. Verses 9 and 14 tell us that Jesus shared the same as
the children the offspring of God -- mankind. Thus he is not ashamed to
call them his "brothers," (verse 11) "because the creation itself will
also be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious
liberty of the children of God." (Romans 8:21) To be released from this
bondage would indicate they will be led by God's spirit, thus becoming
sons of God. (Romans 8:14,15) Thus in a broad sense all mankind could be
called his brothers, since he partook of the same humanity.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(113)
The eternal fire is the fire of God's jealousy or anger, which burns
against and destroys everything antagonistic to his righteousness.
(Zephaniah 1:18; 3:8) It is, of course, merely a figurative expression
representing the destructiveness of God's eternal jealousy for
righteousness.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Rewarding of the Sheep</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(114)
The rewarding of the sheep and the punishing of the goats will come at
the close of the Millennial Age. True, great blessings will be upon all
during the Millennial Age, upon each in proportion to his obedience to
the divine standards, but only at the close of the age will the full
reward be granted. The reward to be granted to those "other sheep" will
be the kingdom which God prepared from the foundation of the world, from
the time of Adam's creation. That kingdom was given to Adam originally;
he was the first king of earth while in the image of his Creator. As it
is written of him: "You [Jehovah] have made him a little lower than the
gods and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him to have
dominion over the works of your hands, you have put all things under his
feet." -- Psalm 8:5,6.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(115)
By disobedience father Adam lost the rulership and power in his
kingdom, and the entire kingdom of God's earthly creation has suffered
as a consequence. The reign of Christ during the Millennium will be for
the purpose of lifting up so many of mankind as will then desire to come
back into full harmony with Jehovah, lifting them up out of the mire of
sin and out the miry clay and horrible pit of sin and death, lifting
them up to all that Adam was before he sinned -- to the image and
likeness of their Creator. This the apostle Paul designates
"restoration" (Acts 3:20,21), which he tells us takes place during
Christ's return.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(116)
But even the obedient of mankind will not be fit to be entrusted with
the kingdom of the world until absolute perfection will have been
reached, and the perfection of the race will not be attained, as we have
seen, until the end of the thousand-year day appointed for the purpose.
Then the worthy will be granted the kingdom of earth, the dominion
under the whole heavens. With this transfer of the earthly control to
the perfect man at that time, Christ's Millennial Kingdom or mediatorial
Kingdom will end. In delivering the Kingdom up to the perfect and
worthy members of the race he will be delivering it up to the Father, in
full harmony with the Father's original arrangement, interfered with by
original sin. What the glories of this earth will be when man, the king
of the earth, will be restored to the image of his Creator, and when
the earth itself will be filled with the glory of God, we cannot begin
to completely comprehend in our present state. We can only wonder and
praise and adore the loving God, whose provision has been so bountiful
for every creature, every member of the fallen race.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Punishment of the Goats</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(117)
After the day of Judgment Satan will be loosed from his bonds for a
short period of time. (Revelation 20:7) It appears that then those of
the goat class will show their true colors as they follow Satan at that
time. (Revelation 20:8) It is at the end of this short intermediate
period that the goats receive their punishment of "everlasting
destruction." In Revelation 20:8 they are pictured as being destroyed by
fire that comes down from God out of heaven. Revelation 21:8 speaks of
them as `cowardly and unbelieving, having become foul, murderers,
fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, liars,' etc. These have their portion
in the second death represented by the "lake of fire." We do not
believe that during this short period of time when Satan is released
that the goat class will actually be permitted to enter into murder. But
our thought is that by their hatred for their fellow-man they show that
they have murder in their hearts. Exactly how all this will be
fulfilled toward the goat class during the short period of time Satan is
let loose we do not presently know. All we can see is that somehow
Satan gets the goat class to follow him against God.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(118)
Their sentence to eternal destruction evidently occurs just at the
close of the 1,000 year reign of Christ. It appears to be delayed for
only a short time as they depart into the everlasting fire made ready
for the devil and his angels. The everlasting fire represents God's
eternal zeal for righteousness and against unrighteousness. At the end
of the Millennium it is made ready or prepared to destroy all in
opposition to God. But they are allowed a short period of time to prove
their opposition. Therefore they are sentenced sometime before they
receive their punishment. They receive the sentence of eternal
destruction because of failure to develop the spirit of love, for love
is the fulfilling of the law. None can meet the divine approval except
those whose sentiments will attain to the degree of loving Jehovah with
all their hearts, minds, being and strength, and their neighbors as
themselves. (Matthew 23:37-40; Romans 13:8; Galatians 5:14; 6:2) The
sheep of the Millennial Age, we may be sure, will attain to this love
which God's law marks as the proper measure of God-likeness. The goats
of the Millennial Age, we may be equally sure, will be the ones who will
not have this God-likeness.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>"Into Everlasting Punishment"</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(119)
The Greek word rendered "everlasting" is not as strong as our English
word which represents it. However, on this point we raise no question;
it is the same word that is used in referring to everlasting life which
will be granted the sheep. It may be well, however, to notice that life,
being Jehovah's gift to the sheep, implies that no life will be given
to the goats -- it thus implies the kind of punishment which the
Scriptures describe, namely, a death punishment, an extinction of life;
and this extinction of life will continue forever, as we have seen.
Hence while the punishment is everlasting, the second death condemnation
does not mean that the person continues to consciously suffer over and
over and over for every split second for all eternity; the wages of sin
for the first condemnation in Adam was not eternal suffering, for Jesus
suffered once, not for eternity to pay those wages of sin. (Hebrews
7:27; 9:26; 10:10; 1 Peter 3:18; 4:1) Likewise, with the second
condemnation, only there is no more sacrifice for sin that will cover
anyone under the second condemnation, thus the resulting death is an
everlasting punishment, signifying a death from which there will be no
release. -- Hebrews 10:26.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<b>All Creation Praises Jehovah</b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(120)
With Satan and his demons as well as all the goat class destroyed, what
a joyous time all creation will then have! This final victory results
in the exaltation of Jehovah as described in Psalm 145:10: "All your
works will praise you, O Jehovah!" The whole universe will then be
cleansed, so one could diligently seek to find a wicked person, and
there would be none. (Psalm 37:10) For "the meek will inherit the earth
and delight themselves in the abundance of peace." (Psalm 37:11) "Let
everything that has breath praise Jehovah!" (Psalm 150:6) What a happy
time that will be then!</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b>Related Links:</b></i></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=442" href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=442" target="_blank"><b>Hosea 13:14 – Redemption From Sheol</b></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=465" href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=465" target="_blank"><b>Isaiah 66:4 – Fires That Are Not Quenched</b></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=500" href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=500" target="_blank"><b>Matthew 7:19 – Trees Thrown Into the Fire</b></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<a data-mce-href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=380" href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=380" target="_blank"><b>Understanding Kingdom Mysteries</b></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<a data-mce-href="http://jesus.rlbible.com/?p=945" href="http://jesus.rlbible.com/?p=945" target="_blank"><b>Mystery of Godliness Revealed</b></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<b> <a data-mce-href="http://atonement.rlbible.com/?p=207" href="http://atonement.rlbible.com/?p=207" target="_blank">Did Jesus Die for Those Condemned to the Second Death?</a></b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<a data-mce-href="http://rlbible.com/?p=41" href="http://rlbible.com/?p=41" target="_blank"><b>The Church’s Divinely-Appointed Mission</b></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<b> <a data-mce-href="http://atonement.rlbible.com/?p=230" href="http://atonement.rlbible.com/?p=230" target="_blank">Jesus Saves the Whole World Condemned in Adam</a></b></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<a data-mce-href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=396" href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=396" target="_blank"><b>Why Does God Allow Evil and Suffering?</b></a></div>
<a data-mce-href="http://jesus.rlbible.com/?p=2097" href="http://jesus.rlbible.com/?p=2097" target="_blank">Both Jehovah Judges and His Son Judges</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://atonement.rlbible.com/?p=255" href="http://atonement.rlbible.com/?p=255" target="_blank">Unbelievers Saved (Delivered) for Judgment in Last Day</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=399" href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=399" target="_blank">Mankind’s Coming Day of Judgment</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=732" href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=732" target="_blank">Ages in the Bible and the Last Day of Judgment</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=119" href="http://life.rlbible.com/?p=119" target="_blank">The Third Heaven and Paradise</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://jesus.rlbible.com/?p=343" href="http://jesus.rlbible.com/?p=343" target="_blank">Whoever Will Call Upon the Name of Jehovah</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://atonement.rlbible.com/?p=40" href="http://atonement.rlbible.com/?p=40" target="_blank">The Repentance of 2 Peter 3:9</a><br /><br /><br />
<p align="center"><br /></p>Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-12073447934202288842016-11-23T10:26:00.008-08:002023-01-14T21:00:45.742-08:00Will Billions Be Eternally Destroyed in the Battle of Armageddon?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRIj3TGxJdyhijj3pW5k2GiMrGC9coVhz1NjS6BAC7Cy3urls4JijXgN7lZMGkM8uqZzf4eRs92NVQqEDV0ETMFqCZMQrjEEexez-fWFT8Ke2dRwq7iHkvi0jbkzNCl-mfNf5nb5ZhDr7/s1600/Wikipedia800px-Logo_Armageddon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRIj3TGxJdyhijj3pW5k2GiMrGC9coVhz1NjS6BAC7Cy3urls4JijXgN7lZMGkM8uqZzf4eRs92NVQqEDV0ETMFqCZMQrjEEexez-fWFT8Ke2dRwq7iHkvi0jbkzNCl-mfNf5nb5ZhDr7/s320/Wikipedia800px-Logo_Armageddon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><span style="color: red;">What
will Armageddon mean for earth's billions of people who are alive at that event, the vast
majority of whom do not profess Christ in any form whatsoever? Will they
be eternally destroyed, as some religious leaders would have us
believe? Will all mankind be destroyed at Armageddon, or will there be
any survivors of this destruction?</span></strong></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Does
Armageddon mean that the majority of earth's present billions will go
down in eternal destruction with no hope of recovery? Are the millions
of children being born into this world, blinded by Satan, many of whom
are suffering beyond imagination, only to go through all of this
suffering and torment so that they may be eternally destroyed at the
battle of Armageddon, thus deriving no benefit from their experiences
with sin, suffering and death?
</span></b></blockquote>
<strong></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Unless
noted otherwise, all scripture quotations are provided by our own
renderings based on various translations and Hebrew and Greek texts. Hebrew and Greek words are given as transliterations.</strong></div>
<strong><br />By Ronald R. Day, Sr., Restoration Light Bible Study Services</strong><br />
<hr data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;" />
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Survivors</strong><strong> of the End of this Age</strong></span></h3>
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There are presently several billions of people on this earth and more
people are being born each day. The Bible tells us that this "present evil age" is to
end with the great tribulation, part of which is the "battle of the
great day of God the Almighty" at Armageddon. What will this mean for the billions who are alive at the time of the battel of Armageddon. Will all who are in disbelief at that time be eternally destroyed? Must one join a religious organization governed by men of flesh in order to not be eternally destroyed? Will there even be any survivors of the battle of Armageddon?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">First let us see what position the majority of these billions of people
have before Jehovah God. Approximately 1/3 of the earth's population professes to be Christian. Of these professing Christians we feel
safe in saying that the majority of them are not true regenerated disciples of
Christ who are giving of their lives in the witness and worship in
spirit and truth. (John 4:23,24) Most are merely nominal Christians,
Christians in name only, the kind that Jesus likened to tares. (Matthew 13:24-30) Most people on the earth, then, are still children of wrath, deserving destruction. (Matthew 7:13; Ephesians 2:3; Romans 1:3) Likewise, due to the apostasy, Jesus spoke of many of his servants who would be confused concerning what they should be doing in their service of their master. (See our study on <a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2016/12/4servants.html" target="_blank">The Four Servants</a>). Many seem to love this present age and make it their goal to
"make this [present evil -- Galatians 1:4] time a better place in which to live."
However noble their efforts may appear, the Bible tells us that all such
efforts are in vain. -- Ecclesiastes 1:2-15; 6:11,12; 3:9,10.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In the most "advanced" nations, the Bible is printed in abundance, and may be found in all churches. Yet, due to the apostasy and its blinding influence, few come to an understanding of God's purposes. Additionally, the forms of media are filled with misinformation. TV shows, movies, songs, and even the public school systems often present what God condemns as being good and acceptable, while obedience to Jesus and his God is often depicted in some manner as being something evil. Some forms of sin are being promoted as being an acceptable "lifestyle", while others are presented as socially acceptable.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">On the other hand, many professed Christians pride themselves in the idolatry of "organization", creeds and/or denominational/sectarian church
worship. Our friends associated with such groups, when confronted with
Bible truths concerning the "ransom for all" or other matters, often
begin preaching their organization, the works and teachings of their creed-makers, or their church leaders rather than Jesus. By this
they indicate that they have placed their organization, church, creeds, etc., as
a go-between to understanding the scriptures. Many are willing to
accept whatever their leaders tell them - without question!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But who is guilty before God and who is not guilty? In truth, all of
us, as descendants of Adam, are reckoned by God as guilty and worthy of death. (Romans 3:23)
It is only through faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice (or in the case
of the faithful of old, in the promise thereof) that we receive a
reckoned (imputed, counted -- Greek, logizomai) justification [made
straight, right] before God. (Romans 4:3-24; 6:11; Galatians 3:16; James
2:3) The Bible tells us that there are those living in the "last days" who would
see the culmination of God's anger [his indignation, his wrath] as he
executes judgment upon the unwary world of mankind. -- Zephaniah 3:8;
Revelation 15:1. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There are many scriptures that we believe may allude to this day of
Jehovah's anger. One is in Psalm 110:5,6: "The Lord* is at your right
hand. He will crush kings in the day of his wrath." -- World English
Bible translation.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">==========</span><br />
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">*"The Lord" in Psalm 110:5 is often transliterated as "Adonai" from the Masoretic Text. Many scholars believe that Jewish scribes changed the Holy Name here to a Hebrew form meaning "Lord". See our study <a href="https://jesusnotyhwh.blogspot.com/2020/04/psalm110-5.html" target="_blank">related to Psalm 110:5</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jehovah speaks of that day through Zephaniah (1:2,3): "'I will utterly
destroy all things from the ground,' says Jehovah. 'I will destroy man
and beast. I will destroy the flying creatures of the sky, and the
fishes of the sea, and the stumbling blocks with the wicked; and I will
cut off man from the earth,' says Jehovah." This sounds very bleak for
poor humanity, doesn't it? Is there no hope then for the survival of the
human race?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We must remember that no scripture should be taken in isolation from
the rest of the Bible. This scripture alone could lead us to the
conclusion that the entire human race will come to a complete end. But
if we look at the wording of other scriptures we can get a better
picture of what this means.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Did you know that everything was wiped off the surface of the earth at
one time many years ago? Let us read about this: "So Jehovah saw that
the badness of man was abounding in the earth and every tendency of the
thoughts of his heart was only bad all day long. And Jehovah regretted
that he had made men in the earth, and he was pained at his heart. So
Jehovah said 'I am going to wipe men whom I have created off the surface
of the ground, from man to beast, to the moving animal and to the
flying creature of the skies, because I regret that I have made them.'"
