The Everlasting Gospel Contrasted with the Gospel of the Kingdom

Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting [eternal] gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth, to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.

-Revelation 14:6

 As we always must do, we not only look at scriptures in their immediate contexts to help us interpret them, we must also compare and contrast them with other passages. This practice falls under "rightly dividing the Word of Truth" from 2 Timothy 2:15. We must be diligent and study (both ideas are present in the verse). We must also "compare the things that differ" as Philippians 1:10 exhorts. 

We covered these ideas in many other studies. But beyond that, it should be evident to even a cursory reader of scripture that some things are clearly different. Unfortunately, "approved" systematic theology thinking generally wants to make every verse work for every believer in any age. 

Those who mock the dispensational approach to interpretation are forced to try and explain away differences we find. Ironically, when it comes to topics like the Law or the New Covenant, suddenly the mockers become dispensationalists. And the irony is that often when they practice dispensationalism, they are doing violence to context and interpretation. 

Of course, when I use "dispensational" I am referring to God having different instructions and different hopes for different people in different ages. For many, however, their rejection of dispensationalism is rooted primarily in God's rejection of His promises to his earthly people, Israel, and their own selective choosing of which verses to Israel they want to claim. 

The doctrine of "replacement" (the church, as they define it, replacing Israel in God's plans) is dispensational in approach. Horribly and wrongly so, but they don't pause to inflict the exchange and then continue to make distinctions. We are mocked for saying that God has different plans and rules for different people in different ages, yet we hold that everything God promised is true just not universal. The anti-dispensationalist must believe that God cannot be trusted to keep his word and will abandon his promises if me do not perform. 

The Catholic Church claims it embraces both covenants. In their own way, so do the Reformed. As with other doctrines, ironically, the Reformed are much like Rome. But now, on this last point, we are in the area of opinion so we will leave that there. 

If we say that God has replaced Israel with the church and then go back into the Law and the Prophets, somehow the replacement folks only seem to want to make the connection in terms of blessings. The threats of of curses or rejection no longer apply. The dictates of the Law are selectively applied. But we will leave that there as we have covered these things elsewhere. The greater point is seen in early copies of the KJV which lists one passage in the Hebrew canon as "Promises for the Church" while a page away it marks another passage as "Cursing for Israel" (something along those lines).

We focus in this study, in light of marking differences, on the idea of the "gospel." As I write, I am discomforted by my own use of "the." There is more than one gospel. This causes some to recoil at the very thought of what (as I see it) is a glaringly obvious truth. To say there is more than one gospel. however, is not to say that there is more than one to be reconciled to God. 

The gift of everlasting life (resurrection life) has, since Adam, been a gift of God by grace powered by faith. It should be obvious that Adam, Abel, Noah, Abraham, and David did not believe as we do in the current age. They did not even believe the same as each other. But they did have faith unto redemption. What we understand as salvation by grace alone through faith alone is built on the example of Abraham's faith.

What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

-Romans 4:3 

Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.

-Genesis 15:6

Abraham obviously did not believe that the Lord Jesus died for his sins and was resurrected for his justification. David wrote of these future truths as did the prophets, but they looked through a glass darkly. They yearned to see and know what we know in Christ' finished work (cp.1 Peter 1:10-13). In their age, they had a gospel that was not as full as ours today. So when we in the current age say there is more than one gospel, we clearly state that in this age all reconciliation with God is based on Christ from his side and a response to revelation from the human side. We must be believe and rest in his completed sacrifice for our sin and his bodily resurrection for our redemption (Romans 4:25; etc.). 

All this is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins against them, and has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us. We implore you in Christ’s stead: Be reconciled to God. God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

-2 Corinthians 5:18-21

 Before we look at the difference between "everlasting gospel" in Revelation 14 and the Gospel of the Kingdom found in Matthew, we note this one important commonality. And it is in this connection that much of Christendom finds repulsion. 

Whereas the focus of each is quite different (mutually exclusive to a degree), the setting is similar. Simply put, one was for Israel alone and forbidden to be preached to Gentiles (or even outside of Israel) and indirectly for the Gentile through Israel as the earthly vessel of commission. The other is directly for the nations in an age to come. We must note that both are given in light of God's plans for the earth and for Israel. We have covered this distinction elsewhere. The setting of each is quite different than the conditions and teachings in the age in which we currently live (which is the plan for the heavenly places and the far above the heavens). 

What often happens with both gospels is that men force definitions and words on them. This is unnecessary as they both explain themselves. When tradition rises above scripture, it forces its values and definition on the inspired Word of Truth. When we see the inspired words, we still have to pull out the lens, even in light of the words used, as context often gives words their meanings. But no matter what we surely must start with the inspired words on the pages of scripture and not with the traditions and doctrines of men.

The practice of  interpreting the inspired texts by tradition and assumption is another symptom of the heaven/hell and saved/lost problem. That is, so much teaching in Christendom tries to force every verse into a teaching about either going to "heaven" or going to "hell" at death. No distinction between God's plans for the earth and God's plan for the heavenly places (among other things).

Let's get back to the two gospels. The introduction will prove to be longer than the examination of the gospels themselves. The reason for this is that we must constantly undo layers of tradition and the constraints of the clergy/laity distinction when simply reading any passage.

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
make His paths straight.’ ”

-Matthew 3:1-3

Now lets' look at the context of Matthew 3:3 which is quoting Isaiah 40. I encourage the entire chapter be read, but let's look at why John is calling Israel (and Israel alone) to repent. We must remind ourselves here that when the Lord sends out the twelve in Matthew 10 with the message of the Kingdom, he forbids them to preach it to Gentiles.

Comfort, O comfort, My people,
says your God.
Speak kindly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that her warfare has ended,
that her iniquity has been pardoned,
that she has received of the hand of the Lord
double for all her sins.

The voice of him who cries out,
“Prepare the way of the Lord
in the wilderness,
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.
 Let every valley be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low,
and let the rough ground become a plain,
and the rough places a plain;
then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.”

Isaiah 40:1-5

We dare not try to cram some future "Gentile Church" in there. And we note the condition of all this blessing; it follows a time of the Lord's chastening for her sins.

O Zion, bearer of good news,
get yourself up onto a high mountain;
O Jerusalem, bearer of good news,
lift up your voice with strength,
lift it up, do not be afraid;
say to the cities of Judah,
“Here is your God!”
 See, the Lord God will come with a strong hand,
and His arm shall rule for Him;
see, His reward is with Him,
and His recompense before Him.
He shall feed His flock like a shepherd;
He shall gather the lambs with His arm,
and carry them in His bosom,
and shall gently lead those that are with young.

-Isaiah 40:9-11

We note Zion and Jerusalem and Judah here (God being a God of His word), but we also not that this salvation involves the Lord coming to rule, reign, and reward his lambs. This is a future believing, cleansed Israel. 

When we turn to the Revelation, we see this coming and a time of separation and judgment. This is all part of the Gospel of the Kingdom to Israel and part of God's plan for the earth. Another affirmation of the full deity of the Lord Jesus Christ.

He who is unjust, let him be unjust still. He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous, let him be righteous still. He who is holy, let him be holy still.”

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me to give to each one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

-Revelation 22:11-13

In Isaiah 40 the Lord continues declaring his greatness and awesomeness. After doing so, he turns again to Israel.

Why do you say, O Jacob,
and assert, O Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord,
and my justice escapes the notice of my God”?
Have you not known?
Have you not heard,
that the everlasting God, the Lord,
the Creator of the ends of the earth,
does not faint, nor is He weary?
His understanding is inscrutable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to those who have no might He increases strength.

 

In light of his greatness and his judgment and cleansing of Israel the Lord is assuring them of his faithfulness, a faithfulness the Replacement Theologian rejects as he accuses God of abandoning his promises.

 

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
and the young men shall utterly fall,
but those who wait upon the Lord
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
and they shall walk and not faint.

-Isaiah 40:27-31  

We know the Lord likens John the Baptist to Elijah. And in doing so the Lord points to "the restoration of all things." This is the promise Peter (Apostle to the Circumcision) offers "You men of Israel" in Acts 3 if they would have repented. In that promise he states that their repentance will lead to the return of the Lord.

He answered, “Elijah indeed comes first to restore all things. Yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I say to you that Elijah has indeed come, and they have done to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.

