Divided
Version - Letters
of Truth - Redemption--All
In All - Spirit
of the Word - Covenant
Eschatology - Introductory
Note - New Stuff
REVELATION -- A Positive Book
by Ray Prinzing
CONTENTS
Preface
1. Revelation - A Positive Book (Revelation
1:1-6)
2. Coming With Clouds (Revelation 1:7)
3. Companions IN The Processing (Revelation
1:9-20)
4. Christ Revealed In Overcomes (Revelation
2:1-3:22)
5. Come Up For More Revelation (Revelation
4:1-11)
6. The Scroll Of Redemption (Revelation
5:1-14)
7. The Horses Are Riding--Within (Revelation
6:1-8)
8. The Other Seals Are Opened (Revelation
6:9 - 8:1)
9. Let The Trumpets Blow (Revelation
8:1 - 9:21)
10. Personal Participation, Eat The Book
(Rev. 10:1-10)
11. Measure The Temple (Revelation 11:19)
12. A Manchild Company Brought Forth (Revelation
12:1-17)
13. The Mark--Of God, Or The Beast (Revelation
13:1-18)
14. With The Lamb (Revelation 14:1-20)
15. Seven Angels With Seven Plagues (Rev.
15:1 - 16:21)
16. Mystery--Babylon The Great (Revelation
17:1-18)
17. Come Out Of Her, My People (Revelation
18:1-24)
18. Let The Hallelujahs Ring (Revelation
19:1-21)
19. The Bottomless Pit (Revelation 20:14)
20. Partakers Of The Foremost Resurrection
(Rev. 20:4-6)
21. After The Second Death Process (Revelation
20:6-15)
22. All Things New (Revelation 21:1-21)
23. The Lamb, And The Lambkin (Revelation
21:22-27)
24. The Curse Is Ended Forever (Revelation
22:1-19)
25. Even So, Come, Lord Jesus (Revelation
22:20-21)
How I Iong for you to grow more centain in your knowledge
and more sure in your grasp of God Himself. May your spiritual experience
become richer as you see more and more fully God's great secret, Christ
Himself! For it is in Him, and in Him alone, that men will find all
the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
(Colossians 2:2-3, Phillips Translation).
"And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and
all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken
it." (Isaiah 40:5)
"For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge
of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." (Hab. 2:14)
Preface
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge
of Him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened..." (Ephesians
1:17-18). This is the on-going prayer of our heart, both for ourselves,
and for all who read this book. It is written with the hope that
it will serve as a confirmation to that which God sovereignly reveals to
you. May you ever BEHOLD HIM!
That which we have shared is but a glimpse into truths
which thrill the heart as we turn from the negative approach that is normally
taken in the study of the book of Revelation. Having read books that
have tried to set forth chronologically a fulfillment in natural events,
and found that such did not minister life within, we now share from a different
perspective. We argue not with other men, we simply share of the
spirit and character of that which has been quickened to our understanding.
It is not a running commentary upon every verse, nor a definitive study
of the Book as a whole--rather, we offer only those insights which He has
given us from those passages which He has quickened. Surely, "In
the ages to come He will shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His
kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:7). There
is a progressive walk in coming to KNOW HIM more, indeed, "The path of
the just is as the shining (morning) light, that shineth more and more
unto the perfect day." (Proverbs 4:18). Bless His name!
NOT TO BE SOLD
This book through this website can be
printed. It is given free, as a ministry of love. The truths contained
therein cannot be valued in terms of material goods, but they are shared
with others because they have become life and light to us. Now it is our
sincere desire that they might also serve for inspiration and confirmation
to those who read them. May they be received in the same spirit of love
in which they are shared. If there be any thoughts expressed that seem
to be the result of only natural thinking, we trust that a little breath
of kindness shall blow the chaff away, that the kernel of truth might remain
to bless. BACK
Chapter 1 - "Revelation--A
Positive Book" (Revelation 1:1-6)
"The Revelation of Jesus Christ,
which God gave unto him, to shew unto His servants things which must shortly
come to pass; and he sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant
John: Who bare record of the Word of God, and of the Testimony of Jesus
Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth,
and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which
are written therein: for the time is at hand." (Revelation 1:1-3).
Blessed is he that reads, hears, and
keeps the message of this Book. There is a special blessing reserved for
those who do so, yet so often people have shunned the Book, either because
it was veiled to their understanding (though it is declared to be a revelation),
or else they thought it was too negative--- filled with images of beasts,
woes, and the various judgments of God. But as the holy Spirit causes
His light to shine upon the truth, again and again we find it to be a positive
message of hope and victory.
Furthermore, note the phrase, "For the
time is at hand..." He does not relegate this to a far-off future
series of events, but it becomes experientially worked out in each of us
as He draws us to Himself, conforming us to His image. As Jesus stated,
"The hour cometh, and now is..." (John 4:23). For those whom
He is drawing to Himself as the firstfruits of His new creation order,
it is not only coming, but already begun. The in working process
has started, and must continue until it is fully consummated, to His glory.
So, for the multitudes it is coming, for the firstfruits it is on now,
as they "taste the good Word of God, and the powers of the world (age)
to come.'' (Hebrews 6:5).
It has
been said, there are five ways to interpret the Book:
1) Historically, it all happened a long time ago.
2) Present, in our now, but mostly negative, as
people try to fit the events of their day into its pages, wondering if
these certain happenings fulfill the judgment and doom they have
been told is to come, to signify times end, though they hope they
can escape from it all.
3) Futuristically, it will all happen out there some
time.
4) Idealistically, poetically, using mental images from
which to form your ideals and values, etc.
5) All of the above, practicing parts of each.
Perhaps that is how many view it today. Some of it is viewed historically,
some of it is viewed
prophetically, and betimes men look to see if it
verifies the time table that "the end is upon us.'' While occasionally
passages are used to draw images and pictures that men apply to their
day, as they interpret various points and fit them together.
Now we would present a different approach,
as the holy Spirit quickens various passages, and gives us a POSITIVE
VIEW, with our Lord Jesus Christ as the Center of our focus, for this
is declared to be, "A REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST." This phrase
tells it all. The book was written for one purpose, to be the revelation
of a Person, not of historical events, nor of future doom and negativism.
Every woe, every vial, every thunder, etc. has but one purpose, TO BRING
FORTH THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST. All that is written of
beasts, images, marks, Babylon, etc. are simply issues that are exposed
because of the Light. Every revelation of Him will expose the darkness,
not to bring terror, but to swallow it up into the Light. "For God sent
not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world though
Him might be saved." (John 3:17). SALVATION IN FULL is the
ultimate victory to be brought forth. "Behold, I make all things
new." (Revelation 21:5). Amen!
Furthermore, God "sent and signified
it," that is, He revealed the message through signs and symbols.
They are not literal, HE IS THE REALITY! The signs and symbols are
but a means to an end, not an end in themselves--they point to Him,
revealing more of His nature, His character, His purpose, that He might
be glorified, for the fulfillment is found in HIM. This is a book
of positive spiritual realities communicated by the means of these picturesque
scenes and events. You will not read of their fulfillment in the Daily
News, because they are not speaking of world events. This is the unveiling
of a Person who has not yet been seen in all His power and majesty.
But as He is revealed TO US, and IN US, you will see these
things fulfilled in a people who are becoming ONE IN HIM--thus it
is a revelation of Him, albeit also being in a people who share and manifest
His glory.
Significant that twice in the first chapter
(1:8,1:11), and twice in the ending chapters, (21:6, 22:13) emphasis is
given, "I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, saith the
Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."
It is this fact which makes this such a positive Book. From the Center
to the Circumference, from the Beginning to the Ending, it is GOD ALL
THE WAY. The more He becomes the Alpha and Omega of all things in our
own life, the more our eyes are single unto Him to see Him in all the happenings
that unfold in our pathway, the more we rejoice in the positive outworking
of the will of God in us. However negative an event in our life might first
appear, because HE IS THE OMEGA we know that all is secure--His
will is being done "on earth, as it is in heaven."
Hear again the words of the prophet, "Who
hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning?
I the Lord, the first, and with the last; I am He. Fear thou not;
for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen
thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand
of My righteousness."
(Isaiah 41:4,10).
Because He is so totally and sovereignly
in control, being the Beginning, and the Ending, and all the way in between,
then it rightly follows--"FEAR NOT!" Regardless of what happens,
He will work it into your good, and for His praise. The only question that
remains, is--"Is He the Alpha and Omega of our life?" When we have
this confidence in Him, the results have to be positive.
Job made the confession, "The LORD
gave, and the
LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of
the LORD." (Job 1:21). And the very next statement tells us,
"In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." It was the
truth! This was no error! THE LORD DID IT ALL --being fully
responsible for the giving, and the taking away. Job did not blame
some intermediate agency of Satan, who had, as God's servant, brought about
the destruction, for he saw that the Hand of God was in control,
and Satan could do no more than God allowed him to do--used him to do.
To
see GOD in it all--Job did not sin, i.e. miss the mark with
his confession. Actually, he spoke a vital truth, right on target,
when he saw it as the sovereign handiwork of the LORD.
We note that the word "LORD" used
here is in capital letters, signifying that it is the Hebrew tetragram
YHWH,
and is given in Exodus 3:13 as "I AM THAT I AM." Rotherham,
in his God-given revelation, reads: "And God said unto Moses, I will become
whatsoever I please." Since Divine resources are infinite, God will
please to become to His people only what is wisest and best. THIS
NAME is at once a revelation, a memorial, a pledge or PROMISE.
In all the compound redemptive names which are given in the Word--Jehovah-Rapha,
Jehovah-Shalom, etc. He is saying, by His very name, "I am pleased to become
your healer," or, "I am pleased to become your peace," etc. However,
Rotherham points out, more exactly it could be rendered, "I will become
whatsoever I please to become." Thus the verb runs forward into a reduplication
of itself. THIS IS A PROMISE--for He is BECOMING IN A PEOPLE,
a reduplication of Himself. And He is the Alpha and Omega of the
entire process, "in bringing many sons unto glory." (Hebrews 2:10). Every
one conformed to His image, being a partaker of His divine nature--so that
while you retain your individuality personality, yet it is all so IN
UNION WITH HIM that you become an expression of Him, manifesting His
life.
So, while it is "A revelation of Jesus
Christ," it expands into the revelation of the "himself creatures"
of which He is the Head. For, "Of His own will begat He us with the
word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures."
(James 1:18). His creatures-- literally, "certain kind of creatures
of Himself." It is truly a reduplication of Himself in a people.
"This people have I formed for Myself; they shall shew forth My praise."
(Isaiah 43:21).
"And Enoch also, the seventy from Adam,
prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousand
of His saints." (Jude 14). The Greek text more literally reads, "Lo,
comes the Lord in holy myriads of Himself." Every one that becomes
a new creature in Christ Jesus thus becomes a further manifestation of
Him--expanding the revelation of Jesus Christ. And all of this by
the sovereign handiwork of His love and grace. Our destiny is to
find our identity within the circumference of His identity--to express
His nature, character, etc. ever revealing more of Him.
"Grace be unto you, and peace,
from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven
spirits which are before His throne; and from Jesus Christ, who is the
Faithful Witness, and the Prince of the kings of the earth."
(Revelation 1:4-5).
PEACE and GRACE in abundance
coming from Him who is in control of all the past, present, and future.
"Which was, which is, and which is to come." "Lord, Thou hast
been our dwelling place in all generations." (Psalm 90:1). He is
God over all ages, and He is the bountiful Supplier of all the GRACE
and PEACE which is needed to make this a most POSITIVE experience
of victory.
GRACE has underwritten the entire purpose of the ages,
making the end secure. And PEACE, synonymous with COMPLETENESS,
assures us that there shall be nothing lacking when He has finished the
outworking of His purpose. Alpha and Omega, Author and Finisher--because
of His GRACE and PEACE He will bring forth in all creation
a revelation of Himself!
"And from the seven spirits which are
before the throne." Reference is made to "the seven spirits of
God" in three books. Besides being spoken of here in Revelation,
we read to them in Isaiah, the Old Testament Book of Redemption, which
speaks much of the Christ--the Redeemer which would come; and then of those
who will be redeemed, from the firstfruits right on down to the totality
of the nations. Also in Zechariah, the book that deals with Restoration,
prefigured in a Zerubbabel company; that remnant which brings forth the
"Headstone with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it," knowing full
well that it is "not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the
Lord." Thus a work that is wrought "with those seven."
(Zechariah 4:3-7,10).
Redemption, restoration, and revelation--the
seven Spirits of God are always connected with these. The fulness of the
Spirit fully equipped to bring about the redemption, restoration which
God has purposed. No wonder a positive victory is assured,for when
the full orbed ministry of the seven Spirits of God are effective in our
lives, their message is
GRACE AND PEACE. Grace, because it
emphasizes the fact that it is the sovereign handiwork of God, and nothing
by the works of the flesh. All that unfolds throughout this Book
in the bringing forth of the revelation of Jesus Christ in the lives of
men, is the positive action of the grace of God. And the outworking
of His grace is to bring forth PEACE--in the COMPLETENESS of our redemption.
And the ultimate result of this revelation of Jesus Christ is that every
creature might experience His grace and peace.
There are also three very descriptive expressions
which help to reveal the nature of the seven Spirits of God. Revelation
4:5, and 56, "And out of the throne proceedeth lightnings and
thunderings and voices: and there were SEVEN LAMPS OF FIRE burning before
the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. -And I beheld, and,
lo, in the midst of the throne, and of the four beasts, and
in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been ,slain, having
SEVEN HORNS and SEVEN EYES, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth
into all the earth."
Seven lamps, seven eyes, seven horns, each
of these is highly symbolic, and all referring to the seven Spirits
of God. Complete illumination-- complete insight--complete power
to accomplish. "And the SPIRIT OF THE LORD shall rest upon Him, the
SPIRIT OF WISDOM and UNDERSTANDING, the SPIRIT OF COUNSEL and MIGHT, the
SPIRIT OF KNOWLEDGE and of THE FEAR OF THE LORD." (Isaiah 11:2).
All of this is to be seen in the revelation of our LORD, and ultimately
in the corporate body of which He is the Head.
Certainly "All things are naked and opened
unto the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do." (Heb. 4:13).
Certainly it is in Him "In Whom are hid
all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Col. 2:3).
Certainly "The Lord is my Rock, and my Fortress,
and my Deliver; my God, my Strength, in Whom I will trust; my Buckler,
and
THE HORN OF MY SALVATION." (Psalm 18:2).
Every symbol, every adjective, every, phrase
of description, is but a further revelation of our Lord, our Redeemer.
And it is by our UNION WITH HIM, being filled
with His Spirit, that all of these will become operative in us, to the
glory of God. But ever more HE has the pre- eminence, and only as we abide
in Him will we have this enrichment, "For without Me ye can do nothing."
UNION WITH HIM is the
qualifying word. "He that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit." (1 Cor.
6:17). Joined--the Greek word is "kollao" meaning: to glue, and has
been used of that union between a man and a woman--joined together in marriage.
So also, there is a MERGING INTO ONENESS WITH HIM so that we become
one spirit. Then the seven Spirits of God can flow through us--to reveal
HIS LIFE in and through us.
"And from Jesus Christ, who is
the Faithful Witness,..." There is no witness as faithful and true
as His. He is the Living Word, the declaration of the heart of the
Father. He bore witness of such GRACE AND PEACE that to this day
man can scarcely believe what He said. "Never man spake like this Man."
(John 7:46). His was a witness of LIFE, a witness of the love
of the Father for His creation. And as this Book begins, we are reminded
that He is a Faithful and True Witness. He speaks a message of GRACE
AND PEACE, which can be traced all the way through the Book, till He
has made "all things new."
"And the First Begotten of the dead..."
Here is a credential unparalleled in all history. The message which He
is about to declare is backed up by an experience of RESURRECTION,
of conquering death and coming forth in the fulness of life. When
He says there will be GRACE AND PEACE, there is nought that can
disannul it. For in Him the last enemy death) has been conquered,
and now He reigns to bring forth that victory in us.
"And the Prince of the kings of the earth."
In deed He will be revealed as "Lord of lords, and King of kings."
(Revelation 17:14). But for now we would emphasize that He is THE PRINCE,
from the Greek "archon'' meaning first in rank and power.
Paul brings this all into perspective when he writes of "The mighty power
which He (God) wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and
set (positioned) at His own right hand in the heavenlies, FAR ABOVE
ALL principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every
name that is named, not only ion this world, but also in that which is
to come." (Ephesians 1:20-21).
From the position of this lofty height--first
in rank and power, comes the message to undergird all the revelation which
follows, and that word is "grace and peace." Furthermore,
this is demonstrated in the fact that He "loved us, and washed us from
our sins in His own blood." (Revelation 1:5). He loved us, and
washed us! Highly exalted, yet He reaches down to where we are and ministers
that unconditional love that receives us into Himself. And with His
own blood He washes--cleanses us from our sins.
Washed--the Greek word is "louo" and means:
to bathe the whole person. It is akin to the word 'luo" meaning:
to loose. This is a total cleansing--a loosing from all our
sins, that He might "present you faultless before the presence of His glory..."
(Jude 24). To this end He will "sanctify you wholly; (that) your whole
spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto he coming (appearing)
of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
"Thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He
shall save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21).
Such love--such grace--such a cleansing
that we are WHOLLY
loosed from all sin--purged from the old sin-nature
which had a propensity for sin, and made partakers of His divine nature
which cannot sin. "How much more shall the blood of christ... purge your
conscience from dead works to ser e the living God." (Hebrews 9:14).
"Having made peace by the blood of His cross,
by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they
be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Colossians 1:20).
Yes, we are LOVED and WASHED, redeemed,
reconciled to Himself, and however long the PROCESS to bring this
to completion in us, He will not only finish what He has begun, but
He will have fitted us to share whit Him positions of glory and honor.
For, He "Hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father."
Again, Revelation 5:10, "And hath made
us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth."
Let it be clearly pointed out, He is King
of kings, Lord of lords, but He is not Worm of worms. However low
our estate in our humanity, man is not destined to remain there. We read,
"Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith
the Lord, and that Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel." (Isaiah 41:14). Yes,
He condescended to men of low estate, and "Forasmuch then as the children
are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of
the same..." (Hebrews 2:14). And while He walked out that realm of
humanity, He fulfilled that Word, "But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach
of men, and despised of the people." (Psalm 22:6). But while He shared
with us of or low estate, it was with a view that we should share with
Him of His high estate. "He that descended is the same also that ascended
up far above all things, that He might fill all things. (Ephesians 4:10).
And He prayed, "Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given
Me, BE WITH ME WHERE I AM." (John 17:24). Forgotten as a dream of the
night, no more lowly as worms, but WITH HIM to reign as kings and
Priests. HIS REVELATION is not as a worm, but as PRINCE of
all the kings of the earth. And it rightly follows that His being REVEALED
IN A PEOPLE they would be "as He is," therefore--as kings and priests,
praise God!
A priest is a go-between, a reconciler;
not
a barricade, but a bridge. The word "pontiff" comes from the Latin
word "pontifex," "pontis" meaning: bridge; and "facere" meaning: to do.
Thus it combines to be pathfinder, a way maker, a bridge-builder.
What a tremendous calling, that He "Hath committed into us the word of
reconciliation. That we might be--ambassadors for Christ, as though God
did beseech by us: we pray in Christ"s stead, be ye reconciled to God."
(2 Corinthians 5:19-20).
Called to be participators in blessing all
men, for "In thee shall all nations be blessed." (Galatians 3:8). Bless--from
the Greek word "eulogeo" meaning: to speak well of. It is the word from
which we get our English word "eulogize," but a eulogy is a retrospective
word, speaking well of a life that has been lived. In Christ the
BLESSING
INITIATES THE PROCESS, to declare a good thing and then bring it to
pass. He can speak well of us--"And call those things which be not as though
they were," (Romans 4:17) and then bring to pass all that He has foretold.
Likewise, those who, IN HIM, become part of the corporate blesser
company, shall by His seven-fold Spirit be able to declare the will of
the Father, speaking the GOOD NEWS, and then see that Word come
to pass--fulfilled to the glory of God.
Take Gideon for an example. "And the angel
of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee,
thou mighty man of valor." (Judges 6:12). Gideon immediately challenges
both statements. "If the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen
us? And where be all His miracles...?" Furthermore, on what grounds
do You call me mighty? "Where withing shall I save Israel? Behold, my family
is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house." But
the answer came back, "And the Lord said unto im, Surely I will be with
thee..." (Judges 6:16). GOD GAVE THE WORD, AND HE ALSO FULFILLED IT.
Truly, he was blessed! And by the enablement of God he did become a mighty
man of valor, and he saw the miracles of the Lord.
We long for such manifestations of the Christ,
and well He hath promised, "He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath
said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7: 38).
Flow, from the Greek word "rheo," literally, to flow, TO SPEAK.
From this word comes our English word "rhetoric," or, expressive speech.
Out of our spirit we will speak--quickening streams of divine life. Not
a self-proclamation, but the inner Christ, who is the Living Word, is able
to speak the word of life, and bring it to pass. It is in union with
Him that this "kingdom of priests" will herald forth the good news which
shall reconcile men to God. They shall "reign ln life by one, Jesus
Christ." (Romans 5:1). Right here on the earth, to demonstrate to all
mankind that HE IS LORD!
God's working is not just an euphoric, ethereal,
mystic matter, but He purposes that man, coming into his destiny, in realization,
as the image of God, will enable the world to see God projecting Himself
through redeemed men and women, to the everlasting praise of His glory.
And what is first wrought in these "firstfruits" of the new creation species"
shall ultimately be wrought in every man, until He has truly "made
all things new."BACK
Chapter 2 - "Coming
With Clouds" (Revelation 1:7)
"Behold, He cometh with clouds;
and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all the
kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen." (Revelation
1:7).
It is "A revelation of Jesus Christ,"
to a people, in a people, with a people. The purpose of our seeing Him
is that we might be "changed into the same image from glory to glory, even
as by the spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18). And while "It doth
not yet appear what we shall be: we know that, when He shall appear; we
shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." (1 John 3:2). And the
reason He would "reveal His Son in me, (is) that I might preach Him among
the heathen..." (Galatians 1:16). To become the display vessels of His
grace, to become expressions of His love and mercy, to have Him REVEAL
HIS SON IN ME so that the world might see Him ever more clearly-- what
a tremendous high, holy, heavenly calling is this!
Preach Him-- The Greek word is "euaggelizo"
and while it means: to announce good news, it is made up of two parts,
"eu" (good) and "aggelos" (messenger). Of a truth, the message, and the
messenger become one. "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of
him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth
good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion,
Thy God reigneth." (Isaiah 52:7). The message is GOOD, it is of PEACE,
it is of SALVATION, reaffirming that our God reigns. Such also is this
positive message of the book of Revelation. It is of grace and peace, it
is of the final triumph of Christ in a people, and ultimately in all the
universe.
Every coming of Christ is a further
revelation of Himself, and the outworking of redemption in His people.
Lo, He comes! He has come, He is here dwelling within us by His Spirit,
and He is yet to come in further revelations and manifestations of Himself.
"He cometh..." the Greek word
is "erchomai," meaning: to come from one place to another. He "Whom
the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things..."
(Acts 3:21), is coming forth in new dimensions of revelation, to be seen,
to be experienced. Out of the invisible, into the visible, to be known
more clearly, more fully, as He is revealed to man. "HE comes!”
Though it will also be in and with a people, the emphasis is upon HIS coming.
He is more than just an Omnipresent Spirit, He has an identity, a Being--
for He is "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for the ages."
(Hebrews 13:8). Saviour, Redeemer, The Anointed One, He comes in further
revelations of Himself.
"With clouds..." Immediately we have
before us a beautiful symbol of the saints in whom He dwells, and through
whom He shall be revealed, and with whom He is coming in glory. "Lo, the
Lord did come in His saintly myriads." (Jude 14, Young's Literal).
Daniel writes (7:13-14), "I saw in
the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came WITH THE CLOUDS
of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought Him near before
Him. And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all
people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting
dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not
be destroyed."
Mark 13:26, “And then shall they see the
Son of man coming IN THE CLOUDS with great power and glory."
A definition of the spiritual nature
of the "clouds" is needful, lest we be entangled in tradition's confusion,
and spend our time looking for some "natural cloud" and fail to grasp the
import of the truth before us. Literally, a cloud is a visible mass of
moisture suspended in the air above the ground. Spiritually, it bespeaks
of a people who have been lifted out of the debris of earth's corruption,
to dwell with Him in the heavenlies-- partaking of His Spirit, living and
walking in the Spirit. “And hath raised us up together; and made us sit
together in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:6).
Underscoring the symbolism of people as
clouds, we read, Hebrews 12:1-2, "Wherefore seeing we are compassed about
with so great a CLOUD OF WITNESSES, let us lay aside every weight, and
the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the
race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and the Finisher
of our faith."
Cloud of witnesses-- clearly defined as
all of those mentioned in the previous chapter, precious men and women
of faith who have been gathered unto Him in the realms beyond. Yet the
focus of attention is not on the clouds that surround Him, but upon HIM
who is both the Author and the Finisher of our faith, knowing that HE alone
is the Source of our life and victory. There is a vast host of witnesses
which already are WITH HIM, they are not yet visibly manifested, for the
hour of the redemption of the physical body has not yet come, but IN SPIRIT
they are with us. "Ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them
who shall be heirs of salvation." (Hebrews 1:14). We pray not to these
saints, we pray to Him who is our Saviour. Yet the fact that He is surrounded
with clouds, and can dispense their refreshing at any time, is a precious
truth to comfort and encourage us.
Consider the formation of the clouds, as
through the process of evaporation the water is lifted up from the earth
and gathered into a mass suspended in the heavens. The filth and corruption
which polluted the water is left behind, and it rises pure and clean to
be gathered in the heavenlies. We are in a process of being raised-- or
shall we say, spiritized, ascending from the realms of flesh, earthiness,
to rise in spirit and become one IN and WITH the Christ.
"He causeth the vapours to ascend from the
ends of the earth."
(Psalm 137:7).
"When He uttereth His voice, there is a
multitude of waters in the heavens, and He causeth the vapours to ascend
from the ends of the earth." (Jeremiah 10:13).
Obviously before He can "COME WITH
CLOUDS," He must first come TO each one-- be revealed to each heart,
and then He forms and gathers those droplets of moisture/spirit into clouds
unto Himself. This is the process which has been going on through the ages
as He draws to Himself that firstfruits of each generation, to become that
"innumerable company of messengers, the general assembly and church of
the Firstborn,... the spirits of just men made perfect." as spoken of in
Hebrews 12:22-23. Yes, "He causeth the vapours to ascend..." as He irresistibly
draws us to Himself, "one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring
you to Zion." (Jeremiah 3:14).
The Hebrew word translated here as "vapours"
is "nasi" and has been used 127 times in the Scripture. Three times given
as "vapours," once as "clouds," and 123 times as "princes, governor, ruler,
and chiefs." This immediately indicates to us that the vapours are people.
Thus we could correctly read the verse, "He causes His princes to ascend."
The earthly type bespeaks of a greater spiritual reality. Indeed, we have
already seen that we are to be "kings and priests," to rule and reign with
Him. Thus this symbol but further emphasizes that fact. He gathers unto
Himself a people, that He might be "King of kings, and Lord of lords."
Significant also, that the word "nasi" comes
from the root: to lift. It is not a self exaltation. God is the Uplifter.
We are not self-proclaimed princes, or rulers. "Whosoever shall exalt himself
shall be abased." (Matthew 23:12). "He that speaketh of himself seeketh
his own glory." (John 7:18). With deep in workings God would purge us of
all self-aggrandizement. For, "Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is
like clouds and wind without rain." (Proverbs 25:14). Or, as Jude writes,
verse 12, "Clouds they are without water, carried about of winds." Every
wind of doctrine blows them about, there is no water of life in them--
for self cannot produce spiritual reality. Negative clouds are they.
In no way does the minute drop of water
lift itself up from the muddy pool, it is a sovereign action from without.
There are no vapours ascending without warmth or heat-- God's FIRE. It
is the warmth of His love that draws us upward. It is the fiery trial that
looses us from the debris of the flesh, so that our spirit can arise to
higher heights. Purged, sterilized, fired, so that our growth progress
can be free of the malice, wickedness, idleness, unbelief, hypocrisy, etc.
It is in the furnace of affliction that our souls are turned heavenward
in the rising flames of His purging. All the mundane becomes as ashes when
His vapours begin their ascent.
The process is initiated by God Himself,
His will, His action. "He uttereth His voice, there is a multitude of waters
in the heavens." It is the VOICE OF GOD WITHIN that kindles the flame of
change within us. Not the voice of church tradition, not the voice of the
doctrinaire. Rather, "The voice of the Lord is UPON THE WATERS..." (Psalm
29:3). And out of the mass of humanity He draws to Himself a people-- firstfruits
of the new creation. He speaks light into the darkened heavens of our understanding.
A still small voice in the quiet of our isolation. A song in the night,
the dark night of the soul. And “from the ends of the earth," begins to
arise a people that are to be joined unto Him. Then, indeed, it can be
said, "He cometh with clouds!" For, "When Christ, Who is our life,
shall appear, then shall we also appear with Him in glory." (Colossians
3:4).
"And every eye shall see Him..."
"In Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in His own order." (1
Corinthians 15:22-23). HE "gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified
in due time." (1 Timothy 2:6). It is a revelation of Him-- He is Lord,
He is the Saviour of all men, and thus every man in his own appointed time
shall SEE HIM-- receive of His love and grace, and be saved. So great is
the outreach of His mercy, He says, "I am sought of them that asked not
for Me; I am found of them that sought Me not: I said, Behold Me, behold
Me, unto a nation that was not called by My name." (Isaiah 65:1).
“And He will destroy in this mountain
the face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that
is spread over all nations." (Isaiah 25:7). Darkness, unbelief has been
upon all men. "For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that He might
have mercy upon all." (Romans 11:32). Yet when He is REVEALED to them,
"it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for
Him, and He will save us: this is the Lord; we will be glad and rejoice
in His salvation." (Isaiah 25:9).
"And they also which pierced Him..."
So all-encompassing is His GRACE that He will reveal Himself even to those
who crucified Him-- including those who in their rebellion have "crucified
to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame." (Hebrews
6:6). Indeed, every one who claims an interest in the Saviour's sacrifice,
must confess a share in the guilt for which He suffered, for we all have
sinned and come short of the glory of God. Yet HIS LOVE COVERS ALL. "Father;
forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34).
"And all kindreds of the earth shall
wail because of Him." Wail-- literally, to beat the breast. It is an
expression of grief, but even more, it becomes an expression of REPENTANCE,
as we acknowledge our guilt, and then receive of His salvation. All the
tribes of the earth shall come to this place of submission before Him--
"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven,
and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue
should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
(Philippians 2:10-11).
"Even so, Amen." What more can be
said? He is "the Faithful Witness," and He declares GRACE AND PEACE--
manifested first in a remnant firstfruits, but ultimately in the whole
world-- every eye, every kindred, for "The God of the whole earth shall
He be called." (Isaiah 54:5). Totally positive, totally victorious, such
is the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen and Amen! BACK
Chapter 3 - "Companions
IN The Processing" (Revelation 1:9-20)
"I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in
the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the Isle that is called
Patmos, for the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was
in the Spirit in the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice...."
(Rev. 1:9-10).
The name John comes from the Hebrew "Jehovah is gracious." This emphasizes
again the fact that it is His GRACE which undergirds all of our processing,
while He brings forth a revelation of Jesus Christ within us. The
revelation was first given to John-- but it was to be shared with us, "to
shew unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass." These
are things which must come to pass in us, HIS PROCESSINGS IN US until He
shall be revealed through us, to His glory and praise. And while we might
feel ever so alone as we tread out our winepress, yet the grace which sustained
John, shall also sustain all those who are his "brother, and companion"
in this walk.
"Brother..." The very word bespeaks of family relationship, and
that we share the same Father, even "The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
of Whom the WHOLE FAMILY in heaven and earth is named." (Ephesians 3:14-15).
Jesus Christ is "the firstborn among many brethen." (Romans 8:29). For
He is "bringing many sons unto glory.'' (Hebrews 2:10). While at all times
HE must have the preeminence, yet we praise God also for our brethren,
for truly, "A brother is born for the day of adversity." (Proverbs 17:17).
Adversity-- tightness, tribulation, distress, affliction. While some might
condemn you for getting into a tight place, a true brother will squeeze
right in there with you, sharing your burden, comfort and stand with you
till God has worked out His purpose.
"And companion..." literally, a co-sharer. Although it is wrought
in each of us individually, yet it is also a corporate working, as we all
share in the processings-- "Knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished
in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath
called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered
a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." (1 Peter
5:9-10). And it is this "togetherness" which brings us confirmation as
we share one with another of His in workings. The personal application
may vary, but the principles being wrought in each of us are the same.
John goes on to list five "ins" that we share together-- five is the number
of grace, reaffirming that it is purely and sovereignly God's grace at
work in us. This is truly the death of the self-life and its ambitions,
nullifying every ego trip, and we say with Paul, "By the grace of God I
am what I am." (1 Corinthians 15:10).
"Companion IN tribulation..." Tribulation-- the Greek word is "thlipsis"
and means: pressures, straitness, affliction. Its primary meaning is TO
PRESS. So much of Paul's ministry involved "Confirming the souls of the
disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must
through much TRIBULATION (pressure) enter into the kingdom of God." (Acts
14:22). It is a God-appointed route, but the victory is sure, because
GRACE much more abounds.
Writing about marriage, Paul said, "Nevertheless such shall have trouble
(pressure, tribulation) in the flesh..." (1 Corinthians 7:28). In this
day when there is such an attack against the home and family, this is a
very present day statement. The pressure of personality clashes, pressure
of differences of ideals and goals. The necessity to lay down one's life
for the sake of another. Pressure of home finances. Pressure of raising
a family. All of these can be used by God in our processing, for they are
unique pressures that accomplish in us things that shall help shape and
mold us into His image. So while God has not called every one to marriage--
and for sure a single life has its own pressures, yet let us see the Lord
in all of our daily travails and learn to submit and rejoice as God uses
all of these tribulations for our good.
In John 16:33, Jesus states, "In the world ye shall have TRIBULATION:
but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." The word "world" comes
from the Greek "kosmos" meaning: the arrangement of this present world
system. Ah, how it presses against us. Economically people are pressed
and burdened with financial troubles that make it a day by day struggle.
The political system vexes people to no end with its inequities and injustices.
The educational system is overwhelming in its liberality which wears away
at the moral fiber of our youth. The medical system is filled with fraud,
greed, out-of-control rising costs, etc. While perhaps the religious system
is the most distressing of all, as we see its superficiality, personal
kingdom building, carnality, error of doctrine, etc. Yet it is in the midst
of all this TRIBULATION, PRESSURE, that God is maturing His first fruits,
to bring forth in them a revelation of Himself. And so we are to "be of
good cheer; He has overcome the world," and by His grace we shall also
be partakers of that victory.
In the parable of the sower and the seed, Jesus mentioned that some are
offended "when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the Word (the
Logos of God)." (Matthew 13:21). There is nothing that will bring pressure
upon us like His Word. You can quote Scripture, hang it as a plaque on
the wall, wear emblems of the cross around your neck-- but when the Spirit
begins to lead you past "the letter which killeth," and into the reality
of its meaning, it will produce pressure and persecution. Truth causes
division because it severs between light and darkness. But this only makes
the truth all the more precious, and we can rejoice in that He reveals
the mysteries of God, and gives us the privilege of suffering for it.
Then 2 Corinthians 7:5 reads, "For, when we were come into Macedonia, our
flesh had no rest, but we were troubled (in pressure, tribulation) on every
side; without were fightings, within were fears." Here is a dual onslaught--
fightings without, all the intense warfare against the truth, whether by
the bestial, carnal nature of men, or by negative spirit forces. And fears
within-- causing you to wish you could flee the whole thing. But God holds
one steady, and all the "fightings and fears" are pressures for our perfection,
even if presently they do not appear that way, for we cease to rely on
our own strength and resources, and learn to cast ourselves all the more
upon Him who is our life.
Paul further writes in 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, "For we would not, brethren,
have you ignorant of our TROUBLE (pressure) which came to us in Asia, that
we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired
even of life: but we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should
not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead." Pressures of
death against God's own, that is tribulation indeed, and only one who has
been through it really understands. Whether it takes the form of physical
accidents and disabilities in yourself or those around you, or be it in
the mind where one battles for sanity and normalcy, yet even this works
for our good as we keep our eyes single to Him who hath "the keys of
hell and of death."
"Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind
of the affiliations (pressures, tribulation) of Christ on my flesh for
His body's sake, which is the church." (Colossians 1:24). Here is a CO-SHARING
OF TRIBULATION of a depth which almost defies comprehension. We are so
recognized as a vital part of HIS BODY that He can "fill up" in us that
suffering which becomes a part of the corporate suffering for all the called
out ones. TO SHARE "in the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable
to His death," (Philippians 3:10), that He may use it as a part of His
deliverance for others. He bore the thirty nine stripes, but we share corporately
in the fortieth. The mystery of this suffering is a part of the TRIBULATION
which works for positive ends.
Then John 16:21 describes another kind of pressure. A woman when she is
in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is
deliver ed of the child, she remembereth no more the ANGUISH (pressure,
tribulation), for joy that a man is born into the world." Here travail
is included in the pressure. It is closely aligned to the fulness of time,
for a mother does not bring forth until the time of deliverance is come.
Now we are co-sharing in the travail of spirit, crying out for that deliverance
which is so desperately needed. Also a travail of soul (mind) that presses
in until our thoughts reel under the groaning for release. And perhaps,
for some, it even becomes a pressure in body as their whole being awaits
the fulness of the hour of redemption. Such pressure cannot be self-induced,
but only comes because the inward growth has come to the hour of release--
to be birthed into new realms in Christ.
Yes-- "companions in tribulation..." Pressures in marriage and home.
Pressure from the world's system. Pressure because of the Word. Pressures
of fightings without, fears within. Pressures of death. Pressures of Christ's
sufferings. Pressures of travail. All of this is preparatory for our entrance
into the Kingdom. "Not only so, but we glory in TRIBULATIONS also: knowing
that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience
hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad
in our hearts by the holy Spirit which is given unto us." (Romans 5:3-5).
Thus we see that tribulation is a necessity in the economy of God to make
us overcomers-- and having experienced the "IN tribulation" we are ready
for the next "IN."