(Genesis 6:5-8) Most of our readers will no doubt recognize that this is
what God said before he destroyed the order or arrangement (<b><i><a href="https://www.studylight.org/lexicons/greek/2889.html" target="_blank">Kosmos</a></i></b>, often translated as "world") by means of a flood in days of
Noah. (2 Peter 3:6) But not all humans were destroyed. The next verse says: "But Noah
found favor in the eyes of Jehovah."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yet in verse 13 Jehovah said: "The end of all flesh has come before me,
because the earth is filled with violence because of them; and take
note that I will destroy them along with the earth." Since Jehovah had
decreed that "all flesh" would be destroyed, did this include Noah? No,
for Jehovah made provision for Noah's family to survive that destruction
of "all flesh". We read: "Noah by faith prepared an ark for the saving
of his household; through which he condemned the world, and became the
heir of righteousness according to faith." (Hebrews 11:7) In the Bible, both the Hebrew and Greek words for "all" always looks to context and common evidence for what is included or excluded in the "all", as in the example given in 1 Corinthians 15:27. Thus, we conclude that "all flesh" is not used in the absolute sense that many often speak of as "all".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Noah's faith stirred him to obedience. Therefore he constructed an ark
"for the saving of his household." Jesus said that the days of his
return would find the earth similar to that of Noah's day: "But as the
days of Noah were, so also will be the <a href="https://www.studylight.org/lexicons/greek/3952.html" target="_blank">parousia</a> [Greek meaning presence,
especially royal presence, as in a visit] of the Son of Man. For as in
those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and
giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they
did not know until the flood came and took them away - so also will be
the parousia of the Son of Man." (Matthew 24:38,39) Today the earth is
again full of violence and the hearts of men are wicked continually. Is
there no "ark" that will carry any through the culmination of God's
wrath at "the great day of God the Almighty"? Is there no place we can
go for protection today?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">As we stated before, as descendants of Adam, we are all counted as guilty of sin, therefore we are all
worthy of death. If we are to look for an ark today, where can we go to find protection, to be saved in this
day of his anger? Many quote the words of Zephaniah: "Seek Jehovah, all
meek ones of the earth, who have practiced his justice. Seek
righteousness, seek meekness. Perhaps you will be hidden in the day of
Jehovah's anger." (Zephaniah 2:3) This would seem to indicate that there are some believers who may live through Armageddon's battle. Is it saying that one is saved by one's own righteousness? No doubt one's righteous and humble dealings may give one some protection from being killed during the Armageddon struggle, but this does not mean that one is saved from the condemnation of sin and death through Adam due to one's own righteousness. But who is genuinely 'practicing Jehovah's
justice' since there is "not one righteous [straight, not crooked] man, not even one"? (Romans
3:10) Evidently there is some special application needed in order to practice Jehovah's own "justice" here. What is this justice we must practice in
order to that we might be considered one of the "meek of the earth"?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A clue regarding the justice of Jehovah is given for us in Romans
3:19-26. "Now we know that all the things the Law says it addresses to
those under the Law, so that every mouth may be stopped and all the
world may become liable to God for punishment. Therefore by works of law
no flesh will be declared righteous before him, for by law is the
accurate knowledge of sin. But now apart from law God's righteousness
[justice] has been made manifest, as it is borne witness to by the Law
and the Prophets; yes, God's righteousness through the faith in Jesus
Christ, for all those having faith. For there is no distinction. For all
have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and it is as a free
gift that they are being declared righteous [just] by his undeserved
kindness through the release by the ransom paid by Christ Jesus. God set
him forth as an offering for propitiation through faith in his blood.
This was in order to exhibit his own righteousness, because he was
forgiving the sins that occurred in the past while God was exercising
forbearance; so as to exhibit his own righteousness in this present
season, that he might be righteous [just] even when declaring righteous
[just] the man that has faith in Jesus." Then those who keep Jehovah's
justice are those who put their faith in Jesus. Through their faith they
are justified, or made righteous in God's eyes. As new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), they are without sin, while their present flesh is still undergoing the results of the condemnation in Adam. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Having faith in Jesus means more
than just believing that Jesus died for our sins. The apostle John
writes: "And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name
of His son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, even as He gave command
to us. For one who keeps his commandments remains in union with him,
and he in union with him. And by this we know that he remains in union
with us, by the spirit which he gave to us." (1 John 3:23,24) Of course, such justification must be followed up with an actual practice of justice -- righteousness -- although in the flesh we will fall short of perfection in this regard. Nevertheless, the new creature -- which is sinless -- must continually, day by day. strive to bring the old flesh into submission. (Romans 8:13; 1 Corinthians 9:27; 1 Peter 2:11) Jesus said: "You are my friends if you do what I
command you." (John 15:14) It is a mistake to believe that Jesus is a
friend to everyone, no matter what that person may believe or practice. Only those
who sincerely study his words and are making a sincere effort to
obey him are his friends. With this in mind, in harmony with Zephaniah 2:3, we believe that it is possible that there are those who are truly demonstrating faith in
Jesus just before the culmination of God's anger who may live through the battle of Armageddon, and into the age to come.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So is there an ark that can safely carry one through the destruction of
Satan's Empire? Peter wrote of Noah's days that "an ark having been
prepared in which a few, that is, eight souls were saved through water,
which figure now saves us, baptism; not a putting away of the filth of
the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ; who is at the right hand of God, having
gone into heaven." (1 Peter 3:20,21) Peter reminds his readers that all mankind perished in the flood save eight souls, who were preserved from a watery grave by means of the ark which God provided them. That ark, though submerged in water was their salvation in that particular instance. The physical "ark" that Noah built, however, did not save Noah and his family from condemnation in Adam. Peter declares that the ark that Noah built and the salvation of Noah's family by means of that ark is a 'like figure to baptism.' Jesus is the ark of salvation for the Christian, for all true Christians ever since the first century. Faith in Christ not only provides salvation from sin and death, but at times such faith sustains the Christ through many trials and turmoil. Faith in Jesus has been carrying Christians through many forms of tribulation for hundreds of years. -- John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Romans 5:3; 825; 12:12.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Nevertheless, as the whole world (arrangement, order) in Noah's day perished in the flood (2 Peter 3:6), so the present world (order, arrangement) faces destruction in the day of Jehovah's anger. The true
Christian, however, is no longer part of this world. He is no longer
reckoned as other men. (John 17:16) We cannot be certain of the details of how God will express his wrath, but that some flesh will be saved during
that time is indicated by Jesus' words recorded for us in Matthew
24:21,22: "For there will be great tribulation, such as has not happened
from the beginning of the world until now; no nor ever will be. And
except those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved, but on
account of the chosen, those days will be shortened." Indeed, unless God
cuts short these days man is now living in, man will completely destroy
himself. But he says that God will cut
short the days because of his chosen ones on the earth at that time,
thereby indicating that some flesh would be saved.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Many believe that Isaiah 24:6 will also have a fulfillment at that time: "For this the curse has
devoured the earth; and they who live in it are held guilty. Therefore
the inhabitants of earth are burned and few men are left." Many also point to Jeremiah
25:33 as having a fulfillment in that calamitous day: "And those slain by Jehovah
will certainly come to be in that day from one end of the earth clear
to the other end of the earth." At any rate, we expect that the vast majority
of earth's billions will suffer destruction during that time, so that
only a "very few" men will remain. When the time of trouble comes to an end, we believe Satan will be abyssed, and we expect that it will be then that there will be "few men left". How many is a "few"? From standpoint of billions of people, this could be millions, or even more than a billion, people. We cannot be sure, however, that it may be only a few thousand, or even a few hundred. But evidently God will bring about, or permit, some event, that will indeed reduce the earth's population drastically.</span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Further, we read in the book of Revelation 7:9-17 that John received a
vision of a "great multitude" who would come out of the great
tribulation. Some Christians have recognized this prophecy as applying
to a class of true Christians who are living just before or during the great
tribulation. Without being dogmatic, it does appear that this great multitude are to come out of the great tribulation so as to be alive after this great tribulation is over. Others believe that the "great multitude" is a secondary class that has existed throughout the Gospel Age that will be raised to life in heaven. There are those, however, who have misapplied its meaning
so as to make the "great multitude" need another "ark" than Jesus. This
false ark that they are asked to put their trust and faith in is an
organization headed by a small group of men here on the earth.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Traditionally, Bible Students have believed that the great multitude is a
secondary heavenly class who failed to keep their position as one of
the 144,000 who sit upon the throne with the lamb. (Revelation 7:1-8;
14:1) Nevertheless, without being dogmatic, we believe the context along with other scriptures indicate that they are
a class of justified Christians living near the end of the age who will survive the "great
tribulation" and live right into the new order under God's Kingdom.
Those who inherit spirit bodies as Jesus will not need to be led to the
waters of life, nor will they need to have all tears wiped from their
eyes. (Revelation 7:17) Those who have tears wiped from their eyes are spoken of living on earth, not in heaven. (Isaiah 25:8) The water of life is offered to the nations here
on the earth, the curse is here on the earth, etc. (Revelation 22:1-3)
True, they have been reckoned alive by their faith in the blood of
Jesus. (Revelation 7:14) We believe that Revelation 7 reveals three groups, all of whom are called in the "one hope", the "one calling" of this age, of the resurrection of life. But we believe the great multitude, like the 144,000 while
upon this earth, are only reckonedly "made alive" but do not receive
the same reward as do the 144,000. Their flesh will still need to be
actually made alive and freed from the infirmities of sickness and
suffering of today. After Armageddon, they will still need to develop
and perfect their love and faith through obedience. Thus Jesus leads them
to the waters of life. -- Revelation 7:17.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">See our studies related to:</span><br />
<a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/p/t.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The 144,000 and the Great Multitude</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Many scriptures seem to indicate that when God expresses his anger upon
the nations, the various individuals under the influence of Satan, who
are still children of wrath, undergo various plagues, which could result
in destruction; such destruction, however. if applied to the destruction of life, is the result of the condemnation that they
have inherited from Adam. Any destruction of the lives of the unregenerated is still counted in the sin of Adam. (1 Corinthians 15:21,22; Romans 5:12-19) The "great multitude" are
depicted as "coming out of the great tribulation." We believe this
refers to their being saved through the great tribulation and remaining
alive into the age to come, when Satan is abyssed. They are justified by
their faith in Jesus' blood (Romans 3:26,26,30; 5:1,9; Galatians 3:24), having washed their robes in the
blood of lamb before the passing away of the present heavens and earth. (Matthew 5:18; 24:35; Luke 16:17; 21:33; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 21:1) Thus, without being dogmatic about this, we believe the scriptures indicate that, having been reckoned as dead and
raised through faith from the death sentence that remains upon the
world, it is possible that they do not need to suffer death under God's wrath during the
great day of his anger. Therefore, we believe that it is probable that many such justified will be spared to live through the great tribulation. (John 17:16;
15:19) Nevertheless, while Jehovah's anger is no longer reckoned as
being upon them, God could still use the general time of trouble to
chastise them as sons, preparing them for the kingdom rule to follow.
Being sons of God, they have as their present-day ark, Christ, through
their faith and baptism in him. Yet while Revelation describes them as a
"great multitude", we believe that they will still only be a very few of these
survivors when compared with earth's billions. (Isaiah 24:6) Should we
prove to be of this class, and not of the cherished class that is raised to life in heaven, we should still be thankful for whatever we
receive of life from God, whether in heaven or on this earth! None of the consecrated on earth today can know for a certainty what reward
they will receive, whether in the glory of a celestial life or the glory
of a terrestrial life.* (1 Corinthians 15:35-49) We all have the one hope of being raised to life in -- by means of -- Christ, regardless of our final reward. Nevertheless, it should be our goal to carry out the commands of
Jesus! We should obey him as our King and Savior to the best of our ability,
striving to enter into the narrow gate if at all possible. And yet,
at the end of the age, those who are too late to enter into the gate
can yet safely trust Jesus as the present-day "ark" to carry those whom he
has chosen safely through the "days of tribulation", including the
Battle of the Great Day of God. </span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">========</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">*See our studies:</span><br />
<a href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2016/11/body.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">With What Kind of Body Will We be Raised?</span></a><br />
<a href=" https://rlbibleresources.blogspot.com/2022/07/manner.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The Manner of the Resurrection</span></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But what about the rest of the world during this time? We are assured
that God's wrath remains upon those who do not have proper faith in
Jesus. (John 3:36) Nevertheless the Bible seems to indicate that many of those who are still children of wrath (heathen) may also live through the battle of Armageddon into the age to come. (Psalm 46:6-10; Zephaniah 3:8,9) Those who remain children of wrath will suffer a
general destruction during what is often called "the Battle of
Armageddon", although this does not necessarily mean the destruction of their lives. Nevertheless, if those who are still children of wrath due to the condemnation of Adam should die during the Armageddon struggle, does this mean that they depart into eternal destruction with no hope of recovery?
Are the millions of children being born into this world, blinded by
Satan, many of whom are suffering beyond imagination, only to go through
all of this suffering and torment so that they may be eternally
destroyed at the battle of Armageddon, thus deriving no benefit from
their experiences with sin, suffering and death?</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Destruction At Armageddon<br /> - WHAT DOES IT MEAN</strong>?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There are those today that would like you to believe that all who do
not join their religious organization may be eternally destroyed at
Armageddon. That there will be a destructive work during the Armageddon struggle, there
can be no denial. Here are some of the scriptures that appear to describe the
destruction at that time:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"A noise shall come even to the end of the earth, for Jehovah has a
controversy with the nations; he will enter into judgment with all
flesh; as for the wicked, he will give them to the sword. Thus says
Jehovah: 'Look! Evil will go forth from nation to nation, and a great
tempest will be raised up from the uttermost parts of the earth. And the
slain of Jehovah will be at that day from one end of the earth even to
the other end of the earth. They will not be lamented, neither gathered,
nor buried; they will be as dung upon the face of the ground.' Howl,
you shepherds, and cry; and wallow in ashes, you principal ones of the
flock; for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions have fully
come, and you will fall like a goodly vessel. And the shepherds will
not have any way to flee, nor will the principals ones of the flock
escape. A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and the howling of the
principal ones of the flock! For Jehovah is laying waste their pasture.