-Mark 9:12-13

“Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this man? Or why do you stare at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk? The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His Son Jesus, whom you handed over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him... Now brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold through all the prophets, that His Christ should suffer, He thus fulfilled. Therefore repent and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the One who previously was preached to you, Jesus Christ, whom the heavens must receive until the time of restoring what God spoke through all His holy prophets since the world began. For Moses indeed said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall hear whatever He may say to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that prophet shall be utterly eliminated from the people.’

-Acts 3:1-13, 17-23

Do we want to apply this Post-Pentecost (Post-Acts 2) promise to some Gentile Church? And we note again, if you want to claim the promises, you must also accept the warnings. If "the people" is the "Church" and men call it, we have the same problem we have with the warning in Romans 11. In Romans 11, Gentile believers (and only gentile believers) are warned not to become haughty against Jewish believers (the branches, Rom 11:17-18) lest they be "cut off" (Rom 11:22) from the root (Israel's blessings). 

Cut off from what? Israel. If Israel is now "the Church," what is God warning these Gentile believers concerning? Is this a salvation passage (as men call them)? Of course not. We have covered this elsewhere, but we note it here to stress again that the earthly hope of Israel, "the restoration of the Kingdom in Israel" (cp. Acts 1:3-6) is the context of all these promises and warnings. 

The Gospel of the Kingdom promise was being preached "to the Jew first" and the Gentile believer was only grafted into that promise for the expressed purpose "to make Israel jealous" (Rom 10:19; 11:11) That is the sole reason given in scripture for the grafting in of Gentile. Not grafted into "reconciliation" with God, but grafted in to the promises to Israel. And from those promises, the gentile believer could be "cut off" if he became resentful of the root (Israel). 

And we must also note here, that since grafted in gentile believers were not placed under the whole of the law, their gospel in the Acts age differed from the Jewish Gospel of the Kingdom. Theirs was a gospel that gave them some access to the earthly blessings (beneath the Jew), but was separate (as spelled out in the Acts age Book of Galatians). We will have to leave that there.  

The specific "Gospel of the Kingdom" is said to be preached by the Lord in Matthew 4 and in Matthew 9 (before he sends out the twelve and forbids them to preach to gentiles). We see it again in Mathew 24 as the Lord speaks of the end of the age. In that context, the "saved" are those who "endure to the end." And the Gospel of the Kingdom is then "a witness unto all nations" before the end comes. This comes only after Israel sees "the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the Prophet." It is not a gospel of all ages to all men concerning the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. 

And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

-Matthew 24:10-14

In light of that end, the Lord (before the cross still) turns Israel's eyes to the prophecy of end times Daniel. 

“So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. Let him who is in the field not return to take his clothes. Woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse in those days! Pray that your escape will not be in the winter or on the Sabbath.

-Matthew 24:15-20

All of this concerns a future ("in those days") and Israel (Daniel, Judea, the Sabbath).  But let us not miss another dispensational truth here in those "with child" (pregnant or nursing). The Lord says "Woe" or "How dreadful" for those women. This mirrors Paul's warning in the Acts age epistle of First Corinthians 7 in which he warns believers NOT to get married and NOT to bear children lest they have troubles (1 Cor 7:8) . And that warning is given because "the time is short" (1 Cor 7:29) and because "the world/age is passing away" (1 Cor 7:31). We must contrast this with Paul's instruction in 1 Timothy 5:14 for young women to marry and bear children. That can only be understood dispensationally. But our theologians localize the commands and thus render the Word of God of none effect by their traditions (cp. Mark 7:13).  

We now turn to the Everlasting Gospel 

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

-Revelation 14:6 (KJV)

Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the eternal gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth, to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.

-Revelation 14:6 (Modern English Version - MEV)

 

Then I saw another angel flying overhead, having an age-abiding gospel to preach to those dwelling on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people

-Revelation 14:6 (Far Above All)

We take this opportunity to note that what Christendom has imposed on the word translated "eternal" or "everlasting" really has the sense of "of the age" or "for the age(s)" or "age-abiding." As God is outsdie of time and not subject to it, He speaks to us in terms of time. Since we cannot conceive of what "no time" means, we must be careful with ideas such as "eternity past" or "eternity future." We've noted that in other studies but in Revelation 14 I believe it can be more easily seen and understood. What about the gospel the angel declares here could be understood as what tradition has termed "eternal?" Is this then a gospel that permeates all pages of scripture? Obviously not. This idea can also bee seen in the "forever" statutes of the Law (e.g. Deuteronomy 4:40; 2 Kings 17:36-38, etc.). 

[The Angel] said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory, for the hour of His judgment has come. Worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

-Revelation 14:7

 

Is this the gospel preached by Paul in either the Acts age or in the Post-Acts age? Is this gospel what we declare in the present age? Do we hold that is an "eternal" gospel as most theologians define "eternal?" Suggest this verse for your Vacation Bible School theme this year and see how that is received. Clearly we honor and can understand the admonition to worship the Creator, but we would not call that a "gospel" truth in the current age. 

But in the modern "church" (especially in the Reformed churches) we must hold this to be the same gospel and we must hold it to be true for all people of all ages. It's troubling on its face, but men will massage and complicate and redefine words for us to force it into tradition. When we allow ourselves to see and allow God to have different callings in different ages for different people (dispensationalism) all the difficulties melt away.

Dispensationalism has been defined for us by its detractors as merely a guise for Zionism. Yet the principles of rightly dividing the Word of Truth (2 Tim 2:15) apply to all truths, commands, and promises in scripture. One has to force his mind to accept contradictions and mutually exclusive ideas as being simultaneously true if he refuses to apply right division to the revelations of God.

Paul declared in the Book of Galatians that only one gospel was to be declared among the Gentiles in that age, the gospel of grace. Have men not always been reconciled to God by grace through faith? Yes! But Paul was addressing Gentiles grafted into the earthly blessings and promises to Israel (as we have seen). The Judaizers were trying to put them under the Law which was for Israel alone. 

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different gospel, which is not a gospel. But there are some who trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Although if we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel to you than the one we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so I say now again: If anyone preaches any other gospel to you than the one you have received, let him be accursed.

-Galatians 1:6-9

Paul's approach to evangelization varied greatly in the Acts age depending on his audience. In Acts 17 alone we see Paul speaking to Jews and reasoning from the scriptures. We laud the Bereans for "searching the scriptures whether these things are so" (17:11) Yet we see none of that on Mars Hill as he speaks with Gentiles. There he speaks of the Creator God and points, not to scripture, but to their own philosophers.

‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’ “Therefore since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to suppose that the Deity is like gold or silver or stone or an engraved work of art or an image of the reflection of man.

-Acts 17:28-29 

Is this the Gospel of Grace as exalted by Paul in the Book of Galatians the same as the Gospel of the Kingdom preached by John the Baptist and by the Lord Jesus Christ in the Gospel accounts? Is this the gospel forbidden to be preached to Gentiles by the twelve in their Matthew 10 commission? No! Yet it is a gospel. And in the Acts age, with the Kingdom "at hand" when "the time is short" as they anticipated "the restoration of the Kingdom in Israel" and the return of the Lord Jesus if Israel had repented, the gospels (plural) in Galatians were being preached.  

Not what John had declared. Not what the Lord taught in his earthly calling to Israel alone (Matthew 15:24), but a message of grace alone subdivided for two audiences: faithful, believing Jews on the one hand and grafted in believing Gentiles on the other.

On the contrary, they saw that I was entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised [Gentiles], as the gospel to the circumcised [Jews] was to Peter. For He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles.

-Galatians 2:7-8

We've noted elsewhere how Peter's epistles were addressed to "the diaspora" (Jews, 1 Peter 1:1) as James' epistle was addressed to "the twelve tribes scattered abroad" (Jews, James 1:1). The scattered tribes being another reference to the diaspora/dispersion. These were apostles to the circumcision who preached the gospel to the circumcision. As we have seen, John's revelation was also for the nation of Israel and looked to the terrible time of her winnowing; the cleansing that needs to happen as prophesied by Isaiah and others.

We could say here in the future Revelation age that the end has reverted to the beginning. We are dealing with a "good news," a proclamation from before the time of the Law separate from the calling on Abraham's life. Revelation 14:7 presents God solely as Creator ("Worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”). 

