Luke 21:12 says But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
In this study on Revelation; we get to the fifth seal and martyrdom. Examining Luke 21:12 we see that many great signs occur after this event; so we must conclude that it either happens BEFORE the events in seals 2-4 or is discussing further travails in the trumpet judgments. It seems PRIMARILY that the persecution begins at the fifth seal and judging by the martyrs it will continue further into that period; I would argue until just after the fifth Trumpet when the two witnesses are killed and resurrected and when it seems the 144,000 are translated along with the countless multitude. Exact timing of these events is not something I'm focusing on here. What we CAN see is that the death and destruction to come is at least partially related to these martyrdoms even into the bowl judgments. Revelation 16:6 states For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
Divine retribution to come of course is seen in the sixth seal. Man knows the gig is up and God's wrath as well as that of the "lamb" is coming to pass. Clearly then; the earthquake is seen as a direct judgment of the Lord and perhaps fits into the earlier reference from Luke 21:11.
Daniel 12:1 states And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
This verse would SEEM to indicate it is the midpoint of the Tribulation when Antichrist fully is empowered with the mark of the Beast that this greatest trial ever will occur. Thus it would seem the seals precede this event.
Matthew 24:13-14 state: But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
On face value; this verse has two interpretations; first it shows that someone enduring to the end of their natural life on earth and passes away BEFORE the Rapture will be saved (spiritually); OR that he who endures to the end of the TRIBULATION will be saved
PHYSICALLY if they survive until the Second Coming. This also could have a third meaning; of course the spiritual salvation of those who hold out during the Tribulation proclaiming faith and are martyred. The SECOND verse (14) makes these interpretations stand because it could refer to all nations hearing the Gospel THIS SIDE of the Rapture; or all hearing when the two prophets speak to the ENTIRE WORLD along with the 144,000 witnesses and the countless multitude of martyred saints results. I am under the assumption that both of these statements are equally true; because we are closer every day to every nation hearing the Gospel; but it isn't being broadcast simultaneously to all as no doubt it will be when the two prophets are seen worldwide (See Revelation 11:10-11)
The concept of being preserved FROM and preserved THROUGH trials and tribulations is a common theme throughout the Bible.
The fact that we see people from every language tribe and nation ( Revelation 7:9 and following verses in that chapter) shows that God will not allow mankind to use anywhere near its entire arsenal of nuclear or other weapons as it already is enough to kill everyone in the world many times over.
The main point in that regard is that in the conflagration of nations over and over again GOD is mentioned as destroying enemies; and those who survive are well aware that the true Lord of heaven and earth is rendering this retribution as we see clearly from the statements made by the world hiding from Him during the sixth Seal.
The indwelling Spirit is counted as one with the man. Jesus assured,"And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:/Of sin, because they believe not on me."( John 16:8-9). This being the case whosoever follows strange doctrine does so at his own peril. He has effectively quenched the Holy Spirit. The Parable of the Five foolish virgins explain it. Number Five shows this unity of the Spirit whereby the man anointed by the Spirit is five. Grieving Holy Spirit doesnot let off the guilty.
In Ezekiel We see the glory of God departing the house. In vv.14-17 "So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of theLordwas strong upon me." This foreshadows the anointing of the Holy Spirit because of which his sheep are to be restrained in the house as Ezekiel was. "And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of theLordcame unto me, saying,/Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel."
As witnesses for Christ are we doing our job well?
Then the spirit entered into me, and set me upon my feet, and spake with me, and said unto me, Go, shut thyself within thine house."(Ez.3:24). The risen Christ has left 'his house' and every one of us to be watchful and faithful. "For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house," and "whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end."He.3:6)
The town Bethsaida in Galilee plays an important role in the ministry of Jesus. A number of miracles have been attributed to him either there or in its environs. This is also happens to be a place Jesus had earmarked for condemnation. "Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes./But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you."(Matt.11:22-23)
Healing of a blind man here as narrated by Mark is unique in that in order to cure him he had to look up, and not about him but straight up. Jesus asks him to look up, "And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking./After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up." (8:24-25)In order to understand its uniqueness we need compare the healing of man with palsy as given by St John. "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had./And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years." ( John 5:4-8)
God sent his word and healed them and from their destructions.(Ps.107:20). So the angel came from above and he represents the cloud of witnesses primarily to see that the word sent out shall prosper in its circuit and never return to him in void. They are also an army as Elisha showed his servant on the eve of a clear and present danger. "And Elisha prayed, "Open his eyes,Lord, so that he may see." Then theLordopened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariotsof fire all around Elisha."(2 Ki.6:17).
Jesus would draw the blind man away from the town already under condemnation as mentioned above. The Spirit gives this as a key to the "angel" mentioned in Re.1:1;22:9. He belongs to the world of the Spirit.
Continuing on the Revelation 21:8 warnings of those in hell we see this category. This would no doubt encompass ALL types of sexual immorality; whether fornication or adultery which are two categories deliberately separated in many scriptures as different types of sin. I am not going to use this forum to go into in length my viewpoint on adulterous marriages; but will say that unless that is what is referred to it seems a lot harder to categorize a lifestyle of sin as committing adultery than it would to say someone likes to fornicate a lot (sleep around). There may be a few sick folks who deliberately want the thrill of having a fling with a married person but for the sake of their own security and simple convenience they probably will find it easier much of the time having relatinships with unmarried or "available" women. Therefore I have to deduce it is indeed adulterous marriages referred to; and that of a state of continuing sin as long as a relationship isn't a true covenant before God. I'll leave it to the readers to study the verses on the subject and the so called "exception or escape clause"; something I have studied in great detail but don't want to raise friction with on this site. Before moving on; I will note that adultery meant an instant death penalty in the Old Testament according to the law (if proven by witnesses and both parties should be present hence invalidating the presentation of John 8:1-11.) Fornication is a different penalty in O.T. law. Also there can be people who are prostitutes or just generally immoral as related to the term "whoremongers". The end result of LIFESTYLES of any of these sins is hell; which is a warning to someone calling themselves a believer who doesn't turn away from sin when making a verbal confirmation of repentance. Of course ANY sin leads us to hell; hence we are all doomed without His atoning sacrifice. Therefore all lost fit into one or more of these descriptions in Revelation 21:8
Jesus appointed the twelve and sent them two by two so they represented both heaven and earth. The Son and the Son of man are like the two edged sword, is all about the sound and sign of the Gospel.(He.4:12). The word of truth sanctifies so we consider both the master and disciples are as one. "For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren." (He.2:11)
The disciples were to preach the gospel and cast out demons by the authority of the word so they are heard. They are also signs. "And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me," is a reference to the Isaiah quote. The number Two is embedded in the Word where two worlds of heaven and the earth are simultaneously at work. So Isaiah opens with this verse,"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken,"(Is.1:2).
In this context the two witnesses are not merely two individuals but a label for the ministry of the Son in heaven and on earth through his prophets. Time is not according to earth time but time as tagged by the Spirit. Three and half years on earth and heaven gives us the Perfect Number 7. "And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them."(Re.11:11)
Three and half years roughly works out to be the duration of Christ's earthly ministry. After his resurrection his ministry in heaven is half an hour that rounds off the Command number for the Word as Four. Gospel is the same through out the four cardinal directions because of one faith.(One Lord, one faith-Ep.4:5) Feeding Four thousand where 4x1000 refer to the people who became figuratively the partakers of the holy calling. (8:9) Command Number Three is the tag for the Son. Jesus was tempted for Forty days(4x10) (1:13 )or was seen after resurrection refers to the man (Ac.1:3;He.2:14)
I do not believe is bad to be interested in that, we can study other people's beliefs and understanding of a particular scripture, but we must pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When I discuss anything with a brother or sister on this site a subject that we have different understandings of, I in prayer study to see both views and confirm the truth even if I am wrong the Holy Spirit will show us the truth maybe not that minute but if continue to pray about it the truth will come. All things are not revealed to us like Paul said about milk and meat it is not our time it is God's time.
I cannot say anyone is bad because of their understanding of prophecy, I can only say my understanding is different if they are willing to sit down together and study for the truth do so. We must not be dogmatic we must do it in love of the truth.
Salvation is by faith Jesus the Son of God shed His blood for our sins and was raised from the dead, a gift of grace from God His Father who gave Him to die for us in the plan of God that was conceived before the foundation of this world not understanding prophecy.
I do not know how much you have studied Revelation; you may know this but the events in Revelation are in order but it's not chronological order from start to finish. It is more of a circular order of the same events; John adds more information of parts of the same event in other chapters of what is going on at the same time.