And the peaceable folds are brought to silence because of the fierce
anger of Jehovah. He has left his covert, as a lion; for their land is
become an astonishment because of the fierceness of the oppressing
sword, and because of his fierce anger." - Jeremiah 25:31-38.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">'Therefore wait for me,' says Jehovah, 'until the day that I rise up
to the prey. For my determination is to gather the nations, that I may
assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them my indignation, even all my
fierce anger; for all the earth will be devoured with the fire of my
jealousy.'" - Zephaniah 3:8.</span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"And the kings of the earth, and the princes, and the chief captains,
and the rich, and the strong, and every bondman and freeman, hid
themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains. And they say
to the mountains and the rocks, 'Fall on us, and hide us from the face
of him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the
great day of their wrath is come, and who is able to stand?" -
Revelation 6:15-17.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"For, look! Jehovah will come with fire, and his chariots will be like
the whirlwind; to render his anger with fierceness, and his rebuke with
flames of fire. For by fire will Jehovah execute judgment, and by his
sword, upon all flesh - and the slain of Jehovah will be many." - Isaiah
66:15,16.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Look! Jehovah is making the earth empty, and is making it waste, and
is turning it upside down, and is scattering abroad the inhabitants
thereof. . . . The earth will be utterly emptied, and utterly laid waste
- for Jehovah has spoken this word. The earth is mourning and fading
away, the world is languishing and fading away, the lofty people of the
earth do languish. The earth also is polluted under the inhabitants
thereof, because they have transgressed the laws, violated the statues,
broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore the curse has devoured the
earth, those who dwell therein are found guilty. Therefore the
inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left." - Isaiah
24:1,2-6.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"The Lord at your right hand
will strike through kings in the day of his wrath. He will judge among
the nations, he will fill the places with dead bodies. He will strike
through the head in many countries." - Psalm 110:5,6.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"And the angel cast his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage
of the earth, and cast it into the winepress, the great winepress, of
the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and
there came out blood from the winepress, even unto the bridles of the
horses, as far as a thousand and six hundred furlongs." - Revelation
14:19,20.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"The great day of Jehovah is near, it is near and is hastening greatly,
the voice of the day of Jehovah, the mighty man cries there bitterly.
That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of
darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of
the trumpet and the alarm, against the fortified cities, and against the
high battlements. And I will bring distress among men, that they will
walk like blind men, because they have sinned against Jehovah; and their
blood will be poured out as dust, and their flesh as dung. Neither
their silver not their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of
Jehovah's wrath; but the whole land will be devoured by the fire of his
jealousy. For he will make and end, yes, a terrible end, of all them
that dwell in the earth." - Zephaniah 1:14-18.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Wrath of Jehovah</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">True, much of what is said in these scriptures is symbolic. Fire is
used to represent the destructiveness of that day; clouds are used to
picture the darkness of that day - and so on. Nevertheless, in general, the wrath of God that is
expressed at that time is the culmination of the wrath of God which came
upon mankind in the garden of Eden. At time mankind was sentenced to
death through the first man, Adam. This death would have been eternal
had it not been for the ransom sacrifice of our Lord Jesus. "Therefore,
as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin;
and so death passed to all men, for all sinned. So then as through one
trespass the judgment came unto all to condemnation; even so through one
act of righteousness the free gift came to all men to justification of
life. For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made
sinners, even so through the obedience of the one will the many be made
righteous." (Romans 6:12,18,19) "Being therefore justified by faith, we
have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Much more then, being
now justified by his blood, will we be saved from the wrath of God
through him." (Romans 5:1,9) All who do not receive this justification
through Christ remain "vessels of wrath fit for destruction." (Romans
9:22) Any death of any of the unregenerated will still be counted in God's wrath due to Adam's sin, not the second death. What is the purpose of this wrath? Is it simply to get rid of the
wicked? Let us see.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In Psalm 83:13-18 we read: "O my God, make them [the wicked] like the
whirling dust; as stubble before the wind. As the fire that burns the
forest, and as the flame that sets the mountains on fire. So pursue them
with your tempest, and terrify them with your storm. Fill their faces
with confusion, that they may seek your name, O Jehovah. Let them be put
to shame and dismayed forever; yes, let them be confused and perish;
that they may know that you alone, whose name is Jehovah, are the Most
High over all the earth." Here we are given a key as to what purpose
God's wrath serves, and especially his wrath as expressed at Armageddon.
It is so that the wicked ones may know Jehovah, that 'they may seek his
name'! But how will they come to know him or seek his name if they are
eternally destroyed? The answer, of course, would be that they cannot if
they are to be eternally destroyed.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Nations to Know Jehovah</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How thankful we can be that the scriptures show that Jehovah's wrath is
expressed upon the nations to discipline, not to eternally destroy
them. It is so that they may learn a lesson from his wrath. The benefits
from this lesson will come after Satan is abyssed, when all nations will be blessed with the knowledge of Jehovah. Any who die during the Armageddon struggle will be blessed by their resurrection from the destruction
that Jehovah brings upon them. Like the ones of Jerusalem, Sodom and
Samaria, Jehovah will bring forth the captives ones from death. (Readers associated with the Jehovah's witnesses may want to see <b><i>The
Watchtower</i></b>, March 1, 1965, pages 137-138) Then, as he says to Jerusalem:
"You will remember your ways, and be ashamed . . ., and you will know
that I am Jehovah, that you may remember, and be confounded, and never
open your mouth any more, because of your shame, when I have forgiven
you all that you have done." (Ezekiel 16:61,63) Yes, God's wrath is
revealed upon the "vessels of wrath" so that they might know that he is
Jehovah, the only proper Most High over mankind.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(33)
Some say that to bring back earth's present billions of unjustified
ones after Armageddon would mean to make the new earth just as wicked as
the present evil age. However, we have the Bible's assurance that
such is not the case. For one thing Satan, who is presently deceiving
the entire earth, will then be abyssed, so that he will not be able to
deceive the nations -- those who presently do not believe. (2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 12:9; 20:2,3) During
the thousand years when Jesus and his church are teaching the world to
know Jehovah, Satan will not be around to blind their eyes to the truth.
It was Satan who blinded the minds of the Jewish and Roman rulers who
had Jesus put to death. Concerning this the apostle Paul states: "We
speak God's wisdom in a secret, the wisdom that has been hidden, which
God foreordained before the ages for our glory; which none of the rulers
of this world has known, for had they known it, they would not have
impaled the Lord of glory." (1 Corinthians 2:7,8 - Concerning this
secretiveness related to the Bible message, see our study: <em><strong><a data-mce-href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=380" href="https://rlbibleresources.blogspot.com/2017/05/mysteries.html" target="_blank">Understanding Kingdom Mysteries</a></strong></em>)
For those really desiring truth it should be plain to see that the
rulers of this world would have acted differently had they only
understood. And, likewise, those who oppose truth today are just like
those rulers back in Jesus' day. The Bible indicates that as a whole, they will still be blinded right on up
to the time that Satan is abyssed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(34)
What, then, will be the benefit of allowing any of the heathen to survive the end of this age and/or bringing earth's present billions of dead back to this earth after Armageddon? They will then be taught
righteousness without the blinding influence of Satan. They are not
brought back in the resurrection to life, but rather "the resurrection
of judgment (Greek, krisis)." (John 5:28,29) They are part of the
"resurrection of the unjust" (Acts 24:15), those who died without
receiving justification to life through faith in the blood of Jesus. Of
this the scriptures overwhelmingly testify.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">==========</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">See our studies on:</span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2017/01/on-this-site.html" target="_blank">The Resurrection Hope</a></span></i></b><span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">All Families to Be Blessed</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(35)
When God stated to Abraham: "In you all families of the earth will be
blessed" (Genesis 12:3), did he mean that only a few of earth's families living at the end of the age would be blessed, while the vast majority were to be eternally destroyed? Did he mean that by saving a few from each
nation that "all families" would thus be represented? NO! It is true
that sometimes the word "all" can mean "all sorts" or "all manner." But
we notice that in 1 Corinthians 15:22 Paul tells us: "As by means of
Adam all are dying, so by means of Christ all will be made alive." Here
the "all" who benefit from Christ's sacrifice is laid in direct parallel
with "all" who are dying in Adam. A similar statement is made in Romans
5:18. We have no reason then to doubt that when it says "all families"
will be blessed through Abraham's seed, it means just that. The billions of earth's unjustified inhabitants living at the end of age now on the road to destruction (Matthew 7:13) have not yet
received this promised blessing. Thus, if they should die in
Armageddon's battle, the only way that they could be blessed is through the
resurrection of the dead sometime after Armageddon, during the time when
Satan is bound.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(36)
Consequently, the scriptures assure us that "as in Adam all die, so in
Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Corinthians 15:22) Very few of
earth's present billions are now reckoned as "made alive" through faith
in Jesus. For the earth's present billions to suffer the second death,
for which there is no ransom, they would have to first have been released from the death inherited from Adam, the first death. Are we to
hope then, that the whole unjustified world of mankind will accept Jesus
before Armageddon, and then turn away so as to be subject to the second
death? Such is not reasonable nor scriptural. Nevertheless, if the scripture is true,
then all the other billions who die without having been reckoned as justified will yet have to be "made alive" through a
resurrection of the dead, so that they may receive the blessings of the coming day of judgment. The ransom sacrifice of Jesus guarantees this.
- Acts 17:31; 1 Timothy 2:5,6.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The World's Wait</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(37)
The apostle Paul tells us that the whole creation has been "waiting for
the manifestation of the sons of God." (Romans 8:13-23) The revealing
of the sons of God will mean that the time of blessing for all families
of the earth through Abraham's seed will have come. This can only happen
after Satan is abyssed. This is what all mankind has been ignorantly
waiting for. But is this just for past generations, not having any
application to the present generation simply because they have been born at a time when Satan is employing more deceptions and allurements than ever before in history? No! Plain reason would
tell us that the present evil generation is still part of the "whole
creation" that is groaning and travailing in pain, waiting for the
revealing of the sons of God, and in just as much need of the enlightenment of God's Kingdom as previous generations.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(38)
The scriptures tell us that Jesus is "the true light that enlightens
every man." (John 1:9) The present-day
witnessing being done by various religious groups cannot in any way be
described as 'enlightening every man.' Even
with their valiant but meager efforts over the half the world still only
remotely knows anything about Jesus, much less having an understanding of the provision of life through faith in Jesus. Thousands, probably millions, still have never even
heard of Jesus, the only name whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) The
time for the enlightenment of "every man" will have to be in the next
age when Satan after Satan is abyssed. Therefore, since the peoples living at the end of the age who may lose their lives in the battle of the great day have not yet been enlightened, the
only way they could be enlightened would be by a resurrection of the
dead in the next age.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(39)
The prophecy of Isaiah (25:6-7) informs us that in the next age Jehovah
will symbolically "make for all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on
the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well
refined. And he will destroy in this mountain [kingdom] the face of the covering
that covers all peoples, and the veil that is spread over all nations."
The language is symbolic, and refers to a symbolic covering that is over
all nations. The covering today still rests upon the nations. Paul also refers to people's minds being veiled, for they are
still blinded by Satan. (2 Corinthians 4:3,4) Is the prophecy of Isaiah 25 to be
fulfilled only towards past generations and not the generation living when the battle of Armageddon begins? Today wickedness has increased rapidly, and with the foretold increase of knowledge we have many things that God has stated to be wrong being openly paraded as being acceptable. As Adrian Rogers stated, "Sin that used to slink down the back alley now struts down Main Street." There is more
confusion about what is right and what is wrong today than ever before
in history. Our youth are being trained by school as well as the
entertainment industry to accept sinful lifestyles as being acceptable.
Certainly, with such intense indoctrination of people with false teachings, if any people living at any time needed the blinding veil of Satan's deceptions removed it would be the people living during this foretold "time of trouble".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(40)
Let us compare the Jews living in Jesus' day with the people of today. Those
in Jesus' day had the Son of God himself to instruct them. Especially
the Jewish religious leaders had much responsibility for they studied
the scriptures extensively. To them Jesus said: "You serpents, children
of snakes! How will you escape the judgment of Gehenna?" (Matthew 23:33)
In calling them "children of snakes" Jesus was pointing out that they
were part of the seed of the serpent, and had not as yet cleansed
themselves -- through faith -- so as to become part of the seed of the woman, that is,
children of God's promises. (Galatians 4:28) The wrath of God remained
upon them and they did not see the life Jesus was offering at that time.
(John 3:36) They did not receive Jesus, and yet, contrary to what many have read into certain scriptures, Jesus did not condemn
them to eternal destruction but said: "I am coming as a light into the
world, that whosoever believes in me should not remain in darkness. And
if any man hears my words, and does not believe, I do not judge him. For
I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. He that
rejects me, and does not receive my words, has one that judges him - the
words that I have spoken, the same will judge him in the last day." -
John 12:46-48.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(41)
Does this mean that those unregenerated religious leaders will also return in
"the last day" since they are part of those that rejected Jesus? Very
evidently this is what it means. But Jesus did warn them that if they
continued in the course they were taking against the light that was
available to them they may not be able in the next age to escape
Gehenna - eternal destruction, the second death. Jesus did not condemn them to the second death in the present age, because they had not
yet been 'made alive' from the first death. Their judgment would have to
be delayed until the the day of the resurrection, "in the day of judgment" (Matthew 12:36), after they had been released from the Adamic death.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(42)
How do we know that their resurrection comes during the thousand years
that Satan is bound? Because as Jesus said, they receive their judgment
during the "last day." (John 12:48) The book of Revelation shows that
the judgment will be taking place during the thousand years that Satan
is bound. (Revelation 20:3,4 - Note: the phrase "the rest of the dead
lived not again until the thousand years were finished" in Revelation
20:5 does not appear in the oldest Greek manuscripts, and is thus we consider them to be spurious.) It is the same period of time in which Martha
believed that Lazarus would be raised. (John 11:23,24) It is during this
same "last day" that the unjust are to be raised for judgment. - John
5:28,29; 12:47,48.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(43)
But some have asked, "Why should they be raised if they are only going
to be eternally destroyed?" The question actually misses the point. Destruction is not the purpose of their
resurrection. Rather the purpose of their being saved from Adamic death and being raised will, not only give them opportunity to 'believe in that day' (2 Thessalonians 1:10), but this provision will fully vindicate God's Holy Name! They will come forth at a time when
Satan will not be allowed to deceive them! The knowledge of the glory of Jehovah will be at that time covering the
earth. (Isaiah 11:9; Habakkuk 2:14) They could, if they so desire at that time, repent from their
sinful course and walk up the highway of Holiness that will then be opened for them. Those who walk up that highway, even though they may have
been wayfaring men, will not err at that time. (Isaiah 35:8) Nevertheless, as soon as
they understand about God and his purposes, some will evidently
outwardly obey him, but will still not develop the right heart attitude.