 No, this "everlasting gospel" cannot be preached now. The moment has not yet arrived when these words can be proclaimed. We can tell of "judgment to come" (Acts 24:25, mellontos, coming), but not of the "hour" having actually arrived. If "grace" and "judgment" are the same thing, then again we may say that words are useless for the purposes of revelation. "Now is the day of salvation" not of judgment (2 Cor. 6:2). It is therefore eternal in the sense that it belongs to the first and the last of the dispensations in which God deals with men. It goes back to the beginning, before the Law. It tells of God's claim as Creator; and not of Christ's work as Savior. "Now I know that thou fearest God" was God's word to Abraham (Gen. 22:12). "This do and live, for I fear God," said Joseph (Gen. 42:18). So with Job (Job 1:1); and the Egyptian midwives (Ex. 1:17-21). The "fearers of God" was a title specially given to proselytes from the Gentiles (Acts 13:16, 26).

The time will have then come to add the sentence in Isa. 41:2, which the Lord omitted when He read Isa. 41:1, 2 in the Synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4:18-20): "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me," and continued down to and including the first sentence of verse 2, "to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." Then it is significantly added that "he closed the book and sat down." Why? Because that was not yet the time to preach what follows in Isa. 41:2, viz., "the day of vengeance of our God." But here, when this first angel preaches in mid-heaven to all on earth, the time will have come to preach this "day of vengeance," as having then come.  

-E.W. Bullinger , Commentary on Revelation (excerpt)

 

We would only slightly depart from Dr. Bullinger on his inclusion of the Acts in the present age. He himself would adjust his understanding in later years to acknowledge this, but at the point he was writing this commentary he had not yet drawn all the distinctions he would later draw. But the greater point remains. This preaching of vengeance was omitted from the opening of the Lord's ministry in Luke 4 and is certainly not part of what we preach as revealed to Paul for us in the current age in Ephesians. 

The warnings Paul gives in his epistles (during and after the Acts age) are warnings of loss for believers. The harsh words of warning in Romans 11, 1 Cor 5-6, Ephesians 5, Colossians 3, Philippians 3, etc. pertain to believers. Not that any would be subject to wrath upon himself, but certainly there is much that can be lost (The Prize, rewards, crowns, the inheritance, etc.). When the idea of wrath is reintroduced in the Revelation we are outside boundaries of these other dispensations. In the gospels and in the Acts we see the warning of a time of testing in the future, here in the Revelation we see it coming to fruition.

Harsh warnings continue through chapter 14. Condemnation of sexual immorality (which can be seen as spiritual adultery as well) along with a warning against worship of the Beast and his image (idolatry not foreign to Israel, but very much part of most Gentile worship systems, including Catholicism). We see warnings of God's wrath. We then see Christ ("One like the Son of Man"), not in name, but in visage, as he and an angel continue the winnowing and separation.

The angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. The winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses’ bridles, for one hundred and eighty-six miles.

-Revelation 14:19-20

 

Whereas some men build their ministries today preaching the wrath of God, this is not our calling in this age. We have been called to the ministry of reconciliation, pleading with men to be reconciled to God who has already been reconciled to them and who is not holding their sins against them (2 Cor 5). The gospel in Revelation 14 was commissioned to angels. We do note that some would interpret angels as "messengers" and therefore try to place men in the stead of these creatures, but we  note that all the angels in the chapter follow the angel who was "flying in the midst of heaven" (Rev 14:6).  

But if the reader insists that this is all figurative language and these may still all be men, we do not argue, we point back the gospel preached in this chapter. No matter the messengers, it is not a gospel preached by John the Baptist, the Lord Jesus, Paul, the Apostles to the Circumcision, or any apostle in the Gospel accounts, the Acts, or in Paul's post-Acts epistles. It is certainly foreign to Paul's revelation in Ephesians. So we leave that there and note the context of the harvest and the presence of the temple.

Then another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud [the Son of Man], “Thrust in Your sickle and reap. The time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” So He who sat on the cloud thrust His sickle on the earth, and the earth was harvested.

-Revelation 14:15-16

The preterist forces all of this into the long ago past as having already been fulfilled. Yet even if they want to define this harvesting in some spiritual, theological sense it does not touch the issue of the gospel present. The gospel of Revelation 14 has no place in the current age.

There is an argument to be made that the audience for the gospel here is Israel. If we limit "them that dwell on the earth" to Israel (14:6), understanding "earth" to mean "the land" (which is worth consideration), we would have to miss the full description. As an aside, the phrase "those who dwell on the earth" appears 7 times in the Revelation. This suggests a consummation. The references are connected to testing, judgment, torment, etc. 

The judgment coming on those who dwell on the earth is also connected to the Beast and his image. The presence of "éthnos" (nations), especially in light of other end times passages such as Matthew 24 and Luke 21 helps us to see this gospel in context of the gentiles.

Understanding the warnings, especially in light of God as Creator, coming upon Israel as a winnowing and upon all the nations (éthnos, gentiles) in the age to come separates it from any conditions we see today or have seen in the history of what men call the "church." However you want to interpret the "temple" here or the judgment or the harvesting, they do not fit what we see today or what we preach today. 

Israel is to be sifted in the age to come and only the true and faithful believers will enter into the promises to their fathers. The nations will be judged as to how they treated the Jews during this time. We see this in the culmination of the Lord's last days words in Matthew 24-25 in the parable of the sheep and goats where we see the nations (éthnos) gathered before him and judged, not for their faith, but in how the treated "the least of my brothers" (Jews). 

We cannot rip this judgment of the goats from its context and make any and every person his "brother" and the people ministering them somehow not his brother? We have covered this topic on its own but what do we believe is being taught here? The timeframe is clearly future (when the Lord returns), the location is clearly the earth, and the reward has nothing to do with faith. Is this a "salvation by philanthropy" passage? We will leave that there and refer the interested to our study of the parable.

We note before the leave, however, the greater point at hand. We must not fall into the heaven/hell or saved/lost pattern of interpretation. We must also recognize that different commands, promises, and judgments in scripture are for different purposes.

The Creator God gave Adam a "law" that was limited to the earth and affected conditions on the earth. The hope of paradise restored has always been before the nations, yet nations have taken the route of the men of Babel. The recognition of the nations (Genesis 10) resulted in that post-flood act of rebellion (Genesis 11) and continues from that day through the calling of Abraham, through the kingdom in Israel, through the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the Acts age. But God turned from judging the nations when he chose Abraham from among the nations (Genesis 12) and the nation of Israel to be his witnesses and the priests for the nations (Exodus 19:5-6, a role they have never fulfilled but will in an age to come).

This "age-abiding" gospel proclaimed in Revelation 14 is not the promise of the restoration of the Kingdom in Israel. It is not the gospel of a grafting in by grace into the promises of Israel for Gentiles. It is not predicated upon faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord. It is good news to those who have refused to follow the beast or worship his image among the nations and a condemnation of those who will follow him. Just as in Matthew 25, the sheep do not know exactly what they have done right ("Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?" cp. Matthew 25:37-38). Blessings for those nations which care for God's chosen people. 

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians in the Acts age. He speaks to them of the end times and the expectation of the return of the Lord in the clouds as he promised in Acts 1 and as Peter promised Israel upon repentance in Acts 3. Revelation 14:7 states that hour of his judgment has come. We distinguish this from the greater idea of the "day" of judgment. Dr Bullinger helps us here again.

And, observe here, it is not the "day of his judgment is come," but "the hour." This refers of course to the last and final crisis of the judgment — the seven Vials — which closes everything up. "Fear God and give glory to him... worship him (not the Beast) who made the heaven and the earth," &c. It is God as creator who is proclaimed, and that by an angel, not by men. The heavenly utterances proclaim the Father and the Son, but here it is the Creator. That is the basis on which worship is demanded. What a state the earth must then be in, when only this one part of the primeval gospel can be proclaimed. This takes place probably before Rev 8. And yet, in spite of all this, Commentators take it as "the inauguration of Christian missions," or "the operations of the Bible Society"! These words could never have been read with their context by those who thus misinterpret them! No! this is the first step in these angelic announcements. A solemn note of warning is loudly sounded. -ibid

Let us not confuse judgment and grace. We turn to Dr Bullinger's points in "The Apocalypse."

