WITH A VIEW OF THE MILLENNIAL REIGN

A COMMENTARY OF MATTHEW CHAPTER
TWENTY-FOUR

Scripture can be properly divided into seven parts, each forming a complete section of Scripture: (1) Gen. 1:1-2a, (2) Gen. 1:2b-2:3, (3) Gen. 2:4-11:26, (4) the remainder of the Old Testament, (5) the New Testament through Revelation chapter nineteen, (6) Revelation 20:1-15, and (7) Rev. 21:1-22:21.

The first and second divisions, as has been demonstrated, covers the skeletal framework upon which the remainder rests.

The third division covers the first 2000 years of human history extending from Adam to Abraham.

The forth division begins with Abraham and covers the next 2000 years of human history, wherein God called one man out of Ur of the Chaldees to be the channel through whom He, from that point forward, would deal with mankind at large.

The fifth division begins with the first advent of Messiah and covers the next 2000 years of human history, wherein the Lamb of God dies (followed by burial, resurrection, and ascension), Israel is set aside, the Church is called into existence, and Messiah returns.

The sixth division covers the next 1000 years of human history, the long awaited Messianic Era, along with immediately following events.

The seventh division has to do with the eternal ages which follow the Messianic Era.

Now to illustrate how later revelation is inseparably connected with earlier revelation and how any revelation subsequent to Genesis 1:1-2:3 must be inseparably connected with these opening verses of Genesis, note the thousand years in Rev. 20:1-7. This is not the first time that the thousand years in mentioned in Scripture. Quite the contrary. Instead, it is the last time. The first mention of the thousand years in Scripture is within the skeletal framework at the beginning, in Gen. 2:1-3.

These years comprise the seventh millennium, foreshadowed by the seventh day in Genesis.
Not only that, but the thousand years in Rev. 20:1-7 are mentioned numerous places throughout Scripture, covering the six thousand years of time preceding the Messianic Era. These thousand years are the point in time toward which everything moves, with their repeated mention being a very natural and necessary part of Scripture.

The Sabbath given to Israel was a “sign” concerning this coming day (Exo. 31:13-17). Everytime Israel kept the Sabbath, at the end of six days of work, they were acknowledging what God had set forth in the foundational framework at the very beginning (vs. 15-17). They were acknowledging that God was going to work six days in the latter restoration (as He did in the former) and rest on the seventh day (as He did in the former).

(The pattern was set perfect in the beginning. And the latter restoration and rest must follow the former restoration and rest in exact detail, in every respect. The thousand years in Rev. 20:1-7 [which follows six thousand years of work] carries exactly the same relationship to Gen. 2:1-3 as the Sabbath given to Israel [which followed six days of work] carried to these verses. “There remaineth therefore a rest [lit. ‘Sabbath rest’] to the people of God” [Heb. 4:9; cf. v.4].)

Then reference is made to part or all of the six and seven days different places in Scripture, referring to 6000 and 7000 years, drawing from Gen. 1:2b-2:3 (cf. Num. 19:11-19; 11 Sam. 1:1, 2; Hos. 5:15-6:2; Jonah 1:17; Matt. 16:28-17:5; John 1:29, 35, 43, 2:1; 11:6, 7).

Then, beyond that, events surrounding the coming Messianic Era – events occurring during the seventh day, the seventh 1000 year period – are mentioned time after time throughout Scripture (e.g. Isa. 2:1-5; 4:1-6; 14:1-8; Jer. 30:1-9; 31:31-33; Ezek. 36:24-28; 37:1ff; Matt. 24:30, 31; Acts 15:14-18; Rom. 11:25, 26).

It will be in that day that the blessings of Gen. 12:2, 3 will be realized in their fullness by both Israel and the nations; it will be in that day that Christ will exercise the Melchizedek priesthood, blessing the descendants of Abraham, both heavenly and earthly (Gen. 14:18, 19); it will be in that day that the seed of Abraham, both heavenly and earthly will “possess the gate of [i.e. rule over]” the enemy (Gen. 22:17, 18); it will be in that day that God will restore Israel to her rightful place (Gen. 25:1ff). And on and on one could go with what God has revealed in His Word about that coming seventh day.

