SYMBOLS OF CLEANLINESS FOR THE KINGDOM

CLEANLINESS IN PREPARATION FOR THE KINGDOM

The washings that were used in the Jewish tradition to symbolize cleansing or purity, all a picture of one purifying himself in preparation for the kingdom.

LEPROSY

In the Old Testament, Leprosy was a type of sin and death. Lepers were to be excluded from society, wear mourning costumes, rend their clothes, leave the hair head uncovered, and keep a covering over their upper lip and cry, “Unclean, unclean” (Lev. 13:45). Leprosy is a vivid symbol of how sin will contaminate the whole person and ultimately bring death.

A specific ceremony prescribed for the purification of persons cured of leprosy was given in Leviticus 14, and one part of the ceremony included the cleansing with water:

Lev 14:8

8 And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp, and shall tarry abroad out of his tent seven days.
KJV

THE RED HEIFER

After preparing the ashes of a red heifer, which were used to cleanse from the defilement of death, the priest washed his flesh and his clothes. Defilement from the dead lasted seven days. The ashes were placed in a vessel, where living (running) water was poured upon them; then a branch of hyssop was dipped into the mixture and sprinkled upon the one defiled on both the third and seventh day, after which he had to wash his clothes and bathe his flesh. Death, of course, was the greatest of all defilements (Num. 19).

HAND WASHING TRADITIONS

In the time of Christ, ceremonial hand-washing was very important to the Pharisees. One rabbi is said to have starved in prison during the late Maccabean period because his captors wouldn’t give him enough water to ceremonially wash his hands. Another is quoted as saying, “He who eats bread without hand-washing is as if he went in to a harlot.” Jesus was criticized because His disciples did not practice the tradition (Matt. 15:1-20).

Cunningham Geikie in his book: Life and Works of Christ – 2:203-4; gives a good description of what the tradition of hand-washing was like:

“It was laid down that first the hand was to be washed clean. The tips of the ten fingers were then joined and lifted up so that the water ran down the elbows, then turned down so that it might run off to the ground. Fresh water was poured on them and they were lifted up, and twice again as they hang down. The washing itself was done by rubbing the fist of one hand in the hallow of the other. When the hands were washed before eating they must be held upwards; then after it, downwards, but so that the water could not run beyond the knuckles. The vessel used must be held first in the right, then in the left hand; the water was to be poured first on the right, then on the left hand, and at every third time the words repeated “Blessed art thou who hast given us the command to wash the hands.”
It was keenly disputed whether the cup of blessing or hand-washing should come first; whether the towel used should be laid on the table or on the couch; and whether the table should be cleaned before the final washing or after it”

LIVITICAL DEFILEMENTS, PROSELYTES, AND ENTERING A COVANANT

Alfred Edersheim has an interesting comment about the use of water and washings; in his work – The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, 1:273-4.

“What John preached, that he also symbolized by the rite which, though not new itself, yet in its application, was wholly new. Hitherto the Law had it, that those who had contacted Levitical defilement were to immerse before offering sacrifice.

Again, it was prescribed that such Gentiles as became “proselytes of righteousness,” or “proselytes of the Covenant,” were to be admitted to full participation in the privileges of Israel by the threefold rites of circumcision, baptism and sacrifice-the immersion being, as it were, the acknowledgement and symbolic removal of moral defilement, corresponding to that of Levitical uncleanness. But never before had it been proposed that Israel should undergo a “baptism of repentance,” although there are indications of a deeper insight into the meaning of Levitical baptisms.

Was it intended, that the hearers of John should give this as evidence of their repentance, that, like persons defiled, they sought purification, and, like strangers, they sought admission among the people who took on themselves the role of God? These two ideas would, indeed have made it truly a “baptism of repentance.” But it seemed difficult to suppose, that the people would have been prepared for such admissions; or, at least, that there should have been no record of the mode in which a change so deeply spiritual was brought about.

May it not rather have been as, when the first Covenant was made, Moses was directed to prepare Israel by symbolic baptism of their persons (Gen. 35:2) and their garments (Exo. 19:10, 14) so the initiation of the new Covenant, by which the people were to enter into the kingdom of God, was preceded by another general symbolic baptism of those who would be the true Israel and receive, or take on themselves, the Law from God? In that case, the rite would have acquired not only a new significance, but be deeply and truly the answer to John’s call. In such a case also, no special explanation would have been needed on the part of the Baptist, nor yet such spiritual insight on that of the people as we can scarcely suppose them to have possessed at that stage. Lastly, in that case nothing could have been more suitable, nor more solemn, than Israel in waiting for the Messiah and the Rule of God, preparing as their fathers had done at the foot of Mount Sinai.”

PREPARATION FOR A PRIESTLY MINISTRY

The priests had to wash themselves each time at the laver of brass before they went into the tabernacle to minister. Even more significance can be seen in the high priest’s ministry on the Day of Atonement. Before he ministered he was told:

Lev 16:4

4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.
KJV

As a nation of priests they needed a spiritual cleansing before they could minister for Messiah. The spiritual cleansing that John called for is accomplished by the “washing of regeneration” (Titus 3:5) or new birth promised under the new covenant. It was only symbolized by water baptism, but the symbolism would have been something that the Jews understood.

Baptism is one of the ordinances given by God and should be obeyed but does not necissarily make the believer clean.

John 13:10
10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean , but not all.

KJV

JOHN'S MESSAGE

REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND

JOHN’S MESSAGE

In the summer of A.D. 26 God raised up a voice in the wilderness, John the Baptist. Clothed in Camel’s hair wit a leather girdle, John was an unusual person who ate locusts and wild honey while he lived in the wilderness and preached in Judea along the Jordan River. His message was “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand….Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight” (Matt. 3:2, 3). He is identified as fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 40: 3-5.

Luke 3:4

4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
KJV

The people knew something unusual was happening because Scripture was being fulfilled right before their very eyes.

Luke 3:6

6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
KJV

It is easy to understand why John called the nation to repentance. The Messiah’s kingdom was to be a kingdom of holiness and righteousness, and Israel had been promised a special place and ministry in the kingdom; (they needed to be holy). They were to be a nation of priests (Exo. 19:6; Lev. 11:44). But under the Mosaic covenant it was clearly shown that priests who were defiled could not minister. This nation was defiled by sin and wickedness, and therefore, John was calling for its repentance.

Many people thought that John was the Christ, but he declared that he was not and that One was coming after him who was greater than he. To emphasize this contrast, he said:

Matt 3:11

11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
KJV

JOHN’S BAPTISM

There has been much controversy throughout the centuries about baptism, the rite which appears upon the scene in the New Testament without explanation. While baptism was something new, it was not foreign to the Jewish system of thought, for it was related to purifying, as shown by John.

John 3:25-26

25 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
KJV

SIRITUAL PURITY SYMBOLIZED BY WASHING:

In the Scriptural as well as traditional background of the Jews at least six different washings were used to symbolize cleansing or purity:

1.The cleansing of lepers
2.Purification from the defilement of death by ashes of the red hefier.
3.Hand washing traditions
4.Becoming a proselyte.
5.Entering into a covenant.
6.Preparations for the priestly ministry.

In the next post I will be looking at the previous list of washings that symbolizes cleansing or purity.

THE KING IS ON THE SCHENE PREPARING FOR THE KINGDOM

ADVENT AND PREPARATIONS OF THE KING

There is a great lack of understanding in regards to God’s programme and the scheme of things as they relate to Israel and the Church. There is even the belief among some believers today (who often refer to themselves, ‘true believers’); that the Church Age has already ended. But what does the Bible teach concerning these important truths?

God’s plan as seen in the very beginning of Scripture is to make it possible for man to be restored to fellowship with Himself, and for the ruined creation to be restored; that man can again have dominion. The key figure in this plan was the coming of Jesus Christ as the God-Man, who provides redemption and will eventually reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. All enemies will be put down; the curse will be lifted from the creation; all blessings will be restored; and additional blessings will be given. Israel was also one of the instruments that God used to bring about His plan, (though they have been set aside because of their disobedience).