 

We have to remember that though the Gospel is often used in a technical sense, the word itself means glad tidings or good news. It is clear that this news may vary and yet be good. As a matter of fact there are several subjects connected with this good news. It will be sufficient to mention the "gospel of the kingdom," and "the gospel of the grace of God." All are preached, and are to be preached, according to the dispensations to which they belong. For example, in the present dispensation it is only "the gospel of the grace of God" which is to be preached (Acts 20:24), and he is accursed who now preaches a different gospel (Gal 1:8). "The gospel of the Kingdom" was preached by John the Baptist, by Christ, and by Peter, &c. (Matt 4:23; 9:35). And it will yet be preached again in the Great Tribulation, after the Church of God has been taken away (Matt 24:14), up to this point; and then it will be replaced by "The Eternal Gospel," as it is rendered in the RV. It is so called because it takes us back to the beginning, and tells of the earliest good news, or gospel, preached from God as Creator, and consists of the one great truth which was preached from the beginning. It is manifest that it cannot be "everlasting" in the strict sense of the word, because when "the hour of his judgment is come," and gone, it will not be possible to preach it any longer. This settles the matter for us. If it did not, it is equally clear that God's gospel of grace which is preached now consists of something more than the fact that men are to "fear God"! And who would dare to preach now that "the hour of His judgment (or crisis) has come." No, this "everlasting gospel" cannot be preached now. The moment has not yet arrived when these words can be proclaimed. We can tell of "judgment to come" (Acts 24:25, (...) (mellontos), coming), but not of the "hour" having actually arrived. If "grace" and "judgment" are the same thing, then again we may say that words are useless for the purposes of revelation. "Now is the day of salvation" not of judgment (2 Cor 6:2).

-E.W. Bullinger, The Apocalypse (The Fifth Vision "On Earth"), excerpt   

So much more could be said on all these topics, but we will restrain ourselves and encourage the reader to do his own sorting and searching and studying. We cannot let tradition overrule what we should clearly see are differences. "Compare the things that differ" (Phil 1:10) and "study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who needs not be ashamed, rightly dividing [cutting straight line] the Word of Truth" (2 Tim 2:15). 

We must recognize that God has a plan for the earth and a plan for the heavenly places. We must recognize that God requires different things of different people in different ages for different purposes. If we fail to mark these differences, we will fall into confusion at best or submit our minds to men who will create fanciful explanations so complex we force ourselves to bow mind and will to them (as the Catholic Church requires of the laity to its hierarchy) at worst.

The Destruction of the Harlot for Today - Revelation 17

I note regularly that popular conservative commentator, author, activist, podcaster, and contributor at The Daily Wire, Matt Walsh, is a papist. Walsh opposes the sickness and extended evil political transgender movement. By attention to his moral crusade, we often lose sight of the fact that his religion is evil. These are different evils for different reasons. We can differentiate these evils by understanding that the sexual evils originate in man's fallen nature while the religious false light of Walsh's church ("for Satan presents himself as an angel of Light") originates in the spiritual world.

So, while we shouldn't align with false religions on any spiritual matter, I don't see opposing, with them, political policies which threaten children. The same can be said of other false faiths. We can oppose the immoral policies of the state along side Muslims, for example, without presenting we believe the same thing or even serve the same God. I would note here that Walsh's Catholic Church formally teaches that Islam "adores" the same god the CC adores (John Paul II raised that to "worships"). 

All these false systems, we must remember, will one day be destroyed. The focus of scripture in regard to the coming destruction gives us the idea of a system which mirrors the truth. This is again consistent with Paul's warning "[Satan's] ministers are the ministers of righteousness." Throughout all of history, God's true people have been deceived by counterfeits. 

The destruction of the Harlot  in the Revelation is an interesting bit of God's will.

Then he said to me, “The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.  And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. [Rev 17]

Two chapters later:

After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.” Again they said, “Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!” [Rev 19]

The Beast system destroys the Harlot, but that is God's will. The harlot is a wicked force that has deluded God's people over the years.

The church at Thyatira is chastised for being seduced by this Jezebel:

Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality [fornications], and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. [Rev 2]

So, it is correct to oppose the spirit of Jezebel (as it is manifested in one way or another in each age). It's not only correct, it is expected of believers. We are careful to note that the Revelation is for Israel in a coming day (and we note the plural "churches"), but the Lord has never approved of compromise with religious systems opposed to the truth.

The Harlot system is religious and deviant. It will take full form in the future, but it is already here in a similar form. The combination of outward piety and deviancy is what makes compromise so obnoxious to God. God has always hated deviancy combined with religious fervor. The prophets of Baal cut themselves and cried out with loud voices to no avail.

And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under. And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made. And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked. And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them. And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.

-1 Kings 18:25-29 

Fervency has never equaled soundness nor commitment (more on that in a coming post).  I believe the Beast system will hate the religious aspect. It will serve a purpose to a point, and then it will no longer be of value.

As I've noted, God hates the Harlot. The Antichrist will use the Harlot and then be done with it; destroying her which is consistent with God's will. Do we conclude that since God hates the Harlot for one reason and the Antichrist hates the Harlot for another reason that God is therefore aligned with the Antichrist and doing the Antichrist 's will? Of course not. This is a truth we must understand when it comes to seemingly equivalent beliefs. The Roman Church may appear to believe what we believe, but an honest examination of her dogmas and doctrines reveals an eternal chasm. 

If we don't recognize that Satan comes in the form of religion and we sacrifice the truth of the gospel on some ecumenical altar for political purposes, we have betrayed our Lord and His truth and His gospel. Matt Walsh, and other Catholic commentators, will seek our support. It is OK, as I see it, to agree on certain issues with them, but we must always be clear that we will never gather with them under the banner of an insufficient sacrifice. Better to abandon a political movement than to have to stand before our Lord and have to explain why we abandoned the foundational doctrine of His finished work on our behalf.

Michael and Gabriel: The Two Witnesses of the Revelation?

There are a number of theories as to whom will fulfill the prophecy of the two witnesses of Revelation 11. One theory puts forth the angels Michael and Gabriel. Let's take a quick look at this possibility. 

Michael is associated with Israel in both the Hebrew and Greek texts.

Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come (Daniel 10:14)

At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. (Daniel 12:1)

Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (Jude 1:9)

I believe what we see in the prophecy of Daniel connects Michael to the time of the tribulation ("a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then") and Israel ("your people").  

Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire. When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.

-Revelation 11:1-8

The two witnesses are given power and given protection as they are given a ministry connected to the Temple and Altar (Rev 11:1-3). They are called "lampstands" (Rev 11:4). The conditions are said to mirror Sodom and Egypt (Rev 11:8).  In Sodom. angels took on bodies and were the target of Sodomites. They had to seek shelter. So, it would seem if angels take on a body, they can "die."

While dead, Israel mourns them as the world rejoices. They are resurrected and then taken into heaven. 

Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God [spirit] entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them. In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven.

-Revelation 11:11-13

Obviously this is conjecture based on the possibility, but I think there is at least room to consider Michael (or angels) as the witnesses. Unless, I'm not considering something, it seems worthy of consideration. Michael and Daniel both being prominent in Daniel's prophecy of the 70 weeks and the time of Jacob's trouble (tribulation) along with Michael's appearance in the warning epistle of Jude in the Acts Age. There, Michael is seen as rebuking Satan in the name of the Lord. The context being Moses.

Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”

-Jude 1:9

 

A closer look at the lampstands should be undertaken as well. Angels being connected to the tribulation churches. The word angels can have a broader meaning, but we note it nonetheless.  Staying  in the Revelation:

The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches. (Revelation 1:20)

The olive tree imagery, as I see it, also points to Israel. Hosea 14 speaks of God restoring  Israel as he did Hosea's adulterous wife. Israel will become "Ammi" (My people) again. I won't quote the whole chapter, but it's good reading. 

Then said God, Call his name Lo-ammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God.

Ezekiel speaks of the restoration of Israel when he will take their heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26). And they will again be his people. Jeremiah 31, Hebrews 8, Zechariah 8, Zechariah 12, etc.

Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God. (Ezekiel 36:28)

His beauty shall be like an olive tree (Hosea 14:6b)

So, Michael and Gabriel could be considered here. Gabriel also appears in Daniel chapter 8 connected to the end times vision (which then connects to the Revelation and the gospels). Gabriel appears in Luke as well. This is what he prophecies to Mary, in part:

He [Jesus] will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

This is connected to the Revelation and the restoration of the Kingdom in Israel and establishing of David's throne.

I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. (Revelation 22:16)

The Son of David is connected to Israel and Gentiles have no claim to this title. The ministry of angels is also connected to Israel in many ways (especially Michael and Gabriel).

And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David!... But He answered her not a word... But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel...”  Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!”  But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s [Israel's] bread and throw it to the little dogs [Gentiles].”

Her request was granted when she acknowledged him only as Lord and took her place as a little dog below the children (the master). Her daughter was healed from a distance )as was the gentile Centurion's servant in Matthew 8).