With others, as they see the goodness of God and the happiness that
righteousness brings, this feigned obedience will change to meekness and
heart obedience. But there will be those who will refuse to obey at heart. "Show favor
to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness, in the land of
uprightness will he deal falsely." (Isaiah 26:10) Some will thus show
that they willfully prefer wickedness in their heart. For such there will be no excuse. At that
time, they will have all help they need to walk that highway, in the way of knowledge and the provision of God's spirit. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">All Mankind to be Made Alive</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(44) Nevertheless, it is in this manner that Jehovah actually vindicates or sanctifies his holy
name before all nations - that is, by giving everyone full knowledge of truth and a complete opportunity to
come to him, without the hindrance of Satan. Had Jehovah eternally
destroyed them while still under the blinding influences of Satan, such would have given reason for challenging God's love as well as the
justice of God. God's justice has been satisfied through the sacrifice
of Jesus. Does this mean that the world is now on trial for eternal life
or eternal destruction, based upon whether they listen to some imperfect testimony of those are actually representing imperfect men, who, in turn, claim they are God's channel
of communication? Does a person's rejection of the claims of these men
mean he is rejecting Christ? Does the non-acceptance of Christ by those blinded by
Satan mean that they have committed the unforgivable sin, and therefore
must be eternally destroyed? If such were to be the case, how does such actually vindicate God's name, his justice, his love? The truth is that since his justice has been satisfied through the death of
Jesus regarding man's disobedience, would not his love coupled with his sense of justice -- fairness -- now require
him to release all who have come under the death sentence because of
Adam's sin, before placing them on trial for their eternal destiny? That
is exactly what the Bible says is to happen, for we read: "As in Adam
all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Corinthians
15:22) "Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to
condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came
upon all men unto justification of life." - Romans 5:18.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">(45)
Has the whole world been made alive in this age because of the sacrifice of our
Lord Jesus? No! Jesus plainly said: "He that believes on the Son has
everlasting life, and he that disobeys the Son will not see life, but
the wrath of God remains on him." (John 3:36) By saying that those who
disobey will not see life, is Jesus saying that once one disobeys the Son, they can never repent so that they may "see life"? No, for he is merely stating that as long as they remain in
disobedience they will not see life. Saul of Tarsus certainly was in disobedience, and he could not see life in Christ, and he remained under the wrath of God until he repented. This demonstrates that the application of ransom sacrifice of Jesus is as extensive as is the condemnation. (Romans 5:12-19; 1 Corinthians 15:21,22) As Paul stated, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." (1 Timothy 1:15) Thus, he states that God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (1 Timothy 2:4-6, New King James Version) Not all understand at the present time, but all will, in due time, "come to a knowledge of the truth." If they repent and come to the
obedience of Jesus, they also could live for eternity. But at the
present time, as long as they remain in disobedience, the wrath of God
remains upon them. They remain under the death sentence of Adam. They
are not, in this age, "made alive" and then sentenced to the second death simply
because someone may give them an imperfect "witness."</span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(46)
So when will they be "made alive"? When will the free gift come upon
all men to justification of life? We have already answered this earlier,
for Jesus said that those who do not listen now will be judged in the
"last day", the resurrection day, the day of judgment when Satan is
bound so that he might not deceive the nations anymore. (John 12:46-48;
11:23,24; Revelation 20:2,3) It is during that time that the abundance
of the sea, the children of wrath in discontent, (Luke 21:25; Isaiah
57:20; Revelation 17:15; Ephesians 2:3) will be converted to Jehovah.
(Isaiah 60:5) With the converting of the abundance of the children of
wrath to Jehovah, the sea will cease to be. (Revelation 21:1) While all
will be "made alive", and all will receive a "justification to life,"
not all will use this justification to continue in eternal life. -
Matthew 25:46. - See the Section on "<a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2016/11/armageddon.html#goats" target="_blank">The Sheep and Goats</a>" for further
details.</span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong>
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Prisoners in a Pit</span></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">"And
it must occur in that day that Jehovah will turn his
attention upon the army of the height in the height, and upon the kings
of the ground upon the ground. And they will certainly be gathered as of
prisoners into the pit [Hebrew, bowr], and be shut up in the dungeon;
and after an abundance of days they will be given attention." -- Isaiah
24:21-22.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(47)
The Bible tells of the great destruction that comes upon the earth at
Armageddon. (Isaiah 24:1-22) Notice, however, that it speaks of those
who are destroyed as being shut up in a "prison." Job refers to those in
death as "prisoners" who "rest together". (Job 3:18) The Bible tells of
the gathering of "captive ones" from many nations in the latter days,
the days when God's kingdom will rule the whole earth. (Jeremiah 48:47;
49:6,34-39; Isaiah 2:2) Jehovah speaks of gathering the captive ones of
Sodom and Samaria along with the captive ones of Jerusalem. (Ezekiel
16:53) They are spoken of as returning to their 'former state', that is,
they return from the prison house of death to their former state upon
the earth. So with those who are thrown into this prison at Armageddon -
after many days they will be "visited." To be visited by Jehovah can
mean to visited with his anger, or to be visited with his blessings.
(Isaiah 26:14; Psalm 65:9) Since Jehovah's anger had already been
expressed upon those shut up in prison at Armageddon, their being
"visited" after many days would have to signify that they would then be
released from the prison and have the opportunity to respond to the
blessings that will then be upon the earth during the thousand year
reign of Christ. - Revelation 20:11-15;21:1-4.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(48)
Will there be any, then, who will suffer eternal destruction at
Armageddon? There may be some, though we cannot say with a definite
certainty on this. If there be any living who have accepted of the favor
of God though Jesus, and then willingly, totally reject that which they
accepted, such as these would have been released from the wrath upon
man through Adam, and but their willful and total rejection Jesus would
condemn them to the second death. Therefore, if any of these should be
upon the earth at Armageddon, they would die, but not the same kind of
death that comes from the wrath of God because of inherited sin. No,
these must suffer eternal destruction for their own willful sinful
condition. They once knew God and the good news. They no longer know God
and have not obeyed the Good News. Having already been "made alive"
once, and having given up that new life up, they no longer can be made
alive again, since there is no more sacrifice for sins. Such living at
the time of Armageddon we would expect to suffer eternal destruction.
But, this is a matter that God will judge through Jesus; nevertheless,
we do not believe that there are many, if any, living at the present
time who are of this "second death" class.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(49)
The word "pit", used in Isaiah 24:22, is translated from the Hebrew often transliterated as <b><i><a href="https://www.studylight.org/lexicons/hebrew/953.html" target="_blank">bowr</a></i></b>. <b>Bowr </b>can be seen to be a close synonym to the Hebrew word often transliterated as <b><i>Sheol</i></b>.
Many scriptures use these terms in parallel, thus indicating that they
refer to one and the same place: "For it is not Sheol that can laud you;
death itself cannot praise you. Those going down into the pit
[bowr]cannot look hopefully to your trueness." - Isaiah 38:18; See also
Psalm 30:3,9; 88:3,4,6; 143:7.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(50)
According to the scriptures, the king of Babylon is laid in the pit,
Bowr-Sheol, with the other kings of the earth: "However, down to Sheol
you will be brought, to the remotest parts of the pit [bowr]." (Isaiah
14:15) Tyre is also brought down to Bowr-Sheol: "I will also bring you
down with those going down into the pit [bowr] to the people of long
ago, and I will cause you to dwell in the lowest land, like places
devastated for a long time, with those going down into the pit [bowr],
in order that you may not be inhabited." (Ezekiel 26:20) Additionally,
"Pharaoh and his crowd" are said to go there. (Ezekiel 31:2,14-18;
32:18) Assyria and all her crowd are also in Sheol-Bowr. (Ezekiel
32:21-23) Elam and all her crowd are there. (Ezekiel 32:24-25) Meschech
and Tubal and all her crowd are there. (Ezekiel 32:26,27) Edom, her
kings and all her chieftains are there. (Ezekiel 32:29) The Sidonians
are there. - Ezekiel 32:30.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(51)
Will these come back in the resurrection day? Yes! The Greek word
corresponding to Sheol is Hades. The scriptures definitely tell us that
all in Hades (Sheol-Bowr) will be raised for individual judgment in the
judgment day. "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death
and hades delivered up the dead which were in them; and they were judged
every person according to their works."- Revelation 20:13.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(52)
Some have claimed that Isaiah 24:21-22 refers to the lineage of kings
that was destroyed when Jerusalem was destroyed by Nebucadnezzar.
However, these verses could not apply to the destruction of Jerusalem by
Nebuchadnezzar: it speaks of the kings of the ground [the earth]. It
has never been fulfilled. No reference at all is made to Jerusalem until
the last verse of this chapter. There it shows that this is fulfilled
at the time when Jehovah reigns on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem. This can
only refer to the end of this age when Jehovah takes his rule through
the Lord Jesus, as Jesus begins his rule in the midst of his enemies.
(Psalm 110:2; Revelation 11:15,17) It would take a lot of twisting of
scripture to try to apply this to the destruction of Jerusalem by
Nebuchadnezzar.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(53)
Notice how Isaiah 24:21-22 corresponds to Revelation 19:17,18: I saw
also an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud voice
and said to all the birds that fly in midheaven: "Come here, be gathered
together to the great evening meal of God, that you may eat the fleshly
parts of kings and the fleshly parts of military commanders and the
fleshly parts of strong mean and the fleshly parts of horses and of
those seated upon them, and fleshly parts of all, of freemen as well as
slaves and of small ones and great."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(54)
Revelation 20:12 shows that the 'small and great' return for the day of
judgment. While we should remember that the book of Revelation is highly symbolic, many often give the expressions used a literal interpretation, and it is from this standpoint that we address what is stated. With such in mind, we note that the expression used here, "small and great", is similar to
that used in Revelation 19:17,18, indicating that the 'small ones and
great' who die in Armageddon are brought back for judgment during the
resurrection day: And I saw the dead, the great and small, standing
before the throne, and scrolls were opened. (Isaiah 29:18;24) But
another scroll was opened; it is the scroll of life. And the dead were
judged out of those things written in the scrolls according to their
deeds. - Revelation 20:12.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(55)
The next scripture also corresponds: The nations have sunk down into
the pit [Hebrew, <a href="https://www.studylight.org/lexicons/hebrew/7845.html" target="_blank">shachath</a>, trap] that they have made; In the net they
hid, their own foot has been caught. Jehovah is known by the judgment he
has executed. By the activity of his own hands the wicked one has been
ensnared. Wicked people will turn back [retreat - Strong] to Sheol, even
all the nations forgetting God. (Psalm 9:15-17) The wicked nations are
still around, so this has not yet been fulfilled. Those in Sheol/Hades
will return for judgment in the day of judgment: And the sea gave up
those dead in them, and death and Hades gave up those dead in them, and
they were judged individually, according to their deeds. - Revelation
20:13.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(56)
And the scriptures also indicate that favorable conditions prevail when
the peoples of nations are judged individually. "With my soul I have desired you in the night
[the present night of darkness and sin]; yes, with my spirit within me I
keep looking for you; because, when there are judgments from you for
the earth, righteousness is what [what is right] the inhabitants of the
productive land [the earth - footnote] will certainly learn. Though the
wicked one [those who prove to be wicked in the day of judgment] be
shown favor [even though he has been given every opportunity in the day
of judgment], he simply will not learn righteousness. In the land [earth -- the new earth i which righteousness is to dwell - 2 Peter 3:13] of
straightforwardness [when the vail of darkness covering the earth is
lifted and there will be no deceptions from Satan - Isaiah 25:6;
Revelation 20:3] he will act unjustly and will not see the eminence of
Jehovah." - Isaiah 26:9,10, <b><i>New World Translation</i></b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(57)
The world of mankind, including its rulers, being deceived and blinded
by Satan, are not even permitted to see the truth at the present time.
If they could actually understand, then most would probably be different than
they are. The apostle Paul agrees with this: We speak God's wisdom in a
sacred secret, the hidden wisdom, which God foreordained before the
systems of things for our glory. This wisdom not one of the rulers of
this system of things came to know, for if they had known it they would
not have impaled the glorious Lord. - 1 Corinthians 2:7,8.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(58)
The time for the world to understand the truth is not yet, for Satan
has not yet been abyssed. (Revelation 20:3) Satan is still the prince or ruler of this world condemned in Adam. (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; Ephesians 2:2) Satan is still blinding the minds of people so that they cannot understand the true Gospel message. (1 Corinthians 4;3,4) At the present time, no one comes to Jesus
except that the Father draws him. (John 6:44) The true kingdom message in this world is
only to those who have ears to hear. (Matthew 13:10,11) The true purpose
of the Armageddon destruction upon the wicked is so that they may know
who Jehovah is. (Psalm 83:17-18) If they are gone forever they will
never know who he is. The only way that they could know is through the
resurrection of the dead in the day of Judgment. - John 5:28,29; Ezekiel
16:53-59: Matthew 11:24.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(59)
What would it mean if Jehovah did eternally destroy the billions of
men, women and children who are now blinded by Satan and unable to see
the truth? Billions of children would be eternally destroyed without
ever having even a remote chance. And millions would be eternally
destroyed who are still blinded by Satan, or who have never understood the
truth. What a reproach such a teaching is to his name! And yet the claim
made by some religious leaders is that Jehovah vindicates his name by eternally destroying men, women and children who, at the end of the age, reject their brand of "the truth!" How well Isaiah speaks to his people concerning such
leaders: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hear the word of Jehovah, you men who are trembling at his
word: "Your brothers that are hating you by reason of my name, said,
'May Jehovah be glorified!' He must also appear with rejoicing on your
part, and they are the ones that will be put to shame." - Isaiah 66:5.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(60)
If you are associated with the Watchtower organization, for instance, do you really believe that
the billions of children, many of whom are starving and greatly
suffering, will be eternally destroyed along with their parents simply
because they are blinded at present, and thus they cannot understand? This teaching in no way honors
God's name, but is rather a blasphemy against his name! It would be
better to be alone in this world and rejoice in the truth about Jehovah
than trade the scriptural truths for anything. (Proverbs 23:23; Matthew 10:24-27)
The idea of an "organization" of millions of people is comforting to the
flesh, but does very little for the true </span><span style="font-size: large;">spirit of truth. (Romans 8:14-18,9)
Let each decide! </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">2 Thessalonians 1:7,8</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(61)
If the unregenerated people will not be eternally destroyed at Armageddon,
how do we explain 2 Thessalonians 1:7,8? First of all, we must look at
any scripture in connection both with its context and the Bible as a
whole, and not as an isolated scripture. Earlier in this study, we
presented much evidence that the destruction at Armageddon will be the
culmination of God's wrath upon man inherited through Adam, and not the
second death. Therefore the destruction of any unregenerated peoples during the Armageddon battle will not be the second death. With this thought, let us look at the scripture
from its contextual setting and we can see that it is not referring to
the eternal destruction of those who do not know God in the present age,
but rather of the next age.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(62)
We will quote 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 from Green's <b><i>King James II
Version</i></b> (also called: <b><i>Green's Literal Translation</i></b>), 4th edition, in order to see if we can get a clearer picture of
what the apostle was speaking of here as he writes to the Christians at
Thessalonica. "Brothers, we are bound to give thanks to God always
concerning you, even as it is right, because your faith grows
exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all multiplies toward one
another, so as for us to boast ourselves in you in the churches of God
for your patience and faith in all your persecutions, and the
afflictions which you endure, a clear token of the just judgment of God,
for you to be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you
indeed suffer, since it is a just thing with God to repay affliction to
the ones afflicting you; and to you, those being afflicted, rest with us
at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from Heaven with angels of His
power, in flaming fire giving full vengeance to those not knowing God,
and to those not obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will
pay the penalty of eternal destruction from the face of the Lord, and
from the glory of His strength, when He comes to be glorified in His
saints, and to be admired in all those who believe in that Day, because
our testimony to you was believed."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(63)
We believe, with others, that the parousia or coming of our Lord is
invisible, and that the parousia begins before the enlightenment of the world during the Millennial Kingdom. Those
who use 2 Thessalonians 1:7,8 to prove that certain unregenerated ones who are
blinded by Satan will suffer eternal destruction at Armageddon
presuppose that the expression "when he comes (Greek, erkomai)" (verse
10) and "at the revelation (Greek, apokalupsis) of the Lord Jesus"
(verse 7) as used in these verses are limited to the present age, or to a time before Satan is abyssed. (Revelation 20:3) However, the
scriptures do not limit the term apokalupsis to the pre-Millennial era.