"IN the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ." This "IN" is dual,
containing the Kingdom and also Patience. There is much that could be said
about the Kingdom, but we'll limit comments to the nature of the kingdom,
for the nature of that kingdom is being worked into us. "For the kingdom
of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in
the holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17). Pressed into the kingdom-- knowing that
we have no righteousness but HIS, for all of our self-righteousness is
as filthy rags. We have no peace but HIS. And we have no joy but HIS.
Pressed out of our self-works, to know that "Of Him are ye in Christ Jesus,
who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification,
and redemption." (1 Corinthians 1:30). For He hath purposed "that we might
be made the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21). We are
not only to have His righteousness IN US, but we are to BE IN IT-- surrounded
by it, upheld by it, in a realm of being right with God.
Pressed into the realm of peace or unity where we are one with God, yes,
and even pressed into being at peace with all things, having no quarrel
with anything that comes our way-- because truly, "He is our peace." (Ephesians
2:14).
Pressed into a state of joy which in truth is the realm where our attitude
is right, where we can "rejoice always," for His Joy, which is the fruit
of the Spirit, abides within us, and we are IN IT. Thus, righteousness
is a proper standing, peace is a proper relationship to God and all things,
and joy is a proper attitude in everything.
"And in the patience of Jesus Christ." This is significant, because
it is not talking about our patience, but His. The Greek word is "hupomone"
meaning: to remain under. Not to run away from any situation that God allows
in your life, but you stay there until He fulfills His plan therein. Be
reminded, not only do we enter the kingdom through much tribulation, but
also tribulation worketh patience– works the patience of Christ in us.
Luke 2:43 gives us insight into the patience of Jesus. Here the word is
translated as "tarried behind." "And when they had fulfilled the
days, as they returned, the child Jesus TARRIED BEHIND (was patient
or remained under) in Jerusalem; and Joseph and His mother knew not of
it." Here we have His PATIENCE OF TIMING. He knew He must be about His
Father's business, and He was patient in His discourse with the doctors
of the law, and did not dash off before it was finished. He was willing
to abide the Father's timing all through His life-- He could say, "My time
is not yet come..." (John 7:6), and patiently wait for all things to be
fulfilled, and the conditions made ready for the next step. God has a perfect
timing for everything-- "For the vision is yet for an appointed time...
though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come." (Habakkuk 2:3).
It takes a lot of tribulation to condition us to remain IN His patience,
particularly in regards to time.
"The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the PATIENT
WAITING for (of) Christ." (2 Thessalonians 3:5). It is much more that just
our patient waiting "for" Him, but of partaking of THE PATIENCE OF CHRIST.
Christ means: anointed or anointing. Thus this bespeaks of the PATIENCE
OF ANOINTING. Too many want to rush about to heal the sick, raise the
dead, force confessions of salvation, preach, perform miracles, etc. All
of which are good in their place-- but we need to abide IN the patience
of the anointing. Jesus said, "The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what
He seeth the Father do." (John 5:19). He was not need-conscious, but the
will-of-the-Father-conscious. He could pass by the Pool of Bethesda and
though there were multitudes, He healed but one. He could leave the multitudes
and minister to just a few. Only the will of the Father counted-- and He
had patience to wait for it.
"Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy
that was set before Him ENDURED the cross." (Hebrews 12:2). Patience under
the sufferings of the cross. For sure the shadow of the cross was upon
Him from the beginning. Though He agonized in the garden of Gethsemane,
yet His prayer remained, "Not My will, but Thine, be done." Truly, "He
took the cup, and gave thanks..." (Matthew 26:27), knowing full well all
that it contained. He did not try to come down off the cross, though certainly
He had the power to do so. He came, not to be ministered unto, but to minister,
and give His life a ransom for many, thus HE ENDURED the cross. Yes, it
takes the patience of Christ to do so!
Then, "Consider Him that ENDURED such contradiction of sinners against
Himself." (Hebrews 12:3). Against HIMSELF-- Himself speaks of identity.
He knew who He was, and could say, "I know whence I came, and whither I
go..." (John 8:14). He knew He was the Son of God, and that "I and My Father
are one." (John 10:30). Yet "In His humiliation His judgment was taken
away: and who shall declare His generation?" (Acts 8:33). So He patiently
endured all the contradiction against Himself, and the world knew Him not--
nor did He fight for an identity among them. And if we are IN the patience
of Christ, can we not also be patient with our own identity in Him, and
not proclaim ourselves? At the appointed time, our Father will say, "My
sons in whom I am well pleased."
"Because thou hast kept the Word of MY PATIENCE, I also will keep thee
from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world..."
(Revelation 3:10). Word-- Logos, bespeaking of the whole will, mind, intent
and purpose of God behind the spoken Word. The WORD of His Patience. The
more the plan and purpose, will of God is made known unto you, the more
you will need HIS PATIENCE-- for His plan spans the ages. As the True Husbandman
He has long patience for the ultimate harvest, knowing that the forces
have been set in motion, and His Word will not return to Him void. He reveals
to us a small portion of His plan, and we think it must be done right now--
ah, we need to be IN the patience of Christ, and HE will KEEP US through
all the processings.
"IN the isle that is called Patmos." We are told that the Isle of
Patmos was a rocky, barren, desolate island. According to tradition the
Romans used it as a place of exile, and John was sent there, where he lived
at hard labor for eighteen months. But it was here that he also received
this tremendous "revelation." All of this holds special meaning for us--
for an island is a "cut off” place, and how many ways God works this into
us-- separations, aloneness, cut off of fellowship, but exactly where HE
ordained for us to be, while He furthers a work within us-- removing us
from all other images, that we might be conformed to His image.
It is also to be noted that the "Isle of Patmos" was a place of
forced, hard labour. While certainly there are times when we are able to
have a separated, quiet time to wait upon the Lord, often we find He subjects
us to the tyranny of "hard labour" wherein we are forced to concentrate
upon the job, the many tasks to be done, etc. and we wonder how we'll ever
find time to "read the Word" or wait before Him. Ah, such times of "the
hard labour syndrome" can serve as a prelude to His sovereign visitation,
and through it all He is working into us a surrender and submission to
His will-- even in the nitty-gritty of every day living. It was God who
subjected the creature to this bondage of vanity, but with hope, hope for
the ultimate redemption/release into the glorious liberty of the sons of
God. To some the thought of hard physical labour, and receiving spiritual
revelation at the same time, might be incompatible, but God is not limited
by any circumstance. We read that Moses was busy tending the sheep when
God appeared unto him "in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush,"
(Exodus 3:2). So also in the midst of all your grueling hard labor God
can both speak into your spirit revelations of His truth, and work into
you more of His will and purpose. Have no fear, being "IN the Isle of
Patmos," can be a precious blessing in disguise, and we need to keep
our eye single to Him, knowing He is WITH US.
We read that it was "For the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus
Christ." Methinks there is a dual application here. Perhaps, in part,
it was because of the Word he already possessed that they cast him out
of their presence. But it was also FOR the Word he was about to receive.
"I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower (Hebrew, fenced
place), and will watch to see what He will say unto me (literally, IN ME)."
(Habakkuk 2:1). God has a further revelation to impart to His people, and
don't be surprised if He separates you unto Himself that He might speak
His Word INTO YOU. Bless His name!
"I was IN the Spirit on (in) the Lord's day..." We note that the
word "WAS" in the Greek text does not use the verb of being, but the word
"ginomai" meaning: TO BECOME, and it signifies entrance into a different
state or condition. Literally, it reads, "I became in the sphere of
the Spirit." It bespeaks of going from the more relative control of
the Spirit in his daily life, into His absolute control-- one in which
the control of the Spirit superseded any action of John's will in the matter.
Peter had a like experience when we read, "He fell into a trance..." (Acts
10:10). Beyond himself, he was taken over by the Spirit to receive a revelation
from God which would change the whole course of his ministry. Likewise,
John, coming under the absolute control of the Spirit, received a revelation
of Jesus Christ which was far beyond what He might have dreamed or known
heretofore.
We know the joy of walking day by day with Christ, assured that our steps
are ordered by the Lord, and there is a peace within. But there are also
those rare moments when it is all "beyond us" as a sovereign work of the
Spirit within-- you feel "out of control" and yet you know ever more clearly
that HE IS IN CONTROL. How we long to be more and more "IN THE SPIRIT"
where He has absolute control of our being and we are lifted into the higher
dimensions of His reality and life. In the processings of the Spirit, as
He brings forth the revelation of His Son IN US, be assured there will
be these times when His Spirit envelops us, overshadows us, and we know
in a much deeper way of our union, of being one Spirit in Him.
Furthermore, Paul writes, "He that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit
"
(1 Corinthians 6:17). We are being
processed until there is a ONENESS OF SPIRIT-- and we live out of this
"spirit realm." "Ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, is so be that
the Spirit of God dwell in you." (Romans 8:9). His INDWELLING, His being
AT HOME IN US, bespeaks of a UNION, a oneness of Spirit, and we are to
be "IN" this realm-- living out of this sphere. Then we will not judge
by the seeing of the eye, or hearing of the ear, but we will have that
INNER KNOWING of His will and way. Oneness of spirit requires total submission
to His Lordship, "he that is joined to THE LORD..." then out of this union
comes a spirit-filled, spirit-led life.
"IN the Lord's day." While King James Version reads "on" the Greek
text reads IN. Some would say he was in spirit on the Lord's Day, or the
first day of the week. But there is no scripture saying that the first
day of the week is the Lord's Day. Actually, if any day of the week is
the Lord's Day, it is the seventh day, for the Lord set aside that day
as a day of rest and hallowed it. But in truth, EVERY DAY IS HIS DAY! Even
the Psalmist declared, "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will
rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24).
But when it reads that John was "IN the Lord's day," it bespeaks
of a period of time often spoken of as "the Day of the Lord," and "in that
day..." etc. There are two aspects to the Day of the Lord, one of judgment
and one of glory. The judgments are essential for they bespeak of the correctional
chastening of God which are used to bring man into alignment with His will.
The LORD'S DAY bespeaks of the sovereignty of His will and control in manifestation.
Yes, He is Lord NOW-- ruling now, but there is also "the hiding of His
power," (Habakkuk 3:4). But "It shall be said IN THAT DAY, Lo, this is
our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the Lord;
we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation."
(Isaiah 25:9).
So, when John was "IN" this Day, he was in the timelessness of the Spirit,
without loss of time, transported into the Day of the Lord-- with a revelation
of His triumph and victory. O what a foretaste of glory divine! And being
in this STATE of victory, John "heard behind me a great voice, as of
a trumpet, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last." Here
the revelation unfolds-- the "I AM" as both Author and Finisher. If ever
we come into the reality of HIS REVELATION IN US, and through us, it will
be because we see and know Him as both the Alpha and the Omega-- THE ALL
of our life. But specifically note where he heard the voice-- for it was
"BEHIND ME." Why this location? Because before we can truly see
God in all our future, in the positive unfolding of His plan and purpose,
we must also see Him in all of our past. How we need Christ to come between
us and our past, so that we can only see the past THROUGH HIM, and know
that He had control over all our yesterdays, as well as of our future.
Even as long ago it was said to Israel, "Thou shalt remember all the way
which THE LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to
humble thee, and to prove thee, and to know what was in thine heart." (Deuteronomy
8:2). THE LORD was leading! You must see all of your past through Him--
knowing that all the negatives shall be worked into good, all the sorrow
shall be turned into joy, and all shall be to His praise. The Alpha and
Omega has been there all the time, "working all things after the counsel
of His own will." (Ephesians 1:11). When you know that He is ALPHA, GOD
OF YOUR YESTERDAYS, then you can face whatever lies ahead in the deep processings
of God in your future, in the woes, vials, thunders, etc. And because you
know He is also THE OMEGA, you are assured that all is secure in His grace.
As the revelation of Jesus Christ unfolded, John, who had known Him when
they walked together on the shores of Galilee, now saw Him in a new way--
"His eyes were as a flame of fire... His voice as the sound of many
waters... out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword..." Everything
about Him was awesome, and truly magnificent, till words cannot convey
the reality of who He is. Every word and phrase describing Him is so full
of meaning-- detailing His work in us, His power to accomplish-- until,
John says, "when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead." This same
disciple that once "was leaning on Jesus' bosom," (John 13:23), in sweet
intimate fellowship, knowing Him as "the man Christ Jesus," now saw Him
in His divinity, as Alpha and Omega, Lord of all, and he fell down before
Him, to worship Him. And ever the Merciful One, immediately Jesus said
to him, "Fear not; I am the First and the Last: I am He that liveth,
and was dead; and, behold" I am alive for ever more, Amen; and have the
keys of hell and of death."
Here is a revelation of the All-Conquering One! "For to this end Christ
both died, and rose, and revived, that He might be Lord both of the dead
and living." (Romans 14:9). He alone now holds the "keys of hell and of
death." "Having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them
openly, triumphing over them in it (literally, in Himself)." (Colossians
2:15). IN HIM the victory is complete, and now "He must reign, till He
hath put all enemies under His feet." (1 Corinthians 15:25). The victory
that is IN HIM, now must become experiential IN US. Thus He reigns-- reigns
in us until all the enemies in us (self-will, pride, etc.) are subdued
under His feet. Then shall the revelation of Christ be seen IN US.
There is no need to search far and wide to find a "key" for our transformation,
as if by any self-effort we could effect a change in ourselves. HE HAS
THE KEYS of hell and of death, so that "if I make my bed in hell, behold,
Thou art there." (Psalm 139:8). Why is He there? Because He stands ready
with THE KEY to open the way out of every hellish situation, and bring
you into realms of His joy and peace. "Because I live, ye shall live also."
(John 14:19). He alone knows how best to apply the cross so as to bring
death to our self life, that His life might fill us to overflowing. All
that He first wrought IN HIMSELF, is now to be wrought in us, as "IN CHRIST
shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order."
O, to behold Him as the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last-- yea,
and in total control of our present. To see Him between us and our past,
that He might "wipe away all tears from their eyes." To see Him between
us and our future, so that only His will, plan, purpose, might be fulfilled
in us, to His glory and praise. To know that IN HIM, "there shall be no
more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more
pain: for the former things are passed away. And He that sat upon the throne
said, Behold, I make all things new." (Revelation 21:4-5). Such is the
victory that is on the horizon for all those who are now "companions in
the processing." Praise His wonderful name! BACK
Chapter 4 - "Christ
Revealed In Overcomers" (Revelation 2:1 - 3:22)
"He that hath an ear, let him hear
what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I
give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise
of God." (Revelation 2:7).
There is One "who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks,"
who waits to be revealed in a people-- a people who hear His message, surrender
to Him for its in working, and emerge through all the tribulation/processing
as overcomers. Certainly all the power for our overcoming flows from Christ,
thus all the victory which we gain is actually a further revelation of
Him-- of what HE can do and become in the life of the believer. "In all
these things we are more than conquerors (overcomers) through Him that
loved us." (Romans 8:37).
"Through Him..." All that we are, or ever shall be, is because of Him!
"For without Me ye can do nothing." (John 15:5). "But ye shall receive
power, after that the holy Spirit is come upon you." (Acts 1:8).
Power-- the Greek word is "dunamis." From this word comes our English word
"dynamite," which bespeaks of an explosive energy force to accomplish.
But we also have the word "dynamo," which bespeaks of a controlled energy
force that is constantly being generated to meet the need. "I can do all
things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13). The
Greek word for "strengtheneth" literally means: to make powerful inwardly.
Thus, in a footnote to his translation, Williams gives, "Through Him who
puts a dynamo in me." He, in us, is that dynamo. "Christ in you, the
hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27).
In all things He has the pre-eminence! He is the Original Overcomer, "the
Captain of our salvation." (Hebrews 2:10). He is the Trail-blazer, the
Pioneer, the Firstborn of this new creation species. "Having spoiled principalities
and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it."
(Colossians 2:15). IN IT-- the Greek text reads, "IN HIMSELF." This victory
was first wrought in Himself. "I overcame, and am set down with My Father
in His throne." (Revelation 3:21). Now "He must reign, till He hath
put all enemies under His feet." (1 Corinthians 15:2). And where does He
reign? In us. By His Spirit He comes to dwell within us, rule within us,
until everything within us is subjugated unto Him, and it can be said of
us, as it was of Him, "The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing
in me." (John 14:30). That is overcoming! It means we must FIRST BE
OVERCOME BY CHRIST, before we become overcomers with Christ. It is His
victory, the same victory which was wrought "IN HIMSELF," that is now wrought
IN US. Thus all of our overcoming becomes a further revelation of Jesus
Christ-- expanding the glory of His overcoming.
How triumphant is His declaration, "In the world ye shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). All of
its negativity, all of its pressures, all of that which appeals to the
lust of the flesh and is transitory and vanity, He overcame it all! Now
He would share that victory with us.
It is also significant that He prayed, "I pray not that Thou shouldest
take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the
evil." (John 17:15). He did not pray for an escapism for us, because
HE PURPOSES TO HAVE OVERCOMERS. To be "taken out" would cause us to miss
the very purpose for being here, which is to be trained, developed, exercised,
learning to OVERCOME it, and not give way to an over-desire for the world,
but to find in Him the satisfaction for every inward desire. Truly, "He
also hath planted eternity in men's heart and mind (a divinely implanted
sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun,
but only God can satisfy)." (Ecclesiastes 3:11, Amplified). Only God
can satisfy the desire HE has placed deep into every man. Yet, for the
purpose of our processing, He also places the world before us, and then
gives us the grace to overcome it. "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh
the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our
faith." (1 John 5:4). Praise God, because He "was in all points tempted
like as we are, yet without sin," (Hebrews 4:15) He is now able to empower
us to likewise face all testings, and through Him to prevail, overcome,
and not sin, i.e. not miss the mark.
"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21).
We already noted that He prayed "That Thou shouldest KEEP THEM FROM THE
EVIL." And now He reveals how we are to overcome evil-- with good. Interesting
to note that in the Scriptures, apart from God Himself, Who we know is
GOOD, there is only one realm which is spoken of as good.
It is GOOD to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy name,
O most High." (Psalm 92:1 ).
Young's Literal translation for Psalm 106:1, "Give thanks to Jehovah, FOR
GOOD."
Praise, giving thanks, is the realm of GOOD! This is the positive realm,
and just the opposite from the negatives of complaining, grumbling, etc.
The situation may be bleak, dark, a severe trial, but as one begins to
praise and thank the Lord for all things, assured of the fact that since
He allowed it, He will use it, then work it into good, such praising God
works for overcoming.
"Giving thanks ALWAYS FOR ALL THINGS unto God and the Father in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:20).
"IN EVERY THING give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
concerning you." ( 1 Thess. 5:18).
Much overcoming is wrought just by learning to give thanks IN and FOR all
things, for in this very act we learn submission to the will of God, and
worship Him rather than rebelling against Him, and what He is doing in
our life.
There are two Greek words for "evil."
1) kakon, speaking of evil in the abstract sense.
2) poneros, referring to evil in the concrete sense.
That which is abstract is that which is generalized, while that which is
in the concrete sense is that which is specific, names the thing. In the
generalized term we all have had evil in our nature, for we "were by nature
the children of wrath, even as others." (Ephesians 2:3). The cure for this
is to be "born again" and receive the new Christ-nature. Then in an active
participation with Christ now dwelling within, there is an overcoming of
all the evil around us-- facing up to these things, and gaining a victory
over them.
"I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked." (1
John 2:13). What victory! Not only overcoming all the generalized evil,
rising above the circumstances and pressures of the times, but then also
overcome those evil things which we face specifically-- openly identified
as evil, things which can rightly be termed as "the wicked."
The concrete evils which we face differ according to our various circumstances
and are meted out to us for our development. Inwardly we may battle jealousy,
temper, envy, resentment, pride, etc. all of which are evil in a concrete
sense, and only Christ can enable us to overcome them, by yielding to the
in workings of His cross. And outwardly we face the expressions of
evil from other men-- cruelties, back-stabbing, cursing, etc. But while
they may "do us wrong," yet through Christ we can forgive and have victory
in spite of these negatives. "And the Word of God abideth in you, and ye
have overcome the wicked." ( 1 John 2:14).
How desperately we need the inflow of the Word of God, not in our heads
as a mental knowledge, but DWELLING IN US. Not just quoting it by rote,
but it becomes our life, enabling us to overcome the wickedness that may
surround us. And then, regardless of the spirit-forces of evil which may
challenge us, we can stand firm, knowing, "Ye are of God, little children,
and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that
is in the world."
(1 John 4:4).
"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which
is in the midst of the paradise of God."
There are rewards-- blessings-- privileges-- promises-- which are linked
to a definite state of being, which cannot be fulfilled until that condition
has been attained. OVERCOMING is not always a popular word, because it
speaks of testings and trials, obstacles arranged for our coming OVER them.
Yet concurrent with overcoming is also an active participation in receiving
of His life. There is both an "in part" of present time, and a "fulness"
which shall be realized as His purpose is fulfilled in us. Thus "Happy
is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
- She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every
one that retaineth her." (Proverbs 3:13,18).
Wisdom has been defined as: the proper, good, and excellent use of knowledge.
It is that, and more, so another definition goes: "Knowing the proper and
right end of a thing, and also knowing the means to get to that end."
The WISE will eat of the tree of life, for they know that the end is secure
in Him who is both Alpha and Omega. They will not try to escape the way
of the cross, but accept it as part of the means to an end, and in their
overcoming they find Christ to be "The Way, the Truth, and the Life." (John
14:6). Ah, to KNOW HIM-- "This is age-abiding life, that they might know
Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent." (John 17:3).
"And unto man He said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom." (Proverbs
8:13). This is an attitude, not just some thing we learn, but a disposition
of mind, a settled behavior that governs our action. "The fear of the Lord
is to hate evil." (Proverbs 8:13). To hate evil is to love righteousness.
No wonder this is a part of the tree of life promised to the overcomers.
Fearing God is not a superstitious fear which is born out of ignorance,
such as taught in the doctrines of a "boogie-man devil," that many believe
in. Nor is it a servile fear which holds one in terror of punishment. The
wise know that all of God's actions are wrought out of His NATURE OF LOVE,
purposed for our good, to bring us into His life. Thus, the real "fear
of the Lord," is an awe and respect-- reverence for God, which brings us
into a relationship and fellowship with Him. We are compelled to seek Him,
that He might fill us with Himself.
Furthermore, "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality
and without hypocrisy." (James 3:17). The first thing we note is its purity--
this is a condition. The wages of sin is death, but where there is no sin,
there is no death. No wonder this wisdom, which is pure, is a tree of life
which the overcomers need to lay hold of, and be filled with it.
Peaceable-- no warfare, no contention, not argumentive, for truth needs
no defense, it just IS. Follow through with all the seven-fold characteristics
of wisdom mentioned here, and you find they are all a further revelation
of the indwelling Christ-life. For, of a truth, wisdom is not only an attitude,
and a right condition, but also a person. "But of Him are ye in Christ
Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom..."
(1 Corinthians 1:30).
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life" (Proverbs 11:30).
"The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to
sin." (Proverbs 10:16). Fruit-- the result of one's life-force, can either
tend towards life, or towards death. Fruit is produced according to the
inherent quality and life within. When Christ is that indwelling life,
all that is brought forth will be an expansion and further revelation of
that indwelling life. "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which
are by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:11).
"When the desire cometh, it is a tree of life." (Proverbs 13:12). Desire
signifies that you feel a lack. When all of our desires are directed God-ward,
to be filled BY and WITH Him, surely this is a fulfillment of the tree
of life.
"A wholesome tongue is a tree of life." Proverbs 15:4). Ah, when all that
flows forth from our tongue is wholesome, that is both evidence that we
are truly overcoming, and that He is in control of all that is within us,
with even our speech revealing Him, for "If any man offend not in word,
the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." (James
3:2). Amen!
Since the overcomer partakes of the tree of life, it rightly follows--
"He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." (Revelation
2:11). The death process is a transition, as we die to one form of living,
and come alive to another. When Adam turned from God to follow his own
will, he died out to righteousness and life, and entered into the realm
of death. In the spiritual aspect, "To be carnally minded (i.e. minding
of the flesh) is death." (Romans 8:6). While deterioration into complete
corruption and decay is death in the physical, natural aspect.
The offence of the first Adam brought all men under the sentence of death
for sin. Hence presently our mortal bodies are in a state of dying, and
our minds need to be freed from minding the things of the flesh, to mind
the things of the Spirit. The act of disobedience of Adam brought forth
death.
Now, one great act of obedience by the last Adam also brings forth a death
for every man. The question arises, however, is this second death the same
kind as the first? Many people think that it is a repetition of the first,
and that the results are the same, while its action is more severe and
cruel and destructive, being by fire. But God's seconds are never duplicates
of the first, they are always better, higher, and used to counter-balance
all the action of the firsts. Thus, by our identification with Christ,
"being made conformable unto His death," (Philippians 3:10), we find that
it is a dying out to our own self-will, and coming forth in HIS LIFE. And
since the overcomers are participating NOW in the process of His cross,
any future action of the second death processings will not hurt them, will
not cause them to suffer loss.
Paul writes of those who "are hurt" when he says, "If any man's work shall
be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so
as by fire." (1 Corinthians 3:15). Thus we have a tremendous challenge
for overcoming now-- that we lose nothing of the rewards and blessings
which we ought to enjoy in Christ.
"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and
will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which
no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." (Revelation 2:17). How
progressive are the unfolding blessings to the overcomer. Partaking of
that tree of life-- life which cannot be hurt by any future second death
process, but it remains full and abundant, because there is an eating,
a partaking of the HIDDEN MANNA. Hidden-- Greek, "krupto," meaning: to
conceal, hide, keep secret. There is a realm which He hath hidden "from
the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." (Matthew 11:25).
Paul wrote, "May your spiritual experience become richer as you see
more and more fully God 's great secret, Christ Himself! For it is
in Him, and in Him alone, that men will find all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge." (Colossians 2:2-3, Phillips).
Man is so prone to look for the visible, earthy realm. They said to Jesus,
"Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them
bread from heaven to eat." But Jesus replied, "Moses gave you not that
bread from heaven;" (literally, not the bread of heaven), which is quite
obvious, because "Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are
dead." But "The bread of God IS HE which cometh down from heaven, and giveth
His life unto the world. - I AM the living bread which came down from heaven:
if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever." (John 6:51).
Truly, the hidden manna is CHRIST-- "the hidden, which God ordained before
the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew..."
( 1 Corinthians 2:7-8). Not to be received to satisfy the lusts of the
flesh, nor for personal gain, so He is HIDDEN-- yet revealed to those whom
He apprehends for overcoming, who become one in Him, to share of His life
and glory.
"And will give him a white stone." Biblical history gives some interesting
insight, five things of which we would make mention. Five is the number
of grace, and GRACE stands out all the way, enabling us to gain the victory,
and freely giving us all things.
1 ) The white stone bespeaks of acquittal. In their judicial process, coming
to a decision, if they handed the individual a black stone, it meant condemnation;
and sometimes the Greek word "theta" was engraved upon the stone, implying
death. But if handed a white stone, it meant that he was judged not guilty.
Thus to be handed a white stone, the overcomer has instant confirmation
that he is fully justified, acquitted of all sin. "Therefore being justified
by faith..." (Romans 5:1).
Justified--
NOT "just-as-if-I'd-never-sinned," as some teach, that holds the implication
that you did sin, but we'll say you didn't. The Greek word does not allow
such a doctrine, it literally means: NOT GUILTY, NEVER BEEN GUILTY. Yet
we know that "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans
3:23). How then can we be given a white stone? Because there is ONE LIFE
that never did sin, He knew no sin, and He comes to dwell within us to
BE OUR NEW LIFE. "No more I, but Christ liveth in me." Just as He is the
hidden manna, He also is the sinlessness of the white stone. All of this
is more of the revelation of Jesus Christ.
2) The white stone was given to the winner of a race, or contest. "Know
ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?
So run, that ye may obtain." ( 1 Corinthians 9:24). HE RAN! HE WON! And
now in union with Him the overcomer shares the victory. "Thanks be unto
God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ." (2 Corinthians 2:14).
White stones are also said to have been given to the victors in the Olympic
games, with their names (or initials) engraved on them. "And in the
stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth
it." The name bespeaks of the nature, the character, and thus again
it is a revelation of Him in us.
3) The white stone was used in the casting of lots in election, with the
black stone for "nay" and the white stone for "yea." Jesus said, "Ye have
not chosen Me, but I have chosen you." (John 15:16). "According as He hath
chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be
holy and without blame before Him in love." (Ephesians 1:4). And if
He be for us, who can be against us?
4) The white stone was betimes handed to a guest, as a token of hospitality,
a right to all that is in the house. He said, "In My Father's house are
many mansions (rooms):... I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2).
We are well aware that this is figurative language, but when He hands us
that white stone, it is a word of WELCOME, your place is ready, you are
joyfully received into Him, to share all the blessings of Father's
house.
5) White stones were used in the allotting of an inheritance. We separated
these points to examine them, but they all blend together. "He that
overcometh shall inherit all things: and I will be his God, and he shall
be My son." (Revelation 21:7). What tremendous love is revealed to
us in the receiving of a white stone.
"He that overcometh, and keepeth My words unto the end, to him will
I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron;
as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received
of My Father. And I will give him the morning star." (Revelation 2:26-28).
How beautifully the revelation unfolds, step by step, as we come into this
intimate relationship with our Lord. So one in Him, so overcome BY Him,
that He can now share His power with us, literally, AUTHORITY to rule over
the nations. This privilege comes after we have learned to fully yield
ourselves to His authority. Thus we become a manifestation of His
will and purpose in action-- an extension of His life in the earth.
Rule-- the Greek word means "to shepherd." This is no action of a tyrannical
despot, but it is the tenderness of a shepherd, guiding in love, corrective
when necessary, yet always the welfare of those in his care are his first
concern. The subduing in all men shall be complete, even as it must be
in us, but the end result is the total restoration of every man in Christ.
"Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom;
that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:28).
Thus shall he truly become "All in all."
"And I will give him the morning star." The morning star means the
first, early, foremost one, given as the messenger to announce the new
day that is coming-- that the greater light of God shall soon spread over
the earth. "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory
of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:14). Light-bearers!
What a glorious calling! Not a message of gloom and despair, but of the
victory of Christ, that He is "the True Light, which lighteth every man
that cometh into the world." (John 1:9).
"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment."
(Revelation 3:5). No wonder they can bear a message of light, of
purity, of holiness, for they share out of a state of being. God has clothed
them! "He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered
me with the robe of righteousness." (Isaiah 61:10). "That we might be made
(become) the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21). Not an
imputed righteousness, but that internal possession of the Righteous One,
so that it becomes a STATE OF BEING-- even as it is written, "Be ye
holy; for I am holy." ( 1 Peter 1:16). Holiness is not something brought
about by our works, it is inherent in His nature of which we are made partakers.
One will DO holy things because they ARE holy. It bespeaks of wholeness,
of the completed process of the new birth, so that spirit, soul, and body
we shew forth the Christ-life.
"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple in the temple
of My God, and he shall go no more out..." (Revelation 3:12). It bespeaks
of permanency, of a union with Him that abides. "Ye are the temple of
the Living God: as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them;
and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." (2 Corinthians
6:16). No more to be plagued with the restlessness of desire, for they
find in Him an eternal satisfaction, hence they "go no more out." Nor is
it an up and down, on again off again possession, but it is pillarized--
to stand firm and strong in Him, ready to give support to the glory of
His kingdom.
"And I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city
of My God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from
My God: and I will write upon him My new name." (Revelation 3:12).
Jesus Christ fully overcame. "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him,
and given Him a name which is above every name." (Philippians 2:9). The
Greek text reads, "THE NAME." While the actual name is not revealed, it
indicates that a high title was conferred upon Him which bespoke of
His glorious rank and office, authority and power. Now He would share HIS
OWN CONQUEROR'S NAME with us. So glorious, we can only say, "Whatever God
means by this, may He fulfill it in us." To find our identity in His identity,
and to bear His name, how awesome!
"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even
as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne."
(Revelation 3:21). While it symbolizes the authority and position granted
to the overcomer, there is much more, for truly, "Righteousness and judgment
are the habitation (establishment) of His throne." (Psalm 97:2). Righteousness--
and then the process whereby all is brought into that state of rightness,
this is what establishes and upholds the integrity of the throne.
It is a shared throne-- the Father, the Son, and all who are "made perfect
in one," in Him. (John 17:23). So fully does the Father share the throne
with His Son, that we read, "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed
all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honour the Son, even as
they honor the Father." (John 5:22-23). And then that the Son shares this
throne with His corporate brethren company, we read, "Let the high praises
of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; To execute
vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their
kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon
them the judgment written: this honour have all His saints." (Psalm 149:6-9).
While "Justice and judgment are the habitation of Thy throne:" it is equally
true that "mercy and truth shall go before Thy face." (Psalm 89:14). "Merciful,
as your Father also is merciful." (Luke 6:36). Ah, no one dare call themselves
genuine overcomers until they learn to be merciful as He is merciful, to
"overcome evil with good." But "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall
obtain mercy." (Matthew 5:7). How desirable is this throne of mercy!
"Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of Thy kingdom is
a right sceptre." (Psalm 45:6). "Of the increase of His government
and peace there shall be no end." (Isaiah 9:7). Thus, in the very fullest
sense of the word, in Him is ETERNAL LIFE.
To the overcomer is given "to eat of the tree of life." They shall suffer
no loss, shall not be hurt by this process of the second death, for in
Christ all loss has been turned to gain. They eat of that hidden manna--
that Living Bread which fully satisfies. And they are enriched with all
the blessings symbolized by the white stone. They are given authority and
privileged to shepherd the nations, that "In thee shall all nations be
blessed." Clothed with His righteousness, identified in His name-identity,
and blessed to share His throne. All of this reveals ever more what Christ
has become IN them, and THROUGH them. It all redounds to His praise. To
share His glory does not rob Him of glory, but only expands it yet the
more, and thus HE is exalted. "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit
hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-47). BACK
Chapter 5 - "Come
Up For More Revelation" (Revelation 4:1-11)
"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." (Revelation 4:1).
The verse begins, "after this..." and then proceeds with the further revelation
of Christ, but in order to have an "after this" you have to hold in consideration
the preceding chapters with their messages to the "overcomer." The foundational
truth found in the phrase "to him that overcometh," is the pre-requisite
for whatever is to follow in the joys and victories that come into the
life of the believer. It is a self-evident fact that in order to be an
overcomer there must needs be obstacles in our path for us to come over.
And it is one of the blessed truths which undergirds the faith of the called
out, that God sovereignly controls all the interplay of good and evil as
it touches our life. With this firmly implanted in our hearts, there can
be A GOING ON, an OPEN DOOR into the heavenly realms. There cannot be an
upward progression as long as we seek to escape from the things which God
purposes for our growth and development. However, "Then shall we know,
if we follow on to know the Lord: His going forth is prepared as the morning."
(Hosea G:3). We shall know, but only in the measure that we FOLLOW ON TO
KNOW.
"His going forth is prepared as the morning (Hebrew, dawn)." The dawning
of the day is a progressive illumination, from the beginning of the first
rays, until in due time the sun shines brightly overhead, eliminating all
shadows. In our impatience we cry out for the bright light, to have an
experience like Paul's. “At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from
heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me." (Acts
26:13). Yet with this tremendous illumination, there also came a blindness
upon Saul, "and he was three days without sight." (Acts 9:9). A significant
fact, were it to be considered, for it would be on the fourth day that
light came-- which corresponds to the re-creation process in Genesis 1:14,
when God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven..."
So there is a light that blinds, until we are prepared for its shining.
But as we receive Him, in each degree that He comes to us, and we are established
in that present truth revealed, He will lead us " from strength to strength,
(until we) in Zion appear before God." (Psalm 84:7).
It has been well stated that "truth in undisciplined vessels is tragedy,"
for man is prone to use it for his own selfish ends, and in the process
often uses truth to wound others. But the more we accept HIS DISCIPLINES,
and the in working of the cross, in the process of overcoming, then self
will no longer mis-use the truth, nor seek to consume it upon its own lusts.
Thus, "The path of the uncompromisingly just and righteous is like the
light of dawn, that shines more and more - brighter and clearer - until
it reaches its full strength and glory in the perfect (to be prepared )
day." (Proverbs 4:18, Amplified).
"I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven." To the overcomer
free access is given to ascend into higher realms of divine revelation.
A new awareness was about to burst upon his consciousness, but John was
ready, and the voice urged him upward. It was the same voice which he had
heard before, "a great voice, as of a trumpet," focusing attention
upon "the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last," (Revelation
1:10-11), but now, with this truth firmly established in the heart of the
overcomer, the call can be given, "COME UP HITHER."
In all of the "Come up hither (higher)," there is a constant transition,
which directs our attention beyond former things, that we might enter into
new things. Furthermore, salvation is to be "to the uttermost," (Hebrews
7:25), therefore God will not be satisfied with anything less in us, nor
will He allow us to be satisfied with anything less. We are not called
to recite and re-live the past over and over again, nor just maintain a
status quo. Therefore He saith, "Remember ye not the former things, neither
consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now shall it
spring forth; shall ye not know it." (Isaiah 43:18-19).
Remember not-- the Hebrew word is "zakar" and means: to imprint, make a
memorial. It is more than just a recalling to mind, but has the thought
of re-living it, to participate in it again. The more you recite the past
the more you are in danger of building it into a structure against the
future-- it becomes an obstruction. There are many precious things which
we once enjoyed-- we were blessed by them, yet suddenly they begin to fade
away. Others may yet be blessed by them, be thrilled by them, but for you
personally He removes the life from it, that He might urge you to "Come
up higher." If we hear that call, and then turn back to former things,
we fulfill again that word-- "If therefore the light in thee be darkness,
how great that darkness." (Matthew 6:23). Therefore, by the grace
of God, let us hasten to be obedient to the heavenly vision, and follow
on step by step-- for there is much glory that awaits us!
John heard the voice, "And immediately I was in the Spirit..." Beyond
the natural use of his faculties, his mind was under the control of the
Spirit, and visionary emblems, suited to give him instruction, were employed
to give him a further revelation of God. It strongly resembles the vision
given to Isaiah, when he "saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high
and lifted up, and His train filled the temple." (Isaiah 6:1). Likewise,
Ezekiel declared, "The heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God."
(Ezekiel 1:1). Now we pray that God would "Open Thou mine eyes, that I
may behold wondrous things..." (Psalm 119:18). Obviously the qualifying
pre-requisite is to be "in the Spirit" for it must be His revealing
to us, not some conjuring up of an image of our own. It is to be a ''revelation
of Jesus Christ," to us, in us, and then through us!
''And, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.
And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone...."