Samuel Andrew in his book; The Life of Our Land upon the Earth – Pg. 125 says:

“The Lord came to a nation in covenant with God – His elect people. He had chosen for them a land in which they might dwell apart from the other nations, and in a wonderful manner had given them position of it. He had given them laws and instructions, which, if rightly used, should secure their highest national well-being. He had established His temple in their chief city, in which He revealed Himself in a Visible Glory, and which was appointed to be “a house of prayer for all nations.” How highly they had been honored and blessed of God is seen from His words (Exo. 19:5, 6)

Ex 19:5-6

5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
KJV

Also from among them should the Great Deliverer, the Seed of the woman, come and judgment throughout the earth.”

JESUS CHRIST AS THE MESSIAH

There were enough Old Testament prophecies given that a birth certificate could have almost being filled out for Jesus in advance of His birth. The prophecies and testimonies given before and at the time of Jesus’ birth clearly points to Him as the Messiah, the Saviour King, says Ray E. Baughman in his book; The Life of Christ Visualized.

The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that the child she would bear would be (a) called the Son of the Most High, (b) given the throne of His father David, (c) reign over the house of Jacob forever, and (d) and of His kingdom there would be no end. All these promises were fulfilled by God in the Davidic Covenant (Luke 1:31-33).

The angel appeared unto Joseph in a dream and told him that the child that Mary would bear was conceived by the Holy Ghost (of the seed of the woman Gen. 3:15) and that He would save His people from their sins (Matt. 1:20-21).

Angels announced the Prince of Peace to the shepherds and said, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord…..Glory to God in the highest, and on the earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:11-14). One of the greatest characteristic of the coming kingdom is peace.

“Where is He that is born King of the Jews?” (Matt. 2:2) the wise men asked Herod. Herod, the chief priests and scribes, and all Jerusalem were troubled by the arrival of the wise men as they announced that He was to be born in Bethlehem as the prophet Micah said (Mic. 5:2), and that is exactly where the wise men found Him. The giving of gifts to Him by the wise men foreshadowed the worship of the nations of the world in the kingdom as they will come pay tribute to Christ (Ps. 86:9; Isa. 66:23; Zec. 14:16-19). The amazing thing about the birth of Christ is the utter lack of response on the part of “religious” Israel. There is no evidence that the religious leaders journeyed the five miles to Bethlehem to see if the Messiah had been born. With the exception of King Herod’s brief attempt to kill anyone who would be a threat to his throne and the brief Passover appearance when Jesus was twelve years old, the next thirty years slipped by with Israel being un aware that their Messiah had come.

LIFE IN THE KINGDOM Part 5

THE GEOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS OF THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM

The warfare, invasion, and judgment of God of the great tribulation will all leave their mark upon the land. The first that comes to mind is, the Mount of Olives will split in two when the Lord returns.

Zech 14:4

4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
KJV

There will be great topographical changes to the center of the land of Palestine. A great plain will be raised up.

Zech 14:10

10 All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem….
KJV

Geba is about six miles north of present-day Jerusalem and Rimmon, thirty miles south of Jerusalem. This evidently will be referred to as the mountain of the Lord’s house.

Isa 2:2

2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
KJV
[See also Mich. 4:1]. Those geographical changes seem to be in preparation for the building of the millennial temple and the New Jerusalem described in Ezekiel.

DIVISION OF THE LAND

God promised Abraham that He would give him the land (Gen. 15:18). In Ezekiel 47:13-48:35 He gives detailed instruction concerning this division. The northern border is at Hamath, which is about 160 miles north of Jerusalem (47:15-17). The southern border is “from Tamar unto the waters of strife in Kadesh, and to the river towards the great sea” (48:28). The western border is the great sea or the Mediterranean (47:20). The eastern border appears to run along a line from Damascus to the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River to the Dead Sea (47:18). Clarence Larkin, because of God’s promise to Abraham, extends these grants to the river Euphrates (Gen. 15:18) - [Dispensational Truth, Pg. 95].

The reed and the cubit. In understanding the exact divisions of the land it is necessary to know that the cubit was used in Egypt, Israel, Greece and Babylon, but the exact length differed. There was the normal cubit and the royal cubit, which was longer by about a hand breadth. Unger says the ancient Babylon used three cubits. The smallest was 10.8 inches or three palms, the second was four palms or 14.4 inches, and the third was five handbredths or eight inches. He says:

“As the prophet was very specific in stating the unit of measurement in his vision as a “cubit and a hand breadth” (40:5; 43:13), he, no doubt, meant the smaller cubit of three hand breadths as a basic measure, plus one hand breadth, or what is equivalent to the middle cubit of 14.4 inches. Upon his calculation the reed would be 7.1 inches.” [Merrill F. Unger, Great Neglected Bible Prophecies, Pg. 67]

There are several reasons for choosing this size cubit, the most important being that of measurements given for the division of the land fit within the boundaries of the land to be divided.

Tribal divisions. In the division of the land among the twelve tribes, Levi has no part, but Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, each has a part. Levi will receive his inheritance in the part set aside as the holy oblation. The northern tribe is Dan, followed by Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben and Judah (Ezek. 48:1-7). Under the holy oblation came the tribe of Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun and Gad (48:23-29). It is interesting that the last two tribes to go into captivity, Judah and Benjamin, are given land adjoining God’s portion. At the time the kingdom was disrupted under Rehoboam they remained true to the house of David, so perhaps this is their reward. The land itself within the tribal protions is to be divided by lot (48:29).

Holy oblation. In the midst of the land will be the holy oblation, which is to be 25000 reeds long and 25000 reeds high. Using a 7.2 foot reed, it would be about 34 miles each way. The top section, which will be given to the Levites, is 10000 reeds wide and 25000 long (48:13-14). The center section 10000 reeds wide, is given to the priests (48:10-12). In the center of the priest’s section the temple is built. The southern section, which is 5000 reeds wide, is set aside as a profane (common) place for the city, the suburbs, and farming areas. The city with its suburbs will be about six-miles square (48:15-17). In Bible times, Jerusalem was never over one mile wide. The farming area on each side of the city will be 5000 reeds wide, and 10000 reeds long (48:18). This makes the total holy oblation 25000 reeds square (48:20).

Location of the New Jerusalem. If the holy oblation is located upon the great plain mentioned in Zechariah 14:10, New Jerusalem will be south of the present site. Note that the new temple will not be located in New Jerusalem. Isaiah describes the New Jerusalem (65:18-23); it should not be confused with the heavenly Jerusalem described by John in Revelation 21:2. During the Millennial Kingdom the new city of Jerusalem will have twelve gates named after the twelve tribes of Israel (Rev. 21:12).

While the temple will not actually be built within the city limits, Jerusalem will be capital of Israel and, because Israel will be the foremost nation in the world, it will be the most important city in the world because it will be where the Lord’s throne is.

The river of the sanctuary. From the temple will flow a river of living water which will go down to the city of Jerusalem and divide, with one part going to the Mediterranean Sea and one to the Dead Sea. On each bank of the stream will grow trees, the fruit of which will be for meat (food), and whose leaves that never fade can be used for medical purposes. When the waters enter the Dead Sea it will make it fruitful so that fish can live there in abundance (Ezek. 47:1-12). Some feel that there will be a literal highway called “the Way of Holiness” from Jerusalem to the Millennial Temple.

Isaiah 35 speaks of the beauty and wonders of the kingdom after the curse of nature has been lifted.

Isa 35:8-10

8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

9 No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:

10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
KJV

Prince’s portion. The area between the holy oblation and the Great Sea on the west and between the holy oblation and Jordan on the east will be given to the prince and is called the prince’s portion (Ezek. 45:7-9).