The time of the final revealing of the sons of God is also referred to
as the period of His revelation. In Romans 8:18-23 the revelation
(apokalupsis) is very evidently referring to the Millennial revelation
and the post-millennial revelation when the creation, the world of
mankind who prove themselves faithful, will "be delivered from the
bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. -
Revelation 21:7.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(64)
But let us suppose for a moment that the period of time spoken of here
is before Satan is abyssed, and that the persecutors of the Church would be dealt
everlasting destruction before the Millennial enlightenment begins. What would
this mean? In context, it would mean that those persecutors of the Church spoken of
in verse 6 would have to be brought back to life either before or during
the "great tribulation" so that they could be eternally destroyed at
that time. This is the only logical conclusion that we could possibly
reach from the way the scripture is written, if we view the eternal
destruction to come upon those in opposition as occurring before the
Millennium. The scriptures tell us however, that God will reserve the
wicked under punishment [of death through Adam] until the day of
judgment and destruction of ungodly men. (2 Peter 2:9) The day of
judgment, as we have shown elsewhere, is the entire thousand year reign
of Christ. It is not until after Satan is abyssed that the persecutors of the Church
are brought back to life to face judgment and possible eternal
destruction. The purpose of their reservation, we are told, is to give
them all opportunity to believe "in that day." (2 Thessalonians 2:10)
Thus in the day of judgment many will repent and believe, thus escaping
the eternal destruction of the ungodly that comes after the day of
judgment.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(65)
Accordingly verse 10 tells explicitly what time period is referred to -
"in that day." It also tells us that "in that day" many will believe.
These believers are not those who come to believe in this present evil
world for the present-day believers are set in contrast to those come to
believe "in that day." Also the fact that it is in the time "when He
[Jesus] comes to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all
those who believe in that day" shows that this is the same time spoken
of in Romans 8:19-21. This clearly identifies the Millennial era as the
time period for the fulfillment of this prophecy. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(66)
Jesus showed that for those who opposed him the day of judgment will be
a period of tribulation. He told those who would not listen to him:
"But I say to you, that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom
in the day of judgment than for you." (Matthew 11:24. See our studies: <a href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2018/02/hope00.html" target="_blank">Hope of Life After Death</a> and <a href="https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/2016/12/rofall.html" target="_blank">The Restoration of All Things</a>; also see: <a href="http://mostholyfaith.com/Beta/bible/volumes/A06.asp" target="_blank">The Divine Plan of the Ages</a>, pages 108-112 ) The
Millennium, though it will be a time of blessing, will also be a time of
purging. It will be easier for the people of Sodom to repent than for
those who saw and heard Jesus, yet opposed him. These will find it hard
to repent in the judgment day due to the hardness of their hearts.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(67)
Many of these will be so hardened that they will refuse to repent, thus
never coming to know God, in the sense of heart agreement with God,
while others will refuse to obey the Good News, the books that will then
be opened. Both unrepentant classes bring upon themselves, not the wrath of God as
inherited from Adam, but rather the wrath of God that results in the
second death. Thus, Jesus asks the religious Scribes and Pharisees who
opposed him: "How shall you escape the judgment of Gehenna?" - the
second death. (Matthew 23:33) In asking this, he was not saying that
they were already under this condemnation and therefore could not escape
from it, as many have supposed. Rather, he is just stating the
difficulty they will have in the next age of overcoming their hypocrisy
in the day of judgment. That some of this class can repent is shown to
us by the apostle Paul, who at one time was Saul, a zealous Pharisee in
opposing the early Christians. - Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-22; 22:3-17; 23:6.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(68)
We conclude, then, that the eternal destruction of 2 Thessalonians
applies to the Millennial era and not to the present era.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 92:7</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(69)
Another scripture often used to try to teach eternal destruction at
Armageddon is Psalm 92:7. "Though the wicked spring up as the grass, And
all the evil-doers flourish, They will be destroyed forever." Doesn't
this actually show that the wicked are eternally destroyed at
Armageddon?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(70)
No, because the Hebrew word translated forever -- often transliterated as <b><i>gad</i></b> -- does not
always mean forever or everlastingly. It all depends on which way the
Hebrew word gad is used. Many translations render this passage somewhat
like the Jerusalem Bible: "The wicked may sprout as thick as weeds and
every evildoer flourish, but only to be everlastingly destroyed." Here
the word <b>gad</b> is translated "everlastingly," as an adverb modifying
destroyed. Other translations, including the New World Translation,
translates gad as "forever" - 'be destroyed forever.' From this it would
make it appear that this scripture supports the claim of some that all
outside their organization will be eternally destroyed at Armageddon.
But a closer examination of the text will show that it does not support
the claim.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(71)
"Forever" is only one of the meanings that the Hebrew word has.
According to Strong <b>gad</b> means: "a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by
impl.) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as
a noun, either with or without a prep.)" The word "terminus" means:
"the final point or goal." (<b><i>Funk & Wagnalls Standard Desk
Dictionary</i></b>, 1984 edition) Thus we find that gad is translated various
ways, depending on the circumstances and/or the translator's
understanding of how it should be translated. For instance, in Job 20:4
the word gad is used, not in the sense of forever, but only to a certain
point. "Knowest thou not this of old [gad], since man was placed upon
earth." Here the <b><i>King James Version</i></b> translates gad as "old," not
"forever." The point to which the term reaches is explained in the next
phrase: "since man was placed upon earth." <b><i>The New World Translation</i></b>
renders it this way: "Have you at all times [gad] known this very thing,
since man was put upon the earth." This gives it the sense of ongoing, but not of eternity.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(72)
Another rendering of gad is found in Numbers 24:24, the latter part:
"They will lay waste Assyria; they will lay Eber waste; he too shall
perish utterly [gad]." (<b><i>New English Bible</i></b>) The <b><i>New World Translation</i></b>
renders this sentence: "An they will certainly afflict Assyria, and they
will indeed afflict Eber. But he too will eventually [gad] perish."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(73)
So we see that it depends upon the translator's understanding many
times that will influence how this word is translated. We would,
therefore, want to translate it in accord with the rest of the Bible and
in harmony with Jehovah's attributes. Since Jehovah's justice has been
satisfied through the ransom of our Lord Jesus, then it would not be in
harmony with his justice to destroy the wicked without first bringing
them out of their estranged condition. Nor would it be in harmony with
Jehovah's love. Or else it would deny his power to do so.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(74)
Our rendering, therefore, of Psalm 92:6,7 is as follows: "A brutish man
does not know, a fool does not understand this: the wicked flourish
like grass; and all the evildoers blossom. But eventually [gad] they
will be destroyed." This agrees with Psalm 90:3 which tells us that
though Jehovah has turned man to destruction, he will also have mankind
to return from destruction. Additionally, it agrees with 1 Corinthians
15:22 which tells us that "in Adam all are dying." All mankind has been
on the broad road to destruction ever since Adam disobeyed Jehovah. This
destruction would have been eternal had it not been for the ransom
sacrifice of Jesus. Consequently, "as in Adam all are dying, so in
Christ shall all be made alive." Accordingly the scripture in Psalm 92:7
should not be rendered so as to make it appear that the wicked who have
been released from this condemnation will suffer eternal destruction.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(75)
Nevertheless, if one insists that gad here means eternal, the scripture
can only be viewed as applying to the entire period of man's two
judgments, beginning with the judgment in Adam and ending final
destruction of the wicked at the end of the millennial age. (Revelation
20:7-10) Otherwise, if this scripture should be applied to the idea that
the wicked are not raised in the last day, then there would be no
resurrection of judgment. (John 5:28,29; Acts 17:31) There would be no further judgment of
the unbeliever in the last day, as Jesus spoke of. (John 12:47,48) It
would additionally mean that Jesus' sacrifice was for the saints only,
and not for the world. (1 John 2:2) Indeed, it would mean that there has
been no offsetting price for all who are dying in Adam at all, but
rather that Jesus only died for a few who are dying in Adam. -- 1
Corinthians 15:21,22; Romans 5:12-19; 1 Timothy 2:5,6.</span><br />
</div><div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Sheep and Goats<br /> Matthew 25:31-46</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(76)
Christian people have held various views of the parable of the sheep
and goats, some claiming that the parable has been in process of
fulfillment ever since Christ was on the earth and that it will be
finished at the second coming of Christ. This view is shown to be
erroneous by the first verse of the parable, which definitely locates
the time of its fulfillment. It begins during the time of the second
advent of Christ, as is clearly intimated by the words: "When the Son of
man will come in his glory, and all his holy angels with him, then he
will sit down on his glorious throne; and all nations will be gathered
before him." These momentous events have not yet occurred, and
consequently the parable still belongs to the future.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(77)
Another interpretation given to the parable by some is that at the
second advent of Christ, on the very day of his arrival, all the
billions of the dead will come forth and, together with the living, will
all arrange themselves before Jesus, and that during that 24-hour day
he, as the great King, will separate the sheep class from the goat
class, gathering all the sheep to the right hand and all the goats to
the left hand.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(78)
This interpretation is not very satisfactory to anybody because, first,
it implies that Jesus will not have already made any determination as
respects those who are his and those who are not. (John 10:14) If we fit
this interpretation to the usual but erroneous teaching that all the
dead are either in heaven with God and the angels or in some nether
world with demons and flames, it would imply that they were dealt with
before they were judged. It further implies that some who had gone to
heaven and been there for centuries should have been in the other place,
and other who had possibly gone to the other place by mistake should
have gone to heaven, and this parable shows the time and manner in which
Jesus will finally determine as to whether or not any serious mistakes
had occurred and endeavor to rectify them. Moreover this view supposes
God to be fallible, or else supposes a gathering of millions from heaven
and hell to this earth again for no particular purpose, merely for a
spectacular display which could alter nothing. This view as a whole is
farcical, for it would be absurd to think of any kind of a judgment of
the whole world or a separative gathering into two companies all over
the earth in a 24-hour day. True, this is the prevailing view, but that
proves nothing as respects its truthfulness or its reasonableness. It is
to the discredit of theologians in general that any could entertain
such a thought for a moment, or suppose that the Almighty and his
glorified Son would participate in such a useless sham.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(79)
A more recent view has been presented by some. In the latter 1800s and
early 1900s, a small group of Bible students associated with Charles T. Russell taught very similar to what we are here presenting.
However, after the death of Russell in 1916, "Judge" Rutherford
began to officially create an authoritarian organization, basically with himself as its head. To induce others to submit to this
"organization," he brought forth a new teaching to cause fear in all in
the "Bible Students" fellowship. A great many of the "old-time" Bible
students, wanting to hold on the "ransom for all", either withdrew support from Russell or found themselves
"disfellowshipped" by Rutherford and his agents. Basically, the new idea
was that all who oppose Judge Rutherford's new teachings would be of the
"evil slave" class. All Bible Students, then, who would not bow to his teachings, would be eternally destroyed in the second death. Thus, in effect, he set up a
"golden calf" (organization) for all under his influence to worship.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(80)
The Watchtower leaders little by little left the teaching that the
sheep in this parable are the Millennial sheep. In time the Watchtower
began to teach that these sheep are the "great multitude" who pass
through Armageddon and that the goats are all others who are eternally destroyed
at Armageddon. However, this interpretation cannot follow through. Why
not? Because, as we have shown, the individual judgment of the world is
not yet, not as long as Satan is still blinding the minds of the people. The time when the nations (Gentiles - Hebrew gowy, Greek,
ethnos) are gathered for individual judgment is during the Millennial
reign of Jesus, during the time when Satan is abyssed, and not allowed to deceive the nations. All who belong to Christ in this age come "out of" the
nations (Gentiles). Remember that Jesus said: "I am coming as a light
into the world, that whosoever believes in me should not remain in
darkness. And if any man hears my words, and does not believe, I do not
judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.
He that rejects me, and does not receive my words, has one that judges
him - the words that I have spoken, the same will judge him in the last
day." (John 12:46-48) To say that God is judging individuals of the
nations - the nonbelievers - now for eternal life or eternal death when, according to his own words, he wasn't when Jesus was here on the earth is beyond scriptural reason. Today the
world is filled with more deceptions, more corruptions, and more
confusion than ever before. Of all generations, the present generation
should be considered the foremost generation in need of being liberated
from its darkness and receiving the light of truth. Yet the present
stand of the Watchtower would deny this. In the Watchtower book, <b><i>You Can
Live Forever in Paradise on Earth</i></b>, we find this statement: "After
Armageddon no part of this wicked world will remain. Only persons who
serve God will continue to live." (page 155) While we could agree all
elements of this wicked world will not remain, the application of the
sheep and goats to the present age would mean that all who fail to
understand, believe, or obey the Watchtower teachings are going off into
eternal destruction, which we deny. On page 183 of the same Watchtower
book we read:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(81)
"Will you be there to enjoy the good things that Jehovah God has in
store? This will depend on whether you survive an earlier judgment day,
namely the present 'day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly
men.' - 2 Peter 3:7.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(82)
"Yes, since Christ returned and sat down on his heavenly throne, all
humankind has been on judgment. This present 'day of judgment' comes
before the 1,000-year Judgment Day as 'goats' will be destroyed because
they fail to help Christ's anointed 'brothers' in their service to God.