(Revelation 4:2-3). Here is glory indescribable. The precious stones--
jasper, which according to some scholars, was clear, bright, transparent
as the light, though variously colored; and the sardine, as brilliant as
the flame, a fiery tinge; and thus, emblematically reveal that God
is Light without a shade of darkness, "The Father of lights, with whom
is no variableness, neither shadow of turning," (James 1:17); and a Flame
purer than the radiant sun, for "Our God s a consuming fire." (Hebrews
2:29).
"And there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto
an emerald." (Rev. 4:3). The emerald is of a green hue, symbolizing
life. While the rainbow has long been the symbol of the everlasting covenant
which God has given to man. "This is the token of the covenant which I
make between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for
perpetual generations: I do set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for
a token of a covenant between Me and the earth." (Genesis 9:12-13). Progressively
through the ages, God has revealed that His covenant with man is a "covenant
of My peace," (Isaiah 54:10), a covenant of life, yes, and ultimate reconciliation
for all of His creation.
"And out of the throne proceeded lightings and thunderings and voices..."
Resounding calls from the throne, to reverberate through our inner being--
"o earth, earth, earth, hear the Word of the Lord." (Jeremiah 22:29). God
has always had a message for His people, though man has not always been
prepared to listen and receive that Word. Long ago God thus spoke to Israel,
and "there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount,
and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud..." (Exodus 19:16). Yet man,
in his carnality, has been afraid of the voice of God, and often turns
away-- preferring to have another hear from God for him. "And they said
unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak
with us, lest we die." (Exodus 20:19). And so for a long time God did speak
to the people through His prophets, priests, and chosen ones-- yet they
listened not to the voice of God through these messengers.
But the challenge to us remains, "He that hath an ear, let him hear
what the Spirit saith unto the called-out." For God continues to speak
to those who will listen to that Voice within. "My sheep hear My voice."
(John 10:27).
Indeed, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past
unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us
by His Son..." (Hebrews 1:1-2). Not only does the Son have a message for
us, HE IS THE MESSAGE-- and the more the "revelation of Jesus Christ,"
comes to us, the more we will become ONE WITH THE MESSAGE, that He might
speak through us that word of life which will bless all nations. O to hear
that living Word from the throne, quickened to us by "the seven lamps
of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God."
(see Chapter 1, paragraph "And from the seven spirits which are before
the throne.")
Let us be reminded, all the signs, symbols, figures, etc. serve but one
purpose, to either directly, or indirectly bring forth "A revelation
of Jesus Christ." One view, one precious stone, one figure cannot fully
express Him. It has been well stated that in Eden the river of water of
life flowed in one full stream, but when it left the garden, and went forth
into the world, it was parted into several channels. "And a river went
out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became
into four heads." (Genesis 2:10). Could we comprehend Him as He is, we
would not need many streams, but finite creatures that we are, in love
He ministers to us that "which is in part," until "that which is perfect
is come." (1 Corinthians 13:10). His perfections are many, and every new
glimpse of Him leaves us in awe, to bow low in worship.
John continues his narration: "And in the midst of the throne, and round
about the throne, four beasts full of eyes before and behind." (Revelation
4:6).
Ezekiel had seen them-- "Four living creatures. And this was their appearance;
they had the likeness of a man. And every one had four faces. - Full of
eyes round about." (Ezekiel 1:5-6, 10:12).
We are more interested in the TRUTH REVEALED, than in just the symbol,
so we pray that He open our eyes to see in the Cherubim, the living creatures,
a further revelation of Him. It is also significant that the word
"cherubim" literally means: "those grasped, held fast." This fits with
the statement by Andrew Jukes that, "The Cherubim are always the Divine
in creature form, the vessel in or by which the Lord reveals His glory.
If He shows Himself in angels, then so far angels may be Cherubim.
If He shows Himself in 'living creatures full of eyes,' who say, 'Thou
hast redeemed us,' then the redeemed are Cherubim."
Personally, without pretending to fully explain "the living creatures,"
we are persuaded that they are "grasped" to reveal the Lord's glory, and
in due time find their fulfillment in His mystic body, the Church of the
redeemed firstborn. For truly, as the type is fulfilled in reality, the
one foreshadows the other.
Paul stated, "I follow after; if that I may apprehend that for which also
I am apprehended of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12). He knew he was
apprehended-- laid hold of-- GRASPED BY GOD. Whatever else he was called
for, this much he knew, "It pleased God, who separated me from my mother's
womb, and called me by His grace, TO REVEAL HIS SON IN ME." (Galatians
1:15-16). This, above all else, was why God GRASPED him. He was
to become an expression of the revelation of Christ. It is from this point
of consideration that we view the cherubim-- they are used to reveal more
of His glory, thus we behold more of Him.
"And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf,
and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like
a flying eagle." (Revelation 4:7).
These figures were first seen in the camps of Israel in the wilderness.
Jewish tradition tells us that these four figures were on the respective
standards-- on the east side the standard of Judah, the lion; on the south
side the standard of Reuben, the man; on the west side the standard of
Ephraim, the ox; and on the north side the standard of Dan, the eagle.
Numbers, chapter 2, gives a limited insight into this camp arrangement.
Thus even then Israel was reckoned to be an elect vessel in which the Lord
would be seen-- a figure of that which in due time would be seen in the
true Israel, the Israel of God. And in every age these figures have been
seen in the camp of His saints, revealing not so much of what they were
in themselves, but of what HE WAS and IS in and through them.
"Like a lion..." Indeed, we know Him to be "The Lion of the tribe
of Judah." (Revelation 5:5). Furthermore, "Judah is my lawgiver:" (Psalm
108:8). This symbol speaks of KINGDOM AUTHORITY. He said, "If I with the
finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon
you." (Luke 11:20). Wherever the King went, He demonstrated the manner
of the Kingdom, the principles of the Kingdom, the power of the Kingdom.
Surely every further "Revelation of Jesus Christ," also reveals
more of His Kingdom Authority, that He is Lord of all. As He is revealed
IN US, more of His Kingdom shall be seen, for truly, the new creation is
His kingdom comes.
"Like a calf (ox)..." This symbol has long stood for the patient
servant, as the ox was used in service for men. Nowhere is the role of
the servant more gloriously demonstrated, than as revealed in our Lord.
"He made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:7). In holy humility
He revealed the blessedness of subjection to our true and heavenly Lord,
our Master who truly serves all. He said, "For whether is greater; he that
sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? But
I am among you as he that serveth." (Luke 22:27).
Not only did He teach and feed the multitudes, heal the sick, and freely
minister to the needy, He even "Laid aside His garments; and took a towel,
and girded Himself. After that He poureth water into a basin, and began
to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith
He was girded." (John 13:4-5). In word and deed He exemplified the spirit
of servitude. "As the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to
minster, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:27-28).
"The third had a face as a man." His position was most unique, for
He was to be the Mediator of a new covenant, the GO-BETWEEN. Well He could
represent the Divine. "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery
to be equal with God." (Philippians 2:6). "I and My Father are one." But
it was equally essential that He be fully conversant with, intimately acquainted
with the needs of mankind. Total identification with our humanity. And
so "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He
also Himself likewise took part of the same;... In all things it behoved
Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and
faithful high priest in things pertaining to God." (Hebrews 2:14, 17).
Volumes could be written concerning His identification with our humanity.
"Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich,
yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be
rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9). Thus even the living creature with a face as
a man is but a further revelation of Him, in His love, His grace, His mercy
toward us.
"And the fourth like a flying eagle." The eagle mounts up and "makes
her nest on high. She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of
the rock, and the strong place. From thence she seeketh the prey, and her
eyes behold afar off." (Job 39:27-29).
"The way of an eagle in the air," (Proverbs 30:19), has long been recognized
as a beautiful type of that which ascends into the heavenlies, able to
ride upon the storm, fearlessly conquering the energy of the air currents
and using them to lift-- soar ever higher, and in majesty to ride in peace,
unruffled by the negatives of the lower realm. The upward look, far beyond
the reach of the human eye, into the Spirit realm-- beholding "Him who
is invisible." (Hebrews 11:27).
Christ is that Royal Eagle, dwelling on high, "dwelling in the light which
no man can approach unto." ( 1 Timothy 6:16). For His "kingdom is not of
this world." (John 18:36). As that trail blazing Overcomer He has
sat down "with My Father in His throne." Gone before us, He has
become "The Way, The Truth, and The Life." And He calls us to "COME
UP HITHER."
With
tremendous love He purposes to share this glory with His own, and "They
that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up
with wings as eagles." (Isaiah 40:31). Leaving the realm of the earthy,
its bestial passion and pride, its self-will and self-centeredness, to
rise up in the Spirit and partake of that life from above.
Such a revelation of the Christ-- the Lion, possessing kingdom authority;
the ox, faithful servant, giving His life for all; the man, sharing in
our humanity, that we might share in the riches of the divine; the eagle,
leading us into realms of glory hitherto unknown. No wonder it is written
that His worshipers fall down before Him, and "cast their crowns before
the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor
and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they
are and were created." (Revelation 4:10-11).
BACK
Chapter 6 -
"The
Scroll of Redemption" (Revelation 5:1-14)
"And I saw in the right
of Him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside,
sealed with seven seals." (Revelation 5:1).
The word "book" that is used here, literally means: a scroll. It did not
in any degree resemble our modern book, for the books of that time were
generally, as this was in particular, composed of skins of parchment rolled
together. Whether it was, as some believe, seven skins, each with its own
seal, so that with the opening of each seal there would be an added depth
of revelation brought forth, or, all seven seals in a row upon the scroll,
as others believe, is really quite immaterial to the subject at hand. The
book was of vital importance, as we shall see, and the opening thereof
would bring great joy to man, for it bespeaks that the message contained
therein could now be freely shared, and its reality become experiential.
Many Bible scholars feel that the scroll must be one of future events that
were to be unfolded. We personally have come to the conclusion that this
is not necessarily so, but rather that it was written long ago concerning
the awesome mystery of our REDEMPTION, of the inheritance lost, and the
requirements for its restoration, in which the Redeemer is the pre-eminent
figure.
While it is true that the letter of the law cannot be explained but by
the gospel, it is no less true that the gospel in its breadth and depth
cannot be set forth except by the figures of the law, each jot of which
covers some blessed mystery. Hence the statement that is often quoted:
"The New is in the Old concealed, the Old is in the New revealed," referring
to the figures of the Old Testament which are given rich, spiritual meaning
in the New Testament. Obscure and mystical phrases become clearly understood
with the quickening of the holy Spirit as we read the Gospel in the New
Testament. Furthermore, the Word of God is its own best interpreter, and
therefore we do well to look elsewhere in the Book to find the meaning
for these SIGN expressions, with their specific language terms. And it
is on this basis that we set forth the premise that this scroll spoken
of is indeed a scroll of redemption.
In type and shadow, God set forth in the law the principles for the redemption
of their land of inheritance, if per chance they lost it. When the
land was divided into estates for each tribe, according to their families,
it was to be a perpetual ownership of the original families and their seed,
passed on from generation to generation. So the rule was established, "The
land shall not be sold forever: for the land is Mine; for ye are strangers
and sojourners with Me. And in all the land of your possession ye shall
grant a redemption for the land."
(Leviticus 25:23-24)
The
inheritance could never be lost permanently, there was a plan of redemption
which secured that fact. In this GOD ORDAINED PRINCIPLE, placed into the
laws of Israel concerning their land-inheritance, we have the fact and
the PROMISE for the totality of redemption, for God said, "the land is
mine." What is spoken of in regards to one minute parcel of land
foreshadows what God purposes for the whole of His creation.
"If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession,
and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which
his brother sold." (Leviticus 25:25).
Whatever the cause, whether hard times fell upon the man, or he wasted
his substance until he acquired debts which needed to be satisfied, or
whatever, if any of the estate was sold to settle the accounts, the title
deed would pass to the purchaser for only a limited time-- either until
it could be redeemed, or else until the year of Jubilee when all lands
were returned to their original owners. "In the year of Jubilee (every
fiftieth year) the field shall return unto him of whom it was bought, even
to him to whom the possession of the land did belong." (Leviticus 27:24).
Transfer all of this symbol unto man, who is the earthen vessel, the field,
which is the Lord's. And when man sells himself to sin, "yielding your
members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity..." (Romans 6:19), yet
man is never brought into perpetual servitude to sin and unrighteousness,
because, God says, "ALL the land is Mine, " and He will bring to pass a
total redemption, so that by the year of jubilee all the land (every creature)
shall return unto Him, "even to Him to whom the possession of the land
did belong." This, in itself, is one of the most glorious mysteries of
our God tucked into the figures of the law, in the Old Testament.
How wonderful is the truth, "That in the dispensation of the fulness of
times He shall gather together in one all things in Christ, both which
are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in Him." (Ephesians 1:10).
It is to be noted that the words "gather together," are the translation
of the Greek word "anakephalaioo" meaning: "to bring back to and gather
round the main point." The compounded preposition "ana" signifies "AGAIN,"
pointing back to a previous condition where no separation existed. He is
going to restore ALL things! God has purposed a re-gathering, a restoration
to that former condition when all things were in perfect unity, when "the
creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption
into the glorious liberty of the children of God." (Romans 8:21).
Precious as this truth is, might we say, it is too far away-- in the far
distant future of that age of ages, the Jubilee, when all things are fully
restored unto Him, and God shall be all in all. And so, there is this
other part of REDEMPTION, that which is designed for our NOW, when the
Kinsman-Redeemer comes on the scene, and redeems the inheritance lost,
so that it can be enjoyed NOW. We see that the life which has been sold
into the bondage of sin can be redeemed NOW. The nearest of kin was able
to buy back the inheritance lost.
Again the Old Testament gives us the beautiful example. When Ruth was come
with her mother-in-law Naomi, back to the land of Israel, her land by right
of her Israelite husband now dead, was in need of redemption. By the arrangement
of God, as He directed her steps, Ruth went to glean in the fields of Boaz,
and so came to meet him. At the end of the day she told Naomi all about
this encounter, and Naomi said, "Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath
not left off His kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi
said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen."
(Ruth 2:20). What a cause for rejoicing! Ruth had met up with one that
had the right to redeem. So the events were set in motion whereby Ruth
would gain the favor of Boaz, and he would be willing to exercise his rights
of kinship. In due time it all worked out, the inheritance was redeemed--
God had purposed it so.
Another Old Testament passage adds to this unfolding mystery of the scroll,
and illustrates how the sealing and unsealing goes. Jeremiah's cousin,
"Ha-nam-e-el my uncle's son came to me, " and said, "Buy my field, I pray
thee -- for the right of inheritance is thine, and the redemption is thine;
buy it for thyself. Then I knew that this was the word of the Lord." (Jeremiah
32:8).
Jeremiah goes on with the transaction, "I subscribed the evidence, and
sealed it, and took witnesses. -- So I took the evidence of the purchase,
both that which was sealed according to the law and custom, and that which
was open." (Jeremiah 32:10-11).
Here we find they had two scrolls, instruments of writing, one was open,
which stated the right of the purchaser, a public record of the transaction,
and the other one was sealed for future use. The sealed scroll contained
both the details of the sale, and the terms of the redemption. The cause,
the specifics of who sold what, and why. The terms of redemption were fully
noted and established at the time of the sale-- both as to the cause, and
the cost to redeem. Then they had the signatures of witness written on
the backside, it was rolled up, and sealed. When the kinsman who would
redeem it would come on the scene, they would bring out this sealed scroll,
and he would have to be qualified to fulfill all the terms written therein.
When Jeremiah had finished the transaction, we read that "I prayed unto
the Lord, saying, Ah Lord God! behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the
earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, there is nothing too hard
for Thee: Thou shewest loving kindness unto thousands, and recompensest
the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of the children after them:
the Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts is His name. Great in counsel,
and mighty in work:... " (Jeremiah 32:16-19).
The message is clear: Jeremiah recognized that the inheritance was in need
of redemption, for what he had just concluded in that little type and shadow
transaction, needed to be done for his nation. There was only one Source
to whom appeal could be made, THE GREAT, The Mighty God, for He is both
"Great in counsel, and mighty in work," and He alone could provide the
redemption. Here before us is the sealed scroll, it pre-figures the need
of all mankind. Lord, God, become our Kinsman-Redeemer, we desperately
need You!
Returning to Revelation 5:1, we read again, "a scroll written within
and on the backside, sealed with seven seals." As long as the scroll
remained sealed, it was a sign that someone had lost the inheritance, and
it still waited to be redeemed.
Little do we yet know what all Adam lost in Eden, inasmuch as we have the
fallen Adam nature in us from the moment of our birth. The mystery of "I
will" and "iniquity" are already at work in us. Not until the fulness of
our redemption is brought forth, will we begin to comprehend the extent
and the seriousness of the fall. A child born in captivity does not realize
what he is missing of the glory of freedom. Therefore it will be an on-going
revelation as our redemption is brought to the full, and we realize the
depth of the pit from which we have been lifted. Yea, what awe, what worship
will fill our hearts, as we bow before our Redeemer.
Neither do we yet comprehend the full extent of redemption's cost, of what
it meant for our Lord to come and be our Redeemer. So much is sealed up
in the scroll-- the cause of our lost inheritance, and the price for its
total redemption.
We need not write at length concerning our lost inheritance, for we all
are deeply aware that strangers have come and dwelt in our land, even in
our earthen vessels. Disease, germs; ideologies and carnal concepts; defiling
spirits of the world; all of which causes us to groan within ourselves,
waiting for redemption.
Another point for serious consideration: the scroll is "in the right
hand of Him that sat on the throne." Far too long men have accepted
religious Babylon's lie, and the Satanic bluff, that when Adam forsook
and abdicated his God-given inheritance, that Satan took it over, that
the "legal title deed" went into Satan's control. It even appears that
there are some who consider Satan to be equal with God, and that some awful
struggle is now going on, the outcome of which is still not sure. That
is blasphemy! God is not in an eternal struggle with Satan. Christianity
is not a dualism, with God and Satan in an eternal warfare. God alone is
GOD! He is sovereign! He is in total control of the universe, "working
all things after the counsel of His own will. " (Ephesians 1:11).
When Adam forfeited the inheritance, Satan did not get it. God took it
out of Adam's hand, and He keeps it till One comes who can handle it. Thus
John said, "I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne a
scroll..." The scroll, written within of the cause of the forfeiture,
and the terms of its redemption, on the backside were the names of the
witnesses, and then it was sealed-- all this evidence was KEPT BY GOD.
Thus Peter writes that we have "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled,
and that fadeth not away, RESERVED IN HEAVEN for you." (1 Peter 1:4).
It is in God's right hand, held in the highest place and authority. On
the veracity of God's Word, we firmly declare that this is not the devil's
world, and never has been. "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof;
the world, and they that dwell therein." (Psalm 24:1).
But, you ask, "What about the scriptures that speak of 'the god of
this world,' and 'the prince of the power of the air,' and such like?"
And we reply, what world is he prince and power over? Over moral intelligences
who submit to his lying reign, and "those taken captive by him at his will."
(2 Timothy 2:26). The phrase "god of this world," does not confer on him
any title of honor, any more than our Lord's calling him the "prince of
this world" conferred on him a rightful dominion. As a prince he is a usurper,
as a deity AN IDOL, he is a prince without right, a god without divinity.
We
are in a world that BELONGS TO GOD. Satan is not our god, nor is he
our prince. "For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we
die, we die unto the Lord; whether we live therefore, or die, WE ARE
THE LORD'S." (Romans 14:8).
Now we note that the scroll was "sealed with seven seals." Seven is the
number of completeness, and thus speaks of the completeness of the loss,
of the deprivation, until a competent Redeemer comes who is equal to the
task of redemption. And it also speaks of the completeness of that glorious
redemption. A complete loss, and a complete victory!
"And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy
to open the scroll, and to loose the seals thereof?" This gives us
a clear indication that it was the will of the One who sat upon the throne,
for this scroll to be opened, its terms be made known, and the redemption
process be carried out. The initiative action is always God's, He is the
First cause of all causes. Redemption begins in the heart of the Father--
so great is His love toward us.
But a profound silence ensues, for "no man in heaven, nor in earth,
neither under the earth, was able to open the scroll, neither to look thereon."
It was totally beyond the qualification of the angels. Principalities and
powers of the celestial realm knew that they were not worthy, for whoever
would take the scroll and open it, would have to also meet all the requirements
for its manifold outworking.
And no man was found, not even among the saints who "by faith" were among
"the spirits of just men made perfect." (Hebrews 12:23). None was found
in heaven, and certainly none was found on earth. From the time when Adam
and Eve sewed their fig leaves together for a covering, man has tried to
work out his own redemption, and failed. All of man's righteousness is
as filthy rags. Once any man has lost his first estate of innocence and
purity, he cannot place himself back into that state again.
No wonder it reads on, "And I wept much, because no man was found worthy
to open and to read the scroll, neither to look thereon." Perhaps John
could have stood in awe and reverence when he first beheld the scroll in
the right hand of Him who sat upon the throne, for full well he knew what
that document was, evidence of an inheritance lost, yet with a promise
of redemption. Perhaps he waited with bated breath when the call went out
for one to come and open the scroll, and fulfill its requirements. But
when none was found worthy to open the scroll, his emotions could be held
in restraint no longer, and "I wept much." If none was found worthy,
then the promise of the prophets, the hope of all the saints, yea, of all
creation, was dashed to despair. Failure at this point and people would
remain in corruption, forever subject to the tyranny of change and decay.
This was a crucial moment! As goes the words of the beautiful Christmas
carol: "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee..." Faith
that held mankind through his trials would be meaningless. The Word which
has sustained them through deep processings would become as a fable. Redemption
was the only answer, and if there be none to redeem, what then? So John
went on weeping.
"And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of
the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the scroll,
and to loose the seals thereof."
Good news! Here is the beginning declaration of the Gospel. There is One
who hath prevailed to open the scroll, there is a Redeemer! We note that
the word "prevailed" is the Greek word "nikao" meaning: to conquer, to
gain the victory, to overcome. Jesus Christ declared, "I OVERCAME,
and am set down with My Father in His throne." (Revelation 3:21).
The Pre-eminent Overcomer! The Root of David, born of the royal line. Yes,
The Lion of the tribe of Judah. We look to see one striding into the scene
in royal apparel, personification of might and power, the very image of
authority, the One of whom Jeremiah spoke, "THE GREAT, THE MIGHTY GOD,"
and what do we see?
"I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne, and of the four beasts,
and in the midst of the elders, stood A LAMB as it had been slain, having
seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth
into all the earth. And He came and took the scroll out of the right hand
of Him that sat upon the throne."
What tremendous truth lies hidden under the veil of this symbolical transaction.
Once again omnipotent God could commit the title deed of the inheritance
back into the hand of a Man– the Man Christ Jesus. With awesome wonder
we see the Father handing over the scroll-- affirming that the Son is WORTHY
to open it, and execute it fully. "He raised Him from the dead, and set
Him at His own right hand in the heavenlies, far above all principality,
and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only
in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things
under His feet, and gave Him to be the Head over all..." (Ephesians 1:20-22).
"Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in
heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18). All the resources of the universe
were placed at His disposal. So great is the challenge caused by the degeneration,
that to bring about the regeneration– "the restitution of all things,"
(Acts 3:21 ), the Father has invested in the Son total power and authority.
"For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the
Son; that all men should honor the son, even as they honor the Father.
- For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the son to
have life in Himself; and hath given Him authority to execute judgment
also, because He is the Son of Man." (John 5:22-23, 26-26).
Jesus Christ, Son of God, Son of man, the Beginning of the NEW CREATION,
now has the full right, power, authority, title deed of the inheritance.
We do not yet see in ourselves the fulness of this victory, "BUT WE SEE
JESUS," (Hebrews 2:9), and in Him is the security for the fulness of redemption.
"And when He had taken the scroll, the four beasts and four and twenty
elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden
vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the saints."
Immediate worship is forthcoming with adoration because of His exaltation.
And golden vials full of odours-- prayers! Not the idle petitions of "give
me this, and give me that," nor the recitations offered by rote, but here
are the intercessions of the saints, distilled and purified until they
are the deep heart-felt prayers for redemption of man, and they are offered
as sweet incense to Him because He has become the Redeemer.
"And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book,
and to open the seals thereof:" (and here is how we know that You qualify)
"for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of
every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. And Thou hast made us
unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth."
Worthy-- the Greek word is "axios" meaning: to be deserving, to merit.
There is a depth contained in this expression, and some scholars give it
to mean: worthy by rank, by character, by ability, and by action. Certainly
Christ's merits were equal to the honor, and His abilities to the task.
His character was without blemish and without spot. In rank He was the
very Son of God. All that He did now causes us to bow low before Him, and
sing, "Thou art worthy!"
Were some carnal man to have loosed the seals, not as a Lamb, but as a
proud pretender, a naive maker of chaos, trying to change the human heart,
it would have been total disaster. For, as Jesus said, "Ye compass sea
and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold
more the child of hell than yourselves." (Matthew 23:15). Such is the effort
of the flesh, bringing forth after its own kind. But here is The One who
truly qualifies, bringing forth a new creation species by the Spirit, to
bear the image of the heavenly.
Christ
has just the right process to bring about a total cleansing, redemptive
work in us, bringing us into His life. And how victorious is the outworking
of His redemptive process? As if surveying the whole through the telescope
of time, John declares that HE who has taken the scroll and opened the
seals thereof, shall bring to a successful conclusion His work of redeeming
all mankind, until "Every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth,
and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them,
heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him
that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."
Redemption
for all! "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord." (Psalm
150:6). Amen ! BACK
Chapter 7 - "The
Horses Are Riding--Within" (Revelation 6:1-8)
"And I saw when the Lamb opened
one of the seals, and 1 heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of
the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse."
(Revelation 6:1-2).
The vision of the scroll, and the qualifying of the Lamb to take that scroll
and loose the seals thereof, has been awesome. It is a "scroll of redemption,"
that is its message, its purpose; and in its outworking we see a further
"revelation of Jesus Christ." He is truly revealed as "The Lamb
of God, which taketh away the sins of the world." (John 1:29).
Now it is time to begin opening the seals, the invitation to further revelation
is given, "Come and see." See-- the Greek word is "blepo" meaning:
to see, perceive, understand. May the Lord give us understanding, for this
is an outworking of the process of redemption-- that must be clearly understood--
every seal that is loosed from the scroll is vitally linked to the redemption
process.
While the Redeemer, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, was also portrayed
as a Lamb, now again the figure changes, and with the opening of the seals
we have the figures of the horse and Rider. This, again, is rooted deep
in Old Testament symbolism. The Psalmist cries out, "Gird Thy sword upon
Thy thigh, O Most Mighty, with Thy glory and Thy majesty. And in Thy majesty
ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness." (Psalm
45:3-4).
RIDE
PROSPEROUSLY! Indeed, though "It pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He
hath put Him to grief: when Thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin,
He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the
Lord shall prosper in His hand." (Isaiah 53:10). So says the prophet in
his prophetic account of our Redeemer, as He "redeems us to God by His
blood."
The
PLEASURE of the Lord, literally, HIS PURPOSE, concerns our redemption.
"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the
heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Now it is TIME for the OUTWORKING OF REDEMPTION,
and whatever step is to be wrought out next-- He truly prospers in that
working, for it is "according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things
after the counsel of His own will." (Ephesians 1:11).
Any gospel that does not acknowledge that our Lord, our Redeemer, has already
"spoiled principalities and powers, making a shew of them openly, triumphing
over them in it," (Colossians 2:15), would be "another gospel," and is
a lie. He is riding prosperously NOW! Change the metaphor, the message
is the same, "He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet."
(1 Corinthians 15:25). HE IS REIGNING NOW! HE IS RIDING NOW!
"In Christ shall all be made alive." That is the purpose, and it shall
be accomplished. However, it is "every man in his own order."
(1 Corinthians 15:22-23). So, while
we do not see Him reigning/riding in every man at this time, nevertheless
there are those who are daily feeling the impact of His in working, being
called out of the world, and unto Himself. He is prospering in His redemptive
process, changing His firstfruits from glory to glory.
"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and
if it first BEGIN AT Us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the
gospel of God." (1 Peter 4:17).
Judgment--
Greek, "krima, or krisis," meaning: the correctional in workings of the
Lord used to bring about a change.
"Behold My Servant, whom I have chosen; My Beloved, in whom My soul is
well pleased: I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He shall SHEW JUDGMENT
to the nations. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear
His voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking
flax shall He not quench, till He send forth JUDGMENT UNTO VICTORY. And
in His name shall the nations trust." (Matthew 12:18-21).
Unto victory-- nikos, from same root as prevail, overcome. He is the Prevailing
One, Victorious, riding prosperously. First the victory was wrought IN
HIMSELF, "In all points tempted (tested) like as we are, YET WITHOUT SIN."
(Hebrews 4:15). Now He is able to walk us through all our processing, bringing
us into the same OVERCOMING victory. "Because I live, ye shall live also."
Again the Old Testament establishes the fact that events have often been
represented by different colored horses. This is seen in Zechariah 1:8-11,
and 6:2-7, where four colored horses are said to be "The four spirits (or,
winds) of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of
all the earth." Sent by God to accomplish their specific purpose. So it
is not strange that we see the symbol used again in the opening of the
seals.
The horse has long been a symbol of strength and fearlessness. "He paweth
in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed
men. He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back
from the sword." (Job 39:21-22).
Again we read, "The horse is prepared against the day of battle." (Proverbs
21:31). GOD IS PREPARED TO DO BATTLE IN YOU! Whatever warfare is necessary,
still He purposes to redeem you, to cleanse, purify, transform, until IN
YOU He hath "made all things new." He who wrestled with Jacob "Until
the breaking of the day," (Genesis 32:24), will wrestle with you for however
long it is necessary, until HE WINS. Yet it is in His winning that you
ultimately win. Sin brings you loss, self will brings you loss, but being
overcome by Christ brings you eternal gain.
If, for a moment, we take a quick peep into events much later in the Book,
John writes that "I saw the heaven opened, and behold a white horse;
and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness
He doth judge and make war. - And the armies which were in heaven followed
Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean." (Revelation
19:11, 14).
It
is essential that first He RIDES IN YOU, before you ride WITH Him.
The time will come when the overcomer shares His throne-- and the time
comes when a vast company follows Him upon white horses, but that is when
He has finished His in workings of grace, and they have become partakers
of His divine nature, conformed to His image, to be ONE IN HIM. Christ
must RIDE TO VICTORY IN US before we ever ride in His triumphal train.
"I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots."
(Song of Solomon 1:9). History records that every one of Pharaoh's horses
was a thoroughbred. There were no mixed stock, they were pure. No intermingling
of other natures, characteristics, weaknesses-- pure bred stock. And such
is the qualification of those who will follow Him on white horses. Pure
as He is pure, holy as He is holy, with no mixture of self or the world
in them-- born again, spirit, soul, and body.
"Behold a white horse: and He that sat on him had a bow; and a crown
was given unto Him: and He went forth conquering, and to conquer."
The color "white" bespeaks of light, illumination, purity, holiness. The
color reveals what He is doing TO you, or producing IN you. As important
as the color is, do not let it distract you from remembering Who it is
that is riding this horse, and the purpose of His riding, for He is riding
it with a view toward REDEMPTION. The scroll is a scroll of redemption,
and that which is now unsealed is furthering that work in you.
The
conquest is His! And the reason He is RIDING WITHIN YOU is to bring
you to that place where from every atom of your being you cry out, "not
my will, but Thine, be done." The fulness of your redemption will require
that every thing within you becomes one IN and WITH the will of God. This
is not some substitute working-- ALL that He does is FOR us, but not instead
of us. He died for us-- not to absolve us from dying, but to ensure the
fact that ultimately we would all face the cross, the death process, and
come through victoriously, even as He triumphed. "We thus judge, that if
One died FOR all, then were all dead." (2 Corinthians 5:14). "That He by
the grace of God should taste death FOR every man." (Hebrews 2:9). He blazed
the trail through the entire process, and conquered, and now He rides in
us to make us experiential partakers of that process which results in our
being "partakers of His holiness." (Hebrews 12:14).
His death guarantees that all men shall die out to sin and self. And His
resurrection guarantees that all men shall LIVE by His life. "Being made
conformable unto His death," is followed by our participation in "the resurrection
of
the dead." And in this death and resurrection process HE RIDES PROSPEROUSLY,
for "in Christ shall all be made alive." It is a process which guarantees
that we shall BE AS PURE AS HE IS PURE!
You have a day all planned, and then everything starts to unravel, nothing
goes as planned, everybody else's will and way are superimposed upon yours,
until by the end of the day you are either fully frustrated, or quite subdued.
What was happening? The white horse was riding-- "conquering and to
conquer."
Ah, you thought it would be a great spiritual experience, Christ rides
in upon a beautiful white horse with glory all around, and you bow and
say, "I am all Yours, Lord," in a show of humility and allegiance. But
it doesn't work that way! It is in the nitty-gritty of every day living
that-- "Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass..."
(Matthew 21:5). Where He finds all these critters, I don't know, but HE
RIDES ON THEM, right into the middle of your life-- in the most mundane
circumstances. He says, "If you SEE ME, I am riding through all this circumstance
to bring your will into oneness with My will." And however camouflaged
it might appear, yet it is THE WHITE HORSE riding prosperously, to bring
you into the fulness of His life, light, purity, and victory.
He has a bow-- "Thy bow was made quite naked... EVEN THY WORD." (Habakkuk
3:9). It is the WORD OF GOD, quickened by the Spirit, that pierces into
our hearts to work a transformation. "Thine arrows are sharp in the heart
of the King's enemies; whereby the people fall under Thee." (Psalm
45:5). He will subdue and conquer-- "He shall not fall nor be discouraged,
till He have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for His
law." (Isaiah 42:4).
"Conquered by the Christ who died to set me free,
Conquered by the Christ who rose to live in me,
Sovereign, and supreme, He rules eternally,
Rule my spirit, Lord, and master me." (author unknown).
All of this is working to bring forth "a revelation of Jesus Christ"
to us, in us, and through us. "It pleased God... to reveal His Son in me..."
(Galatians 1:15-16). And the reason we have this all-conquering White Horse
riding in us, is to bring us into the fulness of the purity wherein He
can be revealed. Praise God!
"And when He had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say,
Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power
was given to Him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that
they should kill one another: and there was given unto Him a great sword."
(Revelation 6:3-4).
Now the process intensifies. Not only has He invaded our life with His
light and divine illumination, and begun a conquering work of bringing
us one into His will, but the process is BY FIRE. Here we have the symbol
of a fiery force burning with energy. The word "red" is the Greek word
"purrhos" meaning: fire like, or, flame colored. It comes from the root
word "pur" meaning: fire. "Our God is a consuming fire," (Hebrews 12:29),
and He consumes all our dross. "Whose fan is in His hand, and He will throughly
purge His floor; and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn
up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (Matthew 3:12).
"Behold the Lord will come WITH FIRE, and with His chariots like a whirlwind,
to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire. For
BY FIRE and by His sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain
of the Lord shall be many." (Isaiah 66:15-16).
When Adam was expelled from the garden of Eden, God "placed at the east
of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and A FLAMING SWORD which turned every
way, to keep the way of the tree of life." (Genesis 3:24). This was
not meant as a blockage, to keep man from the tree of life, but rather
as a safe-guard, and to keep the way open-- so that whoever passed through
the FLAMING SWORD would be qualified to eat of that tree of life. Now we
come to the last book of the Bible, and learn that there are OVERCOMERS
who are given the right to eat of the tree of life. And we learn that
the "red horse" rides prosperously in us, to PURge, PURify, lead us through
our PURgatory, until in Him we are PURe. Furthermore, because it is a flaming
sword it holds within it a HEALING OPERATION as well as a pruning work.
The sword will cut off all the unwanted debris of the flesh, and then cauterize
at the same time, sealing the wound to help hasten the healing. Those who
have been dealt with by the flaming sword know of this glorious dual working,
for while it is ever so painful on the flesh, yet there is a sense of healing,
deliverance, victory that emerges through it all.
"But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth
? For He is like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap. And He shall
sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of
Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord
an offering of righteousness." (Malachi 3:2-3). Does He ride prosperously?
Yes! Every one that is purged BY FIRE brings their offering to Him IN righteousness.
(Editor’s note: they bring themselves-they are the offering).
Significant also that it is given to this Rider "to take peace from
the earth." What does this mean? It means that He will invade your
earth, and whereas you might have once thought things were peaceful in
your flesh-realm, now it all becomes so meaningless, empty, unsatisfying.
You see the vanity of the world for what it is, and you begin to loathe
those very things which you once thought desirable. Houses and lands,
new cars, fine foods, and expensive clothes, whatever the "things" wherein
we found our enjoyment, all become secondary when He takes peace from your
earth. Whatever form of peace you once had is gone, and now your only true
peace is found in Christ. Temporary moments of earth-peace are taken away,
that the true peace from above might be established in you, and in HIM
you learn to be content, regardless of the circumstances, even as Paul
said, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
(Philippians 4:11).
Remember, all of this serves to bring forth another expression of "the
revelation of Jesus Christ." And He said, "Think not that I am come
to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am
come to set a man at variance against his father; and the daughter against
her mother... and a man's foes shall be they of his own household." (Matthew
10:34-36).
He is the Prince of Peace, yet He brought a sword. It is the GOSPEL OF
PEACE, but men war against it. The truth, by reason of men's opposition
to it, will cause much variance, even between nearest relatives. "And that
they should kill one another," is a difficult word, yet persecution, in
one form or other, is necessary to the completion of the Christian character:
for "he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy
of Me. "
Even the Psalmist experienced measures of this, "For my love they made
my adversaries..." (Psalm 109:4). And again, "I am for peace: but when
I speak they are for war." (Psalm 120:7). So when this happens in your
life, just consider that the "red horse" is riding, and using it
all to purify unto Himself a people that shall be found to His praise.
And the promise remains, the day shall come when "they shall beat their
swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall
not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they lean war any more."
(Isaiah 2:4). AMEN!
"When He had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come
and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and He that sat on him had
a pair of balances in His hand." (Revelation 6:5).
"Come and see..." "Then shall we know, if we follow
on to know the Lord..." (Hosea 6:3). It is a progressive revelation,
for "the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith." And
it is an outworking of the REDEMPTION PROCESS-- we must keep that before
us, lest we become overwhelmed with all His work in us. "He is able also
to save us to the uttermost..." (Hebrews 7:25). The severity of the processing
cannot dim the hope of our being made partakers of His divine nature, being
conformed to His image, and entering into the joy that is set before us.
It is also essential that the first seal would be of the "white horse"
bringing light and divine illumination to us, showing us the purity of
that to which we are called, before we face this "black horse" with all
of its inworkings. The holy Spirit quickens various aspects to different
individuals, we share the two points He impresses upon us-- black, and
balances.