And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

When a child of Abraham call on him the same way, the Lord responds quite differently. 

And when he [the blind beggar] heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

Michael and Gabriel (as the angels in general) have a special ministry to Israel. Might they be called upon to be the witnesses to that nation in her time of great distress? It's worth considering. 

The primary candidates put forward (for a number of reasonable and scriptural reasons) are Elijah, Enoch, and Moses. As with much of the prophecies concerning the last days and the time of Israel's testing, we stay in the arena of speculation trusting that God will do what is right and the remnant of Israel will recognize the witnesses sent to her.

 

What Did the Lord Write in the Dirt in John 8?

Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them.

John 8:1

 

The account of the woman taken in adultery is one of the more well-known parts of scripture. The main takeaway for most preachers and people is that the Lord asks those without sin to cast the first stone, does not condemn the woman, and tells the woman she is forgiven and to go and sin no more. I can't quibble with any of that.

But in the course of John's reporting on the incident, after the Pharisees try to corner the Lord by pointing to the Law, we see this odd detail:

Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.

Many thoughts have been offered on what the Lord was writing. Here is just a sample:

And Jesus stooping down. By this attitude he intended to show that he despised them. Those who conjecture that he wrote this or the other thing, in my opinion, do not understand his meaning. Nor do I approve of the ingenuity of Augustine, who thinks that in this manner the distinction between the Law and the Gospel is pointed out, because Christ did not write on tables of stone, (Exodus 31:18,) but on man, who is dust and earth. For Christ rather intended, by doing nothing, to show how unworthy they were of being heard; just as if any person, while another was speaking to him, were to draw lines on the wall, or to turn his back, or to show, by any other sign, that he was not attending to what was said.

-Calvin's Commentary on the Bible

The finger which wrote in the ground was the same which had written the law in the tables of stone. What He wrote we do not know; but it was symbolical of the fact that the law against man is written in the dust, the dust of death. Not alone had the woman deserved death, but all were equally guilty.

-A.C. Gaebelein Annotated Bible

Wrote with his finger, as one that was musing about something else.

-Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary

God wrote once in the Old Testament; Christ once in the New: perhaps the words which he afterward spoke, when they continued asking him. By this silent action, he, 1, fixed their wandering, hurrying thoughts, in order to awaken their consciences: and, 2, signified that he was not then come to condemn but to save the world.

-Wesley Explanatory Notes

These are all worthy of consideration. They have some merit. The references to the Lord writing with his own finger once in the OT and once in the NT is an intriguing point. It may very well supplement what I am going to propose.  Also, writing "in the dust" as as opposed to the writing in stone of the Law is interesting. The Law that failed under the Old Covenant will one day be written on the hearts of the children of Israel under the future New Covenant. And, even in the age of the Law, the law was written, in a sense in the hearts of Gentiles as Paul argues in Romans 2:14-16.

For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

So, under the Law, there is none who has excuse. In this case, Adultery is inherently wrong. The heart will condemn the atheist until he hardens his heart against his conscience.  

So now let's look at an interpretation of John 8:6 offered by E.W. Bullinger.

 

The temptation was in the word "such" [verse 5, "Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned..."], and of two cases they mention the punishment without defining what it was: for the one in Deuteronomy 22:23 , Deuteronomy 22:24 (a virgin) the death was stoning; but in the case of a "wife" the punishment was not stoning, but required a special procedure (Numbers 5:11-31) , which left the punishment with God.

Let's look at the referenced parts of the Law, plus verse 22:

If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel.

-Deut 22:22

If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her; then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbor's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.

-Deut 22:23-24

When comparing these two punishments, we notice that death by stoning is not required in verse 22. I suppose the punishment could be by stoning, but such a form of execution is not laid out. In both cases, it is BOTH the offenders who are to die. We know from the account in John 8 that only the woman is brought forth.

Let's step back to John 8:

So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

I would like us to see here the use of "heard" (Greek: akoúō). That is, the listeners were "convicted by their conscience" not at the writing alone, but at the words "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." Perhaps they read something which appealed to their consciences? I'm inclined to believe we see the results of both hearing and reading. The word "then" follows  "And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground," (for he had written in the dirt right after the scribes and Pharisees posed their question). He wrote "again" (v.8), and "then" (v.9) they were convicted and started to leave. 

So what may he have been writing? E.W. Bullinger proposes he wrote the Law as it applies in this matter. We refer back to the last part of our quote above from Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes, "the punishment was not stoning, but required a special procedure (Numbers 5:11-31) , which left the punishment with God."

When we turn to this passage in Numbers 5, we first want to know the target audience:

 

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them...

 The context is the Law, given by Moses, to the children of Israel. You can do this on your own, but try and read this chapter and try to insert the "church" of this age into the passage as some sort of "spiritual Israel" still under the Law. That is not central to this study directly, but we must always note where were are in the Word of Truth.

We will walk through this passage in chunks and I believe we'll see that it differs from what the Pharisees and others called for in John 8 (i.e. stoning).

If any man’s wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him, and a man lie with her carnally, and it be hid from the eyes of her husband, and be kept close, and she be defiled, and there be no witness against her, neither she be taken with the manner; and the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled: then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.

We have the case of a woman who may or may not have slept with a man who is not her husband. In John 8, the text tells us, "this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act" (John 8:4). This brings clarity to the situation (if their witness is true), but Numbers 11 still applies. It is just easier to apply. Let's assume they are telling the truth and she is "defiled." 

if thou hast gone aside to another instead of thy husband, and if thou be defiled, and some man have lain with thee beside thine husband: then the priest shall charge the woman with an oath of cursing, and the priest shall say unto the woman, The Lord make thee a curse and an oath among thy people, when the Lord doth make thy thigh to rot, and thy belly to swell; and this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, to make thy belly to swell, and thy thigh to rot: And the woman shall say, Amen, amen. And the priest shall write these curses in a book, and he shall blot them out with the bitter water: and he shall cause the woman to drink the bitter water that causeth the curse: and the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter. Then the priest shall take the jealousy offering out of the woman’s hand, and shall wave the offering before the Lord, and offer it upon the altar: and the priest shall take an handful of the offering, even the memorial thereof, and burn it upon the altar, and afterward shall cause the woman to drink the water. And when he hath made her to drink the water, then it shall come to pass, that, if she be defiled, and have done trespass against her husband, that the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter, and her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall rot: and the woman shall be a curse among her people. And if the woman be not defiled, but be clean; then she shall be free, and shall conceive seed.

I'd like to know what those who hold that believers today are "spiritual Israel" are supposed to do with this passage. The supposed law-keepers have to deal with this. Even if the argument is presented that the sacrifices, specifically, were done away with in Christ, they still have to deal with the curse, the priesthood, and the procedure. If they maintain that ALL of that is done away in Christ, their clinging to any part of the law must them go away. 

The last three verses of this chapter are specific to the Law of Moses and do not refer to any sacrifices.

This is the law of jealousies, when a wife goeth aside to another instead of her husband, and is defiled; or when the spirit of jealousy cometh upon him, and he be jealous over his wife, and shall set the woman before the Lord, and the priest shall execute upon her all this law. Then shall the man be guiltless from iniquity, and this woman shall bear her iniquity.

We have looked at other passages where fathers are required to have their daughters' virginity checked and, in certain cases, specific fines paid by husbands, etc.

If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate her, and give occasions of speech against her, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not a [virgin]: then shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth the tokens of the damsel’s virginity unto the elders of the city in the gate: and the damsel’s father shall say unto the elders, I gave my daughter unto this man to wife, and he hateth her; and, lo, he hath given occasions of speech against her, saying, I found not thy daughter a [virgin]; and yet these are the tokens of my daughter’s virginity. And they shall spread the cloth before the elders of the city. And the elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him; and they shall amerce him in an hundred shekels of silver, and give them unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days. But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel: then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father’s house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you.

False accusation will cost you 100 shekels, but if the charge is true, she is to be stoned to death. This is Deuteronomy 22:14-21. As we have noted, verse 22 does not mention stoning. The next charge does bring stoning, but that punishment is missing from 22 (as we've noted previously).

This brings us to another point I believe worth considering. What if the woman accused of adultery was actually being raped? 

But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die: but unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; there is in the damsel no sin worthy of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so is this matter: for he found her in the field, and the betrothed damsel cried, and there was none to save her.

A betrothed virgin who is forced shall receive no punishment.