Jerusalem described. The city itself will be a square of 4500 cubits. There is a space of 250 cubits on each side, making a total of 5000 cubits per side. Residence in the city will be an honour and will be regarded as a public service. The twelve gates are named after the twelve tribes of Israel, and the population will represent all twelve tribes (48:19). Whether they will reside permanently in the city or not, is not stated. Alfred Ederaheim in his book, The Temple, Its Ministries and Services Pg. 83: describes Christ’s reign:”The number of priests to be found at all times in Jerusalem must have been very great, and Ophel a densely inhabited quarter. According to Jewish tradition, half of each the twenty-four courses into which the priesthood were divided, were permanently resident in Jerusalem; the rest scattered over the land. It is ordered, that about one-half of the latter had settled in Jericho and were in the habit of supplying the needful support to their brethren while officiating in Jerusalem.”

Ezekiel, in speaking of the city lands adjacent to the city, says that they “shall be for food unto them that serve the city” (48:18).

After the Babylonian captivity there was a problem in peopling Jerusalem:

Neh. 11:1-2

11:1 And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.

2 And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.
KJV

John Skinner in his work: The Book of Ezekiel, The Expositor’s Bible, Pg. 495 says, “There may have been causes for this general reluctance which are not known to us, but the principle reason was doubtless the one which has been hinted at, that the new colony lived mainly by agriculture, and the district in the immediate vicinity of the capitol was not sufficiently fertile to support a large agricultural population.” While there was reluctance after the Babylonian captivity, probably there will be an eagerness to live in Jerusalem during the kingdom. Perhaps again lots will be cast to determine who will dwell and serve at Jerusalem among Israel. This would be apart from any assigned positions that the Lord might give His resurrected believers.

With all the difficulties that we might undergo during this age, be encouraged; there is a great day coming when those that have overcome will experience great joy in the presence of Christ.

LIFE IN THE KINGDOM Part 4

SOCIAL CONDITIONS

PEACE

The history of the human race has been one long succession of wars and conflicts, which is one of the works of the Devil brought about by sin. When man sinned he had declared war on God. Instead of being in submission to Him and dependent upon Him, he rebelled because he wanted to become independent. When man is out of fellowship and has enmity with God he cannot get along with his fellowmen. War has proven costly in money, foolish in results, and wasteful in lives. At times man has ended his wars, but peace is short-lived when God is left out. In recent years man has attempted to use the World Court, the League of Nations, and the United Nations, and now cries are heard about the necessity of a world police force. In the end time, the world will give power to a strong leader who will promise “peace and safety” (1 Thess. 5:3). He is a false Messiah or the Antichrist.

Remember Jesus came as the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6). At His birth the angels announced it:

Luke 2:14

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
KJV

Although the Prince of Peace was rejected by the nation of Israel, He made it possible for man to have peace with God (Rom. 5:1-10). Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, He made it possible for man to have the piece of God (Gal. 5:22). But there will be wars and rumors of wars to the very end time (Matt. 24:6), and the greatest wars that the world will ever see will usher in the kingdom age [Christ’s rule] (Isa. 2:12-22).

There will be intervals of peace in the world, don’t expect too much from all the “peace-plans” that you see world leaders now initiate; when Christ comes to take over He will bring permanent peace (Mich. 4:1-5).

Harman Hoyt in his book, “The End Times” pg, 229 says:

“There will be a socialization of saved elements of society. This is accomplished by the complete organization of society into segments of divisions over which administrators such as kings would preside (Rev. 21:24). This will produce an efficient industrialization of society so that the gifts, skills, and artistry of men can be utilized to create benefits for mankind that will constitute their glory and honor (Rev. 21:24, 26). The dynamic for this constructive enterprise will be the sufficient idealization consisting of His Highness, the eternal Son of God. Infinite purpose for man in Christ will provide an ever receding horizon for ambition.”

ONE LANGUAGE

It was as a result of the sin of rebellion, God confused the tongues at the tower of Babel (Gen. 11:6-9), and the miracle at the Day of Pentecost for-shadowed the time in which man will again speak a common language. When Jesus reigns on earth, He will restore the unity of the language that man had before the tower of Babel. Clarence Benson explains in his book: “The Earth the Theater of the Universe” Pg. 130.

“The cause of the confusion of tongues will be removed and all of the people will use the same language, which will not only unite the race and remove the possibilities of misunderstandings, but also add greatly to its common comfort and happiness. Zephaniah predicts, “Then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one consent” (3:9).”

The word “language” in Zephaniah 3:9 is the Hebrew word for “lip” and is the same word used in Genesis 11:1. This switch to one language will probably be a global change, because at the beginning there are men who used many languages going up to Jerusalem to worship (Zec. 8:23). What that “official language” will be is not revealed, it could be Hebrew. We do not know what the pre-Babel language was, nor that it will be restored; but only that we will understand and communicate in a pure language.

LIFE IN THE KINGDOM Part 3

HEALTH CONDITIONS IN THE MILLENNIUM

Sickness is the work of the Devil:

Acts 10:38

38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
KJV

Jesus came to destroy the Devil’s work (1 John 3:8). Sin brought sickness into the world, and since Satan was the agent in the temptation, he is indirectly the cause of all sickness. Adam had been warned:

Gen 2:17

17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
KJV

Or literally, “Dying ye shall die.” While sin brings death (Rom.6:23), yet sickness and death are God’s way of overruling evil for good. Because He did not want man to live forever in his sinful state (Gen. 3:15), He provided a way of redemption.

Why are you sick? The world is spoilt by sin and sickness may come from four different causes:

1.Some sickness comes from exposure to disease germs or virus.
2.Some comes as a judgment of God, for example the plagues in Egypt (Exo. 9:8-10).
3.Some comes to Christians as a discipline of God (1 Cor. 11:30). Paul spoke of his “thorn in the

flesh” and the reason for it (2 Cor. 12:9).
4.Some are attributed to the Devil (Acts 10:38; Luke 13:11-13, 16; Job 2:3-7). However, the

Devil’s power is limited by God, as seen in the story of Job.

Sin can only be attributed to Satan in four ways:

1.It may be for a purpose permitted by God, as in the case of Job.
2.It may be as a consequence of yielding to temptations. Many sins such as social diseases and

drug abuse bring sickness.
3.One man’s sin may bring sickness and suffering to an innocent one, such as a drunken driver

or a hereditary disease.
4.Satan may lead us to break God’s laws of physical health. However, all our ignorance shouldn’t

be blamed on Satan.

Satan is at war against God. If he can turn man away from God by prospering them or distressing them, he will surely do so. If he can afflict man and then win them over by removing the affliction, he will do this too. Some miraculous cures come from him using this method of operation. In the “age” to come, Satan will be bound except for one brief interval before his final judgment.

A part of Christ’s preparation for the kingdom is the removal of the curse of sin and that includes sickness:

Ps 103:3

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
KJV

Isa 53:5

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
KJV

Healing is the atonement. There is healing in the atonement, the only question is, when will its blessings be given to man? In His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated His power over all kinds of earthly diseases-blindness, deafness leprosy and palsy-and brought kingdom conditions wherever He went. In the present age, He heals at times in answer to prayers, but not every time (2 Cor. 12:9). During this age, God still uses sickness for His glory, giving man the opportunity to give or to receive the love of others and to see His faithfulness. In the kingdom age, (Christ’s rule) the curse of sickness and disease will be lifted.

Isa 33:24

24 And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.
KJV

Isa 35:5-6

5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing………
KJV

Life shall be lengthened. Life will be lengthened during Christ’s rule:

Isa 65:20

20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; ……
KJV

There will be a tremendous increase in the birthrate:

Jer 30:19-20

19 ….. And I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.