In time, these 'goats' show themselves to be unrepentant sinners,
wicked, hardened in their practice of unrighteousness. The 'sheep,' on
the other hand, will be blessed with life under the Kingdom rule because
they support Christ's 'brothers' in every way. - Matthew 25:31-46."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(83)
Thus is laid the groundwork for obtaining the absolute obedience of
unwary newcomers to their organization. On page 193 of the same book it
is claimed that their organization is headed by a few of Christ's
"brothers" who have been appointed as the "faithful and discreet slave
class." (Matthew 24:45-47)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(84) And the book continues: "On his return in Kingdom power in the year 1914, did Christ find a
'faithful and discreet slave' class providing spiritual 'food,' or
information? Yes, he found such a 'slave' made up of the remaining ones
on earth of his 144,000 'brothers.' (Revelation 12:10; 14:1,3) And since
1914 millions of persons have accepted the 'food' they provide, and
have begun practicing true religion with them. This organization of
God's servants is known as Jehovah's witnesses."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(85)
Imagine now how those who know nothing, or very little, of the truth
about the ransom could easily become frightened into obedience to these
religious leaders! In reality, there was no one in 1914 preaching the JW
doctrine. In 1914, Russell did not permit his Watch Tower to be used for such purposes. After Russell died in 1916, Rutherford deceitfully had new by-laws passed that virtually destroyed the Watch Tower Society as Russell had created it, and Rutherford then began to use his new WTS as a basis for the creation of an authoritarian organization. By 1928, most of the Bible Students had rejected Rutherford's new
"organization" gospel.* But does the Watchtower present the correct
understanding of the parable of the "sheep and goats?" No. The gathering
of the nations (Gentiles) to be judged individually takes place by
restoring them to life so that they may be judged individually without hindrance from Satan's deceptions, not by their past
works, but by their works as related to the books that will then be
opened to them. (Revelation 20:11-13). It is not the gathering of nations that
takes place at Armageddon for the executing of God's judgment as begun
upon man through Adam. "'Therefore wait for me,' says Jehovah, 'until
the day I rise up for plunder, my determination is to gather the
nations, to my assembly of kingdoms, to pour on them my indignation, all
my fierce anger. All the earth will be devoured with the fire of my
jealousy." (Zephaniah 3:8) This same period is when the day of Jehovah comes as a thief
upon the world. The execution of judgment at that time is to convince
the people of the nations of their sins, thus indicating that their destruction is not
eternal but rather for the purpose of disciplining. (Jude 1:15; 2 Peter
3:7,10)** It is during this transition period that Satan's rulership of the world is
destroyed. It is not until after the passing away of this present evil age that Jehovah 'turns to the peoples a pure language.' (Zephaniah
3:9) The Watchtower leaders have to admit that the nations of the world
are still being blinded by Satan. (2 Corinthians 4:4) It is not until
after Satan is bound and the veil of blindness is removed that it can
truly be said that the nations have received a pure language. (Isaiah
25:6-7; Revelation 20:3) And the method of gathering the nations at that
time will be through the awakening of the dead, in the day when many
will be turned to righteousness. - Revelation 20:11-13; Daniel 12:2,3.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">==========</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">*See our study:</span><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://rlbible.com/?p=488" href="https://rlctr.blogspot.com/2016/12/bstudents-jws.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Students Did Not Become Jehovah's Witnesses</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">**See our study:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a data-mce-href="http://atonement.rlbible.com/?p=40" href="https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/2017/12/2pe3-9.html" target="_blank">The Repentance in 2 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(86)
And thus we have the proper setting for the judgment of the sheep and
the goats. The "sheep" of the parable are not the sheep of the present
age, whom the Master knows and who know the Master. (John 10:14) Rather
these are the "other sheep" who are not of the fold that recognize the
Master in the present age. They are brought forth out of death. These
become the sheep of the next age. These do not inherit a place in the
ruling house of God, but do inherit the kingdom prepared from the
founding of the world, the kingdom that was prepared for Adam and which
he lost. (Matthew 25:34; Genesis 1:28; Psalm 8:3-8; Hebrews 2:6-8) These sheep inherit these promises, not after Armageddon, but after the final
eternal destruction of the wicked which takes place <b>after </b>the
thousand-year reign of Christ, the day which God has appointed "in which
he will judge the world in righteousness." - Revelation 20:7-9; Psalm
37:9-11; Acts 17:31.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(87)
The work of individual judgment here described is upon those of the
nations -- the heathen, that is, those presently outside of Jehovah's favor. Thus Jesus describes
the work of the Millennial Age: "All nations will be gathered before
him." (Matthew 25:32) The "great multitude" of Revelation 7 cannot be included in the
parable of the sheep and goats. Why not? Because they come "out of"
(Greek ek) the nations (Gentiles) and become part of God's people during the
present evil world. They are part of God's "called-out" class, who
become part of his church during the great tribulation. The people of
the nations who do not become part of the "great multitude" simply
remain under God's wrath as placed upon them through Adam. (John 3:36)
After Armageddon's destruction, the light will then shine upon all
nations (Gentiles) as they are gathered from the grave. (John 5:28,19)
Then all the blind eyes will be opened, all the deaf ears will be
unstopped, and the knowledge of the glory of Jehovah will fill the whole
earth. - Isaiah 35; 11:9.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(88)
We might be inclined to think that, with all the blessed favors,
privileges, opportunities and knowledge which the Millennial Age will
bring to the world, the whole human family would develop into sheep. But
the parable teaches to the contrary. There will be some who, even after
their eyes and ears will have been opened to see and have a knowledge of Jehovah's goodness, will still fail to develop that measure
of loving obedience and accord with righteousness which would have his
approval. Such prove their heart is still not in accord with righteousness, and thus they do not receive the mark as sheep which would entitle them
under the divine arrangement at the close of the Millennial Age to be
ushered into the everlasting kingdom as was prepared for them from the founding of the world.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(89)
It is our conclusion that the gathering to judgment will be a gradual
one, not all at the same moment, definitely not all on the same 24-hour day, nor even in the
same year. All nations will be gathered, however, including the nations
destroyed in Armageddon's battle. Gradually, more and more they will be
gathered from the tomb, until all the race will be assembled excepting
those who have been favored in advance during this Gospel (Good News) Age. All
will see the King in his beauty. All will discern that they are living
under the reign of Immanuel. All will realize that the clouds and
darkness of this present time of evil, of sin, of Satan, have rolled
away and a new dispensation has been inaugurated. Then it will no longer
be necessary to suffer for righteousness' sake but only for evil doing.
The work of separating will be a gradual one, and will not be fully
completed until sometime near the close of the Millennial Age. Each member of Adam's
race will have a full opportunity for not only receiving instruction in
righteousness, but for making his personal decision as respects the
same. In other words, each will have an full opportunity with the full ability for the development
of personal attributes in God-likeness. Those who refuse or neglect the
opportunity for formation into God-likeness prove themselves unworthy of
everlasting life and will be among the goats, while all who will
develop true God-like attributes will be among the sheep.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(90)
It will be the work of almost the entire Millennial Age to bring this about.
Righteousness will reign then, as sin reigns now. That is to say, it
will be in control, in the ascendancy; and whosoever would want to sin
then will suffer promptly. Hence all the nations will be seeking to avoid sin.
Then the world in general will be a grand place, where "nothing will
hurt or destroy"; where "the inhabitant will not say: 'I am sick'";
where the curse will be gradually rolled away, and there will be no more
crying, no more sighing, no more dying; and where the blessing of God,
bring perfection, will prevail. "Oh happy day!" we exclaim. And surely
it will be such; for all who live through those thousand years will have
a great blessing. - Psalm 72:7; Isaiah 11:9; 33:24; 65:25; Revelation
22:3; 21:4.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">==========</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">See our study:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2018/03/frame-mat25-31.html" target="_blank">The Time Frame of Matthew 25:31-46</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Law of Retribution</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(91)
But, some inquire, what about the sins of the world? Will there be no
chastisements, no punishments, for these? We answer that it will be
equally just for God to forgive the sins of the world for Christ's sake
as it has been just for him to forgive the sins of the disciples of this
age for Christ's sake. If the one is just, so will be the other. God is
no respecter of persons, and is equally as willing to forgive the sins
of the world as the sins of the disciples of Jesus, when the those of
the world, repenting from sin, will turn from it, and accept Christ as
their Redeemer.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(92)
This does not mean, however, that justice is to be ignored. In the case
of the disciples of Jesus today, note how the sins of youth may leave
their scar and sting to the end of life. The disciples of Jesus in this
age may have to continue to fight against tendencies he has acquired or
inherited until the day he dies. And so we may reasonably assume that
certain stripes, or punishments, will be permitted to follow the world
in just the same manner. They will return with the same traits,
tendencies, etc., with which they died. The liar will still be prone to
lie; the thief will still have a desire to steal; etc. It will be from
these weaknesses and frailties that they will be gradually raised up to
perfection during these blessed thousand years of Christ's kingdom, when
Satan will be bound and not permitted to deceive any during that
period. - Isaiah 26:9; Revelation 20:3.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(93)
But what about the heart condition? If conformity to the divine law in
an outward way will bring blessings to all, will there not still be a
difference between the people - some coming heartily into accord with
the Father, and others merely outwardly into harmony, because this
outward harmony will be the way to restoration, perfection?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(94)
Undoubtedly many will only outwardly submit themselves to Christ during the 1,000 years, but whose hearts will not be harmony with the Kingdom. It is along this line that
the parable before us teaches; namely, that outwardly the "sheep" and
the "goats" will have much the same appearance and demeanor, except to
the Judge, the King, who will read the heart and ultimately will
manifest to all that there has been a real heart difference between the
two classes, all of whom will have been on trial during the thousand
years, receiving blessings from the kingdom.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Basis of Judgment</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(95)
All the while each individual will be more and more learning how to
obey God's law, some ingraining this law in their hearts while others
only learn to refrain from sins of violation toward others. Their true
character will be fully appreciated by the great Judge, and the
individual will be rated as a "sheep" or as a "goat." All the sheep-like
ones will thus be received at the right hand of Jesus. All the goat-like
ones will be rated as out of favor with Jehovah, even though all the
while they will be receiving the blessings of the Millennial kingdom and
outwardly rendering obedience to its laws.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(96)
Not until the conclusion of the Millennium will the decision of the
Judge be manifested. To the "sheep" at his right hand he will say:
"Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you
from the foundation of the world." (Matthew 25:34) When God laid the
foundation of the earth it was his design to have it inhabited with
perfect, happy humans. (Isaiah 45:12,18) This is not the same kingdom as
the Messianic kingdom. On the contrary, it is the kingdom that God
gave to Adam, which Adam lost through his disobedience and which Christ
redeemed by the sacrifice of himself. (Genesis 1:26; Psalm 8:4-8;
Hebrews 2:7-9) It will be given to those who will have developed
complete Godlikeness - those who have become the Lord's "other sheep"
during the Millennium. - John 10:16.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(97)
Then the other class, the goats of the parable, will be sentenced:
"Depart, you cursed ones, into everlasting punishment." Granted all the
privileges, blessings and experiences during the thousand years of
contact with righteousness, truth and the spirit of God, these, though
they had rendered outward obedience in refraining from sins of
violation, but at heart they had not come into harmony with God. They
will, therefore, not be recognized as "sheep." Failing in developing
pure Godlikeness they cannot be presented to the Father as blameless and
incorruptible. They will have to be destroyed. This punishment,
however, the final vengeance of God, is the second death, "everlasting
destruction." (2 Thessalonians 1:8,9) Their penalty is an everlasting
one because there will be no further provision made for their redemption
or for a resurrection from the second death. They will have failed
utterly to appreciate the goodness of God and to develop into his
likeness. Eternal life is only for those who have God's likeness and
God's spirit. 'The Father is seeking such to worship him in spirit and
truth.' - John 4:23.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(98)
Both classes, the "sheep" and the "goats," are told the basis of his
judgment. To the sheep he will say: "I was hungry, and you gave me food.
I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me
in; naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in
prison, and you came to me." To the goat class he says: "I was hungry,
and you did not give me food. I was thirsty, and you did not give me
drink. I was a stranger, and you did not take me in; naked, and you did
not clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit me." - Matthew
25:35,36,42,43.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(99)
Both the "sheep" and "goats" will claim that they had no knowledge of
any such experiences. Each asked: When did we do these things, or not do
these things? Exactly how this has a fulfillment we will have to wait
and see. However, Jesus' reply will be: "Inasmuch as you have done [or
have not done] it to one of the least of these my brothers, you have
done [or not done] it unto me." - Matthew 25:40,45.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The "Brothers" Of Christ</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(100)
Who are these "brothers" respecting whom there will be a test upon the
sheep class and upon the goat class? Will there be people sick, hungry
and in prison during the Millennium? Does the Lord wish us to understand
that there will be such things then? We have, on the contrary, always
assumed that sickness, poverty, hunger and prisons will then be gone
forever. What does it all mean?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(101) With the establishment of the kingdom all who come into
harmony with it will have the great privilege of doing something to
help others. The world is blind and starved now, for lack of spiritual
food and the anointing eye-salve of truth. While the Millennial
blessings will be showered upon those who accept Jehovah's terms, there
will be others who will need assistance. Those who develop within
themselves true love will be glad to carry the heavenly message of
reconciliation to all humanity, glad to apply the eye salve to the
blind, glad to unstop the ears of the deaf, glad to help the sin-sick
back into harmony with God - helping them to cover their nakedness with
the merit of Christ.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(102)
All who will take pleasure in this work will thus be manifesting that
they have God's spirit and are co-laborers with him. All these will be
the sheep. On the other hand, those who will be careless in respect to
their vow, and merely enjoy the Millennial blessings themselves, will be
of the goat class and will thus be marking themselves as a "goat."
Correspondingly they will be out of favor with the great King of kings,
their Judge, the Lord of glory.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">(103)
Those now sitting in darkness will then be invited to come out of the
prison house of darkness. (Isaiah 42:7) When those of the world are awakened from death, they
will not automatically be enlightened; they will still be sitting in darkness. They will need to be "visited" while
yet in this prison so that they may be enlightened and be fully released from their blindness. We believe that those of the "great multitude", who come out of the great tribulation, will already be sheep of Christ, and will be led to the waters of life soon after Satan is abyssed, and thus be fully enlightened before the resurrection of the world begins. Thus, these sheep of Christ will be ready to help others as they come forth from the grave to be enlightened. We believe that many of those coming forth from the grave will welcome such enlightenment and will become of the "sheep" class, who will be happy to "visit" other new ones coming forth from the graves in order to assist them. On the other hand, those whose hearts of show themselves to be of the
"goat" class will not be interested in helping others.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">See our studies:</span><br /><a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2017/03/gm.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The Great Multitude</span></a></span><br />
<a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2016/11/144000-gm.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The 144,000 and the Great Multitude</span></a><br />
<a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2017/03/gm-temple.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The Great Multitude in the Temple</span></a><br />
<a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/2016/11/gmultitude.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">A Great Multitude in Heaven</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">(104)
But how are these ones coming out of the graves Christ's "brothers?"