As in Rev. 11, the two witnesses, parts of Rev. 12 and Rev. 13 show different things going on, but they are happening during the 42 months, a time, and times, and half a time, 3.5 years of Satan, the beast out of the bottomless pit, and the false prophet not different times. There are parallels between the visions John wrote down all through Revelation that we must recognize.
"Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee." (v.19)
Jesus cast out the unclean spirits from the man, who now in his sober mind wanted to follow Jesus. He was not the only one who wanted do it. "Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now?"( John 13:37). Jesus showed him the way to follow him and immediately what Jesus wanted of him was a life of witnessing.. After a life of harrowing what he needed most was rest to his soul. "Take my yoke and learn of me', the hardest part is for the Son to take care.(Matt.11:28-29) Jesus, ever true image of his Father, shows mercy.
In contrast we have the owners of the swineherds cowering before Jesus. They heard the testimony of the finger of God' and the man ever normal and they could not be but be afraid."And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid."(v.15) The loss of other man's riches did not heal them. The unclean spirit still worked with them and they would rather see the back of Jesus than risk loss of other means of revenue.
In v.13 we have the number of swines ("they were about two thousand") and were choked in the sea, which is a tag placed by the Spirit. Compare with this verse," And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them." It is cue that God had prepared the four angels for the end times. multiples of 2000 refer to the Alpha and Omega expressed in terms of day of salvation and regeneration- signifying endtimes- white throne judgment.
John saw them as well as heard the number. To be sure those who rejected Jesus for loss of their wealth shall have them as witnesses. If in the court of law hush money could be cited as proof shall these citizens of Gederanes escape rejecting the prince of life for some swine?
John 5:43 seems to allude of the Antichrist who comes "in his own name". This substitute or opposing Christ to the genuine Savior will; as Revelation states be worshipped ultimately by ALL whose names are NOT written in the book of life from before the foundation of the world ( Rev. 13:8). Whatever "quality" of life will be enjoyed by those taking the infamous mark of the beast it certainly won't be worth it considering eternal torment in hell to follow. I can envision it being much like a drug addict who is little more than skin and bones because they are so intoxicated with their "fix" that their whole self has turned from natural bahaviors taking care of themselves. The Tribulation may begin for those enjoying the benefits of the Babylon system for the first half of the event as what seems like a long party. Hence we see fornications; murders; idol worship and other abominations endure until the fifth trumpet judgment. At that point the wicked get a foretaste of sufferings to come; which I suspect Antichrist who arises immediately after will say he has put to an end after the 5 months; and also he will demonstrate immortality by the apparently miraculous revival from a deadly wound (see Zech. 11:17; ( Rev. 13:3). He also will give himself credit no doubt for killing the 2 witnesses which the world will celebrate; but their Resurrection will clue those in who are of God that the game is soon up and to run for their lives.
God has demonstrated throughout scripture that he has an end game in mind once sin reaches a certain level. We can see this as early as Genesis 15;16 with the iniquity of the Amorites. God has dealt with the United States for hundreds of years and for us to think we are exempt from the fate of everyone else is folly. When we consider how many hundreds of millions of abortions and other killings occur with the principle of Genesis 9:5; it is no wonder billions will die.
It is said by Catholics that marriage is a sacrament that is only necessitated by the vow a man makes with a woman; and I agree with that view despite disagreeing with many other things in their belief system. The idea of a minister to oversee the event from what I can tell helps to involve two or three witnesses (usually along with parents) such as 2 Corinthians 13:1 states. There are other verses as well; none directly discuss a marriage or any other vow; but it does apply in the fact that should one or more parties violate the covenant church discipline can be used against them. I am not sure how things are in the big picture but it seems whenever marriages do occur it is often in another church that the family prefers and many times there is little sense of a whole congregation being involved at least like they used to in the past. Maybe I am off somewhat but that's how I see it.
Good counsel is helpful in that respect however; if anything to keep a healthy balance of older women guiding the youth and allowing for good interactions and support. This is something more favorable it seems today in the Reformed churches from my experiences. Such interactions of a church being a family of course should extend to foreign missionaries that are affiliated with a denomination. It is a shame when we think of missionaries being "out there" and we detach ourselves emotionally when we give financial support. Their marriages and family are components of their witness as much as their evangelism and one can't be separated from the other; although of course some are single individuals on the mission field.
Again; it is sad to say that from my viewpoint there is a tolerance for remarriage in these same sort of congregations (although many won't perform them). I would say that existing marriages have greater chance of longevity and less for divorce in the Reformed circles than others who have 50 percent divorce rates as all of society if they marry at all.
Psalm 22 gives us a graphic account of the agony of Jesus on the cross. Jesus knew well that he was hung up not only on two wooden crossbeams but also between his deity and humanity,- and St Luke pithily sums it up: "For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end." ( Luke 22:37). Gospel of St Luke does well in dwelling on the Man component while John and Matthew give us the Alpha aspect of Christ.
Ps. 22:6-9 " But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people./All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,/He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him." Isaiah also refers more or less the same. "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him;"(Is.53:3)
In real time he was despised and they 'laugh me to scorn'. "And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,/And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross." while some, "let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him." Chief priest befitting their holier-than- thou stance, "He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God."
"He was despised, and we esteemed him not." His death did not mean much to the man on the street other than a spectacle of three 'malefactors'. Unless one makes 'the word' in his heart as the truth God has planted and unless you daily care for it do you think you would have been any different than the passersby? We are marvelously created and set on two timescales and blessed in his Son to be his witnesses.
God sent his only begotten Son to the world. St Matthew presents him deliver the doctrine of his Father. Sermon on the Mount in ch.5 gives it as the Word become flesh. As the Word there was no higher authority than what he signified in his person. John speaks of his deity thus, "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." ( John 1:2).
The Gospel presents him in the following chapters as Man is the Message. Evangelist traces a subtext why he was not received by his own." He came unto his own, and his own received him not"( John 1:11). Conflict between light and darkness must be resolved and it comes to a head on the charges of blasphemy. "I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me./But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled."(26:56-57)
When Jesus told the truth, "Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven" the council that tried him was certain,"Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy." Their entire process was illegal but his role as the Lamb to his slaughter was right on track. "he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth."(Is.53:7)
"And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly."(27:14). Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ in denying the truth they were proving that they were unworthy of the other. So the mob crying,"Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children."(v.27) illustrates what precious gift had they trodden underfoot. Holocaust wiped out some six million in the process. Has it sobered them up? Without grace beauty is blind and truth is darkness. We are warned what a terror awaits us if we neglect it.
Before we take up Ch.27 it is worth our while to understand the significance of the earthen vessel in these verses. "Thus saith the Lord, Go and get a potter's earthen bottle, and take of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests;/And go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry of the east gate." What Jeremiah spoke before witnesses there has been rephrased by Jesus as he left the Herod's second temple after his woe to ye' discourse. Significance he went by the east gate. He said,"Behold, your house is left unto you desolate./For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."(23:38-39). Death and glory awaited him
Notice that he shall never again return in his old body. As he mentioned during his last supper his body as the potter's vessel in the hand of the prophet was about to be broken up.
Jeremiah foretold them, "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, the which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle." He also added to which the innocent blood of Jesus could be included, " Because they have forsaken me, and have estranged this place,.... and have filled this place with the blood of innocents;" (He.19:1-4) Partly it was fulfilled in their generation. In vv.10-12 we have much more, yet to come, "Then shalt thou break the bottle in the sight of the men that go with thee,/ And shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Even so will I break this people and this city, as one breaketh a potter's vessel, that cannot be made whole again: and they shall bury them in Tophet, till there be no place to bury." Tophet is interchangeable with valley of Hinnom, "Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that this place shall no more be called Tophet, nor The valley of the son of Hinnom, but The valley of slaughter." (19:6)
"Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;/ But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,"
The Seat of Moses is a symbol for authority. It signals the Law of Moses and his piety. What if the man who sits there is actively seeking false witnesses what are we to think of it. That law is an ass, is it not? Hypocrisy of chief priests and the council allowed their temple to be a den of thieves and now a Privy Council of Satan was called to order. They needed two witnesses since in their law two or three witnesses clinched the case against Jesus.