20 Their children also shall be as aforetime, and their congregation shall be established before me, and I will punish all that oppress them.
KJV

LIFE IN THE KINGDOM Part 2

The material kingdom was cursed: “Cursed is the ground for thy sake” (Gen. 3:17). The vegetable kingdom is cursed: “Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee” (Gen. 3:18). Before the curse, all Adam had to do was to dress and keep the garden (Gen. 2:15), but after the curse he was told that he would earn his bread “in the sweat of thy face” (Gen. 3:19).

The animal kingdom is cursed: The curse is placed upon the serpent in Genesis 3:14, but it was not until Noah came out of the Ark that fear of man was placed on animals. “And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every foul of the air, and upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon the fishes of the seas; into your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things” (Gen. 9:2, 3).

Creation shall be delivered from this bondage:

Rom 8:21-23

21 Because the creature [creation] itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
KJV

The curse on nature will be lifted, in a large measure, at the beginning of the millennial era, at the time of the “redemption” of the body.

Isa 35:1-2, 6-7
35:1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.

2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.

6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

7 And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
KJV

Ezek 34:26

26 And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.
KJV

At the start of Christ’s reign, the vegetable kingdom will have its curse lifted too:

Ezek 34:27

27 And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.
KJV

Isa 55:13

13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
KJV

Amos 9:13-14

13 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt.

14 And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.
KJV

Because of the change in nature and the fruitfulness of the soil and peace upon the earth, there will be a material prosperity that the world has never known (Ps. 72:16). Labour problems will be solved (Isa. 65:21-25; Amos 9:13-14; Ezek. 36:29-30).

And what about he animal kingdom? There will be peace between animals and between man and animals.

Isa 65:25

25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

Isa 11:6-9

6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.

9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
KJV

Hos 2:18

18 And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.
KJV

The curse will be lifted from the material, vegetable and animal kingdom and from the weather so there will be no storms or drought except as a disciplinary measure (Zac. 14:16-19). There will be an increase of light:

Isa 30:26

26 Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.
KJV

This is just a glimpse of what Christ’s reign will be like, there is much more to be mentioned. No wonder the Scripture says:

2 Cor 4:17-18

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory ;

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
KJV.

EARTH WILL ONE DAY BE UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

LIFE IN THE KINGDOM

There has always been an interest shown among many people as to the relationship between c current events such as wars, hike in prices, atmospheric changes etc.; and the end of the age. And I must say it is surely a phenomenon that warrants our attention. It is my personal opinion that Satan is more concerned about the end of this age than most Christians, and probably rightly so as he knows that his time of ruling this earth is about to end. Satan, having been given rule of this planet under God; has been ruling as a rebel ruler ever since he sinned (Ezek. 28:14, 15). But in a soon-coming day, Jesus Christ will take the reigns and rule this earth, He and His co-heirs in the way He originally intended it.

Christ’s reign upon earth will affect every area of life in a large way. The good things which man has vainly sought for without God shall at last be poured out in the kingdom of His Son. One of the biggest changes will be that of nature.

Man enjoys the beauty of nature, the flowers, the mountains, the rivers, and the seashore; but for all its beauty, creation is now under a curse. Christ came that He might destroy or undo the works of the Devil (1 John 3:8). Through Him nature will be restored to the “good old days.” The Bible says that man was created to have dominion over the earth (Gen. 1:28:; Heb. 2:6-8). He was created by God and was to be subject to God, his Creator (Gen. 2:6-17). In his original state, he had fellowship with God (Gen. 3:8). He was given life and had access to the tree of life (Gen. 2:9, 16). Once all was peace. There were no weeds, destructive insects, storms, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, deserts, wasteland, crop failures, nor famines. Animals and man lived at peace and in harmony with one another.

But through the act of Satan, sin came into the world through Adam (Rom. 5:12). Sin changed things. Instead of life, we have death. Man, who was created out of the dust of the earth, is now to die and his body returned to the dust (Gen. 3:17-19). He is denied access to the tree of life (Gen. 3:22, 24). Instead of fellowship with God, sin brought spiritual death or separation from God. Instead of being subject to God, man is now rebellious. Instead of having dominion over the earth, the earth is now cursed (Gen. 3:17-19). Nature has been in turmoil and in a never ceasing struggle for survival, but God didn’t create it this way. But now in the words of the Scripture, “We know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Rom. 8:22). God made Adam as the king and gave him dominion over all, but through his sin the curse came upon the creation.

All this vast amount of negativities coming upon this earth has no hope of getting better under this rule; as long as we live under the “principalities and powers, the rulers of darkness, the spiritual wickedness in the heavenlies”(Eph. 6:12), we can only expect things to get worst. But there is hope, I must draw your attention to the words of the prophet Isaiah and the way he explains what life will be like when this earth come under new management, (Christ and His co-heirs):

Isa 11:5-10

5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.

9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
KJV

Then you might want something as a promise to the believer today:

Heb 4:9

9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
KJV

Be sure to be one of those that will receive this “rest” because not all Christians will. If we act the same as “redeemed Israel” acted, we will have the same result:

Heb 3:17-4:1

17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?

18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?

19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.


Hebrews 4

4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
KJV

GOD'S COMING GOVERNMENT Part 5

THE MILLENNIUM AND BEYOND

According to Dan. 7:18, 22, 27, the day is coming when “the saints of the most High [‘saints of the high places’ (‘heavenly places’)]” are going to take and possess the kingdom. It will be exactly the same kingdom which presently exists under Satan – governed province within God’s universal kingdom. That’s why Scripture says,

“The kingdom of the world [the present existing kingdom, under Satan] is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ [the same kingdom, but under new administration]…” (Rev. 11:15, ASV).

In the type, in the Book of 1 & 11 Samuel, when Saul was finally put down and David with his faithful men moved in and took over the government, they took and possessed the same kingdom which had previously existed under Saul. It was the kingdom of Israel. The change was in the administration of the kingdom, not in the kingdom itself.

And, as seen in the typology of 1 & 11 Samuel, so will it be in the antitype. When Christ and His co-heirs move in and take over the government, they will rule the same kingdom which Satan and his angels previously ruled. The will rule the one province in the kingdom of God into which chaos entered, and they will rule this province for a specified period of time – for 1000 years – in order to effect a complete restoration of order in this one part of God’s universal kingdom.

This is the matter dealt with in:

1 Cor. 15:24-28.
“Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

For he must reign, till he hat put all enemies under his feet.

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

And when all things shall be subdued under him, then shall the Son also himself be subject under him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.”

At the beginning of the millennium, the curse will be lifted (with the creation restored to its condition preceding the fall), and there will be literally millions of individuals (Jews and Gentiles alike [both saved and unsaved among the Gentiles]) entering the earthly sphere of the kingdom ruled by Christ and His co-heirs, with Israel placed at the head of the nations on earth [cf. Isa. 11:6-9; 35:1ff; Acts 3:19-21]).

Isa 11:6-9

6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.

9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
KJV

Acts 3:19-21

19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
KJV

Israel will provide the evangels to carry God’s message to the ends of the earth during this period; and it will require 1000 years of a righteous rule, “with a rod of iron,” to bring about complete order out of chaos.

That is, when Christ returns, Gentile world power will be destroyed, suddenly, swiftly, and completely, with Satan and his angels being correspondingly put down after the same fashion. Satan will be bound and cast into the abyss. Then the physical creation will be restored, Israel will be saved and restored to the land at the head of the nations on earth, Christians (previously shown qualified at the judgment seat) will be positioned “in heavenly places” in view of their impending rule as co-heirs with Christ, and the Gentiles surviving the Tribulation will then form the nations entering the kingdom on earth (cf. Matt. 24:13, 14, 31; 25:20-23; Rev. 20:1-3).

Matt 24:13-14, 31

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
KJV

Matt 25:20-23

20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
KJV

Rev 20:1-3
20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
3 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 should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
KJV

These things will actually occur within the scope of a seventy-five-day period which will exist between the end of the Tribulation and the beginning of the Millennium (Dan. 12:11, 12); but even with conditions as such, God is still going to take 1000 years beyond that point to bring complete order out of chaos.