If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found; then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damsel’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife; because he hath humbled her, he may not put her away all his days.

A virgin who is not betrothed is not punished either. The man must pay her father 50 shekels and must marry her. Perhaps the woman in John 8 fell into one of these latter categories? Regardless, the righteous judge does not accuse her. Either she had committed no sin or her sin was forgiven. 

Since the Lord calls on her to "go and sin no more," it is not unreasonable to believe she was caught in sin. The Lord, under the Law, in light of her guilt, did not see her sin falling under Deuteronomy 22, but rather under Numbers 5. In his office as priest in the order of Melchizedek (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:6), he declared that he would not accuse her and lifted the punishment. The priesthood of Melchizedek is before the Law (Gen 14:5). 

The Lord was not a high priest under the Law, but just as Abraham was declared righteous by faith 400 years before the Law, so the Lord was declared a high priest in the order of Melchizedek, who was before the Law.

So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec [Ps 110:4]. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

-Hebrews 5:5-10

Even in these very Jewish contexts, the truths of Galatians and Romans shine forth. The gift of life is by grace through faith apart from the works of the Law. This high priest is not subject to death. He has satisfied the Law and has declared grace.

The account of the woman caught in adultery is in John's gospel. This is the gospel of the Lord's deity (John 1:1), the gospel sent to "the world" (John 3:16). As God, as one who had no beginning, who had no mother or father (as scripture testifies), he did not accuse the woman as those under the Law had.

What we see in the passage is the Law, most likely wrongly applied, come to life in the God of Numbers 5 who judges this woman to be free of any guilt. How wonderful for her and even more wonderful for those of us in the Body of Ephesians in this age. We were declared blameless and without blemish from "before the foundation of the ages." We are not in Abraham. We are not subject to any earthly priesthood. We are hidden in Christ in God, waiting to be revealed. The Lord has reconciled us to himself by the cross and justified us in his resurrection. 

Do not let men spoil you with the vain deceit that you can keep a law that could never save, a law that was never given to Gentiles. It is not for this age.

I don't see law-keepers or "spiritual Israel" trying to apply all the standards of either Deuteronomy 22 or Numbers 5 amongst themselves. And if they are trying, they are fooling themselves. By trying to usurp Israel's place in God's plans for the earth, they are forced to make the Word and Promises of God of none effect. This is why we must "rightly divide the Word of Truth." 

The people in John 8 wanted to pick and choose what suited them and we see the same thing today in those who call themselves Jews ("spiritual Israel," "Hebrew Roots," etc.) and are not. I would suggest these are guilty of terrible heresies. 

What Will the Beast System Look Like?

Just a few quick thoughts on the religious aspects of the coming system of the Beast.

I remind myself that the vast majority of current Christendom rejects the finished work of the Savior (and such ideas are encroaching into the minority). Many of these populist figures align themselves with Christianity while embracing the religionsts, sacramentalists, virtue signalers, and the gospel of self-righteousness.

We have to remember when scripture speaks of the flesh, it is not only the overt acts of wickedness that result, but also things like "false humility" and the mixing of the works of our hands with the precious blood of our Great God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

There will come a false Christ, preaching a false gospel of righteousness.

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Pronography may enslave people, but it will not fool men into thinking they are right with God. However, a false gospel of pleasing God by the works of the flesh will deceive many. The lie has always been built on Satan's false promise, "ye shall be as gods." The way of Cain is with us still (those who bring the sacrifice of the works of the flesh to God, demanding he accept it). These hate the way of Abel who bring "a more excellent" sacrifice" of Christ's perfect blood sacrifice and resurrection alone, accepted by faith alone, relying on grace alone.

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous

The flesh hates the gospel of grace for it can find no glory in it.

Yes, the Anti-Christ will come in the cloak of religious righteousness; a mix of grace and works which is an abomination. Even if you hold to a "Beast system" instead of a "Beast man," the same will be true. We are the remnant.

Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

The Revelation - Part 10 - The Scroll and the Lamb

As we start to get into the prophetic future concerning Israel and the time of Jacob's Trouble, we again pause to say that we cannot be dogmatic. We will cruise fairly quickly through these pages, stopping to make certain points which may help us in our understanding. We will be looking back to the Major and Minor prophets for help as well.

The Scroll

And I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals; and I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I wept much that no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. Then one of the elders said to me, “Weep not; lo, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered [overcome], so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

-Rev 5:1-5

Couple of quick notes. First, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah and the Root of David remind us we are on Jewish ground. These titles have no application to the Gentile apart from recognizing the Lord's place as King of the Jews.

The Lord Jesus Christ is said here to be the "root of David." In 2 Timothy he is said to be the "seed of David." This reveals the duality of the Lord's Person. He is both man and God. As we've noted in other studies, when a Jew called to the Lord as "Son of David," he responded. When a Gentile does the same, he does not. He ignores her until she addresses him as "Lord."

The Lord is said to have "overcome." The Greek word is translated here in the RSV as "conquered," but it is the same word we have seen in the letters to the seven churches and in the judgments. Those who do "overcome" do so in the power of the Lord. Faithfulness and trust in him leads to the power to do what is righteous.

The scroll here reminds us of the parallel Book of Daniel. All of Daniel Chapter 12 should be read here if you are not familiar, but, for now, I will just quote a few relevant verses.

"At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people [Israel], will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people [Israel] — everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered... But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.”

Daniel 12:1,4 

I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?” He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.

-Daniel 12:8-10

Well, the scroll here in the Revelation is about to have its seals broken and the information exposed. But, as with Daniel, we may not completely understand, but we'll do our best to glean what we can. Daniel didn't need to understand for it did not concern him directly, ("I was astonished by the vision, but no one understood it"). But in the days to come, the remnant then will understand Daniel. the Revelation, and much more than we do today.

The Lamb

And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders, I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth; and he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints; and they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy art thou to take the scroll and to open its seals,
for thou wast slain and by thy blood didst ransom men for God
from every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
and hast made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on earth.”

-Rev 5:6-10

I don't dare, for a moment, risk taking away from the glory given to the Lamb here. The figure of the Lamb is different here in the Revelation than it is in John's Gospel. We see the crossover here in the Lamb who was slain, but we see a different Lamb as we progress. To the overcomer he is the Lamb on his throne, washing, comforting, shepherding. But to the wicked and rebellious, he is no longer the silent sacrifice.

• The Wrath of the Lamb (Rev 6:6)
• And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb (Rev 12:11)
• And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If any one worships the beast and its image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also shall drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured unmixed into the cup of his anger, and he shall be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. (Rev 14:9-10)
• They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them (Rev 17:14)

The Lamb is connected to the Bride and the Heavenly City which comes down from heaven to the earth and to "the twelve apostles of the Lamb." These are all in a Jewish context. 

The Book of Jude

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”`

-Rev 5:11-12

Just a quick note to keep us connected to other scriptures. The one chapter Book of Jude (which is placed just before the Revelation in our Bibles) is prophetic and Jewish in nature as well.  I only pull out a couple of verses from a very deep and fascinating book to help us. Jude deals with false teachers and has similar warnings to what we have seen in the Revelation in regard to the churches in Asia.

Now I desire to remind you, though you were once for all fully informed, that he who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels that did not keep their own position but left their proper dwelling have been kept by him in eternal chains in the nether gloom until the judgment of the great day; just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise acted immorally and indulged in unnatural lust, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. 

-Jude 1:5-7

All of Israel was saved, baptized (identified) unto Moses in the Red Sea, but were later destroyed. I feel compelled to quote all of 1 Corinthians 10 here. One of the consistent errors in Bible interpretation is applying ALL the warning passages to unbelievers. I cannot seem to make any headway on this topic despite the context of many of these passages is clear. Whether it is 1 Cor 6 or Galatians 5 or Ephesian 4 or Romans 8, 1 Peter, Christians refuse to see the possibility of Christians committing heinous sins to the point of living lifestyles of sin.

For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors [Jews] were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.

-1 Corthinians 10 

We cannot escape these warnings. There is no way to read these as for unbelievers. We do not face the testing of the coming Tribulation age, but we should read these examples and be sure our lives are worthy of reward. Our service should be pure (or maturing and as selfless as possible). We must be careful not just to think about sins of a physical nature. Sins of our attitude and desires are just as dangerous.

We should not be bound by the things of this world. We should be sober-minded. Paul warned that some, "have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" through the seeking of wealth. The penalty of sin (eternal death) was satisfied in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord, but we will all answer for our service and the deeds done in the flesh (Col 3).