"But Jesus held his peace, And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God./Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." (vv.63-64)
Simon Peter comments on the trial,"Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain."(Ac.2:23)
Wicked men in their cloth pontificate and get their victims which explains, the Inquisition and the imposter church has soiled their hands ever since but the Word of God stands sure.
vv.63-64 "Thou hast said"
You shall be judged by what you say and the chief priest who said,"I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God" having said it was in judgment himself. In refusing the truth he was guilty of hellfire as well. This is what Jesus implied. Compare with this question, "The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?"(21:25-27)
We see a variation to the upper room in the Acts. "Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour." His falling into a trance and the vision that was about to unfold had a great import on the course of the early church. So the Spirit isolates Simon Peter to make him prepared. There are few other examples which is not germane to the topic of the prayer of Jesus.
Lastly the prayer of Jesus recorded by John is the transcription of the Holy Spirit putting to words 'the unspoken' prayer ( John 17) which as St Paul explains, "but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered./And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Ro.8:26-27) The Spirit is not narrating the life of Jesus as with biographies of the secular literature in a linear fashion but it is rendered for our spiritual instruction from both worlds of the Spirit and of the flesh. (2 Ti.3:16-17)
"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."(2 Co.13:1)
" Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world"
"When the Son of man shall come in his glory," v.31 must be understood in its correct setting. Jesus in his humanity emptied himself of the glory so in all things he shall like men, -namely of the seed of Abraham. Matt.1:1 so begins as the son of Abraham; "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people"(He.2:17) Nevertheless the Holy Spirit enumerates generation of Jesus as following those of heavens. (Ge.2:4)
Here we shall examine the glory factor related to the Alpha Omega aspect of the Son. In his prayer to his Father he speaks of it. "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was."( John 17:5). This glory is based on the word. "As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him./And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." The cloud of witnesses were thus part of his glory. and sanctified by truth. So Jesus prays, "Sanctify them by truth: thy word is truth" (John17:10)
In his transfiguration on the mount the three disciples were present. Jesus wanted them to hold it a secret till he had completely perfected the will of his Father. From the above we see how man trivializes this glory by playing to the gallery and for the praise of men? In our Savior we are assured of life eternal. "that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." Instead of truth how false teachers make Jesus with limited salvation. Such doctrine of man shall do much worse. "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."
"And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goat."
It is remarkable that there is a time appointed and several other events also should occur in conjunction with it. "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:"(v.31) The cloud of witnesses come into their own because the apotheosis of Jesus Christ means the emblem which was in the divine Will of the Father has become the throne of glory. The slain Lamb before the foundation of the world was an emblem. (Re.13:8). Right hand of the most high mentioned in the epistle to the Hebrews is no long determined by left or right but by the throne. "My Father and I are one" Jesus said in his humanity. It also shall be established. Thus we have the Throne of God and of the Lamb.(Re.22:1)
Jesus promised his disciples, "And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me." While he delivered the doctrine of his Father against the backdrop of 'a mountain' as witness he stated, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."(5:3; Luke 22:29). All the promises of God are yea in the Son. We are looking at the Alpha and Omega aspect of the Son so the word spoken before the worlds establish the beginning and in him was fulfilled in every case. Similarly God blessed us before the worlds began. (Ep.1:3-4) The holy angels in v.31 refer to what St Paul refers," According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." We have been held in the Alpha aspect from the beginning. Because we endured with him in his temptations we have set throne. " Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."(5:10; 1 Pe.5:10)
Jesus refers to his coming at the end of v.28. The Spirit inserts the outbreak of the Tribulation which has been going before we have in v.30 "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven." This narrative mode of Parenthesis we have seen in other places, for example in the vision of Daniel, we have one week isolated from the Seventy Weeks. (9:24-27). We shall come to that anon.
The point is the east and west mentioned in v.27 is with reference of cardinal direction while Judgment in the Spirit's parlance is with regards to divine Judgment. Pride of Satan said,"I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north."(Is.14:13). God raises the Gentile nations from the north to punish Israel. (Je.1:14). "The beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit" who would kill the two witnesses, spiritually is labeled as the son of perdition. The lament over the king of Tyre sets him as another son of perdition. "Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God." (Ez.28:13-15)"Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee." The fallen man is a son of perdition and king of Tyre and so many of his ilk belong to the Gentile nations. Pride is the DNA of the beast while Jesus revealed humility and faith proved he was the Son of God.
"But the men marveled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!" (8:23-27)When Jesus stilled the storm it was a proof that the Lord has set his throne over the floods."So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him."(Is.59:19) This is the sign Jesus is referring to.
"And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory./ And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."
The elect includes both the nation of Israel and the Gentile nations. Daniel the Seer belongs to the former. He also was curious as the disciple to know the end times. But the Angel of the Lord did not dilate much on the topic. Instead he said, "But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days."(Dan.12:13) When Jesus went in Spirit to the souls in prison he surely was one among many saints in the OT period. They are witnesses to the gospel below the earth. There is a cloud of witnesses which Daniel had seen in the night vision, " and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened." (7:10). The Spirit refers to the judgment with regards to the beast, to which he is also a witness. The beast referred in terms of the times of the Gentiles is shown as emerging from the bottomless pit. " the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them."(Re.11:7). In Re. Ch.13:1 "and saw a beast rise up out of the sea." This beast emerges in the vision of Daniel rises from the sea. ("And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another." Dan.7:3). In this context what Jesus refers here is a sign. " When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)/Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains."(vv.15-16)
This background helps us to place the great tribulation mentioned in v.21
The Spirit sets Jesus and Adam as representational figures for the worlds of the Spirit and of the earth respectively. When he presented the doctrine of his Father he was there as the Lord from heaven. The emblem of the mountain bore witness. ((5:1). He represented the cloud of witnesses set apart by God in him. His life would manifest his doctrine. What the Pharisees and the Sadducees signified in Adam. They belonged to their father which Jesus mentions in John 8:44."Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
The Jews claim for Father Abraham was after the manner of flesh. Of Adam St Paul says thus, "The first man is of the earth, earthy." While Jesus as the Word become flesh "was the Lord from heaven". (1 Co.15:47-49).
The Gospel delineates the acrimony of the chief priests and the scribes owing to the two contrary worlds from which they come from. In their hatred to Jesus they were qualified as murderers. They were the son of perdition. In Ch.23 we read the hypocrisy of those who shut out the world of the Spirit because they would not abide in the truth. For this reason Jesus cites the many lives lost on account of their parent, who was none other than the devil. "Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets./Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers."(vv.31-32)
Compare from where the modern churches have taken root. Not from the doctrine of Jesus whose life is antithetical to the princes of Holy See of Rome. What the Reformation did was to make those who sought glory of this world as their due set up their own as in the days of Jeroboam Dan and Bethel became places for worship. God is not mocked. "Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers"
"For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven."
We need examine v.30 in detail since the gospel presented the doctrine of God in the Man. John testified that he was the Word (he 'was made flesh) "And we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father. God is a Spirit so his glory in the world of the Spirit was translated when he delivered the Sermon on the Mount, in real time so to speak. John also refers the glory of the Word, "full of grace and truth."
So what shall we make of the mountain in the back drop? ("And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain.") This mountain is set as an emblem indicating the glory of the Word which is eternal. The cloud of witnesses attest that he presented the doctrine of God in his Person. It is truth. "(Thy word is truth") His voice likewise carried the voice of the Lord, full of grace. It is very similar to the voice from heaven witnessing. "While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him."(17:5).
Jesus compares the witnesses in the cloud as angels of God in heaven. In the transfiguration Jesus made manifest the spiritual body he carried in his Person which was to come into its own after his resurrection. He wanted his disciples to keep it a secret. Without death there was no resurrection/ It applied to his humanity. The glory of God in his resurrection therefore had bearing on the cloud as well as on his disciples. His doctrine gives us few examples. God is the God of the living. Death belongs to the world of the flesh and blood.
31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
"Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her./ Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God."
When the Scriptures speak of everlasting covenant death as an entity is not recognized by both parties to it. The world of the Spirit recognizes only life and it is for this reason the Spirit calls Jesus Christ as the Prince of life. "And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses."(Ac.3:15) Simon Peter as a witness in the world of the body refers to death which has only relevance because of sin. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"(Ro.5:12) Salvation Program of God consequently entailed sending his only begotten Son to which Simon refers as a witnesses.
It is thus we allow as the Spirit has set down in many places, the cloud of witness closely associated with this covenant. Heresy of churches of today owe to the misreading of the Scriptures and it only takes cognizance of the world of here and now. Prosperity as taught by false shepherds give glory in a success of abundance of worldly goods and impute it to God's favor. Jesus tells them as he tells the Sadducees."Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." Without being part of the life that Jesus signifies where his life, his truth and the way must be where we put ourselves we are deceiving ourselves.