(Matthew 25:31-46) comprises a section of the Olivet Discourse often used attempting to show that only saved individuals will populate the earth at the beginning of the millennium. Those following this line of thought teach that this section has to do with a judgment of all living Gentiles surviving the Tribulation, both saved and unsaved, with the saved being allowed to enter into the kingdom and the unsaved being cast into the lake of fire. A teaching of this nature has its sole basis in a misunderstanding of this section of Scripture. By its own internal evidence, eternal salvation or damnation is not the subject matter in Matt. 25:31-46. The subject at hand has to do with realizing or not realizing an inheritance in the kingdom, not with eternal verities [v. 34]).

Matt 25:34

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
KJV

And, in keeping with the preceding, the Greek word aionios, translated “everlasting” and “eternal” in vv. 41, 46 would, in the light of v. 34, have to be understood as “age-lasting,” not “eternal” as it is translated in most versions of Scripture. Neither Hebrew of the OT nor Greek of the NT contains a word for “eternal.” Olam is the word translated “eternal,” “everlasting,” or “perpetual” in English translations of the Old Testament and aion [a noun] or aionios [the adjective form of aion] are the words translated “eternal” or “everlasting” in the New Testament. [Aidios, an older form of aionios, used only two times and meaning exactly the same as aionos, is the only exception (Rom. 1:20 and Jude 6)].

Rom 1:20
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
KJV

Jude 6
6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
KJV

Olam, aion, and aionios all have to do with “a long period of time,” which, if the context permits, can refer to “eternity” [e.g. the Aionios God in Rom. 16:26].

Rom 16:26
26 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:
KJV

But the words standing alone, apart from a context, cannot be understood as “eternal.” Context is the all-important factor to ascertain the length of time in view when these words are used.
Aion and aionios are usually thought of and used numerous times in the NT in the sense of “an age.” And a usage of this nature is even brought over into English. For example, the English word “aeon [or ‘eon’] is derived from the Greek word aion. The only way in which the Greek text can express “eternal” apart from textual considerations is through the use of aion in the plural [Luke 1:33;

Luke 1:33
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
KJV

Heb 13:8
8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
KJV

Also in referring to [“the ages,” i.e. ages without end, which would comprise eternity] or a double use of aion, in the plural and articular both times [e.g. Rev. 1:6; 4:9, 10, referring to “the ages of the ages,” again, ages without end].

Rev 1:6
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
KJV

Rev 4:9-10
9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
KJV

And the use of aionios in Matt. 25:41, 46, referring to an inverse of that seen in verse thirty-four [failing to realize an inheritance in the kingdom] can only be understood as “age-lasting.” It can only be understood as referring to the outcome of a judgment of unfaithful saved Gentiles coming out of the Tribulation. A judgment of the unsaved, with eternal verities in view, could not possibly be the subject at hand in Matt. 25:41, 46. First, the context will not permit such an understanding of these verses; and second, inheritance in the kingdom, contextually in view, would limit this judgment to the saved alone. Note Rom. 8:17 “And if children, then heirs….”
“Sheep” and “goats” (vv. 32, 33), can only be understood contextually as a metaphorical way of describing two classes of saved individuals, similar to the parable of the wheat and the tears in Matt. 13:24-30. The unsaved and eternal verities simply cannot be in view in either passages. Rather, in both passages, only the saved, with a view to an inheritance or non inheritance in the kingdom, can be in view.

The extensive use of “metaphors” in sections of Scripture such as Matt. 13:24, 25 must be recognized. Note, for example, “meat” or “food” in Matt. 24:45; 25:35, 42, all of the same discourse. The use is metaphorical in chapter twenty four [referring to that which is spiritual, the Word of God], when dealing with the judgment of a servant rendering an account at the time of his Lord’s return is with a view to regality [realizing or not realizing a position with Christ in the kingdom (cf. Luke 12:42-48)]. Why should the matter be viewed after any different fashion in chapter twenty-five when also dealing with a judgment of individuals at the time of the Lord’s return, with a view of inheritance in the kingdom [exactly the same as regality previously seen in chapter twenty-four, though stated in a different manner]?

Understanding the preceding after this fashion [which, in reality, is the only contextually correct way to view this section of Scripture] will, again, show that only saved individuals can possibly be in view throughout Matt. 25:31-46. Both those described by the “sheep” and the “goats” are seen in a position to dispense “meat,” and “food.”

There is no such thing in Scripture as a judgment of unsaved Gentiles at the end of Man’s Day, prior to the millennium. Rather, the millennium itself will form their judgment in this respect, for the millennium will simply be 1000 years of a righteous judgment, when Christ and His co-heirs will rule the nations with a rod of iron. Man on the earth during this Messianic Era, will possess a body of flesh, blood, and bone, with the old sin nature still present [i.e. he will possess a “natural” body (a “soulical” body; Gk. psuchikos, Rom. 2:24; 1 Cor. 15:44, 46), identical to that which man possess today]. This will be true both within the camp of Israel and among the Gentile nations. This is the reason Christ will be King-Priest, after the order of Melchizedek at this time. He will not only be King over the earth but He will also exercise a priestly office as well, representing man to God and God to man. And Christ must be a Priest after a new order, under a new covenant, on Israel’s behalf, for He is not of the Aaronic line.

(Note that Christ can presently exercise a ministry in the heavenly sanctuary after the order of Aaron, though not of the Aaronic line, for the simple reason that His ministry today is on the behalf of Christians [who do not come under the covenant made with Israel] rather than with Israel [with whom the old covenant was made]. Christ could not exercise a priestly ministry on behalf of Israel after the order of Aaron [present or future], which will necessitate a change in the priesthood when God restores Israel [Heb. 7:11, 12].)

Man on the earth during that future day, still possessing the old sin nature, will beget children who must be redeemed; and sin and death will correspondingly occur within activities surrounding man at that time. And, as a consequence of man’s condition, Scripture presents the possibility of ma rebelling against the authority which will emanate from Jerusalem above and from Jerusalem below (Isa. 65:20; Zech. 14:16-19) – something clearly seen in its climactic form in that which is revealed concerning Satan being loosed at the end of the millennium and leading a number described as “the sand of the sea” in rebellion against the King in Jerusalem (Rev. 20:7-9).

And within this whole scenario lies the reason God has set aside 1000 years to bring complete order out of chaos. As previously stated, Christ and His co-heirs will reign – “with a rod of iron,” breaking the nations and dashing them in pieces, likened unto “a potter’s vessel” being struck and shattered (cf. Psa. 2:6-9; Rev. 2:26, 27) – until all things have been brought under subjection. At the end of the 1000 years – after all things have been “subdued” unto Christ and He has “delivered up” the kingdom to the Father (1 Cor. 15:24, 28) – “all things” will then be made new.

1 Cor 15:24
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
KJV

1 Cor 15:28
28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
KJV

Then, not before, there will be no more “death….sorrow….crying….pain….” In that day there will be no need for a priest to represent man to God and God to man, for God Himself will dwell within man, “and they shall be his people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God” (Rev. 21:3-5).

Rev 21:3-5
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
KJV

This will be the scene beyond the millennium, after complete order once again exists in all parts of God’s universal kingdom. There will be a “new heaven [the heaven associated with this earth and solar system, not the universe] and a new earth” (Rev. 21: 1). The New Jerusalem will be the capital of the new earth (Rev. 21:2), which probably will be a much larger earth than presently exist, large enough to accommodate a city of this size. And universal rule will emanate from “the throne of God and of the Lamb” on the new earth (Rev. 22:1-3).

Rev 22:1-3
22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
KJV

That is, God Himself will dwell on the new earth and, with His Son, rule the universe from this location. Man, in that day, will come into a complete realization of the purpose which God had in mind for His creation in the beginning. Up to this time, man’s rule will have been limited to the earth alone. But, during the eternal ages following the millennium, man will exercise positions of power and authority of a universal nature in God’s kingdom. And even the saved Gentile nations and those Christians not holding positions of power and authority during the millennium will be brought into and have a part in this rule (Rev. 21:4; 22:2, 5).