It is as Nathaniel West said one hundred years ago in his book, THE THOUSAND YEARS IN BOTH TESTAMENTS:

“What we find in the New Testament as its outcome in respect to the ages and the kingdom, has already lain in the bosom of the Old Testament from the beginning…. Nothing appears in the latter revelation that was not hid in the earlier, nothing in John that was not in Moses…. If we study the eschatology of the Old Testament, we will find the Echata there identical with the Echeta of the New Testament, and the eschatology of both Testaments the same… if ‘the thousand years are not in Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophets, they have no right to be in John.”

Accordingly, any study of the thousand years cannot possibly begin with what God has revealed in Rev. 20:1-7. Rather, it must, of necessity, begin with what God revealed in Gen. 2:1-3. Rev. 20:1-7 forms the capstone to the matter. This section of Scripture covers in very brief form that which the prophets have previously covered in great detail. And only the simple statement need be made, for all the details has already been given.

The whole matter is really that simple if one remains within the manner in which God has structured His revelation to man.

THY KINGDOM COME

Read: Matthew 6:24-34.

THY KINGDOM COME


Most Christians who are taught that “heaven” is their only goal are going to be very disappointed, because they believe that all one has to do is believe in Jesus Christ and be saved – [and according to the Scriptures, that all one needs to be saved] – and that's your passport to heaven, end of the matter. I am afraid that believing on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved, is just the beginning. That qualifies us for the “race” and from there on we have to run, and run ‘lawfully’.

We pray, for example, “Thy Kingdom Come…,” most of us have, at best, only a rather foggy notion of just what it is we are praying for. Why? There are more promises and prophecies about the Millennial Kingdom than any other period in the entire Bible; I can safely say, that’s what the Bible is about – a kingdom that God is preparing for those that are prepared and you are not prepared by just being saved.

Unfortunately, many Churches have been blinded by the “amillennial” tradition (no-millennium), others by the doctrine of “eternal security,” which by the way is a great doctrine; the Bible does teach that once saved always saved. Once by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, our spirits are made alive (Eph. 2:1, 8), but at this point we are placed on the path to begin running the race. We also have a soul that needs salvation, Hebrews 4:12 shows that a distinct division is made between the spirit, body, and soul. When we examine 1Thessalonians 5:23, we will note that spirit, soul, and body must be “presented blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

We must understand that the “Dacidic Covenant” (2 Sam. 7:8-16) was unconditional and that the coming Millennial Kingdom is its ultimate fulfillment. As we are reminded in Scripture of the Angel Gabriel’s annunciation of the Nativity to Mary, most people miss the implications embedded in the fact that her child was specifically destined to sit on the Throne of David (Luke 1:32). Even during the controversies facing the famed Council in Jerusalem (Acts 15), James referred to the same commitment (Amos 9:11). However, the Throne of David did not exist during the Messiah’s earthly ministry. Thus, the Throne-crowned One has yet to assume that very Throne and fulfill this very destiny!

It is surprising, yet very evident that a “kingdom perspective” appears to be the primary missing element in many contemporary post-modern Churches, as they slip away from their moorings, grope toward ancient mysticism, and mimic a time when the Word of God was far less available tan it is today!

I must provoke the minds of each reader/believer to consider the missing link in our Christian walk, discover that there is an inadequate grasp of the “Word of the Kingdom” and what the implications are for us not understanding it, and worst yet - not believing it. An understanding of the kingdom will surely change your life as you are compelled to walk in a way that’s pleasing to the Lord; one that will alter your priorities in just about everything.

For us to have a proper understanding of the Word of God, especially as it relates to the Word of the Kingdom, we must release ourselves of the prejudices, free ourselves from our doctrinal traditions, exercise precautions in our exegesis, and re examine the very root of our faith. The fact is, our eternal destiny depends upon our proper application of these imperatives.

As always, each believer is encouraged to take the examples of Acts 17:11 search the Scriptures and see if these things are so. I pray that we might revisit even some very familiar portions of Scripture and see if we can in a new way recognize the direction its taking us.

Examine yourself as to whether you are in the faith or not.

There is a Kingdom to seek that very few Christians are aware of (Matt. 6:33).

BOTH ADAM AND CHRIST LEFT-TO REDEEM

Read: Eph. 5:22-33.

ADAM AS A TYPE OF CHRIST

I am often accused of using too many types, but how else can you interpret Scripture (Isa. 28:10). Paul in writing to the Corinthian believers said the Old Testament Scriptures were written as our “examples” (tupos – types). And if you miss all the types in Scripture, this is one you cannot miss: Rom. 5:14 “…Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come…”

We should be able to see then the parallel with God’s statement with respect to Adam leaving father and mother and with Christ leaving father and mother. How is that? Adam as a created being is by the act of creation the son of God – clearly stated in the genealogy in Luke 3:38 :…the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.” In this sense, Adam’s father is God and his Father had given him specific instructions:
Gen 2:16-17

16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

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.