"For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven."(v.30). Everlasting Covenant, in the world of the Spirit refers to Christ as the head of the body, the church. "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."(19:6). This is the correct approach and not what is instituted for the flesh. So Moses had to take note of the hardness of their heart. (19:7-8)
" But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
Jesus could track their motive to the source and it was nothing new. Satan tempted Jesus as he had embarked on his earthly ministry and he concealed his intent by citing the word of God. He had no intention of giving up his stance or acknowledging the truth. Similarly the Pharisees would thwart the triumphal march of the Son of man, not fully realizing its significance. "Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk." Same trickery that could only set the interlocutors as egged on by Satan. He did not quit at the first time. As we read he waited for his opportunity."And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season."( Luke 4:13)
The Spirit informs us that God had also tempted or tested Abraham. "And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham" (Ge.22:1) and Isaac was his heir of promise and not Eliezer, it was made clear to him. God cannot deny his holiness. "And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir."Abraham received it and it formed the basis for the blessing God spelt out in Ge.12:3. "And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness." (Ge.15:6) So testing of Abraham meant something else. In the Abstract God blessed man on the sixth day and it was validated in heaven as well as on earth. So all families will be blessed through Abraham. So Abraham and Isaac were testimonial in the Word of the Spirit as God and the Son framed the everlasting covenant. Thus Abraham and Isaac serve after a similitude to the Father Son relationship. The testing was only in as far as faith was concerned. "Without faith it is impossible to please God".(He.11:6) Whosoever came as heirs were to prove this in their lives. The cloud of witnesses made the covenant proper.
In the Book of Genesis God separated the waters above from water below (Ge.1:6-7)which is a signal for the rise and fall of nations,- and the vision of Daniel on the banks of Ulai in Dan.12 gives us a river of time so history of these are set, and it leads us to the throne of God and of the Lamb and beyond to the saved nations on the earth.
According to the Abstract First day set two nations of light and darkness. Second day provided us the heaven a label for the world of the Spirit. God blessing Abraham (12:3) sends him along and his looking for a city was spiritual insight so faith explains what Abraham deprived of the Promised Land because of the sin of Amorites, could still thrive despite of it. " For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."(He.11:10). It is thus we consider the cloud of witnesses which validates heroes of faith as the double for the Son.
The fall of Babylon described in St John's vision explains the fate of Jerusalem and the nations which rejected the Son. "And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder./ And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them."(v.45). Specific to the nation of Israel we have this verse, "And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus:"(Re.17:6; Matt.23:35-36)
vv.14-18 "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." In their opposition to God they are as one and yet Jerusalem shall be destroyed by the Gentiles. Re.18:21 the "stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all."(18:21)
Glory of Jesus came from both Wisdom and Power so whosoever received him was under the covenant that shall be fulfilled in the Son. So the flesh of body ought to tell us there is more to it. (Jesus Christ) "Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." (Ph.3:21) In the previous post we considered trinity, of body spirit and soul serving as a witness as Jesus was the Faithful and true witness. It was not merely in terms of the body. Our soul is the inner man and he also bears witnesses in terms of the Word. Three agree in heaven: the Father the Word and the Spirit. We shall see this distinction in "the seventy times seven"(Matt.18:22) This applies to the world of the flesh and blood." The Holy city of God is however measured, which is a single measurement of an angel, and man. It is Gospel based and not according to man's life span. "an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel." (Re.21:17)
The memorial in heaven (Ch.4) does not show the cloud of witnesses nevertheless we hear them. "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth./ And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;"(Re.5:10-11). Compare the number with this verse, "A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
"Ten thousand times ten thousand" is about the final salvation, and it explains why Jesus denounced the workers of iniquity. They did not do the will of God the Father. They were called to one body but they did not fit with 'the one flesh" which is about the Christ and the Bride
As long as one does after his own desires and priorities he is serving the body of death. With his mind he serves the law of God "but with the flesh the law of sin." Whosoever is freed from condemnation must be led by the Spirit and no other short cuts. The three witnesses in the Spirit form the inner man "after the likeness" of God. ("Let us make man in our image, after our likeness"-Ge.1:26). The Spirit given us is as a pledge, "God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit" also has given similar tokens so body spirit and soul serve as a witness for us in heaven. The glorious spiritual body, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" and the cloud of witnesses bear witness of the many promises of God. Apostle John writes, "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." This cloud is set as witness for the soul of man. "For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life."(2 Co.5:4). The spirit of man is fortified by the in-house tutor, so mortality being swallowed up by life renders Christ as the head for the spiritual body held in reserve for us.
For this reason Jesus assured,"Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven./For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." This is the context for Re.3:20. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Supping one to one is much more than confessing Jesus Christ as the Lord.
" Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other."
This verse recalls the Father Son relationship in the godhead. Holiness of God is eternal because of the Law."Thy word is truth." Consequently mercy and truth can be rephrased as thus:"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." The Spirit informs us truth and what as from the beginning.
God is qualified as the Father of all mercies.(2 Co.1:3)sent his Son and in his logos aspect it is grace that he revealed. So grace is what allows the blessings of God work abundantly. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him./ For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust".(Ps.103:13-14). Jesus in his humanity carried the voice of the Lord so people marveled at his words, which the Spirit qualifies as the word of his grace. By the same token when Jesus Christ is risen he is said to be' And upholding all things by the word of his power.'In short grace and power are the means to establish the everlasting covenant between Mercy and Truth.
This is the word of truth witnessing in our heart, a spiritual space. Accordingly the cloud of witnesses are not merely any ornament one adds to his person to add dignity or honor but the truth: Mercy and truth are met together.
"Righteousness and peace have kissed each other."
We received Jesus by faith and we confess that he is in us. If we hate our brother as the word of God says that we are in darkness. And we made him a liar. "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:"(1 Co.1:30; 1 John 2:9-11) We are called to be as was in heaven, Righteoussness of God and Christ, who of us is peace so when we keep peace between brethren Christ is in our midst. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."(Matt.18:19-20)
"Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
Unity is achieved by the everlasting gospel and it is one aspect of the Advent of the Son. "Mercy and truth are met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; And righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; And our land shall yield her increase."(Ps.85:10-13)
Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ which according to the scriptures was like a dry plant, "For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground." (Is.53:2). While we look at the cloud of witnesses their place in heaven is a constant reminder that God as the Husbandman ( John 15:1) is ever provident that 'our land' shall yield her increase. This land is not the dry ground Prophet Isaiah mentioned in the above mentioned quote. The ground was cursed because of sin and it required correction. The land that abides forever is special, soil is well prepared from which truth shall ever spring to heavenwards. This soil is what the heart signifies, and it is a spiritual space. The word of God has created it totally new so when the word of God speaks, "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world,"(Ph.2:15) it is to be understood as the Garden of Eden, our earthly tabernacle.
The voice of the Lord does a miracle with the heart that is right before him."The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory."(Ps.29:9).
As mentioned above there is a cloud of witnesses from heaven and also a building of God, "An house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." As associates of Christ our power comes from this unity.
"And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them." Jesus assured "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live"( John 11:25). Three days and an half gives us the assurance that the two witnesses were a sign, that the spirit of life that raised the Son from death worked in their case as well. So vv.9-10 explain in what sense we need interpret, "the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves."(v.9) . They are witnesses even in their death that not a jot or iota from the Law shall be changed.
" And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand."(v.13)
At the same hour is a tag to the day of judgment that shall follow. Ten indicates judgment and 7x1000 determines it is decreed from heaven.
"And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city," Martyrdom of two witnesses lying in the street is a sign. We have Jesus telling his disciples how to respond to the cities where they were not received. "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet./Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."(Matt.10:14-15). When Jesus concludes his 'woe to ye' indictment he says,"Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." (Matt.23:38). This was a sure indication that the house was not worthy since they had rejected the prince of peace. "And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you." Israel shall never be at rest till they receive him, "For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."(23:39). The two witnesses lying in the street of the great city is to be spiritually understood. They serve as a sign of doom of disasters that shall visit upon them. The names of cities are interchangeable. The stone that angel cast down signals the fall of Babylon (Re.18:21) and it could be applied to all cities of the world.