I am in danger of going back to the Book of Jude and carrying on with this line of warning, but we have already seen these things in the warnings to the churches in the Revelation. Readers may become tired of my emphasis on this aspect of scripture. I'm will almost certainly mention it again, but I hope we've made our point and it won't be the central focus in coming studies/

Sodom and Righteous Lot

Before we leave Jude, please note the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah, "the punishment of eternal fire." Is Sodom still burning? And of what is the Lord is his references to the future judgment of Sodom in the gospel accounts? Things to ponder.

Scripture refers to Lot as "righteous Lot" (2 Peter 2:7), yet all we know from Genesis is the man who chose to love in that city so he could make a profit ("Lot... pitched his tent towards Sodom").  We are tempted to follow here the Jewish Book of 2 Peter and its warnings, but we pull back to simply be reminded, Lot came out of Sodom, but lost everything. Lot's wife came out of Sodom, but still desired it in her heart and was turned into a pillar of salt.

The Lord himself points Israel to Lot's wife when he is asked about the coming Kingdom in Luke 17.

In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.

In the Tribulation, as we have seen, those who give their lives for the Lord will be given special honor. "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." Etc.

We pause to note the admonition and warning here in Luke 17 regard to one's "life." The Greek word here is "psychḗ" translated "soul" 58 times elsewhere in the NKJV. Imagine the Lord telling people to "lose [their] souls" as it is commonly used in Christendom. I just insert this here for those interested in the topic of the SOUL.

Just a Final note on Daniel and Jude: both reflect the myriads of heavenly beings around the throne of God.  We will be visiting Daniel 7 when we get to the Beasts of the Revelation, but here we have language very similar to our descriptions of Christ and his throne in the Revelation.

As I looked,

thrones were placed
and one that was ancient of days took his seat;
his raiment was white as snow,
and the hair of his head like pure wool;
his throne was fiery flames,
its wheels were burning fire.
A stream of fire issued
and came forth from before him;
a thousand thousands served him,
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him;
the court sat in judgment,
and the books were opened. 

-Daniel 7:9-10

It was of these also that Enoch in the seventh generation from Adam prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord came with his holy myriads, 15 to execute judgment on all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness which they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 

-Jude 14-15

And finally, we tie this back to Paul's Acts Age epistles which reflect an expectation of the Tribulation and the return of the Lord to the earth, in the clouds, just as he left (as the angel promised in Acts 1:9-11).

Therefore we ourselves boast of you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you are enduring. This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be made worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering— since indeed God deems it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant rest with us to you who are afflicted, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance upon those who do not know God and upon those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They shall suffer the punishment of eternal destruction and exclusion from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at in all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his call, and may fulfil every good resolve and work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

-2 Thess 4:4-12

Perfection is Maturity, Not Sinlessness

Here in Revelation 5 we are reminded that the Lamb has ransomed men for God by his blood!

There is a peace is knowing we have the free gift of life. We also know that the Lord understands we are but dust. It may appear that God is asking for unattainable purity of service and life, but a study of the great men and women of faith reveals that even these were flawed people. The Lord is looking for those who seek him and seek his will. He desires we move on towards maturity. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Fear and the flesh will drive us from God and the best he has for us. There were 12 spies sent into the land, yet only two came back trusting God. The other ten, and the nation that believed their testimony, all died in the wilderness. They were not sent back to Egypt, they remained redeemed, but they did not enter into full blessing. Be careful who you believe and why.

What is common in all ages to all companies is the call to be faithful and mature in the faith (be ye perfect). The gift of life is free, but that is not a license to sin or an excuse not to study. As we've noted many times, some will be "ashamed" and some will "suffer loss" when he appears.

The Revelation - Part 9 - The Door Into Heaven

Best We Can Do From Our Perspective

We now jump back to the progression of John's vision. As we start to walk through the vision, after examining the story of the seven churches and the fate of these believers at the end of the Tribulation and the Millennial Reign, we remind ourselves we are dealing with visions.

As with many prophetic passages, the clear meaning may not emerge. Since the Revelation is given to a future people, in a future age, we can only speculate. We will try to speculate in a way which is consistent with the whole counsel of God in scripture, but we admit we are limited. We are again reminded that Daniel didn't understand his own visions and Gabriel told him not to worry about it, they are for a future time. Might want to remember this the next time some group in you area offers a free seminar on the Revelation. They will take it out of its context and swear to you they know what it all means.

[Gabriel said,] “The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.” 

I, Daniel, was worn out. I lay exhausted for several days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding. 

-Dan 8:26-27

These visions do refer to literal events, people, and nations, but they obscured. As we have seen, this is somewhat common when the Bible looks at the prophetic events of the last days. Sometimes the Lord is gracious and explains a vision. We saw this in our study on the Parables of Matthew 13. We also see it the Revelation and in companion passages in the Prophets. For example, let us quickly look at God, through his messenger, helping Daniel as the prophet struggled to understand what he was seeing.

“I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things: ‘Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth. But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.’

-Daniel 7:15-18

This passage is import in this series as we will see these Beasts again in the Revelation. The image the Lord gave Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2 covers history of the Gentiles from Babylon through "what will be in the latter days" (2:28). The passage quoted above from Daniel 7 is slightly different. It fast-forwards to the latter days.

If we read it as "shall arise," as in some translations, it would seem these are different than the kingdoms represented in Chapter 2 as Babylon was already coming to and end. Daniel sees four beasts coming out of "the sea." These are kings who rise up out of the Gentile nations. We see another version of these beasts in Rev 13. I lean toward the idea that the four great kingdoms from Daniel to Christ have a significance to end time events, even if only in regard to the land affected.

Charles Welch refers to this as "Prophetic Earth" in his Alphabetical Analysis. This is partly derived from the use of the Greek word "oikoumene" in the Septuagint. This is the "habitable world." I include that only for your consideration. Mr. Welch presents for consideration as well.

I note these seemingly minor distinctions to show how difficult it can be to be dogmatic when it comes to our interpretation. One of things which concerns me in modern prophecy ministries is the reluctance to consider any alternatives to the "accepted" view (which usually mirrors Hal Lindsey's "Late Great Planet Earth").  I am far less insistent of a number of my interpretations.

This should also serve as great WARNING when groups come around claiming to know EXACTLY what the Book of the Revelation is teaching. If Daniel and John were confused because the their visions are meant for a future people, beware groups which claim they have the interpretation.

For this middle section of the book (chapters 4-19), I will tend to write in general terms. It is not imperative that those of us in this age be precise, but it does help us and encourage us if we are aware of the possibilities as we look at the world around. It could help explain what we're experiencing.

The Opening to John's Vision from Up Hither

After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

-Rev 4:1

We just want to notice a few things here. John heard a voice which sounded like a trumpet. John is called "up hither." He is to be shown things which "must be hereafter." There is a teaching that the letters to the seven churches lay out the history of the "church" and that the "hereafter" refers to things which happen after the "rapture" of the church. I once held to this interpretation, but have since discarded it. Primarily because I have a very different view of 1 Thessalonians 4 upon which the doctrine of the Rapture is built, but also because the Revelation is Jewish from the beginning. The references in the seven letters are wholly Jewish and one is hard-pressed to jam them into the context of the One Body.

If you recall, it is my contention that the man to which Paul refers in 2 Corinthians 12. the man who was "caught up into the third heaven" and "caught up into Paradise," is John. We are told that man heard things he was not allowed to utter. John is told in Chapter 1, and all through the book, to "write." In one instance, in Revelation 10, John is told to "write not" what he heard.  God has always hidden things in himself. Similarly, Daniel was told to close up his book. God has secrets and he reveals them according to his will and plan.

The "shofar," so closely related to Israel in reard to her covenant, warnings, and battles is connected to John's vision "up hither."

The Orthodox Jewish Bible translates Revelation 4:1 thusly:

After these things I looked, and, hinei, a delet (door) having been opened in Shomayim, the kol harishon [the first voice, 1:10], the voice like a shofar that I heard speaking to me, said, Come up here! And I will show you MAH DI LEHEVE ("what will happen," DANIEL 2:28f) after these things.

The shofar is important in Israel's history. It called the people to worship and to hear the words of the Lord. The shofar is a ram's horn. In the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament), the same word in Greek translated "trumpet" in Revelation 4:1 is the used in the Law and the Prophets for the shofar. This "trumpet" is an integral part of this book and of the timing of events for Israel and the "Jews first" church.