Rev 21:4
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Rev 22:2, 5
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

In the correct sense, this is what "going to heaven" really mean for the Christian. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be.....

GOD'S COMING GOVERNMENT Part 4

CHRISTIANS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

It is my prayer that this study will dispell the common error of the Church ushering in the kingdom. It is not the Church's call to usher in, but to prepare for the coming kingdom; knowing that though God has set Israel aside for this dispensation He is going to deal with them again at the end of this dispensation.

The question now is, if God had already had a nation through which His plan and purposes could be realized, why call into existence a new entity – the Church – through which at least a part of His plans and purposes would, as well, be realized? Why did God not just approach the entire matter through the lineal descendants of Abraham, leaving matters, in this respect, as they had stood for the preceding two millenniums?

The answer is derived from that which Israel did at Christ’s first coming, resulting in reciprocal action on Christ’s part. Israel, as a nation, rejected the proffered kingdom of the heavens. And, not only did the Jewish people reject the message, but they rejected the Messenger as well, ultimately crucifying Him.

The nation’s rejection of the kingdom of the heavens resulted in this facet of the kingdom (the heavenly promises and blessings) being taken from Israel, with a new entity – the Church – then being called into existence to be the recipient of that which Israel had rejected.

Following the offer and subsequent rejection of the kingdom of the heavens, with the events of Calvary only days away, Christ responded to that which Israel had done (and was about to climax at Calvary) through removing the nation from the position it held relative to the heavenly promises and blessings. At that time, concluding a parable dealing with the Householder and His vineyard (Matt. 21:33-39) – which had to do with matters surrounding Christ and Israel – Christ allowed the religious leaders in Israel the opportunity to seal their own fate in this respect.

Christ asked:

“When the Lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen [the Jews, those to whom He was speaking, the ones who had rejected
the Householder’s Son and were about to cast Him out of the vineyard and slay Him]? And the Jewish religious leaders, not yet realizing that He was speaking about them and the nation at large, responded, ‘He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons (vv. 40, 41; cf. v. 45)’.”

It was then that Christ drew from the OT Scriptures, identifying Himself as the Chief Corner Stone, the One Whom the nation had rejected and was about to cast out of the vineyard (v. 42; cf. Psa. 118:22, 23). And He then made the announcement concerning the proffered kingdom being taken from Israel in complete keeping with that which the Jewish religious leaders had already stated:

“Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God [referring to that facet of the kingdom of God which had been offered, the heavenly portion of the kingdom] shall be taken from you and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof” (v. 43).

Then the Church, an entirely new entity, whose future existence had been previously announced (Matt. 16:18), was shortly thereafter called into existence for the express purpose of being that “nation bringing forth the fruits thereof” (1 Pet. 2:9, 10).

Matt 16:18

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
KJV

1 Peter 2:9-10

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
KJV

And since all spiritual blessings and promises must flow through Abraham and his progeny (Gen. 12:1-3; 22:17, 18), the Church, in order to be that “nation” spoken of in Matt. 21:43 and 1 Pet. 2:9, must be identified with Abraham.

Matt 21:43

43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
KJV

This is accomplished through the Christian’s personal standing “in Christ.” Christ is Abraham’s Seed, and Christians through their personal standing “in Christ,” are likewise “Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:16, 29).

Gal 3:16, 29

16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
KJV

Thus, during the coming age, in relation to the government of the earth and in line with Gen. 22:17, 18, the Seed of Abraham will occupy positions in both heavenly and earthly places, though the vast majority of the numerous individuals occupying heavenly places in the kingdom will not be lineal descendants of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob.

Rather, they will have become “Abraham’s seed” through their positional standing “in Christ.”

Governmental rule will emanate from both Jerusalem above and Jerusalem below. Christ with His “companions,” His “co-heirs,” will rule from His Own throne in Jerusalem above (the New Jerusalem, which will apparently be a satellite city of the earth at this time); and Christ Himself will also rule from David’s throne in the midst of Israel in Jerusalem below (Jerusalem in the earthly land covenanted to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob).

(In the preceding respect, Christ will have a dual reign at this time – both from His Own throne in the heavens and from David’s throne on the earth. But neither Israel nor the Church will occupy dual status of this nature. Israel will be placed at the head of the nations on the earth, and the Church will rule from the heavens over the earth [which will include all nations, even Israel; cf. Matt. 19:28; Rev. 2:26, 27; 3:21].)

Matt 19:28

28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
KJV

Rev 2:26-27

26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

27 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.
KJV

Rev 3:21

21 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.
KJV

Since the Church has become the repository for the heavenly promises and blessings originally held by Israel, sections of OT Scripture such as Abraham’s seed likened to “the stars of the heaven” (Gen. 22:17, 18) or “the saints of the most High [‘saints of the high places’ (‘heavenly places’)]” (Dan. 7:18,22, 25, 27) would today relate to the Church. This would also be true concerning sections in the gospel accounts having to do with the kingdom of the heavens, such as entrance into the kingdom in Matt. 7:13, 14, 21-23; 8:11, 12.

Matt 7:13-14

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
KJV

Matt 7:21-23

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
KJV

Matt 8:11-12

11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
KJV

But all of this has nothing to do with Israel’s earthly promises and blessings. These have not been and can never be taken from Israel. And during the coming age, following Israel’s repentance, conversion, and restoration to the land, that which was promised through Abraham relative to the nation’s earthly calling will be realized.

(But what about those OT saints who looked toward heavenly promises and blessings and died in the faith prior to Christ’s announcement in Matt. 21:43? Scripture clearly reveals that the removal of this facet of the kingdom from Israel’s possession at Christ’s first coming cannot make null and void any previous acceptance by individual Jews of that which God had promised [cf. Matt. 8:11, 12; Heb. 11:13-16, 39, 40]. Christ’s announcement in Matt. 21:43 though does, forever do away with Israel as a nation occupying such a position, continuing to be the repository for these heavenly promises and blessings).

Following Christ’s announcement to Israel concerning the kingdom, only one way has existed for Jews to come into a realization of the heavenly promises and blessings. They must become part of the one new man “in Christ” through faith in Israel’s Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. Doing this, they relinquish their national identity and earthly calling, becoming “fellow-heirs” with believing Gentiles, who have also relinquished their national identity [but, unlike Jews, had no calling to relinquish (Eph. 2:12)].

Eph 2:12

12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
KJV

And, “in Christ,” where “there is neither Jew nor Greek [Gentile],” they both together – as one new man – become partakers of a higher calling, a “heavenly calling” [Gal. 3:26-29; Eph. 2:13-15; 3:1-6; Heb. 3:1].)

GOD'S COMING GOVERNMENT Part 3

ISRAEL IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Two thousand years after Adam’s fall, God called one man out of the human race to be the vehicle through whom His plans and purposes for having brought man into existence would ultimately be realized. This man was Abraham, called out of Ur of the Chaldees. It is through this nation which emanated form the loins of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob, God accomplished some great things. He provided a Redeemer for fallen man, He provided the written revelation to guide man into redemption, (revealing His plans and purposes), and He made provisions that man would ultimately be placed once again in the position for which he was created in the first place.

The first two of these three purposes have been realized, but the latter is still in the process of being done. It awaits that day in the immediate future when Babylon reemerges as the center of Gentile world power, with the last king of Babylon present.

In the OT, Israel was made the repository for both earthly and heavenly blessings. When viewing Scriptures such as Gen. 14:18, 19; 15:5; 22:17, 18; Dan. 7:18-27, Israel alone was in view. The same would be true in Matt. 8:11, 12 where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are seen, in that future day, in the kingdom of the heavens.