One of the reasons for His riding these black experiences into our life,
is to bring us into BALANCE. Why does He "set men in depression ?" (Psalm
90:3, Ferrar Fenton). Why this BLACK MOOD that settles upon some?
Why the dark night of the soul? Because in divine wisdom He incorporates
the night with the light, and calls it "a day." "And the evening
and the morning were the first day." (Genesis 1:5). And the
sequence is most proper– for however
dark the night might be, yet the process ends with the dawning light of
that perfect day. "For His anger endureth but a moment; in His favour is
life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh ln the morning." (Psalm
30:5). Through it all He brings a balance to the inner man.
Change the metaphor for just a moment, for we find in Jesus Christ the
perfect illustration for a balanced life. In the Old Testament it speaks
of offerings made to the Lord "of fine flour." He is that Perfect
Offering! In fine flour not one particle is more predominant than any other
particle, there is no unevenness. In Christ we see every grace in perfectness,
none out of place, none wanting. His firmness never degenerated into obstinacy.
His calmness never became stoical indifference. His gentleness was never
a weakness. In Christ no one thing is singled out, all is even-- in perfect
balance. And such He would work in us today.
HE RIDES WITH A BALANCE IN HIS HAND-- "Every valley shall be filled, and
every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be
made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall
see the salvation of the Lord." (Luke 3:5-6). Salvation! Redemption! The
black horse rides for this! The ultimate goal is total restoration for
every creature!
What a shout of victory shall be heard, when the overcomers are manifested
in the glory of HIS BALANCE. The song of the ages which has long been buried
deep within shall be heard again-- as "When the morning stars sang together;
and all the sons of God shouted for joy." (Job 38:7). What praise, what
worship shall arise as sweet incense unto Him who has wrought such a glorious
redemption under the cover of the dark night of the soul. Truly, "The darkness
hideth not from Thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and
the light are both alike to Thee." (Psalm 139:12).
Jesus said to Peter, "Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift
you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith shall not."
(Luke 22:31-32). Why the sifting? To sift out all the uneven particles--
the doubt, the unbelief, the self-will, etc. until only "fine flour" remains.
We get so tossed and shaken we think all balance is gone-- but all of this
is working that He might bring us into HIS balance. And don't forget, He
says, "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." Fail not-- literally,
the Greek text reads, "will not go into an eclipse. " HIS PRAYER SHALL
BE ANSWERED! His faith in us shall rise up and overcome. "The life
which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who
loved me, and gave Himself for me."
(Galatians 2:20).
The message came to Belshazzar, "Thou art weighed in the balances, and
art found wanting " (Daniel 5:27). Likewise we look at ourselves and we
see such lack, such need. But He rides within to balance out our need with
His sufficiency, our lack with His fulness. "He maketh peace thy borders,
and filleth thee with the finest of wheat." (Psalm 147:14). He is the one
that "bindeth up our wounds, pouring in oil and wine." (Luke 10:34). He
is that Great Physician, He is our Healing Redeemer!
Far too long we have fastened our attention upon the blackness of the night,
but now it is time to look only on the Rider-- "the Author and the Finisher
of our faith." He will ride prosperously through the night, and joy will
come in the morning.
"And when He had opened the
fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And
I looked, and behold a pale horse: and His name that sat on him was Death,
and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth
part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death,
and with the beasts of the earth." (Revelation 6:7-8).
"Come and see..." By degrees the revelation unfolds, and we glimpse
more of the mystery of our redemption-- to bow in awesome wonder, and say
with Paul, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge
of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!"
(Romans 11:33).
What an outworking of redemption in us-- the white horse, the red horse,
the black horse, have ridden so prosperously in the areas of their purpose,
that now as we come to this fourth horse, we see its ministration is to
"the fourth part of the earth." This signifies the success of the
preceding processes, and the conclusion of His work over what remains.
When this horse has ridden through, it will have finished the purging,
purifying, ending of the old realm of carnality, that we might be filled
with His life. He has all the equipment necessary for accomplishing the
task-- for "ALL power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew
28:18).
"I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore,
Amen; and HAVE THE KEYS OF HELL AND OF DEATH." (Revelation 1:18). All
power-- all authority, and all ability, HE HAS IT! And "death and hell"
are now under His control, to use as servants, instruments for His working.
He uses death to help us die out to the carnal mind, to self, to sin. "I
kill, and I make alive; wound, and I heal; neither is there any that can
deliver out of My hand." (Deuteronomy 32:39).
"Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for He hath torn, and He will heal
us; He hath smitten, and He will bind us up." (Hosea 6:1). No mention of
"the devil" here, no glorifying of negative forces-- because HE IS IN
CONTROL. "Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling
His Word." (Psalm 148:8). He knows just how much of the DEATH PROCESS is
needed at any given time, and truly, "The way of the cross leads home."
Death came as an enemy, the result of when man turned away from God, to
the minding of self and the flesh. Now God makes death overcome itself.
It is by death that death is rendered powerless, and there shall arise
a new life-- His. It takes death to destroy death, and thus Christ "did
taste death for every man, - that through death He might destroy him that
had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through
fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (Hebrews 2:9,
14-15)
How clear is the Word Jesus gave, "When a strong man armed keepeth his
palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come
upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour where in
he trusted, and divideth his spoils." (Luke 11:21-22). Once the devil had
"the power of death," and so as a thief he came "to steal, and to kill,
and to destroy." But then A STRONGER than he came and took away his armour--
rendered him powerless, and now CHRIST ALONE has the keys of death and
of hell. To deny this is to blaspheme the triumph of Calvary. The Rider
of the "pale horse" has total authority over death and hell, and
now can use them for the furtherance of His process of REDEMPTION. Thus,
by His enablement, we conquer the death of the carnal mind by dying to
it. Only God could use such a process to bring victory and release His
new life in us.
"To kill with the sword..." "Out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that
with it He should smite the nations." (Revelation 19:15).
"For the Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged
sword." (Hebrews 4:12). Thank God for this sword which kills-- and yet
quickens us anew with His life.
"And with hunger..." What lusts within, what passions, what desires
are "starved to death," that He might give us the desires of His heart.
We get so hungry for fellowship we think we'll die, and yet when He has
finished His inworking we desire only HIS true fellowship-- He let that
hunger rage within us until it burned itself out, and now we hunger and
thirst only after Him, and such, He said, "shall be filled."
"And with the beasts of the earth..." In a way so unique and amazing,
He is able to marshall the bestial nature of men about us, so that they
are His instruments to put to death in us that which is not pleasing to
Him. They might well be termed "vessels of wrath fitted to destruction"
(Romans 9:22), but they are under His control. "For Thou, O God, hath proved
us: Thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the
net; Thou laidest affliction upon our loins. THOU CAUSED MEN TO RIDE OVER
OUR HEADS; we went through fire and through water but Thou broughtest us
out into a wealthy place." (Psalm 66:10-12)
Is He prosperous! Yes, the end result is that He brings us INTO A WEALTHY
PLACE. The Hebrew word means: fulness. And the same word is used in the
verse, "Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." (Psalm 23:5).
Wealthy, running over-- such is the abundant life we have in Christ. For,
"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of
joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." (Psalm 16:11).
Ride on, O Redeemer! Whatever the process, however hot the fire, however
dark the night, however sharp the sword, however long the fight-- the victory
is secure in Thee. amen! BACK
Chapter 8 - "The
Other Seals Are Opened" (Revelation 6:9 - 8:1)
"And when He had opened the fifth
seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the Word
of God, and for the testimony they held." (Revelation 6:9).
The Lamb of God, who has "redeemed us to God by His blood," is also
"the Lion of the tribe of Judah," with full power and authority
to open THE SCROLL OF REDEMPTION, and carry out all the requirements necessary
to effect a total redemption of the inheritance. One by one He opens the
seals, and fulfills the ministry which furthers that redemptive work in
us. We have seen Him as the Rider of the white horse, conquering, subduing,
bringing us into oneness with His will, and to make us holy as He is holy.
We have seen Him riding the red horse, and using all the fiery trials to
purge and purify. Prosperously He has ridden the black horse, bringing
balance into our life, healing and building us up, even through the dark
night of the soul. And we have seen Him as the Rider of the pale horse,
with death and hell at His command, to bring an end to the old creation,
that the new Christ life might he fully manifested.
Now we come to the fifth seal. Five is the number of grace, and here again
we see the grace of God being manifested in new dimensions of working and
blessing. Every further ''revelation of Jesus Christ," brings new
insight into the wonders of His grace and peace. Indeed, through
"the ages to come He will continue to shew the exceeding riches of His
grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."
(Ephesians 2:7).
Again the figure is one taken from the Old Testament, of the altar of burnt-offerings,
which stood just within the entrance to the court. But instead of the appointed
animal sacrifices, it streams with the blood of those who share in the
''fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death."
(Philippians 3:10). Outwardly it could well represent the martyrs who laid
down their life "for the testimony which they held," but that only
symbolizes what is worked out in every one who "presents their body a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God." (Romans 12:1).
Persecutions are often on-going, and Paul said, "I die daily." (1 Corinthians
15:31). Yet, "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute
you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake."
(Matthew 5:11). Persecution comes in many forms and disguises, from physical
violence to mental cruelty, from the cruel sneer to the subtle put-down.
It takes DAILY GRACE to be a LIVING SACRIFICE, laying down our life, that
HIS LIFE might be seen.
Peter also adds a timely word, "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ,
happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their
part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified. But let none
of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a
busybody in other men's matters." (1 Peter 4:14-15). To suffer for our
own evil-doing is to reap what we have sown. And to meddle in another's
affairs, and not be appreciated for our meddling, brings no glory to our
Lord. But there is a "suffering for well doing," (1 Peter 3:17), which
brings honor to His name, especially when it is "for the Word of God,
and for the testimony which we hold."
But all of this is to further His redemptive work in us, so John goes on--
he saw how "They cried with a loud voice, saying, How long O Lord, holy
and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on
the earth?" One would think that just laying down one's life would
indicate great spiritual stature-- but here we definitely see the need
for more inworking of His grace. They are crying out "how long?"
and certainly we can identify with that cry, and yet is it not true that
once we have come to full stature in Christ, "time" will not be a disturbing
factor? We can say with the Psalmist, "My times are in Thy hand:" and yet
go right on to add, "deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from
them that persecute me." (Psalm 31:15). We acknowledge that He is in control,
and then we proceed to tell Him how to control it. If our times are truly
IN HIS HAND, then that includes our times of persecution also. Thus again
we see how our “how long?” is to be swallowed up in "not my will,
but Thine, be done." And we yield ourselves yet the more to His all-sufficient
grace.
Also, we see they are praying to be "avenged." Again we can identify with
this desire, yet we read, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather
give place unto wrath: for it is written, vengeance is Mine; I will repay,
saith the Lord." (Romans 12:19). Full well He knows how to judge, discipline,
etc. with every action in harmony with His nature of love. He is JUST in
all His ways!
But there is a further "revelation of Jesus Christ" to be brought
forth here-- and of our Redeemer we read, "Who, when He was reviled, reviled
not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to
Him that judgeth righteously." (1 Peter 2:23). Indeed, we hear Him pray,
"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34). And
as He conforms us to His image, working His redemptive processes within,
we see Him revealed in His own, as in Stephen, "when he kneeled down, and
cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." (Acts
7:60). To this Paul also adds affirmation, that as we become one in His
ministry of reconciliation, it is this "not imputing their trespasses unto
them," (2 Corinthians 5:19), that will reveal His love flowing through
us in mercy and grace.
Full well our Redeemer knows what we need, and so "white robes were
given unto every one of them." What a ministry to us-ward, as He takes
away the filthy rags of our own self-righteousness, with our demand for
vengeance, and clothes us with Himself. "I will greatly rejoice in the
Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the
garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness."
(Isaiah 61:10). So shall we be "arrayed in fine linen, clean and white:
for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints." (Revelation
19:8).
"And it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season,
until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed
as they were, should be fulfilled." The outward circumstances of our
processing vary according to our need, but the principles being wrought
out in each of us are the same. Let us find our rest in Him, until He has
finished His work in each of us, and then we shall "be able to comprehend
with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that we might
be filled with all the fulness of God." (Ephesians 3:18-19). Such is the
blessedness of His opening of the fifth seal in our redemption.
"And I beheld when He had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was
a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and
the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth..."
(Revelation 6:12-13).
Six is the number of man, the human number. Man was created on the sixth
day. Also, six days were appointed to him for his labour, while one day
is associated with the Lord, as His rest. Six, therefore, is the number
of labour also-- of man's labour as apart and distinct from God's rest.
Now we see our Redeemer moving mightily into man's world-- bringing an
end to its order, that He might establish the divine order. The opening
of this seal threatens nothing less than a dissolution of the whole system
of nature. "A great earthquake." The pillars of the earth are shaken
and the world trembles to its inmost core. The lights in the heavens are
plunged into darkness. In a word, "The day of the Lord... in the which
the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall
melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall
be burned up." (2 Peter 3:10).
Again we note how this was first wrought in our Lord. On the cross, "when
He had cried with a loud voice, He yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the
veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the
earth did quake, and the rocks rent." (Matthew 27:50-51). The rending
of His own body, the rending of the veil in the temple, the rending of
the earth itself - all spoke of the tremendous CHANGE taking place.
And when the hour of resurrection had come, "Behold, there was a great
earthquake..." (Matthew 28:2). Two great earthquakes, at His death and
at His resurrection, two being the number of witness, God bore a mighty
witness that a whole order was being taken away-- "He taketh away the first,
that He may establish the second." (Hebrews 10:9).
Here, indeed, is a "revelation of Jesus Christ" as our Redeemer
fulfills in us that cataclysmic transformation which results in our receiving
"a new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." He alone
is able to bring to nought the kingdoms of men, and "make us meet to be
partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. Delivering us from
the power of darkness, and translating us into the kingdom of His
dear Son: in whom we have redemption..." (Colossians 1:12-14).
So we need not think it strange when we also experience these shakings.
The purpose is clear-- to loose us from all of the old order, and every
chain that binds us to the earthy. This is seen in the life of Paul, when,
being in prison, yet at midnight praying and singing praises unto God,
"And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of
the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and
every one's bands were loosed." (Acts 16:26). What an illustration of what
is to be wrought in our little earthen vessels.
The principalities and powers which held dominion over us shall be cast
down. The stars which shone so brightly in our little world shall be no
more, for there is a "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that
exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity
every thought to the obedience of Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Jesus declared, "The sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give
her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the
heavens shall be shaken." (Matthew 24:29). And we could well borrow the
words of David, uttered at the death of Saul and Jonathan, "How are the
mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!"
(2 Samuel 1:27). Kingdoms, rulers,
exalted leaders of men shall all be brought low, for it is truly in the
outworking of the redemption process that "The lofty looks of man shall
be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord
alone shall be exalted."
(Isaiah 2:11).
The Word has been clearly spoken, "He hath promised, saying, Yet once more
I shake not the earth only, but also the heaven. And this word, Yet once
more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things
that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain." Then
follows the positive promise that we shall "receive a kingdom which cannot
be moved," therefore, "let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably
with reverence and godly fear." (Hebrews 12:26-28).
Awesome as the shaking is when "the axe is laid unto the root of the trees,"
(Matthew 3:10), and "the foundations of the world were discovered at Thy
rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of Thy nostrils," (Psalm 18:15), yet His mercy
endureth forever. And in love "He sent from above, He took me, He drew
me out of many waters." (Psalm 18:16). For truly, "salvation is of the
Lord." Thus John continues with his narrative-- not only does God INVADE
every man's earth-world, to bring low the flesh of man, but then He also
SEALS US TO HIS KINGDOM. "Sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads."
(Revelation 7:3).
"Sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance
until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His
glory." (Ephesians 1:13-14).
The word "seal" literally means: to stamp (with signet or private mark)
for security or protection; also, as a mark of privacy, or genuineness;
as a sign of ownership. "The foundation of God standeth sure, having this
seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, Let everyone that nameth
the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
(2 Timothy 2:19).
This seal, Paul brings out, has two inscriptions, two mutually complementary
aspects. First, God's knowledge of His chosen; and secondly, our recognition
of our relationship to God, and its imperative call to holiness. Thus we
have security and purity. Security is well wrapped up in "the Lord knoweth
them that are His." He watches over and protects His own, for "My Father...
is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck out of My Father's hand."
(John 10:29). He never leaves us, nor forsakes us.
But we also find that purity and security are indispensable to each other.
He not only indwells us by His Spirit, sealing us to Himself, but, "when
He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and
of judgment." (John 16:8). The purity is highly essential to the security--
if it is not pure, it cannot be secure, so the one necessitates the other.
Therefore, "Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
Though the earthquakes we experience are often severe, they are bringing
an
end to the human-effort realm,
and bringing us into the security of His seal-- the guarantee that our
redemption will be complete.
John saw those who had come through the pressures, "arrayed in white
robes. - These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed
their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are
they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple:
and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them: shall feed them,
and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe
away all tears from their eyes." (Revelation 7:14-15, 17).
What more can be said? He who looses the seals on the scroll of redemption
is able to fulfill every requirement in the redeeming of the inheritance.
The victory far surpasses our hopes and dreams, for "He is able to do exceedingly
abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that
worketh in us. Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout
all ages." (Ephesians 3:20-21). Amen!
But there is one more seal to be opened. "And when He had opened the
seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour."
(Revelation 8:1).
One of the difficult tests in the life of the believer is that of "silence,"
and yet it is used of God in preparation for greater things to come. "Be
silent, O all flesh, before the Lord." (Zechariah 2:13). The more we are
stripped of all flesh-works, the more inner Christ-life can find expression
through us. Silence is a vital part of the inworking of redemption-- it
is a proving time, whether we will seek for "other voices," or wait until
He speaks to us again. A time of silence will test our ability to keep
focused on Him. Thus it is also a mark that we are HIS. "The sheep follow
Him: for they know His voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but
will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers." (John 10:4-5).
The Psalmist offers some valuable insight. "Truly my soul waiteth (Hebrew,
IS SILENT) upon God: from Him cometh my salvation." (Psalm 62:1). So purified,
so becoming one with the Spirit, the soul is now silent before Him. A ceasing
from all self motion and noise. Trusting in HIS GRACE alone, to "rest (be
silent) in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." (Psalm 37:7). No longer
the agitation of the mind, with thoughts in a turmoil, for the mind is
renewed into oneness with the mind of Christ. No more are emotions turbulent
and shouting for expression, because He has subdued and brought peace to
the inner man. Truly the redemption process works-- it brings peace, harmony,
tranquility. The travail and sorrow are ended, and we "remember no more
the anguish, for joy that a man is born..." (John 16:21). He will have
brought "many sons unto glory." And they are silent in His presence. Indeed,
"Praise waiteth (IS SILENT) for Thee, O God, in Zion." (Psalm 65:1).
The highest order of anything is to BECOME that thing-- and when PRAISE
is silent before the Lord, it signifies that we have BECOME HIS PRAISE,
and in this state of being we stand before Him-- what we are, IS, a praise
to Him. We can "Be still, and know that He is God." (Psalm 46:10).
Yet there is another aspect to be considered. When the host of FIRSTFRUITS
OF THE REDEEMED stand in silence before Him, awesomely aware of their ONENESS
WITH HIM, they have no agenda of their own to pursue, but they quietly
wait for His instruction. Ezekiel records it, "Whithersoever the Spirit
was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go..." and when they
returned, having fulfilled their commission, "when they stood, they let
down their wings." (Ezekiel 1:20, 24). No restlessness within to get moving
again, but all of their being awaits His pleasure in a state of "quiet
willingness." "Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power."
(Psalm 110:3).
It is also written of this seed, this anointed company of which He is the
Head, that "In thee shall all nations be blessed." (Galatians 3:8). And
now shall commence that great work of restoration, when He shall "gather
together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which
are on earth, even in Him." (Ephesians 1:10). Thus, in silence, these purified
ones wait before Him, alert for the unfolding of His will and plan. Soon
the seven trumpets will sound, and such a move of God shall sweep the earth
as unparalleled in all history. Truly, the future belongs to God, and
His anointed ones. Going forth "conquering, und to conquer," until "all
shall know Me, from the least to the greatest." (Hebrews 8:11). How triumphant
are the workings of our God! BACK
Chapter 9 - "Let
The Trumpets Blow" (Revelation 8:1-9:21)
"And when He had opened the seventh
seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And
I saw the seven angels (spirits, messengers) which stood before God; and
to them were given seven trumpets." (Revelation 8:1-2).
"The Lord is in His holy temple: let the earth keep silence before Him."
(Habakkuk 2:20). In His awe-some presence we bow, with no demands, no babbling
of voices, but in silent adoration we worship Him. We are His
to command-- and the unfolding of His purpose is at hand.
Beyond the silence is the knowing
that we are His!
Beyond the silence is the enwrapment
of His love!
Beyond the silence is the joy that
overflows!
Beyond the silence the song of
the ages will be sung!
Beyond the silence is the energy
force of God!
Beyond the silence is the sounding
of the trumpets!
Beyond the silence is a ministry
of reconciliation!
Silence must not be misconstrued as idleness, but here it marks a transition
point, that which was long awaited is now on the threshhold of fulfillment.
John beheld, "Another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden
censer; and there was given him much incense, that he should offer it with
the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the
throne. And the smoke of the incense which came with the prayers of the
saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.." (Revelation 8:3-4).
Reference is made of these prayers in Revelation 5:8, of the "golden
vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the saints." And we
know that they were "heard and held," for they are not answered according
to the timing of men, but according to the purpose of God. For many long
years "the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they
cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. And God
heard their groaning." God was not indifferent to all this praying,
but He works all things with a rare purpose and design, and so, at
the proper time, "God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect
unto them." (Exodus 2:23-25). Respect-- the Hebrew word is "yada" meaning:
to know, to be acquainted with. It speaks of TIME FOR INVOLVEMENT-- time
to answer the cry-- and He did, with a mighty deliverance from Egypt.
Likewise, the prayers of the saints have ascended, even "groanings which
cannot be uttered." (Romans 8:26). Prayers for the salvation of loved ones;
prayers for a world-wide outpouring of His Spirit; prayers for a visible
manifestation of the establishment of His kingdom in the earth. "Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10). Prayers
of the saints ascending, and be assured, GOD HAS RESPECT UNTO THEM. He
hears every prayer, and they are kept in the "golden vial," until
this appointed hour. Now they are blended with the incense, worship and
praise, and offered upon the altar-- ascending up before God. And the TIME
FOR THE ANSWER HAS COME! "And the angel took the censer, and filled it
with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices,
and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake." (Revelation 8:5).
Events are now set in motion for the fulfillment of those prayers-- and
an awesome new era begins.
"And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves
to sound." (Revelation 8:6).
Again we find the scene is rooted in the Old Testament, and as is often
the case, the first time a word is used denotes its meaning and purpose.
The sounding of the trumpet is first spoken of in Exodus 19:13, 16, "When
the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount. - And it came
to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings,
and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding
loud; so that all the people in the camp trembled." Israel was called to
the mount-- to come before the Lord. Thus we establish the purpose of the
trumpet, for the calling of assemblies, and in particular, to come before
the Lord. When God purposes to have dealings with His creation, He has
waysand means of alerting our attention. There were specific sounds for
specific commands of action, whether it was a call to battle, or to celebrate
an occasion, for solemn days, for joyful days, etc. When the trumpet sounded,
the people were alerted for that happening. "And all the people saw the
thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the
mountain smoking." (Exodus 20:18).
When God delivered the city of Jericho into the hand of Israel, "The seven
priests bearing seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on before the Lord,
and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the Lord followed
them." (Joshua 6:8). Sending a signal to all the inhabitants of the cities
around about-- the message was that the GOD of Israel was present, and
ready to do battle with any that opposed His will. The victory that followed
this blowing of the trumpets is truly awesome.
Hear the prophet Zephaniah cry out in his day, "The great day of the Lord
is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of
the Lord - A day of the trumpet and alarm..." (Zephaniah 1:14,16).
Joel also joins in, "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in
My holy mountain: let a1l the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the
day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand." (Joel 2:1). Moffatt reads:
"Till the citizens all tremble! For the Eternal's day is coming-- here
it is! near it is!" It is time for the message to penetrate into the consciousness
of every man, the day of reckoning is here! "Prepare to meet thy God."
(Amos 4:12).
Let it go on record, "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision
(or threshing): for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.
The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their
shining. The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from
Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake..." (Joel 3:14-16).
In the sounding forth of the seven trumpets, methinks we have the outworking
process of redemption for the whole earth. That which was wrought in the
overcoming firstfruits, must now be wrought in all mankind. How could it
be otherwise? The scroll that is unsealed is the scroll of redemption--
redemption
that is for ALL, though it has been "every man in his own order." Seven
is the number of perfection, completeness, and in this seventh seal, once
all the other trumpets have sounded, and fulfilled their ministry, when
we come to the seventh trumpet, we read, "In the days of the voice of the
seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should
be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the prophets." (Revelation
10:7).
Though there is much to yet be wrought out in the redemption of mankind,
this promise bespeaks of the solid victory of the "Lamb of God which taketh
away the sin of the world." We have seen the triumph of our Lord, He hath
prevailed! And we have glimpsed this same victory in the overcomers,
now rightly called "His Christ," i.e. His anointed ones. Together
they shall see the reconciliation of all things, regardless of how many
ages are required for its outworking. Thus He will complete "The times
of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all
His holy prophets since the world began." (Acts 3:21).
The trumpets blow a specific message. If the trumpet give an uncertain
sound, how shall the inhabitants of the earth know what is being declared?
Therefore the seven angels are first seen "standing before God." And remember,
"in the midst of the throne... stood a Lamb." It is from this Lamb that
the message comes. It is from the Redeemer that the messengers were "given
seven trumpets." They would not blow an uncertain sound, they received
their Word directly from Him who is "The Way, Truth, and Life."
Jesus Christ has but one message to offer-- "Grace and truth came by
Jesus Christ." (John 1:17). He said, "I am come that they might have life,
and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10). Truly, He "brought
life and immorality to light through the gospel." (2 Timothy 1:10).
Religion has some strange doctrines of all the horrible things God plans
to do to men. But there is GOOD NEWS! Jesus Christ does not "damn men
to hell." "For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17). His message
and His purpose have not changed over the years. "And He is the propitiation
(the mercyseat) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins
of the whole world." (1 John 2:2). God "sent Him to bless you, in turning
every one of you from his iniquities." (Acts 3:26). How very positive
the message! How glorious "the revelation of Jesus Christ."
"The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with
blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was
burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up." (Revelation 8:7).
Trees symbolize men of stature. Grass refers to the common people."
All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of
the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the Spirit of
the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass " (Isaiah 40:6-7).
Were this the totality of the message, it would not be good news. Of the
vanity and frailty of man we know. But the word came, "Comfort ye, comfort
ye My people, saith your God." And in that message of comfort, he declared,
"And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, AND ALL FLESH SHALL SEE IT
TOGETHER." (Isaiah 40:5). And when this is mentioned again, in Luke 3:6,
it reads, "And all flesh shall see the salvation of God." Glory-- salvation--
all flesh shall see, shall partake thereof!
What then is this message of the trumpet? Surely it bespeaks that the time
of God's judgments have come-- as "God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh
is come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence through them;
and, behold; I will destroy them with the earth." (Genesis 6:13). And Peter
writes, "The world that then was, being over flowed with water, perished:
But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept
in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition
of ungodly men." (2 Peter 3:6-7).
First it was "judgment by water," and now it is "judgment by fire." If
all judgment were to "damn" men, there would be no good news in this at
all, but the fact is that all His judgments are REMEDIAL, a correction
unto life! "Behold My Servant, whom I have chosen; My Beloved, in whom
My soul is well pleased: I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He shall shew
judgment to the nations. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any
man hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall He not break, and
smoking flaxshall He not quench, till He send forth judgment unto victory.
And in His name shall the nations trust." (Matthew 12:18-21). What
a glorious victory! When He shall have finished His judgment process, every
individual of every nation shall learn to trust in Him.
The Greek word for judgment is "krisis," and literally speaks of the
process of correction unto rightness. This word is carried over into
our English language, replacing the letter "k" with the letter "c" to make
it read, "crisis," which is a decisive moment, a turning point. In fact,
it comes from the Greek word "krinein"-- to separate. It is a process of
separation, truth from error, good from evil, life from death, light from
darkness. It is to separate you from selfhood's rebellion, giving you a
turning point, and heading you in the right direction, into the will of
God.
Indeed, out of every crisis comes the occasion to be reborn. This is well
expressed in the Chinese language, where the written character for the
word crisis is made up of two symbols: one stands for danger, and one which
stands for opportunity. It is a crucial time, but with Him the end is secure--
the end of evil, and the establishment of His righteousness. Therefore
Peter wrote on, "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new
heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness " (2 Peter 3:13).
Yes, the processing is BY FIRE. "Our God is a consuming fire." To burn
out the dross, the chaff, the self-will and rebellion of man-- but it
is "unto victory." The haughtiness of man shall be brought low, but
when the processing has been concluded in them, "They shalt be called trees
of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified."
(Isaiah 61:3).
"And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning
with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part the sea became blood;
and the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life,
died; and the third part of the ships was destroyed." (Revelation 8:8-9).
A great mountain-- mountains speak of kingdoms, but this is the entrance
of HIS KINGDOM, burning with fire, coming to cleanse that which has been
so utterly corrupted and defiled. Again we turn to the OldTestament
for a point of reference, for King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream which Daniel
interpreted for him, "Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without
hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay,
and brake them in pieces. - And the stone that smote the image became a
great mountain that filled the whole earth." (Daniel 2:34-35). There
is but one great mountain-- the triumphant kingdom of our Lord, which will
ultimately smite all the kingdoms of man, and FILL the whole earth! Here
is redemption's outworking in beautiful portrayal.
Ships bespeak of the organized system of commerce. Thank God for
the hope that "Kingdom economics" will be realized. It will be a tremendous
upheaval. "They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great
waters; these see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. -
They will reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and be at their
wit's end." But then, praise God, the next verse reads, "They cry unto
the Lord in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their distresses."
(Psalm 107:23- 24, 27-28). Man's ways will end, God's ways will be established.
But if ever there was an area that needs the ministry of this "great
mountain burning with fire," it is in the realm of religious business.
Peddlers are making merchandise of the gospel. But He who "went into the
temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple,
and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that
sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called
the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves," (Matthew 21:12-13),
this One, we say, shall surely purge WITH FIRE the religious merchandisers
of these days. The personal kingdom-building of man, with all its worship
of the golden calf, shall die out, replaced with pure, unselfish motives
to freely serve all, to the glory of God.
Religious institutions have long proclaimed a negative message of doom
and judgment, emphasizing earth's calamities. They conjure up images of
all the fearsome things that will befall the flesh. But Jesus said, "This
is the judgment, that light is come into the world." (John 3:19). Therefore,
if we are to look for HIS JUDGMENTS, we must needs LOOK FOR THE LIGHT.
Judgments without the light would not be effective. When the hour of correction
is come, then "I will make My judgement to rest for a light of the people."
(Isaiah 51:4). "For when Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants
of the world will learn righteousness." (Isaiah 26:9).
Herein is more of the "revelation of Jesus Christ." For HE IS
the Judgment, He is the Light, "For judgment I AM come into this world.."
(John 9:39). Wherever He goes judgment goes. He is the Living Standard
of righteousness, the Light which exposes all that does not measure up
to the standard-- not for the purpose of condemnation, but that it might
be corrected and brought up to the standard. How positive! How marvelously
victorious He is!
"And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven,
burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers,
and upon the fountain of waters." (verse 10).
Rivers and fountains bespeak of teachings, doctrines, creeds. If
ever a purging was needed, it is here! "For when they speak great swelling
words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh..." (2 Peter
2:18). "In vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments
of men." (Matthew 15:9). All of "These regulations look wise with their
self inspired efforts at worship, their policy of self humbling, and their
studied neglect of the body. But in actual practice they do honor, not
to God, but to man's own pride." (Colossians 2:23, Phillips).
Volumes could be written on how the traditions of men have distorted and
perverted the truth. Indeed, "His visage was so marred more than any man,
and His form more than the sons of men." They defame His nature and His
character. But when He is REVEALED in flaming fire, "The kings shall shut
their mouths at Him: for that which had not been told them shall they see;
and that which they had not heard shall they consider." (Isaiah 52:14-15).
He has promised, "I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh." (Joel 2:28).
"And when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all
truth." (John 16:13). And then, "Out of your innermost being shall flow
rivers of living water." (John 7:38). And then shall they bring good tidings,
"that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! (and
then) thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall
they sing: for they shall see eye to eye..." (Isaiah 52:7-8).
Bitter as the wormwood might be that is used to purge out the error of
tradition, carnal concepts, the false self images, etc. yet when He has
finished this tremendous judgment, "The earth shall be filled with the
knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk
2:14). God has appointed HIS CLEANSING AGENTS and they shall be most
effective in their working, and though bringing death to the old, it also
bespeaks of the preparation for the birthing of the new. Praise God!
(Editor’s note: For many infants in Christ, the god of their understanding
must also die, only to birth the reality of the true God, "We know too
that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding to know the
One who is true. We know that our life is in the true One– in his Son Jesus
Christ. This is the real God and this is eternal life." 1 John 5:20-J.
B. Phillips).
"And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten,
and a third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the
third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part
of it, and the night likewise." (verse 12).
Now the luminaries are dealt with as Jesus foretold. "The sun shall be
darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall
from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken." (Matthew 24:29).
The lamp of man is going out. "The night cometh when no man can work."
(John 9:4). Through the ages great lights/leaders have risen, and others
have followed in their light. But there comes a day when God diminishes
that shining, for however brilliant it may first have appeared, it is "of
the world. And the world passeth away..." (1 John 2:16-17).
"For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give
their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon
shall not cause her light to shine. And I will punish the world for their
evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy
of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible."
(Isaiah 13:10-11). (Editor’s note: In this present light, darkness is but
a form of light, within the life of the child of God, the setting for the
center of creation is established. The light of the true One is made manifest
as the the "revelation of Christ Jesus" continues to unfold. That
which is brought into the light becomes Light).
We watch as the world's statesmen fall from their high places, religious
leaders diminish and their light is darkened. If this is all that is seen,
it is a very dark and gloomy happening. But the Lamb has OPENED THE SEALS
FOR REDEMPTION, and with the extinguishing of earth's lights, comes the
forth-shining of God's luminaries of the new creation order. HE IS "the
True Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." (John
1:9). And He is also "The Father of lights..." (James 1:17). He births
after His own kind. "Now are ye light in the Lord." (Ephesians 5:8).
To the new order He speaks, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and
the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall
cover the earth, and gross darkness the people:" (as the earth's lights
are diminished), "But the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall
be seen upon thee. And the nations shall come to thy light, and kings to
the brightness of thy rising." (Isaiah 60:1-3). Turn to see the fading
of the old order, and your back is to the dawning of the new. Turn to see
that new light arising, and your back is to the diminishing former lights.
O, to behold Him, and with a single eye to follow on, for "the path of
the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect
day." (Proverbs 4:18).
"And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven,
saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabitants of earth by
reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are
yet to sound." (verse 13).
The redemption of mankind is the responsibility of the Redeemer, and
our Lord is fully qualified for the task, reigning until all things are
reconciled. But this does not leave us without our accountability to
respond to His inworkings. Thus there have been many "warnings" given throughout
the Scriptures-- "woe, woe, woe." In every realm, spirit, soul, and body,
God shall deal with every creature. "For if the word spoken by angels was
stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense
of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" (Hebrews
2:2-3).
"And the fifth angel sounded..." (Revelation 9:1). Sounding forth
from heaven the wisdom of God-- this is more than just a "toot, toot,"
on a horn, it is a declaration of His will and working, and it furthers
"the revelation of Jesus Christ." And now the ministry intensifies,
with ramifications which are far-outreaching. "And I will plead against
him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon
his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain,
and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. Thus will I magnify Myself,
and sanctify Myself and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and
THEYSHALL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD." (Ezekiel 38:22-23).
"And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth:... And it was
commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither
any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the
seal of God in their foreheads." (verse 3-4).
Those who have been "sealed with that holy Spirit of promise," (Ephesians
1:13), with the renewing of their mind, and becoming "joined unto the Lord
in one spirit," (1 Corinthians 6:17), are untouched by this particular
working of God. To them He has said, "Come, My people, enter thou into
thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for
a little moment, until the indignation be overpassed." (Isaiah 26:20).
But religious game-playing is ended. Now the attention is focused upon
the corrupt and idolatrous Christians. Those who are "lovers of pleasure
more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power
thereof ..." (2 Timothy 3:4-5), such will feel the brunt of this wave of
cleansing/purging that will sweep over the earth.
"The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways, " (Proverbs
14:14), and to such it is written, "Thine own wickedness shall correct
thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that
it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God,
and that My fear is not in thee, saith the Lord of hosts." (Jeremiah 2:19).
Yet it is also written, "Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord;
for I am married unto you..." (Jeremiah 3:14), and again, "I will heal
their backsliding, I WILL LOVE THEM FREELY." (Hosea 14:4). He remains
the Redeemer-- and regardless of how corrupt and idolatrous they might
become, with cords of love He will draw them. And though the corrections
are heavy, when He has finished, they also shall wholeheartedly love and
serve the Lord.
Yes, for a time, "Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,
I will spew thee out of My mouth," (Revelation 3:16), but God will
not cast off His creation for ever. "For a small moment have I forsaken
thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid
My face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have
mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer." (Isaiah 54:7-8). Praise His
wonderful name!
There is an incredible rebellion in the self will of man, and in the subduing
and conditioning until man is ready to surrender, some severe and drastic
measures are often necessary. Yet be assured that our Lord is equal to
the task. ALL POWER is in His hand, and all forces are under His control,
to use as He sees fit. The Psalmist knew this, and declared, "Praise the
Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps: fire, and hail; snow, and
vapor; stormy wind fulfilling His Word." (Psalm 148:7-8). View it as you
may, all elements and powers, negative and otherwise, are marshalled to
DO HIS WILL, and bring forth praise to our God.
"And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and
shall' desire to die, and death shall , flee from them." (verse 6).
There will be no escaping the processings of God! No matter how much they
would like to avoid facing up to Him. "Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit?
or whither shall I flee from Thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven,
Thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, Thou art there. If I
take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the
sea; even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold men."
(Psalm 139:7-10).