We also notice the reference to Daniel. That which the Lord shows Daniel "will happen" is that which "will be in the latter days." We've note this, but I did not want to lose sight of what we are dealing with: the latter days. Daniel is told the prophetic 70 Weeks "are determined for your people and for your holy city." That is, upon Israel (Jews) and Jerusalem.

Here is a study of related material if you are interested:   Daniel's 70 Weeks

The Presence of Metaphors and Similes 

Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.
-Rev 4:2-3

John saw things that may not be understood by the mind of man. He is forced to do the best he can. He employs similes. Perhaps he is seeing jasper, etc., but he may only be describing what he sees in language readers can grasp.

We do not want to miss the picture of a throne here. The Lord is completely in charge. I see a lot of Christians, especially with Prophecy ministries, getting excited about Israel building the third temple. While the prophetic implications are exciting, the temple itself will be the temple of Antichrist. It will make very dark days ahead for Israel. God is unmoved on his throne, but terrible times are ahead for the nation until God intervenes.

The Twenty-Four Elders

Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices.
-Rev 4:4-5a

The go-to interpretation of these elders is that they represent the church. Sometimes, when the symbol is not clear or has no specific reference, is not easily found, man imposes his thoughts on a passage. I want to stick to the context of the book as accurately as I can. I believe these 24 represent Israel in waiting. The number Twelve is connected to Israel and governance.

Here is how, in part, Dr. E.W. Bullinger explains it:

Twenty-Four being a multiple of twelve, expresses in a higher form the same signification (as 22 does of 11). It is the number associated with the heavenly government and worship, of which the earthly form in Israel was only a copy. We are told that both Moses and David ordered all things connected with the Tabernacle and Temple worship by direct revelation from God, and as a copy of things in the heavens, Hebrews 8:5; 1 Chronicles 28:12, 19. And the sevenfold phrase (in Exo 40) "as the LORD commanded Moses" witnesses to the Divine ordering of all. It was so with the twenty-four courses of priests in the earthly Temple; these were formed on the "pattern of things in the heavens." Why is it necessary for us, when God tells us anything, to conclude that it means something else? Why, when, in Revelation 4, we read of the twenty-four heavenly elders, are we to assume they are anything but what we read, viz., the leaders of the heavenly worship? Why seek to make them redeemed men, or the symbolical representation of redeemed men? Why not leave them alone? It is by such additions as these to what is written that the people of God are divided up into so many schools and parties.

(E.W. Bullinger, excerpt. Number in Scripture) 

One of the reasons many see the modern church here is found in Rev 5:9, "For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation..." The "redeemed" is assumed to be the Body of the present time. Dr. Bullinger breaks down the Greek and manuscript evidence here (which you can find in the referenced work on Numbers), but suffice to note for this study, the rendering in the Revised Standard Version.

thou wast slain and by thy blood didst ransom men for God from every tribe and tongue and people and nation

But I believe it is the following verse were we can clearly see Israel is in sight.

And have made us kings and priests to our God;
And we shall reign on the earth.”

This is the "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" promised in the covenant God made with Israel in Exodus 19. The verse also speaks of reigning "on the earth" or possibly "in the land." The Body of the present dispensation has its hopes and blessings in the far above the heavens.

We will look at "every tribe and tongue and people and nation" when we get to Revelation 7.

Seven Spirits of God

Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
-Rev 4:5b

In Revelation 5:6, we see these Seven Spirits of God are the ones sent into the all the earth. They are mentioned in Revelation 1 and Revelation 3. We know Angels are "ministering spirits" (Heb 1:14) to Israel and that Michael the Archangel and Gabriel, in particular, are connected to Israel (Dan 9:21; 12:1).

In this age, Angels have no dealings with the Body. The only mentions we have of these beings in our epistles is the warning in Colossians 2 to avoid the worship of angels and two mentions in 1 Timothy. The first as witnesses to Christ's ministry (1 Tim 3:16) and secondly as witnesses to Paul's instructions in the book (1 Timothy 5:21). And in this last reference, the word could be translated simply as "messengers" and refer to Elders.

The Four Living Creatures and Worship

Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: 

“Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!”

We have previously looked at the Unfortunate translation of these "living creatures" in the King James Version. I only note that here for those using the KJV. I do not want you to confuse the living creatures here and the horrendous beasts also seen in this book. The Greek words translated "beasts" in the KJV are wholly different words.

These living creatures are the Cherubim which surround the throne. They connected to the Garden of Eden. They are part of Ezekiel's vision. As this is not a study of the Cherubim, I will focus on what they looked "like." Ezekiel is a book which is so rich in imagery and prophetic truth, it deserves its own study. We will tie it in as necessary, but unfortunately, I am not equipped at the present time to fully expound it as a whole.

In Revelation 4 we see four living creatures as a lion, a calf (or ox), a man, and a flying eagle. In Ezekiel's vision we see similar imagery.

As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man; each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle. 

-Ezek 1:10

We note similar imagery when the glory departs the Temple in Ezekiel's vision in chapter 10

Each one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, the second face the face of a man, the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.

-Ezek 10:14

Before I comment on the slight difference, let's take a look at the imagery in Rev 4 and Ezek 1. I will use the order listed in the Revelation.

Lion = Matthew's Gospel of the King
Calf  = Mark's Gospel of the Servant
Man  = Luke's Gospel of the Perfect Man
Eagle = John's Gospel of the Great God and Savior

An alternate understanding could be that the four represent the authority over all creation: Man, the fowls of the air, the beasts of the field. The Cherubim are connected to the earth, the tabernacle, Israel. 

J.N. Darby from his commentary on Revelation 4 in regard to Ezekiel:

The cherubim in the temple had two wings, which formed the throne; they looked on the covenant [Israel's], and at the same time, as of pure gold, were characterized by the divine righteousness of the throne to be approached. In Ezekiel they were the support of the firmament above which the God of Israel was: it was a throne of executive judgment. They were like burnished brass, and like fire-a symbol we have considered already. They had four wings: two to fly with, two to cover themselves. From Ezekiel 10:1-22 it appears they were full of eyes (it is not said within) it was to govern what was outside, according to God, not divine intelligence within. In Isaiah 6:1-13 the seraphim (or burners) have six wings as here; they are above the throne, and cry as here, Holy, holy, holy! They, with a burning coal, cleansed the prophet's lips; they were above the throne.

The imagery changes in Ezekiel 10. There we have the departing of God's glory from the temple pictured. There we have the "Lion" gone and replaced simply with the face of a Cherub. Glory departs slowly, but when it returns later in the vision, it returns quickly. God is slow to judge, quick to forgive! 

It may be that the absence of the Lion is a picture of Israel losing it's position as mediators and king over creation. God's promise to Israel is that she will one day be a kingdom of priests. We see that priesthood for individual Jews as reward for faithful service (we looked that in our study on the Lake of Fire). 

As noted, these things are inexorably tied to Israel and to a future age. I cannot be dogmatic. As I continue to study, I pray God enlightens me as he sees fit. 

In Daniel and later in the Revelation we will see "beasts" arising. Gentile nations only appear in scripture from Gen 12 through the Revelation (apart from the last 7 books of the Apostle Paul's ministry) in connection to Israel. As things may have several levels of meanings, I will address the beasts when we come to them.

Praise, Holiness, and Judgment to Come

Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:

“You are worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created.”

We hear a wonderful cry of praise which refers to the Lord in his role as creator. As we have seen, the Lord Jesus is the one through whom all things were created (Col 1:16; Eph 3:9). We will see God as creator connected to the "everlasting gospel" of Rev 14. Israel, represented by the twenty-four elders, are connected to this coming age and to earthly rewards and promises.

God's Holiness is connected to his judgments and his throne. We get several pictures of this in the Psalms. Here we can see his righteousness connected to judgment. We are careful to see the figure of a "fire" again is connected to judgment. This is all connected to the earth. This could point to literal fire or to figurative fire (I would argue both), as both are connected to earthly judgments. We see "fire" in both Daniel's vision and John's vision as well as in the other prophets. 

Clouds and darkness are round about him:
righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
A fire goeth before him,
and burneth up his enemies round about.
His lightnings enlightened the world:
the earth saw, and trembled.

The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
The heavens declare his righteousness,
and all the people see his glory.
Confounded be all they that serve graven images,
that boast themselves of idols:
worship him, all ye gods.

-Psalm 97:2-7