The sign of his coming is sure of the day of judgment for these cities. "For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities./Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works."(Re.18:5-6) We see it even now. 'Globalism' was the watchword of nations living deliciously and' Greed is good was their mantra. Now it is dead. The beast who shall appear is part of long line of powers- that-be and they shall do evil. " And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition."(17:11)
In this study on Revelation; we get to the fifth seal and martyrdom. Examining Luke 21:12 we see that many great signs occur after this event; so we must conclude that it either happens BEFORE the events in seals 2-4 or is discussing further travails in the trumpet judgments. It seems PRIMARILY that the persecution begins at the fifth seal and judging by the martyrs it will continue further into that period; I would argue until just after the fifth Trumpet when the two witnesses are killed and resurrected and when it seems the 144,000 are translated along with the countless multitude. Exact timing of these events is not something I'm focusing on here. What we CAN see is that the death and destruction to come is at least partially related to these martyrdoms even into the bowl judgments. Revelation 16:6 states For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
Divine retribution to come of course is seen in the sixth seal. Man knows the gig is up and God's wrath as well as that of the "lamb" is coming to pass. Clearly then; the earthquake is seen as a direct judgment of the Lord and perhaps fits into the earlier reference from Luke 21:11.
Daniel 12:1 states And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
This verse would SEEM to indicate it is the midpoint of the Tribulation when Antichrist fully is empowered with the mark of the Beast that this greatest trial ever will occur. Thus it would seem the seals precede this event.
On face value; this verse has two interpretations; first it shows that someone enduring to the end of their natural life on earth and passes away BEFORE the Rapture will be saved (spiritually); OR that he who endures to the end of the TRIBULATION will be saved
PHYSICALLY if they survive until the Second Coming. This also could have a third meaning; of course the spiritual salvation of those who hold out during the Tribulation proclaiming faith and are martyred. The SECOND verse (14) makes these interpretations stand because it could refer to all nations hearing the Gospel THIS SIDE of the Rapture; or all hearing when the two prophets speak to the ENTIRE WORLD along with the 144,000 witnesses and the countless multitude of martyred saints results. I am under the assumption that both of these statements are equally true; because we are closer every day to every nation hearing the Gospel; but it isn't being broadcast simultaneously to all as no doubt it will be when the two prophets are seen worldwide (See Revelation 11:10-11)
The concept of being preserved FROM and preserved THROUGH trials and tribulations is a common theme throughout the Bible.
The fact that we see people from every language tribe and nation ( Revelation 7:9 and following verses in that chapter) shows that God will not allow mankind to use anywhere near its entire arsenal of nuclear or other weapons as it already is enough to kill everyone in the world many times over.
The main point in that regard is that in the conflagration of nations over and over again GOD is mentioned as destroying enemies; and those who survive are well aware that the true Lord of heaven and earth is rendering this retribution as we see clearly from the statements made by the world hiding from Him during the sixth Seal.
The indwelling Spirit is counted as one with the man. Jesus assured,"And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:/Of sin, because they believe not on me."( John 16:8-9). This being the case whosoever follows strange doctrine does so at his own peril. He has effectively quenched the Holy Spirit. The Parable of the Five foolish virgins explain it. Number Five shows this unity of the Spirit whereby the man anointed by the Spirit is five. Grieving Holy Spirit doesnot let off the guilty.
In Ezekiel We see the glory of God departing the house. In vv.14-17 "So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of theLordwas strong upon me." This foreshadows the anointing of the Holy Spirit because of which his sheep are to be restrained in the house as Ezekiel was. "And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of theLordcame unto me, saying,/Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel."
As witnesses for Christ are we doing our job well?
Then the spirit entered into me, and set me upon my feet, and spake with me, and said unto me, Go, shut thyself within thine house."(Ez.3:24). The risen Christ has left 'his house' and every one of us to be watchful and faithful. "For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house," and "whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end."He.3:6)
The town Bethsaida in Galilee plays an important role in the ministry of Jesus. A number of miracles have been attributed to him either there or in its environs. This is also happens to be a place Jesus had earmarked for condemnation. "Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes./But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you."(Matt.11:22-23)
Healing of a blind man here as narrated by Mark is unique in that in order to cure him he had to look up, and not about him but straight up. Jesus asks him to look up, "And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking./After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up." (8:24-25)In order to understand its uniqueness we need compare the healing of man with palsy as given by St John. "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had./And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years." ( John 5:4-8)
God sent his word and healed them and from their destructions.(Ps.107:20). So the angel came from above and he represents the cloud of witnesses primarily to see that the word sent out shall prosper in its circuit and never return to him in void. They are also an army as Elisha showed his servant on the eve of a clear and present danger. "And Elisha prayed, "Open his eyes,Lord, so that he may see." Then theLordopened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariotsof fire all around Elisha."(2 Ki.6:17).
Jesus would draw the blind man away from the town already under condemnation as mentioned above. The Spirit gives this as a key to the "angel" mentioned in Re.1:1;22:9. He belongs to the world of the Spirit.
Continuing on the Revelation 21:8 warnings of those in hell we see this category. This would no doubt encompass ALL types of sexual immorality; whether fornication or adultery which are two categories deliberately separated in many scriptures as different types of sin. I am not going to use this forum to go into in length my viewpoint on adulterous marriages; but will say that unless that is what is referred to it seems a lot harder to categorize a lifestyle of sin as committing adultery than it would to say someone likes to fornicate a lot (sleep around). There may be a few sick folks who deliberately want the thrill of having a fling with a married person but for the sake of their own security and simple convenience they probably will find it easier much of the time having relatinships with unmarried or "available" women. Therefore I have to deduce it is indeed adulterous marriages referred to; and that of a state of continuing sin as long as a relationship isn't a true covenant before God. I'll leave it to the readers to study the verses on the subject and the so called "exception or escape clause"; something I have studied in great detail but don't want to raise friction with on this site. Before moving on; I will note that adultery meant an instant death penalty in the Old Testament according to the law (if proven by witnesses and both parties should be present hence invalidating the presentation of John 8:1-11.) Fornication is a different penalty in O.T. law. Also there can be people who are prostitutes or just generally immoral as related to the term "whoremongers". The end result of LIFESTYLES of any of these sins is hell; which is a warning to someone calling themselves a believer who doesn't turn away from sin when making a verbal confirmation of repentance. Of course ANY sin leads us to hell; hence we are all doomed without His atoning sacrifice. Therefore all lost fit into one or more of these descriptions in Revelation 21:8
Jesus appointed the twelve and sent them two by two so they represented both heaven and earth. The Son and the Son of man are like the two edged sword, is all about the sound and sign of the Gospel.(He.4:12). The word of truth sanctifies so we consider both the master and disciples are as one. "For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren." (He.2:11)
The disciples were to preach the gospel and cast out demons by the authority of the word so they are heard. They are also signs. "And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me," is a reference to the Isaiah quote. The number Two is embedded in the Word where two worlds of heaven and the earth are simultaneously at work. So Isaiah opens with this verse,"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken,"(Is.1:2).
In this context the two witnesses are not merely two individuals but a label for the ministry of the Son in heaven and on earth through his prophets. Time is not according to earth time but time as tagged by the Spirit. Three and half years on earth and heaven gives us the Perfect Number 7. "And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them."(Re.11:11)
Three and half years roughly works out to be the duration of Christ's earthly ministry. After his resurrection his ministry in heaven is half an hour that rounds off the Command number for the Word as Four. Gospel is the same through out the four cardinal directions because of one faith.(One Lord, one faith-Ep.4:5) Feeding Four thousand where 4x1000 refer to the people who became figuratively the partakers of the holy calling. (8:9) Command Number Three is the tag for the Son. Jesus was tempted for Forty days(4x10) (1:13 )or was seen after resurrection refers to the man (Ac.1:3;He.2:14)
I do not believe is bad to be interested in that, we can study other people's beliefs and understanding of a particular scripture, but we must pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When I discuss anything with a brother or sister on this site a subject that we have different understandings of, I in prayer study to see both views and confirm the truth even if I am wrong the Holy Spirit will show us the truth maybe not that minute but if continue to pray about it the truth will come. All things are not revealed to us like Paul said about milk and meat it is not our time it is God's time.
I cannot say anyone is bad because of their understanding of prophecy, I can only say my understanding is different if they are willing to sit down together and study for the truth do so. We must not be dogmatic we must do it in love of the truth.
Salvation is by faith Jesus the Son of God shed His blood for our sins and was raised from the dead, a gift of grace from God His Father who gave Him to die for us in the plan of God that was conceived before the foundation of this world not understanding prophecy.
I do not know how much you have studied Revelation; you may know this but the events in Revelation are in order but it's not chronological order from start to finish. It is more of a circular order of the same events; John adds more information of parts of the same event in other chapters of what is going on at the same time.