The "revelation of Jesus Christ" is on-going, and we see Him in so many
aspects of victory, but perhaps one of the most encouraging is to see Him
in total control of the interplay of good and evil. These "locusts"
as they are described, are but another manifestation of "My great army
which I sent among you." (Joel 2:25). Obviously these are no ordinary,
literal locusts which "have no king," (Proverbs 30:27), but they signify
wicked men, or demons. Their king/leader is named "Abaddon," literally,
a destroyer, being ordained by God for the purpose of destroying the old
order, that He might establish the new.
"The Lord hath made all things for Himself: yea, even the wicked for the
day of evil." (Proverbs 16:4).
"Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and
that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the
waster to destroy." (Isaiah 54:16).
How vividly this is illustrated in the life of Job, when "the Lord said
unto Satan, Behold he is in thine hand; but save his life." (Job 2:6).
So the waster had his day-- not only all of Job's flocks, herds, servants,
children, were taken away or destroyed, but then his own body was sorely
afflicted. BUT the Lord remained in control, and out of it worked an
ultimate good.
Paul, knowing this, instructed the Corinthians concerning an evil doer
in their midst, "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered
together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver
such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit
may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." (1 Corinthians 5:4-5).
And Jesus Himself said to Peter, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired
to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee,
that thy faith fail not." (Luke 22:31-32). It was a violent shaking-- it
exposed a lot of chaff for the removing, but the final outcome was secure,
his faith would not fail, literally, the Greek reads, would not go into
an eclipse. Jesus Christ is ever in control of the SIFTING. He has prayed
for us-- that we might LIVE, therefore, regardless of how devastating the
destruction, He is able to bring forth a new creation in His more abundant
life.
The locust were not permitted to kill, but to "torment." The Greek word
means "to test metals by the touchstone." The object being to test,
prove, and whatever did not meet the specification, would have to be dealt
with, purged and cleansed and brought up to the quality of the standard.
REDEMPTION IS THE ULTIMATE OUTCOME!
"And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns
of the golden altar which is before God." (Verse 13). This is not a
message from the Dark World, nor a purpose designed in Hell. This is not
a Diabolical Scheme of mayhem! But the Word issues forth from the golden
altar-- and it is a message of hope, of purity, of cleansing, for the more
all sin, the flesh, the world is dealt with, the more the way is prepared
for "the new heavens and the new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness."
No wonder Jesus said, "And when these things begin to come to pass,
then look up (Editor’s note: Look up to a higher level of understanding,
look within.), and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."
(Luke 21:28). The process may be intense, and its application be far more
severe than we can imagine, but the ultimate victory is so secure, one
can only rejoice in the hope that is set before us. Death and destruction
are not the final end-- the Redeemer rules and reigns until "He hath put
all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is
death." It is self evident that when the last enemy is destroyed, none
remains. When all death is destroyed, there is NO MORE DEATH! Then shall
be fulfilled that Word, "that God may be all in all." (1 Corinthians
15:28), which the Amplified translation gives so beautifully, "that
is, be everything to everyone, supreme, the indwelling and controlling
factor of life." What victory!
The trumpets sound-- the Word goes forth-- "I have sworn by Myself, the
Word is gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That
unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." (Isaiah 45:23).
"The anger of the Lord (energy force of God) shall not return, till He
have executed, and till He have performed the thoughts of His heart: in
the latter days he shall consider it perfectly." (Jeremiah 23:20).
Awesomely described in the most picturesque of language, in signs and symbols
that depict processings which encompass far more than our minds can comprehend--
yet, ever the Word which was sounded forth returns to the Lord, it will
have accomplished all that He desired. And we are brought to the that climactic
hour, "In the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall
begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as He hath declared
to His servants the prophets." (Revelation 10:7).
"And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven,
saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord,
and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever." (Revelation
11:15).
The prayer is made, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth, as it
is in heaven." AND THE PRAYER IS ANSWERED! All is under His control,
yes, HE IS Lord of all! BACK
Chapter 10 - "Personal
Participation, Eat The Book" (Revelation 10:1-10)
"And I saw another mighty Ange1
come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon His
head, and His face was as it were the sun, and His feet as pillars of fire."
(Rev. 10:1).
No vision can be fully described in sequential order, for often several
events happen at the same time, so before John tells of the final trumpet,
he inserts the description of another sight. He saw a "mighty angel,"--
a messenger unlike any of the previous angels with their trumpets, and
in this symbolic character we again see a "revelation of Jesus Christ."
First we note the qualitative word "mighty." This immediately sets Him
apart, for Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of that Scripture, "I have laid
help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people."
(Psalm 89:19). Of Him also the prophet spake, "This that is glorious in
His apparel, traveling in the greatness of His strength. I that speak in
righteousness, mighty to save." (Isaiah 63:1). And as already noted-- as
Redeemer He is fully qualified to carry out all the process of redeeming
the lost inheritance, and to restore all things to their original estate,
and then "will do better unto you than at your beginnings: and ye shalt
know that I am the Lord." (Ezekiel 36:11).
"Clothed with a cloud." Again we are immediately pointed back to
the Old Testament, where we see Him going before His people, "by day in
a pillar of a cloud, to lend them the way; and by night in a pillar of
fire, to give them light; to go by day and night." (Exodus 13:21). And
when He descended upon mount Sinai to speak to Moses before all the people,
He said, "Lo, 1 come unto thee in a thick cloud." (Exodus 19:9). Later
Moses reminded the people, "the mountain burned with fire unto the midst
of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness. And the Lord God
spake unto you out of the midst of the fire." (Deuteronomy 4:11-12).
Significant that there were not only clouds, but thick darkness, for it
prefigured the nature of that whole dispensation which was one of type
and shadow, revealing and yet obscuring the way of salvation.
But now when John sees this Mighty Messenger, there is no mention of thick
darkness, for it is a "revelation of Jesus Christ," in glory and power
to consummate the salvation of which all former types and shadows foretold.
Redemption is to become a reality. Even the cloud is personified in a people--
a "great cloud of witnesses," which "follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth."
"And a rainbow was upon His head." The glory of the covenant is
upon Him-- "And the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple,
even the Messenger of the Covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall
come." (Malachi 3:1). This is our Faithful One. "He hath remembered His
covenant for ever, the word which He commanded to a thousand generations."
(Psalm 105:8). He is the reality of the new covenant, and the Guarantee
of its fulfillment, for He is both the Author and the Finisher of our faith,
being "That Great Shepherd of the sheep, (Who) through the blood of the
everlasting covenant, (will) make you perfect in every good work to do
His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight through
Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20-21).
"And His face was as it were the sun." The often pronounced blessing
is more than words, it becomes experiential. "The Lord bless thee, and
keep thee: the Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto
thee: the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."
(Numbers 6:24-26). It is true that "in a little wrath I hid My face from
thee for a moment," (Isaiah 54:8), but then He promised, "with everlasting
kindness will I have mercy upon thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer." And
thus now He is revealed with "His face-- as it were the sun." Every
look is filled with utmost compassion and tenderness, with mercy for every
man. A radiance that causes light to shine into our hearts. This is "the
ministration of righteousness which exceeds in glory." No more condemnation
unto death, but the gift of righteousness which shall enable us "to reign
in life by one, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:17).
"And His feet as pillars of fire." The "steps" of God are often
symbolized as denoting His dispensations-- as step by step He works out
His purpose in the succeeding ages. But here a significant change takes
place, for rather than movement, it says, "He set His right foot upon
the sea, and His left foot on the earth," solidly placed in authority,
signifying that He is LORD OF ALL! And that they are "as pillars of
fire," emphasizes again the purging, fire-cleansing that shall take
place as all is brought into dominion under Him. There is a following "in
His steps," as He leads us through all the processings of growth and change,
"from glory to glory," but there is also that wonderful consummation of
the journey when "him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple
of My God, and he shall go no more out." (Revelation 3:12). Or to borrow
the words of the Psalmist, "Lord, by Thy favour Thou hast made my mountain
to stand strong." (Psalm 30:7). HE STANDS FIRM IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, and in
Him we shall also stand.
"And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when He had
cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. And when the seven thunders
had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and 1 heard a voice from
heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered,
and write them not." (verses 3-4).
The message of the "seven thunders" could not be written down, each
individual must hear it within himself, as God reveals the mysteries, the
secrets which He would work into every life. "The secret things belong
unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto
us..." (Deuteronomy 29:29). It would be both vain and presumptuous to try
and guess what the thunders uttered, but we would ever remain open and
alert to "hear what the Spirit saith unto the called-out."
It was said to Daniel, "The vision of the evening and the morning which
was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for
many days." - "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book,
even to the time of the end." (Daniel 8:26, 12:4). It has been well stated:
"Where revelation ends, speculation begins." And many are the strange concepts
that issue out of the carnal mind. But revelation comes at the will of
the Revelator, and only what He quickens becomes life within, and a solid
Word upon which we can stand.
Paul spoke of one who was "caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable
words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter." (2 Corinthians 12:4).
The flesh would glory in revelation, and would assume an appearance of
pseudo-spirituality, alluding to possessing knowledge of "deep things,"
but the evidence that we "know the joyful sound," is not that we can talk
of mysteries, but that we "shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy countenance."
(Psalm 89:15). Possession of truth is revealed IN OUR WALK, not just in
our talk, for we are to become the truth we believe.
"And the Angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted
up His hand to heaven, and sware by Him that liveth for ever and ever,
who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and
the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein,
that there should be time no longer." Time no longer-- literally, the
Greek text reads, "be no more delay."
"For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak,
and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come,
it will not tarry." (Habakkuk 2:3). Two different Hebrew words are used
for "tarry" in this verse. The first is "mahah" meaning: linger, seem to
delay. While the second one is "achar" meaning: keep behind. Thus we could
paraphrase it, "Though the vision lingers and seems to delay, wait for
it, for it will not be behind." God's purposes are always fulfilled right
on time. What might have appeared as a delay, is actually a part of God's
outworking as He continues to bring all forces to bear upon the birth of
the new. And then the writer to the Hebrews brings it into a PERSON, saying,
"HE that shall come, will come, and will not tarry." (Hebrews 10:37).
Jesus Christ is the personification of the vision-- all that we desire
is in Him. And while, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons,
which the Father hath put in His own power," (Acts 1:7), be assured, there
is a time appointed when He shall say-- "No more time should intervene
and there should be no more waiting or delay." (Amplified).
"But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin
to sound, the mystery of God should he finished, as He hath declared to
His servants the prophets." (Revelation 10:7).
The whole picture is of this Triumphant One prepared to carry out that
next development in the purpose of God. It is not wrought in one grand
sweep-- but "in the days... when he shall begin to sound," the outworking
moves forward-- no delays, for now the vision is personified in THE REDEEMER,
and He is prepared to bring it to pass. To the vast majority of mankind
the purpose of God has been A MYSTERY, but He has "declared it to His
servants the prophets."
"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto
His servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7).
"The revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according
to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for
the obedience of faith." (Romans 16:25-26). Though declared by the prophets,
yet truly it was KEPT SECRET-- because of the blindness of men. The vision
has become unto men "as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver
to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I
cannot; for it is sealed: And the book is delivered to him that is not
learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned."
(Isaiah 29:11-12). Those to whom the Spirit imparts understanding of the
vision find that it is SEALED WITHIN THEM, to work in them. They cannot
freely share the mysteries with those who would "hold the truth in unrighteousness."
(Romans 1:18). Only when they find "them that have obtained like precious
faith," (2 Peter 1:1), can they share confirmation.
Nevertheless, the revelation is forthcoming, "Which in other ages was not
made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles
and prophets by the Spirit... According to the purpose of the ages which
He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3:5,11).
Thus, Paul writes, "He made known to us the secret of His will. And this
is in harmony with God's merciful purpose for the government of the world
when the times are ripe for it-- the purpose which He has
cherished in His own mind of restoring
the whole creation to find its one Head in Christ; yes, things in heaven
and things on earth, to find their one Head in Him." (Ephesians 1:9-10,
Weymouth translation).
Yes, the mystery of God is being revealed, and the time is coming for its
fulfillment. However, it was then told to John to take the book which the
Angel held in His hand, and to eat it. So "I took the little book out
of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey:
and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter." (verse 10).
How true we all find this to be-- the message sounds so great, so sweet
in our mouth, God shall be all in all, when the times are ripe for it,
He will restore all things. This is the message in the Scroll of Redemption,
and HE has loosed the seals thereof. And He shall make this redemption
a reality in us; how sweet that is to our taste. But then, the in working
process to make that a reality-- how bitter in the belly, i.e. the experiential
partaking. The cross is applied, the death to self is slow and agonizing,
embracing far more than we ever thought it would be.
Then it was told to John, "Thou must prophesy again before many peoples,
and nations, and tongues, and kings." (verse 11). No wonder he had
to EAT THE BOOK, for "The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker
of the fruits." (2 Timothy 2:6). We need to know experientially of His
reality before we can rightly declare it unto another. It is one thing
to behold the vision from afar, and to have a mental understanding of what
will happen, but it is quite a different thing to be a PARTAKER. Yet, Paul
cried out, "That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and
the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death."
(Philippians 3:10).
EATING THE BOOK-- however sweet it might be in the mouth, also includes
the bitterness in the belly, until it has been fully digested and we become
ONE WITH THE MESSAGE. Then shall we be found to His praise, and the overflowing
joy of His more abundant life shall be ours. Praise His name! BACK
Chapter 11 - "Measure
The Temple" (Revelation 11:1-19)
"And there was given me a reed like
unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of
God, and the altar, and them that worship therein." (Rev. 11:1).
The ultimate goal of God's purpose being wrought out through the ages,
is to have a people with whom, in whom to dwell, a place where He can PRESENCE
HIMSELF without controversy, and say, "This is My rest for ever: here will
I dwell; for I have desired it." (Psalm 132:14). So He is preparing man,
both individually and corporately, to be partakers of His divine nature,
to be IN HIS OWN IMAGE, so that He might have communion with them. It is
a vital part of the work of redemption to restore man into that state of
being wherein he can fellowship God.
One Scholar has suggested that the ego, striving for its own independence,
to shape things for itself alone, is an expression of the fall; that the
basic "faulting" in man's nature is when he chooses to pursue a purely
aberrant way of life for his personal interests and gain. Thus, mystics
say that the wish to be an independent self is the primary and root sin.
When man "turned every one to his own way," (Isaiah 53:6), there was a
breach made, a fellowship broken, an inheritance lost, a controversy begun.
"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh:
and these are contrary the one to the other." (Galatians 5:17). Well did
the prophet ask, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos
3:3). For "what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?" (2 Corinthians
6:16).
In the garden of Eden, Genesis 3 tells us, God was there. He did not have
to call to man until man had sinned, but He presenced Himself and they
communed. But when Adam turned to his own way, his will in contra-distinction
to God's will, the controversy was on. Spontaneous fellowship ended, and
thereafter it was intermittent, limited, coming far short of God's plan.
All the way through the Old Testament we trace this on-again, off-again,
way of fellowship. Betimes men seeking God, betimes going their own way.
Times of awareness of His presence, times of emptiness when they wondered,
"Where art Thou, Lord?"
God said to Moses, "Let them make Me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among
them." (Exodus 25:8). Sanctuary-- literally, a place set apart. It was
necessary for them to set apart a little area of earth with a tent on it,
for His place of dwelling. But this was only an interim thing, for He yet
planned to SET APART A PEOPLE for Himself: But for the time being, Israel
had too much of Egypt's god in them, along with all their own self-will
and rebellion, so God said, "I will not go up in the midst of thee; for
thou art a stiff necked people: lest I consume thee in the way. - So Moses
took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the
camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to
pass, that every one which sought the Lord went out unto the Tabernacle
of the congregation, which was without the camp." (Exodus 33:3, 7).
What a commentary on the state of the people, that even though God had
brought them up out of Egypt, so "that I might dwell among them," yet there
was so much controversy in them, they had to set apart a place outside
the camp for Him, where they might go and find Him. Had He stayed in the
camp He would have "consumed them in the way," for, "our God is a consuming
fire," consuming all that is not one in His holiness.
"Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood,
suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the
camp..." (Hebrews 13:12-13).
And so there has been a going without the camp-- beyond the forms of religion,
beyond symbol and ceremony, to be joined unto Him in one Spirit. We leave
all else behind, that He might become First and Foremost in our life. We
are identified in the "fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable
to His death." And in this union with Him, we find that we are BECOMING
HIS TEMPLE, "Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone. In
Whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the
Spirit." (Ephesians 2:20, 22).
Truly, "We are His workmanship..." (Ephesians 2:10), and He is vitally
interested, personally involved in the progress of how HIS building is
coming together. So committed is He to our welfare, we read, "That Thou
shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment." (Job 7:18).
No wonder Jesus taught the necessity for us to "Seek ye first the kingdom
of God, and His righteousness..." (Matthew 6:33), so that we might be ready
for this DAILY INSPECTION, ready to respond to His voice, ready for the
gentle nudges that would keep us headed in the right direction. And while,
perhaps, there are areas where we yet need much cleansing and purging,
yet "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His
compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness."
(Lamentations 3:22-23).
Furthermore, "We are confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun
a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians
1:6). He is both the Author and the Finisher, and He will bring to a successful
conclusion the work which He has begun within us. Indeed, this new creation
temple which He is building, becomes part of "the revelation of Jesus
Christ," to manifest Him, that He might be glorified.
And so the hour came, John saw in his vision, that it was time to "measure
the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein." "And
there was given me a reed like unto a rod."
A rod-- the Greek word is "rhabdos" meaning: rod, staff, sceptre. The comparable
Hebrew word "shebet" is used by David in Psalm 23:4, "Thy rod, and Thy
staff they comfort me." Our Lord is the Chief Shepherd, and with His rod
He tenderly cares for us, guides us, corrects us, etc. And, "A sceptre
of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom." (Hebrews 1:8). Thus, HE
IS THE ROD, the STANDARD, the CRITERION whereby all must be measured. All
must be "conformed to the image of His Son."
"Measure the temple..." It is significant that there are two Greek
words translated as "temple," the word "hieron," referring to the building;
and the word "naos," referring to the inner sanctuary. From the time when
"the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom, "
(Matthew 27:51 ), as far as God was concerned, it ceased being a temple
(naos), and from thereafter it was just a building, hieron. But Paul picks
up this word "naos" and uses it when speaking of the temple which we become,
saying, "Ye are the temple (naos) of the living God; as God hath said,
I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they
shall be My people." (2 Corinthians 6:16).
Well Peter wrote, "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the
house of God... first begin at us." (1 Peter 4:19). We wonder why we are
so dealt with by His Spirit-- why His probings go so deep-- why He exacts
such faithfulness and complete surrender from us-- why others are allowed
to go their own way, play their religious games-- why He has stripped away
our desire for these empty realms? Ah, it is because He is dealing with
us as His firstfruits, HIS INNER SANCTUARY, and we are being duly measured
and qualified to become His habitation.
Judgment-- the correctional in workings of God, begin AT, or, literally,
FROM the House of God. The temple is the focal point, the starting point,
and it first must be found approved, before judgment moves outward. Not
until the temple is fully qualified is the ministry ready to reach out
and bring others into alignment with the same Standard. All else will measure
up to the temple, once the temple has measured up to, come into the fulness
of Christ. Then we'll be able to say, in the words of Paul, "Be ye followers
of me, even as I also am of Christ." It will not be a "do as I say," but
a "do as I am, and as I live," for in state of being we also become one
with our Standard. No wonder this is ever more "a revelation of Jesus
Christ."
"Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:16). HIS
HOLINESS is our standard, and when we are one IN and WITH that holiness,
then, and not until then, will we be a part of that living manifestation
of His standard for others.
This brings new meaning to the verse, "For with the same measure that ye
mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38). Jesus Christ
is the Measure, the Stature, and because He is giving this measure out
to us, this is what He shall receive back again-- a creation restored into
fulness and perfection. If our vision is for a partial redemption, God
receiving a few, the Devil receiving the rest, then such is the measure
that we shall receive back again-- a partial redemption. But when our vision
is enlarged and we come into the fulness of the TRUE MEASURE, then we'll
give out of that Supply, and receive back accordingly.
We read, "Divers weights, divers measures, both of them are alike abomination
to the Lord." (Proverbs 20:10). For the phrase "divers weights" the Hebrew
text reads, "a stone and a stone," both the same size perhaps, but one
of much heavier substance than the other. A crooked merchant would substitute
the one for the other to his own benefit. Two cups, but one with a false
bottom, to cause a lesser measure. True, in all natural dealings this is
an abomination to the Lord. But it also has a spiritual application. God
does not have a double standard, one for men, and one for Himself. The
principles He gives to men are MUCH MORE fulfilled in Himself and His dealings
with His creation. His own righteousness becomes the ultimate standard
for all creation.
"The Lord's voice crieth unto the city, and wisdom shall see thy name:
HEAR YE THE ROD, and who hath appointed it." (Micah 6:9). Then using Moffatt's
translation, and he places verse twelve before verses ten and eleven, "Hard
and harsh are the classes, deceitful are the masses, with mouths full of
falsehood. Can I forget what rogues have hoarded, and these accursed
scant measures? Can I condone wrong balances and short weights in the trader's
bag? Nay, nay."
No wonder people are confused, they have had to contend with such strange
standards and diverse measures. The religious systems have said, "I
am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest
not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked."
(Revelation 3:17).
But now the voice cries, "HEAR YE THE ROD..." Give your attention to the
measuring rod which God has appointed-- it is a sceptre of righteousness,
the sceptre of His kingdom, His total rule within. He measures and works
in us "that we might arrive at really mature manhood -- the completeness
of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ's
own perfection, and the completeness found in Him." (Ephesians 4:13, Amplified).
In Ezekiel's vision, (chapter 40), they measured the temple, and then every
chamber therein-- each room signifying the office and position of its occupant.
Every room, pillar, gate, etc. had to measure up to the divine specification.
Every man had to qualify for his position in the temple, and each room
had to be duly fitted to the needs of that office. There must be perfect
harmony, hence the measures were exact.
So also, the callings of God upon His firstfruits are tremendous, and the
position, to become a pillar in the temple of our God, requires that we
fully OVERCOME, even as He also overcame. EVEN AS-- in like manner, of
the same quality and kind, for we are to be made perfect in Christ's own
perfection.
How often it has been necessary for Christ to come with a "scourge of small
cords" and drive "out of the temple," (John 2:15), so many things which
are displeasing to Him, till we are cleansed of all that would defile,
that we might measure up to the specifications for His dwelling place.
"And the altar..." The altar bespeaks of the place of sacrifice.
The root thought in sacrifice is that TABLE-BOND between the worshiper
and his God. Made with the design of expressing, securing, or promoting
friendly relations with Him, based upon the belief that the worshiper and
God are capable of holding personal relations which can become closer,
or more hostile. The altar becomes the focal point over which communion,
fellowship, worship take place, as God, and the worshiper, come together
for this time of sharing. It is a place where we draw nigh unto God, while
He also draws nigh unto us.
Israel had various offerings, each signifying a particular area that needed
attention-- God's forgiveness, His peace, His love, His care; while in
turn man surrendered himself evermore to His Creator. And as to the gifts
offered, the law was specific, there could not be an offering of that which
was blind, broken, or maimed, etc. (See Leviticus 22:21-25). And the prophet
Malachi charged the people with profanity and irreverence because "they
brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick," (Malachi 1:13),
while they kept the best of the flocks for themselves.
Jesus asked His disciples, "Whether is greater, the gift, or the altar
that sanctifieth the gift? (Matthew 23:19). The answer is obvious, the
altar is greater, and whatever gift is placed on the altar, is sanctified,
set apart to the degree of holiness of the altar, and, in a sense, becomes
identified in oneness with the altar. First and Foremost, Jesus Christ
is our Altar! And He sets us apart to His realm. As we present ourselves
to Him, daily to be "a living sacrifice," we are set apart to His holiness,
glory, and the victory of the Altar.
"Gather My saints together unto Me; those that have made a covenant with
Me by sacrifice." (Psalm 50:5). Coming into a covenant relationship with
Him-- a union forged in "the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable
unto His death." His was the perfect sacrifice, and only IN and BY Him
can we offer ourselves upon the Altar. Obviously, to be acceptable, what
we offer is not the old man of the adamic nature, but the new man, the
new CHRIST-LIFE in which He is well pleased. "Spiritual sacrifices,
acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:5). This goes far beyond
that ministry which has "charge at the gates of the house, and ministering
to the house." (Ezekiel 44:11). This is a higher calling, with access to
another altar, to stand before the Lord, to minister unto Him. It was to
this, that the writer to the Hebrews made reference, when we read, "We
have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle."
(Hebrews 13:10).
Moffatt gives, "Our altar is one of which the worshipers have no right
to eat." This implies a realm beyond where we satisfy ourselves, while
we offer our sacrifices, for it is ALL TO HIM. No reservations for self
- totally we are offered to Him! Christ, "through the eternal Spirit offered
Himself without spot to God." (Hebrews 9:14), and it is in our union
with Him, that body, soul, and spirit, all that we are, we give to Him,
to bless Him. An altar beyond all altars, this is measured, and found to
His praise.
"Them that worship." "True worshipers shall worship the Father in
spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him." (John
4:23). Worship speaks of the complete abasement of self; not just a will-worship,
nor a lip-service, but that total abandonment before Him, bowing at His
feet, to magnify Him alone. Yes, even our worship is to be measured, that
it be pure, from the heart, in spirit and in truth, to glorify God.
He called God "a Spirit," that He might distinguish Him from bodies, directing
our eyes off of man, that we might have a single eye unto our Lord. He
named Him "The Truth," to distinguish Him from a shadow or an image. "Though
we once did estimate Christ from a human viewpoint and as a man, yet now
we have such knowledge of Him that we know Him no longer in terms of the
flesh." (2 Corinthians 5:16, Amplified). Hear it, dear reader, He is measuring
the worshipers, to see if they have GONE BEYOND types and shadows, traditions
and creeds of men, to worship Him in spirit, and in truth. There is a realm
beyond human bodies, and beyond all image and shadow, allegories, etc.
and He would bring us into that reality.
"But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it
not; for it is given unto the nations..." (Revelation 11:2).
The application is two-fold. First, in speaking of our becoming the temple,
He is dealing with our inner man, "the hidden man of the heart." "For the
Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance,
but the Lord looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7). And so Jesus reproved
the Pharisees, because they "make clean the outside of the cup and of the
platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess." (Matthew 23:25).
And again, emphasizing that it was not the outward, but the inward that
mattered, He said, "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man;
but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." (Matthew
15:11).
Religion concerns itself with the measuring of the outward,
the physical, the self-worth, the fame and success, etc. And they set standards
for dress, and code of action, ignoring the fact that the outward is but
a portrayal ground for the inward-- and sooner or later all masquerades
are stripped away, and we will be seen for what we are. In the measuring
of the temple, altar, worshiper, the instruction was to place the emphasis
upon the spiritual, not the natural-- it is the spiritual realm which is
being dealt with.
Secondly, another application can be drawn-- for the intense dealings of
God are first upon the remnant firstfruits of the new creation order--
the OVERCOMER, which He is leading onward. These are being dealt with in
ways and depths that the multitudes know nothing of. But the people of
the court will carry on with their ministries and programs, often blessed
by God for the realm in which they move, though they are totally ignorant
of
the "wheel within a wheel," of the separated walk of those who go on to
worship in spirit and in truth.
It is while the "measuring"
is going on, the processing, purging, up-building of the temple-body, that
we find this "other ministry" taking place out in the court. "And I
will give power unto My two witnesses, and they shall prophesy... clothed
in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing
before the God of the earth." (Revelation 11:3-4).
Again we are directed back into the Old Testament in regards to these symbols,
and their meaning. "What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold
a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven
lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top
thereof. -- and the two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the
bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. -- And I answered again,
and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two
golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me
and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then
said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the
whole earth." (Zechariah 4:2-3, 12-14).
First, it is to be noted that Zechariah did not ask about the identity
of the golden candlestick in the middle. It is the ministry of overcoming
victory, possessing the seven spirits of God. It was prefigured in Zerubbabel,
and revealed in Jesus Christ. It is also to be seen in the TEMPLE once
it is duly measured and become one in Him.
But when it came to the two olive trees, (literally, the sons of oil),
then the prophet asked who they were. Two is the number of witness, as
it is written in the Law: "At the mouth of two witnesses, ... shall the
matter be established." (Deuteronomy 19:15).
And it is noted that they are clothed in "sackcloth" which bespeaks of
a ministry of repentance. Also, it is a type of the present body of our
humiliation. They are not clothed with immortality, since they can be slain.
They are anointed of God, but it is a limited anointing, for they "empty
the golden oil out of themselves." Anything that can be emptied has not
yet been brought into His fulness. They represent a supportive ministry,
and a forerunner to the greater ministry which shall follow. Even as John
the Baptist was a forerunner to Jesus Christ. Theirs is a ministry of discipline,
punishment: "fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth
their enemies. - These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the
days of their prophecy. - (they) smite the earth with all plagues, as often
as they will." (verses 5-6). It is a valid ministry, but in great contrast
to the greater ministry which will follow, when the sons, who are one in
the divine nature of love, are used to help RECONCILE and RESTORE all things
to God. But, when this special "two witness ministry" has run its course,
fulfilled its purpose, then to them also is extended the call "Come up
hither." Thus all the lesser is ultimately swallowed up into the greater,
to the glory and praise of our Lord.
Through all God's workings with man, let us join in with those who "fell
upon their faces, and worshiped God, saying, We give Thee thanks, O Lord
God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because Thou hast taken
to Thee Thy great power, and hast reigned." (verses 16-17). Every working,
whether it appears negative or positive, regardless of its level, is being
used to bring forth "a revelation of Jesus Christ," and so we worship Him.
"And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His
temple the ark of His testament: and there were lightnings, and voices,
and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail." (19).
When the temple, God's living habitation, His overcoming body, has been
duly measured, fully judged and stands approved, coming up to His standard
of perfection, then comes the UNVEILING-- the temple is opened, and that
which is within is made manifest, and the purpose of God continues its
operation throughout the next age. For so long God has quickened truth
to His "hidden ones," and sealed it up within them, to work in their own
being its transformation process. "Until the time that his word came: the
Word of the Lord tried him." (Psalm 105:19). "I have given them Thy Word;
and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world. - They
are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." (John 17:14, 16).
It was HIS WORD, and we receive it, not to immediately run and broadcast
it everywhere, casting it as pearls before swine, but it is to WORK IN
US until we are fully changed. However, not forever does the process continue--
though the "bread corn is bruised; (yet) He will not ever be threshing
it." (Isaiah 28:28). Threshing-- breaking-- NOT FOREVER, only until it
has done its work, then follows a joyful victory. There came a time, when
on the cross, Jesus said, "It is finished." And there shall come that day
when He will have brought to a successful conclusion His redemptive work
in His people.
When the temple is opened, "there was seen in His temple the ark of
His testament." All of the Christ now within His elect shall be revealed,
seen in His temple. He is the Ark of the testament, the Center of our testimony
and victory, and it is to Him that we shall bear witness-- of His salvation,
of His life!
Well did Jeremiah prophesy of this moment, saying, "It shall come to pass...
in those days, saith the Lord, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant
of the Lord: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember
it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more."
(Jeremiah 3:16). They will remember no more the former dispensation, typified
by the ark of the first covenant, with all its types, shadows, symbols.
The new Ark is personified in Christ, not a shrine to be visited, nor a
form and ceremony to be ritualized-- HE IS LIFE, HE IS TRUTH. This is the
Christ that shall be revealed in His CHRISTED ones. The Ark of the covenant
of the Old Testament did symbolize His presence, for He "dwelleth between
the cherubims." (1 Samuel 4:4). And wherever the Ark was, thither the people
went to worship Him. But when He fills this LIVING TEMPLE with Himself,
then wherever one of this corporate temple goes, He is there, to be seen,
to manifest His power and victory.
There are five glorious manifestations that proceed out of this temple,
to establish the reality of His kingdom in the earth. It is a ministry
that is fully equipped for the task, ready to execute the full counsel
of His will.
"And there were lightnings." Lightning speaks of the discharge of
power accompanied by brilliant flashes of light piercing the darkness.
"Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here
we are? (margin, or say, behold us)." (Job 38:35). The spiritual reality
and fulfillment of this is none other than the manifestation of the sons
of God, sent forth to do the bidding of the Lord. "Who maketh His angels
(messengers) spirit; His ministers a flaming (flashing) fire." (Psalm 104:4).
"He shot out lightnings, and discomfited (troubled) them. Then the channels
of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at
Thy rebuke, O Lord." (Psalm 18:14-15). What a beautiful description of
the ministry ready to unfold. Sent forth by God, and the enemy is troubled.
The illumination exposes the whole situation, until the very foundations
are discovered, and the channels are seen. The patterns and ways will be
revealed. Waters often speak of people, and in this day the psychologist
and psychiatrist probe and search, guess and wonder at the ways of man,
and try to learn the patterns so as to help them solve their problems.
But when the blazing light of the seven-fold Spirit of God; the Spirit
of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit
of knowledge, etc. makes these God-sent messengers "of quick understanding,"
then they shall "not judge after the seeing of the eye, neither reprove
after the hearing of the ear: but with righteousness shall they judge the
poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth..." (Isaiah 2:2-4).
Then shall this glorious ministry deliver mankind out of his bondage and
grief, to follow in the way of the Lord. "To heal the brokenhearted, to
preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the
blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable
year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18-19).
"And there were voices." Greek, "phone," a voice, sound. "There
are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them
without signification." (1 Corinthians 14:10). We try to listen and make
sense out of them, but it is very confusing. One man gives forth his message,
followed by another that contradicts the first. And so we learn to "tune
out" all such voices. But these VOICES are identified as coming from an
OPEN TEMPLE, and their message is like unto none other ever heard. "The
kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which hath not been told
them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider."
(Isaiah 52:15).
Nor will there be the confusion of voice and outward manifestation, as
when Isaac said, "the voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands
of Esau." (Genesis 27:22). Far too often we have seen the handiwork of
the flesh, and tried to join it to the voice of the Spirit, and it was
confusion. But when the message and the messenger become one, there will
be a life lived that is true to its message-- a clear word that brings
glory to God, and blessing to its hearers. "Verily, verily, I say unto
you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice
of the son of God: and they that hear shall live." (John 5:25).
"And there were thunderings." A sound, due to the sudden expansion
of the air in the path of the discharge of power. The word is the same
in the Greek for "roar." Ministries have often seemed so impotent, but
when God releases HIS POWER to begin "the times of restitution of all things,
which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world
began," (Acts 3:21), it shall burst forth with a roar, a thundering, striking
terror into the camp of the enemy, and awaken new hope in the heart of
the prisoner that has long been waiting in the region of the shadow of
death.
"Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the
secret place of thunder " (Psalm 81:7). Who can comprehend the power of
our God? Who can tell the workings of His energy-force? There shall come
a demonstration of His might, the roar of His deliverance, turning things
upside down, shaking everything that can be shaken, till only His kingdom
remains.
"And earthquake." It is significant that throughout the scripture
earthquakes often denote the ending and beginning of dispensations. Climaxing
a victory won, and opening new operations. They are another symbol of God's
irresistible power, which now shall be personified in a people. It signified
that an age has ended, namely the "church age," i.e. the calling out of
a people unto Himself, to be His firstfruits of the new creation order.
It also signified that there is a new age beginning, with further unfolding
of His grace to bring new advances in the restoration of mankind. Earths
will quake, stones will be rolled away, graves will be opened, bands will
be loosed, nothing will remain unmoved in this manifestation of the Lord
coming forth from His temple.
"And a great hail." "Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness
to the plummet: and the HAIL shall sweep away the refuge of the lies, and
the waters shall overflow the hiding place." (Isaiah 28:17).
Although it is written, "My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech
shall distill as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as
the showers upon the grass: because I will publish the name of the Lord,"
(Deuteronomy 32:2-3), yet it is equally true that the truth shall have
a SOLID IMPACT upon the lies and false doctrines of the religions of our
day, and shall utterly demolish the refuge of creedal error and the traditions
of men.
Men have built their kingdoms, walls and barriers seem to abound, but when
God sends forth HIS HAIL from His temple, it will bring an end to the works
of man. Who can tell of all the ways and methods this shall be fulfilled,
for prophecy has amazing ways of fulfillment, far beyond the speculation
of man. But the vision is sure-- John saw the temple measured, and he saw
the finished temple OPENED-- and so shall God's truth be declared, and
established in all the earth. "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge
of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:14).
God will have a people through whom this tremendous work shall be accomplished.
His power and glory shall be revealed, and His name shall be glorified
in all the earth! BACK
Chapter 12 - "A
Manchild Company Brought Forth" (Revelation 12:1-17)
"And she brought forth a man child,
who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron..." (Revelation 12:5).
The chapter begins, "And
there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun,
and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
and she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered."
(v. 1-2).
"Travailing in birth," is a phrase that has been applied to many levels,
"For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together
until now." (Romans 8:22). All creation longs to be delivered from the
tyranny of change and decay. We long to birth new eras of peace. We go
through the struggle and pain to produce-- a work of art, a piece of literature,
start a new business, build a new home, or whatever our dream might be.
This is a part of that generalized "travail, which God hath given to the
sons of men to be exercised in it." (Ecclesiastes 3:10). In so many ways
and workings we go through certain pains and travail to bring forth that
which was conceived in our heart and mind.
But this is a much more specific travail, it portends the birthing of the
"overcomers." It is not hard to understand what is meant by the symbol
of the "woman,"-- she represents the church, the body of Christ. This is
not a reference to any organization of man. The church-- from the Greek
"ekklesia" means: called out. Basically this refers to our being called
out of this world's system, to become a part of that new creation species
of which Jesus Christ is the Head. "By one Spirit are we all baptized into
one body." (1 Corinthians 12:13). If we are in that body at all, it is
by the one and selfsame Spirit. There are many levels of development and
growth, but the calling is HIS. As a wheel within a wheel, we find various
dimensions of relationship with Christ, from those who know Him only as
Jesus, Saviour from their sins; to Christ, the Anointing in their life;
to Lord, and His sovereign Lordship of all that touches their life. Yet
it can be said of this woman, as was said of Mary long ago, "The holy Spirit
shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee:
therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called
the son of God." (Luke 1:35).
A further point of identification is also given, for she is seen "clothed
with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of
twelve stars." Once more we turn to the Old Testament for the first
usage of these symbols. Sun, moon, and stars, are used in Joseph's dream
(Genesis 37:9). When the dream was told to his father, these symbols were
understood as referring to Joseph's father, mother, and brethren. This
identifies them as symbols pertaining to Israel. Furthermore, the church
also finds its beginning roots in Israel-- and was spoken of as being "the
church in the wilderness." (Acts 7:38). CALLED OUT of Egypt, to be unto
God an holy nation, His peculiar (purchased) people.