In eating from the tree Adam leaves, or separates himself from his father God, through sin. He died spiritually that day and death has to do with separation, not ceasing to exists. It is easier to see him leaving his father as a result of sin, but not as easy to see him leaving his mother. Remember Adam was formed out of the dust of the ground (Gen. 2:7). The earth at this point has been newly restored and in this restored condition God called it “good.” It is in a perfect state, no sin at this point to corrupt it.

Adam, being made from the material of the restored earth, must of necessity have been in the earth, so to speak, and is then brought forth out of the earth, just as a baby out from its mother. In this sense we can see the earth as Adam’s mother – from the material creation comes the substance of his being and from God comes the breath of life; just like a natural baby that is formed from the egg of his mother and given life by his father.

The same way Adam leaves his father because of sin, he would have left his mother as well. Adam is corrupted by sin and as a result of this sin he is separated from the pristine sinless material creation from which he was made. (It was after his sin that God passed judgment upon the earth and it came under curse).

Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife….Gen. 2:24

CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH

Read: Ephesians 5:22-33

I SPEAK CONCERNING CHRIST AND THE CHURCH

This is surely among the most misunderstood passages in all of Scripture. It is the passage that’s used at most Christian weddings, without the users and those to whom it’s shared; having a proper understanding of the reference. Actually, in the context of our culture and how we understand weddings and marriages; it is to the secondary interpretation that we mostly allude. The passage is really in reference to Christ and His Church primarily.

I hear a fellow preacher, a friend of mine say; “the message to the Church today is ‘pre-marital counseling’,” and that is a most profound statement in my opinion. The message to the Church is to prepare for the “marriage” that is out ahead - becoming the bride.

Verse thirty-one of our text is a direct quote from Genesis 2:24 and then verse thirty-two relates the previous verse directly to Christ and the Church. When we examine this passage more closely, it begins: “For this reason…” What reason it is that a man is to leave his father and mother, and what does this have to do with Christ and His Church? Going back to the Book of Genesis and it becomes very obvious.

Gen. 2:18, “And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”

Gen 1:27-28

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Gen 2:23

23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

The man and the woman were created to rule, to have dominion over the newly restored earth. Neither could have fulfilled this apart from each other, therefore, it is for this “reason”- that of rulership. This is what marriage typifies, we must leave mother and father and be joined together as one flesh so they could rule (have dominion). This will be fulfilled in Christ and His Bride when they replace Satan and the fallen angels as the rulers over this earth and will themselves be inextricably linked together.

For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones (Eph. 5:30).

YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO GOD

Read: Numbers 14:1-12

THE IDENTITY WE NOW HAVE

For man people, the most difficult thing to deal with in life is the identity that they have developed over the years. This world (system) has cast on us so many fears and doubts. There are persons, many of whom are made to believe that God does not really care for them; or they would not be going through all the difficulties they are now going through. The god of this world is trying hard to shape the outcome of our identities through deceptions and lies. Who we perceive ourselves to be, often is determined by others – told how you are fat, thin, stupid, ugly, etc.

It is possible for us to think that we really deserve the down-trodding that we are receiving. It is said that most people abused in their childhood grow up believing it’s their fault and they are only receiving what they deserve. Een those that have become part of the household of faith, you don’t have to bask in the darkness of the past, but be rejuvenated in the promises of the future; believe what God has said about you instead.

As we apply today’s Scripture to our own lives, even though there are evidences in our lives to show that not only does God care for us, but He is working His purposes in our lives; like the children of Israel, we are looking back towards Egypt. With all the abuse and ill-treatment that the god of this world (Egypt) unleashed upon us, we are still looking for a captain to lead us back to Egypt. We all have a tendency to resist suffering and not remembering that it comes with the territory, “Yea, and that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).

You may have been told from the earliest days of your childhood that you were unwanted or unnecessary; yet, regardless of what you have been told and even what you now believe, the truth is we have been called as first born sons of God. We have been offered a position with God the Son as a joint heir and an inheritance awaits us at the end of this journey. Let us take our attention off the things of this kingdom which is Satan’s, and place in the kingdom to come which is Christ’s.