As in Rev. 11, the two witnesses, parts of Rev. 12 and Rev. 13 show different things going on, but they are happening during the 42 months, a time, and times, and half a time, 3.5 years of Satan, the beast out of the bottomless pit, and the false prophet not different times. There are parallels between the visions John wrote down all through Revelation that we must recognize.
God bless,
RLW
"Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee." (v.19)
Jesus cast out the unclean spirits from the man, who now in his sober mind wanted to follow Jesus. He was not the only one who wanted do it. "Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now?"( John 13:37). Jesus showed him the way to follow him and immediately what Jesus wanted of him was a life of witnessing.. After a life of harrowing what he needed most was rest to his soul. "Take my yoke and learn of me', the hardest part is for the Son to take care.(Matt.11:28-29) Jesus, ever true image of his Father, shows mercy.
In contrast we have the owners of the swineherds cowering before Jesus. They heard the testimony of the finger of God' and the man ever normal and they could not be but be afraid."And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid."(v.15) The loss of other man's riches did not heal them. The unclean spirit still worked with them and they would rather see the back of Jesus than risk loss of other means of revenue.
In v.13 we have the number of swines ("they were about two thousand") and were choked in the sea, which is a tag placed by the Spirit. Compare with this verse," And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them." It is cue that God had prepared the four angels for the end times. multiples of 2000 refer to the Alpha and Omega expressed in terms of day of salvation and regeneration- signifying endtimes- white throne judgment.
John saw them as well as heard the number. To be sure those who rejected Jesus for loss of their wealth shall have them as witnesses. If in the court of law hush money could be cited as proof shall these citizens of Gederanes escape rejecting the prince of life for some swine?
John 5:43 seems to allude of the Antichrist who comes "in his own name". This substitute or opposing Christ to the genuine Savior will; as Revelation states be worshipped ultimately by ALL whose names are NOT written in the book of life from before the foundation of the world ( Rev. 13:8). Whatever "quality" of life will be enjoyed by those taking the infamous mark of the beast it certainly won't be worth it considering eternal torment in hell to follow. I can envision it being much like a drug addict who is little more than skin and bones because they are so intoxicated with their "fix" that their whole self has turned from natural bahaviors taking care of themselves. The Tribulation may begin for those enjoying the benefits of the Babylon system for the first half of the event as what seems like a long party. Hence we see fornications; murders; idol worship and other abominations endure until the fifth trumpet judgment. At that point the wicked get a foretaste of sufferings to come; which I suspect Antichrist who arises immediately after will say he has put to an end after the 5 months; and also he will demonstrate immortality by the apparently miraculous revival from a deadly wound (see Zech. 11:17; ( Rev. 13:3). He also will give himself credit no doubt for killing the 2 witnesses which the world will celebrate; but their Resurrection will clue those in who are of God that the game is soon up and to run for their lives.
God has demonstrated throughout scripture that he has an end game in mind once sin reaches a certain level. We can see this as early as Genesis 15;16 with the iniquity of the Amorites. God has dealt with the United States for hundreds of years and for us to think we are exempt from the fate of everyone else is folly. When we consider how many hundreds of millions of abortions and other killings occur with the principle of Genesis 9:5; it is no wonder billions will die.
It is said by Catholics that marriage is a sacrament that is only necessitated by the vow a man makes with a woman; and I agree with that view despite disagreeing with many other things in their belief system. The idea of a minister to oversee the event from what I can tell helps to involve two or three witnesses (usually along with parents) such as 2 Corinthians 13:1 states. There are other verses as well; none directly discuss a marriage or any other vow; but it does apply in the fact that should one or more parties violate the covenant church discipline can be used against them. I am not sure how things are in the big picture but it seems whenever marriages do occur it is often in another church that the family prefers and many times there is little sense of a whole congregation being involved at least like they used to in the past. Maybe I am off somewhat but that's how I see it.
Good counsel is helpful in that respect however; if anything to keep a healthy balance of older women guiding the youth and allowing for good interactions and support. This is something more favorable it seems today in the Reformed churches from my experiences. Such interactions of a church being a family of course should extend to foreign missionaries that are affiliated with a denomination. It is a shame when we think of missionaries being "out there" and we detach ourselves emotionally when we give financial support. Their marriages and family are components of their witness as much as their evangelism and one can't be separated from the other; although of course some are single individuals on the mission field.
Again; it is sad to say that from my viewpoint there is a tolerance for remarriage in these same sort of congregations (although many won't perform them). I would say that existing marriages have greater chance of longevity and less for divorce in the Reformed circles than others who have 50 percent divorce rates as all of society if they marry at all.
Psalm 22 gives us a graphic account of the agony of Jesus on the cross. Jesus knew well that he was hung up not only on two wooden crossbeams but also between his deity and humanity,- and St Luke pithily sums it up: "For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end." ( Luke 22:37). Gospel of St Luke does well in dwelling on the Man component while John and Matthew give us the Alpha aspect of Christ.
Ps. 22:6-9 " But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people./All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,/He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him." Isaiah also refers more or less the same. "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him;"(Is.53:3)
In real time he was despised and they 'laugh me to scorn'. "And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,/And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross." while some, "let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him." Chief priest befitting their holier-than- thou stance, "He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God."
"He was despised, and we esteemed him not." His death did not mean much to the man on the street other than a spectacle of three 'malefactors'. Unless one makes 'the word' in his heart as the truth God has planted and unless you daily care for it do you think you would have been any different than the passersby? We are marvelously created and set on two timescales and blessed in his Son to be his witnesses.
God sent his only begotten Son to the world. St Matthew presents him deliver the doctrine of his Father. Sermon on the Mount in ch.5 gives it as the Word become flesh. As the Word there was no higher authority than what he signified in his person. John speaks of his deity thus, "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." ( John 1:2).
The Gospel presents him in the following chapters as Man is the Message. Evangelist traces a subtext why he was not received by his own." He came unto his own, and his own received him not"( John 1:11). Conflict between light and darkness must be resolved and it comes to a head on the charges of blasphemy. "I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me./But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled."(26:56-57)
When Jesus told the truth, "Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven" the council that tried him was certain,"Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy." Their entire process was illegal but his role as the Lamb to his slaughter was right on track. "he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth."(Is.53:7)
"And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly."(27:14). Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ in denying the truth they were proving that they were unworthy of the other. So the mob crying,"Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children."(v.27) illustrates what precious gift had they trodden underfoot. Holocaust wiped out some six million in the process. Has it sobered them up? Without grace beauty is blind and truth is darkness. We are warned what a terror awaits us if we neglect it.
Before we take up Ch.27 it is worth our while to understand the significance of the earthen vessel in these verses. "Thus saith the Lord, Go and get a potter's earthen bottle, and take of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests;/And go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry of the east gate." What Jeremiah spoke before witnesses there has been rephrased by Jesus as he left the Herod's second temple after his woe to ye' discourse. Significance he went by the east gate. He said,"Behold, your house is left unto you desolate./For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."(23:38-39). Death and glory awaited him
Notice that he shall never again return in his old body. As he mentioned during his last supper his body as the potter's vessel in the hand of the prophet was about to be broken up.
Jeremiah foretold them, "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, the which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle." He also added to which the innocent blood of Jesus could be included, " Because they have forsaken me, and have estranged this place,.... and have filled this place with the blood of innocents;" (He.19:1-4) Partly it was fulfilled in their generation. In vv.10-12 we have much more, yet to come, "Then shalt thou break the bottle in the sight of the men that go with thee,/ And shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Even so will I break this people and this city, as one breaketh a potter's vessel, that cannot be made whole again: and they shall bury them in Tophet, till there be no place to bury." Tophet is interchangeable with valley of Hinnom, "Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that this place shall no more be called Tophet, nor The valley of the son of Hinnom, but The valley of slaughter." (19:6)
"Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;/ But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,"
The Seat of Moses is a symbol for authority. It signals the Law of Moses and his piety. What if the man who sits there is actively seeking false witnesses what are we to think of it. That law is an ass, is it not? Hypocrisy of chief priests and the council allowed their temple to be a den of thieves and now a Privy Council of Satan was called to order. They needed two witnesses since in their law two or three witnesses clinched the case against Jesus.