Through the centuries and generations God has continued to CALL OUT a people
unto Himself, and then out of this corporate company comes a remnant, the
aforementioned "wheel within a wheel," known as the overcomer, or, as the
term is given in this chapter, the manchild, i.e. the sons of God.
This forming of "a body" within the corporate body of Christ, is a sovereign
work of God. Man cannot gender this son company, nor take this position
unto himself. God places within the heart of individuals a desire for His
fulness, the call to "come up higher," and it burns within like
a fire, consuming the dross. It strips away self-will, it separates them
from their brethren as being different, peculiar, alone unto God. The church
in general cannot understand them, they are a burden to her. Often she
is ashamed of them, for when everything is running smoothly, suddenly one
of these "odd ones" becomes moved on to go deeper into God, and it upsets
the whole program as these hungry hearts cry out for more of Him. They
express their dis-satisfaction with the present realm, and the church feels
condemned, as if she wasn't able to provide enough to meet the need. Why
must they always cry out for more?
While others are enjoying the general fellowship of the meeting, these
strange ones seem withdrawn, groaning and seeking for a further dimension
of His grace and holiness, travailing for a move of the Spirit that would
bring them into more of the reality of His life. While the church stands
with upraised hands to praise the Lord for present blessings, these same
non-conformists are weeping. Why? Why can't they be more content with what
God is doing all around them? So it is "in part," can't they be thankful
for what they have? NO! God Himself has placed a call within that
cannot be satisfied with anything less than His fulness.
Oftentimes when local groups and gatherings cannot tolerate them anymore,
the Spirit simply draws these "apprehended ones" from the fellowship and
religious activity, and they walk alone, separated unto God. They are not
backslidden, they have not lost out with God, they are only cut off from
their brethren for the time being-- it is a part of the travail, caught
in the throes of being birthed into higher dimensions. While certainly
the church longs to be delivered of this "unusual body within its being,"
let it also be said that this child longs just as much, or more, for its
own deliverance. No more to be confined to this present realm, restricted
by the bound- aries placed upon it. Yes, they long to be loosed into the
fulness of the Spirit's flow.
While all this travail is taking place, "There appeared another wonder
in heaven; - and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be
delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born." Full well
the dragon, negative forces, knows what will happen if this child is birthed
and allowed to live. It is the same fear that motivated the king of Egypt
long ago, and caused him to say to the Hebrew midwives, "When ye do the
office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools;
if it be a son, then ye shall kill him." (Exodus 1:16). WHY? Because if
these sons are allowed to come to maturity, they would be a power that
would come against all negativism and spell its doom. But God ruled and
over-ruled in Egypt, and Israel multiplied greatly, becoming a great nation,
and eventually was birthed out of Egypt.
Now, John's vision beheld that this manchild also shall come to full term
and be delivered, rising up to prevail over all the kingdoms of this world.
What the dragon feared will happen!
"And she brought forth a man child." Man child, literally, a MALE
SON. The Greek word used here for "child" is "huios" and means: a son,
one who is mature, strong to bear the load. Being newly birthed from the
womb, we have the thought of child, but being one who has come to maturity,
into divine fulness, we have this one as A MAN of God. "For the Lord hath
created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man." (Jeremiah
31:22). Growing up in the midst of her, coming into the spiritual maturity
and stature of a full grown son.
As soon as this company is birthed, it is "caught up unto God, and to
His throne." Caught up-- this is not a sudden geographical displacement,
the Greek word is "harpazo" meaning: to snatch away. The same word is used
in 2 Corinthians 12:2,4, where Paul speaks of being "caught up into paradise."
It signifies that suddenness of coming into a new spiritual dimension,
a fuller relationship with God, partaking of His power and authority. "To
him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I
also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne." (Revelation
3:21). The SAME THRONE which belongs to the Father is now shared by the
Son. The SAME THRONE which is now the Son's, will be shared by the over-
comers. We are not speaking of some gigantic literal throne, with all the
overcomers crowded together, perched on that throne. Rather, the throne
speaks of power, dominion, authority, and Jesus revealed how this is shared,
when He said, "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed aIl judgment
unto the Son." (John 5:22). And even the Psalmist foresaw the day when
it would be given to the overcomers "to execute upon them (the heathen)
the judgments written: (for) this honor have all His saints." (Psalm 149:9).
"To rule all nations with a rod of iron." This is the same word
given to the overcomer. "He that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto
the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them
with a rod of iron." (Revelation 2:26-27).
Note the word "rule," from the Greek "poimaino" meaning: to shepherd, guide,
govern. This bespeaks of a ministry of love. It is not the wielding of
a rod of iron in a tyrannical manner, but that firm exercise of authority
to assure the accomplishment of the purpose, undergirded with all the love
and care of a shepherd. It is the ministry of Christ through a people who
have become one in Him.
All of these workings of God are not without spiritual warfare, and so
we read on "there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought agairrst
the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither
was their place found any more in heaven." (verses 7-8). What a tremendous
victory was forthcoming. "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven,
Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the
power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which
accused them before our God day and night." (verse 10).
We note that this "war in heaven" is not spoken of until the manchild
has been caught up to the throne, and begins to rule. This is what the
dragon feared, and why it would have liked to have devoured the child as
soon as it was born. But GOD is ever in control, and now there is a further
"revelation of Jesus Christ," as He is revealed in the triumph of
HIS OVERCOMERS.
One of the great victories is this one of defeating the accuser. The Greek
word for "accuser" is "katagoros" meaning: one who speaks down or against.
The prefix "kata" means: down, or against, and the word "goros" means:
a public assembly; literally, to gather in the town-square, the place of
judicial action. Thus it speaks of the coming against a person in the assembly,
as a complainant at law, a plaintiff charging the offence. Obviously, the
pre-requisite is that there has to be a LAW, a standard to be measured
to, then any deviation from that law, and one stands accused. There can
be no accusation without a standard by which we are measured. "For where
no law is, there is no transgression." (Romans 4:15). To sin, literally
means: to miss the mark; but one cannot miss the mark, if there be no mark.
There
is a holy mark!
Jesus said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets:
I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." (Matthew 5:17). "That
the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after
the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:4).
For sure the accuser has had his day-- "For all have sinned and come short
of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23). And we did not need another to point
the finger at us, when our own conscience bore witness that we have come
far short of the mark.
But herein is our glorious victory, for "He hath made us accepted in the
Beloved. In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness
of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:6-7). Having
taken care of our past, our Redeemer then proceeds to bring us through
the NEW BIRTH PROCESS, which includes dying out to the old carnal nature,
and coming alive in the newness of His life. "That we might be made the
righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21). The result of the fulness
of this new birth is, "The man who is really God's son does not practice
sin, for God's nature is in him, for good, and such a heredity is incapable
of sin." (1 John 3:9, Phillips).
Now, "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that
justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather,
that is risen again." (Romans 8:33-34). IT IS ALL OF GOD-- our participation
in the likeness of His death, and our rising in the likeness of His resurrection.
When the over- comers rise to take their place in His throne, it signifies
that this processing is complete-- they are fully born of God, their nature
is HIS, their image is HIS, their holiness is HIS. And now there is nought
that can accuse them-- they have become ONE in the standard of His righteousness.
No place is found any more for the accuser. No charge can be given-- it
is over, the victory is won.
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of
their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
Far too long has Satan usurped a place in the heavenlies, and it has been
a fierce battle as we wrestle, not with human foes alone, "but with the
rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark world; that is, with
the spirit forces of evil challenging us in the heavenly contest." (Ephesians
6:12, Williams). Here is undisputable evidence that the sons of God have
entered into the fulness of Christ, they have complete victory over every
satanic realm.
"Overcame him by the blood of the Lamb." Blood is a symbol of life,
not death. "For the life of the flesh is in the blood." (Leviticus
17:11). And when "The Son of man came to give HIS LIFE a ransom for many,"
(Matthew 20:28), He shed His blood for us. And to whom was the ransom given?
Certainly not to satan, nor to this world's system which would enslave
us, nor to any of the negative enemy forces. It is given to those whom
He would empower to overcome "The cup of blessing which we bless, is
it not of the communion (sharing together of the blood of Christ." (1 Corinthians
10:16). In the partaking of His blood, we are fortified and enriched to
gain total victory over the adversary. There is a sharing of the new wine,
the new BLOOD of His kingdom, which bespeaks of an age-abiding life that
prevails.
We speak of "bad blood" in certain individuals, i.e. evil lurks within
them, ready to express itself in negative action. "By one man sin entered
into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for
that all have sinned." (Romans 5:12). And naturally speaking, we all have
had bad blood. Thus, this "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of
God." (1 Corinthians 15:50). Not until He has fulfilled that word, "I will
cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed." (Joel 3:21). For presently
the mystery of iniquity lurks within the bloodstream of man, bringing corruption
and death, with a constant battle being waged within the body, as disease
invades to destroy.
The analogy is beautiful. In the study of human blood, we are told that
there are five distinct types of white blood cells that combat invading
disease, virus, etc. Various white cells are programmed against certain
types of disease or bacteria. It is an on-going warfare, new cells forming
to take the place of those fallen in combat. There are, however, a select
few cells that live on, and they preserve the chemical memory of danger-
ous invaders, to remind the body how to respond to any invader previously
encountered, and create the anti-body to overcome it.
When a new enemy, disease, invades the body, a lymphocyte cell touches
it, memorizes its shape, and rushes to the nearest lymph node to produce
an anti-body to overcome the invader. Then it permanently stores the formula
so that a subsequent invasion of that same disease will incite a fast motion
repeat of the process of producing antibodies, and in a short time overcome
that disease. That is the wonder working of our blood. So, whenever a new
enemy is introduced, it is a challenge to break the code of that enemy.
Most of man's anti- body drugs" which are used, are to gain time for the
natural body defenses to come up with their own victory solution. The life
is not in the drugs, it is IN THE BLOOD, and the ultimate healing (overcoming)
comes from within.
There is a sense in which a person's blood becomes more valuable and potent
as that person prevails in numerous battles with outside invaders, for
now it possesses the formula for making the anti-bodies necessary for maintaining
health. After the anti-bodies have locked away the secret of defeating
each disease; a second infection of the same type normally will do no harm.
Thus, in blood transfusions, particularly from one who has conquered that
disease, this brings real reinforcement to help.
Now the application of all this: "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers
of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same,"
(Hebrews 2:14), and THE BATTLE WAS ON. He was tested in all points like
as we are-- and He conquered it all. "Triumphing over them in it (Greek,
IN HIMSELF." (Colossians 2:15). Then He could say, "Be of good cheer; I
have overcome the world."
(John 16:33).
HIS BLOOD OVERCAME EVERY DISEASE! There was no "bad blood" in Him, He is
the sinless One! In His blood are all the formulas for victory. Now He
INFUSES us with His life-- we are given, as it were, A BLOOD TRANSFUSION,
and now we shall OVERCOME BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB, for in His blood are
all the anti-bodies needed to gain the victory over every disease that
comes against us. He prevailed over the lust of the flesh, He prevailed
over the lust of the eye, He prevailed over the pride of life-- "I have
overcome the world!" Now He shares that victory with us. The Christ within
rises up with the answer to every negative invasion, and thus we shall
prevail.
In the Old Testament sacrifices, the blood was poured out for their atonement,
their covering-- but the blood of animals could not avail to enable them
to overcome, it could only serve as type and shadow for the greater sacrifice
to come. But now, "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through
the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience
from dead works to serve the living God." (Hebrews 9:14). The first order
of the blood of goats and calves could never CLEANSE THE INWARD PARTS OF
MAN, but the blood of Christ can. Thus we "overcome by the blood of the
Lamb."
Now we can have "boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus."
(Hebrews 10:19). Being fully cleansed by His blood, overcoming by His blood,
to be pure as He is pure, we can stand before Him without fear or condemnation.
The accusations are ended, the victory is ours-- BECAUSE OF HIS BLOOD!
Never can our "tainted blood"
prevail, never can our "tired blood" gain the victory. "Verily, verily
I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the son of man, and drink His
blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh. and drinketh My blood,
hath eternal life." (John 6:53-54). This is all connected with OVERCOMING
, for HIS LIFE within us cannot be defeated. Bless His holy name!
"Overcame...and by the word of their testimony." Along with the
LIFE-FORCE of His blood, there is the Word. The Greek here is "logos,"
which is more than just a sound uttered, for it embodies a thought, will,
intent, purpose. Obviously Jesus overcame the adversary, stating, "It is
written..." but there was more than just the utterance of these words,
He spoke the will, intent and purpose of God, and the adversary could not
gainsay it. So also in the witness (testimony) of the overcomers, there
is a oneness of identification with HIS WILL, HIS PURPOSE.
Gamaliel said it well, "If this counsel (purpose, will), or this work be
of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow
it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." (Acts 5:38-39).
That is why truth needs no defense. The Word which God quickens within
our hearts will prevail. There is no power that can resist His will. That
is why we read, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world. And
this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (1 John
5:4).
The more we bear witness to The Word, having identified ourselves fully
with The Word, the more we shall rise up in victory. This makes it imperative
that we "let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly in all wisdom." (Colossians
3:16), for "If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed;
and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John
8:31-32).
By the "word of our testimony," and the witness of our daily living,
we speak the word of faith, and the enemy is defeated. "For with the heart
man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made
unto salvation." (Romans 10:10). It is not a self-willed declaration, it
is the utterance of the will, intent, and purpose of God, as He quickens
HIS WORD within by the Spirit. It is not the prattling of trite phrases
and religious cliches, nor is it just the speaking of the "letter of the
Word," quoting scripture verses by rote, but it is the SPIRIT OF TRUTH
flowing out as He gives the utterance.
"And they loved not their lives unto the death." For the word "lives"
we have the Greek word "psuche," bespeaking the soulish life, the self
life, that which pertains to the will, mind, emotions of man. It is the
same word used in Luke 9:24, "Whosoever will save his life shall lose it:
but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it."
This, too, is a vital part of overcoming, for it is in the laying down
of our own will, our desires, our way, that HIS WILL is then given free
reign within us. The more self would defend its own rights, the more it
will lose them. The more we lay them down, the greater is our life and
victory in Christ. "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30).
It is a "revelation of Jesus Christ" that is being brought forth,
not the exaltation of the ego of man. The inworkings of His cross which
cause us to lose our own self-life are but the prelude to His resurrection
life coming forth. It is an amazing process.
Combine the three thoughts: it is the LIFE in His blood, it is the intent
and purpose (LIFE) in His Word, and it is in the laying down of our self-life
(self-will), that the LIFE in His will might come to full expression in
us, this results in our overcoming.
When the overcomers become fully untouchable, "caught up to the throne,"
they depose the dragon from his usurped position in the heavenlies, and
he is cast down to earth. Then the infuriated dragon turns "to persecute
the woman which brought forth the manchild." But God prepares for her
safety, deliverance, and keeping, for as soon as the manchild is born,
we read that "the woman, fled into the wilderness, where she hath a
place prepared of God." The wilderness always speaks of one thing--
a place of purification, to be tested and proven. And in following through
with the beautiful types found in the scripture, after a woman had given
birth to a male child, there were forty days set for the time of her purification.
(Leviticus 12). A special dealing of God, for a specific time and purpose.
Do remember, these things are given in a figurative sense, it does not
mean that "every Christian" is transported to some desert place, nor hidden
in a retreat, but this is a new and different dealing of God, deeper than
the church has known before. "The Lord thy God hath led thee these forty
years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what
was in thine heart." (Deuteronomy 8:2). When this testing and purification
are complete, He will " present it to Himself a glorious church, not having
spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing." (Ephesians 5:27). How we have longed
for, prayed for this to be a reality, and, thank God, He knows just the
time and process to bring it to pass.
In his attempt to persecute and destroy the woman, "The serpent cast
out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause
her to be carried away." It bespeaks of a flood tide of false doctrine,
traditions, commandments of men, that would so engulf the woman it would
destroy her faith. But, "When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit
of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him." (Isaiah 59:19). And
to reveal how much in control the Lord is over all these happenings, He
causes "the earth to help the woman, and the earth opened her mouth,
and swallowed up the flood." All natural forces are subject to doing
the Lord's bidding, and He truly "works all things together into good."
"The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof." And what often seems
to be so carnal, so earthly, betimes is made to serve His purpose. Yes,
we stand in awe to behold the handiwork of God!
Having failed in his attempt to devour the manchild, and failing again
in his persecution of the woman, next the dragon turns his attention "to
make war with the remainder of her seed, which keep the commandments of
God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Every realm from the
mature over- comer, to the church-body, to the remainder of her seed, i.e.
those who believe in Him, but have just started their growth and processing,
every realm ultimately faces the dragon, and ultimately overcomes-- because
truly, the victory has been won by our Lord Jesus Christ, who "spoiled
principalities and powers," (Colossians 2:15), yes, that "He might destroy
him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who
through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (Hebrews
2:14-15). Thus the victory of Christ shall ultimately reach every man,
and the defeat of the dragon shall be total and complete. Praise the Lord!
The message is positive! His redemption shall reach all men, and while
none shall escape the conflict between good and evil, yet in the end "The
kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ."
The dragon, Satan, is utterly defeated, and righteousness reigns. The manchild
is birthed into His fulness, followed by the woman and her wilderness experience,
and after that the succeeding orders, for "In the Christ shall all be
made alive, but every man in his own order." What a mighty God we
serve! BACK
Chapter 13 - "The
Mark--Of God, Or The Beast" (Revealtion 13:1-18)
"And he causeth all, both small
and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right
hand, or in their forehead." (Revelation 13:16).
"If any man worship the beast
and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the
same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out..."
(Revelation 14:9-10).
The qualifying statement that begins the book remains throughout the whole,
everything that unfolds is toward one central purpose, to bring forth "The
revelation of Jesus Christ." It is not focused upon calamities, ultimate
destruction, etc. but upon the total REDEMPTION and RESTORATION of all
mankind, as wrought through our blessed Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
All that He does reveals more of His nature and character. Particularly
is this so in regards to "the mark." Much speculation by man has viewed
this solely from the negative, interpreting it in the light of natural
events. This causes people to cast an apprehensive eye towards any event
that might be construed as having application to this supposed negative
fulfillment. Precious indeed, therefore, is the quickening of the holy
Spirit which gives a positive view of the ultimate triumph of Christ in
this matter.
"And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rising up out
of the sea." The sea-- bespeaks the mass of humanity, out of which
rises the bestial systems which have placed their mark upon "ALL, both
small and great, rich and poor, free and bond." The fact is every creature
bears this mark of the bestial nature, until such a time as the cross cancels
out the old Adamic nature, and we are born anew with the Christ nature,
to bear THE MARK OF GOD, being partakers of the divine nature, and conformed
to the image of The Son.
The Greek word used here for "mark" is "charagma." Eight times, and all
in the book of Revelation, it is translated as "mark," and means: an engraving,
an impressed mark. Then once it is given as "graven," in Acts 17:29, and
it is in this latter reference that we find the explanation or key as to
what the MARK involves in its relationship to man, for this mark is brought
about by ART and by MAN's DEVICE.
"For as much then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think
that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, GRAVEN by art
and man's device."
The Greek word for "art" is techni" meaning: art, skill, craft, technology;
and thus speaks of the work of the hands, or handiwork, and has its correlation
to that which is received in "the right hand," as spoken of in Revelation.
The word "devices" is from the Greek "enthumesis" meaning: INWARD THINKING,
or inner thought, which deals with our mental activity, and pertains to
the forehead.
Thus we have the ENGRAVING BY HANDIWORK, and the CONTROLLING OF OUR THINKING.
That which would seek to place its image upon us, dealing with the work
of our hands, and the brainwashing of our minds, to think according to
its nature and purpose.
Pursuing this a bit further, we find another Greek word closely akin, it
is "charakter", translated as "express image." Hebrews 1:3, "Who being
the brightness of glory, and the EXPRESS IMAGE of His person..." Speaking,
of course, of Christ Jesus, and then by extension, of His anointed ones
who partake of His divine nature and are conformed to His image, so as
to also become expressions, or manifestations of the substance of God,
as revealed through His, and our character. Thus, the MARK speaks of that
handiwork and the inward thinking which brings forth an expression of character
in line with the very source from which the mark comes. Either we will
express the character of God, or the character of the bestial system of
this world. It is not speaking only of an outward form, which could be
covered with a masquerade for a time, but it refers to that INNER QUALITY
OF CHARACTER WHICH IS BEING DEVELOPED IN US, which in due time shall be
revealed, for "the day shall declare it."
The "mark of the beast" is the direct opposite to the "MARK OF GOD," and
is an imprint of the nature and character of this world's bestial system.
The challenge to OVERCOME this mark of the bestial has been with us a long
time-- ever since "The Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden
of Eden to dress it and to KEEP (guard) it." (Genesis 2:15).
There was a beast waiting to place its mark upon the Adam. "The serpent
was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made."
(Genesis 3:1). And in Revelation we again have this charge to guard against
the beast, and the system which it represents.
We find that the IMPRINT was made when Eve responded to the serpent's argument,
which caused her to "take of the fruit," which had been forbidden her.
Immediately the mark was in her forehead, and then in her hand. Adam joined
her in this receiving of the mark. And having taken the imprint-- they
began to manifest the nature, character of the bestial, in selfish, rebellious,
minding the flesh behavior.
In Revelation, again the hand and the mind are involved with the mark of
the beast-- the influence that causes one to think and act according to
the ways of the world.
It is this flesh nature that identifies us with this world's carnality.
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations,
wrath, strife, sedition, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, revellings,
and such like: - they that do such things shall not inherit the kingdom
of God." But then in contra-distinction to such negativism, we find that
the new Christ nature bears a far different imprint, for "The fruit of
the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
meekness, temperance." (Galatians 5:19-23). O, to bear the mark of God!
Not only is the bestial mark stamped upon the nature of man, to influence
his thinking, and his handiwork, but we live under the mark of the beast
by living in this commercialized world order. "That no man might buy or
sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number
of his name." If we buy a car, a home, clothes, food, pay taxes, etc. it
is all under the mark of the beast. Whether we use a barter system, or
silver coins, we have to do business according to our culture and order
of society.
The name, nature, character of the beast touches every facet of our natural
life. Yet Jesus had no trouble with this, and He instructed the people
to "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things
that are God's." (Mark 12:17). So when faced with the demand for tribute
money, He said to Peter, "Lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea,
and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou
hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and
give unto them for Me and thee." (Matthew 17:27). He used the money of
the system to pay the tribute of the system, and in doing so, He made sure
that no one could say He owed them anything. Even though HE TRULY BELONGED
TO A DIFFERENT ORDER, THE HEAVENLY, yet He submitted to the present order,
while He maintained a PURE SPIRIT un-touched by that order. He did not
rebel against that society, for such rebellion would have defiled Him,
having partaken of the world's spirit of rebellion. He gave the system
its due, and therefore was free of any obligation to it.
Paul reaffirmed this, when he said, "Render therefore to all their dues:
tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear;
honour to whom honour. Owe no man anything, but to love one another." (Romans
13:7-8).
Another aspect to be considered is the governmental mark. "And the beast
which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a
bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion." Again we find this beast
first mentioned in the Old Testament, in Daniel's vision. He saw "four
great beasts come up from the sea diverse one from another... like a lion...
like to a bear... like a leopard... and a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible."
(Daniel 7:3-7). These have long been understood to represent governmental
systems which imposed their order upon the people of their day. But each
one also represents a spirit-characteristic that is part of this world's
order. In John's vision all the beasts were combined into one, indicating
that no matter which phase or time one considered, they all were a part
of the over-all bestial system.
The lion "was made to stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was
given to it." This indicates the beast's approach to reason and humanity,
appearing as if to benefit man, and to understand the needs of man, but
secularism and humanism are a part of this world, and they have nothing
in common with the mark of God. "For as the heavens are higher than the
earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your
thoughts." (Isaiah 55:9). His WAYS and THOUGHTS reveal His mark, and are
an expression of His character.
The second beast was given the command to 'Arise, devour much flesh." Whether
by war, oppression, religious persecution, paganism, or whatever, you have
to "buy and sell" according to its order, or be devoured. Indeed, if you
want to climb the corporate ladder of success, you will have to devour
all those that get in your way. The spirit of this beast is "devour, or
be devoured." And yet in the final analysis to take this mark is to be
consumed thereby.
Of the third beast, the leopard, "dominion was given unto it." The lust
for power and control, to rule over others, is a strong characteristic
of the bestial system of this world. The spirit of this beast is found
in every avenue of society-- religious, political, economical, etc. It
craves dominion-- and so opposite of the Spirit of Christ, Who said, "He
that is greatest among you shall be your servant." (Matthew 23:11). There
is no building of a personal kingdom today, without the mark-- i.e. the
actions and thinking of this beast.
The fourth beast has no name, but is dreadful and terrible, and exceeding
strong-- made to destroy, for "it had great iron teeth: it devoured and
brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet." The tyranny, the
cruelty, the ravenousness-- "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and
to kill, and to destroy." The end thereof are the ways of death!
Gladly do we turn from its mark, to receive the mark of God, for He said,
"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more
abundantly." (John 10:10).
It matters not which traits of the mark of the beast are found in us, thank
God, He can erase, purge, take away that image, and then humble us, transform
us, mold and shapen us into a new image-- for "As we have born the image
of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly." (1 Corinthians
15:49).
The very subtleness of this bestial system is that it deceives men into
thinking they will have life only if they yield to its spirit, and do things
its way. If you want to get ahead in this world, you must conform. And
so they "worship the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who
is able to make war with him." Put it in present day language, "who
can fight city hall?" Day by day allegiance is paid "to the system." Yet
if we are motivated by this SPIRIT OF THE WORLD, we will surely bring forth
after its kind.
The mind-control of the beast produces character manifestations which are
so unholy. Mental imagery that is far opposite of the truth. God gave Ezekiel
insight concerning "what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the
dark, every man in the chamber of his imagery," and what he saw was "every
form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the
house of Israel, portrayed upon the wall round about." (Ezekiel 8:12, 10).
They BORE THE MARK, and they THOUGHT according to its kind-- bestial. What
went on in the chambers of their imagery was totally unholy, unpleasing
to God.
Thank God we can "be renewed in the spirit of our mind, " (Ephesians 4:23),
and when we BEAR THE MARK OF GOD, we will THINK according to His kind.
"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things
are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever
things are of good repot; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
(we will) think on these things." (Philippians 4:8).
No doubt about it, there is a real warfare going on-- and to this bestial
system is given "to make war with the saints, and to overcome them."
But it is a momentary victory, "For a just man falleth seven times, and
riseth up again." (Proverbs 24:16). Therefore, "Rejoice not against me,
O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord
shall be a light unto me." (Micah 7:8). The ultimate victory belongs to
our Lord, and those who put their trust in Him.
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every
high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing
into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." (2 Corinthians
10:4-5).
And that there shall arise those who OVERCOME this whole bestial system,
is sure, for later on John writes, "I saw... them that had gotten the
victory over the beast, and over his image, and over the number of his
name." (Revelation 15:2).
The message is one of OVERCOMING-- "more than conquerors through Him that
loved us." (Romans 8:37).
What rejoicing fills the heart when we realize that GOD has a mark which
He is engraving upon His people, and it CANCELS OUT the mark of the beast
completely. He is bringing forth a new creation order wherein His own divine
nature shall find expression in every man.
"For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to
the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren."
(Romans 8:29).
Thus, "we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the
Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the
Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18).
There is such a desire within to be freed from every trait of the bestial.
Even our language reveals how much we have borne its image. Dumb like an
ox, stubborn as a mule, sly as a fox, wise as the serpent, silly as an
old hen, etc. Character traits of the flesh which reveal the mark of the
bestial.
"And all that dwell on the earth worship him, whose names are not written
in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
If any man have an ear, let him hear." (Revelation 13:8-9).
O let us HEAR IT! If our names are written in the Lamb's book of life,
WE WILL NOT WORSHIP THE BEAST, because we will worship our Redeemer who
has "made us free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2).
"Here is wisdom, Let him that hath understanding count the number of
the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred
threescore and six."
Six has long been recognized as the human number, the number of man as
destitute of God. It is also the number of man's labour as apart and distinct
from God's rest. It speaks of the realm of the flesh in all its humanism
independent of God. Therefore 666 bespeaks the culmination of human pride
in independence of God, and opposition to Christ. It signifies the mark
of the beast upon man brought to its zenith. It is flesh in all its wicked,
carnal glory.
They who worship the beast, and are under his mark, "the same shall
drink of the wine of the wrath of God which is poured out." (Revelation
14:10). For, "The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness
and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness." (Romans
1:18). Why this expression of the wrath of God? It is HIS ENERGY FORCE
sent forth to cleanse and purge until every man is free from the mark of
the beast, and engraved with the mark of God.
The beast symbolizes the flesh, the world, the devil. Its name bespeaks
of its nature, its character. And its number depicts it reaching its full
expression. Knowing this we understand that the issue is not one of getting
a "tattoo" on our forehead or hand, or having a social security number,
or any other type of personal identi-fication-- the challenge is to "gain
the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark,"
by yielding ourselves completely to Christ-- until we are fully ONE IN
HIM. Then all the marks of the beast are erased, cancelled out, and only
His image will be seen. Clearly John saw the conflict, awesome and terrible,
as the beast rises out of the sea-- but the revelation does not end with
this negative view. It is a "revelation of Jesus Christ," and He
is totally triumphant, therefore John sees the overcomer gaining the victory--
and ultimately all creation freed from the 'tyranny of the flesh, and brought
into the fulness of His life. BACK
Chapter 14 - "With
The Lamb" (Revelation 14:1-20)
"And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood
on the mount Zion, and with Him an hundred and forty and four thousand,
having His Father's name written in their foreheads." (Revelation 14:1).
The location-- "on mount Zion." We have seen Him "walking in
the midst of the seven golden candlesticks." We have seen Him as the
great Overcomer. "I overcame, and am set down with My Father in His
throne." Then we beheld Him "in the midst of the throne, a Lamb
as it had been slain." We have seen Him riding the various horses,
ministering the various judgments to bring about a purification and redemption.
He prevails, He is Lord! Ever and again "the revelation of Jesus Christ"
brings new insight of His marvelous glory and victory. Now we see Him "on
mount Zion." In this brief word lies a declaration of such magnitude
that it staggers the imagination to comprehend the triumph that brought
Him to this position of glory and honor.
"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in
the mountain of His holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole
earth, is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great
King." (Psalm 48:1-2).
This is a place to be desired. The name "Mount Zion" literally means: the
mount of light, or, sunny mountain. It was the highest mountain in the
city of Jerusalem. It was here that God did "lay in Zion for a foundation
a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation," (Isaiah
28:16), upon which He would build the whole structure of His purpose of
the ages. "According to the purpose of the ages which He purposed in Christ
Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3:11). Zion was the home of kings. The symbol
of power and authority, and source of deliverance, for, "There shall come
out of Zion the Deliverer." (Romans 11:26). And it was to be known as His
dwelling place. "The Lord hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for His
habitation. This is My rest forever: here will I dwell; for I have desired
it." (Psalm 132:13-14).
It was to this place that Lucifer aspired to ascend. "For thou hast said
in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above
the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in
the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will be like the most High." (Isaiah 14:13-14). What a place of pre-eminence,
prestige, honor, etc. BEAUTIFUL FOR SITUATION, literally, elevation. It
is above all, and thus all worship and praise would be directed this way.
It was this position that Lucifer coveted. And now we see the mark of the
bestial system in all of its carnality, motivated by the spirit of "I WILL,"
for this was a self promotion. But all of man's self-willed efforts shall
never prevail, and so it is written, verse 15, "Yet thou shalt be broccght
down to hell, to the sides of the pit." -- "For whosoever exalteth himself
shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Luke
14:11).
It is in contra-distinction to this "I will" effort, that we behold THE
LAMB, Who said, "I can of Mine own self do nothing.- -- because I seek
not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me." (John
5:30). So completely, from every avenue of His being, could He pray, "Not
My will, but Thine, be done," that He was able to "humble Himself, and
become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." {Philippians
2:8). HE IS the perfect sacrifice, the willing offering. In the fullest
meaning of the word, He laid down His own life, to be one with the will
of the Father, "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him." - "Far above
all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that
is named." (Ephesians 1:21).
The two extremes are hard to comprehend-- on one hand is self-exaltation,
coveting the high places, willing to destroy anything that gets in the
way, the stubborn set of the jaw-- I will achieve, I'll make it to the
top. And on the other hand is absolute humility-- no self-seeking, no self
promotion, no personal agenda, but total oneness in the Father's will.
Now we see the Lamb "standing on mount Zion," placed there by the
Father! Indeed, He could say, "I and My Father are one." He is the all
pre-eminent OVERCOMER! Every facet and trait of the mark of the bestial,
the flesh, the carnality of man-- He overcame it all, and now He reigns
from mount Zion.
But look again, He is not alone, for "with Him are an hundred and forty
and four thousand." Truly, "The hour is come, that the Son of man should
be glorified. - Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it
abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." (John 12:24).
The glory was not in the dying process, it was the UP-RISING OF MUCH FRUIT.
He is "bringing many sons unto glory." (Hebrews 2:10). He is surrounded
by the stars of God. He sits exalted in the congregation. He is the fulness
that fills up the empty place in the sides of the north. "He is the Head
of the body, the church: Who is the Beginning, the Firstborn from the dead;
that in all He might have the pre-eminence." (Colossians 1:18).
Yes, there are those who are "coming unto mount Zion, and unto the city
of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company
of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are
written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just
men made perfect, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant." (Hebrews
12:22-24).
What a congregation! They have overcome, "even as I also overcame."
(Revelation 3:21). There is no mark of the beast left on them-- they are
clean, pure, holy as He is holy. They were "made conformable to His death,"
and now they share in "the power of His resurrection." They are "the rod
of His strength (sent) out of Zion." They are "Thy people, willing in the
day of Thy power." (Psalm 110:2-3). ONE IN HIS WILL, they are "with
the Lamb."
"An hundred and forty and four thousand." The number is highly symbolic,
being a multiple of twelve. Twelve is the number that signifies perfection
of divine government, and here it is brought to its fulness. This is the
second time this number has been mentioned, the first being in Revelation
7:4-8, where we have "an hundred and forty and four thousand of all
the tribes of the children of Israel," which are sealed in their forehead.
Perhaps a word of explanation is due concerning their being twelve thousand
sealed from each tribe of Israel. Paul clearly stated, "They are not all
Israel, which are of Israel," (Romans 9:6), for if one wants to speak of
"the Israel of God," (Galatians 6:16), then let it be remembered, "That
they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. - Ye are
all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed,
and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:7, 28-29). And the true
qualification is INWARD-- "For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly;
- But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; - of the heart, in the spirit,
and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." (Romans
2:28-29). These are sealed in their forehead, having been "renewed in the
spirit of their mind." (Ephesians 4:23), and are truly a new creation in
Christ Jesus.
It would be an in-depth study of its own to delve into the meaning of the
names of the twelve tribes, and then their application to this overcoming
company. Briefly we illustrate: the name Judah means: praise, and these
are a PRAISE PEOPLE, not just in word, but in state of being. Asher means:
happy. These have found their happiness in the Lord. Benjamin means: son
of the right hand, introducing the whole message of sonship. And so it
goes, every name another facet of the attributes of this people.
"Sealed in their forehead." "Having His Father's name written in their
foreheads." The Greek texts actually read, "His name and His Father's
name." This is in harmony with the promise to the overcomer, back in chapter
3, verse 12, "I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name
of the city of My God, and My new name." The name speaks of the nature
and character-- His nature of light, love, truth-- all of this is inscribed
in the forehead, i.e. in their MIND. All that they think, all that they
manifest, will be to the glory of God-- for they bear His name. "I will
put My laws (will and purpose) into their mind, and write them in their
hearts." (Hebrews 8:10).
"And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as
the voice of great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with
their harps." O, the magnificence and magnitude of the anthem raised--
praise and worship rising from these that have overcome and now stand with
the Lamb. The perfect harmony, the melody of grace, the restoration of
that music of long ago, "When the morning stars sang together, and all
the sons of God shouted for joy." (Job 38:7). It will be the love song
of the ages, sung unto our Redeemer, Who hath gathered them unto Himself.
"When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that
dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongues with singing."
(Psalm 127:1-2).
But it is not just a song of long ago, nor of past blessing, for "They
sung as it were a new song before the throne, - and no man could learn
that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand. which were redeemed
from the earth." New song-- The Greek word here is "ode." Same word
is used in Ephesians 5:19, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs (odes), singing and making melody in your heart to
the Lord."
Psalms-- from "psallo" meaning: to touch, or play on a musical instrument,
and thus refers to sacred songs or poems as are sung to stringed instruments.
Hymns-- from "humnos," from "udo" meaning: to sing, to celebrate, praise,
and signified songs in honor of God. And then songs-- from "aeido" which
is an ode, and denotes any poetic composition adapted to singing. It is
often sung spontaneously.
Now we have a "new song," by a new company, with a new theme. "No
man could learn that song." It is born of the Spirit, bursting forth
from the heart of those who "were redeemed from the earth." Birthed
out of the experience of total redemption, only those "of like precious
faith" would be able to sing it. Let the song of Moses be sung, let the
song of Israel's return from captivity be sung, and whatever song the Spirit
inspires as we make our way to Zion. But when God's overcomers finally
stand "with the Lamb" on mount Zion, the illumination, glory, victory
shall be such it brings forth a spontaneous praise that none other can
sing. What resounding glory unto Him who hath redeemed us by His blood.
First, HE IS THERE on mount Zion, that is tremendous, but then that He
can so thoroughly redeem men, that they can qualify to be there with Him,
that is a testimony of the effectiveness of His in working. Such triumph
can only produce worship and praise.
"These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins."
Defiled-- The Greek word is "moluno," only used three times in the New
Testament. There are those overcomers "which have not defiled their garments,"
(Revelation 3:4), and there are those, of whom Paul wrote, "their conscience
being weak is defiled."
(1 Corinthians 8:7). The meaning
is clear, it is a defilement of the inner man. Idolatry is spiritual fornication
and adultery. These are not defiled with the spirit of the world. They
do not worship the beast, nor yet his image; they are free of his mark.
With a pure spirit they worship God-- thus "they are virgins." Virginity
of spirit is greatly to be desired. Unadulterated by the "I will" syndrome.