I look forward to the kingdom, in fact we are so wanted and so necessary that God came in the form of a man and died on the cross so that we could have access to this inheritance. The blood of Christ has been shed to take away the reproach of the world and to replace it with the righteousness of Christ.

The words of Caleb and Joshua in our text: “….the land which we pass through to search it, is an exceedingly good land.” (v.8). Don’t sacrifice anything for this great hope.

The Lord is long suffering and great in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression..v.18

MIRACULOUS SIGNS GIVEN BY CHRIST

Read: 1 Corinthians 1:13-24

FOR THE JEWS REQUIRE A SIGN

Jesus’ ministry was validated by signs-miracles which can be divided into four main classes: (1) Signs of nature, (2) signs of physical healing, (3) signs over demons, and (4) signs over death.

Starting in the spring of A.D. 27, when Jesus changed water into wine, He performed these miraculous signs into every period of His ministry. These miraculous signs had at least a threefold purpose: (1) they showed that He was God, (2) they brought kingdom conditions wherever He ministered, and (3) they fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.

It is interesting to compare the results of these miraculous signs with the prophesied conditions of the kingdom. For instance, turning water into wine and feeding the four thousand and the five thousand point to times of plenty. The land will be very productive and there will not be famine or lack of food in the kingdom age.

The many physical healing reminds us of the prophecy that life will be greatly extended and the curse of disease lifted. The casting out of demons foreshadows the time in the kingdom when Satan will be bound and the forces of evil greatly restricted. The miraculous signs over death, reminds us that the believers who have died will be raised to have their part in the kingdom, and eventually, death itself will be abolished.

After John the Baptist had been jailed about a year, he begun to wonder if Jesus was really the Messiah, so he sent some of his disciples to ask Jesus. Jesus in turn performed a special series of miraculous signs that day to answer their question and told them to go back and tell John “how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached” (Luke 7:22). These were the OT prophecies of the Messiah – His credentials (Isa. 29:18, 19; 35:5, 6; 61:1).

A few weeks before this, Jesus had healed a leper and sent him down to Jerusalem to show himself to the priest. The leper was to be a special testimony to them, but the Jewish leaders did not receive this testimony (Mk. 1:40-44). Two years later, just before He was crucified, Jesus healed ten more lepers and told them to do the same thing. One was Samaritan, so it is doubtful that he would go to Jerusalem, but this would still be a nine - fold miraculous sign to prove His Messiahship (Luke 17:11-19)

Therefore, the church’s desire to do miraculous signs might be out of character as far as the teachings of the Scriptures are concerned. Let us have a serious look at that.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God 1 Cor. 1:18

KINGDOM READINESS

Read: Matthew 3:1-10

PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD

The message of Jesus and His disciples is no longer preached among “Christians,” it is sad but true, most Christians today are not even aware of what message Jesus and His disciples preached.

We see in our Scripture today that John the Baptist preached, “the kingdom is at hand.” Note that it is the same message Jesus preached (Matt. 4:17, 23; Luke 4:43); and in Acts 1:1-3, the writer says, that is all He preached. It is the message the disciples preached – the twelve (Matt. 10:5-8), as well as the seventy (Luke 10:19). Philip preached the same message (Acts 8:12); Paul preached it (Acts 14:22; 20:25).

Jesus made a statement recorded in Luke 18:8 “….Nevertheless, when the Son of man commeth, shall He find faith on the earth?” The way this is written in the original language, the answer to that question is a resounding “No”.

Is it then cause for concern that what we have here in Christendom, might be something that Satan has put together so as to distract us from coming to the truth, PREPARING THE WAY OF THE LORD?

The King and the kingdom are inseparably joined in Scripture. Many in Israel would have gladly received the kingdom and its blessings, but they refused Jesus as King. They resented the call to repentance, assuming they were entitled to the kingdom because they were “sons of Abraham.”

The first recorded conversation of Christ about the kingdom is with Nicodemus: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God…Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:3-5). Nicodemus did not understand what this meant, so Jesus explained: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (3:6).

A new birth is the foundational requirement for all who would have a part in Christ’s kingdom for it brings together the Messiah’s work as Saviour and King, and solve the sin problem which must be taken care of first. It is only at this point that one can really start to “work” towards being a part of God’s kingdom (John 3:3).

What does that say for the absence of the message of the kingdom that is evident in our pulpits today? Are we really preparing the way of the Lord, or are we side-tracked into “another gospel”?

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little

child shall in no wise enter therein Luke 18:17