"But Jesus held his peace, And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God./Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." (vv.63-64)
Simon Peter comments on the trial,"Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain."(Ac.2:23)
Wicked men in their cloth pontificate and get their victims which explains, the Inquisition and the imposter church has soiled their hands ever since but the Word of God stands sure.
vv.63-64 "Thou hast said"
You shall be judged by what you say and the chief priest who said,"I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God" having said it was in judgment himself. In refusing the truth he was guilty of hellfire as well. This is what Jesus implied. Compare with this question, "The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?"(21:25-27)
We see a variation to the upper room in the Acts. "Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour." His falling into a trance and the vision that was about to unfold had a great import on the course of the early church. So the Spirit isolates Simon Peter to make him prepared. There are few other examples which is not germane to the topic of the prayer of Jesus.
Lastly the prayer of Jesus recorded by John is the transcription of the Holy Spirit putting to words 'the unspoken' prayer ( John 17) which as St Paul explains, "but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered./And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Ro.8:26-27) The Spirit is not narrating the life of Jesus as with biographies of the secular literature in a linear fashion but it is rendered for our spiritual instruction from both worlds of the Spirit and of the flesh. (2 Ti.3:16-17)
"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."(2 Co.13:1)
" Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world"
"When the Son of man shall come in his glory," v.31 must be understood in its correct setting. Jesus in his humanity emptied himself of the glory so in all things he shall like men, -namely of the seed of Abraham. Matt.1:1 so begins as the son of Abraham; "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people"(He.2:17) Nevertheless the Holy Spirit enumerates generation of Jesus as following those of heavens. (Ge.2:4)
Here we shall examine the glory factor related to the Alpha Omega aspect of the Son. In his prayer to his Father he speaks of it. "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was."( John 17:5). This glory is based on the word. "As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him./And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." The cloud of witnesses were thus part of his glory. and sanctified by truth. So Jesus prays, "Sanctify them by truth: thy word is truth" (John17:10)
In his transfiguration on the mount the three disciples were present. Jesus wanted them to hold it a secret till he had completely perfected the will of his Father. From the above we see how man trivializes this glory by playing to the gallery and for the praise of men? In our Savior we are assured of life eternal. "that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." Instead of truth how false teachers make Jesus with limited salvation. Such doctrine of man shall do much worse. "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."
"And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goat."
It is remarkable that there is a time appointed and several other events also should occur in conjunction with it. "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:"(v.31) The cloud of witnesses come into their own because the apotheosis of Jesus Christ means the emblem which was in the divine Will of the Father has become the throne of glory. The slain Lamb before the foundation of the world was an emblem. (Re.13:8). Right hand of the most high mentioned in the epistle to the Hebrews is no long determined by left or right but by the throne. "My Father and I are one" Jesus said in his humanity. It also shall be established. Thus we have the Throne of God and of the Lamb.(Re.22:1)
Jesus promised his disciples, "And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me." While he delivered the doctrine of his Father against the backdrop of 'a mountain' as witness he stated, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."(5:3; Luke 22:29). All the promises of God are yea in the Son. We are looking at the Alpha and Omega aspect of the Son so the word spoken before the worlds establish the beginning and in him was fulfilled in every case. Similarly God blessed us before the worlds began. (Ep.1:3-4) The holy angels in v.31 refer to what St Paul refers," According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." We have been held in the Alpha aspect from the beginning. Because we endured with him in his temptations we have set throne. " Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."(5:10; 1 Pe.5:10)
"so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."
Jesus refers to his coming at the end of v.28. The Spirit inserts the outbreak of the Tribulation which has been going before we have in v.30 "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven." This narrative mode of Parenthesis we have seen in other places, for example in the vision of Daniel, we have one week isolated from the Seventy Weeks. (9:24-27). We shall come to that anon.
The point is the east and west mentioned in v.27 is with reference of cardinal direction while Judgment in the Spirit's parlance is with regards to divine Judgment. Pride of Satan said,"I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north."(Is.14:13). God raises the Gentile nations from the north to punish Israel. (Je.1:14). "The beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit" who would kill the two witnesses, spiritually is labeled as the son of perdition. The lament over the king of Tyre sets him as another son of perdition. "Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God." (Ez.28:13-15)"Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee." The fallen man is a son of perdition and king of Tyre and so many of his ilk belong to the Gentile nations. Pride is the DNA of the beast while Jesus revealed humility and faith proved he was the Son of God.
"But the men marveled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!" (8:23-27)When Jesus stilled the storm it was a proof that the Lord has set his throne over the floods."So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him."(Is.59:19) This is the sign Jesus is referring to.
"And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory./ And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."
The elect includes both the nation of Israel and the Gentile nations. Daniel the Seer belongs to the former. He also was curious as the disciple to know the end times. But the Angel of the Lord did not dilate much on the topic. Instead he said, "But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days."(Dan.12:13) When Jesus went in Spirit to the souls in prison he surely was one among many saints in the OT period. They are witnesses to the gospel below the earth. There is a cloud of witnesses which Daniel had seen in the night vision, " and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened." (7:10). The Spirit refers to the judgment with regards to the beast, to which he is also a witness. The beast referred in terms of the times of the Gentiles is shown as emerging from the bottomless pit. " the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them."(Re.11:7). In Re. Ch.13:1 "and saw a beast rise up out of the sea." This beast emerges in the vision of Daniel rises from the sea. ("And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another." Dan.7:3). In this context what Jesus refers here is a sign. " When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)/Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains."(vv.15-16)
This background helps us to place the great tribulation mentioned in v.21
The Spirit sets Jesus and Adam as representational figures for the worlds of the Spirit and of the earth respectively. When he presented the doctrine of his Father he was there as the Lord from heaven. The emblem of the mountain bore witness. ((5:1). He represented the cloud of witnesses set apart by God in him. His life would manifest his doctrine. What the Pharisees and the Sadducees signified in Adam. They belonged to their father which Jesus mentions in John 8:44."Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
The Jews claim for Father Abraham was after the manner of flesh. Of Adam St Paul says thus, "The first man is of the earth, earthy." While Jesus as the Word become flesh "was the Lord from heaven". (1 Co.15:47-49).
The Gospel delineates the acrimony of the chief priests and the scribes owing to the two contrary worlds from which they come from. In their hatred to Jesus they were qualified as murderers. They were the son of perdition. In Ch.23 we read the hypocrisy of those who shut out the world of the Spirit because they would not abide in the truth. For this reason Jesus cites the many lives lost on account of their parent, who was none other than the devil. "Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets./Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers."(vv.31-32)
Compare from where the modern churches have taken root. Not from the doctrine of Jesus whose life is antithetical to the princes of Holy See of Rome. What the Reformation did was to make those who sought glory of this world as their due set up their own as in the days of Jeroboam Dan and Bethel became places for worship. God is not mocked. "Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers"
"For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven."
We need examine v.30 in detail since the gospel presented the doctrine of God in the Man. John testified that he was the Word (he 'was made flesh) "And we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father. God is a Spirit so his glory in the world of the Spirit was translated when he delivered the Sermon on the Mount, in real time so to speak. John also refers the glory of the Word, "full of grace and truth."
So what shall we make of the mountain in the back drop? ("And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain.") This mountain is set as an emblem indicating the glory of the Word which is eternal. The cloud of witnesses attest that he presented the doctrine of God in his Person. It is truth. "(Thy word is truth") His voice likewise carried the voice of the Lord, full of grace. It is very similar to the voice from heaven witnessing. "While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him."(17:5).
Jesus compares the witnesses in the cloud as angels of God in heaven. In the transfiguration Jesus made manifest the spiritual body he carried in his Person which was to come into its own after his resurrection. He wanted his disciples to keep it a secret. Without death there was no resurrection/ It applied to his humanity. The glory of God in his resurrection therefore had bearing on the cloud as well as on his disciples. His doctrine gives us few examples. God is the God of the living. Death belongs to the world of the flesh and blood.
31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
"Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her./ Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God."
When the Scriptures speak of everlasting covenant death as an entity is not recognized by both parties to it. The world of the Spirit recognizes only life and it is for this reason the Spirit calls Jesus Christ as the Prince of life. "And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses."(Ac.3:15) Simon Peter as a witness in the world of the body refers to death which has only relevance because of sin. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"(Ro.5:12) Salvation Program of God consequently entailed sending his only begotten Son to which Simon refers as a witnesses.
It is thus we allow as the Spirit has set down in many places, the cloud of witness closely associated with this covenant. Heresy of churches of today owe to the misreading of the Scriptures and it only takes cognizance of the world of here and now. Prosperity as taught by false shepherds give glory in a success of abundance of worldly goods and impute it to God's favor. Jesus tells them as he tells the Sadducees."Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." Without being part of the life that Jesus signifies where his life, his truth and the way must be where we put ourselves we are deceiving ourselves.