Are not the 144,000 the only "brothers" of Christ? It is true that in a
special way the 144,000 become "brothers" to Jesus. But we note also
that the apostles Peter and Paul as well as Stephen referred to the
Jewish people of their day as their "brothers." (Acts 3:12,17; 7:2;
13:16,26,38; 22:1; 23:1,5,6; 28:17; Romans 9:3) Additionally, Paul
included the men of Athens as "offspring of God." (Acts 22:28,29) But more importantly, since the whole creation is to share in the glorious liberty of the
children of God, Jesus shared in the same as the children, that is,
"man" referred to in Hebrews 2:6-8, to whom was subjected all things.
Man, as represented in Adam, was given dominion over all things in the beginning, but it was lost
to him through Adam's disobedience. Thus Hebrews 2:8 tells us that now
we do not see all things put under him, that is, mankind. Verses 9 and
14 tell us that Jesus shared the same as the children - the offspring of
God - mankind. Thus he is not ashamed to also call them his "brothers,"
(verse 11) "because the creation itself will also be delivered from the
bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God."
(Romans 8:21) To be released from this bondage would indicate they will
be led by God's spirit, thus becoming sons of God. (Romans 8:14,15)
Thus in a broad sense all mankind could be called his brothers, since he
partook of the same humanity. But it is especially in the restoration of man that the creation now subjected to vanity is recognized as children of God.</span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Rewarding of the Sheep</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(105) Evidently, the rewarding of the sheep and the punishing of the goats will come after the close of the Millennial Age, towards the end of the little season, or short period of time, during which Satan will be loosed. (Revelation 20:3,7-10) True, great blessings will be upon all
during the Millennial Age, upon each in proportion to his obedience to
the divine standards, but only at the close of the age will the full
reward be granted. The reward to be granted to those "other sheep" will
be the kingdom which God prepared from the foundation of the world, from
the time of Adam's creation. That kingdom was given to Adam originally;
he was the first king of earth while in the image of his Creator. As it
is written of him: "You [Jehovah] have made him a little lower than the
gods [angels - Hebrews 2:7] and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him to have
dominion over the works of your hands, you have put all things under his
feet." - Psalm 8:5,6.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(106)
By disobedience father Adam lost the rulership and power in his
kingdom, and the entire kingdom of God's earthly creation has suffered
as a consequence. The reign of Christ during the Millennium will be for
the purpose of lifting up as many of mankind as will then desire to come
back into full harmony with Jehovah, lifting them up out of the mire of
sin and out the miry clay and horrible pit of sin and death, lifting
them up to all that Adam was before he sinned - to the image and
likeness of their Creator. This the apostle Paul designates This as the
times of "restoration" (Acts 3:20,21), which he tells us takes place
during Christ's return.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(107)
But even the obedient of mankind will not be fit to be entrusted with
the kingdom of the world until absolute perfection will have been
reached, and the perfection of the race will not be attained, as we have
seen, until the end of the thousand-year "day" appointed for the purpose.
Then the worthy will be granted the kingdom of earth, the dominion
under the whole heavens. With this transfer of the earthly control to
the perfect man at that time, Christ's Millennial Kingdom for the restoration of man will end. In delivering the Kingdom up to the perfect and
worthy members of the race he will be delivering it up to the Father, in
full harmony with the Father's original arrangement, interfered with by
original sin. What marvelous wonders will fill this earth once man, the king
of the earth, will be restored to the image of his Creator, and when
the earth itself will be filled with the glory of God, we cannot begin
to completely comprehend in our present state. We can only wonder and
praise and adore the loving God, whose provision has been so bountiful
for every creature, every member of the fallen race.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Punishment of the Goats</span></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">(108)
After the millennial age for restoring man, Satan will be loosed from his bonds for a
short period of time. (Revelation 20:7) It appears that then those of
the goat class will show their true colors as they follow Satan at that
time. (Revelation 20:8) It is at this time that both goats and sheep
will come face-to-face with Jehovah, for at that time Jesus turns the
Kingdom over to the Father. (Revelation 20:8; 1 Corinthians 15:24) It is evidently at the end of this short intermediate period that the goats receive
their punishment of "everlasting destruction." In Revelation 20:8 they
are pictured as being destroyed by fire that comes down from God out of
heaven. Revelation 21:8 speaks of them as 'cowardly and unbelieving,
having become foul, murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters,
liars,' etc. These have their portion in the second death represented by
the "lake of fire." We do not believe that during this short period of
time when Satan is released that the goat class will actually be
permitted to enter into murder. But our thought is that by their hatred
for their fellow-man they show that they have murder in their hearts. (1
John 3:15) Exactly how all this will be fulfilled toward the goat class
during the short period of time Satan is let loose we do not presently
know. All we can see is that somehow Satan gets the goat class to follow
him against God.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(109)
We should note that while any sins they commit during the time of
Satan's release are added to their guilt, it is not for these sins that
they sentenced to eternal destruction. Their sentence to eternal
destruction evidently occurs just at the close of the 1,000 year reign
of Christ. It appears to be delayed for only a short time as they depart
into the everlasting fire made ready for the devil and his angels. The
eternal fire is the fire of God's jealousy or anger, which burns against
and destroys everything antagonistic to his righteousness. (Zephaniah
1:18; 3:8) It is, of course, merely a figurative expression representing
the destructiveness of God's eternal jealousy for righteousness. At the
end of the Millennium it is made ready or prepared to destroy all in
opposition to God. But they are allowed a short period of time to prove
their opposition. Therefore they are sentenced sometime before they
receive their punishment. They receive the sentence of eternal
destruction because of failure to develop the spirit of love, for love
is the fulfilling of the law. None can meet the divine approval except
those whose sentiments will attain to the degree of loving Jehovah with
all their hearts, minds, being and strength, and their neighbors as
themselves. (Matthew 23:37-40; Romans 13:8; Galatians 5:14; 6:2) The
sheep of the Millennial Age, we may be sure, will attain to this love
which God's law marks as the proper measure of God-likeness. The goats
of the Millennial Age, we may be equally sure, will be the ones who will
not have this God-likeness.<br />See our Study:<br /><a href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2017/04/jude1-7.html" target="_blank">Example of Eternal Fire</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"Into Everlasting Punishment"</span></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">(110)
The Greek word rendered "everlasting" is not as strong as our English
word which represents it. Its having the meaning of time without end depends on the context. Thus, on this point we raise no question, since it is the same word that is used in referring to everlasting life which
will be granted the sheep. It may be well, however, to notice that life,
being Jehovah's gift to the sheep, implies that no life will be given
to the goats - it thus implies the kind of punishment which the
Scriptures describe, namely, a death punishment, an extinction of life;
and this will continue forever, as we have seen. Hence while the
punishment is everlasting, the second death itself occurs only once and is over
with - it is not a continuance of punishment after punishment after
punishment on and on throughout eternity. Such would be eternal
punishing, not an everlasting punishment.<br />See our studies:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2018/02/hope11.html" target="_blank">The Second Death, the Lake of Fire, </a></span><a href="http://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2018/02/hope11.html" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Gehenna</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2017/04/hope14.html" target="_blank">Everlasting Punishment</a></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://bible-hope.blogspot.com/2018/02/hope16.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Spirits in Prison, Lake of Fire, Tormented Day and Night Forever</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">All Creation Praises Jehovah</span></strong></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">(111)
With Satan and his demons as well as all the goat class destroyed, what
a joyous time all creation will then have! This final victory results
in the exaltation of Jehovah as described in Psalm 145:10: "All your
works will praise you, O Jehovah!" The whole universe will then be
cleansed, so one could diligently seek to find a wicked person, and
there would be none. (Psalm 37:10) For "the meek will inherit the earth
and delight themselves in the abundance of peace." (Psalm 37:11) "Let
everything that has breath praise Jehovah!" (Psalm 150:6) What a happy
time that will be then!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(112)
Let us rejoice, then, in the Good News of God's Kingdom for the
blessing of all families of the earth, including the families now on the
earth who are yet blinded by Satan. If we want Jehovah's blessings now,
we have to be obedient to Jesus and the Good News. If we want Jehovah's
favor during Armageddon, we have to actively believe upon Jesus. Jesus
has said: "Go, therefore, and make disciples from all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you all the
days until the completion of the age." Are you observing this command to
make disciples [students]? Jesus said: "This Good News of the kingdom
will be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations; and then
the end will come." (Matthew 24:14) Are you sharing in preaching the
true good news of God's kingdom?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Who Will Preach the Good News<br /> To All the World?</span></strong></div>
<blockquote data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"The
Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in all the earth, for a
witness to all nations; and then the end will come." -- Matthew 24:14</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(113) Jesus told his disciples to preach and teach in all the world all that Jesus had taught, so that others may become disciples of Jesus. That included his command to preach the word. Thus, every consecrated child of God is under command to preach, and should be doing so to the best his/her knowledge and ability. Nevertheless, most of God's children are as babes in Christ, being bound by sectarian dogma that hinders them from understanding the full meaning of God's Kingdom, and its coming blessings for all. Paul spoke of such sectarian blindness in his words written at 1 Corinthians 3:1-4. Thus, many Christians live their whole life being bound by sectarianism, and thus remain as babes in Christ until they die. Many of these, however, have been very zealous in spreading the Bible, which has the Kingdom Good News in it. Thus, we can find various translations of the Bible in almost every nation and island of
the world. The Bible does contain that Good News. The Good News is being preached in the words of the Bible itself, but alas, it is not being preached with clarity of understanding. For the most part, even those preaching by personal testimony lack the full understanding of that Gospel, since they are hindered by sectarian bonds. On the other hand, sectarian bondage often means that the oral presentation of the Kingdom falls far short of the true Good News of God's
Kingdom that will bless all the families of the earth, and most often ends up being a message of eternal doom for all who do not accept their particular brand of the Gospel. (See our studies: <em><strong><a data-mce-href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=380" href="https://rlbibleresources.blogspot.com/2017/05/mysteries.html" target="_blank">Understanding Kingdom Mysteries</a></strong></em> and <em><strong>T<a data-mce-href="http://binfo.rlbible.com/?p=393" href="https://rlbibleresources.blogspot.com/2020/03/restoration.html" target="_blank">he Restoration of All Things</a></strong></em>).</span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(114)
The Watchtower leaders claim that their "organization" is fulfilling
this prophecy. But in general are those associated with this
organization really preaching the "good news"? No! While there may be a
few associated with the organization who might be trying to preach the
truth, most just echo what their leaders preach: which is to the effect
that those who continue in rejection of their message will be eternally
destroyed during the "great tribulation" or at the battle of Armageddon.
This is not the Good News of the Kingdom! It is a false "good news"
that actually dishonors Jehovah's name. It makes Jehovah appear to be unwilling
to honor the satisfaction of justice that his Son died for, therefore
making him seem to be not trustworthy. He is made to appear similar to
the gods that have been worshiped in the past, and are still be
worshiped (although not so outwardly). However, the true Good News, as
we have already shown, declares the excellency of Jehovah's name and
word.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(115)
Indeed, the Watchtower adherents are greatly involved in preaching.