Matt 8:11-12

11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
KJV

Therefore, those cast into the darkness outside at this time would have to be looked upon as Israelites (i.e. saved individuals who could have been in the kingdom but, because of unfaithfulness, were cast without [note that the subject matter in this passage has to do with entrance into or exclusion from the heavenly sphere of the kingdom, not with matters surrounding eternal salvation or eternal damnation]).

There was no Church at the time. Aside from that fact, all spiritual promises and blessings must be realized through, and only through, the seed of Abraham. Thus, only Israel could possibly have been in view.

(This will explain a central reason why Christ, when commissioning His twelve disciples to carry the message concerning the kingdom of the heavens to Israel, specifically told them, “Go not into the way of the Gentiles….” [Matt. 10:5-8]. Israel alone was the repository for the promises and blessings associated with the proffered kingdom of the heavens.

The Gentiles were “aliens from the commonwealth of Israel…” {Eph. 2:12]. “Commonwealth” in this passage is a translation of the Greek word politeia, a cognate form of politeuma, having to do with one’s “political sphere of activity.” (By the way,Christians should not be involved in politics) As I mentioned in a previous study, we cannot 'fix' this kingdom.

Since Israel alone was in view after this fashion, how can the Church later fit into certain OT promises (or passages such as Matt. 8:11, 12), which it does? And, since the Church does later fit into certain promises and blessings given to Abraham and his descendants through Isaac and Jacob (or certain passages in the gospel accounts) – which had to do with Israel alone at the time they were given – where does this presently leave Israel?

Has the Church being put in place of Israel, leaving Israel with nothing? Has God finished His work with Israel? Is God through, with Israel within His plans and purposes in relation to man?

Unfortunately too many Christians interprets Scripture after the preceding fashion, but a proper understanding of Scripture teaches something entirely different. God is no more through with Israel today than He was when certain promises were made to Abraham at the time he was called out of Ur of the Chaldees, four millenniums ago:

Rom 11:1-2

1. I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

2. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,

KJV

Israel, as in Moses’ day, is still God’s firstborn son (“Sonship” implies rulership), and Israel will yet occupy her firstborn status in relation to the nations.

(This is what was in view when God announced Israel’s firstborn status in Exo. 4:22, 23 [cf. Exo. 19:5, 6], at the time Israel was called out of Egypt. God in a future day will deal with Israel after this fashion set forth in Exodus, establishing Israel at the head of the nations following Israel’s removal from a worldwide dispersion at the time of Christ’s return [typified by the nation’s removal from Egypt at the time of Moses’ return; cf. Exo. 2:23-25; 3:10; 12;40, 41; Deut. 30:1-3; Isa. 2:1-5; Jer. 31:31-34]).

Paul, in Rom. 11:1, 2, raised the issue concerning Israel’s present and future status; and he responded after a fashion which leaves no room for questions along these lines:

“I say then, Hath God cast away His people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

God hath not cast away His people which He foreknew……"

The words “God forbid,” are a translation of a Greek negative appearing with a verb in the optative mood, which is a very rear mood in the Greek NT. Paul used this expression fourteen of the fifteen times in which it appears in the NT, and he used it mainly to express his abhorrence to an inference which he had raised (cf. Rom. 3:4, 6, 31; Gal. 2:17; 3:21; 6:14).

The inference in Rom. 11:1 had to do with God’s casting Israel aside, which was declared to be something completely abhorrent to Paul’s way of thinking. Paul, through the use of the optative mood, declared that such an act, in reality, was “impossible” – i.e. it was “impossible” for God to cast away His people, Israel.

Then, later in the same chapter, in keeping with what he had declared concerning Israel, he reviewed the present status and future history of Israel (vv. 17-29). Neither Israel’s present status nor future 'history' has anything to do with a notion removed from God’s plans and purposes. Rather, it's the exact opposite that is in view.

Paul’s portrayal of Israel set forth a nation – separate from the other nations of the earth – which had been, presently remains, and always will be an integral part of God’s plans and purposes.

One way to tell if any group of believers are correct in the way they interpret Scripture, is whether or not they give Isreal her proper place in God's scheme of events. God is definately not true with Israel.

GOD'S COMING GOVERNMENT Part 2

SAINTS OF THE HIGH PLACES

A vast majority of Christians today do not understand God's plan for the government neither for heaven nor earth. There is so much preached from our pulpits about "going to heaven" and "avoiding hell"; both with far too much obscurity. Heaven "the eternal state" is not the one where God now abides, nither God nor man will dwell where God now dwells; there will be a new heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21:1). It is very important for us to have this correctly outlined in our minds before we can even understand what God expects of us today. And before this 'new heaven' and 'new earth' there will be an organized system of government headed by Jesus Christ for at least one thousand years.

The “kingdom of the heavens” in Matthew’s gospel, or “heavenly places” in Ephesians, or a “heavenly calling” in Hebrews, do not form companion references peculiar to the New Testament. Rather, the over all thought of man occupying heavenly positions in the kingdom, as opposed to earthly positions, was previously set forth different places in the Old Testament, beginning in Genesis (cf. Gen. 14:18, 19; 15:5; 22:17, 18).

Abraham, five centuries prior to the time of any written revelation, understood this matter and looked towards a calling beyond the earthly, to the heavenly (Heb. 11:8-16). And numerous other OT saints living at different times following Abraham did exactly the same thing. They looked beyond the earthly to the heavenly as well (Heb. 11:32-40).

Thus, it is nothing new in either Old or New Testament revelation when one finds a reference to saints being placed in positions of power and authority in the heavens following the overthrow of this present world system, as in the Book of Daniel, Matthew’s gospel, Ephesians, or Hebrews. This is a teaching which has its origin in Genesis (the best place to begin, that's where God began His revelation to man).

Satan and his angels presently rule from the heavens over the earth, and Christ with His co-heirs will one day replace the incumbent governmental powers and rule form the same location, from the heavens. Christ will replace Satan, and overcoming Christians will replace the angels ruling under Satan. The whole matter is really set forth in Scripture after that simple of a fashion.

Many believers today believe they are able to 'fix' this earth, that's one of the reasons you hear so much about politicians being 'Christians'. We cannot fix this earth, God is seeking a bride for His kingdom and He is going to destroy and restore this earth; and He calls us to prepare ourselves for the new heaven and the new earth that He will provide (Matt. 6:33). The eternal abode (after the Millennium - 1000 year rest that awaits the people of God [Heb. 4:9]); there is so very little said in Scripture about it and if we seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, truly, 'all other things will be added unto us.'

GOD'S COMING GOVERNMENT Part 1

FROM THE HEAVENS OVER THE EARHT

Dan 7:17-18

17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.

18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.
KJV

The final form of the kingdom of Babylon as it will exist under its last king, Antichrist, will be a conglomerate of the whole of the kingdom as it is seen in the Book of Daniel. When the Stone strikes the image at its feet (feet “part of iron, and part of clay,” describing the kingdom in its last days under Antichrist), Scripture states that the Stone will break in pieces together “the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold [depicting the kingdom in its final form – a composite form of the whole of the kingdom, viewed from the days of Antichrist back to the days of Nebuchadnezzar]” (Dan. 2:32-35, 44, 45).

The Stone striking the image at its feet forms the Biblical description of Babylon’s prophesied destruction. Throughout the time of the Gentiles, Babylon has never been destroyed. It has been conquered several times and has faded into obscurity, but it has never been destroyed.

And Babylon must not only be destroyed, but, according to the prophecies of Daniel, it must be destroyed at a particular time and after a particular fashion. It must be destroyed at the end of the Times of the Gentiles (actually, the destruction of Babylon is the event which will mark the end of the Times of the Gentiles, for the Gentile world power will be centered in Babylon at that time), and it must be destroyed after such a fashion that the kingdom depicted by the entire image – from the head of gold to the feet part of iron and part of clay, the kingdom existing from the days of Nebuchadnezzar to the days of Antichrist – will be destroyed at the same time, never to rise again. This is what is meant by the iron, clay, brass, silver, and gold being “broken to pieces together,” becoming like “the chaff of the summer threshing floors,” and being carried away by “the wind” (Dan. 2:34, 35).