Paul taught another truth that is applicable here. He writes that through
our identification with the cross of Christ, and His death, "Ye are become
dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another,
even to Him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit
unto God." (Romans 7:4). The implication is clear-- once we have died out
to the old, and come alive to the new, any time we deviate from the path
of the Spirit, and go back to the former works of the law, it is spiritual
adultery.
Furthermore, "I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you
as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent
beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from
the simplicity (singleness) that is in Christ."
(2 Corinthians 11:2-3).
"When thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light." (Luke
11:34). Singleness- "He that is joined to the Lord is one spirit." If,
in any way, we turn from that singleness, and yield our mind and spirit
to the spirit of the world, we have defiled ourselves. Works is a filthiness
unto grace. The flesh is filthiness unto the spirit. The spirit of the
world is filthiness unto Christ. We dare not prostitute the anointing,
by using it for the satisfaction of the flesh. When our inward desire for
God has turned elsewhere for its satisfaction, we have defiled our spirit,
lost our virginity, and only our Redeemer can restore us to a virgin state
again. It is truly a further "revelation of Jesus Christ," that we see
Him revealed in a company of virgins-- undefiled ones. Only He can bring
forth such a company of PERSONIFIED PURITY to stand with Him.
"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the
world is enmity with God ?" (James 4:4). And what is the cure for this?
"The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto
me, and I unto the world." (Galatians 6:14). To stand on the mount with
the Lamb signified that this inworking of the cross is complete-- we are
dead to the world, and the world is dead unto us-- nothing within that
can be tantalized by the world, all that we desire is IN CHRIST ALONE.
"These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth." What
processing this one sentence covers, for it requires that we be LOOSED
from all the binding restrictions of religion, to be free to follow as
He leads. Our English word "religion" comes from the Latin "religio," meaning:
taboo, or restraint. It bespeaks of a system of faith and worship, with
all of its "do, and don't," exercised by the will of man to gain favor
with his God.
The Greek word is "threskia," meaning: outward ceremonial observances;
which were done primarily for an appeasement.
Religion can be, and may well be, the greatest enemy of the Spirit, for
it was religious belief that crucified Jesus. It was religious belief that
hindered the entry of men into the kingdom of God. And Paul wrote, "O foolish
Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before
whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among
you." (Galatians 3:1). Having begun in the Spirit, they were ready to revert
back to the works of the flesh, to observe days, months, times-- back in
bondage to form and ceremony, rather than the free flow of His life through
them by the Spirit. Turning back to legalism is in effect crucifying Christ
afresh, for it is a turning from the life of the Spirit, to man's own works
and self-efforts.
To "follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth," requires great flexibility.
It is possible that when we adhere rigidly to a promise, as we understand
that promise, without taking a step in any direction, we could suddenly
find ourselves outside the will of God, and back inside the rigid walls
of legalism, and in danger of crucifying our Lord afresh. We might claim
it and stand on it, and insist that God honor His Word on the level we
understand it, when He has a far greater meaning for that promise, if we
are willing to let go of our own self claiming-works, and just let the
Spirit lead us as He wills. Self will is at the root of self-effort, and
self-effort constitutes the works of the law, and the works of the law
takes us outside the realm of faith-- becoming a religion, rather than
the free flow of His life. Thus we see what a tremendous MIRACLE of conversion
Christ hath wrought in the hearts and lives of these that are now free
to follow Him "whithersoever He goeth."
Only Christ can live the CHRIST-LIFE through us, and this becomes operative
through relationship. The Greek word for "follow" is "akoloutheo," meaning:
to be in the same way with, i.e. to accompany. This is not trying to be
an imitator of His way, but A PARTAKER! Breaking out of the "mode of religion"
to follow Him is first an INWARD working, and then is manifested outward
as the occasion might serve. To be able to "follow the Lamb whithersoever
He goeth," means that He has brought us into a liberty and freedom
which is far beyond all we can ask or think.
"These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God
and to the Lamb." Herein is an amazing word. Until the Redeemer came
on the scene, these were no different than the rest of humanity. As Paul
well stated, "We also are men of like passions with you." (Acts 14:15).
Again we read, "Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are." (James
5:17). Or, as God once said to Israel, "The Lord did not set His love upon
you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people: for
ye were the fewest of all people." (Deuteronomy 7:7). NOT BECAUSE OF WHO
OR WHAT WE WERE, but according to His sovereign grace, for we are but men
like unto all of humanity. Therefore, when He sovereignly draws us unto
Himself, and REDEEMS US to this glorious realm of victory, then let it
be clear, we are only "the firstfruits unto God." We are not the
sum total of His handiwork, but the beginning-- and all the harvest to
follow shall receive the SAME QUALITY OF INWORKING as is seen in the firstfruits.
What the firstfruits are is a manifested promise of what all the rest of
creation shall receive and enjoy. No wonder "The whole creation is on tiptoe
to see the wonderful sight of the sons of God coming into their own," (Romans
8:19); because that means that once this victory is achieved, then the
rest of creation may follow, "every man in his own order," until the whole
is reconciled, and become one in His more abundant life.
"And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before
the throne of God." How utterly awesome! So often we have prayed it,
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable
in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14). And
here we find a people in whom this is fulfilled. "If any man offend not
in word, the same is a perfect man." (James 3:1).
No guile-- the Greek word is "dolos," meaning: bait, a lure, a snare. No
deceit or trickery in their speech. The truth, spoken in love, which cannot
be twisted or refuted-- because IT IS! And such a word is possible only
because it comes out of a state of being that is "without fault."
The Greek word is "amomos," meaning: blameless, without blemish, without
spot.
First of all the qualification was in Himself, for He was "a Lamb without
blemish and without spot." (1 Peter 1:19). And now He is able to bring
us into the same state of being. "And you, that were sometimes alienated
and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in
the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and un-blameable
and un-reproveable in His sight." (Colossians 1:21-22). - "To present you
faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." (Jude 24).
If ever a victory testified to the capability and success of His Redemptive
process, this company, which stand with the Lamb on mount Zion, are a living
manifestation of that triumph!
Now it rightly follows, with the evidence of redemption before us, "I
saw another angel (messenger) 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). The GOOD NEWS
OF THE AGES, IT WORKS! The process of redemption works, and we have a whole
company as evidence. Now, what He has done for others, He will do for you!
What you have seen and heard can be experienced. "When he seeth his children,
the work of Mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify
My name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of
Israel. They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and
they that murmured shall learn doctrine." (Isaiah 29:23-24).
What is the message of this "everlasting gospel?" Let them cry with
a loud voice, "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His
judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the
sea, and the fountain of waters."
"Fear God..." This is not a slavish fear, with obedience rendered
because of a fear of the consequences if the Master is not pleased with
us. Nor is this a superstitious fear, born out of supposed things that
could happen, but never do. But it is a deep REVERENCE given to our God,
springing out of respect, honor, and glory which we accord to Him. Then
the specific reason for giving Him this reverence and glory-- "for the
hour of His judgment is come." Ah, the very thought of judgment sends
some people back into a slavish fear-- because they view God as a Tyrant,
out to "get them" them, and they are afraid that He will punish them without
mercy for every little mis-deed. Others immediately shudder with a superstitious
fear because of the misconception resulting from all the erroneous doctrines
and traditions which they have been taught. But judgment does not mean
there will be catastrophes, troubles, events of horror and suffering. It
means that the time of RESTORATION, of correction into righteousness has
come. That evil shall be wiped out, and "Truth shall spring out of the
earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the Lord shall
give that which is good." (Psalm 85:11-12).
Yes, it is time to "WORSHIP GOD." When the hour of crisis comes,
it is time to worship Him that made heaven and earth, for He who is in
control of the universe is also in control of our earthen vessel, and can
bring us into the fulness of His life. And having viewed the RESULTS OF
REDEMPTION in a firstfruits company, people now see that it is a good thing
to serve the Lord-- He has their best interests at heart, and in love He
will re-gather all creation unto Himself. Worship rightly follows any inworking
of judgment, for once we have been brought into a state of rightness, the
joy and peace and blessing will produce a spontaneous outflow of praise
and worship to Him.
Swiftly the events unfold, and "there followed another messenger, saying,
Babylon is fallen." With the Lamb on mount Zion, surrounded with the
firstfruits of the new creation, then all the systems of this world shall
come to their end, and then "shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom,
which shall never be destroyed:... it shall break in pieces nnd consume
all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever." (Daniel 2:44).
"And the third messenger followed them," with the message that all
those who "worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in
his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath
of God..." The hour has now come, the CLEANSING, PURGING processes
which were wrought in the firstfruits, now must be applied to the rest
of creation, until the whole is purified. Yes, it is "every man in his
own order," and none shall escape that ultimate working until our God is
truly "ALL in all."
"And another messenger came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice
to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap; for the time
is come for these to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe." Now
let us shout "Hallelujah!" "Out of the temple" comes the message
we have long waited to hear. It is a true word, it is a pure word, for
as we already observed, the temple has been measured, brought up to specifications--
"Into the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Now the message
that goes forth is HIS MESSAGE-- not the programs of man, not the schemes
and plans of carnal men building kingdoms, supposedly for God, but actually
for their own ego trip. Now it is truly "Holding forth the WORD OF LIFE."
(Philippians 2:16). And the message is that it is GOD'S HOUR for the ingathering.
Long have we eagerly awaited this time. Through the centuries the efforts
of Missionary Societies have ebbed and flowed, and as the "times
of refreshing have come from the presence of the Lord," (Acts 3:19), there
have been some precious ingatherings. But always the harvest was so "in
part." The revivals were held, and a remnant were gathered in, but the
vast majority of the city remained untouched. God was still gathering HIS
FIRSTFRUITS. But now the time for the general harvest arrives, and with
joy we hear Him say, "Thrust in thy sickle, and reap."
"Now all the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and
all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before Thee. For the kingdom
is the Lord's: and He is Governor among the nations." (Psalm 22:27-28).
"For God has allowed us to know the secret of His plan, and it is this:
He purposes in His sovereign will that all human history shall be consummated
in Christ, that everything that exists in Heaven or earth shall find its
perfection and fulfillment in Him." (Ephesians 1:9-10, Phillips).
"And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out
of the winepress..." First it was written of our Redeemer, "I have
trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me."
(Isaiah 63:3). And then He apprehends unto Himself an "election of grace,"
a firstfruits, who are drawn "forth therefore unto Him without the camp,
bearing His reproach." (Hebrews 13:13). And now the great "winepress experience"
faces all creation-- warring fiercely against all impurity, treading out
the self will and rebellion of man.
"He comes leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills." (Song of
solomon 2:8). There is MERCY in the treading-- He does not LEAP upon the
hills, for it only requires the light skipping-- the gentle pressure of
His foot, redirecting the course. But upon every high mountain of man's
kingdom He will TREAD HEAVILY-- leaping until all is subdued before Him.
Then new life shall flow from the winepress of God,
New life shall flow from the refiner's fire.
New life shall flow from the suffering and sorrow,
New life shall flow-- the eternal life of God.
The harvest shall be completed, though it shall require "the ages to come
(that) He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness
toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:7). But the process will
be accelerated, for, "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that the plowman
shall overtake the reaper, and the trender of grapes him that soweth seed;
and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt."
(Amos 9:13). It is totally positive, for it is the triumph of our Redeemer.
BACK
Chapter 15 - "Seven
Angels With Seven Plagues (Revelation 15:1 - 16:21)
"And I saw another sign in heaven,
great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in
them is filled up the wrath of God." (Revelation 15:1).
After making mention of this "sign in heaven," John proceeds with
a brief summarization of the victory of the overcomers, as if to say, "Let
these points be strong in your vision, before I tell you of the plagues."
These will be the "last plagues," as with them God's wrath, His indignation
against all unrighteousness, is finished, reaches its climax, and is ended.
"And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire." This was
first mentioned in Revelation 4:6, "And before the throne was a sea
of glass like unto crystal." But now there is an added qualification,
"mingled with fire." Truly the overcomer can stand thereon, because
the cleansing of His consuming fire has done its work within. There is
no negative reaction to the fire. There is no fear of exposure, or scrutiny.
While it is written, "There is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed;
and hid, that shall not be known," (Matthew 10:26), yet these can be transparent
before all, and stand unashamed. When everything within us is pure, as
He is pure, let the unveilings take place-- we can stand upon the sea of
glass, and rejoice that we have been made partakers of His righteousness.
"And I saw... them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over
his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on
the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses
the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb."
"The song of Moses," was a song of deliverance, exalting the power
of God, magnifying the One who brought them through in victory. "Then sang
Moses... this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the
Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously... The Lord is my strength and my
song, and He is become my salvation: He is my God... Who is like unto Thee,
O Lord, among the gods ? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful
in praises, doing wonders..." (Exodus 15:1-2, 11).
"And the song of the Lamb." Now the song expands to another dimension,
for the Lamb is the REDEEMER of all men, and He sings of the totality of
salvation for all mankind. "All nations whom Thou hast made shall come
and worship before Thee, O Lord; and shall glorify Thy name. For Thou art
great, and doest wondrous things: Thou art God alone." (Psalm 86:9-10).
"And all flesh shall come to worship before Me, saith the Lord." (Isaiah
66:23).
"For He will famish all the gods of the earth, and men shall worship Him,
every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen." (Zephaniah
2:11).
"Saying, Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just
and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints. Who shall not fear Thee, O
Lord, and glorify Thy name? For Thou only art holy: For all nations shall
come and worship before Thee; for Thy judgments are made manifest."
Yes, the first fruits sing of victory over the beast, his mark, his image,
his number. They exalt the One who has brought them into this deliverance.
But then they go on to prophetically sing of the ultimate, that "ALL
NATIONS shall come and worship before Thee." It is not just our deliverance--
it is what He has purposed for ALL men everywhere, including the far off
isles of the sea.
With this VICTORY clearly in focus, let the outworking of it begin! "I
looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven
was opened." Out of this purified, qualified, holy temple of His dwelling,
proceeds the ministry. The messengers are "clothed in pure and white linen,
and having their breasts girded with golden girdles." Such oneness with
the holiness and divine nature of God, their ministry is totally righteous,
executing the will of God to perfection.
"And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and
from His power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the
seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled."
"If you walk contrary unto Me, and will not hearken unto Me; I will bring
seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins. - I will walk
contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins."
(Leviticus 26:21, 24).
The certainty of justice and correction is sure-- not as a negative whipping
as payment for sin, but as a chastening to teach, a discipline to learn--
"For when Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world
will learn righteousness." (Isaiah 26:9). The process is not an end in
itself, but the means to an end-- through all the judgments a vital correction
is made, bringing forth a "godly sorrow that worketh repentance to salvation."
(2 Corinthians 7:10). His judgments do not save us, but they condition
and prepare us to receive HIM who is our Salvation. They cause us to turn
to the Lord in repentance, and we find He has been drawing us to Himself
through it all.
So great is His glory and power that fills the temple, that no man can
enter until their sevenfold cleansing is complete. This was prefigured
in the early church, "And of the rest durst no man join himself to them..."
(Acts 5:13). When GOD'S HOLINESS fills the temple, no man will be able
to enter and retain his filthy garments. "Friend, how camest thou in hither
not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king
to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him
into outer darkness." (Matthew 22:12-13). The standard is not lowered to
accommodate the world. The purgings will intensify until all are clean,
clothed with His righteousness, and ready to be received by Christ.
"And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels,
Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth."
(Revelation 16:1). Then follows the plagues of purification. They correspond
to that which we saw in the ministry of the seven trumpets, and are
also prefigured in the plagues that came upon Egypt.
While the processings might be severe, yet "I heard the angel of the waters
say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because
Thou hast judged thus." - "And I heard another out of the altar say, Even
so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Thy judgments." (Revelation
16:5, 7).
Truly we can bear witness, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all
His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right
is He." (Deuteronomy 32:4).
Moffatt's translation reads: "Steadfast - He rules aright, HIS METHODS
ARE IN ORDER DUE, a God trusty and wholly true, upright and honest." While
Ferrar Fenton adds the thought, "ALL HIS LINES ARE STRAIGHT."
What a declaration! His work is perfect, all His lines are straight, His
methods are in due order, all that He does is RIGHT! Therefore it rightly
follows, "All His ways are judgment." Everything He does is to bring about
a restoration and setting right that which has been perverted, distorted,
defiled, etc. HE IS OUR GOD OF SALVATION! Were He to draw a line in your
life, it would be a straight line-- and that means you would be brought
into alignment with that uprightness. "I will cause them to walk by the
rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for
I am a Father to Israel." (Jeremiah 31:9). All of His methods, His workings,
are in proper order, proper time, perfect sequence, as He steadily draws
you to Himself.
So long has Christendom programmed their doctrines with a negative view,
that to read of the pouring out of the plagues brings a shudder, a fear,
for all they see is calamity and distress, while actually God has promised
the opposite. Full well He knows the propensity of humanity to do evil.
He knows of the self-will and rebellion, that we have "turned every one
to his own way." But He also has promised, "I will bring the blind by a
way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known:
I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These
things will I do unto them, and not forsake them." (Isaiah 42:16).
So ingrained is the self-will and rebellion of man, that the first strokes
of judgment only harden them in their waywardness. "And men were scorched
with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over
these plagues: and they repented not to give Him glory." Yet even in
their cursing they are forced to acknowledge that the Almighty God was
in control, He had "power over the plagues." They blaspheme God
in a reaction to their pain and distress. But while the wrath of God is
love's severity, yet it remains purest love, seeking the ultimate good
for creation, and so it continues to apply the strokes of chastisement.
Repentance will come, but how great is the need for the inworking of His
judgments, until that submission comes.
"And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast;
and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for
pain, and blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their
sores, and repented not of their deeds."
There are two very contrasting realms, and God uses them both in His processings.
"Scorched with great heat," and the pain of "darkness." The
pain of fiery trials we know, when God turns on the heat and we "melt before
Him." But now let us briefly consider the pain of darkness-- and the dark
night of the soul.
In the parable of Jesus, when it came time to deal with the stress-rebellion
of the servant, the command was given, "Cast ye the unprofitable servant
into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew
25:30).
Outer darkness-- which, according to the scientists, is a state of absolute
zero, 273 degrees minus fahrenheit. There is no heat, no light, no energy,
all has been removed or drawn off. Thus "darkness," becomes a synonymous
term for "cold," the opposite of heat.
When one steps into a very cold room, at first you have your own body warmth
which surrounds you, so that it isn't so noticeable as to how cold the
room might be, but gradually, as your body heat is drawn off until you
become more equalized with the temperature of the room, then you realize
how cold that room really is. What has happened is that to make an equalization,
there is a drawing off of the thermo energy in you to make up some of the
lack in the room.
All of the inner stress which has built up through our rebellious resistance
to the will of God, can be drawn off by a plunge into darkness. All our
reserve resource of self-will, etc. is tapped, and we struggle to maintain
our stand, while slowly we are worn down and become less adamant in our
willful rebellion. God knows exactly what DARK CORNER to place us in, with
no outside energy which we can draw from to help maintain our rebellious
resistance. Yea, the darkness draws out of us, until our high force of
thermo energy is lowered way down, and we don't feel as rebellious as we
once did.
It is significant that wherever you find reference to "outer darkness"
you also read of "weeping and gnashing of teeth," as if to indicate the
shivering in the cold until the teeth chatter. But ever more our God is
in control, for "The darkness and the light are both alike to Thee." (Psalm
139:12).
It may be that for a time "Men love darkness rather than light, because
their deeds are evil." (John 3:19). They may feel they are getting away
with their wrong-doing because no one sees them. But when God leaves them
in darkness long enough, they come to hate the darkness, for it draws out
of them their last reserves of light, life, strength-- and they are brought
to the end of themselves. "Thine own wickedness shall correct thee,
and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it
is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God,
and that My fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God." (Jeremiah 2:19).
All this brings more meaning to the Word, "If therefore the light that
is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness." (Matthew 6:23). We
weep for them, yet we thank God for this understanding of how He uses the
COLD, THE DARKNESS to draw out this thermo energy of self-resistance, and
the hour of final victory will come, with a full restoration into God.
"And the sixth angel poured out his vial... And I saw three unclean
spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the
mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they
are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings
of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that
great day of God Almighty."
There is a "spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. "
(Ephesians 2:2). And the time comes when God does more than just
clean up the body realm, and the mind realm, but there is a "war in
our heavens," as He contends with the very spirit (or spirits) which
motivates us. The battle is not just "against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this
world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12).
We are to be CLEANSED "from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God." (2 Corinthians 7:1). Thus, before this sevenfold
purification process is finished, the spirit world is challenged and overcome.
Three unclean spirits emerge, from the dragon, the beast, the false prophet.
Touching upon the bestiality of man in all areas of body, soul, and spirit.
It reaches into all the expressions of society, religious, political, economical.
The frogs may croak (sound off) all night, but their influence will end
with the Light of the New Day, when "the kingdoms of this world become
the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ."
We observe that these "spirits of devils, can be classified in three areas:
unclean spirits, spirits of infirmity, and vexing spirits.
The influence of the UNCLEAN spirit is readily seen in all of the uncleanness
of the flesh. "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts,
adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit,
lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness." (Mark 7:21-22).
Paul also described the "uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts..."
(Romans 1:24), so that there were all forms of erotism, homosexuality,
fornication, wickedness, covetousness, deceit, malignity, implacable, unmerciful,
and the list goes on. This unclean spirit seems intensified in the end
of this age, but there is a battle that will defeat and END all such uncleanness.
The purpose of the "last plagues" is to "throughly purge His floor...
and He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (Matt. 3:12).
Infirmity and vexing also spring out of the evil realm. But when Christ
came on the scene, "They that were vexed with unclean spirits, were healed."
(Luke 6:18). Tranquilizers don't deliver. The battles within with the tormenting
of negative thoughts, whisperers that rob you of your peace-- illustrate
it as you will, ALL of this ends when Christ reigns supreme within.
There was "a woman which had a spirit of infirmity, and was bowed together,
and could in no wise lift up herself And when Jesus saw her, he called
her to Him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity."
(Luke 13:11-12). Loosed-- from the same root word we get "redemption,"
i.e. a loosing away. HE is the Redeemer, and though all creation be "bowed
together" and cannot walk upright, yet when His purifying plagues are finished,
ALL HIS LINES ARE STRAIGHT!" The loosing will be total and complete in
every way-- He promised it so!
Jesus declared that "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, " if
that one is not filled with the Spirit of God, but remains empty and vulnerable,
that the unclean spirit will "take with him seven other spirits more wicked
than himself, and enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that
man is worse than the first. EVEN SO SHALL IT BE UNTO THIS WICKED GENERATION."
(Matthew 12:43, 45). No wonder there is need for this sevenfold cleansing--
the intense pollution of uncleanness, of the bestiality of man requires
it.
The masquerade was stripped away, and it was said to Nebuchadnezzar, "Let
his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto
him; and let seven times pass over him." (Daniel 4:16). All of the beast's
mark was there, and it required a sevenfold (SEVEN TIMES) judgment. Was
it successful? Yes, indeed. "At the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted
up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and
I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him that liveth for
ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom from generation
to generation.
I praise and extol and honour the
King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and His ways judgment: and those
that walk in pride He is able to abase." (Daniel 4:34, 37). What a glorious
victory! Humbled before the Almighty, he acknowledged the excellency of
all "His ways judgment." They were right, correcting, re-aligning,
bringing the whole into uprightness before God! He, could only bow low
and worship.
Every man must face his hour of truth, and come to his appointed "Armageddon."
Jacob "wrestled a man... until the breaking of the day." (Genesis 32:24).
The warring between spirit and flesh, truth and error, love and hate, light
and darkness, love for God and self-love, His will and our will-- it brings
us to our personal Gethsemane. All roads and crossroads eventually lead
to the Cross, and there the war ends-- "It is finished. "
"And the seventh angel poured out his via! into the air; and there came
a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, IT
IS DONE." (Revelation 16:17).
The ringing declaration that "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is
death," (1 Corinthians 15:26), overthrows the whole structure of accepted,
but unproven, theology that the forces of evil shall eternally exist in
opposition to righteousness. Evil is allowed for wise ends, and when these
are secured it must cease to exist, for God will restore all things into
good. "The Lord hath made all things for Himself. yea, even the wicked
for the day of evil." (Proverbs 16:4).
"Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and
that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the
waster to destroy." (Isaiah 54:16).
The mystery of iniquity will work until that hour when the Voice comes
"out of the temple of heaven FROM THE THRONE, saying, It is done."
He hath decreed that "iniquity shall have an end," (Ezekiel 21:25). And
His judgments are a means to that end.
Seven is the number of completeness, perfection. It is not a ceaseless,
unending conflict-- God's purpose moves forward with divine order until
it is consummated. And now in the pouring out of the seventh vial, again
we have the witness that the negative forces will come to their end.
In this seventh, and last plague, we have the sweeping climax-- "The
cities of the nations fall; and great Babylon came in remembrance before
God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.
And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found." (Revelation
16:19-20). So great was the entrenchment of Babylon, John will have much
more to say about her fall, but it is included in this seventh plague.
"And every island fled away..." Islands symbolize that separate,
individualized effort of man, to live his own life, do his own thing, a
law unto himself. But all self-centeredness will be dealt with by
God. "A branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine."
(John 15:4). Long ago "He drove out the man" from the Garden, and man went
his own way. "Cain went out from the presence of the Lord... and he builded
a city." (Genesis 4:16). He sought to exalt his own name, become an entity
in himself. But all the efforts of man have failed, and now this self-independence
is ended, and the creature will find life and peace in God again. Truly,
there is "a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun,
but only God, can satisfy." (Ecclesiastes 3:11, Amplified). Now shall every
man obey that command, inherent in his spirit, "Return, ye children of
men." (Psalm 90:3). Our waywardness ended, we are "gathered together in
one" in Christ, (Ephesians 1:10), to find our all in Him!
"And the mountains were not found..." All the kingdom-building of
man shall cease. The empires which were a monument to the abilities of
the flesh shall be brought low, For the fulness of the victory of the seventh
trumpet is now made manifest, "The kingdoms of this world are become the
kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and
ever." (Revelation 11:15).
For a time men will blaspheme God "because of the plague of the hail,"
for it will be devastating in its working." Judgment also will I lay to
the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away
the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place." (Isaiah
28:17). But when the work is finished, the whole of creation will be subdued
before Him, joyfully to proclaim that He is righteous in all His ways,
and HE IS LORD!
"And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under
the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard
I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth
upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." (Revelation
5:13). EVERY CREATURE, everywhere, shall cease their blaspheming, rebellion
against God, and shall bow low in worship before Him, to praise and magnify
the King of kings. BACK
Chapter 16 - "Mystery--
Babylon The Great" (Revelation 17:1-18)
"And there came one of the seven
angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come
hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth
upon many waters." (Revelation 17:1).
The word "Babylon" means: confusion. It matters not which segment of the
world's institutional structures we consider, be it economical, political,
or religious, there is one word that can be written across the whole, CONFUSION.
It is the MIXTURE of good and evil that brings such confusion. So interwoven
is truth with error, helping others while building a kingdom for self,
good works that are a blessing to many, while fostering one's own name
and reputation, that it is difficult to know which is right and which is
wrong.
Furthermore, Babylon also represents an incarnation of all that is opposed
to God, for it is anti-christ. The word "anti" means: against, or, instead
of. Every facet of the flesh bespeaks of the bestial, of antagonism toward
God, and it would set itself up to be "instead of God." Indeed, it is a
system that "opposeth and exalteth itself above all that is called God."
(2 Thessalonians 2:4). Betimes there might be strong outward opposition,
but often it is just a subtle substitution, self, flesh, the world, instead
of God.
Yet, even while we acknowledge this, be it remembered, Babylon is still
in the sovereign hand of God Who controls all. Therefore even Babylon,
in spite of all of its corruption, has been used by God for a purpose.
"Babylon hath been a golden cup in the Lord's hand, that made all the earth
drunken." (Jeremiah 51:7). And it is when her purpose is finished, that
God has decreed her end. It is a prophetic word guaranteed of fulfillment.
"With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the
inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication."
(verse 2).
Whoredom in the Scripture frequently denotes idolatry. It is a turning
to worship and serve "other gods," rather than worshiping and serving our
Creator/Redeemer. It is to place the system of the world before Him. This
system has catered to, excited, and serviced all the lusts of the flesh.
"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the
eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."
(1 John 2:16). Men, have worshiped at the shrine of desire-- desire for
fame, fortune, pleasure, etc. God has used this as a means of EXPOSING
ALL THAT IS IN THEIR HEART. "Out of the heart of men proceed evil thoughts,
adulteries, fornications, ..." (Mark 7:21). When desire and opportunity
meet, that which is within shall be manifested.
The mystery goes back a very long time. "Cush begat Nimrod, he began to
be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the Lord:...
And the beginning of His kingdom was Babel
(or, Babylon)." (Genesis 10:8-10).
Briefly: Nimrod became a mighty one; powerful, famous, a leader in the
affairs of men. He is the first one spoken of to organize a kingdom. And
it is stated "he was a mighty hunter before the Lord." The Hebrew word
"before" is used in a great variety of applications, and in this instance
literally means "against." Nimrod set himself up before God, instead of
God, and thus literally, AGAINST GOD. And his very name, Nimrod, is said
to mean: upstart, or, let us rebel. One writer pointed out that the Jewish
Encyclopedia says that Nimrod was "he who made all the people rebellious
against God." Many of the paganistic practices of today are dated back
to the time of Nimrod, as they rise in opposition against God-- are ANTI-God.
Babylon is a union of the religious, political, and economical realms--
expressed through three different avenues, yet all under the same anti-christ
spirit, and all three are very intertwined. Whether manifested as one man
enterprises, or vast dictatorial regimes, they all bear the marks of confusion.
Genesis 11, gives the record of how the people found a plain in the land
of Shinar, and proceeded to built a city and a tower, but God intervened,
confounded their language, and scattered them. Verse 9, "Therefore is the
name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language
of all the earth."
The Hebrew word for "confound" used here is " babal" meaning: to mix, to
mingle, and thus literally, to mix self in. The more self-centered each
man became, with his own expression, the less they could communicate with
others, so frustration took over, and they left off building, and went
every one his own way. Though self had been in evidence beforehand, now
it was turned inward, and thus caused greater confusion.
There are four things which are revealed in this record which bespeaks
of the projection of SELF in man, and which carries down to present time.
1) They came to this particular plain, saw that it was a good place to
dwell, and decided to settle there. Self seeks to be surrounded with ease
and prosperity. Religion still capitalizes on this aspect of man, with
doctrines of prosperity, until many "suppose that gain is godliness," (1
Timothy 6:5), and measure their spirituality by how they prosper. Find
a comfortable creed and doctrine, where flesh is appeased, and settle down
to just enjoy it. Eat, drink, and be merry. Politicians appeal to this
propensity in man, as they push for their own agenda. Financiers cater
to this lust of the flesh, to promote their money schemes. Yes, the trappings
of Babylon are everywhere.
But "the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing."
(Ecclesiastes 1:8). Not until the creature has returned to its Creator
will there ever be true and lasting satisfaction, all else is an illusion.
"As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied,
when I awake, with thy likeness." (Psalm 17:15).
2) Self -building. Along with seeking satisfaction in their surroundings,
men come to this next expression of self, "let us build us a city and a
tower." The first time the word "build" is used in the Bible, is when Cain
"went out from the presence of the Lord... and he builded a city." (Genesis
4:16-17). Build a kingdom, or fence in this little corner as MINE, no matter
how small, or large, the same spirit is there, "Is not this great Babylon,
that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power,
and for the honor of my majesty?" (Daniel 4:30). That is truly the spirit
of Babylon, to glory in all of our self-works.
3) Self-exaltation. Concurrent with the building comes the thought, "let
us make us a name." How men like the sound of their own name, and they
attach it to everything they are able to, that it might become well-known
and lifted up. Yet surely, the more the cross works within us, "not my
will, but Thine, be done," the more we desire only to exalt the name of
the Lord our God.
4) Self-preservation. "Lest we be scattered." It is one of the most basic
instincts of the natural man, once you have built a kingdom, then you have
to fight to maintain it, and fear takes over-- fear of loss, fear of being
scattered. We must maintain our territorial rights. So men devise ways
of self-protection and defense. But the cure for all of this is to abandon
ourselves to God, then HE will keep us. "Whosoever will save his life shall
lose it,. and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it."
(Matthew 16:25).
There are also four prominent things in Babylonian philosophy, four things
which are ingrained in all institutionalized systems of the world today.
When God scattered them from the tower of Babel, they carried their philosophy
in all directions.
1) The very basic philosophy of Babylon is that all things are the result
of organic evolution. This eliminates God as Creator, and opens the way
for man to think that he helped in his own creation and evolvement. Man
likes to think that inherent in his own selfhood lies the power for his
advancement. Even in his religion he feels he has to "help God out."
2) There was strong emphasis on what they termed the "thinker," or the
brain. This projection of the ego of man, and emphasis on the "brain bank,"
gives pre-eminence to the intellect. The educational systems of the day
are enmeshed in this ideology.
3) It is also noted that part of Babylon's philosophy promoted promiscuity
(sex-abandonment). It permeates all of society, resulting in the break-down
of the home and marriage.
4) Finally, the fourth part of Babylon's basic philosophy was for a total
state, welfare society (or what might be termed totalitarianism). This
simply
means that the State will act for the people, think for the people, do
everything for the people. And again, this has crept into religion-- the
whole of religious popery follows this, be it the local pastor who binds
the sheep to himself, or the "headquarters" which sends out the edict for
men to follow.
"I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy,
having seven heads and ten horns. And upon her I forehead was a name written,
Mystery, Babylon The Great, The Mother Of Harlots And Abominations Of The
Earth."
This system of the world has infiltrated into every avenue of society--
"And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains,
on which the woman sitteth." The waters which thou sawest, where the whore
sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." Significant
that it speaks of "seven" mountains. It is from the Hebrew language that
we get the meaning of the number seven, for the Hebrew word is "shevah"
from the root "savah" which means: to be full or satisfied, thus it speaks
of that which is full and complete, and in the positive sense, good and
perfect. Not until Babylon's cup has come to its FULL, is it time for it
to be judged.
The principle remains, and we are admonished to "Judge nothing before its
time." (1 Corinthians 4:5).
As part of the outworking purpose of God, the seed of Abraham had to sojourn
in Egypt for a time, because "The iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full
(complete)." (Genesis 15:16). Justice
would not demand a full sentence
upon an incomplete measure. But when it was "full up" then God sent Israel
in to destroy them, and bring that realm to an end.
And Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees of His day, "Ye are the children
of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your
fathers." (Matthew 23:31-32). Which they then proceeded to do in due time,
when they killed Jesus.
So the point becomes clear, Babylon, too, must come to its FULL EXPRESSION,
its purpose be completed, and then it will be time for judgment, as the
seventh vial is poured out-- and the decree comes from the throne, "It
is done." FINISHED, full up and ended. And we do well to guard our spirit,
so that we do not rail against that which God is still using in His plan
of the ages.
So through the generations, rising up in many different expressions, the
various kingdoms of man have brought to the full the workings of Babylon.
Seven heads-- they are seven mountains, or again, seven kingdoms-- one
swallows up another, same old business under anew regime-- yet the latter
is of the same spirit, as the former. The mother harlot, and all her daughters,
differ not.
A "beast that was, and is not, and yet is." "Lest thou shouldest
ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know
them." (Proverbs 5:6). If in some manner she seems to no longer exist,
yet, in fact, she is still there under another name and form. The same
old immorality under a new name. The kingdoms of man rise and fall, the
leaders (ten horns) thrust and war, and however it is considered-- the
same evil spirit troubles the whole. Ten is the number of a completed cycle,
and all of these kings combine-- "These have one mind, and shall give
their power and strength unto the beast. " All their energy force is
poured into supporting the system, each in their time and manner.
"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them:
for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him
are called, and chosen, and faithful." It matters not what kingdoms,
or systems arise, nor how viciously they war against Him. Let "the heathen
rage, and the people imagine a vain thing. (Let) the kings of the earth
set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord,
and against His anointed, - He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh:
the Lord shall have them in derision." (Psalm 2:1-2, 4).
The book of Revelation is not a "revelation of the whore," even though
she is seen, exposed, and overcome. It is a "revelation of Jesus Christ,"
and thus He is revealed as THE LAMB THAT OVERCOMES, for He is Lord of lords,
and King of kings." And He has the power "even to subdue (Greek, to set
in array under) all things unto Himself." (Philippians 3:21).
How continuously John reminds us all the way through this record of what
was shown to him, that the theme is truly one of OVERCOMING. The
Lamb, the Redeemer, is Lord of all. As He reigns, He sets in array under
Himself, "every man in his own order." Babylon may rise and spread its
influence throughout the whole world, it may shift its position, change
colors, and seek to cover up its evil ways-- but this is no threat to our
Lord. He has overcome the world. All enemies shall be subdued under His
feet.
But the revelation of Christ is also expanding, for He is revealed THROUGH
A PEOPLE, thus many times we are reminded that those who overcome as He
overcame, will sit down with Him in His throne. They stand with Him on
mount Zion. They are one in His victory. They are "called, chosen, and
faithful."
Called-- here the Greek word is "kletos." Paul uses it over and over again,
"Called to be saints." (Romans 1:7). "Called according to His purpose."
(Romans 8:28). Sanctified and called, set apart and called, this is a sovereign
in working of God. Certainly "No man taketh this honor unto himself, but
he that is called of God." (Hebrews 5:4). And the fulness of our overcoming
is assured, because "Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do
it." (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Truly it is GOD all the way!
Chosen-- "eklektos" meaning: laid out, choice, elect. It speaks of being
picked out by God-- after due consideration. The comparable Hebrew word
"bachar" means: to choose after testing. The calling is sovereignly
by God, but once called, there is a responsive action on our part-- He
calls, we come, and then He begins the processings, testing, purifying,
and as we yield to Him, the qualifying takes place. "Not he who recommends
himself, -but he whom the Lord recommends, that one has His approval placed
upon him, that approval being based upon the fact that the approved one
has met the test satisfactorily."
(2 Corinthians 10:18, Wuest ).
And so Peter admonished us to "Give diligence to make your calling and
election sure." (2 Peter 1:10).
Faithful-- "Moreover it is required... that a man be found faithful" (1
Corinthians 4:2). Faithfulness can only be proven over time. One doesn't
stand steady for a short duration and be known as a faithful one, but when
the time is long, the testings seem endless, and the trial of our faith
is stretched out, yet because of HIS GRACE we are able to endure and hold
fast-- this proves our faithfulness. Time and tribulation are the agents
that are used to reveal if we are truly faithful. "These are they which
came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them
white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of
God, and serve Him day and night... (Revelation 7:14-15).