"For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven."(v.30). Everlasting Covenant, in the world of the Spirit refers to Christ as the head of the body, the church. "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."(19:6). This is the correct approach and not what is instituted for the flesh. So Moses had to take note of the hardness of their heart. (19:7-8)
" But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
Jesus could track their motive to the source and it was nothing new. Satan tempted Jesus as he had embarked on his earthly ministry and he concealed his intent by citing the word of God. He had no intention of giving up his stance or acknowledging the truth. Similarly the Pharisees would thwart the triumphal march of the Son of man, not fully realizing its significance. "Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk." Same trickery that could only set the interlocutors as egged on by Satan. He did not quit at the first time. As we read he waited for his opportunity."And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season."( Luke 4:13)
The Spirit informs us that God had also tempted or tested Abraham. "And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham" (Ge.22:1) and Isaac was his heir of promise and not Eliezer, it was made clear to him. God cannot deny his holiness. "And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir."Abraham received it and it formed the basis for the blessing God spelt out in Ge.12:3. "And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness." (Ge.15:6) So testing of Abraham meant something else. In the Abstract God blessed man on the sixth day and it was validated in heaven as well as on earth. So all families will be blessed through Abraham. So Abraham and Isaac were testimonial in the Word of the Spirit as God and the Son framed the everlasting covenant. Thus Abraham and Isaac serve after a similitude to the Father Son relationship. The testing was only in as far as faith was concerned. "Without faith it is impossible to please God".(He.11:6) Whosoever came as heirs were to prove this in their lives. The cloud of witnesses made the covenant proper.
In the Book of Genesis God separated the waters above from water below (Ge.1:6-7)which is a signal for the rise and fall of nations,- and the vision of Daniel on the banks of Ulai in Dan.12 gives us a river of time so history of these are set, and it leads us to the throne of God and of the Lamb and beyond to the saved nations on the earth.
According to the Abstract First day set two nations of light and darkness. Second day provided us the heaven a label for the world of the Spirit. God blessing Abraham (12:3) sends him along and his looking for a city was spiritual insight so faith explains what Abraham deprived of the Promised Land because of the sin of Amorites, could still thrive despite of it. " For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."(He.11:10). It is thus we consider the cloud of witnesses which validates heroes of faith as the double for the Son.
The fall of Babylon described in St John's vision explains the fate of Jerusalem and the nations which rejected the Son. "And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder./ And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them."(v.45). Specific to the nation of Israel we have this verse, "And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus:"(Re.17:6; Matt.23:35-36)
vv.14-18 "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." In their opposition to God they are as one and yet Jerusalem shall be destroyed by the Gentiles. Re.18:21 the "stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all."(18:21)
Glory of Jesus came from both Wisdom and Power so whosoever received him was under the covenant that shall be fulfilled in the Son. So the flesh of body ought to tell us there is more to it. (Jesus Christ) "Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." (Ph.3:21) In the previous post we considered trinity, of body spirit and soul serving as a witness as Jesus was the Faithful and true witness. It was not merely in terms of the body. Our soul is the inner man and he also bears witnesses in terms of the Word. Three agree in heaven: the Father the Word and the Spirit. We shall see this distinction in "the seventy times seven"(Matt.18:22) This applies to the world of the flesh and blood." The Holy city of God is however measured, which is a single measurement of an angel, and man. It is Gospel based and not according to man's life span. "an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel." (Re.21:17)
The memorial in heaven (Ch.4) does not show the cloud of witnesses nevertheless we hear them. "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth./ And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;"(Re.5:10-11). Compare the number with this verse, "A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
"Ten thousand times ten thousand" is about the final salvation, and it explains why Jesus denounced the workers of iniquity. They did not do the will of God the Father. They were called to one body but they did not fit with 'the one flesh" which is about the Christ and the Bride
As long as one does after his own desires and priorities he is serving the body of death. With his mind he serves the law of God "but with the flesh the law of sin." Whosoever is freed from condemnation must be led by the Spirit and no other short cuts. The three witnesses in the Spirit form the inner man "after the likeness" of God. ("Let us make man in our image, after our likeness"-Ge.1:26). The Spirit given us is as a pledge, "God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit" also has given similar tokens so body spirit and soul serve as a witness for us in heaven. The glorious spiritual body, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" and the cloud of witnesses bear witness of the many promises of God. Apostle John writes, "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." This cloud is set as witness for the soul of man. "For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life."(2 Co.5:4). The spirit of man is fortified by the in-house tutor, so mortality being swallowed up by life renders Christ as the head for the spiritual body held in reserve for us.
For this reason Jesus assured,"Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven./For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." This is the context for Re.3:20. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Supping one to one is much more than confessing Jesus Christ as the Lord.
" Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other."
This verse recalls the Father Son relationship in the godhead. Holiness of God is eternal because of the Law."Thy word is truth." Consequently mercy and truth can be rephrased as thus:"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." The Spirit informs us truth and what as from the beginning.
God is qualified as the Father of all mercies.(2 Co.1:3)sent his Son and in his logos aspect it is grace that he revealed. So grace is what allows the blessings of God work abundantly. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him./ For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust".(Ps.103:13-14). Jesus in his humanity carried the voice of the Lord so people marveled at his words, which the Spirit qualifies as the word of his grace. By the same token when Jesus Christ is risen he is said to be' And upholding all things by the word of his power.'In short grace and power are the means to establish the everlasting covenant between Mercy and Truth.
This is the word of truth witnessing in our heart, a spiritual space. Accordingly the cloud of witnesses are not merely any ornament one adds to his person to add dignity or honor but the truth: Mercy and truth are met together.
"Righteousness and peace have kissed each other."
We received Jesus by faith and we confess that he is in us. If we hate our brother as the word of God says that we are in darkness. And we made him a liar. "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:"(1 Co.1:30; 1 John 2:9-11) We are called to be as was in heaven, Righteoussness of God and Christ, who of us is peace so when we keep peace between brethren Christ is in our midst. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."(Matt.18:19-20)
"Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
Unity is achieved by the everlasting gospel and it is one aspect of the Advent of the Son. "Mercy and truth are met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; And righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; And our land shall yield her increase."(Ps.85:10-13)
Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ which according to the scriptures was like a dry plant, "For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground." (Is.53:2). While we look at the cloud of witnesses their place in heaven is a constant reminder that God as the Husbandman ( John 15:1) is ever provident that 'our land' shall yield her increase. This land is not the dry ground Prophet Isaiah mentioned in the above mentioned quote. The ground was cursed because of sin and it required correction. The land that abides forever is special, soil is well prepared from which truth shall ever spring to heavenwards. This soil is what the heart signifies, and it is a spiritual space. The word of God has created it totally new so when the word of God speaks, "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world,"(Ph.2:15) it is to be understood as the Garden of Eden, our earthly tabernacle.
The voice of the Lord does a miracle with the heart that is right before him."The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory."(Ps.29:9).
As mentioned above there is a cloud of witnesses from heaven and also a building of God, "An house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." As associates of Christ our power comes from this unity.
"And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them." Jesus assured "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live"( John 11:25). Three days and an half gives us the assurance that the two witnesses were a sign, that the spirit of life that raised the Son from death worked in their case as well. So vv.9-10 explain in what sense we need interpret, "the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves."(v.9) . They are witnesses even in their death that not a jot or iota from the Law shall be changed.
" And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand."(v.13)
At the same hour is a tag to the day of judgment that shall follow. Ten indicates judgment and 7x1000 determines it is decreed from heaven.
"And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city," Martyrdom of two witnesses lying in the street is a sign. We have Jesus telling his disciples how to respond to the cities where they were not received. "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet./Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."(Matt.10:14-15). When Jesus concludes his 'woe to ye' indictment he says,"Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." (Matt.23:38). This was a sure indication that the house was not worthy since they had rejected the prince of peace. "And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you." Israel shall never be at rest till they receive him, "For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."(23:39). The two witnesses lying in the street of the great city is to be spiritually understood. They serve as a sign of doom of disasters that shall visit upon them. The names of cities are interchangeable. The stone that angel cast down signals the fall of Babylon (Re.18:21) and it could be applied to all cities of the world.
The sign of his coming is sure of the day of judgment for these cities. "For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities./Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works."(Re.18:5-6) We see it even now. 'Globalism' was the watchword of nations living deliciously and' Greed is good was their mantra. Now it is dead. The beast who shall appear is part of long line of powers- that-be and they shall do evil. " And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition."(17:11)
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