Thus, since the kingdom depicted by a part of the image has yet to appear (that part which is to be smitten), the composite form which the kingdom must take at the time of its destruction can only await the reemergence of Babylon in the future day. The image must be complete at the time of its destruction. This is something which could not have occurred at any point in history; nor can it occur today. It can occur only during the future days of Antichrist, during the days of the last king of Babylon.

And, remaining within the same line of thought, one can easily understand what is meant in Dan. 7:4-6, 11, 12 by the first three great beasts (likened to “a lion,” “a bear,” and “a leopard”) having their dominion “taken away” but their lives “prolonged for a season and time.” These beasts depict the kingdom as it existed from the days of Nebuchadnezzar to the days of Alexander the Great; and these three segments of the kingdom, though they have long since faded into obscurity, didn’t die. Rather, they are presented in the Book of Daniel as living down through time, and they are further presented in the book as being alive as an integral part of the final form during the days of Antichrist.

All of the great beasts in Dan. 7:4-7 (a “beast” in this section of Scripture a form of the kingdom of Babylon [7:17, 23]) will be present together – comprising the final form of the Babylonian kingdom – and they will be destroyed together.

Note the first three great beasts in verse twelve in this respect. Their dominion was taken away (in history, not at the time of events in the previous verse, v. 11), but they continued to live, awaiting the days of Antichrist and the destruction of Babylon in its final form (occurring in verse 11).

Thus, the death (destruction) of the first three great beasts (v. 12) occurs at the same time as the death (destruction) of the forth beast – when the Stone strikes the image at its feet and brakes in pieces together “the iron, the clay [fourth beast], the brass [third beast], the silver [second beast], and the gold [first beast]” (v. 11; cf. Dan. 2:34, 35, 44, 45). Verse twelve simply provides additional information to help explain verses eleven and the preceding vision of the four great beasts, and these verses must be understood in the light of that which had previously been revealed about the image in chapter two.

Then, “the kingdom of the world [one world kingdom, with its governmental center in Babylon]” will become “the kingdom of our Lord, and his Christ [a theocracy, with its governmental center in Jerusalem – Jerusalem above and Jerusalem below]” (Rev. 11:15, ASV).

Rev 11:15

15 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.
KJV

The kingdom will have previously been given to the Son by the Father (Dan. 7:13, 14; cf. Psa. 2:6-9; and the Son, at the time of His return, will then take possession of the kingdom, suddenly and swiftly, through force.

The Stone “cut out of the mountains without hands” will strike the image at the time when the kingdom will have reached its zenith of world power (note that for the first time in Babylon’s history all four parts of the image will be together); and in this manner, Gentile world power will suddenly and swiftly be brought to an end (Dan. 2:34, 35, 44, 45; 7:11, 23-26; cf. Rev. 19:11-21).

Also, note Theonomy – the “Kingdom Now” theology – with particularly respect to the prophecies in Daniel. Theonomy [very prevalent throughout in certain segments of Christendom today, especially among those in Charismatic circles] teaches that the Church is to gradually take over the kingdoms of this world, through present spiritual –political means, etc. This is looked upon in the same sense as the leaven permeating the meal, “till the whole was leavened,” in Matt. 33:13 – a parable often misunderstood and used to depict the spread of that which is “good” rather than that which is “evil,” seeking, through this means, to give credence to false ideologies of this nature. And, viewing matters along these lines, would correspondingly, form a major reason for Christians to involve themselves in political structure of the present world system under Satan.

Theonomy is simply a reemergence of the old postmillennial ideology [restructured for the times, etc.], prevalent in Christendom during the pre-World War 11 days. And it is no more true in it’s restructured from today than it was in its original form. According to Scripture, the Church can have no part – in bringing to past the kingdoms of the present world system being controlled and governed by the Lord at the time of His return.

Rather, nothing can be done along the lines of a change in administration until that day when there is once again one world kingdom with its governmental center located in Babylon. It will then, not before, that the Stone will strike the image at its feet; it will be then, not before, that “the kingdom of the world” will become “the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ” [Dan. 2:34, 35, 44, 45; Rev. 11:15]; and it will be then, not before, that “the kingdom and dominions, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High [lit. ‘the saints of the high places’ (i.e. ‘heavenly places’)]….” Dan. 7:23-27; cf. v.18].

Also, in this same respect, as previously seen, “the times of the Gentiles” will end with the Stone striking the image at its feet, not before. Thus, this period, which begun with Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar, cannot end before Babylon appears in its final form under Antichrist.

Some have sought to teach that “the times of the Gentiles” came to an end when the Jews retook the old city of Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War, allowing them to once again have access to the Temple Mount, with a view of rebuilding the temple. However, the Jews having access to or coming into possession of the Temple Mount has nothing to do with the matter. They possessed this Mount in history during the times of the Gentiles [from about 536 B.C. to 70 A.D.], and they will possess it again in the immediate future during the times of the Gentiles [during the first part of the Tribulation, when the Jewish people rebuild their temple]. Aside from that, Luke 21:24 and Rev. 11:2 specifically place the termination of the Times of the Gentiles at the end of the Tribulation, which is when Babylon will be destroyed).


Luke 21:24

24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
KJV

Rev 11:2

2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
KJV

UNDERSTANDING THE KINGDOM Part 8

THE FUTURE KINGDOM

Satan and his angels are to be put down, and Christ and His co-heirs are to take the kingdom. That is the clear testimony of Scripture, beginning in Genesis and concluding in Revelation. The matter will occur after exactly the same fashion set forth in Dan. 4:17 – “…by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the words of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will…”

The Most High will one day give the kingdom to His Son (Dan. 7:13, 14; cf. Rev. 11:15), Satan and his angels will be put down (exactly as Nebuchadnezzar in history was put down, for that will be “the decree of the Most High” [Dan. 4:23-31]), and the Son will then take the kingdom and rule, holding the scepter.

At this time the Son will place redeemed man, qualified individuals in positions of power and authority as co-heirs, holding the scepter with Him (cf. Ps. 2:6-9; Rev. 2:26, 27). They will have previously being shown qualified at the Judgment Seat, and the Son, with His co-heirs, will then rule the earth from His throne in the heavenly Jerusalem for 1000 years.

Israel will have been restored to the nation’s earthly land, and the kingdom covenanted to David will have been restored to Israel. David’s throne will have been given to Christ, and He will rule from this throne on the earth as well as from His Own throne in the heavens. Thus Christ will have dual reign during the Messianic Era. And it will be after this fashion that Christ exercise power and authority over the earth for 1000 years.

Christ’s rule from heaven will involve His co-heirs, who will exercise power and authority with Him over the nations. And Christ’s rule on the earth will involve Israel, which will also exercise power and authority with Him over the nations. Accordingly, the nations in this manner will be governed from two realms – heavenly and earthly.

And the object of this rule will be to bring order out of disorder, effect a cosmos out of a chaos. “All rule and all authority and power” must be put down; “all enemies” must be put down “under His feet,” even “death.” And when “all things shall be subdued under Him,” the kingdom will be “delivered up” to “God even the Father” in order that “God may be all in all” (1 Cor. 15:24-28).

This is what the whole of Scripture, beginning in the opening verses of Genesis, anticipates; and to bring the matter to pass, the Son in conjunction with His co-heirs in the heavens and the nation Israel on the earth, will rule the earth for the duration of that seventh day – for 1000 years – foreshadowed by the seventh day at the very beginning, in Genesis 2:1-3.

This concludes the study: UNDERSTANDING THE KINGDOM. Special thanks to brother Arlen Chitwood for allowing me to use his work, God has given this man a wonderful insight into His Word. I trust it has been a blessing to you as I move on to something new on the next post.