They are very zealous for their message, for they feel that it is up to
them to "save" as many as possible from eternal destruction at
Armageddon. But this is not the true Good News of the Kingdom. What they
are proclaiming is actually a profanation of God's holy name.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(116) It is up to those who know the actual Good News of the coming Kingdom to preach this message. Most of the Restoration Light publications may be printed, and copies can be made locally, that could be distributed to others, whether on street corners, door to door, or while riding a train or bus, or wherever. The Dawn Bible Students Association provides free tracts and also many booklets that can be distributed (the Dawn, however, still hangs onto usually presenting the Holy Name as "the LORD", or as "GOD", etc., but that is another topic. -- See our studies on the <a href="https://nameofyah.blogspot.com/p/on-this-site.html">Holy Name</a>.) Other groups also provide tracts that can be distributed. There needs to be a general encouragement for each one
who is able to enter into some form of preaching, whether the house-to-house work or other
public preaching work. We all need to take seriously our stewardship
to Jesus, in obeying his commission, not to preach an organization, a
movement, or a sect, but to preach Christ and his ransom sacrifice, and the blessings that comes to the world due to that sacrifice.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">==========</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Some Related Studies:</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a data-mce-href="http://ctr.rlbible.com/?p=483" href="https://rlctr.blogspot.com/2016/11/end-1914.html" target="_blank">End of the World in 1914?</a> -- Was Charles Taze Russell expecting the "end of the world" in 1914?<br /><a href="https://rlctr.blogspot.com/2016/12/jws.html">Jehovah's Witnesses and Charles Taze Russell</a><br /><a data-mce-href="http://rlbible.com/?p=1064" href="https://rlbibleresources.blogspot.com/2017/03/necessity.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Preaching the Gospel A Necessity</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/p/the-ransom-and-jws.html" target="_blank">The Ransom and the JWs</a></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div></div><div><br /></div>Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-67135178163085733712016-09-15T14:10:00.002-07:002021-03-10T10:05:53.910-08:00Matthew 24:34 - The Generation That Passes Away<blockquote style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Matthew 24:34 Most assuredly I tell you, this generation will not pass away, until all these things are accomplished.<br />
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. -- World English.<br />
See also Mark 13:30,31; Luke 21:32,33.</div>
</blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGskfn1bnARORO0_qMHodLsB-0b_XJgWNgr-Q0DPlksRRSxpo0hJVWzcaSsartX9JFPSZCHxTHDws_p5RECkeLp5hOknXt6Z4PT3CbSaPie-CmzRRqliV62_ZowzaXsVjUR52h4Rx1hAm7/s1600/BTH_81.TIF" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="1350" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGskfn1bnARORO0_qMHodLsB-0b_XJgWNgr-Q0DPlksRRSxpo0hJVWzcaSsartX9JFPSZCHxTHDws_p5RECkeLp5hOknXt6Z4PT3CbSaPie-CmzRRqliV62_ZowzaXsVjUR52h4Rx1hAm7/s200/BTH_81.TIF" width="200" /></a></div>
There has been a lot of speculation as to what "this generation" means in Matthew 24:34. We believe that when Jesus said "this generation [genea]" he was referring to the corrupt Adamic generation that Paul spoke of in Philippians 2:15.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
The Greek word for generation here most often refers to a specific generation of people living a specific time. Yet, it can also be applied in a broader sense to a generation suffering under a certain condemnation. In Philippians 2:14,15, we read:</div>
<blockquote style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and divisive reasonings,<br />
Philippians 2:15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world.</blockquote>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
Here Paul speaks of a crooked and perverse generation, and associates this generation with “the world” in which the sons of God shine as lights. The word translated from the Greek as “world” here is the Greek word that is often transliterated as “kosmos”. This is the word that John used in John 1:10, when he spoke of the world that had been made through the Logos, the Word. This is the word that Jesus used in John 17:5, and it is the word that Paul used in Romans 5:12, when speaking of the world into which sin had come through one man. It is therefore speaking of the world of mankind, and it is this world and the present generation existing ever since Adam sinned that Paul is speaking of. It is this generation, this creation, that God has subjected to the sun of vanity and is under a bondage of corruption, made to be in a perverse and a crooked condition from which it cannot make itself straight (just, justified). -- Ecclesiastes 1:2,13-15; 7:13; Romans 1:24,28; 3:9,10,23; 5:12-19; 8:20-22.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
It is into this world of mankind that Jesus came, and it was while he was in the world that Jesus was its light. (John 3:10-12,19; 8:12; 9:5) It is then this world, this generation of Adam, that has become perverse and crooked that the sons of God are to serve as lights, and thus we conclude that it is this generation that Jesus was speaking of in Matthew 24:34 as not passing away until all had been accomplished. This may be seen in the next verse:</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
Thus, we believe that this generation of Matthew 24:34 pertains to the whole creation of </div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
Romans 8:22, which creation has been subjected to vanity, and is under bondage to corruption: the Adamic generation that is of the heaven and earth that is to pass away.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
In speaking of this generation as passing away [Parerchomai], Jesus uses the same expression as he used when speaking of the present heavens and earth passing away. (Matthew 5:18; Mark 13:31) Thus, in the context of Jesus' words concerning all these things as happening before "this generation" passes away, he parallels the passing away of "his generation" with the passing away of the heavens and earth.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Hebrews 1:10 speaks of the foundation of this heavens and earth as being laid down by Jesus, referring to the time of the creation of world of mankind, thus of the time spoken of in the six days of creation. (John 1:10) John uses a similar word in 1 John 2:17, where he speaks of the world passing away. Peter uses the same expression as Jesus in speaking of the present heavens as passing away, although he is referring to 'heavens' as having existed from the flood of Noah's day, not as from the original creation. (2 Peter 3:10) However, Peter earlier speaks of the corruption that is in the world (kosmos) through lust (elevated desire). (2 Peter 1:4) That corruption that is in the world (kosmos) came through the sin of Adam and Eve: Eve's desire for knowledge and to become like God, and Adam's desire to please his wife rather than his Creator. Paul uses the word kosmos, saying that sin entered into the world (kosmos) through one man. (Romans 5:12-19) And Paul refers to this creation as the "whole creation" or "all creation" that has been subjected to vanity and that is in bondage to corruption. (Romans 8:20-22) Solomon wrote of this generation as being under the sun of vanity and crookedness. (Ecclesiastes 1:2,13-15; 7:13) Thus, it is this creation through Adam, this generation through Adam, this corrupt world/creation through Adam, this heavens and earth that "shall perish" (Hebrews 1:11), but shall not pass away until all thing are fulfilled. In becoming free from the bondage of corruption, the old passes away, present crooked creation will pass away so that a new creation, a new heavens and new earth, come into being, even as the believer in this age becomes reckoned as a new creation before the passing away of the world in general. -- 2 Corinthians 5:17; Hebrews 1:12; Revelation 21:1-5.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Some have thought that "this generation" refers specifically to the Jewish people as a "race". Others have thought it refers to the "new creation", those regenerated through the holy spirit. Some have thought it applies to a specific people living during one generation, of say, 100 years or so. The thought in the <em><strong>Studies in the Scriptures</strong></em>, Volume 4, Study 12, "The Battle of Armageddon", states:</div>
<blockquote style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Certain Christian writers have been led to claim that the words "this generation" really meant, this race, the Jews, shall not pass away until all these predictions have been fulfilled.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
But we must dissent from this interpretation for several reasons:</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
(1) Although the words "generation" and "race" may be said to come from a common root or starting point, yet they are not the same; and in Scriptural usage the two words are quite distinct. [D603]</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
Notice that in the New Testament when the word generation is used in the sense of race or posterity, it is always from the Greek <a href="https://www.studylight.org/lexicons/greek/1081.html" target="_blank">gennema</a> (as in Matt. 3:7; 12:34; 23:33; Luke 3:7) or from genos (as in 1 Pet. 2:9). But in the three different records of this prophecy our Lord is credited with using a wholly different Greek word (genea) which does not mean race, but has the same significance as our English word generation. Other uses of this Greek word (genea) prove that it is not used with the significance of race, but in reference to people living contemporaneously. We cite in proof-- Matt. 1:17; 11:16; 12:41; 23:36; Luke 11:50,51; 16:8; Acts 13:36; Col. 1:26; Heb. 3:10.</div>
</blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Obviously, the conclusion we presented earlier does not agree with the author of the above. Each must decide for himself, but we believe that by looking at the context, and including Philippians 2:14,15, as well as many other scriptures as we have presented, that our conclusion is correct: the generation that is to pass away is the crooked and perverse generation that has extended all the way back to Adam.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
See the following:<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/genos.html" href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/genos.html" target="_blank">http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/genos.html</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/genea.html" href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/genea.html" target="_blank">http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/genea.html</a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
The common root of the above two words:<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/ginomai.html" href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/ginomai.html" target="_blank">http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/ginomai.html</a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Titus 3:5 presents the form that is often rendered as "regeneration."<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/paliggenesia.html" href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/paliggenesia.html" target="_blank">http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/paliggenesia.html</a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Peter expresses the same thought of regeneration as recorded in 1 Peter 2:9 (see 1 Peter 2:2, where he speaks of the believers as newborn babes). In other words, Peter, although he used different words, was referring to the same thing that Paul referred to when Paul spoke of the new creation, and that as new creatures they were a chosen-out/picked out generation. (1 Corinthians 5:17). The word Eklektos, usually rendered "chosen" means more than just chosen, as part of the word is formed from "EK", which means "out of".<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/eklektos.html" href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/eklektos.html" target="_blank">http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/eklektos.html</a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
The "chosen" are picked out of the world by Jesus. -- John 15:19.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Having become a new creation, as new-born babes, they are counted (reckoned/imputed/considered) as justified and alive -- with the glory of terrestrial life (1 Corinthians 15:40; Romans 6:11), as though already in the age to come, when all things are made new. -- 1 Corinthians 5:17; Revelation 1:1-5.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
They are indeed picked out of the world as a new generation, a generation not belonging to the wicked generation of Adam (Acts 2:40), called to become "children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation." -- Philippians 2:15.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
Nevertheless, when we look at gennema in Matthew 3:7; 12:34; 23:33; Luke 3:7, and in comparison with other scriptures, we should see that Jesus is not referring to "race" or "nationality" as such, as though to the Jewish nation, but rather to the standing of these Jews in relationship to God. As long as they continued in disobedience, they were children of disobedience, and thus offspring of vipers, as the rest of humanity condemned in Adam. (Ephesians 2:2,3) Jesus declared that he himself was not of this world, and he declared the same for his disciples who put faith in him. (John 5:19; 8:23; 17:6,14) That unbelieving Jews of Jesus' day are considered a part of the "world" (kosmos) can be seen by Jesus' words in John 8:23; 12:47,48. In the latter, Jesus parallels the "world" with those who rejected him. At that time, Jesus had only gone to the house of Israel, and thus the words could only apply to Jews who had rejected him. Such Jews, instead of obtaining the righteousness offered through the Law to any who could obey that Law, the Law only actually showed up their disobedience, and thereby their continuance as offspring of vipers. (Romans 3:20; 5:20; 9:31) Israel was indeed the offspring of Abraham, who had been justified by means of his faith, and of his particular obedience in harmony with that faith. -- Romans 4:3,13; 4:15.<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
We should remember that, as a nation, Israel was indeed called a 'holy nation' (Exodus 19:6; Isaiah 49:7), a nation set apart, chosen by God, out of the world. As individuals, however, they are not of a holy generation simply by being of that holy nation, or by having the law, since obedience, and not just hearing, was required. (Leviticus 18:5; Deuteronomy 31:12; Romans 2:12,13; 10:5; Galatians 3:12) Jesus did recognize (reckon) justified Abraham as the father of the disobedient Jews by physical ancestry, but he also said that Satan was their father. (John 8:38-56) We can thus assume that, as a race, as a nation, Jesus spoke of Abraham as the father of Israel, but as disobedient children who were not individually justified by faith, they continued to be children of wrath, a generation of vipers.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
At any rate, our conclusion is that when Jesus said this "generation will not pass away" until all things are fulfilled (Matthew 24:34; Mark 13:30; Luke 21:32), he was saying that the offspring condemned in Adam will not pass away until all things had been fulfilled. This harmonizes with his following statement that "Heaven and earth will pass away." (Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33) The present heaven and earth [the present ecclesiastical and social order that has been corrupted through lust -- 1 Peter 1:4] is the "generation" that Jesus speaks of as passing away.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-35019059531273348082016-06-13T13:08:00.001-07:002023-12-06T09:46:39.083-08:00Matthew 24:36; 25:13; Mark 13:32 -- No One Knows the Day or Hour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCT9T8hy_R0oTx-yqdW_VpBK3ZJktjX762ZU0iqBeU9KxFLmqEC5s0Qiefc3jtBm5_sqW8HFwAtkHX-dEXXTIs-JksRls6U99zJPJmcRQTV9dlvdSRL1pTriCKUyMHpORm-jcV8Y_riHlY/s1600/photo-public-dom-matt24-36.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="979" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCT9T8hy_R0oTx-yqdW_VpBK3ZJktjX762ZU0iqBeU9KxFLmqEC5s0Qiefc3jtBm5_sqW8HFwAtkHX-dEXXTIs-JksRls6U99zJPJmcRQTV9dlvdSRL1pTriCKUyMHpORm-jcV8Y_riHlY/s320/photo-public-dom-matt24-36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">By Ronald R. Day, Sr.</div><div><br /></div>
It is being claimed that Jesus could not have returned in 1874, since Jesus said NO MAN or even the Angels in Heaven will know the time of his 2nd coming. While we believe Christ returned in 1874, like Charles Taze Russell, we would not be dogmatic about it.<br />
<br />
The scriptures related to the objection are:<br />
<br />
But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only. - (Matthew 24:36, World English)<br />
<br />
Watch therefore, for you don't know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. - (Matthew 25:13, World English)<br />
<br />
"Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour. - (Matthew 25:13, New American Standard Version)<br />
<br />
But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, neither the Son, but only the Father. - (Mark 13:32, World English)<br />
<br />
In context, Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32 are not speaking of the moment of the beginning of Christ's parousia, but of the time when he comes to end the present heavens and earth. Please note that Jesus not only speaks of no one else knowing, but he includes himself as not knowing. Even if he had been speaking of the time of his arrival, this does not mean that Jesus does not know when his parousia was begin before it began, and it certainly does not mean that he will never know that day and hour that he is speaking of.<br />
<br />
In Matthew 25:13, the phrase "in which the Son of Man is coming" does not appear in earlier manuscripts, and thus does not appear in many translations, such as the New American Standard Version. Nevertheless, the word coming that is used in the Greek is not the Greek word transliterated as "parousia", and thus, if Jesus did say those words, it does not necessarily mean that he was referring the beginning of his parousia. Jesus comes to do various things at various times after his parousia has begun.<br />
<br />
It is claimed that Jesus said that when he returns, the entire earth -- every eye -- will see him. The scripture evidently being referred to is:<br />
<br />
Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him. All the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. Even so, Amen. - (Revelation 1:7, World English)<br />
<br />
The time when those who pierced Jesus will figuratively "see" Jesus in the figurative "clouds" is certainly not at the beginning of Jesus' parousia. For those who killed Jesus to "see" Jesus' coming the "clouds", they have to be first be raised from the dead. The resurrection takes place, not before the beginning of Jesus' parousia, but sometime after the parousia has begun. Indeed, the resurrection of those who pierced Jesus does not take place until after Satan is abyssed, which would mean some time *after* the passing away of the present heavens and earth.<br />
<br />
See also links to some our other studies related to:<br />
<a href="https://prophecy-rlbible.blogspot.com/p/christs-return.html" target="_blank">Christ's Return</a>:<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5035175785126590839.post-2906332632543040892014-12-28T10:50:00.000-08:002020-02-29T20:25:10.265-08:00Matthew 24:34 -- This Generation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3s0p1suIUbo8Qe1pb47djJlkIxjbKTl_f2GW_l5QNFtz6y_8NBwh9rMRl6CW8uJspGamEi_zAVbzNvauuJzjVoqtFjY-fIrCMMD-45hdxwQYwRcxlpqftdwosPWpkM8RAtP2JROeyGwy0/s1600/this+generation+w+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="660" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3s0p1suIUbo8Qe1pb47djJlkIxjbKTl_f2GW_l5QNFtz6y_8NBwh9rMRl6CW8uJspGamEi_zAVbzNvauuJzjVoqtFjY-fIrCMMD-45hdxwQYwRcxlpqftdwosPWpkM8RAtP2JROeyGwy0/s320/this+generation+w+border.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Matthew 24:34-35 - Most assuredly I tell you, this generation (Strong's #1074) will not pass away, until all these things are accomplished. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.<br />
<br />
What is "this generation" that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:34?<br />
<br />
We believe that "this generation" in Matthew 24:34 refers to the present corrupted generation through Adam.<br />
<br />
The Greek word often transliterated as "genea" (<a href="https://www.studylight.org/lexicons/greek/1074.html" target="_blank">Strong's #1074</a>) -- in the Bible -- most often, but not always, refers to a specific generation of people living in a specific time. <br />
<br />
Jesus linked the passing away of "this generation" with the passing away of the present heavens and earth. (Matthew 24:35) This would indicate the generation that Jesus was speaking of in Matthew 24:34 is the world of mankind as developed since Adam. It is the "world" spoken of in Romans 5:12, into which sin was introduced by means of one man. This heavens and earth are to perish. (Hebrews 1:12) Now let us note what Paul wrote:<br />
<br />
Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and divisive reasonings,<br />
Philippians 2:15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation [genea], among whom you are seen as lights in the world.<br />
<br />
Paul used the same word in Philippians 2:15 that Jesus used in Matthew 24:34, and he associates it with "the world". The word "world" is translated from the Greek word often transliterated as "<a href="https://www.studylight.org/lexicons/greek/2889.html" target="_blank">kosmos</a>", which refers to an order or arrangement of affairs on the planet earth. It is the same word that Paul used in Romans 5:12, when he wrote of how sin had come into the world. It is also the same word that Jesus used in in John 17:5, and the same word John used in John 1:10. Therefore, our conclusion is that "this generation" of Matthew 24:34, being associated with the present heavens and earth that are to pass away (Matthew 24:35), is the world into which the Logos came, which became corrupted through the sin of Adam (Romans 5:12), resulting in the present rule of the sun of unrighteousness (crookedness) and vanity. -- Ecclesiastes 1:2,8-17; Romans 5:12-19; 8:20-22. <br />
<br />
See also our study:<br /><a href="https://jesusnotyhwh.blogspot.com/2016/09/heb-1-10-12.html" target="_blank">Does Jehovah Speak to Jehovah?</a><br />
<br />
Ronald R. Day, Sr., Restoration Light Bible Study Services (RLBible; ResLight)<br />
<br />
<br />Ronald Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428695352830083280noreply@blogger.com0