Yes, "they follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. " Yes, they have
been cleansed from all the marks of the beast, and now they bear only the
marks of God. Yes, they are the lords of whom He is THE LORD. They are
the kings of whom He is THE KING. And they are a part of that ministry
which shall bring Babylon to an end, for there is no confusion in them--
they are conformed to His image, partakers of His divine nature. They are
the body of which He is THE HEAD. They are overcomers in the Overcomer!
And they, with Him, gain the victory over all of Babylon! BACK
Chapter 17 - "Come
Out Of Her, My People" (Revelation 18:1-24)
"And I heard another voice from
heaven, saying, Come out of her, My People, that ye be not partakers of
her sins, and that ye receive not her plagues." (Revelation 18:4).
In His tremendous High Priestly prayer, Jesus prayed, "I pray not that
Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep
them from the evil." (John 17:15). Though we live in the midst of this
world system, yet we are not "of" it, we do not derive our life from its
spirit. Herein is the realm of overcoming-- to be able to live in this
world, and yet not be a partaker of the spirit of this world, nor of the
spirit of Babylon.
Jeremiah gave a strong prophetic word against Babylon, which the holy Spirit
has quickened to individuals through the years, alerting His "called out
ones" to "Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul:
be not cut off in her iniquity," for this is the time of the Lord's vengeance,
He will render unto her a recompense." (Jeremiah 51:6). There is a vast
difference between handling a few coins to buy groceries, and being caught
up in the spirit of finances, till one eats, sleeps, and breathes financial
matters. There is avast difference between serving our country in some
form of political office, and being controlled by the spirit of politics.
And there is avast difference between gathering for times of corporate
worship, and being infused with the spirit of religious Babylon. Thus the
call to "come out of her, My people," can only be applied by the
holy Spirit, as He works in each life-- so that we are not "OF" the spirit
of these systems, even though we live in the midst of them.
There is a "spirit that now worketh (energizeth) in the children of disobedience."
(Ephesians 2:2). It is the spirit of the world, the spirit of antichrist,
the spirit of Babylon. And there is also a holy Spirit that works in the
children of obedience-- to quicken them "by His Spirit that dwelleth in
you." (Romans 8:11).
Particularly are we led to emphasize coming out of religious Babylon. "We
would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let
us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven,
and is lifted up even to the skies." (Jeremiah 51:9). We would have healed
her-- oh, how we tried to bolster her up and heal her. We poured our strength
into her, ignoring the instruction to "Give not thy strength unto women,
nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings." (Proverbs 31:3). We fasted
and prayed for God to revive her. Though she reeked with abominations,
traditions of men, false doctrines, and platitudes for itching ears, still
we tried to heal her. But in time the holy Spirit speaks so loudly within,
"Flee out of the midst of her," that we have to obey. All her works, her
kingdom building endeavors for self, are not sufficient-- but are as filthy
rags ready for the burning.
"The Lord hath brought forth our righteousness: come, and let us declare
in Zion the work of the Lord our God." (Jeremiah 51:10). Thus, by inserting
this verse of contrast, Jeremiah has also
told us of the nature of Babylon--
that it is to do her own thing, with her self-righteous works. On the one
hand we have Babylon trying to work out her own worthless standard of righteousness,
and on the other hand we have the Lord becoming our righteousness. What
a contrast! No more would we declare our own works. No more would we declare
the works of the system-- my church did this, my church said that. Forsaking
all such, we would declare only the inworkings of our Lord-- for HE is
the God of our Salvation, our Redeemer, our LIFE.
There is no need to illustrate how that religious Babylon has "become
the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage
of every unclean and hateful bird." (Revelation 18:3). The uncleanness--
adultery and fornication, etc.; the doctrines of devils, the perversion
of truth, teaching the commandments of men, until every foul spirit hides
under the skirt of religion.
"And the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance
of her delicacies." Even during His earthly sojourn, "Jesus went into
the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple,
and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that
sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called
the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves." (Matthew 21:12-13).
One man, talking about Christianity, said that it started with Jesus and
the twelve disciples. Jesus declared the message of God's love, forgiveness,
etc. as a message to be preached to the hearts of people. Then this message
of Jesus went to Greece and became a philosophy (Origen, Augustine, etc.).
Then it went to Rome and became an institution, the Roman Catholic Church.
Then it went to Europe and became a culture, the British Christian culture.
And then it came to America and became an enterprise, just a religion for
merchandising. Multi-millions of dollars are spent every year in the merchandising
of religion.
It is no wonder that she has been called "the great whore that sitteth
upon many waters," for she has defiled herself in adulteries of every
kind-- whatever the "gods" might be. And out of her various "unions" with
paganism of every sort, she has birthed many daughters all of like nature.
Having played fast and loose with the world, mixing in the music of the
world with her worship; the entertainment of the world is combined with
her sacrifices; the power-control underlies her lust for position and authority;
and she will join herself to whatever will bring her more gain. Her sins
are innumerable, and the challenge is becoming increasingly clear-- "come
out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins."
"And that ye receive not of her plagues." The Greek word for "plagues"
is "plege" meaning: a stroke, i.e. a smiting. The blows are going to be
swift, and hard. "Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death,
and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for
strong is the Lord God who judgeth her." (verse 8). Those that have
placed their trust, their faith, in the religious systems of men, who have
reveled in her merchandise, shall suffer the blow when the stroke comes.
"And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no
man buyeth their merchandise any more." (verse 11). No more "business
as usual," for it all comes to a screeching halt. "THE LAMB shall overcome
them. "
Hear again the word of the prophet: "Behold, I am against thee, O destroying
mountain, saith the Lord, which destroyest (to mar or corrupt) all the
earth: and I will stretch out Mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from
the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain. And they shall not take
of thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations; but thou shalt
be desolate for ever, saith the Lord." (Jeremiah 51:25-26).
The metaphor changes, but the message is the same, as Daniel interpreted
the dream of the king, how that the image (i.e. world system) was "broken
to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloor;
and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the
Stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole
earth." (Daniel 2:35).
No place found for them-- men will not take one particle, one stone of
the old Babylonish system, and use it as the corner to start another kingdom;
not a stone for the foundation, to build another tower of Babel. So complete
will be the devastation of Babylon, so broken in pieces, so utterly burnt
with fire, that it "shall be found no more at all." (verse 21).
Again we find the phraseology in the Old Testament, when declaring His
judgment upon Israel, He said, "I will take from them the voice of mirth,
and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of
the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle." (Jeremiah
25:10). Now all of this is said again, but with much more finality, for
Israel's judgment was to last but seventy years, but this judgment upon
Babylon is complete, and forever.
"The voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters,
shall be heard no more in thee." No more will the king of Babylon give
the decree-- "That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute,
hap, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down
and worship the golden image..." (Daniel 3:5). How religious Babylon has
used its music to control the moods of the people-- to make them shout
and dance, to make them weep and moan, stirring the emotions, controlling
the feelings, bending their will, causing them to worship the image, BUT
NO. MORE!
"And no craftsman, of whatever craft he be, shall be found any more
in thee." No more the skillful crafting of programs, no more the channeling
of the anointed creativity into new schemes to draw crowds, build bigger
kingdoms, and further the control of man over the souls of other men.
"And the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee."
No more the endless labour, grinding away, wearing out the benighted souls
of those that wanted to "serve the Lord," but
ended up serving the system. No
more industry with a view toward financial gain. No more the labor of "the
hireling."
"And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee."
No more shall the "burning and shining lights" of God-given ministries
give their wisdom and understanding, their illumination, their revelation,
to be a glimmer of light in the dark regions of Babylon. No more will they
suffer burn out for having tried to heal a system that was destined to
be destroyed.
"And the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no
more in thee at all." No more the sound of celebration of the marriages
of more "into the system." Henceforth the JOINING shall only be into UNION
WITH GOD. The harlot relationships are ending, relationship with God is
just beginning.
"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a
Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord."
(2 Corinthians 6:17-18).
Touch not the unclean! The Greek word for "touch" is "haptomai" meaning:
to attach oneself to, or literally, to kindle. The same word is used in
John 20:17, when Jesus appeared unto Mary right after His resurrection,
and she was so overjoyed to see Him, she would reach out and embrace Him,
but He said, "Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father... "
Literally, kindle me not, do not light any fire of desire in me that would
turn me away from my goal.
COME OUT --we have been called out from among the dead, called out of the
world, called out of Babylon, called out of the carnal realm, and we are
ascending to our Father, being quickened by the Spirit-- therefore, do
not let any thing of this world's system kindle in you a strange fire of
desire. He would "present us faultless before the presence of His glory
with exceeding joy," (Jude 24), and we would maintain our purity before
Him-- undefiled by any contact with the great whore.
"Come out of her, My people..." The call remains for us in this
day, as the holy Spirit sovereignly draws to Himself a people that will
be ALL HIS. But it is not a negative working, it is not just a time for
weeping, pain, etc. The only thing that makes it hard for us to "flee out
of the midst of Babylon," is when there is too much of Babylon IN US. For
sure, it is one thing to have God call us out of Babylon, and quite another
thing for God to purge all of Babylon out of us. When there is nothing
left within us that sympathizes with Babylon, to allure us back into affinity
with her ways, then there will be no more pain nor tears in the coming
out.
"Go ye forth of Babylon... with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this,
utter it even to the end of the earth; say ye, The Lord hath redeemed His
servant." (Isaiah 48:20). What a deliverance, what a glorious redemption--
loosed from the bondage of Babylon. "Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord
hath done great things for them." (Psalm 126:2).
Furthermore, since Babylon has sold her bill of goods to the ends of the
earth-- "sitting upon many waters," now is the time to TELL ALL
MEN, time to "utter it even to the end of the earth." And what is the message
to be told? THAT THE LORD HATH REDEEMED His servant.
Herein is another facet of "the revelation of Jesus Christ." For
now we see Him as the great Deliverer from Babylon. Only as He calls us
out, only as He cleanses our inner being of Babylon, does this deliverance
become an experiential reality. Men call other men out, only to see them
return again-- for what is in their heart will draw them back. But when
He calls, and inwardly purges, and fills us with Himself, then the COMING
OUT is effectual, and leads to a COMING IN, a coming into Christ, to be
joined unto Him in one Spirit. For when He dwells within us, He draws us
ONWARD and UPWARD, that He might unite us with His fulness. "That where
I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:3). BACK
Chapter 18 - "Let
The Hallelujahs Ring!" (Revelation 19:1-21)
"And after these things I heard
a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and
glory, and honour, and power, unto the I Lord our God." (Revelation
19:1).
Here is worship flowing out to magnify the Lord-- all praise to Jehovah!
Salvation is of the Lord. All the splendor and majesty belongs to Him.
He has the ability to bring to the full the redemption and restoration
of all mankind. "O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name
together." (Psalm 34:3). And the specific reason for this outburst of praise
and worship? "Because true and righteous are His judgments;..."
There was an occasion when Jesus "beheld the city, and wept over it, "
(Luke 9:41 ), because the people knew not the day of their visitation,
nor the things which would have been toward their peace. Full well He knew
the calamities that were coming, even God's judgments to correct, thus
a time of sorrow and woe. And so, as "Son of man" He wept, for He was "touched
with the
feeling of our infirmities (weaknesses)."
(Hebrews 4:15) Yet obviously He had no will nor desire to prevent the severity
of the measures that He knew were on the horizon. He knew that the corrective
measures were essential. Indeed, this commitment to the Divine Will is
to be found in every child of God, A WILL THAT REQUIRES HOLINESS as the
foundation for future blessing. Thus, when we read of God's judgments upon
Babylon, we find that the elders, the mystic living creatures, and the
vast company of the redeemed, all cry out, "Amen; Alleluia-- praise
our God-- for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." There is no desire
to prevent these corrective judgments of God, because, knowing they are
WROUGHT BY HIS LOVE, they will result in a restoration of peace and victory,
bringing creation into the fulness of His life.
Difficult as it is betimes in our relationships with others, .family, friend
and acquaintance, to see the HAND OF JUDGMENT, and so we also "weep with
those that weep:" yet we would not stay His hand, because we know that
this also is ultimately destined for their good. And the Psalmist
was able to say, "At midnight (in the darkest hour) I will rise to give
thanks unto Thee because of Thy righteous judgments." (Psalm 119:62).
How clear are the statements of Jesus:
"For judgment I am come into this world." (John 9:39).
"I am come that they might have life..." (John 10:10).
These are not contradictory statements, nor mutually exclusive of each
other, but vitally connected in the outworking of the process. The ultimate
is to bring us INTO LIFE, and as a means to that end we have the
various judgments of God-- those correctional processes which bring us
into His righteousness.
Another point of clarification needs to be made: when judgment is upon
people, it is to CORRECT THEM, but when judgment is upon the systems of
the world, it usually is TO END THEM. Babylon is not to be healed, but
annihilated, wiped out completely. For it is written, "The world passeth
away, and the lust thereof." (1 John 2:17). But, "He is the Saviour of
ALL MEN; specially of those that believe." (1 Timothy 4:10). When the nations
of the world are judged, it means the end of that governmental order, and
then the process of cleansing and saving the people of that nation, though
the severity of it be "by fire."
"Alleluia!" Why? Because of His judgments! And specifically "because
He hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth: with her fornications."
Oh, the worship that shall arise when God brings to an end all of the religions
of man, consuming every idol. dissipating the cover of darkness upon men,
eradicating every error and false doctrine, that the glorious light of
the Gospel might fill the whole earth, as it is written: "The people which
sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and
shadow of death light is sprung up." (Matthew 4:16).
"The Lord will be terrible (to be feared, reverenced) unto them: for He
will famish all the gods of the earth; and every man shall worship Him,
every one from his place, even all the isles of the-- heathen." (Zephaniah
2:11). The judgment is against all the false gods which religious systems
have promoted. And when men are loosed from all their superstitious fear
and subservience to these falsities, and the glorious light of truth shines
upon them, they will "worship Him, every one from his place." Every creature
shall become a true worshipper. No wonder they cry out, "Alleluia!"
It was said of Babylon, "In her was found the blood of prophets, and
of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth." (Revelation
18:24). But now, with His judgments upon her, He hath "avenged the blood
of His servants at her hand." How the earth has waited for this, with
the promise given so long ago: "Rejoice, O ye nations, with His people:
for He will avenge the blood of His servants, and will render vengeance
to His adversaries, and will be merciful unto His land, and to His people."
(Deuteronomy 32:43).
What blood has been shed!. Literally religious Babylon had its holy wars,
crusades, etc. And Jesus foretold that the day would come when God would
require it of them-- "That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed
upon the earth. " (Matthew 23:35). And figuratively factions have slain
their multitudes also. The mayhem of "church business meetings," and the
splits, divisions, sects, heresies, all in the name of "religion" have
brought deep sorrow to many. Yet God hath decreed the day of avenging--
when HE will clean up and straighten up, and bring all things back into
due order-- in subjection to His will and purpose.
Likewise, political Babylon has waged its own warfare, both literally and
figuratively-- nation rising against nation, and the blood of our young
men have stained many a battlefield. Over and over again, it can be said,
"The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto Me from the ground." (Genesis
4:10).
Even in the realms of economical Babylon, with all its taxation, etc. there
has been both the literal and figurative blood-letting. And James asks,
"From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even
of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill,
and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war; yet ye have not..."
(James 4:1-2). How Babylon has preyed upon this propensity in man, and
in doing so has caused the shedding of innocent blood. But the very spirit
that motivates this warfare shall be judged and dealt with, and therefore
we say "Alleluia!"
"And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye
servants, and ye that fear Him, both small and great. And I heard
as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters,
and as the voice of mighty thunder, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God
omnipotent reigneth." Wave after wave of praise and worship ascend
to our God. Because of His judgments, Alleluia! And because He hath
judged the great whore, Alleluia! And now, "because the Lord
God omnipotent reigneth," say it again, Alleluia!
Babylon thought she would reign for ever, saying, "I sit a queen, and
am no widow, and shall see no sorrow." (Rev- elation 18:7). But she
is dethroned and brought low, fallen, to rise no more.
And we read that "death passed upon all men, for that all. have sinned.
(Thus) death reigned." (Romans 5:12, 14). But now Jesus Christ, one with
the Father in His throne, REIGNS-- putting "all enemies under His feet."
Far above all principality and power, He reigns supreme. If ever we fully
comprehend that "the Lord God omnipotent reigneth," we shall join
the ranks of those who worship Him, until the sound there of is as many
waters, and as the rumbling of mighty thunder. Let the hallelujahs ring,
for He alone is God! All other kingdoms are subdued before Him!
But there is more cause for rejoicing-- "Let us be glad and rejoice, and
give honor to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath
made herself ready."
Once before God took to Himself a bride, when Israel was brought out of
Egypt, and in due time came to Mount Sinai, and there she TOOK HER VOWS.
God said: "If you will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then
ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people..." (Exodus 19:5).
Israel said: "All the people answered together and said, All that the Lord
hath spoken will we do." (Exodus 19:8).
But the marriage did not go very well, because Israel was a very unfaithful
wife, untrue to her vows. So God had to take action, "For all the causes
whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had her put away, and gave
her a bill of divorce." (Jeremiah 3:8). Full well God knows the pain of
divorce!
Now the law given unto Israel was thus, "Her former husband, which sent
her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled..."
(Deuteronomy 24:4).
However, Paul writes, "If her husband be dead, she is free from that law;..."
(Romans 7:3), free to be married again.
Jehovah, the Husband, IN CHRIST died. "To wit, that God was in Christ..."
(2 Corinthians 5:19). This cancels out the previous marriage arrangement,
and now there can be a wooing, a preparation for anew marriage-- on a much
higher level, "that ye should be married to another, even to Him who is
raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God." (Romans
7:4).
Even when God put His wife, Israel. away, He knew the time would come when
He would be joined to her again. "Therefore I will allure her, and bring
her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. And I will give
her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor (trouble) for
a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth,
and as in the days when she came up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall
be at that day, saith the Lord, that thou shalt call Me ISHI (that is,
my Husband). -And I will betroth thee unto Me for ever; yea, I will betroth
thee unto Me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness,
and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto Me in faithfulness: and thou
shalt know the Lord." (Hosea 2:14-16,19-20).
What a working of redemptive love! I will betroth thee-- that is, I am
engaged to thee with the promise of a full marriage. And what an inworking
during that espousal time. "And to her was granted that she should be
arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness
of saints." There must be true holiness, and this requires a total
cleansing, therefore we note, "I will betroth thee unto Me IN JUDGMENT."
If we can shout "Alleluia" because of judgment upon the great whore,
how much more can we let the hallelujahs ring when it is judgment upon
the bride-to-be, for here the workings are totally positive, so that she
might be fully purified and prepared for her new marriage. What mercy and
lovingkindness are in these purgings, for no more will she be clothed with
her own self-righteousness, which is as filthy rags, but she will be clothed
with HIS righteousness. HE has granted her to be arrayed in fine linen,
He furnishes it all. And of her it can be said, "Who is she that looketh
forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible
as an army with banners?" (Song of Solomon 6:10). Now she is ready for
her Husband-- purified and ready for a true spiritual union!
"And He said unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto
the marriage supper of the Lamb." When- ever the Lord extends
to us His redeeming mercy, it is a marriage feast. And however "in part"
it may be at present time, yet every taste of His goodness now is prophetic
of the fulness to come: Truly, even in this day, it can be said, "Thou
preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies..." (Psalm
23:5).
What a blessed union is before us. "He that is JOINED unto the Lord is
one spirit." (1 Corinthians 6:17). As He prayed, "I in them, and Thou in
Me, that they may be made perfect in one."
(John 17:23). Yes, "blessed are
they which are called"-- into union with the Lamb.
"In those days, and in that time, saith the Lord, the children of Israel
shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping:
they shall go, and seek the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Zion
with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and LET US JOIN OURSELVES TO
THE LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten." (Jeremiah
50:4-5).
"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make A NEW COVENANT
with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to
the covenant that I made with their fathers
in the day I took them by the hand
to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which My covenant they brake, although
I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord." (Jeremiah 31:31-32).
What a marvellous working of His grace-- though she broke her vows, broke
the covenant He had with her, and it was needful for a time to put her
away. Then He must make the ( supreme sacrifice to loose her from the old
covenant, as He gave, His own life for her. Yet now, He is risen from the
dead, and He shall draw her to Himself again, in a NEW COVENANT --after
the Spirit, in holiness and truth, and it will be a union that shall last
forever.
Now, His first union was with one nation, Israel, but this latter union
is greatly expanded. "Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: fol; 10, I
come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the
Lord. And MANY NATIONS SHALL BE
JOINED TO THE LORD in that day, and shall be My people: and I will dwell
in the midst of thee." (Zechariah 2:10-11).
Again let us say "Alleluia!" Such tremendous victory! But there
is more, for just as the bride is seen to be arrayed in fine linen, adorned
for her Husband-- and is a CORPORATE BRIDE OF MANY NATIONS; now the "revelation
of Jesus Christ" is increased. "And I saw heaven opened, and behold
a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and
in righteousness He doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of
fire..." His is a PURIFYING GAZE! "The Lord turned, and looked upon
Peter..." (Luke 22:61), and that was all that it took for Peter to go out
and weep bitterly. Yet His look is not one of negativity and condemnation,
but of such love and mercy-- that He conquers by love. His eyes are filled
with understand- ing, and they minister compassion and life.
"And He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself." Paul
wrote, "God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is
above every other name." (Philippians 2:9). In the Greek text the definite
article is used, making it "THE NAME." This title, "THE NAME," is a very
common Hebrew title, denoting office, rank, dignity, as well as the honor
and worship bestowed upon Him to whom this name was conferred. Thus,
when it states that "God hath given Him THE NAME," it does not reveal
what that name is, but it alludes to the fact that here was the high title
conferred upon Him, because of His glorious rank and office, and tremendous
authority and power. So one could literally say, "God gave Him THE NAME."
That title rests upon Him, HE has THE NAME, even though the revelation
of that name is yet to be unfolded. So glorious is that NAME, "That at
the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things
in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians
2:10-11).
"And the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses,
clothed in fine linen, white and clean." There is a corporate body
of overcomers with Him-- for just as the bride is a corporate body of nations,
so also the GROOM is a corporate body of sons. "For as a young man marrieth
a virgin, so shall thy sons many thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth
over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee." (Isaiah 62:5). There
is a rightly "discerning the Lord's body," discerning that company of which
HE IS THE HEAD. And in this ONENESS WITH HIM, there are positions and qualifications
which denote a state of being in Him.
We are reminded, "He sent and signified" these things. Thus we must
understand that all spoken relationships are allegorical. There are qualifications
which belong to each position, or relationship, but the ultimate is total
ONENESS IN CHRIST. So we see that the bride is arrayed in "fine linen,
clean and white." And then we see that this company with Him on white
horses, are "clothed in fine linen, white and clean." Certainly
there are no less qualifications found in the Groom, as are found in the
Bride.
Again the emphasis is given, He is "King of kings, and Lord of lords."
And as observed in Revelation 17:14, "they that are with Him are called,
and chosen, and faithful." They truly, "follow the Lamb, whithersoever
He goeth." With Him they make war against all unrighteousness. With
Him they gain the victory over every beast nature, over every carnal mind,
over every false doctrine and creed. HE REIGNS-- and these reign with Him.
The outworking process of redemption is totally successful-- all evil shall
be abolished, and His righteousness shall abide. Let the hallelujahs ring
out, all praise and worship belongs to Him, HE IS LORD! BACK
Chapter 19 - "The
Bottomless Pit" (Revelation 20:1-4)
"And I saw an angel come down from
heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and
Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the bottomless
pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the
nations no more, till the thousand years shall be fulfilled: and after
that he must be loosed a little season." (Revelation 20:1-3).
"He sent and signified it..." Told by signs and symbols, revealed
in a figure, and thus we have noted that we have horses, and beasts, and
seals, and trumpets, vials, etc. and each has pointed to its own working,
whether in bestial systems, or carnal natures, organizations, governmental
orders, etc. And there is that which can also be understood as A STATE
OR CONDITION. Here in the symbolism of "a bottomless pit," we have an excellent
description of a state or condition wherein there is NO PLACE FOR A FOUNDATION
upon which to build, to further a cause, to carry out a purpose.
When the Deceiver of the nations is cast into the bottomless pit, it means
that he has been confined to a realm where he cannot further his devious
work. If there is no basis for his activity, no foundation upon which He
can operate, obviously he cannot build a superstructure of his evil.
Jesus clearly taught that in building a house, one must have a solid foundation
if it is to stand, The wise man built his house upon a rock, but "the foolish
man built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods
came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great
was the fall of it." (Matthew 7:26-27).
Far too much of man's religious activity has been built upon man's own
will, presuming it was also the will of the Lord; and then we ask God to
bless and sustain it. But God is not obligated to undergird the programs
of man, only that which is founded upon His own direct Word. "So shall
My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me
void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper
in the thing whereunto I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11).
True faith means that we have a revelation from God upon which to base
our belief, and action. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1).
So clear and simple are the words, "By FAITH Abraham, when he was called
to go out... obeyed." (Hebrews 11:8). But when we read the record in Genesis
12:1, it says, "Now the Lord had said unto Abraham, Get thee out of thy
country." There was a DEFINITE WORD FROM THE LORD upon which to base all
future action. The Word of the Lord abides! Stormy winds of doubt may blow,
circumstantial evidence might seem to be quite contrary, but with the solid
FOUNDATION, one can weather the storm, and go on to the fulness of victory.
Faith is the SUBSTANCE-- the Greek word used here means: substratum, that
undergirding rock, the foundation for all that is to be built thereon.
Even in spiritual progress, going from faith to faith, from glory to glory,
we do not lose this substance for it remains as the solid undergirding
of our believing. And it is also to be noted that the Hebrew word for "glory"
literally means: weighty, or heaviness, which is more than just effulgence,
but also speaks of substance. Faith and glory are abiding realities!
A foundation is essential. "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the
righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3). We see the truth of this all around us, as
the foundational structure of the morality of our society is being eroded.
One cannot repair corruption! Hence the need for the JUDGMENTS of God,
bringing an end to the old order, and the establishment of anew heaven
and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. Rather than just "patching
up," or trying to infuse the old with new life, in time the call comes
ringing loud and clear, "We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed:
forsake her..."
(Jeremiah 51:9).
Now, while it is true, that if the foundations be destroyed, there is nothing
a righteous man can do, until a new foundation is brought forth upon which
he can build, conversely, if the foundation upon which negation builds
is destroyed, then what can evil do?
How progressive is the "revelation of Jesus Christ," Now we see
Him in the victorious working of confining Satan to a state where he cannot
operate. When all the judgments of God have accomplished their purpose,
and a cleansing has taken place, so that there is no corruption, no negativity,
no basis upon which the adversary can work-- then he has been totally down-idled.
"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also
Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy
him that had the power of death, that is, the devil." (Hebrews 2:14).
Destroy-- here we have the Greek word "katargeo" which means: to make
of none effect, disannul, make inactive, useless, from the root "to down-idle."
What a marvellous victory, to down-idle Satan until he is thoroughly inactive
and useless.
This is the TRIUMPH OF THE JUDGMENTS OF GOD! His purging and cleansing
will remove all the roots of evil in us, all the foundation on which evil
built its expression. When all the self-will and rebellion are gone, there
is nothing within upon which the negative can work. Jesus said, "For the
prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me." (John 14:30).
And such will be said of all those whom He has throughly cleansed and brought
into union with Himself. There will be naught within that enables the adversary
to gain a toe-hold, No inside traitors to open the door for the negative
to come in. There will be no foundation for an evil work. Thus, we could
say, THESE REDEEMED ONES have become "a bottomless pit" to the enemy, for
they have become a part of that POSITIVE LIFE FORCE that shall restrain
all of Satan's activity. In Christ these OVERCOMERS will have total control
over the enemy-- no more will he usurp dominion over them.
"Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and
over all power of the enemy." (Luke 10:19). "And the God of peace shall
bruise Satan under your feet shortly." (Romans 16:20).
Jesus taught, "When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are
in peace: but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome
him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth
his spoils." (Luke 11:21-22).
What has been the armour of the adversary? Unbelief, fear, darkness, the
unknown, ignorance, and death, etc. How the negative realms have used all
of these, and preyed upon men to wound, to kill, to destroy.
Now, Jesus Christ hath "brought life and incorruption to light through
the gospel." (2 Timothy 1:10). His impartation of FAITH dissipates the
unbelief. His love casts out all fear. His wisdom and knowledge fills the
unknown. His revelation cancels the ignorance. His LIFE conquers all
death. Thus He fully takes away all the armour wherein Satan trusted,
and reduces him to a state of uselessness, thoroughly inactive. He is not
only destroying the works of the devil, but also making it impossible for
the devil to corrupt creation again.
While its ramifications shall eventually become universal, yet there
is this individual inworking of God, as He brings us into union with Himself,
so that for us personally Satan is down-idled. And a vital part of
this inworking is for God to correct our vision so that we no longer have
a dual vision, to see both good and evil. "The light of the body is the
eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of
light." (Luke 11:34). We learn to see the hand of God in everything that
touches our life, to know that HE is the First Cause of all causes. "And
the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of
God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20). Then the
Devil is unable to build any evil work in us. No more will we be devil-conscious,
or filled with fear for what the enemy might do to us, for we become totally
God-conscious, abiding in His life.
"For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what
communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial?
Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?" (2 Corinthians 6:14-15).
One cannot be GOD-conscious and devil-conscious at the same time. Nor does
light and darkness co-exist in the same room. The light swallows up the
darkness, and thereafter there is only light.
God does not co-exist with evil. Evil is not equal with Him, it is subservient
to Him. He controls all of its interplay, and uses the negative realm for
His purpose and plan. When the desired results have been obtained,
the means to the end cease to exist.
Religious theology has two opposite or contrasting realms, heaven and hell.
However, the Scriptures do not use this phraseology, though they often
speak of heaven and earth. "The heavens are higher than the earth." (Isaiah
55:9). And again, "The heaven for height, and the earth for depth. " (Proverbs
25:3). "And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear
the image of the heavenly."
(1 Corinthians 15:49).
Jesus did not come to lead us from hell to heaven, He came to lead us
from all this earthy, carnal realm, to the Father. "I am the Way, the Truth,
and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." (John 14:6). Thus,
rather than speaking of geographical locations, we can readily say of both
heaven and hell, that they are "a state, or a condition of being."
Much of religious Babylon's theology provides a foundation for the enemy
to build upon, to activate fear-- fear of hell, fear of an angry God, fear
of His judgments, fear of loss and pain. You name it, fear works in every
realm that touches our daily life. But, "perfect love casteth out all fear."
(1 John 4:18). The more He is REVEALED TO US IN TRUTH, the more we understand
that all of His actions are motivated by love, and in our best interests.
Thus, while the testing, OVERCOMING PROCESSES, might be hard on the flesh,
yet we need not fear them, but commit our way unto the Lord, and trust
Him for the ultimate victory.
The fiery trial might be severe, and the enemy whisper doubts and fears,
so we tremble and cry out for help. Then the Spirit speaks, "Fear thou
not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen
thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand
of My righteousness. " (Isaiah 41:10), and immediately He has removed the
foundation that the enemy tried to build upon. He strips him of his cruel
weapon of fear. How can we fear, when the Lord speaks "FEAR NOT?" His sweet
presence casts out all fear, and the enemy is rendered powerless-- he is
cast into a bottomless pit!
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love,
and of a sound (well-balanced) mind." (2 Tim. 1:7).
How the adversary has usurped control over man, ruling with fear.
Any teaching that rules through fear, any action that is motivated by fear,
is of the negative realm. Fear and condemnation go hand in hand, and how
religious Babylon has used these negatives to establish its rule and control.
The key of death was also taken away from the enemy. There are those "who
through fear of death are all their lifetime subject to bondage." (Hebrews
2:15). With death as the final payment for their servitude, no wonder people
were filled with fear. Death was the enemy's final stroke. Man was
beguiled into sin, and "sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
(James 1:15). Now we see in Christ a glorious turn of events. He took control
of the situation, and declares, "Fear not; I am the first and the last;
I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore.
amen; AND HAVE THE KEYS OF HELL AND OF DEATH." (Revelation 1:17-18).
Who NOW has the key to hell?
Our Lord Jesus Christ!
Who NOW has the key of death? Our Lord Jesus Christ!
Who NOW has the key to the bottomless pit? Christ does!
Death, hell, the devil-- all are fully in His control, to work out His
sovereign purpose. There might appear to be secondary causes, and one might
feel like Jacob, when he said, '"All these things are against me." (Genesis
42:36). But when our eye is single to Christ, we can say with Joseph, "As
for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good." (Genesis
50:20).
How totally, in Himself, Jesus overcame the world, Satan, and even death--
because He could say of Satan, "he hath nothing in me." (John 14:30). He
could lay down His life, enter into the throes of death and conquer, because
there was nothing in Him for death to build on-- there was no basis for
corruption to set in. Thus, "He, whom God raised again, saw no corruption."
(Acts 13:37). He was sinless, without blemish, without spot, and therefore
could conquer death-- for there was nothing within Him to which death could
lay claim. Where there is no sin, there can be no consequence of sin--
there can be no holding one in the land of the shadow of death.
Now, obviously, the enemy is not anxious to come into a state or condition
of inactivity, yet anyone who is becoming fully purified within is no longer
territory where he can work-- there is nothing to build on. It is a vital
threat to his kingdom when salvation, deliverance, cleansing comes to a
man.
"And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? and he said, Legion: because
many devils were entered into him. And they (the devils) besought Him that
He would not command them to go out INTO THE DEEP." (Luke 8:30-31).
Deep-- the Greek word is "abussos" meaning, the abyss, and translated twice
as "deep" and seven times as "bottomless pit." The devils did not want
to be cast into this state where they could no longer work their deviltry.
So the Lord allowed them to enter into a herd of swine, where they continued
their work of destruction, causing the swine to run violently down a steep
place into the lake, and were choked. The Lord knew that it was not yet
time for these devils to go into the abyss, so He allowed them to continue
to kill and destroy, but not in the man He delivered.
So mighty is our God, so totally in control, that He can MAKE INACTIVE
all negative forces as He wills. Or, He can use them in His interplay of
good and evil, to accomplish His purpose. THE KEY OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT
IS IN HIS HAND! He can open or close as He wills. Even Paul came into this
realm of victory, so that he could say, "To deliver such an one unto Satan
for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day
of the Lord Jesus." (1 Corinthians 5:5).
Satan is a controlled servant, doing no more than what the Lord allows.
This is vividly illustrated in the life of Job, when "The Lord said unto
Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power, only upon himself put
not forth thy hand." (Job 1:12). And so the Destroyer went to work, wiping
out all of Job's possessions, but he could not touch Job until God said
so, and when permission was given, still the restriction was there-- "but
save his life." (Job 2:6). God sets the boundaries, controlling the interplay,
and working all things together into good. What a mighty God we serve!
Or, He can allow the beast to "ascend out of the bottomless pit, and
go into perdition (destruction)." (Revelation 17:8). When there is
a purpose to be wrought, using the negative in that working, this "beast"
is allowed to come out of the pit, and do its thing. But even so, in due
time it must "go into perdition." For ultimately all evil shall self-destruct!
Another look at the word "abussos," literally, abyss.
There is a rule in the Greek that when the letter "a" is placed before
a word, it usually changes its meaning to just the opposite. For example,
when the letter "a" is placed in front of the Greek word for FAITH, which
is "pistos," you then have the word "apistos" which literally means: unbelieving,
or faithless. It might also be added that unbelief is faith in the negative,
rather than in the positive. You doubt God, and place your faith in the
negative. While in the positive, you have no confidence in the evil, but
you trust and believe in God. There be many unbelievers in the world, but
we are encouraged to "Have faith in God." (Mark 11:22).
Now, it is very interesting that minus the letter "a" you have the Greek
word "bussos." This is an entirely different word, it is not the opposite
of abyss; yet it blends perfectly with this truth we are sharing. "Bussos"
literally means: FINE LINEN. How precious! For truly, the very opposite
of the bottomless pit, i.e. having nothing positive to build on and thus
rendered inactive, is this surest of all foundations. "Fine linen is
the righteousness of the saints." (Revelation 19:8).
Here is a positive foundation for building, when all is RIGHTEOUS. "Righteousness
and justice are the foundation of Your throne; mercy and loving-kindness
and truth go before Your face." (Psalm 89:14, Amplified).
"Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established
in righteousness." (Proverbs 25:5). Purging out all wickedness, self's
rebellion, the minding of the flesh, etc. and you find that His throne
is established in righteousness within. It becomes a solid foundation for
the unbuilding of His life. And, it becomes an arena wherein evil cannot
operate-- thus it can be said that righteousness becomes "a bottomless
pit" to evil. And they who are clothed with His righteousness likewise
become untouchable by evil, and hence, a restraining force to all evil.
Satan tries to build on an illusion, a lie, a half-truth, and therefore
it cannot stand. He "abode not in the truth, because there is no truth
in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar,
and the father of it." (John 4:44). But now it is written, "Judgment also
will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail
shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the
hiding place." (Isaiah 28:17).
Truth needs no defense-- IT IS! And when truth comes on the scene, all
the lies, illusions, etc. shall be revealed for what they are, and shall
be wiped out, dissipated by the truth. Judgment shall literally "pull out
the rug from under evil," and there will be no place for it to stand. This
is the triumph of Calvary! This is the victory of our Redeemer! He will
bring all creation into the realm of His holiness-- cleansed, purged, clothed
with His righteousness, and then Satan will be totally down-idled, made
inactive, for the purpose of using evil will be finished, and holiness
remains.
"If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness
is born of God." (1 John 2:29). Fully born of God, becoming a new creation
in Christ, these become part of the foundation upon which His kingdom is
built, with Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone. Furthermore,
since there is nothing within them whereon the enemy can build, nothing
corrupt that he can cause to spread and work its destruction, these PURE
ONES actually become a RESTRAINING FORCE to the righteousness, all of its
activity will cease to exist.
"And the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses,
clothed in fine linen, white and clean." (Revelation 19:14). Thus our
Lord leads them forth to further the restoration, to completely overthrow
all of Satan's kingdom, that His glory might fill all the earth. One
does not fight evil with evil-- but we shall "overcome evil with good."
(Romans 12:21).
May it truly be said of us, "The prince of this world cometh, and HATH
NOTHING IN ME." Because from every avenue of our being we can say, "Bless
the Lord, O my soul: AND ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME, bless His holy name."
(Psalm 103:1). When all that is WITHIN US can bless the Lord, magnify Him,
be found in His holiness-- then eternal victory is ours!
Though there may be times in the outworking of His purpose that "<